Gair Rhydd - Issue 1105 - 6th of November 2017 by Cardiff Student Media

gair rhydd

gair rhydd | free word Cardiff’s student weekly newspaper Papur wythnosol myfyrwyr Caerdydd Issue 1105 | Rhifyn 1105 6th November 2017 | 6ed o Dachwedd 2017

Cardiff Uni’s student paper | est . 1972

Are you truly represented?

Elections pass successfully despite further concerns of student apathy Oxford and Cambridge must change their ways p.6

Social media and mental health p.16 Badvice: Tips for a good night out p.22 George Watkins

he Autumn elections in the Students’ Union have elected 5 new campaign officers, as well as filling positions for Student Senate, Scrutiny Committee, and choosing students to represent Cardiff University at NUS conferences in Wales and the UK, despite criticism from some corners about an apathy amongst students towards student politics. Every role besides the campaign officers are traditionally filled in Autumn, but concerns were raised in February when 5 of the 9 part-time roles were left unfilled. Only officers representing International Students, Black and Ethnic Minorities, Mental Health and Students With Disabilities were in office before this contest, with only the contest for Mental Health Officer topping two candidates, as a newly-introduced position. This is in stark

contrast to the sabbatical positions, which saw an average of four candidates for each position. In these elections three of the campaign officer roles saw one person running. The election cycle was a positive one, nonetheless,with the second largest turnout ever being recorded, with 939 individual voters, despite 47 candidates running, an average of just 20 votes per person, with some candidates receiving few enough votes for nominations to be reopened. In comparison, the February cycle saw 6851 individual voters, nearly seven times as many. It is worth noting that there a multiple reasons for this disparity, ranging from scale of the coverage on campus, to the types of positions on offer. However, both overall voter numbers represent a small percentage of the 32,000 students at Cardiff University. In the buildup to the February elections, Gair Rhydd conducted research and found that the majority of students fail to engaged with student politics, some-

thing that is perhaps attested to by the participation in voting. Campaign officers have seen their roles given increased publicity in the 2017/18 academic year thus far, after a senate motion the year before. Submitted by a former Welsh Language Officer, the motion obligated the Union to ensure that efforts of the part-time officers receive greater awareness and support than in previous years, where concerns were raised after the sabbatical and campaign officer teams met only twice in the academic year. Sabbatical officers are now obliged to consult part-time officers on issues that fall under their remit, for example meaning that the VP Welfare would need to consult the Mental Health Officer around an issue such as emotional support provision. The seats on Senate and Scrutiny Committee were incompletely filled, thanks to some candidates not passing the threshold required to prevent the reopening of nominations.

Scrutiny is two seats short of the maximum of 10, and Senate 3 short of the 25 seats maximum, reflecting perhaps on the candidates’ campaigns. For many of the candidates, the introductory period is not long, with Scrutiny Committee taking place within the next two weeks. The campaign officers, however, are set to be introduced to the team as soon as possible, with much of their schedule reflecting their priorities. It remains to be seen the effect that these changes could have on both the status of campaign officers and their ability to fulfill their manifestos, and participation in candidates running for positions. For the time being, it is surely a positive thing to see the officer team fully filled, despite any worries.

Results and analysis continued page 4

EDITORIAL Gair Rhydd Coordinator Elaine Morgan Editor-in-Chief Liam Ketcher Deputy Editors Gareth Axenderrie Tanya Harrington

the free word

News George Watkins Emma Videan Rimante Bivainyte

Time for reflection

How far have we come and how do we improve?

Comment George Cook Silvia Martelli Unsafe Space Harry Heath Politics Gareth Axenderrie Tanya Harrington Conor Holohan Hannah Woodward Science Louange Lubangu Stephanie Ma Advice Alice Dent Sarah Harris Ask At Your Own Risk Charlie Knights Campus Life Laura Price Charlie Knights Taf-od Elen Davies Osian Wyn Morgan Aled Huw Russell Mwydron Morgan Osian Wyn Morgan Sport Rich Jones Mark Wyatt Molly Ambler Rhys Thomas Digital Media Editors Alice Dent Reece Chambers Cartoonist Samuel Capper Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com Social Media @gairrhydd @gairrhyddsport @cmccaerdydd

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

Liam Ketcher

ow that we’re halfway through the first term of the academic year, I feel like it’s a good chance to reflect on what we’ve produced as a newspaper and students. Reading week is a quiet one for Gair Rhydd since we’re not printing for the week, so it’s good for us to look at what we’ve done so far. Firstly, our Fresher’s issue was a brilliant start to the academic year. Some of my favourite articles from that issue include the drugs test at festivals, the Colombian peace deal, 20 years of devolution and the timeline breaking down key moments in the change of powers in Wales. I also loved our interviews with the 2017/18 Sabbatical Officers of the Students’

Union. We then went on to celebrate Gair Rhydd’s 45th anniversary, where we looked at some of the best stories over the last four decades. My favourite has to be the first ever issue, which is available to read online. I was also lucky enough to speak to some former editors of the paper, and have them share their experiences with us. I’d like to thank John Hartley, Meirion Jones, Gary Andrews, Amy Harrison and Maria Mellor for speaking with us and to everyone on Twitter who tweeted us with their memories of the paper. We also had a very cool Anniversary cartoon which I managed to get myself featured in. Then came our first investigative

piece of the year, regarding the alcohol sales in the union. Also Yolo featured many times during October due to the issues raised by certain individuals. ‘Trafod gyda’r Taf-od’ has definitely been a success in our Welsh language section of the paper. We also saw the return of ‘Five minute fun’ to the paper, which seems to be very popular amongst those in the office. I for one still can’t work out any of the riddles, and I certainly haven’t even attempted the sudoku. Personally, I think we’ve improved loads over the last few issues and I’m looking forward to see in which direction we head next. We’ve already taken a look back at some of the things that haven’t worked so far, and we’ve

changed ‘Campus in brief ’ to ‘What’s occurring..?’. The purpose is very much the same but we aim to summarize goings on in the city and on campus for you to be able to find out what’s going on as easy as possible. However, reading week is also a good opportunity to reflect on our degrees. Being in my third year, I have a lot of work to do. So this is a good chance for me to catch-up and to get ahead on some work that needs doing. A good balance between the both is important, and as Christmas approaches so does the deadline and exam period. Make sure you use reading week to reflect upon the things you’ve done and to help improve over the next couple of weeks.

GOLYGYDDOL

What’s On?

Cardiff

Cardiff Christmas Market City Centre Thurs 9 Nov-23 Dec

The Coca Cola truck will arrive in Cardiff on the 19th, bringing with it its winter wonderland display, as well as a free Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Visitors’ festive selfies will be projected onto the side of the truck, so get practicing!

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to get those jingle bells ringing as the Christmas Market is back in town spreading the Festive spirit!

Blondie Motorpoint Arena Fri 10 November Music icons Blondie are in town making sure that the Tide is High. There will be performances of new music and classic tracks that will surely have an Atomic impact!

The Cadillac Three Y Plas Sun 12 November 19:00-23:00 Rock out in Y Plas to The Cadillac Three, who are a Southern American rock group.

Wales vs. Australia Stadiwm y Principality Saturday 11 November Wales kick off the Under Armour Autumn International tests against Australia, bidding to beat the Wallabies for the first time since 2007.

West Side Story The New Theatre Tuesday 7th - 11th November The musical adaptation of West Side Story comes to Cardiff as the Jets and the Sharks bring their street fights to the New Theatre.

Stephen Fry Live! in Mythos St David’s Hall Wednesday 8th November 7:30pm The man himself, QI’s Stephen Fry is here, in the ‘Diff! A live event to mark the publication of his brand new book Mythos.

UK In a cruel attempt to subvert the will of the people, McVities has reduced the numbers of Jaffa Cakes in a packet from 12 to 10. Between this, the smaller Toblerones and shrinking sizes of Quality Street tins, Christmas is already ruined.

World A young female panda at Berlin Zoo is being set up with a male playmate, in a move where zookeepers hoped sex will help cure her unusual habit of walking backwards. Zookeepers believe the frustrations associated with life in captivity may be behind the strange afflicition that, Meng Meng, a four year old is suffering. They hope being romanced by Jiao Qing, a panda three years her senior, will literally help her to move forward.

NEWS

news

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In The City

Outpouring of community support for Syrian man at risk of deportation from Cardiff

Pictured: An emotional meeting for his family (Source: Media Wales)

ohammed Mizro, a young Syrian man, is pleading to stay in Cardiff with his family, as he faces deportation to Bulgaria just a few months after arriving in the UK. Mizro was separated from his family as they fled war-torn Aleppo, landing in Bulgaria as an unaccompanied minor, where he accounts enduring dreadful treatment and abuse, including being beaten by officers, being denied food for days at a time, and being handcuffed and detained in solitary confinement. Mizro, desperate to find his family, began his journey through Europe, eventually managing to enter the UK through Calais.

In April 2017, Mizro was reunited with his family in Wales for the first time after years apart.

– which states that the EU country a refugee arrives in should be responsible for his or her claim. “Asylum seekers should claim in the first safe country they arrive in. Where there is evidence that an asylum seeker is the responsibility of another European country we will seek to return them there.” Under this regulation, Mizra is the responsibility of Bulgaria, and is under threat of removal from the UK. Refugee abuse has been well documented in Bulgaria, with Amnesty International reports indicating a trend of impunity for abuse at its borders. “I know it’s not a good thing to cross a border as I did but I felt I

Over 38,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Mirzo to be allowed stay in Cardiff Whilst reporting to the Home Office in October as a requirement for his refugee status application, Mohammed was detained at Parc Prison, Bridgend, and told he would be removed from the UK this month. Now released, Mizra is uncertain of his future. His case falls under the “Dublin Regulation”

Autumn Elections 2017: The Results

had no choice” states Mohammed. “I just want to be with my family…I have nothing left. Everywhere I get kicked. I just want to start my life. I want to go to university…I just want to contribute in some way.” Over 38,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Mirzo to be allowed to stay in Cardiff, and members of Parliament have called on Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, to intervene in the reconsideration of his refugee status. “The Mizro family are an asset to our country and to our nation” states Jonathan Cox, of Citizens UK. “They belong together in Cardiff. The home office must not send Mohammed to Bulgaria”.

The Officers

Senate

Scrutiny

NUS National/ Wales

Ethical & Environmental Officer: Jess Warren LGBT+ Women’s Place: Taz Jones LGBT+ Open Place: Joshua Lewis Mature Students Officer: Janet Williams Women’s Officer: Hanin Abou Salem Welsh Language Officer: Jacob Morris

Elected: Catherine Chamberlain, Alani Padzil, Jane Hobbs, Catherine Iannucci, Julia Rooke, Aditi Gupta, Henrietta Page, Jesslyn Priscilla, Mathilde Fouani, Joshua Prior, Tomos Llewelyn, Amr Alwishah, Jac Brown, Prashant Garg, Niall Yasseen, Connor Radcliffe, Matt Medveczki, George Baldwin, Lewis Rigley, Adarsh Bansal, Cameron Rose, Ye Yang.

Elected: Catherine Chamberlain, Daniel Carroll, Alex Thomas, William Delves, Geoff Jukes, Tajkea Chowdury, Rana Al-Yanai, Julia Rooke.

Wales: Fadhila Al Dhahouri, Hollie Wickens, Hannah McCarthy, Rosie Crocker, Nicholas Fox, Hanin Abou Salem, Thomas Kelly. National: Fadhila Al Dhahouri, Ashfath Ifham, Rosie Crocker, Hannah McCarthy, Nicholas Fox, SherAnn Bhim, Hanin Abou Salem, Jake Smith

What is the role?: To represent the interests of a particular student group and campaign on relevant issues.

What is the role?: To represent students and act as a their voice in issues that matter to them, on a range of issues.

What is the role?: To hold Elected Officer to account and ensuring they constantly strive to improve student life.

What is the role?: To represent the views of Cardiff students at national and Welsh NUS conferences

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In April 2017, Mirzo was reunited with his family... after years apart.

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Emma Ogao

NEWYDDION On Campus

Research shows lack of belonging amongst Chinese students

Rimante Bivainyte

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33% of white students enjoy Wednesday nights while only 6.9% of Chinese students

hinese students feel less of a sense of belonging than other demographics of students, according to research by second-year students at the School of Social Sciences. The data highlighted differences in perception of student life between Chinese students in comparison with other demographics. According to the statistics, Chinese students feel like they belong less in the community of Cardiff University, caused in part by a lack of involvement in university activities. State of the Campus is an annual five-day research project for students, this year focused on race and ethnicity at Cardiff University. It consisted of over 800 surveys, as well as interviews, documents and collected data, with the information presented through poster campaigns.

Also mentioend in one set of data was the behaviour of different demographics around Wednesday SU nights. The statistics showed that 33% of white students enjoy Wednesday nights, versus only 6.9% Chinese students. Reasons for this are unsure, but it reflects a gulf in attitude towards events considered staple in student life. White students on average feel far more comfortable at university, with a mean of 8.05 out of 10. Chinese students on the other hand sat at an average of only 6.69. This could imply that British student culture, clubs and alcohol or any other social activities can make it hard for foreign students to integrate with the local culture as they don’t tend to exercise such habits in their home countries. Moreover, one of the posters presented information and data about

diverse population in university. It included the highlights of the report concerning the ‘racist’ incident in School of Medicine in 2016. This report stressed that race is one of the prevailing issues across the university and included 13 recommendations regarding equality, diversity and respect.

National Cardiff Medicine reviewed over racist incident last year

he review into Cardiff University’s School of Medicine in light of a racist performance has finished, offering recommendations to prevent a future repeat. The incident included 32 trainee doctors and involved students making racist, sexist and homophobic jokes and comments. The report stated: “The staff member who had been portrayed in the revue spoke movingly and with quiet dignity about the distress that this had caused to them as well as their family.” Nevertheless, the vice-chancellor, Prof. Colin Riordan, said: “Our message is clear: offensive stereotyping of any person, or group of persons, is not acceptable. Cardiff University takes issues relating to equality and diversity very seriously and is committed to supporting, developing and promoting equality and diversity in all of our activities.”

In The City

Kawser Abdulahi

University Community Gateway Project secures prestigious award

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In The City

Joshua fight leaves 79 in custody and multiple reported missing

Source: Cardiff University

I Rimante Bivainyte

Pictured: The scenes in the streets shortly after the fight (Both source: Media Wales)

n the aftermath of the Joshua fight in Cardiff, 79 people were taken into custody, multiple allegations of serious assaults were being investigated, and a number of people were reported missing, according to South Wales Police. The fight, taking place on Saturday, October 28th saw 78,000 fans gathered in Principality Stadium to watch Anthony Joshua defend his WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles against Carlos Takam. Amongst the fans were spotted famous actors Colin Farrell and Idris Elba. During the press conference Anthony Joshua said that he enjoyed the Cardiff experience: “Boxing is uniting people, the more people the better and if more people want to watch it, we have to come back to Cardiff. It’s good because you’ve got people flying in from different countries, coming from different areas. But let’s not forget that without winning, people don’t want

to watch”. The city also encountered some issues concerning the transport people were queueing to get a taxi for more than five hours during the early Sunday morning. Many faced chaos because boxing

Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies tweeted that the night was “challenging”, and the force said their custody cells had been quite “busy”. was not the only event in the city, as Cardiff faced Millwall on Saturday afternoon. There were also gigs at various venues in the city centre, leading to increased congestion in the streets. Moreover, regarding the works in the Severn tunnel, there were no trains running to London or Bristol and the last train Paddington bound train left at 8.37pm - long before the

fight started. One of the fans said that the stress led to some fights breaking out. After the fight, at around 11.10pm, fans flooded into the city centre and gathered together in bars and clubs to celebrate the British win. On the next day, while local police Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies tweeted that the night was “challenging”, and the force said their custody cells had been quite “busy”. Despite the need for police involvement, the most obvious issue was polluted streets. Apparently, pubs and fast food restaurants in Queen Street, St Mary Street and St John Street were packed, hence caused piles of rubbish all around the city centre. Staff from Cardiff council teamed up and made the city presentable again on Sunday morning, after a chaotic night.

n 2012, Cardiff University’s development and leadership programme, Cardiff Future, brought together eight research and senior professional staff from a range of backgrounds. This led to the emergence of a common interest, to develop a long-term meaningful relationship between theuniversity and local communities. Cardiff University’s Community Gateway project was the outcome of this University-wide collaboration. A pilot was set up in the Grangetown area of Cardiff, one of the most culturally diverse and largest electoral districts. From a public consultation, in 2015, nine main themes were identified: Shop & Work Locally, Safe Grangetown, Road Respect, Healthy Grangetown, Friendly Communities, Provision for Young People, Communication Without Barriers, Community Meeting Places and Clean Streets, and Green Spaces. Recently, the Gateway project was the recipient of an international award. ‘Professor Sir David Watson Award for Community-University Partnerships’ was launched this year in memory of the late Professor Sir David Watson, former Vice-Chancellor of Brighton University. The award recognises the combined efforts of university partners and communities towards making a difference in the lives of people within the community with entries received from across the UK and abroad, including entriesfrom Canada and Pakistan. In the year since the projects launch, the platform has led to 44 community-university collaboration projects including the award-winning Grangetown Youth Forum. The Cardiff Gateway project along with community partners, Grangetown Community Action and the Grange Pavilion project, aims to build a long-term partnership with Grangetown residents. With plans to secure the Grange Bowls Pavilion to act as a physical hub for pop-up events and community projects, the project aims to bring Cardiff University to the community. The universityalso aims to expand the model to other communities in Cardiff and Wales to produce benefits for the community as well as enriching teaching and research.

