Issue 1139 - Monday October 7

rhifyn 1139 issue 1139

gair rhydd

7 hydref 2019 7 october 2019

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Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972

Mark Drakeford on Labour, language and leaving the EU A

Successful Freshers’ Week for Students’ Union

s Freshers’ Week comes to an end, our News desk reflects upon the festivities. Not only was 2019 Freshers’ Week a successful one for the Students’ Union regarding club nights, thousands of students took part in the Union’s Freshers’ Fairs, too! We spoke to the Students’ Union and Cardiff ’s newest nightclub, Story, to find out how well Freshers’ Week went in the university and beyond.

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Lowri Pitcher Head of Politics

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n Thursday October 3, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford came to Cardiff University to hold a talk about devolution in Wales.

He was a vocal campaigner supporting the establishment of the Welsh Assembly in the 1997 Welsh devolution referendum. He became the Assembly Member for Cardiff West during the 2011 Assembly election. He later succeeded Carwyn Jones as First Minister of Wales in December 2018.

Before the talk, Gair Rhydd met with Mark to discuss his views on devolution, the most recent Brexit developments, the rhetoric used in politics, and to find out what he’d consider to be his favourite pub meal! Read a snapshot of our interview below, a full version can be found on our website.

Why it is important that we have devolution in Wales?

Because it gives us control over our domestic affairs so that things that apply only to people in Wales are decided upon only by people who live in Wales. It’s that basic self-determination principle.

Why is Welsh Labour advocating for us to remain in the EU, when it seeks to have more powers devolved from Westminster to have control?

Are Wales’ interests better represented in the EU than in Westminster?

We believe Wales’ future is better off inside the United Kingdom and the European Union. I don’t think that we think of the two things in conflict.

Wales is better off inside the EU because there is a common rulebook which everybody has to agree to and where that allows trade with our nearest and most important market to happen freely in a way that is advantageous to Welsh businesses and rural communities.

But remaining in the EU is more than an economic argument, it is about identity. Wales is a European nation, we speak the oldest language in the whole of Europe. We should see ourselves as a welcoming and outgoing nation that engages with the rest of the world and our membership of the European union allows that.

On the subject of Brexit, what is your opinion on Boris Johnson’s new Brexit proposals?

Cymru’n profi buddugoliaeth arall

First Minister: Mark Drakeford became the First Minister of Wales in December 2018 succeeding Carwyn Jones. Source: Steve Davidson.

I’m afraid I’m more fearful of them than Mrs May’s. We gave a cautious welcome to the Chequers proposals that caused Boris Johnson to leave the cabinet, an agreement which he now describes in hyperbolic ways, despite some members of his cabinet having voted for them three times.

The reason why we were prepared to give a modest welcome to Mrs May’s proposals was that they allowed for dynamic alignment of the rights which the people of this country enjoy as a result of our membership of the EU, into the future. Employment rights, human rights, consumer rights, environmental rights are examples of those rights that we enjoy here at a more advanced level that we would have had otherwise. Mrs May signed up to the idea of dynamic alignment, workers in Wales would have gained when their European counterparts gained.

Mr Johnson is not in that position at all, he’s very keen to make a bonfire of all those protections. Part of his rowing back of the Northern Ireland backstop is to give him more freedom to pursue his idea of a deregulated UK in which the rights of ordinary people can be sacrificed in order to create a Singapore-on-stilts situation. For all those reasons, I think his proposals are worrying.

A lot of attention recently has been paid to the use of language used by MPs and the general public towards their politicians. What can be done about this?

We talk about the need for a kinder politics in the Assembly. I do think people should make the effort to play their own small part in that. For the most part, most people in politics are there because they’d like to make things better.

They may have different views of how to do that but most people, there is a small number of exceptions, but vast majority of people I have met and know in all parties do the job they do because they are well motivated. Remembering that every now and then will be a good idea.

It’s also possible to disagree without being disagreeable. It is possible to have a clear disagreement with someone without that descending into the type of language that has become much more prevalent.

Also, social media encourages people to use that language so a step back would be a very good thing all round. It can only be done by individuals taking responsibility to try to do that. In the heat of the moment you end up being provoked, then you think if you’d had a couple of moments to think about it, you would have said it differently, but people should make the effort to con-

duct themselves politely.

Going back to party politics, how realistic are your chances of retaining power in the next assembly election?

Politics is very very volatile at the moment and it’s almost impossible to predict what politics will be like in 18 months’ time. Brexit provides such a dominant context and one way or another Brexit will be different 12 months from now; how we go into the next assembly election and what people will think about the next election will be shaped in that context.

No snapshot poll shows very much.

What is true is that we must earn every vote that we get. I say to my colleagues all the time that not a single vote should be taken for granted.

Even in those areas where Labour has been returned for years, I say that everytime we go back and ask for people to vote for us again we have to persuade people that there is a good reason for doing it. People no longer think ‘I’ve always voted this way so I’m just going to carry on’ modern politics doesn’t work that way.

And finally...what would you say is your favourite pub meal?

Ohhh how interesting, well if I eat out it’s a treat and if I’m having a treat I’d probably have a burger.

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r ôl cofnodi buddugoliaeth hanesyddol yn erbyn Awstralia o 29-25, Owain Ap Myrddin sy’n ymateb i berfformiad Cymru ac yn asesu gobeithion tîm Warren Gatland o ennill Cwpan y Byd. 9

Cardiff climate centre gains Thunberg backing

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ardiff ’s Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations officially opened last week and to mark it’s opening Greta Thunberg sent them a video promoting what the centre is doing. She praised them for their focuses on diet, energy consumption and travel methods. Turn to page 20 to find out more. 22

The future of England Cricket

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ith the new domestic 100-ball format quickly approaching, the current state of cricket in England is very much one of uncertainty. Check out the full article on page 29.

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EDITORIAL

Gair Rhydd 2019/20 Coordinator Elaine Morgan

Editor-in-Chief Tomos Evans

Deputy Editors

Charlotte King Sam Tilley George Willoughby

News

Charlotte King Olly Davies

Features

Mustakim Hasnath Sam Tilley

Taf-od

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com

A note from the Editor Nodyn gan y Golygydd Step out of the Circle: be yourself!

Herwich y llu a byddwch chi’ch hun!

Llion Carbis Aled Biston Rhodri Davies Deio Jones

Politics

Lowri Pitcher Hallum Cowell Tom-Henry Jones Maisie Marston

Comment

Harry Clarke-Ezzadio Kat Smith Nina White

Column Road Indigo Jones

Advice

Molly Govus Rhiannon James

Satwik Speaks Satwik Shivoham

@Caerdydd Tirion Davies

Science

Danny Brown Holly Giles

Sport

Reece Chambers Olly Allen Ella Fenwick Luke Wakeling George Willoughby

Head of Digital Media Aliraza Manji

Social Media Manager

Be yourself: It’s important to be true to yourself. Source: Robin Worrall (via Unsplash)

Ashley Boyle

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

Write to the editor editor@gairrhydd.com

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

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

Opinions expressed in editorials 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.

Tomos Evans Editor-in-Chief

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hroughout your time at university you’ll meet lots of new people and make new friends. New flatmates, new housemates, new course mates and new mates that you’re not quite sure where you met. Your aim is to be liked, to be accepted and included.

So what do you do? Do you stay true to yourself or do you create a new persona that you think will appeal to your newfound friends?

That is the dilemma facing contestants on Channel 4’s The Circle.

The series involves contestants living in separate flats for three and a half weeks. During that time, the contestants won’t actually meet each other face to face but will communicate via message, allowing contestants to pose as other people.

Each contestant ranks their fellow competitors in order of popularity and the most popular get to choose which player gets ‘blocked’ and consequently leave the show.

But is honesty the best policy when it comes to the show? Last year’s winner was a 26 year old man called Alex who adopted the persona of 25 year old Kate. Yes, perhaps this was the way to gain popularity and win the game, but in reality it wasn’t the truthful way. It wasn’t honest.

The Circle essentially reflects the

social media age in which we live. Just like on the show, each post is liked or disliked, every photo critiqued.

Often, social media isn’t an accurate reflection of someone’s life, only glimpses of the best moments aimed to impress the audience.

There’s so much pressure on students to impress, to be ‘one of the lads’ or ‘one of the girl gang’. This relentless pressure to fit in can often have a negative impact on our mental health. It’s imperative that, once in a while, you take a moment to think of yourself and prioritise your own mental well-being.

When making new friends in the real world, honesty is definitely the best policy. It’s important to be honest and open. If you have to pretend to be someone you’re not in order to fit in a certain friendship group then perhaps that group isn’t for you. There’ll be other people out there who you’ll get on with far better and with whom you can be your natural self and, what’s more, they’re probably closer than you think.

Oscar Wilde once said: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”. Never a truer word spoken.

Everyone is unique with aspects of their personality which differentiate them from others. There are plenty of people out there who will like you for you. Be patient and you will find them.

Tomos Evans Prif Olygydd

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n ystod eich hamser yn y brifysgol gwnewch gyfarfod â llawer o bobl newydd a gwneud ffrindiau newydd. Ffrindiau o’r fflat, ffrindiau o’r tŷ, ffrindiau ar y cwrs a ffrindiau ‘dych chi ddim yn cofio cwrdd. Eich nod yw i gael eich hoffi, i gael eich derbyn. Felly beth ydych chi’n penderfynu gwneud?

Ydych chi’n bod yn chi’ch hun neu’n creu cymeriad ‘dych chi’n meddwl y bydd yn apelio i’ch ffrindiau newydd?

Dyna’r penderfyniad sy’n wynebu cystadleuwyr ar y gyfres The Circle ar Channel 4. Mae’r gyfres yn dilyn cystadleuwyr yn byw mewn fflatiau ar wahân am dair wythnos a hanner.

Yn ystod y cyfnod hwnnw, ni fydd y cystadleuwyr yn cyfarfod wyneb yn wyneb ond yn sgwrsio ar ffurf negeseuon, gan alluogi cystadleuwyr i fabwysiadu personoliaethau gwahanol. Mae pob cystadleuwr yna’n rhestri eu cyd-gystadleuwyr yn nhrefn poblogrwydd ac mae’r cystadleuwyr mwyaf poblogaidd yn cael penderfynu pwy gaiff eu ‘blocio’ a gadael y gyfres o ganlyniad.

Ond ai’r ffordd onest yw’r ffordd orau ar y rhaglen hon? Enillydd llynedd oedd dyn 26 oed o’r enw Alex a aeth ar y rhaglen fel menyw 25 oed o’r enw Kate. Efallai mai hyn oedd y ffordd i ennill poblogrwydd ac ennill y gyfres. Ond nid dyma oedd y ffordd

onest.

Mae The Circle mewn gwirionedd yn adlewyrchiad o oes y cyfryngau cymdeithasol rydym yn byw ynddi.

Fel ar y rhaglen, mae pob sylw wedi ei hoffi neu beidio, pob llun wedi ei feirniadu. Yn aml, dydy cyfryngau cymdeithasol ddim yn adlewyrchiad teg o fywyd person, yn hytrach uchafbwyntiau a geir wedi eu teilwra ar gyfer y gynulleidfa.

Mae cymaint o bwysau ar fyfyrwyr i greu argraff gadarnhaol, i fod yn “un o’r hogia”, neu’n “un o’r genod”. Mae’r pwysau diddiwedd yma i berthyn rhywle yn gallu cael effaith negyddol ar ein hiechyd meddwl. Cymrwch eiliad i ystyried eich hunain bob hyn a hyn.

Tra’n gwneud ffrindiau yn y byd go iawn, mae’n sicr yn bwysig i fod yn onest ac yn agored. Os oes rhaid ichi esgus bod yn rhywun arall er mwyn ffeindio lle mewn grŵp o ffrindiau penodol, efallai nad yw’r grŵp hwnnw i chi. Bydd pobl eraill o gwmpas a fydd yn rhannu’r un diddordebau â chi, grŵp lle gallwch chi fod yn chi’ch hun.

Dywedodd Oscar Wilde: “Byddwch yn chi’ch hun; mae pawb arall eisoes wedi eu cymryd”. Geiriau i gall. Mae pawb yn unigrhyw gydag agweddau o’u personoliaethau sy’n eu gwahaniaethu wrth bobl eraill.

Mae digonedd o bobl a fydd yn hoffi chi am bwy ydych chi. Byddwch yn amyneddgar a fe ddown nhw atoch chi.

Charlotte King Head of News

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I was inspired by the enthusiasm I saw across the Fair days.

Orla Tarn, VP Societies

its doors to the public in September, to find out if Freshers’ Week was successful for them. A spokesperson for the new nightclub said, “[Freshers’ Week] has been a great success”. The club has launched three student nights - Propaganda, Smack Fridays and Quidz Mondays - and feel they have “established [themselves] as a key player” in the Cardiff nightlife scene.

Gair Rhydd also contacted Paper Agency and Przym for additional comments but has not received a response.

I’m delighted with how well Freshers’ Week went for the SU.

Jackie Yip, Students’ Union President

Ultimately, 2019 Freshers’ Week seems to have been successful for the Students’ Union, the university and beyond. The Union has seen thousands of new students walk through its doors, sold thousands of club tickets (and VKs!) and societies have seen thousands of sign-ups. It appears to have been a promising start to the semester for this year’s Elected Officers.

Students are going sober for October to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support Do you need to drink alcohol to get the ‘real’ university experience?

Emily Bryant Contributor

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ver the years, many have arguably perceived drinking culture to be a pivotal aspect of the socalled ‘classic’ university experience, as supported by data. For example, a survey conducted by the National Union of Students (NUS) in 2018 found that 79% of participants believed that drinking was an integral part of university culture itself.

As we settle into the Autumn semester, however, there are students who are choosing not to drink alcohol for the entire month of October in aid of the fundraising movement ‘Go Sober for October’, started by Macmillan Cancer Support. The charity advocates for people to remain alcohol-free for 31 days in order to raise money for Macmillan’s support services and to pay their cancer nurses’ wages.

Dan Gardner, a second year Medical student, is one of the Cardiff University students considering taking part in Sober October. When asked why he was considering giving up drinking alcohol for the month, Dan earnestly said, “It’s [raising] money for something important!” and it “seems a small sacrifice for a good cause.”

Sober October aside, the NUS survey found that 21% of students did not drink at all at university. One such student is first year student Ellie Davies.

She explained, “I don’t like being hun-

gover, and the clubbing scene isn’t really my thing”. Ellie, who studies Chemistry, also went on to discuss the economic benefits of being teetotal at university, “Alcohol’s so expensive!” she laughed.

Not drinking is so much cheaper, which is ideal when you need to save money.

Ellie Davies

She then clarified, “I live away from home, so managing my money is a priority. If that means I don’t drink, then so be it!” That being said, there is a concern regarding the social aspect of drinking culture and how that affects university students. Many socialising events, such as those in Freshers’ Week, seem to be focussed around drinking or being within a primarily drinking environment.

“That does worry me,” Dan admitted.

“I enjoy going out drinking or clubbing with my friends, I’m not sure how my social life would be affected.” He quickly continued, “I think it could be worth it though!” Ellie, however, did not seem concerned with this when asked. “The events are for a specific kind of person, which I’m not”. She later added, “It inspired me to find a different crowd. I

made friends who didn’t drink or who were okay with me not drinking. We still go out, we socialise, I just don’t drink”.

When questioned about whether she felt pressured to drink, she confidently responded, “No, not even by my flatmates. Me not drinking isn’t a big deal”.

As the NUS survey found that 41% of students did not feel bullied into drinking by their peers, this could reflect that the effect of peer pressure around drinking and, subsequently, drinking at university, has dulled over time. Therefore, while alcohol is still an aspect of student life, these could argue that the ‘classic’ university experience is no longer as ‘classic’ as we once thought.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, there are currently over 64,000 people taking part in Sober October this year and over £1.2 million has already been raised. The campaign has also inspired the emergence of more sober events. For example, The Big Retreat Wales, a ‘feel-good’ festival held in Pembrokeshire, has announced that in light of Sober October, it will be facilitating a ‘mindful bar’ at the 2020 festival to “encourage conscious connection and make people feel good, mentally as well as physically.”

Regardless of Sober October, many still feel that drinking culture is a significant part of university life. It will be interesting to see how many students feel obliged to ‘raise a glass of water’ and go sober for the next month.

How much do students drink?

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

According to the VP, 10,500 students attended the Societies and Volunteering Fairs on September 24 and 25, with over 17,000 visitors attending all three Fairs, says the Students’ Union. Moreover, Tarn told Gair Rhydd that around 2,500 students have since registered with the Guild of Societies and there was a wealth of New Society Applica-

tions across the summer, increasing the variety of societies available for Cardiff University students to join.

Furthermore, a Students’ Union spokesperson said that the Union saw a “substantial increase” in attendees for Give-It-a-Go events, with almost 2,000 tickets being purchased. This amounts to a 42% increase on the tickets bought in 2018 Freshers’ Week.

Tarn continued, saying, “I was inspired by the enthusiasm I saw across the Fair days – all those on stalls were so full of energy and passionate about their Societies! I’m so excited to work with this generation of Committee Members this year to make their Societies the best they can be for their members – there’s no limit to what they can achieve!”

Reflecting on the week, Jackie Yip said, “I’m delighted with how well Freshers’ Week went for the Students’ Union...I particularly want to thank the hundreds of Welcome Team volunteers who gave up their time - we couldn’t do what we do without you.”

Looking beyond Cardiff University and the Students’ Union, Freshers’ Week is a significant week for the city of Cardiff as a whole with four universities and one of the largest student populations in the UK. Gair Rhydd contacted Story Nightclub, a new club which only opened

NEWS

reshers’ Week is arguably an integral part of one’s university experience. It is a time for new students to explore Cardiff University and the city of Cardiff and for returning students to settle back into Cardiff and relax before the start of the academic year. Jackie Yip, Students’ Union President, sees the week as an opportunity to “[help] students set off on the right track”.

This year, Cardiff University Students’ Union is celebrating another successful Freshers’ Week. According to a Students’ Union spokesperson, these are some of the highlights: The Students’ Union saw a “recordbreaking” number of attendees to its main club nights, Yolo and Juice, with “many, many” VKs sold to students. The Taf was extremely popular amongst students too, reaching capacity on four nights out of five.

Freshers’ club nights are not the only important part of Freshers’ week for new and returning students. The beginning of the academic year tends to be when the majority of students sign up to new societies and begin to get involved in the aspects of university life which are not centred around academia.

During Freshers’ Week, the Students’ Union hosted the Sports Fair on September 23 and two consecutive days of Societies and Volunteering Fairs on September 24 and 25, providing students with an opportunity to sign up to new and existing societies.

Gair Rhydd contacted Orla Tarn, Vice President Societies, to find out how well she thought the Fairs went.

Tarn said, “I’m extremely proud of how so many of our Societies worked so hard to engage with new students visiting the Fairs!”

NEWYDDION

The Union sold a “record breaking” amount of club tickets and thousands signed up for societies and events

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/news

Another successful Freshers’ Week for SU

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According to an NUS study,

2% of students say they drink most or every day 23% drink on two or three days a week

38% of students say they drink to relax and socialise 76% feel that there’s an expectation to drink as a university student

70% of students surveyed drink alcohol to fit in with their peers

1 in 10 claim to be aware

of safe or responsible drinking campaigns at their university

1% of students have been part of drink awareness campaigns

21% of students say they don’t drink

Your news desk Charlotte King Olly Davies

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New Cardiff streets to have Welsh language names Dewi Morris Contributor

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ollowing a Cardiff council cabinet meeting on Thursday September 26, the cabinet has adopted a proposed Street Naming policy stating that new streets in Cardiff are to be given Welsh language names.

The policy also states that existing streets in residential areas will remain as they are. Streets in shared, open and public areas such as Cardiff’s city centre and Cardiff Bay will become fully bilingual, as and when road signs are replaced.

This includes some of Cardiff’s most notable and famous street names, such as City Road and Womanby Street, having their signs upgraded to include their historic Welsh language names; Heol y Plwca and Heol y Fuwch Coch.

