gair rhydd - Issue 955

02News

Monday September 19 2011

gairrhydd

'The Lounge' to open for Freshers Laura Evans News Editor A £300,000 redevelopment programme has taken place over the summer break to covert the underused Games Room in the Students’ Union, into a fresh, high tech area for students. The enhanced area will be known as ‘The Lounge’; its purpose will be to create a relaxing, chilled out, alcohol free zone for students to enjoy.

Instead of several pool tables and a disused bar, which the Games Room currently contains, ‘The Lounge’ seeks to be a pleasant envi-

ronment with high tech equipment such as Skype Pods and large screen TV’s to attach laptops to. Cardiff Students’ Union officers are also looking into developing the balcony area to cater for outside seating in the summer and warmer weathers.

Gair rhydd spoke to Nick Matthew, the Financial and Commercial Officer who said: ‘We had a fantastic opportunity to develop an underused space and we had the resources to plough into this project to make it a fantastic area for students. Our research showed that students wanted a non-alcoholic, relaxation area where they wouldn’t

feel pressured into buying drinks.’

Nick spoke specifically about the need to please all students and added: ‘I think that “The Lounge” will offer an attractive space for a broader range of students, such as postgraduate and international students. A category of students who before might have felt the Union didn’t cater for their needs.’

‘The Lounge’ will be a space with no commercial focus and will exist to offer students a place to sit down, chat with friends and do some work.

With a comfortable atmosphere, students are free to do as they please without having to succumb to the

typical lifestyle of a student.

Enfys Jenkins, a 2nd Year student at Cardiff told gair rhydd what she thought of the new development: ‘I think it’s a good space for students wanting to browse the internet and relax without the pressure of being quiet or having to study as they would in a library. The Students’ Union seems to be responding to the needs of students adequately, especially those who are international students or postgraduates.

It is comforting to know that all of our thoughts and ideas are being heard.’

‘The Lounge’ is set to be open in time for Freshers and will be located on the 3rd floor of the Students’ Union.

A Green Apple Matt Jones News Editor

94 % of Cardiff Graduates excel

Henry McMorrow News Editor It has emerged that Welsh universities provide some of the best graduate prospects according to a survey conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Glamorgan and Cardiff Universities topped the Welsh poll with 94 percent in each finding employment or entering further education within six months, placing them in 22nd and 23rd place.

Cambridge graduates enjoyed a lesser success rate with 93 percent of students achieving the same, whilst 90 percent of Oxford graduates had found employment or rejoined education.

Welsh positions on the scale supported the theory that larger institutions equip graduates with better prospects. The now defunct

University of Wales, Lampeter, with just 6,160 students in 2009, performed lowest with almost one fifth of graduates unemployed after six months, however, after combining with Trinity University College in Camarthen the newly formed institution has been granted the right to charge students between £8,000 and £9,000 tuition fees.

Although just 88 percent of Newport’s graduates had found employment or had rejoined education, it is important to note that Newport’s part time sector, which contributed 54 percent of the student populace in 2009 achieved 98 percent employment or continued education rates, beaten only by Cardiff and Glyndwr universities at 100 percent.

Les Rees, director of Cardiff University’s careers service explained how the university’s careers ethos leads to high success rates. “[The]

university’s approach to employability focuses upon building the skills our graduates will need once in employment… As one of the UK’s leading teaching and research universities we prepare students for leadership”. “Students benefit from a stimulating study environment, research-led teaching and interaction with academics working at the frontiers of knowledge in their field”.

In addition to this, Cardiff is keen to emphasise the importance of support for students post graduation, with regards to seeking employment, whether at distance or in person.

HESA includes information pertaining to the type of work or further education graduates enter and also provides a guide as to the leading higher education institutions in the UK.

Cardiff University Student Union has been presented with an environmental award for a campaign to recycle unwanted items from student houses.

The Green Apple Award was given to reward the great success of ‘Get It Out for Cardiff ’, a scheme run in collaboration with Cardiff Council. This is an annual drive to collect unwanted material and rubbish that students are getting rid of at the end of the year, and attempt to recycle and reuse as much of it as possible.

The 2011 campaign was a huge success, with 7.5 tonnes of material donated by students, six times the figure collected last year. Much of this will now be donated to charities such as British Heart Foundation, Fairshare, Barnados and Media Share.

Nick Matthew, the Union’s new Finance & Commercial Officer said: "I think it just goes to show that students in Cathays have really got behind the 'Get It Out for Cardiff' campaign and the Bric-a-Brac sales.

All we're doing here is taking unwanted goods off students’ hands and using them to raise money for a great charity."

Students will now have the opportunity to buy some of the items at heavily reduced prices in the Student Union. Donations such as kitchen utensils and cutlery have been sorted into categories by representatives of the Union, RAG and Cardiff Digs, ready to be resold in two sales during Fresher’s fortnight. The Bric-a-Brac resales will take place on 23rd September and 7th October from 10am onwards in Solus, and will be a great chance to pick up kitchen equipment very cheaply. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to the Lord Mayor’s charity.

gr EDITOR Oliver Smith Elaine Morgan SUB-EDITORS Pippa Lewis James Dunn Yas Langley Chris Williams NEWS Sheri Hall Henry McMorrow Hannah Pendleton Matt Jones Laura Evans Ellen Atkinson Ali Ishaq

OPINION Izzy Voss Libby van den Bosch COLUMNIST POLITICS Luke Slade Sophie Gidley SOCIETIES Isabelle Roberts SCIENCE Jenny Lambourne SPORT Jamie Evans Zac Cole CONTRIBUTORS Elliw Mair Sinead Morrison Chris Williams

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Monday September 19 2011

News03

gairrhydd

Hannah Pendleton News Editor The new Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University has been announced as Professor Colin Riordan.

Dr David Grant, Cardiff University’s current Vice Chancellor is due to retire from office in time for September 1 2012 when Professor Riordan takes over. Before he embarks upon his new role in Cardiff he currently remains the Vice Chancellor at the University of Essex.

The Chair of Cardiff University’s Council has stated: "When appointing a new Vice-Chancellor we set ourselves an ambitious task: to appoint a person with academic standing, a commitment to highquality teaching and someone with a clear view of the contribution that

Cardiff University makes to Wales, the UK and internationally.”

Professor Riordan has had a number of significant roles within the higher education sector. The Higher Education Funding Council for England saw him Chair the 2009 enquiry into teaching quality; he has been involved in the Edge Foundation and the Equality Challenge Unit. He is also a board member of Universities UK, Chairs the Board of University Campus Suffolk and Chairs the International and European Policy Network of Universities UK. The Chair of Cardiff University’s Council added, "In Professor Riordan we have found that person. As well as his outstanding leadership and management skills, he has a proven understanding of research, the teaching needs of students and

of the wider contribution of higher education to society as well as the international context in which universities operate."

Professor Riordan commentated on his new position, “I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Cardiff University and build on the outstanding achievements of Dr David Grant and all his colleagues in the University.

"This is a very challenging time in the development of higher education. However, as Wales’s leading University, Cardiff is well placed to play a significant role in the future landscape upon which so much depends.

Dr Wendy Piatt, Director of the Russell Group expressed that they were “delighted” to hear of Professor Riordan's appointment.

Welsh Assembly Government

Education Minister, Leighton Andrews AM has also commented on the appointment, “"I would like to extend a welcome to Professor Riordan who will return to Wales after a successful career leading Essex University and playing a significant part in national developments in England. I have no doubt that Professor Riordan will make a significant contribution to the growth and development of the sector in this important time of change.

Professor Riordan has stated, "The University's achievements and ambition ensure that it will remain one of the top research-intensive universities, offering high quality academic and professional education to a diverse range of home and international students.

"I very much look forward to joining Cardiff University in 2012."

Riot cities: "Learn a lesson from Cardiff"

Sheri Hall News Editor The Prime Minister has praised Cardiff for preventing an outbreak of rioting and looting like those seen across England over the summer.

David Cameron agreed with Cardiff ’s Lib Dem Mp, Jenny Willott, when she said that other cities should learn from the Welsh capital’s response to potential violence.

Ms Willott said: “South Wales Police have done a brilliant job not

only over the past week in helping prevent problems, but also in the longer term by helping to build strong links within the community which are vital in helping discourage this type of criminality.”

With fears that ‘Cardiff is next’ in the domino style rioting that has swept across major cities in England, youth workers were dispatched along with police to diffuse potential disorder.

Although there were a few isolated incidents, including fires at two disused buildings and an attempted

burglary at JD sports shop, youth workers and police managed to keep the peace by talking to young people and discouraging them from copying the trend.

Cardiff ’s street-based youth worker, Steve Mc Cambridge, was one of many sent to maintain calm in the city. He said “We’re going out on the streets and focusing on telling young people that disorder is not the way forward.”

He also commented that most young people were “bemused” by what was going on and had no in-

tention of taking part in any violence.

Cardiff council believe that their “considerable investment” in youth services in previous years has played a significant role in discouraging large-scale rioting.

South Wales Police pre-emptively monitored social network sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, to trace communication which may incite public violence. Their efforts were not in vain as two men from Cardiff were arrested for trying to instigate riots on Facebook, there-

fore avoiding potential public disorder and acting as a warning to others.

