Issue 1147 - Monday 9 December by Cardiff Student Media

rhifyn 1147 issue 1147

gair rhydd

9 rhagfyr 2019 9 december 2019

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Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from all at Gair Rhydd!

Nadolig llawen i bawb!

SU’s pro-choice stance leads to protests Charlotte King Head of News

ollowing Cardiff University Students’ Union adopting an official pro-chance stance at this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 21, a divisive debate has emerged not only between Cardiff University students but with those unaffiliated with the University and Students’ Union too, culminating in a hostile set of protests outside of Cardiff University’s Main Building on Wednesday December 4. CBR UK, a pro-life group who are not affiliated with Cardiff University nor the Students’ Union, returned to protest on university grounds for the second time last week, bringing with them graphic posters and leaflets to, as they state, highlight “the reality” of abortion. Members of CBR UK took some time out of their protest to speak to Gair Rhydd about who they are and why they are protesting outside of the university. The group describes themselves as “acting as a voice for the voiceless” and aim to “[raise] awareness of the humanity of the child.” The group believe that “if something is growing, it’s living. If something has human parents, it stands to reason that it’s human.” Gair Rhydd was informed that CBR UK have been visiting university campuses across the UK to spread their message, and believe that following the AGM, Cardiff University is an institution which is “[stifling] free speech”. At this year’s AGM, students voted in favour of a motion which commits the Students’ Union to support a prochoice abortion stance, improving its ‘Pregnancy Support’ services so that it provides the same level of support for other health-related issues the Union provides services for, such as mental health, wellbeing and sexual health. It also requires the Students’ Union to alter its abortion terminology by using the term foetus to describe a 13week old pregnancy rather than using the term baby; to provide up to date information on the back of Students’ Union toilet stalls about where individuals can seek help if they are pregnant; to create a pro-choice awareness campaign which highlights the importance of access to safe and legal abortion; and to ensure societies affiliated with the

Students’ Union do not spread “misinformation” regarding abortion and pregnancy nor do they participate in activities against Union policy. Speaking to the CBR UK protestors, Gair Rhydd enquired whether the group feels it is appropriate for them to be protesting a Students’ Union development outside a university which does not concern CBR UK directly. In response, a member of CBR UK said: “In our case, we will appear if there is [an] injustice to the unborn. We feel there is [an] injustice to the unborn here.” With regards to the graphic imagery displayed on their posters and in their leaflets, Gair Rhydd questioned whether these images were appropriate, highlighting the damaging effect these graphic images could have on passers-by, including children and individuals who may have had abortions previously. A CBR UK member said: “These images are actually disgusting, they’re horrific, they’re really bad. They upset me, they upset my colleagues, but please understand, we don’t like to come out here.” When questioned about the lack of sourcing of their imagery, CBR UK directed one towards their website. Following on, one enquired whether the use of quotes from a couple of hundred years ago next to unsourced, graphic imagery could constitute misinformation. In response, CBR UK members again directed one towards their website. One member of CBR UK also commented on how they feel their protest tactic has “certainly made everyone sit up and think about [abortion] which is one of [their] aims...To open up the debate, to make people think about it, to look at the reality of what that choice is.” Ultimately, they argue that the Students’ Union is “hiding behind” the term foetus to avoid the reality that from conception, the clump of cells is a baby and they feel that as a group, they must protect the unborn who “have a right to continue living and a right to be protected.” Shortly after CBR UK arrived outside the Main Building, Cardiff University students began to form a quicklygrowing counter-protest in an effort to conceal CBR UK’s display from view. Story continues on page 3.

It’s back!: Barry-based sitcom Gavin & Stacey is returning for a special one-off edition of the show on Christmas Day. Source: Huw Davies

Oh, What’s Ocurrin’?: Gair Rhydd speaks to Gavin & Stacey’s Robert Wilfort Olly Allen Sport Editor

show that rocketed Barry into the spotlight, Gavin and Stacey is loved by mil-

Creatives in Cardiff: Is there enough support? Jack Stacey

Contributor

nown to provide jobs and rises in tourism, the future of Cardiff’s film and television scene seems to be booming, with a Netflix production – as well as an upcoming Mark Wahlberg film - recently filming in Cardiff. However, with major player Pinewood Studio pulling out of Cardiff, the long-term creative prospects of Cardiff’s creative scene are still in doubt. Is enough being done in the Welsh creative industries to inspire the next generation? To read more, turn to page 15. 15

lions of viewers and has become an iconic British comedy. A decade after the original series ended, it returns this Christmas Day for a one-off special, and Olly Allen spoke to Robert Wilfort, who

plays Stacey’s brother Jason in the show, about what to expect, seeing all the cast again and of course that famous fishing trip. To learn more about what’s in store this Christmas, turn to page 24. 24

Pobl 16-17 i gael Keeping in contact over the y bleidlais yn y Christmas break Senedd Lara Evans Cyfrannydd

Katherine Mallett Contributor

ydd pobl ifanc 16 ac 17 yn cael pleidleisio yn etholiad nesaf Senedd Cymru yn 2021. Daw hyn wedi pleidlais gan Aelodau Senedd Cymru yr wythnos ddiwethaf. Ond, nid oedd pawb yn y siambr yn cytuno gyda’r newid yn yr oedran pleidleisio, er i’r bleidlais ennill yn y pendraw gyda 41 o bleidleisiau o blaid ac 19 yn erbyn. Mae’r newid hwn yn golygu y bydd Cymru yn dilyn yr Alban i roi’r hawl i bobl 16 ac 17 oed bleidleisio. I ddarllen barn Lara, ewch i dudalen 6.

he end of term is around the corner, and with that comes the chance to spend several weeks at home with our families. But, it also means saying goodbye to your university friends for this time too. It’s important to stay in touch with your university mates during the holidays so that when you come back next term, it’s like you never left each other’s side. Perhaps even arrange to meet up over the holidays, that’s one of Katherine Mallett’s advice. Turn to page 19 to read more of Katherine’s tips. 19

EDITORIAL

Gair Rhydd 2019/20 Coordinator Elaine Morgan

Editor-in-Chief Tomos Evans

Deputy Editors

Charlotte King George Willoughby

News

Charlotte King Olly Davies Anna Dutton Zoe Kramer

Features

Mustakim Hasnath Sam Tilley

Taf-od

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com

A note from the Editor Nodyn gan y Golygydd The decade’s end: Diwedd y ddegawd: a time to reflect adeg i adlewyrchu

Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones

Politics

Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Comment

Adam Clarke Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Kat Smith Tehreem Sultan

Column Road Indigo Jones

Advice

Molly Govus Rhiannon James

Satwik Speaks Satwik Shivoham

Science

Liv Davies Holly Giles

@Caerdydd

Tirion Davies Natalie Graham

Five Minute Fun Michael Ash

Sport

Reece Chambers Olly Allen Ella Fenwick Luke Wakeling George Willoughby

Head of Digital Media Aliraza Manji

Social Media Manager Ashley Boyle

Digital Media Editors Matt Hancock-Bruce Daniel O’Callaghan Tom Walker

Graphics Editor

Oli King

Copy Editors Boadicea Dowd Anurag Hegde Dewi Morris Devika Sunand

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 and opinion pieces 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 new decade: New horizons? Source: Iris Van Brunschot Tomos Evans Editor-in-Chief

nd with that the year is over. With it the decade gone too. No better opportunity, then, to reflect on the past ten years, whilst also looking forward to the next. So much has changed in the country over the last decade, both socially and politically. We’ve had three General Elections, with a fourth to come this week. Globally, social media has developed rapidly to the point where its use in society is now widespread and is a vital tool in staying in touch with others. The end of a decade allows families and old friends to reconnect and reflect together on the events of the past ten years. This is no different for Gair Rhydd’s family and, below, some of Gair Rhydd’s former editors look back at the last decade in the paper’s history. For Gair Rhydd, the last ten years have been important in the paper’s

development. Its Welsh language content has increased, the paper’s digital output has also increased and 2017 saw Gair Rhydd celebrate its 45th anniversary. In keeping with this reflective theme, our Taf-od desk reflects on the last decade in Welsh politics and sport on pages 7 and 9. The hit sitcom Gavin & Stacey may have come to an end on the first day of this decade, but it’s back for a special Christmas episode to see off the decade in style. This week in @Caerdydd, on page 24, there’s an interview with Robert Wilfort, who plays Stacey’s brother Jason in the series. Whilst we reflect, we can also look forward to the next decade. With a new decade comes new opportunities, the chance to go elsewhere and to experience new things. Whilst endings can, and will, be challenging, it’s important to embrace the excitement of a new beginning and see where this fresh start will take you.

A reflection on the decade....

Degawd newydd: Gorwelion newydd? Tarddiad: Iris Van Brunschot Tomos Evans Prif Olygydd

gyda hynny mae’r flwyddyn ar ben. A’r ddegawd wedi mynd hefyd. Does dim cyfle gwell felly i adlewyrchu ar y ddeng mlynedd diwethaf, tra hefyd yn edrych ymlaen at y nesaf. Ar hyd y ddegawd ddiwethaf, rydym wedi profi tri Etholiad Cyffredinol, gyda phedwerydd i ddod yr wythnos hon. Yn fyd-eang, mae cyfryngau cymdeithasol wedi datblygu’n gyflym i’r pwynt lle mae ei ddefnydd o fewn cymdeithas yn gyffredin iawn ac yn fodd allweddol o gadw mewn cysylltiad ag eraill. Mae diwedd degawd yn galluogi teulu a hen ffrindiau ail-gysylltu ac adlewyrchu ynghyd ar ddigwyddiadau’r ddeng mlynedd diwethaf. Dydy hyn ddim yn wahanol i deulu Gair Rhydd ac, isod, mae rhai o gyn-olygyddion Gair Rhydd yn ôl-fyfyrio ar y ddegawd a fu yn hanes y papur. I Gair Rhydd, mae’r ddegawd diwethaf wedi bod yn greiddiol yn

natblygiad y papur. Mae ei gynnwys cyfrwng-Cymraeg wedi cynyddu, mae allbwn digidol y papur wedi cynyddu ac yn 2017 dathlodd Gair Rhydd ei benblwydd yn 45 mlwydd oed. Gan gadw at y thema adlewyrchol hwn, ar dudalennau 7 a 9, mae’n tîm Taf-od yn adlewyrchu ar y ddegawd diwethaf yng ngwleidyddiaeth a chwaraeon Cymru. Efallai fod y rhaglen gomedi boblogaidd Gavin & Stacey wedi dod i ben ar ddiwrnod cyntaf y ddegawd, ond mae hi yn ôl am rifyn arbennig yn wythnos olaf y ddegawd. Yr wythnos hon yn @Caerdydd, ar dudalen 24 mae cyfweliad â Robert Wilfort, sy’n chwarae rhan Jason yn y gyfres. Tra’n bod ni’n adlewyrchu, mae hefyd gennym y cyfle i edrych ymlaen i’r ddegawd nesaf. Gyda degawd newydd daw cyfleoedd newydd, y cyfle i fynd i rhywle newydd a phrofi pethau newydd. Tra bod diweddau’n gallu bod yn anodd, mae’n bwysig cofleidio’r cyffro a ddaw gyda dechreuad newydd ac aros i weld i ba gyfeiriad yr ewch chi.

Some former Gair Rhydd editors reflect on their memories from the last decade of the paper.

Joe Atkinson Editor-in-Chief (2015/16)

“Gair Rhydd defined my time at Cardiff and gave me great memories and lifelong friends. We got plenty of

exclusives but I was proudest that we broke the story of the racist/sexist/ homophobic play put on by medical

school students which prompted an independent review of the whole school. The best part of my year was my team.”

Maria Mellor Editor-in-Chief (2016/17)

“I was lucky enough to be with Gair Rhydd for not one but two elections. Our Election Special in 2017 was

my favourite issue, from planning, to design, to execution and I like to think that we informed students a

little better on the choice they were about to make.”

Liam Ketcher Editor-in-Chief (2017/18)

“One of my ultimate highlights of being the editor of Gair Rhydd is getting to work with a team of such amazing

people. I remember editing during the heavy snowfall in Cardiff two years ago. We were all cwtched up in the office

finishing the current paper, and even had the chance to build a Gair Rhydd snowman to promote our latest issue.”

Gareth Axenderrie Editor-in-Chief (2018)

“My favourite stories have been the ones where Gair Rhydd has broken news that nobody else has. We did this

particularly well in 2017 when we uncovered how Swansea Uni’s rugby team smashed up the varsity trophy. I think

the most important piece we have done recently however is the story about transphobia by doormen in Cardiff.”

Jess Warren Editor-in-Chief (2018/19)

“I remember just how excited and proud I was when I saw the Digital Team’s first video they made. I was even prouder then, at the annual SPA

conference to pick up three awards celebrating the hard work of my fantastic team. That year we won ‘Best Sports Section’ and were highly

commended for our Digital platform and Science coverage. What a way to celebrate everyone’s success, I’ll always remember that night!”

Charlotte King Head of News

Continued from front page.

hat started as a group of five or six students steadily grew to become a wall of protesters objecting to CBR UK’s presence. Gair Rhydd spoke to two students who kickstarted the counter-protest outside the university Main Building. When asked why they were in opposition to the group’s display, one stated: “Recently within our Students’ Union the motion was raised to be a prochoice university. We have seen a backlash against that and I fundamentally do not believe anybody has the right to tell another woman what to do with her body.

They should sod off and leave women’s bodies alone!

Dr Andy Williams Cardiff University lecturer

Cardiff University lecturer Andy Williams told Gair Rhydd that he was protesting in “solidarity” with the students. “I think that the vote that was taken at the AGM by Cardiff students was the right decision and a brave decision.

[The unborn] have a right to continue living and a right to be protected. CBR UK member

SU raises awareness for male mental health with new ‘Alright Mate?’ campaign Occuring alongside Movember, was November a success for men’s health?

Anna Dutton News Editor

s we enter December, talk of advent calendars, Christmas shopping and mince pies is beginning to consume many people’s time. With the emphasis placed upon family and friends spending time together, emphasis is also placed on moral support from those around us. This is something which last month, the Movember campaign endeavoured to raise awareness of, focussing specifically on providing support for male mental and physical health. As we enter the festive season, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on this year’s campaign. The Movember campaign hopes to tackle problems facing men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. According to the Movember website, by 2030 they want to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%. Since 2003, the website states they have funded over 1,250 men’s health projects globally to help as many men as possible, as well as individuals raising awareness of the charity by growing a moustache

throughout November and encouraging people to donate. Across Cardiff University, many students took part in the Movember campaign. Speaking to Gair Rhydd, one student, Reece Chambers, said: “I decided to get involved with the Movember Campaign this year to raise more awareness for male mental health. Despite the increase in awareness, it’s really important to continue that throughout the year and not forget about it after November. For a lot of men, it’s hard to open up and talk about their feelings. So getting involved was a no-brainer to improve awareness within my social circle.” In keeping with the charity’s involvement with suicide prevention, Cardiff University Students’ Union (SU) launched a new campaign called ‘Alright Mate?’ this year following International Men’s Day to raise awareness of the high suicide rate amongst men. According to a Tweet from the Students’ Union, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45, and just in the United Kingdom, 84 men take their own life every week. The aim of their ‘Alright Mate?’ cam-

paign is to alleviate some of the stigma people experience when talking openly about their mental health as well as making individuals aware of the student services available for those who are suffering. James Wareham, VP Welfare and Campaigns, told Gair Rhydd: “‘Alright Mate’ this year was a huge success!” and stated that as an individual who has experienced mental health difficulties, “breaking down the stigma around mental health for all age groups is very important, but in many ways it is especially so for men.”

Getting involved [in Movember] was a no-brainer to improve awareness within my social circle. Reece Chambers

Wareham continued: “We also put an emphasis on engaging student groups in the campaign, and various sports clubs and societies have raised aware-

ness of these issues with their members using our resources and social media… I’m excited for the campaign to be trying new things and increasing the number of people who engage with it every year. We may even be back with it in the second semester.” As well as this campaign, the Union provides other support services such as wellbeing workshops that are taking place over the coming weeks, different support groups such as Eat Well, Cardiff Night-line, Student Minds, Talk it Out, and Mind your Head. If you would like any further information about these services, head to the SU website. The Movember campaign ultimately emphasises the importance of being open and discussing how you are feeling, whether that is physically unwell or mentally unwell. In 2018, Movember reported that they raised over £10 million in the UK and allocated 73.2% of those funds towards men’s mental health projects. Across 20 countries, Movember reported that nearly 322,000 individuals took part in the campaign, raising £57.6 million overall. It is not yet known how much money was raised in 2019.

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

“I think nobody should have control over women’s bodies but women themselves and I think the display that we have behind us, which quite thankfully we’re blocking from view at the moment, is an absolute scandal and there’s no place for it anywhere near university grounds. As far as I’m concerned, they should sod off and leave women’s bodies alone!” Prior to the events of December 4, Gair Rhydd spoke to Isadora Sinha, who proposed the motion at this year’s AGM, who said that she has received “overwhelming positive responses” from students throughout Cardiff University, but that she has also been subjected to negative backlash. Referring to CBR UK, she states that they “shouldn’t be meddling in our democratic processes”. Continuing, Isadora told Gair Rhydd that she has received insults, death threats and has been called a “murderer”, and said that one of her friends contacted the police because they were

so concerned for her safety. Isadora also expressed how the backlash has taken a toll on her mental health. Overall, she stated that in the face of the abuse and backlash, she did question whether putting the motion forward was the right thing to do. However, after receiving support from fellow students and hearing from individuals about why they support the motion, she believes it was. “That’s what is so great about the student community; we support each other no matter what choices people make.” Isadora is now gauging interest for a pro-choice society. The Students’ Union also recently published a statement on the Union adopting an official pro-choice stance, stating that the motion was adopted “in line with [their] democratic processes” in response to an overwhelming majority vote. In response to concerns amongst some students that the motion could limit freedom of speech and expression, the Union stated: “The trustees shall ensure that, in enacting the motion, appropriate measures are maintained to protect freedom of speech and expression in line with the law.” The Students’ Union emphasises that their stance does not intend to “censor” any student group or individual, nor does it aim to deny their right to affiliate with the Union. They continue: “We acknowledge that this debate is emotive, however, we urge all students to consider the potential impacts of their words and actions. Democracy within and outside of the Students’ Union is founded on healthy and respectful debate.” The Union concludes: “We will defend vehemently the freedom of expression for future generations of students.”

NEWS

“I fully respect that some people have pro-life views and they are entitled to those views, but the difference is a prochoice stance allows that pro-life and the pro-choice whereas a pro-life stance sees you stand there telling other people what to do with their body.” As more and more counter-protesters quickly began arriving holding anything from cardboard squares to posters to even framed paintings to conceal

CBR UK’s display, Gair Rhydd spoke to CBR UK to hear their thoughts on the action being taken against their presence. “It’s their right to [protest] and I do believe in this country that we have the right to express our views, whether it’s popular or not. That’s fair enough to them” one CBR UK member said. “I don’t want them to be trying to cover us up in the same way that I wouldn’t wish to do the same to them.” Another member also commented: “They seem to be nice people but it doesn’t seem to be a very well-thought-out protest. I don’t know what they are protesting. That we are standing on the grass or that we are protecting human life? It’s not clear.” As more protesters began to arrive outside the Main Building, tensions raised and altercations began to occur between the two protest groups, with one student shouting at a CBR UK member: “You in the middle! Have you got a uterus? No? F*** off then!” Speaking to the protesting students about whether they feel arguing with CBR UK is the best way to approach their presence on university grounds, one student said, “To be honest, arguing with any pro-life protester is never going to be an endeavour that’s worth your time because they don’t listen to reason. They’ve got their beliefs and they’re adamant to stick to them and they’re never going to change those beliefs. The only thing you can do is shout at them.” With Wednesday 4 December also being the final day of the UCU Strike action, some university lecturers who had been taking part in the strikes also joined forces with the students protesting against CBR UK.

NEWYDDION

But protestors were met with backlash from students defending the SU’s stance

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/news

SU’s pro-choice stance leads to protests

Your news desk Charlotte King Olly Davies Anna Dutton Zoe Kramer

4 NEWS Draft options for 2021 census face criticism Tomos Evans Editor-in-Chief

here have been several calls for black Welsh and Asian Welsh to be included as options in the next census in 2021. In the upcoming national survey, which takes place every ten years, there will be several options for people to choose their identity. However, there will not be a black Welsh or an Asian Welsh option. Instead, participants will be able to complete a write-in option if their ethnicity is not included as an option. Several people have said that there is no option on the census that represents their identities. Gair Rhydd spoke to Yasmin Begum, a writer and activist from Cardiff, who said, “I am a Taffistani. I can’t tick Welsh Asian on a box: neither could my father, or his father before him. “This racism row has come 30 years too late, with the effects of a racist census being acutely felt in Wales. We need a devolved Office for National Statistics like Scotland, and only then will things change.” Manon Edwards Ahir Tweeted after the publication of the draft Census options. She said, “Apparently I will be the only Welsh person at home because I am white. My family will have to choose ethnicity or nationality - they are fiercely proud of both. So unfair.” Welsh singer, Kizzy Crawford, spoke to S4C’s evening news programme Newyddion 9 about the lack of an option for people who identify as black Welsh. In the interview, Kizzy said, “I haven’t seen anything that represents me. I’ve always put down mixed or mixed British but that’s not accurate. I consider myself to be Welsh.” Gwynedd Council has called for the ONS to reconsider the categories on offer in the Census, with Councillor Nia Jeffreys saying: “How it is worded, with only the choice of black British or Asian British, it’s like forcing people to choose between being Welsh or being black or Asian. It’s not acceptable.” In light of the response to the Census options, the Welsh Government has announced it will change the options for its annual National Survey for Wales. It is expected that the change will be in place by the 2020-21 National Survey. In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for the ONS said, “Everyone who wants to identify as Welsh can do so through their national identity and their ethnicity.” “The census questionnaires are designed to ensure people have the options to do this.” “We’ve engaged widely with users in Wales and are proposing that anyone wishing to identify as Welsh and another category (including Asian or Asian British and black, black British, Carribean or African) will be able to do so by completing one of the write-in options.”

PBSAs in the Cardiff housing market Purpose-built student accommodation remains divisive

Zoe Kramer News Editor

he continuous building of new student flats has been a longstanding issue in Cardiff ’s housing market. PBSAs — “Purposebuilt student accommodation” — are housing complexes built with the stated intention of housing students, but a lack of demand often means that the companies which own them will apply to be able to lease to nonstudents. The reason for this is because building student accommodation is cheaper than building regular accommodation, and standards for lighting and space are much lower. According to Cardiff Council guidance, “In respect of light and outlook, all habitable rooms should have natural light, a means of outlook, and ventilation.” Additionally, the guidance calls for community facilities and a functional open space. These standards, however, are not required by law. “It’s clear that some developers opt for PBSAs to cut corners and escape the costs and regulations faced by other developments,” Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central told Vice. “Last year, one PBSA development in my constituency permanently changed to a residential hotel

after it was unable to fill a quarter of its rooms. We are now seeing developers apply for change of use before buildings are even completed.” In the past five years, plans have been approved to create approximately 7,400 new student rooms in Cardiff, reports the BBC. When faced with vacancies, these accommodation buildings have been converted into hotels but in some cases may need to eventually be demolished. Others argue that high rise student accommodation helps to alleviate

Zenith Building: One of Cardiff’s PBSAs. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Improving student mental health support: 2020 conference announced Charlotte King Head of News

n January 2020, it has been announced that the Westminster Higher Education Forum will be hosting a policy conference to discuss their priorities for supporting student mental health. Initial plans include discussing the government-backed University Mental Health Charter, developed by charity Student Minds, innovative approaches to mental health support for those in higher education, and the development of a university framework for mental health in collaboration with “outside bodies”. The conference will also see discussion concerning facilitating communication between universities and students; policy priorities for supporting student mental health; supporting the transition to university through accommodating the needs of non-traditional students specifically; ensuring vulnerable students can engage with mental health provisions; and what innovative approaches can be taken to prevent mental health issues. Specific strategies for preventing mental health issues include considering how schools, colleges and universities can “better support students transitioning to university, with a particular focus on students from disadvantaged or non-traditional back-

pressure on the private housing market and decrease the “studentification” of traditional Victorian houses around Cathays. The accommodation, sometimes billed as “luxury flats,” is often aimed at attracting international students. The high rent prices often require students to take on additional debt beyond their tuition. Meanwhile, as rent prices increase, the number of students in Wales is falling. According to official government statistics, the number of undergraduate students in Wales has decreased from

grounds.” This comes in light of research published by the Office for Students which reported that black students are significantly less likely to remain in study and are more likely to receive lower health grades with declared mental health conditions. Moreover, at the start of the 2019/20 academic year, the Guardian reported that British universities have seen a rise in student anxiety, depression and mental breakdowns, accompanied by a sudden rise in the number of students dropping out of university. Attention will also be put toward how the higher education sector can identify students at risk and support them more. One speaker, Ben Jordan, is expected to discuss how universities can use data better to identify characteristics which may signal an increased risk of mental illness amongst students. It’s thought that the pressures of living and learning independently alongside the challenges of forming healthy relationships are key risk areas for mental health. Moreover, the conference will see delegates discussing how universities can encourage more students to access help, for example by working to destigmatise mental illness and boost the visibility and awareness of their support services. The conference is due to take place on January 21, 2020.

