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Inside GRiP: Art from the Valleys takes over the city centre
Sport considers the career of Colin Jackson Printed at Westcountry Design and Print
Monday 16th September/Free Word 726
gairrhydd
THE VOICE OF CARDIFF STUDENTS
Can’t get Nightline out of her head Mark Cobley reports CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S Nightline service is to get a makeover, with a new number and a celebrity endorsement from the Queen of Pop herself. The Nightline service has been run for more than 20 years, by students for students, and provides a totally non-judgemental listening service. Now Kylie Minogue has recognised the good work the service does. Daniel Weaver, nightline co-ordinator, said: “We sent an information pack and a blank minidisc to Kylie’s hotel when she stayed in Cardiff to play
the CIA. “We didn’t hear anything back for months, so we thought nothing more of it, but then we got the minidisc back through the post with Kylie’s jingle on it! “It’s good to know that even though she’s an international popstar, she’s still interested in ordinary people.” The Kylie endorsement will now be played on Cardiff University’s Xpress Radio. Nightline’s target is now to get many more celebrity endorsements, though Daniel commented, “You can’t get much better than Kylie!” Nightline is open seven
“It’s good to know that even though she’s an international popstar, she’s still interested in ordinary people.”
DANIEL WEAVER ON KYLIE’S HUMAN SIDE
days a week, from 8am to 8pm, on its new number 029 2022 3993. However, the service is always keen to recruit new volunteers. Daniel said: “We have many very good, dedicated volunteers, but nevertheless we have difficulty manning our phones sometimes. “Problem times are at the start of terms, since it takes new students a while to get involved, and obviously during exams because at the same time, our volunteers have to take time off and we get more calls about exam stress. “We also put our problems down to the end of student grants. “Because more students have to get part-time jobs now they’ve got no time for volunteer work.” Despite these difficulties, Nightline has recently expanded its service to cover the University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC) and hopes eventually to have its
The pop princess is now getting serious with Nightline number printed on the back of all University cards. Nightline will also be holding a training day for new volunteers in October, though
dates have not been finalised yet. Students who are interested in volunteering can email line@cf.ac.uk for further
information. Alternatively check the website for more details about Nightline on www.cf.ac.uk/suon/nightline/ index.html.
It’s only the Taf, but I like it Howard Calvert reports CARDIFF UNIVERSITY’S
most popular drinking establishment has undergone a complete re-fit over the summer months. The old Tafarn Bar in the Student Union will be unrecognisable to returning students, the rustic beams and dingy lighting having been replaced by a new open plan design and modern, stylish décor. And after months of debate as to what the newly refurbished bar may be called, gair rhydd can exclusively reveal that it will be known simply as the ‘Taf’. Grant Bibb, Cardiff University’s Maintenance Manager, oversaw the redevelopment. “It’s a dramatic change in
terms of what the bar is like now from what it has been in the past,” he said. “The old Tafarn was about 15 years old and had never been totally converted. Also, we wanted to get ahead of the increasing competition in the city centre.” Students complaining that the old Tafarn had no atmosphere and the drab surroundings often left them feeling like they were drinking in a farmer’s outhouse will be happy to find all traces of weathered wood removed. Societies and Union Secretary Laura Welsh said: “It looks amazing, very cool and funky. “The wall where the fruit machines were has been completely demolished and replaced with frosted
windows and they’ve removed all of the beams so it’s a lot lighter in there. “It looks huge now when they haven’t actually extended it at all.” Other changes include revamped seating with leather settees replacing the old spine-deforming wooden pews. There’s also a new bar, cutting edge lighting and a subtle blue and beige colour scheme creating a fresh and relaxing atmosphere. Grant Bibb explained that the bar was comprised of themed areas. “There’s now a designated food area, an area for pool and games machines and an entertainment area with a new PA system where hopefully bands can play on theme nights.”
Modern prints adorn the walls and the more discerning drinkers may notice that sections of the floor contain transparent blocks that change colour. Mr Bibb added: “There’s a lot of effects and stuff like that - a few in the floor and a few in tables.” A minor problem with the renovation has been due to the tight timescale for the work. Everything else has gone to plan. Elsewhere in the Union the Graduate Bar has received a small-scale makeover and Solus has been reupholstered and freshened up with a lick of paint. Those of you itching to sup a relaxing pint in the allnew Taf will be able to from September 20, the official opening date.
“All in all you probably won’t get much sleep in your first week. You’ll be far too busy down the pub or chatting through the night or even being woken by people buzzing the intercom at 4am” CHARLOTTE SPRATT LOOKS IN DEPTH INTO THE JOY THAT IS FRESHERS’ WEEK P28 News p1–3 ● Letters p5 ● GRiP p7 Societies p10 ● Features p19 ● Sport p23