Gair Rhydd 1009 - 7 Oct 2013

gair rhydd

A note from the editor

EDITOR

Tom Eden

CO-ORDINATOR

Elaine Morgan

SUB EDITOR

Jacob Dirnhuber

NEWS

Ashley Bebbington

Max Eshraghi

Georgia Hamer

Rowan Whittington

OPINION

Vicky Chandler

Gareth Evans

Beth Lyons

POLITICS

Matt Harding

Greg Landon

SCIENCE

Scott Davies

David Mason

SOCIETIES

Grace Cole

TAF-OD

Anna George

Cerith Rhys Jones

SPORT

Ross Martinovic

Liam McNeilly

Arthur Russell

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike O’Connell-Davidson

Lucy Megarty

Bronwen Weatherby

David Hooson

Paul Davies

Steffan Thomas

Joe Atkinson

Matthew Walsh

Words cannot describe that Freshers’ Fortnight. Actually, scrap that, I better had find some words, or else I’m out of a job. ‘Superb‘, ‘exhausting‘ and ‘unforgettable‘ spring to mind, although judging by the state of a few people over the two weeks, I think the latter may not be applicable to some - I’m sure there’s some blanks for some of you.

Quite right too, that’s the way Freshers’ should be - its a once in a lifetime opportunity where you’re thrust into a completely new environment, with endless new people to befriend (but not quite well enough to remember their name the next time you meet them), as well as countless opportunities to get involved with everything from free yoga taster sessions to dancing terribly (...hi FAD!)

I’m writing this on Friday afternoon, minutes before I need to send this to the printers (old habits die hard) and I still haven’t caught up

with the sleep missed over the two weeks. If you went anywhere near the Union during Freshers’, then you would probably have come into contact with one of us elected officers, or seen our faces plastered on every conceivable surface. The seven of us were at the Union for almost every hour of every day and what an experience it was.

Seeing the organisation that goes into putting on events day after day, night after night was breathtaking. This was my fourth Freshers’, and it was definitely the best yet - so I’d like to publicly thank all those who made it so good - staff and students alike.

But that’s enough about Freshers’ - I told you that words wouldn’t do it justice - even with me rambling on. To supplement this, however, are a selection of the best photos from over the 2 weeks. As well as those below, there’s a wide selection of pictures on page 22. One of my personal favourites is the skeleton one, it may not look like much on its own but it was accompanied with the caption ‘R Skelly is in a

bad way.‘ Have a flick through to see what on earth I’m on about.

While you’re having a you will come across a brand new section - Park Life - which will focus on the Heath Park campus, for all the healthcare students at Cardiff University.

On the topic of Medics; also in this issue is an update on the status of the BUCS/Medic sports teams situation that has been rumbling on for the best part of two years now. It’s a subject that arouses a great deal of passion on all sidescompletely understandably. Sport is a emotive subject at the best of times, let alone when there is such a prominent threat to people’s ability to play it. I know that lots of people, both within the Students’ Union and outside of it, are working hard to try and get a suitable resolution, and I really hope that this is achieved.

On a slightly lighter note to end; I met Nina Nesbitt. I don’t need to say anything more.

WORLD NEWS

RUSSIA

PUTIN NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACEPRIZE

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The former KGB agent was recommended by activist group The International Academy of Spiritual Unity and Cooperation of Peoples of the World, for actively promoting planet.”

His attempt to prevent US air strikes on Syria after suspected chemical weapons attacks on civilians was also given as a reason behind recognition.

The presidents’ being the main supplier of weapons to Al-Assad’s regime, as well as his violent campaigns against the separatists in Chechnya and the war in Georgia were not mentioned by the group.

Fellow politicians have defended the controversial President, claiming he is “more worthy” than Obama.

The letter of recommendation also credited Putin with maintaining “peace and tranquillity” within Russia.

Previous nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize include Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Aung San Suu Kyi, however other unsuccessful nominations were also made for Joseph Stalin, Tsar Nicholas II, and even Adolf Hitler.

UK

ED MILIBAND HITS BACK AT DAILY MAIL AFTER SCATHING ATTACK ON HIS DEAD FATHER, RALPH

The Daily Mail has come under renewedversial feature that claimed Ralph Miliband

‘hated Britain’ and that his legacy was ‘evil’. The father of the Labour leader, who wasgium in 1940 to escape Nazi persecution, going on to serve in the British Navy during the war.

Ed Miliband, who was granted a right of reply in the paper, has demanded an apology over the article, saying: “I am not willing to see my father’s good name undermined in this way”.

The Mail on Sunday has apologised for a reporter intruding on a private memorial service for Miliband’s uncle, but remains unrepentant over the original article.

Former Labour spin-doctor, Alistair Campbell, has started an online petition calling for Paul Dacre to enter in to a TV debate over ‘the role of the Daily Mail in the UK’s national debate’. This comes after branding the Mail’s editor a ‘bully and a coward’ during a scathing and spectacular debate with deputy editor Jon Steafel on BBC’s Newsnight.

ITALY AT LEAST 130 DEAD AFTER BOAT SINKS

A boat transporting over 500 migrants from Libya has sunk off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.

pregnant women and at least 3 children. 150 passengers have been rescused, although 200 are still unaccounted for

Fishing boat crews are said to have raised the alarm in the early hours of Thursday morning. It is believed that the boat set alight after its motor stopped working. The passengers, who were mainly Somalian and Eritrean migrants, were witnessed diving

the dead were laid out on Lampedusa dockside.

A day of national mourning is to be held on Friday and the Italian deputy Prime Minister is due to travel to the island. Divers continue to search for the missing passengers.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees,

Antonio Guterres, called for swift action to be taken by the Italian coastal guard. He also expressed his sadness at the phenomenon of dying at sea.

Thousands of migrants have died at sea en route to Europe in the last two decades, many travelling in overcrowded and dangerous sea craft.

The mayor of Lampedusa, Giusi Nicolini still bringing them out.”

QATAR

2022 WORLD CUP UNDER INCREASED SCRUTINY AFTER 44 WORKERS DIE BUILDING STADIA

Plans to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar have come under increased pressure following revelations surrounding the deaths of 70 Nepalese nationals working on the stadia for the tournament.

Documents reported by The Guardian showed that 44 Nepalis had died between June 4th and August 8th this year, more than half of whom experienced heart attacks, heart failure or workplace accidents. The Guardian also said that the exploitation and abuses indicated by the evidence were tanta-

the International Labour Organisation.”

It is predicted that if the conditions aren’t drastically improved as many as 4,000 deaths may occur between now and the start of the tournament in 2022. Workers’ groups have called on FIFA to relocate the tournament if worker safety cannot be guaranteed.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s president called for a vote to reschedule the games however UEFA president Michel Platini, who voted for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup, has said he is “much more concerned” with the issue of treatment of migrant workers in the country than the suggestion that the tournament may have to be moved to the winter and that rescheduling is not yet on the cards.

Despite these human rights concerns FIFA is expected to stand by their decision to hold the

PARK LIFE

Stephen Fry has lent his familthat tell you all about the services and the facilities you can High Street. PAGE 4

Dean of Medicine, Professor Paul Morgan resigns - hitting out at the University’s new college structure.

USA

ONLINE DRUGS MARKETPLACE ‘SILK ROAD’ SHUT DOWN AFTER CREATOR IS ARRESTED IN FBI STING

World Cup in the country and preparations are still going ahead.

The online drugs marketplace known as ‘Silk Road’ has been shut down after its creator, Ross William Ulbricht, 29, was arrested by the FBI. Ulbricht was arrested in a San Francisco library after a sting operation, during which he admitted his involvement in the marketplace to an undercover

fully managed to regulate the ‘deep web’; a completely anonymous part of the internet, in which ‘Silk Road’ and other illegal or immoral content can be accessed without fear of detection

Ulbricht is a physics graduate, whose experimentation with drugs in earlier life

notorious black market the internet has ever seen. He has been accused of computer hacking, money laundering, and drug-related offences.

His family and friends were left astonished by the arrest, and seemingly had no knowledge of his prominence in the criminal underworld. His mother described him as a “good person, and very idealistic.” Silk Road had been notorious for three years, not only allowing users to anonymously purchase illegal substances, but also leave ratings and comments on their experiences with certain users, not unlike eBay.

The website used an encryption technique known as ‘onion routing’ which makes it practically impossible for authorities to locate computers accessing and using the marketplace.

The marketplace also used Bit Coins, an online currency, so that users’ credit card details were not linked to the purchase of illegal drugs. Great care was then taken by sellers to ensure that packages were sent discreetly.

The site’s terms of service prohibited the sale of any item used to cause harm or defraud, such as child pornography, assassination contracts or stolen credit cards.

Cardiff student satisfaction rate remains high

Georgia Hamer News Editor

The latest published results of the National Student Survey (NSS) revealed that Cardiff University’s overall student satisfaction rate stands at 89 per cent, 3 per cent above the national average.

This year Cardiff University also recorded its highest ever response rate, with a record level of 80 per cent.

The independent survey, whichdents to rate their university experience in a variety of areas including, teaching, assessment, academic support and personal development. Using proposed statements, students are asked to rank their responses to each of the 23 questions on a scale ranging

Results are then analysed to -

ly agree’ or ‘mostly agree’.

Although on the whole results from the NSS are decidedly positive, there remains a great deal of variation among different courses. Archaeology, Civil Engineering,

Accounting, Zoology, Law & Criminology, Law & French, Marine Geography, and Economics & Management Studies all achieved overall satisfaction rates of 100 per cent. Business Economics and Italian & Spanish, however, fell far short of this achieving a mere 60 per cent.

Assessment and feedback has once again been highlighted as a particular area for concern. Only 66 per cent of students reported be-

feedback they receive. Although only 5% below the national average, it is clear this is an area with room for improvement.

Ollie Wannell, Cardiff University’s Vice President for Education, acknowledged -

ures, stating: “Overall the NSS is neither good nor bad: there are schools that are doing very well and there are schools that are doing less well.”

“As a university we are beating the national average. However,

looking at the upper quartile where Cardiff should comfortably be sitting, there’s still work to be done to reach a 90% overall satisfaction rate and match our highest preforming competitors.”

In response to the latest NSS results, Cardiff University has unveiled a series of new targets, with the aim of achieving 90 per cent overall for satisfaction in every school and 80% satisfaction in the assessment and feedback category by 2017.

Wannell added: “The Student’s Union will ensure that the student voice remains the focus of our work as we strive to help the university meet these expectations.”

Patricia Price, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience & Academic Standards welcomed the show we’ve maintained the record level of satisfaction we achieved last year, despite a year of structural change with the introduction

Cardiff 10k race sees new runner record

Max Eshraghi News Editor

Cardiff’s annual 10 Kilometre race hit a record high of 4,000 participants. The race, which takes runners through the streets of the

city’s King Edward VII Avenue to the cheers of thousands of observers.

Matthew Kiprotich Kimutai won the race in an impressive 29 minutes and four seconds. He beat members of running clubs from the UK and across the world as well as many amateurs including Cardiff University students.

A team of doctors and nurses from the Children’s Kidney Unit at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff were amongst the record number of corporate teams

involved this year, with 119 teams on the starting line including those from Deloittes, Admiral and SA Brains. South Wales Fire and Res-

corporate teams for a second year in a row closely followed by Tata Steel.

The event is sponsored by Kidney Wales and every year raises thousands for the cause. Roy J Thomas, executive chairman of Kidney Wales, said: “Race numbers were at an all time high this year and I cannot thank those of you who took part and raised money for charities across Wales enough. I know that Kidney Wales and every charity involved in today’s race massively appreciates your help and support. The Cardiff 10K continues to grow year on year, both in competitor numbers and funds raised which, after all, is what the

race is all about – raising money.”

Dr. Rajesh Krishnan, consultant paediatric nephrologist at the Children’s Kidney Centre at the University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, echoed his statements. “The support that our patients receive from the Kidney Wales Foundation is vital and it’s great to see so many people signing up for the Cardiff 10k and pledging their support for this most crucial of charities. We couldn’t do the work we do for children suffering with kidney disease in Wales without their help.”

The race not only supports the Kidney Wales Foundation, but also Diabetes Cymru, Tenovus, Llamau, Welsh Women’s Aid and RSPCA Cardiff alongside the many charity

of Colleges. However, we are not complacent. We will continue to invest in our student experience and work in partnership with our students.”

“Higher Education is a dynamic and economically challenging sector at present, yet we have set ourselves some tough targets for the NSS over the next few years. We will be working with staff and students to share best practice, and put the necessary measures in place to achieve these targets, and ensure that Cardiff University graduates are well-

mobile and highly employable.”

Aside from education, the NSS includes a bonus 23rd question concerning the level of student satisfaction in regards to their Student’s Union. Cardiff University has always been known to score highly in this area, this year being no exception. Although falling in the national rankings from the 5th best in the country to 7th, the Union achieved a student satisfaction rate of 82%, a staggering 14% above the national average.

100% The highest and lowest preforming schools

60%

Business Economics

Italian & Spanish

Stephen Fry has visited the Student High Street - have you?

Rowan Whittington News Editor

Cardiff University’s Honorary Fellow Stephen Fry has narrated three short videos to remind us all about the services and facilities open to all students on The Student High Street, Park Place. These services are here to help students make the most of being at university, get any support they may need and look after their mental and physical wellbeing. Videos for Cardiff University featuring the national treasure have already reached thousands of views online.

Harry Newman, former President of the Students’ Union, stated that the purpose of this advertising campaign is “to inform all students of both the existence and whereabouts of the student facing services on Park Place”. This campaign has been well received and awareness of the services increased last year.

The Student High Street houses one of the student support centres, an IT Service Desk, several Chaplaincies, Occupational Health Centre, Graduate Centre, Day Care Centre, Strength and Conditioning Gym and of course, the Students’ Union. If you don’t know where these services are,

perhaps you should use the board game from your kitchen!

have been given a Student High Street board game designed to help freshers learn their way around the high street and hopefully ensure that, when the need arises, as many students as possible know where to

with Fry’s animated tours, will hopefully increase awareness of the services available to Cardiff students. So tidy your rooms: Stephen will be round for a postFreshers’ inspection soon.