6 COMMENT

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Oxbridge needs to recognise that intelligence has no class Pictured: Oxbridge need to ammend their elitist way Source: Chris Chabot (Via Flickr)

people into one group, it brings into question whether the university is purposefully being evasive in dealing with this widespread elitism, rather than providing a breakdown of the data, in order to understand the complexity of the situation. When looking at the data, the facts are inescapable. Numerous colleges in both universities will frequently admit cohorts with not a single black student. Around 1.5% of all offers are made to black British applicants, which shockingly compares to over 80% of offers made to children of the top two social classes. Additionally, offers are overpoweringly made to students based in London and the ‘home counties’, giving a large South-East bias basis to the Oxbridge cohort, and evidencing the exclusion of whole regional demographics. Furthermore, the number of students with a private school education is a joke, and hardly representative of the nation. Arguably, these two powerful symbols of higher education in the UK barely represent the national demographic of students. We aren’t all rich, white and from the south. Another consideration to make is

how bland university life would be, being surrounded only by students of a similar background. If anything, it weakens the educational environment, as cultural homogeneity, in race, class or region, cannot provide challenging viewpoints to the status quo and offer new perspectives. Where Oxford and Cambridge value academic achievement over everything else, this should push them to gain a diverse intake of students. After all, not every intelligent student had a private education in south England. Lammy also provided data on the many high-achieving students across these under-represented regions around the UK when looking at Oxbridge offers. Yet what Lammy fails to acknowledge in these ethnicity and regional statistics is applications. More specifically, why there is a shortage of high achieving, black and ethnic minority students applying to study at Oxbridge, a reflection of the systematic issues within the school system in the UK that do not encourage more students to apply to these prestigious institutions. As students from state schools are fed the idea that Oxbridge is not the place for them, private schooled stu-

dents are told they have some sort of entitlement to these desired places. Clearly a change is needed in the mentality of students and teachers alike. Yet changing just your mentality is not enough, some would argue that it is the role of the government to help teachers recognise and inspire students who show high potential. In doing so, teachers can help support their students with the admissions process, rather than discouraging them from applying. Oxbridge cannot become less elitist overnight, but what it can do is make changes to the way they operate, in order to encourage a more diverse range of students to apply. Some are pushing for the admissions system to become centralised rather than college based, ensuring the instance where a third of Oxford colleges did not offer a single place to a black student never occurs again. Even writing to high-achieving students across the country, encouraging them to apply, has been suggested. Whatever the action, encouraging the brightest minds across the country to apply should be the aim. In doing so, Oxford and Cambridge can begin to dismantle their elitist label.

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Cultural homogeneity, in race, class or religion, cannot provide challenging viewpoints to the status quo.

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Jessica Warren

xford and Cambridge Universities; are two of the most prestigious in the world, yet they face a persistent critique of elitism, almost since their establishment. Thinking about the classic Oxbridge student, and a white male from a private school in the south-east of England is pretty much the stereotype. Although it may seem a humorous typecast, the reality that 10 out of 32 Oxford colleges did not grant a place to a black British pupil in 2015 is appalling. Whilst Cambridge performed little better, there were still six colleges that failed to welcome any black British A-level students in the same year, raising important questions around elitism. The conversation on ethnic diversity in these institutions was re-kindled by Labour MP, David Lammy, who requested the ethnicity data from Oxford and Cambridge in 2016. Where Cambridge offered it immediately, Oxford finally released it this month, after refusing to publish detailed breakdowns of admission decisions by ethnic group, despite many repeated requests by Lammy. With Oxford only part publishing this data, by combining all black

SYLWADAU

Deliveroo delivering a new takeaway service

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In early October, there was a 25-rider strike in Bristol over wages - £3.75 instead of £4.25 was being paid per delivery

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Phoebe Grinter

Pictured: Donald Trump continues to break the rules of Twitter. Source: Gage Skidmore (via Flickr)

nline food delivery is familiar to most of us: whether you’re feeling lazy or just fancy a treat, it’s now easier than ever to order takeaways from a huge range, just by using a free app. As the demand for deliveries keeps growing, it is expected that its market will increase by 10% each year. As a result of this situation, Deliveroo, one of the biggest food couriers, is looking to integrate better with restaurants to get the edge going forward. In order to do so, they have opened multiple metal, shipping containers in the car parks and grimy spots in east London, which house gourmet cooking for those restaurants that don’t want to open expensive premises. These dark boxes, known as Rooboxes and officially branded as ‘Deliveroo Editions’, put the restaurants’ chefs in poorly lit prefabricated kitchens - they often have to work with the door wide open, all with the aim of getting the meals closer to the clients in Canary Wharf. Initially this seems like a recipe for success for both parties, but chefs need to be willing to work in poor conditions for this to be sustainable. Sourdough pizza business Franco Manca has paid chefs extra for working in Deliveroo Editions while they

test it, but financial incentives may struggle to keep them there. In fact, the structures they have to work in remain unconvincing as long term solutions

dition, they have run into backlash from several London councils, due to the excessive noise residents are exposed to. Also, the expansion in London raises

Bristol over wages - £3.75 instead of £4.25 was being paid per delivery between 5pm and 10pm. This is not the first of many disputes from Deliveroo riders over their pay and conditions, which is ruining the company’s reputation as an employer. Deliveroo is not lacking for competitors either. Among the bigger threats to Deliveroo is UberEATs, which was launched in London in 2016 and offers a very similar choice.

Pictured: Deliveroo has faced backlash from several London councils. Source: eugenuity (via Flickr)

‘Deliveroo Editions’, put the restaurants’ chefs in poorly lit prefabricated kitchens - they often have to work with the door wide open

to Deliveroo’s aims they are prone to damage and heating them is hugely inefficient and costly. In ad-

questions as to whether Deliveroo can hire enough riders. In early October, there was a 25-rider strike in

However, no minimum orders are required alongside a much greater emphasis on short delivery time. Amazon Restaurants, a service provided by global ecommerce behemoth Amazon, is another competitor, being exclusive to Amazon Prime customers but providing free delivery. While the Rooboxes could still be a successful move for Deliveroo, the company needs to build upon and not settle on this change, as the Rooboxes will not be enough of an advantage to persuade current and future customers not to switch company in the near future.

Kick Trump off Twitter

witter is one of the biggest social media platforms of the 21st century, with around 330 million active users monthly. One of those users is current POTUS (President of the United States) Donald Trump, who is a little too active. In his first six months in office, Trump sent a whopping 1,002 tweets, a number that closely rivals the times he played golf in the same amount of time. These tweets, along with approximately 8,000 Trump

sent during his campaign, clearly show his attachment to Twitter is a personal one. Rarely does he use this tool in a constructive way, but rather to insult, threaten and generally annoy people. Twitter is notorious for not handling abuse well, so much so that even former CEO Dick Costolo told employees he was “ashamed” at how the company “sucked” at handling abuse. In fact, in the past many celebri-

ties, including Ed Sheeran, have decided to remove themselves from the site due to trolls becoming too much. So the big question is why don’t Twitter put a stop to Trump? Because we would miss the constant threats of nuclear war? Because he might actually get shit done? No because Twitter is scared. It is clear that Trump breaks a number of rules defined in the small print of the site, but the explanation often giving for not banning him is that his tweets fall under “newsworthiness”. Let’s face it, Trump is the most powerful man in the world, so pissing him off would not be a good idea. Not only are Twitter scared of him, but they need him: he has helped increase engagement on the platform and therefore added value to the brand in the shape of around 2 million daily active users. He is also worth an estimated $2bn to the company because news outlets pick up his tweets, which increases brandname recognition. A common copout excuse for not banning Trump is the issue of free speech. I call bullshit on that. The First Amendment, which is very short and to the point, states “Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech”, therefore this

does not apply to Twitter, which is a private service. It helps if you view Twitter as your local pub: privately run and open to the public, anyone can go in and get a drink. However, if you have too many drinks and start being disruptive you get kicked out, otherwise the valued customers will leave.

The explanation often giving for not banning him from Twitter is that his tweets fall under “newsworthiness”. Trump is that belligerent idiot in the corner screaming abuse at everyone, slapping women on the arse and telling the bartender to only serve white Americans. So come on Twitter, listen to your people: detoxify the platform. Kick Trump out of your pub! Personally, I think publicly calling odds-on with Kim Jong Un about starting a nuclear war is reason enough to ban this dick from all social media. It’s a small step to try to prevent mass death, but a step that Twitter should make now to take a stand against America’s biggest bully.

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In his first six months in office, Trump sent a whopping 1,002 tweets, a number that closely reivals the times he played golf.

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Jonathan Learmont

COMMENT

Maisie Williams

Education, education, education, and the EU Referendum!

recently published YouGov poll revealed that young people with a higher standard of education were twice as likely to vote remain in last year’s EU referendum. Polling showed that individuals who left formal education after taking their GCSE’s voted 2:1 to leave, the split was equal at 1:1 for those with an A-level standard of education and, in reverse, university students/graduates voted in favour of remain 2:1. So, what are the reasons behind those who undertook higher education voting in favour of the United Kingdom remaining within the European Union? It would be reasonable to say that the answers rely on a culmination of socioeconomic factors. It is not unprecedented that there is a feeling of disenfranchisement amongst many of Britain’s younger generations today. Many young people, in addition to struggling to find suitable employment and dealing with issues such as the gig economy and zero-hour contracts, also have to contend with a bloating housing crisis. For some, it seems reasonable to suggest that particular government policies in regards to issues like immigration and trade regulations are to blame. Conservative University Minister Jo Johnson summarised this by saying “Too many people were feel-

ing they are not sharing equally in the benefits of growth, and too many people (were) basically feeling left behind.”

Polling showed that individuals who left education after their GCSE’s voted 2:1 to leave, the split was equal at 1:1 for those with an A-level standard of education and, in reverse, university students/graduates voted in favour of remain 2:1.

For graduates and those attending university the circumstances are very different. The university environment in itself allows young people to integrate with foreign students from across Europe on a daily basis. Having the opportunity to communicate and bond with people from different countries, cultures and religions helps to establish a sense of understanding and unity, and makes you quickly realise that we’re really not all that different. For those who have witnessed the influx of European immigration into British towns and cities in the recent decade, it is easy to see the social

impacts that can have on the economy and communities. In part this has led social integration to fail in many parts of the UK, leading some to develop an ‘Us and Them’ mentality. Another important factor to address is the role of the media. The very nature of academia in itself requires students to analyse and deconstruct information being presented to them. It could easily be suggested that university students/graduates voted predominantly in favour of ‘remain’ as they were more aware of the consequences of leaving the EU, and better informed on the issue as a whole. British right-wing media in run-up to the referendum, such as the likes of The Sun amongst others, were guilty of flying the ‘Vote Leave’ banner, whilst pushing unfounded claims made by the Leave campaign, such as the £350 million being given to the NHS instead of the EU. These sensationalist statements convinced many that a vote to leave would be more beneficial for British society. Ultimately, it could be argued that for a significant portion of young working-class ‘leave’ voters, their own vote was an opportunity to be heard, fuelled by hope that the outcome would finally shake up Westminster politics in a way that would acknowledge and benefit them.

Pictured: Education strongly influenced people on their Brexit decision. Source: Sam Morrison (via Flickr)

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Having the opportunity to communicate and bond with people from different countries, cultures and religions helps to establish a sense of understanding and unity.

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Harmless prisoners should be allowed to vote

he government reportedly plan to allow prisoners to vote, provided they are serving a sentence less than a year and have been granted day release. The European Court declared it unlawful to do so just twelve years ago. David Lidington in The Sunday Times said that “No one will be allowed to register to vote if they are still behind bars” and it has been stressed that there will be strict limitations enforced if the ban is to be lifted. It’s unsurprising that the UK government have gone against the European Court’s ruling, but what is surprising is that when proposed legalisation to restrict the voting ban was raised in 2011, MPs voted 234 to 22 in favour of parliament deciding on such an issue. David Cameron even said that the idea of prisoners voting made him “physically sick”, capturing the essence of how passionately many people feel on the subject. The reported plan to scrap the blanket ban does specify that people who have committed serious crimes, such as rape and murder, would still be banned from voting, as commented upon by David Lidington. If your sentence is less than a year, you would assume that the crime/crimes committed by the individual lack severity, yet there have been cases where people who have committed serious offences, like sexual assault, have been imprisoned for less than a year and even granted bail. Jane Clough’s ex-partner, Jonathan

Vass, was charged with nine counts of rape and four assaults, three of them being sexual assaults, and yet was still granted bail in 2009. Whilst out on bail, Vass brutally murdered Jane. It’s terrifying cases like this that evoke worry and fear over the proposition of lifting the blanket ban. It can be argued that the justice system is flawed, and as such people who are genuine risks to society could be granted the power to vote. On the other hand, it is naive to claim that all prisoners are malicious and dangerous to society. There are lots of reasons that people commit crimes; sometimes people cannot get by financially, are at risk of becoming homeless or even going hungry. They may not have any other option but shoplift or burgle a house. I think that a more sympathetic outlook on people like this would not go amiss, and lifting the ban could be a good place to start. Prisoners’ rights are a largely debated subject with opinions differing on things as trivial as what prisoners should be allowed to eat. The European convention on human rights guarantees the right to free and fair elections, yet what rights should you be entitled to, if you have consciously broken the law? Technically you are still a human once you’ve been imprisoned and as a result you are still entitled to your human rights. However, the entire concept of being imprisoned defies the human right which entitles you to “be free”.

Pictured: Voting. Source: justgtimes (via Flickr)

England and Wales prison population statistics - 2016 - The two countries have the highest imprisonment rate in Western Europe - 71% committed a non-violent offence - Almost half were sentenced to serve six months or less Source: Prison Reform Trust, Summer 2017

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It is naive to claim that all prisoners are malicious and dangerous to society

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Sophie Clark

CARDIFF UNI SHOULD BE EXAM FREE? NICE IDEA BUT MIGHT NOT WORK... RELEASE EXAM TIMETABLES EARLIER? THAT IS A GREAT IDEA... STUDENT SENATE

Next meeting: Tuesday 14th November visit cardiffstudents.com/studentsenate

You asked us to campaign on academic issues, what does it mean for you? come along to the cyber cafe, psychology building on november 7th between 10:00-15:00 to share your views with us.

column

UNSAFE SPACE

@harryheath__ | #UnsafeSpace gairrhydd.com/category/column

Scandal reporting and the new sleaze in British Politics

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Anthony King wrote in 1985: “sex, money, power: it is of little wonder that scandal has exerted, and no doubt will continue to exert, a degree of fascination for the popular imagination”

n an age of instant mass communication and the increased visibility of public figures as I focused on in last week’s Unsafe Space, scandal stories have become an extremely prevalent part of British news reporting. Coverage of scandals have historically brought down cabinet ministers, ruined the reputations of highly regarded public figures and left celebrities more than red faced. For their impact alone, the coverage of scandals should not be dismissed as mere tabloidisation or sensationalist media, but as a prominent part of public life in modern Britain. Since the political scandals of the 1980s and 1990s that associated Britain’s Conservative government with hypocrisy and corruption, sleaze in its numerous forms has peaked and troughed; whenever it appears to have been eradicated, the next scandal has only ever been around the corner. Here we find ourselves once again, following the political turbulence of the referendum and a general election, awaiting the full details of another mass parliamentary scandal. This time, there appears to be evidence for the establishment of a culture of sexual harassment within Parliament that includes the transgressions of high-profile government figures. As the academic Anthony King wrote in 1985, “sex, money, power: it is of little wonder that scandal has exerted, and no doubt will continue to exert,

a degree of fascination for the popular imagination”. It is both sex and power that applies to the scandal in question on this occasion, and how the relations of authority have contributed to the occurring of certain sexual transgressions at the heart of British democracy. While there have been some in the past who have dismissed the reporting of sex scandals as the trivialisation of politics, we must be certain that the rejection of a culture of sleaze in the corridors of power is in all of our interests. We should be fascinated by recent revelations because of their democratic value, not in spite of their lack of it. Insight into the characters of MPs is always in the public interests, meaning that one of the primary roles of the media is to uncover the questionable behaviour of those in power. We should not for one minute believe that we are being unrealistic or unfair in expecting the highest of standards from our elected representatives. We should not show sympathy to parliamentarians who have been exposed as abusing their power or feathering their own nests, as I am sure we shall not. There is however a more worrying factor. That is, how this week’s Westminster scandal represents a total erosion of the presumption of innocence. We should be in consensus that no matter how likely or unlikely we believe the tales that are reported to be, we must accept that we are witnessing mass anonymous accusations against

public figures who appear to have no right to reply. Nobody is debating the unsavoury nature of sleaze, even less so the horrifying nature of misogynistic harassment, but we cannot allow the accused to have both their reputations and careers destroyed purely because they are shouted down. While potential trends of institutional misdemeanours may be damaging to parties or Parliament in the short term, that trust can be rebuilt. For the individuals who are suspected of wrongdoings however, they shall have their lives irreversibly changed; this should be on the basis of evidence and not assumption. This established, the infamous and seemingly ever-growing spreadsheet of “high libido MPs” in the Conservative Party provides us with resounding evidence for a plague of inappropriate conduct rooted in the heart of government. International Trade minister Mark Garnier is facing a media storm after he asked an assistant to purchase sex toys for him. Now we have seen the first Cabinet minister to become possibly one of many scalps of the harassment scandal in the form of the resignation of former Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who said he may have “fallen below the highest standards that we require of the Armed Forces”. As for Labour, they would be wise not to turn this into party-political point-scoring. One of their activists has recently claimed that she was raped at a party event and subsequently advised

to keep quiet about it for her own good. Let’s not forget Keith Vaz’s questionable behaviour revealed by The Mirror last year; taking legal highs, offering to pay for cocaine and using Eastern European male prostitutes is hardly the model behaviour of the then Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee. The party are also in the process of investigating the conduct of Jared O’Mara who I wrote of in detail last week. It is true that we should be more than hesitant in appointing ourselves as judge, jury and executioner for speculation in the absence of evidence, there will be accusations made against public figures that are false. There is however a considerable weight of surfacing proof that indicates the existing systems of power within Britain’s political institutions allow and sometimes promote behaviour that we would have been wrong to assume existed in a different era. We now know where an acceptance of abuses of power can lead; typified at their most sinister by Jimmy Savile at the BBC and most recently Harvey Weinstein in Hollywood. It is for this reason that the increasing of transparency and a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment is the only way to continue moving forward, no matter what political scalps are taken as a result. As with the expenses scandal, Parliament has been told that if it cannot police itself, public opinion and the media will happily do it for them.