MP Ms Willott, who praised Cardiff ’s response to riots across the border, said: “South Wales Police have done a brilliant job not only over the past week in helping prevent problems, but also in the longer term by helping to build strong links within the community which are vital in helping discourage this type of criminality.”

Welsh Universities to be drastically cut?

Henry McMorrow News Editor Plans to radically overhaul the higher education system in Wales designed by the body that funds Welsh higher education (HEFCW) have been widely agreed upon by university leaders and other key figures.

In response to Welsh education minister Leighton Andrews’ statement that universities must “adapt or die” the body has announced plans to merge the University of

Glamorgan, The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWiC) and The University of Wales, Newport; whilst Trinity St David and Swansea Metropolitan Universities should merge as previously planned. Cardiff and Swansea Universities will remain independent but will be encouraged to work in greater collaboration.

Whilst the plans embody the national transition to an education system with frugality at its heart, they are also said to increase the competitiveness of Welsh institu-

tions against their English counterparts. HEFCW said by 2013 distribution should reflect regional needs with no more than two institutions in each region.

Higher Education for Wales has announced that they need their universities to be “stronger but fewer”, though noting the importance for each decision to be made by particular university governing bodies.

Support for the initiative has been indicated by the Welsh Government whom “welcome HEW’s positive statement” and from Uni-

versities UK, the representative body for universities across the UK who praised the “strong leadership being shown by colleagues in Wales” noting that “this is clearly a significant statement of intent from the body representing Wales’ university leaders”.

However, whilst Peter Jones, spokesperson for UCU, lecturers’ union said they supported the plans he also warned that “the quality of teaching and research [shouldn’t] suffer”, concluding that “we need a wide and deep education service for

students”.

Plaid Cymru education spokesperson, Simon Thomas also expressed concerns as regards to “the merger of institutions which currently see their future as independent bodies”.

Although such wide support has been shown, the final decision has not yet been made and any further progress will largely be reliant upon further cooperation from university leaders and students’ unions.

04News

Matt Jones News Editor A team of Cardiff University staff and students have undertaken a month long archaeological dig at the Roman fortress of Caerleon, in Newport. It is hoped that the dig will uncover new information about the buildings that once stood on the site.

The excavation, which started on a previously undiscovered suburb outside the walls of the Caerleon fortress, also by Cardiff University School of History, Archaeology and Religion (SHARE). The research, carried out in spring 2010, had found evidence of a variety of large buildings, which could include markets, bath houses, and a quayside wall.

The results of the study had indicated that the area could have been the centre of a town or city, due to the quantity and the arrangement of the buildings. However, it also showed little evidence that a large

Monday September 19 2011

Matt Jones Reporter

civilian population had lived there.

Dr Peter Guest, from SHARE, said that the excavation of the area should help to answer questions, such as this, about the role of the site in Roman Britain.

“When was it built? What were the buildings for? Who were the people using them and what happened to them after the legion left Caerleon? That’s what we’re hoping our excavation of this important site will tell us."

He said of the buildings: “The biggest is enormous and must be one of the largest buildings known from Roman Britain.”

The dig also welcomed participation from the public, with volunteers assisting the team from the second week. This was an opportunity to learn about the way that aring out about the rich history of the area. The local community was also offered the chance to become involved with daily tours showcasing the progress of the dig and Romanthemed activity days for children.

A new report has suggested that more than half of British universities expect a drop in student numbers when the rise in fees is introduced. The Higher Education Funding Council said that a fall would pose a significant threat to long-term university finances.

In November 2010 MPs voted to raise the cap on annual university fees to £9,000. Since then, over a third of universities have announced that they will be charging the full £9,000, with the average fee being £8,161, a figure far greater than that predicted by the coalition government.

A potential reduction in student numbers, coupled with the fact that

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government funding for higher education has been almost entirely removed, means that universities must now find ways to plug a financial gap. It is expected that one solution will be attempting to attract more international students, who pay entirely unsubsidised fees.

It is thought that the dramatic rise in fees will discourage many from applying to university. A recent YouGov poll suggested that a third of potential students think that a degree is now not worth the money.

The Vice-president of the National Union of Students, Usman Ali, said: "The Government have created a system that risks putting ambitious and talented young people from less-wealthy backgrounds off university and now they look

set to reap what they sowed as they preside over a deeply worrying fall in student numbers."

The government has also come under considerable criticism from universities for its policies on fees.

One major academic described the government’s policy making on higher education as a ‘slow car crash’. Speaking to academics at Nottingham University, Sir Peter Scott claimed that the government had failed to create the market for higher education that it had desired, and that its plans were based on ‘wishful thinking’. This comes after dons at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities passed a motion of no confidence in David Willets, the Universities Minister.

Monday September 19 2011

Opinion07

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Fresh or Not: The debate over Freshers

Libby Van Den Bosch Opinion Editor

F

reshers’ Week is, without a doubt, one of the most fun and exciting weeks of the university calendar. Unencumbered by the stress of coursework and exams, the emphasis is solely on meeting new people and having fun. Although you won’t instantly connect with everyone, it is one of the few times in life where befriending as many people as possible is actively encouraged (note: this does not extend to lifts and playgrounds). Although there are the usual worries about fitting in and making friends, initial nerves rapidly disappear as you realise that everybody is in the same boat and that you’ve essentially been handed a week’s boozing holiday – handily subsidised by the friendly student loans company.

For many people, the nightlife here will come as a refreshing change from home. Fortunately Cardiff is a capital city with music and bars to suit different tastes, so clubbing needn’t entail wailing along to Don’t Stop Believin’ or having to dodge your old maths teacher. Furthermore, Freshers’ week is a time when clubs will be battling for your allegiance for the years to come, so entry and drinks prices are almost criminally cheap.

For others, Freshers’ will not be as focused on drinking, but this does not mean that it need be any less enjoyable - it’s just as easy to bond over trips to big Tesco and cups of tea.

What’s more, the Students’ Union puts on a range of fayres, allowing you to sign up for sports teams and societies, where you can pursue interests in everything from custard

wrestling to the Harry Potter Society. Even if you never attend any of the meetings, it’s worth going along just to stock up on promotional Biro's and to gawp at the specimens manning the ‘Medieval role-play’ stand.

The fun isn’t just reserved for first years, either. Sweaty reunions on the Tiger dance floor are made possible by the absence of lectures and the new student loan burning a hole in your pocket. For those starting second year, having a house in stumbling distance from Comeplay is an amazing novelty and the presence of sofas almost makes hangovers bearable.

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Sweaty reunions on the Tiger dance floor are made possible by the absence of lectures

Freshers’ can seem daunting; you’re being bombarded from all angles with new faces, places and information, but if you relax and don’t attempt to do everything that’s on offer, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Whilst some friendships you make that week will be fleeting, others will last a lifetime. And so what if you got so drunk you simultaneously threw up, wet yourself and cried about the lack of mayo in your kebab? By the time the week’s over that will have already become the stuff of legend...

Izzy Voss Opinion Editor

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ost students view freshers’ week as the highlight of the university calendar. Second and third years revel in the freedom of a lecture and deadlinefree week allowing them the pleasure of uninterrupted hangovers, whilst the freshers’ themselves run amok in a new and exciting world of unsupervised drinking, ‘sharking’ and eating Pot Noodles for breakfast.

However, there are many who believe that freshers’ week is the ultimate anti-climax; a series of forced nights out that often fall into the trap of being over-hyped and inevitably disappointing, and this can be the case for both first years and returning students.

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A series of forced nights out that often fall into the trap of being over-hyped

Very few freshers have the fortune of turning up to Cardiff to find the admissions office have thoughtfully placed them in a flat with like-minded souls, with whom they can instantly form long-lasting friendships. Most will spend their first few nights in Cardiff playing awkward games of Have You Ever?

with flatmates that they are unlikely to say more than seven words to after October, in a bid to make friends that is reminiscent of being prodded towards the sandpit by their parents aged four. Such awkwardness is often counteracted with copious amounts of Strongbow, which leads many to end up on the rainy stairs of the SU at 11.30 with their head between their knees, whilst the kind Mormon girl from Room 6 rubs their back and feeds them water. There is no denying that this is all part of the fresher ‘experience’, but it does not necessarily lead to the best nights you will have during your time in Cardiff.

Unfortunately, freshers’ week does not improve dramatically when you return as a worldly second or third year. Having (hopefully) completed the process of making friends during first year, and developing routines as to which nights of the week are worth going to and what time you ought to arrive, you return for freshers’ week with the promise of reuniting with lost friends, confident that as a connoisseur of Cardiff nightlife, you will not end up at dodgy Freshers’ Balls or queuing until lectures restart. However, reality sets in as you happily trot to Revs for 10.30, to find the queue begins somewhere near Salisbury Road. After several hours, you finally get in. You proceed to the bar where you queue again, seemingly invisible to all except the first year boy who is trying to lick your neck, before finally getting a drink as the lights come up.

For those who love freshers’, I admire your patience and dedication. For those who find it does not live up to the hype, have faith; this is not the best that Cardiff has to offer.

08Opinion

Monday September 19 2011

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Gap Years: More than an expensive holiday?

Chris Williams Online Editor ‘The Unexpected Items’ are a comedy troupe who sat mainly in obscurity until releasing their ‘Gap Yah’ video onto YouTube, which in days was being watched by university students up and down the country.

