Gair Rhydd 1128 - 10th December 2018 by Cardiff Student Media

rhifyn 1128 issue 1128

gair rhydd

10 rhagfyr 2018 10 december 2018

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Cardiff University operating at £21m deficit

Penblwydd hapus, Taf-Od! by Tomos Evans

leni, mae’r Taf-od yn dathlu pymtheg mlynedd o fodolaeth. Pa well, amser, felly i sgwrsio gydag un o olygyddion gwreiddiol Taf-od, Angharad Naylor. O’r dull traddodiadol o olygu’r adran i’r defnydd o gyfryngau cymdeithasol yn yr oes sydd ohoni, caiff nifer o bynciau eu trafod. Mae’r Taf-od wedi arwain y ffordd at gynrychiolaeth Cymraeg yng nghyfryngau myfyrwyr Caerdydd yn ehangach, ond yma cawn olwg ar sut ddechreuodd pob dim ‘nôl yn 2003. 10

How to utilise your Christmas holiday by Molly Govus

C Rising deficits: Cardiff University has announced deficits have risen due to funding cuts. Photo credit: Jessica Warren by Mustakim Hasnath

ardiff University has written to staff members revealing its £21m operating deficit for the year 2017/18, which has been attributed to funding cuts and increased costs. Whilst the University aims to tackle its deficit, a spokesperson explained that “absorbing from University reserves”, the inevitability of staffing levels being affected has led to the establishment of a Voluntary Severance Scheme for staff. This has generated an outpouring of concern by trade union bodies, which object to University staff being targeted. Any potential for this could lead on to compulsory redundancies at a later date. In the University’s ‘Transform-

ing Cardiff ’ campaign video, which was sent to all staff members and recently uploaded to YouTube, the key facts about the current deficit were outlined. One of these was due to funding cuts from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) being cut “by £14m, subsequently revised to £11m, but with a forecast of £6m scheduled for next year”. Additionally, the video emphasises the challenge of the Welsh Government restricting the amount chargeable by higher education institutions for students’ tuition fees. “We have also been put at a disadvantage to English Universities by not being allowed by the Welsh Government to increase fees to £9,250, let alone the

£9,295 promised.” Tuition fees have not changed at Cardiff University for six years. A spokesperson added: “An increase to £9,250 would have brought in an extra £5m per cohort”. Furthermore, the lower growth in the University’s total income from research has had a lower growth than in previous years and is not “growing as fast as awards forecast”. Finally, with the rise in staffing costs, the University proposes to reduce the proportion of income spent on staff costs from the current 59% to around 54%. As part of this, as of January 3rd 2019, a Voluntary Severance Scheme opens for applications to all staff members - the third scheme of its kind at Cardiff University in six years.

A joint statement from three trade unions of Unite, Unison and UCU, made clear their fears that the proposed Severance Scheme will “cause inequality and division among our already demoralised members”. The statement also blamed University management for the deficit and its reliance on staffing cuts. “Cardiff University managers seem to be immune from this kind of accountability. For them, laying off staff has become a reflex reaction, rather than an option of last resort,” they stated. A University spokesperson, on the other hand, blamed the nature of “operating in a time of unprecedented disruption and financial constraint” as the cause for its operating deficit and the proposed measures to control this issue.

The Welsh Labour Party has a new leader Mark Drakeford elected with 53.9% of the vote

by Sam Tilley

ark Drakeford AM was confirmed last Thursday as the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party. He won with 53.9% of the second-round vote, beating fellow AM Vaughan Gething who scored only 41.8%. With no candidate able to gain more than 50% of the total vote in the first-

round, the lowest ranked candidate, Eluned Morgan, was eliminated and with the redistribution of the second preference votes, Drakeford was able to clinch victory by a fairly considerable margin. Drakeford is likely to be confirmed as First Minister in a special Senedd meeting this week. With Labour holding an effective majority in the

Senedd, largely thanks to the support of the sole Lib Dem and Independent members of the Welsh Parliament, it is unlikely that Drakeford faces any serious opposition to his confirmation despite both the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru confirming they will nominate their respective leaders to replace the outgoing Carwyn Jones.

hrismas holidays are dangeoursly close, and the risk of not making the most out of them is high. This is why it is important to come up with a realistic timetable that will help you organize your time and look after yourself. And make sure you take Christmas day off! 20

G20 Photo shows striking gender gap by Hannah Priest

he G20 showed the ongoing struggle for gender equality within society. Only two women, UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and the International Monetary Fund Chairwoman, Christine Lagarde, appeared in the group photo. The percentage of females in politicss keeps being low across the world. 18

BUCS Highlights: Rugby earn win by Reece Chambers

T Future First Minister? Mark Drakeford. Source: Wikimedia

his week’s BUCS highlights contains the men’s rugby team who won their second game of the Super Rugby season by defeating Leeds Beckett 30-3. The win for the team also moves them off of the bottom of the table in the league standings. Highlights also includes women’s fencing who won in the battle for first place in the league and men’s tennis. 31

EDITORIAL

Gair Rhydd 2018/19 Coordinator Elaine Morgan

Editor-in-Chief Jess Warren

Deputy Editors Silvia Martelli Reece Chambers Michael Ash

Head of Digital Media Michael Ash

News

Gee Harland Klaudia Jazwinska Emma Ogao Matt Tomlin

Campus Life Ashley Boyle Cerian Jones

Taf-od

Llion Carbis Tomos Evans

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com

word

the free

A letter from the editor

Oh tidings of comfort and joy Looking back at 2018 and the hard work of my team

Comment

Alys Hewitt Hannah Newberry Emma Videan

Column Road Karis Pearson

Politics

Charlotte King Silvia Martelli Sam Tilley

Advice

Ashavari Baral Katie Lewis

Saunders’ Corner

Sam Saunders

Science

Daniel Brown Jonathan Learmont

Sport

Reece Chambers Rosie Foley John Jones Jack Vavasour George Willoughby

Social Media Editors Indigo Jones Giovanna Coi

Digital Media Editors Maisie Marston Jordan Parker Cadi Thomas

Cartoonist

Louis Mertens

Copy Editors

Sofia Brizio Ilona Cabral Chris Colbourn Abi Dudbridge Elen Fflur Davies Gemma Hopley Steph Rowe

Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. We may occasionally make mistakes, however if you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek to uphold, please email editor@gairrhydd.com. You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints. Opinions expressed in editorials are not reflective of Cardiff Student Media, who act as the publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a Post Office registered newspaper.

A huge thank you: To everyone who has loved, supported, contributed and edited Gair Rhydd this year. Source: Ryan McGuire (via Pixabay) by Jess Warren

o here we are, you’re opening up the last copy of Gair Rhydd for 2018, and what a year it’s been! This year also marks the 15th Birthday of our Taf-Od Section. To celebrate this anniversary in the year’s final issue, we’ve caught up with some past Taf-Od Editors to see what they’re up to now. If you’re versed in the Welsh language, take a look at pages 8-10 for some exciting interviews and finding out what Taf Od means to our wonderful readers. With the festive season well and truly upon us, Christmas adverts playing on the television non-stop and the occasional carroller in town, it seems only right that we should have some festive content waiting in store for you. Our Comment Section have discussed that online retail has shaped our shopping habits at this time of year,

dramatically altering the landscape of Christmas shopping, and the way that we interact with our High Streets. Our Advice Section has also explored the best way to utilise your Christmas break, by combining your pile of essays and festive activities in a balanced way. On the topic of a pile of essays, it would be fair to say my workload is pretty high. In fact, with my dissertation due at the start of January (I’m still not sure why the School of Geography and Planning run their dissertation module in the Autumn Semester), I have had to step away from Gair Rhydd this week. This would have only been possible with the support of my fantastic team of Editors, and their outstanding commitment to producing Gair Rhydd week in, week out. A special shoutout must be made to Silvia, Reece and Michael, my trio of Deputy Editors, all of whom make my job as the Big Cheese

so much easier. Their unparalleled dedication to the team has helped and supported me through a rather hectic term, even if they do squabble over who gets to sit in ‘the boss’ chair’ whilst I’m away. I’d also like to pay a special thanks to Liam Ketcher, who was also Editorin-Chief in the year of 2018. Having taught me so many of the skills I now use daily, he not only had a brilliant year producing some highquality journalism, but left me with some pretty influential life lessons. Another thanks must go to Gareth Axenderrie, another Editor-in-Chief in the year 2018. With his hard-work and dedication, Gair Rhydd saw a digital and print re-design that upped our quality and professionalism even more. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into your student newspaper, but with hard work comes balance.

Like Editors before me, managing the workload of a final year degree and a weekly publication is never easy, and their experiences have helped teach me how to better balance my own demands. People often use the phrase ‘work hard, play hard’ and to some extent I agree. It is certainly true that without knowing what work feels like, you wouldn’t know what play felt like either. However, there is something in the notion that all work can be fun, if you truly focus on that particular task, or at least, if it’s not fun, it’s certainly satisfying when it’s completed. And with work comes the need to play. By taking this week off, I’ve allowed myself to catch-up on the odd assignment, so that when Christmas truly arrives, I will be able to spend it with my loved ones. It’s about striking a balance, and dear reader, I hope that if you need it, you’ll be able to find the same.

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Speaking on the topic of her first semester, VP Societies & Volunteering Henri Page said she was “really proud of how societies have already made a big effort this year,” with new members having been brought in and that charitable and Give It A Go events have been hosted successfully by a variety of hard-working students. The VP also mentioned that she had responded to over 2,000 emails as part of her job over the past semester. Furthermore, Henri commented that “the collaborative and adventurous spirit of societies has been really empowering and I am really excited to see more of the work they’re doing with University as the year goes on.” With regards to upcoming events, Henri encouraged students to attend the Societies Winter Showcase Variety Performance on Tuesday 11th December in Y Plas in the Students’ Union from 7-11pm. Both VPs interviewed by Gair Rhydd over the past week encouraged students to approach them with ideas and feedback for how the University experience could be improved.

VP Education: Jackie Yip. Source: EducationCSU via Twitter

VP Societies & Volunteering; Henri Page. Source: SocietiesCSU via Twitter

Students and IT service comment on uni scam emails issue

Cardiff University students and staff are being told to be cautious when going through their inboxes by Hallum Cowell

any students and staff have been finding their inboxes flooded with scam emails over the last few weeks. The emails prompted users to click on links, with results varying after that point First year Journalism student Lois Brokks said, “the email sent me to the Cardiff University login page where it prompted me to sign in” while another student, Sofia Brooke, said, “the email led me to a BBC article about bit-coins”. Another student experienced both of the above scams. When talking to Gair Rhydd, they said “I got an email from a girl on my course with a link. I clicked on it and it took me to a [fake] login portal for the intranet and I entered my password,” mentioning that it then took them “to a fake BBC business page. Thinking little of it at first, the student described how they “just closed” the page, only to then find that their “phone wouldn’t stop pinging with emails.” After a phone call to IT, the student ended up having to be locked out of their Cardiff University account for several days, meaning for

minor disruption to their work. The scam seems to make its way round through sending emails from accounts which are compromised. Lois Brokks said, “I only clicked on it because it was from someone in my seminar group” and that the member from whom she received her email was herself compromised earlier the same day. Most people were tripped up by these highly personalised emails. Joanna Maria Cunningham said, “I do history and I had a few titled ‘ancient history assessment’ or something like that”. These emails, at times, have also had drastic effects on those they have affected, deleting emails of great importance which could include work, receipts and other emails The purpose of this phishing scam is unknown, but students should be aware that clicking on the link grants access to their intranet account. The IT team have been working hard in the recent weeks to solve the issue caused by these emails and published the following advice, “if you have clicked the link, you must contact the IT service desk immedi-

To contact our news desk, drop us an email at news@gairrhydd.com

handled. They will also be working towards achieving their goal of implementing a ‘safety net module system’. If approved and implemented by the University, this would lead to students being able to drop potentially disappointing grades they’d achieved in a module and replace them by taking a new module. Having stressed that both choosing and changing modules can be a difficult choice for students, Jackie said that the proposed system she will be working towards would benefit students as it would offer more opportunities to be fairly assessed. She also argues that “students will end up learning more in their time at University.” When speaking to Gair Rhydd, Jackie Yip also highlighted the importance of another upcoming event; Speak Week. Next semester, from February 4th to February 8th, Jackie and student volunteers will be handing out student feedback cards, the responses on which shall be put towards an annual report which has influence on the work the VP Education does for improving the University.

NEWS

by Matt Tomlin fter the first semester in their elected roles, VP Education Jackie Yip and VP Societies & Volunteering Henri Page spoke to Gair Rhydd about the work they have done and the policies they are working on for the future. On the progress towards a more accessible education at Cardiff University, the VP Education expressed that the availability of online timetables for all students and the higher number of tables and books available at libraries this past semester mean progress is being made in the University’s capacity and allocation of resources. Jackie commented that her work for the future would be focussed on “giving students as many options as possible” with regards to module choices, the marks they can achieve and extenuating circumstances. Having previously worked in Student Advice, the VP Education believes in working towards more university-wide policies over the next semester for both the way students are assessed and how extenuating circumstances are

NEWYDDION

VP Education, Jackie Yip, and VP Societies & Volunteering, Henri Page, spoke to Gair Rhydd this week about their work on improving student life

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/news

Elected officers talk first semester of progress

Phishing scam: In recent weeks students and faculty have received many targeted malicious emails similar to the one above ately (Tel 02922511111). A sign that you may have been compromised is that you may notice emails disappearing from your account”. This scam email issue has now reportedly been solved for the accounts affected with most being re-

stored near the end of November. As Sophia Brooks said, “I got all my emails back in the end”. Yet, it is still recommended that students are cautious and stay clear of the scam emails as they are still in the Cardiff University system.

Your news desk Gee Harland Klaudia Jazwinska Emma Ogao Matt Tomlin

NEWS

Welsh Government comments on air pollution issues and solutions

Cardiff Uni in financial trouble, with voluntary redundancies being Recent research on Welsh areas with high and dangerous levels of air recommended pollution are leading to action, with more needed to meet targets of making Continued from front page

by Mustakim Hasnath

ardiff University’s lecturers’ strike over pension changes earlier this year was part of the biggest ever walk-out at universities across the UK and was a successful endeavour for them. It is unclear if recent events will trigger a similar response from employees, especially due to the uncertainty of the issue around whether the voluntary severance scheme may lead to a compulsory one. One spokesperson from the University said, “Whilst there are no specific plans for compulsory job loses they cannot be ruled out.” However, the trade unions argue, this will have a detrimental effect to already flustered members, “Morale among our members is already at rock bottom because of stagnating wages, unmanageable workloads, attacks on pensions, and continued investment in shiny new buildings instead of staff ”. A spokesperson said, “Transforming Cardiff will ensure that over the next two years we deliver a programme of significant change and return to an operating surplus”. In the letter addressed to staff members, Cardiff University’s President and Vice Chancellor, Colin Riordan, stated that the university was aiming for a £24m surplus in two years. To many, though, a stable operating surplus both appears to be out of sight and to be at the end of a long period of uncertainty, further cuts and increasingly dissatisfied staff members.

gair rhydd Think you’ve got an interesting story? Do you have an exclusive you want us to cover? Get in touch: news@gairrhydd.com

air pollution levels legal in certain areas

by Mustakim Hasnath

he Welsh Government has published its supplement to the UK plan for overcoming roadside Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations in Wales. This follows the Welsh Government’s failure to put forward plans to improve air quality and meet legal limits for Nitrogen Dioxide emissions in January, earlier this year. The document, which was published on 29th November, sets out the actions the Welsh Government are taking on five sites on the Welsh Government Managed Road Network and in two Welsh local authority areas - all of which are to maintain legal limits of Nitrogen Dioxide in the shortest times possible. These measures are in addition to preexisting methods implemented earlier in the year, such as temporary 50mph speed limits, introduced in June, at the five sections of the motorway where the Nitrogen Dioxide levels surpass legal levels. Environment Minister, Hannah Blythyn, said in a statement, “While the focus of this plan is to reduce concentrations of NO2 around roads where exceedances have been identified, we are developing a range of other measures to improve air quality. We are committed

Need for action: The Welsh government published a document outlining plans to reduce air pollution (Photo Credit: Gary Eldridge) to making improvements to air quality in Wales through planning, infrastructure, regulation and health communication measures.” The Clean Air Plan for Wales, which is to be published next year, will identify key pollutants, their effects on public health and the natural environment in Wales and what actions need to be taken to improve air quality. Studies conducted by the BLF (Brit-

ish Lung Foundation) and Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants demonstrates the severity of air pollution, particularly in Cardiff and Caerphilly council regions. Their findings show that 54 GP practices in Wales and 26 practices in Cardiff alone, are in areas where the air pollution exceed the World Health Organisation’s safe air pollution limit.

The BLF also warns that PM2.5 particles (particles which come directly from road transport in local areas) may be “small enough to pass through the lungs and into the bloodstream”. Recent findings from the Welsh Assembly’s Research Service links air pollution to 2,000 deaths per year in Wales, highlighting serious concerns for public health. A spokeswoman from the Welsh Government said in a statement that they were “grateful to the British Lung Foundation for its report and will consider its findings”, and emphasised their aims to “develop wider policy to improve air quality and protect public health in Wales” The encouragement of active travel and leading healthier lifestyles has led to the seen rise in schemes across the city including the Nextbike bike service and free of charge Park and Ride bus services to the University Hospital of Wales site, which was recently made free of charge by the Cardiff and Vale UHB. However, with the findings of the BLF and the severity of the issue which evidently causes such a threat to public health, many are questioning whether the Welsh Government’s strategies as outlined in the supplement put forward to the court, is enough to tackle such a widespread problem.