Dr Janet Williams retires from Cardiff University School of Mathematics

Ashley Bebbington News Editor

Dr Janet Williams, a well renowned academic in Cardiff University’s School of Mathematics, has retired this week after 34 years at the institution. Academically her main area of expertise is Operational Research, specialising in queuing theory, simulation and healthcare modelling.

Dr Williams has also been coordinator for the one-year industrial placement scheme for the last 14 years, which has been well

received by its participants. The Cardiff University Maths department has links with companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, PwC and IBM where students can undertake an industrial placement.

Regarding her work on the industrial placements program

Dr Williams stated; “I have really enjoyed this role and I’m very proud of what our students have achieved in Industry”. The feedback on the program is glowing, Nathan Richards who worked at Deloitte said he would “strongly recommend a placement year”, and Holly Robinson who worked

for Lloyds said doing a year in placement was “the best decision I’ve made to date”.

Mathematics graduate Lucy Rees did an industrial placement at the MOD and believes that Dr Williams’ enthusiasm for helping students secure industrial placements was where she really “made the difference”. She said, “Janet had really good links within the industry and made sure that everyone who wanted to go out on placement had the opportunity to do so.”

Third year Mathematics student Pri Balachandran said of Dr

Williams; “She was always a very thoughtful lecturer who would spend a lot of time helping us outside of lectures. She is an allround lovely woman, who will be missed by all in the Maths department.”

Dr Dafydd Evans will replace Dr Williams as the head of the industrial placements scheme assisted by Joanna Emery. Dr Williams said, “I know they will continue to make this a very successful scheme.”

Halls of Residence unable to accommodate rising student numbers

Georgia Hamer News Editor

The increase of new students coming to Cardiff this year, combined with a lack of university accommodation, left many people without a home upon their arrival.

Earlier this year gair rhydd investigated the rising number of Cardiff students. Figures released by Cardiff University revealed that 5,799 undergraduate students enrolled in 2012; a 13 per cent increase compared to the previous academic year.

With the number of university applicants increasing each year and more and more students achieving the required entry grades it would appear the trend is set to continue, putting a strain on the availability of university accommodation.

Cardiff University states that a place in university accommodation is guaranteed to all students who enter through the normal admissions process. However, this year many of those who applied after the 9th August 2013 deadline or acquired a place through clearing were forced to find their own accommodation in the private sector due to significant demand.

A Cardiff University spokesperson stated that they have liaised with the Students’ Union Letting

Agency (Cardiff Student Letting) in order to assist students in finding suitable accommodation.

This year a Facebook page was also set up to allow students to communicate with others in the same position, which proved very successful in forming groups of students wishing to house share,

‘‘

Cardiff University offers a wide range of living arrangements across 14 halls of residence and student houses; however, they are currently only able to cater for 5,300 students.

reducing the pressure placed on the letting agency to allocate all students effectively.

Eoghan Conway, Manager of Cardiff Student Letting, said: “At this time of year it is inevitable that we are going to be extremely busy and this year was certainly no exception. There is plenty of hous-

ing available for students and it’s our job to work with residences to ensure all students find houses as efficiently as possible.”

Cardiff University offers a wide range of living arrangements across 14 halls of residence and student houses; however, they are currently only able to cater for

5,300 students. Further student residences are in the process of being built; Talybont Gate, a £6.5 million construction, is expected to be available for students entering in the next academic year and will provide a further 178 rooms.

Development of Interactive Timetable Underway

Ashley Bebbington News Editor

Cardiff University’s Information Services are working hard to develop a new interactive timetable app as part of the Vice-Chancellor’s bid to propel the institution into the top 100 Universities in the world. The app aims to provide a free, university-wide timetabling system to bring the university in line with competitors such as Exeter and Bristol, who already implement such a system.

The reason for creating the app was maintaining high levels of student satisfaction in the university. Mark Aston, the head of the project, said: “We want to make sure that the student experience is consistently high across the institution… one of the biggest requests coming from students is an online timetable.w”

The system will hopefully help to avoid situations where people are unaware of changes to their timetable, which can result in students missing lectures, or travelling out when they’ve been cancelled. Mark Aston said: “What’s really important to students is that they know they’re in the right place at the right time.”

A number of schools are due to trial the app in the coming weeks in order to give Information Services feedback on functionality. The schools participating are Dentistry, Medicine, City and Regional Planning, Earth sciences, Law and Computer Sciences. These were chosen to ensure that schools were used from both the Cathays and Heath Park campuses, that have both an online timetabling system, and schools that do not.

Mark Aston, a member of Information Services who is in-

‘‘

The system will hopefully help to avoid situations where people are unaware of changes to their timetable

volved in the project, says he knows that students want the system operational as soon as possible, but stresses that it will take time to produce a satisfactory product. He says that the wait will be worth it however, making the simple promise that it “will be good”. Exeter University took 8 years to complete a similar project, but Information Services at Cardiff aim to complete theirs much sooner.

The timetable will also be live, providing times, dates and locations of lectures, seminars, tutorials and placements, which will be updated in real time; changes to timetables will be updated within 15 minutes. It is also hoped that these updates will extend to text

messages and emails sent to students.

The app will be available from a number of different platforms, including Cardiff Portal, mobile devices and an external web page. This was intended to ensure that it would be available to as many students as possible, and not just those fortunate enough to own a smartphone.

SU President Cari Davies and are liaising with Information Services to ensure that the timetable will become a product that students want, rather than one the university feels is appropriate. It is possible that the app may contain links from individual entries to the

relevant documents on Learning Central, such as readings or lecture slides, but whether or not this will be possible will become clearer over the coming months.

Are you a student at any of the schools involved in the trial of the timetable app? If so, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can come along to one of our meetings, which take place at 5pm on Mondays in the SU, or contact us via the methods below;

Twitter: @gairrhyddnews

Email: news@gairrhydd.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gairrhydd

Cardiff: UK’s best city for young adults

Rowan Whittington News Editor

Cardiff has been placed above London, Edinburgh and Belfast in a vote to determine the best UK city for young adults. The low cost of living, good job opportunities and decent wages were among many of the reasons that 70% of 18-30 year olds polled in Cardiff were happy with their work-life balance and loved their job in the capital.

The Best City to be Young report on behalf of Legal & General surveyed more than 2,000 18-30 year olds across the country. Both Coventry and Newcastle made the cut and joined Cardiff in the top three. London, on the other hand, came

the highest average wages. Alex Smith, a resident of Cardiff who found post-graduate employment in the city told Gair Rhydd that the ‘higher wages in London may look attractive but they are to cover the extortionatelty high living costs. It was for this reason among others that I chose the far more accessible and affordable Welsh capital’. Thements and London’s cost of living, rental rates and crime levels came up very poor.

Edinburgh was rated as the UK’s culture and entertainment capital

place on the table with many young adults in the cities saying they were very unhappy with their work-life balance. This was in stark contrast

to the ratings attributed to Cardiff, which outranked many other cities in the UK in these categories. According to the poll, Cardiff is considered the best city in Wales, beating out competitors Swansea and Aberystwyth.

An expert in demographics Dr Esmee Hanna who was commissioned to write the report by Legal & General’s insurance sector, said: “Cardiff tops the ranking of overall quality of life for 18-30 year olds and the city appears to have a lot to offer young adults, such as good job opportunities, decent wages and the ability to put money aside each month - all factors that 18 to 30-year-olds deem important to their lifestyle.”

Swansea University Students’ Union’s

Ashley Bebbington News Editor

Swansea University’s Students’ Union does not allow for by-elections meaning that the resigna-

Singh, has left the post vacant for the near future. Mr Singh has resigned following a disciplinary hearing in which he was found to have used inappropriate and sexist remarks towards a female member of staff.

Swansea University Students’ Union President, Zahid Raja, has stated that Singh’s responsibilities

will be delegated to other members stressed that the resignation “will not compromise” the work of the Students’ Union. He went on to

committed to continuing the ideas in Mr Singh’s manifesto.

In his resignation letter, Mr Singh said: “Please accept this letter as notice of my immediate resignation from the post of Edu-

sity Students’ Union and Trustee of Swansea University Students’ Union”.

“I have enjoyed being a part of the team and am thankful for the

opportunities you have given me during my time here. I owe a great deal to the Students’ Union and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Mr Singh secured a victory in elections in March on the back of his promise that he would provide a work placement scheme for every course, so that students would have the opportunity to gain work experience relevant to their discipline. His recently vacated position will remain empty until the next elections in in the 2014/15 academic year.

National respect campaign launched at Cardiff Students’ Union

Rowan Whittington News Editor

The Welsh Government unveiled a national campaign from Cardiff University Students Union to raise awareness of violence against women, domestic abuse and the importance of healthy relationships. Launched during Freshers’ week, the scheme is focusing on changing young people’s attitudes towards relationships and encouraging respect for partners and oneself. Local Government and Government along with representatives from NUS Wales came to the Students’ Union for Wednesday’s Societies Fayre to launch the campaign alongside Emma Carragher, Car-

CUTV’s Yasmine Canga-Valles interviewed both Rhiannon Hedg-

how they hoped the scheme would help Cardiff Students and their long-term plans for the campaign.

You can see the full interviews on CUTV’s youtube page.

as saying: “the government has worked tirelessly to support victims and reduce rates of violence against women and domestic abuse. Our Freshers’ ‘Respect’ campaign is part of our continuing commitment to challenging attitudes towards violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual

on the choice of timing for the launch saying that “Starting university is an exciting time of new friendships, relationships and experiences. The campaign is deliberately aimed at those embarking on the next step of their lives in the hope instilling the right values in them at the start of their adult lives will mean they carry those values for life.”

The Respect campaign is supported by NUS Wales and, alongside their Right to be Safe campaign that will be launched next month, will complement their Zero Tolerance project. Posters provid-

on the help and support available through the All-Wales Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Helpline will be displayed around towns, cities and major Welsh Universities. The campaign will also utilise social media sites, with the hashtag ‘#Respect_GiveIt’ to raise awareness.

cer Rhiannon Hedge says that the campaign aims to “tackle the misconception that it is the duty of the victim to do all she can to protect herself from abuse and sexual violence and focus on the need to change the attitudes of the perpetrators.” The campaign has a seriestion of consent; challenging the

blame culture and domestic abuse aiming to reiterate the severity of having a disrespectful culture. Hedge urges “all freshers, students and other people to visit the campaign website, or follow it on Twit-

ter and Facebook and to pledge support for ‘Respect’ and challenging attitudes toward violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual abuse.”

THURSDAY 3RD & FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER

Opinion

Is it unveiling freedom? FOR & AGAINST

At first glance it may appear that those calling for the niqab to be prohibited in certain instances are intolerant; if not draconian. However, this is in fact the very opposite of the truth. if we consider ourselves to be a truly equal society, then equality is what we should strive for. Allowing the niqab to be worn in areas of life that it is simply incompatible with, would be a great insult to the inclusive fabric of our country. it appears a strange argument; however it is logical if all citizens are to be viewed objectively by the state.

One’s religion should neither lead to official advantage nor official disadvantage - the state should be blind to it. thus a woman should have the same rights with regard to wearing the niqab as i should have with regard to a black balaclava. that is, she should be perfectly free to walk down the street wearing it. However, she should be subject to the same requirements about hiding the face as are already in place for those who wear a hood or a motorcycle helmet. Presumably the reasons for these rules also apply to the niqab? A secular society should view all equally, and the law should reflect this. Having one rule for a minority of muslim women and another for everyone else is hugely damaging to the very notion of equal rights.

then there are the impracticalities. Let us consider the courtroom for example. Although by no means definitive, a witness’ facial expressions can reveal a lot about the reliability of their account. the jury must be able to assess

the credibility of the witnesses - to judge how they react to being questioned. Particularly, though by no means exclusively, during crossexamination. this simply cannot occur if the face is hidden. Our courts should be the upholder of equal rights and to allow certain individuals to cover their face on religious grounds is an insult to secular society. religious expression is not an absolute right, and should be limited if it conflicts with the rights of others.

Women should be free to wear the niqab, yes. However, in certain incompatible circumstances it must be prohibited in order to uphold a truly equal and secular society.

‘‘ A secular society should view all equally and the law should

the niqab debate started with the decision made by Birmingham metropolitan College to ban the face-veil, and was followed by Jeremy Browne mP’s call for a national debate about whether the state should step in to “protect” young women from having the veil “imposed” on them. many face-veiled muslim women spoke out to defend their rights and personal choice to wear the niqab. this debate should have ended there, considering the fact there are more important issues to be discussed and tackled – including institutional racism, unemployment, student loans and affordable housing. However, the niqab debate is still escalating, with the recent news that 17 nHs hospitals currently ban the faceveil, as reported by The Telegraph We must ask ourselves – what purpose does such a debate serve?

the niqab is a religious symbol and is considered an act of worship. those women who choose to wear it, such as myself, find the niqab liberating and dignifying and are simply articulating the religious freedom and rights that are part of our British public freedom. therefore, we are not committing any crime and as such should not be discriminated against. We are human beings with full rights to participate equally in civil society. there are claims that the niqab is a “security threat”. such claims are overblown. With regards to the issue of security, particularly the wearing of the niqab in court, it should be clarified that muslim women are allowed to take off their veils, particularly in the pur-

suit of justice. However there is no common approach and each case should be dealt with individually, in a manner that ensures the preservation of these women’s dignity and rights.

i believe that there are a widerange of far-right movements, politicians and intellectuals across the spectrum seeking to promote the hysteria that fuels anti-muslim hatred. such actors are trying to make the face-veiled muslim women appear to be a multifaceted problematic hydra emblematic of a sinister “other” that cannot be solved or accepted. Yet in doing this, they are forgetting the fact that behind these veils are educated, free women who are part of the multi-faith and multi-cultural fabric of the British society.

