Gair Rhydd 1183- October 10th,2022 by Cardiff Student Media

gair rhydd

‘Safety in numbers’: A new personal safety app is coming to Cardiff

Jasmine Edge Features Editor

Arecent

Cardiff graduate is using technology to help keep young people safe on the street.

RouteBuddies is a new personal safety app, created by Jack Blundell; as reads on their website, it allows peo ple to find a group to share an on-foot journey with so you can ‘find safety in numbers’ when out and about. The app is being released in Cardiff during Sep tember—just in time for Freshers.

You can either create a group or join an existing one. The app creates a route that allows for each group member to be dropped off close to their destina tion one by one. The app does not share your inputted location; it generalises it around a radius to keep your details pri vate. This means you will be dropped off near your destination so you can walk the last few minutes alone.

The app also continues to use your location a little while after the journey to check that no one in your group has decided to try and go back and find you. If a group member is close by, you will be sent a notification to check if everything is okay. If you answer no, or do not respond, an alert will be sent to your emergency contacts who can then decide the next steps.

In an interview Jack explains, ‘I think it's really important to look at this from the bad guy’s eyes. Like to look at this as, “okay, if I wanted to hypothetically attack someone what would I do?”

[…] If I can go on my previous trips and I can see exactly where they've been dropped off, you know, that's number one, and as well, things like making sure that they can't see people's last names [and] certainly can't Google them or Facebook them on these kinds of things.’

ID verification is required as part of the sign up to the app to ensure every one is who they say they are. Any type of ID verification can be used— ‘if it works in a club, it will work on Route Buddies’.

‘There's been like five different ver sions of the app’ he says and explains how each version has been informed by advice from his friends and family.

Most recently, Jack has spoken to

students and taken on board their feed back, as well as sought out advice from Women’s Aid, who suggested heavy testing before the app is released.

Blundell studied software engineer ing at Cardiff University, and by speak ing to him about other projects he has worked on, it became clear he has al ways been keen to find ways to use technology for the greater social good.

Jacks says, ‘I’m a pretty regular 23-year-old—bit of a nerd. Like I said earlier I always wanted to do something with tech [that is] really impactful. […] after seeing all this stuff in Cardiff and around the world and around the UK it was kind of like, “ahh” this is that thing I want to do and make an impact with’.

Route Buddies was born out of Jack’s frustration of seeing various posts on Cardiff Overheard from women shar ing their experiences of sexual assault, or harassment in Cardiff and no clear strategy to help make the streets safer. He says, ‘The whole kind of point in this [app] is to take the power into our hands.’

There are several safety apps on the market, and in my own personal expe rience I’ve found them to be buggy, not easy to use, and ultimately do not make me feel much safer walking home of an evening.

Jack says other apps on the market are, ‘all really different in functionality. But they will have one thing in com mon, which is ultimately, you're on your own. You're walking the streets alone and you're still at risk of being at tacked.

So, if you look at crime statistics, if you look at the famous 97% of women have experienced public sexual harass ment—it's not going down because of these safety apps. So, we’re the only app in the world that actually allows you to group up your journeys for street safety.’

So, if you look at crime statistics, if you look at the famous 97% of women have experienced public sexual harass ment—it's not going down because of these safety apps.

To read Jasmine's feature on the newest saftey app aimed at freshers, turn to page 4.

Jade Heath Politics Editor

Lizz Truss threatens workers’ rights

equal pay for men and women, holi day pay, and parental leave which could be under threat. A review of workers’ rights is supposedly part of Truss’ ‘bonfire’ of EU laws, where in she plans to scrap around 1,500 laws by 2024. Such decisions could potentially cause a row with the EU, which could impose tariffs on Brit ish exports. This would occur if the UK’s divergence from EU laws be gins to impact trade and investment.

Releasing your inner chef at university

To read Jade's full article about Truss' prposed plans, turn to page 9

Wales' Commonwealth Games

Anest Williams Golygydd Taf-od

D aw ychydig o banig a dryswch i’m cofleidio wrth ysgrifennu’r erthygl hon, gan ystyried nad ydw i’n hollol hyderus fy hun ynglŷn â sut i weithredu’r cyngor hwn nac yn y modd y dylid trin bywyd prifysgol! Wedi dweud hynny, does dim un llwybr ystryde bol sy’n rhaid ei ddilyn er mwyn mwynhau’r profiad Serch hyn oll, dyma geisio cynnig ychydig o gyn gor i lasfyfyrwyr 2022 fel rhywun sydd wedi profi wythnos y glas a’r flwyddyn gyntaf unwaith yn barod.

I ddarllen erthygl Anest am ei chyngor hi i las-fyfyrwyr eleni, trowch i dudalen 11

Lucy Matthews Advice Editor Molly Openshaw Sport Contributor

There is nothing more tragic than the inside of a university stu dent’s fridge that has made it to day twelve without a food shop.

Once you’ve passed the neglected tinned tomatoes you will come across the feral red pepper that was destined to be put in a chicken korma but is now lying limp and lost at the back of the fridge.

This is not an inspiring setting to be cooking in especially if there is simply nothing edible and of source to cook with alone.

To read Lucy's tips on how to excell in the kitchen, turn to page 20

From

the 28th of July to the 8th of August, the Commonwealth Games took place in Birmingham.

This is the third time that England has hosted the Commonwealth games, the last time being 2002 in Manches ter.

The Games have been held in the United Kingdom a total of seven times, with Cardiff hosting in 1958. This iter ation of the Games saw 5,054 athletes competing in 280 events.

Due to the high numbers of attend ees, it was one of the largest sporting spectacles of the year.

To read Molly's article on Wales' suc cess, turn to page 25

Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972 10 Hydref 2022 10 October 2022 rhifyn 1183 issue 1183 Check out Gair Rhydd online

Sut i wneud y fwyaf o'ch blwyddyn gyntaf

End of the 48 hour week?: Human rights activist Baroness Chakrabarti speaks at a TUC rally. Source: Steve Eason (via Flickr)

Inside: Cardiff Half-Marathon: The students raising thousands of pounds for charity (Page 3)

11 20 25

Gair Rhydd 2022/23

Coordinator

Elaine Morgan

Editor-in-Chief

Beth Alaw Williams

Deputy Editors

Jasmine Edge

Jasmine Jones

Katherine Seymour

Nansi Eccott News

George Symonds

Shivika Singh Lowri Powell

Luis Atkinson

Beca Dalis Williams Features

Jasmine Edge

Ruhaab Khalid Grace Robson Taf-od

Nansi Eccott

Lowri Davies

Anest Williams

Efa Ceiri

Megan Haf Davies

Millie Stacey Politics

Katherine Seymour

Francesca Ionescu

Jade Heath Comment

Clelia Frondaroli

Evan Johnson-Charteris

Frances Marsh Advice Megan Shinner

Lucy Matthews

Shaniece O’Keefe Review

Alice Moore Billy Edwards Haris Hussnain

Science and Technology

Edward Sutton

Aditi Kallanagoudar Girish Sport

Jasmine Jones

Ryan Harris-Jewell

Eloise Martin Social Media Editors

Emily Smith

Jack Darlington Haris Hussnain

Copy Editors

Alanya Smith

Alys Mai Walters

Charlotte Grant Claudia Titcombe

Efa Prydderch

Elliw Williams Lois Campbell Lily Barry Maisie Granger Katie Bowen Scarlett Carpenter

Write to the editor

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A note from the Editor Nodyn gan y Golygydd

Welcome to Cardiff University

Croeso i Brifysgol Caerdydd

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest pos sible standards. We may occasionally make mistakes, however if you believe we have fallen below the standards we seek to uphold, please email gairrhyddeic@gmail.com.

You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints.

Opinions expressed in editorials and opin ion 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.

Beth Williams Editor-in-Chief

Weather returning to the city or starting an exciting new chapter, welcome to Cardiff University and thank you for flicking through our newspaper. The Gair Rhydd team and I are honoured to represent our university, keeping students and faculty alike up-to-date with all the goings-on in the world.

For non-Welsh speakers, Gair Rhydd translates into Free Word and that’s exactly what this news paper represents to us.

This paper is an opportunity for its editors and contributors to write about the news and topics that really matter to them.

Despite a tumultuous couple of years, 2022 has certainly tried its best to compete. With last month seeing the succession of a mon arch as well as the appointment of new prime minister within the same week, the news and politics desks will keep you up-to-date with all the latest developments.

As well as reporting on points of national and international in terest, Gair Rhydd prides itself on the reporting of local news that di rectly impacts on you, our readers.

For example, our Head of Politics, Katherine writes about the impact

of the cost-of-living crisis on stu dents on page 8.

While doom and gloom will in evitably be in the news, we take pride in our city and aim to show case the best of what Cardiff has to offer. From food to live music to its rich culture and history, the Welsh capital has a lot to offer, with Gair Rhydd documenting the highlights.

While we cannot predict most of the articles that will be printed on these pages, some events are certain. The next academic year will bear witness to a historic foot ball World Cup for Wales’ men, the women’s own play-offs and a rugby World Cup.

Unless your student loan has stretched to cover a trip to Qa tar or France, Cardiff is the best place to be to experience the elec tric atmosphere of game days. As always, our sport section is more than ready to digest all the action of football, rugby and beyond.

As part of our fresher’s edi tion, this issue features the ‘Ad vice’ team’s take on how to settle into student life (p19), as well as ‘Review’s top picks of Cardiff hot spots on page 22.

Our Welsh language section also share their tips on how to make the most of your university experience on page 10.

Beth Williams Prif Olygydd

Os yn dychwelyd i’r brifddinas neu’n dechrau pennod newydd yn eich bywyd, croeso i Brifysgol Caerdydd a diolch am bori trwy ein papur newydd. Mae’r tîm yn Gair Rhydd a minnau yn falch i gyflwyno ein prifysgol a’i fyfyrwyr gyda’r newyddion mwyaf cyfoes a chyffroes y byd.

Cynigai’r papur hwn i’n goly gyddion a’n cyfranwyr y cyfle i adrodd yn rhydd am hanesion a newyddion sydd o ddiddordeb ac yn bwysig iddynt hwy.

Er gwaethaf y blynyddoedd terfysglyd diwethaf, mae 2022 wedi bod yn flwyddyn a hanner gyda brenin newydd yn ogystal ag apwyntiad prif weinidog newydd o fewn yr un wythnos. Bydd y tîm ’newyddion’ a ‘gwleidyddiaeth’ yn ysgrifennu am holl ddatblygiadau’r digwyddiadau a mwy yn ystod y fl wyddyn.

Yn ogystal ag adrodd am ddig wyddiadau rhyngwladol, mae Gair Rhydd yn falch o adrodd am newyddion lleol sy’n effeithio chi y myfyrwyr yn uniongyrchol. Er enghraifft, sgrifenna Katherine am effaith yr argyfwng costau byw ar dudalen 8.

Rydym hefyd yn falch o allu ar

ddangos y goreuon o Gaerdydd; o fwyd anhygoel i gerddoriaeth byw, y diwylliant unigryw, hanes a threftadaeth y ddinas. Mae gan Gaerdydd lawer i’w gynnig a bydd Gair Rhydd yn siŵr o adrodd am yr uchafbwyntiau.

Er nad allwn ddweud pa er thyglau cai eu hadrodd eleni, heb os, byddwn yn dod a’r diweddara i chi o gae pêl droed y dynion Cym ru yng Nghwpan y Byd, gemau rhagbrofol y merched a Chwpan y Bydr ygbi.

Oni bai bod y benthyciad my fyrwyr yn caniatáu i chi deithio i Qatar neu Ffrainc, Caerdydd yw’r lle delfrydol i brofi yr atmosffer arbennig ar ddiwrnodau’r gêmau. Mae ein hadran chwaraeon ard aranau i adrodd am holl helyntiau’r byd pêl droed, rygbi a thu hwnt.

Fel rhan o’n hargraffiad glasfyfyrwyr mae’r adran ‘cyngor’ yn cynnig y tipiau gorau ar sut i ad dasu i fywyd prifysgol (t19) a bydd yr adran ‘adolygiad’ yn eich tywys i lefydd gorau ledled y ddinas ar dudalen 22.

Yn ogystal, bydd ein hadran Cymraeg ‘Tafod’ yn rhannu cyngor ar sut i wneud y gorau o’ch profiad myfyrwyr ar dudalen 10.

2 EDITORIAL

New Term: Students have made it through their first week of the aca demic year. Source: Jeremy Segrott (via Flickr) Tymor Newydd: Mae myfyrwyr wedi cyrraedd diwedd yr wythnos gyn taf o’r flwyddyn academaidd. Llun gan: Jeremy Segrott (via Flickr)

Cardiff University at the Half-Marathon

Gair Rhydd chats with the Cardiff University students,alumni and faculty that endured 13.1 miles as they raised thousands for charitable causes.

Beth Williams Editor-in-Chief

On October 2nd, thou sands of runners took to the streets of Cardiff to complete the annual half-mar athon. The race saw a recordamount of runners taking part and raising money for various chari ties.

The event returned to its usual October spot, only six months after the previous race. Starting outside Cardiff Castle, runners travel past the Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Stadiums towards the bay, crossing the bar rage and running past the Norwe gian Church and Wales Millen nium Centre. Runners then make their way around Roath Park Lake before finishing the 13-mile race outside Cardiff Civic Hall.

Discussing the race, Run 4 Wales CEO said; “It’s always such as fantastic atmosphere at the Car diff Half. It’s a showcase of every thing that is brilliant about Wales.”

“It’s evolved enormously since it first began in 2003 but one thing remains the same and that’s the friendliness and the support right around the course.”

Despite the majority of participants raising money for charity, some professional runners also took to the capital’s streets.

Finishing first was Geoffreuy Koech, who crossed the finish ing line in one hour and one sec ond. Seven minutes later, Beatrice Cheserek won the women’s race.

The half-marathon’s theme this year was #eindinas, which translates to “Our City”, and aimed to be a celebration of Wales and Cardiff. The half marathon is Wales’ largest multi-charity event, raising around £3 million annu ally for various causes. This year also saw funds raised by the event reach £20 million milestone since the inaugural Cardiff half-mara thon in 2003. Among the 25,000 runners at the sold-out event were Cardiff University’s own students, faculty and alumni.

#TeamCardiff, a team of around 70 alumni, students and staff from the university, were running to raise funds for the university’s own cancer and neuroscience and mental health research. Many of the team were running in memory of a loved one. This included staff member, Laura Stephenson who ran in remembrance of her friend, Areesha.

She said: “I’ve been blown away by the generosity of those who’ve donated already. It adds extra fuel to my fire on those days where I don’t fancy lacing up my trainers.”

As of race day, the team raised a combined total of over £22,500.

Iwan Kellet, who’s a third year Chemistry student, ran the race to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, a charity that researches into cures and treatments for Parkinson’s dis ease.

Speaking to him on the finish line, Iwan said: “The atmosphere was immense. The spectators were great shouting out people’s names and motivating the runners. I couldn’t have done it without the crowds and my friends and family cheering me on. Haribos and jelly babies were abundant as well as “power-up” signs!”

Setting himself a target of com pleting the race in 2 hours 30 min utes, Iwan crossed the finish line in 2 hours 29 minutes and 35 sec onds. “As I crossed the finish line I thought, “Wow I’ve actually done it, in my target time. My ‘PE-hating self’ would be so proud of me”. But I was so glad to have finished, my legs were in pain!”

While he won’t be in the city to complete the race next year, Iwan is thinking of running the halfmarathon in his home county of Anglesey.

The 20th Cardiff halfmarathon will take place on Octo ber 1st next year, with early-bird tickets already released for keen participants.

GOLYGYDDOL 3

#TeamCardiff: The team of 70 raised a combined total of over £22,500 for the university’s research work. Image:: Cardiff University “The atmosphere was immense” : Iwan finished the half-marathon in just under 2 hours 30 minutes Image: Iwan Kellet Jasmine Edge Ruhaab Khalid

RouteBuddies: The new personal safety app coming to Cardiff

Jasmine Edge Features Editor

RouteBuddies is a new personal safety app, created by Jack Blun dell; as reads on their website, it allows people to find a group to share an on-foot journey with so you can ‘find safety in numbers’ when out and about. The app is being released in Cardiff during September—just in time for Freshers.

it around a radius to keep your details private. This means you will be dropped off near your destination so you can walk the last few minutes alone.

The app also continues to use your location a little while after the journey to check that no one in your group has decided to try and go back and find you. If a group member is close by, you will be sent a notification to check if every thing is okay. If you answer no, or do not respond, an alert will be sent to your emergency contacts who can then decide the next steps.

Grace Robson gairrhyddfeatures@gmail.com

97% of women aged between 18-24 experience sexual harassment in the UK.

hate crimes relating to sexual orientation or tranphobia were reported in the year 2021/22.

Jack Blundell Founder

‘There's been like five different ver sions of the app’ he says and explains how each version has been informed by advice from his friends and family.

Most recently, Jack has spoken to students and taken on board their feed back, as well as sought out advice from Women’s Aid, who suggested heavy testing before the app is released.

Blundell studied software engineer ing at Cardiff University, and by speak ing to him about other projects he has worked on, it became clear he has

The app creates a route that allows for each group member to be dropped off close to their destination one by one.

Route Buddies was born out of Jack’s frustration of seeing various posts on Cardiff Overheard from women shar ing their experiences of sexual assault.”

always been keen to find ways to use technology for the greater social good.

What makes RouteBuddies different from other personal safety apps?

There are several safety apps on the market, and in my own personal ex perience I’ve found them to be bug gy, not easy to use, and ultimately do not make me feel much safer walk ing home of an evening.

Jack says other apps on the market are, ‘all really different in function ality. But they will have one thing in common, which is ultimately, you're on your own. You're walking the streets alone and you're still at risk of being attacked.

So, if you look at crime statis tics, if you look at the famous 97% of women have experienced public sexual harassment—it's not going down because of these safety apps. So, we’re the only app in the world that actually allows you to group up your journeys for street safety.’

Jack also points out that other apps often require you to do a spe

cific action during a traumatic event for help to be contacted. Pulling out your phone to fiddle with an app is often the last thing people think of in the moment.

RouteBuddies was built for easeof-use, so that these triggers are working whilst the app is open with out any additional steps to make safety straightforward for users.

Jack says a baseline version of the app will always be available at no cost.

Jack explains, ‘initially it's going to be fully free, which is actually quite expensive for us just to get it into the community and Cardiff and get it working.

But eventually we're going to be making a premium version of it, which you can subscribe to, which is going to have a lot of social fea tures—mainly for young adults and

students, such as being able to add friends, having unlimited journeys each week, and being able to like schedule journeys, create commu nities within halls for example, and more.

So that will be something that is available. But there will always be the baseline free version where you'll be able to group up a limited number of times per week. So, you'll be able to use it on the weekend, but you'll always be able to use it on your own.’

He estimates that the premium version of the app will cost £3.99 a month, which he points out is a lot less than using public transport when you’re on a night out, such as paying for a taxi.

4 FEATURES

FEATURES

Source: Nenad Stojkovic (via Flickr)

Gair Rhydd chats with RouteBuddies' founder, Jack Blundell about the personal saftey app and investigates why apps of the kind are needed today.

Defence against harrasment?: Image Hossam el-Hamalawy (via Flickr) Image: Michael Dales(via Flickr)

The whole kind of point in this [app] is to take the power into our hands."

236

How safe are streets in Wales?

The app's launch raises the question as to why this software needs to exist in the first place.

In March 2021 UN Women re leased a report revealing that 97% of women aged between 1824 experience sexual harassment in the UK.

This now infamous figure sparked outrage and highlighted the need for more measures to make the streets safer for women.

Cardiff was found to be one of the safest cities in the UK according to a study released in 2020, but safest does not equal safe. Reports pop ping up year-round of women be ing sexually harassed or assaulted around Cardiff, or posts on Face book groups by women claiming to have been followed by strange men in Cathays, can make simply leaving the house feel daunting.

Street safety is not only a concern for women, but for members of the LGBT+ community too.

Street safety is not only a concern for women, but for members of the LGBT+ community too. ."

32 hate crimes relat ing to sexual orienta tion and 30 transphobic, were reported in the year 2021/22. "

An FOI request submitted by Gair Rhydd to the South Wales po lice revealed that hate crimes relat ing to sexual orientation and the trans community in Cardiff over the last 10 years have gradually been on the rise.