Half of students have less than 10% of loans left after Christmas festivities

Research carried out by VoucherCodes reveals Christmas shopping this year has left most university students in their overdrafts

by Gee Harland

he holiday season has proven to be very difficult for Cardiff University students this year. Infographics released by VoucherCodes has revealed many students have been left in their overdrafts post Christmas shopping. The website surveyed 1,002 students across the country for their research. They focused on asking students how they will be celebrating Christmas this year and aimed to reveal any challenges students face joining the festivities. One of the main challenges of the Christmas season for students is financial difficultly. Many students wholly rely on their loans to live independently through University. This means the festive season brings a lot of students into their overdrafts, due to the extra expenses. It has been set that Cardiff students will spend an average of £145.60 on gifts, travel and their festive celebrations this Christmas. Some students spend more than £100 on travel alone. VoucherCodes reveal that threequarters (74%) of Cardiff students admit they significantly cut back on

their spending during December so they can afford Christmas. Another two-fifths (44%) admit to borrowing money from their parents until their next student loan in January. One University student states: “I constantly worry about money. I’m working so many night shifts I literally am scared I’m going to fall asleep all the time. I’m so tired I skip meals because I’m terrified, I don’t have money”. It is not just the financial difficulties that makes the Christmas period hard for students. The research also revealed that the majority of Cardiff students (71%) claim it is difficult to work on assignments and revise during the festive period. Almost half (44%) of students even claim they do not enjoy the festive period due to University pressures. Sophie Lay, a postgraduate student, claims: “You have no time or space to struggle while you have deadlines to work on. Not to mention the fact lots of people struggle at this time of year so support is hard to come by”. However, there is a more positive element for students going home at Christmas. Many students (71%) stat-

ing their Christmas dinner is the best home-cooked meal since moving to University. Anita Naik, Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk, concludes: “Christmas is a special time of year to celebrate the festivities with family

and friends”. “For students, it can mean so much more as they try to break free from the stresses of university life and briefly enjoy the perks of being surrounded by familiar faces, not least Christmas dinner and not having to pay bills!”

Holiday expenses: The holiday season has proven to be financially difficult for Cardiff University students (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BYWYD CAMPWS

To contact our campus life desk, drop us an email at campuslife@gairrhydd.com

CAMPUS LIFE

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/campuslife

Your campus life desk Ashley Boyle Cerian Jones

Your Guide to Cardiff this week

Jingle bells from prison cells and music all the way by Ashley Boyle

t’s the last week of term, and therefore the last Gair Rhydd of 2018, and as always, Campus Life is here to fill you in with What’s On in Cardiff before you depart home for Christmas! On campus, the Students’ Union has several wintery events to conclude the first semester, including Comedy Central Live, Bingo Lingo and the reimagined clubnights such as Snolo and Lashing Through the Snow. Tom Allen, Andy Robinson,

George Lewis and Michael Odewale are the comedians performing at the event. And, your ticket includes a two-pinter of beer or cider! Society performaces are continuing throughout this week also, starting with Cardiff University’s Brass Band performance in the School of Music and the Jazz Society Christmas Jam in Locos, both on Tuesday. If you cannnot decide what to see, the Students’ Union is holding a Winter Showcase Variety Performance. They have performances by

A Cappella, Broadway Dance Society, Blank Verse, Healthcare Drama Society and the Medieval Re-enactment Society. Off campus, there are plently of opportunities to get you in the Christmas spirit, including several musical opportunities. One of the most interesting being the carol service at The Clink Restaurant, a restaurant which has prisoners from Cardiff prison serving food. All of the ticket proceeds will go to the Ebenezer Church homeless fund.

If you’re up early enough on Wednesday, you could visit The Bigmoose Coffee Co. for their Merry Christmas Morning between 6am and 9am where there will be smothies, yoga, meditation sessions and cracking Christmas games. Fans of East 17, the group behind the hit Christmas song Stay Another Day, will be pleased to hear the group are playing in Tramshed this Sunday and their ticket - costing just £12 - also includes a complimentary drink.

BYWYD CAMPWS

University Gyms Exposed

Steep university gym prices are too high, students claim

Data collected by Gair Rhydd by Cerian Jones

he Cardiff University Fitness Centre is the Students Union’s hub for the athletic union and houses the majority of Cardiff University’s smaller sports facilities. However, known to students as the SU gym, finding information online proves difficult as it’s offically called “Cardiff University Fitness & Squash centre” Located on Senghenydd road, next door to the Student’s Union, the Fitness Centre easy for students to access, and it is one of the cheaper gyms in the city, according to statistics. However, the Fitness Centre requires payment for the full year upfront: it is not possible to pay monthly for membership. This is not ideal for most people who would not be prepared to make a 12 month commitment, and one would need to go to the gym at least twice a week to get the most out of their money. Erasmus students, who are only here for one term, more casual gym-goers, and most students who go home for the holidays won’t make use of the gym in Cardiff during that time. Many students agreed, in a survey we conducted that they would be more likely to sign up if they could pay in instalments instead of a lump sum at the start of term. They agreed that “A rolling per month contract would be ideal”. Rent, bills, and other student expenses are all taken out of bank accounts in lump sums. One student stated that “As far as I’m aware, those who have membership are satisfied with the gym and seeing as it’s the closest to the student area, it makes sense to attend. However,

Data collected by Gair Rhydd in an online survey I would much rather pay per month and know I can cancel at any point and stop payments if I’m heading home or have deadlines, than pay such a large lump sum. I feel that if you have the money to afford it upfront like that then great, but I feel a lot of students, including myself, are put off by the large payment.” We reached out to the Athletic Union for comment on pricing and why there is no option for a termly or monthly payment, but to no avail, we have yet to receive a conclusive response. Of course, the Fitness Centre allows students to pay once per session: for a joining fee of £14, students then only need to pay £3.50 per gym session. These expenses add up, however; and students claim other gyms in Cardiff are cheaper for individual sessions in the long-term. One student commented that “The SU gym and other CU sports facilities are surprisingly expensive given they are meant to be for students.” And according to our data, other students agree. The gym itself consists of three floors: one with machines

and free weights, one above with treadmills and cardio stuff, then the top floor with serious weights. Access to all of those for as long as you need, does get quite busy. Unfortunately, for us night owl students it’s not 24-hour, but closes at 9pm. Some students commented that they would like a swimming pool in-

“The SU gym and other CU sports facilities are surprisingly expensive given they are meant to be for students.”

Data collected by Gair Rhydd in an online survey cluded in the facilities they have access to with their membership. Some also stated that there could be more weights and machines and the quality of the ones already in place could be improved. One student who used the SU Gym and then switched to another said that the SU facilities were good, offering “more space” than private gyms, but that he moved to another because it was 24 hour, and “that was convenient, because I could go when it’s quiet”, many other students in our survey agreed that the Cardiff University gym was often too busy. According to a survey we conducted, some students feel that the gym is “Very, very small and cramped. Not nearly enough equipment for a university gym,” especially as it seems to get very busy, and is not big enough to cater to large quantities of students. Another stated that “Going to the gym is more or less impossible between the hours of 5pm and 8pm on weekdays.”, while others said that the University gyms are “Always crowded”, especially the facilities in the Talybont complex. In conclusion many students do find the gym to be accessible and affordable for their needs, but there is an even larger number of students who find the gym too expensive and inconvenient. The University and the Student’s Union should be looking out for the students and adopting ways to save us money to show they understand it’s tough financially, among other things, for students.

Data collected by Gair Rhydd in an online survey

Heath Campus Gym: how does Heath compare?

by Freddie Colleran

ithout being as polished and trendy as some city centre gyms, Cardiff Medical Centre Sports and Social Club offers an ample array of exercise equipment for a reasonable membership price of £18 per month. Situated in Heath near (the) University Hospital of Wales, its location presents it as an potential alternative to the aforementioned city gyms for those who live in Heath, Gabalfa or Roath and don’t have time to trek into the city and back. The strongest assets of this gym are its range of cardiovascular equipment and its practical emptiness, together meaning that treadmills, exercise bikes, cross trainers etc. are almost guaranteed to be available at any time of day. This accessibility translates into the resistance equipment and free weight facilities, but, caveat emptor, some of this equipment could be regarded as antiquated and worn when compared to apparatus at other Cardiff gyms. Also, between the hours of 7pm and 8pm on a Wednesday, the resistance machines and free weights are off limits, which clashes slightly with a student’s weekly schedule. Fundamentally, however, this gym is more than adequate to make you break a sweat and ache the next day.

taf od

Barn y Bobol

Eich unig gyhoeddiad myfyrwyr wythnosol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Sefydlwyd: 2003 I gysylltu â ni, e-bostiwch tafod@gairrhydd.com Am fwy o gynnwys, ewch i gairrhydd.com/tafod

BYWYD Y BRIFYSGOL

Pen-blwydd hapus, Taf-od!

Gyda’r Taf-od yn dathlu pymtheg mlynedd ers ei sefydlu yn 2003, gofynnwn i rai o fyfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd am bwysigrwydd cynrychiolaeth cyfrwng-Cymraeg yng nghyfryngau myfyrwyr.

Sgwrs gydag un o olygyddion gwreiddiol Taf-od, Angharad Naylor

Gwen Shenton Myfyrwraig blwyddyn gyntaf Newyddiaduraeth

Heb os, mae cynrychiolaeth cyfrwng Cymraeg ar gyfryngau myfyrwyr y Brifysgol eleni yn arbennig! Rhaid canmol y myfyrwyr sydd yn rhoi eu hamser i greu, ysgrifennu a chyflwyno cynnwys sydd yn berthnasol, safonol ac yn bwysicach fyth, yn ddiddorol ac yn hwylus. Mae’r cynnwys sydd yn cael ei greu wir yn dangos y Gymraeg ar ei orau, ac yn gwneud i ni fyfyrwyr werthfawrogi’r iaith, ein cerddoriaeth a’r pethau sydd yn bwysig i ni.

Elen Jones

Myfyrwraig ail flwyddyn Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth Fel myfyrwraig sy’n astudio trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, mae Taf-od yn gyfle gwych i hybu newyddiadura Cymraeg ymysg pobl ifanc a newyddiadurwyr y dyfodol. Mae’n hollbwysig bod yr iaith Gymraeg a’i diwylliant yn cael statws o fewn papur newydd y brifysgol ym mhrifddinas Cymru er mwyn addysgu ac arddangos bywyd lliwgar myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd.

Sion Ford

Myfyriwr ail flwyddyn Newyddiaduraeth I mi, mae’n bwysig oherwydd y ffaith syml ei fod yn cynnig platfform Cymraeg yn ein cyfryngau myfyrwyr. Cyfle ydyw i annog trafodaeth am faterion cyfoes, gan amlaf sy’n effeithio arnom ni. Wrth ystyried y diffyg amrywiaeth sy’n bodoli yng nghyfryngau Cymru, mae angen Taf-od er mwyn i’r straeon, barnau a sgyrsiau angenrheidiol gario ymlaen.

Y darllen yn parhau: Angharad Naylor gyda rhifyn diweddaraf Taf-od. (Tarddiad: Tomos Evans) gan Tomos Evans

e, mae’n swyddogol. Mae’r Taf-od yn bymtheg mlwydd oed! Wrth i 2018 ddirwyn i ben, cawn gyfle i ôl-fyfyrio ar flwyddyn hynod lwyddiannus i’r Taf-od. Cafodd rhifyn uniaith Gymraeg cyntaf o Gair Rhydd ei gyhoeddi yn ystod wythnos yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol ym Mae Caerdydd, mae’r Taf-od wedi cael ei neilltuo fel papur o fewn papur ac mae cynnwys cyfrwng-Cymraeg bellach yn cael ei gynhyrchu gan bob rhan o Gyfryngau Myfyrwyr y Brifysgol, diolch i sefydliad CMCC. Ond, gyda charreg filltir wedi’i chyrraedd, cyfle da sydd gennym i edrych ar sut ddechreuodd yr holl beth.

Mae’n rhaid dechrau’n rhywle a ‘dych chi ddim wedyn yn gwybod i ble mae hynny’n mynd i arwain. Yn 2003, daeth criw o fyfyrwyr at ei gilydd i fod yn olygyddion cyntaf y Taf-od. Y drindod honno oedd Ang-

harad George, Rhys Iorwerth a Dewi Llyr. Yn ddiweddar, cefais y cyfle i gyfweld ag Angharad Naylor, fel mae hi bellach, am sut ddatblygodd y syniad gwreiddiol i mewn i realiti. Ond, yn ôl Angharad, sydd bellach yn ddarlithydd yn Ysgol y Gymraeg, doedd hi ddim yn hawdd cychwyn arni. “Tîm bach o’n ni ac efallai’r un rhai oedd yn cyfrannu’n wythnosol...o’dd ‘na dudalen neu hanner tudalen yn wythnosol ond un neu ddau neu dri o ni fyddai’n cyfrannu ac yn golygu.” Doedd hi ddim o reidrwydd wedi disgwyl yr esblygiad sydd wedi cymryd lle dros y bymtheg mlynedd diwethaf. Dywedodd mai eu bwriad oedd “Trïo denu neu godi ymwybyddiaeth ac efallai’r ymdeimlad ‘na o jyst dechrau rhywbeth...bod e jyst yn norm bod ‘na dudalennau o eitemau Cymraeg yn y papur...Mae’n rhaid dechrau’n rhywle a ‘dych chi ddim wedyn yn gwybod i ble mae hynny’n mynd i arwain.” Anelodd tîm Taf-od i geisio apelio at gynulleidfa mor eang â phosibl. “Aethon ni ati i greu eitemau ar gyfer siaradwyr Cymraeg ac yna falle bod ‘na ‘Gofod Geiriau’ neu rywbeth ar gyfer dysgwyr yn wythnosol ‘fyd.” O ran hoff erthygl, does dim un sy’n aros yn y cof, ond yn ôl Angharad, “O’n nhw fel arfer yn erthyglau...o’dd

yn ymwneud â’r brifysgol. Byddai’n ddifyr mynd ‘nôl a gweld rhai ohonyn nhw.”

Beth sy’n wahanol nawr yw mae rhagor o gyfleoedd i astudio trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yma. Mae’r broses o greu’r cynnwys yn sicr yn un sydd wedi newid. Dyweda Angharad “Bydden i’n creu’r eitemau ar Word ac yna roedden nhw’n mynd (...) at Brif Olygydd y papur ac roedd e’n eu trosglwyddo i PDFs.” Teimla Angharad yn gryf bod Tafod yn parhau i fod yn bwysig heddiw fel “Bod ‘na rhywbeth yna i gymaint o siaradwyr Cymraeg ac sydd yma nawr achos mae’r twf wedi bod yn aruthrol... ond hefyd, beth sy’n wahanol nawr yw mae rhagor o gyfleoedd i astudio trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yma. Mae’n rhoi cyfle i bobl (...) roi’r iaith ar waith.” Ond, oes newid wedi bod mewn agweddau tuag at y Gymraeg? Yn ôl An-

gharad, “Mae ‘na dal waith i’w wneud ond dw i’n meddwl fod hynny’n wir mewn unrhyw sefyllfa o ran ymwybyddiaeth iaith. Ond dw i’n credu fod y ffaith fod yna dudalennau wythnosol a bod ‘na eitemau da, hir, wythnosol, nid pytiau byr ad hoc, yn beth da sy’n dangos bod ‘na gysondeb a dyma yw norm Gair Rhydd erbyn hyn.” O ran lle’r Gymraeg yn Gair Rhydd, ychwanega Angharad, “Dw i’n credu bod ‘na le i gael y ddwy iaith ochr yn ochr achos dyna yw natur y brifysgol. Hynny yw, weithiau chi’n gallu ennill mwy drwy gael y ddwy gyda’i gilydd na chael ar wahân. Mae hynny’n un ffordd wedyn o beidio carfanu’r Gymraeg i un pegwn efallai. Un peth sy’n wahanol iawn am gymdeithas heddiw o’i gymharu â phymtheg mlynedd yn ôl yw’r defnydd o gyfryngau cymdeithasol. Medd Angharad, “Erbyn hyn, mae pethau fel Trydar yn gallu dod â sylw i’r meysydd yma, a dw i’n credu fod hynny jyst yn gwbl allweddol o ran newid ethos.” Y cyngor gan un o olygyddion y gorffennol ar gyfer golygyddion y dyfodol, felly? “Cadw i fynd sydd angen, ond mae’n ddibynnol ar fyfyrwyr sy’n frwd ac eisiau gwneud.” Pen-blwydd hapus, felly, Taf-od. Hir oes!