Pictured: Stormy times at Westminster. Source: canonsnapper (Via Flickr)

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Insight into the characters of MPs is always in the public interests, meaning that one of the primary roles of the media is to uncover the questionable behaviour of those in power.

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Harry Heath

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POLITICS

politics

#GRPolitics politics@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/poltics

Wales

Welsh Government proposes air tax devolution Saying they would scrap it, and make flights from Cardiff cheaper

Gareth Axenderrie

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Once devolved, the Welsh Government would reduce or even scrap the tax paid on flights.

irst Minister Carwyn Jones has called on the UK Government to give Wales control over flight tax. New evidence claims to dispute existing arguments for withholding devolution of Air Passenger Duty, the tax paid on long haul flights. It has long been a desire of the Welsh Government to see the tax devolved, with previous support coming from the findings of the Holtham and Silk Commissions. This had been rejected by officials from Bristol Airport however, with the Silk Commission quoting them as saying: “Aviation policy should remain reserved to the UK Parliament.” Bristol’s concerns centre around the unfair advantage Cardiff International Airport would gain from the Welsh Government being able to reduce fairs for passengers flying out of Cardiff. In June 2016, Bristol South Labour MP Karin Smyth said in Parliament, “APD devolution would have broken up the level playing field on which it currently operates, so the government’s decision not to devolve these powers to Wales is very welcome news for the south-west’s economy. “Aviation has long been part of Bris-

tol’s economic success story and our local airport’s capacity is central to further growth.” Guto Bebb, parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales agreed, stating “Air Passenger Duty has been raised during the debate, and the fact that we are not proposing to devolve it has been criticised, although I think that that is right and proper.” These contributions to a debate on the 2016-17 Wales Bill seemingly shelved any chances Air Passenger Duty being devolved for the foreseeable future, however new evidence now suggests these arguments are deeply flawed. The independent peer reviewed evidence revels that any impact on Bristol Airport would in fact be negligible. The research in fact argues that contrary to fears, reducing APD would see a significant boost for the economies of both South Wales and the south west of England. First Minister Carwyn Jones responded to and endorsed the research, saying: ““This new evidence dispels many myths and presents an economic case for giving Wales control over Air Passenger Duty which is overwhelm-

ingly compelling. As we prepare for a future outside the EU, it is essential we are able to take action to promote Wales to the world and support growth in our aviation sector and wider economy. “Once devolved, the Welsh Government would reduce or even scrap the tax paid on flights – not only benefitting passengers, but providing a huge confidence boost for Cardiff Airport and Wales’ aviation industry.” Cardiff International Airport has long been regarded as Bristol Airport’s poorer relation, with Bristol’s 7,610,780 annual passengers in 2016 dwarfing Cardiff’s 1,347,483. If devolution of APD was to follow other taxes being transferred along the M4, it would

provide the Welsh Government – who took it under state control in 2013 with tools to strengthen the airport as a major aviation hub. Next year the airport will service regular international flights provided by Qatar Airlines, and the assumption is that other international carriers may see Wales as a new hot spot for investment if APD is scrapped and fairs lowered. APD accounts for £13 on your short haul economy flights and as much as £73 for long-haul on other classes. It is yet to be confirmed whether the tax will be devolved to Wales, but if it does, those in the Senedd will hope that lower prices will attract a swell of custom.

Graffic: Boarding pass fact sheet Source: Gareth Axenderrie

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A duty of care

Self harming in Welsh prisons at an all time high.

Hannah Newberry

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Furthermore, proposing a prison in Port Talbot is not reasonable to rectify the current chaos of prisoner coping mechanisms.

ore than 41,000 incidents in England and Wales alone have been reported in 2017 for self harming that occurs in prisons. 2017 has led to a 12% rise in these types of prisoner incidents, with hospitals having to intervene due to the serious nature around 2800 times. Could this be a result of the government’s drastic neglect of our national prisons? We routinely underfund prisons due to many believing that tax should be spent elsewhere, but at what cost, especially when we’re sometimes looking at people who weren’t even charged for indictable offences ending up in hospital from self-inflicted acts? Notoriously overcrowded with simply not enough people employed to properly survey those who spend their days in cells, this is an epidemic that has been a long time coming. When public opinion hardens against those who are put away, it often goes without ramifications when the authorities also turn their backs in favour of cutting costs and looking good

on their next manifesto. Impoverished conditions are only expected to worsen with projected increase in numbers, and the news will only come as a temporary shock for many readers as no one can expect an improvement without government intervention and political empathy. An emphatic message needs to be evoked that when the most poignant problem right now is self injury, weaponry and more rigid authority is simply not a costeffective solution. A prisoner dies by suicide every five days. An MP for the Liberal Democrats, Davey, deemed short term sentences a ‘useless’ expenditure and that reform and rehabilitation should be the primary aim of all prisons and not indefinite confinement. This year, a Wrexham ‘superprison’ was opened that aimed to house over 2000 prisoners – a controversial move as overcrowding and using prisons as experiments as to how far costeffectiveness goes may encourage such

epidemics to soar. The pragmatic movement to prisoners being just numbers is certainly not a healthy way to address a situation where many are struggling in the environment they’re in. We are only as good as how we treat those who are at the biggest disadvantage in our society. Furthermore, proposing a prison in Port Talbot is not reasonable to rectify the current chaos of prisoner coping mechanisms. The larger the prison, the less likely they are to succeed in rehabilitation or reformation of prisoners in need of help. Westminster has yet to realise that prisons are not industrial opportunities, and solutions need to be sought. Many Welsh MPs have met these proposals with disgust as lack of devolved justice leaves their opinion in the bleak minority as more land is taken up with failing penitentiaries. Economically inept institutions that are rid of the notion of moralistic justice cannot keep trying to rectify a psychological catastrophe by looking at budgets

and new places to remind society where people have ventured down the wrong path. Mental health should always be a priority with prisoners’ wellbeing, but the issue has become far too abstract and politicised to be taken at face value with effective, righteous solutions.

Pictured: Are prisoners neglected? Source: Judy and Ed (via Flickr).

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

13 U.K.

Sexual harrassment claims hit Westminster

Conor Holohan

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Even if many of these accusations are not provable, public discontent towards the civil servants in Westminster will worsen

he accusations that have circulated in the past fortnight about the people who represent us have significant ramifications. If even a fraction of the allegations made are found to be provably true, they will seriously undermine the people’s confidence in those who govern them, and the processes through which those people are selected. It is for this reason that it is important that rumours of sexual misconduct are rigorously and independently investigated, but are also not taken as fact until they are proven. Even if many of these accusations are not provable, public discontent towards the civil servants in Westminster will worsen. Already perceptions of our governing class is one of sleazy conduct and inappropriate spending of public money, particularly since the most recent expenses scandal. This development will only further alienate an already disinterested electorate. As a dossier compiled by researchers naming 36 Conservative MPs involved in inappropriate sexual conduct has emerged, followed by a myriad of accusations surfaced about those who work in the Westminster bubble. Early among them was the claim that Mark Garnier, a Brexit Minister, made his secretary purchase sex toys for him. As more claims surfaced, Bex Bailey, a former labour new representative revealed that she was raped at a Labour Party event by someone senior to her who was not an MP. when she told a senior member of staff its was suggested that she not report the incident as it may be damaging to her. Over the last week the Labour Party released a statements saying that they take the allegations ‘extremely seriously’ and that they were launching an independent investigation into the claims made about the 2011 incident. Labour MP Lisa Nandy, the member for Wigan, claimed in Prime

Minister’s Questions that three years ago she had brought evidence to Theresa May - then the Home Secretary - that whips had ‘used information about sexual abuse to demand loyalty from MPs.’ Nandy’s evidence showed that a senior ex-whip who served from 1970-73, Tim Fortescue, told the BBC that whips helped MPs with scandals in order to ‘exert control over those individuals’. Fortescue said in a 1995 interview; ‘it might be debt, it might be a scandal involving small boys...They’d come and ask if we could help, and if we could we did’. Nandy claims that she asked May to act on the evidence three times. Additionally, former parliamentary intern James Greenhalgh revealed that he was sexually assaulted by a former MP who was ‘stinking of alcohol’. Downing Street officials told the Sunday lobby that Theresa May recieves a weekly breifing from Gavin Williamson on the sexual misconduct of her MPs. The briefings also include rumours of debts, drug use and prostitution. The Sunday lobby reported that two senior ministers had been named by female MPs and journalists as having engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviour but were still serving in cabinet. Theresa May then promised to sack ministers who were proven to be guilty of sexual harassment, before on Wednesday Sir Michael Fallon resigned as Secretary of State for Defence over an incident in 2002 where he repeatedly touched the knee of Julia Hartley-Brewer during an interview. Fallon said in a statement ‘I accept that in the past i have fallen below the high standards that we require of the Armed Forces that I have the honour to represent’. He also said that a number of the claims made about members including himself were false. Fallon’s replacement for Secretary of State for Defence is Gavin Williamson, the Chief Whip who deliv-

ered the briefings on misconduct to the Prime Minister. Williamson, who is very loyal to May, is known for being feared and respected by Conservative MPs, and although he is young he is seen as a powerful figure in the party. Many speculate that Williamson’s power over MPs is due to his intimate knowledge of their inappropriate behaviour. Kate Perrier, Theresa May’s former Director of Communications, told the media that party whips stored up illicit information about members to use as blackmail to force them to vote a certain way, particularly when a government does not have a large majority. In many cases, Perrier claimed, the whips even withhold information about MPs from the Prime Minister. Williamson, 41, without any military experience or previous cabinet experience, will be having to find £20billion of efficiency savings from his new department. The ex-Cameron aide seems to have been promoted on the basis of his well established loyalty to Theresa

May, at a time when she needs as much loyalty as she can get. Former vice Chairman of the Conservative Party for Parliamentary Campaigning Michael Fabricant said, ‘Its not fair to base things on rumour. There must be evidence and there must not be witch hunts. We’ve got to ensure that inappropriate behaviour is stampted out. Its wrong, its unprofessional.’ Fabricant is one of the 36 Conservative members named in the recent dossier, and says that claims he was inappropriate with a male journalist in a taxi are false. As fresh accusations continue to surface about those who work in Parliament, there are huge questions to be answered about the conduct of those who govern us and the power they hold. Behavior of this sorts must be reported to the police, and the whips’ offices will have some difficult questions to answer, as they stand accused of covering up such information in order to manipulate our representatives for party political reasons.

Pictured: Source: Ting Cheng via Flickr

Pictured: House of Commons. Source: Henry Lawford via Flickr

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POLITICS

Religion and Politics: inseparable?

Hannah Woodward

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Politics seeks to influence and control and since religion naturally wields an invincible controlling power, it appeals to religion to achieve its aim.

or centuries religion and politics have been interdependent. Whether it be Christianity, Islam or Judasiam, there is no denying that religion and politics have gone hand in hand. Whilst many question the influence of religion, society today has seen religion and politics become exceptionally intertwined. According to the most recent census conducted in the United Kingdom, Christianity is the major religion, followed by Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism in terms of number of believers. With over two thirds of the British population identifying as ‘religious’ in the most recent Census, and over 70% turning out to vote in the 2017 General Election, to repudiate that the two are inseparable would be inexcusable. Whilst the figures aren’t representative of one-another they do demonstrate that politics and religion are both rife within society, and allude to the fact that within twenty first century Britain, religion and politics are

Society today is no exception to religion influencing 21st Century politics. still interdependent. Although our politicians indicate that there should be separation of religion and state, there is no denying that religion is prevalent within twenty first century politics. How many times do we see religious convictions and political issues intersect in such a way that religion cannot possibly be separated from the State? Religion is at the heart of every debate within British political discrepancies; often powered by religious opposition con-

cerning issues such as: school prayer, sex education in state schools, abortion, legalized marijuana, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, tax abatements for not-for profit organizations, war, torture of prisoners, religious symbols and statues on public property, and opening public meetings with prayer. Therefore to suggest that religious convictions don’t influence political decisions is ludicrous when religious opponents and arguments often fuel the greatest debates within society. Same sex marriage is a topic that is heavily debated within British society and politics, due to religion being the only opposition to its legality. Same sex marriage has been legal within Scotland since 2014, legal in England and Wales since 2013, and is currently illegal in Northern Ireland. The leading party DUP is strongly opposed to LGBT equality, and henceforth the DUP has employed peace process powers to override democratic votes in favour of equal marriage in the Northern Irish Assembly in the name of Religion. Despite the legalization of same sex marriage in 2013 for England and Wales, this topic was not met, and is still not met, with open arms for many in society. Whilst for England and Wales same sex marriage is legal, only 139 places of worship have registered to perform same-sex marriage, meaning approximately 99.5% do not offer it. Despite legalization, just 23 homosexual couples had a religious marriage ceremony in 2014, compared with over 68,000 heterosexual couples. The fact that the Church overrides British laws concerning same sex marriage, religion fundamentally halts the opportunity for same sex couples, demonstrating how religion

hegemonizes the political power within the United Kingdom. There is no denying that religion is the barrier for equality in terms of same sex couples evidently proven by the DUP ‘s actions on overriding votes in favour of equal marriage. Yet, why does religion have a greater say over democracy? If issues were non-religious the political system would respect the actions of democracy, in fact if ‘ Vote Leave’ were overridden by ‘The Remain’ campaign for “religious reasons” there would be anarchy! Religion almost has too much respect and tends to be “hands off ” as far as being criticized or even discussed, which provides the platform for its position within the political system. Politics seeks to influence and control and since religion naturally wields an invincible controlling power, it appeals to religion to achieve its aim. Both the Bible and the Qu’ran involves a mix of religion and politics. The two Holy Books illustrate incidence where religion and politics worked hand in hand to achieve a common goal. Politicians are aware of the interdependent power of religion and politics, thus use religion for political gain. The previous French President Nicolas Sarkozy had enlisted the help of religious leaders, including Muslims as well as Catholics and Protestants, for his re-election campaign. Despite Sarkozy stating that Islamic veils are not welcome in France, and taking a hard line on Muslim dress, Sarkozy still enlisted the aid of Muslim leaders for his election campaign, despite his obvious intent to condemn Islamic practice of the Burqa. Political parties arguably set their policies dependent on the key social issues of the time, and for centuries religion has been leading the way for

values of society. However with rise of atheism and social justice, the need for religious power within politics is becoming needless, demonstrating the call to address issues that religion has been avoiding for centuries such as: abortion, legalized marijuana, euthanasia and same-sex marriage. Whilst it is important to recognize that following a religion should be accepted within society, just as accepting non religious ideas, society should make sure that nothing hinders the free will of others, especially in circumstances that create an unfair and unequal society. Whilst 70% of the British population identified with some sort of religion, scholars have alluded to the fact that whilst many of the British population identify as Christian, many are not practicing and support political movements for addressing social issues such as abortion and same sex marriage. Therefore those who are against these issues within society, are in fact a small minority so, for the minority to hinder the opportunities

The rise of atheism and social justice, the need for religious power within politics is needlessly of the majority is in a way preventing democracy from happening, which can be demonstrated within Northern Ireland with issues around abortion and same sex marriage. Religion and politics are definitely inseparable as the majority of political issues within the 21st Century stem from religious opposition. However, the future of politics should definitely be a society whereby democracy has a greater power than religion.

Pictured: Are church and state inseparable? St Paul’s Source: Davide D’Amico (via Flickr) Westminster Source: Ian Rees (via Flickr)

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

If you can’t take the heat... Tanya Harrington

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Papadopoulos had attempted to set up a meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin during the run-up to the election.

15 World

stay out of the Kremlin

espite getting off to a slow start, an inquiry led by former FBI director and current special prosecutor Robert Mueller into Russian collusion within the Trump election campaign has led to the indictment of three persons of interest. Former campaign manager to Donald Trump, Paul Manafort, and his business partner Richard Gates were called to surrender themselves to the FBI last Monday on charges of a financial nature, including money laundering, which appear to be unrelated to the presidential campaign. Some suspect that these charges may be an investigation tactic designed to encourage the pair to confess to other crimes as well. It was also revealed that George Papadopoulos, former policy aide to the now-President, confessed earlier in October to making false statements to the FBI regarding communications with Russian officials he had conducted on behalf of the campaign. A fourteen-page statement of offence unsealed last Monday revealed that Papadopoulos had attempted to set up a meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin during the runup to the election.