108,490 in 2008-09 to 102,720 in 2017-18. Additionally, while PBSAs are finding it difficult to find tenants, Cardiff is still facing a significant homelessness crisis. In 2018-19, 86.8 per 10,000 households in Wales were assessed as homeless, up from 81.9 in 2016-17. Cardiff had the highest rate of homelessness, with 141.8 per 10,000 households. “It’s a concern not just about student flats but just about the type of housing that’s built generally and what we can do with it if it’s not utilised for the purpose it was originally intended” said Housing Secretary Julie James at a press conference in September, reported on WalesOnline. “I’m very keen – we’ll be consulting shortly – about changing the space standards in Wales so that everything is built to social housing standards.” In other words, blocks of unoccupied flats could potentially be taken over and used as social housing. While there are no definite policies in place to achieve newer space standards in Wales, this statement comes as an affirmation that there is a potential for action in the next few years to address the problem and allocate housing to those who need it the most.

Speculation mounts for snow on election day as weather grows colder

Olly Davies News Editor

t is beginning to look like a white Christmas, according to claims made in some national media outlets. Amidst reports that the UK is set to face 40 days of snow and ice, fears have been raised as to how the country will cope with the Arctic conditions. Emerging reports claim that northern regions, as well as much of Wales, will suffer the brunt of the incoming snow with some areas supposedly facing a deluge of 11 inches. However, the Met Office have tried to downplay concerns. They have claimed that conditions will be unsettled, but not extreme for this time of year. A spokesperson for the agency has said that 40 days of snow and ice is “not something that we recognise in our forecast.” This coming week is expected to start mild with temperatures set to drop on Thursday 12. There is “a low risk of more widespread snow on [the] northern edge of rain bands”, it has been reported, however widespread frost is expected. Marco Petagna, a forecaster from the Met Office, said: “It is not unusual for [this] time of year but temperatures will be colder, probably no higher than 5C in the north and 7C in the south and colder at night.

“There’ll be a slight covering in places, a few centimetres at most”, perhaps not the 25cm of snow predicted in western areas of London. “There will be frost overnight. It will then become more wintry from Wednesday with a cold wind to begin with”, Petagna continued. Welsh forecaster Derek Brockway also warned that people living in the north of the country should “keep an eye on” conditions as they are most likely to be affected if snow does fall. UK Snow Updates, who monitors the risk of snow, feels that “[This] week remains very interesting for cold weather and snow risk; again for now only a risk but charts do have a large snow event for the south and south-east by next Friday.” In the event of snow on election day it is unlikely that the vote will be delayed because the election is written into law and would require a law to change it. Although, this could make it more difficult to reach polling stations. However, there is little evidence to suggest the adverse weather conditions influence voter turnout. As for students heading home for Christmas, whilst snowfall could cause disruption, there does not appear to be any reason to worry presently. Whilst the weather outside might not be frightful, the fire inside will be so delightful.

NEWYDDION 5

Domestic abuse statistics revealed for England and Wales

Disclaimer: This article deals with sensitive themes which some readers may find distressing. George Willoughby Deputy Editor

atest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the statistics for domestic abuse in England and Wales. The figures displayed that 14.9% of men and 30.5% of women between the ages of 16-59 have been victims of any form of domestic abuse at least once. This includes being a victim of stalking, threats, and other non-physical forms. Domestic abuse can be defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality” (ONS). It is not just limited to violence either, with psychological, sexual, emotional, physical and financial abuse all constituting some form of domestic abuse. The research was conducted by the Crime Survey for England and Wales and the general trend was that domestic abuse figures have not seen any substantial change. But, certain forms of domestic abuse, in particular, ‘Threats or Force’, remain one of the most prominent forms of domestic abuse in England and Wales. It was estimated that 10.5% of men and 22.5% of women aged between 16-59 have been victims of threats and force by a partner or a member of the family since the age of 16. Wales, in the last year, had an estimated total of 6% of adults aged 16-59 who had been victims once or more of domestic abuse. Additionally, statistics for students in England and Wales showed 3.1% of men and 6.2% of women being victims of any form of domestic abuse in the last year. The most affected age group in the last year among adults aged 16-79 was women between the ages of 20-24 at 15.1%. The statistics show that domestic abuse in England and Wales remains a persistent issue for

many. Since 2016, it is estimated that there has been a gradual increase year-on-year of women being victims of domestic abuse. The number of reported incidents regarding female victims of domestic abuse in the Crime Survey had risen by nearly 13%. The increase could either be because domestic abuse is rising, or more women are coming forward and reporting the abuse. On the other hand, the estimated figures for men are relatively positive. Compared to April 2004, the new figures show a 31% decrease in the estimated number of male victims of domestic abuse from the most recent survey.

According to the Office for National Statistics, it is reported that over four in five victims of domestic abuse do not report the abuse to the police. ONS Domestic abuse trends in England and Wales

Speaking to Cardiff University, Gair Rhydd was able to find out some more information about what services the University provides and what they are doing to help tackle domestic abuse. “We recognise that sadly harassment, hate crime, sexual violence/ assault, relationship violence and other forms of abuse all exist in society and therefore in our University community” said a Cardiff University spokesperson. “Consequently, to address these issues Cardiff University has developed a proactive, University-wide approach centring on prevention,

intervention and response, which we have titled Creating the Culture.” The University places an emphasis on helping students who have been victims of domestic abuse because as the ONS figures show, students are being affected. This can have a major impact, and making sure students’ educational and personal lives are protected is very important for the University. “Our response to students experiencing violence and abuse ensures they are offered the support they need when they need it and barriers to their academic success are effectively reduced or removed.” Cardiff University also has an ‘Online Disclosure Tool’, giving students and staff the opportunity to report incidences of violence and abuse and make all the disclosures with secure anonymity. Dealing with victims of domestic abuse can be a sensitive topic for those involved. Cardiff University makes sure to collaborate with a plethora of external institutions to secure positive “working relationships.” “Notable collaborations are with South Wales Police, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Welsh Women’s Aid and the Welsh Government which continue into the now embedded activity.” One of the biggest issues facing those tackling domestic abuse is finding a way to encourage victims to come forward and report the abuse. It is reported that just over four in five victims of domestic abuse do not report the abuse to police. Something that Cardiff University wants to ensure, is “enabling students to access support quickly”, said a Cardiff University Spokesperson. “Our success in supporting more students to disclose is partly attributable to our ability to support students facing any form of violence and abuse through a single pathway.” Cardiff University students who are affected by domestic abuse can speak in confidence to the Students’ Union Student Advice service. They have a team of ad-

visers who can offer support and recommend additional services. Gair Rhydd also reached out to other organisations, such as Women’s Aid, for further comments on the services they provide. At the time of writing, we have not received an official response. Any future statements provided will be available to view on the online version of this article. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, do not hesitate to contact any of the helplines listed on this page or the services offered by Cardiff University if they are applicable to you.

Domestic abuse helplines Live Fear Free Helpline 0808 80 10 800 (24 hours) Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327 (Mon and Wed 9am-8pm and Tues, Thurs and Fri 9am-5pm) Dyn Wales Helpline 029 2034 9970 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm) National Domestic Abuse Helpline 080 2000 247 (24 hours) National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428 (Mon and Thurs 10am-8pm, Tues, Wed and Fri 10am-5pm, Fri 1pm5pm - trans-specific service Tues 1pm-5pm) Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

Estimated number of domestic abuse victims in the last year aged 16-59 (by age group) Data Source: ONS

Estimated number of female victims of domestic abuse in the last year aged 16-59. Data Source: ONS

Domestic abuse victims aged 16-59, 2018-19: Individuals in all age groups may be victims of domestic abuse. Source: George Willoughby

Female domestic abuse victims, 2013-19: The number of reported incidences has not changed significantly. Source: George Willoughby

On an unrelated note...

Chinese gene-editing procedure may have caused “unintended mutations”

n China, it has been discovered that gene editing on two twins to make them immune to HIV might have not only failed but also led to unintended genetic mutations. In 2018, the twins’ genes were edited as part of a medical breakthrough claiming to “control the HIV epidemic” and those involved in the procedure were criticised for ignoring ethical and scientific norms.

Gene editing. Source: NIH Image Gallery (via Flickr)

The world is not on track to meet Paris Climate goals as emissions rise

ccording to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) annual emissions gap report, emissions will have to fall by 7.6% per year for the next decade before states stay within emissions limits advised by scientists. It is consequently feared that the world is not on track to meet Paris Climate Accords goals.

Wildfire. Source: NPS Climate Change Response (via Flickr)

Uganda’s President leads anti-corruption march through Kampala

ast week, Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, led thousands of protestors on a march against corruption throughout the country. The Anti Corruption Walk saw protestors walking through Kampala, blocking roads and stopping traffic, after it became public knowledge that various state ministers have been involved in corrupt financial schemes and mismanaging public funds.

The city of Kampala. Source: Justin Raycraft (via Flickr)

taf od

Barn y Bobol

Wedi i enw tîm pêl-droed Cymru gael ei dynnu allan o het i fod yn grŵp A yng ngystadleuaeth Ewro 2020, beth yw barn myfyrwyr Caerdydd am y timau fydd yn eu hwynebu yn ystod yr Haf sydd i ddod?

Elin Davies

Myfyrwraig blwyddyn gyntaf Nyriso Mae Cymru yn yr un grŵp a’r Swisdir (safle 12 yn y byd), Yr Eidal (safle 13) a Twrci (safle 29). Mae Cymru yn safle 22 yn y byd felly ar bapur mae’n edrych yn annodd i ddod yn y ddau safle cyntaf. Ond gyda tîm cyfan heb anafiadau yn cynnwys Bale yn bennaf gyda Ramsey a cyflymder Daniel James lawr yr asgell, Joe Allen yng nghanol cae heb son am brofiad Ryan Giggs mae unryw beth yn bosib.

Morgan Burchell

Myfyriwr blwyddyn gyntaf Economeg Dylwn ni fod yn ddiolchgar ar y cyfan o chwarae’r Swistir, Twrci a’r Eidal yn grŵp A (In that order) - yn lle Ffrainc, Portiwgal a’r Eidal. Er hynny, ni fydd hyn yn grŵp syml, mae’r Swistir yn dîm da iawn – wrth iddyn nhw gyrraedd Cwpan y Byd diwethaf, Ewros diwethaf a gorffen yn bedwerydd yn y Nations League. Yna Twrci – heb golli yn erbyn Ffrainc yn y gemau rhagbrofol (ennill unwaith a chyfartal y tro arall). Yn olaf yr Eidal, yn amlwg maen nhw’n dîm arbennig, ond mae’n dibynnu pa dîm sy’n troi lan yn erbyn Cymru. Ond, os mae’r drindod sanctaidd yn chwarae (Bale, Ramsey ac Allen) mae unrhyw beth yn bosib, ac efallai awn ni un cam yn bellach nag Ewros 2016…

Gruffudd McKee Myfyriwr ail flwyddyn Cymraeg a Busnes

Yn amlwg y gêm anoddaf yn y grŵp fydd gêm yr Eidal lle fydd Cymru yn lwcus i gael unrhyw bwynt, ond wrth edrych ar y Swistir a Twrci dydy eu chwareuwyr ddim yn agos cystal â’n goreuon ni. Dw i’n sicr y byddwn yn curo Twrci ac yn hyderus am gem y Swistir gyda safon ein chwaraewyr fel Bale, Ramsey, Davies, Kieffer Moore! Byddwn yn siwr o gael allan or grŵp a pwy a ŵyr be ddigwyddir ar ôl hynny!

Eich unig gyhoeddiad myfyrwyr wythnosol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Sefydlwyd: 2003 Am fwy o gynnwys, ewch i gairrhydd.com/tafod

Eich hadran taf-od Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones tafod@gairrhydd.com

GWLEIDYDDIAETH

Y bleidlais yn cael ei roi i bobl ifanc 16-17 Gair i gall gan un o gyflwynwyr Gwylio Gwleidyddiaeth

Lara Evans Cyfrannydd

an ddefnyddio pwerau y ‘Deddf Cymru 2017’ pleidleisiodd y Senedd o blaid rhoi’r bleidlais i bobl 16 ac 17 oed gyda 41 o bleidleisiau o blaid ac 19 yn erbyn. A hyn yn dilyn arolwg yn Chwefror 2018 a adroddwyd bod 59% o blaid gostwng yr oedran pleidleisio yng Nghymru i 16 ac uwch. Golyga hyn, felly, bydd gan ddinasyddion 16 oed ac uwch yng Nghymru’r hawl i ethol eu haelodau seneddol, a hynny mewn pryd i etholiad nesaf y Senedd yn 2021. Datganodd y ddeddfwriaeth, hefyd, fydd dinasyddion o dramor sydd eisoes yn byw yng Nghymru yn gymwys i’r bleidlais a chaniateir carcharwyr sy’n cyflawni dedfryd o lai na bedair blynedd yn y carchar i bleidleisio mewn etholiadau lleol. Mynegodd Andrew RT Davies, aelod seneddol dros De Cymru canolog a chyn-arweinydd y blaid Geidwadol yng Nghymru ei siom a rhwystredigaeth ar Drydar; ‘Mae’r sefydliad gwleidyddol asgell chwith wedi pasio “stitch-up job” yn y Cynulliad Cenedlaethol mewn ymgais amlwg i “fixio’r” system bleidleisio, gyda gwladolion tramor bellach yn cael pleidleisio yn etholiadau Cymru. Heb sôn am y

bleidlais yn 16.” Mae Llafur a Phlaid yn gyrru’r Cynulliad ymhellach oddi wrth y bobl!’ Anghytunaf yn llwyr gyda’i ddatganiad. Mewn oes pan mae gymaint o bobl wedi datgysylltu oddi wrth wleidyddiaeth ac yn gweld hi’n ddim mwy na gêm i’r elitwyr yn San Steffan, pam na ddylen ni greu mwy o fynediad a chysylltiadau at wleidyddiaeth, fel ei bod hi’n dod yn fater sy’n hygyrch i’r bobl ? Hyn ydi bwriad democratiaeth; rhoi platfform i lais y bobl. Yn sicr mai newid chwyldroadol yw hyn i systemau pleidleisio ar draws Prydain gyda thua 1.4 miliwn o bobl ifanc 16 ac 17 oed yn methu y cyfle i bleidleisio yn Etholiad Cyffredinol San Steffan sy’n nesau atom. Mynegodd y British Youth Council ei gyffro yn sgil y penderfyniad yn ôl Becca Moore; ‘Ni ddylai fod gan bobl ifanc fynediad anghyfartal i ddemocratiaeth ac mae’n hanfodol bod hyn yn cael ei newid cyn gynted â phosibl.” Pobl ifanc sydd mynd i ddioddef effeithiau negyddol hir dymor posib yr etholiad yma, a’r hyn sy’n rhwystredig yw, nid oes ganddyn nhw’r cyfle i wneud dim am y peth gan fod eu lleisiau nhw wedi’u taweli’n llwyr gan San Steffan yn ystod cyfnod yr etholiad yma. Y ddadl fawr ymysg llawer o wrthwynebwyr y penderfyniad yma yw’r un hen ddadl

Y Senedd: Canolbwynt gwleidyddiaeth yng Nghymru. Tarddiad: National Assembly for Wales (drwy Flickr) ‘Mae pobl ifanc yn rhy ddiog ac yn rhy anaeddfed i gael y cyfrifoldeb yma’. Ond methodd miloedd o bobl dros 18 oed i droi mas i bleidleisio yn yr etholiad cyffredinol diwethaf ac mae llawer o bobl sydd gyda’r hawl i bleidleisio yn methu i ymchwilio cyn rhoi croes ar y papur balod. Yn ogystal â hyn, mae’n amharch at ddemocratiaeth i ystyried

pobl ifanc yn anaeddfed ar sail eu penderfyniadau gwleidyddol nhw a’r materion sy’n bwysig iddynt. Yn ogystal â hyn profa’r senedd ieuenctid bod hyn yn gelwydd llwyr. Edrychaf ymlaen at weld Senedd fwy cynhwysol a gweld effaith pobl ifanc Cymru ar wleidyddiaeth ein gwlad yn sgil y penderfyniad chwyldroadol yma.

CELFYDDYDAU

Pwyllgor Gwaith Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Tregaron 2020 yn ymestyn eu targed ariannol

Nest Jenkins Cyfrannydd

Targed codi arian y sir yn codi o £330,000 i £400,000

ydaa’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yn ymgartrefu yng Ngheredigion y flwyddyn nesaf, does neb balchach na merch o ardal Tregaron fel minnau. Bydd y dref fach wledig hon yn llygaid y byd wrth i ŵyl gelfyddydol fwyaf Cymru lanio ar ei chaeau. Dyma yw pinacl calendr y Cymry lle cânt ddôs o ddiwylliant, creadigrwydd a chystadlu brwd. Caiff yr ŵyl ei disgrifio gan ei threfnwyr fel “Prosiect cymunedol ar draws ardal benodol sy’n para am ddwy flynedd”. Er mai wyth diwrnod o ddigwyddiad yw’r penllanw, does dim modd osgoi’r digwyddiadau cyson ym mhob cwr o’r sir a’r cyfarfodydd beunyddiol a gynhelir ers dros flwyddyn bellach i’w threfnu. Heb os, mae cynnwrf ers peth amser yng Ngheredigion. Ond, diwedd y gân yw’r geiniog - a dyma ŵyl gostus. Mae’n angen dros bedair miliwn i’w chynnal yn flynyddol, a disgwylir i’r gronfa leol godi tua

£325,000 i’r achos. Ond, â Chardis yn enwog am fod yn dynn â’u harian, ai syniad gwallgof yw gofyn am gyfraniad o’r fath? Ai targed afrealistig yw’r swm chwe digid hwn? Yr wythnos hon, cadarnhaodd Gadeirydd y Pwyllgor Gwaith, Elin Jones AC, bod y targed ariannol o £330,000 wedi’i fwrw a hynny naw mis cyn i’r Eisteddfotwyr gyrraedd Tregaron. Aeth ymlaen i gyhoeddi “y gallwn yn rhesymol anelu at godi £400,000 erbyn Awst 2020 er mwyn sicrhau yr Eisteddfod mwyaf llwyddiannus posib”. Yn ogystal â holl amrywiaeth y maes a’u phebyll, bydd datblygiadau newydd yn cael eu croesawu’r flwyddyn nesaf. O Bentref Gwledig i Bentref Siarad Cymraeg, does dim dwywaith y bydd ‘Steddfod gynta’r ddegawd nesaf yn un o newydd-deb, o amrywiaeth ac o fwrlwm. Serch anferthedd y swm, rhaid cofio i Sir Conwy ddod mor agos i godi’r £400,000 hefyd ar gyfer Eisteddfod 2019. Ond, yn dilyn tywydd garw yn gorfodi’r Eisteddfod i ohirio penwyth-

Sgwâr Tregaron: Calon y dref a Henry Richard yn gartref i’r Eisteddfod yn 2020. Tarddiad: Eirian Evans (drwy Geograph) nos olaf Maes B, gwasgwyd y gronfa gan adael £158,982 o golled ariannol. Felly, ai Ceredigion fydd yn ad-dalu colled Conwy? A fydd yr ymdrech i godi mwy yn cael ei lyncu gan ddiffyg blaenorol? Dywedodd Llywydd Llys yr Eisteddfod a Chadeirydd y Bwrdd Rheoli, Ashok Ahir, nad dyna fydd yr achos ac mai “ein cronfeydd canolog fydd

yn ysgwyddo’r baich, heb ddisgwyl i eisteddfodau’r dyfodol dalu am effaith tywydd gwael Sir Conwy.” Wrth i Eisteddfod Ceredigion agosáu, croeswch eich bysedd am dywydd gwych ac elw gwell. Ond beth bynnag fo’r cyfrif banc, dathlwn fod diwylliant, traddodiad a’n Cymreictod yr un mor fyw ag erioed!

TAF-OD

Ennillwyr Newyddiaduraeth Gymraeg Orau - Gwobrau SPA Cymru 2019

CERDDORIAETH

Degawd arall o Cân i Gymru’n pasio Uchafbwyntiau’r gystadleuaeth dros y ddegawd diwethaf

Deio Jones Golygydd Taf-od

rth i’r ddegawd hon gyrraedd ei therfyn, mae S4C wedi gweld amryw o gystadleuthau talent a mwy. Un o ‘Big dogs’ S4C sydd yn ennill ei le bob blwyddyn ar y prif lwyfan wrth ymyl Côr Cymru a Fferm Ffactor, yw Cân i Gymru. Mae Cân i Gymru wedi gweld mwy o yrfaoedd yn cael eu meithrin ‘na Jobshop yr undeb. Dewch i ni gymryd golwg ar bencampwyr y ddegawd hon, aeth ymlaen i ennill y wobr ariannol a chystadlu dros Gymru yn yr Ŵyl Ban Geltaidd. 2010: Bws i’r Lleuad - Tomos Wyn Cyfansoddwyd Bws i’r Lleuad gan Alun Evans, gynt o Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci, ar gyfer ei albwm. Mae’r gan yn honni un o gytgannau fwyaf ‘catchy’r’ ddegawd gyda’r linell ‘A dw i ar y bws i’r lleuad, dw i’m yn siwr pryd dw i’n dod yn ôl.’ 2011: Rhywun yn Rhywle - Tesni Jones Gynt o’r grŵp ‘Pheena’ (googlwch nhw, tebyg i Destiny’s Child Cymraeg), roedd Tesni’n hen law ar berfformio. Cyfansoddwyd Rhywun yn Rhywle gan Steve Balsamo ac Ynyr Roberts (Brigyn). 2012: Braf yw Cael Byw - Gai Toms

Dau ffrind yn cyfansoddi gyda’i gilydd oedd tarddle ‘Braf yw Cael Byw’ wrth i Gai Toms a Phil Jones ddod at ei gilydd yn ysgrifennu’r gân hon. Mae Gai Toms bellach yn gigio gyda’i fand ‘Gai Toms a’r Banditos’ fel teyrnged i’w arwr, Orig Williams. 2013: Mynd i Gorwen hefo Alys - Jessop a’r Sgweiri Rhys Gwynfor. Osian Candelas, Blŵs budur. Beth yn fwy mae rhywun ‘isio? Tiwn. 2014: Galw Amdanat Ti - Mirain Evans Daeth Galw Amdanat Ti o bartneriaeth tad a merch, sef Mirain Evans a’i thad, Barry Evans. Roedd Barry’n aelod o’r band gwerin Moniars gyda brenin answyddogol Cân i Gymru, Arfon Wyn. 2015: Y Lleuad a’r Ser - Elin Angharad Gyda doniau cyfansoddi a phrofiad Arfon Wyn a medrau swynol sioe gerdd Elin Angharad (Calfari, Wrapped Up), nid oedd cwestiwn fod y gân am fod yn unrhyw beth llai na ysgubol. Neges wych, cân wych. 2016: Dim ond un - Cordia Er yn ddisgyblion ar y pryd, roedd y band hwn yn bell o fod yn ‘fand ysgol’. Gyda geiriau oedd yn taclo materion dwfn a harmoniau gwefreiddiol, roedd hi’n fuddugoliaeth llwyr haeddiannol, ac yn un arall i gyfrannu at ‘drac record’ artistiaid Sir Fôn. anthem dylanwadol.

Ennillydd 2019: Mae Elidyr Glyn wedi mynd o nerth i nerth ers y gystadleuaeth. Tarddiad: Herri Bizia (drwy flickr) 2017: Rhydd - Cadi Gwyn Edwards Ysgrifennodd Cadi Gwyn Edwards y gân Rhydd tra’n ddisgybl yn y chweched dosbarth. Un arall i ychwanegu at restr ennillwyr dan deunaw Cân i Gymru. 2018: Cofio Hedd Wyn - Ceidwad y Gân Torrodd Cofio Hedd Wyn ffiniau gwahanol gyda elfen o rap yng nghanol teyrnged i’r Prifardd hwyr Hedd Wyn.

”Y boi na o Drawsfynydd oedd yn arwr dros ei wlad”. 2019: Fel hyn ‘da ni fod - Elidyr Glyn Anthem gwerinol gan ennillydd cyntaf Cystadleuaeth Tlws Coffa Sbardun. Cân a oedd yn cipio wir naws yr Ŵyl Ban Geltaidd. Mae’r gân a’r band yn dal i fynd o nerth i nerth o dan yr enw Bwncath.