232 hate crimes relating to sex ual orientation and 30 transphobic, were reported in the year 2021/22. Together making up a total of 262 hate crimes out of 1,084 reported that year.

The increased number of report ed hate crimes over the last 10 years may be a result of increased efforts by the police to gather this informa tion. Therefore, the increase in re ports could be a result of police now better identifying hate crimes when they occur.

However, a report assessing hate and discrimination towards LGBT

people in Wales found that 4 in 5 people who had experienced a hate crime didn’t report it to the police. So, the previous figures may not in fact reflect the experiences of LGBT people in Wales.

What is apparent from these fig ures is that there is still room for improvement of street safety in Car diff. With members of the commu nity feeling that current measures are failing to make a real impact, young people like Jack Blundell are coming up with innovative solutions to help make the streets safer for everyone.

What is apparent from these figures is that there is still room for improvement of street safety in Cardiff.

Do students think the app will be useful to them?

Gair Rhydd speaks to RouteBuddies' target audeince to see if this app will be a new addition to their lives.

Aspokesperson for the fe minist society said, Rou teBuddies sounds like a wonderful initiative as a start to improve the safety of Cardiff stu dents, particularly those who are female presenting.

Safety of students is something which we’re passionate about and walking home after dark is some thing we’re very aware that stu dents have anxieties about. The area is not consistently safe for people and RouteBuddies feels like a step in the right direction, we hope the initiative is successful!’

Furthermore, a spokesperson for CU Pride sheds light on problems their members face when out at

night, ‘[t]here have been issues of members of CU Pride Society being followed back from Pulse after a night out, and we believe this app would be a great way of increasing safety when walking at night, as well as giving members of our community as a whole, peace of mind.’

‘For many people of the LGBT community, especially in the tran sgender community, law enforce ment do not provide a feeling of safety. As a result, many end up feeling unsafe, profiled and ha rassed in some cases. A better re porting service, separate from the police, for incidents of hate crimes and harassment specific to the

LGBT community, including POC within our community, would help to create a greater atmosphere of safety. Furthermore, anti-ho mophobia, anti-transphobia and anti-racism training for all police will help us feel safer in Cardiff.’ Jack tells me he hopes to partner up with the police and ambulance services at some point, but hopes to rally more support for the app before doing so.

Perhaps RouteBuddies can act as a neutral middleman between the public and the police (a service which has become heavily scruti nised in recent years) to help imp rove the current system by making the streets feel safer for everyone.

What else is out there to protect Cardiff University students?

Cardiff University Student Safe Taxi Scheme:

-For this scheme, Cardiff University has part nered-up with local taxi firm, Dragon Taxis. Under the scheme, students who find themselves in a vulnerable position can use their student ID card to get a taxi back to their home, even if they don't have cash.

Cardiff Saftey Buses:

-A scheme ran by South Wales Police, saftey buses patrol Cardiff City Center on busy nights to take vulnrable people to places of saftey and advise the public on how to stay safe.

NODEWEDDION 5

Is Cardiff safe?: Source: Sionk (via Wikimedia commons) Source:Jeremy Segrott (via Flickr)

Image: RawPixel

ELSEWHERE

Heat or eat? The decision facing many this Winter

With energy prices reaching highs, Lowri Powell discusses the cost of living crisis.

Lowri Powell News Editor

Rising numbers of people will fall sick and see their health worsen unless the government takes further action to limit energy price rises, the NHS says

Prices are rising faster than they have done for 40 years. The higher es timate means the average household would be paying £355 a month for gas and electricity, instead of £164 a month currently. Therefore, a typical household bill will rise to £3,549 this October when the new energy price cap takes effect.

Many people this winter will face the choice between skipping meals or heating their homes. 66% of Britain’s population will face being cold and poor this winter. Following this, NHS bosses are concerned that if people are forced to live in cold homes with

a lack of nutritious food, there will be an increased demand on the NHS.

Cold conditions can lead to a rise in respiratory conditions, and in old er communities can also increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and falls. Cold homes are already linked to 10,000 deaths a year, the NHS Con federation said.

In the Confederation’s letter to government ministers, Chief Execu tive Matthew Taylor said: “The coun try is facing a humanitarian crisis”. Taylor said the winter flu and more covid variants will most likely strike this winter “just as the NHS is likely to experience the most difficult win ter on record”.

The NHS Confederation’s letter, addressed to Chancellor Nadhim Za hawi and Health Secretary Steve Bar clay, warned that health bosses in the UK are “already seeing huge suffering in our local communities because of

the cost-of-living crisis”.

The Government has faced calls to freeze bills or provide more sup port to households for the upcom ing months. New Prime Minister Liz Truss has promised to freeze energy bills at an average of £2,500 a year for the next two years from this October under the ‘energy price guarantee’. The help will be for everyone in Eng land, Scotland and Wales with equiv alent assistance for Northern Ireland. The huge support scheme could cost up to £150 billion, but Ms Truss re fused to specify a figure, saying “ex traordinary times call for extraordi nary measures”.

The Government has also an nounced a series of energy bill sup port schemes to combat the cost-ofliving crisis. A £400 grant will be paid to every household from this October until March 2023. This grant will be paid in six installments to approxi

The country is facing a humanitarian crisis”.

Matthew Taylor NHS Confederation

mately 29 million households across Great Britain. But there are concerns the meas ures are too little; too late; poorly tar geted; and overly complicated. If, as with the pandemic, the support from the government is only temporary, we will soon find ourselves paying the price of economic rebuilding. As a result, millions are still expected to be in poverty due to the energy crisis throughout the upcoming months.

66% of Britain’s popula tion will face being cold and poor this winter."

How much does Cardiff University life cost?

George Symonds evaluates the costs associated with being a Cardiff University student.

George Symonds Head of News

With a consequential increase in household bills and ru mours of university fees going up it seems almost impossible to survive university life without a full-time job. Of course, the living cost changes depending on where your uni versity is based, London life will cost more than others. Cardiff university is still within the topmost affordable cit ies for students followed by Cambridge and then Southampton according to the 2022 NatWest Student Living Index (NSLI).

Due to Cardiff’s exceptionally rea sonable renting costs averaging £380 excluding bills (as said by the Cardiff University website) paired with an

easy availability to find part-time jobs; living in the Cardiff lifestyle becomes one of the most cost-efficient within the United Kingdom. However, regard less of the cheap renting costs, Cardiff University students very rarely rank within who has the cheapest lifestyle. The average price for a pint of beer be ing £3.43, the fourth most affordable in the UK.” (IndeJuice 2020), which is significantly below the national average of £4.07. Despite the cheap alcohol on offer Cardiff University students place within the top five universities where students spend the most on alcohol (averaging £46.90 per month according to the NSLI), and also rank within the top with their ‘going out’ expenses (av eraging £117 per month stated by the CU website).

Now, by looking at tuition fees; Car

diff University is capped by the Welsh Government to remain at £9000 per year for UK residents and £17500 for international students. This is notice ably less than the majority of English universities where their students have to pay £9250 per year for UK residents (£250 increase within the last four years) and £23000 for international students on average (a sizeable £5500 increase compared to Welsh universi ties); this again adding to the afford ability that comes with going to Cardiff University.

Aside from paying rent, leisure and tuition fees; household bills are un fortunately, like the rest of the United Kingdom, on the up. The Expatistan website calculated a 2022 average bill index for a 3-bedroom flat within Ca thays as having to pay £160 per month

for water, gas, electric and a standard

Wi-Fi package. The cost for a larger student house can alter depending on usage and number of users. This cost of household bills may have risen; it has not affected Cardiff’s ability to remain an affordable city to live in, especially for students!

Separate from academic studying and nights out in the city centre, Car diff remains to have a wide variety of affordable day activities. If you are a fresher joining Cardiff University have a quick look at the University’s website where a list of free events is noted.

Modern slavery reaches fifty million

Lowri Powell News Editor

Newestimates say that modern slavery has risen by 10 million in the last 5 years.

Ukrainian, Rus sian and Belaru sian civil rights campaigners have been named joint winners of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize

The International Labour Organi zation (ILO), International Organiza tion for Migration (IOM), and antitrafficking human rights group, Walk Free, published a report on the current slavery conditions across the globe.

The report stated fifty million peo ple around the globe are trapped in modern slavery, either forced to work against their will or pressured into a marriage.

The report found around 28 million people are in forced labour, with 3.3

million of them children. More than half of these children are in commer cial sexual exploitation. Another 22 million people are in forced marriages, with more than two-thirds of them women and many under the age of 15. It seems these people were driven by family pressure, with most cases in Asia, the Pacific and Arab states. The UN’s labour organisation stresses that more than half of all forced labour happens in wealthy countries in the upper-middle or high-income bracket.

The International Labour Organi sation said that the state of slavery is “shocking”.

There are many factors as to why slavery has increased across the globe. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruption to people’s income, leading

to increased debt and financial strug gles. This could have resulted in in creased cases of forced labour. The In ternational Labour Organisation said the pandemic has led to an increase in “extreme global poverty” for the first time in 20 years.

War and armed conflict across the globe could also have driven the in crease in slavery. In some cases, the dire circumstances have led to the recruitment of children to work or serve as child soldiers. Whilst others are forced to leave their homes and be come migrants, which exposes them to risk of slavery.

Guy Ryder, its director general said “Nothing can justify the persistence of this fundamental abuse of human rights,”

“We know what needs to be done... an all-hands-on-deck approach is needed. Trade unions, employers’ or ganizations, civil society and ordinary people all have critical roles to play.”

The report seeks for an interna tional effort to gather resources to fix the problem. The ILO, IOM and Walk Free set out several recommended ac tions to reduce the prevalence of mod ern slavery. They have suggested im proving labour laws and inspections, ending state-imposed forced labour, strengthening measures to stop traf ficking and slavery in supply chains, and raising the legal age of marriage to 18 without exception.

6 NEWS

NEWS

Shivika Singh Luis Atkinson George Symonds Beca Dallis

IN NEWS gairrhyddnews@gmail.com

A look through the life of Queen Elizabeth II

George Symonds of

After

the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 8th of September, the world’s me dia focused their efforts on highlight ing the life of the British monarch. The Washington Post asked in their recent headline “Why is the World so Fasci nated by Queen Elizabeth II?” which left their readers pondering their re sponses. Religion, state-duty and even dog-lover were among the ideal char acteristics of the Queen according to the BBC’s readers. However, The Washington Post accredited Eliza beth’s popularity due to her innerstrength and dedication to the realm. This clearly resonated to many people as it has been revealed that the funeral was the largest viewed televised event recorded in history.

By looking through the key events during the time of Elizabeth’s reign it is hard to picture a modern world without the Queen. Her coronation in 1953 was the first to be live on tel evision and radio again drawing in millions of viewers and was vital in “uplifting a post-war Europe” (Sarah Pruitt). Following this into the 1960s, Elizabeth frequented diplomatic visits

to places during societal and politi cal change; including a trip to WestGermany to mark twenty years since World War II allowing her to become a symbol of peace between the two countries. One of the most shocking events in the United Kingdom during the sixties was the landslide in Aber fan, Wales. Famously the Queen broke her stereotypically harsh exterior and shed a tear as she visited the disaster.

Moving onto the 1970’s and 1980’s, the British Royal Family had a lot to celebrate with the public. The Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 and the wed ding of Prince Charles and Lady Di ana Spencer in 1981 allowed for 74 international countries to tune in and watch the “wedding of the century” (BBC). However the year of 1992, dubbed ‘Annus Horribilis’ by the Queen herself, was not filled with the usual inspiring happiness that previ ously was. Instead, three of four of Elizabeth’s children separated from their partners: Charles with Diana, Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and Anne with Mark Phillips. Following this, a fire broke out within Wind sor Castle destroying 100 rooms with centuries of history within.

Now within the 21st century, the Queen had to change the public’s

perception of the British Royal Fam ily after the intense scrutiny they were left with after Diana’s death in 1997.

The new millennium ushered in a Golden Jubilee in 2002 and an intense travelling year for Elizabeth who had amounted 40,000 international travel miles for diplomatic visits. Weddings of her grandchildren, specifically the wedding of future King Prince Wil liam to Kate Middleton, allowed for celebration to continue and public opinion to be positive. More recently the Platinum Jubilee revered Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne.

A mighty display of an international military parade of “1,400 troops in bearskin caps, musicians and 240

horses, a Royal Air Force flyover and an 82-gun salute were staged to hon our the 96-year-old monarch” . Again, another example of international joy with the Queen at the centre. Now, following her death, the reign of King Charles III has begun bringing in a new era of the British Royal Family.

“The long reign of Queen Elizabeth II was marked by her strong sense of duty and her determination to dedi cate her life to her throne and to her people.”

A-Level Results Day 2022: Tackling grade inflation

Eve Davies Contributor

On 18 August 2022, the first co hort of A Level students who were able to sit in-person, endof-year exams in three years received their results.

Accounting for the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic had on edu cation, this year’s grade boundaries were more lenient than previous years. However, the proportion of top grades (those marked A or above) had fallen since the record highs of 2021, when grades were based upon teacher as sessment and mock exams. Around 36.4% of A-levels were marked at A*

and A, down from 44.8% in 2021; with the A* grade decreasing from one in five in 2021 to one in seven this year. This drop in top grades was expected after the exams regulator laid out a plan to gradually combat grade infla tion, taking results to a middle point between 2019 and 2021.

Mathematics remained the most popular A-Level subject with 95,635 entries this year. Psychology was the second most popular subject with en tries up 10.5% from the previous year. This was then followed by Biology. The biggest decrease of the changing trends in subject choice was English literature, in which there was a 9.4% drop in entries than in 2021, remov ing it from the top 10 most popular

subjects. Foreign languages remained unpopular choices.

Female students continued to be more likely to get higher grades than their male counterparts. However this year, the proportion of girls with an A or higher was 37.4% this year, 2.2 per centage points ahead of male students, down from 4.8 percentage points last year.

Huge regional variation was also apparent in results. London and the south-east of England had the high est proportion of students with top grades, with almost two in five stu dents getting an A* or A. The northeast of England recorded the lowest proportion of students getting a top rate grade (30.8%).

A record 667,000 students applied for higher education this year, accord ing to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS said that most students would be of fered a place on their chosen course at their chosen university but warned that the process would be especially competitive for courses such as medi cine and dentistry, because some uni versities have reintroduced caps on their numbers after two years of ex pansion.

On results’ day, UCAS confirmed that more than 425,000 students have been awarded a place in university or college - the second highest number on record - but that 20,360 students have not.

New train station plans for Butetown

new signs at the station will be bilingual.

Beca Dallis Williams News Editor

Transport for Wales (TfW) have announced there will be a new train station in Butetown to im prove transport accessibility in Car diff. The local community have been informed that work will start on Lloyd George Avenue this December as well as renovations that will be happening at the Cardiff Bay train station.

The Butetown train station will in clude a two-platform station which will improve the public transport for the area with better connections to nearby stations.

By improving the existing Cardiff Bay railway station TfW have stated that there will be a “second platform, new signage, customer information screens and other enhancements”, which will also be transformed in December this year. Although the Cardiff Bay station will continue to be open for passengers while working. They will be using TfW’s station brand toolkit to ensure all the

The Transport for Wales Chief Exec utive noted “we’re proud to sponsor this year’s Butetown Carnival, where people will be able to get more information and ask questions about the Bay Line trans formation”. This will allow more under standing and collaboration in Cardiff Bay which will enrich the community.

The initial 2020 plans intended to include a Metro station at Loudoun Square and an extension to The Flour ish, yet have been revised. The review now states that there will be a station north of Loudoun Square, which creates an opportunity for an east to west cross ing at the station. Access to the station will be from both Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.

By improving the Cardiff Bay station this complements and boosts the plans for the Atlantic Wharf master plan with a new leisure centre, cinema and other hospitality areas which will attract tour ism to the area. This emphasises that the public transport lines need to be suit able.

The Butetown station will be acces sible to all public transport users as it will have a stepped and ramped access as well as a lift to platform level. The underpass will remain south of the sta tion which allows access to the railway. Access also will be available via the new pedestrian route near Glanhowny Close which connects to Lloyd Avenue and Bute Street platforms. According to pre sent plans the distance between both stations will be approximately 350m.

Vaughan Gethin MS for Cardiff South and Penarth voiced his positive opinion on the plans, and he believes that this would “improve connectivity with the rest of Cardiff and boost oppor tunities for the communities in the area”.

In 2024 TfW hopes to ensure a “greener” and “modern” transport sys tem to benefit people of the local com munity and those visiting the area.

Suicide Prevention Month Luis Atkinson News Editor

September

was nationally rec ognized as Suicide Prevention Month. t is without question that the unprecedented rise in diagnosed mental health illnesses amongst the teenage and young adult generations is alarming. As reported by the Wales Governance Centre and Cardiff Uni versity, the proportion of Welsh nation als affected by mental health issues rose from “11.7%… before the pandemic to 28.1% by April 2020.”

However, mental health is not a pandemic which spreads solely amongst the youth. As world-famous singer Demi Lovato puts it, “…just be cause you can’t see mental illness like you could see a broken bone, doesn’t mean it’s not as detrimental or devas tating to a family or individual.” Yet as to some of the population the stigma stings too deep to break out their sto ries, the Welsh Government produced a fifty-page ten-year plan on how they would be investing at least £750 mil lion towards NHS mental health ser vices, and below are a list of the most significant services the government would fund and support.

Yet, for some of the population, the stigma surrounding mental health continues to prevent them from shar ing their stories. The Welsh Govern ment have recently produced a ten year plan, documenting their £750 million investment into NHS mental health services, with a list of essential services funded by this investment be ing listed below.

Although, because mental health is an invisible group of conditions, it has been hard to pinpoint treatments which are effective for each case. Hav ing someone to turn to is extremely important, however, so the rest of this article is dedicated towards services who have the powers to help you and your loved ones if you are ever in need.

A Welsh nationally-owned-andoperated helpline named the ‘C.A.L.L’ helpline is dedicated towards helping those who are going through distress ing mental health symptoms or who are thinking about suicide - this line is designed to help those who are in need and is completely confidential. The tel ephone number is 0800132737 and to text, text ‘help’ to 81066.

To have guaranteed access to accu rate mental health information, pelase visit the ‘MIND Wales’ website: htt ps://www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/

Alternatively please visit NHS Wales: https://111.wales.nhs.uk/ encyclopaedia/m/article/mental healthandwellbeing

Multiple services such as Samaritans are dedicated to tackling the stigma of mental health. Please see the full list here on the Public Health Wales web site: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/ latest-information-on-novel-corona virus-covid-19/how-are-you-doing/ how-are-you-feeling/how-to-accesssupport/

NEWYDDION 7

Head

News

Elizabeth II: The Queen passed away on September 8th (Image: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office via Flickr) Butetown: The stationa linges with TfW’s hopes of ensuring va “greener” transport system (Image Elliot Brown via Flickr)

Cost of living crisis hits campusPOLITICS

Georgia Meloni Contributor

Students, as a demographic, have always had to scrape by.

Yet, as the true costs of lock downs, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and inflation are revealed, students will be among the hardest hit.

As a National Union of Students (NUS) survey has discovered, an astounding 96% of students have cut back on spending. Also, 68% of students can no longer afford course material vital to their degree, and a third are left with a measly £50 on average once rent and bills are paid.

University is generally consid ered a positive experience for young people as they begin to prepare for their future careers. However, with soaring living costs and inflation predicted to reach 18% by 2023, the future seems as bleak as the now.

Usually, students can rely on gov ernment-backed student loans to help cover the cost of living. While these loans are still utilised by many, they are fixed and are completely surpassed by surging living costs.

As a result, the current value of stu dent loans is at its lowest point for the first time in seven years, as the

68% of students can no longer afford course material “vital to their degree”

Institute of Fiscal Studies reports.

For example, the maximum student loan in London is £12,667 despite the minimum living costs fetching at least £1000 more. As expected, students from low-income families will bear the brunt of these financial challenges since their cost of liv ing cannot possibly be sufficiently supplemented by financial support from their families.

UCAS (the organisation which operates university applications) has warned of a drop in students ap plying for university, as many opt to undertake apprenticeships to avoid the surge in living costs. If

this trend is to continue, the po tential lack of students threatens to damage local communities that are reliant on the student population to support their economy. Think of the bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in our own Cardiff community - imag ine the impact of a decrease in stu dents on those small businesses.