Stated by the adopted policy, its purpose is to ensure “the naming of new streets in Cardiff reflects local heritage, with names for new developments which are historically, culturally and linguistically linked.”

The Welsh Language Commissioner, Meri Huws, echoed the cultural importance of the policy and its importance to Cardiff’s identity as she welcomed the new policy. Meri Huws also pressed on the importance of the policy as a “perfect opportunity to coin forms which will educate users about the rich history of the Welsh language in Cardiff instead of merely translating the English forms in current circulation.”

The policy emphasises a need for parity between Welsh and English language street names around Cardiff. As well as insisting the “monitoring of street names will be carried out.” Cymdeithas yr Iaith, a campaign group for the Welsh language, have welcomed the policy urging the council should ensure “that all new developments have a Welsh only name, including estates and new areas.”

Support for the new policy has been backed by a public consultation of 2,248 respondents. 60.8% of respondents agreed the policy would lead to parity between Welsh and English street names around Cardiff, while 61.5% agreed the policy would have a positive effect on the Welsh language and its status in Cardiff.

Councillor Caro Wild, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, believes the policy will “assist our vision of developing Cardiff as a truly bilingual capital city.”

Cllr. Wild likens the policy to that implemented in Wellington, New Zealand, which embraces “their own heritage by promoting the Māori language until it has parity with English.”

The policy hopes that the Welsh language as well as Welsh culture and history remains a part of Cardiff’s unique identity.

Caerdydd: A city of two languages. Source: Elliott Brown (via Flickr)

Taking a closer look at the new legislation for letting agencies Are students having an easier time getting their deposits back?

Olly Davies News Editor

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he new Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019 came into effect at the start of September. The act outlines which payments are ‘permitted’ to be charged by landlords and letting agencies and has led to a ban on payments “such as check-in fees, check-out (or ‘exit’) fees, administration fees, inventory fees [and] guarantor fees”; another benefit is the capping of holding deposits.

The ‘holding deposit’ is the amount of money which is “paid by a tenant to secure a property”. This is “a guarantee to landlords that their tenant is committed to taking on the property and provides a guarantee to the tenant that the landlord will hold the property for them.” In light of this new piece of legislation, this fee has been capped at a total of one week’s rent for the property. This could be of benefit to some students as it means they may have access to more of their student loan during term.

The act also states that this holding deposit must be returned within 15 days of payment unless agreed in writing otherwise. If one decides not to enter a tenancy, then the deposit must be repaid within 7 days. The aim of this is to ensure the speedy repayment of holding deposits.

The new law, however, is not as stringent in regards to security, or tenancy, deposits; this is the sum of money held by a landlord or letting

agent for security against any loss or damage incurred as a result of the actions of the tenants. There has been little change from the Housing Act (2004) in this regard.

Two Cardiff University students said they were “disappointed by this” and they feel “let down by the current system” that is being used. Nadine and Mark* spoke to Gair Rhydd surrounding the issues they have had in receiving their security deposit back from their letting agency.

Having moved out of their Cathays property in June, the two students are still waiting to finalise any fees incurred during their tenancy period.

Initial problems arose when their letting agency required a final bill to secure the release of their deposit. Nadine said, “we were trying to get [our deposit] back, but they needed a final bill”, however, neither Mark nor Nadine could produce said bill because their “energy company [had] changed from Octopus to Scottish Power without [them] knowing”.

The “erroneous takeover” meant they were not paying energy bills for the final two months of their tenancy.

Octopus claimed they were taken over

by Scottish Power, however, Scottish Power claimed they had no account details for the property.

Eventually, the letting agency decided to waive the final bill and discuss charges for the property and the rest of Nadine and Mark’s story will sound familiar to some students. The letting agency is asking to take deductions from their initial holding deposit for

cleaning fees despite the students stating the house was cleaned before leaving the property and is also trying to charge Nadine and Mark for furnishings which were not in the property when their tenancy began. Unfortunately, situations such as these are not covered in the new act.

A similar problem was encountered by Peter* who is currently being charged for repairs to their property which the agency claim were made during their tenancy. However, Peter does not have any photographs of the property and is relying on the good-

will of the new tenants to help support their claims.

The aim of the new Renting Homes Act is to reduce the fees paid by tenants. However, CPS, a popular letting agency amongst Cardiff students, have stated they will be left with little alternative but to “increase [their] fees to new and existing landlord clients”. Across Wales, this may result in higher rents for tenants and potentially stricter guidelines for the maintenance of properties. *Names changed because cases are ongoing.

Cathays, Hirwain Street: Cathays is one of the most popular student areas in Cardiff. Source: Derek Harper (via Geograph)

Does Cardiff University cater to its Welsh-speaking students well enough?

Two Welsh-speaking students told Gair Rhydd their thoughts Jacob Morris Contributor

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elsh Language patients could be receiving poorer care in hospitals. This revelation came following recent comments made by the Welsh Language Commissioner, Aled Roberts. His claims call into question the quality of patient care if they cannot communicate with healthcare professionals through their mother tongue.

In particular, patients with Dementia who are first-language speakers could be some of the most at risk and even expectant mothers while giving birth could equally be in peril, especially in difficult labour. Roberts recently said, “We cannot emphasise enough the difference it makes to a patient to be able to speak their first language when unwell, and that speaking Welsh is a necessity, not an option, for many patients,”.

The role of the Welsh Language Commissioner, which was established in 2012, is to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh Language and in turn establishes rights for Welsh speakers. Furthermore,

the Commissioner is to a play key part in fulfilling the Welsh Government’s target of a million Welsh Speakers by 2050.

However, what is the situation for Welsh-speaking students in our universities? Following new standards set by the Welsh Language Commissioner in 2018, Welsh-speaking students have a range of new rights which include: the right to sit examinations through the medium of Welsh; a Welsh-speaking personal tutor; and Welsh-speaking accommodation to name only a few.

Nonetheless, what is the reality that Welsh-speaking students at Cardiff University are receiving equal quality services as their fellow students with English as their first language?

Many students have complained about the lack of organisation by Cardiff University to abide by these new standards, describing it as a “constant battle”. Over the summer, some students were notified at the last minute that Welsh modules they had chosen to follow had been cancelled. This consequently resulted in them having to follow modules

through the medium of English, some of which were already full.

Aled Biston, a second-year Welsh and History student, commented, “The department compromised and agreed to provide Welsh seminars but that simply isn’t enough, and as a result we feel like second class citizens in our own country.”

The fact that we have to fight for more Welsh language provision is an infringment on our rights as Welshspeaking students.

Aled Biston

Other students who follow Welsh Language degrees feel fairly satisfied with the level of Welsh language education provided. Anna Hughes, who studies the entirety of her course in Welsh, said, “I chose Cardiff University as the course I wished to study [Y Gyfraith a’r Gymraeg LLB] al-

lowed me to continue my studies through the medium of Welsh.

“As Law is essentially an essay based course, I felt more comfortable with expressing myself through my mother tongue; as far as I’m in the question I am happy, I only wish my fellow Welsh-speaking students had the same fair treatment.”

However, recently Cardiff University has received praise for the rise of students studying medicine in the medium of Welsh which has increased from four students studying in 2015 to 26 in 2019.

This is perhaps a sign that the tide is turning, and the future is bright for the language of the heavens.

The Welsh Government hopes to reach 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050

Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 requires all public

The

services to provide

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Gabrielle Aplin

Against The Current

Loyle Carner

October/Hydref

Reel Big Fish 14/11/19, £18.50 ADV

Against The Current 10/12/19, £15 ADV

Amber Run 11/10/19, £15 ADV

The Amazons 16/11/19, £17.50 ADV

Bury Tomorrow 15/12/19, £20 ADV

Headie One 13/10/19, £15.50 ADV

Attila 17/11/19, £15 ADV

Shed Seven 16/12/19, £28.50 ADV

Ibibio Sound Machine 15/10/19, £14 ADV

Primal Scream 23/11/19, £27.50 ADV

February/Chwefror

The Struts 17/10/19, £19.50 ADV

Airbourne 24/11/19, £25ADV

Kano 01/02/20, £30 ADV

FROM THE JAM "Setting Sons" Tour 19/10/19, £27.50 ADV

Happy Mondays 29/11/19, £32.50 ADV

BABYMETAL 20/02/20, £32.50 ADV

Bedlam presents: The High Contrast Band 29/11/19, £15 ADV

March/Mawrth

Black Star Riders 24/10/19, £29.50 ADV

November/Tachwedd

December/Rhagfyr

Loyle Carner 05/11/19, £22.50 ADV

Devin Townsend 05/12/19, £25 ADV

Feeder 07/11/19, £25 ADV

LIVEWIRE THE AC/DC SHOW 06/12/19, £16 ADV

Gabrielle Aplin 13/03/20, £20 ADV Fish 19/03/20, £32.50 ADV

6

taf od

Barn y Bobol

Wedi buddugoliaeth hanesyddol Cymru yn erbyn Awstralia, Taf-od sy’n gofyn ydy tîm Warren Gatland yn gallu ennill Cwpan y Byd?

Alaw Fflur Jones Myfyrwraig flwyddyn gyntaf Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth

Mae gen i bob ffydd yn chwaraewyr Cymru yn enwedig ar ôl gwylio’r fuddugoliaeth yn eu gêm agoriadol yn erbyn Georgia ac yna yn erbyn Awstralia wythnos ddiwethaf. Does dim amheuaeth felly, fe fydd bois Cymru yn hawlio Cwpan Webb Ellis eleni! Ennill yn sicr yw’r nod i Gymru yn Siapan wrth i’r tîm geisio efelychu buddugoliaeth y Gamp Lawn a ddigwyddodd yn gynharach eleni dan arweiniad Warren Gatland. Dw i’n edrych ymlaen yn fawr at ddilyn y chwaraewyr ar eu taith yn Siapan ac ymfalchïo a dathlu yn eu brwydr wrth geisio hawlio’r teitl mawr- PENCAMPWYR Y BYD! Pob lwc Cymru!

Tom Moore

Myfyriwr ail flwyddyn Fferylliaeth Wrth i ni aros am drydydd wythnos Cwpan y Byd, y cwestiwn sydd ar feddyliau nifer o gefnogwyr yw ‘gall Cymru fynd yr holl ffordd?’

Yn dilyn buddugoliaeth yn erbyn un o’r ffefrynnau’r twrnament sef Awstralia, disgwylir i Gymru ennill y grŵp ac felly cael y llwybr hawsaf.

Ni fydd y siwrnau’n hawdd ond drwy osgoi timoedd megis Seland Newydd, mae’r tebygolrwydd o Gymru’n cyrraedd y rownd derfynol yn uwch. Os gellir Cymru gadw momentwm yn y grŵp a’r rowndiau diwethaf, mae cyfle i Gymru ennill Cwpan y byd!

Gwern ab Arwel Myfyriwr ail flwyddyn Cymraeg a Newyddiaduraeth

Heb os, rhoddodd Cymru chwip o gêm i’r Awstraliaid, sy’n un o dimau gorau’r byd am ymosod. Yn wahanol i gemau diweddar, roedd yn rhaid i ni altro ein gem er mwyn cael y pwyntiau tyngedfennol, a llwyddodd y garfan wneud hynny ar y llwyfan uchaf posib. Yn amlwg, y ffefrynnau hyd yn hyn yw Seland Newydd a De Affrica, gyda Lloegr yn dynn wrth eu cynffonnau. Ond ar y cyfan, mae gan Cymru bob siawns o ennill y gystadleuaeth.

Eich unig gyhoeddiad myfyrwyr wythnosol trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Sefydlwyd: 2003 Am fwy o gynnwys, ewch i gairrhydd.com/tafod

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

NEWYDDION

Ariannu ymchwil iechyd meddwl

Prifysgol Caerdydd yn ennill £10miliwn i agor Canolfan Iechyd Meddwl newydd

Rhodri Davies Golygydd Taf-od

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edi “adolygiad trwyadl” i ymchwil iechyd meddwl mewn 26 o wahanol sefydladau; mae panel o arbennigwyr iechyd meddwl wedi dyfarnu gwobr o £10 miliwn i Brifysgol Caerdydd. Bydd y ganolfan yma’n cael ei ariannu gan Sefydliad Wolfson ac yn canolbwyntio’n benodol ar iechyd meddwl o fewn pobl ifanc.

Ymchwil i drio lleihau gorbryder (anxiety) a iselder fydd prif ffocws y ganolfan.

Mae Sefydliad Wolfson yn elusen annibynnol sy’n gwobrwyo grantiau i brosiectau dros y DU i gyd. Eu prif ffocws yw “i wella iechyd dinesig cymdeithas yn bennaf drwy ymchwil ac addysg.”

Bydd Canolfan Wolfson ar gyfer Iechyd Meddwl Pobl Ifanc yn gweithio ar y cyd gyda Llywodraeth Cymru, GIG Cymru, Byrddau Iechyd Prifysgolion ac hefyd ysgolion o gwmpas Cymru.

Mewn ymchwil gan NHS Digital, datgelwyd mai’r grŵp oedran 16-24 sydd lleiaf tebygol i dderbyn triniaeth ar gyfer eu hiechyd meddwl.

Dywedodd Paul Ramsbottom, Prif Weithredwr sefydliad Wolfson, “Mae dal i fod llawer i’w ddeall am acho-

sion, rhwystrad a thriniaethau iechyd meddwl.

“Dyfarnodd ein panel arbenigol rhyngwladol y cynnig o Gaerdydd yn uchel iawn. Mae’r arbenigedd ymchwil sydd wedi’i ymgynnull yno yn drawiadol, yn amrywio o eneteg i epidemioleg.” .

Dywedodd hefyd mai “profiadau pobl ifanc bydd yn llywio’r ymchwil” yn y ganolfan ac y byddai’r gwaith wedi’i seilio ar set ddata sy’n rhoi mantais arbennig i ymchwil yn y maes yma yng Nghymru.

Rhestrwyd 5 maes wyddonol fydd Canolfan Wolfson yn eu targedu.

Byddant yn dilyn plant er mwyn cael gwell ddealltwriaeth o sut mae gorbryder ac iselder yn datblygu. Yn ail, byddant yn ystyried rôl ffactorau genetig ac amgylcheddol mewn achosion o orbryder ac iselder ymhlith pobol ifanc. Ynghyd â hyn, mae gwella gwasanaethau a chefnogaeth ar gyfer pobol ifanc a theuluoedd sydd â rhiant yn dioddef o orbryder ar ei hagenda. Maent hefyd am ystyried rôl ysgolion wrth hyrwyddo iechyd meddwl cadarnhaol. Byddant hefyd yn cydweithio â Phrifysgol Abertawe er mwyn cael gwell ddealltwriaeth o effaith problemau iechyd meddwl tymor hir.

Sonnir y byddai’r ganolfan yn agor drysau i drefniadau i fyfyrwyr PhD trwy gyfrwng y ganolfan. Mae cynl-

Hwb i ymchwil iechyd meddwl: Arian ychwanegol i Brifysgol Caerdydd. Tarddiad: Jeremy Segrott drwy Flickr

luniau ar y gweill hefyd i gynnig hyfforddiant i bobl ym maes ymchwil iechyd meddwl pobol ifanc.

Bydd y ganolfan yn cael ei gyfarwyddo gan Yr Athro Frances Rice ar y cyd gyda’r Athro Stephan Collishaw.

Croesawyd y ganolfan gan Rice gan weld hyn yn gyfle i “daflu goleuni” ar iechyd meddwl pobl ifanc. Creda byddai’r ganolfan yn cynnig technegau ymyrraeth newydd a “mawr eu hangen.”

Gall salwch meddwl effeithio ar bob un ohonom. Gall pwysau gwaith effeithio ar eich iechyd meddwl felly

mae’n bwysig gwybod o ble mae modd cael cymorth. Cofiwch os ydych yn teimlo’n isel bod hi’n bwysig siarad gyda rhywun. Gall broblem dyfu yw’n cael ei gadw i fewn. Cofiwch hefyd am wasanaeth gwnsela a lles y brifysgol sydd wedi ei leoli yn 50 Plas y Parc a Thy Ceredigion, Campws y Mynydd Bychan. Maent ar agor rhwng 9:00-16:30.

Tu allan i’r oriau yma mae Nightline yn gweithredu rhwng 8:00pm – 8.00am. 02920 870555 yw’r rhif.

Maent yno i wrando. Hanner y baich yw ei rannu.

CERDDORIAETH

Hip-Hop, Hustlo a Herio

3 Hwr Doeth yn dominyddu’r Sîn Hip-Hop Gymraeg Aled Biston Golygydd Taf-od

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ae’r sîn hip-hop Gymraeg wedi tyfu ers rhyddhau albwm 3 Hwr doeth yn 2017. Mae eu halbwm cyntaf yn cynnwys amrywiaeth o ganeuon sydd yn cyffwrdd ar nifer o agweddau gwahanol megis bywyd cymdeithasol a gwleidyddiaeth, ac mae eu hail albwm yn mynd at gyfeiriad ‘classic hip-hop’.

Eisteddais lawr gyda Huw Bebb, un o aelodau’r band, i drafod cynlluniau’r band ar gyfer y dyfodol a’r sîn hip-hop Gymraeg.

Yn amlwg, y peth cyntaf sydd yn taro unrhyw berson am y band, yw’r enw.

Mae’r enw ‘3 Hwr Doeth’ yn un anghyffredin am fand, ond yn un sydd yn cyd-fynd ag agenda’r band, yn ôl Huw. “Y syniad yw bod Pasta Hull a 3 Hwr Doeth yn chwarae ar eiriau. Yn amlwg 3 Hwr Doeth a 3 Gwr Doeth. Wrth inni drial pregethu ein agenda a’n egwyddorion trwy hip-hop, mae’r ffaith bod ni’n ‘hwr’s doeth’ yn gweithio”. Mae’r gân

‘Ghetto yn y Gogledd’ yn un sydd yn fy marn i, yn dangos yr agenda yma yn dda. Defnyddir teitl y gân mewn gwrthgyferbyniad â un o lyrics arall y gân sef ‘annibyniaeth yn y senedd’. Dywed Huw “Cymru ydy un o’r gwledydd tlotaf o fewn yr Undeb Ewropeaidd, a Gogledd Orllewin Cymru yn un o’r ardaloedd tlotaf o fewn y wlad. Mae’r gosodiad ‘ti eisiau annibyniaeth yn y senedd, neu ghetto yn y gogledd’ yn syml ac yn trio deffro’r Cymry sydd wedi bod yn cysgu”.

Mae’r band eisoes wedi cwblhau ail albwm, ac yn cael parti lansio gyda Twrw ar y 6ed o Ragfyr yng Nghlwb Ifor Bach.

Mae’r albwm newydd yn cymryd y band at gyfeiriad gwahanol. Dywedodd Huw “Dani’n mynd i gyfeiriad albwm hip-hop glasurol, tua 20 trac sydd yn amrywio o draciau hir i fyr.” Dyma’r fath o ganeuon gall neud y naid i radio.

Ond er bod caneuon yr albwm cyntaf ddim yn addas i’r radio, nid yw hyn o bwys i Huw a’r band. “Dio ddim yn poeni fi bod ni ddim yn cael sylw gan (Gwobrau) Selar, Maes B, BBC Radio Cymru. Well gennai cynnal gigs a cael adborth gan y bobl”.

3 Hwr Doeth: Ar ben y byd Hip-Hop Gymraeg. Tarddiad: Huw Bebb Dros y ddwy flwyddyn ddiwethaf, mae’r sîn hip-hop Gymraeg wedi tyfu gyda bandiau megis 3 Hwr Doeth, Mr. Phormula a Band Pres Llareggub yn dangos agweddau o hip-hop a rap.