10 mlynedd llawn drama

Golwg yn ôl ar un o ddegawdau mwyaf cythryblus gwleidyddiaeth erioed... Rhodri Davies Golygydd Taf-od

allwn ni gyfleu gwleidyddiaeth yn y ddegawd ddiwethaf gyda rhifau. Ym Mhrydain, rydym wedi gweld 4 Prif weinidog, 4 etholiad cyffredinol a 1 clymblaid rhwng y Ceidwadwyr a’r Democratiad Ryddfrydol. Collodd Gordon Brown ei le fel Prif Weinidog a Llafur ei lle fel Llywodraeth wrth i David Cameron hawlio’r allweddi i rif 10 Downing Street. Yn ol rhai daeth nifer newidiadau gwleidyddol mwyaf mae Prydain wedi’u gweld erioed yn ystod ei gyfnod. Yn ei gyfnod ef, fe basiwyd fesur er mwyn gwneud priodas gyfunryw (same-sex marriage) yn 2013 gyda’r briodas gyntaf gyfunryw yn cael ei gynnal yn 2014. Fe gollodd ei ymgyrch i drio a chadw Prydain yn yr Undeb Ewropeaidd yn ystod refferendwm 2016 ac felly wedi achosi blynyddoedd bellach o ddadlau gwleidyddol. Daeth Theresa May i’r adwy ond ni newidiodd llawer yn ei chyfnod hi oherwydd i Brexit barhau i ddominyddu’r trafodaethau’n y llywodraeth. Daeth hi’n frenhines y ‘meme’ ar y gwefanau cymdeithasol gyda’i dawnsio bythgofiadwy, a’i phesychu yn ystod cynhadledd. Trodd y gynhadledd yn fwy o bantomeim gyda’r llythrennau’n cwympo i’r llawr

Uchafbwyntiau Rhaglenni Teledu Cymraeg dros yr Ŵyl Rhodri Davies Golygydd Taf-od

GWLEIDYDDIAETH

tu ol iddi a’r digrifwr Simon Brodkin yn cynnig P45 iddi. Ar ol 3 ymgais i gyflwyno dêl Brexit i Dŷ’r Cyffredin, daeth diwedd ei chyfnod fel Prif Weinidog gyda Boris Johnson yn ennill ei le i arwain Llywodraeth Prydain. Mae ef ei hunan wedi ceisio pasio dêl ei hunan yn y Tŷ ond roedd e’n anllwyddiannus. Felly rydym bellach mewn etholiad arall gyda’r etholiad dydd Iau. Efallai bydd gennym 5 brif weinidog yn y ddegawd yma! Nid ond Llywodraeth Prydain sydd wedi gweld newid chwaith. Mae Cymru wedi gweld 2 Prif Weinidog yn Carwyn Jones a Mark Drakeford. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi derbyn mwy o bwerau datganoledig ers 2010. Un newid mawr yn y cyfnod yw bod y Gymraeg wedi dyfod yn iaith swyddogol ers 2011. Rhoiodd hyn statws i’r iaith a hefyd lansio swydd Comisiynydd y Gymraeg sy’n golygu bod hawliau’r Gymraeg bellach yn cael eu cymryd o ddifrif ac yn cael ei amddiffyn. Newidiodd y gyfraith yng Nghymru ynglyn a rhoi organau gyda system optio allan yn hytrach na optio mewn. Golyga hyn felly mae Cymru oedd y wlad gyntaf i ddilyn system o’r fath. Nhw oedd y cyntaf hefyd i orfodi tal gyfreithiol ar fagiau plastig o 5c. Er i fywyd yn y Cynulliad fod yn fwy cytun, achoswyd chwerwder oherwydd newid enw’r senedd a dewis cael enw dwyieithog yn hytrach na uniaith Gymraeg. Hefyd gwelwyd

Yr hen ar newydd: Gordon Brown (dde) Prif Weindiog cyntaf y ddegawd gyda Boris Johnson (chwith) y Prif Weinidog presennol. Tarddiad: Y Swyddfa Dramor a Chymanwlad ( drwy Flickr) ymchwydd yn y galw am annibynniaeth i Gymru. Arwydd o’r rwyg sy’n dyfnhau ym Mhrydain efallai… Gwelwyd refferendwm am annibyniaeth yn yr Alban yn 2014. Pleidleisio i aros a wnaeth yr Alban yn ystod y cyfnod hynny ond gyda’r wlad wedi pleidleisio i aros yn y Undeb Ewropeaidd, mae’r galw am annibynniaeth yn cynyddu eto. A beth am ein cefndrid ar draws y dŵr? Daeth cyfnod yr arlwydd croenddu cyntaf i ben a daeth Donald Trump i’r Tŷ Gwyn. Rhanedig yw

America hyd heddiw gydag ymyrraeth Trump yn yr Iwcrain yn golygu iddo bellach fod mewn perygl o gael ei uchelgyhuddo. Os yw 2010au wedi bod mor gythryblus, beth sydd i’n disgwyl ni ar drothwy’r 20au? Am ba mor hir y bydd Brexit yn sgwrs yn ein tafarndai? A fydd Mr Trump yn y Tŷ Gwyn am dymor arall? A fydd y galw am annibynniaeth yn parhau yng Nghymru ac yn yr Alban hyd yn oed? Dim ond amser all ddangos hynny. Doed a ddel.

ae’r teledu’n ganolbwynt i’r Nadolig i sawl teulu felly dyma daro golwg dros uchafbwyntiau Cymraeg y bocs yn y gornel. Addewid y sianel Gymraeg, S4C yw y bydd digon o chwerthin ac ambell ddeigryn wrth i ni ffarwelio gyda degawd arall. Bydd Elis James, Trystan ac Emma a Shane Williams yn rhai o’r nifer bydd yng nghanol yr hwyl. Nos Sadwrn 21 Rhagfyr, mae gwahoddiad i ni gyd i Barti ‘Dolig Maggi Noggi. Bydd y ffermwraig glam o Sir Fôn yn sgwrsio gyda gwesteion amrywiol ac yn serennu mewn sgetsys hilariws. Os mai glitter, gossip a hiwmor risque yw’ch eich peth chi, dewch yn llu. Bydd mawrion comedi Cymru yn ol yng nghyfres Stand Yp. Bydd sioe Tudur Owen nos Fercher 18 Rhagfyr, Elis James noson Nadolig a gala gomedi ar Ddydd Calan. Prosiect Pum Mil fydd uchafbwynt noswyl Nadolig. Y tro yma, bydd Trystan Ellis-Morris ac Emma Walford yn ceisio troi hen siop yng Nghaernarfon i hwb cymunedol i oedolion gydag anawsterau dysgu, iddyn nhw gael lle i arddangos y crefftau ma nhw’n creu ac i gymdeithasu hefo pobl y dref. Y cwestiwn mawr yw, a fydd hwb cyn Nadolig? Bydd mwy o waith Tudur Owen yn ymddangos dros yr wyl gyda dychweliad Shane Williams i’r llwyfan. Bydd pantomeim Shane a’r Bont Hud yn cael ei ddarlledu ar ddydd Nadolig “Ymunwch â Shane a chast o gymeriadau lliwgar ar Noson Nadolig, gan gynnwys Tara Bethan, Scott Quinnell, Ieuan Rhys, sawl wyneb enwog y byd rygbi ac ambell i syrpreis.” Pa fath o ‘Ddolig sydd i’w ddisgwyl yng Nghwmderi a Glanrafon eleni? Beth bynnag a ddaw, mae modd cadw fyny gyda’r trigolion yn ystod pennodau Nadoligaidd yr operau sebon Pobol y Cwm a Rownd a Rownd Ar ol yr holl dwrci, mae digon o chwaraeon hefyd i’n cadw’n effro hyd at y Flwyddyn Newydd.Wrth gwrs, gall y ‘Dolig fyth fod yn ‘Ddolig heb gemau darbi Gwyl San Steffan yn y Guiness PRO14 ac Uwch Gyngrair Indigo Group ar y Clwb Rygbi. Ymysg yr uchafbwyntiau bydd y gêm rygbi fyw rhwng y Dreigiau a’r Scarlets ar ddydd Sadwrn 21 Rhagfyr, Dreigiau v Gleision Caerdydd. Bydd gemau pêl droed byw o’r JD Cymru Premier gyda’r gêm rhwng Caernarfon a’r Bala hefyd yn cael ei ddarlledu ar Sgorio ar wyl San Steffan. Yn ogystal â hynny, bydd rhaglen arbennig yn edrych dros lwyddiannau Cymru yn y byd rygbi dros 2019

Shane ar sgrin: Bydd panto Shane yn ymddangos dros y ‘Dolig. Tarddiad: S4C.

Llion Carbis Pennaeth y Gymraeg

rth i’r flwyddyn a’r ddegawd nesáu at ei therfyn, a gyda’r Nadolig yn prysur agosáu, mae’r cyfnod hwn yn aml yn cael ei ddefnyddio ar gyfer adlewyrchiad. I fod yn hollol onest - a dw i’n ymwybodol ei fod yn ystrydeb ddiflas - nid wyf yn gallu credu pa mor gyflym mae’r flwyddyn wedi mynd. Bellach, yn fy mlwyddyn olaf fel myfyriwr israddedig ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, anodd ydyw i brosesu i ble aeth yr amser. Dw i’n siŵr bod nifer ohonoch yn teimlo’r un fath ar borth croesawu degawd newydd. Rwyf o hyd wedi dwlu ar yr ymagwedd optimistaidd mae’r flwyddyn newydd yn cynnig. Cyfleoedd i adlewyrchu ac asesu; cyfle i ddechrau o’r newydd a magu diddordebau a gweithgareddau gwahanol. Serch hynny, wrth heneiddio, dw i’n teimlo fod dechrau blwyddyn newydd yn ddigwyddiad mwy trawiadol nag o’r blaen. Wedi i chi basio pen-blwyddi nodedig megis troi’n bymtheg neu’n ddeunaw, mae yna rhyw ymdeimlad rhyfedd wrth heneiddio; nid yw cyrraedd oedran newydd yn teimlo fel camp mor arwyddocaol onid digwyddiad sy’n eich atgoffa chi o gyflymder bywyd. Nid yw hyn yn rheswm i ddigalonni. Heb fod yn rhy athronyddol neu ddechrau ymgymryd â phrif ddadleuon dirfodaeth, credaf fod heneiddio yn gyfle i ddatblygu safbwyntiau newydd, i edrych ar fywyd gyda gogwydd newydd. Wrth galon astudio yn y Brifysgol yw’r gallu i feddwl yn gritigol, i ystyried amrywiaeth o safbwyntiau a dod at gasgliad personol. Dyna’n union mae modd gwneud tu hwnt i waliau’r ddarlithfa. Ar borth dechrau degawd newydd, beth am fagu diddordeb mewn maes neu destun sy’n hollol estron i chi? Neu beth am ddechrau ar y prosiect yna rydych wedi dymuno gwneud ers sbel ond wedi trafferthu i ddarganfod yr amser neu’r cymhelliant i gychwyn?

Mae’r flwyddyn newydd yn cynnig toreth o gyfleoedd newydd. Mae’r flwyddyn newydd yn cynnig toreth o gyfleoedd newydd, manteisiwch ar y cyfleoedd hynny. Mae hyn yn arbennig o berthnasol i las fyfyrwyr yn y Brifysgol. Credwch chi fi, mae’r tair blynedd yn gwibio heibio. Mae’n annhebygol iawn y byddwch, ar unrhyw adeg arall yn eich bywydau, ar stepen drws cymaint o wasanaethau, mudiadau a chyfleoedd arbennig. Dw i’n gwerthfawrogi ac yn cydnabod bod prysurdeb bywyd yn aml yn gallu effeithio ar y fath gynlluniau. Ond, os oes amser gennych; dilynwch eich diddordebau, cyfoethogwch eich profiad o astudio yn y Brifysgol. Yn bersonol, ymuno â chyfryngau myfyrwyr y Brifysgol oedd y penderfyniad gorau i mi wneud fel myfyriwr. Dilynwch eich chwilfrydedd, byddwch yn agored i syniadau newydd. Ac yn bwysicach fyth, mwynhewch y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael i chi. Ni fyddwch yn difaru.

Pryd o Daf-od Tom Moore

Tom Moore sy’n cynnig cyngor ar sut i oroesi’r Nadolig yng nghwmni teulu a ffrindiau trwy drafod ei dips a thrics ar sut mai delio ag anrhegion, cinio ‘Dolig a mwy.

Trafod gyda’r

taf-od 1. Pwy wyt ti a beth wyt ti’n astudio? Catrin o Frynrefail, dwi’n astudio Hanes a Chymdeithaseg. 2. Beth yw’r digwyddiad sy’n codi’r mwyaf o embaras arnat? Yn blwyddyn dau oni’n meddwl bo’ pawb allan o’r dosbarth so neshi benderfynu canu ‘You Raise Me Up’ ar dop fy mhen, ar ôl gorffan neshi agor y drws i weld pawb o’r dosbarth yna yn chwerthin (yn cynnwys yr athrawon). 3. Beth oedd dy air cyntaf? Dwmi. 4. Pe fyddet ti ar yr X-Factor, pa gân byddet ti’n ei chanu a pham?

Rydym wedi cyrraedd y Nadolig! Ymysg yr holl gyffro a hwyl yr ŵyl bydd pawb yn agor eu hanrhegion a stwffo’i hwynebau gyda cinio Nadolig blasus. Ond, sut mae goroesi’r Nadolig? Dyma fy nhips a ‘nhrics i er mwyn sut i esgus joio set (arall) o Lynx Africa, sanau neu fwyd sych di-flas mam a dad. Mae’r allwedd i ddelio gydag anrhegion gwarthus yn syml; just esgus eich bod yn hoffus o’r hyn mae eich rheini neu Sion Corn, wedi cael i chi. Mae angen i chi ceisio canfod yr anrhegion ‘standard’ sydd yn ailadroddus bob blwyddyn. Pethau fel Lynx, sanau, siocled, a pants, y stwff sydd yn angenrheidiol ond bach yn ddiflas i’w cael adeg y Nadolig. Y ffordd orau o ymateb i’r anrhegion yma yw NID dweud pethau fel ‘oni angen sanau newydd’, achos bydd eich rhieni yn gwybod nad ydych yn hapus gyda’r anrheg. Yr allwedd yw cymeradwyo ‘brand’ yr eitem, a dweud pa mor dda yw chwaeth eich rhieni gan eu bod wedi prynu’r ‘brand’ hynny’. Wrth wneud hyn, bydd eich rheini yn teimlo’n falch iawn eich bod wedi cymeradwyo eu dewis, bydden nhw

ddim yn amau bod chi ddim yn hoff o’r anrheg. Efallai’r rhan anoddach o esgus joio agweddau o’r Nadolig, yw esgus joio cinio Nadolig os yw’r bwyd ddim o’r safon rydych yn disgwyl. Does ‘na ddim byd yn waeth na chinio Nadolig, sych, diflas sydd ddim yn apelio i’r tafod, mae’n sbwylio eich diwrnod Nadolig. Mae cyfnod y Nadolig yn adeiladu at ginio Nadolig, ac mae’r siom o gael pryd o fwyd afiach yn brofiad dydy neb eisiau. Mae yna ffyrdd gwahanol o ddelio a hyn, allech chi fwyta darnau neis y cinio Dolig, ac wedyn, pan mae’n dod i’r bwyd diflas, dweud eich bod yn llawn a methu bwyta mwy. Ffordd arall o ddelio gyda’r broblem yma yw esgus eich bod yn joio hi, just peidiwch â gwneud wynebau sydd yn dangos nad ydych yn mwynhau eich bwyd. Y gwir yw, nid oes yna ffordd effeithiol o ddelio gyda chinio Nadolig gwael, bydd just angen ichi obeithio bydd pwdin yn blasu’n well! Agwedd o’r Nadolig sydd yn bendant yn gymwys i ni fel myfyrwyr prifysgol, yw eich fflatmates sydd yn awyddus iawn i addurno’ch fflat/tŷ.

Mae hi tua canol Tachwedd, ac mae ‘hype’ y Nadolig yn cyrraedd eich tŷ ac mae pawb yn awyddus i droi’r gegin a’u ‘stafelloedd mewn i groto Sion Corn! Dw i’n deall bod pawb yn edrych ymlaen at ddathlu ond mae canol Tachwedd braidd yn gynnar i addurno ar gyfer y Nadolig. Dw i’n gallu derbyn addurno tua diwedd y mis, ond yn realistig dechrau mis Rhagfyr yw’r adeg orau i addurno. Ar ddiwedd y dydd, os ydych chi‘n gallu gwneud y pethau yma, byddwch yn llwyddiannus wrth ddelio â phroblemau’r Nadolig. Ond peidiwch gadael i’r pethau yma sbwylio eich profiad! Mwynhewch yr amser gyda’ch teulu a ffrindiau (ac anghofiwch am arholiadau mis Ionawr). Defnyddiwch fy nhips a ‘nhrics yn ddoeth a mwynhewch y Nadolig!

Yn Trafod gyda’r Taf-od wythnos yma mae...

Catrin Walker

7. Pwy yw dy hoff fand/artist? Pink Floyd. 8. Prosecco neu champagne? Pam? Prosecco achos ma’n lot rhatach. 9. Beth oedd y diwrnod gorau iti ei gael erioed? Ar wylia’ yn Amsterdam. 10. Beth yw dy gas beth? Sŵn rhywun yn cnoi. 11. Beth fyddet ti’n gwneud yn ystod dy noson ddelfrydol?

Cymdeithasu Cŵl : Catrin a’i ffrindiau’n cymdeithasu. Tarddiad: Catrin Walker

Noson caws a gwin efo ffrindia adra.

Juicy gan Biggie Smalls achos dw i’n gallu rapio fo’n flawless.

12. Pe taset gallu bod yn unrhyw anifail am ddiwrnod, pa un fyddet ti’n dewis, a pham?

5. Beth fyddet ti’n ei archebu o’r bwyty Indiaidd lleol?

Aderyn, swni wrth fy modd gallu hedfan.

Chicken Bhuna, Lamb Bhuna, Prawn Bhuna, Mushroom rice, bag of chips, Keema Naan & 9 popadoms. Ha!

13. Disgrifia dy hun mewn 3 gair.

6. Pwy oeddet ti’n ffansio pan oeddet ti’n iau?

14. Pwy fydd yn trafod ‘da’r Tafod wythnos nesaf?

Peter Pan (yn y ffilm, bobl).

Gethin Trefor.

Bob Tro’n Llwgu. Gwersylla Gwych: Wrth ei bodd yn mynd i wyliau’r haf! Tarddiad: Catrin Walker

taf od

8 TAF-OD Blwyddyn newydd, dechrau newydd?

CHWARAEON

TAF-OD

Degawd i’w Dathlu!

Bu sêr chwaraeon Cymru yn addurno sawl dudalen cefn yn y 2010au

Geraint Thomas yn ei grys melyn: Dyma’r Cymro cyntaf i ennill y gystadleuaeth. Tarddiad: Konstantin Kleine (drwy Wiki Commons)

Llion Carbis Pennaeth y Gymraeg

rth i ni agosáu at ddiwedd y flwyddyn, gyda degawd newydd ar y gorwel; cyfle amserol ydyw i ail-fyw atgofion melys ac ymbleseru yn nostalgia wrth drafod uchafbwyntiau chwaraeon Cymru dros y ddegawd ddiwethaf. Gwell i ni anghofio penderfyniadau gwarthus Alain Rolland yn rownd gynderfynol Cwpan Rygbi’r Byd yn 2011, gyda Chymru ond cwpl o bwyntiau yn brin rhag cyrraedd ein rownd derfynol cyntaf yn hanes y gystadleuaeth. Ond, nid oedd angen aros yn hir

am ddathliadau wedi camp lawn ardderchog yng nghystadleuaeth y Chwe Gwlad yn 2012. Gyda Chymru yn curo Iwerddon a Lloegr oddi cartref, cyrhaeddiad arbennig ydoedd i dîm Warren Gatland, wrth iddynt ennill y Gamp Lawn am y trydydd tro yn y gystadleuaeth. Bu rhagor o lwyddiant flwyddyn yn ddiweddarach wrth i Gymru ennill y bencampwriaeth wrth drechu Lloegr o 30-3 yn y gêm dyngedfennol yng Nghaerdydd. Ychydig o flynyddoedd yn hwyrach, a cafwyd buddugoliaeth hanesyddol arall yn erbyn yr hen elyn yng Nghwpan Rygbi’r Byd, 2015. Er i gais hwyr Fourie du Preez dros De Affrica yn rownd yr wyth olaf chwalu ein breuddwydion o

gyrraedd rownd gynderfynol am yr ail gystadleuaeth yn olynol, ni fydd unrhyw un yn anghofio’r fuddugoliaeth hynod ddramatig yn erbyn Lloegr yn Twickenham. Llwyddodd tîm Gatland i adfer o golli 22-12 gyda hanner awr yn weddill, i ennill y gêm 28-25 gan ddiolch i gic-cosb arwrol gan Dan Biggar. Mae statws tîm rygbi Cymru fel un o oreuon y Byd wedi’i sefydlu ers tipyn, ond nid cystal oedd enw da tîm pêl-droed Cymru. Wedi goresgyn grŵp oedd yn cynnwys Gwlad Belg a Bosnia i sicrhau lle yn Ewro 2016 – pencampwriaeth ryngwladol cyntaf Cymru ers 1958 – doedd braidd neb yn disgwyl yr hyn wnaeth ddilyn. Yn unol â phesimistiaeth cefnogwyr pêl-droed Cymru, nid oedd llawer o bobl yn disgwyl i Gymru gadael ei grŵp, heb sôn am ei hennill! O dan amgylchiadau straenus ac mewn gêm hollbwysig, cafwyd un o berfformiadau gorau yn hanes Gymru wrth i dîm Chris Coleman maeddu Rwsia o 3-0 i ennill y grŵp a sicrhau lle yn rownd yr 16 olaf. Wedi gorffen ar frig grŵp Lloegr, roedd popeth arall yn fonws. Curo Gogledd Iwerddon ym Mharis, y fuddugoliaeth hanesyddol yn erbyn Gwlad Belg gogynderfynol. Dechreuodd ffydd

tyrru bydd modd i Gymru fynd yr holl ffordd i’r rownd derfynol, gyda nifer yn honni byddai Cymru wedi curo Portiwgal yn y rownd gynderfynol petai oedd Ben Davies a Aaron Ramsey ar gael i chwarae. Nid rygbi a phêl-droed oedd yr unig feysydd lle llwyddodd y Cymry dros y degawd diwethaf. Bu saith o fedalau yn gemau Olympaidd 2012 i athletwyr o Gymru, gyda Geraint Thomas, Tom James a Jade Jones yn cipio medalau aur. Cafwyd rhagor o lwyddiant yn Rio gyda 11 o fedalau i’r Cymry, gydag Owain Doull, Elinor Barker, Hannah Mills a Jade Jones yn ennill medalau aur. Yn 2018, roedd Cymru ar flaen y byd unwaith eto gyda Geraint Thomas yn ennill y Tour de France, cystadleuaeth fwyaf llethol a mwyaf urddasol seiclo. Tipyn o gamp i ŵr o Gymru fach. Er i Gymru fethu cyrraedd rownd derfynol Cwpan Rygbi’r Byd unwaith eto, roedd ennill Camp Lawn a chyrraedd rownd gynderfynol arall yn dipyn o orffeniad i deyrnasiad Warren Gatland. Ac yn dilyn llwyddiant tîm Ryan Giggs gan gyrraedd yr Ewros am yr ail dro yn olynol, efallai bydd 2020 yn dechrau yn y modd gorau posib. Amser a ddengys.