Students - overlooked, blamed, scorned - need more support. We should not be comfortable with this country’s talented future turning away from further education due to the unaffordability of basic living.

It falls on universities and the gov ernment to provide much-needed support. Granted, the government has attempted to curb the effect that inflation will have on student loan repayments by temporarily cap

ELSEWHERE

POLITICS

- SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon condemns Liz Truss’ “absurd” lack of communication

The new PM has failed to call the Scottish leader, despite being in office for over a month

- Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng dra matically scraps tax-cutting budget

This came only a day after Liz Truss vowed to follow through with the new budget

UCAS (the organisation which operates university applications) has warned of a drop in students applying for university,

ping interest rates at 6.3% - which prevented the forecasted rise from 4.5% to 7.3%. Unfortunately, this is a half-measure. It does not offer the aid that students desperately need to offset high living costs (such as of fering grants, hardship funds, or an increase in student loans).

These challenging times for stu dents are unprecedented and often overwhelming. However, this mod

ern cohort is no stranger to adver sity. Crises - wars, financial crashes, pandemics - have frequently char acterised the surrounding political landscape. Today’s young people have weathered the storms of our youth, and there is every reason that we will overcome these difficult times too. Yet, the challenge will be far greater if necessary support for students is not given.

the government has at tempted to curb the effect that inflation will have on student loan repayments by temporarily capping interest rates at 6.3%

Jonathan Edwards resigns as MP after public backlash

Following a number of recent controversial events, MPs are being called to act against sexism

Jade Heath Politics Editor

In a controversial move, Plaid Cymru had restored Jonathan Ed wards to the whip following his 2020 suspension. Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, was ar rested in 2020 for allegedly assaulting his wife, and subsequently removed from the party - in the meantime he sat as an independent MP. This deci sion to allow Edwards to re-represent has stirred criticism, notably from within the party itself.

Ex Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood expressed her belief that, were Plaid Cymru dedicated to the fight against domestic abuse and misogyny, they would have banned Edwards. Current leader Adam Price also dis played similar sentiments. Following Emma Edwards (Jonathan Edward’s now estranged-wife) statement that she was “appalled” by this decision, Price offered an apology to both her and “all domestic abuse survivors for the pain this has caused”, and also

Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, was arrested in 2020 for allegedly assaulting his wife”

called on the MP to leave the party. He further argued that Edwards does not represent the values of the party, which mirrors Plaid’s general stance against misogyny. In 2021 both Price and Wood called for it to become a hate crime.

Despite Price‘s views, Plaid’s inter nal democratic rules mean that, even as party leader, he cannot simply ex pel Edwards from the party. The dis ciplinary panel’s decision to restore membership to Edwards was reached

after he expressed “sincere remorse”. Once the party had received further advice, the whip was also restored. Edwards responded to the outrage by accusing senior figures of subject ing him to “vindictive and vengeful coordinated political attacks” and ar gued that there is no space for people to make mistakes. He also announced that the past two years have been a “period of deep reflection” which in cluded him enrolling on a domestic awareness course. He has since

Ex Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood expressed her belief that, were Plaid Cymru dedicated to the fight against domestic abuse and misogyny, they would have banned Ed wards.”

resigned from his post

Nevertheless, this decision has sparked a general conversation about sexism in politics and what it repre sents for wider society. Welsh Wom en’s Aid have argued that “when there is widespread casualisation of mi sogyny in politics, it sets the tone for how the wider population regards the severity of these incidents”.

The Women’s Equality Party have also reiterated this, with leader Manu Reid stating that the failure of address ing abuse and harassment within one’s party “transcends political lines”. It is noteworthy that this situation is not an isolated incident in British politics. In 2018 Theresa May also restored the whip to two Tory MPs who had it removed after being accused of sexu ally innappropriate conduct (Charlie Elphicke and Andrew Griffiths).

8 POLITICS

politics@gairrhydd.com

Thousands of students will feel the pinch as prices continue to soar. Francesca Ionescu Jade Heath Katherine Seymour An uncertain winter: The rise in the cost of living has left many students feeling worries. Source: Alisdare Hickson (via Wikimedia Commons) UK Government: Jonathan Edwards was an MP for Plaid Cymru before be ing arrested for assaulting his wife. Source: Plaid Cymru (via Flickr)

Concerns as new PM lifts fracking ban

Communities live in fear of earthquakes as the controversial practice returns.

Francesca Ionescu Politics Editor

As the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss has unveiled her energy plans - which include a lift on the 2019 ban on hydraulic fracturing (or fracking).

The Conservative government originally imposed this ban due to fears regarding the consequence of environmental issues, in spite of the Oil and Gas Authority stating the impossibility to ‘accurately predict the probability or magnitude of earthquakes linked to fracking operations’.

Laying out her ambitious course of action, Truss plans to ‘make sure that the UK is a net energy exporter by 2040’. She has also referenced the current energy crisis by vowing to render the nation less dependent on ‘the global energy market and the actions of malign actors’. According to the House of Commons Library,

Truss plans to ‘make sure that the UK is a net energy exporter by 2040’.

Russian imports have previously made up 4% of used in the UK, 9% of oil, and 27% of coal. However, there have been no imports since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While the current economic climate may sway public opinion, Truss’ pledge to permit fracking licenses (for which there is ‘local

support’) has already been poorly received. The Oil and Gas Author ity is yet to make any statements to support fracking becoming a safe option. At Preston New Road (Lan cashire), the general public already resent a possible return of the dis comfort drilling brings, as the area was hit by an earthquake in August

Preston New Road (Lan cashire), already resent a possible return of the dis comfort drilling brings”

2019. Gloucestershire County councillor Paul Hodgkinson has also expressed concern - after all, the Cotswolds are known to have reserves of shale gas which could put the area on the frontline. Even local Conservative Party support ers’ opinions are divided since their home country is an ‘area of local beauty’, and they might not wish it to be tampered with.

The head of the Independent Climate Change Committee has requested that Truss looks ‘at the facts’. After all, the watchdog claims that fracking will not relieve the pressure of the current energy cri sis - and could possibly damage the environment.

the watchdog claims that fracking will not relieve the pressure of the current en ergy crisis”

Truss reveals her new cabinet after leadership Victory

Haris Armstrong Contributor

In an expected widespread overhaul, Truss rewarded her supporters throughout the leadership contest with an array of top positions.

The three most senior Cabinet posts have gone to her most vocal backers in Kwasi Kwarteng (Chan cellor of the Exchequer), Suella Braverman (Home Secretary) and James Cleverly (Foreign Secretary). The new Health Minister and Dep uty Prime Minister Therese Coffey is also a long term ally of Liz Truss. There were promotions too for the new Business Secretary Jacob ReesMogg and the new Environment Secretary Ranil Jayarwardena who had previously worked under Truss in the Department for International Trade. Kemi Badenoch - who was eliminated at an advanced stage of the leadership contest – continues her political rise with a first entry into Cabinet as International De velopment Secretary. It is also the first time in history that not one of the great offices of state is held by a white man.

This new incarnation of Cabinet will look markedly different from those of previous Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. Notable Johnson

it is clear that the cost of living crisis will be the first major test for the new Prime Minister and her Cabinet.

loyalists: Priti Patel, Steve Barclay, Grant Shapps and Dominic Raab. Some – such as Patel – chose to resign in anticipation of impend ing dismissal. Also notable, is the complete exclusion of MPs who backed Rishi Sunak in the leader ship contest. There were positions for MPs such as Kemi Badenoch, Penny Mordaunt and Tom Tugen hadt, who had stood against Truss in earlier rounds of the leadership con test. Sunak and his endorsers, how ever, have been pushed to the back benches. This perhaps is not overly surprising considering the stark eco nomic and fiscal differences between Truss and Sunak that were exposed throughout the contest. The deliber ate decision by Truss to fill her first cabinet with loyal backers is in many ways understandable due to the vol

atility and turbulence of the current political environment. There is a danger however that by isolating and excluding influential politicians who have different views on pertinent is sues, Truss is making the same mis takes as her ousted predecessor. As President Lyndon B Johnson said in 1971, it is often better to have your political rivals “inside the tent piss ing out, than outside the tent pissing in.”

With the UK facing rising infla tion, soaring energy bills and stag nating wages, it is clear that the cost of living crisis will be the first major test for the new Prime Minister and her Cabinet. This - coupled with an NHS at breaking point and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - paints an im mediately bleak political picture for Prime Minister Truss to deal

with.

This new incarnation of Cabinet will look markedly different from those of pre vious Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Lizz Truss to threaten worker’s rights

Jade Heath Politics Editor

The Times reports that new Prime Minister Liz Truss could enforce a removal of EU directives aimed at protecting work ers, such as the 48 hour week. Other EU-protected directives (described as ‘vital workplace protections and rights - not nice-to-haves’ by TUC leader Frances O’Grady) include equal pay for men and women, holi day pay, and parental leave which could be under threat. A review of workers’ rights is supposedly part of Truss’ ‘bonfire’ of EU laws, wherein she plans to scrap around 1,500 laws by 2024. Such decisions could po tentially cause a row with the EU, which could impose tariffs on Brit ish exports. This would occur if the UK’s divergence from EU laws be gins to impact trade and investment.

Though Truss is clearly aiming to distance the UK from the EU in the nation’s post-Brexit era, her ambi tions demonstrate her intention to curb the power of trade unions. With the growing cost of living, this past summer has seen thousands of UK workers strike with the main goal of increasing wages - railway strikes have particularly gained significant traction due to their disruptive na ture. In her bid to become Prime Minister, Truss highlighted that she aims to ‘crackdown on the debilitat ing strikes that cripple the vital ser vices hard-working people rely on’.

Truss’ arguably combative stance, however, could prove unpopular

only the government has the resources to end the un speakable suffering caused by unpayable energy bills’.

given the nation’s current economic crisis. O’Grady argues that to defend the quality of living standards, Brit ons need more power in the work place. What is more, the TUC’s re search shows that 79% (3,000 polled) support protection and possible en hancement of workers’ rights.

It remains to be seen whether she can manage to implement measures sufficient enough to manage the severity of the economic situation whilst maintaining the low tax, small government stance that her leader ship bid was built on.

Also notable, is the com plete exclusion of MPs who backed Rishi Sunak in the leadership contest

As winter approaches, many Brit ons will face near unpayable energy bills. Naturally, increasing work inse curity could cause widespread frus tration. The Conservative govern ment has long faced criticism for not aiding the poorest workers. Ex-La bour Prime Minister Gordon Brown states that ‘only the government has the resources to end the unspeak able suffering caused by unpayable energy bills’. Further research has found that, without governmental aid, around 11 million households will spend a quarter of their income on energy bills.

The report stated that “In Xinji ang, Turkic (Uyghur) Muslims con tinue to be arbitrarily detained on the basis of their identity, while others are subjected to forced labour, mass surveillance, and political indoctrination.”

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 9

Is Fracking harmful?: Despite limited understadnding of its environmental impact, the UK’s fracking ban has been lifted. Source: 350.org (via Flickr) Re-shuffle: Lizz Truss has awarded her most loyal leadership bid supporters bid with coveted roles within cabinet Source: Number 10 (via Flickr)

”

Gordon Brown Former Prime Minister

Liz Truss’ economic pledges and their ‘unrealistic’ nature

Francesca Ionescu Politics Editor

Before Liz Truss’ announce ment as Prime Minister on 6th September, the loom ing economic crisis shadowed her leadership battle with former Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Con sequently, she set out to plan ‘large, permanent tax cuts’.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) criticises these ambitions by stating that they put pressure on public finances since it would re quire a match in public spending cuts. To put this into context: the 10.1% inflation rise in July was the highest in 40 years. Energy bills are also speculated to reach £3600 this year.

Truss pledged to dismiss the pre-planned increase in corpora tion tax - and the April National Insurance rise. Her new plan of action now includes energy freezes which may, unfortunately, disproportionately aid Britain’s richest households - more so than poorer households. While the £2000 energy bill will naturally benefit everyone (to an extent), it will subtract from larger house holds’ more expensive bills.

The Bank of England’s greatest worry is that continuous infla tion (prices rising at a higher rate than wages) will push the UK into recession. In this scenario, this would continue until the end of 2023.

Truss pledged to dis miss the pre-planned in crease in corporation tax - and the April National Insurance rise

Katherine Seymour Head of Politics

Trials and tribulations have challenged Liz Truss’ first week in office, includ ing the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II. In unprecedented times, a change in monarch and Prime Min ister have occurred within mere days of each other.

Leadership Win

Truss’ leadership bid faced many challenges - particularly the lack of support from Conservative MPs. Af ter all, she was in third place until the MPs’ final ballot (surpassed by Penny Mordaunt and Rishi Sunak for much of the race). Now she is in office, she may find difficulty in gaining support in the House of Commons.

During her campaign, Truss made promises concerning numerous policy areas including the economy, education, and the cost of living crisis. Although such pledges she made appealed to Conservative Party members, polling has indicated that they may not be as popular with the general public.

Her central goals - concern ing education - focus on voca tional education and limiting ac cess to student loans for what she describes as ‘poor quality degrees’.

As the new Prime Minister, she aims to create ‘Voxbridge’ - the equivalent to Oxbridge universities for vocational study in North Eng land. She supports an overhaul of the university admission process which ensures students that all students se curing three A*s are offered an inter view at either Oxford or Cambridge

University. Truss also wants to make it easier to receive refunds from universities whose students believe have not delivered quality education.

Her promises on the Cost of Liv ing Crisis during the campaign were highly criticised because they didn’t seem specific enough to much of the public and she promised to make a statement following her election. The clearest policy was removing the green levy on energy bills since it’s her priority for citizens to be able to pay their energy bills. She has also stated that she would reverse the rise in national insurance to ‘keep more money in people’s pockets’ as winter approaches.

Truss’ Leadership An nouncemnet

On 5th September, Liz Truss won the leadership election by around 21,000 votes - gaining 81,326 votes from Conservative Party members as opposed to Rishi Sunak’s 60,399.

During her acceptance speech, she spoke of the Conservative Par ty’s talent which, she believes, was demonstrated by the campaign, and stated that she wanted the party’s bright minds to form a part of her cabinet. Notably, she paid tribute to former Prime Minister Boris John son’s achievements (‘you are admired from Kyiv to Carlisle’), and reiterated her commitments to low taxation to grow the economy (‘I campaigned as a Conservative and I will govern as a Conservative’). Truss made a point that her priorities were the economy, the cost of living crisis, and the NHS, vowing to deliver policies for these matters, and promising that ‘we will deliver, we will deliver, and we will

deliver’.

On Tuesday that same week (6th September), Truss travelled to Bal moral and received the offer to form a government from the late Queen Elizabeth II. Shortly after, she made a speech outside of 10 Downing Street, delayed by the day’s dreary weather.

Her speech outlined three pri orities she aims to enforce as Prime Minister, and states that now is the time to tackle the UK’s modern chal lenges and transform Britain into an ‘aspiration nation’. Straight after, she formed her cabinet. One of her closest allies, Thérèse Coffey, is now Deputy Prime Minister and Health Secretary. Other top roles are: Kwasi Kwarteng as Chancellor of the Ex chequer, James Cleverly as Foreign Secretary and Suella Braverman, Home Secretary.

First Week in Office

Truss’ first duty was to attend Prime Minister’s Questions on 7th September. The tone was decidedly different to the confrontational at mosphere engulfing Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson - perhaps John son’s successor and Starmer were grasping how the other acted for time being. Many questions volleyed between the Leader of the Opposi tion and the Prime Minister focussed on the cost of living crisis as Starmer made it clear that, unlike Truss, he would support a Windfall tax. In re sponse, Truss vowed to make a state ment on 8th September on how her government would tackle the cost of living crisis.

Her statement the following day certainly covered how the new gov ernment would tackle the crisis:

freezing bills at £2500 a year for the average household for two years. Later that very day, Her Maj esty Queen Elizabeth II died in Bal moral. Understandably, speculation about Truss’ political agenda was put on hold. The Prime Minister is sued a statement following the sor rowful announcement and reflected on Elizabeth’s reign: ‘Britain is the great country that it is today because of her.’ She also paid tribute to her reign as representing the ‘stability and strength’ in the country’s time of need and described her as Britain’s ‘very spirit’

On Friday, Truss met King Charles III who described his late mother’s death as a ‘dreaded’ moment. During the private audience, Truss offered her condolences and sympathies to the new monarch. After that meet ing, it was announced that the Prime Minister would accompany the King on his tour of the UK’s four nations.

The Accession Council pro claimed King Charles III on Satur day, and Truss attended. The Council also included Prime Ministers, senior MPs, and religious representatives, and announced the new monarch in a historic proclamation across the country.

In the following days, she attended ceremonies across the four nations to pay her respects to her late majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

On 5th September, Liz Truss won the leadership election by around 21,000 votes”

UK Government partially lose Rwanda secrecy bid

Alanya Smith Copy Editor

Truss argued that high taxes were ‘potentially choking off growth.’ Contrastingly, Sunak promised to only cut taxes ‘once [they’ve] gripped inflation’, and strongly supported the IFS’ claims that tax cuts were unaffordable and grossly unrealistic.

Although Truss is sworn in as Prime Minister, her plans are not yet concrete and include no spending cuts to match tax cuts. Meanwhile, the energy bill freeze will cost the government an ap proximate £150bn.

Paired with the previous cuts that severely affected public sec tor workers, her unstable eco nomic promises and tough ‘an ti-strike laws’ are predicted to catapult the UK into recession - and cause public unrest among nurses, rail workers, and postal workers to name but a few.

The Bank of England’s greatest worry is that con tinuous inflation (prices rising at a higher rate than wages) will push the UK into recession. In this sce nario, this would continue until the end of 2023.

Ministers have partially lost an attempt to keep secret comments made on the Rwanda policy by an advisor.The High Court has said that some of what the adviser had told ministers must be disclosed in a major court case over the Rwandan refugee policy.

Private comments from an adviser discussing the Rwanda refugee policy to Ministers will be revealed in a major court which is speculated by govern ment lawyers to harm relationships with the country. The comments re vealed that Rwanda’s government had tortured and killed political opponents, with ten further comments of political hostility remaining confidential for fears of escalating international tension.

The comments may undermine the revisions that were in place for Rwanda’s human rights record in advance of the

The scheme intends to deter those seeking asylum from travelling across the English Channel, yet has been scruti nised by the United Nations refugee agency”

programme to permanently transport asylum seekers to the country from the UK. The scheme intends to deter those seeking asylum from travelling across the English Channel, yet has been scru tinised by the United Nations refugee agency for the lack of interpreters, legal officials, and case workers to support and protect arriving individuals.

The Home Affairs Committee had

previously stated that the policy would lead to people traffickers “scaremonger ing” among asylum seekers that they’d have to make the journey before the policy came into force. These com ments may amplify the controversy. Although no amendments have been made to the present programme, the complete advisory remarks are yet to be disclosed to the public or the migrant

groups and charities protesting the planned policy. After the initial judicial review of the policy was postponed to September, comments on the legal na ture of the planned scheme will include the new commentary on Rwandan gov ernmental interference in citizens’ hu man rights.

The first flight to lead the scheme was abruptly halted after it was stated that one of the passengers would be exposed to “irreversible harm” if trans ported to Rwanda. Home Secretary at the time Priti Patel noted that she was “disappointed” but that preparation had begun for upcoming flights. Leaked documents from the government have regarded the first group of asylum seek ers as a “test” for the policy’s future success. Clinical reviews exploring the background of asylum seekers predict ed to be sent to Rwanda inclue victims of torture and human trafficking, with charity Medical Justice enquiring how individuals have been selected for the scheme.

If the policy is judged unlawful by the Supreme Court this month, asylum seekers relocated to Rwanda, if the gov ernment had approved another depor tation flight, could have been returned to the UK.

10 POLITICS

Katherine Seymor discusses Lizz Truss busy first week following her leadership win Trials and tribulations: Truss’ first week in office UK Government: JThe High Court said some of what the adviser had told ministers must be disclosed in a major court case over the Rwandan refugee policy.Image: UK Home Office (via Flickr)

Llwyddiant Cymru yng Ngemau’r Gymanwlad

Mae gan Millie Stacey grynodeb o holl hanes ddigwyddiadau’r haf.