CHWARAEON

TAF-OD

Golygyddion y Gorffennol

Cyfle i weld ble mae rhai o gyn-olygyddion Taf-od erbyn heddiw Sara Orwig Gradd: BA Cymraeg a Ffrangeg Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2008-09 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? I fi, o’n i’n meddwl bod o’n le i drafod y Gymraeg a hefyd gwneud y Gymraeg yn rhywbeth gweledol i’r myfyrwyr eraill hynny sy’n darllen (Gair Rhydd), bod nhw’n gweld bod ‘na le i’r Gymraeg ynddi hefyd, felly, a falle ennyn diddordeb. Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Dw i newydd orffen fy PHD ar gyfnewid côd, felly’r defnydd o’r Gymraeg a’r Saesneg gyda’i gilydd, sut ‘dan ni’n cymysgu, Wenglish a’r math yna o beth.

Carwyn Williams

Gradd: BA Hanes, MSc Newyddiaduraeth Gyfrifiadurol a Data Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2015-16 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Ar hyn o bryd, mae newyddiaduriaeth yng Nghymru yn brin, yn enwedig yn y Gymraeg. Mae Taf-od yn gyfle i dargedu cynnwys at gynulleidfa benodol, cyfarwydd, i drio pethau newydd ac i wneud yn siŵr nid yw Gair Rhydd yn colli ei ystyr. Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Golygydd Digidol i Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru yn gweithio ar wefan newydd.

Liam Ketcher

Gradd: Cymraeg gyda modiwlau Newyddiaduraeth. Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2016-17 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Mae Taf-od yn bwysig i mi oherwydd dyma oedd y cyfle cyntaf ges i fod yn rhan o ochr golygyddol y papur. Heb Taf-od, ni fyddem wedi parhau i olygu a dod yn brif olygydd ar Gair Rhydd. Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Dw i nawr yn gweithio fel newyddiadurwr yn nhîm materion cyfoes Cymraeg ITV Cymru, yn creu cynnwys materion cyfoes newydd ar gyfer Hansh.

Tomos Lewis

Gradd: BA Newyddiaduraeth, Cyfryngau ac Astudiaethau Diwylliannol Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2012-13 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Mae’n andros o bwysig o ran cael profiad cyn mynd allan o’r brifysgol a chwilio am swydd. Pan oeddwn i’n coleg, doedd fy ngradd ddim â andros o lot o elfennau fel mynd allan i newyddiadura ond yn ffodus i ni mae ‘na lefydd fel Taf-od, neu Gair Rhydd.

Cerith Rhys Jones Gradd: BA Cymraeg a Gwleidyddiaeth

Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2013-14 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Roedd Taf-od imi yn ffordd wych o gyfuno dau bwnc fy ngradd a hynny trwy ysgrifennu’n gyson am wleidyddiaeth Cymru yn y Gymraeg. Roedd yn gyfnod hwylus iawn o ddod i adnabod darpar-newyddiadurwyr Cymraeg eraill yn ogystal â gweddill tîm Gair Rhydd.

Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Dw i’n gweithio i’r BBC. Dw i’n Uwch Newyddiadurwr Darlledu yn gweithio yn yr adran newyddion ers bron i bum mlynedd. Felly, diolch i Taf-od mae’n siŵr, dw i ‘di bod yn lwcus iawn yn cael swydd reit dda.

Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Dw i nawr yn gweithio fel Rheolwr Materion Allanol gydag Undeb Cenedlaethol y Myfyrwyr Cymru. Mae’r swydd yn cwmpasu rheoli ein gweithgareddau cyfathrebu, ymgyrchu, materion cyhoeddus, cysylltiadau â rhanddeiliaid, cyfieithu, a chyngor gwleidyddol i’r swyddogion etholedig.

Rhian Floyd

Osian Wyn Morgan

Gradd: BA Cymraeg & Iaith Saesneg Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2016 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Mae’n sicrhau bod newyddion o bwys i Gymry’r Brifysgol yn cael ei glywed a chyfle gwych i ddatblygu sgiliau newyddiadura wrth gyfrannu. Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Newydd ddechrau swydd fel is-weithredwr cyfrif gyda chwmni cyfathrebu, PR a marchnata yng Nghaerdydd o’r enw Equinox.

Elen Davies Gradd: Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth.

Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2017-18

Gradd: BA yn Y Gymraeg

Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2016-18 Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Mae’n bwysig iawn fod y Gymraeg i’w gweld ochr yn ochr â’r Saesneg yn nhudalennau’r Gair Rhydd. Nid yn unig yw’r Taf-od yn arddangos dwyieithrwydd Cymru i’r myfyrwyr di-Gymraeg sy’n bwrw golwg drwy dudalennau’r papur, ond mae’n rhoi’r cyfle i fyfyrwyr Cymraeg y Brifysgol ddarllen am ddigwyddiadau lleol, cenedlaethol a rhyngwladol drwy gyfrwng eu mamiaith. Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Ar hyn o bryd rwy’n cwblhau MA mewn Astudiaethau Cymraeg a Cheltaidd ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, a byddaf yn dechrau swydd gyda’r Gwasanaeth Sifil yn 2019.

Aled Huw Russell

Gradd: Newyddiaduraeth, y Cyfryngau a Diwylliant.

Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Mae’r Taf-od yn sicrhau fod newyddion am Gymru, yng Nghymru i’r Cymry Cymraeg yng Nghaerdydd yn cael ei greu yn wythnosol. Pa beth gwell? Mae’n holl bwysig bod y math hwn o newyddion yn bodoli. Mae’r Taf-od hefyd yn wych gan ei fod yn rhoi cyfle i bobl ifanc i fagu hyder wrth dorri straeon newydd a gwreiddiol ynghyd â bod yn blatfform gwych i’w llais gael ei glywed a’i werthfawrogi a hynny yn y Gymraeg.

Cyfnod fel Golygydd: 2017-18

Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Dw i’n gweithio fel newyddiadurwraig yn adran materion cyfoes Gymraeg ITV Cymru.

Beth ‘ych chi’n ‘neud bellach? Dw i wrthi yn gorffen fy nhrydedd blwyddyn ac Eich adran taf-od yn gobeithio mynd mewn Llion Carbis i’r byd gwaith wedi Tomos Evans graddio!

Pam bod Taf-od yn bwysig i chi? Mae Taf-od yn bwysig i mi gan ei fod yn atgoffa pobl fod y Gymraeg yn fyw ac yn ffynnu yn y Brifddinas, yn enwedig ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd. Yn ogystal â hyn mae Taf-od yn rhoi cyfleoedd gwerthfawr i fyfyrwyr ennill profiad amhrisiadwy wrth iddynt weld eu gwaith yn cael ei olygu a’i gyhoeddi.

tafod@gairrhydd.com

TAF OD

Am fwy o gynnwys, ewch i gairrhydd.com/tafod

CHWARAEON

Adolygiad y flwyddyn: Ail daniad y ddraig

gan Iestyn Harries

Campau Cymru: Wrth i’r flwyddyn ddirwyn i ben, sut hwyl gaeth Gymru yn y campau eleni? Tarddiad: Tomos Evans

ae digwyddiadau’r byd chwaraeon yng Nghymru dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf wedi bod yn rhai bythgofiadwy. Eto mae’r wlad yn sefydlu ei hun ar y map ac yn brwydro o gystadleuaeth i gystadleuaeth â rhai o wledydd mwyaf y byd. Ni fydd Geraint Thomas y seiclwyr o Gaerdydd yn anghofio’r flwyddyn mae e newydd gael. I gyd-fynd gyda’r medalau aur Olympaidd enillodd yn Rio a Llundain mae’r Cymro yn dal un o deitlau mwyaf adnabyddus y byd chwaraeon, ennillydd y Tour De France. Enillodd y crys melyn trwy ennill cam 11 y ras yn La Rosière, Savoie ac fe ddaliodd y crys yr holl ffordd i Baris. Geraint oedd y Cymro cyntaf, a’r trydydd seiclwr Prydeinig ar ôl Bradley Wiggins a Chris Froome, i ennill y daith. Enillodd Geraint Thomas y daith gyda Team Sky sydd o dan arweinyddiaeth y Cymro Dave Brailsford. Yn ddiweddar, ca-

fodd Thomas yr anhrydedd o ennill teitl Personoliaeth Chwaraeon y Flwyddyn gyda BBC Cymru. Gobeithio gall Geraint Thomas fynd ymlaen i gipio mwy o dlysau’r byd seiclo, ond mae’r llwyddiant y flwyddyn yma yn un sy’n amhrisiadwy iddo. Mae tîm rhyngwladol rygbi’r wlad wedi cael blwyddyn lwyddiannus hefyd, wrth iddynt edrych ymlaen at flwyddyn anferthol 2019. Am y tro cyntaf erioed fe wnaeth tîm Warren Gatland ennill pob un gêm ym mhencampwriaeth Under Armour yr Hydref. Curodd y tîm rhai o rymoedd mwyaf y byd rygbi megis Awstralia a De Affrica. Mae’r canlyniadau yma wedi llenwi’r cefnogwyr â gobeithion wrth iddynt baratoi at Gwpan y Byd allan yn Siapan yn 2019. Gyda Warren Gatland yn gadael ar ôl Cwpan y Byd ac yn trosglwyddo ei waith i Wayne Pivac rheolwr y Scarlets, bydd y gŵr o Seland Newydd yn frwdfrydig iawn i fynd un

cam ymhellach na 2011 a chyrraedd y rownd derfynol. Heb os, mae’r flwyddyn wedi bod yn dda iawn ond bydd yr holl feirniadaeth yn cael ei wneud ar sail digwyddiadau mis Medi nesaf. Blwyddyn sydd wedi bod yn heriol wrth i Ryan Giggs gymryd dros fel hyfforddwr y garfan bêl-droed. Mae’n gyfnod o drawsnewid i Giggs a’r tîm wrth i lawer o arwyr Ewros ’16 adael i alluogi’r bois ifanc ddod i mewn. Siomedig oedd gweld y tîm yn colli’r cyfle i ennill dyrchafiad i Grŵp A o’r UEFA Nations League wrth iddynt golli i Ddenmarc yn y brifddinas. Ond, mae’r dyfodol yn un sy’n ddisglair iawn i bêl-droed Cymru gyda chwaraewyr megis Harry Wilson ac Ethan Ampadu yn dechrau dod i’r amlwg. Eto bydd llygaid y byd ar Gareth Bale wrth i’r garfan baratoi ar gyfer ceisio gyrraedd Ewros 2020 ond gyda mwy o brofiad a help rhai o reolwyr gorau’r byd, mae Cymru’n

obeithiol bydd Giggs yn dod â llwyddiant yn ôl i bêl-droed y wlad. Nid ydym yn gallu anghofio llwyddiant tîm rhyngwladol merched y wlad. Daeth Carfan Jayne Ludlow mor agos i gyrraedd Cwpan y Byd ond collodd y tîm 2-0 i Loegr. Ymlaen at 2019! Am y tro cyntaf erioed gwnaeth Cymro ennill cystadleuaeth Grand Slam Darts. Gerwyn Price, sydd wedi chwarae rygbi dros Gastell-nedd yn y gorffennol oedd y Cymro wnaeth ennill. Mae enw Gerwyn ar y map ers iddo gipio’r fuddugoliaeth yn Wolverhampton. Gobeithio gall y Cymro gario’r llwyddiant ymlaen at y flwyddyn nesaf. Am flwyddyn! Mae’r wlad yn llongyfarch holl lwyddiant Cymru dros y flwyddyn nesaf ac yn dymuno’n dda wrth i un o flynyddoedd mwyaf chwaraeon Cymruein cyrraedd.

Yn Trafod yr wythnos hon... Lois Eckley 1. Pwy wyt ti a beth wyt ti’n astudio? Lois ydw i o Ddyffryn Nantlle a dw i’n astudio Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth. 2. Fel glasfyfyriwr, beth oeddet ti’n edrych ymlaen ato fwya cyn dod i’r brifysgol?

Fy hoff le ar y funud yw Clwb Ifor Bach, dwi’n hoffi Parc Biwt hefyd. 4. Beth oedd dy air cyntaf? Dwmi, yn ôl Mam. 5. Pa seleb(s) fyddet ti’n gwahodd i dy dŷ am goffi? Ruth Jones.

Rhai o’r prif bethau roeddwn yn edrych ymlaen tuag at yn y brifysgol oedd y rhyddid, cael mynd allan ac hefyd bod mor agos i’r siopau.

6. Beth yw dy bryd bwyd delfrydol?

3. Beth yw dy hoff le yng Nghaerdydd?

7. Pwy oeddet ti’n ffansïo pan oeddet ti’n iau?

Eich adran taf-od Llion Carbis Tomos Evans tafod@gairrhydd.com

Seafood linguine.

Rhaid mai Harry Styles.

9. Bwyta mewn neu fwyta mas? Pam? Cinio adre, swper allan! Dw i’n hoffi trio llefydd newydd ond hefyd yn hoffi bwyd mam. 10. Beth yw dy hoff ddiwrnod o’r flwyddyn a pham? Dw i methu rhoid dyddiad penodol, ond dw i wrth fy modd gyda wythnos yr eisteddfod genedlaethol. 11. Oes gennyt unrhyw arferion drwg? Mae bwyta pan dwi’n bôrd wedi dod yn un o fy arferfion drwg ers dechrau’r brifysgol.

12. Beth fyddai dy leoliad gw8. Beth yw dy hoff raglen deledu? yliau delfrydol? Unai Silent Witness neu Crimewatch.

Fyswn i wrth fy modd cael mynd i Thailand!

13. Pe taset yn gallu bod yn rhywun arall am ddiwrnod, pwy fyddet ti’n dewis? Beyoncé, ma’n siwr. 14. Disgrifia dy hun mewn tri gair. Cymdeithasol, hwyl a diog. 15. Pwy fydd yn ‘Trafod gyda’r Taf-od’ y tro nesaf? Elin Lloyd.

Student Wins â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We worked in partnership with the University to get approval for the Radiology and Haematology Seminar Rooms in the Main Hospital to be refurbished. Watch those spaces in 2019!â&#x20AC;&#x2122; - Jen, your VP Heath

SYLWADAU

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Your comment desk Alys Hewitt Hannah Newberry Emma Videan Columnist Karis Pearson

Could we change the world if we could be bothered? Elon Musk’s comments call into question our work ethic as a first world country.

By Hannah Newberry

ast week, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, was quoted saying that if we wanted to ‘change the world’, our efforts need to extend to working 80-100 hours a week. This has incited much debate among Twitter users, exploring both angles of this dilemma - that our nations are notoriously overworked already, and that simultaneously some of us could be doing a lot more. Musk’s remark has been subjected to further analysis from critics, and it’s worrying how much of a debilitating impact a longer working week could have. And is ‘changing the world’ really an amenable end goal or merely a metaphor for boosting our employer’s wealth? The financial divide between employer and employee is excessive, nonsensical and unethical. Should we be shaming workers into ‘trying harder’ when they’re seldom rewarded with anything more than a basic living wage? I view the notion of ‘changing the world’ as something that should focus a lot more around ensuring that workers have a high quality of life, and not producing reluctant employees that consider themselves chained to their desks. This is a broad concept so I don’t feel like it should be squandered by looking at change from the perspective of Wall Street or economic targets. The implications of this are not only worrying, but outright dangerous. Workers are putting their own safety on the line from being so tired even on the current legal working week. A study revealed the shocking impact of employment pressures when it was found that 40% of doctors admitted falling

ing cover for sick

Should a country this economically developed be this overburdened? Source: Tesla Owners Club Belgium (via Flickr) asleep or being close to it while driving (or exhausted) workers creates home from their shifts. ‘Burning the far more problems than it solves. midnight oil’ is not a sign of commitWe have already created a dangerment or work ethic and I feel it’s incred- ous illusion around work ethic in this ibly misleading to associate unhealthy country, so we do not need to be dishabits with desirable personality traits. crediting those who already do too The UK has some of the worst much. It’s far too common for us to laws for striking and employ- assume that people working sixty hour ment rights in the western world. weeks only do so because they choose Our opportunities to appeal and to live an exuberant lifestyle or have protest against violations are menial, no alternative career path, and simulso is this really an opinion that could taneously begrudging those who work manifest itself beyond a comment part-time for their laziness when there on a public platform? Or would this are an array of reasons why part-time open up our workforce to further ex- work will never go out of fashion. ploitation when we should be actively We have seen technological adseeking to enhance our methods of vancement like no other generation, redress against these issues anyway? and we are more productive now than Putting Musk’s theory in prac- ever before. So why don’t we need to tice could actually produce a back- work less? Why are we facing debt, wards effect depending on what lack of affordable housing and reduntype of workers are analysed. dancy still? Because the free market Generally, jobs that force longer is a breeding ground for exploitahours on their employees see more tion, and serving an 80 hour working absences and a higher turnover rate week would merely stretch us to a of staff. The excess time and resources psychological breaking point (and spent training new people and find- irony comes full circle as our NHS

staff are simply too exhausted to provide us with any mental health advice). I can safely say that from my own personal experience of working five to six jobs over the course of the summer, that my consequent struggle with trying to settle down and be comfortable within myself at any point thereafter was not worth whatever brief surge of self-worth I endured. People don’t need to work longer hours to better their productivity – they need their basic needs met by the people who can already afford to do it. If we ever feel the need to desperately reform the workplace, we should be looking at incentivising staff, eliminating the ridiculous pay cuts that we take while our employer’s wealth substantially grows, and considering offering extra support so our employees actually want to work. It’s all well and good bringing home the wage packet for a 100 hour work week, but what’s money to someone who can’t bring themselves to get out of bed in the morning for fear of what the working day will bring? I conclude with Diana Hussein’s insightful retaliation to these comments; ‘the labour movement is bigger than whatever self-serving agenda you’re trying to achieve’. It is fundamentally important to remember that every company we rely on for a service would be nothing without its workers. If we subjected our CEOs to the same abstention of legal rights, working conditions and pay rate as their most expendable worker, we would soon be able to objectively see if the 100 hour working week is achievable without psychological consequences.