We have to overcome this authoritarian mentality which assumes a right to interfere in the lives, appearances and thoughts of people. We all have so much to offer each other and we should extend our tolerance to respect, not merely for individuals, but for their beliefs as well. Otherwise, by all clamouring to enforce our own ideologies on the women we seek to “liberate”, we will be contributing to their collective oppression. For surely, attempts to ban the niqab in public sectors will only legitimise institutional exclusivism and despotism, thus marginalising the face-veiled women from participating in public life.

We all should go beyond the words and seek peace, prosperity and freedom through social, political and interfaith harmony of compassionate justice for everyone. We need to protect the freedom of the individual.

Gareth evans Opinion editor

sahar Al-Faifi Opinion Writer

Odds on for a 2:1

Beth Lyons Opinion Editor

One bookmaker is now offering students the chance to bet on what degree classification they will graduate with. Fresher’s studying at twenty of the UK’s top universities, including Cardiff, will be eligible for the betting scheme. The odds are calculated using an algorithm that establishes the likelihood of different grades based on the establishment the student attends, their final A level results and the degree being studied.

The scheme was introduced after a student’s parent attempted to wager enough money to cover his daughter’s tuition fees on the premise that she would leave university with a first class honours degree.

The gambling company insist that their new service is aimed at parents rather than students, although several gambling charities are unconvinced.

GamCare raised concerns over the new betting scheme saying, “we often receive calls from students

who have gotten themselves into a great deal of financial trouble because they are not prepare for the risks of gambling. This example of gambling so specifically tied to student life is concerning to us.” This form of betting is unlikely to cause a student pandemic as there are far more addictive types of gambling.

The bookies are offering a maximum stake of £10 and return of £1000. The maximum return is attainable, requiring odds of 100/1. Having checked the odds for a range of Cardiff students it seems worth a bet if you didn’t attain an A at A-Level. Students that achieved BBC in their final year at school have odds of 100/1 across all classification boundaries and degrees, whereas students who have achieved at least one A at A-Level are offered odds that are evens or very close to that figure.

It is disappointing that the returns aren’t higher, as the £1000 maximum return is just a drop in the ocean compared to the £9000 annual tuition fees that students are subjected to.

Smoking ban - a drag?

Hazel Postma Opinion Writer

A new scheme is to be launched in the near future to ban smoking in prisons, including those in Wales.

In the UK, inmates are currently allowed to smoke in their cells, despite the presence of others. It is estimated that 80% of the roughly 84,000 prisoners smoke, which begs the question, ‘Is a smoking ban the right course of action?’

A number of areas already have the ban in in place, including Canada, The Isle of Man and Guernsey; it is evident that a smoking ban has been effective, with just a few inmates smoking illicitly but being punished accordingly. However, many prisons in the UK are already stretched in terms of staff and resources and the ban could just be seen as an extra strain.

Complaints of passive smoking have sparked the debate with re-

ports, stating that staff and other inmates who are claiming to be suffering from the secondary smoke will potentially take legal action. Yes, banning smoking in prisons will reduce related health risks, however it is impossible to monitor how ‘smoking breaks’ will happen throughout the 157 prisons in the UK.

More importantly, it is hard to predict how the inmates will react and gage the extent in which the scheme will impact on the prison environment. It’s difficult enough to give up an addiction, let alone one in such a situation

The smoking ban is likely to be effective in the long run and could be gradually introduced with designated smoking areas for example. This should have been considered before the pilot scheme. Some people may argue that prisoners don’t deserve to have things like tobacco however they still have hu-

man rights. Should they be forced to quit?

It has been reported that prisoners will be offered nicotine patches as a replacement, however this is unlikely for all inmates. As said before, an estimated 80% of prisoners smoke, therefore there is a lot to think about. The length of time someone has smoked, their want to quit and their daily intake of cigarettes will all have an effect on how a prisoner will adapt to this new ban.

The strain on staff is bound to increase if temperaments and stress levels of inmates rise. However there is no doubt that it will improve health issues related to passive smoking. If the ban is as successful as it has been in the Isle of Man and Guernsey, then it should have a positive outcome and will be worth the risk.

Gendercide: The future of designer babies

Vicky Chandler Opinion Editor

I’m extremely pro choice. I think every woman should have the right to terminate a pregnancy if, as just one example, she is financially or emotionally unstable. But when I saw Ann Furedi, head of abortion charity BPAS, outrageously making headlines last month by stating that women have the right to a sex selection abortion, I was reeling. For those who don’t know, sex selection abortion is the idea that a woman has the right to an abortion if they aren’t happy with the sex of their unborn child. As a young woman and a university undergraduate with no financial stability or readiness for a child, the thought of actually falling pregnant is terrifying, let alone the prospect of having the

choice to not terminate a pregnancy. I find it exhausting to see the little reasoning pro-life and religious groups have when it comes to women’s choice and I feel grateful that we are living in a society that allows a woman to be able to make bold decisions to better her life. But women that abort on the grounds of gender are actually discrediting the female race. It doesn’t matter what sex your baby will be – what matters is that the mother and child are healthy.

I’ve never had to make the heart-rending decision to have an abortion, but for those that have, I suspect most suffered physically and emotionally afterwards. So as a woman, I can’t begin to imagine being so flippant about terminating a pregnancy because she’s just unhappy that’s she’s getting a baby boy when she was so desperate to dress her new born in pink

clothes.

The Guardian’s Sarah Ditum backed Furedi’s comment by stating that she doesn’t care why any woman would want to end her pregnancy as after all, it is the woman’s say that counts. I agree. Women should have a choice, however it is utterly irresponsible to promote the rise in ‘designer babies’ as the impact on future society is potentially threatening. Soon you’ll be able to piece together your ideal offspring on a computer and have a genetically modified egg implanted with the perfect eye colour, IQ and personality. In a society which is already dealing with China’s one-child policy and their issue of ‘gendercide,’ and not to mention the stigma surrounding same sex parenting; sex selection abortion is just another piece of the ethical minefield that we’re currently facing.

No, we don’t want

Matthew Jones Opinion Writer

Xpress Radio has become the latest University radio stations to decide to ban the Robin Thicke chart topper ‘Blurred Lines’ from its airwaves in an attempt to stamp out the so-called ‘Lad Culture’ that has become prominent in student establishments over the past few years.

Sounds like a bit of an extreme measure, right? Perhaps, but the messages strewn through the song that the line between consensual and non-consensual sex is ‘blurred,’ fuels the ‘pulling’ obsessed culture that seems to be filtering into society.

Both Edinburgh and Leeds University’s are among the campuses that have banned the controversial song from their respective Student Unions; with the University of Ed-

inburgh SU’s Vice President stating that it “promotes an unhealthy attitude towards sex and consent.”

Furthermore, a campaign in which victims of sexual violence quote their attackers in order to raise awareness, features many examples of people quoting the words ‘I know you want it,’ the song’s main hook. The song is not just ‘a bit rapey,’ as some people have described it, but sends a message that men deserve or are even owed sex, which some have trouble believing is a degrading and downright terrible opinion to hold.

Both Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams are happily married men and insist that the song is a parody and not meant to be taken seriously, a view held by many people I’ve spoken to about the issue. However, there are some who can’t seem to get it into their head that ‘lad banter’ can come at the expense of respect and the dignity of those af-

fected by it. Some people might tell me to lighten up as it’s ‘just a joke’, but it’s really not. It’s easy to laugh at these people because their views and actions are so pathetic and immature it borders on hilarious, but at the same time ‘lad culture’ is permeating student life like a virus and spreading the message that this is an acceptable way of approaching the issue.

The reason we’ve decided to ban ‘Blurred Lines’ from Xpress Radio is not because we think our listeners will go out and corner girls in nightclubs and tell them that they’ll give them ‘something big enough to tear your ass in two’ (another choice line from the song), but because it suggests that we accept ‘lad culture’ as a norm. It’s not a permissible message that this song imparts on students and has no place on our playlists or in our Union.

Saunders Opinion Writer

Amanda Knox’s retrial has begun, sending shockwaves across the media world. There has been debate to suggest that compared to other murder suspects she is being portrayed unjustly. When Knox was first accused and convicted of Meredith Kercher’s murder in 2009, she was portrayed as a liar and a monster; she is now depicted as a victim. The media surrounded Amanda and not Rudy Guede or Knox’s partner Raffaele Solletico who were also convicted of Kercher’s murder.

This seems like an echo of the notorious Moors murders, although both were portrayed as sadistic and troubled human beings, Ian Brady was conveyed as a cold and mentally unstable whereas Myra Hindley was dubbed ‘the

most hated woman in Britain’. It seems that Britain have become a society obsessed with maternal instincts, and are more shocked at the prospect of a human with a womb capable of committing such crimes.

Until recently, there has been no sign of Amanda Knox in the media, but now she is back and the British press have latched on to her new victim persona. However, it is not just Knox that is perceived differently, Trevor Macdonald’s most recent documentary surrounding female prisons, has shone a whole new light on the way female criminals are regarded in Western society.

So as the press have just announced that there was none of Knox’s DNA found at the crime scene, will she eventually get to prove her innocence, or is it all just a facade?

Naomi

Radio One DJ Huw Stephens in the Xpress Studio during Freshers’

‘Papa’ John Schnatter, Founder of Papa John’s

WEDNESDAY 9TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 7TH OCTOBER

THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER

TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER

‘Mind Your Head Week’

looks at how being aware and talking about mental health can help with recovery from mental illness. at Cardiff university there are a number of student led services, which have been founded to specifically help students with mental health issues. if you’ve been affected by mental health issues or you’d just like someone to talk to about some of the topics discussed please use the following contacts:

Just after the Christmas of 2012, i took an interruption of study from university on accounts of my eating disorder. i have been a sufferer of anorexia and bulimia nervosa since i was 14 years old, but it wasn’t until i was 19 that i had the confidence to take control of my mental health problem. Leaving university for 10 months to enter into recovery was one of the most terrifying prospects i have had to encounter.

“I

HCardiff Nightline

telephone: 02920 870555

this is a confidential student led phone service where volunteers listen to students in the Cardiff area. the line is open every night during term time between 8am and 8pm. the service is non-judgemental and is there to listen, not lecture. the service is taking applications for volunteers in October and February, and the society is free to join.

For 5 years of my life, i had lived in a certain way, which in my mind was the only way possible to survive. But what i know now is that i was slowly killing myself by starving my body from nourishment. i won’t bore you with the details of how i have come out of the other side, but what i will say is that i would not have been able to do it if i hadn’t told my family and dearest of friends.

the moment i told my family about my illness, i was accepting i had a mental health problem, and i have to say there is no way i could

Student Minds

Cardiff@studentminds.org.uk

Student Minds has been set up by students, for students to help those who have eating disorders. they aim to raise awareness of eating disorders and create a safe environment for sufferers. it runs fortnightly support sessions with a pro-recovery attitude their first support group session will be held on the 10th October.

have got through the beginnings of recovery without talking to my mum about it. She helped me relearn how to live, which to somebody who has never had a mental health problem sounds bizarre. However, having lived in a certain way for 5 years, even picking out your clothes in the morning is one of the biggest challenges, and my mum was there to support and love me. i realise many of you will not understand how getting dressed or making breakfast can be a gut wrenching experience, but what i

Cardiff Mental Wealth

this society is a student-led group, set up by the nationwide project Mental Wealth uk the society increases awareness of mental health and aims to promote ‘mental wealth’. the society is run by students interested in mental health, and many have had personal experience with mental health problems. they aim to challenge discrimination by hosting discussions and information days to promote positive change in the perception of mental health.

plead of you is to sympathise and try to listen to not just people with eating disorders, but all types of mental health problems. if a friend looks down, just ask them if they’re okay and want a chat, because sometimes just knowing someone cares can really make your day. i am ecstatic to say i am back into my studies at university and cannot wait for the year ahead. Yes, i still have daily challenges, but i have learned how to cope with these hurdles and if there is something i need to chat with somebody about, i now understand talking

Student Support Counselling Service

telephone: 02920 874966

email: counselling@cardiff.ac.uk

Website: cardiff.ac.uk/counselling

the Student Support CounsellingService is run by the university. it’s located on Park Place & offers both face to face and online help.

about it is the best way to survive. i am very aware that my eating disorder will probably never go away, but right now i’m in the best shape, physically and mentally, i have been for a very long time. Campaigns like ‘Mind Your Head Week’ allow people to start to stand up with confidence about any mental health problems, and that’s the best place to start with recovery.

struggle with my mental health.”

i i’m Cari, your Students’ union President and i struggle with my mental health. People with mental health issues are not one homogenous group and their experiences are not all exactly the same. i would never begin to assume i speak for them all and i would not want others to feel misrepresented by the things i say. What’s important though, is that people feel able to talk about these things if they want to! at times the stigma associated with mental health can be just as crippling as the illness itself and so the vicious cycle continues. there are a number of reasons i’m writing this and i can’t claim it to be totally selfless, i’m grasping an opportunity to publicly reveal something about myself that i’ve only really become comfortable with in the last year or so. For a long time i was ashamed of the fact that i’ve battled with depression and severe anxiety since i was about 16 years old; more recently i’ve felt able to talk about it openly with people. the more i do so, the easier it becomes and that’s a good feeling. i’m not saying everyone should start shouting from the rooftops, that approach certainly isn’t for everybody and isn’t what everybody needs. But i strongly feel it’s time to talk.

My depression started in sixth form; i have no idea what caused it, in fact i’ve come to conclusion there wasn’t a cause. there often

isn’t, depression isn’t being sad about something and that can be the most frustrating part, not just to deal with but for those around you to understand.

i couldn’t hide my depression because of the severe anxiety that came with it; i’d have regular and severe panic attacks, again without any explainable cause. the most public being in the middle of the school canteen at lunchtime or outside my form room as the bell rang for the first lesson of the day.

it was clear there was something ‘wrong with me’ and i felt completely out of control. i’d use all my energy trying to have a normal day but then without any warning i’d be on the floor, hyperventilating, shaking and crying. the one thing i thought i could control was my weight and feeling panicky after every meal meant i resorted to forcing myself to vomit. it wasn’t bulimia as such, just an attempt to regain some power. although i was disgusted with myself, i also felt as though it was a slight victory over my body and i wasn’t really having many of those.