Daeth Tîm Cymru â

Gemau’r Gymanwlad 2022

i ben gyda 28 o fedalau gan gynnwys wyth aur, chwe arian ac 14 efydd. Arweiniodd hyn at Gymru yn gorffen yn wythfed yn y tabl medalau cyffredinol.

Enillwyd medalau o wahanol gys tadlaethau amrywiol gan gynnwys saith medal am feicio trac a ffordd, chwech am focsio, tair mewn ath letau a bowls, dwy am jiwdo, tennis bwrdd a nofio, ac un yr un am sbon cen, triathlon a gymnasteg rhythmig.

y fenyw gyntaf i ennill medel trac a chae aur i Gymru yng Ngemau’r Gymanwlad mewn 32 mlynedd”

Cyfrannodd para-athletwyr at hanner y medalau aur, gyda’r ath letwyr Aled Sion Davies ac Ol ivia Breen, y seiclwr James Ball a’r chwaraewr tenis bwrdd Joshua Sta cey i gyd yn ennill medalau.

Olivia Breen oedd y fenyw gyntaf i ennill medel trac a chae aur i Gymru yng Ngemau’r Gymanwlad mewn 32 mlynedd.

Cafodd y sbrintiwr sioc yn ogys tal â bod wrth ei bodd o weld ei bod wedi curo’r bencampwraig amddif fyn Sophie Hahn, dywedodd “Ni al laf gredu’r peth ac rwyf am ddiolch i’m tîm am gredu ynof i’. I gwblhau llwyddiant Breen, cofnododd hi gorau personol newydd o 12.83s i wthio Hahn Lloegr i’r ail safle.

Daeth Rosie Eccles yr ail Gymraes yn unig i ennill medal bocsio’r Gy manwlad ar ôl Lauren Price yn 2014,. Aled Davies a ychwanegodd aur yng

Ngemau’r Gymanwlad i’w dri theitl Paralympaidd ochr yn ochr â Har rison Walsh a gipiodd efydd mewn tafliad disgws dynion gan ennill ei gêm gyntaf. medal fawr a Medi Har ris ifanc, wrth iddi hawlio medal hŷn gyntaf, efydd, yn ras 100m cefn y merched.

Er nad oedd yn cyfateb i’r record a dorrodd erioed yng Ngemau’r Ar fordir Aur bedair blynedd yn ôl pan oedd cyfanswm o 36 o fedalau gan gynnwys 10 aur, mae tîm Cymru wedi cael eu canmol gan lawer o bobl gan gynnwys y cogydd de mission o Gymru. Mynegodd Nicola Phillips fod y tîm wedi gwneud “yn rhyfeddol o dda “ .

Wrth i ddathliadau ar draws ymru gael eu cynnal, manteisiodd y Senedd ar y cyfle i longyfarch y rhai oedd yn cynrychioli’r wlad drwy gynnal sere moni i gyflwyno’r medalau ar y 12fed

Ni allaf gredu’r peth ac rwyf am ddiolch i’m tîm am gredu ynof i’. - Olivia Breen

o Awst, gyda r cyhoedd yn cael eu gwahodd i ymuno yn y dathliadau. Roedd y seremoni yn cynnwys adlo niant o r theatr gerdd grŵp ‘Cymru yn y pen gorllewinol’.

manteisiodd y Senedd ar y cyfle i longyfarch y rhai oedd yn cynrychioli’r wlad”

Sut i wneud y mwyaf o’ch blwyddyn gyntaf

Anest Williams Golygydd Taf-od

Wedi dweud hynny, does dim un ll wybr ystrydebol sy’n rhaid ei ddilyn er mwyn mwynhau’r profiad. Serch hyn oll, dyma geisio cynnig ychydig o gyn gor i lasfyfyrwyr 2022 fel rhywun sydd wedi profi wythnos y glas a’r flwyddyn gyntaf unwaith yn barod, ac sy’n gwy bod (yn fras) bethi’w ddisgwyl, beth i’w wneud a beth i beidio â gwneud!

Gorau cam, cam cyntaf: Mae’r cysyniad o fynd i fyd gwbl estron gyda phobl ddieithr ac annibyniaeth newydd yn llethol a does dim rhyw ateb cymhleth a dwfn yn bodoli y gall rhywun ei gynnig i leddfu’r gofidiau

hyn. Y cyngor mwyaf gwerthfawr a ges i’r llynedd oedd ‘just do it’. Un waith y byddwch chiwedi cymryd y cam cyntaf, fe fydd gweddill y daith yn haws: ewch i guro ar ddrysau ffla tiau erailleich bloc chi; cyflwynwch eich hunan mewn ‘group chats’ a go fynnwch a oes rhywun arall yn dilyn eich cwrs chi neu yn yr un neuadd breswyl â chi.

Mae pob un glasfyfyriwr am wneud ffrindiau ac yn yr un cwch â chi - os gymerwch chi’r cam cychwynnol hwnnw a mentro, byddwch chi’n siŵr o gael dechreuad cadarnhaol i’ch by wyd prifysgol chi.

Er mor gyffrous yw wythnos y glas, peidiwch â disgwyl profi wythnos orau eich bywyd. Fe fyddwch chi’n siŵr o fod yn sâl gyda’r ‘freshers flu’ erbyn diwedd yr wythnos ac yn flinedig ar ôl cyfarfod cymaint o bobl newydd, felly peidiwch â phoeni os ydych chi wedi’ch siomi gan y profiad.

Yn yr un modd, os nad ydych chi’n un sy’n hoff o fynd allan i glybiau nos ac ati, mae yna ddigonedd o ffyrdd eraill o gymdeithasu: ymunwch â chymdeithasau sy’n cynnig digwyddi adau croesawu yn y dydd ynogystal ag yn y nos.

Bydd dihuno ar fore Llun wythnos y glas gyda £3000 wedi’i osod yn eich cyfrif banc (sy’n gorfod para nes y fl wyddyn newydd!) hefyd yn sioc fen digedig. Rhybudd - dyma fan gwana

heriol i bob myfyriwr.

Peidiwch â phrynu pedwar rownd o ddiodydd i’ch ffrindiau newydd bob penwythnos a pheidiwch â chael archeb Deliveroo bob nos, neu fydd yr arian yn bendant yn mynd yn brin cyn mis Ionawr!

Mae dechrau’r profiad hwn yn rhy wbeth sy’n rhaid i chi ei wneud, felly mae’n llawn cystal eich bod chi’n mw ynhau ac yn mentro mewn pa bynnag ffordd yr hoffech chi (ac yn mynychu

Charles III yn ymweld a Chymru am y tro gyntaf fel Brenin

sawu gan gannoedd o aelodau’r cyhoedd. Cafodd aelodau’r cyhoedd eu gwahodd hefyd i’r ddau leoliad arall, i gael cyfle unigryw i gwrdd ac ysgwyd llaw gyda’r pâr Brenhinol.

Dyma eu hymweliad cyntaf â gwledydd datganoledig y Deyr nas Unedig yn dilyn marwola eth y Frenhines Elizabeth II.

Cymru.

Arddydd Gwener, 16eg o Fedi gwnaeth y

Brenin Charles III ym weld â Chymru am y tro cyn taf ers iddo etifeddu’r Goron. Dychwelodd Charles i Gymru fel Brenin ar ôl gwasanaethu am

mlynedd fel Tywysog

Dechreuodd y Brenin a’r Fr enhines Gydweddog, Camilla, eu taith o amgylch Caerdydd yng Nghadeirlan Llandaf ar gyfer gwasanaeth goffa, yna aethant ymlaen i’r Senedd yn Mae Caerdydd. Yn olaf, athant i Gastell Caerdydd yng nghalon y Brifddinas ble cawsom eu croe

Ymhlith y 400 o westeion yn y gwasanaeth goffa yn Llandaf oedd gwleidyddion a chyn rychiolwyr y lluoedd arfog, y gwasanaeth iechyd, y farnwria eth a’r sector busnes. Yn ogystal, yn ystod y gwasanaeth cafwyd darlleniad gan y Prif Weinidog, Mark Drakeford, o lyfr cyntaf y Brenhinoedd.

Cafwydi sawl bloedd o ‘God Save the King’ wrth iddynt adael y Gadeirlan a cherdded heibio’r dorf, ble diolchodd y Brenin i unigolion am ei groe sawu i Gymru.

Mewn araith i Senedd Cym

ru, Dywedodd y Brenin Charles III fod gan Gymru ‘lle arbennig’ yng nghalon y Frenhines wrth iddo draddodi araith yn Gym raeg ar ei ymweliad cyntaf fel Brenin. Ychwanegodd “Fel fy mam annwyl o’m blaen, rwy’n gwybod ein bod ni oll yn caru’r wlad arbennig hon”. Mewn araith ddwyieithog i’r Senedd, diolchodd y Brenin am eiriau caredig y cyhoedd gan ychwanegu mai braint fawr oedd bod yn Dywysog Cymru. Dywedodd Charles, bod gan y Tywysog William a gafodd ei benodi’n Dywysog Cymru’r wythnosau diwethaf, “cariad dwfn” at y genedl.

Wnaeth Llywydd y Senedd, Elin Jones, estyn cydymdeim lad i’r Brenin a’i deulu wedi marwolaeth y Frenhines. Yn ei araith, Dywedodd Ms Jones ei bod hi’n gobeithio y byddai’r “berthynas fodern rhwng y wlad hon, y Senedd hon, a’r Teulu Br

enhinol wedi’i gwreiddio mewn parch”. Dywedodd bod y Fr enhines ers dechrau datganoli ym 1999 wedi parchu’r Senedd oherwydd ei bod yn parchu dewisiadau democrataidd pobl Cymru.

Er y gymeradwyaeth cafodd y pâr benhinol wrth adael y Senedd, cafwyd bloedd o wrth wynebiad gan unigolion.

Wedi’r cyfarfodydd preifat yng Nghastell Caerdydd gyda Mark Drakeford, Elin Jones, arweinwyr crefyddol a chyn rychiolwyr elusennau cafwyd y cyfle i gwrdd â rhai o’r can noedd o bobl a gafodd fynedi ad i’r castell.

Er hyn, nid oedd pawb o blith y dorf yno i gefnogi. Cafwyd gwrthwynebiad i’r pâr Brenhinol wrth i bobl cynnal protest dawel yn erbyn y Fren hiniaeth ger Castell Caerdydd, a drefnwyd gan y cyn AS Plaid Cymru, Bethan Sayed.

TAF-OD 11

Diwrnod Owain Glyndwr: Wnaeth yr ymweliad cymryd lle ar Diwrnod Owain Glyndwr (Llun: Dan Marsah via Flickr) Millie Stacey Golygydd Taf-od Lowri Davies Golygydd Taf-od

TAF-OD Nansi Eccott

Lowri Davies Anest Williams Efa Ceiri

gairrhyddtafod@gmail.com

Megan Haf Davies Millie Stacey

Cymdeithasau Cymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd

Megan Haf Davies Golygydd Taf-od

Wrth i ni ddychwelyd i’r brifysgol a gydag Wythnos y Glas ar ein gwarthaf, fe fydd llawer ohonoch yn cychwyn ar eich taith yma ym Mhrifys gol Caerdydd. Yn ystod yr wythnosau nesaf fe fydd lliaws o deimladau ac emosiynau yn eich meddiannu.. cyffro, hapusrwydd, pry der (heb sôn am y blinder a freshers flu!) ac felly, yn naturiol, fe fydd llawer ohonoch yn edrych am ffyrdd i gymdeithasu ac i ehangu eich gorwelion er mwyn gwneud y gorau o’ch profiad.

Yma yng Nghaerdydd mae gennym gy fleoedd lu i’r rheini ag awydd i fyw bywyd myfyriwr drwy’r Gymraeg, gyda chymde ithasau adnabyddus a phoblogaidd all ddar paru adloniant heb ei ail.

Taf-od

Taf-od yw adran Gymraeg y papur newydd Gair Rhydd. Mae gennym ni dîm o bobl yn gweithio ar y papur yma er mwyn darparu’r newyddion diweddara i chi drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Ceir cyfle i gyfrannu drwy fynegi eich barn chi yn ein hadran ‘Barn y Bobl’. Yn ychwanegol gellid ysgrifennu am bwnc o’ch dewis yn yr adran ‘Pryd o Daf-od’. Nansi Ec cott yw pennaeth Taf-od eleni ac fel tîm, yr ydym yn edrych ymlaen yn arw at y flwyddyn sydd i’w ddod, ac i ddod yn gyfarwydd â by wyd myfyrwyr unwaith eto, ar ôl beth sydd wedi bod yn haf hir iawn.

Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg (Y Gym Gym)

Dyma gymdeithas sydd ag enw da ymysg myfyrwyr Caerdydd, boed iddynt yn fy fyrwyr gorffennol neu bresennol. Ni allech ddweud eich bod wedi profi bywyd Cymreig Caerdydd heb fod yn rhan o’r gymdeithas ganolog yma. Byddai llawer yn dweud mai bod yn rhan o’r GymGym oedd uchafbwynt eu hamser yn y brifysgol — yn sicr, byddwn i’n cytuno hyd yn hyn.

Wrth fod yn rhan o’r Gymdeithas Gymraeg gellid cymryd rhan o fewn Eisteddfod rynggolegol, gystadleuol iawn yn erbyn prifys golion eraill. Mae’r ‘Eisteddfod ryng-gol’ yn newid lleoliad bob blwyddyn ac felly dyma gyfle i fanteisio arno er mwyn cymdeithasu tu hwnt i gorneli Caerdydd. Os oes awydd gennych fynd ymhellach eto, maent yn cyn nal teithiau i Ddulyn ac i Gaeredin yn ystod adeg y Chwe Gwlad yn flynyddol. Heb ang hofio, wrth gwrs y ‘crôls’ llawn chwerthin a mwynhau! O blith y cyfleuoedd uchod nid yw’n syndod mai hon yw un o’r cymdeithasau mwyaf y Brifysgol o ran niferoedd.

Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal

Buais i’n ffodus fy hun i fod yn rhan o Ael wyd y Waun Ddyfal y llynedd ac felly anogaf i bob un a’i ffrind i ymuno â’r côr cymdeithasol yma. Yn flynyddol, bu Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal yn cystadlu yn yr Eisteddfod a hefyd yn yr ŵyl gerdd dant. Nid yw’n gyfrinach fod enw parchus gyda’r côr ac fe fu’n fuddugol ar sawl achlysur yn y cystadlaethau hyn. Yn ogystal â chystadlu, cynhelir cyngherddau Nadolig,

‘sosials’ a cheir cyfle i deithio ar hyd a lled y wlad gyda’ch ffrindiau. Mae’n gyfle perffaith i gwrdd â phobl gyda’r un diddordebau sydd gennych chi!

Heledd Evans yw Cadeirydd y côr am y fl wyddyn sydd i’w ddod, heb amheuaeth fydd hi’n flwyddyn llawn digwyddiadau cyffrous a llwyddiannus.

Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd (UMCC)

Dyma’r cysylltiad rhwng yr Undeb My fyrwyr ei hun, a myfyrwyr a chymdeithasau Cymraeg y Brifysgol. Deio Owen yw Llywydd UMCC eleni. Yn Nhachwedd 2021 roedd pleidlais yn yr Undeb Myfyrwyr dros gael Swyddog Gymraeg llawn amser i Gaerdydd, roedd hi’n braf gweld pawb yn dod at ei gi lydd i gefnogi’r achos. Cytunwyd Bwrdd Ymddiriedolwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd i gyn nal Swyddog llawn amser ar gyfer y Gym raeg am y flwyddyn 2023/2024 ac felly Deio fydd Swyddog y Gymraeg olaf i wneud y rôl yn rhan-amser. Wrth ystyried hynny mae’n flwyddyn fawr i’r UMCC heb amheuaeth. Maent yn hyrwyddo’r Gymraeg o fewn y Bri fysgol ac yn sicrhau fod y myfyrwyr Cymraeg yn gallu lleisio eu barn. Cadwch lygad allan am y lliaws o ddigwyddiadau fydd yn cael eu cynnal a cheisiwch ddod i gymryd rhan!

Cyfryngau Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd (CMCC)

Gyda’r tyfiant o fewn defnydd y cyfryngau yn ein cymdeithas fodern, gwelwn dyfiant hefyd o fewn llwyddiant Cyfryngau Myfyrw

Pwyllgor y Gym Gym 2022

yr Cymraeg Caerdydd. Wrth i’r blynyddoedd mynd yn eu blaen mae’r nifer o fyfyrwyr cyfryngau a newyddiaduraeth yn cynyddu. Os oes diddordeb gennych chi yn yr uchod, dyma’r lle i chi!

Mae gennym orsaf radio Cymraeg o’r enw Xpress Radio a cheir cyfle i gynhyrchu a chy flwyno ar y radio yma os oes awydd gennych. O sioeau radio i bodlediadau, mae rhywbeth at ddant bawb!

I ychwanegu at hyn, mae cyfleoedd he fyd ar gael i gyflwyno ar gyfer CUTV, sianel deledu’r brifysgol. Dyma siawns arbennig i ehangu eich sgiliau o fewn y byd cyfryngol ac i ennill profiad fydd o ddefnydd i chi ar eich ‘CV’…. neu gallech chi ymuno’n syml i fod yn rhan o’r hwyl!

Clwb y Mynydd Bychan

I’r bobl sydd yn dilyn cyrsiau meddygol neu o fewn gofal iechyd, dyma’r gymdeithas i chi. Yn ôl gwefan yr Undeb, nod y Gym deithas yw i “gynnal sesiynau rheolaidd i’w aelodau er mwyn galluogi nhw i gwrdd â chyd-fyfyrwyr a doctoriaid sydd hefyd yn si arad Cymraeg”. Mae’r gymdeithas yn trefnu digwyddiadau megis sesiynau adolygu, ‘so sials’ a darlithoedd gyda siaradwyr gwadd. Dyma gymdeithas sy’n croesawu siaradwyr Cymraeg a dysgwyr hefyd!

Ewch i wefan yr Undeb Myfyrwyr am fwy o wybodaeth ar y cymdeithasau uchod. Anogaf i chi fanteisio ar y cyfle i fod yn rhan ohonynt er mwyn cael y gorau allan o’ch profiad yma yng Nghaerdydd. Ac yn bwysicach oll, joiwch bob eiliad!

Nansi Eccott Pennaeth Taf-od

Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg, neu’r ‘Gym Gym’, yw un o gymdeithasau mwyaf Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd ac yn adnabyddus am grôls gwyllt ac amryw dripiau.

Mae’r Gymdeithas yn ganolbwynt cymdeith asol i fyfyrwyr sy’n siarad a dysgu’r Gymraeg yn y brifddinas. Maent yn gyfrifol am gynnal nifer o uchafbwyntiau’r flwyddyn academaidd gan gynnwys taith chwe gwlad i Gaeredin neu Ddulyn; y Ddawns Fawreddog; yr Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol; twrnameintiau chwaraeon, a mwy!

Wedi’u hethol yn ddiweddar, mae’r pwyll gor newydd (o ferched!) yn awchus i ddechrau arni. Gadewch i ni glywed oddi wrthynt.

Elan Jones

Helo i chi gyd! Elan Jones o Gwmann sydd ‘ma a fi yw Llywydd y GymGym eleni! Fel un

sy’n astudio’r Gymraeg yn fy ail flwyddyn, dwi’n dwli ar y GymGym a’r brifddinas. Dwi mor gyf frous i fod yn rhan o’r pwyllgor eleni gan fod y GymGym yn rhoi’r cyfle i gymdeithasu, yfed a joio drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg ac wir wedi gwneud fy mlwyddyn gynta’ yn y brifysgol yn fythgofiadwy; gyda diolch enfawr i’r pwyllgor llynedd. Dwi’n edrych ‘mlaen at drefnu’r holl ‘crôls’ a’r digwyddiadau gyda chriw o bobl grêt ac yn bwysicaf oll, sicrhau bod pawb yn cael blwyddyn llawn laffs! Manteisiwch ar bob cy fle, cymdeithaswch, a pheidiwch byth â dweud na i shot fach am ddim! Gobeithio bydd pawb yn joio mas draw - edrych ‘mlaen i weld chi cyn bo hir!