As well as this, he embroiled himself into a plot involving academics and Russian officials with the hope of illegally obtaining “dirt” on Hillary Clinton. He also attempted on numerous occasions to create or strengthen ties with Kremlin officials, but is said to have “made material false statements and material omissions” to the FBI when questioned on the matter after the inauguration. He is also described as changing his phone number and deleting his Facebook account in an attempt to hide his contacts with connected individuals. The former aide is now co-operating with the investigation under the terms of a plea deal, and has been referred to as a “proactive co-operator,” leading some to speculate that he may have worked as an informant in the weeks that followed his confession. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders minimised the findings of the investigation, referring to Papadopoulos as a “volunteer,” whilst Donald Trump also did his best to distance himself from those indicted. He tweeted, “Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was

part of the Trump campaign,” and “... Also, there is NO COLLUSION!” But this is the man who led crowds of his supporters to chant “lock her up!” upon the revelation that presidential nominee Hillary Clinton had used her own private email server during her time as secretary of state, to yell “CNN sucks!” and demand that Mexico pay for a new border

wall. Someone who understands rage, and populism, and the antiestablishment views of many of his followers. As the investigation into Russian collusion in the Trump campaign heats up, many within the administration must feel a little hot under the collar wondering just what those crowds might be chanting next.

Pictured: No, Donald, it’s not okay. Source: Michael Vadon (via Flickr)

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Through settling Catalonian dust comes the realization that further conflict may lay ahead Gareth Axenderrie

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This period is now fraught and worrying for those on all sides of a complicated equation.

he dust has somewhat settled in Catalonia. Since the Spanish national police force was sent onto the streets of Barcelona, in an attempt to shut down an unauthorised independence referendum last month, there are no longer ugly scenes of state supported thuggery. Frequent demonstrations both for and against – are largely peaceful. Following the Catalonian Parliament voting heavily in favour of succeeding from Spain a week last Friday, the Spanish Government in Madrid stood resolute. As masses celebrated in the semiautonomous region in the country’s north east, Madrid had no intention of giving into demands. Carles Puigdemont, already removed as Catalonian President, has since relocated to Belgium, where his legal team appear locked in a battle with the Spanish High Court. The central government in Madrid has also taken complete control of the region, and fresh elections have been called for December 21st. As Puigdemont resides in the relative safety of Belgium, eight of his former ministers have been detained, and stood in Spain’s highest court accused of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds. Four other former ministers failed to appear, their absence a signal of their refusal to recognise Spanish law. This period is now fraught and wor-

rying for those on all sides of a complicated equation. Those Catalonians who voted in favour of independence argue that their democratic will is being denied by an authoritarian regime in Spain. “I don’t hate Spain, but I understand after all we have lived, the persecution, the torture, the antidemocracy, the hate the depression… I want to be free”, one lady claimed as the independence was announced. The use of force by Madrid appears to have stiffened the resolve of those who voted ‘Si’, and given extra

food for thought to those who sat somewhere near the fence. Many of those Catalonians who wish to see the region remain with Spain will see the use of force against their unarmed fellow citizens as outrageous and deeply disturbing. When elections take place in December, who will they vote for? Of course, the democratic process last month was deeply flawed. As well as officially being illegal, turnout was low at around 43%. Many polling stations were obstructed. Of those who voted, a 90%

‘Si’ vote does not reflect reliable polling in the build-up. Latest statistics still suggest that those firmly in favour of succession poll at around 43%. Then, there is who will stand in the elections in December, and on what platforms. The Spanish government says they welcome Puigdemont running for re-election, and yet have also issued a warrant for his arrest. Whether he stands or not, a plethora of pro-independence parties will. The Junts pel Si alliance, made up of Democratic Convergence of Catalonia, the Republican Left of Catalonia, Democrats of Catalonia and the Left Movement, will all hope to build on the 62 seats they won in their 2015 result. If they gain control of the region’s parliament again, will that be a mandate for a second attempt at declaring independence? What the Spain now has, is a genuine crisis. For now, it’s a crisis played out peacefully. Act One was noisy. It bubbled and threatened to spill over, but has managed to contain itself just before the interval. Those involved and those watching on with worrying anticipation, sit painfully contained for now. In December however, the curtain rises again. Act Two will be a democratic one. The climax could be a genuinely messy one, before anybody even dreams of a satisfying dénouement.

Pictured: Catalonians, whilst far divided, are united by a common concern for their future Source: Sasha Popovic

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SCIENCE

science

#GRScience science@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/science

PSYCHOLOGY

Instagram: the worst app for your mental health

Dylan Graham

Pictured: Top left: Social Networking Sites Source: Lobo Studio Hamburg (via Pixabay) Bottom right: Instagram social media Source: kirstyfields (via Pixabay)

nstagram is the worst social media platform for young people’s mental health according to a recent study by the Royal Society for Public Health. Negative impacts of the platform include increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, bullying and FoMO (fear of missing out). A UK wide survey was carried out by the RSPH, asking 1,479 14-24 year-olds about five of the most popular social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. The aim of the survey was to find out about the positives and negatives of each platform in terms of health and wellbeing. Factors that were posed to the young people included whether the platform affected their quality and amount of sleep and if the platform made them feel part of a community of likeminded people. The survey found that Instagram had the most negative impact on mental health, closely followed by Snapchat. YouTube was the only platform that came out as having an overall positive impact, especially when it came to awareness, self-expression, self-identity, community building and loneliness. Twitter and

Facebook came second and third best respectively. It also revealed that all five platforms had negative impacts on sleep, body image, bullying and FoMO. However, they all had positive impacts on emotional support, self-expression, self-identity and community building. In addition, the study found that 50 percent of those surveyed said Instagram and Facebook exacerbated feelings of anxiety, 70 percent felt that Instagram made them feel worse about body image and two thirds said Facebook made cyber-bullying worse. Social media is still relatively new and there is little knowledge as to what the long-term effects may be on an individual that uses it regularly, but it has been described as being more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol. With 91 percent of 16-24 year-olds using the internet for social networking, this study by the RSPH highlights important issues and possible solutions to improve its impact on young people’s mental health. As a result of their survey, the RSPH are calling for changes to social media such as a pop-

up notification for when you’ve spent a certain period online, a watermark on photos to indicate when they’ve been digitally manipulated, and PSHE lessons that include advice on how to use social media in a healthy way. The report also states that they would like to see academic institutions, independent researchers and social media companies fund and undertake much more research into the subject. Social media addiction is thought to affect around 5 percent of young people. As social networking becomes a part of everyday life for the next generation, it is important that precautions are taken in order to prevent detrimental effects on young people’s mental health.

GWYDDONIAETH

ENVIRONMENT Nestle and Mars amongst companies

accused of breaking palm oil promises

Fears of extinction of endangered species as land is used for palm oil production

round Halloween, the demand for chocolate and confectionary soars, especially when we’re all pining for those sales in time to binge in anticipation of Christmas. However, despite government commitments to investigate palm oil usage and clarify what is being used where with supply chains from huge corporate giants, we’re already looking at a drastic fail. Companies such as Hershey, Nestle and Mars have allegedly broken pledges, where ‘conflict palm oil’ was mutually assured to not be used in the making of confectionary. This originated from Indonesian jungles, where mass deforestation and environmental concerns have led to this debate being fuelled by much public interest. Ethical customers who seek to spend their money in the best practices are complaining about the deception by these brands, as funding Indonesian palm oil without knowledge is not in their best interests. Promises were made to investigate the supply chains but were later on revised or not taken as seriously as intended without warning before the Halloween demand. The issue here is that large companies often get their pick of the resources they use, and palm oil is something they get more of a say in than locally supported brands. With sweeping environmental concern, they are in line for scrutiny for a problem where there is ‘no further room for error’. The impact on animal extinction and land usage are drastic, as palm oil is responsible for much destroyed tropical land worldwide. People are watching many animals disappear before their eyes to the point where it’s

uncertain which species our grandchildren would be around to see, including rhinos and sun bears – all victims of having no habitat to survive in anymore. 2015 was the year that Nestle profited hugely off consumers seeking ethical alternatives with commitments to ‘end deforestation’ after Greenpeace placed much social pressure on them to be more socially aware. However, the target was completely missed in a poor show of empathy where a profit was seen to be made from boycotting customer margins. Genuine targets for these big money makers seem to be of little priority when the environment is of concern and not profit turnovers for the annum. Commitments were disregarded as it became the social norm to only trace back 90 percent of palm oil usage. Companies as notorious on the confectionery market as Hersheys and co should be able to name exactly where the suppliers stem from without hesitation – low corporate standards are to blame. While a big improvement has been recognised on Nestle’s part as their previous efforts only showed 45 percent, is this sufficient with such an environmental epidemic? Companies are still committing to tracing back their palm oil ‘to plantation’, but there are further sociological issues at hand when consumers are being misled into putting their cash towards potentially harmful ingredients. Efforts cannot be postponed any longer, as ‘long-term goals’ where the environmental harm will be dealt with in 2020 is not justifiable when palm oil usage is not fundamental, to begin with.

Hannah Newberry

Pictured: Deforestation Source: Freephotos (via Pixabay) Graphic: Source: Louange Lubangu

18 SCIENCE NEWS

‘Levitating’ sand is linked to the formation of the Martian landscape, study finds

Buffy Beck

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This levitation discovery could be vital to understanding similar processes on other planetary surfaces. Dr Jan Raack

here are still many mysteries surrounding our neighbour, the Red Planet. Is it possible for people to live there? Is there, or has there ever been, life on Mars? (Cue David Bowie). And is there water? Before the first successful Mars flyby in 1965 by Mariner 4, there was much speculation about the presence of liquid water on the planet’s surface due to previously observed periodic variations in light and dark patches which appeared to be seas and continents. It is now known, thanks to radar data collected in 2005, that Mars has large quantities of water ice at the poles and at mid-latitudes. There is the suggestion that Mars once had large-scale water coverage on its surface due to the geology of the planet. Landforms such as outflow channels, alluvial fans, deltas and gullies suggest that a significant amount of liquid water has previously been present on Mars. Leslie Tamppari, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Deputy Project Scientist explains that much of this water would have left the planet from the top of the atmosphere and the remainder is present in small amounts of water vapour or as underground ice. However, a recent study conducted by scientists at The Open University have discovered a different process that could explain how land features on Mars are formed.

Pictured: Mars Source: Anyur_zakirov (via Pixabay)

Experiments carried out in the Open University Mars Simulation Chamber revel that the combination of Mars’ thin atmosphere and periods of relatively warm surface temperatures causes water flowing on the surface to violently boil. This process can then move large amounts of sand and sediment, ‘levitating’ the sediment in the boiling water. This study could help to explain the present day movement of sediment on Mars’ surface. Dark streaks, known as recurring slope lineae (RSL), appear and grow during Mars’ warm season. In 2015, NASA provided strong evidence that these dark RSLs could

be the result of hydrated salts causing a shallow subsurface flow of just enough water. However a year later, a new analysis of the data suggest that whatever makes RSLs isn’t water. Frédéric Schmidt at the University of ParisSouth and his colleagues branched out to suggest sunlight and shadow are the causes of RSL movement, though this theory too has its limitations as there are observations that do not fit. The study by The Open University explains that their experiments could help to address the problem that RSL requires a high water budget if they propagate by infiltration alone.

If boiling is causing the ‘levitating’ of sand and sediment then RSL could be achieved with approximately 10 times less water. Dr Jan Raack, the lead author of the research, said that this levitation discovery is “a new geological phenomenon which doesn’t happen on Earth, and could be vital to understanding similar processes on other planetary surfaces”. He added that “more research into how water levitates on Mars [will need to be carried out], and missions such as the ESA ExoMars 2020 Rover will provide vital insight to help us better understand our closest neigh-

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Breakthrough in chemical surgery brings hope of potential treatment to genetic mutations Sophie King

‘‘

Humans have tens of thousands genetic variations that are linked with disease and a large proportion of these arise because of a genetic

cientists have discovered a breakthrough in “chemical surgery” that will be able to correct a type of genetic mutation in DNA behind a host of diseases. Hope of potential treatment for a number of diseases has been brought by fresh DNA base editing because of a single genetic ‘misspelling’. Scientists are positive that this new approach

could offer new ways to understand certain human genetic disease by correcting mutations in a patient’s body. Humans have tens of thousands genetic variations that are linked with disease and a large proportion of these arise because of a genetic “misspelling”. To explain this further, it means that there is an error in one of the parts of the DNA double helix. Pairs of mol-

ecules known as “bases” come in four forms dubbed as A (adenine), T (Thymine), C (Cytosine) and G (Guanine), which every living being is made up of. However, about half of the known point mutations that are linked to diseases are down to the bases being mixed up – bases that are meant to be G become A and their corresponding pair being T instead of C. Luckily, scientists can now say that these errors can be fixed using a process called “base editing”, turning the bases from A back to G, and T back to C. Base editing is the process in which scientists have said they will now be able to fix the errors in a process, which will turn A bases back to G and T bases back to C. This will be done by using a modified version of the gene editing tool Crispr-Cas9. The traditional Crispr-Cas9 has fewer advantages compared to the modified version. The newer version is less prone to problems of random insertions or deletions and works well in adult cells. Mr David Liu, co-author of the new research from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard explains that he and other scientists are using base editing to try to study potential future therapeutic

treatments for varying diseases. However more work will be needed to “cure” disease, Liu Warns, “there are many additional steps beyond simply making the mutation that may be needed to treat disease.” Developmental geneticist, Robin Lovell-Badge explains, “Many genetic diseases are due to mutations where a single base pair has been substituted for another.” He says that it makes new base editing methods worth great value to make disease models and to hopefully correct genetic disease. Darren griffin, a geneticist at the University of Kent, has suggested that the research could lead to improvements in cultures for embryos which might improve IVF. However, he also stated that it is less likely to be used to fix genetic errors in human embryos destined for birth. This is because embryo screening can already allow doctors to select embryos without harmful mutations. Nevertheless, Liu says hopefully DNA base editing will enable an especially broad set of potential research and therapeutic applications in the future.

Pictured: DNA Source: Public Domain Pictures (via Pixabay)

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friday 17th - saturday 18th november 19:00-07:00

r e t n e o t 0 ÂŁ1

Raising funds to support homelessness projects

ADVICE

advice

#GRAdvice advice@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/advice

How to handle a long distance relationship Manon Evans

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We were seeing each other every day, so suddenly being apart felt really weird

ni is a time to go out, socialise with new mates, spend hungover mornings watching Netflix, and stay on top on uni work simultaneously. But what happens if a long distance relationship is added to your crammed schedule, and it’s getting a bit too much to handle? Whether it’s with your High School sweetheart or your summer fling turned boyfriend/ girlfriend, being apart for long periods of time might come as a shock to the system, and turn out to be a lot more difficult than anticipated. In my case, I got into a relationship the summer before I was off to Glasgow University. By the time I left, we were still in the so called ‘honeymoon period’ and were seeing each other every day, so suddenly being apart felt really weird. We went three weeks without seeing each other before I went to visit him for a weekend, and those three weeks were strenuous to say the least. After

that we saw each other about once a month, which was difficult but just about enough to handle the distance. Ultimately, when I finished my year in Glasgow and started again at Cardiff University, we called it quits, but we did manage long distance for nine months.

The odds are probably against you, but if you really want to make it work, it can Some things that help are fairly simple and manageable. Skyping every night for at least an hour, which generally feels like being in the same room, is a good way to keep up to date and catch up on each other’s days. We kept in touch pretty much the whole time, whether it was texting or phoning, which meant we didn’t

miss out on things. Other things that help may seem like little gestures – sending each other cards in the post, ordering each other little presents on amazon, or sending a surprise dominos on the odd occasion can keep you feeling close. Making sure you plan ahead the next time you’re seeing each other will help too, so you know you have a concrete day to which you can countdown to and plan ahead for (in terms of uni work etc.). Another thing that might help is getting involved in uni – join a society, start a new sport, fill up your CV with volunteering and internship opportunities. This way you won’t be dwelling on missing each other, and you’ll learn to have independent, busy lives without depending on each other Arguably, this is a massive pro to a long distance relationship; it helps you to achieve something which lots of normal couples don’t manage until

they’re in full time jobs and spend a lot of time apart. Of course on the flip side, a long distance relationship might act as a con, stopping you from fully participating in student life. If you’re tied town with skype dates and weekends away visiting your other half, you won’t fully feel the usual flexibility of uni life. On top of that, being in a relationship might make you feel like you’re npt getting the full uni experience of being free, going out, and doing whatever you want (within reason). Ultimately, long distance relationships are difficult and in reality the odds are probably against you, but if you really want to make it work, it can. They might alter your uni experience, but that might not bother you, and weekend away from your usual uni life seeing your bae might come as welcome break in routine once in a while. Don’t give up hope just yet.