Gatland yn dychwelyd wrth i Gymru curo

Cymru yn ennill 43-33 yn eryn y Baabaa’s a hyfforddwyd gan Gatland Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

r y 30 o Dachwedd cymerodd Pivac yr awenau wrth iddo gymryd rheolaeth o’i gêm gyntaf fel hyfforddwr Cymru. Bennodd y gêm 43-33 i Gymru, roedd yn gêm wych i wylio, yn enwedig o’r safbwynt niwtral gydag 11 cais, carden felen ac un o goreuon y byd rygbi yn camu ar y cae am y tro olaf. Cyn i’r gêm cychwyn symudodd y wasg eu ffocws at Warren Gatland, ond y tro yma, mi oedd yn cerdded mewn i ystafell newid y tîm oddi cartref, wrth iddo gymryd rheolaeth o’r Barbarians am y gêm yma. Roedd yn gêm o ddwy hanner i Gymru, roeddent yn chwarae’n dda wrth ymosod, ond ar y llaw arall, yn dangos gwendidau wrth iddynt amddiffyn. Efallai bod hyn o ganlyniad i staff newydd yn dod mewn i’r tîm hyfforddi amddiffyn megis Sam Warburton. Ond roedd y tîm hyfforddi ymosod dal yr un peth o dan Pivac, felly ni welwyd unrhyw broblemau wrth ymosod ar amddiffyn y Baa-baas. Gwelwyd nifer o olygfeydd anghyfarwydd yn y gêm yma. Cymerodd Nigel Owens rheolaeth o’r gêm, gan ddyfarnu Cymru am y tro cyntaf yn ei yrfa. Wrth weld y timoedd y n sefyll cyn canu’r anthemau, y cwestiwn a oedd ar wefusau pawb oedd ‘a byddai Nigel Owens canu’r anthem?’ Ac wrth i’r camera panio at Owens a’i gyd-ddyfarnwyr, gwelir ei wefusau’n symud wrth ganu anthem ei wlad. Yn ddadleuol, chwaraewyd ‘God Save the Queen’ fel anthem y Barbarians, er nad oedd un chwaraewr o Loegr yng ngharfan yr ymwelwyr, penderfyniad

Perfformiad Pivac yn plesio: Cymru yn curo’r Barbariaid. Tarddiad: Deio Jones oedd yn chwalu pen nifer oedd yn gwylio. Dechreuodd y gêm gyda Josh Adams yn sgorio, gan gadw’r momentwm wedi iddo sgorio’r mwyaf o ceisiau yng Nghwpan y Byd. Tipuric cymerodd rôl y capten yn niffyg presenoldeb Alun Wyn Jones oherwydd anafiad, a chamodd i fyny ym mhresenoldeb y cawr mawr. Dechreuodd yr asgellwr o’r Scarlets, McNicholl ei gêm gyntaf i Gymru a wnaeth ef sgorio yn dilyn cyfnod da o chwarae gan Tomos Williams wrth iddo gymryd cic-cosb yn gyflym. Yn dilyn rhwygiad arbennig gan Tipuric derbynodd Van Staden

carden felen gan ei fod wedi arafu lawr ymosodiad Cymru ar bwrpas. Cymerodd Ken Owens mantais o’r Barbarians gyda chwaraewr oddi ar y cae trwy ryng-gipio lein y Baabaa’s. Roedd Cymru wedi gorffen yr hanner yn gyfforddus gyda’r sgôr yn 19-7. Cafodd Jarrod Evans gêm anhygoel, gan ddangos ei dalent ar ôl colli allan ar safle yng ngharfan Gatland yng Nghwpan y Byd. Arweiniodd creadigrwydd Evans i ail gais Ken Owens yn dilyn symudiad arbennig o’r Cymry a oedd yn cynnwys sgil campus gan McNicholl. Unwaith eto, croesodd Josh Adams y llinell i sgorio ac roedd eilyddion

Cymru yn effeithiol wrth iddynt ddod oddi ar y fainc, gyda Gareth Davies yn sgorio, a Sam Davies yn dychwelyd i’r cae wedi misoedd o heb wisgo’r crys coch. Ar ôl sbel yn dioddef efo cyfergydau, daeth Leigh Halfpenny i’r cae a sgorio 13 pwynt, ac yn cicio 6 allan o’i 7 ymgais at y pyst, gydag un arall yn taro’r pyst. Roedd yn wych gweld y dorf yn cymeradwyo Gatland ar ddiwedd y gêm , yn dilyn cyfnod anghredadwy fel hyfforddwr Cymru. Hefyd, roedd gweld cymeradwyaeth y dorf at Rory Best wrth iddo gau’r llenni ar yrfa wych gydag Ulster a’r Iwerddon.

Goreuon chwaraeon Cymru: Rhestr SPOTY Cymru wedi’i rhyddhau Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

ae rhestr fer BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year Award yng Nghymru wedi cael ei rhyddhau. Cynnwys y rhestr yw Hollie Arnold, Elinor Barker, Menna Fitzpatrick, Sabrina Fortune, Alun Wyn Jones, Jade Jones, Hannah Mills, a Lauren Price. Mae’r enwebiadau eleni yn cynnwys ystod eang o chwaraeon gan gynnwys bocsio, taekwando, paraathletau a rygbi. Ond pwy fydd yn cipio’r wobr enwog yma? Mae’n anodd ceisio rhagfynegi enillydd gan fod pob unigolyn wedi cael blwyddyn wych yn eu chwaraeon nhw. Mae Hollie Arnold wedi cael flwyddyn llwyddiannus o fewn paraathletau. Mae hi wedi ennill ei phedwerydd teitl olynol yn Javelin yn y World Para-Athletics, ac wedi gosod record Ewropeaidd o daflu 44.73m i amddiffyn ei theitl. Enillodd Elinor Barker aur ac arian fel rhan o dîm Prydain yn y Track World Championships eleni, ac aur ac arian eto yng nghystadlaethau unigol. Mae Fitzpatrick yn sgïwr a nam gweledol a enillodd dwy fedal aur, dwy fedal arian ac un efydd yn y Para-alpine World Championships. Wrth wneud hyn, hi daeth y sgïwr Prydeinig cyntaf i ennill teitl Paralympaidd a Phencampwriaeth y byd. Shot Put yw camp Sabrina Fortune, ac eleni fe wnaeth hi osod record newydd yn y World Para-Athletics yn Dubai gyda saethiad o 13.91. Fe wnaeth y saethiad yma cipio’r fedal aur iddi yn y gystadleuaeth. Alun Wyn Jones, ein Bendigeidfran. Dyna sut disgrifiwyd ef yng Nghwpan Rygbi’r Byd. Eleni, mae AWJ wedi capteinio Cymru i Bencampwriaeth y Chwe Gwlad gan ennill chwaraewr y bencampwriaeth. Hefyd, cymerodd ef Gymru i rownd gynderfynol Cwpan y Byd yn Siapan ac wedi ennill y mwyaf o gapiau dros Gymru gydag 134. Mae Jade Jones wedi bod wrthi eto yn ennill medalau yn y byd taekwando gan ennill teitl rhyngwladol cyntaf ei gyrfa ym Manceinion mis Mai diwethaf. Hefyd enillodd hi aur yn y Sofia Open ac arian yng Ngwlad Belg, tipyn o gamp. Fe wnaeth y llongwr, Hannah Mills gyda’i phartner Eilidh McIntyre, ennill aur yn y dosbarth 470 ym mhencampwriaeth y Byd yn Siapan mis Awst, enillodd y pâr arian 11 diwrnod wedyn yng nghystadleuaeth arall. Ac yn olaf, mae Lauren Price. Hi yw’r bocsiwr Cymraeg cyntaf i ennill Teitl pencampwriaeth y byd pan enillod hi yn Rwsia, eleni. Fel dwi wedi dweud yn barod, mae’n anodd ceisio rhagfynegi enillydd y wobr yma, ond yn sicr mae’r dalent sydd i’w gweld eleni ymysg athletwyr Cymru yn anhygoel. Diddorol bydd gweld pwy fydd yn cipio’r wobr gyntaf a fydd yn sicr, un i’w chofio.

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

General election fact checker

Will the Conservatives build 40 new hospitals? Does Wales want to be independent? What do the leaked NHS papers really say? Maisie Marston Politics Editor

ne of the many lasting legacies of the 2016 European Union (EU) referendum was that or-

ganisations on both sides of the debate were guilty of using misleading or false campaign facts and materials. Currently, there are a number of services you can use to evaluate politicians’ claims including BBC’s Reality

Check, Channel 4 News’ FactCheck and the independent fact-checking organisation FullFact. In the spirit of combating false information, this article takes a look at some of the biggest claims used

throughout the campaign so far, and assesses whether they are true or false. As we can only cover a limited number of fact checks, it is worth using the websites already mentioned to get the full picture.

In the Conservative manifesto, the party claims to “have begun work on building 40 new hospitals across the country,” which will be built and funded “over the next 10 years.” It was a promise the Boris Johnson reiterated during his recent appearance on Nick Ferrari’s LBC Radio audience phone-in show. However, the claim has come under fire. The counter-claim is that

the Government is only reconfiguring six new hospitals, not building 40 new facilities. So far, the government has claimed that six hospitals, all in England (given that the Welsh NHS is devolved to the Welsh Assembly), are being given £2.7 billion by 2025, and another 21 hospital trusts are being given £100 million in seed funding to “prepare a business case

for their hospitals” according to Full Fact. This means there is no money for the actual construction of the buildings to take place. In addition, up to 38 other hospitals have been given money to plan building work, but work is yet to begin. Experts, whilst praising the idea to fund hospitals, have acknowledged the money currently committed is not enough.

This is an important part of what the Liberal Democrats will be offering at this election - a case to remain in the EU and the economic benefits which may result from it. The party has claimed that remaining in the EU could mean there would be £50 billion more for the government to spend by 2024-25. The hope is that, should the party get into pow-

er, it could use this money in government to bankroll its plans. Jo Swinson said in November 2018 that “We know that that remain bonus will be £50 billion that we can spend on our public services, investing in our schools and in the welfare system to help the poorest in our society”. The reality is that this is indeed

a fair assessment of the forecasts available which compare leaving with a Brexit deal to remaining in the EU. However, while the figure can be seen as a reasonable estimate, it is highly uncertain, as the forecasts themselves have a high degree of uncertainty. This means that the estimated £50 billion is by no means a decisive figure.

Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, has repeatedly implied that Westminster is failing Wales. At his party’s General Election campaign launch, Price said that in Wales “child poverty is rising, life expectancy is falling… homelessness is at crisis proportions.’’ There are official government figures published in March 2019 by the Department for Work and Pensions

which prove that this is the case in Wales. Figures from the Office for National Statistics also support Price’s statement about life expectancy. As for homelessness, the most recent statistics issued by the Welsh Government point to an increase in the number of households which were estimated to be unintentionally homeless and in priority need. In 2017-18,

there were an estimated 2,299 homeless households, whereas in 2018-19 there were an estimated 2,631. The latest polls, however, put the support for Welsh independence at 24%, which is 6% less than Price claimed on the Andrew Marr show when he said support for Welsh independence was “up to 30% in many opinion polls.”

Conservatives We’re providing additional funding for 40 new hospitals to be built over the next decade. Boris Johnson Leader of the Conservative Party

Liberal Democrats [The] remain bonus will be £50 billion that we can spend on our public services...

Jo Swinson Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Plaid Cymru Child poverty is rising, life expectancy is falling... homelessness is at crisis proportions. Adam Price Leader of Plaid Cymru

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

POLITICS

Is the NHS “on the table” and “up for sale”?

Your politics desk Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Undoubtedly, one of the biggest talking points of this election has been whether the NHS would feature in post-Brexit trade talks with the United States. At a press conference, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn claimed: “We’ve now got evidence that under Boris Johnson, the NHS is on the table and will be up for sale,” waving a hefty 451 pages of minutes from preparatory meetings between the UK and US negotiators. The Prime Minister has responded to the allegation, saying that it was “nonsense” and the NHS would not feature in trade talks. The original source of the documents was Reddit, and the document was uploaded over a month before Corbyn’s announcement. It details a series of preliminary meetings between July 2017 and July 2019. Most of the document is about a number of other trade-related issues not involving healthcare, but they do show US negotiators asking about pharmaceutical patents and drug pricing. In the UK, shorter patents mean that after they expire the NHS can use cheaper, generic medicines which has made drug prices much lower in the UK. This is not the case in the US, which pays two and a half times more for their pharmaceuticals. In the past, the US has expressed its

belief that other countries pay too little for drugs, and has made clear that its drug companies want access to the UK market. Therefore, the price of drugs for the NHS could possibly increase after Brexit, but this wholly depends on what trade deal is reached with the US. Whilst this is something to consider as it has not been completely ruled out, no commitments have been made; one of the papers said the UK “wouldn’t want to discuss particular health care entities at this time, you’ll be aware of certain statements saying we need to protect our needs; this would be something to discuss further down the line when we come to consider what entities would count as ‘enterprises’.” In addition to this, both leaders of the two main parties in the UK, Corbyn and Johnson have stated that the NHS would not be for sale under their governments. In short - the documents do not provide evidence that says the health service will be on the table in a trade deal with the US, but it is worth appreciating that the US will inevitably try to access UK markets in postBrexit trade talks. Whether a UK government would be prepared to take such a big political risk is another question altogether,

with party leaders stating that they would not put the NHS on the table and US President Donald Trump stating: “We [US] have absolutely nothing

to do with it, and we wouldn’t want to. If you handed it [NHS] to us [US] on a silver platter, we’d want nothing to do with it.”

Is the NHS ‘for sale’?: The US may try to access UK drug markets post-Brexit. Source: David Goehring (via Flickr)

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 11

Weekly general election round up As December 12 and the opening of polls draws near each party doubles its efforts to convince voters

Hallum Cowell Politics Editor

n the final full week of campaigning before the general election each party has been ramping up its efforts in the hope of convincing swing voters to vote for them. Polling opens this Thursday, December 12 from 7am until 10 pm.

Brexit Party

Brexit Party leader, Nigel Farage had an interview with the BBC in which he urged voters to back him so he could hold the Conservatives to account in Parliament. He also said that the Labour Party had broken many of its promises. Finally, he added that the Brexit Party had “dragged the Conservative Party” towards Brexit and that his party could ensure Boris Johnson would keep his Brexit promises. On its Twitter account, the party has also criticized the Universal Credit system and vowed to, “make Universal Credit work”. The party also retracted the whip from one of its MEPs, John Longworth, after perceived criticism of the party’s Brexit strategy. Additionally, on December 5, three Brexit Party MEPs quit the party to join the Conservative Party.

Conservatives Since the terror attack on London Bridge on November 29, the party has denounced early release policies. Party leader Boris Johnson also promised a tax-cutting budget and to begin a review of the UK’s defence and security capabilities if elected. The party received a flurry of controversy after publishing a graphic insinuating Jeremy Corbyn is “soft on terrorism” and Boris Johnson is “tough on terrorists,” which some said has politicized the attack very soon after it took place. On BBC Radio Chancellor Sajid Javid dismissed

that the Conservative Party had been slow to act on Islamophobia. In other news, Johnson announced a technology tax where large online companies would face a two per cent tax on UK sales as of April 2020.

The DUP has been keeping its campaign going in Northern Ireland with frequent attacks on its main rival, Sinn Fein claiming that DUP is the only “party with a plan.” With Stormont still at a standstill, the DUP is likely hoping for a large majority in Northern Ireland.

Green Party On December 5, the Green party released its “New deal for nature” which includes over 70 pledges on nature and wildlife. The Green Party, along with others, has also been attacking Boris Johnson over his relationship with US President Donald Trump. The Green Party has announced an end to the “throwaway economy” and say it will create a “repair cafe” in every community.

John McDonnell, the shadow Chancellor has been outlining Labour’s pledges on inequality in which he reiterated policies such as the £10 an hour living wage and scrapping tuition fees. Labour has also promised to recruit 20,000 more teachers if elected, in addition to capping class sizes at 30 pupils. Labour promised to tackle homelessness calling it a “national shame” and also argued that with its renationalisation plans it could save the average household around £6000 a year and cut rail fairs by up to 75%. 70 former and current members of staff at the Labour Party have also begun giving testimony to the Equality and Human Rights Com-

YouGov polling December 3 Conservatives

Brexit Party

Polling at: 42.6%

Polling at: 3.5%

Labour

Green Party

Polling at: 32.3%

Liberal Democrats Polling at: 13.3%

Polling at: 3.1%

Others

Polling at: 5.4%

Lowri Pitcher Head of Politics

DUP

Labour

Why was the London Bridge attacker released from prison?

Polling day: Polling day is less than a week away. Source: Alan Cleaver (via Flickr). mission as part of its probe into anti-Semitism within the party.

Liberal Democrats

During a recent Andrew Marr interview, the party leader Jo Swinson apologised for her party’s decisions during the 2010-2015 coalition government. Conflicting news is also coming out of the party; throughout the campaign, the Liberal Democrats said they will not go into a coalition with other parties but on December 5, rumours began to surface that the Liberal Democrats could back Labour in a hung Parliament to force a second Brexit vote. However, as with most parties during a general election campaign, they will not disclose their willingness to enter into a coalition as they must simply focus on gaining as many votes for their candidates as possible.

Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price argued that Westminster will listen to Wales’ interests if more Plaid Cymru MPs were to be elected. The Party made the case for a Welsh veto to take the NHS out of trade deals with the United States as well as releasing more policies for farmers in Wales. The party has been keen to capitalise on the ONS’s decision to not allow non-white people to automatically identify as Welsh which Plaid Cymru described as “institutional prejudice”. The party has also called for “more money and respect” to teachers following PISA results.

SNP

The Scottish National Party has been facing criticism this week after the Institute for Fiscal Studies concluded that the party’s manifesto is not costed properly. The think tank stated that the manifesto was more concerned with independence than setting up a costed plan for government. A member of the SNP’s antiSemitism probe has resigned from the party has resigned after she was accused of anti-Semitism herself. Denise Findlay was on the conduct committee to investigate Neale Hanvey who was an SNP candidate for Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath.

Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein has been continuing with its main campaign goals of stopping Brexit and unifying the island of Ireland. Their policies have mainly been focused on local issues in Northern Ireland to help appeal to voters at home. Sinn Fein maintains its policy of absenteeism from Parliament meaning it won’t take up seats they win in the coming election.

Conclusion

Last week was one of consolidation and preparation as the parties press home their key messages and attempt to bring more voters to their side. As the polling day grows nearer expect more debate and controversy from each party and more campaigning as they try to make the last few days count.

n Friday, November 29, 28-year-old Usman Khan killed two and injured three individuals during a terrorist attack near London Bridge, London. After being restrained by members of the public he was shot by the police soon after. It very quickly came to light that Khan had previously been convicted for terrorism offences and had been released from prison on licence in December 2018. So, what previous convictions did Khan hold and why was he released after around eight years in prison? In February 2012, Khan was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence after pleading guilty to a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange, the American embassy and the home of Boris Johnson (then the Mayor of London) and build a terrorist training camp in Kashmir. At the time, he could have received a determinate sentence which would have left him eligible for release halfway through; or he could have been given indeterminate Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence, introduced in 2003, which would have required a review by the parole board before release. The trial judge claimed that Khan posed a sufficiently long term risk to hand him an indeterminate IPP with a minimum term of eight years. In 2013, Khan appealed against his sentence and Chair of the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Leveson, ruled that Khan’s indeterminate sentence should be substituted for an Extended sentence for Public Protection (EPP). This meant that Khan received a fixed 16-year sentence with a further five on licence. However, this meant that Khan would automatically be allowed to leave prison after eight years without the involvement of the parole board. At the time Lord Leveson claimed that: “There is an argument for concluding that anyone convicted of such an offence should be incentivised to demonstrate that he can safely be released; such a decision is then better left to the Parole Board for consideration proximate in time to the date when release becomes possible.” However, the parole board later claimed that it had not reviewed Khan’s case before his release. In December 2018 Khan was released on licence and was ordered to wear an electronic tag and had restrictions placed upon his movements and travel. Khan and other prisoners who have their travel liberties restricted were allowed to attend a Learning Together conference in central London which focussed on prisoner rehabilitation. It was during the afternoon of this event that Khan launched the attack. Since 2015, it became mandatory for all terrorism offenders since then to apply for parole before release. Investigations about the attack are now underway.

12 POLITICS In other NATO news...

celebrates 70th anniversary with London Summit

The annual summit was overshadowed by a public fallout between Donald Trump and Canada’s Justin Trudeau

Tom-Henry Jones Politics Editor

In the United States, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that the chamber will proceed with articles of impeachment against President Trump. Speaking last Thursday, Pelosi said that Trump “leaves us no choice but to act because he is trying to corrupt once again the election for his own benefit”. Shortly before this speech, Trump had tweeted “If you are going to impeach me, do it now, fast, so we can have a fair trial in the Senate, and so that our country can get back to business.” It appears that the Democrats are hoping to impeach him before Christmas.

On Tuesday, December 3, Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne resigned after losing the confidence of his party. The Centre Party asked that the leader stand down after strikes from Finland’s postal service and national airline and other industries caused widespread disruption throughout the country. The centre-left cabinet will continue in a caretaker role until the appointment of a new prime minister.

The UK, France and Germany sent a letter to the UN to warn that Iran is developing nuclear capable ballistic missles. If proven, it would be in violation of a UN Security Council resolution, which ‘calls upon Iran not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.” Iran has denied the allegation. The Iranian Foreign Minister Mr Zarif stated the letter was a ‘desperate falsehood’.

French rail workers, air traffic controllers, teachers and public sector workers have staged walkouts to protest the changes to pension systems. 82% of train drivers are on strike leading to 90% of regional trains being canelled. 11 out of 16 metro lines are also closed. The changes to the pension system consist of rolling the 42 seperate pension regimens which each affecting a different area of jobs into one universal scheme. These protests come on the back of months of anti-govenrment protests in the form of the gilets jaunes movement, which marked its first anniversary last month.

he North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) organisation met in London last week for its annual summit. The summit was hosted by Her Majesty the Queen in Buckingham Palace. However, the summit was overshadowed by a video that emerged of international leaders appearing to mock President Trump. Those involved were Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump responded to the video by calling Trudeau “two-faced”. Trump cancelled a planned press conference and left the summit early. The majority of the video is distorted by background noise, but it appears Trudeau mocks Trump’s press conferences. Trudeau told reporters he hadn’t been laughing about Trump but rather the location of the next G7 summit. The summit largely focussed on the issue of money. NATO states that each member state should spend 2 per cent of its GDP on defence. Currently, the US and the UK are two of only eight member states that are meeting the target. Countries such as France, Germany and Canada are below the target. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced new spending commitments on defence by Canada

and European allies. President Trump has been a frequent and vocal critic on the issue of money and the spending commitments of other member states. Previously, in January of this year, members agreed to increase defence spending by $100 billion over the next two years. The summit also touched on the issue of Turkey’s invasion of Northern Syria. Turkey is one of the 29 members of NATO. In October, US troops pulled out of Northern Syria. Just a few days later Turkish forces invaded and launched airstrikes on border towns. Mr Stoltenberg announced that the alliance was able to resolve the disagreement with Turkey, allowing NATO plans for Baltic defence to go ahead. Turkish President Erdogan originally said he would oppose a NATO defence plan for the Baltic region if it did not support Turkey’s fight against the Kurdish groups, which Erdogan considers to be terrorists. President Macron had previously described NATO earlier in the year as ‘brain dead’. Mr Trump, who had also described the alliance as ‘obsolete’ believed Macron’s comments to be “nasty, and very disrespectful”. Macron also believed the alliance needed a strategical “rethink”’ in the face of the new threats to European peace. Macron said he stood by his comments despite the reception they received. Created in 1949, NATO, started out

with just 12 members but has since expanded to 29. Boris Johnson, the host of this year’s summit, summarised the role of NATO in acting as the “giant shield of solidarity that now protects 29 countries and nearly a billion people.” In a statement, Britain and its NATO allies used its strongest ever language when denouncing the threat of Russia. The joint declaration stated: “We, as an alliance, are facing distinct threats and challenges emanating from all stra-

tegic directions.” However, after the summit, President Macron claimed that: “On some topics Russia is seen as a threat, this is true... But Russia is also a partner in some issues. We’re working and having concrete discussions with Russia on certain issues.” Although tensions reached new heights over the issue of spending commitments and Turkey, the NATO alliance remains united against increasing threats from Russia, North Korea and China.

Macron and Trump: Tensions have risen between the two leaders on their views on NATO. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Tensions increase between Japan and North Korea

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has criticized North Korea’s rocket missiles tests Jonas Jamarik Contributor

orth Korean state media has labelled Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as an “imbecile” and a “political dwarf ” after Abe criticized their latest rocket-missile tests. After two short-range rockets were fired near the eastern coast of North Korea, Abe called a National Security cabinet meeting in Tokyo and criticized North Korea’s tests as “a grave challenge to the internation-

al community.” This prompted a response from an unnamed member of North Korea’s department of Japanese affairs, saying “Abe is the only one idiot in the world and the most stupid man ever known in history as he fails to distinguish a missile from multiple launch rocket system.” The statement also contains a line generating much controversy saying that “(Abe) may see what a real ballistic missile is in the not distant future and under his nose.” Currently, North Korea is prohibited from de-

Shinzo Abe: Tensions have been rising since the first missile incident

in 2017. Source: President of Russia

veloping, much less firing ballistic missiles of any type by the U.N. Security Council. The type of projectiles fired is believed to be KN-25, a model that is very similar to ballistic missiles. Some experts have said that Abe’s labelling of the projectiles as ballistic missiles is meant to signify that the tests violate U.N. resolution. North Korea, on the other hand, is saying it is testing multi-launch rocket systems, which is different from ballistic missiles. Nevertheless, North Korea’s warning now suggests that it is preparing to test longer-range missiles. In May of this year Shinzo Abe said he was ready to meet with Kim JongUn “without conditions” and was planning to start talks about North Korea’s nuclear issues, as well as other issues that have long weighed on the diplomatic relationship between the two countries, such as the kidnapping of 17 Japanese citizens by North Korea during the 1970’s and 80’s, only five of whom have been allowed to return to Japan so far. Soon after, Mr Abe criticized North Korea’s previous missile tests and has maintained economic sanctions against the country, angering Pyongyang’s leadership. By fall of this year, officials in Pyongyang were saying

that relations with Japan were “going from bad to worse” due to Japan opposing more missile tests from North Korea and the above-mentioned historic differences. Earlier this year South Korea invited Kim Jong-Un to a summit between Southeast Asian leaders in Busan which he declined, accusing the summit of not upholding its agreements made in previous meetings. North Korea has also demanded more respect in its nuclear missile talks with the US, insisting that they will not discuss the issue until “the U.S. abolishes all hostile policies toward North Korea.” The US features prominently in North Korea’s recent missile tests. It is believed that the country’s shortrange artillery is being improved by these tests, which are largely ignored by Donald Trump. The danger is that North Korea’s short-range advances could be applied to their medium-range missiles as well, which poses a serious threat for Japan. As Mr Abe reaches his eighth anniversary as Prime Minister of Japan, it, unfortunately, seems that one of his main foreign policy aims, the warming of Japan’s relations with North Korea, is currently out of reach.

N O I T C E L E S T L SU

RE N I K LOC Open all night for the General Election Results!