Catrin Edith

Haiaaaa! Catrin dwi, a fi fydd Is-lywydd y GymGym eleni! Dwi’n astudio Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth, ac yn dod o Sir Fôn, ia, fi ydi’r unig gog ar y pwyllgor, ond peidiwch â phoeni dachi mewn dwylo saff, dwi’n meddwl! Dwi wir yn edrych ‘mlaen at y flwyddyn sydd

i ddod, dani’n gobeithio gwneud y flwyddyn mor hwyl a fedrwn ni i’r aelodau i gyd! Top tip, gwnewch n siwr bod chi’n dod i crôls y Gym Gym, ne fydd Glain yn dod ar ôl chi… Edrych mlaen gweld pawb a chyfarfod aelodau newydd n fuan!

Beca Dalis

Heia, fi yw Beca sef ysgrifenyddes y Gym Gym y flwyddyn yma a dwi ffaelu aros i ddechrau ar y gwaith! Dwi’n astudio Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth ac yn dod o bentref Lland darog sy’ ddim yn bell o Gaerfyrddin. Edrychaf ymlaen at drefnu’r crôls a gweld gwynebau hen a newydd y gymdeithas wrth fwynhau gyda’n gilydd. Gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod chi fyfyrwyr y glas yn ymdaflu eich hun i holl weithgareddau’r GymGym, boed ar lwyfan Ei steddfod Ryng-gol, y chwaraeon ac wrth gwrs drwy fynychu’r crôls i gyd! Eleni am y tro cyn taf erioed yn hanes y GymGym mae’r pwyll gor yn dîm o ferched i gyd, a dwi methu aros i rannu ein syniadau gyda chi. Wela’i chi cyn hir!

Helo, fi yw Glain, dw i’n astudio’r gyfraith a fi yw trysorydd y GymGym eleni. Dw i wedi dwli bod yn rhan o’r GymGym flwyddyn ddi wethaf, ac yn disgwyl ymlaen i bob digwyddiad eleni. Blwyddyn llawn o gymdeithasu, yfed a drygioni oedd hi llynedd a dw i’n edrych ‘mlaen at wneud yr un peth eto eleni. Dw i’n edrych ymlaen at gwrdd â phobl newydd ac i weld bron pawb o’r GymGym eto ;) Plis cymer wch bob cyfle i ymuno â ni eleni, dw i’n siwr gewn ni lawer iawn o hwyl!

Cewch gyfle i ymuno â thimau chwaraeon y Gym Gym gyda’r capteiniaid Nico Clwyd (pêldroed), Huw Gwyn (rygbi) ac Ela Davies (pêlrwyd) wrth y llyw.

Dilynwch @ygymgym am fwy o wybodaeth.

Glain Olwen

12 TAF-OD

Sut i arbed arian mewn argyfwng costau byw

Efa Ceiri

Golygydd Taf-od

Ar ddechrau tymor newydd i fyfyrwyr, mae’r argyfwng costau byw yn golygu y bydd yn rhaid i ni gyd fod yn ofalus dros y misoedd nesaf. Gyda chynnydd mewn biliau ynni yn yr Hydref a’r Gaeaf o’n blaenau, fe all fod yn gy fnod pryderus i nifer. Felly sut mae arbed arian ar adeg fel hon?

Dyma ambell awgrym i chi fyfyrwyr i sicrhau fod gennych ddigon o arian ar gyfer eich holl hanfodion drwy gydol y semester, ac nid wythnos y glas yn unig.

Fe allwch ddechrau drwy gynl lunio yn ofalus o flaen llaw,

Cofiwch fod gostyn giadau ar gael i fyfyrwyr gyda’r apiau ‘Unidays’ a ‘Student Beans’”

gan osod cyllideb wythnosol yn seiliedig ar yr hyn yr ydych yn debygol o’i wario. Meddyliwch am gyfanswm yr ydych yn hapus i’w wario yn wythnosol ar fwyd, alcohol a nosweithiau allan er enghraifft.

Cofiwch fod gostyngiadau ar gael i fyfyrwyr gyda’r apiau ‘Unidays’ a ‘Student Beans’ sy’n cynnig bargeinion a chyfleoedd i arbed arian ar amrywiaeth o bethau gwahanol, megis cwm nïau fel ASOS, Microsoft, JD a Dominos.

Fe allwch ail ystyried os yw’r cyfrif banc sydd gennych yn addas i fyfyrwyr yn ystod argyfwng costau byw, gyda sawl cwmni cyfrifon banc yn cynnig amrywiaeth o fantei sion gwahanol. NatWest yw’r cwmni banc sydd yn cynnig un o’r gorddrafftiau mwyaf ar gyfer myfyrwyr blwyddyn gyntaf eleni. Mae’r cwmni Santander

yn cynnig bargen sydd yn cyn nwys tocyn pedair blynedd ‘Railcard’ 16-25 oed sydd werth £100. Mae modd arbed llawer o arian wrth deithio gyda thocyn ‘Railcard’, yn enwedig os ydych yn bwriadu teithio o’r Go gledd ar gyfer eich cyfnod yn y Brifysgol. Argymhellir y cwmni banc ‘Monzo’ i fyfyrwyr gan fod modd ichi gyllidebu’n well drwy gadw golwg ar wahanol fathau o wariant.

Mae’n bosib arbed arian drwy brynu llyfrau ail-law i gyd-fynd â’ch cwrs. Mae nifer o gyn-fy fyrwyr yn gwerthu hen lyfrau yn aml, felly mae’n werth edrych o gwmpas neu holi rhywun sydd wedi gwneud yr un radd â chi. Fe allwch hefyd edrych os yw’r llyfrau ar gael i’w benthyg o’r llyfrgell er mwyn peidio gorfod gwario arian o gwbl! Meddyliwch am ffyrdd y gallech leihau eich defnydd o ynni, er

Argymhellir y cwmni banc ‘Monzo’ i fyfyr wyr gan fod modd ichi gyllidebu’n well drwy gadw golwg ar wahanol fathau o wariant”

mwyn lleihau eich biliau’r Gaeaf hwn.

Ystyriwch os oes modd ichi goginio ar y cyd gyda’ch ffrindi au neu rannu’r nwyddau coginio yr ydych yn bwriadu eu defny ddio. Cofiwch hefyd i wneud y pethau syml, megis sicrhau fod y goleuadau i ffwrdd pan nad oes eu hangen, ac i beidio a treulio gormod o amser yn y gawod neu’r bath.

Mae’n bosib arbed arian drwy brynu llyfrau ail-law i gyd-fynd â’ch cwrs. ”

Pryd o Dafod Deio Owen

Deio dwi a fi fydd Swyddog y Gymraeg UMPC eleni, yr olaf o’i fath yn dilyn ein llwyddiant llynedd i sicrhau dyfo diad rôl llawn amser i’r gwaith hwn, drwy greadigaeth rôl Is Lywydd Iaith, Diwylliant a Chymuned Gym raeg. Bydd y rôl hon yn dechrau yn swyddogol fis Gorffennaf 2023 gyda’r Is-lywydd cyntaf i’w ethol ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd i gael cyfri foldeb am yr Iaith fis Mawrth yr un flwyddyn. Er yr aros, mae’r gwaith ynglŷn â sicrhau dyfodiad llwyddi annus i’r Is-lywydd cyntaf yn barod wedi dechrau a bydd diweddariadau yn cael eu gwneud psn fo angen. Yn y cyfamser, fi fydd Swyddog y Gymraeg rhan amser olaf erioed Pri fysgol Caerdydd drwy lwc ac o hynny, fi sydd yn cael y fraint o sicrhau symu diad hawdd rhwng y 2 rôl. Eleni, byddaf yn sicrhau bod hawliau siaradwyr y Gymraeg yn cael eu gwarchod ac yn cael eu hyrwyddo, gan wneud yn siŵr

bod Siaradwyr Cymraeg yn gallu byw bywyd ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd ym mha bynnag iaith maent yn ei ddewis. Wrth gwrs, nid ymgymryd â rôl hed dwas iaith yw’r nod gan fy mod yn gobeithio dechrau trafodaethau am gynyddu arlwy academaidd y Brifysgol drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn ogystal â chynyddu cyfleoedd allgyrsiol a chym deithasol i siaradwyr hen a newydd gan ffurfio cymdeithas yng Nghaerdydd i siaradwyr Cymraeg newydd, ar ba byn nag lefel maent ar eu taith i ddysgu’r Gymraeg.

Hefyd, byddaf yn mynd a swyddo gion sabothol yr Undeb Myfyrwyr ar daith eleni o amgylch Undebau My fyrwyr Cymraeg Cymru, gan deithio drwy Abertawe, Aberystwyth a gorffen adra yn y Gogledd gan ymweld â Ban gor. Bydd y daith hon yn gyfle gwych i ddangos i swyddogion yr Undeb a’r staff yma yng Nghaerdydd beth sydd eisoes wedi ei gyflawni gan Undebau Myfyrwyr Cymraeg a’u llywyddian

nau gan ddangos yr hyn mae Caerdydd wedi ei golli dros y blynyddoedd. Bydd y daith hon hefyd yn gyfle i gryfhau ein perthynas hefo’r undebau eraill ac i gael ambell i ddarn o gyngor gan Fangor ar sut i guro Aberystwyth yn yr Eistedd fod Ryng-gol.

Wrth gwrs, yn rhinwedd fy swydd fel Swyddog y Gymraeg, mae gen i gy frifoldeb o gynrychioli myfyrwyr Cym raeg y Brifysgol ac o hynny yn cymryd y cyfrifoldeb hwnnw o ddifrif, ac os hof fech godi unrhyw fater, boed yn fach neu fawr, fyddai wastad yma i wrando ac i helpu mewn unrhyw ffordd. Cy sylltwch â mi drwy ba bynnag fodd yw’r hawsa’ gyda chi, unai ar e-bost i swyddogygymraeg@caerdydd.ac.uk, ar y cyfryngau cymdeithasol @swyddogy gymraegumc Instagram, Twitter a Fa cebook, neu dewch o hyd imi yn Clwb ar nos Sadwrn. Dwi wir yn edrych ym laen at weld beth allwn ei gyflawni fel cymuned Cymraeg yng Nghaerdydd ac yn edrych ymlaen at weld yr holl

Trafod gyda’r Taf-od

Betsan Campbell

Beth wyt ti’n astudio ac i le wyt ti’n dod?

Dwi’n astudio Gwleidyddia eth a hanes fodern, ac yn dod o Landeilo yn Sir Gaerfyrddin.

Vodka neu Gin?

Bendant gin! Rhubarb and gin ger yw fy ffefryn!

Beth yw dy farn amhoblogaidd? Ma’ pitsa yn afiach!

Oes gen ti unrhyw arferion

drwg?

Sdim synnwyr cyffredin ‘da fi felly fi’n aml yn dod mas â sylwa dau sili heb feddwl.

Hoff albwm?

Fi yn hoffi gwrando ar albwn Lewis Capaldi ar y funud - Di vinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent.

Beth wyt ti’n edrych ymlaen at wneud eleni?

Fi ffili aros ar gyfer crôls y Gym

gym, ‘di clywed lot amdanyn nhw!!

Hoff jôc?

Beth wedodd y goleuadau traffig wrth y car? …Paid edrych fi’n newid!

Sut wyt ti’n gwella hangover?

Cysgu lot, gwylio Friends, a sawl paned o de.

Beth oedd y ffilm ddiwethaf i ti ei gwylio?

wynebau newydd fydd yn ymuno hefo ni eleni, gwnewch y mwyaf o’ch cyfnod yma yng Nghaerdydd!

Barn Y BoblSut ydych chi’n teimlo wrth ddechrau blwyddyn academaidd yn ystod argyfwng costau byw?

Elan Jones Blwyddyn 2- Cymraeg

Rwy’n hynod gyffrous wrth baratoi ar gyfer fy ail flwyddyn yn y Brifysgol. Ond er y cyffro, mae yna bryderon hefyd gyda’r holl sôn am y cynnydd mewn costau byw ac o brofiad person ol, mae’n anodd iawn rheoli arian fel myfyriwr beth bynnag, heb sôn am y pryderon ariannol ychwanegol. Eleni am y tro cyntaf, byddaf yn byw gyda fy ffrindiau mewn tŷ yn y ddinas ac o gan lyniad felly bydd angen cynilo’n ofalus er mwyn talu’r rhent, biliau, bwyd heb sôn am fywyd cymdeithasol. Yn sicr, fe fydd hi’n anodd rhagfynegi costau’r biliau misol oherwydd bydd y rhain yn amrywio. Rwy’n ffodus tu hwnt bod gennyf waith yn achlysurol ac yn ogys tal, fe fyddaf yn manteisio ar unrhyw gyfle o dderbyn gwaith arall nid yn unig er mwyn ehangu profiadau ond er mwyn helpu’r cyfrif banc!

Llio Owen Blwyddyn 3- Cymraeg

Eleni, byddaf yn sicrhau bod hawliau siaradwyr y Gymraeg yn cael eu gwar chod ac yn cael eu hyr wyddo, .”

Wrth i’r flwyddyn academaidd brysur agosáu, rwyf yn bryderus iawn wrth feddwl mai hon yw fy mlwyddyn olaf fel myfyriwr yn y Brifysgol. Wrth bendroni am fywyd ar ôl y Brifysgol, mae pryderon eraill yn codi’r flwyddyn hon sef y cynnydd mewn costau byw. Yn ystod fy mlwyddyn olaf rwyf eisiau gwneud y gorau allan o bob cyfle mae’r brifysgol a Chaerdydd yn ei chynnig. Er hyn gyda chostau rent, biliau, bwyd a nosweithiau allan yn cynyddu, credaf fydd rhaid cymryd golwg gwahanol y flwyddyn yma er mwyn cynilo a defny ddio fy arian yn strategol. Rwyf wedi derbyn profiad a chyfrifoldeb o orfod talu biliau yn fy ail flwyddyn. Credaf fod y profiad yn cynnig troed blaen i mi o fedru trefnu a chynilo fy arian gan ddarganfod balans rhwng talu biliau a defnyddio’r arian yn gymdeithasol. Gob eithio ni fydd bob bore Sul yn drwm o weld rhifau’r cyfrif banc wedi gostwng o noson feddwol Nos Sadwrn.

Lowri Green Blwyddyn 3- Y Gyfarith a’r Gymraeg

Es i wylio’r ffilm ‘Elvis’ yn y sin ema a odd e’n hollol amazing!

Hoff gân carioci?

Got to be ‘Before he cheats’ gan Carrie Underwood.

Pwy yw dy seleb crush? Joey Essex!!!

Pwy fydd yn trafod gyda’r Taf-od wythnos nesaf?

Betsan Elias

Wrth i’r flwyddyn academaidd nesáu rwy’n ysu i fod nôl yn y brifd dinas a phrofi bywyd myfyriwr yn ei grynswth. Yn sicr nid yw pryderon ariannol yn ddieithr i fyfyrwyr ond eleni yn fwy nag arfer, bydd angen bod yn hynod graff yn sgil yr argyfwng cos tau byw. Does dim amheuaeth gennyf y bydd hyn yn her yn enwedig wrth gydbwyso’r cynnydd sylweddol mewn rhent, biliau a’r bywyd cymdeithasol delfrydol.Rwyf wedi bod yn gyndyn o gael gwaith yn ystod y tymor acade maidd yn y gorffennol rhag iddo gael effaith negyddol ar fy ngwaith Prifys gol er rwy’n rhagdybio y bydd yn rhaid eleni er mwyn imi allu cynnal fy hun a chynilo’n ogystal. Mater o weld sut eith yn ystod yr wythnosau cyntaf fyddi a mynd o fanno!

Mae Efa Ceiri efo cyngor ar sut i wneud eich arian para yn ystod y cyfnod anodd hon.

TAF-OD 13

SCIENCE

NASA to launch Artemis Space Program

NASA looks to increase inclusivity within space exploration with its latest program

Haris Husnain Review Editor

Apple announce new products

Edward Sutton Science and Tech Editor

On7th September, Apple an nounced a swathe of new products; most notably the new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro. These new phones have a similar design to last year’s phones with added improve ments to the camera and display. In a departure from previous years, the newest chip is only in the Pro models of the 14, leaving the regular 14 and new bigger 14 Plus with last year’s A15 Bionic chip. The 14 Pro and Pro Max have a new pill-shaped display cut-out (dubbed the Dynamic Island) which allows for new animations when you get a phone call or listen to music. With the UK experiencing 40year inflation high – the starting price for all iPhone models is increasing by £50-£100.

Three new Apple Watch models were also announced, the Series 8, a new SE model and the brand-new Ap ple Watch Ultra. The Ultra is a rug ged new product made for endurance sports. With a new design, features, and straps – the Ultra can withstand 100m depths, freezing cold tempera tures and can last 2 ½ days on a single charge. This push into high intensity sports is a clear shift to try and claim market share from Garmin, who are the current leader in endurance weara bles. With a hefty £850 price tag this watch isn’t for the average user, but for some people - this is the watch they have been waiting for. A new model of AirPod’s Pro was also announced with better noise cancelling and a larger bat tery.

Quietly announced during the event was the new ability to sign up to Ap ple Fitness+ with just an iPhone, hav ing previously needed an Apple Watch to sign up. As the iPhone market be comes more mature, it is increasingly clear that Apple is trying to bolster its ever-growing services revenue to di versify its earnings away from an over reliance on iPhone sales - which still make up almost half of their earnings.

NASA’s

Artemus program aims to create a stronger presence of astronauts on the moon. This program will be a development from it’s predecessor the APOLLO pro gram from 1969. Both programs have been inspired by Greek Mythology. Ar temus is the wild Goddess of the moon emphasising NASA’s ambition and goal to establish a foothold on the moon.

The Artemus project will also use technology from Elon Musk’s SpaceX to create a gateway to and from the lu nar surface. The project has brought together both private and commercial aerospace entities who share the same goal of establishing a permanent base on the moon (on the moon?). This base and the cooperation of the world’s aerospace companies will set up the foundation to undertake journeys to Mars.

Although space rovers and other sat ellites have brought us images and infor

mation regarding the planet, we have yet to explore it. The program will run for a decade with many of the moon missions being similar to previous APOLLO mis sions. The first few years will consist of testing rockets and other technology be fore a permanent base is established on the moon.

NASA astronaut Steven Swanson has talked about the importance of the pro ject in SpaceX’s sister publication ‘How it works’ magazine.

He said, “The real goal is Mars. And we will use the moon as a testbed be cause Mars is a very difficult mission”,. Back in 2020, Swanson said. “It’s going

Floating leaves to convert sunlight into fuel

to take almost three years, and you can’t come home early on a Mars mission. It’s a seven or eight-month journey to get there and you have to wait 15 months there for the planets to align correctly again before you return.”

Another goal of the program is to be more inclusive by putting the first wom an on the moon. Jim Bridenstine, the space agency’s administrator has stated that, “I have a daughter who is 11 years old, and I want her to be able to see her self in the same role as the next women [who] go to the moon see themselves in today,”.

Overall, the program will be a big highlight of the 21st century with its ambitious goals and inclusive ethos which will go on to inspire the next gen eration.

I have a daughter who is 11 years old, and I want her to be able to see herself in the same role as the next women [who] go to the moon”

Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator

Aditi Kallanagoudar Girish writes about the reveloutionairy new alternative to fossil fuels

Aditi Kallanagoudar Girish Sciene and Tech Editor

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have designed a lightweight device that can float on water and convert light to fuel using solar technology. This flex ible device is ultra-thin at only 1 mm thick and acts almost like a leaf. Study lead Professor Erwin Reisner has said that this device which floats on wa ter could eventually go “almost any where.”

Mankind has now been using fos sil fuels for over 150 years (comma) which not only means they will in evitably run out with time as they are non-renewable sources (comma) but also that these sources of energy have had can catalyse adverse environmen tal impacts. The greenhouse gases that are produced when these fuels are

burned trap heat in the atmosphere (comma) which has caused the overall temperature of the earth to rise drasti cally over the years.

These worrying impacts of climate change have caused humans to look for cleaner, greener sources of energy such as solar power, wind power, hy dropower, geothermal energy and bio fuels. However, one of the problems with these energy sources has been the fact that their generators take up to 1000 times more space than fossil fuel energy generators. The solar leaves are designed to move renewable energy production to open water (comma) which would mean that clean energy and land use wouldn’t have to compete with each other.