It parodies the idea of rich, ignorant people going abroad on their gap year on ‘spiritual and cultural’ journeys, only to end up, well, chundering EVERYWAH. Frustratingly (and perhaps the reason that it struck a chord with so many of us), is that it’s maybe not quite the parody that it initially seems. Many gap year travellers appear to return home filled with new insight into other cultures, yet within days it seems that the starvation and poverty that they witnessed have become trophies to upload onto Facebook. For others it seems that the very fact they were in an exotic location automatically imbues the ordinary with some kind of extra significance; as if sleeping with that girl / guy was some sort of ‘cultural’ thing and getting wasted at a full moon party was a ‘spiritual’ experience.

I didn’t take a gap year. Mainly it was out of choice; I knew that if I stopped working and went on holiday for a year, I’d be unable to return to academic work. However,

over the next few years, with the enormous fee increases at Universities, it’s going to become less about choice and more about money. This in itself makes the ‘Gap Yah’ video a worrying premonition of the future: gap years will only be a possibility for the very wealthiest percentage of students.

University fees go up in just over a year’s time, so it seems bizarre that there are people planning on taking a gap year and going to university next year, rather than this one. It’ll cost them almost three times as much in fees, before you factor in the cost of actually going travelling for a month or two. All in all it adds up to several thousands of pounds in lost money, making one question what the real value of a gap year truly is.

I’ve had one friend come back from five months travelling, a month of which was spent volunteering in Africa, yet she seemed to gloss over this part and was mostly keen to regale us with stories of drinking and clubbing - hardly a cultural or spiritual experience! In this, I think we realise what is most infuriating for those who have not taken a gap year – although volunteering is a worthwhile and no doubt enriching experience, there often comes with it an assumed superiority over those who have not travelled.

It’s all too easy to claim that

you’ve been travelling, but this means more than hopping on a plane to the party spots of SouthEast Asia. The connotations of travelling to me are of going off the beaten track, of experiencing things that no-one’s ever experienced before. Not of getting drunk in your plush hostel and afterwards

claiming that you’re a changed person.

Too many people head over to far off, exotic places claiming to have experienced it when, in fact, they’ve experienced nothing. They’ve gone to the local McDonalds and, since the menu was in a foreign language, they feel as if they’ve experienced a

real cultural awakening.

Gap years are not necessarily an inherently bad idea, if approached with the right attitude. Unfortunately, the majority seem to treat them as an expensive holiday, rather than seizing the opportunity to gain an insight into a world beyond their own narrow experiences.

Is Nick Clegg a tuition fee Scapegoat?

Henry McMorrow News Editor In the early months of 2011, plans to allow universities to raise tuition fees to a maximum of £9,000 per year were announced. The plans were met with a backlash that saw Nick Clegg pitted at the heart of the controversy. Currently seen as the bête noire of contemporary politics, Clegg has attempted to justify his actions and his decision to back the Conservatives in a recent interview with Prospect.

In view of the current economic climate, prudence is essential. In light of this, Clegg argues that, “It is right to tilt spending to the early years and ask for a bigger contribution for higher education. State spending on higher education will still be huge at £2bn. Given the fiscal pressure, we have to re-balance the contribution or cut student

numbers—and that’s not something I want.” The policy is therefore set to address problems regarding the maintenance of state funding previously experienced in a burgeoning sector, whilst ensuring that numbers of graduates are maintained.

Clegg encourages prospective students to pursue their ambitions, reminding critics that under the previous scheme, fees were payable after graduates reached the £15,000 per annum salary threshold, which under the new scheme will rise to £21,000. In addition to this, most students will have smaller payments to make per month and any outstanding debt will be cleared after thirty years. With no upfront fees to pay, no one is ‘too poor’ for university.

Fee repayments that correspond to post-graduate salaries ensure that university remains an open and fair institution for all. Those opposed to the policy have argued that

increased fees will act as a deterrent to some students, but this need not be the case. The theory that higher education will become the preserve of the economic elite, and that paying £9,000 per year is inconceivable to low income families, is a psychological fear not grounded in economic fact.

The policy aside, as the subservient ‘half ’ of the coalition it seems irrational that we berate Nick Clegg, who has had to compromise in order to sustain the equilibrium conducive to successful governance.

It is important to bear in mind that Clegg is acting without a full mandate, thus negotiation over policy sometimes overrides his election manifesto. We might question to what extent accusations of betrayal have been justified; in coalition governments politicians often have little choice but to act against their previously voiced convictions.

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An article in The Times said that the average graduate starting salary is just £14,000

In light of this we have to ask ourselves whether Nick Clegg has been rightfully employed as a scapegoat. Widespread anger has been expressed at the notion of raised tuition fees, however, in a time of such economic uncertainty it seems to make sense to transfer some of the costs from the tax payer to the student, especially as those costs will be repaid by the student only once they are financially able to do so.

This anger reflects a perceived threat against the right to education, which is unfounded considering the economic realities of the policy. We have to ask ourselves whether in this instance, emotion has superseded rationality? In light of these Nick Clegg is not deserving of his ‘Judas’ label, but rather he is a pragmatic, if typical, coalition politician.

Columnist

10

F

irst of all, congratulations for peering towards this column, at whatever point of your freshers it is.

Whether dealing with the onslaught of a week long hangover or burdened with the abyssal fear of not meeting anyone on your first night, taking time to read is a level headed and rather intellectual endeavour to take on, so you rightly deserve to give yourself a reassuring pat on the back for trying so hard. Well done. There you go. It's all going to be alright.

Now, by the time you are reading this, it seems reasonable to predict that the riots that shocked the country a few weeks ago will have calmed.

Maybe all those (delete depending on your political point of view) decadent/immoral/righteous/ poor/(if you are Enoch Powell) ethnic looters will be satisfied with their booty and we will have begun the noble cause of spiritual healing that will finally allow us to once again experience the unique aesthetic and sexual tension that fused to make shopping at Argos so invigorating. Maybe as you read this,

you are sat on a Argos swivel chair, or have bought an engagement ring for a loved one there. So beautifully naive, happy, happy in spite of the knowledge that cutting out the ring from the laminated catalogue would've made a more expensive proposal gift. Oh for those halcyon days of the past! Did those who rioted not know what terrors the sickly stench of burnt plastic would have had cast into our simple, humble universe?

I'm aware how facetious it seems to so nonchalantly reopen old wounds for you, in your first weeks of university no less but if we think about it deeper, can we not learn things about or for the dipsomanic fortnight known as Freshers from the apparent downfall of society?

Now to get slightly more serious, I do believe it an interesting devil's advocate comparison to make. The nihlistic maelstrom that both sets of events seem to be caricatured as is the most superficially significant aspect of this, and no doubt there is truth in the observations. Freshers does carry the strange sense of being on the fine knife edge between liberating spontaneity and incredulous self-destruction that I suspect

Monday September 19 2011

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many rioters felt. In a way, it almost makes their looting seem like playful destruction; like a child building a sandcastle, then proceeding to destroy and then eat said castle; all without realising the sandcastle is actually their own face. Similarly, there is an equal knowing blindness to Freshers which encourages all kinds of extremities. The best front page of GR during my time at Cardiff can only be the one which showed a guy with a gherkin [cough] inserted, shall we say rectally, followed by the shocking news that, if you eat a vegetable that's seen better days, you may get food poisoning. Arseholes.

Okay. I'm being a melodrama queen. It's not always this bad. It may be largely your own fault if you face explaining an illness as left-field as that to a Dr. at 3 am. But nonetheless there is surely truth in the claims when educated people feel the need to wiggle their now gormless avatars to terrible drum and bass (I make the distinction between it per se and the bad stuff, i order to reassure myself I'm not as thoroughly out of sync as I likely am), consecutively at Oceana, Tiger Tiger and Glam (there's advertising revenue gone). Greyfriars rd., where these institutions lie is essentially Tottenham on fire in my unjustifiably extensive metaphor.

I have nothing against either side of this rhetorical slight but the familiar postmodern sense of ennui pervades both.

Take the one thing made me laugh at the grim humor of the events as much as anything. When, after reading that JD Sports had been the most looted of all retailers, I walked past the one in Cardiff.

I saw it's era defining slogan. That slogan, is "The King of Trainers".

Just look at those words and the letters and the meanings. Trainers.

King. Tremble ye people and despair at the mightiest of your false gods: he's wearing some fucking hitops. I actually saw someone say on BBC news that they were stealing bottles of wine, (at 9.30 in the morning - don't take notes) because they wanted to show the Police/Government/ God/ Sebastian Coe that they were "showing the rich we are doing what want". I am still counting the contradictory feelings it blew up. To feel contempt for these people? Dismissive and removed hilarity at the absurdity of it all? If Samuel Beckett is turning in his grave now, it's only because he's disappointed his Waiting for Godot has nothing on

the implicit inanity of the real life theatre playing before our eyes.

Alas, there is no sane response to situations born of such self-immolation.