Drinks offers and food served till the early hours

Thursday 12th December

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COMMENT

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/comment

SYLWADAU

Your comment desk Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Kat Smith Adam Clarke Tehreem Sultan Columnist Indigo Jones

Park Place protests

Is there a right or wrong way to protest? Sarah Harris Contributor

ust days after Cardiff University Student Union voted to become pro-choice in their AGM, the gates of the main building on Park Place were emblazoned with graphic images of aborted foetuses by prolife protestors. Many students have complained after finding the images and protestors disturbing. The motion proposed by student, Isadora Sinha, was first mentioned in 2014 but was opposed. Speaking at the AGM this year, Sinha stated, “pro-choice means we support your choice to do what you want”. So, are the protestors outside the SU simply using their freedom of expression or are they unwelcome invaders? In an open letter posted on popular Facebook page, Cardiff Confessions, Sinha says, ‘if students wish to engage in debate with each other, that is great, and I encourage it. I do not, however, encourage anyone to debate these external anti-choice organisations. In my opinion, they are not scientific, twist people’s words and intentions and have a blatant disregard for women’s rights. If you are prepared for this, then feel free to debate them but be mindful […] I don’t want other students targeted like I was and still am.’ Since the motion was adopted, the university’s Catholic Society has

left the guild of societies as they believe the motion opposes their right to freedom of expression and conscience. Realistically, the University hasn’t prevented students from speaking their mind and would never do so but are these pro-life protestors taking things a step too far? Abortion can, obviously, be a sensitive topic for many. Often those who have had abortions have done so after carefully considering the longterm implications for both their life and the life of their unborn child.

Freedom of expression allows us to be who we are but it’s also important to be mindful of your surroundings. Women have fought for years for the right to choose what to do with their own bodies and, even after achieving this, are still scrutinised for their decisions. Similarly, it is understandable that many people oppose abortion for religious or moral reasons, but they should also respect a woman’s decision in what she is doing with her body. As students, I’m sure many of us would be in no position either financially or emotionally to raise a child if it came to it.

Pro-life problem: If the protestors used less graphic images, like these in London, would it be more effective? Source: internets_dairy (via Flickr) I’m not saying that pro-life sup- lic. The pro-life protestors pictured porters shouldn’t have the liberty show that their banners and placto express their personal views, but ards don’t have to be this graphic, so they could do so in a way that isn’t there does seem to be an alternative. Freedom of expression allows us emotionally triggering for many people. The images are placed in public to be who we are but it’s also imporview and can be seen by anyone, in- tant to be mindful of your surroundcluding children, who undoubtedly ings. Really, what will the Pro-Life will be left slightly traumatised and supporters be achieving by making also by people who may have issues such a scene? They’ll probably receive more criticism than support. surrounding fertility. I strongly believe that the pro-life There’s a right way to do everything supporters should be allowed to ex- and this may not be the best way to press their opinions, but maybe they get the Students’ Union to change should consider doing so in a way their mind, if that ever happens at that isn’t so explicit when in pub- all.

London Attack prompts rehab scheme questions Do prisoners deserve a second chance: life sentences or rehabilitation?

Tehreem Sultan Comment Editor

e all strongly believe in second chances in life, but do category A prisoners, terrorists, killers, murderers, rapists even deserve rehabilitation after the utterly horrific acts they commit? ‘To give everyone a second chance’ is the motto of the ‘Learning Together’ prison scheme, claiming it brings together offenders and those in higher education, breaking prejudices to study alongside each other in equal partnership. The prison scheme’s fifth anniversary was marked by terror when two people were stabbed, by Usman Khan, a 28 year old British terrorist - who was previously ‘assumed’ as one of the success stories of the Cambridge University rehabilitation programme. The attack left two dead, and three injured last Friday. Lukasz Koczocik, a Polish porter at Fishmongers Hall, alongside ten members of the public risked their lives to fight off the terrorist. Acting instantly, their heroic acts and efforts saved others from Khan, and are now being considered by the Home Office ministers for national police bravery medals. Amongst these ‘heroes’ also was a former prisoner, Marc Conway, who confronted and disarmed Khan. Stirring the question whether these prison scheme’s central mission of enriching and improving former prisoners and providing for their

rehabilitation is actually worth the pain and risk, or does it prove otherwise like it did for Khan?

Law and policy makers could point towards arguing for criminal justice reform in the UK prison scheme . Usman Khan, a participant of ‘Desistance and Disengagement Programme’ had criminal records of terrorism which involved him plotting to launch an attack on London Stock Exchange in 2010. However his 16-year imprisonment sentence for ‘protection of the public’ was granted an early release on the condition that he would have an electronic monitoring tag, despite Lord Justice Brian stating “anyone convicted of this type of offense could legitimately be considered dangerous.” With various contradicting views on the aftermath of the attack, law and policy makers could point towards arguing for criminal justice reform in the UK. Contrastingly, David Meritt. father of victim Jack Merritt, tweeted it would be against Jack’s preachings and values if the idea behind these rehab programmes was to change following this attack. He also

emphasized that his son wouldn’t want the extremist attack to be used by lawmakers to install “more draconian sentences or for detaining people unnecessarily”. Bringing us back to the debate whether the prison system should leave inmates to spend their remaining lives in cold cells, with punishment and deterrence as the result of their acts; or should we let them wander freely in classrooms, preaching rehabilitation into the society as its main aim. Compared to other nations, the UK spends a higher amount of GDP on public order than the US or any EU countries, yet our criminal justice and imprisonment system is lacking efficiency. With over 83,000

prisoners currently locked away, Wales and England have a staggering imprisonment rate of 150 per 100,000 of the population. With the abolishment of the death penalty, life sentences and short term imprisonments are the solution for preventing prisoners from mingling in society. However, such prison schemes question the morality and place a great degree of risk on the public. With increasing popularity for these schemes, including the introduction of the ‘HM Prison Cardiff ’ scheme, which aim to put people on the right track - questions of whether these schemes are worth the time, or hassle remain.

Forgive and forget?: Many are upset at Marc Conway being labelled as a ‘hero’. Source: Chintal Barrot (via Pexels)

Lights, camera... Cardiff?

SYLWADAU

Is enough being done to inspire the next generation of Welsh creatives? Jack Stacey

Contributor

he creation of film and television content is becoming increasingly global, making it commonplace to have production occur on a multi-national scale in several studios across the globe. Therefore, finding employment in the vast array of media industries is now more pivotal to preserving culture than ever. So, what should be done to ‘inspire’ the next generation of creatives in the film and television industries? Recently in Cardiff, the filming of two separate productions has begun: new Netflix series ‘The One’ (a science-fiction show set in a world where a simple DNA test presents individuals with their ‘soulmate’) and upcoming action/thriller ‘Infinite’ (starring Mark Wahlberg as a near-immortal man who is reincarnated through history); which has now moved elsewhere. Both productions are being filmed on location within Cardiff, shooting in Cathays, the Mercure Hotel, and Newport road. According to Stephen Follows, the average Hollywood film has an average crew size of 588 people with approximately 156 of those crew members employed as visual effects artists. This is not a groundbreaking revelation by any stretch; it is impossible to miss the movement of the creative industries towards Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI)

and the streamlining of production through digital technology. As a result of these developing industry ‘norms’, a grass-roots approach has been taken by several Welsh and Cardiff-based institutions, with the aim of getting more people interested in these creative industries. During my second week as a ‘fresher’, I attended a panel discussion hosted by the Royal Television Society (RTS), titled ‘How to get into TV’.

Finding employment in the vast array of media industries is now more pivotal to preserving culture. The event invited Cardiff residents to converse with several ‘up and coming’ figures in the television and film industries, taking place in The Tramshed Cinema. The conversation was enlightening, combining personal experience, self-improvement measures and produced work (both in employment and at university) into a veritable fountain of industry knowledge due to the intimacy of the event. As the evening was drawing to a close, I became aware of the multifaceted nature of this issue and that existing initiatives placed an emphasis on inspiring new generations, neglecting the remainder

Contributor

Movie Culture: Filming of shows and films in Cardiff is in flux Source: Stuart Lee (Wikipedia) the industry” establishing that, not of older people with relevant experidissimilarly from any other industry, ence in other fields. I was specifically employers in film and television place intrigued by one of the closing quesgreater emphasis on experience over tions: “How would someone with everything else, therefore, this should previous industry experience get back be the crux of the issue. into the television and film industry I feel that perhaps it is rather naïve after several years away?” to focus solely on younger people and Initiatives hosting events within the that there is a social neglect towards creative industries, like the ‘Cardiff the concept of offering creative indusInternational Film Festival’, are effectry experience to those from other intive in raising awareness for roles of dustries or employment backgrounds. employment in film and television, yet In my opinion, this lack of experience individuals still lack practical skills and should be addressed with practical industry experience. In an article for outreach and inspiration initiatives for The Guardian, Will Davies comments, the entire public. “It’s about getting out and about in

Many are concerned about the environmental impact of shopping extravaganzas Comment Editor

his past week, the annual shopping extravaganzas that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday satisfied shoppers’ cravings for extreme savings and discounts. There is literally nothing quite like it; every year billions are spent by shoppers around the world over the space of a few days. There is no denying that the event causes an extreme spate of excessive consumerism, and we’re all guilty of it – we’ve all managed to grab an absolute bargain on that thing we so desperately wanted during the sales. However, some don’t enjoy Friday like the rest of us do, some are extremely concerned about the potential negative impacts events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have on the environment. They claim that the damage done by the environmentally unsustainable fastfashion industry is made even worse by a swarm of shoppers demanding more options and savings. Environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion have started a campaign to ‘End Black Friday’ which has recieved a positive to mixed response. But in amongst the chaotic shopping and campaigning, what is the truth – should something be done about Black Friday in light of environmental concerns? In an age where (most of us) are environmentally aware and con-

scious of just how damaged our planet is, things that we once took for granted are now being put under the microscope - Black Friday and Cyber Monday included. Scientists, companies and activists have all put their cases forward – and the general consensus seems to be that whilst Black Friday/Cyber Monday isn’t the biggest environmental concern in the world, it doesn’t exactly help. Jason Mark, editor of environmental charity Sierra Club recently wrote on the charity’s site that whilst individual change like buying less fastfashion and disposable tech is “not only righteous but required”, the “personal-responsibility mantra… obscures the culpability of the fossil fuel giants and other industrial actors in fuelling the crisis.” This is the main takeaway for me, the biggest problem isn’t us having a weekend of spending anarchy once a year, but rather the fact that those in power aren’t putting the systematic change that is needed to help save our environment. Whilst it cannot be denied that Black Friday isn’t exactly helpful to our environment, it does also do a lot of good from a consumer and economic perspective. Consumers are treated to extreme one-off deals and discounts, which is extremely helpful considering the seemingly never-ending increasing cost of products nowadays. Also, workers brave enough to endure the mess that is working retail during Black Friday also get more working hours

A decade in review Devika Sunand

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Chaotic or Calm?

Harry Clarke-Ezzidio

(and in some cases extra pay) to add to their payslip. Additionally, the sheer amount of money that is spent by shoppers across Black Friday and Cyber Monday provides a massive boost to the economy. Barclaycard revealed that transaction value was up 16.5% on last year, with the volume of transactions also up by 7.2%. Black Friday provides an opportunity for people to go out and shop (or sit on your lonesome and fill your Amazon basket to your heart’s content) but its negative aspects cannot be ignored, and consumers can help be part of the solution. Pressure companies to change their practices to become more sustainable, buy and support companies that do pro-

duce sustainable products when you can, buy second hand, and do whatever you can do to help. But, ultimately, it comes down to big businesses themselves to spend a bit to help make a positive change in the long-run. Whilst Black Friday and Cyber Monday are relatively new cultural phenomenons for the UK, it’s already cemented itself as one of the most eagerly-anticipated consumer events of the year. While it is fun to shop and save, we all need to be conscious about what our habits may be having on the environment. But our conscious consumerism will mean nothing if systematic change is carried out to help us save the most im-

Shopaholics: Black Friday shopping weekend rush. Source: Stan Honda (via Flickr)

s we near the year 2020, why don’t we just look back the way we came from? I understand it can be difficult as not all memories bring a smile to your face. From making the best of friends to losing your loved one, from falling in love to having your heart broken, it has not been easy but sometimes it is important to realise how far we have come, how far we have grown as a society as a whole and also as an individual. The world we see now has grown a lot economically, politically and socially in the 2010s. The decade began as we were recovering from a global financial crisis, after a major worldwide recession in 2008. The global debt meant that recovery was slow and uncertain in the early part of the decade, affecting the prospects of a global economic recovery. As a result, inflation and increases in commodity prices meant thar lower income countries struggled. Austerity particularly affected Portugal, Spain, Greece, and the Republic of Ireland. The world population reached 7 billion in another of the big developments of this decade. Use of the internet saw substantial growth during the 2010s due to advancements in wireless networking devices, mobile technology and cloud computing. Advancements in the processing of data allowed for the rollout of 5G broadband - allowing for data and information to disperse among domains at unmatched speeds. Banking reached a whole new level in terms of technology and security; online banking was introduced with the help of personal biometric scanners. The era of online networks took shape during the last decade. The increasing importance of social media paved the way for social movements like me-too and the rise of ‘slacktivism’ and online call out culture. The decade also saw a shift in social attitudes towards one another. LGBT rights and female representation made a substantial growth over these years especially in the West and parts of Asia and Africa. Society became more open minded and accepting over these years, as shown by the legalisation of gay marriage and increasing calls for gender/racial pay equality. Natural disasters including the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the Nepal earthquake of 2015, the 2018 Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami shook the world. Whilst hurricanes Harvey, Irma and sandy also made headlines. The importance of fighting the climate change that makes these events both more frequent and more powerful has been brought directly into the public eye over the course of this decade, thanks in no small part to Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thunberg and a plethora of other organisations and figureheads. Tackling climate-change was also a major issue, as protests, initiatives, and legislation attracted the eyes of the world and the media. At the pace with which the world has grown in the last decade, it will be interesting to see what the future turns out to be like. Not only on a global level, but it will be interesting to find out what the next decade has in store for us as individuals.

COLUMN ROAD COLUMN 16

Indigo Jones

New Year, same old me

Why should we change?: Weight loss, healthier diets and drinking less, to name just a few of the self-improving resolutions people attempt. Source: peakpx

ew year, new me is a statement we’ve all probably said. It implies that within the new year we’ll finally change our old habits, we’ll become better people and for some it means going on a new diet. This begs the question: can people change? Maybe we don’t want to change and instead we are conditioned to feel like we have to and that a New Year means a need to change. The words ‘New Year’s Resolution’ carry a certain pressure to make a certain change, a change that we feel we can’t make any other time of year. It’s as if the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve and something changes within us, something in our head clicks and we have automatically improved to be this “new” person. But is that what we believe or is that what we are made to believe? According to the Australian company Finder, two in three people fail their New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe this suggests a lack of commitment or no desire to stick to these resolutions. So why should we bother trying to change what we believe is wrong with us if we probably won’t achieve it anyway? We say we’ll work harder; we’ll drink less, and we’ll spend more time with families and friends but it’s impossible to stick to an idea or a resolution that we don’t feel passionate about achieving in the first place. It really is worth considering whether or not New Year’s Resolutions are

outdated, or we do use them to feel a sense of accomplishment?

Two in three people fail their New Year’s Resolutions. Finder

There are different stories that date back to the Babylonians, Romans and the Medieval era surrounding why people began making resolutions, with many stemming from religious reasons. These traditional resolutions couldn’t be further from what people often decide to do in the New Year now. According to INC in a survey of 2,000 people, 71% said that their resolution would be to diet or eat healthier, 65% to exercise more and 54% stated that they would like to lose weight. This demonstrates the priorities that people usually have after overindulging during Christmas. We eat more than humanly possible and then say we’ll change our unhealthy habits in the New Year. Although, is this a pressure we put on ourselves or the pressure weight loss companies, gyms and fitness clothing companies put on us? These fitness companies put New Year’s deals on, where they make member-

ships cheaper or put sales on active wear. Most supermarkets also begin to promote the sales of yoga mats, weights, diet shakes and healthy eating in general. Does this perhaps promote body image issues, as people feel a pressure to lose weight and better themselves in the new year? This is emphasised on social media, where people discuss their resolutions and their lifestyle changes, where they promote their weight loss or days without drinking. This is where the idea of “New Year, new me” comes in where people feel the need to publish their every movement on social media. As a result of this, they increase pressure on others as well as themselves as they demonstrate what they are attempting to achieve online, and if they fail to do so it’s apparent to everyone. Finder also stated that in 2015 men were more likely to create resolutions surrounding careers, money and relationships; whereas women were more likely to create resolutions on the topics of weight loss, health and fitness. Perhaps this is a result of the pressure society puts on women to need to be the correct image, and the pressure they put on men to be successful in their careers. Either way it does emphasise the fact that perhaps these pressures are something that need to be considered, and the difference in resolutions suggests how the inequal-

ity in representation of gender has an effect on everything including how people decide to make lifestyle changes within the new year.

Maybe New Year’s resolutions are not outdated, but instead have become a commercial sales pitch. Arguably, making healthier decisions and cutting out bad habits is a positive and many people may feel the need to do that. I for one feel like I should change some of my unhealthy habits, especially as we approach Christmas Day, filled with extravagant meals, Terry’s Chocolate Orange and not forgetting the mince pies. Wouldn’t it be more effective for brands to promote self-love instead and increase the confidence of everyone around the festive period? Santa Claus is renowned for being a jolly character, so why can’t we be just as jolly? Don’t get me wrong, some resolutions can be positive like when people decide to learn a new skill or a new language for example. These types of resolutions make those who partake in them feel more positive

about themselves through bettering themselves in a positive way, without pressure. Another example of a positive resolution is that many people decide to become vegetarian or vegan, whereas some take part in Veganuary where they go vegan for the month of January. Whether they decide to do this for environmental reasons, moral reasons or maybe the pressure that they feel from resolutions, it is still an improvement. Either way, supermarkets prepare for this season of change, and through doing so they are aware that people may cut out meat and promote vegan and vegetarian products. Maybe New Year’s resolutions are not outdated, but instead have become a commercial sales pitch. To finish this article on a lighter note, I hope my cynical opinions haven’t put you off this cheery winter season, and I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. If you do decide to make resolutions and ways of changing yourself, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and don’t feel obliged to stick to them. I too will probably cave and make some silly resolutions, and inevitably miserably fail, similar to most people. After all, most of us will be waking up on New Year’s Day hungover and would have probably broken five or more resolutions before 2pm. Bring on the new decade, and I’ll see you all in 2020.

Looking for work? Here’s just a selection of opportunities currently available through Jobshop! Food & Beverage Assistant

PAY: £8.24 per hour DAYS/HOURS OF POST: TBC with applicants –predominantly over the Christmas period/ to fit around studies DETAILS & MAIN DUTIES: A city centre hotel are looking for a customer focused individual to join our Food and Beverage Team, working within the Conference and Banqueting department, restaurant and/or bar, serving various conferences, dinners, weddings and private functions. This position is ideal for students who can fit shifts around their studies during the busy Christmas period.

General Assistant

PAY: Meets National Minimum Wage (Higher than NMW for 18-20 year olds) DAYS/ HOURS OF POST: Saturdays and holiday periods (Immediate start)

DETAILS & MAIN DUTIES: Serving customers and general duties at a Cardiff Market fishmongers. Must be available for Christmas holiday period.

School Exam Invigilator

PAY: £7.70 p/hour (U25) / £8.21 p/hour (25+) DAYS/ HOURS OF POST: Various dates/times throughout December/January DETAILS & MAIN DUTIES: A local secondary school in the Roath Park area of Cardiff requires invigilators to assist with their examinations. This work will involve the general supervision of candidates to ensure no malpractice during the examination period. No previous experience is necessary, but a mature and calm manner is required.

cardiffstudents.com/jobshop

Contact Jobshop for details on how to apply. To start receiving job alerts for all our vacancies please head to our website for details of how to sign up. 2nd floor, Students’ Union

029 2078 1535

Jobshop@cardiff.ac.uk

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Coping with grief

Navigating sadness at the ‘happiest’ time of year Lois Brooks Contributor

hristmas is a time for family and sharing great memories with loved ones. However, it’s also a poignant moment in the year where we notice the loss of missing members in our lives. Whether the loss has been recent or a significant number of years ago, Christmas still emphasises the missing parts of your extended family. Whilst grief affects everyone in different ways, here are some suggestions to turn the festive time into remembering them in an even more special light. Christmas and the festive holidays arrive all at once, and so does grief. If this is missing someone who you lost a while ago, you may feel that you can deal with grief. You’ve experienced other holidays whether that be anniversaries or birthdays; but it is important to note that grief can hit you at any time. So if it does creep up this festive period, then give time for reflection and acknowledge the emotions that grief can cause. It is an unpredictable emotion, even if you feel that you have dealt with the loss, it can cause a stir and affect us all. Acceptance can be vital at this time of the year, it is important to accept that grief will be apparent this year and the challenges that you’ll face. Sometimes our biggest enemy is ourselves; if you allow yourself to accept the change, then

it will make the first few Christmas’ that slight bit easier. Carrying on traditions, change is difficult for most, but changing up Christmas traditions can be hard for many, especially soon after the loss of a loved one. One suggestion can be to try and carry on these traditions, it is a perfect way of remembering them and keeping their spirit alive over the festive period. If that is still making sure there is a particular desert that a loved one used to make every year, or ensuring people still take part in a certain game on the day. Little things like this will keep their memories alive and will also help with the first few occasions without them. A good idea to keep them involved is making a new tradition in their honour, maybe raising a toast before your Christmas dinner or adding a decoration, that would represent them, to your Christmas Tree. A simplistic gesture can really go a long way. Use this festive time to remember the good memories you once shared with them. Maybe they had an input in your personal childhood Christmas’ and you look fondly back and continue to share them with the new members of your lives. Of course, memories can also bring us sadness, but it’s important to try and see the positive in any situation and pledge to still have an enjoyable Christmas period.

Celebrate the person: Honouring traditions is a wonderful way to rememebr those who’ve passed. Source: David Sonluna (via Unsplash) Try and share the occasion, allow others to remember your loved ones with you and try to not bottle up any emotions. This, along with not depriving yourself of time to acknowledge the loss and feel the grief, will make the festive time that bit easier. Finding the balance between not indulging too much and enjoying yourself can be something new this year. It is important to try and keep your head high and celebrate the

A very veggie Christmas

Having a plant-based diet can have some great alternatives Ellie Hutchings Contributor

Your advice desk Molly Govus Rhiannon James Columnist Satwik Shivoham

season whilst remembering ones you have lost. Overindulging can make it hard to handle emotions, so take your time, no one said it would be easy. Overall, coping with grief over the festive period is an experience no one wants to be a part of, however, unfortunately we are all suffering in some way or the other. Keeping their memories alive and remembering them is a perfect way to spend the Christmas period.

he festive period can be a tough time to be vegan or vegetarian. A traditional Christmas dinner in the UK consists of turkey, pigs in blankets, gravy and stuffing, which doesn’t leave much room to be vegetarian – and even less to be vegan! Not to mention the desserts and treats most of us indulge in over the Christmas period. Being plantbased may seem a struggle at this time of year, but it doesn’t need to be. Every day more brands are recognising the demand for vegetarian/ vegan alternatives and joining in on catering to a plant-based lifestyle. Over the last few weeks I’ve come across vegan advent calendars, ‘pigless’ blankets, meat-free roasting joints, free-from mince pies and much more. Most supermarkets will have an aisle or section dedicated to dietary requirements; you just need to find it. As a vegetarian myself, I often rely on social media to find plant-based alternatives - @accidentallyveganuk and @nowyouknowitsvegan on Instagram have been life savers. With that being said, you don’t

Treat yourself: Indulge in the array of alternatives on offer. Source: Monika Grabkowska (via Unsplash) necessarily need artificial meat subSecondly, spinach and ricotta welstitutes to have a fulfilling diet as lington is my other favourite. Both a vegetarian or vegan. I’ve had my are equally as delicious – especially fair share of vegetarian Christmas with lashings of vegetarian gravy. dinners; rarely do they contain fake Of course, no Christmas dinner is meat. complete without all the trimmings. I have two favourites – one veg- Alongside the vegetables and roast etarian, one vegan. My mum makes potatoes, my personal favourite acan incredible nut roast using onion, companiment is cauliflower cheese. garlic, celery, carrot, mixed nuts and If you use non-dairy milk and nutripretty much any other veg we have tional yeast, this can be made vegan in the house at the time. The great too. thing about nut roasts is they’re so I’ve got a sweet tooth, so my faadaptable, and easy to make too. vourite course is dessert. For ve-

gans, dessert can be difficult to navigate. Often being rich, chocolatey and served with heaps of custard or cream, festive desserts rarely cater to a plant-based diet. But with various alternatives such as soya, oat and almond now readily available, there’s no reason why vegans can’t have their cake and eat it too. Whether homemade or shop bought, there’s a wealth of options for the perfect vegan Christmas. For me, Christmas is a time of year where food and drink is a big part of the celebrations, and I think little snacks and treats can make a great gift or secret Santa present. Vegan chocolate is pretty commonplace nowadays, but I’m particularly excited about the recent launch of vegan Galaxy chocolate. Vegan Baileys would also make a fantastic gift. Cheese is another Christmas staple, and if you’re after something a little bit different Holland &amp; Barrett stock a big selection of vegan ‘cheese’, from cheddar-style to spreadable, so there’s no need to miss out on a delicious cheeseboard. With an array of plant-based options on offer, there’s no need to dread any Christmas parties or festive gatherings you have this year when it comes to food.