Where did all the shops go?

The Amazon marketplace battle rages on against the likes of Clintons and Paperchase

by Yi Lam Tang friend of mine is going to study on the Erasmus programme next semester. Our friends and I planned to give her a farewell gift. Instead of discussing what was suitable for her, the first thing we did was to search gift ideas online. After that, we searched google and tried to compare the prices on Argos, Amazon, etc. At last, we found a few cute hats on the H&M website and went to the shop the next day to get it. That made me wonder how the internet has changed our shopping methods. Indeed, online shopping is becoming more and more popular as it provides more options and it is often cheaper and more convenient. Have you ever had a sleepless night and decided to browse shopping websites until you are tired? Online shopping is far more convenient as it works 24/7. Some of it even provides next day delivery. By the time you wake up, your order might already be in your mailbox, a few steps away from your front door. It is much less troublesome than walking in to

town and fetching things as you go, and being time-effective is crucial for busy Uni students. Sometimes online shopping can even be more practical as fewer products are needed. As a contact-lenses user, getting contact lenses online does not require any prescription, making it easier than buying them in spectacle shops. It is therefore understandable that online shops are more popular now - given our increasing demand for things and decreasing spare time to get them. Other than that, instead of going on a spree, we shop online as you can find a sale almost every day. Online shopping websites always have discounts and more sale days throughout the year, such as Free Shipping Day, Cyber Monday, etc, encouraging those of us on loans to shop online instead. The cost of maintaining a website is definitely lower than maintaining a shop, making it hard for the high street to compete. A lot of small-scale businesses would rather rely on their websites than running a shop, reducing

the variety of high street businesses but ensuring success for those at a disadvantage. Even if they are in a store, they will look the prices up to make sure they get a great deal, which then most likely ends in finding something better, and probably cheaper, making shopping sprees less popular. I also find that people are becoming less patient when looking for what to buy in shops. It is more common that people search for gifts online first and go grab them directly after online research, rather than shopping attentively and in a variety of stores. They spend less time walking around and choosing, feeling the texture or quality of clothing and goods. Online shopping adapted to become an element of our fast-moving culture, and in Cardiff this is fundamental. Despite the quality, consumers pay attention to the price and efficiency overall. There is a growing concern that as people shop online, they are having less and less social interactions. People used to share the joy of choosing and hunt-

ing for gifts. They spent time together just to get the most perfect gift, hoping that the receivers will be happy. It seems like people are losing the spirit of giving as they add the hundredth top-selling gift of the day to their cart. But we’re too caught up in the other demands of life to worry about that anymore.

Is our obsession with online shopping killing the high street? Source: rawpixel (via Unsplash)

COLOFN

Lobbying for better healthcare or higher profits? by Emma Videan

The Guardian has released the ‘Implant Files project’ that has raised major concerns about lobbying in the health sector.

ecently, The Guardian has been investigating the implants industry. The so-called ‘Implant Files project’ has documented a huge amount of information and evidence that proves that medical devices are not put through rigorous enough testing before being given to patients. The case studies include breast implants that increase the chance of a rare form of cancer and pacemakers that stopped working after three years rather than their advertised ten. The Guardian reported that some doctors with close industry ties have been keen to adopt new devices early on to boost their professional standing and plans for tougher EU rules that have been watered down after industry lobbying. In Europe, the medical technology market is estimated to be worth £98m a year and makers have to get approval from just one notified body to give them the CE mark that allows the distribution of the product. Medical devices also have much looser regulations than drugs in regards to their testing. To me,

this seems strange as many medical devices are put inside people’s bodies and so the fact that they may not have gone through thorough testing should be a major public concern. Without a doubt, lobbying for or against healthcare regulations is an ethically challenging task and to be honest, before reading The Guardian’s report I was somewhat naive to the fact that this wasn’t left back when tobacco companies were lobbying to sell more cigarettes and convince the public that smoking was healthy. However, this is not the only time that the effect of lobbying has been revealed. Back in 2014, it was reported that NHS bosses had allowed a lobbying company that worked for some of the world’s biggest drugs and medical equipment firms to write a draft report that would influence health policy. The Specialised Healthcare Alliance was formed to consult with patients, charities and health organisations to produce a new report that would give a five-year strategy for £12bn of services. The group was entirely funded by commercial actors and the report suggested that the NHS

People could be given risky implants that haven’t been tested enough. Source: Piron Guillaume (via Unsplash)

should reduce its spending in interventions that have lower impacts on patients and increase its spending on new services and innovations. This would directly benefit the healthcare industry, even if the new devices had low satisfaction.

These two reports indicate that when corporate companies lobby they are jeopardising the public’s health for their own corporate gain. To me, this is absolutely unacceptable and there is a definite need for increased transparency in who is providing

funds or influencing policy makers in addition to which companies have access to government officials. The issue of lobbying stretches over most sectors, however when the result is that people are being given implants that have not gone through enough testing to be deemed safe, enough is enough. In Europe, the rules are being tightened, with new medical devices regulations due to become effective in 2020; of course, we may no longer be part of the EU at this point. Additionally, The Guardian revealed that some of the problems with the ease at which devices are being put on the market would not go away due to the lobbying in the industry. This is incredibly worrying, especially as many people who suffer from these devices may be given compensation but are subject to nondisclosure agreements so that they cannot report on their experience. I understand that lobbying, by nature, is secretive but it should be in the public’s interest that manipulating health policy and silencing patients who have suffered due to a lack of device testing should not be happening.

Animal activism: metaphorical at best? Our curiosity and convenience culture relents against the compassion expressed in response to Dynasties and Blue Planet.

by Hannah Newberry

he past year has been a pivotal year for environmental pragmatism. The UN have released damning evidence that climate change is killing our planet within our own lifetimes, straws are being abandoned in favour of paper alternatives in places as big as Wetherspoons, and we have all fallen in love with the lion cubs and the penguins that parade around to the soothing background narrative of David Attenborough on BBC. Our Twitter feeds absolutely boomed when

As idyllic as this new social trend appears to be, I seek to challenge the authenticity of our concerns for the the Blue Planet series was released. Whether we were appreciating the arctic panoramas of planet Earth or rooting for an unknown fish in the depths of the ocean to find its next meal, we have fallen hard for every element of the environment that can be displayed in HD while we

take a break from our seminar prep. As idyllic as this new social trend appears to be, I seek to challenge the authenticity of our concerns for the wider world. While these riveting documentaries and daunting social campaigns are undeniably progressive, are they more innovative than genuine? Because Netflix and the BBC reap a fair profit from the amount of us that want to fawn over a clownfish, but our everyday routines seldom change in favour of the messages that these programmes aim to send. Attenborough reigns high as our animal activist icon yet described the natural ‘alarmism’ we see in the environment as a ‘turn off ’ for TV. While it’s apparent that these series cater well to the demands of a paying audience, one could hope for at least a compassionate ripple effect. For example, if we really want to do everything to save our planet, then why are aquariums and zoos not being boycotted? Why are we still perfecting Instagram Boomerangs of monkeys behind bars? Despite the fact that I am grateful we’re becoming more environmentally concerned as consumers, I view the compassion that we profess on our social media as a metaphorical ruse. In fact, I detest the current wave of feigned

far away in the Sahara, when in reality we could liberate those on our doorstep first. We are curious by nature and it’s natural that you’d want to see a lion or a penguin at some point in your life before you die. But with all these TV shows and research done about their natural lives, surely it’s better to keep your distance

If we really want to do everything to save our planet, then why are aquariums and zoos not boycotted? Animal activism: is it only good for TV viewing figures? Source: Sponchia (via Pixabay) concern we exude - purely because it forces compassion to be more about selling yourself than about being proactive and informing those who possess undesirable habits. Is it right that we’re actively offering appraisals via likes and shares to people who advocate ‘Ditch the Straw’,

while they eat fish at the dinner table? Zoos and aquariums are visited by over 700 million people every year, which can be equated to 11% of the population of the Earth. 1 in 10 of us actively finance these forms of ‘entertainment’ still to come home and root for the freedom of the animals

than witness a controlled environment where they can’t wander or mate without prior authorisation. I worry that we’re doomed to always rely on these forms of entertainment as long as urbanisation and the exigencies of life continue to alienate us from the simplicity and solitude of nature. The BBC casts a veil of complacency over us, where we continue to opt for ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ a lion cub over dismantling cruel and harmful social norms.

COMMENT

Sacked for being vegan?

After Jordi Casamitjana, a self-proclaimed ethical vegan, has claimed that he was sacked due to him spreading information about his company, League Against Cruel Sports, investing funds in firms that were involved in animal testing, students discuss whether veganism should be given the same protective rights as race, age and religion under the Equality Act. For by Chris Colbourn

lthough I doubt that The League Against Cruel Sports discriminated against Jordi Casamitjana because of his vegan beliefs (they are an animal rights charity after all), I think veganism practised for ethical reasons absolutely qualifies as a philosophical belief under the Equality Act 2010, which awards

Giving rights to a group whose beliefs conflict with yours will not make your rights any less protected

philosophical and religious beliefs equal protection. To qualify for protection under the act, an aggrieved party must be able to demonstrate that their belief is genuine, serious, consistent, worthy of respect in a democratic society, and did not conflict with the fundamental rights of others. In a similar case in 2009, a judge ruled in favour of an executive who claimed he had been fired due to his belief in manmade climate change (even though it is supported by scientific evidence) after he spoke out about his firm’s gas-guzzling corporate culture. The

judge also remarked that the act would protect political beliefs like free-market economics and Marxism. Though I am sure a significant number of omnivorous readers are rolling their eyes at the idea of giving vegans the same protections as ethnic and religious minorities, I feel I should point out that giving rights to a group whose beliefs conflict with yours will not make your rights any less protected. This year, the UK supreme court ruled in favour of a bakery in Belfast run by evangelical Christians that refused to make a cake with the words ‘support gay marriage’ on it, for an equal marriage campaigner. The court found that their right to freedom of expression meant they could not be prosecuted for refusing to express a political belief they did not hold. Don’t worry, nobody’s going to fire you for putting milk in your tea.

Against by Emma Videan

irstly, I should state that I have no issue with veganism and if Casamitjana was discriminated against because of his ethical veganism, I see it as morally unjust. However, I don’t think veganism is at the point where it should be protected to the same level as race or gender. In theory, vegans have the same l e g a l rights as people who hold religious beliefs due to their cogent, serious and important convictions that are part of the fundamental right to freedom of thought. However, this would be difficult to prove in practice. If veganism was written into the Equality Act, the court wouldn’t have much leeway to interpret it otherwise and ethical vegans would be more protected. However, to do so would create some challenges in the court of law. While ethical vegans, like Casamitjana, hold strong views about animal exploitation in all forms, including buying or wear-

ing clothing made from wool or leather, there are some people that are vegans for health reasons or because it has become somewhat fashionable. Therefore, it would be incredibly difficult to prove who is a vegan due to their strong beliefs and convictions and who isn’t. The lack of legal certainty is the reason that I am against the inclusion of veganism in legislation.

It would be incredibly difficult to prove who is a vegan due to their strong beliefs Additionally, if every belief were to be written into English discriminatory laws, which are already very protective of social groups, it would increase the chances of people falsely claiming that they have been discriminated against. The question would be, where do we draw the line? As veganism has risen in popularity, it beckons the question as to whether it is just a phase in society, or whether it is going to continue to grow and therefore create the need for vegans to have explicit protective. Certainly, a lot of this will be determined with how the Casamitjana case unfolds but in my opinion, the inclusion of veganism in the Equality Act is currently unnecessary.

Are independent club nights in crisis?

By Alys Hewitt

uch has been made of the decline of independent music venues in recent years, for varying reasons, from a lack of funding to noise complaints to increases in business rates. Cardiff’s very own Womanby Street, the city’s primary hub for live music, found itself under threat last year from the potential development of flats and a hotel amongst some of Cardiff’s best-loved venues. These plans were eventually withdrawn after an ardent campaign by venue owners, local figures and fans of live music alike, but uncertainty still lingers over the future of independent venues across the country. It is possible that we are seeing the same patterns reflected in other forms of nightlife, with many arguing that the club scene in the UK is becoming increasingly saturated with mainstream promoters and identikit club nights. This monopolisation can stifle the innovation and creativity provided by more independent nights, who are perhaps less financially driven. Mixmag cites the influence of domineering promoters who may ‘intimidate’ DJs into not playing for other promoters or brands, and DJ exclusivity deals, which place restrictions on acts with regards to how many clubs or festivals they can play in one city. Both of these factors

contribute to the increasing pressure on smaller club nights to survive. A key component to protecting this plurality is investing more support, financial or otherwise, into smaller clubs and bars. Just as smaller gig venues are integral in lending a platform to less established artists, independent nightlife is given more of a chance to thrive when there is a diverse choice of venues who are willing to take risks in the nights they decide to showcase. Cardiff boasts a few who seem to be committed to championing a wide range of independent nights; Gwdihw, for example, holds regular club nights which celebrate an eclectic selection of genres, from disco to hip hop to world music. Yet given the sheer amount of clubs in Cardiff, such venues are comparatively in the minority; and for this reason, they need protecting the most. Students are perhaps the core demographic for many club nights, and as students we have a wide range of tastes, so surely the more choice available the better. Some have even taken matters into their own hands - Ladies Night, founded and organised by Yoyin Ajala, is one example of a Cardiff-based, student-run club night, and saw its first event launching in Buffalo in October. Yoyin wanted to establish an all-female event capturing the energy of a girls

Is more variety needed in our night life? Source: Banter Snaps (via Unsplash) night out, a theme she found no other club night was celebrating at the time. It was challenging to promote, being entirely new and independently-run: “Cardiff has so many different nights on and it was hard to reach my target market past my mates and mates of mates”, and attempts at drawing attention towards it struggled to gain momentum despite it being promoted since the summer. Despite agreeing to host the event, Buffalo, Yoyin says, invested less effort into helping her promote it, displaying only two out of three promotional posters she gave out and holding a very similar female-focused event on the Monday leading up to Ladies Night. This was most likely, however, down to

the financial constraints smaller clubs face: “I think the Cardiff club scene might be too saturated for smaller venues like Buffalo to invest a lot of effort and time into independently run events like my own...ultimately they are running a business and their weekly nights bring in constant cash flow”. It is something of a vicious cycle independent club nights need the support of smaller venues, but these venues need revenue to survive, yet supporting up-and-coming DJs and events doesn’t often lead to financial gain at first. But in a landscape where smaller venues are struggling, more risks must be taken to help get independent nights off the ground, to avoid the nightlife of cities becoming devoid of individuality.

The persistent reality of racial inequality

An anti-racism protest in London - why should we still need to protest? Source: Henry Be (via Unsplash)

by Alys Hewitt

hile the face of racism might have changed in Britain, it is still alive and well. This is what figures released by The Guardian last week, which expose the stark reality of modern racial bias, indicate. Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity may be prohibited by law, and overt racism may be collectively condemned in the majority of cases, but our unconscious prejudices as a society remain, creating less visible barriers to equal opportunity. Perhaps most prevalent in the Guardian’s findings, which draw from the experiences of 1,000 black, Asian and ethnic minority citizens living in Britain, is the fact that racial bias affects those surveyed across various aspects of everyday experience, from work to social life. BAME respondents were not only almost twice as likely to feel overlooked in a job application or promotion process in an unfair manner than white respondents, but also were more likely to be refused entrance or asked to leave a bar, club or restaurant without sufficient reason, an experience recounted by 25% of BAME respondents. The pattern across the entire survey shows that non-white participants have been disproportionately affected by negative experiences, from encountering abuse in public to being treated differently because of their appearance. These experiences can arise from the unconscious bias of those of us who do not belong to an ethnic minority. This implicit prejudice is perhaps more difficult to define and tackle than more explicit forms of prejudice, but is the root of many decisions which end up placing BAME people at a disadvantage in areas such as employment, healthcare and the criminal justice system. Racial prejudice is too often seen as an archaic concept; we learn of the horrors of the past, both here in Britain and elsewhere, while unconsciously acknowledging that things are better now, that we have collectively moved on, or found that other issues have taken over the agenda. Contemporary conversations surrounding race are occupied with the need for diversity - which, although hugely important, is only one aspect of an issue which is deep-rooted and institutional. Often incidents such as the ones discussed above are viewed simply as isolated occurrences, but the poll exposes just how pervasive an everyday impact racial bias has on ethnic minorities. If we re-evaluate our perspective of these incidences, viewing them as part of a systematic and insidious culture of racism, perhaps our understanding will change and our behaviour will adapt. Evidently our efforts as a nation at inclusivity are simply not good enough; BAME Britons continue to be marginalised, stigmatised and denied opportunity. It will take a drastic change of both collective and individual attitudes, and an acknowledgement of our responsibility to take action, before the situation changes.