Fortunately, the particular act you are about to embark upon demands an altogether more steely determination if you wants to find yourself before a late night court of the law. Take that as a challenge if you really wish. However, the better thing about our side of the draw (Yes, I will continue to pretend to be one of your peers, I need the friends, okay?) is that unlike than gross inequality and an unfortunate inclination toward sportswear, Fresher fever tends to splutter itself into the gutter relatively quickly, and once you meet people, the desire becomes a spluttering background white noise. Flyers which previously seemed to welcome one to a Heaven run by Oscar Wilde and Andrew WK suddenly are tossed away uncaringly. Yes, the abstract sense of horror that imposes itself upon those unlucky enough to accidentally sober up at a Traffic party is unlikely to fade. But students of Cardiff, Sodom and Gommorah will hold no fears for you then.

I hope this hasn't been too depressing, I can't actually wait for Freshers. Get me a gherkin.

Monday September 19 2011

Politics13

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Political Editor Sophie Gidley explains the inner workings of the Welsh devolved government following the introduction of law-making powers.

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he beginning of a new academic year and the chance to discover a new university, new friends, a new city, and for many a new country with its own

government. Whilst England, Scotland and Wales are all governed by the British Government, Wales also has a degree of autonomy. Most are familiar with this fact but whereas most are familiar with the United Kingdom Parliament, knowledge of the Welsh Government remains more elusive. What precisely is the Welsh Government? And how do its powers differ to London?

Established as recently as 1999 the Welsh Government is the devolved government for Wales. Its powers are maintained under the Welsh Assembly and were greatly expanded by the Government of Wales Act 2006. It proudly claims to be “one of the few governments in the world that publishes Cabinet minutes and papers.”

The Welsh Government is constituted by the First Minister, Welsh Ministers, the Counsel General and Deputy Ministers. It is then supported by Civil Servants who work in key areas of public life such as health, education and the environment. The First Minister is the equivalent of the British Prime Minister which means that he heads the Welsh Government. Currently, Carwyn Jones, leader of the Labour Party in Wales, is the Welsh First Minister and was appointed to the role in 2009. He has overall responsibility for the development and coordination of Welsh Govern-

ment policy and for the implementation of the Welsh Government’s functions. The First Minister can also appoint and dismiss the Welsh Ministers, the equivalent of UK MPs, who form the Welsh Cabinet.

The Cabinet is the main decisionmaking body of the Government and gives direction to the whole organisation. The Cabinet is also comprised of the Counsel General, who is the chief legal advisor, and Deputy Ministers, who exercise functions on behalf of Ministers in particular areas of work. In total there can be up to 12 Welsh Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

The Welsh Government and the UK Government both have different interests in Wales. In comparison to UK law, Welsh legislation's tends to be subordinate as it has limited powers in amending Acts of Parliament. The UK Government still holds responsibility for greater general issues within Wales such as taxation and defence. Additionally, the UK Government is responsible for certain Welsh public services such as the police force and prison service. This certainly does not mean that the Welsh Government is immaterial however. It is more involved in matters that affect Welsh people’s daily lives, dealing with issues that are related much more closely to the people of Wales, developing and implementing poli-

cies that affect Wales more directly.

This includes issues relating to local government, transport, health and education.

In March 2011 a referendum was held to vote on whether the law-making powers of the Welsh National Assembly should be extended. Following the ‘yes’ result the Welsh Assembly will soon be able to pass Assembly Bills. This means that Wales can make its own laws, officially known as Assembly Measures.

These do only apply to Wales and not to other parts of the UK. Despite this, the UK Parliament can still introduce laws which affect Wales. Even so, with Wales making legal precedents, such as the recent legislation coming into force on October 1st which will now see a compulsory fee charged for the use of carrier bags, it is evident that Wales is making full use in exercising its legal powers. Furthermore, with a budget of over £14billion the Welsh Government is able to provide and deliver a vast amount of services.

Wales may not have full autonomous powers within the UK but it is certainly not entirely overshadowed by the UK Government. As a result, it deserves much recognition and understanding from those not just living in Wales but throughout the UK as well.

The Eurozone: Rotten to it's core?

Sophie Gidley & Luke Slade Political Editors

W

ith profound concerns over rising government deficits and increasing gover nment debts Europe has been in a state of economic crisis. With the world still struggling to rise from the global economic recession fears of a sovereign debt crisis have recently struck at the heart of Europe. The financial crisis that hung over Europe took a turn for the worst with the Eurozone debt crisis spreading from the peripheral European countries of Ireland and Greece to larger countries including Italy and Spain. Essentially countries have borrowed too much money to fund public spending and other programmes which they are now struggling to repay.

Furthermore, many European countries seem reluctant to implement measures to reduce their debt. Ultimately public spending needs to be reduced, meaning that these economies could shrink or face difficulties. However, financial markets are not convinced that governments have taken sufficient

steps to deal with their deficits. As public confidence in the Eurozone decreases and the United States economy seemingly unable to take the lead as it struggles with its own economic and debt level issues, bailouts have been necessary to stop these European governments from defaulting on their debts.

Market reaction has seen £150 billion wiped from the value of Britain’s top 100 companies and Greece handed a 159 billion Euro bailout indicating that the extent of this crisis is phenomenal. European politicians and businessmen have been greatly criticised for not effectively solving the crisis meaning challenges still lay ahead.

Greece has been the country in Europe that has been hit the hardest. There are an increasing number of people in Greece who are unable to afford basic medical checks and examinations. Something as common as checking the blood sugar levels of a diabetic are putting strain on patients not being able to afford medication or a new 5 Euro hospital fee introduced as part of Greece’s austerity measures. The Greek system is a bureaucratic nightmare.

Unending paperwork and unnecessary hoops are causing a system

to become increasingly confused and expensive. While, even though those without resources of any kind can qualify for free health care, the state will only pay for some medicines. Also, even those who are entitled to reduced or free medication often cannot find pharmacists to provide them and are instead asked to pay the cost up-front and seek reimbursement, something that not everyone is able to commit to.

Doctor’s wages in the public system have been cut in line with other government workers, while hospitals fear emergences and regular shortages. Most damaging is how an already unequal health system has become more unequal still.

It discriminates systematically against those most vulnerable and least able to afford health care.

Evangelos Venizelos, the Greek finance minister, has said, “We are in the midst of a battle. A battle to implement a program of fiscal consolidation… a battle to execute the budget, a battle to enforce privatisations.” “It's very important for us to act on our commitments to the EU and IMF. And, we will be true to our word,” adds the minister, who this week told parliament that Greece was in a race against time to make its debt more sustainable. “We will

make a superhuman effort to be true to our word.” He believes the decision to give Greece a second bailout beckoned a new tenacity in Europe to tackle the escalating debt crisis with more decisiveness and courage. But many question whether the Greek government is spending the help wisely.

“

Despite the stark contrast we believe that it is worthy to note that financial lessons can be learnt from these affairs, no matter how trivial the comparison. As students we are all aware of the financial toll that university can entail; tuition loans, maintenance fees, rent and bills to pay. It is a reminder that it certainly pays to be careful with money, to budget and be aware of what you are spending, not to overspend, and to keep a close track on your finances. It is far more difficult to stay out of the red once you are in it.

Features

14

Monday September 19 2011

gairrhydd

How to handle: The best week of your life...

Features Editor Ellen Atkinson ers Week, with her guide to the best (and worst) bits of the week Well hello there fellow Cardiff University freshers! So this time of year has come around again, and for the well seasoned fresher this week probably won’t be filled with too many unexpected surprises (although you never know during Cardiff freshers!) However, for those of you who are new to the world of university, freshers’ week can be a daunting prospect. So here’s a few quick tips from your Gair Rhydd Features team, to help you find your feet and make sure that you have a fantastic freshers’ week.

F is for Finances

Freshers is renowned for being a week of excess drinking, socialising and partying, but it doesn’t have to involve excess spending. For those of you with a student loan for the first time, it is definitely tempting to blow your entire freshers’ week budget on vodka redbull. While that will probably take up a percentage of your savings, it’s a good idea to avoid breaking the bank in freshers, so that your loan stretches to Christmas like it’s supposed to. So just take a little time to think about how to make your money last, and as the year goes on you are sure to pick up loads of money saving tips to help you scout out a good bargain!

R is for Register Make the most of your free time by getting on with the typical freshers’ week tasks such as registering with a nearby doctor and getting your student ID card. Beware though, that ID card will stay with you for the next three years so you may want to take a minute to run a brush through your hair! The jobshop is always a good bet as well.

Located downstairs in the Student Union it’s a great way to cut out

the hassle of finding a job, whether you’re looking for casual work or long term employment.

cially when you’re living together, so by the end of the week you may well already be the best of friends!

It’s definitely worthwhile investing in a doorstop of some sort. Keeping your door open will make your flat much more sociable and people might pop in for a chat on their way past your room. Don’t worry if you

Fres

E is for Enrollment.

Maybe not exactly what you feel like doing on a hung-over morning, but enrolling on your chosen course is a crucial part of freshers’ week and will hopefully give you an idea of what to expect for the next three years! You’ll also be able to get to know your department and avoid being the last one in for your Monday morning lecture, and it’s a great opportunity to get a head start on meeting new friends from your course.

S is for Socialising One of the best things about university is the opportunity to meet new people, but failing to make friends and fit in is a worry that many students face. With any luck all your fears will vanish as soon as you move in and meet your lovely new flatmates! It’s really important to remember that you are all in the exact same position, which means that everybody tends to be extra keen to make an effort in freshers.