Pictured: Texting couple Source: terimakasih0 (via Pixabay)

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CYNGOR

A University Guide To The Kitchen Sarah Harris

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Lidl is the best place to go when you’re looking for cheap ingredents

or those who have never cooked before, it can seem like a daunting process. It can take a while to wrap your head around what the use of most utensils and kitchen equipment are. A lot of people ask me where I inherited my cooking skills from but in all honesty, it came from years of experimenting and watching Tastemade videos on Facebook when I can’t sleep. Cooking isn’t as hard as most people think it is and it’s important to make sure you don’t stress yourself out or you’ll most likely end up with salmonella or a burnt apron. The most basic tip for making a successful meal is buying the right ingredients. Regardless of how often you cook or not, make sure you always have items such as eggs, cheese, pasta sauce and shells because there will be nights you wake up at 3AM with a growling stomach and as lovely as a takeaway may sound, it’s not the best for your bank account. Pasta is the staple of university life and by the time you graduate you’ll probably have made it through your 100th bag of Tesco’s 90p Penne. The

best thing about pasta is the fact that it’s so simple to make. Depending on whether you’re more of a tomato or creamy sauce based person, all it really takes is a bit of boiled water and if you’re feeling a little classy, some parmesan to top it off. There are literally a thousand different ways you

can make pasta and if you’re in the mood for adventure and want to steer away from your typical go-to recipe, I would definitely recommend searching through the internet for some more outgoing ideas. Over your time as a student, you’ll probably get a better understanding

of what your taste buds do and do not like. I personally realised I had a strong hate for anything too salty but acquired a love for paprika and use it in almost everything I cook. Figuring out what you like can call for some fun experimental meals and shopping trips. Lidl is the best place to go when you’re looking for cheap ingredients whereas if you’re in the mood to try something completely new, Wally’s in the Royal Arcade has food from all over the world. While you’re at it you might as well stock up your spice cabinets and hit up Flying Tiger in St David’s. They have pretty much every spice you can imagine and one bag is only a £1. Cooking couldn’t be any easier for the youths of today thanks to the internet. The Mob Kitchen puts ‘Feed 4 for under £10’ recipes on their social media accounts almost every other day and cooking with your housemates can make the process a lot more enjoyable. Cooking is a lot easier than you’d expect and I’d definitely recommend not letting the thought of it all not overwhelm you.

Pictured: Cheap pasta for students Source: Junya Ogura (Flickr)

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Maintaining a job at university Hannah Newberry

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Holding down a job actually isn’t too bad you just have to search for one that suits which kind of student you are

Is it worth your time?

t’s understandable that some people don’t want extra commitments to contend with after university begins again, and all have valid reasons. Some are poor at time management and would rather be skint than have to resit a year, others can’t stand to be away from the social for too long, and a few just want to bask in the luckiness of living on parent’s money and student loan for a while. The sad truth is that when you start eyeing up extra food, or have a ‘treat yourself ’ mentality that lasts literally a day – it’ll hit you that you can’t cope financially without a job. No matter how horrific the concept of working extra hours out of your own choice is, you simply can’t stand another night of hoping your overdraft vanishes because you chose another night out over a food shop you desperately need. Holding down a job actually isn’t too bad – you just have to search for one that suits which kind of student you are. I took on bar work, working late nights to compliment the fact that I only knuckle down and get work done late in the afternoons and evenings. I am not a morning worker. Sleeping in until midday left me with motivation, instead of trying to force myself to focus when my body clock just wanted to relax. So many

Pictured: Piggy bank Source: marcmo (via Flickr)

students will apply to a job they used to have at home, with long hours in the middle of the day, and by the time you get home and your housemates are snacking on curry and watching Gogglebox, the last thing you’ll want to do is look at the reading material for your seminars. It’s also good for maintaining your work ethic, because if you cram everything in on a schedule before you’re called in for your shift, then pouring drinks and chatting to customers technically counts as down time. For me, working club nights

almost felt like I was away from my obligations, but at the same time I wasn’t spending money or waking up being sick into a bin. It’s also crucial to remember that work can be more fulfilling than just a means for getting cash– if you build up a ‘work life’ then it’s easier to compliment it into your daily routine. Make friends there, find out the inside jokes, and offer to swap shifts with your co-workers so that they can owe you one when future plans crop up.

The most important tip to holding down a job is to SPEND IT RESPONSIBLY – as lame as this sounds, if you just blow it on VKs and Deliveroo from Five Guys, then you’ll have nothing to show for your job and be more inclined to quit. Put a bit aside for a holiday, get a nice fuzzy jumper, stock up on some DVDs for those boring nights in. You’ll be grateful you made the decision to get out of bed and resisted the urge to be a stereotypically skint student with no experience when you’re looking for a graduate job.

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ADVICE

Badvice: Tips for a successful night out Pictured: Bottles of alcohol Source: Dave Pearce (via Flickr)

guess it very much depends on the type of person you are when it comes to what you class as a successful night out. I myself would rate a night out based on whether or not I got home in one piece and how much information I could remember. You see, I’m that person who always ends up wandering away from the group to go on an adventure and wakes up the next morning with very little recollection of what happened the night before and how much money has gone out of my bank account. Thankfully my friends are a little more well behaved and not as light weight as I am. They happily share with me all the embarrassing tales of the night before. They also have a lot more common sense than me and

stop me from giving an odd £70 to a woman in Chicken Cottage (yes, this actually happened). Personally, I think there are a number of factors that contribute to a successful night out. It’s basic knowledge that if the people you’re spending your night with aren’t the most enthusiastic bunch, your night out is most likely going to be fairly dead and you’ll be in McDonalds before it hits midnight. If you’re a fresher and still getting to know people, there’s no better way than to play a drinking game or two. Simply one round of ‘Never Have I Ever’ can leave you second guessing the flatmate that’s as quiet as a mouse. The next key, of course, is what you drink. My boyfriend was intro-

Ask Alice: Alice Dent

‘‘

I’m ashamed to admit the amount of meal deals I’ve panic-bought since term has started

irst of all, I feel you. I’m sure that nothing can really mentally prepare you for the pressure of third year. Not only do you have to contend with the extra amount of work that you’re given, but you have to deal with the constant pressure of people asking what plans you have for the following year. I sat next to a girl in my lecture the other day who listed all the grad schemes she has applied for so far to her

duced to a recipe knows as the ‘VLL’ by his Uncle. It stands for ‘Vodka Lime Lemonade’ and the recipe consists of ¼ Vodka, ½ Lemonade and ¼ Lime cordial. The amount of cordial you add usually masks the taste of the Vodka and before you know it, you’ve downed your third glass in the space of 20 minutes and are struggling to walk to the bathroom, which is only down the hall. This leads on to the last and most important key – pre-drinks. Over the years, pres have begun to play a pivotal role in almost every university student’s social life. Pres are an important utensil and you should make the most out of them and in this case, you should take it as an opportunity to get completely and utterly trashed before you hit the

clubs, because quite frankly, prices there will be absurd. While I’m here, I should add that you should never, ever, ever hold pre-drinks in your kitchen or lounge because when you wake up at 2PM with a massive hangover and Tom from Room 3 has sent you a bunch of angry messages telling you to clean the mess you made last night, you’ll most likely consider walking in to a bus. It also means you have a wider selection of alcohol to choose from when you realise you ‘forgot’ yours at home. So I recommend you take all these tips away with you and make the most of them when you’re next out on the lash. But if you wake up in Ireland with a stranger and a tattoo on your face, please don’t blame me.

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While I’m here, I should add that you should never, ever, ever hold pre-drinks in your kitchen or lounge

‘‘

Sarah Harris

“Third year stress is getting on top of me and I feel like I hardly have any time to relax. Any tips?”

friend, and I nearly cried. How can some people be so organised? The problem is that there is no magical answer to how you should structure your time effectively and factor in time for yourself. Every week brings with it a new commitment; a friend coming to visit, a meeting with a personal tutor, a social event- none are exactly the same as the last. This isn’t just applicable for third years, either. Everyone has commitments, whether they’re sports teams, societies or jobs. So, you should begin by taking a look at your own timetable and working out when you can fit different commitments into each day. For example, I printed out my timetable last

week and roughly worked out which days I could work on Gair Rhydd, my part time job, my work for each module and grad job applications. Obviously, I won’t stick to this religiously, but it will give me a good idea of when I have to complete tasks by. One thing I must stress is the importance of taking a break. Overloading yourself with too many commitments can be detrimental to your health, both physically and mentally. A study undertaken at the University of Illinois found that even brief diversions from some tasks can greatly improve your ability to focus. The importance of taking a break is championed by the university in exam time, but what about during the term? Taking a break from your work can have so many health benefits. Not working solidly into the night and having an early finish can contribute to having a better sleeping pattern, and therefore being able to function better the next day. Regularly having five hours sleep is not recommended for anyone!

It can also mean planning your meals better and therefore eating a more balanced diet – I’m ashamed to admit the amount of meal deals I’ve panic-bought since term has started. I’ve found that sticking to a loose schedule and getting tasks completed when I need to can help me out in the long run. A really productive 1 hour stint in the library can often be much more useful than a 5-hour session spent flicking between Twitter, Facebook and my work. This usually results in being one step behind everyone else and cramming my reading in the evening before a seminar. Ultimately, remember to spend time on yourself. I read a tweet today which said, “self-care isn’t all about bubble baths and face masks.” This is partly true, but if that’s what works for you- go for it! Just make sure that a portion of your day is spent doing something you enjoy; whether that’s chatting to your Mum on the phone, watching the latest Louis Theroux documentary or going for a long run (each to their own I guess!).

Pictured: Alice Dent, giving you the advice you need (Photographer Charlie Knights)

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CONTESTA NT:

4.00 £2.0 0 £

AUDIENCE :

Take Me Out FRIDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2017

Give It A Go is giving thirty galant gents and thirty lucky ladies the chance to take part in our very own version of Take Me Out right here in Cardiff. Feel free to come and watch as an audience member too, the bar will be available and there will be ample viewing on the balcony in Y Plas. No Likey, No Lighty!

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON DEMOCRACY JOIN OUR FOCUS GROUPS ∞

WEDNESDAY 8 NOVEMBER MIDDAY AND 3PM IN THE HEATH PARK MEETING ROOM.

∞

THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 1PM AT THE STUDENTS’ UNION, ROOM 3A.

STUDENT SENATE

Got a great idea to improve your Union? visit cardiffstudents.com/studentsenate

CAMPUS LIFE

campus life

#GRCampusLife campuslife@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/campuslife

Life at university so far...

Emma Ogao

ime has flown by and I can officially say that I’ve survived almost 2 months of university (without catching freshers flu HA)! What a weird thing to say, as it feels like it was just yesterday that I was applying to university. Life at university has been amazing thus far. I’ve learnt so much, met tons of new people, experienced so many new things, and made amazing memories in the process! I remem-

Tuesday 7th November 10pm

The Sherman Theatre puts on the return of the award winning series ‘A Play, A Pie, and a Pint’, for a night of watching a production that details the petty squabbles and failed aspirations of a small family, all accompanied by alcohol and pie, or as we call it in my house, Boxing Day dinner.

ber being nervous a couple weeks ago to start a new chapter of my life, and like many, I was worried that I’d be alone. But quickly, and surprisingly easily, I was able to make great friends right from the start. People in Cardiff are incredibly kind and welcoming - which made settling in a lot easier! One of the things that I love most about life on campus is you’re constantly meeting new people every day! Whether its from your course,

accommodation, volunteering/societies, nights out etc, you’re always bumping into people from different walks of life Freedom! Quite suddenly, I was responsible for my own life. I was quite apprehensive of it at first, but I’ve really grown to love this newfound flexibility, independence and spontaneous nature of my day-to-day life. Yes, I almost lost my passport in the second week. And yes, we almost burnt the

flat down – but, it’s been great to begin to find my own feet and its really made me grow into a more responsible person. I’ve been loving all the great opportunities available to us! Thus far, I am just about to begin the Cardiff Award, I’m an ambassador for a start-up in London, I’m involved in two volunteering projects and UNICEF on campus. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds!

WHAT’S ON CAMPUS? Wednesday 8th November - 7:30pm

In celebration of his new book ‘Mythos’, Stephen Fry will be live in St David’s Hall on Wednesday. Mythos is a vivid retelling of infamous Greek mythology written by Stephen Fry, tickets are £31.50 and include a hard back copy of the book itself.

Friday 10th November - 7pm

“Where did you meet Mum, Dad?” “Why son, it was on a Give It A Go night at the SU based off the format of a 2010 game show”. Odd conversation, yes, but that could be you! ‘Let the give meet the go’, and come join us in Y Plas for the chance at being the next coupling worthy of Paddy McGuinness!

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I’ve survived almost 2 months of university!

Thursday 9th November Cardiff ’s much loved Winter Wonderland returns to the city from 9th November until 6th January. From traditonal bierkellers to the ice rink, Winter Wonderland is set to be Cardiff ’s best festive fix. For those of you not in the know about Christmas in the ‘Diff, you can find Winter Wonerland in front of City Hall, a perfect place to spend an evening on over priced beer and pretending to be a Welsh Hollie Willoughby.

BYWYD CAMPWS

What are the Sabbs Saying? The ‘Morna Report

With Lamorna Hooker VP Societies

This week Campus Life caught up with Lamorna Hooker, VP Societies to find out the latest campus news.

Stereophonics in the SU Charlie Knights

Pictured: Stereophonics played an intimate gig for Radio X at Cardiff University’s Great Hall (Credit: Polly Thomas)

tereophonics is perhaps the most iconic Welsh band. Having been performing for over 20 years, and coming from Cwmaman to selling out stadiums, they have decided to bring it back to their roots a little bit. Last Thursday they played an intimate gig for Radio X at Cardiff University’s Great Hall. The band performed a two hour set for a crowd of just 1200 Radio X listeners. The gig was in support of Radio X’s charity, Global’s Make Some Noise. With them set to play a huge sold-out arena tour coming in 2018, the show was a huge sell out success, bringing in a diverse crowd. From old fans, to students not even born when they started performing, the attraction to this down to earth band has clearly never died. Performing a range of songs, from their classics such as ‘Have a Nice Day’ and ‘Dakota’ all the way

up to some of the tracks released on their tenth studio album a week before. Some of us from the Campus Life desk had the opportunity to go along, and the atmosphere in the crowd was incredible. “Stereophonics are one of my favourite bands of all time,” Editor-In-Chief Liam Ketcher said, “and the opportunity to see them live? Best night of my life, without a doubt.” Global’s Make Some Noise, is described as one of the newest chapters in Global’s long history of uniting listeners and clients, but with the aim to help improve the lives of children and young people, especially those living with sickness, and is an incredible out reach and support project. Thanks to Radio X and Global for this opportunity, and look forward to a full review coming to Quench soon.

i guys! There’s a lot happening in the Students’ Union in November so make sure you keep up to date with the Gair Rhydd and/or Cardiff SU social media! Here are some particularly exciting things that are coming up:

Society of the Month

And the Society of the Month goes to… Latin American Society! In October, they organised plenty of different activities to engage different students from different backgrounds and cultures, varying from social events to fundraising. Their fundraising event, #RiseMexico Mexican Night, to help rebuild Mexico after the earthquakes, raised around £700, so massive well done guys!!

Snapchat

If you would like to take over CardiffStudents Snapchat, let

MilesF@cardiff.ac.uk know when and why, send your snaps to CardiffStudents and get your society out there! It’s a good and fun way to publicise so make sure you jump on board.

Survival Games

The annual Survival Games are here – one arena, one winner! Pairs of contenders teams of 2 people –so make sure you get someone to sign up with you (from clubs/societies/housemates or friends) will enter the arena for an incredible NERF gun battle to end all NERF gun battles. More info here: https://www.cardiffstudents. com/events/12305/10676/

be held on 23rd November at 5.30pm in the Great Hall. Come along and have your say, and really make a change in how your Students’ Union is run! If you would like to find out more information, please go to: https://www.cardiffstudents.com/events/6045/7885/. If you have any questions about anything happening in the SU, let one of your sabbatical officers know – you can find us on Faecbook or on the 3rd floor of the SU. We are always here to help!

AGM

The largest forum for student ideas, debate, and decisionmaking is happening!! Cardiff University Students’ Union Annual General Meeting will

To find out more about your officers and their thoughts on various issues, look them up at cardiffstudents.com/your-voice/elected-officers. There you can read their manifestos and official bios, and even use the campaign tracker to see how good a job they have been doing so far.

Hannah Russell

lank Verse is a non-auditioning all female choir formed in 2004, so is now about to enter its 14th year as a society! Throughout the year we run a variety of events including weekly rehearsals, various socials and concerts both independently and collaboratively. Our weekly rehearsals consist of vocal warmups, practicing pieces as well as enjoying ourselves, we like not to put too much pressure on ourselves as we sing for fun. This semester we are singing a Lion King Medley, Benedictus and When I Grow Up from Matilda the Musical as well as various Christmas songs later in the term. We have already had our first social

which was a huge success with everyone donning their white T-shirts and getting to know one another, we’ve got more in the future including a Lion King film screening and a joint social with CHAOS which we did last year and was a huge success. There’s still time to join the choir before this year’s Christmas Concert! Get in touch if you are interested in having a go and maybe even performing with us. This year we are running a fundraising campaign for Welsh Women’s Aid as well as working with Periods in Poverty, a Cardiff Volunteering venture, to help wom-

en in need as it’s an area we all feel very strongly about as an all ladies choir. To get involved we have weekly rehearsals in the Octagon in the School of Music every Thursday from 5-6:30pm, more information on this can be found on our cardiffstudents page, as well as frequent updates on our Facebook and Twitter, alternatively society President Hannah is more than happy to answer any of your questions.

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This year we are running a fundraising campaign for Welsh Women’s Aid as well as working with Periods in Poverty

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Blank Verse

Blank Verse is the All Girls Choir here at Cardiff University, and in this week’s Society Spotlight, we caught up with the president to find out what they are all about...