Nid yw’r bandiau yma wedi cyrraedd yr un ffigyrau gwrando â bandiau pop megis Gwilym a Candelas, ond mae Huw yn deall bod hynny yn naturiol “Mae bandiau fel Gwilym mynd i gael mwy o sylw, mae nhw (BBC Radio

Cymru) ddim mynd i plugio caneuon fel ‘Smocio, Hustlo, Dwyn o Tesco’, mae ganddyn nhw setlist o ganeuon i chwarae”. 3 Hwr Doeth yw prif fand nos Sadwrn yn ‘Fuel’ ar gyfer Sŵn Caerdydd, sydd yn cael ei gynnal o’r 17eg-19eg o Hydref. Gwych yw gweld fod prif fand hip-hop Gymraeg yn prif fand mewn digwyddiad cerddorol yn y brifddinas.

Mae’r dyfodol yn edrych yn ddisglair i’r 3 Hwr Doeth a’r sîn hip-hop Gymraeg.

DIWYLLIANT

Penblwydd datganoli yn achos dawnsio Gig ‘GWLAD’ yn gwthio’r ffiniau

Deio Jones Golygydd Taf-od

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id yn aml mae rhywun yn cysylltu’r Senedd gyda’r Sîn Roc Gymraeg, ond ar y 28fed o Fedi, gwthwyd ffiniau yng nghartef gwleidyddiaeth Cymru. Fel rhan o wyl ‘GWLAD’, sef dathliad o 20 mlynedd ers y Datganoli, daeth lu o artistiad Cymraeg dwy-ieithog at ei gilydd o dan awenau partneriaeth BBC Gorwelion a’r cwmni hyrwyddo PYST. Ymysg yr artistiaid oedd Gwylim, Rachel K Collier, Afro Cluster, Eädyth & Jukebox a Geraint Jarman.

Roedd hwn yn gyfle gwych er mwyn chwalu’r ystradebiadau o lymder sy’n dod gyda chyfrifoldebau’r Senedd, wrth roi delwedd newydd o beth sydd gan gwleidyddiaeth a diwylliant Cymru i’w gynnig. Dywedodd Y Llywydd Elin Jones AM cyn y gig ar wefan y Cynulliad, “Mae cerddoriaeth yn rhan anhepgor o hunaniaeth a diwylliant pob cenedl hyderus.

Ar y cyd â BBC Gorwelion a PYST, rydym yn agor drysau’r Senedd i gynnal y gig unigryw yma a fydd yn gyfle i ymfalchïo a dathlu llewyrch cerddoriaeth yng Nghymru.”

Er fod y gig wedi bod yn ymgais i

BARN

wthio ffiniau delwedd gwreiddiol y Senedd, nid oedd gan bawb yr un disgwyliadau am y gig, wrth i Sam a Russell o’r band Afro Cluster ddweud mewn fidio ar gyfrif Trydar Cynulliad Cymru “I had images of us all sitting in chairs around the room...and having to press the little mic button for a ripping solo!”

Mae Afro Cluster wedi bod yn ran o rhwydwaith BBC Gorwelion ers 2016, ac yn chwarae yn aml ledled y wlad.

Roedd naws y noson yn hollol ymgartrefol, wrth i’r artistiaid amrywio rhwng chwarae yn y cyntedd ac ar ben y grisiau, bob yn ail. Roedd hwn yn gyfle i’r cyhoedd allu gweld o gwmpas y Senedd o dan olau nad oedd neb wedi ei weld o’r blaen, wrth ddiddori ymysg y gerddoriaeth syfrdanol. Cafwyd arddangosfa o’r hen a’r ifanc ymysg yr artistiaid, ac roedd yn bortread hoffus o sut mae cenhedlaethau Cymreig wedi dod at ei gilydd ymysg yr ugain mlynedd diwethaf, o ganlyniad i’r newid gwleidyddol yma’n Nghymru. Dywedodd Ifan Pritchard, prif leisydd y band Gwylim mewn fidio ar gyfrif Twitter Cynulliad Cymru, “Dw i’n meddwl bod o’n neis bod mewn adeilad gwleidyddol, a pheidio gorfod trafod materion gwleidyddol y wlad - yn enwedig ar y funud, achos mae o mor boring ar y funud...Mae

Meleri Williams Cyfrannydd Taf-od

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Sŵn yn y Senedd: Gwylim yn diddanu yng nghartref y Cynulliad.

(Tarddiad: Deio Jones) gwleidyddiaeth yn amlwg wedi ffiwlio miwsig dros y blynyddoedd ac ers erioed ‘swn i’n dweud.’

Fel cenedl, mae’n rhaid i ni benderfynu nawr os yw’r math yma o ddigwyddiad yn mynd i fod yn parhau er mwyn cadw’r berthynas yma rhwng gwleidyddiaeth a cherddoriaeth cyfoes yng Nghymru. Mae hwn o bosib yn gyfle farchnatol sydd yn rhy dda i’w golli ar ran y ddau ddiwylliant, ac ar ddi-

wedd y dydd, y bobl sydd yn elwa.

Mae’r gig wedi profi’n lwyddiannus, sydd yn hwb mawr ar gyfer y trefnwyr ac yn dangos fod yno apêl ynglyn a chael digwyddiadau fel hyn yn amlach. Gobeithio bod trefnwyr gwyl ‘GWLAD’ yn parhau i ystyried eu arwyddair ‘Gwyl Cymru’r Dyfodol’, ac yn parhau i rhoi fwy o ddigwyddiadau fel hyn ymlaen ar gyfer cyhoedd ein cenhedloedd nesaf.

Yr ifanc: yr allwedd at ddyfodol gwell?

Ydy hi’n iawn mai’r genhedlaeth ifanc sy’n ysgwyddo’r baich i weithredu dros yr Amgylchedd?

Llion Carbis

Pennaeth y Gymraeg

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ydym yn byw mewn cyfnod peryglus. Yn ôl adroddiad gan Breakthrough - National Centre for Climate Restoration, mae tebygolrwydd uchel bydd dynoliaeth yn dod at derfyn erbyn 2050. Ym mis Medi 2019, datganwyd y Senedd Brydeinig fod newid hinsawdd yn argyfwng. Ac ond yn y mis diwethaf, cyhoeddwyd ysgrifennydd cyffredinol y Cenhedloedd Unedig, António Guterres, ein bod yn colli’r ras yn erbyn newid hinsawdd. Yn syml, nid yw’r darlun yn optimistaidd iawn.

Fodd bynnag, rydym wedi gweld gweithredu torfol ar lefel byd-eang.

Yn ôl cyfrifon y mudiad amgylcheddol 350, roedd 7.6miliwn o bobl wedi ymuno a’r streic yn erbyn newid hinsawdd ym mis Medi. Rydym wedi gweld llu o enwogion, gan gynnwys Leonardo DiCaprio a Jason Momoa,

yn gweithredu’n gyhoeddus am yr angen i ddatrys newid hinsawdd.

Wedi’r cyfan – ac er gwaethaf ymdrechion miliynau o bobl – un person, un ferch ifanc, sydd wedi cipio sylw’r byd wrth godi ymwybyddiaeth dros weithredu yn erbyn newid hinsawdd. Ers i Greta Thunberg cynnal streic ysgolion dros yr amgylchedd ym mis Awst y llynedd, mae’r ferch – sydd ond 16 mlwydd oed – wedi ysgogi miloedd o fyfyrwyr i’w efelychu gan streicio er lles codi ymwybyddiaeth a cheisio gorfodi’r awdurdodau i weithredu’n well dros yr amgylchedd.

Yn unol â’i dylanwad anferthol – mae ganddi dros 2.7miliwn o ddilynwyr ar Drydar – cafodd Thunberg ei gwahodd i areithio yn gynhadledd y CU dros yr amgylchedd yn Efrog Newydd y mis diwethaf. Soniwyd yn emosiynol ac yn rymus, am yr angen i ymyrryd ar frys gan gyhuddo arweinwyr y byd o anwybyddu’r wyddoniaeth sydd wedi ein rhybuddio eisoes am beryglon newid hinsawdd.

TAF-OD 7 Chwistrelliad o Gymraeg i Brifysgol Caerdydd!

Yn druenus – ac yn nodweddiadol o’r hinsawdd wleidyddol wenwynig sy’n bodoli ar hyn o bryd – mae Thunberg wedi wynebu sawl enllib creulon ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol; ond parhau mai Thunberg yn ei hanterth.

Yr hyn sy’n syfrdanol, yw ei hyder a’i gwydnwch i fod yn gynrychiolydd ar bobl ifanc ledled y byd. Mae ganddi’r ddealltwriaeth a’r anhunanoldeb i weithredu.

Fel un sy’n hoff iawn o Economeg, diddorol ydoedd i glywed beirniadaeth Thunberg o wledydd yn dilyn twf economaidd yn ddiofal. Dyma fenter sydd yn aml yn blaenoriaethu’r chwant i greu arian a chynnyrch, dros yr angen i ymddwyn yn gydwybodol ac yn werdd.

Yn bersonol, rwyf yn edmygu gwaith diflino Thunberg ac yn canmol pob un sydd wedi gweithredu dros ddyfodol y blaned; onid yw rhywbeth o’i le ein bod wedi gadel y sefyllfa i fod mor ddifrifol cyn ymyrryd? Ydy hi’n deg ein bod, fel cymdeithas o bobl

Ymosod ar wyrddni: Ydy natur o dan fygythiad? Tarddiad: Llion Carbis ryngwladol, yn ddibynnol ar waith anhunanol un ferch cyn ymateb gydag angenrheidrwydd i’r argyfwng hon?

Mae gweithredoedd Thunberg a miloedd o fyfyrwyr eraill yn ysbrydoledig, ac yn ennyn gobaith am ddyfodol gwell a thecach, ond nid yw’r darlun cyfredol a goddefolrwydd cenedlaethau a fu, yn ysgogi hyder am ddyfodol y Ddaear.

aeth i’r amlwg yr wythnos hon fod cynnydd sylweddol yn y niferoedd sy’n astudio Meddygaeth a Newyddiaduraeth trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Prifysgol Caerdydd yw’r unig brifysgol yng Nghymru i gynnig cwrs israddedig ym maes meddygaeth. Y Coleg Cymraeg ddechreuodd y ddarpariaeth Gymraeg yn 2015. Pedwar myfyriwr yn unig gafodd eu derbyn ar y pryd, ac eleni, mae 26 o fyfyrwyr yn dechrau ar y cwrs.

Un o’r glas fyfyrwyr sydd newydd ddechrau yn yr Ysgol Feddygaeth yw Megan Teleri Davies. Dywedodd, ‘Mae’n hollol wych i weld yr Ysgol Feddygaeth yn rhoi pwyslais ar y Gymraeg.’

Dywedodd Owain Williams, myfyriwr meddygaeth yn ei drydedd flwyddyn wrth iddo ymateb i’r newydd, ‘Mae’n newyddion gwych sy’n cadarnhau gwaith diddiwedd nifer o fewn yr ysgol.’

Ychwanegodd hefyd fod yr angen am feddygon Cymraeg eu hiaith yn fwyfwy pwysig ac wrth i’r niferoedd o fyfyrwyr Cymraeg eu hiaith gynyddu yn flynyddol, awgyrmodd Owain, ‘Dim ond drwy adeiladu ar y cynnydd yma y bydd hi’n bosib cynnig darpariaeth gofal iechyd drwy’r Gymraeg sy’n cyfateb i’r ddarpariaeth Saesneg.’

Ac nid yr Ysgol Feddygaeth yw’r unig ysgol lle mae’r Gymraeg ar fwy o dafodau ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd!

Cyhoeddodd darpariaeth Cymraeg JOMEC fod niferoedd y myfyrwyr sy’n astudio yn yr Ysgol Newyddiaduraeth, Cyfryngau a Diwylliant wedi cynyddu bedair gwaith mewn pum mlynedd.

Rhannodd Tomos Evans ar Trydar, golygydd papur Gair Rhydd a myfyriwr yn ei drydedd flwyddyn yn JOMEC, ‘Heb os y penderfyniad gorau imi ei wneud oedd dewis i astudio #CymraegaNewyddiaduraeth yn @prifysgolCdydd. Cymaint o gyfleoedd gwych i’w cael ar y cwrs ynghyd â chynnwys amrywiol a diddorol!’

Cyfeiriwyd at gyfleoedd fel Llais y Maes a Chyfryngau Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd gan gyfrif JOMEC Cymraeg ar Trydar wrth iddynt ddiolch i bawb am y gefnogaeth a’r cydweithio dros y pum mlynedd diwethaf.

Y Coleg Cymraeg ddechreuodd y ddarpariaeth Gymraeg hon hefyd gyda thwf o bedair gwaith mwy o gredydau ar gael erbyn hyn. Mewn ymateb i’r newydd, dywedodd Elliw Iwan, Swyddog Cangen y Coleg Cymraeg yng Nghaerdydd, ‘...mae’r myfyrwyr yn graddio a gweithio’n hyderus yn y ddwy iaith. Ymlaen!’

Felly, gyda’r Gymraeg ar gynnydd ar hyd meysydd astudio Prifysgol Caerdydd, mae’r cyfleoedd i fyfyrwyr Cymraeg eu hiaith wrh iddynt astudio yn eu mamiaith yn mynd o nerth i nerth. Ymlaen yn wir!

Rhodri Davies Golygydd Taf-od

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yhoeddodd Cyngor Dinas Caerdydd eu cynlluniau i roi enwau Cymraeg i bob stryd newydd sy’n cael ei agor yn y Brifddinas. Mae cynlluniau hefyd ar y gweill i drosi enwau strydoedd canol y ddinas sy’n uniaith Saesneg i fod yn ddwyieithog pan fydd yr arwyddion yn cael eu huwchraddio. Byddai ‘City Road’ yn rhannu’r enw ‘Heol y Plwca’ o dan y mesur newydd, er enghraifft. Er hyn, bydd enwau strydoedd mewn maestrefi ac ardaloedd preswyl yn aros yr un fath.

Gydag ymrwymiad y Llywodraeth i wthio niferoedd siaradwyr y Gymraeg i 1 miliwn erbyn 2050, mae’r mesur yma yn amlwg yn fel ar fysedd ymgyrchwyr iaith yn y ddinas gan gydnabod gobeithion y Cyngor y byddai’r newid yn rhoi statws i’r iaith. Dywedodd Mabli Siriol o Gymdeithas yr Iaith bod yr iaith ‘wedi’r cyfan’ yn perthyn i bawb.

Penllanw’r penderfyniad yma fyddai cael yr un nifer o strydoedd â enwau Cymraeg a’r Saesneg.

Mae niferoedd siaradwyr y Gymraeg wedi dyblu yn y 40 mlynedd ddiwethaf. Pleidleisiodd 3/5 o’r 2,248 o bobl a gafodd eu hymgynghori o blaid y penderfyniad.

Er i adroddiad y Cyngor ddweud gall enw stryd o iaith arall gael ei ystyried mewn ‘amgylchiadau eithriadol’, mae arweinydd y Cyngor, Huw Thomas yn dweud gan bod Caerdydd yn tyfu eu bod fel cyngor am “wneud yn siwr” bod hanes yr ardal yn cael ei adlewyrchu yn eu henwau.

Yn ôl Comisynydd y Gymraeg gall enwau strydoedd ddatgelu llawer am ‘hanes a threftadaeth’ ardal a bod y polisi newydd yn dangos ymrwymiad y ddinas a’r wlad i hybu’r iaith Gymraeg.

Mae hyn yn dilyn ymgyrchoedd eraill sy’n ceisio sicrhau bod y Gymraeg yn gyfwerth a’r Saesneg. Torrwyd record nifer enfawr yn ymweld a’r wyl uniaith Gymraeg, Tafwyl, yng Nghastell Caerdydd. Gwelwyd hefyd orymdaith yn dathlu 70 mlynedd o addysg Gymraeg ar yr un diwrnod.

Wrth edrych i’r dyfodol, mae galw i fwy o adrannau’r gymdeithas i gymryd ethos ffafriol tuag at y Gymraeg gan gynnwys galw bellach i bob ysgol newydd sy’n cael ei agor yng Nghaerdydd fod yn ysgolion Cymraeg. Does dim modd rhagweld y dyfodol ond mae’n sicr bod y penderfyniad dros enwau strydoedd yn gam cadarnhaol i wella agweddau tuag at y Gymraeg yn y brifddinas.

Pryd o Daf-od Elen Fflur Davies

Elen Fflur Davies sy’n son am ei phrofiadau penigamp yn astudio yng Ngwlad Belg.

Ym mhob agwedd o fywyd mae mentro i’r anhysbys yn medru bod yn frawychus. Daw â chymysgedd o gyffro, ansicrwydd ag ofn, heb sôn am heriau personol newydd i’w wynebu.

O’m profiad bywyd i hyd yn hyn, yn sicr roedd camu oddi ar y trên, mewn tref a gwlad cwbl newydd, gyda dau gês ddillad enfawr, yn un o’r profiadau mwyaf brawychus i mi.

Trafod gyda’r

taf-od 1. Pwy wyt ti a beth wyt ti’n astudio?

Fy enw i yw Lowri Jones a dwi’n astudio’r Gyfraith a’r Gymraeg 2. Beth yw’r digwyddiad sy’n codi’r mwyaf o embaras arnat?

Lot o ddigwyddiadau - efallai neidio ar fachgen bach ar wal ddringo yn Eisteddfod yr Urdd 3. Beth oedd dy air cyntaf?

Da pan on i eisiau dweud diolch.

4. Pe fyddet ti ar yr X-Factor, pa gân byddet ti’n ei chanu a pham?

Rhywbeth entertaining i wneud fyny am y canu - ‘falle ‘I Want it That Way,’ gan Backstreet Boys 5. Beth fyddet ti’n ei archebu o’r bwyty Indiaidd lleol?

fod fy ffiniau personol. Wrth gwrs, fe wnes i fwyta nifer fawr o’r waffles bendigedig yn ogystal â’r siocled, sy’n nodweddiadol o Wlad Belg.

Bellach rwyf hefyd wedi dod i fwynhau yfed cwrw, ac i mi’n bersonol, heb os ag oni bai, ma’ cwrw Stella Artois (sydd gyda llaw yn tarddu o dref Leuven ei hun) gymaint yn well yng Ngwald Belg.

Ar y cychwyn mae profiadau newydd yn rhywbeth sydd yn ein pryderu, ond drwy ddyfalbarhad gall y profiad wir fod yn werth chweil.

Mae gen i gymaint o atgofion melys a ffrindiau oes o’m mhrofiad i dramor, a dweud y gwir, hoffwn pe bawn yn medru ail-fyw’r tymor, gan yr oedd hi wir yn brofiad penigamp.

Bwrlwm Belg: Elen yn mwynhau ei chyfnod yn astudio tramor. Tarddiad: Elen Fflur

Lowri Jones

8. Prosecco neu champagne?

Pam? Prosecco, yn bendant ar ôl profiad gwael gyda digwyddiad Champagne spray ar wyliau eleni gyda ffrindiau ysgol 9. Beth oedd y diwrnod gorau iti ei gael erioed?

Wedi cael sawl diwrnod sy’n aros yn y cof, efallai diwrnod fy mhenblwydd yn 18?

10. Beth yw dy gas beth?

Gorfod cael pigiadau neu unrhyw beth i wneud gyda gwaed!

11. Beth fyddet ti’n gwneud yn ystod dy noson ddelfrydol?

Bwyta gyda theulu a ffrindiau 12. Pe tastet gallu bod yn unrhyw anifail am ddiwrnod, pa un fyddet ti’n dewis, a pham?

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

Siwr o fod crwban gan bo nhw mor ddiog

Siwr o fod Zac Efron pan oedd e’n High School Musical

13. Disgrifia dy hun mewn 3 gair.

Catfish and the Bottlemen

Mae’r profiad Erasmus yn cynnig cyfleodd i fyfyrwyr i ddatblygu hunan hyder ag annibyniaeth, ac yn gyfle iddynt gwrdd â llu o bobl o ar draws y byd. Ond, yn bwysicach na hynny, mae’n ehangu gorwelion cyffredinol bywyd am ddiwylliannau gwahanol. Doedd gen i ddim syniad, er enghraifft, nad oedd y Ffindir yn rhan o wledydd Sgandinafia. Ffaith drist i ystyried hefyd, yw nad oedd gan nifer o’m ffrindiau newydd rhyngwladol syniad bod yr iaith Gymraeg yn bodoli. Roeddent yn tybio mai tafodiaith o’r Saesneg ydoedd. Fodd bynnag, dw i wedi llwyddo i ddysgu sawl un ohonynt rhai termau Cymraeg, gan gynnwys ‘ych a fi’.