Friendships often form more quickly than in normal situations, espe-

lem whipping up some tasty treats – if so you will definitely be very popular with your new flatmates!

Others of you won’t have had very much cooking experience, but will hopefully manage to avoid setting off the fire alarm whilst cooking a frozen pizza at 3 in the morning, like my flatmate did! Make sure you stock up on a few essentials for your cupboard, you may not have time to prepare a gourmet dinner in between the freshe r s ’

silverfish then count yourselves lucky!

S is for Societies Make sure to check out the sports and societies fayre held in the Great Hall in the Students’ Union during freshers’ week. There’s no limit, so sign up for as many clubs and societies as you fancy. From the conventional to the truly unique, there’s a society for everyone. You never know you may find a hidden talent for pole dancing or an undiscovered passion for reggae!

hers

don’t immediately bond with your housemates though. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, through your course or by joining a society, so if you’re really not clicking with the people you live with it’s not the end of the world!

H is for Homesickness Freshers is infamous for being a wild, party-filled week, where you are sure to collect many a memorable anecdote; but in between working out how to use the microwave, how to turn on Henry the Hoover and where you can get your hands on a cheap fancy dress costume, there are likely to be at least a few quiet moments when the homesickness may kick in. Many students experience at least a hint of homesickness during freshers’ week, especially if this is the first time you are living away from home. Try talking to your flatmates about it.

Chances are several of them are feeling the same way, plus going through the ups and downs of freshers together is a great way to get to know each other. If you’re lucky enough to live with like-minded people then they can give you support when you’re feeling homesick.

Keeping busy is definitely the key to keeping homesickness at bay so try and make sure you don’t have too much time without anything to do. However, if feeling homesick really is affecting you enjoying your time at university then make sure to check out the student support centre who can offer you advice and someone to talk to.

E is for Eating Probably not your first priority but definitely an important consideration. Maybe you’re already an experienced chef and will have no prob-

cha os, so quick and easy meals are always best.

Freshers is physically challenging and you’ll probably be going out more than you’re used to, so it’s important to remember to eat well and stay healthy. Even try and squeeze in a bit of fruit and veg if you possibly can. You never know, it may help to ward off the dreaded freshers flu.

R is for Residences Alright, it may not be luxury accommodation but living in residences is a big part of the student experience, and it is so much fun.

By second year you will definitely be wishing you could move back into halls and do it all over again! It can be intense living with strangers and dealing with shared kitchens and bathrooms, but you will soon settle in and get used to the dynamics of your flat. And if you manage to avoid mould, cockroaches and

Your course may well have it’s very own society as well, which puts on socials and activities throughout the year. And be sure to join up to Cardiff Student Media, who make this paper gair rhydd, as well as the magazine Quench along with their radio and TV stations, CUTV and Xpress.

Follow us on Twitter @GairRhyddFeat

Monday September 19 2011

Features15

gairrhydd

International Freshers Week Features Editor Ali Ishaq gives his take on Freshers Week from the perspective of an international student

I

nternational Freshers, welcome to Cardiff University.

Wherever you’re from be assured that you will be offered quality facilities, world class education and top job prospects. But obviously the welcome packs and the barrage of correspondence already told you that. What we here at gair rhydd are going to tell you is something that is from beyond the horizon. But it’s something you’ve been looking for.

Like the place where you buy

staring and instead kick your suitcase under the desk and sit on your beds for some time, smelling the whiffs of that new-room smell, revelling in the solace that will only be afforded to you in those particular days. Thereupon, connect your laptops to the university intranet and log onto your Facebook accounts to update your status to ‘Cardiff ’ (variations with the heart symbol are welcome) and generate 50 likes in 24 hours.

The first week passes in a flurry.

A day spent exploring the beautiful trail by the Taf, one buying tea pots and the likes from Tesco extra, a day at the

Wee universal adapters, which is just down North Road. Like the assurance that if your PC breaks down and you need to go to Julian Hodge to send an e-mail to Mum, the tears are understandable – because the IT shop will always provide a shoulder to cry on.

Hopefully, by the time you are reading this you will be nestling comfortably in your new found beds (Pity the ones in Taly North – but fear not, friends, you are destined for a year of Party). I remember myself lugging my suitcase onto my first floor flat and then just staring at the room for a good fifteen seconds. I recommend you ditch the

yourself; because that card is going to stick for the next few years. You probably wont see her ever again.

As the second week dawns upon you, so does the realization that you are now away from home. For many this will mean a lot of different things. Whether you’ll be able to make friends. Whether you’ll be able to forage and find food.

Whether you’ll have enough to do.

Well, here are just a few pointers on where to start.

Friends = Flatmates. These are the people you will live with for one whole year. They come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll eat with them, sleep with them – pun as you please – and in many instances, party with them. Owing to the time that you will inevitably spend

Centre which has all sorts of cuisines. Do I hear Halal? No problem.

Just skip down to City Road where you’ll find scores of restaurants and shops offering Asian and Middle Eastern options. The Unions inhouse eateries are a treat too. Early morning classes? Just take the stairs down to ‘CF10’. Tiring evening tutorial? Just take the stairs up to ‘The Taf ’. It’s all on the magical Union stairs I tell you.

Wondering about whether you’ll have enough to do? BUY THE FRESHERS WRIST BAND! Too late?

Not to worry. Attend all or most Freshers events for 2011. That’s the Cardiff University Students Union paving the way into the world for all you party animals. And if you think you’ve had enough of the drink and of the pink stuff, there is still the magnificent Cardiff Castle. Or take a tour of the brilliant Millennium

k 201

Bank and one at the Union in order to procure your ID cards. Take your time by the Taf, you’ll have loads to think about and that’s the best place to let the fresh reality sink in that you’ve finally arrived. Once you go to your chosen bank, don’t frown at the line in front of you. Instead, talk to people. They’re only as apprehensive of all this as you are. Finally, when you go and get your picture taken for your student ID card, remember to smile. Not just for the pretty lady behind the computer, but for

with them, if I were you, I wouldn’t worry about making friends. Make sure you attend the societies fayre and you wont have to fret about finding friends from your home countries either. The Cardiff University Guild of Societies has national societies ranging from the Asian Society to the Chinese.

Foraging and finding food wont be a problem. We have a lively City

1!

Stadium.

If you’re looking for scenic beauty, look no further than the Cardiff Bay. Beautiful in the day, mesmerising in the night.

I guess what this article means to tell all you international – and local freshers – is that you are destined for one of the best years of your life here at Cardiff University. I’ve known people who left in their first week. Well they just applied for a deferred entry and came back next year. So never make that mistake.

I’ve known people who start off by being proper misers and those who have lost it all in the casinos.

The initial stage, my friends, is a slippery slope and you just have to try and hit the bulls eye. Why? Because you’re from half way around the world and this just could not have been any better.

Naturally, the rain may come as a surprise to you. If it didn’t the first few times, it will definitely, when your apparently solid Dunlop Umbrella from Sports Direct blows away in the middle of torrential rain. It is in wet moments like these – no pun intended – that you realize that it’s better to get drenched wearing a hood than getting drenched after your umbrella has been disman-

tled by nature. This will be a home away from home for you.

So I suggest you make the most of your experience and find things that suit you from the plethora of activities, subjects, people and places that is Cardiff University!

Science

18

Monday September 19 2011

gair

The Science of Freshers Week Jenny Lambourne Science Editor

A

t some point in the next few weeks the chances of you being offered one of the following are rather high: a Jager bomb, a dance in a club with an attractive medic, another Jager bomb, a veritable liquorice allsorts collection of drugs, yet another Jager bomb and perhaps a late night visit to an array of kebab shops (always the more appealing after the aforementioned Jager bombs).

You may choose all of these things. You may choose none at all.

Welcome to Fresher’s Fortnight where social pleasure is more often than not the catalyst for the lasting friendships and degree certificate that you will leave this university with. The next two weeks often remain a blur of social interaction, music, drink and exploration and will undoubtedly be the nights and the days that you will remember way beyond your time here at Cardiff. Whether for better in the wake of your new found friendships, or for worse after one to many of those pesky Jagermeisters.

Well, new freshettes, you are excused. It is biologically determined within the human brain to desire such pleasure. A rather intriguing meeting of connected brain areas form the Medial Forebrain Pleasure Circuit and these small clumps of neurons are essentially what is responsible for the feeling of human pleasure.

“ This stretches further than an excuse to frequent the union bar as humans are deliberately designed to receive such a stimulus in order to evolve. Without pleasure from food, water or sex, we would receive no inclination to continue our species. Brain scans have shown that particular sections of our pleasure circuit, specifically the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens, can be activated by both evolutionary ancient as well as modern stimuli.

Problems arise, however, when certain substances deliberately target your delightful circuit of fun. Risk of addiction from heroin and crack cocaine, for example, have a lasting effect upon the electrical, biochemical and morphological aspects of this area of the brain. Chronic drug use can cause extended damage to the neurons within the nucleaus accumbens when too many dendritic spines are produced. Scientists have suggested that such changes may provide explanation behind cravings, withdrawal symptoms and relapse.