Karis Pearson

COLUMNROAD

COLUMN 15

All I want for Christmas is a savings loan

Christmas puts pressure on families to spend more than they can afford. Source: TLSPAMG (via Pixabay)

Christmas and class disparity. Ho ho ho?

ust like that, it’s December once again. Christmas lights are lining the city streets (although that’s nothing new as they’ve been up for months now), mince pies are back on the shelves and it finally feels acceptable to watch the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special. There’s an aura of excitement in the air, and yet at the same time, it’s all getting rather irritating already. It’s only early December and you’ve already been roped into multiple secret Santa’s with absolutely no idea what to buy and just when you thought it couldn’t get any more annoying, you walk into Tesco to buy some crumpets only to be greeted by a

Christmas can feel like a pain, but if we can afford to eat drink and be merry, we should count ourselves lucky

hideous rendition of Jingle Bells being blared across the aisles. Could it get any worse? Well, yes actually, it could. All this festive hustle and bustle may feel like a bit of a pain to some of us, myself included, but if we can still afford to put mince pies on the shelf and presents under the tree, then we should count ourselves lucky.

According to MoneySavingExpert. com, Christmas costs around £800 for the average family. Perhaps that figure sounds reasonable to you, or perhaps it sounds desperately unrealistic. It has become far too common for Christmases of a huge expense to become an expectation. Meanwhile, thousands of families across the UK are put under immense pressure as Christmas exaggerates the disparity of class in our nation and across the globe. Portrayals in the media don’t help. The idealised ‘perfect’ Christmas is one we see all too frequently on television and in films. While Love Actually may show the sadder side of Christmastime by portraying the struggles of a betrayed wife, it is still shown amid the backdrop of a lovely middle-class London home, with presents stacked in abundance under a perfect Christmas tree straight out of… oh wait, a Christmas film. Where are the single mothers struggling to fill their children’s stockings? Where are the families being hassled by QuickQuid drowning in the pay day loan they took out to put on the works for Christmas? For the most part these depictions of Christmas are absent, unless being portrayed for comedic value in shows like The Royale Family. Meanwhile, I doubt families really struggling this Christmas are finding it very funny. For most parents, Christmas is for the children. Hence, the pressure and expectation to make Christmas as

special as possible. But why does high spending equal special? Well, with children as young as five wanting expensive gadgets and turkeys costing

Depictions of real families struggling to afford the ‘perfect’ Christmas are few and far between upwards of twenty pounds, it is no surprise that for thousands of families there just isn’t the disposable income available to have Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and a sack full of top of the range presents. Many of my young Christmases were spent without a Christmas tree in the home, which was something I used to feel embarrassed to tell my friends. There should be no stigma or shame in not having the money to put on the ‘perfect’ Christmas. At the end of the day, it is meant to be about giving to those who need it, not expecting people to give what they can’t afford. If bills are being backlogged and loans are being drawn out over the pressure to buy the newest (often rather expensive) fad, then something is going terribly wrong. Savings loans and Christmas savings clubs are advertised heavily on television. In fact, Park Christmas Savings’

propagandist ads are packaged up and sent straight to our screens from as early as January. They are crucial in reminding viewers to start saving (now, right now!) so they can afford the perfect Christmas. Once a festivity for one month a year, we are now expected to be saving up to a whole year in advance for Christmas. Those who can’t afford to put much aside each month might even be lured into taking out a pay-day loan, which can be a dangerous spiral to fall down. While the religious element was almost entirely devoid from my childhood (minus the obligatory primary school nativity where I played a Shepard), Christmas is traditionally a festivity celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Over time, modern Christmas celebrations have typically come to be about spending time with family and everyone being there for one another However, as much as we are all supposed to feel that at its core, Christmas is truly about appreciating the small things in life, it doesn’t stop many of us from overspending. Martin Lewis, the financial journalist and founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, went on ITV to remind us that “this isn’t a retail festival”. Sadly, Christmas has become a tradition of ‘tit for tat’ giving, a wasteful tradition which puts a lot of pressure and expectation on family and friends who simply can’t afford as much as others. Your sports societies secret Santa is meant to be a fun affair, but if you can’t really spare the £5 at the mo-

ment then it shouldn’t be forced upon you, and there should be no obligation to participate. On a grander scale, families often feel obliged to give back what they receive in monetary terms, and what sort of Christmas message does that send? Personally, as an atheist, Christmas to me was traditionally a time spent with my extended family, eating too much and opening presents. Back then, it seemed like a magical sort of time; all my favourite aunts and uncles would show up with loads of presents for my sister and I, and as a

Walking down your local high-street this Christmas it is easy to forget that “this isn’t a retail festival” kid there are few things more exciting than presents. As I’ve gotten older, the reality of what Christmas means for those with less has become harder to ignore and the excitement I once felt has been replaced with guilt and resentment over a lot of what Christmas once meant to me. It is hard to tell a child that there is no money for their Christmas wishes, but perhaps we could all do our bit to help those with less by lessening our expectations this Christmas.

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POLITICS

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

Your politics desk Charlotte King Silvia Martelli Sam Tilley

Drakeford elected to lead Wales into a new age

The Finance Secretary defeated fellow AMs Vaughan Gething and Eluned Morgan in a tight contest Continued from front page

by Sam Tilley

rakeford had been most commentators’ favourite for leadership following the news that Jones was stepping down after ten years in the role as Welsh First Minister. He swept through the nominations stage of the contest collecting 17 of the 29 Labour assembly members’ endorsement for his leadership bid compared to the paltry 6 accumulated by Gething and Morgan. The contest, which has been ongoing for 8 months, has been plagued by allegations of sexism, improper election expenses and, as

The contest has been plagued by allegations of sexism, improper election expenses and, of course, the case for Brexit is the case for any political debate nowadays, the case for Brexit. Many of Drakeford’s campaign pledges revolve around his concept of “21st Century Socialism”; many of them, unsurprisingly, broadly align with the current aims of Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party. Some of his key election pledges are to keep Wales in the customs union following the UK’s exit from the European Union, investing in renewable energy to make it a cornerstone of the Welsh

Government’s economic policy and establishing a Cabinet Secretary with a responsibility for housing. In terms of devolution, he is in favour of continuing to devolve powers to Wales, including supporting the devolution of justice to the Welsh government. This would include giving Wales the power to control their police force, the courts and rehabilitation, something which is currently controlled directly from Westminster. Drakeford is also fighting to lower the voting age to 16, arguing that democracy is one of the fundamental principles of Welsh society. Additional democratizing measures advocated by Drakeford include supporting action plans to get more women and BAME politicians into frontline politics. As a former professor at Cardiff University, it is to be expected that his manifesto contains a promise to continue to protect Welsh universities from the “consequences of Brexit” and that he hopes that Welsh universities can continue to rival the world’s best in terms of technological and academic output. His manifesto also contained a number of pledges to secure the rights of minorities and to provide a society where equality is the “underpinning rationale” whether that be on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation or class. Drakeford is a known supporter of abolishing the gender pay gap and is also a solidarity member of LGBT+ Labour, so it appears that any government led by him will certainly focus on the underprivileged in society. So, what happens next? After a final session of First Minister’s Ques-

Mark Drakeford

Eluned Morgan

Round 2: 53.9% Round 1: 46.9%

Round 1: 22.3% Round 2: Eliminated

Vaughan Gething Round 2: 41.4% Round 1: 30.8%

tions on Tuesday, Carwyn Jones will officially resign as the Welsh First Minister leading to a vote the following day to decide who will re-

He is in favour of continuing to devolve powers to Wales, including supporting the devolution of justice to Wales place him. With 29 of 60 seats in the Senedd being currently held by Labour, Drakeford is likely to win the vote thanks to the unofficial agreement that Welsh Labour currently hold with Kirsty Williams, the sole Liberal Democrat Assembly Member and current Cabinet Secretary for Education and Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the former-Plaid AM who currently holds the position of Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport. Despite

this, both the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have announced that they will nominate Paul Davies and Adam Price respectively for the position of First Minister, although given the monopoly Labour hold in the Welsh Assembly this is largely interpreted to be a purely symbolic move. Whether or not Drakeford can heal a fractured Welsh Labour party remains to be seen although he has been described by sources as the “ultimate government insider” having served in the governments of both the late First Minister Rhodri Morgan as an advisor and, more recently, as the Cabinet Secretary of Finance under Carwyn Jones. Despite this, the same sources point out that, outside of the political classes, very few voters will have heard of Mark Drakeford and that he faces an uphill battle to convince the people of Wales that he is the right man to lead their country through turbulent political times. Nevertheless, it is clear that there will almost certainly be no ‘honeymoon period’ for Drakeford as he takes over the most difficult job in Wales.

Drakeford is likely take office as the new First Minister on

12 December

On top of the world: Mark Drakeford is to become only the third Welsh Minister. Source: Wikimedia

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 19

Price: make Wales a member of the EU

Plaid Cymru leader takes his pro-independence stance to the world stage by Maisie Marston

ast week, Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, made a speech in Brussels that called for Wales to be a member state of the EU. He delivered the speech to the European Policy Centre shortly before Parliament will vote to support or reject the Withdrawal Agreement on December 11. In the Senedd, 34 AMs voted to oppose the deal with just 16 willing to support it, leading to backlash from Conservative AMs who believe Labour and Plaid Cymru are trying to dishonour the referendum. Currently, Wales benefits from a close trading relationship with the EU. In the past, Welsh ministers have stressed that although there are important trading opportunities outside the EU, securing “full and unfettered access” to the the single market and customs union should remain a priority. Price made the same argument, saying that there should be a second referendum and Wales should be “effectively inside the single market and the customs union” with Northern Ireland. During his speech, Price expressed his belief that the UK will never leave the ‘backstop’ arrangement. This will keep the border open between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which would otherwise be a hard border due to Ireland’s continued member-

ship to the EU. Furthermore, Price argued that if the backstop scenario were to occur, it would be a disadvantage to Wales. He believes that business and workers would be redirected to Belfast instead of choosing Welsh cities, so advocated Wales remaining in the single market due to the structure of their economy. Price is also a supporter of a second referendum, going as far to call it a “democratic transgression” if the UK were to leave without one. His opinion is that young people are owed a vote as around three quarters of under-25s voted to remain, and 16-18 year olds today were not able to vote at the time. He has also expressed his disapproval of the Withdrawal Agreement, believing it undoes years of important integration. Price has been highly critical of the government’s Brexit negotiations, saying he has no faith in the two British parties to deliver a sensible deal. In January 2017, Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, and Leanne Wood, former leader of Plaid Cymru, published their own Welsh Brexit plan. This plan was to maintain UK access to the single market, and have freedom of movement based upon migrants holding job offers before moving into the UK, but Price said that May’s government had rejected this suggestion.

An Open Wales: Adam price is fighting to keep Wales in the customs union. Source: Keith Morris (via Flickr) May’s Withdrawal Bill has received an overwhelming negative reception from MPs, and is considered by Price as being “dead on arrival”. It has been reported that he has had a recent meeting with Jeremy Corbyn, and has plans to have a cross-party collaboration on the issue between Plaid Cymru and Labour. In his words, he wants to form a “coalition

against chaos”. Going into the House of Commons debate this Tuesday, the Welsh Assembly’s official view is that the UK needs to stay in the single market and customs union. However, this is not binding on the UK government and it is unlikely that the views of the devolved powers will be taken into account.

Should justice and policing be devolved to Wales?

Heddlu: Jeremy Miles calls for an independent justice and policing system for Wales. Source: Jeremy Segrott (via Flickr)

Westminster’s policing and justice system no longer makes the cut by Charlotte King

n September 2017, Wales’ First Minister, Carwyn Jones, expressed his desire to improve Wales’ justice and policing system so that it is “truly representative of Welsh needs”. Jones hinted towards wanting to develop a distinctly Welsh justice system, improving access to justice, reducing crime and promoting rehabilitation. “In Wales, we have had a separate legislature for six years but, as yet, we do not have our own jurisdiction”. Fast forward to the present day, and Jeremy Miles AM, the General Counsel and Welsh Government’s chief senior advisor, has reignited considerations over the representative abilities of the joint English and Welsh justice system. Speaking at the National Eisteddfod in August 2018, Miles, the Labour

AM for Neath, pleaded the case for a “fairer and more effective justice system tailored to the needs of Wales”, arguing that the current arrangements wherein justice and policing for England and Wales is unified under single jurisdiction is not sufficient enough to represent Wales and its people’s needs. Jurisdiction over policing and the justice system has already been devolved to Scotland and Northern Ireland, indeed it is only Wales that remains tied to Westminster. Miles has expressed concern that whilst Scotland and Northern Ireland have control over their policing and justice policies, the joint system of England and Wales “is not fit for purpose”. He argues that the intersection between the justice system and already devolved Welsh sectors results in discord between public services “to the

detriment to the people of Wales, who deserve better”. Miles has proposed that the process of devolving policing and criminal justice powers to Wales will take 10 years and cost £10 million. He says, “it is certainly not necessarily a ‘big bang’ approach” but appears to be a proposal which will take years of careful deliberation and coordination. The Senedd has also expressed its support for devolving justice and policing powers. In September 2017, the former leader of Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood, stated “Plaid Cymru has argued for many years that Wales should be granted control over its legal system. We need action”. However, the UK Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has rejected this proposal, budgeting it at £100 million and arguing it will lead to “unnecessary dupli-

cation” of policies, undermining the “effective and efficient” unified legal jurisdiction of England and Wales. A spokesperson for the MoJ states, “We work closely with the Welsh Government and devolved agencies and have the flexibility to adapt services specifically for Wales where required”. So, the debate continues. With the support of Senedd behind him, Jeremy Miles continues to insist that devolving criminal justice and policing powers to Wales “isn’t just a question of seeking powers for the sake of seeking powers – it is about having a coherent basis for devolution in Wales”. Whilst Westminster refuses to consider this devolution, the Senedd has been toying with this aspect of Welsh policy for some time, so it is evident the debate has not yet reached a conclusion. There may be changes to come.

Old guard out: UKIP enters a new era

by Charlotte King

ollowing a wave of changes to UKIP, Nigel Farage, former leader and 25-year long member, has quit the party due to what he calls its “fixation” with anti-Muslim policies. The appointment of controversial, farright street campaigner Tommy Robinson as Gerard Batten’s – the current UKIP leader’s – advisor alongside Batten describing Islam as a “death cult” implies that the party’s ideology is moving further into the extremes of the right wing. Former UKIP deputy chairwoman, Suzanne Evans, has also expressed distaste regarding the current state of the political party, and has quit in light of fears that UKIP is “becoming a successor to the BNP”. Farage recently attempted to lead a vote of no confidence in Batten following these changes, a development which the leader survived. Batten has since accused Farage of instigating a “propaganda war”, tweeting: “[Farage says] we are going down a ‘far right’ path, and apparently we are now ‘Islamophobic’ and ‘anti-Semitic’. The establishment gloves are now off. Join us now. Fight back.” UKIP’s ruling body, luckily for Batten, voted “overwhelmingly” against a motion of no confidence. Following Nigel Farage stepping down from the leadership role, the party has suffered a period of instability with four different leaders (including Batten) taking the job since Farage stood down in November 2016. The ex-leader says the appointment of Tommy Robinson has been a key factor in his decision to leave the party. “The very idea of Tommy Robinson being at the centre of the Brexit debate is too awful to contemplate”. Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been described by Farage as “entirely unsuitable to be involved in any political party”, nicknamed “Britain’s most hated man” partly for his unashamedly nationalist and anti-Islam political outlook. Internal dissatisfaction is also beginning to seep outwards from within the party, with members unhappy with UKIP supporting Robinson’s recent anti-Brexit demonstration in London fearing it may “inspire violence and thuggish behaviour”. Batten’s leadership has also come under criticism for purporting an alarming anti-Muslim stance, calling for Muslim-only prisons for individuals “promoting extremism or trying to convert non-Islamic prisoners”, extra security screening for migrants from Islamic countries, banning mosques receiving money from overseas and abolishing the concept of “hate crime”. These changes reflect how UKIP is shifting further into the extremes. Farage states “there is a huge space for a Brexit party in British politics, but it won’t be filled by UKIP”. So, what does the party’s future have in store?