CYNGOR

Balancing festivities and deadlines How to have your (Christmas) cake and eat it

Rhiannon James Advice Editor

s we get older, getting into the festive spirit doesn’t come as naturally to some of us. This is largely due to the fact that December often means stress and deadlines for us students. Staying motivated can be difficult especially when your Instagram feed is filled with pictures and videos of others ice-skating, drinking mulled wine, Christmas shopping and just embracing the festive period. In order to achieve the best of both worlds – working hard, but also enjoying Christmas in all its glory – it’s important to manage your time effectively. Personally, I believe the best way to utilise your time is to have a detailed plan of the following week. Allocate certain days to your academic work and then balance this by allocating other days for Christmas activities and socialising. For example, Mondays and Tuesdays could be purely for academic work and then you Wednesdays to destress and enjoy. Or, if you prefer a balance, split your days in half. For example, go for brunch with a friend then do three hours of work in the afternoon. Organise your work periods depending on when your most productive. I work best in the morning, therefore I tend to allocate time to do essays and revision between 9am-1pm, and then I’ve got the evening to do what I want – this

could be having a hot chocolate with friends, or watching your favourite Christmas film with your family. When organising your week, don’t be too hard on yourself, be realistic about your workload and spread it out. Being realistic about what you can achieve in a week avoids the feeling of deflation when you fall behind on your high maintenance schedule. Acknowledge that you’re going to be busy with your loved

ones, and some days your academic work is going to take a back seat. Being strict with yourself when it comes to your (realistic) schedule will help, you will feel a sense of achievement when completing tasks and then your free time will feel even more special. If possible, completing as much work as you can before the break is a good idea. Putting effort in now and ticking off your to-do list will

Healthy balance: Be sure to make time for festive activities as well as revision. Source: Red Charlie (via Unsplash)

benefit you in the long run. When others are getting stressed you can feel calm and secure in the fact that you are prepared. An option for those who have a lot of work to do and a lot of friends to see is to plan meetups where you and your friends can go for a coffee shop and do your work together. Then you can always do a fun activity together afterwards when you are both up to date on your work schedule, this will be a great feeling as it ensures that you’re being productive but also spending quality time with your friends, because the likelihood is that your friends are going to be as stress as you if they’re fellow students. Remember that it’s ok to have a break, you shouldn’t be stressing yourself out by working right up until Christmas. Although I have enforced the importance of keeping up with your academic work, it is also important to embrace the festive period. Achieving high grades may be important to you, but you don’t want to look back at your Christmas’ and only remember all the work you completed. You want to look back and remember all the fun you had, the gatherings you attended and the memories you made. Soon January will be here and then you’ll have plenty of time to work as January is typically quieter in terms of socialising than December. Therefore, don’t miss out because of your workload, if you plan your days effectively you should have time for festivities and productivity.

Staying in touch over Christmas

How to not let distance get in the way of university friendships

Katherine Mallett Contributor

ince pies, mulled wine and bright lights, it can only mean one thing: it’s nearly Christmas. But as the countdown to the festivities begin, how do we stay in contact with our university friends who will shortly be scattered across the country? Amongst all the Christmas chaos; the shopping, family reunions and TV specials, it can feel somewhat impossible to maintain contact with university friends. Different schedules and distance can make the perfect cocktail for a lack of communication, which can often leave us feeling distant, and even lonely at times. It can be weird adjusting to seeing and even living with your best friends every day, and then being apart for a significant amount of time. But alas, do not panic, as there are plenty of measures to undertake to ensure that you stay connected and up to date with all the latest gossip. Firstly, this may sound obvious, but is often overlooked as an option, and that is to try and meet up with your university friends. Regardless

Distance is not a barrier: there are many ways to keep in touch with your uni friends over the holidays. Source: Chang Duong (via Unsplash)

of the distance between you, if you have the means and the time, visiting your friends in their home environment is wonderful – and could strengthen the friendship further. You can make a trip out of the visit, discover a new town or city and make more even more incredible memories together. And if travelling the whole distance isn’t feasible, then try ‘meeting in the middle’. Find a place that is easy for all of you

to get to so you can still catch up but without the extra miles. If a little trip is not on the cards than make use of what is easily available. We are immensely lucky to have been born in the 21st century and subsequently are completely submerged in an abundance of technology. Whether it be FaceTime, Skype or a cheeky four person Snapchat video call, you are never more than

a click away from ‘seeing’ your friends. But if you don’t have the time, sufficient internet connection or a photo-ready face to do so, then create a private snapchat story to keep your favourite people up to date and share all your best - and most embarrassing - Christmas moments with each other. Lastly, sometimes it’s necessary to go a little old school and send a good old Christmas card, letter or even gift. If you’re on a budget (or just like getting creative) you can make your own and spread the festive cheer by filling your friends in on anything and everything they have missed out on whilst you’ve been apart. After all who doesn’t feel a little bit special receiving mail, especially in our current digital age. A letter or card is arguably more personal than a text as it is clear that person has taken time and effort to make you smile. So, there you have it, you have absolutely no excuse this festive season to go M.I.A. or fall off the grid. Now go grab your Christmas jumper, crank up the cheesy tunes and don’t forget to film your festivities - or write them down – in order to share with all your friends.

TED talks: how they boost your confidence Molly Govus Advice Editor

ince 1984, TED talks have been blessing the world with insightful, motivational and thoughtprovoking content. Motivation whilst at university can be hard to muster up when you’re three lectures behind and drowning in notes, but I find TED talks an easy and free way to build up my own confidence and motivation. Ted talks have been a part of my morning routine since the beginning of year 11. The app has found itself a home on my screen, and at this point in my life, it brings me a sense of comfort. Each morning, I make myself a cup of tea and I watch a TED talk or two. The brilliant thing is, you can search for a video depending on the amount of time you have; there really is no excuse. I’ve learnt so much about topics that I never would have discovered otherwise. Who would have thought that in ten minutes I would have learnt about a completely new topic? It is for this reason they have become an integral part of my day. The speakers themselves are inspirational. From renouned scientists to models, anyone from anywhere in the world can give a talk on their special subject with their own personal flare and presentation. I have often found myself disappear for hours, watching one talk after another, just because they are that fascinating. With thousands of talks to choose from, the choice can be quite daunting. The categories section alone boasts over 20 options, but that is where the ‘random’ button comes in handy; you can watch a random video within your timeframe on anything within the whole TED database. So, how do these talks benefit me other than being a morning distraction? Every morning, these talks remind me to stay passionate and to stay educated. On most mornings, a talk on success will give me the boost I need to get out the door and into the library to do the mountain of work that I’ve been putting off. I find it therapeutic being able to just sit and listen. We are always so busy in our day in age, always striving to do the next task or to get to the next committment, but having those peaceful ten minutes gives me the calm and the push that I need to start my day. The content of the talks give me motivation, also. Seeing the speakers so passionate and poised about their subject reminds me why I’m at university and how much I love the subject that I am doing. Bear in mind, all of these talks are absolutely free for anyone to access whenever. There really is no reason not to try and squeeze in a few before the rush of the day starts, or before bed. Download the app and find something that interests you. All you have to do is press play.

COLUMN

SATWIK Speaks

Satwik Shivoham

Graduation: Preparing for your career progression

rom what I’ve heard, graduation can be a confusing experience. One could see the positive sidethe freedom from mundane assessments and staying up at ungodly hours to study, and the opportunity of earning some real money. This used to excite me too, but I realized that reality is much harsher. “When you graduate, you actually go from being a student to an unemployed person”, I read somewhere. Someone called it “the end of a great era”. It completely burst my bubble, and I began preparing myself for doomsday quite early on. In all honesty, I can’t really agree or disagree with this, I’m yet to experience it. But what I can advise on is preparation. A lot of my friends don’t realize that on this day next year, they’ll probably be in a much different situation than now, something completely unprecedented possibly. A newly graduated person can only be so picky about what job they want to do or who they want to work with. Mostly, we appear for interviews, pick up whatever decent entry-level jobs we find and possibly face disappointment. We may find ourselves dealing with bad bosses, challenging deadlines, unsuitable lifestyles or mental stress. I know it’s all a “part of life”, of being an

Graduation: Preparing for your career progression. Header: Jon Candy (via Flickr), Left: Pixabay, Right: Pexels

adult, but be that as it may, we must be prepared. Preparing early on really makes it a lot easier to progress in your career. By the time you have to finally apply and appear for jobs in July, you’ll be prepared to face the most challenging questions, the most unprecedented scenarios. If you go in blind, it’s bound to cause you disappointment, stress and anxiety. The aim is to reverse the situation. When you graduate, go from a student to a highly employable professional; that’s a fresh way to look at graduation. There are a few obvious steps we must undertake.

You’ll gain critical insight if you judge yourself from another’s eyes Firstly, get used to difficult situations. You must challenge yourself and season your troubleshooting skills by exploiting any and all tools at your disposal. Give as many interviews as possible, read as many of Google’s infamous trick questions as possible, feel so prepared that when opportunity knocks on your door by surprise, you already know how to grab it. I always say that an interview is just

a mere tool which employers use to discover you, and if you’ve reflected enough, challenged yourself enough, you should be able to give an interview anytime, anywhere. You must watch and hear yourself conversing, and critique yourself from a third person’s perspective. There’s a reason why theatre artists practice in front of the mirror and listen to recordings of themselves; it’s scientific, not narcissistic! In our eyes, we always do enough, but one can gain critical insight if we judge ourselves from another’s eyes. When I started, it would feel absurd to speak into a camera. Eventually, I realized, if I continue to feel so conscious in front of a camera (which is only for my reviewal), how will I ever outdo the expectations of my interviewers? So its important to challenge oneself to understand what you’re lacking. The selfaware individual is a highly employable individual! Secondly, know what you want. If you are open to any kind of job, you will never feel satisfied because you haven’t yet identified what work culture you want to be a part of. Workplaces can be very varied. Some can be extremely fast-paced, or some, more laid-back. Some may involve high-tension tasks or low-tension tasks. Some could be physically more demanding and men-

tally less demanding, or vice versa. It’s important to understand that there are hundreds of unfamiliar management styles which you will be exposed to if your search isn’t focused on your needs. Everyone has a personality type and a type of people they want to work with. This translates into knowing what organizations they want to work for. So, do extensive research about your potential employers so you don’t settle for anything less than you think you deserve. It must be an environment you would thrive in and the first job can greatly affect the pace of your career progression. The biggest paycheck or the biggest organization may not be ideal for you! Thirdly, you can have ample experience despite not having any experience, by listening to the feedback and tips of those who are already where you want to be. Ask for some feedback on what kind of a workplace you can expect and what department has the most opportunities for growth. Platforms like LinkedIn solve this very purpose, because you can connect with people and know what they’ve learned about the organization in five years, in five minutes. This makes you better-informed. The passed-on experience will further shape your ideas and make them reso-

nate better with your interviewers. This way, your future colleagues and supervisors will feel that you’re already a part of the team, even before you get hired. So, use networking to fully understand your future employers! Lastly, have a plan B, C and D. Nothing is certain when you plan for your career. It is an interplay of several factors which are out of your control. As intimidating as that sounds, having contingency plans can go a long way. If you have your eyes completely set on that one job, or that one organization, you will be devastated if things go south. Moreover, you’d be clueless about any alternative options.

Think rationally, not emotionally, keeping your options open. Company policies keep altering, economies keep fluctuating. There can be budget cuts, recessions, changes in visa policies, managerial restructuring and so many other things which may keep you from getting that job or working with your dream firm altogether. Think rationally and not emotionally, keeping your options open.

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GWYDDONIAETH

Brushing teeth prevents cardiovascular disorders

Improved oral hygeine is associated with lower risks of atrial fibrillation and heart failure in new study by European Society of Cardiology Devika Sunand Contributor

n this fast paced world, how many of you managed to stick to the routine of brushing your teeth twice a day? You may want to get back to this routine when I tell you that it can actually protect your heart. A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), showed that brushing your teeth can actually be good for your heart.

According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology on 2 December 2019, brushing teeth frequently is linked with lower risks of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Studies suggest that poor oral hygiene leads to bacteria in the blood, causing inflammation in the body. Inflammation increases the risks of atrial fibrillation, (see word of the week) and also heart failure meaning the heart’s ability

to pump blood is impaired. For the study, 161,286 participants of the Korean national health insurance system aged 40 to 79 were enrolled. The participants were made sure to have no history of atrial fibrillation, heart failure or diseases of the heart valve. For oral hygiene indicators, presence of periodontal disease, number of tooth brushings, any reasons for dental visits, professional dental cleaning, and number of missing teeth were investigated.

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SCIENCE

Brushing your teeth has never been so important: Toothbrushing more than three times a day decreases your risk of heart disease. Source: Bru-nO (via Pixabay)

They underwent a routine medical examination between 2003 and 2004. Information on height, weight, laboratory tests, illness, lifestyle, oral health and oral hygiene behaviours were collected. During a follow up of 10.5 years, 4,911 (3.0%) participants developed atrial fibrillation and 7,971 (4.9%) developed heart failure. After adjusting necessary variables including age, sex and blood pressure to account for non-dental health related changes in heart function, tooth brushing three or more times a day was found to be associated with 10% lower risk of atrial fibrillation and a 12% lower risk of heart failure. The study also raised the possibility that frequent tooth brushing reduces bacteria in the bacteria living in the pocket between the teeth and gums, called the subgingival biofilm, thereby preventing translocation to the bloodstream. Even though the study came out with surprising conclusions, it had various limitations. One of which senior author Dr.Tae-Jin Song of Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul, noted. The study was limited to a particular ethnicity, as data consisted of only individuals in Asian population. But he also added that because a large group was studied for a long period of time this added strength to the findings.

New device detects blue whale’s heartbeart Electrodes placed on blue whale’s underside allows recording of heartbeat for first time

Liv Davies Science Editor

he blue whale is often considered to be the largest mammal that has ever lived. It is on average around 24-30 metres, and weighs in at around 200 tonnes. The heart itself weighs around 400 pounds and is 5 feet long! A group of researchers at Stanford University have finally measured the heart beat of a blue whale. This mammoth task was produced via sensors attached by two suction pads that were placed near the whales left flipper, and measured the animals heart rate through electrodes. “There were a lot of high fives and victory laps around the lab.” said Jeremy Goldbogen who is the lead author of the research paper at Stanford.

“Animals that are operating at physiological extremes can help us understand biological limits to size,” said Goldbogen, who explained the reasons behind the study - “They may also be particularly susceptible to changes in their environment that could affect their food supply. Therefore, these studies may have important implications for the conservation and management of endangered species like blue whales.” The researchers had great difficulty placing the sensors on the belly of the blue whale due to the texture of the skin. This species of whales has “accordionlike skin” on its stomach that expands during feeding, and could cause the suction pads to spring off. However, once the pad was stuck, it showed unexpected results. As the whale dived into the ocean its

heart rate reduced to an average of 4-8 beat per minute, and as the whale resurfaced, the heart rate increased around 2.5 times. It must be noted that whales are mammals, and therefore do not have gills, so they must hold their breath whilst they dive and keep oxygen circulating to all part of the body, so having such a low heart rate whilst diving, is an astonishing find. The researchers found that the highest heart rate was greater than predictions, and lowest heart rate was around 30-50% reduced. This may be put down to the aortic arch being significantly stretchier than most other mammals - this allows the blood pressure to be maintained between beats. Higher rates of beats per minute may show that the whale’s heart is effectively working at it maximal rate for its size,

showing that may be predicted to be physically impossible for an animal to be larger than the blue whale.

The blue whale. Source: Whit Welles (via Wikipedia)

Word of the week: Atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is a phasic heart condition that causes an irregular and sometimes an abnormally fast heart rate. This occurs because the top quadrants of the heart, the atria, are beating faster than they should.

Your science desk Liv Davies Hollly Giles

A normal human heart beat is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, however someone with atrial fibrillation can have a heart rate of up to 100 to 175 beats per minute. This condition can cause a stroke and other related heart conditions.

GWYDDONIAETH 23 New approach to climate change using Apple with shelf life of modified bacteria one year hits Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science offer a novel US market approach through the manipulation of E. Coli Chelsea Bryant Shannon Worsey Contributor

y 2050, the world is expected to achieve net zero carbon emissions in order to prevent more than a 2°C rise in global temperatures. Scientists of all disciplines are now coming together and conducting research in new areas of science to tackle the world’s greatest problem – the climate crisis. This week researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have published results suggesting a possible solution to the problem in the shape of a new synthetic life-form. In recent months, the institute has produced a new Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain that are able to consume carbon dioxide. Instead of its usual diet of organic carbon, the bacteria have been genetically edited to consume CO2 in a brand-new way: changing the diet of bacteria by removing their dependence on sugar and offering CO2 as an alternative, proposing a potential new approach to tackle carbon emissions. Senior author, Ron Milo, claims that “converting the carbon source of E. Coli, the workhorse of biotechnology, from organic carbon into CO2 is a major step” within synthetic biology and tackling the climate crisis problem. The researchers engineered the

Contributor

new bacteria to produce non-native enzymes involved in carbon fixation pathways, along with several key survival-related genes, to produce the successful colonies of bacteria.

Converting the carbon source of E. Coli... from organic carbon into CO2 is a major step. Ran Milo Weizmann Institue of Science

This study has a severe limitation though; the bacterial method used currently releases more CO2 than is fixed during consumption due to the non-renewable energy used in production. Collaboration of all areas within science will be necessary for the bacteria to have a practical use. One major drawback all scientists must consider when trying to solve the climate crisis is: will this new technique work on a mass scale? There has not been an approach that

Escherichia coli: This type of bacteria has been genetically modified to consume CO2. Source: NIAID (via Flickr) has tackled this problem yet, with other technological advances in carbon storing building materials and food security projects facing similar challenges. Another carbon capture project, BECCS, has this year been piloted in the UK to determine the ability to produce new negative emissions technologies on a larger scale. However, with a price tag of £400,000 per station plant, the worldwide ambitions of the project appear out of reach for many

China introduces mandatory face scans for all phone users

All new mobile phones to be purchased in China will have users subjected to government face scans Alex Payne Contributor

s of Sunday, people in China who are looking to purchase a new mobile phone or sim card are to be subjected to mandatory face scans. The controversial measures, which were announced in September, have been justified by the Government as crucial to “protect the legitimate rights and interests of citizens in cyberspace.” However they have already been criticized by human rights activists as “dystopian”. The Chinese population are already subjected to heavy handed surveillance measures by the government, with over 170 million cameras currently installed across the country monitoring their every move. This measure can be seen as a continuation of the government’s attempt to monitor and control the use of the internet. Existing measures have seen internet users

required to use their real names online instead of pseudonyms, and the restriction of internet access for Chinese children to specific times. It seems that face-scanning will only form part of the Beijing governments attempt to utilize surveillance technology, as it was announced last year that Tsinghua University and Beijing based technology firm d-Ear would be collaborating on a pilot project to link people’s national ID information to their online voice. While these practices may seem confined to China, Chinese tech giants, such as Tencent, are having an unprecedented influence on new technology guidelines created by the UN. While the technology being used has only been described in broad terms by the government as “artificial intelligence and other technology”, it appears to be similar to the software deployed at Nanjing University to track attendance and focus of students. This measure was heavily criti-

cized by parents, and the Chinese Education Ministry promised it would “curb and regulate” the use of facial recognition, which appears to contradict this new compulsory face-scanning practice. Reactions from the population has been mixed, although it is hard to accurately judge thanks to the heavy censoring from the government both online and in traditional media. Some people have welcomed the new measures as a new tool to combat identity theft and simply as another technological advancement. Others have voiced security concerns, as the government has been the target of data breaches in the past, and face recognition will add valuable data for hackers. Some citizens, however, have taken these worries further, including an associate law professor who sued the theme park, Hangzhou, over their use of facial recognition technology. It’s been hailed as one of the first lawsuits challenging the technology.

countries. International co-operation will be required to solve the climate crisis and it cannot be expected of smaller countries to carry the financial burden of decarbonisation alone. Undeniably, the hard work and research carried out in studies such as these are at the forefront of scientific achievements. Such important advancements in scientific fields, such as synthetic biology, are paving the way for radical new approaches to the climate crisis.

How China watches its citizens Robotic doves flying over cities Video surveillance in schools Unencrypted messaging platfoms Monitoring of brain waves of factory workers Social credit system Regulated mobile phone apps Rewards for whistle-blowers

e all know the frustration of anticipating the juicy apple you bought last week and then the following disappointment of seeing it’s gone mouldy. Well new research means this soon could be a thing of the past. A new breed of apple has been launched in the US which reportedly can last for up to a year sat in your fridge. The new apple product (the fruit as opposed the company) is called Cosmic Crisp whose name is derived from the small white dots that are scattered around the dark red apple skin; these dots seemed to resemble the night sky or the cosmos and so Cosmic Crisp was created. It was first cultivated by Washington State University in 1997 and now is due to launch into US sales after a whopping $10m investment into the launch of the apple. Since 1997, two breeds of apple (Honeycrisp and Enterprise) have been crossed to create the Cosmic Crisp’s iconic increased sweetness, crispness, firmness and acidity which means that less sugar can be used while baking with them, researchers claim. Kate Evans, who leads the Pome Fruit Breeding at Washington State University, explained that the Comic Crisp apple was not made through genetic modification, as many consumers feared, but through “crosshybridization.” It was the crossing of two varieties of apple that provided the characteristics of higher levels of acidity and sugar which leads to resistance to browning and disease. To improve the fridge-life of the fruit they are also coated with an organic wax as this prevents air from accessing the fruit, protecting it. Only farmers in Washington State are exclusively allowed to cultivate these apples for the next decade and more than 12 million of these apple trees were planted three years ago in anticipation for the new Cosmic Crisp launch. Considering that Washington is the major distributor of apples in the US, there have been concerns that other apple varieties such as the Golden Delicious and the Pink Lady could face fierce competition as 18 million apples are set to be distributed in the US in December alone. So with over 450,000 boxes being shipped across the US in December 2019 and an estimated 2.1m boxes to be shipped next year, the potential market for these products is huge. Four of these apples are currently retailing at about $39 online, posing the question; does the fact it will last a year outweigh the fact it was made to be eaten?

It maintains its texture and flavour in storage for more than a year.

Washington State University

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Your @Caerdydd desk Tirion Davies Natalie Graham

The return of Gavin & Stacey Robert Wilfort, who plays Jason, talks to Gair Rhydd

Olly Allen Sport Editor

ilmed in South Wales, Gavin and Stacey is one of the most iconic British comedies of all time, and fans were sent crazy when it was announced a Christmas Special would be aired this year, a decade after the last series ended. Ahead of the programme’s return, Gair Rhydd caught up with Robert Wilfort, who plays Stacey’s brother Jason, to discuss getting back together with all the cast, what to expect from the special and of course that suspicious fishing trip… When did you first find out that a Christmas Special would be happening? “It was back in late Spring. I got a missed call on my phone from Los Angeles and I was a bit suspicious of that. But I checked my messages and it was James [Corden], who I hadn’t spoken to for a couple of years. "We eventually caught up and he broke the news to me and I had to keep it a secret for a good couple of months before it went public. I wasn’t expecting him to ring me about that, I just thought he wanted a catch-up!” What was your reaction, did you say yes straight away? “Absolutely. People have asked me for years when it’s going to come back and I always thought it never would because James and Ruth [Jones] are always so busy and I never thought they’d have the time to do it. I also thought we ended on a high and if it never came back I’d be happy with that because I was really proud of what we did. But I always thought it would be great to do some more because it’s so much fun to do. So I was thrilled.” As it is such a much-loved show, did you have any doubts about coming back? “I think we’d all be lying if we said we weren’t a little bit doubtful. But I know James and Ruth wouldn’t have done it if they didn’t think they had something good. I think that’s what’s great, as James and Ruth didn’t need to do it, they just wanted to do it so there’s a good feeling behind it. I was a tiny bit apprehensive, but really I was just so keen to do it again.” Have you realised how big a phenomenon Gavin and Stacey has become? “I don’t get spotted much in real life because I’m not in it all the time and I look very different in real life. I have glasses and Jason has had a variety of facial hairs! But people do come up to me and quote me things and they remember it much better than I do. “It was only when it got announced that it’s literally been the only thing anyone has wanted to talk about. So I’ve realised that it does have a big reach. I forget that it’s on Netflix and channels like Dave and Gold, and people feel like it hasn’t really gone away. It’s always on somewhere.” How did you feel when you read the script for the first time? “More excitement. Relief too that Ruth and James had pulled it off and that it was really good. It made me laugh and it moved me. What they’ve written is a really, really good episode

Iconic: The Gavin & Stacey Christmas special has been highly-anticipated since it was announced earlier this year. Source: Robert Wilfort of Gavin and Stacey. They haven’t tried to make it a novelty or too different, it’s just a great Christmas special.” What was it like when you met back up with everyone for the first time on the script read through? “It was surprisingly emotional. We were actually all really nervous. The writers were nervous because it was the first time it was being read out loud, the actors were nervous because it was the first time we were doing it. Even though we all knew each other and knew the characters really well, I think there was a bit of a feeling of ‘can we actually do this?’. But we read it and it sounded great, and it was plain sailing from then on really.” Have you seen many of the other cast in the last ten years? “We’ve all met up at various points, but I didn’t realise quite how long it had been. Some people I don’t think I’d seen since we finished filming so it was lovely to see them again. It was a bit like family getting all back together.” What was it like filming in Barry and the surrounding areas again? “It’s amazing because people were going mental over it. Because of social media, everyone knew where we were filming so there were literally hundreds of people waiting to catch a glimpse of it. "We all went out for a drink together one night as a cast and it was quite mad, but in a lovely way! Barry has taken the show to its heart.” Is Jason one of the favourite characters you’ve played in your career? “Definitely, without a doubt. I’m very used to doing characters that people watch, but then they’re gone and that’s the nature of the job. But it’s lovely to be part of something that people genuinely seem to love and have taken to their hearts and continue to re-watch.” What can we expect from the Christmas Special? “I’m not sure what I’m allowed to say here! You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and

then you’ll laugh again. When we watched it at a screening the other week, there were tears. I was surprised at how moving we found it. But that might just have been because we were all together! “There’ll be some surprises, but also plenty of what you expect from an episode of Gavin and Stacey. "There are little call backs to the original series. Real fans will notice certain things about how the episode starts and little moments in between. “And it’s very Christmassy! Hopefully it’s going to give everyone a really nice Christmas.” Gavin and Stacey and Smithy and Nessa now both have children aged 10 and 12. Did that change the dynamic of the show at all? “No, apart from the fact we all had to watch our language at times! We did have to apologise to the children a few times. If anything it just made it more like a family, and the kids were great. The kid who plays Neil the Baby was actually one of the original Neil the Babies, which was quite weird! I think they got him to audition thinking what are the chances that he’d actually be able to do it and he was great! He looks the part and even looks a bit like Ruth and James! You’ll see there’s a great likeness.” Will you be watching it on Christmas Day? “Yes, I will. We’ll all be sitting down to watch it. My daughter will be watching it for the first time, she’s nine years old so she never saw it the first time around. I’m not sure if she’ll know what’s going on, she might be playing with whatever toys she gets!" Does the Christmas special leave an opportunity for any future series or more specials? “I don’t know. I think James and Ruth have really, really enjoyed doing it. So we’ll all keep our fingers crossed. Another series would be a big surprise, but never say never! Gavin and Stacey as grandparents would be great!”