However, these changes are strik-

ingly similar to those created by experience, and specifically learning driven, alterations which are linked with memory. Thus, memory, addiction and pleasure are all connected. Furthermore, stepping away from the influence of addiction, it has been suggested that there is a strong link between associated learning and pleasure. The promise of pleasure acts as a motivation towards goals and aspirations and this time, there is no requirement for evolutionary benefit. This could be responsible for a love of extreme sports or watching Llamas in Hats on YouTube for the sixtieth time in a row.

Brain imaging scans have also shown that giving to charity, receiving information about future events and even paying taxes can all stimulate your circuit of happiness by influencing the same regions that are affected by the taking of heroin, eating a late night McDonald's or having an orgasm.

As David J Linden, a professor of neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, has said, “The world, it turns out, is full of pleasures, both virtues and vices – and that’s not necessarily such a bad thing.”

More than providing justification for another shot of Sambuca, this increase in understanding of our neural function is providing brand new insight into the workings of our brains. This can also be extended beyond the academic world into studies involving the development of drugs to assist those attempting to break addiction. As Linden sur-

mises, this stretches much further than the acquirement of scientific knowledge. He suggests that such understanding can enable us to rethink moral and legal attitudes towards drug addiction, food, sex and gambling and perhaps also provide a revolutionary look towards the industries that provide and manipulate these pleasures.

Though, for now during your Fresher’s Fortnight, the emphasis is upon meeting new people, experiencing your new lives as students and indulging - albeit in moderation - in these social pleasures.

What can also be suggested is that these indulgences can motivate you to get back on YouTube and watch animated bloodthirsty llamas, take up an extreme sport in our Athletic Union or even take a look at this year’s reading list.

“

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Again, you may do all of these things, you may do none of them.

Nevertheless enjoy your time as a fresher and exercise those Medial Forebrain Pleasure Circuits of yours. It may be necessary for the survival of our species. Or maybe for your degree.

20

Societies

Monday September 19 2011

gair

A quick introduction to Societies

Isabelle Roberts Societies Editor

F

reshers’ Fortnight is a whirlwind. You will be bombarded with enough leaflets to start a fire, you will suffer a severe lack of sleep and you will want to stay in bed and turn nocturnal.

However, if you did that you would miss out on the Societies Fayre! For two days – September 26 and 27 – during Freshers’ Fortnight (with alternate societies on display each day) you will be able to browse, ask questions and join societies in the Great Hall of the Students Union building. I warn you now: it will be packed, so get in early! You will definitely find something for you – societies range from the Tea Party Society to the Anime Society, from the Live Music Society to the Youth of India Society. You can join your course society (for example, the English Literature Society) or try something new like the Fashion Society. If you’re here on the ERASMUS scheme there are societies for that too, or there’s the International Fayre on September 23, so make yourself feel at home.

Check out the Freshers’ Guide in which you will be able to find out the layout of all the stalls in the Great Hall, and the guide will tell you when things are and when. Keep it on you! For the two days of the Societies Fayre you can sign up straight away in the Great Hall. After this, you will need to go online to http://groups.cardiffstudents.com/societies/ home where you can pay the membership fee (which is different for every society). If you go to the Fayre the members of the societies may also be handing out free goodies and informing you when the first social is – your diary will soon become triple-booked!

As well as these two days of Societies there is also a separate day for Sports Clubs and an evening where Media and Volunteering Fayre's are held. This year the Media Recruitment Party will take place on October 3, from 7pm till late, so come along and get involved.

Cardiff Student Media covers everything from the newspaper you are currently reading – gair rhydd – to the Xpress radio station, the Cardiff University TV and the magazine Quench. For those nearer the Heath campus there is also the magazine Park Life. Come

along to the Media Fayre and meet us all, sign up for the sections you are interested in, and find out more!

One particular society that is aiming to branch out this year is the Film Society. For film fans there are regular film nights and quizzes. However, if you are into making films, the Film Society’s production branch, DiffFilms, writes, films, edits and produces short films from the amateur to the semi-professional. This year the Production Manager, Amy Harding, tells us why you should join: “We’ve got a really exciting year lined up for DiffFilms. We’re finally going to be buying a brand new camera, we’ve got a selection of workshops organised with industry experts and we’re going to be entering some national film festivals. There has never been a better time to join the Film Society and it’s still only £5 for the year. Come and chat to us at our stall for more details”.

Honestly, the societies are so diverse and welcoming here at Cardiff that you are sure to find something to suit you. If you have any suggestions for how societies can be improved remember you have an elected Societies Officer, Harry Newman, who is your first point of contact for any society related queries. When talking about his new position, Harry said “I’d love to have the opportunity to introduce myself in person so please come up to the 3rd Floor of the Union or catch me at the Societies Fayre.

I’m your first point of contact for any society related queries, whether you want to join one of our 150 societies or even set up a new one of your own! I’ll try my hardest to ensure that the union offers the opportunity to join quality societies for everyone. As an elected officer I am one of a team of 8 who will set the direction of our union over the coming year.

The Guild of Societies is a fantastic group to make friends, have loads of fun and become more employable.”

Just be warned, you may find yourself spending all of your time with various societies rather than your degree! Above all else, get involved. Where else are you going to have the chance to do all this mad, crazy stuff again? Go on, you know you want to.

Mon-Tue 26th & 27th September Societies Fayre

Sign up to societies in the Great Hall 10am - 5pm

Wed-Fri 28th, 29th & 30th September Pole Dancing Taster Sessions

Cathays Community Centre 36-38 Cathays Terrace 3pm - 4pm

Fri 30th September Snowsports - Social

CF10 Eve

Mon 3rd October

RAG - 5 Legged Pub Crawl

Starting in the TV Lounge, Union 8pm

Wed 5th October

English Lit Society - Bike Ride to Castell Coch From Main Building Car Park 2pm

Thur 13th October

Northern Society - Social Meet in The Woodville Eve

Mon 14th November

People & Planet - 1.4 Billion Reasons Talk

In Main Building 7.30pm

Fri-Sat 25th & 26th November

Brass Band Workshop University Concert Hall

Below: The Broadway Dance Society

If you would like to join a Society, or see a full list of opportunities, visit: http://groups.cardiffstudents.com/societies/home

Monday September 19 2011

Taf-od23

gairrhydd

Newid Hinsawdd Taf-Od Prin y trafodir materion dylanwadol a phwysig gwyddonol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Serch hynny, mae’r diffyg gwybodaeth wedi peri i nifer fawr o bobl anwybyddu’r pwnc llosg hwn a’i ganlyniadau amrywiol.

Atgyfnerthir gweithredoedd naturiol sy’n achosi newid hinsawdd gan weithredoedd dynol, megis defnydd o danwyddau ffosil, llygredd a datgoedwigo. Achosa hyn ryddhad carbon deuocsid ac o ganlyniad, cynhesrwydd byd eang. Bydd cynnydd mewn tywydd eithafol, megis llifogydd, adegau o wres uchel, cholled tir, cynnydd o ymbelydriad a llygredd o ganlyniad i newid hinsawdd.

Ond pam ddylwn ni boeni am sgil effeithiau newid hinsawdd? Mae’r byd eisoes yn newid ac rydym yn gweld cynnydd mewn tywydd eithafol a chynhesiad. Serch ond y dechrau yw hyn; gallwn ragweld newidiadau di-droi’n-ôl a fydd yn effeithio cenedlaethau’r dyfodol o fewn y ganrif nesaf. Effeithia

newid hinsawdd yr amgylchedd, yr economi a’r gymdeithas, a hynny ym mhob cwr o’r byd.

Un o brif effeithiau newid hinsawdd fydd y codiad yn lefelau’r môr; rhagfynegir y bydd codiad o 50 cm erbyn diwedd y ganrif. Gallwn weld colled enfawr yng nghapiau iâ'r pegynau wrth iddynt ymdoddi, ond pam ddylwn ni boeni? Bydd gwledydd ar draws y byd yn cael eu heffeithio. Mae 50% o ddynol ryw yn byw yn ardaloedd arfordirol o amgylch y byd ac mae’r tir arfordirol yn rhai o’r ardaloedd mwyaf ffrwythlon. O fewn y ganrif nesaf, gall 30% o dir gwledydd megis Bangladesh fod islaw lefel y môr, gan effeithio 120 miliwn o bobl. fyn yn erbyn codiad o 1m yn £10,000 miliwn yn yr Iseldiroedd. Nid yn unig ardaloedd byw a effeithir ond feiliaid a phlanhigion. Mae risg y gallwn golli ardaloedd naturiol prydferth ar draws y byd.

Bydd newid hinsawdd yn achosi hynny tra bod poblogaeth y byd yn cynyddu. Ceir canlyniadau gwleidy-

ddol hefyd. Dywedodd ysgrifennydd cyffredinol y Cenhedloedd Unedig y bydd rhyfeloedd mawr y dyfodol nid Yn ogystal, ni fydd dros 40% o rywogaethau anifeiliaid a phlanhigion yn medru delio gyda’r amodau newydd ac yn darfod. Ond pam mae hyn yn effeithio bywyd pobl?