My school work suffered – i didn’t get the grades, or the university i wanted. Of course, i’d never change being at Cardiff now but it was devastating at the time. it put huge strain on my relationship with my boyfriend. Looking back he was actually impressively understanding for a 17 year old, but things eventually broke down. My family struggled to know what they could do to help me; the truth

is they did everything they could but nobody can just make it better. i came to university feeling pretty terrified, as i’m sure many of you did. it was all the same anxieties as everyone else; would people like me? Would i miss home? Would i fit in? the thing is, for me these anxieties were compounded by my depression. i didn’t ask myself these questions, i told myself the answers.

“no they won’t like you at all, you’re going to miss home because you just can’t cope on your own and of course you won’t fit in. You’ll spend all your time locked away not talking to anyone. You’re miserable and people are going to notice.”

By the time i was going to university the medication i took meant i no longer had regular, uncontrollable panic attacks. i vowed to myself that nobody would know i was ill, to the outside world i’d be a happy go-lucky, fun, bubbly person who you’d never suspect had depression.

i used all my energy to paint on that version of me whilst privately i continued to struggle, it worked for the most part but i was exhausted. there were the odd few who i’d try and explain things too but as i got closer to people they’d often say they didn’t feel they really knew the real me, that i didn’t open up about how i feel about anything and i was often distant.

there was no sudden decision or marked event that made me decide to start being honest about my depression with people at univer-

sity. most of my friends have a good understanding of my illness and it means wish i support cation to combat my illness (this doesn’t work for everyone). away, it probably won’t, it’s something that you carry with you but for a long time it’s been manageable. have periods where the heaviness be comes unbear able again but they are be coming few er and the distance between them longer. What realise for a long time is that there are so many other people struggling with men tal health issues and that’s because it just isn’t talked about enough. One of the reasons why campaigns like Mind Your Head Week are important is to make it okay to say “ This

CARIDAVIES PRESIDENT

Cardiff politicians at the Freshers’ Fayres

Greg Landon Politics Editor

On Thursday and Friday of last week, there was a strong political presence at the Freshers’ Fayre in the Great Hall. Labour Students, Liberal Youth, Conservative Future, Socialist Students, the Green Party Society and Plaid Cymru Youth all had booths set up over the two days. All groups were keen and optimistic about recruiting new members, and they were aided by a fantastic turnout from Cardiff students.

Many of them were also helped by local politicians, who braved the packed hall and all of its animated students. Over the two days, gair rhydd spoke to three prominent politicians from around Cardiff, who all seemed to enjoy the experience. One of the fayre’s biggest fans was Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle. The Welsh Assembly Member for South Wales East com-

pleted a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing at Cardiff Uni 18 years ago, but said the fayres of his day couldn’t compare to this year’s. He added: “I can’t wait to look around all the stalls. I’m amazed at how many different societies there are, and I think that’s great. It gives a warm welcome to students coming

When asked about what Plaid could offer students, Mr Whittle talked about securing job prospects

sity – something he felt none of the major Westminster parties were particular concerned with. He also expressed many of the doubts Welsh students feel: “Clearly ca-ished their degrees will be of vital importance to them. Will there be jobs here in Wales? How can they progress their careers? Can they advance their education here in

Arguably the biggest name in attendance was Jenny Willott,

‘‘

Cardiff is such a mixed city politically, which is actually really positive. It means you get a whole range of views

Jenny Willott Cardiff Central MP

Cardiff Central’s very own MP. The in 2005, with a highly impressive 49.8% of the constituency’s vote.

a still very high 41.4%, and will be running again as the incumbent in 2015. Mrs Willott said that “coming up to 20,000 [students] live inknowledged the importance of the

student vote. An annual attendee of the Fresher’s Fayre, she knows all too well the need of winning support amongst Cardiff’s many students.

next election however, due to the betrayal many students felt at the Lib Dems breaking their pre-election promise of not raising university tuition fees. Mrs.Willott did admit this would probably hurt her support among students, but she personally cannot be responsible for party decisions. She talked at length about measures she has taken to help students in the constituency. Primarily her focus was on housing, which she said “comes

in surveys asking Cardiff Central residents their concerns. Stricter licencing requirements, more pressure on landlords and better rubbish collection are all implemented policies she took credit for.

One attendee who will be looking to stop Jenny Willott on her quest for a third term is Labour’s Jo Stevens. She has been selected as her party’s candidate for the 2015 Cardiff Central election, and she

Politics World

Italian PM Enrico

after former PM Silvio Berlusconi reversed his decision to try and torpedo the coalition

Russia charges 14 Greenpeace protesters with piracy after they tried to board a Gazprom oil platform last month,

described the constituency as “one Labour have been soundly beaten in the constituency’s last two elecabout her chances, particularly in securing the student vote – “If you look at what was promised to the student population in Cardiff by the Lib Dems, they’ve betrayed that, broken their promises and put tuition fees up. So I think it’s a not stop at students concerns either, saying Cardiff residents had problems “around utility prices keen to mention Ed Milliband’s party conference speech, saying “the announcements this week at the conference will go a long way to helping students and families and

Disagreement amongst the repthe Fayre, but noone can argue that those attending got a good taste of politics in Cardiff. The many different stalls and prominant local politicians made it a diverse and intersting event for everyone interested in our city’s politics.

Barack Obama has had to postpone trips to Malaysia and the Philippines in order to deal with the US government shutdown

Letta

Jenny Willott (centre-left) with the Lib Dem youth team

Labour’s 2015 candidate Cardiff Central - Jo Stevens (right)

Party conferences round-up

Politics editor Matt Harding breaks down the three major party conferences that

have all taken place in the last couple of

weeks

This is was a chance for the Labour shadow cabinet to cement their lead over the Conservatives in the opinion polls of the nation. Labour who are now leading the Tories by 10 points according to YouGov opinion polls, had the opportunity to start forming a coherent plan of action for government following the 2015 election if they were to be victors at the polls. At the party conference in Brighton, Labour laid out plans for energy, economy and business, whilst also hitting out at the conservatives over standards of living.

Miliband’s leadership of the labour party has been in question since it began following the defeat of his brother, recently he was named “the most unpopular leader of a political party since has turned the conference into a platform of propaganda which is terrifying for the conservatives. His popular policies stated at the conference included the controversial idea of seizing property from developers who are not building houses with the intention of creating affordable homes, the land will be taken from the green belt around towns which Miliband claimed were Britain.

Other policies were the intention to tackle cyber crime in a much tougher way than previous governments. The conference heard Yvette Cooper’s plan to make

also suggesting the need for tougher sentences for those who commit online crimes whilst at the same time, criticising the government for their handling of the increasing number of crimes committed online. Central to the conference was Miliband’s energy policy and the criticism of the Conservative’s Austerity plan causing a “Cost of -

sponse to the supposed crisis is a plan to freeze energy prices. The Labour Leader declared an emergency energy policy would be

forbid energy companies to increase domestic prices. Miliband sees this kind of policy as likely to be one of the most contested topics at the next election, with his plan to provide the standard of living that was present before the introduction of austerity. This energy policy has however been questioned by many observers, such as The Telegraph’s consumer affairs editor, Steve Hawkes, who stated that “the Labour Leader’s proposed energy price freeze may play well with the voters, but it raises the real

However, despite the controversy surrounding a great number of his policies, including being labelled as largely socialist in his approach to issues, Ed Miliband has started to move away from his image of being the awkward, bumbling Labour Leader into a serious political threat for the Conservatives. The policies unveiled at the conference lead to David Cameron’s direct challenging during the Conservative Conference in a manner that would -

tion debate. For the party then, the four days of conference, reinforcing Miliband’s ‘One Labour’ message, has maintained the Labour lead in the polls despite the lingering question marks around Miliband’s popularity.

The Liberal Democrat Party Conference last week was a chance for Nick Clegg to start publicly presenting the Lib Dems as a separate entity to the Conservatives.

being thrown around, Clegg stated that “We have proved them wrong. Lib Dems can handle economy. Give us another go to Clegg, also spoke of “bringing his 6000-word speech and s suggested that he wanted to bring an end to the majority governments of the past, with New Labour’s margin of victory in 1997 and Thatcher’s Tories of 1979. In tandem with this, Clegg stated “Lib Dems in coalition would keep either party on the straight and narrow. Coalition is better than

The popular feeling, however, was that Clegg spent far too long explaining what was wrong with the other parties and how the Lib Dems are excellent mediators in ensuring the other party in government isn’t going too far, and not enough time laying out policy for what they would like to do if they were re-elected as part of another coalition government. In fact almost the entirety of Clegg’s speech to the conference in Glasgow was based around the concept of another coalition with the Lib Dem’s involved. His central idea and thought emanating throughout the speech being “We are now where we always

“The Land of Opportunity for

bright new buzz phrase, and despite squeezing living standards over the past 3 years of austerity, he pushed the idea throughout his speech to the Conservative Party Conference this week. Cameron’s plans for Britain include vague references to getting the economy growing and making sure everybody had more money in their pocket, however there were only a few clearly laid out plans. Among these were the plans to -

eron’s idea being that those under the age of 25 should “earn pushed through following an all Conservative government, Cameron claimed, and would deprive under-25s of both housing and un-

at a time when 21% of 16-25 year olds are unemployed amounting to almost a million people. The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick

over the feasibility of a plan like this, stating, “I’m not in favour of just blanket removal of people just because they happen to be a

Other plans set out by David Cameron which would be implemented following a Conservative majority in 2015, included plans to cut taxes for “hard working peo-

of the people the tax breaks will be intended for is designed to play well with the voters but practically means that if the policy doesn’t go through, he is not accountable. Cameron laid this idea out in his speech, saying, “I want people to keep more of their money. We’ve already cut the taxes of 25million hard working people. And yes, that is 25million more reasons to Tories; we believe in low taxes. And believe me - we will keep on cutting the taxes of hard working

Cameron continued his central theme of rewarding those “hard government will reduce the cost of living in Britain to make sure

“everyone has more money in will reduce the price of commuter’s season tickets, and curb bank fees. This has been viewed as a direct response to the threat posed by Labour, with the cost of living likely to be the most contested topic at the next General Election. With Cameron making a sweeping statement in calling Labour’s current policies “1970’s style social-rectly with “Red Ed and his Blue that “The land of despair was Labour. But the land of hope is concerns about the Labour threat and the thought that they will be back into opposition after just one term. This has been noted by many political commentators who suggested that Cameron doesn’t have an answer for many of Labour’s plans and promises, only being able to respond with cobbled together for the TV cam-

However, this is an excellent description of the party conferences this year, the major parties are at ends with one another about which direction the country should be going, and the fact is, until 2015, and the nation has made up its mind, very little will change in the way of hard policy.

Kepler eyes up exoplanet

David Mason Science Editor

Using data collected from several of NASA’s space telescopes, astronomers have been able to proexoplanet, one that exists beyond have been accepted for publication in the journal Astrophysics Journal Letters

The gas giant, Kepler-7b, is NASA’s Kepler space telescope in 2010. It is around 1.5 times the size of Jupiter and shares many atmospheric qualities, branding it a ‘hot Jupiter’ type planet that is estimated to be between 800 and 1000 days to make a complete orbit of its star, it was initially picked up as the Kepler telescope searched for dips in starlight indicating a planet passing in front of a star.

The majority of hot Jupiters are fairly dim in the visible spectrum. of the majority of planets of this type is fairly low, given that they are very close to their respective stars and absorb much of the visible light emitted. Kepler-7b, how-

ever, is unusually bright: more than three times the expected albedo of hot Jupiters.

After a three year observation period, researchers have concluded that these readings, coming from visible light rather than thermal radiation, are a result of

They have been able to produce a basic cloud map of the planet from

patches that were initially determined to be either spots of heat or cloud.

In order to make this distinction and be sure of the presence of cloud cover, a secondary space telescope, NASA’s Spitzer, was utilised. Through use of Spitzer’s infrared light detection, the planet’s temperature has been estimated and found to be only about half as hot as expected for one with such a close orbit to its star. Thus, it was determined that the light from the from cloud cover on the western side of the planet. These, however, are not clouds as we know them; it is thought likely that these clouds are formed from silicon-rich compounds, some of which may be found as rocks on Earth.

Kepler-7b has been described by

Thomas Barclay, a Kepler scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Centre, as having a surprisingly stable climate. Clouds cover the western region of the planet, while the east is left with clear skies and, as Barclay has noted, the cloud patterns on the planet do not appear to change greatly over time. Kepler-

most giant planets found” as a result of this.

It is hoped that this research will open the door to mapping clouds or even surfaces of other exoplanets, particularly those with similar climates to earth. However, with recent budget problems forcing the closure of the US government, along with the majority of government projects and departments, the future of NASA’s research hangs precariously in the balance.

“We’re at a point now in exoplanet science where we are moving beyond just detecting [them] and into the exciting science of understanding them,” said Paul Hertz, director of NASA’s Washington Astrophysics Division. “With Spitzer and Kepler together, we have a multi-wavelength tool for getting a good look at planets that are trillions of miles away.”

Engineered E-Coli a future source of fuel

‘‘

...we are pleased to report, for the

David Mason Science Editor

In a recent publication in the journal Nature, researchers have announced important developments in the creation of sustainable and renewable fuels. Metabolic engineering of the bacteria E. coli has resulted in the ability to produce bio-gasoline, a potential substitute for the fossil fuel used widely.