Cefais y cyfle i grwydro o amgylch nifer o drefi Gwlad Belg gan gynnwys Brwsel, Antwerp ac wrth gwrs, yr enwog, a’n ffefryn personol i, Bruges. Yn ogystal, mantais arall o fyw mewn gwlad ganolog yn Ewrop oedd ei chyfleustra. Es i ymweld â dinasoedd gwledydd cyfagos megis Paris, Lwcsembwrg ag Amsterdam.

Ar hyd y daith, llwyddais i ddysgu gymaint amdanaf fi fy hun a dargan-

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

Bach yn ddiflas ond chicken biryani bob tro a chutney tray

7. Pwy yw dy hoff fand?

Strydoedd Caerdydd: A fydd y Gymraeg yn fwy gweledol?

Tarddiad: Deio Jones

Yn yr eiliadau hynny, sylweddolais mai dyma fyddai fy nghartref am y pum mis nesaf, lle byddai’n rhaid i mi astudio, creu ffrindiau a dod i ddeall arferion a diwylliant hollol anghyfarwydd.

Wedi camu ar y platfform yn Leuven, tref sydd tua hanner awr i’r dwyrain o Frwsel yng Ngwlad Belg, roedd hi wir yn anodd dod i delerau â’r sefyllfa ar y cychwyn, yn enwedig wrth ddarganfod ar fy niwrnod cyntaf bod dim modd i mi brynu unrhyw beth gan fod hi’n ddydd Sul ac roedd y mwyafrif o’r siopau ar gau.

Ond, gydag amser, fe ddaeth y pryder yn llai a’r cyffro yn fwy. Fe wnes i ffrindiau gwych o bob cwr o’r byd, o Norwy i’r UDA, ac roeddwn yn ffodus bod Leuven yn dref hanesyddol hardd, a oedd yn llawn pobl gyfeillgar.

Cefais y cyfle i astudio am dymor ym Mhrifysgol KU Leuven fel rhan o’r Cynllun Erasmus (sef rhaglen gyfnewid i fyfyrwyr yn Ewrop). Yn bersonol, roedd byw dramor am gyfnod wedi bod ar fy ‘bucket list’ erioed ac roedd y cynllun hwn yn gyfle perffaith i mi wireddu fy mreuddwyd.

Hapus, Dwlali ac Onest 14. Pwy fydd yn trafod ‘da’r Tafod wythnos nesaf?

Nedw Clwyd

taf od

8 TAF-OD Cymraeg i’w glywed ar strydoedd Caerdydd

CHWARAEON

Cyfle i gamu tuag at Ewro 2020

A fydd Cymru yn ennill ei gemau hollbwysig yn erbyn Slofacia a Croatia?

Llion Carbis Pennaeth y Gymraeg

E

rs iddo olynu Chris Coleman, mae Ryan Giggs wedi wynebu pwysau eithriadol fel hyfforddwr y tîm cenedlaethol. Gan osgoi aildanio’r ddadl am ei ymroddiad (neu ddiffyg ymroddiad) i Gymru fel chwaraewr, roedd nifer o gefnogwyr yn bryderus am ei brofiad cyfyngedig fel hyfforddwr, yn enwedig ar y lefel uchaf.

Wedi blwyddyn agoriadol gymysglyd i’w yrfa fel hyfforddwr Cymru, roedd colledion olynol yn erbyn Croatia a Hwngari ym mis Mehefin wedi peryglu gobeithion y Wal Goch o gyrraedd Ewro 2020. Bellach, wedi seilio buddugoliaeth hollbwysig - er gwaethaf perfformiad difflach yn erbyn Azerbaijan - mae gan Gymru cyfle gwirioneddol i gymryd rheolaeth o’r grŵp.

Mae gan Groatia (sydd ar deg pwynt) pedwar pwynt yn fwy na Chymru (sydd ar chwe phwynt) yn grŵp E, tra bod Slofacia a Hwngari yn gytûn ar naw phwynt. Er gwaethaf yr anfantais rifol, mae gan Gymru gêm ychwanegol i’w chwarae dros bob gwlad arall yng Ngrŵp E; gan gynnwys dwy gêm anferthol yr wythnos hon.

Mae tîm Ryan Giggs yn teithio i Trnava i herio Slofacia, yr unig dîm sydd heb sgorio yn erbyn Cymru yn y gemau rhagbrofol hyd yma. Ar sail perfformiad

Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd: Cartref y tîm cenedlaethol wrth iddynt baratoi i herio Croatia. Tarddiad: Llion Carbis

hanner cyntaf, y 45 munud agoriadol yn erbyn Slofacia ym mis Mawrth oedd yr ymddangosiad gorau gan Gymru yn y gemau rhagbrofol.

Roedd pwrpas a hyder yn cymeriadu ymosod Cymru, gyda Slofacia yn trafferthu i ddelio gyda chyflymder a llyfnder y chwarae. Bydd perfformiad tebyg yn hanfodol i gipio tri phwynt yn erbyn gwlad sy’n hoff o ddominyddu meddiant a rheoli patrwm y chwarae.

Gan eithrio’r golled o 4-0 yn erbyn Croatia, mae Slofacia wedi cael fwy o’r bêl ymhob gêm ragbrofol arall yn

y grŵp. Hyd yn oed yn erbyn Croatia, roedd ganddynt 48% o’r meddiant sy’n adlewyrchol o awydd tîm Pavel Hapal i chwarae’n hyderus gyda’r bêl.

Yn draddodiadol, ac ystod cyfnod Coleman, prif gryfder y tîm cenedlaethol oedd gwrthymosod. Gyda’r doreth o opsiynau ymosodol dawnus sydd gan Gymru a’r cyflymder sydd gan chwaraewyr megis Dan James a Harry Wilson (i enwi ond cwpl); bydd gwrthymosod effeithiol yn fodd o beryglu amddiffyn Slofacia.

Os bod Cymru am gyrraedd Ewro

2020 trwy’r gemau rhagbrofol, nid yw tîm Ryan Giggs yn gallu fforddio colli yn erbyn Slofacia neu Croatia. Bydd Cymru yn croesawu Croatia, y tîm a gyrhaeddodd rownd derfynol Cwpan y Byd yn 2018, i Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd mewn gêm sydd â goblygiadau enfawr i’r grŵp.

Nid yw’n bosib diystyru gallu Croatia, wedi’r cyfan nhw sydd yn meddu ar chwaraewr gorau’r Byd wedi i Luka Modric ennill y Ballon d’Or. Serch hynny, nid yw tîm Zlatko Dalić wedi dominyddu’r grŵp fel y tybiwyd nifer o gefnogwyr. Pan gollodd Cymru o 2-1 yng Nghroatia ym mis Mehefin, camgymeriadau amddiffynnol elfennol oedd yn gyfrifol am y canlyniad, nid goruchafiaeth Croatia. Roedd amddiffyn Croatia yn edrych yn fregus ac yn dreiddadwy wrth i Gymru ddechrau ymosod yn yr ail hanner.

Dangosodd gêm gyfartal Azerbaijan a Croatia - yn enwedig gôl anhygoel Tamkin Khalilzadeh - breuder amddiffyn Croatia. Dim ond un llechen lan maent wedi’i chofnodi yn y gemau rhagbrofol hyd yma, ac wrth ystyried gallu creadigol chwaraewyr Cymru, mae cyfle euraidd i ychwanegu at drafferthion amddiffynnol Croatia.

Wrth i’r gemau agosáu, a’r cyffro yn codi, mae gan Gymru cyfle euraidd i atgyfodi ysbryd 2016 gan gymryd cam anferthol tuag at Ewro 2020. Dyma’r amser i berfformio.

Rygbi o safon: Cymru yn cofnodi buddugoliaeth hanesyddol Ydy Cymru yn gallu ennill Cwpan y Byd wedi buddugoliaeth hanesyddol yn erbyn Awstralia?

Owain Ap Myrddin Cyfrannydd Taf-od

Pob clôd i Awstralia roeddent yn ymladd hyd at y munudau olaf

O

’r gic gyntaf yn erbyn Awstralia roedd teimlad o bwrpas i chwarae Cymru gyda Dan Biggar yn cicio gôl-adlam o fewn y munud cyntaf o chwarae.

Roedd Cymru’n llawn hyder o fewn y chwarter cyntaf ac yn chwarae rygbi o safon a’r tîm yn edrych yn hyderus wrth i Hadleigh Parkes groesi am gais yn y gornel wrth i Dan Biggar ddefnyddio’r fantais a oedd gan Gymru’n rhagorol.

Roedd fy nghalon i a sawl Cymro arall yn fy ngwddw wrth i Dan Biggar adael y cae i gael asesiad pen a fyntau wedi chwarae cystal yn y gêm hon.

Pryder i mi hefyd oedd gweld Rhys Patchell yn dod ar y cae yn enwedig gan iddo fethu rhannau mawr o’r tymor diwethaf trwy anafiadau. Ond fel cefnogwr Sgarlets brwd roeddwn yn ymwybodol iawn o’i allu ac yn gobeithio’r gorau drosto ac roedd yn wych ei weld yn chwarae’n dda dros Gymru ac yn haeddiannol iawn yn cael ei ganmol gan ohebwyr rygbi ar draws y byd.

Daeth Patchell â rhywbeth gwahanol i chwarae Cymru yn fy marn i yn niwedd yr hanner cyntaf wrth i Gymru chwarae ychydig yn fwy agored na gyda Dan Biggar ar y cae ac fe orffennodd Cymru’r hanner cyntaf yn gryf. Ciciodd Patchell gic gosb enfawr i ymestyn mantais Cymru ac yna cafodd Gareth Davies ryng-gipiad i sgorio Y CAIS a wnaeth i bob Cymro neidio ar ei draed gan roi Cymru yn

Owain Ap Myrddin

Stadiwm y Principality: Mae gobeithion Cymru o lwyddiant yn Japan wedi cynyddu yn dilyn y fuddugoliaeth yn erbyn Awstralia. Tarddiad: Deio Jones gyfforddus ar y blaen o 23-8 ar yr hanner.

Roedd yr ail hanner yn llawer tebygach i’r gêm yr oeddwn i wedi’w rhagweld gyda Awstralia’n chwarae rygbi agored, cyflym iawn gan sgo-

rio tri chais o safon gan edrych fel eu bod am ennill y gem. Ond fe gariodd Cymru i daclo a thaclo a thaclo gyda chwaraewyr megis Alun Wyn Jones, Aaron Wainwright a Josh Navidi yn amddiffyn yn arwrol gan ddangos y

fath galon sydd yn nodweddiadol o’r tîm hwn bellach. Ciciodd Rhys Patchell gic gosb a chic adlam i ymestyn mantais Cymru gan gadw’r Wallabies o fewn hyd braich ond roedd y munudau olaf yn rhai nerfus iawn!

Pob clôd i Awstralia roeddent yn ymladd hyd at y munudau olaf gan daflu popeth tuag at Gymru ond llwyddodd y crysau cochion i ennill ac fe roddodd y genedl gyfan anadl o ryddhad ar y chwiban olaf. Roedd ymateb gohebydd S4C Wyn Gryffudd ar y chwiban olaf yn fy marn i yn crynhoi teimlad pob cefnogwr Cymru wrth iddo neidio ar ei draed a dyrnu’r awyr. Ychydig flynyddoedd yn ôl mi fyddai Cymru wedi colli’r gêm hon ond mae’r tîm hwn yn un gwahanol. Mae rhywbeth am ddynion Gatland sydd yn gwrthod ildio i’r drefn arferol o Gymru’n colli’r gemau mawr ac ar ôl y perfformiad fore Sul mae sawl cefnogwr Cymru’n dechrau credu mai hon yw blwyddyn Cymru.

Wrth edrych ymlaen at weddill gemau Cymru mae’n rhaid cyfaddef fod Fiji a Wrwgwai yn gemau caled iawn yn enwedig gan mai dim ond 4 diwrnod sydd rhwng y ddwy gêm. Ond os yw Cymru’n curo’r ddwy gêm yna fe gawn ni i gyd ddechrau gobeithio y gall arwyr Gatland godi’r gwpan.

TAF-OD 9 Asesu cyfnod Ryan Giggs hyd yma Llion Carbis Pennaeth y Gymraeg

A

r drothwy dwy gêm anferthol i Gymru, gemau a bydd yn effeithio’n fawr ar allu Cymru i gyrraedd Ewro 2020; mae’n amserol i ddadansoddi cyfnod Ryan Giggs fel hyfforddwr y tîm cenedlaethol. Pan gafodd arwr Manchester United ei gyhoeddi fel olynwr Chris Coleman, roedd crin wrthwynebiad a siomedigaeth gan rhai o gefnogwyr Cymru. Yn anochel, aildaniwyd dadleuon am ddiffyg ymroddiad Giggs i’w wlad fel chwaraewr, tra bod eraill yn ffocysu ar ddiffyg profiad Giggs fel hyfforddwr.

Bron i ddwy flynedd wrth y llyw fel hyfforddwr Cymru, nid yw’r awyrgylch cyfredol mor wenwynig â phan gafodd Giggs y swydd. Serch hynny, nid yw Giggs wedi llwyddo i uno’r cefnogwyr yn unfryd chwaith.

Mae hyn yn deillio’n rhannol o ganlyniadau cymysglyd y garfan o dan ei arweiniad. Mewn 15 gêm gyda Giggs yn hyfforddi, mae Cymru wedi ennill saith, colli saith a chofnodi un gêm gyfartal.

Er i Gymru ddangos gallu creadigol arbennig ar achlysuron, yn enwedig wrth guro China 6-0 neu Weriniaeth Iwerddon 4-1, nid yw Cymru wedi llwyddo i berfformio cystal yn erbyn gwledydd o allu tebyg. Collodd Gymru i Ddenmarc dwywaith yn gynghrair y cenhedloedd, ac maent eisoes wedi colli i Groatia a Hwngari yn gemau rhagbrofol Cwpan y Byd. Fodd bynnag, gan eithrio’r golled o 1-4 yn erbyn Sbaen yn Stadiwm y Principality, mae mwyafrif llethol o golledion Cymru o dan Giggs wedi bod yn gul.

Mae pump allan o saith colled Cymru wedi’i golli gan un gôl yn unig – sy’n arddangos gallu Cymru i gystadlu. Er hyn, mae nifer o gefnogwyr Cymru wedi siomi gan ddiffyg hunaniaeth ganfyddadwy. Wrth drafod i’r cyfryngau, mae Giggs wedi pwysleisio droeon ei awydd i weld Cymru’n chwarae’n gyflym, ond nid yw hyn wedi arwain at batrwm chwarae a syniadaeth glir ar y cae.

Fel sonnir eisoes, mae gan Gymru’r gallu i chwarae’n greadigol, ond nid yw hyn wedi’i ddangos yn ddigonol o dan arweiniad Giggs. Gyda’r doreth o chwaraewyr ifanc talentog – nad wyf yn gallu cofio tîm Cymru â dyfnder tebyg yn fy mywyd – mae disgwyl i Gymru berfformio.

Yn ffodus i Giggs, mae ganddo gyfle euraidd yn y gemau yn erbyn Slofacia a Croatia i ddangos ei dawn fel hyfforddwr, a phrofi ei allu i ennill gemau hollbwysig. Os na, bydd gobeithion y Cymry o gyrraedd Ewro 2020 yn cael eu peryglu.

Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd: Cartref Cymru. Tarddiad: Llion Carbis

POLITICS

POLITICS

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GWLEIDYDDIAETH

10

Interview with Cardiff Central’s Jenny Rathbone AM Gair Rhydd spoke to Labour politicians Jenny Rathbone AM and Jo Stevens MP to find out what they’re doing for students, their thoughts on Brexit, and where we go from here...

Lowri Pitcher Head of Politics

J

enny Rathbone AM is a Labour Party politician who was elected to the Welsh Assembly in 2011.

The seat had been held by the Liberal Democrats since the turn of the millenium until Labour won the seat in 2011. Jenny has since increased her majority from an initial 38 votes to 817 in the 2016 Assembly elections.

As well as representing her constituents, Jenny is passionate about delivering the Well-Being of Future Generations Act of 2015, which seeks to ensure that public services in Wales are delivering sustainable services long into the future. She also sits on several committees: the Equality, Local Government, and Communities Committee; the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee and the External Affairs (Brexit) Committee.

Read our interview with Jenny below, an extended version of the conversation can be found on our website.

Can you tell me about the work you have done, and the work that Welsh Labour is doing to resolve issues facing students?

I chair the cross party group on womens’ health, we’ve done quite a bit of work on abortion and contraception, both of which are really imporant issues for students. It’s really important that people have quicker access to the services they need both to ensure that they are having safe sex and also if things go wrong, where they can go to get quick advice and medical help. If we are advocating for people to have safe sex we have to make sure we have the services available to enable people to access them.

What are some of the issues you are planning on working on in the future?

I’m about to launch a Charter for student mental health which I’m hoping that all Assembly Members

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

Prifysgol: Rathbone praises the University’s research work.

Source: Jenny Rathbone

except for ministers, who are not allowed to sign, will sign. There has been a huge increase in the number of students declaring that they have problems with their mental health and therefore we have to ensure that the services are there because ultimately this can be a very dangerous situation.

We have to ensure that students know how to keep themselves well; if they never eat anything other than junk food and always go to bed late and get up without getting a proper night’s sleep - this is not going to help their mental health, it’s going to make then feel depressed. All of these things are really important and it’s excellent to see how many societies there are [in the Students Union] that are supporting and promoting good physical and mental health.

I’m about to launch a Charter for student mental health... We have to ensure that students know how to keep themselves well.

Jenny Rathbone AM

You are quite supportive of Extinction Rebellion, a group which a lot of students are interested in. What do you think about that group, from their tactics of arrestation to holding demonstrations that block the streets, as has been seen in Cardiff recently?

I don’t think it was terribly clever to block the buses going through because people who use buses are doing the right thing, therefore why are we inconveniencing them? I think they need to think much more carefully about what they’re trying to achieve here. Surely, their message is that we need to have people leaving their cars at home for short journeys and if we’re blocking the buses, that’s not a good message.

We need to ensure students in particular who, in the main, are physically healthy people, should be either walking or using a bike to get around for nearly everything. Most of you live in the lowland of my constituency, so you could be walking or cycling. Why anybody would bring a car to Cardiff is completely incomprehensible to me.

If you need to rent a car in order to go off for a weekend etc then those services are available. But don’t bring a car which will clog up the streets, I think that’s one message to students.

The other is that we really need to tread more lightly on this earth otherwise there isn’t going to be much for you to inherit. We do have the third best recycling rates in the world but we need to do even better,

Assembly visits: Jenny Rathbone with a group of Cardiff University students. Source: Jenny Rathbone we need to move towards a zero carbon Wales and that means we need to think about the not creating food waste. Do not buy things that you are not going to eat, do not be taken in by the ‘buy one get one free’ deals that the supermarkets offer. Think about what you’re going to be cooking, cook rather than buying processed which is full of all the wrong things, loads of processed foods are full of fat and salt or sugar - they’ll kill you. They’re almost a recipe for diabetes type 2. Don’t do it.

Extinction Rebellion advocates for people to get arrested as a key tactic, is it wise to advocate for a group where if students were to get arrested it could damage their future?

Students would be wise to consider whether they really want to get a criminal record and they certainly shouldn’t get involved in damaging property and certainly not anything that can physically hurt somebody.

Students would be wise to consider whether they really want to get a criminal record.

Jenny Rathbone AM

A lot of voters in South Wales vote for Labour but also feel very passionate about delivering Brexit.