Dywedodd Einstein os bydd y wenynen yn darfod ni fydd gan ddyn fwy na phedair blynedd i fyw. Heb beilliad planhigion gan wenynen, na fydd pobl yn goroesi. Os gall yr effaith fod mor fawr o golli gwenyn, beth fydd effaith colli cymaint â 40% o rywogaethau? Bydd colled tir ffrwythlon a thymereddau uchel yn lleihau tymhorau tyfu cnydau a fydd yn cael effaith enfawr ar ddiogelwch a sicrwydd bwyd bydeang yn enwedig mewn gwledydd tlotach. Y gwledydd cyfoethocaf sy’n cyfrannu fwyaf at newid hinsawdd ond y gwledydd tlotaf fydd yn dioddef mwyaf o’i ganlyniad.

O ganlyniad i golled tir, mae rhagfynegiad y bydd 150 miliwn

heb unman i fynd. Mae’n rhaid i’r byd fod yn barod i ddarparu cefnogaeth i nifer fawr o ffoaduriaid amgylcheddol. A fydd gwledydd yn barod i ymdopi ac i ganiatáu mewneconomaidd gan achosi problemau gorboblogi?

Beth fydd yr effaith ar Gymru?

Bydd newidiadau tymheredd a glaw yn effeithio amodau amgylcheddol gan achosi newidiadau mewn amaeth, erydiad, colled tir a chynnydd mewn llifogydd. Mae Cymru yn enwog am dywydd gwael, ond a fydd Cymru yn gallu delio gyda chynnydd pellach mewn glaw?

Gall hyn effeithio’r economi drwy leihad yn y diwydiant twristiaeth.

Ym mhellach, sut fyddwn yn teimlo prydferth cefn gwlad, mannau arfordirol a thraethau, a hyd yn oed colli ardal fawr o ganol Caerdydd o fewn y blynyddoedd nesaf o ganlyniad i newid hinsawdd?

Mae gennym ddyletswydd i ddefnyddio ffyrdd adnewyddadwy. Tybir ei bod yn rhatach yn gyllidol i weithredu yn awr yn erbyn newid hinsawdd na fuasai yn y dyfodol.

Mae angen buddsoddi mewn egni adnewyddadwy trwy baneli solar, i weithredu’n erbyn sgil-effeithiau newid hinsawdd. Mae mater newid hinsawdd yn un yr ydym yn anwybyddu yn ein henbydrwydd. Mae i ba raddau mae gweithredoedd dynol yntau naturiol yn cyfrannu i gynhesu’r ddaear yn fater dadleuol.

Serch gallwn fod yn wyddonol sicr fod parhad o ddefnydd tanwyddau ffosil megis olew, glo a nwy yn ein gwthio i bwynt di-droi’nôl. Heb leihau ein dibyniaeth ar y tanwyddau yma a llunio llwybr newydd o ddefnydd egni, yr ydym yn condemnio cenedlaethau’r dyfodol i drychinebau byd-eang. Ond y dechreuad ydy’r sialens o fod yn garbon niwtral, gofynna’r broblem hinsawdd am ymdrech gyd-weithiol, rhyngwladol, ac nid unigol gan un llywodraeth neu gwmni. Dyma un o’r sialensiau mwyaf a wyneba ein cenhedlaeth a chenedlaethau’r dyfodol, ac mae’n hen bryd cymryd cyfrifoldeb am y mater a diogelu ein Byd.

Hwyl Fawr Derwyddon Elliw Mair Taf-Od Daeth diwedd cyfnod Nos Sadwrn y 27ain wrth i Dderwyddon Dr Gonzo chwarae ei cord olaf (yn llythrennol gan fod yr allweddell bellach yn filoedd o ddarnau man ar lawr clwb). Ers ennill brwydr y bandiau Cymdeithas yr Iaith yn 2005, mae’r Derwyddon wedi tyfu o nerth i nerth. Maent wedi cyrraedd brig siart c2 a chael eu gwobrwyo gan Radio Cymru am fand gorau a band gorau byw Cymru yn 2009. Nid yn unig y cydiwyd calonnau'r Cymry gan y Derwyddon, maent wedi perfformio yn rhai o wyliau mwyaf Lloegr megis Gwyl Latitude ac wedi cael eu caneuon ar radio 1 sy’n gamp aruthrol i fand Cymraeg.

Er bod caneuon fel Chaviach a Madrach yn ganeuon gwych, ei perfformiadau byw a wnaeth Derwyddon yn fand mwyaf poblogaidd Cymru. Roedd ganddynt y gallu i gael y dorf i ddawnsio ar ôl un nodyn ac roeddent yn cyfathrebu yn wych gyda’r gynulleidfa. Ni all neb a aeth i weld Derwyddon yn fyw ei galw yn fand boring. Nid oedd

Nos Sadwrn, pan chwaraewyd eu gig olaf yng Nghlwb Ifor Bach yn eithriad ac mae 3 gair yn ddigon i ddisgrifio’r noson - orlawn, gwyllt a ffantastig, ac i ychwanegu gair arall - chwyslyd!

Cefais air sydyn gyda Dewi Foulkes – chwaraewr bâs y Derwyddon: Pam wnaethoch benderfynu ei fod yn amser i ymddeol?

Rydyn yn gorffen oherwydd bo ni'n meddwl bo ni'n stryglo mynd ymhellach efo be danisho neud fel band ac mae’n anodd cael pawb at eu gilydd i sgwennu caneuon gan bo pawb ar hyd y wlad ym mhob man.

Sut deimlad oedd hi i chwarae eich gig olaf ?

yn Isle of Wight.

Rydych chi’n enwog am wisgo dillad gwallgo’ ond pa un oedd dy wisg orau?

Dim ond Y-FRONTS coch a gwyn.

fel rhan o’r Derwyddon?

Chwarae mewn gwyliau megis Wakestock, Bestival, Latitude a Headlinio steddfod Bala.

I chi'n meddwl y byddwch fel Meic Stevens ac yn chwarae tua 10 gig olaf ?

Na!

Roedd hi’n deimlad gwych chwarae'r gig olaf. Cynulleidfa brilliant unwaith eto.

Rydych wedi perfformio mewn sawl lleoliad, ble oedd eich gig gorau erioed?

Maes-b Bala neu Gwyl Bestival

Heb os, mae’r Sin roc Gymraeg yn mynd i deimlo colled enfawr y band unigryw hwn a roddodd cymaint o fwynhad a phleser i bobl Cymru. Ni fydd gwyliau Cymru hanner mor wyllt heb y Derwyddon yn llenwi ein llwyfannau. Hwyl Fawr a Diolch Derwyddon!

26Sport An eye on the 2011/12 Premier League Campaign Monday September 19 2011

gairrhydd sport@gairrhydd.com

Jamie Evans makes his predictions for the coming season

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reathe a sigh of relief; the Premier League is back; as we at last approach the dawning of a new season.

The only game to fall foul of the London rioters this weekend is Tottenham’s game at home to David Moyes’s transfer less Everton side, which was postponed by the FA due to fears of security.

Tottenham of course was the epicentre of the chaos, it’s a shame it had to happen but, at the very least, ‘Arry Redknapp will get more time to ponder which 25 la liga strikers he will be bidding for on deadline day. Nevertheless every other game survives, including newly promoted Swansea’s daunting trip away at many people’s early doors favourites, Manchester City.

The 2011/12 season will be the first season in the English Premier League’s history that a Welsh side will take part, and the first time that the South Wales club will compete in the top tier of English football since 1983. Joining the Swans are two sides who may feel more at home in the EPL following automatic promotion, Norwich and ‘the richest club in the world,’ QPR. The curtain was proverbially drawn last weekend with the Community Shield when Manchester United took on Manchester City at Wembley. Despite the trophy’s reputation, the match was enthralling and exemplified that no Man-

chester derby is ever taken lightly.

It ended 3.2 to United, despite City holding a 2.0 lead at half time. The football on display was stunning, especially the build-up to the second goal which was a delectable series of one-twos that was slotted home by Nani; United’s new keeper David De Gea didn’t have the best of times, but alongside other summer recruits Ashley Young and Phil Jones, ‘the champions of the community’ look worthy favourites going into the new season.

It isn’t just on the pitch there’s enigma, the coming and goings this summer are also a joy to behold; most notably the arrival of another ‘special one,’ 33-year-old Andre Villas-Boas as manager of Chelsea.

He of course replaces the outgoing Carlo Ancelotti, who was unfortunate to lose his job at the culmination of last season; but such is the nature of the beast at Chelsea. The ex-Porto boss, who is also the same age as club captain John Terry, faces a weight of expectation; not only from the North London faithful, but also from Roman Abramovich who’s quest for Champions League silverware as of yet has remained fruitless. Aston Villa also have a new man at the helm in the shape of former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish.

Meanwhile Manchester City’s owners headed by Sheikh Mansour have dipped into their never-ending pot of riches and pulled out £38m to

sign Tevez’s replacement, Argentinean starlet Sergio Kun Aguero, who just so happens to be Diego Maradona’s stepson; Hopefully we will see el Diego gracing the terraces of Eastlands AKA ‘The Etihad Stadium’ this season.