Deaf Havana

Machine head

Don Broco

November/Tachwedd The Cadillac Three 12/11/17, £18.50 ADV Happy Mondays - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN Newton Faulkner 20/11/17, £22 ADV

Don Broco 10/02/18, £20 ADV

Shed Seven 07/12/17 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

Bars and Melody 15/02/18 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

The Charlatans 08/12/17, £28.50 ADV Kerrang! Tour 2017 12/12/17, £17.50 ADV

Deaf Havana 24/11/17, £16.50 ADV

Welcome to Manchester via Cardiff 16/12/17, £15 ADV

The Divine Comedy 25/11/17, £30 ADV

December/Rhagfyr LP 01/12/17 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN Mastodon 02/12/17 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN

@CARDIFFUNION

Hoodie Allen 03/12/17, £16.50 ADV

January/Ionawr Steve Aoki 28/01/18, £20 ADV

February/Chwefror The Damned 09/02/18, £26 ADV

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March/Mawrth Skid Row 15/03/18, £25 ADV

April/Ebrill Andrew W.K. 13/04/18, £20 ADV

May/Mai The Rend Collective 10/05/18, £18 ADV Machine Head 14/05/18, £27.50 ADV

All tickets subject to booking fee Codir ffi archebu ar bob tocyn

TAF-OD

taf-od

@cmccaerdydd | #GRTafod tafod@gairrhydd.com gairrhydd.com/category/tafod

O Gatalonia i Gymru: Yr allwedd i annibyniaeth Yn y llun: Rali Yes Cymru yng Nghaerdydd i gefnogi sefyllfa Catalonia (Tarddiad: Wil Rees)

chydig dros fis yn ôl, camodd Catalonia ychydig yn agosach at ennill annibyniaeth ac ar hyd y mis diwethaf, mae llygaid y byd wedi’u hoelio ar y datblygiadau yno, sef un o ranbarthau mwyaf llewyrchus Sbaen. Cynhaliwyd refferendwm annibyniaeth yno gyda chanran sylweddol o’r pleidleiswyr (90% ) yn cefnogi’r ymgyrch annibyniaeth. Mae Llywodraeth Sbaen fodd bynnag yn honni fod y refferendwm yn gwbl anghyfreithlon. Mae ymateb Llywodraeth Sbaen wedi bod yn rymus ac, i raddau, yn eithafol hefyd gyda nifer yn cwestiynnu pun ai yw’r wlad wedi mynd yn groes i sylfaen democratiaeth yn ei hymdriniaeth â Chatalonia. Hawdd iawn byddai hi wedi bod i adael i’r Catalanwyr gael pleidlais ar annibyniaeth ond yn hytrach, gwelwyd lluniau o wynebau gwaedlyd gwragedd a phlant, eu llygaid yn llenwi â dagrau - ydy hyn wir yn dderbyniol gan gymdeithas ddemocrataidd? Mae Catalonia yn rhanbarth ariannog iawn gydag 20% o economi Sbaen yn ddibynnol arni. Ond nid rhanbarth yn unig mohoni, mae ganddi faner, iaith a diwylliant ei hun ac mae’n bosibl tynnu cymhariaeth weddol agos gyda Chym-

ru yn hynny o beth. Fel yng Nghymru, mae ymgyrchoedd annibyniaeth wedi bodoli yno ers blynyddoedd lawer, gyda’r bwriad o dorri’n rhydd o’r wlad. Yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf yn enwedig mae’r gefnogaeth ar gyfer y mudiad annibyniaeth wedi cynyddu gyda mwy o bobl eisiau’r cyfle i leisio’u barn. Ond yn hytrach na rhoi’r hawl i’r Catalanwyr bleidleisio mewn refferendwm swyddogol, cyfreithiol, gwnaeth Llywodraeth Sbaen ddatgan fod y refferendwm yn annilys ac yn anghyfreithlon. Gwelwyd trais o’r raddfa fwyaf oddi wrth yr heddlu Sbaeneg, gydag amddiffynwyr tân yn amddiffyn y cyhoedd - nid rhag fflamau ond rhag yr heddlu. Gwir yw dweud fod y refferendwm wed cael ei wrthod gan Lywodraeth Sbaen o flaen llaw a, serch hynny, gwnaeth Llywodraeth Catalonia barhau a’u cynlluniau. Ond oni fyddai’n well rhoi’r hawl i’r Catalanwyr ddewis eu dyfodol gan roi ateb terfynol i’r cwestiwn yma ynghylch annibyniaeth? Yn hytrach, mae gennym ganlyniad ansicr gydag ond 42% o’r etholwyr wedi pleidleisio yn y refferendwm. Ond edrych ar enghraifft Refferendwm yr Alban yn 2014 sydd

angen er mwyn gweld enghraifft dda o Lywodraeth yn gwrando ar farn y bobl. Er nad oedd Llywodraeth Prydain yn dymuno gweld annibyniaeth i’r Alban, roeddent yn fodlon rhoi’r cyfle i’r Albanwyr ateb y cwestiwn hwnnw. Y llynedd, cafwyd y cyfle i bleidleisio ar ddyfodol aelodaeth y Deyrnas Unedig yn yr Undeb Ewropeaidd. Cawsom ni’r hawl i ddweud ein dweud, felly pam na chaiff y Catalanwyr yr hawl sylfaenol hynny hefyd? Efallai mai pryder dros golli un o ardaloedd mwyaf cyfoethog Sbaen a’r effaith negyddol debygol ar economi’r wlad ydoedd. Neu a oedd y pryder yn ymestyn y tu hwnt i ffiniau Sbaen ac i mewn i Ewrop yn ehangach? Mae yna sawl rhanbarth arall yng ngwledydd Ewrop a fyddai, mae’n bosibl, yn dilyn Catalonia lawr y llwybr tuag at annibyniaeth pe byddai’r cyfle’n dod: Gwlad y Basg, yr Alban, Cymru hyd yn oed? Ond trwy geisio osgoi’r cynnydd mewn cefnogaeth i fudiadau annibyniaeth, mae Llywodraeth Sbaen, trwy eu hymateb llym, wedi annog rhagor o gefnogaeth i fudiadau cenedlaetholgar, yng Nghatalonia a thu hwnt. Rhyw wythnos yn ôl, bu rali yng nghanol Caerdydd i gefnogi sefyllfa

Catalonia, digwyddiad a drefnwyd gan y mudiad Yes Cymru. Mae’r mudiad yma sydd o blaid annibyniaeth i Gymru yn un enghraifft yn unig o fudiadau tebyg ar draws Ewrop sydd wedi profi adfywiad yn sgìl ymateb Llywodraeth Sbaen i’r sefyllfa yng Nghatalonia. Ymdebygai fod y sefyllfa yng Nghatalonia yn codi cwestiynau cysylltiedig i ni yma yng Nghymru. Rhoiff y sefyllfa’r cyfle i’r ymgyrch annibyniaeth yng Nghymru i gynyddu mewn momentwm. Efallai’n wir y gwelwn mwy o alw am ddatganoli rhagor o bwerau i Gymru dros y blynyddoedd nesaf, wrth i’r posibilrwydd o annibyniaeth o’r Deyrnas Unedig gynyddu. Ond, yn wir, os oes yna un wers i’w dysgu o wleidyddiaeth yn ystod y misoedd a’r blynyddoedd diwethaf - does dim modd darogan yr hyn a ddaw. Pennod arall yn unig yn hanes Catalonia yw hyn, ond y tro hwn mae’r sefyllfa’n un hynod o fregus a fedrai gael effaith ddirfawr ar Gatalonia, Sbaen ac Ewrop. Efallai nad yw’r allwedd yn ffitio clo annibyniaeth i Gatalonia y tro yma, ond mae’n sicr yn guriad ar y drws. Mater o amser yw hi cyn y bydd y rhanbarth yn ennill ei rhyddid.

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Ymdebygai fod y sefyllfa yng Nghatalonia yn codi cwestiynau cysylltiedig i ni yma yng Nghymru.

Yn Trafod yr wythnos hon... Mari Lewis 1.) Pwy wyt ti, ym mha flwyddyn prifysgol wyt ti a beth wyt ti’n astudio? Mari Hedd Lewis, yn y flwyddyn gyntaf ac yn astudio Newyddiaduraeth, Cyfryngau a Diwylliant. 2) Pam dewis Prifysgol Caerdydd i astudio? Gan fy mod i’n caru’r ddinas

yn ogystal â’r ffaith fod y cwrs rwy’n astudio wedi cael gymaint o gydnabyddiaeth. 3) Fel Glas-fyfyriwr, ble yw dy hoff le yng Nghaerdydd hyd yn hyn? Heb amheuaeth Clwb Ifor Bach! Er bod y diodydd yn uffernol o ddrud ac wedi gwneud fy sefyllfa ariannol

llawer gwaeth, ma’ noson allan yn Clwb byth yn siomi! 4) Beth yw’r ffilm orau i ti ei gweld erioed? Hwn yw un o fy nghas gwestiynau. Dwi wrth fy modd ar wylio ffilmiau, ella ychydig gormod pan ddylwn i wneud gwaith felly mae’r rhestr yn ddiddiwedd. Yn bendant un o’m

ffefrynnau yw ‘The boat that Rocked’ a ‘Lord of the Rings trilogy’ (extended edition.. duh). 5) Beth wyt ti’n hoffi gwneud yn dy amser hamdden? Gwylio ffilmiau a chwarae gemau bwrdd ond yn bennaf cael clonc dda gyda ffrindiau gwell.

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Tomos Evans

TAF-OD

Rygbi Cymru: Pwy ddylai ddechrau’r gemau?

Eirian Jones

rth i’r tymheredd oeri, a’r coed yn newid lliw, unwaith eto eleni, bydd strydoedd Caerdydd dan ei sang o gefnogwyr tîm rygbi Cymru yn dod i weld eu harwyr yn wynebu cewri hemisffer y de. Eleni, bydd Cymru yn chwarae yn erbyn Georgia, tîm sydd wedi gweld gwelliant eithriadol dros y ddegawd ddiwethaf, yn ogystal â’r tri mawr, Awstralia, De Affrica ac enillwyr buddugol dau Gwpan y Byd diwethaf. Ond y cwestiwn sydd ar flaen tafodau pob cefnogwr Cymraeg yw pwy fydd y pymtheg a fydd yn dechrau yn erbyn Awstralia ar y 11eg o Dachwedd. Dyma pwy y dylai Gatland a’i griw ddewis yn fy marn i: 15. Leigh Halfpenny (Y Scarlets) Coddwyd cwestiwn mawr dros Leigh Halfpenny yn y tîm gyda safon perfformiadau diweddar ymhell o’r hyn a welsom ryw bum mlynedd yn ôl. Serch hyn, mae Halfpenny wedi ail-ddarganfod sut i ymosod o dan arweiniad Wayne Pivac, a rhaid cymryd i ystyriaeth pa mor gywir yw ei gicio. Oherwydd y rhesymau hyn, ac absenoldeb George North o’r garfan trwy anaf, rhaid ei gynnwys yn y pymtheg cychwynnol. 14. Liam Williams (Saracens)

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Rhaid cydnabod mai Priestland yw un o faswyr gorau y mae Cymru wedi ei weld ers Stephen Jones

Heb unrhyw amheuaeth, Liam Williams yw un o’r chwaraewyr peryclaf sydd gan Gymru yn eu carfan. Ers nifer o dymhorau, mae Liam Williams wedi dangos y perygl hwn trwy rwygo amddiffynnoedd y timoedd gorau hyd yn oed gyda’i rhediadau chwim gan gynnwys Seland Newydd ar deithiau Cymru a’r Llewod. Mae Williams wedi dangos ei sgiliau amddiffynnol hefyd gyda’i daclo ffyrnig. Roedd yn golled enfawr i’r Scarlets pan symudodd i lawr yr M4 i’r Saracens. 13. Jonathan Davies (Y Scarlets) Mae Jonny Fox wedi chwarae rygbi gwefreiddiol ers yr haf. Ni ellir pwysleisio gymaint oedd ei ddylanwad ar lwyddiant y Scarlets y tymor diwethaf gyda pherfformiadau anhygoel yn erbyn y Gweilch, Leinster a Munster. Yn ogystal â hyn cafodd ei enwebu fel chwaraewr y daith ar daith y Llewod yn Seland Newydd gan ei gyd chwaraewyr. Bydd y timau eraill yn gwbl ymwy-

6) Wrth fyw yn Senghennydd, beth yw arferion drwg gweddill y fflat? Gallaf gyfadde’ hyd yn hyn nad ydw i wedi sylwi ar unrhyw arferion gwael, er, dwi’n sicr bydd hynny yn newid gydag amser. Er, un arfer gwael yw ein bod ni’n bwyta llawer gormod o siocled diolch i stash enfawr Elen Jones. 7) Beth yw dy hoff ddiod? Te. Dwi’n gwbl ddiwerth tan i mi ga’l fy daily dosage o de,

bodol o’i fygythiad.

Yn y llun: Prif hyfforddwr Cymru, Warren Gatland (Tarddiad: Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru)

12. Scott Williams/ Hadleigh Parkes (Y Scarlets) Cafodd llawer o gefnogwyr Cymru eu synnu gyda phenderfyniad Gatland i gynnwys Parkes ond nid Scott Williams. Braf oedd clywed yn ddiweddarach bod Williams wedi cael ei gynnwys yn dilyn anaf Tyler Morgan. Am y tri phrawf gyntaf credaf y dylid ddechrau’r profiadol Scott Williams yn dilyn perfformiadau solet i’w rhanbarth. Yn ddiddorol, erbyn y prawf olaf, bydd Hadleigh Parkes yn gymwys i chwarae i Gymru. Yn enedigol o Seland Newydd, erbyn y gêm yma bydd wedi chwarae yng Nghymru am dair blynedd. Heb os nac oni bai mae Parkes wedi bod yn un o oreuon y Scarlets felly er y mae cwestiwn yn codi ynglŷn â rhoi cyfle i chwaraewyr ifanc Cymraeg, credaf y dylid ei gynnwys. 11. Steff Evans (Y Scarlets) Rhaid cynnwys Steff Evans. Mae’n sioc i mi sut na gafodd ei ddewis yn ystod y Chwe Gwlad ddiwethaf. Efe oedd ar dop tabl sgorwyr ceisiadau’r llynedd ac y mae wedi parhau gyda’r duedd yma eleni. Er ei fod yn fach mewn maint, llwydda Steff i guro dynion yn hawdd, ac yn aml efe sydd yn rhedeg ar ysgwydd y rhedwr i orffen ceisiadau, rhaid cynnwys Steff. 10. Rhys Priestland (Caerfaddon) Mae Rhys Priestland wedi cael ei feirniadu yn hallt gan gefnogwyr a newyddiadurwyr Cymru yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf ond rhaid cydnabod mai Priestland yw un o faswyr gorau y mae Cymru wedi ei weld ers Stephen Jones. Gydag ychydig o hyder, llwydda i reoli’r chwarae gyda’i basio fflat a’i gicio dethol, ac y mae wedi gwneud hyn yn wythnosol i Gaerfaddon y tymor hwn. Gwelwyd hyn yn y gêm yn erbyn y Scarlets yn ystod Cwpan y Pencampwyr. Yn ogystal â hyn, mae Dan Biggar wedi bod yn echrydus o wael dros y tymhorau diwethaf ac yn fy marn i ni ddylid ei gynnwys yn y tîm o gwbl. 9. Rhys Webb (Y Gweilch) Anodd oedd penderfynu pwy ddylid dewis fel mewnwr p’un ai Webb neu

fi’n credu byddai’n troi mewn i debot cyn hir. 8) Pwy fyddet yn gwahodd i dy bryd fwyd delfrydol? Hmm cwestiwn anodd! David Attenborough y boi fwyaf cŵl sy’ ‘di bodoli, Bill Nighy, Eden, Mary Berry achos - ma’ pawb yn gwybod bod hi’n wyllt a Barack Obama oherwydd fi’n credu bydde fe’n mwynhau cwmni gweddill y grŵp yn fawr iawn.

Gareth Davies. Serch hyn, credaf mai Webb dylai ddechrau, gyda Davies yn ymddangos oddi ar y fainc. Wedi’r cyfan efallai mai dyma’r tro olaf y gwelwn Webb mewn crys Cymru yn dilyn rheol newydd Gatland. 8. Talupe Faletau (Caerfaddon) Un arall o’r Cymry sydd wedi penderfynu chwarae yng Nghaerfaddon. Faletau yw un o’r wythwyr gorau ym myd rygbi gyda’i gario pwerus a’i daclo cadarn. Heb os, efe bydd yn gwisgo’r rhif wyth yn erbyn Awstralia. 7. Justin Tipuric (Y Gweilch) Mae’r tymor yma wedi bod yn siomedig iawn i’r Gweilch, gyda chanlyniadau yn aml yn mynd yn eu herbyn, ond rhaid cydnabod pa mor dda y mae Tipuric wedi bod eleni, mewn tîm sydd wedi chwarae yn hynod o wael ar y cyfan. Rhaid ei ddechrau gan ystyried colled Warburton. 6. Aaron Shingler (Y Scarlets) Mae Cymru wedi gweld colledion enfawr yn safle’r blaenasgellwyr gyda Sam Warburton, James Davies a Elis Jenkins wedi’u hanafu. Mae Shingler wedi bod mor gyson i’r Scarlets dros ei yrfa ac wedi bod ychydig yn anlwcus i beidio â chael ei ddewis yn fwy aml. 5. Alun Wyn Jones (Y Gweilch) Beth gallaf ddweud am Alun Wyn Jones, yn arweinydd ar y cae, yn brofiadol, yn gariwr cryf ac yn Lew. Dyma un o ail rengwyr gorau y mae Cymru wedi ei weld.