Do you think that that this will impact on Labour in the next assembly election, or general election?

I think we have to be clear that Labour is the only party offering a People’s Vote. I find it extraordinary that the Liberal Democrats are saying they will simply revoke Article 50 before having a referendum. You can win power in a UK election or assembly election with a mere 35% of the vote but in a referendum need at least 50% so it would be extremely dangerous for the democratic dis-

course in our society if we don’t give people another opportunity to tell us what they want, we have to say if you want to leave, this is the best deal that we have been able to negotiate otherwise choose to stay. People themselves have to make that decision, it isn’t wise to say we will simply decide on your behalf.

During the most recent assembly election you increased your majority but the Liberal Democrats are close behind. Given the Lib Dems’ clear Brexit policy compared to Labour’s somewhat ambiguous stance, what must you do to make sure you’re safe in the next election?

Welsh Labour has a really clear policy, campaign for a referendum and to recommend remain in the event of a referendum. I appreciate that if people read the newspapers they are mainly written in London and the nuances of devolution pass most papers by. The national Labour Party position is, if you want to have a choice on whether or not we remain in the EU or whether we go for a negotiated deal then Labour is the only party that will give you that option.

Do you think there will be a general election soon?

I have no idea, there certainly will not be a general election until the Labour Party is certain that Boris Johnson will not crash us out of the EU. Jeremy Corbyn has been absolutely clear that we cannot go for a vote of no confidence until we are sure we will not crash out of the EU which would be simply catastrophic for Wales. We cannot be advocating that. After we’ve ensured we either have a deal or extension there may be general election.

Personally I’d prefer a referendum to get the Brexit issue resolved and then to go for a general election but that may not happen between now and 2021, therefore it is perfectly possible we’ll still be discussing this in the next assembly election.

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 11

Interview with Cardiff Central’s Jo Stevens MP Find out what the Labour Party are doing for students, her opinion on the most recent Brexit developments and what happens next...

Maisie Marston Politics Editor

Labour politician First elected in

2011

Has a majority of 817 The Liberal Democrats closely follow

L

abour MP Jo Stevens has represented Cardiff Central, the constituency encompassing Cardiff University, since 2015. Previously, Jo has served as Shadow Solicitor General, Shadow Justice Minister, and Shadow Secretary of State for Wales. Currently she is a member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and a number of All Party Parliamentary Groups including those for students and universities. In addition, Jo has worked on the bill to ban letting agency fees in England which was later adopted by the Welsh Government, and had a leading role in changing planning laws to protect live music venues.

An extended version of this interview can be found on our website.

What is your party currently doing at the national level to help students?

At a national level, the first thing we’re doing, which I think is the most critical thing at the moment, is making sure that students understand their rights to register to vote both at home and in their university constituencies. It’s almost inevitable that we’re going to have an early general election, so we’re making sure students understand the power that they have, particularly for example in Cardiff Central where you are the vast majority of the electorate; or can be the vast majority of the electorate if you register to vote here. So, your voice is incredibly powerful.

The other couple of things I’ll mention are the work on the climate emergency and making sure that we keep the planet safe for future generations.

You might have seen in Labour Party conference that we have passed a really groundbreaking policy about becoming zero-carbon or carbon neutral by 2030, so we’ve got the most radical policy of any of the parties on green energy and climate emergency at the moment.

This includes using a million solar panels, making sure that we maximise offshore energy, all those sorts of things which I think are, other than Brexit, the most critical issue for students at the moment.

Just one other thing on Brexit. Our universities will suffer so badly if we leave the European Union so a no-deal Brexit will be catastrophic. Even if we leave with a deal, there are three universities in this constituency, we already know that numbers of students from the European Union are declining, will we be able to sustain three universities in the future?

I really worry that we might not be able to, and that’s the same across the country. We must make sure that universities in the UK are globally attractive, that we give students the best experience and that when people graduate they can stay and work and bring their families up here. I’m really worried that we end that really successful period we’ve had and cancel the collaboration that we have with universities across the world and particularly in Europe.

Jenny Rathbone AM

The next National Assembly elections are due in 2021 The seat encompases Adamsdown, Cathays, Cyncoed, Llanedeyrn, Penylan, Pentwyn and Plasnewydd If you live in Cardiff Central you can contact Jenny about topics devolved to the Welsh Government

Jo Stevens MP Womanby Street: Jo is passionate about protecting small live music venues such as those in the City Centre. Source: Jo Stevens

There has been a lot of attention recently on the treatment of MPs, have you faced any threats?

Yes, I could expand but I don’t want to give the people who are doing this the publicity. Something happened recently, we had our office vandalised, there are threats online. In a way, it’s a ridiculous thing to say, but I consider myself quite lucky that I have had much less [threats] than my female colleagues.

I haven’t had people charged, convicted and put in prison as a result of things that they’ve done and things they’ve said, as other colleagues have.

When you go abroad and talk to parliamentarians abroad they are astonished at what is happening. We’re supposed to be the mother of Parliaments here in the UK and I’m really worried and it’s not just causing problems here for us it’s damaging the reputation of the country. What that means for people coming here as tourists, coming here as students is really really sad.

It’s a ridiculous thing to say, but I consider myself quite lucky that I have had much less [threats] than my female colleagues Jo Stevens MP

Labour now support a second referendum, negotiating a deal and then campaigning for remain, but firstly, what type of deal would you be looking to negotiate?

Well I think that policy is still something of a mess if I’m perfectly honest.

It’s not a policy I would have voted for if I’d been a delegate at our conference

a couple of weeks ago but what is very clear is that we are offering a referendum in which one of the choices will be to remain. What the other choice will be, we don’t know at the moment as there isn’t a deal other than the one Theresa May negotiated which was voted down several times; and voted down by the current Prime Minister.

I don’t know what that deal will be, we’ll know hopefully in the next few weeks if a deal is possible, if it isn’t we will have to find a way of making sure that no-deal doesn’t happen which is what the Benn Act does, you need an extension to try and get through this problem. During that period of extension I think we should have a referendum.

If there is a second referendum remain wins, what is to stop the Brexiteers from asking for another referendum?

In the legislation that would set up and commit the second referendum would be a clause that would say the result would be legally implemented. The first referendum was an advisory referendum but has now become a thing we absolutely must implement, it is the quote ‘will of the people’ but it’s not the will of all people.

We need to get round that problem and the way of doing that, which is what should have happened last time, is to make it a statutory referendum which then legally has to be implemented with legislation that covers it.

Because the referendum was an advisory referendum in 2016, normally if you cheat in an election or referendum it has to be rerun and the outcome is void under legislation but the advisory referendum didn’t come under that legislation so that’s why we couldn’t have a rerun.

The benefit of hindsight is a wonder-

ful thing but this time we have every single angle covered.

The benefit of hindsight is a wonderful thing but this time we have got to make sure that we have every single angle covered Jo Stevens MP

Finally, you mentioned that a general election may be imminent, but why hasn’t Jeremy Corbyn or any members of the opposition put down a motion of no confidence in the Government?

We’re not going to do that before the October 31 because what we’ve seen so far is a Prime Minister who is incapable of telling the truth.

We cannot trust him to do what is in the Benn Act which is to go to the European Council and to ask for an extension past the October 31 unless Parliament has passed a deal or agrees to no-deal.

We cannot let him have any leeway at all up to and including the 31st of October because he is determined to take us out without a deal.

One of the great things about the last few weeks is seeing all the opposition parties united and holding together to stop him doing that and we will continue with that until we are absolutely certain that the danger of no-deal has gone.

It’s frustrating because obviously I’d love to have a Labour Government but actually the national interest requires us to hold back at the moment and that is what we will do.

Labour politician Jo was elected as an MP in

2015

Has a majority of 17,196 There are 3 universities in the constituency Cardiff Central voted to

Remain in the EU by 67.99% to 32.01%

Was Shadow Secretary of State for Wales from October 2016 - January 2017

Jo resigned from the Shadow Cabinet as she refused to vote to trigger Article 50

Contact If you live in Cardiff Central then you can contact Jenny about matters that are devolved to Wales.

If you live in Cardiff Central you can contact Jo Stevens about issues which are presided over by Westminster.

If you live in Cardiff North, contact Julie Morgan AM or Anna McMorrin MP.

12 POLITICS Parliament returns after court ruling

Tom-Henry Jones Politics Editor

T

he Brexit deadline of October 31 is fast approaching and Parliament is sitting again after Boris Johnson’s prorogation was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. As Johnson’s Government heads into the final month before the Brexit deadline, both the Prime Minister and Parliament remain in disagreement about his Brexit approach.

The disagreement centres around the Benn Act. The Benn Act is a form of legislation designed to stop a NoDeal exit from the EU on October 31. The Act states that if a deal is not approved by the House of Commons

by October 17, the Prime Minister will have to seek a Brexit extension until January 31, 2020. Boris Johnson, however, has stated that he will not himself seek the extension, as it in turn reneges on his fundamental promise of delivering Brexit by the end of October.

Johnson has frequently called the Act the ‘surrender bill’ as he believes it weakens the Government’s negotiating stance when trying to secure an improved deal with the EU. However, supporters of the Act believe it to be simply designed to stop what they feel is a deeply damaging No-Deal Brexit. The passing of the Act led to 21 Tory MPs who rebelled against the Government having the whip removed and effectively been forced out of the Conservative Party.

John Major, former Conservative Prime Minister, has stated to have found a loophole within the Benn Act, which would allow Johnson to ignore the legal requirement to request a Brexit extension. The move follows a complex path through the Privy Council, a move that is unlikely to work and would be deeply divisive. Johnson has not indicated that this is a potential option for the Government, but Major was merely highlighting a path that Johnson may exploit.

Since Parliament is in session once more, rumours of a vote of no confidence are growing louder. A vote of no confidence is when Parliament votes whether it has confidence in the Government, a Government loss leads either to a new Government being formed or more likely a General Election being called.

Currently the SNP, Plaid and the Greens are calling for the vote, but Labour and the Liberal Democrats remain wary that it may lead to Johnson forcing through a No-Deal Brexit. The numbers of a potential vote also remain uncertain. With over 30 independent MPs sitting in Parliament the result of the vote of no confidence will likely lay in their hands.

In the coming weeks, more controversy is to be expected in the lead up to the EU Council Summit starting on October 17. Mr Johnson must secure a deal during this summit, or face requesting an extension under the Benn Act. Under constant pressure from the opposition, and a number of his own MPs, Boris Johnson remains in power but not necessarily in control.

New policy, same party: A look at the Conservative Party Conference

The conference in Manchester offered new policies, new promises and yet another Brexit deal

Sam Tilley Deputy Editor

L

ast week the Conservative Party held their annual party conference in Manchester.

The event, as has been the same for much of the political discussion over the past three years, was held under the spectre of Brexit and concluded with the Prime Minister announcing his “final” Brexit offer to the EU. In a major difference to conferences past, there was a strict limit of who spoke on the main stage this year, with only the larger Cabinet names such as Home Secretary, Priti Patel and Chancellor, Sajid Javid being afforded the time to speak. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Paul Davies was one of the unlucky parties who perhaps might have expected a platform to speak given his predecessor was given the same privilege last year.

The conference was not without controversy, however. The Member of Parliament for the Cotswolds was sent home from the event after an altercation with a member of the conference security team. Many political correspondents commented on the fact that this was slightly ironic as less than an hour later the Home Secretary took to the stage promising to make the Conservative Party

the party of “law and order”.

One of the major announcements of Patel’s speech was the establishing of a new team within the British Transport Police to tackle criminal gangs who smuggle drugs across county lines. Patel pledged up to £20m in oder to tackle these gangs and hoped that the money would “stop them terrorising our towns and villages and exploiting our children.”

Sajid Javid stole the headlines on Tuesday when he took to the stage, proudly touting the fact that his family were the first British Asians to move into Downing Street. He then went on to directly address his mother in Punjabi, before rattling off a number of fiscal policy announcements. The biggest announcement made by Javid was the raising of the national living wage to £10.50 by 2025 alongside the lowering of the minimum age to 21.

There was an electric atmosphere, something I’ve never witnessed before.

James Wallice

The main event took place last Wednesday; Boris Johnson addressing his first conference as leader of the Conservative Party. The overarching message of the speech, and indeed the conference, was that the Party had to get Brexit done and leave the EU by the end of October.

A reference to “getting Brexit done” was made no less than eight times in the duration of his speech and was punctuated by the publishing of the Government’s newest attempt at reigniting European negotiation over the failed Withdrawal Agreement.

James Wallice, President of Cardiff University Conservative Society, attended the conference and told Gair Rhydd “ There was an electric atmosphere, something I’ve never witnessed before. People were genuinely excited to listen to the PM’s speech and to hear him set out his domestic agenda.

“We’ve seen a strong commitment from Johnson to deliver Brexit and pursue a bold agenda that will have a huge, positive impact. He’s committed to build 40 new state of the art hospitals, he’s investing in our infrastructure, and he’s cracking down on criminals. These are genuinely exciting times for the Conservative Party.

We’re ready for an election - it’s time for Corbyn to vote for one.”

Boris Johnson’s Brexit proposal

Great Britain and Northern Ireland will leave the Customs Union on 1 January 2021 Northern Ireland will remain in the single market for agricultural and industrial goods until 2025 There will be a Customs and VAT border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, although this does not mean needing physical checks on the border There will also be a regulatory border in the Irish Sea as some goods may need to be checked when moving from Northern Ireland to Great Britain Every 4 years Northern Ireland will have the chance to keep these borders or leave the EU completely

Prime Minister warned about ‘dangerous language’

MPs have expressed safety concerns due to ‘inflammatory’ rhetoric Maisie Marston Politics Editor

P

rime Minister Boris Johnson has faced criticism over branding the Benn Act the ‘surrender bill’. The Act, formally known as the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act, will require Johnson to pass a deal by October 19 or seek approval for a no-deal Brexit from MPs. After this deadline, Johnson would need to ask the EU to extend Article 50 to January 31, 2020.

Other terminology used in relation to Brexit by the Prime Minister and other government ministers such as “traitor” and “betrayal” has also been called into question.

Johnson has defended his use of ‘surrender act’ by claiming the legislation “takes away the fundamental ability of a country to walk away from the negotiations,” but MPs including Cardiff Central’s Jo Stevens believe the rhetoric is a “deliberate electoral strategy” used to “divide the country ahead of a general election.”

In Parliament, many female MPs have raised concerns about their safety with regards to the rhetoric used by the Government. Former Cabinet Minister Amber Rudd has argued that such language could “incite violence.”

When Labour MP Paula Sherriff asked the PM to stop using “dangerous” and “inflammatory” terminology referencing the murder of Jo Cox MP in 2016, he dismissed her remarks as “humbug”. Less than two days after her remarks, West Yorkshire Police have announced that they are investigating three serious threats against Sherriff.

Similar concerns were also expressed

by Tracy Brabin, the MP elected for Jo Cox’s constituency after her death.

Johnson responded: “the best way to honour the memory of Jo Cox and indeed the best way to bring this country together would be, I think, to get Brexit done.” Brendan Cox, Jo’s husband, later stated in a tweet that he “[feels] a bit sick at Jo’s name being used in this way.” The remarks were also condemned by Conservative MP Stephen Crabb who was “shocked by the way [the PM] responded,” and said that Johnson had a “duty as prime minister to try and bring unity to our country and reduce the level of poison in our politics.”

Commenting on the issue, Speaker John Bercow said: “Female members and members of our ethnic minority communities have been disproportionately subject to that abuse and those threats and that is the reality.”

‘Humbug’: Johnson has been criticised for his response to MPs’ concerns. Source: Wikimedia Commons

He later asked party leaders to engage in talks about the use of inflammatory language in Parliament to tackle risks to MPs’ safety.

This is not only a recent issue, politicians have long used fractious rhetoric, not only to describe the current state of politics but also against one another. In 2014, Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell repeated comments which encouraged the lynching of Conservative MP, Esther McVey.

Consequently, she said that these comments made her life ‘difficult and dangerous.’

After numerous reports of violent acts and threats aimed at MPs and their constituency offices, and the recent investigation of a banner demanding Tory deaths hung from a bridge in Manchester, will MPs decide to change the rhetoric used in Parliament to encourage a more peaceful way of conducting politics?

GWLEIDYDDIAETH 13 other Trump to face impeachment inquiry In news...

The US President is being investigated over his dealings with the Ukrainian President Hallum Cowell Politics Editor

U

S President Donald Trump is facing another threat of impeachment after an impeachment inquiry was initiated by the Democrats on September 24.

The move came after details were released about Mr Trump’s conversations with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky. After a period of attempting to put pressure on Zelensky, Donald Trump asked him during a telephone conversation in July to investigate Joe Biden, a leading Democrat and former Vice President under Barack Obama, and his son who was a board member for a company

Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in the modern history of this country Enough is enough. I hope the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House will begin the impeachment process.

Bernie Sanders, Presidential Candidate

owned by a Ukrainian oligarch.

The issue came to light in September when a whistle-blower, who has not been named, alleged that the US President sought assistance from the Ukrainian leader in interfering in the upcoming 2020 Presidential election by researching into his competition. After this revelation, the White House released the transcripts of the call between the two Presidents.

President Trump has called the impeachment a “joke” and referenced previous times that the Democrats have withheld their votes on proUkrainian motions accusing them of pressuring his Ukrainian counterpart.

Pro-Trump figures have been vocal in their disagreement with the Democrats. House Minority Leader, Republican Kevin McCarthy said that Nancy Pelosi “does not speak for the American people on this issue.”

Trump 2020 campaign manager, Brad Parscale, said that “The misguided Democrat impeachment strategy is meant to appease their rabid, extreme, leftist base, but will only serve to embolden and energize President Trump’s supporters and create a landslide victory for the President.”

Those opposed to Donald Trump have also openly voiced their opinion. Bernie Sanders, a possible contender for president in the 2020 elections, tweeted “Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in

the modern history of this country.

Enough is enough. I hope the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House will begin the impeachment process.”

Elizabeth Warren, another runner for the democratic candidature, said “Now the impeachment inquiry must move forward with the efficiency and seriousness this crisis demands. The House needs to vote on articles of impeachment—and when it comes to the Senate, I will do what the Constitution requires” Those in favour of the impeachment argue that Donald Trump threatened to withhold foreign aid from the Ukrainian Government unless damaging information about his political opponent was given. If this allegation is proven to be the truth, then it would constitute an illegal act and therefore unless the President resigned, he would be impeached.

At the time of writing, Mr Trump has admitted discussing Joe Biden with Mr Zelensky however he has denied exerting diplomatic pressure on the Ukrainian president to investigate his political rival. Mr Trump instead argued that he withheld military aid in order to prompt other European nations to commit their resources instead.

As the inquiry continues, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has been subpoenaed by the House to provide them with any relevant documentation relating to Trump’s administra-

The misguided Democrat impeachment strategy is meant to appease their rabid, extreme, leftist base, but will only serve to embolden and energize President Trump’s supporters and create a landslide victory for the President.

Brad Parscale, Trump 2020 Campaign Manager tion’s connections with Ukraine. The Inspector General of the Intelligence Community, Michael Atkinson is also expected to brief the House Intelligence Committee.

In addition, Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani is also required to present documents relating to Ukraine by October 15.

As information is presented in the coming weeks, it will then be down to the House Judiciary Committee to judge whether sufficient wrongdoing has been conducted, if so, it will move towards impeachment. If they do not judge that sufficient wrongdoing has been conducted, Trump will continue in his role and will be free to contend in the upcoming 2020 presidential elections.

Gilets Jaunes protests set to continue this winter

The Yellow Vest movement is quickly approaching its first anniversary as demonstrations continue despite the Government’s efforts to appease protesters’ demands

Sara Pasino Contributor

A

fter months of apparent inactivity, the Gilets Jaunes, or Yellow Vest protesters, are taking to the streets once again.

On Saturday, September 21, they protested again in Paris, starting from the Place de la Madeleine and then marching towards the Champs-Elysées, chanting: “Emmanuel Macron, we’re coming at you!” According to some sources, the police prevented the protesters from entering the avenue using tear gas and water cannons, and around 90 people were arrested.