POLITICS

What they G20 Photo shows striking gender gap in world politics have said... Women make up only two of twenty heads of state at latest summit by Hannah Priest

“Apparently, our American partners believe that the situation has changed so drastically that the US should also have such weapons. What response is our side to give? A simple one: then we’ll do the same.” Vladimir Putin 05/12/18 The Russian President threatening to start an arms race if the U.S. develops medium-range missiles which contradict the arms treaty signedduring the Cold War.

hroughout 2018, there has been a strong focus both politically and socially on women and the ongoing struggle for gender equality within society. Although many people believe that gender equality is no longer an issue, the G20 ‘family’ photo taken in Argentina last week suggests a different story. The photo included only two women, UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, being the only head of state alongside International Monetary Fund Chairwoman, Christine Lagarde. Despite the fact that German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, was unable to appear in the photo due to her plane being forced into an emergency landing en route to the conference, there would still only have been three women present in the photo, maintaining the same amount of female heads of state from last year’s summit. However, this does not come as a major surprise as, apart from a solitary summit in 2013, there has never been more than four female G20 heads of state. The current percentage of female MPs within the UK government is 32%; a record high, which proves that whilst the level of equality and representation within the government is improving, it is by no means perfect. In 2017, a number of new bills were put forward to encourage gender equality throughout the

political parties but they were rejected and were deemed as putting too much pressure on politicians. Despite this, the UK government has proposed a plan to increase the number of women in power by 2020. This plan includes that parties should set out what they aim to do to increase the percentage of women in the House in 2020, including adopting ambitious targets for women candidates in ‘winnable’ seats. Members of Parliament have been continually pushing for a minimal aim of 40% of MPs being women by 2020 but these members have faced challenges from claimants arguing that this could cause the underrepresentation of men within the government. The UK is currently ranked 48th in the world for parliamentary gender equality, however countries within the top 10, including Rwanda, Iceland and Senegal, all have gender quotas in place. Even in a country with a strained democratic system, such as Afghanistan, there is a quota that requires 50% of the Afghan President’s appointees to the country’s upper house must be women. There have been calls for the UK to implement a gender quota within parliament to ensure that women have an equal and fair representation within the government, however it appears unlikely that the current government will pass such a motion. It is important that

Pale, Male and Stale?: The ‘family photo’ that featured only two women leaders. Source: Wikimedia women have a voice within Parliament, especially when considering some of the bills that the House of Commons have debated over the past two years: abortion, ovarian cancer, women’s sanitary products and sexual assault. With these issues having major effects on women’s lives, it is important that they have an equal input during the debates. The general consensus is that this is worrying for the health of British de-

mocracy, as the underrepresentation of women highlights the lack of diversity and opinions when making policy decisions for the general public, which is made up of 50% of women. The lack of women in power combined with the recent sexual harassment scandal that swarmed the UK government shows that MP’s and Parliament have a long way to go before achieving gender equality.

“We’re now a 200 strong cohort of cross-party MPs who believe it is morally indefensible for parliamentarians to be investing in companies which profit from wrecking our planet. MPs have a duty to take action to prevent the worst of climate change. One simple step we can take is ditching our investments in fossil fuels.” Caroline Lucas 04/12/18 The leader of the Green Party discusses how she and 200 MPs and former MPs believe the UK Government have a duty to stop investing in fossil fuels for the sake of the environment.

Gender Representation: The proportionate amount of women in each G20 parliament “We can no longer operate as a free institution in the city and country we call home. This is a tragic and serious violation of academic freedom in the heart of Europe. A European institution has been summarily ousted from a European Union member nation.” Michael Ignatieff 03/12/18 President of the Central European University discusses Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, expelling CEU from Hungary to Vienna, violating academic freedom.

•

Marine Le Pen

Leader of France’s National Rally party. Lost in the second round of the 2017 French Presidential election to Emmanuel Macron. France has the joint highest percentage of women in the G20 with 39%.

Patricia Bullrich

• Security Minister in the Argentine government. • With 39% of the Argentinian parliament being female, this ranks them second in the G20. • Argentina has far better female representation than their Latin neighbours Brazil. Brazil’s 11% is the second worst figure behind only Japan.

Norah al Faiz

• First ever woman to hold a cabinet post in Saudi Arabia. • Initiatives by the Saudi government to introduce more women have been mixed. • However, as Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, it is unknown exactly how much power their government actually holds.

Retno Marsudi

• Indonesia has previously had a female President. • However, Indonesia has one of the poorest records of female representation in the G20. • Marsudi is the current Minister for Foreign Affairs, making her one of the highest ranked Indonesian politicans.

Women in Power: (From L-R) Marine Le Pen, Patricia Bullrich, Norah al Faiz and Retno Marsudi (Source: Wikimedia)

Tuesday 11th December 11:00-17:00

Festive treats, Christmas gifts, arts & crafts Food Court, Students' Union

CYNGOR

To contact our advice desk, drop us an email at advice@gairrhydd.com

ADVICE

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/advice

The gift of giving: How to give back to your community this Christmas

by Lucy Wilkinson

n the whirlwind that is December, we can get caught up in the ubiquitous consumerism encouraging us to buy more and more for our loved ones. This Christmas, instead of buying more, consider doing more, particularly for your community. Not only is this getting well and truly in the Christmas spirit and spreading good will, but also, doing good feels good. Helping the community could extend as narrowly, or widely as you wish. Consider the national community by joining a scheme with national organisations like Age UK, or support an organisation locally through the Foodbank. Even simply supporting those who live a few doors from you. The emphasis of this sort of action is reducing the distance between ourselves, and those in need. Any sort of need; loneliness, hunger, homelessness. Below are some suggestions for things to do to give this Christmas, rather than just receive. Help at the foodbank. This country-wide scheme means that you can help out in Cardiff, or if you’re heading back home over the Christmas period. If you can’t directly help out in one of the Foodbank locations, you can offer assistance in their collections in popular supermarkets like Tesco. Failing this, you could even just simply purchase some of the suggested goods required for those going hungry this Christmas. Help the homeless. Homelessness is unfortunately on the rise in most cities in the UK and Cardiff is no dif-

Ashavari Baral Katie Lewis Columnist Sam Saunders

ferent. Cardiff Council received 3,987 applications for help with homelessness in the years 2017/2018, a 68% increase from two years ago. Ways you can help include; cooking homemade dinners if you’re on a budget, and distributing them with family and friends across the city centre; if you see a homeless person, ring CityLink so that they can send them in the right direction on 0300 500 0914; buy a hot drink or donate in the longterm to nation-wide homeless charities that are working to improve the situation for the UK’s homeless.

Help your neighbours. If you live by anyone that you know is on their own, suffering from illness, or loneliness or is generally not looking forward to the festive period for numerous reasons, reach out to them. Offer to do a spot of Christmas shopping for them, or take them with you. Drop round a Christmas card and have a chat over a cup of tea. The little things can mean a lot to someone else. Don’t just give over the Christmas period. Age UK run many fantastic schemes that aim to combat the loneliness epidemic on the older gen-

erations, who come into contact with few people. A particularly beneficial scheme is the Friendship call, where you will be designated a ‘friend’ to call per week to discuss anything. These suggestions are not exhaustive of the things you and your family or friends could do this Christmas to help those in need. Use the privilege of your pleasant Christmas, to extend a hand to those who won’t be looking forward to the festive period. Doing good, feels good and the chances are, you won’t stop once the festive period is over.

How to utilise your Christmas break

by Molly Govus

Your advice desk

Forget the material gifts: What can you do to really make a difference? Source: Ben white (via Unsplash)

eadlines are looming, essays are pending and Eduroam continues to fail us all daily – I am certain that the one thing keeping us all going is Christmas. Spending time with our loved ones during all the work is the best kind of remedy, so why not do it healthily? First, make a timetable…a realistic timetable. I cannot stress this point enough. Putting a structure to all the chaos will ultimately help you to organise your time and prioritise your work, ensuring that you are looking after your mental health whilst working to the best of your ability. When I say realistic, it really depends on your own schedule and how you like to do work. Some people work better at night, some in the morning – make sure you are aware of your own limits and filter this into the timetable. Block out hours where you want to meet with friends from home or go to the pub; you deserve time off. It is very important not to forget that. We all wish that there could be countless hours within a day, but as much as we may hope, there just aren’t. Having strengths and weaknesses within varying modules is normal, and this should be reflected in your routine over Christmas. Focus on the modules that you’re less

confident with to help build your motivation and your revision – it will help you in the long one. You must also prioritise self-care and mental health. If one day you’ve had a crappy day and you don’t feel like you can do your revision, don’t. Look after yourself first. You wouldn’t run a marathon on a broken ankle, so why put yourself through stress when you are feeling low? Take 5 days off. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Give yourself permission to switch off. These days are for family, friends and relaxing. Work can wait for a few days whilst you celebrate much needed time with your loved ones; the work on your desk isn’t going to move, your Quizlet isn’t going to disappear. They are all things that you can return to when you are ready. A break from all the work will do your head good and put you in a better mindset for starting revision when you finish your days off. Remember to have fun. Spend this Christmas break looking after yourself and becoming mentally healthier. You have 2-3 weeks to practice good habits and revision techniques, and by exam season in January you should be on it and motivated. Looking after yourself isn’t all about having a bub-

How to keep a schedule during the holidays. Source : Aaron Burden (via Unsplash) ble bath and a face mask – cuddle your dogs, have a cup of tea and meet up with your friends from home. It is all about having a healthy balance to

have a healthy mind in preparation for the New Year. Use this Christmas to make 2019 a healthy and happy year for yourself.

CYNGOR

How to enhance your CV

Helpful tips on how to make your CV standout by Ashavari Baral

ing to jobs. Another helpful tip to keep in mind is to add the impact your actions from previous jobs or experiences have had on companies. Employers will expand on this to see if you are beneficial and right for the position they are offering you. If you have been involved in a fundraising project, have a small section on how much revenue was earned and what you did to earn it. Take your time while constructing your CV, this is a document that you will have to keep updating so make sure your template is solid.

s a final year, student, I know that it’s time for me to start thinking about my life after Uni. It may be daunting, and I may want to postpone it as much as possible, but it is inevitable. While looking for jobs, the first step is to construct an excellent CV, which will make you feel automatically confident and get your foot in the game. Employers wan’t to see relevant information in your CV, something that can grab their attention and make a statement about your overall skill set.

5-10

Research into the organisation and relate it to your past work experiences, in this case you can tailor your CV

The number of seconds that recruiters will spend looking at your CV In your CV, you must state your work experience, accomplishments and skills. But most importantly, highlight your collaborative experience, problem solving and ability to work independently. A key tip to remember when constructing your CV is keeping it short and easy to read. At the top of it, you should add a short summary. For example, “Having just graduated from Cardiff University, one of the most prestigious UK universities with a 2.1 in English Literature, I am

Keep your CV short and to the point. Source : Glenn Carstens Peters (via Unplash)

now looking to work for a publishing company“, this reads better than the generic ‘’I am a confident, motivated, punctual…”. Employers usually only have a couple of seconds to scan your CV, so the point must be eye-catching and relevant. Keep it to two pages, use a font that is easy to read and do not over do it with different colours. A good CV also demonstrates your

commercial awareness. Research into the organisation and relate it to your past work experiences, in this case you can tailor your CV to the organisation and get more of an edge with your employer. If possible, a short testimonial or reference from your previous work experience role from a senior member of staff can emphasise your skills and qualities. If there is a skill a company is

really looking for, you could engage in voluntary work which should be more prominent in your CV. Another helpful tip is to use a profesional email address and to avoid using cliches and buzzwords. Also, be extremely careful about grammar and spelling errors. Your CV should be flawless, so ask someone to go through it before apply-

The more experience you have, the better. My last tip would be to engage in work experience that is somehow connected to your degree and the job you eventually want to do. For example. if you want to get into Marketing, doing social media marketing insights or management insights would genuinely help. Don’t forget you can always ask your career’s advisor at the Career Employability Office on Park Place or email them at careers@cardiff.ac.uk. They are happy to help you towards your job hunting.

Why you should take advantage of the Skills Development Service by Katie Lewis

he Skills Development Service (SDS) provides free sessions and training courses for students, supported by TeachFirst. They cover a variety of topics and help to develop your skills and attributes. There are many ways that the SDS can help you. They have classes tailored for very specific topics and you will likely find something you would like to improve. If you get a knot in your stomach every time you think about public speaking or presenting in front of your class, there is a session dedicated to Speaking and Presenting. Or if you’re prone to being late or procrastinating on projects, there is a session on Time Management which teaches how to combat these habits. I have attended many of these sessions myself and find them to be interesting with lots of helpful tools. I started attending the SDS sessions as a part of the Cardiff Award, because I need to accumulate 70 hours of extracurricular activities. And ideally, they need to be activities which improve your skills and enhance your employability, which is what these sessions do. I would advise any student un-

dertaking the Cardiff Award to get involved in the SDS sessions if you want to top up your hours with something rewarding. They are also good examples to use when it comes to the reflection exercise at the end of the award, as they prove you have actively enhanced your employability skills. A great scheme run by the SDS gives you the opportunity to obtain four Certificates of Personal Development. There is a certificate for Communication, Leadership, Personal Effectiveness and Self Awareness. To get an award, you have to attend five of the classes which are in the category for certificates title. Each class is usually two hours, which means you can get multiple certificates without neglecting your studies. When you have completed the five sessions, you just need to complete the ‘STAR’ exercise, where you discuss the sessions you have attended and evaluate what you’ve learnt. After this, you’ll be awarded a CPD under the topic of your choice- which makes a great addition to your CV and something substantial to mention in a future interview. There is also the Diploma of Professional Development (DPD), which

is an Apprenticeship-style award for those of you who are in ‘positions of authority’ as student executives, leaders or supervisors. There are three steps of criteria to complete the diploma which are attending compulsory workshops, undergoing volunteering or work experience, and attending a mandatory lecture. You can find all of the details of this opportunity on the Students’ Union website. This is a great chance for students to enhance and build on their leadership role. The sessions they run are free, and as long as you’re a student of Cardiff University, you can book sessions at any stage in your university career. Whether you’re an undergraduate, or doing your master’s or doctorate, you can attend any sessions that interest you. So, if you have a spare few hours in between lectures, or some time off that you want to put to good usewhy not gain some useful transferrable skills? You can find all of the Student Development Service’s information on the Students’ Union website under the category Jobs and skills. Also, check out the SDS Blog, where students share their experiences of the sessions.

Utilise the universities facilities: The SDS is there for your benefit. Source: Boris Savov (via sdscardiff blog)

COLUMN

Saunders’ Corner

How to have a great New Year’s Eve

Sam Saunders

How to beat the Brexit blues

hank goodness Christmas is just around the corner, we Brits need something to cheer us up; because even a quick glimpse of the evening news is enough to leave someone in need of a lie down and a strong cup of tea. I’m talking, of course, about the political turmoil that continues to hold the population’s attention and dominate the news, everyday conversation and my thoughts. The root of all this is Brexit, the decision taken by 52% of the voting populace just over two years ago. I was one of the 48%, not that that really matters at the moment, as Remainers and Leavers are finally able to agree on one thing: that the deal proposed by our increasingly weak prime minister is unpalatable in its current form. It feels like this frothing cocktail of meaningful votes, backstops and rebellious MPs is literally impossible to escape right now, but, dear reader, that’s where you’re wrong. There are many things you can do to distract yourself, make yourself feel a bit more European and generally feel a bit better about the state of the world. Just before we get started, there’s not too much for leavers in here, so you might want to bow out now, as this is more for people who actually regret the fact that we’re leaving. Sorry not sorry. We’ll keep this fairly light-hearted, but I do honestly think there’s quite a few things you can do to distract yourself from what’s going on. Firstly, and in large opposition to everything I wrote last week, throw yourself into Christmas. Buy presents, watch cheesy films on Netflix,

have a nice glass of mulled wine and visit the Christmas markets and the Winter Wonderland. Somewhat coincidentally, it’s the perfect time of year for anything like this, the advent of proper winter and a bit of yuletide charm are sure to relax even the most ardent Europhile. Given it’s nearly the end of the semester, everyone’s got an amazing opportunity to sign up for a ‘languages for all’ class for next semester.This is a surefire way of feeling a little more connected to the continent, whether you take Spanish, French, German or any

Remainers and Leavers are finally able to agree on one thing: that the deal proposed is unacceptable other language that takes your fancy, as there’s much more of an emphasis on language learning in other EU countries than in the UK. It’s primarily down to the dominance of the English language and American culture than anything else. Not only will you be developing an amazing skill that you can use later in life, you’ll be expanding your horizons, something which will hopefully allow you to gain a new insight on Brexit and knowledge of a new culture. Another highly recommended activity is to take a quick trip to the continent and indulge in some Eu-

ropean culture. Celebrating the end of exams with a city break would be a great way to relax and unwind, and there are sure to be some postChristmas deals on flights that will be affordable. Sightseeing, looking around museums and generally celebrating your right to free movement are excellent ways to distract yourself from the upcoming Brexit mess. If you’re an especially ardent Europhile, you might even want to visit some of the EU buildings, such as the official seat of the European parliament in Strasbourg, France or the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium. Otherwise, take a stroll in gay Paris, visit the powerhouse of European power in Germany, or go even further afield from the UK and ski in Bulgaria or have a frozen city break in Budapest. Europe, as it always has been, is your oyster! Finally, and slightly pessimistically, you could indulge in some of the products that might not be available or could be ruinously expensive in the eventuality of a no-deal Brexit. As the average British household spends nearly £1,000 on produce from the single market every year, this is clearly an issue. Stocking up on one of the four most popular beers in the UK, which are all European, is a must, especially if you want to avoid a warm pint at your local. Moules, Belgian chocolates and proper prosecco (and champagne) are a must as well, you never know if some vengeful brexiteers will block these imports or not. Then again, it may not even matter which foods

Source: Wikipedia you choose, as experts have estimated that in the case of a no-deal Brexit, the price of chocolate could rise by 20%, whilst dairy and meat prices could increase by 40%. In this scenario, maybe it’s just best to stock up on every product imaginable, build an underground bunker and wait out the ensuing chaos in safety and security. Come up in September 2019 and see if the country’s gone to the dogs or not. There won’t have been a nuclear apocalypse whilst you’ve been away. Probably. I hope you’ve enjoyed this very

Maybe it’s just best to stock up on every product imaginable, build an underground bunker and wait out the ensuing chaos in safety and security.

light-hearted column and I hope it’s made you laugh, even if it’s at your own expense. I’ve really enjoyed this first semester of writing a column every week and providing advice to you all. It’s been tough at times, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge and I’m pleased with what I’ve managed to write. Have a relaxing break, a very happy Christmas and I’ll see you all in the New Year.

ecause it’s Christmas, and because I’m generous, this week you’re getting a double helping of advice. As I’ve already done a column on Christmas, I’ve decided to try and tackle the thorny issue of New Year’s Eve. It’s thorny because some people absolutely love New Year’s, and others completely detest it. I normally find a happy middle, as the countdown is a lot of fun, as well as all of the reminiscing about the year that’s gone. Programmes like ‘Charlie Brooker’s 2018 Wipe’ are comedy gold and essential viewing. However, the night seems to sort of climax just after midnight and the countdown, and I don’t really like the idea that everyone has to kiss someone at midnight, as it’s not very kind to singles. Anyway, here’s some advice about having a good New Year’s. Firstly, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go out to a nightclub. Pubs and sports clubs (for my family it’s usually been the sailing club in Whitstable) are a surefire way to have a good night. All of the old regulars will be there, and it’s usually easier to catch up with friends in this sort of environment. The drinks will probably be cheaper as well to be honest. Nightclubs will also charge a ludicrous entry fee, and you won’t be able to talk to any of your friends or have any fun banter. As I mentioned in the introduction, I also have no idea what’s meant to happen after midnight on a club night, as the climax is 12am, which is normally maybe an hour into a night out. I personally think I’d just want to go home at that point, which makes the entry fee a bit of a waste of money. If you’re not planning on going out, there are a few important tips you need to follow in order to make your night as good as it can be. Most importantly, make sure you’ve got plenty of food and drink if you’re hosting, or bring something along those lines if you’re attending. Also, make sure you’ve got the entertainment sorted, whether that’s different games, like charades, articulate or monopoly/cluedo or something like a movie marathon (a double bill of The Room and The Disaster Artist would be perfect). This is absolutely crucial because you have to avoid Jools Holland’s Hootenanny at all costs, a programme universally acknowledged as New Year’s Eve rock bottom. Above all, make sure you invite people you like and want to spend time with, as it’s a great chance to have a good time with your friends from home during the university break. Finally, you have to tune into the fireworks show on the BBC just before midnight, it’s just the done thing.