9) Petaet ti’n ennill y loteri, beth fyddai’r peth cyntaf i ti brynu? Tocyn i deithio’r byd a rhagor o ddillad neu’r pethau bach fel gwario’r 70c ychwanegol ar poppadoms gyda’r takeaway Indian. Bywyd myfyriwr yn anodd weithia. 10) Pa air wyt ti ei ddefnyddio amlaf? ‘Tishe Paned?’ 11) Pa ddigwyddiad gododd

4. Jake Ball (Y Scarlets) Ie, y bachan barfog ‘na. Mae Ball wedi chwarae rygbi hynod o dda, yn ymosodol ac yn amddiffynnol. Yn ogystal â hyn mae’n ddefnyddiol iawn yn y sgrym a’r lein gyda’i faint. 3. Samson Lee (Y Scarlets) Er nad yw Samson yn ymddangos yn fawr, mae ei gryfder Beiblaidd yn amlygu yn y sgrym. Llwydda hefyd i ddefnyddio ei nerth yn ymosodol hefyd a sgoriodd ei gais gyntaf i’r Scarlets eleni. 2. Ken Owens (Y Scarlets) Hawdd yw dweud mai ‘Sheriff ’ yw’r bachwr gorau sydd gyda Chymru. Yn sgrymiwr o safon a bellach yn daflwr o fri yn y leiniau, rhaid ei gynnwys. Dangosodd hyn yn y prawf olaf yn erbyn Seland Newydd yn dilyn camgymeriadau Jamie George. 1. Rob Evans (Y Scarlets) Un sydd yn dilyn y traddodiad rygbi Cymraeg, ffermwr sy’n chwarae rygbi. Mae Rob yn hynod o gorfforol ar draws y cae ac yn sgrymiwr o fri. Eilyddion

Kristian Dacey (Y Gleision), Wyn Jones (Y Scarlets), Tom Francis (Caerwysg), Seb Davies (Y Gleision), Josh Navidi (Y Gleision), Gareth Davies (Y Scarlets), Rhys Patchell (Y Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Y Dreigiau)

y fwyaf o embaras arnat ti erioed? Dwi’n siŵr fod yna llawer o ddigwyddiadau ar nosweithiau allan ond yn ddigon ffodus i beidio cofio’r manylion. 12) Pwy fydd yn trafod gyda’r Taf-od Wythnos nesaf? Meleri Williams

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MWYDRON MORGAN

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Ysgolion Cymraeg ym mhen draw’r byd Yn y lluniau Disgyblion Ysgol y Cwm, Trevelin (Tarddiad: Elen Davies)

ros yr haf, cefais un o brofiadau mwyaf diddorol ac anhygoel fy mywyd, a phrofiad sydd yn sicr am aros mewn cof drwy gydol fy mywyd. Y profiad hwnnw oedd cael treulio mis mewn ysgolion Cymraeg ym Mhatagonia, yn cynorthwyo’r athrawon ac yn dod i nabod y plant. Rhaid cyfaddef, er fy mod yn hoff iawn o ddysgu, byddai’r syniad o weithio mewn ysgol gynradd gyda phlant bach yn ddigon i wneud imi bryderu yn y wlad hon, ond roedd meddwl am weithio mewn ysgol ar ochr arall y byd, lle nid wyf yn gallu siarad iaith gyntaf y plant, wir yn gwneud imi boeni am beth oedd i ddod dros fy nghyfnod yno! Fodd bynnag, o fewn ychydig funudau o gamu drwy ddrysau Ysgol y Cwm yn Nhrevelin, ymgartrefais yn syth, a sylweddolais yn syth fod ysgolion Cymraeg Patagonia yn ysgolion unigryw a gwirioneddol anhygoel. Er yr oeddwn yn gwybod fod Cymraeg yn cael ei ddysgu yno cyn mynd, doeddwn i ddim yn hollol siŵr i ba raddau yr oedd yr ysgolion yno am fod yn rhai ‘Cymraeg’. Rhaid cyfaddef nid oeddwn yn disgwyl i’r ysgolion

Cymraeg yno fod cyn Gymreiced ag y maent. Roeddwn yn hanner disgwyl ambell wers Cymraeg bob wythnos, gyda phlant yn gadael yr ysgol gydag ymadroddion fel ‘Dwi’n hoffi coffi’ a ‘Dwi’n dod o Batagonia’ yn unig, ond mewn gwirionedd, mae’r ysgolion yno yn llwyddo i greu siaradwyr Cymraeg rhugl! Mae hynny’n wirioneddol anhygoel, yn enwedig i feddwl nad yw’r rhan helaeth o ysgolion yng Nghymru yn llwyddo i greu siaradwyr rhugl, hyd yn oed. Yn ogystal â chreu mwy a mwy o siaradwyr Cymraeg ifainc, chwaraea’r ysgolion Cymraeg yno ran bwysicach fyth. Yr ysgolion yw calonnau’r cymunedau Cymraeg yno, cnewyllion y cymunedau sy’n cadw’r Gymraeg yn fyw yno. Yn yr ysgolion y cynhelir y rhan fwyaf o ddigwyddiadau Cymraeg y Wladfa, ac mae’r athrawon yn gweithio’n ddiflino i sicrhau fod llu o weithgareddau, digwyddiadau a gwersi Cymraeg ar gael i bawb sy’n siarad Cymraeg yno, boed yn ddisgybl yn yr ysgol neu beidio. I ychwanegu at hyn, yr ysgolion yw’r prif gyswllt rhwng siaradwyr Cymraeg Cymru a siaradwyr Cymraeg Patagonia.

Os ydych yn Gymro neu’n Gymraes, nid yw taith i’r Wladfa yn gyflawn heb ichi ymweld ag un o’r ysgolion yno i weld plant o’r enw Juan a Isabella yn dysgu iaith y nefoedd. Yn wir, byswn i ddim yn synnu os yw’r ysgolion eisoes wedi diflasu ar ymwelwyr o Gymru – boed yn griw o’r Urdd, myfyrwyr yno ar brofiad gwaith, neu grŵp o hen bobl ar daith bws – yn glanio yn yr ysgol gyda llond bag o anrhegion o Gymru yn awyddus i gynorthwyo ac i ddod i nabod y plant. Gwahaniaeth enfawr rhwng ysgolion Cymru â Phatagonia, fodd bynnag, yw’r adnoddau a chyfleusterau prin sydd yno. Yn anffodus, nid yw’r Ysgolion Cymraeg yno yn cael eu cefnogi’n ariannol gan y llywodraeth, ac maent yn llwyr ddibynnol ar ffioedd gan rieni y plant, a chefnogaeth gan Gymru, er mwyn gallu parhau. Rhaid cyfaddef mae’r gwahaniaethau ariannol rhwng ysgolion Cymru a Phatagonia yn weladwy ac yn eithaf amlwg. Tra geir amrywiaeth o deganau drud yng Nghymru, mae angen i’r athrawon yn ysgolion Patagonia greu teganau allan o gardfwrdd i’w disgyblion. Yn ogystal, roedd rhaid i rai athrawon fynd yn ddi-dâl am flwyddyn gan nad oedd

modd i’r ysgol eu talu. Fodd bynnag, y cyfan yw hyn yw adlewyrchiad o’r gwahaniaethau economaidd rhwng Cymru â Phatagonia, ac mae rhaid cyfaddef, os unrhyw beth roedd gallu’r ysgolion yno i ddyfalbarhau er gwaetha’r sefyllfaoedd economaidd anodd yn ychwanegu at ryfeddoldeb yr ysgolion. Rhaid cyfaddef, roeddwn wedi gwirioni gyda’r ysgolion Cymraeg ym Mhatagonia, roeddent yn ysgolion anhygoel, gydag awyrgylch cartrefol a dymunol iawn ynddynt. Mae’r gwaith y maent yn ei wneud i drosglwyddo’r iaith i bobl ifanc y Wladfa yn syfrdanol. Anodd yw rhoi mewn geiriau pa mor anhygoel yw’r ffaith eu bod yn llwyddo i greu degau o siaradwyr Cymraeg newydd pob blwyddyn – 7000 o filltiroedd o Gymru! Heb os, chwaraea’r ysgolion ran allweddol ym mywiogrwydd y Gymraeg a’i diwylliant yn y Wladfa, ac i fod yn berffaith onest, nid wyf yn meddwl y byddai gan y Gymraeg ddyfodol lewyrchus yn y Wladfa hebddynt. Os gewch chi erioed y fraint o gael ymweld â’r Wladfa, ymwelwch â’r ysgolion er mwyn cael gweld dros eich hunain – dwi’n siŵr y cewch chwithau eich syfrdanu!

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Yr ysgolion yw calonnau’r cymunedau Cymraeg yno, cnewyllion y cymunedau sy’n cadw’r Gymraeg yn fyw yno. .

Dysgu Cymraeg gyda Taf-od | Learn Welsh with Taf-od Wales| Cymru

New Zeland| Seland Newydd

Come-ree

Se-lahnd Nehw-ith

Austrailia | Awstralia

South Africa| De Affrica

Ause-trall-eah

Daer Af-ri-ca

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Osian Morgan

hard / anodd

easy / hawdd medium / canolig hard / anodd

medium / canolig

Cardiff Quick Crosssword

Welcome to the weekly Cardiff and Welsh themed crossword courtesy of Gair Rhydd. Get them all right? Tweet us @gairrhydd to let us know!

Across / Ar draws 2. Neck of the woods (4) 4. Sherlock enemy, Irene __ (5) 6. Oldest Cardiff University Hall of Residence (8) 7. District where you can find Uni Halls (7) 8. Artist who took his Mask Off in 2017 (6) 10. New Poirot movie setting, the __ express (6) 11. Cheapest pint in The Taf (7) 13. Nice; Cool; Not Sour (5) 14. Current Chancellor of the university (7) 15. Not just a healthy drink, but a fun Saturday night (5)

Down / I lawr 1. ? (8) 2. Fighter pilot (3) 3. Pain in hearing organ (7) 5. Word for university in Welsh (9) 9. Rub one out (5) 12. Gair Rhydd’s sister TV station (4)

Croesair Cyflym Caerdydd

easy / hawdd

Last Week’s Answers

FIVE MINUTE FUN

Sudoku

Last weeks answers: Across 1. Byzantium 5. Anglais 6. Episodes 8. Paned 9. Retractable 10. Catalyst 13. LawnTennis 14. Typhoid 15. Rice Down: 1. Blanchett 2. Attenborough 3. Widdershins 4. DewiSant 7. Jersey 11. YrWyddafa 13. FreeWord

Riddles

Spot The Difference!

Last weeks answers: 1. Time 2. The Wind 3. The Truth 4. Onion 5. Cannwyll

Answers will be printed in next weeks issue! Keep your eye out, and tweet us @gairrhydd to let us know if you have got it all right! Got a type of puzzle you want to hear in Gair Rhydd next week? Let us know! We are always keen to try new ideas. WELSH WORD OF THE WEEK

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36 SPORT

Bullying - the latest crisis in British sport

Rhys Thomas

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It would be a positive step if more women and ethnic minorities were put in positions of power

he issue of bullying in the world of sport is one that has really come to the fore in the last year or so. Organisations and individuals across British sport have come under fire, with accusations, investigations and resignations being seen across the board. The most high-profile case of bullying that we’ve seen in recent times is that of former England women’s footballer Eni Aluko accusing her then manager Mark Sampson, a case which dragged on for over a year and made headline news. Aluko’s original allegations of bullying and harassment against Sampson and members of his team were made to the Football Association in May 2016. An FA inquiry reported back in March 2017 clearing Sampson and his team, but Aluko was then paid a settlement in a confidentiality agreement. Aluko had alleged that Sampson made remarks towards her and other ethnic minority players, making references to the number of times a black player had been arrested and telling Aluko to make sure that her visiting Nigerian relatives “don’t come over with Ebola” among other things.

An independent review also cleared Sampson, but both that and the original FA inquiry were flawed as they failed to interview key witnesses, leading to accusations of a whitewash. Sampson himself wasn’t even able to keep his story straight and in a later press conference contradicted the evidence that he had originally given to the independent inquiry. Sampson was eventually sacked after being found to have “overstepped the

professional boundaries between player and coach” during his previous spell as manager of Bristol Academy – but this had happened years ago, and should have been picked up by the FA when Sampson was made England manager. A Parliamentary Committee grilled the FA high command about the situation and found that they had fallen short when it came to acting in an appropriate manner in response to the allegations, and had also failed to vet Sampson when they had hired him or at any other stage. It is clearly not just individuals that have a responsibility – the phrase ‘the fish rots from the head’ comes to mind, and a corrosive atmosphere takes its cues from the top down in any organisation. The situation wasn’t helped by those involved in the game. Former England goalkeeper David James suggested that Aluko had fabricated the allegations, and the England women’s team mobbed Sampson in a show of defiance after a goal against Russia. It is hard enough for women in sport dealing with ignoramuses like James, bullies like Sampson or the ill-informed social media hordes without other females disrespecting one of their own who was brave enough to speak up and eventually be proven right. The FA eventually apologised to Aluko and fellow player Drew Spence due to Sampson being “discriminatory on the grounds of race”. It’s not just football that has seen poor behaviour from coaches and officials. Bullying has also been rife throughout various British Olympic and Paralympic squads. Former para-swimming coach Rob Greenwood was accused of creating a “climate of fear”, with British Swimming apologising to athletes for their being subjected to “unacceptable treatment”. A report published last summer looking at British Cycling claimed the organ-

isation lacked “good governance” and that a “culture of fear” existed within the team. There is also an ongoing investigation into British Canoeing partly due to a number of concerns about past failings of the organisation to “deal appropriately with matters that had been raised previously”, and the British Equestrian Foundation have commissioned an independent review to investigate allegations of bullying, elitism and corruption. British Bobsleigh head coach Lee Johnston told a member of his squad that “I knew you would be late because you are black” and that “black drivers do not make good bobsleigh drivers”. Staggeringly, Johnston is still in post despite those revelations in the Guardian. Several others at the top of British Bobsleigh have stepped down for various reasons, with athletes complaining of a “toxic atmosphere” and former bobsleigher

Ben McCullough Young describing his experience as “amazingly unpleasant”, stating that “I don’t have a history of mental health problems, but it got to the point for me where I was experiencing what I could only describe as bouts of anxiety and depressive episodes every single day.”

So why are there all these instances of bullying? There are varying theories – perhaps the pure focus on winning can lead to aggressive coaches and a hostile, unforgiving atmosphere especially in those smaller sports which depend on central funding to compete in tournaments like the Olympics. Although I would suggest that there are many, many successful sporting

teams and individuals who are able to work hard and effectively in positive atmospheres without the need for bullying and intimidation from coaches. However, there are many who would disagree with this point of view former British table tennis star turned journalist Matthew Syed, who doesn’t quite see it in the same way. In his view, it is neccessary for coaches to be tough in order for their teams and players to succeed. He cites his experience at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona which felt more like “a holiday camp than an elite sports event”. He also feels that sport should teach resilience - it is hard to argue against professional athletes being tough and ready for competition, but many on Syed’s side of the argument fail to understand that this can descend into unneccessary aggression and bullying, which is counterproductive in getting the best out of athletes. There are too many in sport with Syed’s old-school attitudes towards athletes, treating them as commodoties rather than human beings who deserve to be treated with respect in the workplace. Most importantly, there is a lack of diversity among sporting officials and coaches with the people that broadly run sport in the United Kingdom embodying the phrase “pale, male and stale”. These groups have no idea how to deal with other, diverse sets of people and athletes. Perhaps if there had been more diversity in the FA board than Aluko’s accusations would have been taken more seriously from the start – it would be a positive step if more women and ethnic minorities were put in positions of power in these organisations, and they would do well to start with Aluko herself, a qualified lawyer who clearly isn’t afraid to speak truth to power. I won’t be holding my breath though.

Pictured: Sacked former England manager Sampson (Source:James Boyes via Wikipedia).

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CHWARAEON

Women’s Ashes 2017: The Story so far.

Molly Ambler takes a look back at the series so far and what this means for England’s hopes of winning the Ashes. Molly Ambler

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I’m really proud of the way the bowlers bowled; those middle overs were key. Sarah Taylor

he Women’s ashes serie, one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments on the Women’s calendar, began on the 16th October, with England travelled to Australia to begin their campaign. The first test match took place in Brisbane, however, there was no result due to rain. The England team that flew out to Australia comprising of; Heather Knight (capt, Berkshire), Tammy Beaumont (Kent), Katherine Brunt (Yorkshire), Sophie Ecclestone (Lancashire), Georgia Elwiss (Sussex), Jenny Gunn (Warwickshire), Alex Hartley (Lancashire), Danielle Hazell (Yorkshire), Laura Marsh (Kent), Nat Sciver (Surrey), Anya Shrubsole (Somerset), Sarah Taylor (wk, Sussex), Fran Wilson (Middlesex), Lauren Winfield (Yorkshire), Danni Wyatt (Sussex) are a talented group of players, captained by Cardiff alumni, Heather Knight. The Women’s ashes are decided by all formats of cricket. The winning team earns four points and two points for a draw, with two points for a win in a limited-over game. The current holders of the Ashes are Australia who have to earn eight point to retain them. The second test, still held in Brisbane, on the 18th October was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. The third test, being the first One Day International (ODI), Australia took the victory by two wickets, leading the series 2-0. The fourth test, the second ODI, took place on the 26th October in Coffs Harbour, Australia again taking the victory by

Pictured: England Women’s Cricket team (via Naparazzi)

75 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis method, a mathematical formula designed to calculate the target score needed to win a game of limited overs cricket. It is generally accepted to be the most accurate method of score formulation. The fifth test took place on the 29th October, the third ODI, with England winning a victory of 20 runs, through the DLS method. England gained two points, however, Australia still lead the series 4-2. In the victory against Australia, England posted their highest total

against Australia, a score of 284-8. This was thanks to Heather Knights’ 88 runs off 80 balls coupled with Tammy Beaumounts’ 74 and Sarah Taylors’ 69. Taylor, post victory, stated, ““We had to put a good target on the board. Australia did get away with the bat but that rain break gave us a chance to regroup. I’m really proud of the way the bowlers bowled; those middle overs were key. We don’t get to play Tests that often, but we’ve put a lot of preparation into playing with the pink ball, so it’s exciting.”