The following week, on Saturday, September 28, nearly 1,000 protesters demonstrated in Toulouse and some 300 more in Montpellier.

The protests took place shortly after the French President, Emmanuel Macron, released a draft for the 2020 budget, which included 9 billion euros of tax cuts for households, proposed to appease the protesters.

This grassroots movement is composed of people who oppose Macron’s proposal to raise the price of fuel in order to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The majority of the protesters live in rural areas of France, hence they rely on cars to go to work and the proposed tax-raising would negatively

impact their already difficult economic conditions. In fact, the yellow vest protesters are primarily workers and retirees who cannot make ends meet, are unemployed or are not earning enough to provide for their families.

Their name originates from the yellow hi-visibility safety vests that drivers must keep in their cars in order to be seen on the streets if necessary. It has since become a symbol of the protesters’ purpose, to become visible to the eyes of the French elite.

They have now been demonstrating for almost a year. The first demonstration took place on Saturday, November 17, 2018, when the protesters simultaneously blocked thousands of highways in the country. The movement then grew larger, which, in December 2018, took place in Paris for the first time. The protests became fractious and led to fires and barricades in the streets, causing many serious injuries, as well as around 10 deaths.

The basic requests of the movement are about a general lowering of taxation (in particular for fuel) and an increase in the minimum wage; but most of the protesters also push for the resignation of Macron, who’s considered the President of the rich who is detached from the needs of the general public.

Shortly after the first demonstrations, President Emmanuel Macron

tweeted that he understood the protesters’ discontent, but he defended his environmental choices and the need to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions.

Macron officially addressed the issue in April of this year, underlying some measures that his Government intended to put into practice to solve it.

He promised a cut in taxation worth 5 billion euros, an increase in the minimum wage of 100 euros per month, a more decentralised government and the abolishment of the ENA (Ecole Nationale d’Administration), a type

In Hong Kong, a protestor was shot by police during a demonstration against the 70th anniversary of communist rule in China. This is the first time someone has been injured by live ammunition since protests began four months ago.

It is reported that over 50 people were injured and several were left in a critical condition.

of exclusive school that he himself attended.

Even though Macron made it clear that he understood the “just demands” of the demonstrators, his speech did not convince the majority of the Yellow Vests that his concessions were sufficient.

With the movement’s first anniversary fast approaching, yellow vest protesters still do not appear content with the Government’s appeasement measures and are set to continue fighting for their demands for the foreseeable future.

Gilets Jaunes: Protests are set to continue once again this winter.

Source: Olivier Ortelpa (via flickr)

Former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to face trial over alleged illegal campaign financing.

The French Court of Appeal rejected Sarkozy’s appeal not to face trial for the allegations against him. Prosecutors claim that he spent close to 43 million euros on the campaign, nearly double the spending limit, they now must decide whether to take the case to court.

Activists in Mexico took to the streets to demand that abortion be legalised across the country. The protest came days after the state of Oaxaca approved a bill to legalise abortion. Currently, only the two states of Oaxaca and Mexico City, out of a total of 32 states have legalised abortion.

On October 1, China marked 70 years since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. To celebrate the anniversary, President Xi Jinping attended a military parade exhibiting some of the state’s newest missile technology.

This included a Dong Feng 41 (DF-41) which is an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of 15,000km and could reach the US in 30 minutes.

In Somalia, the insurgent group alShabaab has claimed responsibility over an attack on a US military base just west of Mogadishu on Monday, September 30. The group has also claimed responsibility for targeting EU military advisers in a car bomb in the Somali capital.

This is one of a number of attacks the group has claimed responsibility for recently.

COMMENT For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/comment

SYLWADAU

14

The Great Climate Debate Two Cardiff University students share their opposing views on climate change

Wind turbines: Wind energy is one form of sustainable energy.

Source: Max Pixel Matt Tomlin Contributor

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

COMMENT

O

Your comment desk Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Kat Smith Nina White Columnist Indigo Jones

ur overdrive of the greenhouse effect, via fossil fuel burning, land misuse and mass industrialised farming, has landed us in a situation much worse than we are likely aware of.

It is worth clarifying that no other change in the Earth’s climate has occurred to account for current global heating: there have been no sudden, major increases in volcanic activity or solar activity since the beginning of the industrial revolution that would explain what is happening.

Aside from climate sceptic or denying articles, one of the most common news pieces are those including phrases along the lines of ’12 years to solve climate change’ or ’12 years to live’.

Those stories originated from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); the body which provides our global climate consensus. Their latest Special Report stated that the global economy would need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, and to near zero by 2050, in order to remain below the dangerous tipping point of 1.5C global heating above pre-industrial levels. We are currently at 1.2C of global heating.

It is definitely worse than that though. These recommendations only give a 66% chance of achieving success if they are met. In addition, the IPCC baseline starts when consistent records of global average temperature first began in the late 1800s, as opposed to when the industrial revolution would have actually began over 100 years earlier.

Using samples frozen in the Arctic, prolific climate scientist Michael Mann and others published findings in 2017 discussing the extent which global heating that occurred prior to the late 1800s might impact our governments’ climate targets. They found that 0.2C of global heating had occurred prior to the current IPCC baseline.

There is also the problem of the IPCC’s strict procedures. Even if a small minority of the climate scientists working on the Special Report had disapproved of a peerreviewed discovery being added to it, it would not have been included in it. As with any academic papers,

these Special Reports also take time to be written and published, and so by the time they are released, the projections they give are based on outdated expectations by at least two years. At a time when governments are accelerating fossil fuel emissions, a two year minimum gap between findings and the present consensus is too great.

An example of this being a problem in the latest report is its underestimation of global ocean temperatures by 40%. Furthermore, the ‘Hothouse Earth’ report was not included. Called ‘Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene’, it analysed ‘tipping points’ in our climate, such as drying of the Amazon, melting Arctic permafrost and melting Arctic sea ice. It concluded that these processes, which are all feedback loops in our climate, are interlinked and will cause a ‘domino effect’ of climate breakdown once global heating reaches a certain point.

Finally, even if the IPCC wasn’t flawed as I have mentioned above, we don’t actually have 12 years to start reducing our emissions by 45%. The curve downwards must begin much earlier, within the next 14 months.

The UN Secretary General recently warned that should emissions not peak and begin to decline by the end of 2020, then humanity risks 1.5C2C of global heating and, as a result, irreversible climate breakdown. The IPCC report and it’s projections lie on the idea that technology which draws down Carbon from the atmosphere will be invented at scale in the coming decades.

The Amazon Rainforest: The largest rainforest in the world.

Source: James Martins (via Wikimedia Commons) Callum Vaga Contributor

A

s I write this, there’s a piece being played on BBC News about flash flooding which has hit parts of the country after adverse weather conditions and huge rainfall struck most of the UK. This extreme weather has been caused by the leftovers of Hurricane Lorenzo reaching the UK and not due to some kind of shift in the North Atlantic Drift as previously suggested by commentators like Al Gore (An Inconvenient Truth).

Freak weather conditions like this aren’t new to the UK and haven’t particularly got any worse, yet now when we’re hit with either too much rain or too little rain, it’s instantly labelled as “Climate Change”.

Those who push the idea that climate change is caused by human interference will automatically label every single change in the weather as evidence that we’ve damaged the climate through our industrial output and lifestyle choices.

The two weeks of summer we have in the UK? A week of snowfall in February? Slightly more rain than expected through autumn? It must be man-made climate change.

The Earth has survived the Medieval Warm Period through to the Little Ice Age of the 17th century where rivers in the UK were frozen solid, so much so that people commonly held frost-fairs on the River Thames. The reason why we’ve had certain warm and cold periods throughout history is based almost solely on speculation as we weren’t previously monitoring the climate with the same technology that we have today. Most accurate records on climate

Antarctica: The coldest continent on Earth.

Source: NASA / Jefferson Beck [via flickr]

change date back barely to the midpoint of the 20th century where satellite monitoring was introduced. Even without the technology to back up any claims, nobody would conclude that man-made climate change was the reason why the natural climate changed so much before our pre-industrial history.

The evidence that we’ve had any negative effect on global temperatures and the climate is unreliable to say the least, especially as changes to the climate naturally occur. Even if the worst-case scenario that climate activists push was true and humanity was having a major impact on global temperatures, we’re still only talking about a percentile difference of at most 2°C in temperature as the Paris Agreement claimed. Not enough to cause the apocalyptic visions they predict.

With that in mind, many Western politicians are still keen to pander to a political minority who push extremist policies to fix a problem which they’ve consistently made incorrect predictions about. The inconvenient truth is that polar bear numbers have risen in some locations, ice caps have actually grown according to NASA and the sea levels have barely budged beyond 3.3mm per year. Yet here we are in 2019 being told that our freedom to drive a car or eat meat is the reason why millions may die in some climate catastrophe. I fear that the real end-goal of climate activist groups isn’t to save the planet and cut CO2 emissions, but rather to overturn the economic system that has lifted almost a billion out of poverty since 1990; capitalism.

Artificially limiting or stopping economic growth might sound like a nice idea to conserve the planet and its resources, but the likelihood is that it would cause hundreds of thousands in the UK to fall back into poverty. If we decided to aim for economic slowdown as some may want, we’d be stuck in a constant cycle of recession which would see jobs disappear, people go homeless and millions suffer as has happened in every recession, including 1997 and 2008. Thunberg might believe that her childhood has been stolen, but the truth is her politics would see childhoods across the world continue to be stolen by severe poverty in places like the far-East, South America and much of Africa. We have a luxury of being able to discuss issues like this in the West due to our wealth and stability, something which many nations rightfully strive for.

SYLWADAU

Munchetty’s Trump comments spark debate Are journalists tied to the company they are employed by?

Kat Smith Comment Editor

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fter Donald Trump told female congresswomen to “go back” to the countries they “came from” on 14 July, BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty expressed her discontentment at the US President’s comments. In discussion with her cohost Dan Walker, she stated that as a woman of colour, any comments telling her to “go home” or “go back” were always “embedded in racism”. The BBC declared on 25 September that Naga Munchetty had breached the company’s editorial guidelines by making the comment.

The media coverage surrounding the case has been vast to say the least, with uproar at the BBC’s decision to condemn Munchetty’s comments spreading across the internet. On 30 September, Director-General of the BBC, Lord Hall, “personally” reviewed the case and reversed the decision.

I have little to add to the debate over whether Munchetty’s comments were viable or not; I am entirely on her side and strongly believe racism is something we cannot

be impartial about. I am relieved, along with the majority of the British population, that the decision has been reversed. But though this case may have enjoyed a relatively happy ending, I worry about the implications on us as journalists.

While the news should certainly be impartial, there are instances whereby journalists should speak up when things are objectively bad. This is definitely one of those cases. As expressed by many, racism is not something we can be impartial about. If an LGBTQ+ BBC presenter said that the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016 was embedded in homophobia, would they be jumping to conclusions and being biased? No. In fact, it would be irresponsible to deny that it was an attack motivated by prejudice and to not accuse the shooter of homophobia. This is exactly why Owen Jones famously walked out of that Sky News interview.

Are we supposed to purely report facts and never understand the undercurrents? Journalists are meant to comment on some of the ugly truths in our society. This is a whole lot more irresponsible than acknowledging the

political and social climate in which situations occur.

And a big part of being a journalist is holding power to account. If the investigative reporters leading the original exposure of Harvey Weinstein by The New York Times in 2017, refrained from acknowledging him as a predator, it would not have been an act of impartiality, but an act of weakness. While we need journalists to be dependable sources of news, we also need journalists to question those in power. I’m worried that the BBC may have now instilled an apprehension to do so. It would not have been an act of impartiality, but an act of weakness.

Fundamentally, Naga Munchetty was not expressing a distaste for Trump himself, she wasn’t expressing a political affiliation on-air and she was not expressing an opinion. She never even explicitly called him, as an individual, racist. She hedged her comments by saying “I’m not accusing anyone of anything here.” In spite of the history Trump has of bigotry and racism, she did not comment on him as an individual other than in the context of his comments.

It’s worrying that no matter how

Impartial or improper?: The controversy surrounding Munchetty’s comments has divided opinion.

Source: Michael Vadon (via Wikimedia Commons) much our commentary is based in fact, we have to keep our mouths shut in the context of news. This is not something I’m remotely comfortable with, but I am a Comment Editor after all.

I’m unsure where this leaves journalism. I hope that as a reputable, generally fantastic source of news, the BBC learns from this and acknowledges that with some issues, journalists can’t just stand by and watch.

Should children be exposed to mature themes?

Why getting things out in the open is the right thing to do Harry Clarke-Ezzidio Comment Editor

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school in Oxford has recently come under fire for asking one of their GCSE English classes to write a mock suicide note as part of a class exercise for J.B. Priestley’s play An Inspector Calls. As part of the exercise, students were invited to imagine that they were a young woman in 1912, writing a suicide note to their loved ones.

Unsurprisingly, this exercise didn’t go down too well with some kids and parents.

Speaking to the BBC, one mother said that their child told them that there was “no warning, no support, no encouragement.” The mother of this particular child has also had a relative attempt suicide in the past, admitting that she felt “uncomfortable and uneasy” when her child told her about the task. The mother did note that the school’s intentions were in the right place, noting that if done right, it could “raise awareness of teen mental health and suicide.” I would hope that the school’s intention was to open a dialogue about mental health – however, there may be a more effective way of achieving this.

In light of this story hitting the headlines, the age-old debate, surrounding kids and their exposure to mature themes, rears its familiar head

from around the corner. Normally this discussion is plagued with awkward seat-squirming and ummingand-ahhing as parents shudder about the prospect of their kids potentially being exposed to the realities of the world they live in. It’s time to get real.

In today’s world where everyone is online, children have access to all of the weird, wonderful and dark corners on the internet. Kids have an almost innate yearning to push the limits and it is very easy for them to end up on sites where they are exposed to mature themes. Normally on the internet, this is the extreme end of each theme. It’s almost inevitable that kids will come across mature content on the internet. Sometimes, they intentionally seek it out too - you can’t stop them. So, parents - lulled into a false sense of reality where they think their kids aren’t actively looking for mature content - being a bit iffy about their kids being exposed to mature themes in a controlled environment such as school, where discussion can be moderated by a teacher, seems laughable.

Let’s not forget that not everyone’s childhood is all sunflowers and roses – a lot of these kids are living the realities of some of these mature themes that parents want to shield them from. Children may have parents or other family members who have been through things like

Internet age: Since the advent of the internet, children have more access mature content in just a few clicks. Source: US Air Force photo by Tommie Horton (via Robins Public Affairs) (attempted) suicide, drug and substance abuse or physical or mental abuse amongst other things. This is the reality for kids, not only up and down the country, but across the world. School is basically a tailormade environment where a teacher can, in a controlled way, introduce, facilitate, and moderate discussion about a certain topic, especially in a subject such as English, where dark and mature themes appear more often than not. Those kids who are willing to participate in a mature discussion will ideally benefit from the discussion, and those who don’t want to partake – for whatever reason –

are free to do so.

I think that we can all agree that as a society, we need to open up more about things such as mental health.

Naturally, as Brits, we tend to have a stiff upper lip and ‘keep on keeping on’; but it’s now time to be honest with ourselves, and our kids. Having discussions and talking to one another can go a really long way. By opening up a discussion, children already going through dark periods will be able to reflect on their own feelings and realise that there is help available, and that they aren’t alone.

Children are a lot more mature than adults give them credit for.

15

Could Brexit cause the next recession?

Nina White Comment Editor

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here’s a scene in recent dystopian television drama Years and Years where an American investment bank collapses, triggering a banking crisis overnight. This causes wide-spread damage throughout society, leaving a family homeless and causing hundreds of people to lose their jobs and hardearned cash. This is reminiscent of the Financial Crash of 2008, which in my opinion, could be repeated if we endure a no deal Brexit.

The international banking crisis was triggered by the collapse of American investment bank, Lehman Brothers, as clients withdrew their money from their accounts in fear that the bank may cease to operate. In July, the BBC reported that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has predicted that Brexit may trigger another recession, as uncertainty surrounding a no-deal scenario, as well as a reduction in consumer confidence, might deter investment in UK companies.

Despite doing everything in their power to leave the EU by 31 October, the government has admitted that any form of Brexit will impact trade to a large extent. According to ‘Operation Yellowhammer’, there will be an increase in tariffs and a significant delay to the import and export of goods, which will largely impact business services and some may even cease trading. In the case of a no-deal Brexit, we would no longer be in the single market and customs union, meaning that there could be increased border checks at Dover, leading to increased delays and severely impacting cross-border trade.

Until we have a withdrawal agreement in place and more of an idea of how things will change post-Brexit, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding this situation. To my knowledge, there is no country that hasn’t got a trade agreement with its closest neighbours.

I believe that the single market is an asset to any business in an era of globalisation. Who would not want to benefit from being able to trade freely with zero tariffs imposed on goods?

As a leading contributor to our country’s Gross Domestic Product, a multinational company facing liquidation, such as Thomas Cook, will have a significant impact on the economy if multiplied. This is not to say that Brexit is to blame for the collapse of Thomas Cook, but due to the negative impact it will have on trade, this situation provides some perspective to how businesses could be affected.

A business acts as a source; a source of income, a supplier of food or medicine, a service provider i.e. transport and logistics. If disrupted, this will have a severe impact on the day to day running of society, so imagine how the economy will be affected if multiple large companies collapse due to the consequences of a no-deal Brexit. But rather than acting as the backbone of society, many businesses might have to resort to government and public funds to bail them out if they collapse, and employees who have lost their jobs as a result may need to rely on the state.

16

COLUMN

Indigo Jones

COLUMN ROAD

Passport to privacy S

The Great Firewall of China: The lack of social media in China meant taking in the sights rather than snapchatting them. Source: Indigo Jones

ocial media consumes us all, to the point where some people may not realise the extent of their social media consumption.

I will hold my hands up and admit outright that I am addicted to my phone and social media. Many would say that my addiction is unhealthy and this falls upon my use of social media. I would agree, and this was confirmed by my recent trip to China over the Summer.

China as a country is full of beautiful culture, innovative technology and flavourful food; but in a country without traditional social media how can they possibly share pictures of their food or locations?

In reference to the ‘Great Firewall of China’ the Los Angeles Times stated that, “Censorship has long been a fact of life in China, where comments conveying dissent, activism or criticism of authorities are removed post haste from the internet”.

As a result, the Chinese government have banned the use of social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and WhatsApp. The use of YouTube, Netflix and even Google are also banned - making it incredibly difficult to use various forms of media to communicate.

As a result of this censorship brought upon China it made it nearly impossible for them to discuss the recent Hong Kong protests online.

Perhaps, the Chinese government are correct to ban such sites. With the age we live in and the amount

of information we share publicly on social networks, we allow everyone to see our day to day lives. The privacy that comes with the banning of social media sites would improve the lives of many and would destroy the negative impact of social media, for example cyber bullying.

Censorship has long been a fact of life in China.

Los Angeles Times

Albeit, there are ways around the Social media ban that coincide with China’s privacy policies. There are communication apps such as Wechat, Weibo and QQ to name a few of the ways that people communicate online in China. These apps replace the famous social media networks we traditionally use in the West and enable the Chinese to overcome the usual banning of social media.

Another way around the ban would to be to invest in a VPN (Virtual Private Network) in order to use the sites, although some of these codes are illegal and there was talk last year of the Chinese government banning VPNs in China as a whole.

As stated earlier, my own trip to

China was eye-opening. The realisation of my own unhealthy obsession with using my phone and social media became especially apparent through experiencing the culture shock of travelling to the beautiful country. Within the first couple of hours - let alone the two weeks I was there - I realised my constant urge to scroll through Twitter or post a Snapchat story. Even the little things became increasingly difficult; like not being able to use Google to ask questions, or maps to figure out where to go and even Gmail to check my inbox. This was exemplified by my inability to go even 10 minutes after landing in Frankfurt (before my connecting flight to London) to log back in to all my accounts. This was when the control my phone had over me became increasingly apparent.