Finally, and most importantly, do we find out what happened on the fishing trip? “I couldn’t possibly say! But whenever anyone asks me that question I always like to point out that the joke is we don’t actually know. It’s the question I always get asked whenever someone realises it’s me. Usually I say Dave Coaches is the only one that knows. “We’ve had little conversations as a cast but never settled on something. No matter what we think, it’ll never be as good as what people imagine it is. I love the theories. They’re both all wrong and all right! As to whether the fishing trip question will raise its head in the Christmas special, you’ll have to wait and see!” The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special will air at 8:30pm on Christmas Day on BBC One.

Robert Wilfort: The TV star proved a hit playing Stacey's older brother Jason in the cult hit Gavin & Stacey. Will we find out what happened on that fishing trip? Source: Claire Grogan

Welsh Music Prize 2019

@CAERDYDD

Adwaith rule supreme

Events - December 2019 St David's Hall Cardiff:

Adwaith at Welsh Music Awards 2019: Holly Singer (vocals, guitar), Gwenllian Anthony (bass, keys, mandolin), and Heledd Owen (drums). Source: Bill Thomas, campaign officer) nated for a Mercury music prize. Announcing the winner, Huw Stephens described the album as ‘A very exciting and deserved winner from an exceptional shortlist. Adwaith have made a real impact with their personal, beautiful music that captures what it’s like to be young, female, frustrated and bewildered at the world we live in’. Adwaith translates to ‘Reaction’, which is certainly what their eagerly anticipated album has created. The Welsh language indie rock group formed in 2015, hailing from Carmarthen and currently made up of; Holly Singer (vocals, guitar), Gwenllian Anthony (bass, keys, mandolin), and Heledd Owen (drums). Adwaith first swept onto the Welsh language music scene at the Welsh Language Music Day 2017, performing at Womanby’s Street’s Castle Emporium, releasing new music and joining the ranks of a number of other up and coming Welsh artists. In 2017 Adwaith performed at Festival No6 in Portmeirion leading to an

abundance of other festival appearances, including the BBC Music introducing stage at Latitude Festival 2017 and Swn Festival in Cardiff. The band played the event's Discovery Day at an event which included names such as Courtney Barnett. The indie rock band were billed as part of the BBC Wales and Arts council Wales music project Horizons Gorwelion which promoted twelve selected contemporary independent musicians in Wales. Wales Online’s David Owen praised the band, including them in his ’57 Greatest songs from Wales in 2017’ list. 2018 saw the band release their first debut album ‘Melyn’ in October 2018, recorded exclusively in Wales. The single ‘Gartref ’, was remixed in 2018 by Manic Street Preachers member James Bradfield and their daring post punk track ‘Y Diweddaraf ’ was named Clash Magazine’s Track of the Day for October 1st. Adwaith also featured in The Guardian for an article on the growth of Welsh language pop culture.

Adwaith are set to perform alongside The Jesus Mary Chain and Fontaines DC in the new year at Rockaway Beach Festival in Bognor Regis The Welsh Music Inspiration Award went to Meredydd Evans & Phyllis Kinney, for a second year. Meredydd sadly passed away in 2015, but his legacy has continued to stand the test of time. Together, Meredydd and Phyllis have played an integral role in preserving the Welsh musical legacy, promoting it world-wide. Dedicating their lives to Welsh music and making an enormous impact on singing traditions in Wales. Welsh music is growing from strength to strength, the support from prominent members of the music industry is testiment to this. Adwaith aswell as the other twelve shortlisted artists are clearly ones to watch for the future, I would highly recommend exploring their back catalogues. It is clear that the future of Welsh language music is an exciting one.

Clwb Ifor Bach:

Cardiff Student's Union:

Walkabout:

The Midnight Beast: Monday, December 9

City Voices Cardiff Christmas: Sunday, December 8

Alffa: Wednesday, Decmber 11

Christmas Celebrations Concert: Friday, December 13

Neon Waltz: Thursday, December 12

BBC Wales: Carols for Christmas: Saturday, December 14

Brooklyn Zoo: Kanye's Carol Service: Thursday, December 12

The Nutcracker (the ballet): December 21 - 24

Yr Ods: Iaith y Nefoedd: Friday, December 13

Swan Lake ( the ballet): December 27 - 31

Swan Lake. Source: nikidinov (via Pixabay)

A thoroughly Welsh Christmas Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

Natalie Graham @Caerdydd Editor

ast Wednesday Cardiff hosted the annual Welsh Music Prize awards night, a prize awarded to the best album from Wales as voted for by members of the music industry. It was founded by music promoter John Rostron and Radio Presenter Huw Stephens in 2011, with a commitment to diversity, fine production and championing new music in Wales. The process comprises of a group of over 100 welsh music prize jurors who discuss record releases throughout the year helping to unearth or champion albums that are eligible for the Welsh Music Prize. The jurors are made up of journalists from online, broadcast and radio media, music retailers, promoters, live music venues, managers, sound engineers, marketeers and many others working across music in Wales, or Welsh and working in music elsewhere. Anyone who fits this criteria can be a juror. They each vote for their favourite five, ranking them in order of preference, these votes then determine the Welsh Music Prize Shortlist. A small group of judges then meet in person to discuss the shortlist and pick the winner. The judges for this year’s prize were Dexter Batson (Spotify), Matt Jarrett (Diverse Music), Sian Eleri (BBC Radio Cymru/ Folded Wing), Kaptin (Boomtown), Daniel Minty (Minty’s Gig Guide), Carolyn Hitt (Journalist), Lucy Wood (Latitude Festival) and Chris Roberts (Son Am Sin). The twelve Welsh Music Prize 2019 shortlist albums: • Accü ¬- Echo The Red • audiobooks - Now! (in a minute) • Carwyn Ellis - Joia! • Cate Le Bon - Reward • Deyah - Lover Loner • Estrons - You Say I’m Too Much I Say You’re Not Enough • HMS Morris Inspirational Talks, • Lleuwen - Gwn Flan Beibl • Lucas J Roww - Toucy Love • Mr - Oesoedd • Adwaith - Melyn • VRï - Tŷ ein Tadau Adwaith has emerged as the winner of the Welsh Music Prize 2019 with their album, Melyn. Beating more established artists such as Cate Le Bon, whose album Reward was also nomi-

The People The Poet: Wednesday, December 18 Mclusky: Thursday, December 19 - 20

Against the Current: Y Plas Tuesday, December 10

The Taf Election Results Lock In: The Taf Thursday, December 12 Shellac: Y Plas Saturday, December 14 Bury Tomorrow: Y Plas Sunday, December 15

Story Cardiff

Smack Fridays - winter sesh w/poundz (opp thot): Friday, December 13

Christmas Jumper Party (first 100 tickets free): December 13 and 14 Rudolph's Rave: December 20 and 21

St. Fagans:

St. Fagans Christmas Christmas jumper. Source: Weekends: TheUglySweaterShop. Saturday Decom (via Flickr) cember 7 and Sunday December 8; December 14 and 15 St Fagans Museum Ghost Tours: December 11 and December 18

efore the Christian celebration of Christmas, the Pagan tradition in Wales was to decorate homes with fresh mistletoe and holly; mistletoe was meant to protect the home from evil, with holly being a symbol of eternal life. Some ancient traditions like these have continued to the modern Welsh Christmas. 1. Plygain In many parts of Wales, the custom was to attend a very early Christmas service at the church (between 3am and 6am), called ‘Plygain’. The tradition has been revived in some places. 2. Gwyl San Steffan Although the tradition died out around the end of the 19th century, Boxing Day was formerly celebrated in Wales by a tradition of “holly-beating”. Young men and boys would use holly branches to beat the unprotected arms of girls and young women until they bled. It’s thought “holly-beating” was a way of driving out evil spirits in time for the new year, or even to recreate Christ’s journey to the cross. 3. Nos Galan and the Mari Lwyd Nos Galan, (New Year’s Eve) has always had its specific traditions in Wales. Traditionally, it was believed that bad luck would fall upon a family if the male householder would open the door and a woman was the first visitor of the new year. Although, the tradition which has claimed the most universal interest is the Mari Lwyd. A tradition which began in South Wales - and continues in Llangynnwyd near Maesteg every year - involves a horse’s skull with false ears and eyes attached, along with reins and bells, covered with a white sheet and decorated with ribbons, carried around on a pole. It is carried around from door to door and at each door, poems are recited in Welsh by the men accompanying Mari Lwyd. The custom is that the owner of the house must retort with a verse of their own, refusing entry to the Mari Lwyd and its companions; if the owner of the house loses the battle, they must feed the whole accompanying party of the Mari Lwyd. 4. Calennig The most popular New Year’s tradition in Wales which has continued is the Calennig. Groups of young boys would visit all the houses in the village, carrying evergreen twigs and a cup of cold water drawn from the local well. They would splash the local people with water, in return receiving a Calennig (a small gift). A version of the tradition is continued, with young people across Wales gaining a Calennig each year.

Althoughthesetraditionsmayseem interesting, they're what help to make Christmas thoroughly Welsh! Nadolig Llawen bawb!

Y Fari Lwyd: Source: R. fiend. (via Wikimedia Commons)

So this the end... of you and me. We’ve had a good run, now I’m setting you free... It’s been fun, folks, but this is my last issue as your FMF Puzzle Master... Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the same number only Hitori is a simple puzzle. Eliminate numbers so that there are no duplicates in any row or column.

easy / hawdd

No eliminated numbers can be touching adjacently and the white squares must be continuous.

Kakuro

Hitori

Sudoku

FIVE MINUTE FUN

Word Wheel Using the central letter, find as many 4+ letter words as you can. Each letter can be used only once. Can you find the 9-letter conundrum? Clue: Beside the point

Dingbats

These little puzzlers are the pictorial form of common words or phrases. Can you solve them? Look out for the answers on Twitter! Fill in the grid using the numbers 1-9, each number can only be used once per sum.

Make sure you check last week’s answers at www.gairrhydd.com

The numbers in grey are the total that the sum of the numbers in the white cells in the adjacent row or column add up to.

Holiday Crossword Across 1. The ‘general’ reason Brits need the holidays this year (8) 4. Xpress ____, CSM’s dedicated Christmas radio station (4) 5. Soup, Turkey, Chocolate Log; a fine festive diner (3,3) 9. ____ Christmas; he’s a jolly good fellow (6) 10. Northern horned mammals (8) 12. You’ll be giving a lot of these this holiday season (6) 13. Onomatopoeia; George Michael’s heartbroken duo (4) 14. Light in the dark (4) 15. Buddy; a festive helper (3) 16. Day of the calling birds (6) 18. The longest-lasting Christmas gift (8) 19. Member of the original Christmas tree users (5) Down 1. How many maids are a-milking? (5) 2. ‘The Christmas Song’ singer (3,4,3) 3. Nine lights for eight nights (7) 6. Acronym of the objectively greatest puzzle page (1,1,1) 7. ____ Llawen; Happy Christmas (7) 8. Acapella’s Winter ____ (8) 11. Winter _____, Cardiff’s most festive (10) 17. Born on Christmas day (5)

Your puzzle master Michael Ash

The highlighted cells reveal a hidden message.

It’s been 4 years of fun, far more than five minutes could ever fit in, but sadly it is time for me to say ‘adios’ to FMF and CSM. Go! Have fun puzzling for one final time this term! I wish you a merry Christmas, happy Holidays, and a very happy and productive New Year!

med / canolig

Fill in the blanks with consecutive numbers. Circles mark the start and end of the path. The path must be continuous.

Hidato

Sudoku

Please take this second page as a token of my gratitude to all of you who have puzzled hard this year.

Battleships This week’s guest puzzle is Battleships! Fill in the grids with the ships listed below. The numbers at the side dictate how many ship segments are contained with the corresponding row and column. No ship may touch another ship, either adjacently or diagonally. Can you sink my battleships?

Quick Maths 12

+58

÷7

HALF IT

3/8

HALF TREBLE IT IT

÷4

DOUBLE IT

÷5

+32 ÷4

3/4 OF

SQUARE IT

÷8 +44 ÷3

+5 -9

3/4 OF

-7

HALF IT

Here are a few quick brainteasers to give your maths mind a little run out. Can you solve them?

Codeword We’ve got a lovely bunch of codewords (diddlee-dee) in the bank and here’s one for you this week!

These are tricksy puzzles which were first used during WWII to communicate information undetected. That was a complete lie - I have absolutely no idea if they were used for real codes, but one can dream and you probably believed me anyway... Fill in the grid with the letters A-Z. Each number corresponds to one letter. I’ve decoded a few letters to get you started! Get involved on Twitter with #FMF and share your pictures with the puzzle page around the University! Most audacious photo wins the grand prize of one gallon of fresh Cathays air. Mmm, delicious! Keep your best suggestions for Freshers to do flowing in to @gairrhydd too!

WELSH WORD OF THE WEEK

GOODBYE

HWYL

PUM MUNUD HWYL

Make sure you check last week’s answers at www.gairrhydd.com

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

SPORT

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/sport

CHWARAEON

Your sport desk Reece Chambers George Willoughby Ella Fenwick Luke Wakeling Olly Allen

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/sport

What’s going on with Cardiff City’s academy?

Gair Rhydd Sport investigates the pathway between the youth team and senior football in the Welsh capital Olly Allen Sport Editor

he 2007-08 season was a pretty good one to be a Cardiff City fan. The club reached the FA Cup final, a new stadium was on the horizon and a trio of exciting young academy players were making their mark on the first team. Aaron Ramsey, Joe Ledley and Chris Gunter have gone on to have impressive careers in the game, including being part of Wales’s historic Euro 2016 side, and they have the Bluebirds to thank for their development. However, instead of being the beginning of a promising trend, their emergence in South Wales has not been matched since, and Cardiff fans haven’t seen a homegrown player assert themselves on the first team for over a decade. You might be able to argue the case for Adam Matthews and Declan John, but neither were regulars for a sustained period of time. There have also been young players let go by Cardiff who have gone on to forge careers for themselves in the professional game, including current Welsh internationals Tom Lockyer and Rabbi Matondo and Championship regulars Josh Magennis and Deji Oshilaja. It’s a worrying phenomenon. “The academy is something that should be at the forefront more,” says supporter Jordan Jones, who founded Welsh domestic league blog Y Clwb PêlDroed. “Cardiff as a capital city of Wales should be producing more talent given their resources and stature as a club.” It’s a feeling shared by Ben James, from fansite View From The Ninian: “I think we know the power of the academy and the level of talent that can come through. So there’s a real worry not only over that players aren’t coming through but what may happen to these players who go elsewhere.”

Life under Neil Warnock

It was a problem that Neil Warnock identified when he first joined the club in October 2016. He set about restructuring the academy, with Under-23s manager Kevin Nicholson, leaving his post and first team coaches Kevin Blackwell, Ronnie Jepson and James Rowberry being given a more prominent role at youth level. Craig Bellamy became player development manager, whilst Jarred Harvey was placed in charge of the Under-23s, joined a few months later by club legend Andy Legg. But in Warnock’s three years as manager, little changed. Before this season, just three academy players – Mark Harris, Ibrahim Meite and Cameron Coxe – had made their first team debuts under the veteran boss. That figure doubled when Ciaron Brown, Shamar Moore and James Waite were selected against Luton Town in the League Cup first round in August. Cardiff lost 3-0, and the trio have not

featured again. In total, this group of six players have just 10 senior appearances between them, with only four being starts. “If they are good enough for the squad, you have to assume they are good enough to get on the pitch,” says James. “I’d just like to see them getting those minutes because that can build their confidence and feel for the first team.” “He [Warnock] didn’t have much interest in the academy in my opinion,” former Cardiff academy goalkeeper Luke O’Reilly told Gair Rhydd Sport. This is an opinion shared by another former academy player who spoke to us, but preferred to stay anonymous. “The only thing I thank Neil for is that he was honest,” he said. “I didn’t agree with his methods… he didn’t really take time out to look at the Under-23s, but at the same time he had a job to do with the first team. “You had to appreciate that he wasn’t there to bring through Under-23s, he was there to win games as first team manager. I don’t think he was a bad person, I think he was a good manager, but for me and a lot of my teammates it obviously wasn’t meant to be.

He [Warnock] didn’t have much interest in the academy in my opinion. Luke O’Reilly, former Cardiff academy player

“As soon as Warnock came in, if you weren’t his cup of tea then you may as well find another job. I think he just felt at the time he didn’t want players over 20 [in the Under-23s],” said the anonymous former Cardiff City player.

A lack of Welsh presence

There is a distinct lack of Welshmen in the Cardiff first team in general at present, let alone academy graduates. Jazz Richards, who was in Cardiff’s academy until the age of 15 before coming through at Swansea, was the only Welshman to feature in the Premier League last season for the Bluebirds, and he only made four substitute appearances. The signing of four-cap Will Vaulks in the summer was a welcome addition. 26-year-old Joe Ralls is theoretically an academy graduate, but the Englandborn midfielder was signed from Farnborough aged 16, so doesn’t quite have the local appeal. Kadeem Harris, who joined Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, is a similar case having moved to Cardiff from Wycombe Wanderers at the same age. Along the M4 in Swansea, Joe Rodon and Connor Roberts have come through the academy to be virtual ever-presents in the first team in the last

couple of years, along with Dan James, who moved to Manchester United in the summer. It’s something that Wales manager Ryan Giggs has picked up on too, commenting last November. “Swansea are getting their heart and soul back because I think it’s important to have local players. We just need Cardiff to start doing that now.” It is perhaps worth noting at this point that Swansea have an advantage over Cardiff in being a Category One graded academy, meaning they compete against the UK’s best youth teams every week and also receive more funding. Cardiff’s academy meanwhile is Category Two, meaning they compete in a league system with no promotion or relegation. Category status is decided based on productivity rates, training facilities, coaching, education and welfare provisions.

that. I said ‘I’m telling you now, you’ve got the players.’ They had the talent but the discipline was abysmal. I went down to see the under-10s and honestly I left with my head scrambled. “One player was trying to nutmeg me every ten seconds, another jumping on my back, kids misbehaving. It was like a crèche, not an academy. I spoke to the coaches and said, ‘This isn’t good enough. It’s meant to be a privilege.’ “At the under-18s, they were getting battered. They had ability but they didn’t want to run. They were going out, socialising and putting it all on Instagram. So I said from day one, ‘We have to get stricter, enforce some rules.’ “I told the players, ‘This is going to be tough, intensity has to go up. Some will revel in it and some will want out, it will be too hard for you.’ That’s how it was.”

“It was like a crèche”

To his credit, Bellamy certainly appeared to change things for the better, setting up the Under-18s to win the Professional Development League 2 South for the first time three months after he left. There is perhaps hope then that members of that side will progress into the first team in the next few years, such as top scorer Dan Griffiths and academy player of the season, goalkeeper George Ratcliffe. The pair, along with three other academy stars, are now at the next stage of their development experiencing men’s football for the first time out on loan at local Cymru Premier clubs – Griffiths joined by Ryan Reynolds and Keenan Patten at Penybont and Ratcliffe playing alongside Sion Spence at Barry Town United. Through covering the Cymru Premier for Y Clwb Pêl-Droed, Jordan Jones has seen first-hand how important it is that Cardiff trust the Welsh domestic system in helping develop their young talent. “It can only benefit the league and the players in giving them a senior platform for them to showcase their worth. I view the Cymru Premier as one of the best grounds for putting yourself in the shop window. “The players are put into meaningful situations, they know how to integrate into a senior team dynamic and it sends

Craig Bellamy, who stepped down from his role as Cardiff’s Under-18 coach in January following allegations of bullying a young player, was critical of the club’s approach towards young players in a recent interview with The Times. “There have been six boys from my team here [at new club Anderlecht, where he is Under-21s manager] making their first-team debut already this season,” he said. “Not one in two years at Cardiff. I tried and I tried but I couldn’t even get them into first-team training. I tried to change it at Cardiff because I’m from there. But you can’t change above you. Everyone at the club has to believe in it. So it’s from one extreme at Cardiff to another here at Anderlecht where it’s all about development.” Bellamy also revealed that the club were considering shutting the academy when he first moved to the coaching setup in 2014, something that clubs such as Huddersfield Town and Brentford have done in recent years as the money being spent was not equating to academy players breaking through to the first team. “A lot of people at the club were also saying they didn’t have the quality,” Bellamy continued. “But I completely disagreed about

Utilising the loan system

Lowest total minutes given to Championship players aged 23 and under (as of Nov 28, 19/20)

CHWARAEON

ToTo contact contact our our sport sport desk, desk, drop drop usus anan email email atat sport@gairrhydd.com sport@gairrhydd.c

them back to their parent clubs a better player.” Luke O’Reilly (pictured below), who spent time on loan at Redditch United during his time at Cardiff, said: “I didn’t really think it was the right thing to do.”

Sucess is important, but it would mean so much more with homegrown players. Ben James, Cardiff City fan

Finding the balance between youth and success

The five loanees currently playing in the Welsh top-flight still train with Cardiff City during the week, so their progress is being monitored by the club’s coaches. But in one of his last interviews as manager, Warnock claimed to have “not seen any development since” their promotion. It was part of a response he gave when asked about Bellamy’s recent comments, in which he also defended the fact that few young players had featured for the first team under him. “If I had any youngsters good enough they would be in the team, that’s what I would say to him. You tell me any youngster that’s left here and made a good living out of it or gone on to better things, I can’t think of any. So it’s disappointing that there’s not many youngsters coming through.” That, ultimately, is the dilemma that any first team manager faces when weighing up whether to give academy players opportunities in the first team. While it is good to give them experience and try to integrate them into the set-up, should that be prioritised over getting results with better, more senior players? “Surely the ideal situation should be where you have both,” says Cardiff City fan Paul Evans, who watches the academy on a regular basis. “A situation where the academy players being produced are good enough to increase the chances of success of the first team.” “Success is important but it would mean so much more with homegrown players” echoes James. It is difficult to argue with the way Neil Warnock transformed Cardiff City in his tenure, relying on an experienced, accomplished squad to win promotion to the Premier League and very nearly survive. It’s a formula that has earned Warnock huge amounts of success over the years. Within days of his arrival at the club in October 2016, seasoned campaigners Junior Hoilett and Sol Bamba signed on free transfers and became crucial assets. His final signing was similarly typical – 30-year-old Armand Traore was brought in as short-term cover at fullback when Cameron Coxe and Ciaron Brown were options from the academy. “Cardiff City can’t just keep buying, buying, buying and spending big on wages the whole time,” Chief Executive Ken Choo said in a recent interview with WalesOnline. “The balancing act needs to be right, because Vincent is still keen to see us mount a proper promotion challenge this season, but we have to develop our own players as well. And with the system we have in place, we will.”