Arsenal seem to be in a state of chaos at the minute, captain Cesc Fabregas has once again been pertinacious fluttering his eye lashes at Barcelona once again. Barca’s proxy war with Arsenal over Cesc may finally conclude this summer with the Spaniard finally re-joining his boyhood club after years of the worst case of tapping up in premier league history, Barca’s transfer policy has fell just short of kidnapping poor homesick Cesc. Samir Nasri also seems to be heading for the exit doors at the Emirates after refusing to discuss a new contract, his current contract expires next summer and Arsene Wenger looks like he’s about to cash in on the Frenchman now, rather than let him leave for free next summer. His most likely destination seems to be linking up with Gael Clichy at Man City, one of Arsenal’s major rivals for the Premier league and Champions league this season. Uncharacteristically the Gunners have also spent this summer in the shape of Ivorian striker Gervinho who has already impressed pre-season; a defender is sure to follow, oh and there’s also the high profile signing s Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Arsenal may struggle to stay in the top four this season. There may be some surprise packages this season, with Villa, Everton and Spurs on the slide, there’s a chance for the likes of Stoke and Sunderland to make a big impact on the top half this season.

2009 champions Chelsea haven’t stayed quiescent in the transfer market either, they’ve brought in giant teenager Romelu Lukaku to add to an array of prolific striking options, if his football manager potential is anything to go by, he could be something very special indeed; albeit he is vying with Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Nicholas Anelka, Florent Malouda, Solomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge for a starting place this season. It seems all of the title challengers have felt the need to bolster their squads for the forthcoming campaign; the biggest spenders so far are Liverpool, who finally look as though they have the capability to end their 21year wait for championship glory.

They now have an embarrassment of riches in midfield after splashing the cash on Jordon Henderson (£20m,) Charlie Adam (£7m) and Stewart Downing (£20m;) keeping everyone happy could be a nigh on impossible task for King Kenny.

The bad boys of the premier league are also causing a stir before the curtain falls on Saturday; Mario Balotelli is up to his old tricks again, even if some of them don’t

come off, especially two yards in front of goal against the L.A. Galaxy. And one of the nagging questions of the summer has been; is Joey Barton the re-incarnation of George Orwell? Newcastle’s tenacious midfielder has been taking swipes at Alan Pardew and the club all summer on Twitter. One thing’s for sure though, if Newcastle harbour ambitions of another top half finish, they’ll need the hold on to the plucky scouser, having lost so many key players (Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll, and Jose Enrique) in recent times. The relegation battle will probably be as intense as it was last season, with Blackburn, Bolton, Wolves and Wigan looking likely to be challenging with the newly promoted clubs to stay in the division.

My predictions for the upcoming season are as follows; Arsene Wenger won’t be o the touchline in Arsenals’ game against Swansea after refusing to pay the toll fee, citing that he doesn’t need to spend any money. Cyril the Swan will have a bust up with Gunnasaurus Rex in the same game. Mario Balotelli will claim he’s bigger than Jesus, Joe Cole will end up as a car park attendant at Anfield and more pertinently Manchester United (against my wishes) will be crowned Premier League champions.

Monday September 19 2011

Sport27

gairrhydd

Sport meet your new AU President, Olly Devon

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s a new university year kicks off, gair rhydd Sport spoke to newly appointed AU president, Ollie Devon, about what lies ahead in this year’s sporting calendar and the changes he has in store for AU… -

Becoming the new AU President is a fantastic honour and one that, so far, has been thoroughly enjoyable!

Sport is my passion so, although the hours can be long, it is a hugely rewarding role. There is so much that goes on in the AU and being a part of it is a very unique experience.

pitch at Llanrumney playing fields.

As well as lobbying the University, I will be running several awarenessraising events throughout the year.

One of the major roles of the AU President is giving students a voice; the Invest in Sport campaign, while challenging, gives students the chance to make their voices heard.

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I am re-igniting the Invest in Sport campaign to petition the University for better facilities -

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Perhaps the major change this year is that the AU is launching Team Cardiff, a long term project to standardise all club’s kit under one brand, bringing the AU together and showing an image of unity throughout the University and sporting community. Team Cardiff offers great benefits to AU clubs and its members including more affordable kit as a consortium of clubs, reliably sourced, high quality clothing, an established kit supplier in Nike and a professional, united look that can be ordered individually or as a club.

Perhaps the biggest challenge the AU faces this year is approaching the university on the need to invest in better sports facilities. This year I am re-igniting the Invest in Sport campaign in order to petition the University on behalf of students for better facilities. The target for this years campaign is a full-sized 3G

After achieving our highest ever ranking last year, expectations are high coming into the new season.

I am positive that we can build on the tremendous success of last year and use that momentum to progress even further up the table.

Absolutely! I fully intend to actively encourage more students to engage with the amazing array of sports the AU offers. I have a very much open door policy, my door on the third floor is always open if anyone at all needs information, advice or just a chat about sports! I am hoping to meet a huge amount of students from different clubs and try out a whole range of unusual and exciting sports this year.

If you have any queries, or would like to talk to Ollie about anything, you can find him working hard on the third floor of the Students ‘Union. Alternatively contact him at: AUPresident@cardiff.ac.uk or find him on twitter @AUPresidentCSU.

Many opportunities to get involved

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ardiff University is firmly established as one of the leading universities for competitive sport in Wales, with around 5000 members supported in over 60 sports clubs.

As one of the biggest Athletic Unions in the country and with so much choice on offer, you’ll easily be able to find a sport that suits you. But if you really can’t find one that takes your fancy, there’s even the opportunity to set up your own club.

Cardiff has a vast selection of current AU clubs ranging from

recreational to competitive sports teams, who compete against other Universities in BUCS (British University and College Sport) competitions throughout the year.

If you’re looking to play competitive sport against some of the best universities in the country then these are the clubs for you. The many sports on offer include: Rugby, Football, Netball, Aikido, Surf, Lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for less commitment but still want to be part of a team and meet new people then the IMG (Intra Mural Games) programme may be more up your street.

IMG - run in partnership with the University’s Sports and Exercise department to provide a vast and smoothly run sports experience - allows you the opportunity to play competitive sport but at a much more casual rate.

Along with overseeing the running of the BUCS and IMG clubs, the AU holds a number of events over the course of the year with Varsity standing out as the high point of the University Sporting year. Varsity sees Cardiff and local rivals Swansea University battle it out as they compete for the Varsity Shield and Cup. More than 10,000 students gather

to cheer on the teams in the Varsity Rugby match – the culmination of the day’s events. Everyone gets involved!

This is just a snapshot of the Sport available at Cardiff and it’s various Sports Centres at Talybont, Llanrumney and Park Place so for more information make sure you head to the AU Fayre on 29 September to see the full extent of what is on offer.

Sports teams are a great way to meet people outside of halls and lectures so whether you’ve got your heart set on 2012 glory or just simply want a way to keep fit then make sure you get involved.

The clubs welcome people of all abilities and many people get their first introduction to Sport at University so don’t feel like you have to be a pro to join any of the clubs.

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Sport

Meet the AU President << Inside

IMG football gets a makeover for 2011/12

Sport take a look at some of the changes for the new season

30+ teams will compete Working closely with University Sport Greater communication with Cardiff Council Greater support for IMG Coordinator Zac Cole Sports Editor

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MG football this year could host thirty-plus teams, all hoping to be playing at least 14 competitive games in the programme and make it into the top tier of the competition. For IMG’s organisers this is a huge undertaking and despite last year’s season being a lot of fun the competition’s coordination strained under the weight of the task. Many teams lost a number of matches to postponement as a result of the weather, which were never replayed. Teams having to supply a referee to a nearby match meant that sometimes already stretched squads were even more so, and some teams seasons’ went unfinished. gair rhydd Sport spoke with Ollie Devon, AU President to find out

some of the changes he is looking into in order to improve the running of IMG football and ensure that the same problems of last year wouldn’t arise in the new season.

To combat the problem of teams missing out on finishing their season, the AU are “seeking greater communication with the council” looking for new slots to secure allocation for rematches so the pitches remain leased and used all through the year. As a result, the season will hopefully run for longer and teams will reach the end of the season with all games being played. He added that he would look to “work closely with Cardiff University Sport who have had a heavy involvement with IMG Sport”.

Concerning the problems with last years season and the difficulties encountered by the IMG Coordinator, Mr Devon spoke of his wish to “ease the stress on the role of

IMG coordinator” by giving the role greater support from the Union.

Finally Mr Devon offered his own support to IMG football, insisting that he would help “greater communication between teams in order to help improve turnout and avoid matches getting called off unnecessarily” adding that he wanted to develop the “spirit of IMG football”.

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I want greater communication between teams to avoid matches getting called off unnecessarily

Despite these changes, all for the better, some aspects of IMG will stay as they are. The league structure in

place is the best possible way of doing things. With so many teams all challenging for a title, by splitting them into separate leagues depending on their placement in-group stages, IMG sees teams able to play with a competitive chance of winning something all year round.

In addition, anyone who has played in an IMG team knows the boggy messes Bute Park and Pontcanna Fields are reduced to thanks to rain. Regarding the state of the pitches towards the middle of the season, unfortunately, there are aspects of IMG beyond the control of its organisers, the Welsh weather being top of the list.

As for Freshers wishing to join an IMG team for this season there will most probably be signs from your department teams in your respective buildings.

This IMG football season looks to have the potential to be a great

one and is set to start early into the academic year. Team captains will be notified as soon as possible to get the season running and properly on its way.

If you want to join an IMG team in the upcoming season, look out for signs and shout outs in your department.

Premier League Predictions << Page 26 The Science of Freshers Week << Page 18