This ‘social media cleanse’ although short, was eye-opening due to the fact that since I was thirteen, I had spent several hours a day on social media, with my usage increasing annually. According to my phone’s screen time, in the last week I have spent 29 hours on social networking out of 49 hours in general on my phone. These figures from my own habits are surprising, but they don’t come as a total shock due to my persistent use of these networking apps and my relentless need to refresh timelines.

However, it doesn’t seem like I am the only one with this issue. According to the OPS in comparison to

other EU countries, the UK is ranked third in the EU as the country with the highest internet usage. This statistic comes as a bigger shock as it was revealed that “the UK is 10 percentage points above the EU average of 85%.”

The UK was ranked third of countries in the EU with most internet usage.

OPS

These figures demonstrate the issue that the UK has a whole in regards to social media and begging the question - how would we as a country react to the banning of social networks?

The Western world’s tendency to binge online streaming services such as Netflix and the popularity of such sites demonstrates only one of the things we would struggle with if they were banned. This obsession with streaming is something that not only affects us in the UK but all over Europe. However, the banning of such sites could increase education, fitness and communication levels due to the escalation in free time.

With the inability to use apps such as Facebook and Twitter to communicate, perhaps the disappearance of

the apps would improve general conversational skills. Many students feel uncomfortable meeting new people, making conversations or doing presentations and this falls down to their dependency on online communication. Maybe with less interaction with such apps, their confidence communicating face to face would improve. Without using such sites, it would enable more time for exercise and revision, and that is me speaking from a personal opinion.

Personally, I believe that social media is a valuable tool for our generation in order to communicate with friends and family abroad, or to make new friends before starting university. Social media itself paves the way for protests such as the Arab Spring in 2010, and it enables protest groups to come together and discuss what they feel passionate about.

Sites such as Google and the different apps Google offers make life easier, especially when, for example you need to use Google translate abroad to understand those from the country you are visiting.

Perhaps it would be a good thing to regulate social media use, or maybe reducing the use of it to a daily allowance. I agree with most when they say that 13 is too young to be involved in such sites as it can negatively impact on how young people view their self-image. After considering the UK’s high usage of internet usage, perhaps it would valuable to take some tips from China.

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CYNGOR

18

The ‘First Year Fallacy’ What do you do when your expectations of university don’t meet reality?

Luisa De la Concha Montes Contributor

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o start from zero, a phrase that can be equally exciting and daunting. Exciting, because it’s full of possibilities. Daunting, because having too many options to choose from means that your time to become a good decision-maker has finally come. And how on Earth will you turn into a prolevel decision maker if before coming to university your decisions were almost limited to what to watch on Netflix?

Put briefly, you will realise, quite suddenly, that from now on, you’re entirely in charge of your own success, and that is a pretty scary thought.

The main thing that comes into play when you’re about to move to university are expectations, and unlike what most people think, it is actually good to have them.

By placing ourselves in the future we can prepare for different outcomes; expectations help us rationalise our fears, and therefore, as some scientific studies show, our predictive ability has survival value. So, if you want to survive Fresher’s, the challenge is not to not have expectations, but to learn how to deal with these expectations in a rational way. So, how can you actually learn to do this?

First of all, you need to establish what expectations you have. It’s easy to think that coming to university will be an extremely gratifying and straightforward experience; that you will meet your life-

long friends in the first week, that you will love all your lectures, and that your mum’s cooking skills will be embedded into your genetic code.

This is normal, we tend to embrace the best-case-scenario because it makes everything less stressful. However, if you don’t allow yourself to question these expectations, you will have an unrealistic scenario in your mind which will make it harder for you to adapt.

The social side of moving to university is amongst the biggest concerns. There will be people who push you to go out every night, and sometimes you won’t feel like it.

Other times you won’t feel as comfortable with the new people as you did with your friends from home. To deal with this, remind yourself that everyone’s in the same boat, and even though others might seem more outgoing, they are probably going through similar insecurities.

Don’t be scared to stand up for yourself and do what you think is best. You had a personality before you came in, so it’s not worth changing it just to fit in.

It’s also normal to feel a bit disappointed after the first few weeks, everybody is way too friendly during Fresher’s week because they want to make a good impression, so don’t place too much faith in one-night-friendships and remind yourself that strong relationships take time to forge.

Be wary about what you use as a reference when you’re searching up stuff.

Social media can be a trap: everything looks amazing, but people only record the nice bits where everyone’s still sober enough to be photogenic. What you don’t see is the tears of homesickness. Be realistic and don’t measure your experience against manufactured standards.

A better way to inform yourself is by asking others, such as friends or family, what their first year of university was like.

So, going back to the initial phrase, we’re never really starting from zero; expectations are a product of our past experiences, so by having them you will be indirectly learning more about yourself.

Maturity will come with this. You will

First year expectations: Remember, there is more to first year than the expectations. Source: Alexis Brown (via Unsplash)

Vegetarianism on a budget

Tips and tricks on how to follow a vegetarian diet at university Hannah Penwright Contributor

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Your advice desk Molly Govus Rhiannon James Columnist: Satwik Shivoham

find yourself admiring the fact that you were able to find a solution to a situation that you didn’t even expect. You will see how, after many years in a known environment, you were able to move out and as a result, know yourself to a more complex level.

All of this will ultimately make you more confident. So, if things go differently, it’s not the end of the world. As long as you’re taking it all in as a learning experience, whether that is socially, academically or in an introspective way, you’re doing great.

Embrace the whole experience with its ups and down, and if you ever need help don’t be afraid to ask for it.

oing to university is the perfect opportunity to try out new hobbies, meet new people and discover a new city.

However, one thing that you might not have thought about changing is your diet. In light of increased media coverage of environmental issues, more people than ever are switching to vegetarian diets. Students are no different. In fact, they are six times more likely to reduce meat consumption than their parents. If you’re thinking of making the change, then this article is filled with ingredient swaps, meal ideas and tips to help make it easier.

Going veggie is also great if you’re new to eating on a budget, because meat is often much more expensive than vegetarian alternatives, especially if you shop smart.

Load up your meals with fresh, plastic-free fruit and vegetables that are in season for the cheapest, most environmentally friendly dishes that will be full of colour and flavour but free from guilt. If you’re not sure what’s in season, then have a look at BBC Good Food’s seasonality table online. Roasting vegeta-

Chickpea Curry: Vegetarian meals are more than just a salad.

Source: Dragne Marius (via Unsplash) bles is a great place to start- simply wash your favourite vegetables, chop into bite-sized chunks and roast until soft. Then, add them to dishes such as chilli or frittata or serve as a side dish. They also work great alongside cheese in quesadillas for a quick snack.

If you’re worried about your protein intake, then there’s plenty

of plant-based ingredients you can add into meals to increase the nutritional content without even realising they’re there. Add finely chopped walnuts and red lentils to spaghetti bolognese to add some different textures, alongside healthy fats and protein. Marmite’s a great addition if you want more seasoning, and it’s filled with B vitamins

and minerals too. Another helpful ingredient to add is chia seeds.

They’re so tiny that you won’t notice them at all, and they work well sprinkled over dishes such as granola for an easy way to boost nutrients such as fibre and protein.

If you’re new to being vegetarian, it’s likely that at some point you’ll start craving something meaty.

That’s why it’s so important to find a meat-free alternative to common meat products such as burgers and sausages. There’s an incredible amount of choice nowadays so the best advice is to try as many as you can get your hands on until you find your favourite.

Although they are still often cheaper than meat, they can be pricier than cooking from scratch so try not to eat them for every meal. If you’re not sure where to start, try Linda McCartney mozzarella burgers, as these are a firm favourite with both my vegetarian and meat-eating friends.

Cutting out meat from your diet is a big step, so don’t worry if you slip up every so often. Just remember that you’re doing the planet, your wallet and, when done mindfully, your health a big favour. What have you got to lose?

Breaking the ice

Fun and easy ways to get to know your new housemates Jake Barratt Contributor

Hannah Penwright Contributor

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re the nerves setting in? It’s not surprising if they are, butterflies working overtime in your stomach shows that this is most likely going to be your first experience living away from home.

You’re used to having your family there for everything from laundry to cooking and you’re used to your home comforts.

The best way to get around these nerves is to do the things that you usually do – just with your flatmates in your new habitat. Go and get your washing done in the laundrette together, have a browse in Tesco for some homely decorations, take it in turns to cook.

These might sound like very basic activities at the moment but once you’ve helped pick up some of your flatmates dirty laundry, you’ve already created a bond.

We all have that feeling when we can’t wait to get home after an exhausting day, so why not go for a cycle around Bute Park or go on a shopping trip, around the city centre, and have that feeling together?

Alternatively, you could go and have a few drinks and have that exact same feeling, just at four in the morning.

The best thing to kick it all of is to go and say hello and offer them a cuppa to get things rolling.

They’re going to be just as anxious as you about the whole thing, so why not let the first conversation you have with them be a thoughtful one.

R

egardless of how you’re feeling about starting university, your housemates are likely to be a big part of settling in, and making friends with them helps make moving much easier! Cooking together is a great way to get to know each other and share recipes. If cooking’s not your strong point, it’s a chance to eat better than you might alone; as long as you help wash up afterwards!

The Great British Bake Off final is normally a few weeks into term, and last year my housemates and I had our own mini bake off between us, which was loads of fun! Chances are, one (or some) of your housemates will have their birthdays soon after starting university, and it might be their first birthday away from home.

To make it memorable, plan a surprise for them like going to one of Cardiff ’s escape rooms or taking them out for cocktails. It will be a great chance to bond and celebrate! If you’re looking for an activity that isn’t too expensive, you should try charity shopping.

We used to look for board games and house décor to make halls feel more like a home. It’s a lot cheaper than buying them new and better for the environment, too.

As you find societies to join, it’s likely you and your housemates will have sports games or concerts that you can all go and watch. This is a great way to show your support and they’re almost always free too, and, of course, they’re very fun, too.

Indi Scott-Whitehouse Contributor

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oving into a flat with complete strangers is undoubtedly a daunting prospect.

An open mind and unrehearsed confidence are the keys to allowing yourself to interact and spend time with the people you will live with for the next academic year. Whether it’s something as simple as doing the first shop together, or going out and exploring your new surroundings, any experience with your new flatmates is a great way to get to know each other. My flat and I personally enjoyed a night out and a Gavin and Stacey marathon to nurse us through the hangovers.

During the day, the society fairs and the ‘Give It a Go’ sessions are also fabulous and fun excuses to bring everyone all together to search for shared interests.

You may have some individuals who find independent living a shock to the system, so whether you’ll be the teacher or the student, cooking lessons are also an interesting bonding activity.

Also, let’s not forget that first eventful trip to a circuit laundry room which will without a doubt require some moral support! The important thing to remember is to have fun and make the most of the experience. There will be ups and downs, but you can be there to support one another through them.

And if you don’t get along with each other, there are countless opportunities to make friends in the university environment. You might even end up meeting some of your best friends for life.

CYNGOR 19 Stay Educated: ‘Fresher’s Flu’

OUR FAVOURITE ICEBREAKER TIPS

“The best way to get around these nerves is to do the things that you usually do - just with your flatmates in your new habitat.”

Jake Barratt

“The Great British Bake Off final is normally a few weeks into term, and last year my housemates and I our mini bake off between us; I won.”

Hannah Penwright

“The society fairs and the ‘give it a go’ sessions are also fabulous and fun excuses to bring everyone in the house together to search for shared interests.”

Indi Scott-Whitehouse

From Cardiff to Canada Deciding whether to study abroad

Rhiannon James Advice Editor

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he decision on whether to study abroad can be daunting as it’s a big commitment; deciding whether you want to make the most of Cardiff University and spend your whole degree here or whether you should try something new and leave everything you know behind for a semester or year. In this article, I intend to present the reality of studying abroad in order for you to make the right decision for you, studying abroad is an amazing opportunity but it’s best to know the whole picture before committing to the idea.

I’m sure you’ve heard the clichés of studying abroad, “It changed me as a person”, “the experience is an unforgettable one”, but the reason you hear these so often is because they are true. Studying abroad forces you to grow as a person, you are thrown out of your comfort zone – you are in a new location, with new people, possibly a new language and a different culture. There is a lot to take in and adjust to and for most people this experience is a solo one. Travelling on your own and essentially starting again in a new country is not

Canadian Rockies: Travelling while you’re abroad is a must.

Source: Rhiannon James something everyone goes through, therefore if you do decide to study abroad you will gain life skills and experience that some people never will. Studying abroad and being away from home for such a long period of time gives you a great sense of independence.

One of my favourite aspects of studying abroad was the opportunity to travel. If you have made the journey to a new country it makes sense

to travel around while you are there.

It is common for Universities that are partnered with Cardiff University in the study abroad programme to have an established exchange society, this is a good way to meet people who are in the exact same position as you.

These societies offer trips and excursions that won’t break the bank, allowing you to explore your surroundings on your student budget.

Researching your specific location

and its surroundings is a good way to feel that you know the city you’re moving to before you get there. It’ll also give you an idea of where you want to visit and explore.

Admittedly, studying abroad isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, you can find yourself alone a lot of the time especially at the beginning when you haven’t found your feet or your firm friends yet. This can leave you feeling quite lonely and wondering if you’ve made the right decision.

A language barrier could also make you feel isolated and insecure. Arguably, these feelings are temporary, and once you are settled in your location of choice you will embrace it and it could be the best decision you’ve ever made.

Cardiff University has an excellent Global Opportunities team that guide you through the process and are available even when you have fled the nest. They can advise you on financial, personal and academic aspects of studying abroad. If studying abroad is something you think is the path for you, or you have somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, I urge you to take advantage of this amazing opportunity that’s available to you. I am yet to find someone who regrets studying abroad.

Molly Govus Advice Editor

F

reshers’ comes with many highs and lows, but one of the lowest of lows is the dreaded Freshers’ flu. We’ve all been there and it’s safe to say, it is not the most pleasant of experiences.

It may not be fun to endure, but it is, unfortunately, an inevitable part of starting or coming back to university. When thousands of people come back to Cardiff from their home environments, there are sure to be some repercussions.

The number one reason for Fresher’s flu to arise is due to the increase of social interaction between people.

The start of the year at university is full of meetings, socials and mingling; it is what makes first term so fun and enjoyable to some, so don’t feel like you need to cut this out.

Nevertheless, on a serious note, some peers and friends may be carrying viruses and germs from their home environment that you’re not immune to which makes the perfect opportunity for the fresher’s flu.

One of the most important things to do is to use your common sense; cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, wash your hands when needed and it could be a good idea to keep hand sanitizer in your bag for times that you may need it.

In this situation, your immune system is your number one friend.

You need to treat your immune system like your lifeline; look after it as it looks after you.

One thing that all university students have in common is a lack of sleep. Ensure that you are getting the recommended 8 hours a night; partying until late followed by early morning lectures will not help your immune system in any way.

If you don’t feel alive, how can you expect your immune system to be awake and fighting off viruses? The same lesson stands for excessive alcohol and junk food consumption.

Naturally, it is a part of university life, but being able to limit the intake of these things allows for the body to achieve ultimate performance in order to maintain health.

You may think that the dreaded flu comes only from physical factors, but psychological factors play a huge role in how our body combats virus and illness.

University can be a stressful time for everyone, but the body and the mind work in unison and it is important to look after both our mental health and physical health in equal amounts.

Make sure that you are looking after yourself and listening to your body when things get stressful; it’s okay to go at your own pace. Your body can only work as fast as you let it, so make it a priority to put your hygeine and health first.

The Fresher’s flu can be a nasty addition to the beginning of term, but with a few pointers, a bit of common sense and a lot of self-care, you’ll be sure to nip it in the bud.

COLOFN

20

SATWIK Speaks

Satwik Shivoham

Keeping busy at university

‘Have i done enough?’: One of the biggest questions posed by students at the start of a new year. Header: Jon Candy (via Flickr); Main image: Athena’s Pix (via Wikimedia Commons); Right image: Pixabay

W

elcome to the second column of Satwik Speaks! I hope by now you’ve experienced a thrilling freshers’ week. If you didn’t, fret not, September 2020 Freshers’ is only a year away!

But I’m certain those who did experience the thrill probably have had different new experiences which will now be imprinted in their minds forever-thanks to Snapchat’s Flashbacks. I still struggle to believe myself when I go through my old snaps, but that’s a tale for another time.

I’m assuming you’ve sighed at your 9am lectures, already inquired about reading week, and made peace with your timetables. But, I’d advise you not to jump into the grind so blindly. Here’s why.

The biggest surprise of my university life is that time ran way faster than I’d expected, and despite having spent over two years here, I could still name dozens of things I wish to do but could never get around to doing. Lecture after lecture, semester after semester, year after year, I began to question if I’ve “done enough” or “lived it to the fullest” and if you do face these questions in the future, the blunt truth is you probably haven’t.

In university, there will seldom be somebody pushing you to engage more or have a new experience. You will get

reminders for missing seminars, but never one which will disturb your “homeostasis” and push you to experience something different.

In fact, the most effort anybody will make regarding your personal and professional development is take you along to the societies fair or the careers workshop. Beyond that, it’s solely your determination which will make all the difference. You could choose to stand your ground, which is absolutely alright, but I’m certain the “Am I doing enough here?” thought will slip into your mind and begin to degrade your morale.

I’d recommend having “game-plans” ready. They’re nothing fancy, and they resemble “to-do” lists, but they’re more elaborately chalked-out and remind you of things more important than groceries.

Give it a go! Take a sheet of paper and jot down the things you’d like to do. I personally like to keep different lists for everything. For instance, one list for personal development, and one for professional. In the “personal” list, I write down the books I want to read, places I wish to travel to, hobbies I want to adopt, and even minor every-day things like “cook more”, “Do not skip the gym for 15 days”, among other things. It helps me manage my finances too, because I only spend on things I truly wish to spend on.

On the other hand, working towards your “professional” list will work wonders for you, as a professional. Make this list a bit more organised. These mustn’t be like “bucket-lists”- you need to have the earnest drive inside to keep checking-off the boxes. If you aren’t prepared to pursue it at the moment, do not add it to the list. That might demotivate you.

Firstly, add some general plans in

It’s your determination which will make all the difference. there. Involve things you’d like to achieve, as and when you have the time. Here are a couple of items you could consider: I will start a society; I will work a certain number of jobs before I graduate; I will work to get 1st class grades in my 2nd and 3rd years; I will complete additional online courses acquiring new skills; I will start a blog, or so on and so forth. These could be things you must seek to do, but in their own time. There is no “deadline” for them, per say, but they’d enhance your employability greatly if you did complete them.

Secondly, have more specific plans

too: I will do a summer school in year 1; I will do an internship in both years 2 and 3; I will work to get a first-class degree overall; I will “practice” and enhance my employability (enrol onto the Cardiff Award), so on and so forth.

The satisfaction of checking-out items one-by-one is unparalleled. So, that might give you the reassurance that you’re being organized about your university life, and every time you checkoff an item on the list, it’ll feel like an achievement in itself. Perhaps nobody will commend you for these little feats, but the kinds of habits you develop in the process should last, and benefit you for a lifetime. Nobody will push you to do engage more in university so it’s important you make conscious efforts about not taking a back seat and just going with the grind!

The point of having over two hundred societies, dozens of careers fairs, free language-learning and careers services is that university life is not - must not - be just about academics. While it’s an integral brick in your foundation, it’s not the only brick. A lot of the people I talk to think getting a first class grade will be a bigger career boost than all of these other things combined. But I tell them that at my last interview, my supervisor was more impressed by the fact that I like to cook for myself every day, so you

never know! We never even got around to talking about grades. So, maintain your grades high enough, commendable enough, but don’t stress it after reaching that threshold.

Add some general plans...these could be things you must seek to do, but in their own time.