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SCIENCE

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Your science desk Danny Brown Jonathan Learmont

New antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on ISS

Unique conditions in space may affect the way strains develop by Milo Moran

he International Space Station is the only place you can find humans in space. A giant orbiting science lab, the ISS is operated by NASA with help from other nations’ space agencies. Roughly the size of a five-bed house, the ISS is 250 miles above our heads and has gradually been built in orbit since 1998. They have made many important advances during their time as a functional laboratory, including the effects of weightlessness on the human body as well as new information about dark matter and cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere.

This is the first time a new species of antibiotic resistant bacteria has been found on ISS For the first time, a new species has been found on the station. Scientists at JPL-NASA have identified five brand new strains of Enterobacter bacteria in the space station’s toilet and exercise area. The presence of these bacteria on the ISS is not surprising; the human body is full of bacteria and there are three times as many bacterial cells as human cells in it. Naturally, we expect to find bacteria on the ISS. However, Enterobacter is an antibiotic-resistant genus notorious for infecting patients in intensive care wards of hospitals – people whose immune systems are too weak to fight it off. The five new strains are most closely related to Entero-

Uncovered: New strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria have been found which the CDC says kills about 50% of infected patients. Source: NASA bacter bugandensis, a species which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say kills 50% of infected patients and demonstrates a 15% chance of developing new types of antibiotic resistance. This makes it both one of the most lethal and the most difficult to kill. Fortunately for the six astronauts on the ISS right now, the bacteria discovered are not pathogenic to humans so they couldn’t cause any illness. Nitin Singh, from JPL’s Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, said “It

is important to understand that the strains found on the ISS were not virulent, which means they are not an active threat to human health”. What is concerning for scientists is that the environment in space is very different to any environment that terrestrial bacteria usually live in. There are higher levels of radiation and carbon dioxide in the space station, which could affect the way bacteria mutate and reproduce. The microgravity also makes it easier for bacteria to grow. Microbiologists regularly analyse sam-

ples brought back from the ISS, but this is the first time they’ve identified antibiotic-resistant strains. Scientists used computer analysis to predict there was a 79% chance that future strains of space bacteria will evolve to cause disease in astronauts. Further study is definitely needed, as the bacteria have over 100 genes in common with the disease-causing varieties. Learning to keep humans safe from disease in space is vital, especially for future trips to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

First common genetic risk factors discovered for ADHD

by Jonathan Learmont

ttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is thought to be the most common mental health disorder in childhood, affecting around 1 in 20. Although the inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity associated with ADHD is ‘grown out’ of by 50% of those with the condition, still around 4% of adults in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Earlier studies aiming to understand its causes, and potentially shed light on reasons for this variation in the disorder, have found evidence for its heritability as between 70 and 80% of cases have some degree of family history. However its genetic risk factors had not been narrowed down. Thanks to the largest genetic study of ADHD to date, conducted by a global team of researchers from the Danish iPSYCH project and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium among others, that has changed. Analysing a sample comprising 20,000 people with ADHD and 35,000 control individuals, 12 genomic regions were identified where variation was observed that could be associated with ADHD. Additionally

scientists found genetic similarities between people who are clinically diagnosed with ADHD and those who just display some of the same behavioural traits, such as fidgetiness and easy distraction.

The study has offered new insight into biology behind ADHD “The risk variants are thus widespread in the population. The more risk variants you have, the greater your tendency to have ADHD-like characteristics will be as well as your risk of developing ADHD,” says Professor Anders Børglum, Research Head at iPSYCH from Aarhus University. These common variations only account for 22% of an individual’s ADHD risk. So it is hypothesised that rarer genetic variants and environmental fac-

tors also heavily contribute, and these will likely form the basis of subsequent research. The study has also offered new insight into the biology behind ADHD from the significance of some of the identified genes in the development of brain cell communication and cognitive abilities among other functions. This can help researchers to better understand the reasons certain conditions are linked with a genetic risk of ADHD including obesity, type 2 diabetes and

lower levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Professor Anita Thapar, from Cardiff University, who leads an ADHD research group as part of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, said “The genetic risk variants related to this condition play a significant role in brain-related and other core biological processes. The next step is to determine the exact role of these genes in ADHD to help us inform better treatments to support those affected by the condition.”

Genetics: ADHD is thought to be the most common mental health disorder in children. Source: Pixabay (geralt)

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SPORT

Attacking players the key for Cardiff Blues

by Keiran Manetta-Jones

ohn Mulvihill’s squad have started the Pro14 season pretty much the same as the last with not too much to shout about, only winning four out of the first 10 games. Some fans argue that we always tend to have a slow start and improve as the season continues which isn’t wrong, however, why is this always the case and why should we be content with these results considering the way we ended last season on such a high. Yeah, we have a new coach this year in Australian John Mulvihill and it will take time to learn his new systems, but we’ve still lost three out of the last five games and the only team we’ve managed to win away against is the struggling Dragons. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how close we get in each game if we can’t close out a win against decent team. We seemed to have had a major dip in form since the start of the season, and we don’t seem to have a plan B when are on the back foot in matches especially after losing the likes of Josh Navidi an Captain Ellis Jenkins to injury. The Cardiff Blues currently sit at a comfortable fifth in Conference A and I wouldn’t have expected the current Challenge Cup winners to sit coming up to half way through the year, maybe we can inspire more confidence in the Champions Cup then? After an exceptional European campaign last year which saw the Blues’ come from behind to beat Gloucester last May in Bilbao to claim the Challenge Cup title, we return to the highest tier of European rugby for the first time since 2012. After the first round of the Champions Cup, one win and one loss seem fair, but the biggest test will come in the form of back to back matches against the two-time European champions and current premiership leaders Saracens. Currently Saracens are on an 11-match winning streak and are still unbeaten so far in the 2018/19 calendar, so even pulling of one win seems like an unlikely result. However, I believe Cardiff Blues have the tactics and players required to upset Saracens defence and cause issues for Owen Farrell and his men. Defence is a crucial aspect to any team, but the threats of the Blues backline will be the key in out scoring Saracens at home and away. With exciting running threats from the likes of Anscombe, Leelo, Halaholo and Morgan, the backs need to gel and run their best set piece game to have any chance of breaking Alex Sanderson’s solid defence. Cardiff Blues' season so far has be underpinned on inconsistency with impressive wins somewhat masked by following fixtures. Therefore, if the Blues want to establish any meaningful form over the coming months, a level of reliability in both attack and defence will be most crucial.

Tyson Fury puts up heroic showing against Deontay Wilder by Thomas Walker

oncluding the most anticipated fight of the year between Tyson Fury and the American Deontay Wilder for the WBC world heavyweight title, the sheer extent to Fury’s comeback from 28 months ago is now getting the recognition it warrants. Although the fight ended in a controversial draw, with many boxing experts and fans having the ‘Gypsy King’ winning the fight on points, the plaudits still went Fury’s way due to the quality and determination he had on show during the fight.

In one of the most iconic boxing moments of all time, Tyson got knocked down after a right hand followed by a left hook in the final The fight looked to be over there and then, however, somehow he managed to haul himself up off the canvas whilst Wilder was strolling around the ring celebrating, and finish the round. Wilder said to BT Sport after the

fight "I saw his eyes roll into the back of his head. I was like it's over.” When Fury was asked in the post-fight press conference how he recovered from the last knock down, he said, "I had holy hands upon me tonight". Prior to fight night, Fury appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast where he shared some fascinating insight into how life was after his original heavyweight title victory against Wladimir Klitschko. Fury stated ‘I was depressed as depressed could be’ and expressed how he was using drugs and consuming alcohol to get away from this depression, as well as weighing close to 400lbs. He explained how he was on the brink of committing suicide, finding himself driving 190mph in his car, directly heading towards a bridge that would have ended his life almost instantaneously. After this all-time low he decided to turn his life around, by visiting a psychiatrist that was said to have told him he was an ‘imminent death risk’, the highest level of suicide risk she had ever assisted. Along with the help of mental health experts and a new training staff including Ben Davison and Freddie Roach, he managed to turn his life around and get in a shape ready to fight again and regain the heavyweight championship.

He lost around 180lbs when it came to the weigh in on the 30th of November. The sheer amount of weight he lot was down to Kristian Blacklock (strength and conditioning coach) and Greg Marriot (Nutritionist) who calibrated a programme which totally transformed his figure. He was put on a ketogenic diet which was high in fat saturated foods and low in carbohydrates which forces the body to burn off excess fat. When it came to fight night, it was like he had never been away.

The relentless head movement, jabs and body faints were still a large part of his game The relentless head movement, jabs and body faints were still a large part of his game, which Wilder struggled to get around. However, the punching power of Wilder is one that no one else in the division possesses and he eventually caught and knocked down Fury in round 8 and preceding to do so again in round 12 too.

The judge’s scorecards read differently with one being 115-111 in favour of Wilder, one reading 114-110 to Fury and the final one labelling it as 113-113; resulting in the fight being deemed a draw.

Fury still looked comfortable throughout the fight and was up on a lot of people’s scorecards Regardless of the result not going his way, Fury was extremely humble and gracious in the post-fight press conference and interviews, giving credit to his opponent and saying "I was representing people with mental health problems around the world. I had to continue and carry on… I wanted more than anything to show the world it can be done. Anything is possible with the right mindset." A man that was told he could never fight again 28 months ago to putting in a valiant performance against one of the best in the business. An inspirational narrative and one that brings to light mental health issues as well as how they can be overcome with the right help.

Team Pursuit gold for GB women cyclists

A superb comeback win saw the women's GB cycling take gold by Emily Salley

omen's cycling team pursuit come-back to clinch gold at the UCI Track World Cup. Laura Kenny, Katie Archibald, Emily Nelson and Emily Kay staged an astonishing late fightback in the women’s team pursuit final to overcome the Australians on the opening night of the third round of the Tissot UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Berlin. The team pursuit squad kickstarted a memorable World Cup campaign for Great British cycling.

Archibald had to settle for silver, finishing second in the Omnium and failing to retain her title in the individual pursuit

They finished second in the medal standing with three gold and two silver, falling one-gold short of Australia. Berlin was treated to a night of excitement as the GB quartet showcased a skilful display of endurance and tactics. Significantly down with less than three laps left, it looked like Kenny, Archibald, Kay and Nelson had left themselves with an unsurmountable amount of work to do. But the GB women cranked through the gears in the last two laps to close the margin, pass their Australian competitors and cross the finish line in 4:16:153. "We were behind with half a lap to go so to pull it out at the end we are super happy to win gold," Nelson said. The GB women maintained their good form throughout the competition as three of pursuit winners were among the four riders to pick up two gold medals at the Track World Cup. Katie Archibald finished in pole position in the women’s Omnium, despite being caught up in a heavy crash in the final stages, whilst Kenny triumphed in the Madison to com-

plete Britain’s gold medal tally. GB women’s cycling will finish 2018 in December with the fourth round of the Track World Cup in London. Here’s a short round-up of their year as a team. The GB women kickstarted 2018 with a silver in the team pursuit at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Apeldoorn in April. This saw the return of four-times Olympic champion Laura Kenny to elite competition six months after the birth of her son with husband and fellow Olympian, Jason Kenny who holds six gold medals to his name. Gold was the colour for Archibald and Nelson, who showcased their dominance in the Madison at these Championships, winning eight sprints in succession. April saw British cycling flourish at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Elinor Barker beat Archibald and Nelson in the points race to finish on top of the podium and picked up Wales’ first track cycling gold in almost 30 years. A gold was added to Archibald’s

Commonwealth collection however with a record-breaking win in the individual pursuit. Overall, 2018 has been a success for Great Britain’s cycling. The return of Laura Kenny, aided by the and consistent form Katie Archibald, leaves this women's team pursuit team in a very promising posistion. The beauty of a team pursuit gold is that it epitomises teamwork, which is why Emily Nelson and Emily Kay who make up the remaining members of the unit, are equally as important. GB cycling has flourished over the last decade, and this is the case for all the women and male representatives.

The latest gold at the UCI Track World Cup shows Team GB's dominace over women's world track cycling

CHWARAEON

Mooar named Scarlets coach in favour of Welshmen Sports Editor Jack Vavsour argues that the Welsh coaching structure needs serious reform

by Jack Vavasour

ales are currently on a nine game winning streak. Scarlets won the Pro 14 two years ago, and were finalists in the Pro 14 and semifinalists in the European Champions Cup last year. Welsh rugby appears to be in the best place it has been for years, with only a year to go until the World Cup, who could be happier? To put it simply, Welsh coaches. Where are they? Currently, the four Welsh regions are all coached by men who hail from abroad. With two Irishmen, a New Zealander and an Australian, we must wonder if there are any Welsh coaches coming through in the near future. Furthermore, Warren Gatland has been head coach of Wales since 2007 and will be succeeded by Wayne Pivac, current head coach of Scarlets, both of whom are from New Zealand.

It was also announced last week that another Kiwi, Brad Mooar, would take over as Pivac’s replacement

There is currently only one Welsh coach

respect of the squad, whereas Howley appeared less revered, these videos supposedly supporting O’Brien’s comments. Ultimately, Wales need to start investing within their current players in order to begin to produce talented coaches. This is true of all of the home nations who should look to follow the example of Scotland, who have Gregor Townsend as head coach having coached Glasgow Warriors before.

The best example of home-grown coaches coming through the domestic system can be seen with New Zealand, a goldstandard in so many aspects of rugby

New Zealand, whilst hiring a new coach, will only consider candidates who are already a part of the All Blacks’ system, whether that be coaching a Super Rugby side, Mitre 10 side, or part of the National side’s coaching team. Wales are the country in most dire need of reform, with very few Welshmen considered toaareplace Gatland before Pivac’s announcement.