“It was a waste of time”

Paul Evans suggests that the problem lies deeper than whoever is in charge of the first team. “The truth is that the problem we have with our non-functioning academy had being going on for years before he [Warnock] arrived at the club. “I really do feel that there are long serving members of staff in the youth development side of things at the club who are lucky to still be in a job.” Meanwhile, another player we spoke to, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested the club’s high turnover of first team managers made it difficult to make a name for yourself. “In the space of three years there were five first team managers,” he said. “By the time you impressed one, they got sacked and the process started all over again. It was quite challenging for me at the time.” O’Reilly admitted he was disappointed with the way the club as a whole handled his contract situation and eventual release in 2017. “[Goalkeeping coach] Martyn Margetson offered me a new contract in December [2016] and I was supposed to come back after Christmas and sign it, but Marge got sacked on Christmas Eve and it didn’t happen. “Even after Marge got sacked, the academy manager [James McCarthy] spoke to me and said the contract would be sorted out. He spoke to me and another lad, Rhys Abbruzzese. Most of the 23s got released at the time, and we were the only two that didn’t so we asked what was going to happen. “He told us we were fine, and then two weeks later we got released. It was a bit of a strange one, a bit of a hard one to take. “The first year and a half at Cardiff, I loved it. But then the last six months was one of the toughest times in my career. Even when I got released, I didn’t receive one phone call from anyone at the club to check how I was or help me. It was kind of bad really. “Mentally, it’s tough when you get released and I was at an age where I didn’t know what I was going to do for a living and they didn’t support me one bit. I’m doing coaching now, and I know that you have to care for your players, but to let you go like that and not talk to you is wrong.” The circumstances surrounding the first anonymous former player’s departure were slightly different. He said that he felt he could have stayed at Cardiff, but would more than likely have been sent out on loan again. “At the time I felt like there was no point wasting my time [out on loan], so I took the easy route out I guess. But you know when a manager wants you or not, so it was a waste of time. “It was what was best for me. I didn’t really want to leave Cardiff, but at the time my hand was forced. But I can’t fault Cardiff and Neil because they were

First-team debuts under Warnock Mark Harris (18) vs Fulham, January 2017 Total appearances: 3

Ibrahim Meite (21) vs Wigan Athletic, April 2017 Total appearances: 2

Cardiff City’s most succesful academy graduates

Cameron Coxe (18) vs Burton Albion, August 2017 Total appearances: 2 Ciaron Brown (21) vs Luton Town, August 2019 Total appearances: 1 Shamar Moore (18) vs Luton Town, August 2019 Total appearances: 1

Aaron Ramsey Three-time FA Cup winner, currently at Juventus

James Waite (20) vs Luton Town, August 2019 Total appearances: 1 completely honest so that’s the game sometimes.” However the second anonymous former player’s experiences upon his release were much more positive. “They were helpful to be fair. They tried to get me a club. They helped me get a trial at a few places. Without a doubt my time in Cardiff’s academy has helped me. All the experiences I had have helped me get to where I am today.”

New beginnings

New Cardiff City manager Neil Harris was keen to stress in his first press conference that he wants to give academy players a chance, saying he knows that supporters “want to see Cardiff City fans in the first team.” He has taken a keen interest in the Under-23 side already, trying to select a few players he thinks can make the step up. Harris has pedigree – his coaching career began in charge of Millwall’s Under-21s and Under-23s, and he handed debuts to 16 academy players as first team manager. His assistant David Livermore started out with the club’s Under-16s and Under-18s. It is this experience in developing young players that played a key role in Harris’s appointment. “Neil knows what this club needs,” Ken Choo told WalesOnline. “We can’t just always gamble, like a lot of other clubs do. Cardiff City has to be a selfsustaining football club, which is precisely why we’re throwing so much at the Academy.” “The strategies of the current manager and the previous one are different. That’s not to say one is better than the other, it’s just the way it is. “He has seen the talent in our Academy and wants to unblock it,” said Choo. “Neil Harris is showing an enthusiasm and embracing the Academy, which is clearly positive for the

staff and players,” added academy manager James McCarthy. “If allowed, Harris should take a bigger view of the youth team situation and understand where, if they exist, the blockers are,” Ben James says.

Cardiff City has to be a self-sustaining football club, which is precisely why we’re throwing so much at the Academy.” Ken Choo, Cardiff City Chief Executive

“Welsh football is on the up again and we have a responsibility to help support the next generation of Welsh talent. If Harris can take an overarching view of the whole setup, that would be a start and if he can bring the first team and the youth system closer together, we would be in great shape”. Ken Choo has also revealed ambitious plans to transform Cardiff ’s academy in order to earn Category One status and see more of the club’s graduates become full Welsh internationals. According to WalesOnline, Choo and Vincent Tan would like a squad of approximately 18 experienced senior players, alongside seven home-grown talents. Cameron Coxe made the substitutes bench for Harris’s first three games in charge, as he did for Warnock’s final fixture against Bristol City. He would appear the most likely academy player to make the step up, and the hope is that he will kick start a new generation of Bluebirds youth successes. It may take time, but a decade down the line, Cardiff City could be the biggest showcase of exciting Welsh talent. Gair Rhydd contacted Cardiff City for a response to the issues raised in this feature, but the club declined to comment.

Chris Gunter All-time record appearance maker for Wales (96 caps)

Joe Ledley 77 international caps, eighth most for Wales

James Collins 322 Premier League appearances

Robert Earnshaw Only player to score a hat-trick in the top four English divisions, FA Cup, League Cup and an international match Picture sources: Barbara Abbott , FAW, Wikimedia Commons

30 SPORT

Dabbs stars for Northern Ireland at Futsal Home Nations

Cardiff City’s team of the decade

Luke Wakeling Sport Editor

ardiff University’s Ryan Dabbs scored for Northern Ireland against England and Scotland at the Futsal Home Nations Championships at St George’s Park, Burtonupon-Trent. The tournament, that ran from November 29 to December 1, was won by England with Wales coming second, Northern Ireland third and Scotland last. This was the defender’s first selection for Northern Ireland, who had hoped to improve on their last Home Nations tournament where their only win was against Wales. Although Northern Ireland ended on the same amount of points this time round, they pushed winners England whilst also beating Scotland 5-3 after being 3-1 down. “We gave a really good account of ourselves against England, only losing 6-4 and making them a bit nervous throughout the match, and it was really good to finally get the first win against Scotland, meaning we didn’t finish at the bottom of the table.” The defender opened the scoring against England, tapping in from close range. He also provided the fifth goal against Scotland, bursting through the defence and slotting in through the keeper’s legs. “Personally, I’m buzzing with my performance, scoring two goals and gaining a lot of good minutes throughout the tournament. “I was very proud to have represented a national team playing against Wales, England and Scotland at St George’s Park which is a really good venue.” Dabbs did however express disappointment with Northern Ireland’s loss to Wales. It was 3-3 going into the final 10 minutes, where Northern Ireland sloppily conceded six goals. Wales then went onto lose 4-0 to England in the final, providing the Lions with a third successive Home Nations title. When asked about what this tournament meant for the future of his futsal career, Dabbs responded: “Hopefully I’ll be able to progress further with futsal, gaining more caps for Northern Ireland. Ideally, I’d join a team playing at a good standard in the English league but that depends on where I end up.” The Journalism student, who also plays for Cardiff University Futsal Club, provided some insight into the difference between University and International level. “There’s a very noticeable difference between playing BUCS and internationally. The quality is that much higher, and everything is a lot more intense and sharper. “In BUCS you can make mistakes and not be punished for them but internationally players will score immediately if you make a mistake.”

Continued on page 31

Reece Chambers Head of Sport

Olly Allen Sport Editor

n a decade that has included two promotions and two relegations from the Premier League, Cardiff City fans have seen it all since 2010. Head of Sport, Reece Chambers, and Sports Editor, Olly Allen, choose their combined XI of the very best Cardiff City players from the past decade. GK - David Marshall Kept a league-high 18 clean sheets on the way to promotion in 2013 before an incredible season in the Premier League. Marshall made 278 appearances in total for the club and took the captain’s armband in 2014. RB - Kevin McNaughton A Cardiff icon who was also key in the Bluebirds’s first promotion, playing in 288 games across nine years at the club. Everything you want from a full-back both defensively and going forward. CB - Mark Hudson Another part of the defence that conceded just 45 goals as Cardiff won the Championship. Hudson was captain that year, and won the club’s player of the season too. 164 appearances in total.

CB - Sol Bamba An instant hit after signing on a free as one of Neil Warnock’s first signings in 2016. Crucial at the back in 2017/18 and a hugely popular figure at the club with an infectious personality. LB - Andrew Taylor A tough choice at left back. But Andrew Taylor goes in having played in all eight games of the club’s run to the 12/13 League Cup final. CDM - Aron Gunnarsson The only player to have key roles in both promotion winning campaigns. A tough tackler and tireless worker, Gunnarsson made 286 appearances before departing last summer, and won the Player of the Season award in 2017. CDM - Joe Ralls One of the few individuals to have come through Cardiff’s academy and make an impact on the first team this season, Ralls has been a consistent performer for the last five years and scored seven goals on the way to promotion in 2018. RAM - Peter Whittingham Who else to cut in from the right flank? Whittingham’s wand of a left foot has gone down in Bluebirds history. He’s arguably the most popular Cardiff City player of the decade. CAM - Victor Camarasa Without Camarasa, Cardiff City’s battle to stay in the Premier League would have come to an end before it even

started. The Spaniard is a cut above the rest and it’s a crying shame that he’s being left on Palace’s bench. LAM - Craig Bellamy One of the few Cardiff-born players to make a real impact in the decade. His pace and trickery coming in off the left handside has caused many problems

rier, huge at breakdown and a fantastic leader. 7 - Justin Tipuric completely different style to Warburton, but complements him nicely. Strong going forward in open play, but also a world class defender. Phenomenal at RWC this year, stepped up when it mattered (as he always does). 8 - Taulupe Faletau has been agonisingly unlucky with injuries recently, but unplayable on his day for Wales. The most carries and most tackles for Wales at 2011 Rugby World Cup. 9 - Mike Phillips makes the cut. One of most physical scrum halves in the business and central Welsh success earlier in the decade. He lost his place to Rhys Webb but remained a hugely valuable and experienced squad player until retiring on 94 caps. 10 - Biggar has bailed Wales out on many important occasions. Phenomenal player at 2015 RWC - MoM performance at Twickenham won’t be forgotten in a long long time. Nerveless at the tee, pulls the strings, brilliant brilliant player. 11 - George North has established himself as one of the most feared wingers in the world. On his day, with his unbelievable pace and power, he is a joy to watch and a nightmare to face. 12 - Jamie Roberts seems to have been around forever. An absolute unit, a fan favourite and a master of the dummy run, he was a standout player for Wales in the early ‘10s. 13 - Jonathan Davies an all round performer - dangerous going forward (16 tries for Wales) as well as a phenomenal defender, who consistently has the 13 channel on lockdown. Will be missed at 2020 Six Nations. 14 - Liam Williams a player that looks

like he’d be rubbish at rugby, but yet he’s bloody brilliant - has come to embody Wales’ changing style of play - more mature, forgetting how to lose. 15 - Leigh Halfpenny another superstar Welsh player unlucky with injuries.

over the years and we’d expect him to do so in this team as well. ST - Jay Bothroyd He gets the nod over Chopra having made more of an impact in the 2010s. An England call-up came for the striker during his time in the Welsh capital shows just how good he was.

Welsh rugby’s team of the decade Reece Chambers Head of Sport John Jones Contributor

ow do you select a team of the decade that includes three Six Nations titles, two Grand Slams and three Rugby World Cup campaigns? Head of Sport, Reece Chambers, and John Jones, contributor, have their ultimate starting XV. There are certainly some contentious positions, but this XV would definitely take some beating. 1 - Not just Owens’ dynamism that makes him great but his leadership qualities draw comparison with AWJ (shown particularly this year in SN and WC)- Wales beyond lucky to have two such characters in the team. 2 - Gethin Jenkins’ 16 year career, played a pivotal role in four Six Nations titles including three grand slams. The term goat probably has never had more relevance. 3 - Tomas Francis has come a long way in a short space of time since debut in 2015. His big game performances in the Six Nations give him the nod in a hotly contested position. 4 - Alun Wyn Jones needs no introduction - certainly the best Welsh player of the decade and one of the best ever. The most capped player, huge tackler, born leader. 5 - Luke Charteris was a huge player for Wales in the early part of the decade. Crucial at lineouts, dismantled every maul he came near, holds Six Nations championship record for most tackles in a game (31 v Ireland). 6 - Sam Warburton was talismanic in his 49 games as captain. A strong car-

Regardless, one of the decades standout players - Wales come to rely on his goal kicking more times than I care to count, while he like Williams is a master under the high ball. 733 points in 85 appearances is an unbelievable stat.

BUCS Highlights

CHWARAEON 31

A round-up of Cardiff University’s sporting action from the last BUCS Wednesday of 2019

Cardiff 5-1 Bournemouth Men’s tennis

Rebecca Astill Contributor

ardiff men’s 1s had another emphatic 5-1 victory over a struggling Bournemouth 1s side, who remain at the bottom of the Premier South league table. Abdullah Al Barwani and Dom Pearson won the first doubles 7-5 6-2. Despite the close first set, they sailed through the second and the potential of this strong new partnership is great. The well-established pair of captain Tom Davenport and Aydin Caglayan cruised through the second doubles, resulting in an easy 6-1 6-2 win. The expectation of the first singles rested on fresher Abdullah’s head, which sadly he could not quite live up to, losing in a tight 2-6 6-7 match. However, this was the only match to be lost all day. Tom, at rank number 2, executed a seamless performance to win 6-0 6-0

in a way only the captain knows how. In the third singles Dom Pearson won 6-3 6-0 in a powerful performance of heavy serves. Finally, Aydin Caglayan finished the final singles in a 6-2 6-2 win. The 5-1 win is particularly impressive as it beats the 4-2 win which Cardiff had against the same side away in October. Although the team remain in third position in the league, the win puts pressure on Bath 2s and East London 1s who tie at the top each with 18 points, with Cardiff just below at 15. Having beaten East London 1s 5-1 a few weeks ago, hopes are high on overtaking them. What was achieved by the first team was echoed by all four men’s teams on Wednesday. The 2s beat Cardiff Met 2s 6-0, the 3s beat Bristol 4s 4-2, and the 4s beat Gloucester 2s 6-0. All in all, an undeniably successful day for a club who are exceeding all expectations this year.

Cardiff 59-64 Southampton Men’s basketball

Cameron Delaney Contributor

n this third meeting against a strong Southampton team, we immediately came out fighting hard both offensively and defensively. We analysed the main players on their team that caused the most offensive damage and matched them with our strongest defensive players. When on offence, we were calm and composed by waiting for opportunities to come to us and not rushing silly shots that would result in a turnover. Our patience paired with our well-structured defence caused issues for Southampton as we took an early lead in the 1st quarter, but this was soon reduced with their players making some tough shots and still finding holes in our defence. It was a back and forth fight all

Swansea 3-1 Cardiff 1s

Cardiff 1s 4 -1 Cardiff 2s Ryan Dabbs Contributor

Men’s football

oing into the game against the Medics team, the men’s first team were looking to continue their 100% winning record in the league. Having already beat them 3-1 earlier in the season they were confident about securing yet another win. The game started brightly, with the first team getting an early wide free kick. Ben Marrett crossed the ball perfectly to Tiago Soares who only needed a slight touch to be able to nick it past the goalkeeper. The Medics managed to pull themselves back into the game after a good through ball, leaving Jack Fosberry in no-man’s land as the ball was slid into the corner of the net. However, this is where, if the Medics comeback was ever on, would end. The first team’s style of play began to come to fruition; tactics the team have been

working on throughout the season left the medics confused as they continued to create half-chances. The second goal however came when Tiago Soares was tripped in the box, allowing him to step up and slot it in the corner. The third was scored just before half-time, with Alex Levy’s excellent delivery finding Harry Woodnutt who headed the ball into the ground and over the keeper. In the second half, the game became slightly less contested with the first team resolute in defence and the Medics losing motivation to spark a comeback. The fourth and final goal came when the medics goalkeeper hit the ball straight at Tiago, who was left with a simple task of slotting the ball into the empty net to complete a stunning hattrick for the match. A very professional and commanding result leaves the team at the top of the table going into the Christmas break with 15 points from 15.

Ella Morgan Contributor

Ladies’ hockey

our Cardiff University Hockey teams made their way to Swansea for an afternoon of competitive hockey. The ladies 5s convincingly won against the Swansea 4s 9-1 and the Men’s 1s, Men’s 2s and Ladies 1s played Swansea teams as well, hoping to win against the university’s fiercest rivals. Overall it was a good day out and we got some wins under our belts setting us up nicely for varsity. It was a tale of two halves for the ladies 5s, only managing three goals in the first half as they started slowly. Things picked up in the second half as the Cardiff girls scored six goals to steer clear of the Swansea 4s and take the win with a comprehensive eight goal cushion, which made for a good watch for spectators.

Continued from page 30

Represent: Cardiff University’s Ryan Dabbs (No.3) in the Northern Ireland line up. Source: Futsal 5 NI (Facebook)

the way up to the last few minutes of the 2nd quarter, when we went on a scoring run to be up by 12 points at the half. However, the 2nd half didn’t have the same success for us. One of our main defenders got into foul trouble which allowed arguably their best offensive threat to chip away at our lead and eventually take the lead in the 3rd quarter. In this half we decided to do a full court press in order to try and cause them to make mistakes such as turnovers, which showed some success, but they were able to break the press and get some easy points in transition. Our defence also dropped in effort which allowed more easy points under the rim to ultimately carry them to a 5-point win, with the final score being 64-59 and the man of the match being No.8 for Southampton.

Dabbs hopes that Northern Ireland will be able to qualify for the 2022 Euros, which will be held in the Netherlands. “We’ve got Euro qualifiers at the end of January in Lithuania, against Hungary, Turkey and Lithuania. Whilst we know that it’ll be tough to go there and expect to qualify, that’s ultimately the main aim. “To win one of the games would be a great achievement and we feel we are capable of getting a few results there.” Qualifying consists of four stages: qualifying round, qualifying round play-offs, qualify ing group stage and play-offs.

The Men’s 2s took to the pitch next and won against their Swansea opposition with a final score of 2-1, with the performance greater than the scoreline suggested. The Ladies 1s sadly lost to the rivals 3-1 but not without putting up a fight against a strong Swansea team playing on their home turf in front of their own crowd. The Men’s 1s unfortunately lost to the counterparts 3-2 with one Swansea player being the GB flicker so any short corner was going to be a definite goal. The teams had a good day out and did well away from home turf and not with their usual supporters. With Varsity coming later in the season, this was a good opportunity for both sides to get to grips with their opponents. For Cardiff, it would have hopefully been a useful warm-up ahead of a crucial Varsity match in the spring.

Group winners of the qualifying round will go to the qualifying group stage which takes place in 2021, whilst the nine runners up and five best third placed teams enter the qualifying round play-offs. The eight group winners as well as the six best runners-up of the group stage will join the Netherlands in the final in the months of January and February 2022. Whilst the remaining two runners up will face each other home and away in the play-offs. Dabbs will wish to emulate his scoring form he showed at the Home Nations Championships to give Northern Ireland a chance of progressing to the Euros.

BUCS season round-up Ella Fenwick Sport Editor

ver this season, the sports teams at Cardiff University have had a successful first semester in the BUCS leagues bringing home many wins and achievements. Some teams have secured their place at the top of the league and others maintaining winning streaks throughout the season. The American football team, the Cobras, have remained unbeaten at the top of their league despite battling cancellations of the pitches. The Ladies’ Rugby team currently have a winning streak also, with their last match of the semester on December 11 against Sussex 1st XI. Ladies Medics Hockey 1st XI are top of their league, after winning an intense match against the Cardiff University Ladies Hockey 1st XI. Cardiff University teams that are currently third place in their league tables are Netball, Men’s and Ladies’ Fencing, Mixed Golf, Women’s Squash and Men’s Volleyball. Mid October, Cardiff University’s Amy Dyer, competed in the BUCS Surf Championships in Newquay. After making it through three rounds, Dyer scored 9.20 in the final, competing against some of the best surfers from universities all over the country. Dyer, who is a first-year student, joined the team at the beginning of this semester, giving an excellent first impression it will be exciting to see more from Dyer in events over the next year. Recently, Cardiff University’s road cycling club competed in the BUCS Sport Track Cycling Championships and recorded a handful of medals from the event. Lewis Olivia earned himself two gold medals in the men’s kilo and sprint. The men’s team sprint achieved a bronze medal, along with the Team Pursuit squad also grabbing a bronze medal, with an excellent performance from all those who participated. In a more recent event, Taekwondo’s high-performance programme athlete, Olivia Hope, has achieved multiple wins over this semester. Hope won silver at the BUCS Autumn Championships, kicking off the team’s first-ever BUCS competition in the sparring A-Class last weekend. Earlier in the semester, Hope also became the UK ITF Taekwondo sparring champion of 2019, as well as taking the gold medal in the Tag Team Sparring event too. Another high achieving team are tennis. Across the men and women sides, all are performing well in the first half of BUCS events. The men’s first team have been in great form, winning five out of the first seven matches. This included back-to-back comprehensive 6-0 victories over the London School of Economics. The women’s first team have also been playing some great tennis with three-straight 6-0 victories to start the season. Their form has wavered slightly over the last few matches but nonetheless, they can take a lot of momentum into the new year.

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

sport Wales Rugby Is this their Team of the Decade? Page 30

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BUCS Highlights Men’s Football, Tennis and more Page 31

Cardiff City Gair Rhydd Sport’s Team of the Decade Page 30

Investigating Cardiff City’s academy Olly Allen Sport Editor

etween August 2017 and August 2019, no Cardiff City academy players made their debut for the first team, whilst Joe Ralls is the only player in the current squad to have come through the youth ranks at the club. Gair Rhydd Sport investigates the pathway to senior football in the Welsh capital, speaks to former youth players and discusses how the future could be looking bright 28 under Neil Harris.

Dabbs represents NI futsal team Luke Wakeling Sport Editor

HWC 2019: Michael Sheen greets players at the opening ceremony of the Homeless World Cup 2019. Source: Daniel Lipinski.

Homeless World Cup 2019 wins ‘Greatest Sport Story of the Year’ Reece Chambers Head of Sport

he Homeless World Cup 2019 won the ‘Great Sport Story of the Year’ at this year’s prestigious Wales Sport Awards. Being officially awarded on Tuesday at the Wales Sport Awards, Cardiff ’s hosting of the tournament has been branded as one of the best yet in its 16 year history. With a mixture of football, music, culture and debate, the annual tournament looked to go beyond the power of football in Cardiff. Its purpose of inspiring lives through football and other avenues attracted thousands of people to a sunny Bute Park in July and August. Cardiff ’s particular affiliation with the tournament came in the form of a strong bid from Street Football Wales and Hollywood actor, Michael

Sheen. Sheen’s personal efforts in getting the tournament to Cardiff and attracting names like Charlotte Church to perform received significant media attention and optimised the overall success of the tournament.

I realised what a life changing experience it could be for people.

Michael Sheen

The actor says that his desire to get the tournament to Wales, and its subsequent success, has been an “unforgettable” experience. “I went to see the Homeless World Cup for the first time a couple of years ago in Oslo and at that point I realised what a life changing experience it

could be for people. “Some of the most marginalised and excluded people in our communities representing their country – I wanted to be part of bringing it to Wales,” said Sheen. With over 500 players from nearly 50 nations, the festival of football was one of Cardiff ’s most unique sporting events of the summer. In a city that hosts the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup warm-up matches amongst other hallmark events, the tournament was perfectly placed to be a success. Unlike professional sports tournaments, the Homeless World Cup sets about making meaningful change to lives that have been without happiness and belief. In a sport as universal as football, its ability to inspire people has been a success since the tournament. “Football gets these people engaged, active, working as part of a team, in a

structure that allows additional support and services to be delivered,” said Operations Lead Tim Deacon. “It often provides the first step on the path away from homelessness and back to social inclusion. “I can’t think of a better example of something that demonstrates the power of sport. It shows how sport can be the driving force for change.” Indeed, the power of sport was present over the summer at the Homeless World Cup in Cardiff. But, to an extent, work done after the tournament is about making sure that such success is continued to further improve support networks. For Street Football Wales, this award showcases a development in public perceptions of homelessness. However, financial support for the charity is crucial to ensure a continued development that provides meaningful support to those who need it most.

yan Dabbs featured for Northern Ireland at the Futsal Home Nations Championships, scoring against England and Scotland. The journalism student, who also plays for Cardiff University Futsal Club, provided insight into the step up from BUCS and what the tournament meant for the future of his futsal career. Dabbs was pleased with his first performance for his country and hopes to replicate his form for the upcoming Euro qualifiers. 30

AU President Jude Pickett on BUCS successes Ella Fenwick Sport Editor

air Rhydd Sport took the opportunity to interview President of the Athletic Union, Jude Pickett. With the first semester drawing to a close it has been nothing but busy and successful for Cardiff University Sports Teams. In particular, the unbeaten American Football and Ladies’ Rugby teams, plus the Ladies Medics Hockey 1st XI who are top of their league. Pickett praised the performance of all teams as well as talking about the year ahead in the Athletic Un- 31