The solar leaves use energy from sunlight to stimulate chemical reac tions that produce fuel, working quite differently to the solar panels which

are increasingly being adopted for do mestic usage. The roof-top solar pan els use photovoltaic cells to generate electricity from sunlight; however, the leaves contain solar fuel cells which basically emulates photosynthesis, the process by which plant leaves convert sunlight into food.

The prototype of this solar leaf is a massive step up from the Cambridge team’s previous creation which was an artificial leaf that made syngas, which is a type of fuel used to produce the chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The old leaf previous model, which was created in 2019 was bulky, heavy and not waterproof.

“We wanted to see how far we can trim down the materials these de vices use, while not affecting their performance. If we can trim the ma terials down far enough that they’re light enough to float, then it opens up

whole new ways that these artificial leaves could be used.” says Reisner. The researchers used perovskites, which are materials that can both cap ture energy from light and be coated onto flexible plastic and thin-film met al oxides to create these ‘leaves’ which floated successfully on the river Cam. Further tests showed that the leaves can split water into hydrogen and oxy gen as well as reduce carbon dioxide to syngas.

While the leaves aren’t quite ready for commercial use as the team is still working on methods to collect the gas bubbles from the leaf, it is still a big breakthrough. Dr. Virgil Andrei, colead author of the paper has described it as an “early step” to upscaling clean energy production technology.

Droughts hit large parts of the UK over summer months

Caitlin Rider Contributor

Following the driest summer for fifty years, the National Drought Group have declared a drought across many parts of Eng land. The areas decided by the En vironment Agency are Devon and Cornwall, the East Midlands, East Anglia, Solent and south Downs, Kent and South London, Herts and north London, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, and Thames.

So far, rainfall totals have been below average for five months con secutively across all regions in Eng land. In the first three months this year the rainfall in England was 26% lower than normal and in Wales it was down by 22%. The impact of this has been further intensified by above

average temperatures with Conings by, Lincolnshire reaching the highest temperature ever recorded in this country (40.3°C) on the 19th of July 2022.

With total rainfall being 0% in the south east and south west of Eng land, river flow data has revealed that around 90% of measuring sites showed below average readings and 29% were classed as being exception ally low. In some sites these levels were reached before summer started due to the dry beginning of the year. Similarly, reservoirs at the end of July were at 65% of normal capac ity which is the lowest level reached in July since 1995. The situation has been worsened by the overuse of un derground water sources with the government claiming over a quar ter of these are being depleted more

than necessary.

Many places have seen hosepipe bans implemented. So far, they have been put in place by Southern Wa ter, South East Water, Welsh Water, Yorkshire Water and Thames Water. The drought has led to worries about England’s food security with half of potato crops being expected to fail and a loss of 10-50% expected in crops such as carrots, apples, sugar beet, onions, and hops. Some farm ers are having to use winter feed for their livestock due to lack of grass and NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw called it “hugely challeng ing’.

This year it has been predicted that the dry summer will be followed by an unusually arid autumn mean ing the usual replenishment of wa ter will not occur. Catherine Sefton,

a hydrologist at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, stated that “a continuation of below average rainfall into a second winter would likely result in serious hydrological and environmental drought”. Ex perts claim these warm conditions will occur more frequently due to our warming climate. It has not yet been determined whether this year’s drought was due to climate change. However the last drought in 2018 was declared by the Met Office to have been made 30 times more likely by climate change.

So far, rainfall totals have been below average for five months consecu tively across all regions

14 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Making History: With Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. Source: NASA HQ PHOTOS (via Flickr) Aditi Kallanagoudar Girish Edward Sutton

NASA’s Artemus program aims to create a stronger presence of astronauts on the moon.”

in England ”

gairrhyddscience@gmail.com

FEATURES

CYFARFOD Y TÎM 15 Contact ‘Features’ via email at: gairrhyddfeatures@gmail.com Contact ‘Comment’ via email at: gairrhyddcomment22@gmail. Contact the Editor-in-Chief via email at: gairrhyddeic@gmail.com Contact ‘News’ via email at: gairrhyddnews@gmail.com

NEWS COMMENT EDITORIAL Beth Alaw Williams Editor-in-Chief Jasmine Jones Deputy Editor Katherine Seymour Deputy Editor George Symonds Head of News Shivika Singh News Editor Lowri Powell News Editor Luis

Atkinson

News Editor

Jasmine Edge

Head of Features

Ruhaab Khalid

Features Editor Jasmine Edge Deputy Editor

Clelia Frondaroli

Head of Comment

Frances Marsh

Comment Editor Evan

Johnson-Charteris

Comment Editor

Beca Dalis

News Editor

Grace Robson

Features Editor Nansi Eccott Deputy Editor POLITICS Katherine Seymour Head of Politics

Francesca

Ionescu Political Editor Jade Heath Political Editor JOIN THE TEAM If you would like to be part of Gair Rhydd, Cardiff University’s award-winning student newspaper, send an inquiries to: ‘gairrhyddeic@gmail.com Contact ‘Politics’ via email at: gairrhyddpolitics@gmail. Os hoffwch chi fod yn rhan o Gair Rhydd, papur newydd Prifysgol Caerdydd, gyrrwch ymholiadau i: ‘gairrhyddeic@gmail.com Meet the Gair Rhydd Editorial Team 2022/2023 Cyfarfod â Thîm Gair Rhydd 2022/2023

Meet the Gair Rhydd Editorial Team

From

16 MEET THE TEAM Contact ‘Advice’ via email at: gairrhyddadvice@gmail.com Cysylltwch â ‘Taf-od’ trwy e-bost: gairrhyddtafod@gmail.com Direct any ‘Copy’ inquiries to: gairrhyddeic@gmail.com TAF-OD COPY ADVICE

Megan

Shinner Head of Advice

Lucy

Matthews Advice Editor Shaniece O’Keefe Advice Editor

Anest

Williams Golygydd Tafod Efa Ceiri Golygydd Tafod

Nansi

Eccott Pennaeth Tafod Lowri Davies Golygydd Tafod

Alanya Smith

Copy Editor

Charlotte Grant

Copy Editor

Claudia Titcome Copy Editor Efa

Prydderch Copy Editor

Elliw Williams

Copy Editor

Lois Campbell

Copy Editor

Lily Barry

Copy Editor

Megan

Haf Davies Golygydd Tafod Millie

Stacey

Golygydd Tafod

Alys Mai Walters

Copy Editor Contact ‘Review’ via email at: gairrhyddreview@gmail.com

Billy

Edwards Review Editor Haris Hussnain Review Editor REVIEW

Alice Moore

Head of Review

2022/2023

all of us here at Gair Rhydd, we’re pleased to introduce you to our new Editorial Team this year:

SOCIAL MEDIA Jack Darlington Social Media Editor Harris Hussnain Social Media Editor Emily Smith Head of Digital Contact Socials via email at: gairrhyddsocials@gmail.com Contact ‘Sport’ via email at: gairrhyddsport@gmail.com SPORT Jasmine Jones Head of Sport Ryan Harris Jewell Sport Editor Eloise Martin Sport Editor Contact ‘Science’ via email at: gairrhyddscience@gmail.com SCIENCE & TECH Aditi Kallanagoudar Girish Science Editor Edward Sutton Science Editor COPY Katie

Bowen

Copy Editor Masie Granger Copy Editor

Scarlett Carpenter

Copy Editor Direct any ‘Copy’ inquiries to: gairrhyddeic@gmail.com JOIN THE TEAM If you would like to bepart of Gair Rhydd,Cardiff award-winningUniversity’sstudent newspaper, send aninquiries to: gairrhyddeic@gmail. com Os hoffwch chi fod yn rhan o Gair Rhydd,papur newydd PrifysgolCaerdydd, gyrrwchunrhyw ymholidau i: gairrhyddeic@gmail. com CYFARFOD Y TÎM 17 Cyfarfod â Thîm Gair Rhydd 2022/2023 O bob un ohonom yma yn Gair Rhydd, rydym yn falch o’ch cyflwyno i’n Tîm Golygyddol newydd eleni:

COMMENT

Do celebrities dodge climate responsibility?

It often seems as if celebrities live in another universe, but when it comes to increasingly pressing real-world issues, can they continue to avoid responsibility?

In a recent scandal relating to the issue of climate change, it came to light that singer Taylor Swift used her private jet for 170 separate flights in 2022, attracting much disapproval. This raised questions regarding the extent to which she, and others with a celebrity status, can be excused for the undeniable impact their lifestyles present to our climate.

Of course, her team were quick to build her defense, arguing that the pop star regularly loans the jet to others, and that most of the trips could not be attributed to Taylor herself. What’s more, since Swift spends much of her time in London with British boyfriend Joe Alwyn, it seems likely that not all flights regarding her jets were the fault of Swift herself.

However, what many would ar gue is her responsibility within the issue of climate change should not be undermined, and this case high lights what is certainly indicative of a wider trend amongst A-listers.

For instance, Kylie Jenner was re cently branded a ‘climate criminal’ after it was revealed she had fre quently taken flights shorter than 20 minutes; the shortest being just

Kylie Jenner was recently branded a ‘climate criminal’ after it was revealed she had frequently taken flights shorter than 20 minutes.”

3 minutes long. Her sisters have also been partial to controversy, with Kim and Kourtney Kardashian having both been warned several times for exceeding their monthly water allowance amid the California Droughts.

The Kardashians are not alone in scandal, with over 2000 residents of the star-studded neighborhood of Calabasas also reported by the Los Angeles Times to have broken drought restrictions (with some using hundreds of thousands of gallons more water than allowed). Additionally, even celebrities who appear to have a clear conscience when it comes to climate issues can be seen to hold an uncertain record. For instance, in 2016 Leonardo Di caprio was called out for flying on a private jet whilst ironically accept ing an award for climate activism, with many arguing his actions dis played an obvious act of hypocrisy. What this demonstrated in turn, is

how out of touch he was to the real issue.

So, why are these people allowed to act as though there are no conse quences for their actions, whilst eve ryday people ditch plastic straws? It all comes down to the para-social relationships many of us hold with a celebrity.

They are held on a pedestal, un able to do any wrong in the eyes of those who follow their every move. Nobody wants to admit that their favorite singer or actor is largely contributing to the problems affect ing us all, so they simply don’t. But as uncomfortable as it is, facing up to the responsibility of celebrities sooner rather than later it vital.

The reality is that, using reusable straws and separating our recycling just isn’t cutting it in the fight to prevent our climate changing. By implementing real systemic change differences are made, and one change essential to this is holding

Kim and Kourtney Kar dashian having both been warned several times for exceeding their monthly water allowance amid the California Droughts.”

celebrities accountable for the real-world issues we face. Not only is their example influential to the people who will follow, but the impact of a public figure is vastly bigger than that of a regular person. They cannot be allowed to continue without taking responsibility, in the case of our climate it is far too ur gent to ignore.

The reality is that, using reusable straws and separat ing our recycling just isn’t cutting it in the fight to pre vent our climate changing

Roe vs Wade: a detrimental blow to women’s rights

Clelia Frondaroli Head of Comment

In 1973, the US legalised statewide abortion of up to 24 weeks under any circumstance; declar ing this supreme court ruling ‘Roe vs Wade’.

Although the first of many coun tries to do so, the establishment of Roe vs Wade in the US paved the way for women’s bodily autonomy; for the first time in history wom en had the freedom of choice on whether or not to have children.

However, since its establishment, Roe vs Wade has been plagued with controversy and debate. For in stance, it has often drawn criticisms

It is estimated that over 21 million women have lost the ability to access abortions.”

from members of religious groups who oppose the early termination of the foetus, and in June of this year the ruling was subsequently changed. After a series of campaigns against the upholding of Roe vs Wade, the supreme court chose to repeal the legislation, favouring in stead for states to create their own laws that either protect or restrict the abortion rights of women.

Three months on, the overrul ing paints a very different picture of reproductive rights for women in America. Over 13 states have completely banned abortions, with another 3 severely restricting ac cess to it. It is estimated that over 21 million women have lost the ability to access abortions. With more re strictions and laws coming in place soon, some fear that access to con traceptive medicine will be targeted next by the Supreme court. What is more, these new overruling’s have led to questions surrounding the security of reproductive rights across the western world. Although

almost all European countries cur rently offer some or complete access to abortions, several countries such as Poland and Hungary have made it increasingly difficult to obtain one. For example, governments in these

countries now require compulsory counselling sessions to determine whether women are able to receive an abortion and extra money is funded to hospitals that refuse to perform them.

some fear that access to contraceptive medicine will be targeted next by the Supreme court”

Conclusively, recent develop ments suggest the road to women’s rights and freedom of choice is not always linear. However, whilst the majority of US states (and Europe) continue to uphold access to abor tions, there is hope that the progres sion of women’s rights can only im prove from here.

Although almost all Euro pean countries currently of fer some or complete access to abortions several countries such as Poland and Hungary have made it increasingly dif ficult to obtain an abortion”

18 COMMENT

Frances Marsh Comment Editor Bad Blood: Taylor Swift used her private jet for 170 seperete flights during 2022, as she spends her time between London and the US. Source: Flickr)

Clelia Frondaroli writes on the landmark ruling in the U.S

Overwhelming whistling: After almost 50 years, Roe v Wade has been over turned by the US Supreme Court. Source: Matt Hrkac (via Flickr) Clelia Frondaroli Evan Johnson-Charteris Frances Marsh

gairrhyddcomment22@gmail.com

Are celebrities given a free pass when

it comes to bad climate habits?

Cardiff : An international student’s perspective

Megha Roy discusses what she believes Cardiff has to offer international students

Are dating apps really making it easier to find love?

Daisy Stevens Contributor Megha Roy Contributor

There is no doubt that the UK is one of the top destinations for international students seeking higher education. With stu dents from all over the world com ing to Cardiff for their education, one can understand that this place has something to offer that students are fascinated about.

As the capital of Wales, Cardiff is known for being friendly, open and inclusive, as well as offering a vari ety of international cuisines, and all major high street shops. Cardiff is a booming modern city and as an in ternational student in Cardiff, one gets an assortment of new experi ences that shapes their student life.

Having been an international stu dent in Cardiff over the past three years, I can say from my own ex periences that this place has given me memories and lessons that have shaped my growth. The first thing that captivated me about this city was the booming student life and its convenience with everything within walking distance. Furthermore, the cheerful attitude and welcoming nature of fellow students, profes

I can say from my own experiences that this place has given me memories and lessons that have shaped my growth. ”

sors and residents are what made the initial days so much easier.

On arrival here, I felt at home due to the vast cultural diversity of the city; you can easily find people from different ethnicities in Cardiff, giv ing new students from around the world an opportunity to make new friends and feel at home simultane ously. In this way, I was able to make friends from all over the world, learn about new languages and gain different perspectives on life.

Among many things I experi enced in Cardiff, the one that im pacted me the most was the social life. As an international student, I have had the opportunity to partici pate in so many new activities, such

as going ice skating during winter wonderland, and going to food fes tivals in the Bay, as well as watch ing plays at the Wales Millennium Centre. In addition to the social life here, there is the nightlife which most students, including myself, have enjoyed, from mainstream clubs to Welsh clubs, and late-night snack shops. Societies and sports clubs have also given me the opportunity to get involved in things I am passionate about such as playing tennis for my university and acting.

Moving away from the social and cultural aspects of life, I would like to share my experience of my academic life in Cardiff. One of the

The perils of a clean eating diet have negatively affected many bloggers who have been avid figures in the trend.”

key things I wished from the lo cation I went to study was the freedom to learn precisely what I wanted, and Cardiff checks that box. Universities at Cardiff offer students from across the world access to a variety of study sup port groups, student mentors, language support teams and stu dent officers that give us a voice for ourselves.

As an International student Officer, I was able to voice the dif ferent concerns of international students and found the University very receptive towards it, showing that every person studying here has an equal opportunity to share their voices.

Overall, being an international student at Cardiff has been a jour ney for me, one that I want my fel low international students to expe rience for themselves.

As an International stu dent Officer, I was able to voice the different concerns of international students and found the University very

From bedrooms to sold-out stadiums: How TikTok is changing music marketing forever

Evan Johnson-Charteris Comment Editor

Unless you have been living un der a rock, in the year 2022 everyone has heard of or uses the social media platform TikTok.

From its founding in 2019, it has amassed an incredible 1 billion us ers, as well as 2 billion downloads on the Google Play and Apple App Store. Essentially, there is no escape from the cultural juggernaut TikTok has become. This can be highlighted from the influence it has had over existing social media platforms, with Instagram, Facebook and YouTube now littered with content originating from TikTok.

From their origins as the video creating app ‘musical.ly’, it has con sistently been a platform built on the use of music, with its users creating strings of content that all incorpo rates the same audio. Combined with their seemingly genius algorithm that connects people to the content they enjoy, it has inevitably become a land of opportunity for music artists and labels to create and become viral art ists. But how exactly has the TikTok goldmine changed the music indus

try?

Firstly, a clear impact TikTok has had on the music industry is the new and constant rush to make viral sounds. With new releases amassing bigger streaming figures and a chance for viral opportunity, it is easy to see how the platform for artists has widened with the help of the app’s capabilities.

Examples of elevated streaming figures include “Home” by Tom Rosenthal (under the pseudo nym Edith Whiskers) reaching over

200,000,000 streams on Spotify alone

after TikTok virality. On the same note, old releases that are picked up as trends, such as Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) by Edison Light house reach incredible numbers of streams too (127,000,000 on Spotify at the time of writing).

Not only is this giving artists and their labels a financial reward, but it has also helped launch careers. Whereas before artists have dedicat

ed years to amassing popularity and desperately gaining exposure on old er media such as the radio, a singular TikTok teasing just a snippet of your song can currently be the catalyst in kickstarting a sell out a stadium show within months. For instance, Em Bei hold and Tai Verdes both had viral songs starting with a simple TikTok of them playing it in their bedrooms, with this then building a string of successful releases and subsequently resulting in them signing with labels owned by Sony Music.

With such inherent success there will inevitably be copycats, and this is where I believe Tiktok has had a significant impact on the music in dustry. In the effort to reach virality, it seems as if trying the same tricks has become habit. An example of this being Charlie Puth’s “Light Switch”, a song he claimed to have written from the inspiration of the sound of his light switch that later gained global top 40 charting.

Overall, TikTok’s influence on the music industry is already showing in a number of ways, and we can expect the pursuit of both “authenticity” and virality it has provided to continue in the creation of brand-new forms of content and music marketing.

T

inder, Bumble, Match.com… the number of dating apps available to us is endless. Hinge claims it is ‘designed to be deleted’, but are we ditching the apps in favour of real-life connection instead?

In 2021, a US study revealed that 90% of university students have tried a dating app. But, if you have braved the apps yourself, you will know that it’s incredibly rare to find an authen tic connection online these days.

There’s nothing easy about trawl ing through hundreds of accounts who aren’t seriously looking for love. It’s not just the catfishes you have to look out for; Tinder Insights pre sents your dating ‘stats’, which in cludes a breakdown of the number of accounts you’ve seen versus the number of accounts you’ve swiped right on. It analyses and predicts your tastes, collects your conversa tions and stores your personal in formation. There’s nothing sexy or romantic about your dating life be ing in the hands of a computer algo rithm.

In general, dating apps are getting stale and outdated. Tinder’s ratings have declined 42% over the last eight years of its existence.

The gender difference in behav iour on the app doesn’t make it any easier. Queen Mary University’s study into Tinder usage revealed that 21% of women initiate conver sation compared to 7% of men, and their opening lines were significantly shorter.

Real life connections take away this awkwardness. You can quickly gauge chemistry and the authentic ity of the connection more than you can with someone you’ve matched with online, where you may be wait ing days - or even weeks - between replies.

The beauty of the dating app, however, is that you can be clearer about your intentions than you can in real life. You can be specific about what you’re looking for, and as you swipe, the power is in your hands.

There’s a lot that the apps still get wrong. LGBT Tinder is a magnet for couples and fetishising. It doesn’t ex actly emulate the real world with its rampant ghosting and the humbling notification ‘we’ve run out of poten tial matches in your area’.

But if you have the time, patience and mental strength it takes to weed out the winners from the weirdos, dating apps remain a way to build new connections. In 2022, there are stranger ways to find love.