The research team was led by Professor Sang Yup Lee of the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Professor Sang Yup Lee has stated that this is “only the beginning of the work towards sustainable production of gasoline” and hopes this research will serve as the basis for further exploration into the area. Whilst bio-gasoline has been produced, the team have so far been able to produce only 580 mg per litre of cultivated broth and are working to increase the concentration that might be extracted in future attempts.

coli has been utilised in this manner; publications within the previous year have detailed the ability to produce a bio-diesel from the bacteria, along with previous

bio-oils created from plant matter mixed with conventional oil. Gasoline, like diesel, is a hydrocarbon mixed with a variety of additives; though these hydrocarbons, called alkanes, are different between the two fuels. Diesel contains longchain alkanes that consist of 13-17 carbon atoms linked through direct carbon-carbon bonds, alkanes that researchers have previously been able to produce through E. coli.

Gasoline contains primarily short-chain alkanes of 4-12 linked carbon atoms, requiring more complex processing of the bacteria. This was achieved through engineering the fatty acid metabolism to produce relevant fatty acid metabolites that could then be converted, via biosynthesis, to shortchain alkanes. The published paper details several strategies for present and future research, including the screening and selection of enzymes associated with the process, the process of ensuring the creation of short-chain fatty acids, and the conversion of these short-chain fatty acids to their respective alkanes.

In a world of growing ecological awareness, the development of any form of sustainable fuel ispean Union directives in 2010 have set ambitious targets for member

states to use at least 10% renewable energy in the transport section, so it is hoped that this publication from

worldwide.

KAIST may prompt further research

€3M boost to Cardiff Researchers’ work

Scott Davies Science Editor

Cardiff University Researcher

Professor Valerie O’Donnell has received a major European research Council (ERC) grant of €3M. This is to help establish a clear understanding of the role lipids (or fats) play in the development of dementia and heart disease.

Lipids are molecules the body uses to regulate its normal processes including blood clotting, development. In diseases such as heart disease, cancer and dementia, these lipids are not regulated as normal. Whilst a myriad of lipids are known, there is the possibility that a lot more remaining undiscovered. “We really do not know just how many unique

lipids our cells contain and how these change during development and disease” states Professor O’Donnell who leads the research at Cardiff.

The researchers at Cardiff’s Heath Campus School of Medicine hope to discover new families of lipids that have never been seen before. They are looking for people genetically predisposed to target illnesses and will study their genome for new lipids in the hope of following the progression of the disease.

The funding from the ERC, one of the more prestigious sources of funding in the world, will help the team determine the total number and diversity of lipids in two types -

tion and prevent bleeding. Professor O’Donnell adds “This grant will be transformational for my Cardiff research group”. Indeed,

it will be transformational for a wide range of research groups as this work is truly interdisciplinary. Cardiff Schools of Computer Science and Informatics, Chemistry, Psychology and Medicine are all involved along with University College London, King’s College London and University of Colorado, Denver.

European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said: “The ERC funds researchers who are at the top of their game, and we need this talent in Europe. Their creativity and hard work creates knowledge that is valuable in itself, but that often also has a positive impact on our society and economy”. This current round had a funding rate of 11.8%.

“That is why the ERC budget will receive a major funding boost under Horizon 2020.”

strument implementing the Inno-

ship initiative aimed at securing Europe’s global competitiveness. Running from 2014 to 2020, with a

EU’s new programme for research and innovation is part of the drive to create new growth and jobs in Europe.

‘‘ research group

Light waves goodbye to slow electrons

Scott Davies Science Editor

For the last half-century, microprocessors have halved in size every 18 months whilst doubling the number of transistors on the chip. The number of transistors on these microprocessors increases the speed at which they perform computing tasks.

These microprocessors power all sorts of devices from everyday computers, iPhones and iPads to the big government supercomputers. Moving into the future, it was thought microprocessors had reached their apex due to the inherent problems of small transistors and electrical wires on the same chip.

Led by Milos Popovic of CUBoulder, researchers have developed a new technique that allow microprocessors to use light instead of electrical wires to communicate with each other. This technique could lead to extremely

don’t exhibit current problems with such small transistors. What’s more promising is this technique allows the use of current methods of microprocessor

manufacturing; it is seen as more than a simple proof-of-concept in a lab.

Modern microprocessor design has reached a limit as smaller transistors no longer lead to a corresponding speed increase due to cross-talk where messages on one wire mixes with the messages on another. Intel and other manufacturers got around this by putting more than one microprocessor

core on the same chip. This technique is limited to the speed at which these cores communicate, which also requires a lot of energy. Using light waves instead of electrical wires could eliminate the limitations faced by conventional microprocessors and extend Moore’s law into the future Popovic said. Optical communication circuits, known as photonics have two main advantages over conven-

tional electrical communication. Using light has the potential to be optic cable can carry thousands of light wavelengths simultaneously. This creates a massive data payload simply not possible with electrical wires.

“In order to convince the semiconductor industry to incorporate photonics into microelectronics...” Popovic said,“…[the] exist-

ing infrastructure does not need to [be] wiped out and redone.” Last year, Popovic and MIT showed this was possible so consequently showcasing a method to continue the tradition of double the speed of processors in an 18 month cycle. At the start of the next cycle, who knows how fast the computer you use will be, but it’s a promising future.

Societies Editor

a smashing Freshers’ Fortnight and managed to get down to

the societies fayre to sign up to something new, or rejoin a beloved society. Don’t fear if not, log onto cardiffstudent.com/societies and

of Societies fee there. This week’s issue will be looking at the new

this year, and how you can contact them if any of them tickle your Week, looking at how speaking out about mental health can be

eye out over the coming week for stalls and workshops by Student Wealth Society and Nightline if you would like a chat or want to get involved.

As always, any questions e-mail me at societies@gairrhydd.com or Elliot at VPSocieties@cardiff.ac.uk

“Days like these that make me realise why I do my job”

Elliot Howells, VP Societies & Campaigns, reviews the societies fayres

Oh my, what a week. #CUFreshers13 has literally been incredible. I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, delighted and still a little bit hung over. Before we talk societies, a huge thank you needs to go to everyone who made this year’s Freshers’ Week the best I’ve ever seen. From events and marketing to the cleaners and security, this could not have happened without the hundreds of hours of hard work put in by every single member of staff at Cardiff University Students’ Union.

Thursday and Friday saw the Societies Fayres. A mention has to go to our sponsors, EY, for their contribution towards the event. They were hugely impressed by the enthusiasm of our students and will

The fayres are a perfect opportunity to see what student life in Cardiff is all about. On Thursday,casing what they have to offer. 7,000 students passed through the doors and bought 2391 memberships, up year! Similar numbers entered on Friday to see the rest of our societies and bought 2747 memberships with an overall increase of

14% over both days. I cannot thank those involved enough. I could not have done it without Becky, our Societies Co-Ordinator, and her immense levels of organisation and I am so grateful for all of her help.

The award for Most Engaging Society went to FAD on Thursday for their shocking pink stand and infectious committee members.

On Friday, Jazz won the coveted award after their impromptu performance with Cardiff University Brass Band. The effort of their committee on their stand was in-

single society made a massive effort to ensure they engaged with as many students as possible and every committee member deserves congratulations.

It’s days like these that make me realise why I do my job. The sheer commitment, dedication and effort put in by our societies is unbelievable and I am hugely excited for what’s to come over the year.

If you missed out last week, don’t worry! You can still sign up at cardiffstudents.com/societies. In fact, you can sign up at any point through the year. If you have any questions about societies or how you can get involved, Tweet me ( @SocietiesCSU ) and I’ll try my best to help. Elliot.

The benefits of societies

FAD society member Jade Attwood talks about how being part of the dance group improved her university experience

Funky Arse Dancers…even the name screams a good time.

Joining university, I knew I wanted to carry on some form of dance but just didn’t know which type.

At the taster session we smacked straight into choreo and after an hour of dancing we had ourselves

to dance like the Pussy Cat Dolls, whip your hair about a bit and wiggle that bum was very satisfying indeed.

Aside from the awesome teachers and routines, the best thing about FAD by far is the social side of the society. FAD socials, each with there own theme, never failed to produce a good night out full of antics and debauchery no less. As well as this, the general atmosphere in classes and welcoming

nature of the society and its memwhen choosing which societies to commit to. We also went on a trip to pineapple dance studio with our very own private classes, which was one of the highlights of my

All in all FAD lives up to its name; a group of funky arsed dancers who are some of the best and wildest people you’ll ever meet.

This year’s new societies

A Cappella Society

This year we really hope to give

can carry on for years to come. We really just want to have a laugh and loads of fun, perform around Cardiff and hopefully end with a massive showcase at the end of the academic year! We are a singing group with 2 sub

President: Dan Miles

Twitter: @CUAcappella

@CUDeciBelles

@AcapeLads

groups requiring auditions; The AcapeLads for the boys and The DeciBelles for the girls, meeting every Monday. But if you don’t want to audition, once a month the society will be meeting as a whole where everybody can have asing along, leading to the end of year performance.

Facebook: Cardiff A Cappella Society

Allotment Society

This year we’re working with Orchard Cardiff, creating a map of fruit trees around Cardiff and how the produce from the tress can be used. We’re planning on harvesting the fruit throughout the year and having an apple pressing session. We have 2 allot-

ments on the go at the moment; one at the front of the union and called the Allansbank allotment. We’re completely free so get involved!

President: Sam Smith E-mail: CardiffAllotment@gmail.com

Animal Rights Society

This year we’re really focusing on campaigns across Cardiff, like to get fur out of shops in Cardiff.

President: Sarah Tatum

Baking Society

Our society is all about having fun with baking. We will be meeting fortnightly on Mondays for everyone to get together and try eachothers bakes. We really want to raise over £500 pounds for charity through baking this

year, but of course if we raise more, we’ll be delighted! We really want to kick this society off with a bang so it can carry on once we’ve graduated. Love cake, learn to bake!

Twitter: @CUBakingsoc Facebook: Cardiff University Baking Society

Belly Dancing Society

We really hope to be able to perget the opportunity to perform as halfa, which are belly dancing

shows. We just really want a good group of girls to have loads of fun with!

President: Anna Pastellas E-mail: CUBellyDancing@groups.facebook.com

President: James Thorpe Board Game Society

We really want to get people playing board games and introduce people to board games they may never have played before. It’s only a £2 joining fee, so come and give our society a go!

Chartered Institute of Marketing

We’ll be hosting talks over the course of the year trying to promote marketing as a carreer. We’re part of the business school

President: Jack Sims

Twitter: @cardiffuni_CIM

CoppaFeel!

so we really want to promote ourselves away from the school so everybody can get involved!

This year we have a charity bike ride with boobs on our backs from North to South Wales! This event is sponsored by Pinnacle Letting Agents. The Cardiff team as a whole is sponsored by Boohoo. com. This year we are declaring war on breast cancer in Cardiff. This will be towards the end of and there’ll be loads of prizes on offer. We’re all about awareness, not making money!

President: Sarah Potts

Twitter: @UBTCardiff

Facebook: Coppa Feel Cardiff University

Irish Society

We really would like to grow as much as possible. We’re hoping to have joint socials with Birmingham and Bristol Uni-

Twitter: @CUIrishSoc

versities. We want to have lots of fun and will hopefully getdiff Metropolitain.

Facebook: Irish Society Cardiff University

Motown Appreciation Society

The Motown Appreciation Soc is where Motown music lovers can get together and listen together in a fun and chilled environment. We’re really hoping for 50 members this year as we’re a new society, and anymore would be great! We really just want to make people more aware of Motown and hopefully have some socials to Motown gigs throughout the year.

President: Laura Potter

Facebook: Motown Appreciation Society

Skydiving Society

We really want to get as many people skydiving as possible with all types of experience. The BCPA is a community of skydivers which we’re hoping to organise trips

President: Matt Fowler Facebook: Cardiff University Skydiving

Here’s how I’ve been Awesome

Around 20 weeks ago, I came up with a crazy idea. No matter how simple or strange it was, I would challenge myself to try something new once a week and blog about it. I embarked on the journey to be awesome with little more than a bucket load of enthusiasm and a handful of friends who know how to do cool things. I’m not trying to be the best, but want to give things a go even if I fail. If I end up meeting Goldie Lookin’ Chain along the way, I’m not really going to complain. I thought I’d give you a bit of an idea of what I’ve done so far...

Become a football fan

I’ve never supported a football team, so my mate Jamie taught me how I could pass as a Liverpool fan. Faster than you can say Vuvuzela, I was professing my undying love for Stevie G, acceptance of

Learn how to play the Ukulele

My friend Nate is a Ukulele musician who plays under the name of The Skunk-Boy Project. He taught me how ever YouTube cover on the instrument of joyfulness. I would like to describe the Ukulele as a musical burst of sunsmile when I play it.

Make bread

Yes, I know that this is incredibly simple, however it’s the little things in life that really count. I tried to make bread once before but ended up microwaving the yeast, much to the horror and amusement of my housemates. I’d like to say that I’ve made Paul Hollywood (the George Clooney of the bread world) proud by making bread a lot since then.

Become a Brownie

No, not the cake kind. A Brownie (as in the mini version of Girl Guides) group in Cardiff invited me to join in for an evening. I met some very clever, skilled little girls who refused to believe that I was a REAL Brownie despite the fact that I had a tremendously believable

extremely awkward video with me reenacting a conversation with a particularly inquisitive 7-year-old.

Join a Viking re-enactment group

I met up with a local Viking reenactment troop and tried out some Viking re-enacting with Adam. I looked like a Hobbit, but learnt a bit about shield walls. This is probably one of my favourite friendship memories with Adam, who is so much better at sword-

If you’re in a sports club or society and would like to show me another way I can be awesome, I’d love for you to get in touch!

Blowing my own trumpet

My friend James taught me how to play the trumpet. When I showed my Granny the video from this blogpost, she cackled so much I was scared that she would stop breathing. Apparently seeing me do an embouchre is one of the funniest things she’s seen. I for one nearly passed out when I was learning how to play. James was a legend and watched me play through forty something failed attempts at a simple piece. You can check this out on the gair rhydd website.