Even Australian batsman Alyssa Healy had some praise for the way the England girls played the game, “They bowled really well in the middle, got wickets and shut the game down. It was up to one of me or Nicole to guard the run-chase - but we got ourselves out.” The next test is the inaugural Women’s Day-Night Test Match. If England can record a victory here, they will gain four points and thus lead the series into the three T20 matches.

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RWC 2019: Schedule released for Wales and co. Mark Wyatt

Pictured: Australia Rugby, Canada, Rugby, Uruguay Rugby, Georgia Rugby, Fiji Rugby, Wales Rugby logos.

he schedule of matches that Wales will play in the 2019 Rugby World Cup has been revealed and it should be a smoother journey than the one they faced in 2015. The sides featuring at the Japan competition already knew which teams they would be facing in the pools but there was no information on who would play who and when, until now. Wales’ group features Australia, Fiji, Georgia and one of either Canada or Uruguay, with the Americas 2 position still to play for. The WRU were eager to find out when their games ahd been scheduled for and hoped to avoid the quick turnaround they faced at the 2015 tournament. Wales’ stunning win over England at Twickenham at the last World Cup was bittersweet for the squad as they then only had five days to recover and prepare for their next test against Fiji. The fatigue was clear to see but Wales made it through the encounter, only just though. There will be no such scheduling in

Japan however, Wales face Australia on 29 September and then have a full 10 days to prepare for their next match on 9 October against Fiji once again. Wales are set to open their World Cup campaign against Georgia on 23 September, a positive result here would certainly be welcome with the Wallabies being the next fixture in the Tokyo national stadium. Following the Fiji clash there will be a chance to cement qualification in the final match against Americas 2 (Canada or Uruguay). Should Wales finish top of their pool then they will likely face either Argentina, France or England in the quarter-finals and this could mean they may avoid the All Blacks in the semi-finals. Wales will get a good taste of what to expect in Japan when they face off against Georgia and Australia in the Autumn Internationals. They’ll play the Wallabies on Nov 11 and take on Georgia one week later on Nov 18. Warren Gatland’s side will be determined to send out a message against Australia, who are high on confidence

themselves after recently edging a thrilling victory over New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup. Georgia, who are still vying to eventually earn a place in an expanded Six Nations, are also set to make history with their first test match in Cardiff in which they will no doubt be aiming to prove a point.

Whilst the group is a tricky proposition for Wales, it symbolises a significant improvement on the “Group of Death” they faced in 2015 featuring both Australia and England. They will have high hopes of progressing and going deep into the competition as they seek to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time.

38 SPORT

BUCS Highlights

CUFC 1st Team remain winless

Davies : “We’re winning ugly” Rich Jones

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It was another hugely successful week for CURFC, with wins for the 2nd, 3rd and Freshers’ sides.

ardiff University RFC made it five wins from five with a 22-10 success in their top of the table clash with Hartpury – but Director of Rugby Alun Wyn Davies reckons they are “winning ugly”. Davies’ side put in a composed display to see off the side who sit second in the table and open up a four-point lead at the top of the standings. They were able to keep a freeflowing Hartpury side, who had secured bonus points in all of their opening four fixtures, at bay until they went over for a consolation try in the final minute. Davies was pleased to emerge with another hard-fought victory although he insists his side have much more to come over the remainder of the campaign.

“It’s a strange one, because although we’re winning we’re winning ugly at the moment,” Davies said. “We’re not really getting out of second gear, which is great because we’re still getting the results but it is slightly frustrating. “The boys themselves are getting frustrated because they’re yet to hit third or fourth gear, and a few things just aren’t quite coming together yet. “But we’ll get there, and the fact we’re unbeaten despite not really needing to be at our best is a good sign. “It’s great that the boys are keeping their feet on the ground and are still looking for improvement, and I think as the season develops we’ll see things start to click for us. “Hartpury was the biggest test we’ve faced yet defensively, but we

were solid and violent in collisions which set the tone. “It was a good win and a good result, but we know there is still more to come.” It was another hugely successful week for CURFC, with wins for the 2nd, 3rd and Freshers’ sides for the second straight week. They also secured a 34-7 win over Rhyl to advance to the next round of the WRU National Bowl as they search a spot at finals’ day at the Principality Stadium later in the season. A tie with Shotton Steel RFC on home turf now beckons on December 9, whilst a mouth-watering encounter with arch rivals Swansea is next on the calendar this Wednesday.

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Fenton inspires CUFC to rise up the table Mark Wyatt

Pictured (clockwise from top): CUFC 1st team in action last month (via Colin Ewart) Ross Ludlow in action against Imperial in last year’s play-offs (via Tallboy Images) Benedict Fenton (top row, seconf from right) and CUFC 3s. (via Ryan Barrett)

ardiff University Football Club 3rd team continued their impressive assault on the Western 4B BUCS league last week with a 3-1 victory over University Wales Trinity St David 1st team. Goals came from Will Doerr, Luke Penlington and Scott Jakeman whilst Matt Perry’s performance earnt him the title of MOTM. The 3s have now picked up maximum points in the league and are heading towards a first league title in the division that they finished runners-up in during the 2015/16 season. The remarkable up-turn in form has come hand-in-hand with the emergence of midfield talent Benedict Fenton. The final-year Ancient History student was encouraged to join the side when co-captains Ryan Barrett and Jack Jones spotted his potential late on last season. Gair Rhydd spoke to him about his efforts for the team. “I’ve been around the football boys since I came to university but I never thought of myself as a player who could join the team” “The boys made me feel really wel-

Kieran ManettaJones Cardiff Blues Columnist

come during training and on matchdays so I fitted right in and that helped massively on the pitch!” Fenton has played 10 matches over two seasons for the 3s and miraculously he has helped the side win all 10. “I haven’t been trying to think of the record but obviously, it’s a nice one to have. The guys in the team are all pleased too so we’re just trying to

s round eight of the Pro14 comes to an end, there is another two week break as the first matches of the Anglo Welsh Cup 2017/18 commence. For many fans this is the point where everyone’s attention understandably shifts to their own international side as every home nation starts their autumn internationals. The Anglo Welsh Cup traditionally doesn’t have much emphasis on the trophy at the end, but on how well the overall squad develops as a result. For me, this is one of the most exciting times of the Blues season because

focus on each game as it comes and keep on winning.” Next up for the 3s is an away match in the Western Conference Cup against the University of Bath 4s. It’ll be another chance for the club to turn heads as they attempt to advance from the 2nd round of the cup for the first time in their last six attempts.

ardiff University Football Club saw their miserable start to the season continue with a 3-0 home defeat to Exeter last Wednesday. A comprehensive loss at Llanrumney means the 1st team have now lost all of their opening four fixtures and are rooted to the bottom of the BUCS Western 1A table ahead of next week’s home game against Bournemouth. Meanwhile, the CUFC 2nd team played out an entertaining 4-4 draw with local rivals University of South Wales, whilst the 3rd team claimed a hard-fought 3-1 victory. Cardiff University Ladies’ Football also suffered frustration with a 1-0 away defeat at St Mary’s University College.

Cobras set for season opener

ardiff Cobras were due to get their season underway at Exeter on Sunday. The Cobras came within one game of promotion last season, suffering late heartbreak in the BUCS Division One South Final at Portsmouth. But they will now bid to go one better and finally reach the top tier of University American Football after a run of four successive winning seasons. President and offensive lineman Rich Jones said: “We had a great season last year and proved a lot of people wrong, but we’ve got to build on that this year. “I know for myself and the rest of the returning players, the feeling of losing that play-off final to Portsmouth hasn’t gone away. “After coming so close the last two years, we’re desperate to finally take the Cobras to the Premiership and after some solid recruitment and a good pre-season I think we’ve got a solid chance.”

it’s a huge opportunity for coaches to try out new combinations, and to give more inexperienced and young players game time. A lot of young talent has heavily featured so far this season in the Blues squad, Rhun Williams, Jared Evans, Garyn Smith and Seb Davies to name a few. Jared Evans has proved to be a very competent fly half during Gareth Anscombe’s long term injury troubles and has fit into his role very well. I feel confident this year with the squad and I think Cardiff can potentially go as far as making the semi-finals which we last achieved in the 2010/11

season. As harsh as this may sound said against the region I support, with Sam Warburton out through injury you can probably bet on zero Cardiff Blues players in the starting VX for Wales. I would be surprised if any of the four call ups got to wear a starting jersey unless anymore players were ruled out through injuries. However, I personally think Josh Navidi, Kristian Dacey and Seb Davies all have the skillset to come off the bench and state their claim in a Wales shirt. I would have all three on the bench against Australia and bring them on as

impacts. Seb Davies is absolutely a rising star in Welsh rugby and I suspect he will get game time in the autumn internationals, and I’m predicting he will start tests as soon as next year’s six nations. Josh Navidi has been one of the most consistent back row players in Welsh club rugby for a number of years, he is very versatile and can play anywhere in the back row with great effect. I feel like his call up into a full-strength Wales squad is well overdue, even if it is due to the extent of injuries that Wales have suffered, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make an impact this Autumn.

CHWARAEON

Williams cont: “In my head there’s only one outcome” Rich Jones

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In my head there’s only one outcome, and that’s me being victorious whether it’s by a points decision or by knockout. Liam Williams

“I wasn’t really too disheartened by the first defeat. I was obviously disappointed by it because a loss is a loss, and it’s not nice to have one of those on my record for the first time. “But I wasn’t too disappointed because of the manner of it. It doesn’t really feel like it was a convincing loss. I didn’t get filled in or beaten up, you know? “I know a loss is a loss however it comes, but there were a lot of things to feel positive about and on another day it could’ve been a very different outcome. “It will be quite hard, but I think it’s done my some favours in terms of having that motivation to bounce back and wanting revenge. “I’m feeling very good. I’m in peak condition, I’m very sharp and I’ve not got much else to say really. “I’m in top notch shape and it’s at that stage where I just can’t wait to get in the ring and fight now.” Williams came out firing in the first fight between the pair, leading to him being ahead on all three judges’ scorecards when the bout was stopped. This time around, he is expecting feisty Liverpudlian Smith to focus on a much faster start – but he has tweaked his own game plan to cope. “I just think he’s going to come out firing a bit more and start throwing

the shots in early,” Williams said. “I’ve changed a few things myself, which I’m obviously not going to put out there. It’s just little things, and trusty me I’m a lot better and a lot more well prepared for this fight. “In my head there’s only one outcome, and that’s me being victorious whether it’s by a points decision or by knockout.” Although he is now closing in on the biggest night of his career so far, circumstances threatened to lead Williams away from this path. The dangers of boxing are welldocumented, but Williams was exposed to this first-hand twice within the space of a few months. He was in the corner of Nick Blackwell on the night when he suffered serious head injuries which left him in an induced coma following his bout with Chris Eubank Jr in March 2016. Just six months later, he joined Dale Evans on the night when his bout with Mike Towell led to the tragic death of his opponent. Seeing such tragedy strike in the ring could have caused many to consider their future in the ring – but Williams insists he has never let it impact upon his mindset. He added: “I don’t want to go into too much detail, but it clearly hasn’t had a big effect because I’ve fought

since and I’ve performed. “I was closely involved with both incidents in that I was actually in the corner with Nick Blackwell and Dale Evans during those fights. “You’ve got to take each thing for what it is, and I believe I was just

very unlucky to find myself in those positions. “It doesn’t change me as a fighter or as a person. I’ve always had the same outlook on boxing, and it’s still the same outlook I had before everything that happened.”

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Evans makes history with Wales Rally GB win Rich Jones

Pictured: Top: Liam Smith (left) and Liam Williams (right) face off in Newcastle ahead of fight night. (via Mark Robinson) Bottom: Elfyn Evans in Wales Rally GB action (Via Mark Redhead)

Michael Ash Cardiff City Columnist

elshman Elfyn Evans made history last week as he became the first home winner of the Wales Rally GB. Evans, 28, saw off competition from the best in the world to earn his maiden win in a World Rally Championship event. After World Champion Sebastian Ogier set the pace early on, the Dolgellau driver excelled in the Forests on Friday and Saturday to hit the front. It comes at the end of the best season of his career after earning podium finishes in Argentina and Finland. He was pipped to the top spot by just 0.7 seconds in Argentina and was delighted to finally get over the line. “It feels pretty good, to be honest!” Evans told WalesRallyGB.com. “It’s been a long weekend - I feel like I could sleep for a week now! With Seb winning the Drivers’ title and the team the Manufacturers’ championship, it’s

fter their loss to Birmingham City on the unluckiest day of the year, the feel-good factor is returning once again to Cardiff City Football Club. This last month saw a close-fought win against Middlesbrough and a convincing victory at home to Ipswich, with a scrappy draw against Millwall being the only dampener on an otherwise productive month of football. The rise in spirits has coincided nicely with derby match anticipation reaching fever pitch as the Bluebirds prepared to take on a Bristol City side pushing for promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history. This is a ri-

been a very special day. “I’ve been very lucky to have a lot of support, not just from my family but also from a close network of people and obviously M-Sport, and to see everybody there waiting and cheering for us at the end of the Power Stage was an incredible feeling - I don’t think Llyn Brenig has ever been so busy! “After the Shakedown, we knew that if the conditions played in our favour, the speed was there to compete for victory, but you can never secondguess anything on this rally. You need to have a clean run with no problems, punctures, spins or mistakes. That’s often very difficult to achieve, but it’s exactly what we did and everything came together beautifully. “After Thierry [Neuville] denied me in Argentina, I was determined that nobody was going to get in my way this time. I like this feeling and now I

want to experience it more often!” After losing his WRC drive last year, Evans has grasped his opportunity with both hands since being handed a recall and can now celebrate the big-

valry that has been reignited this season, as both teams vie to conquer the Championship. Fans of both clubs are excited to see a passionate derby reborn and it’s sure to be one for all to enjoy from now on, with each club expected to perform for a result given the competitive nature of the league this year. It is not just the results that are contributing to the brightening mood. Owner Vincent Tan received a standing ovation after Hallowe’en night’s inspired victory over Ipswich Town. This is the man who inverted the club’s colours for the sake of money, throwing away a century of history at the thought of pennies;

gest win of his career. It also appears the result will be enough to earn Evans a promotion to the main M-Sport drivers’ line-up when the 2018 season gets underway

the same owner who appointed a family friend with an illegitimate visa to a controversial manager’s own backroom staff; the same business man who, three years on, appears to have learned from his mistakes and has listened to fans and an experienced manager to transform a broken team into one of the scalps of the year. To have upper-management supported once more by fans who were evidently unhappy with their conduct is not only astonishing, but incredibly positive for clubs disenchanted with their own management. It provides hope to struggling clubs, but it also shows that not all pa-

tience is lost in football. Perhaps other clubs can take note of the patience exhibited by the fans and listen to them again (looking at you Birmingham City) to bring some sanity and credibility back to the sport. While some fans will never be able to forgive Tan for his antics three years ago, he is clearly invested in looking to improve the club’s fortunes. The new players, the experienced manager, even the sight the iconic blue shirt tucked into the belt of a grinning Malaysian man must be enough to put a smile on the faces of even the surliest of fans.

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Liam Williams out to lead Welsh revival ahead of crunch clash with Liam Smith Rich Jones

ocal lad Liam Williams is determined to lead a revival of Welsh boxing ahead of his huge rematch with Liam Smith on November 11. The pair were involved in a brutal battle in Manchester back in April but Williams was condemned to his first professional defeat in controversial fashion. He was pulled out by his corner at the end of the ninth round due to a nasty cut

caused by a clash of heads missed by the referee. It means Williams, 25, is now heading into a defining rematch with Smith, with the winner set to earn a shot for the WBO light-middleweight title vacated by Canelo Alvarez. Based just 10 miles outside Cardiff in the small village of Church Village, he is on the verge of stepping up to world level. And he is now hoping to be at the forefront of a resurgence of big fight nights featuring home-grown fighters in Cardiff. “Flying the flag for Wales is a big part of it

for me,” Williams said. “It’s been a hard couple of years for Welsh boxing. It hasn’t been in a great place even though it’s been ticking all the time. “At the moment it seems to be thriving a bit more. We’ve got some good prospects coming through and some real talent. “That’s a big part of the journey now, taking that forwards and keeping Welsh boxing on the rise. “After I win this fight I want to bring some big fights back to Wales with a Welsh boxer as the headline act.” For the first time in his career, Williams

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will now be forced to show he can respond to defeat. His unblemished professional record is now no more – but he is backing the events of last April to serve as added motivation. “It’s a big fight for me, 100%,” he stated. “It’s not like I’ve got nowhere to go if I was to lose, but don’t get things twisted – I’m definitely going there to pick up the victory and that’s exactly what I’ll do. “Smith is a good fighter, I’ll give him credit for what he’s achieved so I think it’s going to be a good fight and a crowd pleasing fight, definitely.

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