In 2021, a US study re vealed that 90% of university students have tried a dating app. However, dating apps are seeing a decline in popu larity.

SYLWADAU 19

Over 8,000 students travel from across the world to attend Cardiff University Source: Wikimedia Commons

“Not only is this giving artists and their labels a financial reward, but it has also helped launch careers”. Source: Andy Buckingham (via Wikimedia Commons)

ADVICE

Megan Shinner

Releasing your inner chef at university

Lucy Matthews Advice Editor

There is nothing more tragic than the inside of a univer sity student’s fridge that has made it to day twelve without a food shop. Once you’ve passed the neglected tinned tomatoes you will come across the feral red pepper that was destined to be put in a chicken korma but is now lying limp and lost at the back of the fridge.

This is not an inspiring setting to be cooking in especially if there is simply nothing edible and of source to cook with alone, and that’s why when coming to uni versity meal cooking, preparation and preserving should be an in tegral part of any student’s daily routine.

You will come to university armed with whisks, spatulas, all sorts of gadgets and gizmos that ensure the perfect shaped eggitems that are not desperately re quired to cook and eat well at uni versity. It is easy to get lost in the cooking section of any supermar ket, debating which animal shaped cooking timer you need to make the perfect meal.

A few pots and pans, alongside the odd tin opener, pair of scissors

will find yourself using once you actually start cooking, and the re maining items will lie unused in your drawer gathering dust.

you want to attempt to construct.

Scratch cooking can be more of a challenge than expected when you haven’t been guided prior by the likes of Mum and Dad. "

meal you can call your own. A trip to the supermarket doesn’t have to leave your purse and stomach empty if you buy the right ingredi ents for your introduction into the scratch cooking world, particu larly dabbling in jars of spices that can align your cupboard and add a quick and easy kick to any meal.

Budgeting when it comes to scratch cooking puts off a lot of students from getting creative in the kitchen, and so bulk buying certain foods can be cheaper and more sustainable for the future.

On top of this, using containers to place meals that you didn’t quite finish the night before saves on money and time, and means that there is no waste on top of this.

Shaniece O'Keefe gairrhyddadvice@gmail.com

We find ourselves on the final stretch of the academic year before we get to enjoy our well-deserved Summer."

Scratch cooking can be more of a challenge than expected when you haven’t been guided prior by the likes of Mum and Dad. BBC good food, Pinterest and Jamie Oliver’s cooking advice are all bril liant introductions to the world of student cooking when only armed with a chopping board and a pan. Use these for meal inspiration and

Ready-made meals are a love language that will speak to any student, especially touching the hearts and stomachs of the hun gover due to their versatility. Do not get drawn in by the practical ity of the ready meal however and let them dominate your fridge.

An easy spag bol sauce can be whipped up from chopped toma toes, cream and an onion alone, leaving you full and proud of a

A realistic timeline of making friends at University

Shaniece O'Keeffe Adivce Editor

Making friends when start ing university can be one of the most daunting ex periences that students face when entering this next stage of life. And there is usually this expectation to have to make all your friends in the first week of freshers or even the first couple of weeks at uni versity, but in my experience, this wasn’t the case.

In fact, I have made many friends throughout my 3 years of studying my undergraduate degree and I am so thankful they came into my life during those moments. My first year of university was interrupted by lockdown and keeping a close bond with friends proved difficult.

Some friends I drifted from and some I grew closer to. I was thank ful for my growing confidence in the first year which developed from this big change of moving away from home and finding my independence.

Bonding with people you spoke to for an hour at pre drinks and

Through a studentled service called buddy scheme, she helped match students feeling isolated and lonely with trained vol unteers who could help these students through difficult times. ."

Adult Acne: Despite how it may feel, living with adult acne is a far more common than most people think and, as such, you are not alone in your experiences. Source: ILO Asia-Pacific (via RawPixel)

progressing into having a lovely friendship to this day, due to the consistent coffee dates and catch ups, is something that proved to me that if you didn’t make friends with your course mates or flat mates it wasn’t the end of the world and there were still people out there ready to form beautiful friendships with.

My second year of university saw new friendships form as well as older friendships to fizzle and

this came with a bittersweet emo tion. From finishing my under graduate degree, I have been able to reflect on my own personal ex periences when it comes to mak ing friends; I was very lucky to be blessed with a great first year flat which for me was the first obsta cle to overcome when arriving at university.

A close friend of mine’s univer sity experience through friend ships, I think is the perfect exam

ple of how you turn around your situation. She did not speak with her flatmates in the first year and began to feel quite isolated. Get ting to know her towards the end of first year and really developing our friendship through second year I saw how she helped others in something she found difficult when joining university. Through a student-led service called buddy scheme, she helped match stu dents feeling isolated and lonely

An easy spag bol sauce can be whipped up from chopped tomatoes, cream and an onion alone ."

Make the most of the student services and soci eties, go to taster sessions for societies or subject based events

with trained volunteers who could help these students through diffi cult times.

Just because you may not meet people you bond with during the first few weeks in your new flat or lecture halls doesn’t mean that is going to be your situation for the entire time you are at university.

Being at Cardiff, an area which is full of students everywhere you go and a university with so many societies and opportunities to meet new people, you’ll always be able to find people in the same po sition as you.

Make the most of the student services and societies, go to taster sessions for societies or subject based events and don’t be afraid to go alone, because you never know who you will meet and what im pact they will have in your life.

20 ADVICE

Lucy Matthews shares her top tips for making sure you're eating right this academic year.

Shaniece O'Keeffe writes that there is never a traditional way to meet and make friends at university

and cooking spoon is all that you various easy-to-make dishes that Lucy Matthews The next Gordon Ramsey?': Moving to university is the perfect excuse to experi ment in the kitchen. Source: Jakub Kapusnak (via RawPixel)

A guide to meeting people at University

Lucy Matthews Advice Editor

W hen discussing university and all the trials and tribulations it will bring, one phrase reoccurs time and time again: Life-long friendships. Bonds that will nourish you for the rest of your life; we’re talking about that for ever adventure, friends who will go on to write speeches at both your wedding and your funeral. The expecta tion put on students to make the perfect group of friends is immense, and it can make the process daunting, especially if you struggle with doing so

straight away. The minute you step onto campus you will not be automatically reunited with a group of individuals who adorn you with friend ship bracelets and know your deepest darkest secrets better than yourself. Making friends is an active process, and the façade of university occa sionally sold by society as a friendship robot, turning out thousands and thousands of close-knit bonds by the year, puts extreme pressure on stu dents to do so.

The power of societies should not go understated when bringing you together with people. Not only will you be encouraged to socialise

with students just like your selves, but you are meeting people with the same inter ests, hobbies and passions as yourself. If you are a Harry Potter fanatic who enjoys bak ing yet, are afraid you won’t meet anyone with the same adoration for Dobby and des sert as yourself then have no fear! The Harry Potter and baking society is here. There is a place for all passions and people who engage in such at Cardiff and this is an au tomatic step up the ladder of meeting those just like your selves. Putting yourself out there has never been made easier thanks to the simplicity of Facebook group chats that

will give you a chance to con nect with the likes of course mates, those lost in the library and anyone who is down for a casual coffee morning.

Now don’t get me wrong, not all of these bridges of friendship are for everyone. If you are overwhelmed by the prospect of turning up to a society of fifty second and third years as an innocent fresher then you may not feel inclined to meet people in this way. The Residence Life Team will be on hand the minute you join your new halls of residence to organise drop in events and teamwork shops throughout the year. This will dissolve any nerves that you

will be the only first year in a sea of second and thirds, and will help you make connec tions with those on campus with you. On top of this, en sure that you take every op portunity to branch out and meet new people in every way at the start of the year; this includes times where your flat mates and friends of friends invite you to parties, coffee mornings and give-it-a go’s. The lifelong friendships dis cussed prolifically in the run up to your university experi ence may irk and intimidate you but do not be phased, these friendships are out there waiting for you. You just need to look in the right places.

The student experience on a budget How you can still enjoy university without breaking the bank

The Summertime: As your time at university slowly draws to a close, the upcoming summer holidays are the perfect time to relax and even get back to nature with some help from close friends and family members. Source: Raisin Raisin (via Flickr)

A retrospective of the Freshers experience

Megan Huws Contributor

Freshers week is an experience that everyone talks about and remembers from their first year at university. A whole week of nights out, new friends and in dependence. The experience of freshers week is vastly different for different people, yet still an ex perience you don’t forget.

As nightclubs had only been open for a few months, the expe rience of going out was relatively new to me. I left it too late to buy a cheap wristband, so I just bought tickets for individual nights, fol lowing my flatmates or new friends to various clubs around Cardiff.

Like many confused freshers we made the mistake of being per suaded to enter the dingy Tiger Tiger. After paying the extortion ate £10 entry for the second time we decided that we would never return. Despite the disappointing experience of Tiger Tiger, my first experience of Pryzm and my first YOLO in the SU was amazing, and

The experience of freshers week is vastly different for different people, yet still an experience you don’t forget "

I have returned many times since.

Not only was the nights out themselves an experience, but a highlight was that I suddenly lived with freshers as well. The week was full of pre-ing in the kitchen with new flatmates and or going to afters in new friends flats. I met many people, convinced we would be friends only to never see them again, but also met people who I am now close friends with.

Seeing the first student loan in stalment in your bank is spec tacular. Statistically, with the novelty of student life, many stu dents spend a large chunk of their loan in the first few weeks of uni versity. Between fresher’s week ac tivities, a new home, takeaways, and hungover retail therapy, the money soon drains. But it is important to remember that this instalment must last us until after Christmas!

Here, we bring you some tips on how to stretch your loan right up to the next instalment.

Nights Out

They are hard to avoid in univer sity social culture. So, rather than writing them off altogether when on a tight budget, let’s consider some whys to make nights out more budg et friendly.

Look for clubs that offer student deals, while staying clear of more

up-market bars where you pay for the aesthetic rather than the drink you’re consuming. They might look great on the gram but paying £10 plus per cocktail is inevitably not sustainable as a student. With free entry and drinks for just £1 dur ing power hour, The Live Lounge is a favourite amongst Cardiff stu dents. Other great student nights include YOLO at Y Plas (the SU) on Wednesdays or Quids In at Pryzm on Mondays.

Do not buy drinks for the sake of buying drinks. You do not have to offer every stranger you talk to a drink, no matter how lovely they are. It can be easy to tap away your apple pay when you’re enjoying with friends, feeling on cloud nine, but remember you do not have to go overboard at the bar.

Do not fall into the trap of think ing you need a new outfit every time you go out. Re-wear and recycle out fits; exchange clothes with friends or mix and match different clothing items to make an entirely new out fit before heading to the high street stores. This will not only save you heaps of money but, by avoiding fast

fashion, you will also be doing your bit for the environment.

PRE HARD. Bottles of vodka from Tesco, out of which you can get mul tiple drinks for the price of one in a club, will be your life saver. Getting tipsy at pres means you can avoid the stifling queues at the bar while saving money (bear in mind that you must make it past the bouncer without being told you’re too drunk to enter the club).

Nights In and Low-cost Days Out

On the other hand, it is impor tant to remember that not all social plans need to involve alcohol or a club. In fact, a day out or a night in are better for bonding with new housemates and friends.

Great for your budget and health, the trend of making ‘fakeaways’ is perfect for students. There are hun dreds of recipes online that repli cate favourite takeaways from Wag amamas to KFC and Nandos. Make a night of it by cooking with friends, creating a cosy setup, and putting on a movie.

There are plenty of free activities

Look for clubs that offer student deals, while staying clear of more up-market bars"

in Cardiff. You can visit Cardiff Museum or Wales’ National Mu seum of History (St Fagan’s) free of charge. Alternatively, Cardiff Bay offers a scenic walk and Cardiff’s many parks – Bute Park and Roath Park – are the perfect spots for pic nics.

With a student railcard you can get reasonably priced trains from Cardiff to surrounding areas. For example, you could visit Barry Is land via a 25-minute train journey for just £3.80.

Great for your budget and health, the trend of making ‘fakeaways."

As well as the different experi ence of clubbing, freshers also gave me a chance to visit the Fresh ers fair, where I signed up for and went to different give-it-a-go ses sions. I settled on joining the Ten nis Society, as it seemed perfect for the level of skill and commitment I wanted to apply.

Cardiff as a city was also some thing I explored during Freshers week.

I also explored Cardiff as a city during freshers week, following google maps around a city I now know like the back of my hand. I shopped in the many vintage shops, and wandered around St. David’s Center. Many of my fa vorite shops, pubs and bars I did not visit until later in the year, yet during the exploring of Freshers week I visited many places that I regularly return to.

I met many people, con vinced we would be friends only to never see them again, but also met people who I am now close friends with.

CYNGOR 21

Eve Davies Contributor

REVIEW

Billy Edwards Haris Hussnain

‘Freshers’- reflects perfectly the typical antics of uni life

Alice Moore Head of Review

This week, I had the fantastic op portunity to review Xpress Ra dio’s Freshers. The radio show, written and directed by Giles Cosgrove, follows the lives of six first-years: AJ (Maisie Granger), Xander (Joe McCa rtney), Pippa (Brooke Thomas), Flynn (Olaf Summers), Belle (Eleanor Maud sley), and Hugo (Joe Lloyd-Perks). This six-part series reflects perfectly the typ ical antics and drama that come with the jump into university life, progres sively allowing us to witness the highs and lows of this lifestyle change.

Going into Episode One, I must ad mit, I didn’t know what to expect. I had never listened to a radio show before, I was going in blind. However, I was immediately gripped. The series’ pilot immediately hits you with the news that party-animal Xander has had a one-night stand with his girlfriend Pippa’s housemate Belle, who is also her best friend. He desperately begs the socially-awkward Flynn to help him plan an elaborate cover-up, allowing the events of the series to unfold from there. One by one, each member of the cast gets drawn into this hectic plotline. Friendships get tested, relationships are strained, and promises get broken.

To lay out a whole, coher ent story in six 20-minute epi sodes is a remarkable feat”

I was really impressed with how Freshers was structured. To lay out a whole, coherent story in six 20-minute episodes is a remarkable feat. The first two episodes provided me with the context of the show and the characters, without being boring or confusing, set ting me up for an interesting experience as the drama evolved. I was particu larly fascinated by the naturalistic use of sound effects, varying from muffled background noise to signify public plac es, to the sound of footsteps on differ

ent surfaces. This really gave the series a professional and enjoyable feel; I could have sworn I was just listening to the au dio of a television drama.

On a more personal level, I really en joyed how relatable Freshers set up their characters to be. Pippa’s breakup and the discovery of her sexuality truly reso nated with me, and it was a nice point to round off her character arc after being so crushed by Xander and AJ. However, it was upsetting that her friends were not as supportive of her as I would have

This six-part series reflects perfectly the typical antics and drama that come with the jump into university life.”

liked to see, which was overshadowed by the rest of the events within the final episode. Flynn’s frustration at feeling like a doormat for all of his friends’ problems is definitely something I’ve experienced as I’ve grown up; sometimes trying to be the ‘responsible adult’ at university is more of a curse than a blessing. I was so glad when he finally started standing up to Xander – who has a common theme of being the villain of the situations he creates.

The ending of the series was bitter sweet, but incredibly representational of university life. Freshers perfectly captures the existential uncertainty that comes with moving to university and finding (or, in some cases, not finding) your own way. The path to adulthood isn’t a linear one, as much as we would like it to be. As Flynn says, sometimes we just have to do the mature thing and grow up and move on. Life is short and precious, and we should always strive to make the best decisions, not only for us, but the people around us too.

Overall, Freshers was such an enjoy able listen for me, and I would implore everyone to give it a listen.

I could have sworn I was just listening to the audio of a television drama.”

Beyonce’s RENAISSANCE: inescapably joyful dance rhythm

Billy Edwards Review Editor

Beyonce re-establishes herself in the pop landscape, by reaching back to its world long before she arrived. With the confidence and ability to go beyond her traditional 90s house jams, Beyonce has created a nonstop extravaganza inspired by the dance culture forged by black and queer pioneers in the 1970s and beyond. It is certainly her most experimental work.

I feel Kendrick Lamarr has raised the bar for contemporary hip hop production, on albums such as 2015’s ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’, yet she has very much met this standard. There’s an excellent approach to everything going on behind the words, with

what sounds like a theremin during THIQUE being a particularly good earworm. The songs zip around so often, with excellent transitions be tween. It’s akin to the sensations of a DJ set.

CUFF IT is a faithfully classic disco stomper, with a feisty horn section. It’s such a joy that Beyonce relishes in introducing the original dance-floor-tune style to a large sub sect of her audience, likely to be only familiar with club music in this cen tury – “Wanna go where nobody’s been / Have you ever had fun like this?” Escapism goes hand-in-hand with pleasure on RENAISSANCE; two things sorely desired by her audience after the COVID-19 pan demic, with dance fanatics missing out on congregating due to the tem porary closure of clubs everywhere.

SUMMER RENAISSANCE sees Beyonce end her quest for dance music at its argu able root.”

Naturally, the record is chock full of samples, producing and songwriting credits. Even an unexpected extrapo lation of Right Said Fred’s unforget tably cringeworthy ‘I’m Too Sexy’ turns up on ALIEN SUPERSTAR, yet this track feels justifiably spacious enough to just be another facet of her maximalist attitude, taking in every thing, no matter how kitsch.

Grace Jones is a welcome presence on MOVE. This is a song very much in her style due to its sparse bassheavy funk – Beyonce’s whispers of her name almost sound like exclama tions, which is perfectly understand able, as she still sounds sensationally formidable.

It’s a perfect example of the cur rent move in the music industry to record songs that capture specific ‘vibes’ for a record to stick around in a listener’s rotation – the synthbased soundscape accompanied by relaxed beats could fit on any play list. It’s a ridiculously playlist-ready album.

There’s also a confidence – the song COZY depicts how the emo

CUFF IT is a faithfully clas sic disco stomper, with a feisty horn section”

tional wounds of the introspective Lemonade have healed to create a together and thicker skin, physically and spiritually - “comfortable in my skin, cozy with who I am, I love my self – goddamn!” This confidence is outrightly sexual; the lyrics may be overwhelming for those with con servative attitudes to music.

But, Beyonce’s frissons of passion sound entirely well-placed in the exciting club energy well-captured within the record.

In conclusion, SUMMER RENAIS SANCE sees Beyonce end her quest for dance music at its arguable root. It beefs up the pulse of Donna Sum mer’s ‘I Feel Love’, a song which every

(via Wikimedia commons)

Escapism goes handin-hand with pleasure on RENAISSANCE;

music writer will parrot about its in fluence. Beyonce cements herself as her own backing singer, front and centre, whilst the club walls around her bounce in an inescapably joyful

Beyonce’s frissons of pas sion sound entirely wellplaced in the exciting club energy well-captured within the record.”

22 REVIEW

Ahead of its second series, Alice Moore shares her thoughts on Xpress Radio’s drama

Renaissance sees Beyonce’s welcome return to the top of the charts

Alice Moore

gairrhyddreview@gmail.com “

Freshers perfectly captures the existential uncertainty that comes with moving to university”: Source: Community Media Organization

Credit:J.ébey

Grace Jones (above )features on the track, ‘MOVE’: Credit: nudevinyl (via Flikr)

The Best Productivity Apps for Students

Sophie Revell and Haris Hussnain collaborate to discuss the apps that will keep you organized this year.

Sophie Revell Contributor

Ifyou’re stressing yourself out try ing to keep on top of all your life commitments, you’re not alone.

Becoming, and staying, organised is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face as a student, and beyond.

Fortunately, there can be found a comforting solution in Notion: an online workspace marketed as an ‘in formation centralising’ tool. In more straightforward terms, it’s a web app which helps keep everything you might possibly need to organise, in which place.

Notion has become very popular among the studytube community. I came across Notion last year via a

Notion sells itself based on how adaptable it is to each indi vidual user, ”

sponsored YouTube video, by student extraordinaire UnJaded Jade, and have used it on and off ever since. I use it to track basically everything, from my shopping lists and remind ers, to content calendars and univer sity deadlines.