Do Magic Tricks

I convinced my friend Ryan that I would have a good chance of being a magician for several reasons. I am good at making things disappear (I lose things all the time), Rabbits make good pals, and quite clearly I have always wanted an excuse to buy a top hat. He taught meer baby steps of the magical trade.

Attend a life-drawing class

I never thought I would do this, and neither did my Mom. I was completely out of my comfort zone, but realised I could actually draw. Yes, with pencils and chalk and everything. If you’ve ever thought of going to a life drawing class, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it.

Do a Rubiks’ Cube

This Way to be Awesome ended in failure. A guy called Felix Zemdegs completed the Rubiks’ cube in 7.36 seconds, and I’ve yet to complete one on my own. One thing I learnt from doing the Rubik’s cube is that that cube of skilfulness can turn even the most enthusiastic student into a very sad ball years to get that good, I’ve got time.

Start a band

I decided to start a cool, does YouTube covers kind of band called Har$$$, after a girl our friend Claire met in America called Harmony who spelt her name like that. We would probably describe ourselves as a mixture of folk, rock, and hip hop with a smudge of soul on the side.

I’ve learnt a lot about myself , by making Ways I can be Awesome. I’ve found out that I’ve got a lot of ridiculously talented friends who are so up for showing me the things that they’re good at. I have also become increasingly aware that 101 is a massive number. So, doing 101 weeks of new things means that I’ve got two years until this crazy project is over. Do you have any ideas of things that I could try? I’m so up for learning ways you are Awesome.

Jess McFarlane

Heath Happenings

This year’s UK Wilderness Medicine conference is being hosted by Cardiff Uni’s own Wilderness and Expedition Medicine society alongside Swansea University. It is located in the beautiful heart of the Brecon Beacons from 18-20th October this year. It is going to be an amazing weekend, jam-packed full of interactive workshops and interesting seminar-style talks.

Some of the guest speakers include:

Dr Raj Joshi who was the expedition leader for the Comic Relief Mount Kilimanjaro climb in 2009

Dr Ian Davis who is an expert in polar medicine and has been responsible for polar medical safety on numerous BBC expeditions to the north and south pole.

Colonel Paul Parker who is the UK’s Military Senior Lecturer in Trauma Physiology.

Not only that, but we have both a poster and photo competition which can be presented at the conference, which is a great asset to anyone’s CV.

All this can be acquired for the price of £55! It also includes; on site camping, all food (including hog roast!), Saturday night entertainment and a delegate goodie bag.

gair rhydd

Mr Rogers, could you please tell us what made you want to pur-

What made you choose Cardiff

about the course you are cur-

What advice would you give to a

please could you tell us a bit

How has this course changed

Finally, if you could invite any three guess to a dinner party,

WEDNESDAY 9TH OCTOBER

MONDAY 7TH OCTOBER

THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER

TUESDAY 8TH OCTOBER

FRIDAY 11TH OCTOBER

Gair Golygyddol

Helo bobl! Shwmae?

Gobeithio eich

bod wedi dechrau ymgartrefu neu ail-ymgartrefu yng Nghaerdydd. Erbyn yr amser y byddwch yn darllen y papur hwn, bydd pythefnos y glas wedi dod i ben a byddwch wedi cychwyn ar eich darlithoedd. Mae’n -

dyn wrth ddweud ‘Na, dwi ddim am golli unrhyw ddarlithoedd, dwi am fynd i bob darlith 9yb, hyd yn oed yn y glaw, hyd yn oed ar ôl bod mas

adolygiad albwm: Candelas

dyfan Maredudd Lewis

Cyfranwr taf-od

Wrth i fflamau olaf post-punk bylu yn yr SRG, wrth i’r selogion rwgnach a marwnadu marwolaeth cerddoriaeth Gymraeg, ac wrth i ‘bourgeois roc’ Jarman barhau yn wirionedd, daw golau arall gerllaw i danio sigaret ac ysbryd roc. Y Candelas yw’r fflam arall hwn, ac mae yna deimlad eu bod wedi blino ar y status quo. Nid ydynt yn rhai i gicio’u sodlau ‘chwaith. daeth y penderfyniad i symud osian Williams o du ôl i’w fur o ddrymiau a’i adael yn rhydd yng nghanol y llwyfan, a chael Lewis Williams i lenwi’i le ar y dryms rhyw flwyddyn yn ôl. Ers hynny, mae’r Candelas wedi dod yn un o fandiau amlycaf yr SRG, wrth i bersona osian Williams ar y llwyfan ddatblygu a dyfnhau i fod yn berffomiwr unigryw. Yn ddi-os, yr elfen berfformiadol hon yw be sy’n diffinio’r band fwyaf erbyn hyn. Mae osian wedi deall pwysigrwydd cael persona i gynnu torf ar dân. daw ei hyder fel haint i dy ddeffro, gan gicio a strancio wrth y stepen drws. Mae hwn, ynghyd a charisma’r band y tu ôl iddo, sydd o hyd yn edrych fel eu bod yn mwynhau, yn gosod y Candelas fel un o brofiadau byw mwyaf hwyliog yr SRG.

y noson flaenorol.’ Gallwn gadarnhau bydd y feddylfryd honno wedi hen ddiflannu erbyn wythnos 4, os nid cynt. (Ymddiheuriadau i’r staff academaidd am hynny!)

Yr hyn sydd wedi bod yn amlwg inni yn ystod yr wythnosau diwethaf ers dychwelyd i Gaerdydd yw mor gyflym mae’r amser sydd gyda ni yma yn mynd. Ry’n ni, fel chi, wedi gorfod ciwio am oriau i gael ein cardiau adnabod o’r Undeb, ac wedi bod yn gyffrous am y pethau newydd o’n cwmpas, a’r bobl newydd i’w cwrdd. ond roedd

hynny ddwy flynedd yn ôl, a chan gymryd yn ganiataol y byddwn yn gwneud yn dda eleni, ymhen deng mis, bydd gennym raddau. anhygoel!

dweud wrthych y dylech wneud y mwyaf (am gyfieithiad slafaidd!) o’ch cyfnod yn y coleg, ond bobl, mae’n wir. Mae’r Nadolig dri mis i ffwrdd ond pan ddaw diwedd y semester hwn, byddwch yn sylweddoli mor gyflym mae’r amser wedi mynd. Manteisiwch ar bob cyfle y cewch chi; gwnewch ffrindiau

newydd; profwch bethau newydd; ceisiwch gadw lan ‘da’ch gwaith; ond bennaf oll, mwynhewch bob eiliad.

a chofiwch, os oes ‘da chi awydd cyfrannu at taf-od am unrhyw bwnc – gwleidyddiaeth, chwaraeon, y Gymraeg, adolygiad o ryw lyfr neu ddrama neu Cd, beth bynnag – cysylltwch â ni ar tafod@gairrhydd. com neu ar twitter @taf_od.

Pob hwyl!

Cerith Rhys Jones ac Anna George

Mae’r albwm hefyd â rhai o’r geiriau mwyaf ysgogol gei di gan fandiau ifanc-ish Cymru. Gall cân fel ‘Symud Ymlaen’ sy’n cloriannu’n wych deimladau unigolyn wedi chwalu perthynas, yn hawdd fod yn ddisgrifiad o gyflwr nifer o fandiau Cymraeg cyfoes. felly symud ymlaen y mae’r Candelas i dir roc trwm, a’r nos afieithus. Nid plant bach da mo rhain. Yn lle, cawn ganeu on am ddawnsio a’r diafol, am dân, am fleiddiaid. ar gytgan y gân ‘anifail’, fy hoff drac ar yr albwm, mae’r band i gyd yn ymuno i ganu’r llinell gyffeslyd, hysterig; ‘dwi’n troi’n anifail yn y nos’. Hyn oll dros riffiau Sab bath-aidd byddai ozzy ei hun yn ei gymaradwyo. Y cyfuniad hwn o garisma osian Williams a gitâr Ifan Jones sy’n creu’r albwm. ei orau maent yn plethu i greu cerddoriaeth ymosodol, gyffrous. dim ond ar ambell drac mae’r ddau elfen gwaelodol hwn yn ys garu, gan adael dweud osian a’r gerddoriaeth y tu ôl iddo mewn mannau gwahanol. Serch hyn mae’n albwm hwyl, wedi’i osod yn dda, gyda’r band yn dan gos rheolaeth o faledi ynghyd a rhowch-hel-iddyn-nhw-roc-arol. Yn hynny o beth mae egni’r band, sy’n rhan mor bwysig o’u set fyw i’w glywed. dim i’r fath raddau efallai, ond digon i gael un dyn ffôl i bwno’i ben wrth ei deipiadur. Go dda. Joies i.

Miloedd yn galw am annibyniaeth

Cerith Rhys Jones

Cyd-olygydd taf-od

Bu miloedd o bobl yn gorymdeithio trwy brifddinas yr alban, Caeredin, ddydd Sadwrn 21 Medi i gefnogi ymgyrch Yes Scotland. Ymhen llai na blwyddyn, cynhelir refferendwm yn yr alban ar annibyniaeth a bydd gofyn i bawb sy’n byw yn yr alban ddweud a ydynt yn credu y dylai’r wlad fod yn annibynnol o’r deyrnas Gyfunol. ar y Milltir Brenhinol – the Royal Mile – daeth bobl o bob cwr o’r alban, y deyrnas Gyfunol, Ewrop, a’r byd ehangach at ei gilydd i orymdeithio trwy ganol Caeredin tuag at Calton Hill, sy’n edrych ar draws y ddinas. Calton Hill oedd lleoliad y declaration of Calton Hill yn 2004, ar y diwrnod yr oedd y frenhines yn agor adeilad newydd Senedd yr alban wrth droed y rhiw, a oedd yn galw i’r alban fod yn weriniaeth.

Rhaid cyfaddef, o gymharu

Nghaerdydd, gorymdaith dawel oedd hon, ond roedd maint y dorf, y baneri enfawr, a’r placardiau niferus yn anhygoel i’w gweld.

Erbyn i bawb gyrraedd lleoliad y rali, ar Calton Hill, roedd ymysg y dorf awyrgylch egnïol tu hwnt, a phawb yn barod i

gefnogi’r achos. Yr actores a digrifwraig Elaine C. Smith a’r darlledwr Hardeep Singh Kholi sy’n aml i’w weld ar the one Show oedd compères y diwrnod a bu i amryw o bobl annerch y dorf.

a’r ymgyrch dros bleidlais Ie yn un drawsbleidiol, bu cyd-arweinydd Plaid Werdd yr alban, Patrick Harvie MSP, cynrychiolydd Plaid Sosialaidd yr alban, Colin fox, sylfaenydd Llafur dros annibyniaeth, allan Grogan, a’r aelod annibynnol, Margo Macdonald MSP, ymysg y gwleidyddion a rannodd y llwyfan â Phrif Weinidog yr alban, alex Salmond MSP, a dirprwy Brif Weinidog yr alban, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, ar y diwrnod.

a hwythau’n rhai o siaradwyr olaf y diwrnod, cafodd Salmond a Sturgeon groeso enfawr. dywedodd y Prif Weinidog alex Salmond: ’Bydd pleidlais Ie fis Medi nesaf yn fuddugoliaeth nid i’r SNP neu’r Ymgyrch Ie, neu hyd yn oed i’r llu o ddiddordebau a’r brwdfrydedd sydd wedi ymgynnull yma heddiw. Bydd yn fuddugoliaeth i’r bobl. Bydd “Ie” yn weithred o hunan-hyder a hunan-haeriad a fydd yn golygu fod penderfyniadau am yr hyn sy’n digwydd yn yr alban bob amser yn cael eu gwneud gan y bobl sy’n byw ac yn gweithio

yma – nid gan system San Steffan anghysbell.’ amcangyfrifodd Heddlu’r alban fod 8,300 o bobl wedi mynychu’r digwyddiad ond roedd honiad Nicola Sturgeon a nifer o siaradwyr eraill lawer yn fwy optimistaidd, gan ddweud bod rhwng 20,000 a 30,000 o bobl wedi bod yn rhan o’r rali. Yn wir, roedd miloedd o bobl o’r alban wedi teithio i Gaeredin ar y diwrnod, ond roedd presenoldeb pobl o wledydd eraill, gan gynnwys Cym-

ru, Valencia, Cernyw, a Sardinia, yn amlwg hefyd. Yn ychwanegol at y siaradwyr amrywiol, roedd hefyd perfformiadau gan bobl megis Jai Mcdowall o Britain’s Got talent, y gantores Eddi Reader MBE, a Chôr dre o Gaernarfon, a drydarodd (@cor_dre) y diwrnod wedi’r rali: ‘Wedi cael penwythnos gwych yng nghaeredin! Profiad bythgofiadwy canu’n y rali ar calton hill #indyref #cofis #1Year2Yes #poblwc #Scotland.’

Nid pawb oedd yn cefnogi’r digwyddiad, cofiwch, a’r Ceidwadwr Murdo fraser MSP yn dweud: ‘Mae’n drueni na alwodd cefnogwyr yn y gêm Hibs v St Mirren gerllaw draw i ddyblu’r niferoedd.’ Gofynnir wrth bobl yr alban ddweud “ie” neu “na” i’r cwestiwn ‘a ddylai’r alban fod yn wlad annibynnol?’ pan gynhelir y refferendwm ar 18 Medi 2014.

Chwaraeon: aled Hywel Evans sy’n edrych ymlaen at rhai o ddigwyddi-

adau mwyaf cyffrous y maes chwarae yr Hydref hwn...

ar ôl holl gyffro chwaraeon yr haf, does ‘na ddim cyfnod o orffwys i gefnogwyr chwaraeon yng Nghymru.

Bydd Caerdydd yn cynnal nifer o ddigwyddiadau mawr eto eleni, ac fel myfyrwyr ym mhrifysgol y brifddinas, cewch gyfle i flasu awyrgylch unigryw diwrnod gêm, sydd cystal ag awyrgylch mewn unrhyw ddinas arall yn y byd. dyma rhagflas o bump digwyddiad pwysig i nodi yn eich dyddiaduron rhwng nawr a’r Nadolig, gydag ambell air o gyngor ar sut a ble i fwynhau bob un.