Head coaches of Pro 14 and English Premiership teams

Ireland 7 England 6 Wales 1 Scotland 0 Other 12

Important transfer window ahead for the Bluebirds

by Reece Chambers

at the helm of a major rugby team in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, that is Dai Young who coaches Wasps in the Gallagher Premiership. Following the Autumn Internationals, it has been noted that the gap between Northern and Southern hemisphere rugby is closing and potentially even equal. This can be considered as a result of the dominance of Southern hemisphere coaches and their influence within Europe. Three out of the four home nations are coached by coaches from either Australia or New Zealand, with the ever impressive Ireland attributing their rise to Kiwi, Joe Schmidt. The worry for Northern Hemisphere nations is that they will fail to produce their own coaches. One of the only prominent Welsh coaches is Gatland’s right-hand man, Rob Howley. However, Howley’s reputation was severely called into question following what was otherwise a successful Lions tour in 2017. Sean O’Brien blamed him for many of the Lions’ failings, especially tactically. It is difficult to fully delve into a coach's influence without experiencing their style in person. However, exposing footage in ‘Lions Uncovered’ revealed Howley’s lack of inspiration in comparison to other coaches, such as Gatland, Steve Borthwick and Andy Farrell. These coaches appeared to hold the

he January transfer window is one of the most important parts of the Premier League season for teams. With the amount of money in world football’s most lucrative league, there is no doubting that copious sums will be spent again in the upcoming transfer window. What makes the January transfer window most interesting is that it varies in importance for different teams based on their league position. Cardiff, for instance, will be approaching the January transfer window in a very different way to that of Manchester City or Liverpool. For one, the Bluebirds simply do not have the money to bring in a number of players that will significantly boost their squad. In contrast, in the 2018 January transfer window, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City paid a club-record fee of £57 million for central defender Aymeric Laporte. As much as Neil Warnock would dare to dream, it appears he will get very limited finances in the upcoming transfer market. With that in mind, he will have to look to be shrewd in his business as he aims to keep Cardiff in the Premier League. One of the most important factors to consider in a mid-season transfer window

is that the current squad is kept on side. After all, the vast majority of Cardiff’s squad had helped them gain promotion to the Premier League season. So, it should be appreciated that there deserves to be some degree of loyalty. However, not even the most naïve of football fans would try to argue that success is achieved on loyalty – especially in a league as brutal and ruthless as the Premier League. Therefore, Warnock will be looking to bring in players that can make an instant impact at the club. For this to happen, the Bluebirds should be looking for players that have experience of either playing in the Premier League or against a calibre of player fit for the Premier League. This, of course, could be easier said than done given that Vincent Tan isn’t likely to provide Warnock sufficient finances to spend this winter. However, if anyone knows how to get a job done on little money, it is Warnock. So far, this season, the Bluebirds have played Callum Paterson – Scotland’s right-back – at centre forward, with the 23-year-old scoring three goals in the league. In addition to that, the Bluebirds have competed well with the vast majority of teams they have faced in the league. Nevertheless, Warnock will be well

aware that recruiting in January is a must. Whilst Paterson is doing well as a striker, it would be unrealistic to expect him to lead the front line for the entire season if Cardiff want to stay in the league. As a result, a striker should be the priority for the Bluebirds in January. With a striker also a priority for other teams in the relegation battle, it will be up to Warnock and his recruitment team to source the right player for the right price.

In addition to that, some much needed Premier League experience could help the Bluebirds tremendous amounts. In their current squad, Bournemouth loanee Harry Arter looks to be the only player with sustained experience in the top flight of English football. Therefore, players with sustained Premier League experience would help Cardiff in what will be a testing second half of the season.

SPORT CHWARAEON

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Your sport desk Reece Chambers Rosie Foley John Jones Jack Vavasour George Willoughby Loan market: Camarasa has shone for Cardiff this season Source: Cardiff CIty FC

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SPORT

Bluebirds lacking consistency by George Willoughby

eil Warnock would have been elated when his side secured a victory over Wolves on his birthday last week, but his side weren’t able to replicate that winning formula and consequently came back down to earth with a convincing defeat to West Ham in the week. Consistency has been Cardiff’s undoing so far this season, with the inability to string together a sequence of results stalling their progression out of the drop zone. Confidence in the camp must have been sky-high after Junior Hoilett expertly curled home to break Wolves’ hearts, but unfortunately, the Bluebirds followed the result up with an abject showing at the London Stadium. Which brought them back within two points of the drop after some temporary rest bite. Warnock and his side must find a way to consistently pick up points. Their home form hasn’t been an issue, more so their away record which sees Cardiff among just Fulham to have yet to record a victory away from home. Travelling is never easy but equating just a single point from a possible 21 is an issue that could hamper Cardiff’s survival hopes. It’s the games against the likes of West Ham in which Cardiff should be coming away with something, even if it’s just a point. The Hammers have a had a turbulent season and their home form has suffered because of it. Yet, Warnock’s men were outclassed and returned back to the Welsh capital with nothing to show for which is becoming an increasingly undesirable pattern through the first 15 games of the 2018-19 Premier League season. At the moment, one thing definitely going in Cardiff’s favour is stability. Warnock is completely entrusted by the board, players and fans to secure top-flight status for next season. Whereas, Southampton have recently appointed new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, and so too Fulham who brought in former Leicester City, and Premier League champion Claudio Ranieri. The managerial merry-go-round seems ever present in today’s chop and change football environment, but Cardiff have it right in placing their faith in the charismatic Neil Warnock. For Cardiff, they have a very important clash with fellow strugglers Southampton. There is an element of mystery to this fixture with the Saints appointing Ralph Hasenhuttl who is shaping up to take charge of his first game against the Bluebirds. The magnitude of Saturday’s game, even if we are only 15 games in, should not be underestimated. With Cardiff struggling to muster together points away from home, and just the general lack of consistency, a victory at the weekend is looking more and more like a necessity. Neil Warnock and his team will then travel to Vicarage Road to face an out of form Watford side who will be looking to rediscover their early season form. Whatever the game, it’s going to be a difficult task for Cardiff but three wins on the board now means they are out of the relegation zone and can begin to start looking up.

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Euro 2020: Wales face tough tests against Croatia and Slovakia by John Jones

ales manager Ryan Giggs was left ‘relatively happy’ as he learnt his side’s draw for the Euro 2020 qualifiers in Dublin on Sunday. Wales were drawn in Group E, alongside Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan and World Cup runners-up, Croatia. Following their heroics at the tournament two years ago, Wales will have their sights set on repeating, or even advancing upon their historic run, but first must negotiate what could potentially be a tricky group. Whilst Croatia go into the qualifying rounds as favourites for winning the group, Slovakia – Wales’ opponents in the Euro 2016 group stages – may also pose a threat. It would also be wrong to completely write off Hungary and Azerbaijan. As two of the tournament’s

twelve host countries, both sides will likely give everything to be able to compete with the continent’s big boys on home soil. Much like the 2018 World Cup qualifying group from which Wales failed to progress, there is a feeling that nearly every team is capable of beating each other. However, whereas, Wales were once the ones for the likes of Serbia and Ireland to catch, the expectation placed on Croatia may take some pressure off for Giggs’ side. Reflecting on the draw, the Welsh manager told BBC Wales, “it could have been better, it could have been worse". "The likes of Croatia will go into it as favourites, they are an outstanding team with outstanding character, they never give up" "It’s a competitive group, and we’ll need to play well to get through it”. "I know what my players are capable of doing, and that’s all I ask of

Welsh unity: The Welsh players have a distinct sense of unity Source: Jon Candy (via Flickr) them, perform at the highest level they can do.

"If they can do that, then we have a great chance”.

Wales' Euro 2020 qualifying opponents

CROATIA

SLOVAKIA

FIFA World ranking: 4th

FIFA World ranking: 27th

Last meeting: Wales 1-2 Croatia (26th March 2013)

Last meeting: Wales 2-1 Slovakia (11th June 2016)

Key player: Luka Modric – the newly crowned Ballon D’or winner has had a phenomenal 2018, winning his third successive Champions League, before leading his team to the World Cup Final and earning the tournament's Golden Ball.

Key player: Marek Hamšík – the Napoli star is his country’s most capped player, with 22 goals in 111 appearances. A tactically versatile midfielder with pace to burn, Hamsik is both an elite playmaker and a goalscoring threat.

Despite their stellar World Cup campaign, Croatia’s form since the summer has rather poor, being thumped 6-0 by Spain, and suffering relegation in the Nations League. What may prove to be their undoing against Wales is their relative age, with the likes of Modric and Dejan Lovren potentially struggling with the pace and energy of Giggs’ increasingly youthful side. Whilst they are favourites, Croatia are definitely beatable.

Although downed by a late Hal Robson-Kanu goal in their last encounter at Euro 2016, Slovakia are a side that are difficult to beat, and could cause problems for Wales with a sturdy defence and dangerous forwards. However, like Croatia, age could again be a problem, with veteran captain Martin Skrtel prone to occasional mistakes.

HUNGARY

AZERBAIJAN

FIFA World ranking: 51st

FIFA World ranking: 107th

Last meeting: Wales 2-0 Hungary (10th February 2005)

Last meeting: Azerbaijan 0-1 Wales (6th June 2009)

Key player: Adam Szalai – the Hoffenheim striker has an impressive goal-scoring record for his national side, averaging around a goal every three games. At 6ft 3in, Szalai could cause some real problems for Wales in the air.

Key player: Maksim Medvedev – An experienced and versatile defender, Azerbaijan’s vice-captain has faced some of the games’ big names whilst playing for Qarabağ in the Champions League and Europa League.

Whilst, like Wales, Hungary performed unexpectedly well at Euro 2016, their form since has been largely inconsistent, with a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign seeing them lose to Andorra, and struggle to a goalless draw against the Faroe Islands. There is hope that new coach Marco Rossi will continue to breathe new life into the team, but Wales should emerge victorious when the two teams meet.

The trip to Baku will certainly be “a bit of a trek”, as Giggs put it, and this may give the Azerbaijanis a chance to nab a result. Their Nations League performances were mixed, being held by Malta on two occasions, whilst being smashed 4-0 in Kosovo, but grabbing two wins over the Faroe Islands. However, Azerbaijan's low calibre of opponents will not prepare them for the quality of Croatia, Wales and Slovakia, and it would be no surprise to see them simply brushed aside.

CHWARAEON

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BUCS Highlights

Best of Social Media

A round-up of Cardiff University’s sporting action from the latest BUCS Wednesday of the season

by Rebecca Astill

ardiff University men’s 1st tennis team were up against London School of Economics 1st team last Wednesday in their final fixture of 2018. The players met Welsh star Rob Brydon last time the two teams played in London but unfortunately it didn’t bring much luck and they suffered a close loss 4-2 back in October. The doubles matches were on first. The first pair consisted of Rob Knight - a PhD veteran and Tom Davenport - a Fresher. The pair are unbeaten in doubles matches this season and once again they brought the win home in 3 sets whilst Dom Pearson and Aydin Caglayan narrowly lost in their third set. The score was tied 1-1 going into the Singles. Rob fell short in his match in 3 very physical sets. An injured Aydin struggled through his match but ending up losing in straight sets.

Best of the Rest

Dom struggled too and lost at singles 3 but a massive performance at 4 from Tom who overcame a tough serve volleying opponent, meant that the overall score was 4-2 to LSE. This is the team’s first ever season in the premier league of tennis and this was their 8th match of 10 this season. The 1st team is projected to finish 4th out of 6 in the league and will hope to avoid relegation this year.

Men's football

Cardiff 5s 1-1 USW 5s

Women's fencing

by Reece Chambers

he Womens fencing team had a tall order ahead of them on Wednesday December 5 as Cardiff played host to Exeter. Both teams were undefeated in the league as of yet and with only three matches remaining in the season, this match could very well have been the most important of the season. Further adding to the ordeal, the already small women’s squad had their captain, Heulwen Hill, away at an international tournament and therefore unable to play and Federica, another starting squad player was out of action. It left a humble but mighty three strong squad comprising of Beth Ellis, Vicky Perrio and Ebba Karlsson, all of which having represented their respective nations. As both teams began to warm up and prepare it was already apparent just how close these games would be. A typical fencing fixture consists

Women's football

Cardiff 1s 3-2 Portsmouth 2s

of three smaller matches, each to 45 and each with a different blade and slightly different rule set. We ‘kicked off’ with Sabre in which Exeter took an early lead but in the penultimate bout Vicky scored a whopping 13 points, levelling the scores, however at the end of sabre, Exeter won 45-44, an incredibly close game. Following sabre was foil, Beth’s speciality and indeed it showed, with her getting 25 points across her three bouts, including the final bout which she won 11-3. This resulted in Cardiff winning foil 45-43. This meant after two matches, Cardiff was up one point, an incredibly tense affair with just epee left to play. Cardiff went into epee confident and eager to win with Ebba leading the team to a 45-40 win, the widest margin of the three games. With this victory, the Cardiff Women’s squad go six points clear at the top of the Western 1A fencing league.

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FaA massive congratulations to all our sports clubs who took part in Movember this year! @cardiffathleticunion

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Rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards believes Wales have the players to "shake the world" at Japan 2019 @bsportv

Men's squash

Cardiff 1s 3-2 Bath 1s

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Men's tennis (1sts)

Cardiff 134-128 Exeter

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Cardiff 2-4 LSE

Cardiff 30-3 Leeds Beckett

by Rory Taylor

he return fixture of Cardiff University versus Leeds Beckett at Llanrumney displayed some quality rugby amidst the dreadful conditions. Rain from the day before and throughout game day left the pitches muddy and the ball slippery, perfect for Cardiff. Despite the weather, the home support turned out by the masses and cheered their boys on to a bonus point winning victory, taking them off the bottom of the BUCS Super League table. The home team were on the board within the first five minutes of the game, with some poor discipline from Beckett leading to an Owen Davies penalty. Following from the

early pressure, Cardiff tighthead Jesse Outlaw was yellow carded for a late hit, taking the boys in red and back down to fourteen men. After relentless pressure and the majority of the half being played in Beckett’s 22, despite the man down, openside flanker Alex Everett crashed over to score under the posts.

At the stroke of half time, Davies landed a penalty kick stretching Cardiff ’s lead to thirteen points to nil

The easy conversion gave the home side a ten-point lead. After half time and a needed kit change from Beckett, the visitors were granted a penalty in front of the posts forty meters out which gave Beckett their first and only points of the game. Cardiff resurged and after some sustained pressure and a penalty kick to the corner, the Cardiff forwards bundled over the try line for another score, Davies missed the conversion taking the score to 18-3. Despite the tricky conditions, Cardiff were playing very well, stringing passes together as if it was dry and using the wind to their advantage, pinning the Beckett back three until a miskick gave the home side territory and possession. After a line break, the ball was

recycled and fly half James Davies’ cross-field kick allowed winger Marcus Ramage to gather, cut inside and run a dummy switch with his twin brother Greg. Marcus dashed across the line for Cardiff’s third try of the game. Davies missed the conversion, leaving Cardiff with a comfortable 23-3 lead. With more sustained pressure in the Beckett half, Cardiff found themselves hunting for the bonus point try. After many reset scrums on the Beckett try line, a member of the Leeds front row was sin binned for repeat infringements. Cardiff opted for the scrum again which resulted in a penalty try and bonus point win for the home side, putting them above Leeds in the league who now sit at the bottom with a game in hand.

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Cyclist Geraint Thomas is voted BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2018 @BBCSportWales

Your sport desk Reece Chambers Rosie Foley John Jones Jack Vavasour George Willoughby sport@gairrhydd.com

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Men's rugby earned their second win of the BUCS Super League season

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Cardif City Transfer Window - Page 29

BUCS Highlights Page 31

Welsh Derby: Womens Lacrosse battling against Swansea at Varsity 2018 (Source: @CardiffUniSport via Twitter)

BUCS excluding Welsh, Scottish and NI Institutions in campaigns Why is BUCS ThisGirlCan Campaign only spread throughout English Universities?

EXCLUSIVE by Rosie Foley

he campaign is a female focused week of action, engaging universities across England, but it has not been made aware to the universities in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. ThisGirlCan took place this year between November 19-25. The week is an opportunity for universities to highlight what they have to offer women in terms of getting active and playing sport while at university. BUCS members and clubs have supported this campaign by organising a wide range of activities that have been put on throughout the week that women can take part in. English Universities really got behind this campaign and put on a plethora of activities throughout the week. The University of Nottingham hosted a Girls Night In, which, as they tweeted included ‘an evening of fun, fitness and freebies’. It also said that it

was their ‘‘biggest all-female participation event so far’’, showing that the campaign has really taken effect. Sussex Sport also tweeted saying that ‘‘Last week was the most successful #BUCSThisGirlCan’’ at their university. Sussex University Sport held a wide range of activities throughout the week from a Funky Fitness to a Powerlifting workshop.

“all about encouraging and empowering women to be active in sport” BUCS state that the week is ‘‘all about encouraging and empowering women to be active in sport and physical activity’’ as they go through their university

experience. The main objective for this campaign is to get more women at university active and show how sports at university work hard to ensure that women are involved. ‘‘The ultimate aim of the week is to get more women at university active and demonstrate how much Higher Education does to engage female students and staff in sport and physical activity’’. However, this campaign did not involve universities outside of England. The campaign was inspired by Sport England, but BUCS is a governing body for all university sports in the United Kingdom. Emma Trunks, the Regional Development Officer at BUCS said that due to the campaign being funded by Sport England, the “Welsh and Scottish institutions are unable to sign up to the campaign.” However, BUCS have consulted with

Sport England over the matter. “This has been something we’ve been addressing with Sport England for a few years now and will continue too especially as we are a British Organisation.” There are similar campaigns run for Scottish and Welsh universities like OurSquad and Girls Do with Northern Ireland taking part in Active, Fit and Sporty. Also, BUCS ask that the institutions get in touch so that they can “support them in the week of action outside of the ‘ThisGirlCan’ specific taglines.” Emma told us that there will be a ‘BUCS Inclusion Week’ soon which will be “flexible” for each university in terms of what would like to focus on. “The campaign is planned to be flexible around what you’d like to celebrate, share and tackle specific to your university.’” If you would like your sports club to get involved in this, contact the AU.

Euro 2020: Wales group by John Jones

ales will play Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan - Croatia being the last World Cup runners up. With Croatia going into the qualifying rounds as the favourites, Wales cannot write off their chances of making it through the qualifying stages this year. Wales have beaten all the teams in their group apart from Croatia, but Every team in the group has the ability to beat each other. A theme that is running through both the Croatian and Slovakian teams is the age of the team - will they be able to keep up with the youth of Wales? Read: Page 30