As stated in its marketing mate rial, Notion sells itself based on how adaptable it is to each individual user, being as ‘minimal or as powerful as you need it to be.’ I’d completely agree - as someone who likes to organise things, but gets bored easily when it comes to the actual organising, I find I can make my Notion work for me without needing to put hours in to get it there. Despite its popularity being based on one’s ability to create aesthetically pleasing pages, Notion still functions just as well - if not bet ter - when reduced down to the bare bones.

A great feature of Notion is the siz

able database of pre-made templates provided by Notion staff and other users of the app. These are tailored to accommodate different uses of the app, such as for meal prep or habit tracking, and also cut a large chunk out of the time it takes to put together a more sophisticated set up.

Notion is free for students, making it a sensible choice for students look ing to make organisation simple.

Haris Hussnain Review Editor

I’m not really one for aesthetics, pre ferring the more basic productivity apps. I like to create tasks and track them all on one page. I use Asana to keep track of projects, hobbies, so cial obligations and other things by linking the app to my Google Cal endar. From here I can see a visual representation of my schedule, help ing me become more productive. I

can colour code everything and even share the Asana link with others to collaborate. It has loads of integra tions, allowing me to bring every thing together in one place. Overall, it is a great project management tool that I myself use every day.

Cardiff Hotspots: Must-visit locations for any student

From cozy cafes to lively nightclubs, Eleni Jones shares her favourite places in Cardiff Eleni Jones Contributor

Cardiff is an incredible city to live in as a student, as it offers something for eve ryone. Being such a student-heavy city with three local universities, many venues have taken this on board and made the effort to provide students with some generous deals and discounts. Here is a review of some of the best Cardiff has to offer students, including some places you definitely should plan to visit during your time studying here.

Starting strong with The Taf pub located in Cardiff University’s Student Union. The Taf is open seven days a week and offers students daily deals: from 2-4-1 cocktails and pizzas on a Tuesday from 5pm, to a comforting Carvery on Sundays to cure your hangover from the night before!

Next up is Y Plas, the Student Union’s very own night club. It is the heart of Cardiff Uni versity’s nightlife, home to YOLO and JUICE. Y Plas is a student exclusive club, which ap plies to both the people on the dancefloor, to the people pouring your drinks or uncapping your VKs. Y Plas is where every Cardiff Uni student should end up on a YOLO Wednes day to enjoy discounted drinks, either with the society of your choice or just a group of

mates! JUICE is never a bad place to be on a Saturday night, and you’re always guaranteed a good night when vodka or gin with a juice mixer is on offer!

For the students living it up in Costa Del Ca thays, the epicentre of student living, you are living amongst what I like to call ‘The Penta gon’, also known as the five most popular local bars amongst students in Cathays; The Wood ville, The Mackintosh, The Vulcan Lounge, Gassy’s and Misfits. Enjoy 30p chicken or cau liflower wings on a Wednesday at The Wood ville, the perfect way to line your stomach be fore heading to YOLO! And don’t forget about the Pub Quiz every Sunday. Gassy’s is arguably one of the best places in Cathays to watch Live Sport, but also one of the most popular. So if heading to Gassy’s to watch The World Cup is the plan - get booking!

Moving further into the City Centre, the options for a fun night out are endless, many of which offer student or industry discounts if you work in hospitality. Possibly the most pop ular bar in Cardiff currently is Heidi’s Bier Bar on Mill Lane. An Apres-Ski themed bar with bar dancing and beer towers, offering student discounts on these selected drinks on Wednes days. However, make sure to show your stu dent ID card!

Keep an eye out for Heidi’s new venue Proud

Mary that will be opening very soon. I’m sure students will be guaranteed a good time there too!

A unique location popular amongst students is Boom Battle Bar in the Old Brewery Quar ter. Here you can play wild games with your friends, such as Crazy Golf and Digital Darts. Boom Battle Bar currently runs their student deals via their NYX app, which guarantees stu dents certain offers.

Download in the app store and sign up using your student email.

During Freshers Fortnight, Boom Battle Bar are offering anti-spiking drink covers, which are accessible at the bar or the front desk. This is to ensure that customers feel safer at their venue.

Whether you’re quite the golfer or absolute ly useless with a club, TreeTop AdventureGolf is located on level three of the St David’s car park, and is another great spot to visit with friends. Don’t forget to bring along your stu dent card so that you can play at a discounted price!

In between the City Centre and Cardiff Bay is the Depot, a massive warehouse space for pop up events, restaurants, home of the in famous Bingo Lingo and an array of themed event nights.

Looking to get some fresh air? Luckily both Bute and Roath park are great destinations that

come along with lovely views, and are perfect spots for a picnic.

Brodies Coffee is the perfect stop for coffee between Cathays and the City Centre. The lit tle hut can be found in Gorsedd Gardens, and also offers some sweet treats with plant-based and gluten free options available.

Venturing back to Cathays, Wild Thing is an independent plant-based cafe that sources all their products locally and ethically. Open Wednesday to Sunday, it offers breakfasts, brunches, lunches and a Roast on a Sunday. The Wild Thing menu is always changing. The chefs are incredibly creative with their dishes, and prioritise providing plenty of options to those with specific dietary requirements such as gluten free, nut free and refined sugar free. Another brilliant quality that Wild Thing has, which is super student budget-friendly, is their ‘Pay What You Can’ system which allows food accessibility. Wild Thing have suggested prices for each menu item and ask customers to pay what they can afford. This is perfect for students who are living on a budget.

You must check off these destinations during your time as a student in Cardiff! Be sure to stay safe and for those of you who do, please drink responsibly.

ADOLYGIAD 23

“Both Bute and Roath park are great destinations that come along with lovely views”. Credit: Jeremy Segrott (via Flickr)

Credit: No Swan So Fine (via Wikimedia Commons)

I use Asana to keep track of projects, hobbies, social obliga tions.”

Credit: Steven S (via Flickr)

LISTINGS FOR ALL UPCOMING SHOWS IN Y PLAS & GREAT HALL

October/Hydref

The Rock Orchestra

13/10/2022 £33.00 (+SBF)

Blancmange 14/10/2022 £25.00 (+SBF)

Alexisonfire 14/10/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN Monster Truck 15/10/2022 £20.00 (+SBF)

Digga D 17/10/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

Aitch

19/10/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

Skid Row 21/10/2022 £27.50 (+SBF)

The Feeling 21/10/2022 £27.50 (+SBF)

Rina Sawayama 24/10/2022 £25.00 (+SBF)

November/Tachwedd

Clearwater Creedence 04/11/2022 £25.00 (+SBF)

Jamie Webster 04/11/2022 £22.50 (+SBF)

Sigrid 05/11/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI

GWERTHU ALLAN

Future Island 11/11/2022 £27.50 (+SBF)

Hugh Cornwell 11/11/2022 £27.50 (+SBF)

Belle & Sebastain 13/11/2022 £32.50 (+SBF)

From The Jam 19/11/2022 £32.50 (+SBF)

Gang of Youths 20/11/2022 £22.50 (+SBF)

JamieT 21/11/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

Sea Girls 22/11/2022 £20.00 (+SBF) Blossoms 26/11/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

December/Rhagfyr

Pierce The Veil 01/12/2022

SOLD OUT / WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

The Hu 02/12/2022 £22.50 (+SBF)

January/Ionawr

Viagra boys

£22.00

February/Chwewwfror

16/02/2023 £32.50

Easy Life 18/02/2023 £25.00 (+SBF)

March/Mawrth

Loyle Carner 11/03/2023

SOLD OUT / WEDI

GWERTHU ALLAN Punk Rock Factory 25/03/2023 £16.50 (+SBF)

April/Ebrill

Sam Ryder 01/04/2023 £22.50

Big Thief 08/04/2023 £30.00 (+SBF)

May/Mai Big Country 26/05/2022 £30.00 (+SBF)

@CDFBOXOFFICE @CARDIFFBOXOFFICE

Jamie T Sea Girls Digga D

24/01/2023

(+SBF)

Mogwai

(+SBF)

The Hundred: Trent Rockets’ win brings tournament to an end

Ryan Harris- Jewell Sport Editor

This year’s Hundred competition has finally come to a close with two thrilling finals that saw the Trent Rockets Men’s victorious and the Oval Invincibles Women’s retain their crown.

The hundred 2022 officially came to a close with a set of thrilling finals that saw the Trent Rockets beat the Man chester Originals in the men’s final. Whilst the Oval Invincibles were able to repeat last years heroics with vic tory over the Southern Braves in the Women’s final.

Fans were treated to a full day of cricket at Lords. A record crowd en joying the Women’s final in the after noon before a tightly fought affair in the men’s final brought an end to the day’s entertainment and the competi tion as a whole.

The men’s final, played in the even

The hundred 2022 of ficially came to a close with a set of thrilling finals that saw the Trent Rockets beat the Manchester Originals in the men’s final.”

ing directly following the end of the Women’s tie, was a thrilling yet low scoring affair that saw a captivating display from Rockets captain Lewis

Gregory. Who scored 26 not out in cluding a six, a four and a final winning single off the last remaining five balls.

The Rockets were set with a low target of 120-9 to best after a superb early bowling performance from Sam Crook. Which saw the 25-year-old take four wickets for only 18 runs.

Despite this, the Rockets had ap peared to stumble near the end of the match. With three batters falling to catches with only eight balls left to face after a fine fielding display from the Originals.

However, an inspired performance from the aforementioned Gregory was enough to see his side over the line. With a fine shot hit through extra cover sealing victory by two wickets.

“To win a final here is amazing” stated Gregory “and the crowd have been fantastic tonight and throughout the whole competition.”

Elsewhere in the Women’s final, the Oval Invincibles were able to retain their title with victory over the South ern Braves. With a record bumper crowd of 20,840 witnessing a repeat of last year’s final.

The Braves were unable to take re

venge for last years defeat to the same opponents due to a solid bowling dis play from the Invincibles that saw fast Bowler Shabnim Ismail take two wick ets for just 12 runs, alongside England youngster Alice Capsey who also took two wickets for just 17 runs.

“It’s incredible to win it two years in a row” said Capsey at the end of the match, “and getting that trophy back is amazing”.

Set with a low target of 101-7 to

match, the Invincibles were able to easily catch up to the chase with six balls left to spare. With Emily Wind sor scoring the winning runs to end unbeaten on 13.

A fine batting performance from Marizanne Kapp, who hit 37 not out, was enough to put the pressure off her side’s run chase. Before Windsor ap plied the finishing touches to record a score of 105-5, delivering victory by five wickets.

Welsh success at the Commenwealth Games 2022

Molly Openshaw recalls Wales’ wins at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

Molly Openshaw

Contributor

From the 28th of July to the 8th of August, the Common wealth Games took place in Birmingham.

This is the third time that Eng land has hosted the Commonwealth games, the last time being 2002 in Manchester.

The Games have been held in the United Kingdom a total of sev en times, with Cardiff hosting in 1958. This iteration of the Games saw 5,054 athletes competing in 280 events. With this event being seen as the most immense Commonwealth Games to date, due to the high num bers of attendees complete with sev enty-two competing nations, it was one of the largest sporting spectacles of the year.

Wales succeeded in acquiring twenty-eight medals in total- con sisting of fourteen bronze, six silver, and eight gold. Back in 2018, Wales received thirty-six medals in total, with fourteen bronze, twelve silver, and ten gold. Here we can see that Wales has a history of collecting an array of medals in the Common wealth Games, and Birmingham

James Ball initiated Wales’ winning streak this year, winning the first medal for Wales

2022 was no exception.

James Ball initiated Wales’ win ning streak this year, winning the first medal for Wales. Ball received a silver medal on the inaugural day of the Games and went on to achieve a gold medal in the Men’s Tandem B Sprint cycling event on the 31st of July. Mimicking his success at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth games where he also achieved Wales’ first medal, Ball’s achievement is be coming a tradition for Wales’ success in the games.

Despite this tradition, Wales set a new precedent with Gordon Llewellyn winning silver as the na

tion’s oldest Commonwealth med allist at the age of seventy-five. Llewellyn competed in the visually impaired mixed pairs lawn bowls. This success epitomises the inclu sivity and diversity of the Com monwealth games, specifically the athletes representing Wales. Success was all-pervasive for Wales, in all events, abilities, and genders.

Olivia Breen continued this win ning streak, taking a gold medal in the women’s 100 metres final; the third Welsh gold medal to be won in this year’s games. The sprinter thus became Wales’ first female athlete to win a track and field event in the

SPORT

Olivia Breen continued this winning streak, taking a gold medal in the women’s 100 metres final;

ELSEWHERE

SPORT

Commonwealth Games since Kay Morley’s achievement in 1990.

Ball, Llewellyn and Breen are just three examples of the success of the Welsh athletes partaking in the inte grated para-sports of the Common wealth games. Para-athletes con tributed to half of the gold medals in this year’s Commonwealth games.

Nicola Phillips, the Welsh Chef de Mission, has spoken out about the triumph of this year’s Common wealth Games, seeing Wales come eighth overall. “We measure success by personal bests, Welsh records and Games records. Our athletes are competing alongside, not too shab bily, the world’s best”. These words emulate the notion that Welsh ath letes are setting a precedent for fo cused, indiscriminate success.

“We measure success by personal bests, Welsh re cords and Games records. ”

-Wales’ women are through to the World Cup play-offs against Switzerland on Wednesday

Jess Fishlock scored an extratime goal to win their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina

- Manchester City have been fined by the FA for pitch inva sion after winning the 2021/22 Premier Leauge

The team will have to pay £260,000 after fans celebrated the team’s 3-2 win against Aston Villa

Wales take on Malaysia in the men’s Rugby sevens. Source: Bearas (via Wiki media Commons)

Ryan Harris-Jewell Eloise Martin

gairrhyddsport@gmail.com

Jasmine Jones

CHWARAEON 25

Source: Ben Sutherland (via Flickr)

Nicola Phillips , Chef de Mission

The Lionesses’ Legacy - what does the future hold for women’s football?

Haris Hussnain Review Editor

England’s Lionesses’ victory in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 has been the talking point in sport this summer.

England’s victory has installed a shared sense of unity in the sport amongst men and women. The victory has also attracted the attention of local football clubs in the UK and it has inspired women to continue playing the sport or even pick up their boots for the very first time! England’s win has also encouraged many people in the UK to campaign for more women to play football in schools since a lot of investment has always been in men’s football.

For many young women watch ing women’s football is no different from men’s football but for oth ers, the progress is a shock. View ers weren’t shocked in a negative sense necessarily but were more surprised to see women playing football being broadcasted on the mainstream news and sports chan nels. For people growing up in the 60s and 70s, it was unheard of to see women playing football, and the FA banned women from playing for 50

The victory has also attracted the attention of local football clubs in the UK .”

years from 1921 to 1971. However, in recent years women’s sport has become increasingly popular with football becoming a sport that is popular worldwide, with crowds of up 90,00. For many companies such as Visa, women’s football is an at tractive investment opportunity which is most likely due to its world wide increase in popularity.

Football has had a turbulent past in British history with many politi cal agendas clouding the fans enjoy ment of games. There have been many cases of violence and unruly

50 Years of sporting success

Jasmine Jones Head of Sport

As Gair Rhydd, Cardiff University’s award-winning student newspaper celebrates its 50th anniversary, we are taking a look back at half a century of sporting stories and successes.

Established in 1972, sport has always been a staple section to the tabloid, keeping Cardiff students up to date with the latest local and National wins, losses, and everything in between.

Archived copies of early editions shed light onto the international stories that Gair Rhydd covered in its early days.

In 1974 Mohammed Ali fought against George Foreman in one of the most highly anticipated fights of the decade.

A young foreman came into the match with an impressive 37-0 record but was no match for the brilliance of Ali who knocked him out in the eighth round.

The 80s were a busy time for sports journalism, with many firsts to report on. 1983 became the year the first live league game was shown on

the BBC. Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 on a historic day for sports coverage. The first rugby world cup was also hosted in 1987 in Australia and New Zealand alike. Whilst New Zealand came out victorious, Wales placed third in the first competition of its type.

As womens football is rightfully getting the coverage and support it deserves after the lionesses’ historic win in the Euros this summer, it’s important to reflect on how far the sport has come in such little time.

Only in 1991 did the WFA launch the Women’s National League, although at this time the sport was still only semiprofessional.

As reporting turned away from local, and expanded abroad, there were many sporting successes from the other side of the pond. Tiger woods made history as a 21year old, winning

Moving into the 00s Gair Rhydd made history by becoming one of the first student papers to not only publish in print but publish a digital copy also.

behaviour from crowds and often discriminatory treatment towards women and people in the LGBTQ+ community. Hence, what football has previously stood for has been unclear.

However, at women’s football matches there have been fewer cases of violent behaviour and more love for the sport and its players. The at titude of the players is professional and the audience appreciates that. This new football culture has seen an increase in fans from the LG BTQ+ community who have been

made to feel welcome at women’s football games.

Whilst this is great progress it’s far from over according to England captain Leah Williamson who said,

“This isn’t the end, it’s the start of the journey. We are at an important crossroads for the women’s game with some major structural and cul tural decisions ahead, all with op portunities but also accompanied by challenges and risks.

“We need to take a Burkean view to progress, preserving what’s best and unique about our game while

“ This isn’t the end, it’s the start of the journey. We are at an important crossroads for the women’s game”

Leah Williamson England Captain

propelling it forward to become more equal and more sustainable.”

Whilst this summer has been game-changing, schools and sports facilities have big steps to take to make the game more sustainable and accessible for women. This in cludes providing women with the proper equipment and washing fa cilities which many places lack.

As a result of the barriers to women in football, there aren’t as many professional leagues as men’s football and this affects the players financially. Until recently, many had or still do work a side job to provide for themselves. The legacy from this summer will be huge for women and girls across the UK and there is a sense of a culture shift towards not only women in football, but wom en everywhere.

At women’s football matches there have been fewer cases of violent be haviour ”

the Masters 12 strokes ahead of his nearest opponent; the greatest golfing achievement the sport has ever seen. Also, in 1999 Gair Rhydd Sport reported on Wimbledon and the US Open, commenting that US newcomer Serena Williams had stormed onto the scene and shows ‘great potential’.

Moving into the 00s Gair Rhydd made history by becoming one of the first student papers to not only publish in print but publish a digital copy also.

With internet usage growing rapidly, 2001 marked the year that Gair Rhydd became accessible not just to Cardiff students and residents, giving it the national platform to compete with other publications on a much larger scale. To celebrate this milestone, the sport section covered a 5-page spread entirely compromised of Cardiff based fixtures.

Reports included Cardiff ‘kicking Swansea into touch’ in a historic rugby union triumph, the bluebirds narrowly losing to Huddersfield at Ninian Park, and the ‘mixed fortunes’ of Glamorgan cricket club.

Later in the decade Usain Bolt

More recent Welsh success includes Geraint Thomas’ Tour de France victory in 2018 and a Six Nations victory in 2021,” ”

stormed onto the scene in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking 100m and 200m records to become the ‘fastest man alive’.

To cement his legendary athletic status, he then went on to break his own world records in the 2009 World championship, running the 100m in just 9.58 seconds.

As we enter the 2010’s there is much Welsh success to be reported on. In 2012 and 2013 respectively, Wales won backto-back Six Nations titles, reclaiming the title from greatest rivals England.

Yet, there was nothing quite as special as the 2016 Euros.

Exceeding every expectation, Wales went from the 116th ranked national team, to the semi-finals of the Euros, creating a team of heroes that are still adored nationwide.

The Welsh dragons smashed the Belgians 3-1 in the quarter

finals with a star-studded header by captain Ashley Williams, securing them a place as semifinalists. A night no one will forget.

More recent Welsh success includes Geraint Thomas’ Tour de France victory in 2018, Six Nations victory in 2021, and this year earning a place in the world cup finals in Qatar for the first time since 1958.

Wales is a nation with sport at its heart. It provides positivity, belief, and community to a small country that honours all its sporting heroes and heritage. A lot has changed in the sporting world over this time, but Gair Rhydd Sport has remained a journalistic constant and we should continue to celebrate the hard work from the last 50 years. Here’s to the next 50!

Wales is a nation with sport at its heart t pro vides positivity, belief, and community to a small country that honours all its sporting heroes and heritage ”

26 SPORT

Source: Liondartois (via Wikimedia Commons)

Ahead of our 50th anniversery issue, Jasmine Jones looks back over 50 years of Gair Rhydd and sporting history

”