1.Rygbi - Gleision Caerdydd v toulon, 19eg o Hydref Bydd y Cwpan Heineken yn dychwelyd i Barc yr arfau mewn steil wrth i’r Gleision groesawu pencampwyr presennol y gystadleuaeth, toulon. fe gurodd y ffrancwyr dîm y brifddinas yn y gystadleuaeth llynedd ar eu ffordd i’r rownd derfynol yn Nulyn, lle gipiodd tîm Jonny Wilkinson y tlws am y tro cyntaf yn eu hanes. Gyda sêr fel Bryan Habana a Matt Giteau yn eu plith, anodd yw gweld y Gleision yn eu hatal eleni chwaith, yn enwedig wrth ystyried ymadawiad

Jamie Roberts. Wedi dweud hynny, gyda Gethin Jenkins yn ail ymuno

â’r Gleision wedi cyfnod anhapus ar y cote d’azur, a throed dde ddibynnol Leigh Halfpenny yn y cefn,

Sut/ble i’w wylio? tua £10 yw tocynnau i fyfyrwyr, pris sydd yn hynod o resymol wrth ystyried natur y gystadleuaeth a’r llu o dalent fydd yn cael ei arddangos. opsiwn arall fyddai gwylio’r cyfan ar Sky Sports, er wrth ystyried mai ychydig dros ddeg munud o daith ar droed i’r stadiwm sydd i fyfyrwyr Cathays, does yna ddim esgus dros beidio gwneud y siwrne.

2. Rygbi’r Gynghrair (Rugby League) – Seremoni agoriadol Cwpan y byd, Cymru v Yr Eidal, 26ain o Hydref Rygbi o fath gwahanol fydd yn denu ymwelwyr i Gaerdydd ar gyfer y gystadleuaeth yma. Bydd 14 o wledydd yn cystadlu am dlws pencampwyr byd rygbi’r gynghrair. Bydd Cymru yn eu plith, a bydd y cochion yn cystadlu yn erbyn yr Eidal, Uda a’r Ynysoedd Cook yng Ngrwp d. Yn Stadiwm y Mileniwm bydd y seremoni agoriadol yn cael ei chynnal, ac yn dilyn y seremoni bydd y gêm agoriadol rhwng Lloegr ag awstralia, i’w dilyn gan

gêm Cymru yn erbyn yr Eidalwyr. Pwy fydd y Jonathan davies neu’r Iestyn Harries nesaf? amser a ddengys.

Sut/ble i wylio? Gyda thocynnau am y prynhawn Sadwrn agoriadol mor rhad â £10 ar gyfer myfyrwyr, mae ymweld yn fargen ar gyfer oriau o adloniant a phrofi cymysgedd o ddiwylliannau unigryw. Er, os nad yw’r syniad o wario diwrnod cyfan yng ngwres y Stadiwm yn apelio, bydd modd gwylio’r cyfan ar y BBC.

3. Pêl droed - Caerdydd v abertawe, 3ydd o dachwedd

Pwy fyddai wedi dychmygu hyn ddeng mlynnedd yn ôl? Mae’r freuddwyd bellach yn realiti i gefnogwyr yr elyrch a’r adar gleision, wrth iddynt ddod ben ben a’i gilydd ar y llwyfan mwyaf un. Mae’r tim cartref eisioes wedi achosi ambell sioc yn Stadiwm dinas Caerdydd eleni wedi iddynt guro Manchester City ar ddechrau’r tymor. Gydag arian mawr Vincent tan yn gefnfaith gaiff yr adar gleision eleni. Braidd yn arafach y dechreuodd abertawe’r tymor ar ôl colled drom i dîm Michael Laudrup adref yn erbyn Manchester United. Un peth sy’n siwr, os mai colli bydd hanes y

gwynion ar y trydydd o dachwedd, bydd yna barti a hanner ar strydoedd y brifddinas.

Sut/ble i wylio? oni bai fod gennych docyn tymor, agos i amhosib bydd cael tocyn am hon. drwy lwc fe fydd y gêm yn cael ei darlledu ar deledu, a’r gic gyntaf am bedwar o’r gloch. os nad oes gennych Sky

camu i fewn i un o dafarndai’r dre, yn enwedig os oes yna grys gwyn amdanoch!

4. Rygbi - Cyfres Rhyngwladol yr Hydref, Cymru v de affrica, 9fed o dachwedd ar ôl llwyddiant Warren Gatland a nifer helaeth o garfan Cymru yng nghrys y Llewod lawr yn awstralia, bydd y disgwyliadau yn uchel wrth i gyfres yr Hydref gychwyn gydag ymweliad de affrica. anodd fydd y dasg o faeddu’r Springboks, ond fe fydd y cochion yn hyderus o’u maeddu am yr ail dro yn unig yn Stadiwm y Mileniwm ers iddi agor yn 1999. Yn dilyn hon daw her yr ariannin, tonga ag awstralia, ond gêm y Boks yw’r gêm sydd yn hon yw’r gêm fwyaf heriol.

Sut/ ble i wylio? Bydd y tocynnau yn gwerthu’n gyflym ar gyfer hon. tipyn haws fydd cael gafael

ar docynnau ar gyfer y tair gêm arall, yn enwedig gêm tonga ar Nos Wener yr 22ain. os na fyddwch ddigon ffodus i gael sedd yn y stadiwm, bydd y Mochyn du yn siwr o’ch croesawu yn ei ffordd unigryw ei hun.

5. Hoci iâ - Cardiff devils v Nottingham Panthers, 30ain o dachwedd.

Beth am drio rhywbeth newydd ac ymweld a’r Cardiff devils ym Mae Caerdydd. Mae’r tim yn un o’r rhai fwyaf llwyddiannus yn hanes y gynghrair Brydeinig, ac maent wedi cipio y gynghrair bedair gwaith, gan ddod yn ail ar chwech achlysur. Er y llwyddiant hyn, 1997 oedd y tro diwethaf iddynt ennill y brif adran. Y pencampwyr presennol yw tîm Nottingham, ac fe ddylai’r gêm hon fod yn brawf mawr o dim Caerdydd, sydd wedi colli ei hunig gêm gartref mor belled yn erbyn Belfast Giants. Sut/ble i wylio? £11 yw tocyn arferol i fyfyrwyr. Mae modd cael

o bobl neu fwy. Bydd gemau yn cael ei chwarae yn rheolaidd tan ddiwedd mis Mawrth.

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

10/10/13 ELLIE GOULDING

10/10/13 IMPERICON NEVER SAY DIE TOUR £15 ADV

12/10/13 TICH £6 ADV

12/10/13 TOM ODELL

13/10/13 BASTILLE

30/11/13 OCEAN COLOUR SCENE £25 ADV

DECEMBER

17/10/13 EVERYTHING EVERYTHING £15 ADV

18/10/13 THE CULT: ELECTRIC 13 £29.50 ADV SOLD OUT

20/10/13 BOWLING FOR SOUP £20 ADV SOLD OUT

23/10/13 HOT 8 BRASS BAND £13.50 ADV

24/10/13 THE BLACKOUT £15 ADV

25/10/13 DAUGHTER £15 ADV

27/10/13 HIM £20 ADV

30/10/13 BLUE £18.50 ADV

01/11/13 DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN £13 ADV

01/02/14 LESS THAN JAKE / REEL BIG FISH £18.50 ADV SOLD OUT NOVEMBER

01/12/13 BLACK STAR RIDERS £22.50 ADV

02/12/13 LEWIS WATSON £9 ADV 01/12/13 DON BROCO £12.50 ADV 06/12/13 HANSON £23.50 ADV 04/12/13 THE WORD ALIVE £10 ADV 21/11/13 COHEED & CAMBRIA £18.50 ADV

JANUARY

27/01/14 SWN PRESENTS... DAN LE SAC VS SCOBIUS PIP £13.50 ADV

28/01/14 LONDON GRAMMAR £14 ADV

FEBRUARY

18/10/13 RAMCardiff £15.00 ADV SOLD OUT

08/11/13 SOUL 2 SOUL £29 ADV

09/11/13 EDITORS £20 ADV 03/11/13 THE FEELING £18.50 ADV

10/11/13 GABRIELLE APLIN £14 ADV

17/11/13 THE DARKNESS £25 ADV

8/02/14 THE KERRANG! TOUR 2014 13/02/14 THE 1975 £15.00 ADV 28/02/14 NEWTON FAULKNER £19.50 ADV

MARCH

13/03/14 CHVRCHES £13.00 ADV

Students voice their opinions about the Medics & BUCS situation

<< continued from page 1

“If Option 2 were to be passed, it would be very contradictory to their argument. Option 2 would force many healthcare students out of BUCS and out of University teams - it would only further the separation between healthcare and the rest of Cardiff University.

“Forcing students out of BUCS based solely on their degree is more unjust than BUCS want-

ing the medics to merge. I do not think it is fair to stop me competing on the basis of my degree. I didn’t come here to study at the School of Medicine - I came here as a Cardiff University student.”

Rachel Underhill 3rd Year Medical Student Athletics Club President

“If Option 1 was introduced, we would be forced to shift to an alumni club – ultimately, that’s not the point of medic clubs, we lose our social side, we lose our identity and we’re stranded.

“We are so much more than a

club. We provide a unique opportunity for people who have never played or been part of a team before.”

PJ Russell 3rd Year Medical Student Medics Men’s Hockey Captain

“If Option 1 came in, the club would cease to exist within two years. Neither option is really in the BUCS constitution. If the University goes with Option 1, we will lose our separate membership status, which can’t be reinstated. We will never exist as a medic’s team again.

“NAMS is too weak and short a competition for us - last year, we competed in the division below Cardiff University 1st XV.

solving. BUCS just can’t face being told that they’ve got it wrong by another institution.

“At the end of the day, it’s not the med-

“Option 2? Our club would collapsea medic Ultimate Frisbee team just wouldn’t be possible with our numbers.

“Non-medic clubs are roughly made up of about half healthcare students. The bottom line is that people aren’t just going to sit back and not play their sport.

ics’ fault and it’s not the Athletic Union’s fault. It all stems from BUCS giving us two options.

“By 2014, we hope to have reverted back to status quo or be faced with a better option that affects a percentile of people.

“The alumni and tradition is what makes our club special. I have never experienced anything like that for any of the clubs I have played for.”

Mike Cooper 4th Year Medical Student Cardiff Medics RFC Captain

“Can you really envisage the clubs voting out a third of their teams?

“Playing non-medic sport gets you out of the clique. I have met loads of nonhealthcare students through sport. Such freedom should not be taken away.” Camille Kostov 4th Year Healthcare Student Ultimate Frisbee Ladies’ Captain

Joe Atkinson City Columnist

Among the chaos of Cardiff City’s controversial makeover, manager Malky Mackay has calmly guided the club into English football’s highest

1962. Early signs show his intent to keep them there.

Some would argue that following Vincent Tan’s largescale investment, promotion last year was inevitable – after all, he has broken the club’s transfer record three times since taking over in 2010, and spent a net total of around £42million.

However, money alone does not guarantee success in football. Mackay spent wisely to ensure an escape from the division Cardiff had been entrenched in for 10 years. The Scot brought in the likes of Simon Lappin, Tommy Smith and Craig Bellamy to guide younger recruits such as Aron Gunnarsson, Craig Noone and Jordon Mutch. These additions have provided a high level of competition in the squad, giving City an edge in last season’s promotion race. The attitudes of the signings also meant the atmosphere around the club remained positive despite the rebranding controversy.

This summer’s £32 million recruitment drive has given Premier League. Consecutive record signings Andreas Cornelius and Steven Caulker were bought early in the window, suggesting Mackay and his scouting team had prepared well in advance. The additions of Gary Medel, a further record signing, and controversial attacker Peter Odemwingie have given the club yet more quality and experience to draw on.

Wins at Fulham and against Manchester City at home in particular have given City a

use of the 4-2-3-1 system showing his willingness to adapt to the league. This change has allowed less prominent players last season, such as Fraizer Campbell and Kim Bo-Kyung, to step up this year.

Mackay’s role is not to be underestimated, and with continued backing from the whole club, greater things could be yet to come in Cardiff.

Cardiff Met clean sweep at Blues Uni Cup

Ross Martinovic Sport Editor

Cardiff Metropolitan University were the winners of both the men’s and women’s competitions in the inaugural Cassidian Blues University Cup held at Cardiff Arms Park last Wednesday.

The tournament, devised and operated by Cardiff Blues and featuring Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, Cardiff University Medics and the University of South Wales (USW), provided some excellent preparation competitive environment.

Cardiff Met’s women, runnersup in last year’s BUCS Championship, kicked off the day’s proceedings with an emphatic 34-0 win over fellow BUCS Premier League South side Cardiff University.

nament saw an intriguing clash between Cardiff Met and Cardiff Medics, who are currently embroiled in a gruelling battle to be reinstated to BUCS competitions from next season.

half in which Met led only 3-0, the turning point arrived when Medics received a yellow card under pressure at the end of the half.

This created the space for Met to batter over for a converted try and a 10-point advantage at the break, setting the platform for an eventual 25-5 victory despite Lewis Isaac’s

ics.

Next to grace the impressive

and USW, a match in which a pen-lie Mottram, in addition to seven

points from the boot of Sam Parsons, helped the former to a comfortable 17-0 win.

the women’s tournament swiftly followed and Cardiff were quick out of the blocks, with Elinor Davisfort.

The early score seemed for so long like it would be enough to

Cardiff Met, only for USW to break away on the left and cross for a match-winning converted try at the death.

Cardiff Medics returned to the against USW, in which the latter triumphed 12-0, before Cardiff Met deservedly wrapped up the women’s title with a 58-0 thrashing of a

Cardiff University against Cardiff

Met in the men’s decider, the two Premier League South A clubs acpre-tournament favourites.

Met dominated the opening exchanges, slotting a penalty on six minutes through Geraint Llewellyn, extending their lead on the stroke of half time courtesy of Joe Tomlinson’s try after Parsons had missed two shots on goal for Cardiff.

Cardiff recognised that immediate action was required, and they hauled themselves back into contention shortly after the restart when a fantastic sidestep and

leased Dan Brownlee for a score improved by Parsons.

The try ensured a grandstand

ground their opponents down and a further penalty from Llewellyn sealed the trophy.

Mixed season for Glamorgan cricketers

David Hooson Sport Writer

Despite being named Glamorgan’s 2013 Player of the Year last week, fast bowler Michael Hogan willtions of his adopted county’s season.

Hogan himself ended the season as the leading wicket-taker in the Yorkshire Bank 40 limited-overs

Glamorgan bowler since 2003 to take 100 wickets in all formats combined. However, the Australian’s team had mixed fortunes across cricket’s three domestic tournaments.

Undoubtedly the highlight of their season was their campaign

ishing second in a highly competitive group after several impressive wins. Upon progressing to the

ued their outstanding form with a 31-run victory over Hampshire, securing a trip to Lord’s for the

on that day by a Nottinghamshire side featuring Ashes winners Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, who helped bowl Glamorgan out 88 runs short of their target. All-rounder

in the Most Valuable Player rankings for this tournament secured him Glamorgan’s One-Day Player of the Year award.

In the Friends Life t20 tournament, Glamorgan never quite found the momentum and consistency they needed during the initial group stage. Five wins from ten games left them agonisingly close to the knockout rounds, just was some consolation for Gra-

5-14 from his three overs against

Worcestershire were the best inures for a Glamorgan bowler. Despite a rain-affected draw and a win in their opening two games, Glamorgan never looked like challenging for promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship. The batsmen largely performed well, securing bonus points in high-scoring innings. Former Zimbabwe international Murray Goodwin provided the highlight with his 194 against Lancashire and his total of 1,263 Championship runs earned him Glamorgan’s award for Championship Player of the Year. However, less impressive bowling performances inevitably led to too many draws and only three wins, leaving them eighth out of the nine teams in the division. This year’s County Championship was also the last for 2005 Ashes-winning bowler Simon

class cricket, having spent most of his career at Glamorgan since his debut for the county in 1998.

The SWALEC Stadium enjoyed healthy crowds throughout the season. Many students took full advantage of the £5 student tickets, which remained at the same price for all formats.

The ICC Champions Trophy matches held in Cardiff, as well as England’s ODI against Australia, proved highly popular. The trend of high-quality international cricket at the SWALEC is set to continue, as next year England return to take on India in an ODI and, a year later, Australia will visit Cardiff again to play an Ashes Test match. Before that, however, Glamorgan will seek to reclaim their place in Division One of the County Championship and look to go one better than in 2013 by securing a time since the 2004 season.

Cardiff Ladies narrowly missed out against University of South Wales

Wardle looking upwards after Dragons breakthrough

Sport writer Steffan Thomas discusses balancing pharmacy and rugby with ex-Cardiff Uni captain Ross Wardle

Cardiff University graduate Ross Wardle is targeting a career as both a professional rugby player and pharmacist.

Wardle, who obtained a Pharmacy degree in the summer after captaining the University’s rugby club, is aiming to capitalise on his breakthrough into the Newport

to force his way into the Welsh selectors’ thoughts.

The 22-year-old said: “I’ve got to nail down a place at the Dragons

“The match against the Scarlets

start this season, so if I can keep my place in the team then who knows?”

“There are only four Welsh regions, so there is always a chance and I wouldn’t rule it out.

“I’m getting the chance to play centre now, which is where I want to play, and the only other time that I have played centre for the Dragons was against Munster last season when I got Man of the Match.

“But you can’t just be good enough to be on the pitch - you’ve got to stand out.

“I’m not quite there yet, but hopefully with Lyn Jones’ good coaching, I will have a little bit of a chance.”

And it is under the guidance of former Ospreys head coach Jones, the most successful regional coach to date, that Wardle sees himself pushing on with his career.

everyone,” said Wardle.

“When we came in at half time in our pre-season friendly with Bath, he said “How did you do, boys?” And there was just silence.

“A few boys said we did this and that wrong, and then

Even though I was recently playing at semi-pro level for Bedwas, I can cope at professional level against some of the best players in the country ‘‘

Hello! With Freshers’ Week over, clubs have started their taster sessions, training sessions -

ing times here in the AU!

This year’s AU Fayre proved a great success as always, with all of our incredible clubs showcasing themselves to over 8,000 students. With over 2,800 students joining and 1,571 club memberships sold on the day this was yet another very successful AU Fayre and this doesn’t even include those who paid online!

he replied “Stop! What did you do well?” He then pointed out what we had done well.

in the squad has been a lot higher and we are going into games expecting to win, rather than thinking how can we hold on.

“He has made us believe that we can do it because last year we were didn’t have a chance in any game.”

put to the test when Wardle, who only turned fully professional a few months ago, was pitted against one of the stars of the recent British & Irish Lions tour, Jonathan Davies, in the Dragons’ recent 23-16 victory over the Scarlets.

“It didn’t really bother me, and I just took it as if it was another game,” Wardle insisted.

“However, it was obviously a good experience for me to play against someone like that, so that I can put myself up against the best and see how I cope.

“I think I did alright and it’s good for me to have the chance to show to people that even though I was recently playing at semi-pro level for Bedwas, I can cope at professional level against some of the best players in the country.”

Wardle’s rise bucks the trend somewhat, with the vast majority of professional rugby players in Wales having come through a regional academy.

The Dragons centre, however, has nothing but praise for the university that gave him his shot at being a professional rugby player.

“There are a lot of connections to semi-professional and professional rugby, obviously with the coach of the university team [Martyn Fowler] being the coach of Cardiff RFC,” said Wardle, who was introduced to Bedwas by Fowler, the Principality Premiership club’s forwards coach at the time.

Whilst these numbers are very positive, I do have to admit that this is a slight dip on last year’s numbers, although this is by no means a disappointment. The impact of London 2012 saw an upward trend last year and a slight fall was to be expected.

As well as the AU Fayre, Freshers’ Wednesday proved to be a very Lash Wednesday of the year. 3,000 Cardiff University students piled into Solus and the Great Hall to see in the next generation of The Lash and, as always, it proved to be a massive hit amongst all students. The amazing atmosphere in

“There are a few boys from the university playing Premiership level that have done pre-season training with Cardiff.

“Obviously doing preseason with Cardiff they get noticed by other clubs.

“If they are not playing in the Premiership they are playing in the English Championship, so it’s a good stepping stone in terms of playing at a high level.”

Wardle has the added pressure of combining his promising rug by career with his job at Wood ville Pharmacy in Cathays, an occupation that provides a sta ble back-up should his sporting

“It’s tough!” Wardle admitted.

“We did have one day off a week, so it meant that I was work ing Monday, Tuesday evenings, and then all day on a Wednesday, but now that they have taken that one day off away from us we are in every day.

“Some of the boys are going home from training and relaxing while I’m going to work.

“I have worked hard for four years and it’s not worth throw ing away now, and I enjoy it as it helps take my mind off rugby.

“When it comes to contract talks, I don’t have to worry too much about being without income when I have the phar macy behind me.”

Wardle’s side have experi enced a mixed start to their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign, the competition that could see the former Wales rugby league international re turn to the capital city over the Christmas period. The Dragons will host Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day, before the Arms Park on New Year’s Day.

there showed just why The Lash is so many students’ favourite night of the week. Now that term has started, The Lash will return to its usual format and entrance is free before 11pm. Moreover, last week we were all able to make a day of it and support our rugby clubs in the inaugural Cassidian Blues University Cup. Cardiff Arms Park welcomed our ladies’, men’s and medics’ rugby clubs to play in a tournament against teams from Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales. With the crowd in good spirits and healthy rivalries in place, everyone was

able to enjoy plenty of exciting and fast-paced rugby. We can be proud of the effort put in by our teams, especially with so many new faces playing in all the teams. Special mention goes out to our men’s rugby club, who narrowly lost out to you’re all settling into uni life and don’t forget that you can join any of our clubs throughout the year by going to cardiffstudents.com and clicking on Sports & IMG clubs.

Paul Davies Blues Columnist

Blues fans would have been happy to put last season behind them, after seeing just 10 competitive victories out of a possible 32. Just over a month into the new season and things are certainly not looking up.

Blues have started slowly and have earned the embarrassing accolade of becoming be beaten by Italian underdogs Zebre. The team has been weak in attack, unaggressive in the contact area and overly reliant

The greatest cause for condevelopments. British Lions and Wales superstar, Leigh Halfpenny, is being courted by the mega-rich Toulon. Halfpenny’s contract expires at the end of the season and Toulon are rumoured to be offering £1 million to the Lions’ Man of the Series. The Blues cannot compete with that kind of deal and the loss of a player of Halfpenny’s calibre would be a massive blow.

Furthermore, the recent turmoil over the future of a European Cup has damaged contract negotiations with Lions captain Sam Warburton, an essential cog in the Blues team.

The Blues cannot guarantee that they’ll be involved in a European tournament against the top French and English teams next year. This would not only also deter players who want to compete in elite European competition. The likes of Halfpenny, Warburton, Alex Cuthbert and Gethin Jenkins want to play on the big stage and if Cardiff can’t offer them that, they will look elsewhere.

Despite the negatives, there is some promise on the horizon. The front row has the potential to be strong once Jenkins returns from injury, and there is obvious talent in the youthful Cory Allen and Patchell to name two.

However, the question over whether the team can develop a match-winning mentality and allow these players to show their quality before the established stars are tempted by the lucrative offers on show from abroad.

Fowler coy over Cardiff’s chances

Matthew Walsh Sport Writer

Another year, another season for Cardiff University’s Director of Rugby Martyn Fowler.

The Welshman has been involved with the University Rugby Club since 2002 and took time out from his busy schedule to talk to gair rhydd

When pressed about his ambitions for the coming year, Fowler

if the University’s top two teams managed to avoid relegation from their respective BUCS divisions ahead of Wednesday’s curtain raisers against UWE Hartpury and St. Mary’s University College respectively.

“Targets remain a consistent factor of our development strategy every year,” said Fowler.

Premier A status and the second team to retain Premier B status”.

Although avoiding relegation remains a priority, Fowler does have other ambitions. The importance of Varsity to the University cannot be underestimated. Despite the fact that Cardiff are likely to be slight underdogs come April, Fowler expects “a good performance”, claiming that the Varsity match “provides an optimum shop window for our talented young students to showcase their considerable talents”.

Cardiff lost 21-13 in the 2013 event, and with many players from last year’s team moving on, Fowler will be hoping that the new faces will be able to improve on their predecessors’ efforts.

“With the exception of Jack Neville and Bryn Phillips, the back line will be a completely new unit,” he revealed.

“The team will be made up of returning players and a number of talented young freshmen, a number of whom represented Cardiff University in last week’s Blues Cup.”

Although Fowler’s team lost last

vals Cardiff Metropolitan University, he was still able to take positives from the defeat.

“Given the stance taken by several Welsh Premiership and Welsh Championship clubs in withdrawing our students from the competition and the number of freshmen

overall it was a highly commendable performance.

“The players showed bags of endeavour and commitment, which, given the limited contact time, is very pleasing moving forward.”

Fowler also found the time to give his opinion on Cardiff Blues, who have endured what he describes as “a mixed set of performances” this season.

“Looking at the squad from a coaching perspective, it’s very young and packed with talent and potential.

‘‘

The players showed bags of endeavour and commitment to the University, which, at this stage of the year, is very pleasing moving forward

“For example, a back line with the likes of Halfpenny, Cuthbert and Patchell could, if managed well, gel together and be the core Blues regional backline for the

“From a continuity perspective, that’s a mouth-watering prospect for any coaching team.”

“I hope that Phil Davies [Blues Director of Rugby] is given the time to replace the very talented coach Gareth Baber, who has decided to move on to pastures new at the end of the year.

“I’d hope that they can settle the put his stamp on the squad over the next 18 months.

“If I had a magic wand, I would certainly look to recruit as a matter of priority one ball-carrying back-row forward in the Nick Williams mould and an experienced 10 to mentor young Rhys Patchell.”

Athletic Union to subsidise IMG football price increase

Following a dramatic increase in the price of council football pitches, the Athletic Union has announced that it will be subsidising the cost for IMG football teams.

Registration for all IMG competitions opened last week, with the entry fee for 11-a-side football remaining at £250 per team.

The news comes as a relief to IMG teams after Cardiff Council decided to increase the price of a pitch to £35.20, more than doubling in price from last year’s £13.60.

VP Sports and Athletic Union

President Edore Evuarherhe said: “This increase would have taken the cost per team upwards of £400 and we were somewhat uncomfortable charging clubs as much as this.”

Financial input from the Athletic Union means that clubs will be subsidised approximately £150 for the coming season.

Evuarherhe is also looking to pile-up, which has resulted in seayears. Adverse weather and poor

pitch conditions has led to numerous postponements and, with a tight schedule, it is sometimes dif-

As such, the competition has been capped at a maximum of 24 entrants, eight less than previous seasons. Teams will be drawn into four random groups of six for the phase determining in which of four divisions they will compete following the Christmas break.

Rob Daffern, captain of IMG side Engin Automotive, said: “I would

expect more to be done to maintain the pitches given this increase in price. The subsidy provided by Edore and the AU is very welcome and appreciated.”

Daffern also hopes for improved communication between Cardiff Council and IMG co-ordinators.

“Last year, we travelled to Trelai on a Sunday when it was clear that the pitches would not be in a be cancelled,” he explained. IMG registration will remain open until October 16th.

Fowler addressing his side ahead of 2013’s Varsity defeat

Cardiff come up short in Blues University Cup

University Director of Rugby Martyn Fowler looks ahead

PHOTO: HUW EVANS PICTURE AGENCY