These lists I talk about are stuck on my clipboard, and I literally wake up to see my goals. It felt a little overwhelming for a couple of months, having life goals in your face every morning, but it gave me a great sense of purpose. Imagine being reminded every morning of why you’re at a world-class institution, that you have the potential to achieve and realising where effort’s lacking on your part when you see an item not checkedoff.

In the bigger scheme of things, you’d begin to be your own mentor, your own critic, and then you’d become independent. You wouldn’t need a “career counsellor” ever to tell you what to improve or work towards, and you’d finally have a lot to say when you’re asked, “So, tell me about yourself...”

Looking for part-time work?

Looking to get some extra cash in your pocket after a Freshers’ blow out?

Here’s just a selection of opportunities currently available through Jobshop!

Bar/Retail staff PAY: £7.70 (U25’s) £8.21 (25+) DAYS/HOURS OF POST: Sat Nov 30th WAL V BARBARIANS DETAILS & MAIN DUTIES: You will be working on the bar and food units at the Principality Stadium. Bar experience is not essential but you must have excellent communication and customer service skills.

Peer Tutor PAY: £10 Per Hour (Dependent on usage) DAYS/ HOURS OF POST: Casual/ Part time DETAILS & MAIN DUTIES: Become a Peer Tutor and earn money through your mobile! As a Peer Tutor, you will answer questions, provide feedback

and deliver live 30-minute lessons to students studying for GCSE and A-Level exams all via a smartphone.

Bilingual Website Coordinator PAY: £12.06 p/hour DAYS/ HOURS OF POST: Up to 7 hours/week (flexible) Starting ASAP until 31.03.20 DETAILS & MAIN DUTIES: Developing the Welsh version of the ExChange project website and events on Eventbrite. Translating website content from English to Welsh. Must be fluent in Welsh and have web-editing experience.

Contact Jobshop for details on how to apply. To start receiving job alerts with details of all our vacancies please head to our website for details of how to sign up.

Contact Jobshop for details on how to apply. To start receiving job alerts for all our vacancies please head to our website for details of how to sign up.

2nd floor, Students’ Union

029 2078 1535

Jobshop@cardiff.ac.uk

GWYDDONIAETH

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

SCIENCE

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/science

22

Cardiff’s Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations officially opens Greta Thunberg shows her support for Cardiff ’s new Climate Change Centre

Holly Giles Science Editor

L

ast week the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) was officially opened in Cardiff. This £5 million centre has been designed to research methods for individuals to reduce their carbon emissions, carbon footprint and environmental impact. The ultimate aim is empowering people to make changes to their lifestyle for the good of the environment and then to pass these changes on to others. Despite being based in Cardiff, the centre is a global collaboration between universities at Cardiff, Manchester, York, East Anglia and Utrecht (The Netherlands) and the Climate Outreach charity. The centre is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, a professor of which, Jennifer Rubin, promoted the need for the centre in her statement: “This is a really important centre to be funding because of its strong focus on developing and testing effective approaches to communicating climate change and its effects. Despite the urgent need to tackle climate change, researchers know that people rarely talk about it on a day-to-day basis - this means opportunities for meaningful dialogue and practical responses relevant to people’s everyday lives are missed.”

Notably, this week the centre received words of encouragement and support from climate activist, Greta Thunberg. The sixteen year-old first gained traction with her “schools strike for climate” movement which has now sky-rocketed and led to her being asked to speak in front of various governments. Most recently, at the UN Climate Summit last week. In a video to CAST she said: “I think what you’re trying to achieve with CAST is extremely important and essential because we need to take drastic measures to change our lifestyles and our current social and economic system because we cannot go on like we are today, it is too unsustainable. So, I wish you the best of luck. Continue, I stand behind you.” This public encouragement from Thunberg will no doubt have boosted

is an ambassador for veganism and has recently been part of the flightshaming movement, as detailed in last week’s copy of Gair Rhydd. Food consumption, diet and travel methods are key points of research for the centre as well as the thermoregulation of buildings, energy use and the consumption of goods. They say these are areas of everyday life with a direct impact on the environment but have previously shown a difficulty to be changed.

A key goal of the centre is to “bring about social change at all levels of society” as they believe this is the way to create lasting and effective changes to communities. In response to this the centre has four themes which they hope will help them engage with the wider community and to be able to modify their outreach to maximise its effect. These themes are: visioning, which seeks to understand the preferred ideas of the public for methods of lowering carbon emissions with public engagement and system modelling; learning, which looks at the reasons for our current situation and looks at historic experiences of social change and transformation for previous influ-

ences on the public and from it to take advice; trialling, this has a “learn by doing methodology” where projects work directly with households to see the behavioural changes in response to different stimuli and methods; and finally engaging, which teaches the public at various groups and levels of the information gathered in themes 1-3 and the most efficient methods to reduce our environmental impact. The centre believes with this combination of four themes they can “transform the way we live our lives, and reconfigure organisation and cities”, says Laura Whitmarsh, CAST director.

With the high calibre of universities the centre is forged from and the public backing of Miss Thunberg means the centre has got off to a flying start. However, we are far from seeing the results of the centre. The nature of social engagement and attempts to change the perceptions and attitudes of society are always long-term projects which take a generation or more to change. Themes 1 to 4 offer a promising plan to change the emissions of our city, country and world but their achievability is something only time will tell.

A £3.5 million centre will put Cardiff and South Wales at the forefront of pioneering technologies

C Danny Brown Holly Giles

staff morale within the centre and reminded them of the importance of their work. For the public this statement offers hope that action is being taken to counteract climate change and that people are responding to the calls of action represented by our news.

The CAST centre surveyed 2,018 people with their attitudes towards climate change. They found more than 60% of participants said climate change requires a “high” or “extremely high” level of urgency. Furthermore, over half suggested limiting meat consumption and two thirds supported limiting air travel. The director of the centre, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, responded to the survey with the statement: “Our new survey findings make clear that most people feel climate change is an urgent issue, and are willing to make significant changes to their own lifestyles to help tackle it. Changing travel and food habits are amongst the most impactful thing individuals can do to reduce their carbon footprint - it’s very encouraging that there’s support amongst the public for these changes.”

These points of public influence have also been promoted by Thunberg who

Cardiff to open new centre for AI and Robotics Danny Brown Science Editor

Your science desk

Themes of change: Food consumption, diet, travel and energy use are all key topics for the centre and Greta Thunberg. Source: Jeremy Segrott (via Flickr)

ardiff University is set to open a new centre for Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Human-Machine Systems (IROHMS) thanks to a major investment from the European Union, and it will put Cardiff and South Wales in the middle of pioneering and emerging technologies.

IROHMS will combine and build on the research from the internationally recognised expertise at Cardiff

University’s Schools of Engineering, Computer Science and Informatics, and Psychology. A focus will be put on sectors of strategic importance for Wales, including wireless factory machinery, aerospace, high-value digital manufacturing; among many others.

The £3.5 million centre, which has been subsidised by £1.8 million from the EU through Welsh Government, will also ensure that future research discoveries and innovations are made in Cardiff.

Lead Principle Investigator of

IROHMS, Professor Rossi Setchi, has said: “This new centre draws on a vision of the world that is humancentric, interactive, interconnected, data-rich, knowledge-intensive and smart.

“Our aim is to make South Wales an area of excellence in AI, Robotics and Human-Machine Systems, that is known across the world, attracting further investments and the very best research expertise.”

Lee Waters, Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport, said: “As a government, we want to see Wales

at the very forefront of data driven innovation. This impressive Centre will directly target new opportunities emerging in the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Human Machine Systems industry and improve our ever growing national and international reputation in the field.

“I am delighted to officially open this facility, supported by £1.8 million of EU funds, which will bring added collaboration with businesses and other institutions and strengthen the global impact Wales is already having in the sector.”

GWYDDONIAETH 23

Bathroom scales to monitor heart failure of patients from home

This new product could detect changes to patients heart rhythms and alert doctors, removing thousands of annual hospital admissions Holly Giles Science Editor

A

s you read this your heart is (hopefully!) pumping blood around your body to deliver sufficient oxygen to all your muscles, organs and tissues. However, for as many as 920,000 people in the UK and 6.2 million Americans this is not the case; these people are living with heart failure, meaning the heart is not pumping as much blood around the body as it should. This often occurs after the heart tissue has been damaged, for example by a stroke. More than 80% of these patients are diagnosed in hospitals despite over half of them displaying symptoms which should have been picked up by doctors and healthcare professionals at a much earlier stage. This is the battle which researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are trying to change.

These researchers envisage a day when a commercial bathroom scale would be able to monitor changes in patients with heart failure each morning. These results would then be communicated to a doctor who could call

the patient and arrange changes to medication remotely. This would cut thousands of hospital admissions, release strains on the NHS and remove unecessary suffering of patients.

This may sound like a far-fetched dream however this week 43 heart failure patients reported success using the scales and the machine’s processing of their data. These strides have been made by the team through the use of the signal called a ballistocardiogram (BCG). This was a common medical practical in the early 1900s but was quickly replaced by more modern imagine technology. However, through cutting edge computation technology the team have been able to utilise BCG in a new way; “Our work is the first time that BCGs have been used to classify the status of heart failure patients,” said Omer Inan, the study’s principal investigator: “The elements of the BCG signal aren’t really well known yet, and they haven’t been measured in patients very much at all.”

BCGs are a nechanical signal, whereas EKGs use a electrical signal. It is the use of a combination of BCG and ECK signals which allows the team to

Heart failure: Left image shows a healthy heart, the right shows a failing heart where the walls are too thin to function. Source: Wikimedia Commons monitor heart failure through tracking inconsistencies in blood flow around the body.

Of course this product, which was launched in 2011, is still a long way from hitting our shelves commerically but it proves proof-of-concept

that this item is possible and offers hope that one day we can monitor organ failure in this remote but effective way. Testing of the product has now moved into hospitals and in-situ home tests, where results continue to be promising.

EU Funds support low carbon economy in Wales

£3 million project to develop low carbon energy systems based in Port Talbot Sam Tilley Deputy Editor

A

lmost three million pounds of European Union funds will be available to a new Cardiff University project that will help scientific researchers and industry specialists to develop low carbon energy systems.

The FLEXISapp project will allow

for collaborative research into suitable components for use in sustainable energy systems. The project will help companies who are already based in Wales in addition to those who are planning to relocate into the region.

The FLEXISapp project follows on from the ongoing FLEXIS research programme which itself was supported by £15m of EU funds.

FLEXIS (Flexible Integrated Energy Systems) was established to develop an energy systems research capability in Wales which will build on the existing capabilities and systems of Welsh universities. Counsel General and Brexit Minister Jeremy Miles, who oversees EU funding in Wales, said: “Wales is now firmly established as a leading scientific centre for research into flexible energy systems. It’s vital that we continue to develop creative solutions to global energy efficiency challenges, and help to lead the transition towards a greener, low-carbon economy.

The new FLEXISapp project will be to develop “resiliant, affordable, secure energy system accross Wales which has the potential for global application.

FLEXIS Project

Response to EU funding: “We are delighted to recieve further EU support to develop the Demonstration Area covering Port Talbot” - Professor Hywel Thomas. Source: Wikimedia Commons

The overall aim of the new FLEXISapp project will be to develop a “resilient, affordable, secure energy system across Wales which has the potential for global application.”

The project focuses on a number of different technologies and schemes in order to work towards a low-car-

bon, renewable energy economy.

These technologies include hydrogen and fuel cells and grid integration of renewable energy sources in addition to the social aspects of such a scheme including factoring in the public response to renewable systems and technology.

A physical site based in the Neath Port Talbot area, named the FLEXIS Demonstration Area, will feature as a demonstration hub to test and showcase new products as component parts of functioning energy systems.

Professor Hywel Thomas, FLEXIS lead principal investigator added: “We are delighted to receive further EU support to develop the Demonstration Area covering Port Talbot, which will model energy and CO2 flows, alternative energy generation and distribution processes as well as improving the efficiency of existing business and the potential for new businesses in the area.”

EU funding continues to drive progress in R&D, science, infrastructure and skills in Wales, and plays a vital part in modernising our economy.

Professor Hywel Thomas

Euclid Space Telescope makes key progress Charlotte King Deputy Editor

T

he Euclid mission to uncover the mysteries of the “dark Universe” has reached a significant milestone this week as the prototype Euclid telescope has emerged successful from its most recent trial.

The Euclid mission is a European space mission costing €800 million in order to “map the geometry of the Universe” in an effort to better understand “why the expansion of the Universe is accelerating”. This could answer questions about the nature of dark energy and the source responsible for this acceleration, of which very little is currently known.

It was recently announced that the mission’s telescope was successful in its latest trial where it was subjected to the conditions it will experience in orbit. The Euclid will experience these challenges is 2022 when it is expected to launch and “map the cosmos” in an attempt to greater understand this dark energy which comprises approximately 75% of the Universe’s energy content.

The mission will be using a 1.2 metre diameter telescope to scan an area of the sky which amounts to over 35% of the celestial sphere, and will “[probe] cosmic epochs from before the expansion started to accelerate, all the way to the present.” The telescope will survey galaxies at various distances away from Earth through using weak gravitational lensing to measure the level of distortion of distant galaxies alongside measuring fluctuations in the density of baryonic matter, or normal matter.

Scientists working on the project hope that these measurements and observations will allow them to reconstruct billions of years of the Universe’s history of expansion so they can eventually estimate how much acceleration has been caused by dark energy.

The structural and thermal model of the Euclid satellite has also recently undergone qualification tests at the Thales Alenia Space premises in France, where it was used in a near-flight configuration exercise. The satellite was exposed to the payload it will endure during the official launch and upon successful completion of the simulation, ESA confirmed that the model is now ready to undergo mechanical vibration tests soon.

Currently, the process of integrating the Euclid telescope flight model and service module is underway with the intention of successfully integrating these two modules in 2021. From then on, the completed satellite is expected to undergo final testing before being launched the following year. However, the Euclid mission is currently running 18 months behind schedule. Despite this, the European Space Mission remains sure that the future of the mission looks “robust”. This is supported by the successful trials for the Euclid telescope and the structural and thermal model of the satellite which are significant milestones in the mission’s progress. The satellite is growing evercloser to launching and with it we grow ever-closer to understanding the “dark Universe” and the force behind the Universe’s expansion.

24

SCIENCE

Smart baby monitor cameras pose a serious security leak

Over 14,000 devices suspected to have been affected by this latest leak in cyber security Holly Giles Science Editor

I

’m supposed to protect my son and I feel like I failed him” says mother, Jamie Summitt, after finding out her security camera had leaked videos of her baby to the internet. It makes me kind of sick to think what kind of stuff the person may have seen and still could be out there.”

She discovered her camera was being controlled remotely when her phone alerted her the camera was moving; “I looked over on my phone and saw that it was slowly panning over across the room to where our bed was and stopped.” She later realised this was the spot where she breastfed her son multiple times a day. This story is echoed by an Australian mother, Emma McCarthy, who saw the camera moving whilst breastfeeding: “I sat down to feed her and the camera turned to focus on us.”

Unfortunately, these women are not the only ones to have experienced this problem; over 14,000 devices from Apexis and Sumpple (both available on Amazon) are said to have been affected by this latest leak. “This is extremely serious,” says Frank Groenewegen of the cyber security company Fox-IT. “At home you must be entitled to your privacy.” However,

this previously protected space has now become a feeding-ground for hackers with every device connected to the internet being a potential point of entry. Any device which you can watch remotely, turn the camera and talk through the speaker, for example smart doorbells or smart cameras, can also be manipulated to record images. This breaches people’s privacy and makes them vulnerable to further crimes.

Apexis, the parent company of Sumpple, has a database of email addresses and passwords of all its users.

The password to access this database however has been listed in the world worst passwords, meaning it is ridiculously easy for proficient hackers to access this data. Once entry has been gained, thousands of worldwide users information lies uncensored and uncoded. It’s not enough to change for a user to change their password either as this will only be updated to the insecure database.

“It is truly frightening how easily a criminal, voyeur or paedophile can take over these devices,” said Dr. Yossi Oren, senior lecturer in Ben Gurion’s Implementation Security and SideChannel Attacks Lab. “Using these devices in our lab, we were able to play loud music through a baby monitor, turn off a thermostat and turn on a camera remotely, much to

H

ow to stay safe when you buy a smart camera:

Baby Monitors: The hackers who discovered the leak felt compelled to report it due to the infant content. Source: Wikimedia Commons the concern of our researchers who themselves use these products.” Dr. Oren also added that “it only took 30 minutes to find passwords for most of the devices and some of them were found only through a Google search of the brand.”

A further danger is the fact that people often use the same password for other sites or security methods.

There is no telling how much power and information hackers are able to gain from this data.

The leak was first reported by The Arcanum Group, a collective of

anonymous hackers that included concerned parents. “Because the baby monitors also involve children, we feel compelled to inform people about this leak through the media,” says a spokesperson for the group.

They did not however receive a hearing from the companies who also ignored repeated questions from the media. The only solution for now is to pull the power on these devices and stop using them. Groenewegen says, “it’s an unsafe product, it’s an unsound product. And reclaim your money.”

• Use famous, wellknown brands • See if the camera has a physical slide to cover the lens when you are at home and, if so, ensure you use it when at home • Keep up to date with updates on your camera • Use a strong password for the camera and your account • Use a password you do not use for any other account or log-in • When placing your camera remember that hackers can take control of the camera and adjust the image frame

Wi-Fi 6 is here... Nearly But what happened to Wi-Fi 1 to 5?

Danny Brown Science Editor

T

he Wi-Fi Alliance has announced the next generation Wi-Fi connection, called Wi-Fi 6.

Set to be released later this year, Wi-Fi 6 will bring about several significant upgrades. It will work using the wider ranged 2.4GHz and shorter ranged 5GHz wave bands, which is already a big improvement

which only worked on using 5GHz. The Wi-Fi Alliance has stated that peak speeds on a single device will be increased by up to 37% compared to Wi-Fi 5, meaning you won’t normally experience the full bump in speeds as there will likely be more than one device connected at a time.

Alongside the expected speed increase, the headline upgrade is the improved performance in densely crowded areas, such as in large public venues and apartment blocks.

The average data throughput per user has been stated to be at least four times better in dense environments.

Another benefit that Wi-Fi 6 promises is the ability for data streams to share the same channel and the sharing of the bandwidth in the channel will better allocated.

This basically means that devices that need a lot of data throughput (for example, a smart TV streaming 4K content) which are sharing a channel with other less demanding devices (i.e. scrolling through Instagram; using google docs; etc…), the TV will get priority over the channel.

A big real world benefit that WiFi 6 will bring about is better power efficiency. Devices that are Wi-Fi 6 certified should have much im-

proved battery life.

All these improvements will make a huge difference in coming years as the number of Internet of Things devices in households increase.

You might not have been aware of the previous five generations of WiFi, as they were known as a rather complicated combination of numbers and letters, and if you aren’t very fluent in computing jargon, you probably don’t know the difference between 802.11b and 802.11a.

Despite what you might believe, 802.11b was the name for the first generation of Wi-Fi, and 802.11a was the name for the second generation.

In 2018, the Wi-Fi Alliance changed the naming scheme in order to reduce the complexity and possible misunderstandings that

can come about from the original naming scheme. Now equipment can say what generation of Wi-Fi it supports, either 4, 5 or 6, as these versions are generally very backwards compatible, meaning they can connect to most, or all, of the Wi-Fi versions before it.

Sharing bandwith, improved performance and greater efficiency... Wi-Fi 6 boasts these new improvements.

There are many other changes that come along with Wi-Fi 6, to explore all these and to get more information and updates, the Wi-Fi Alliance official website, wi-fi.

Wi-Fi 6 | The Stats 37% faster than previous generation But what about 1-5?: Wi-Fi 6 will hopefully reach the public later this year. Source: Wikimedia Commons

4x the throughput in user crowded environments

25% capacity boost over Wi-Fi 5

Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

easy / hawdd

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

Word Wheel

Kakuro

Using the central letter, find as many 4+ letter words as you can.

Each letter can be used only once.

Can you find the 9-letter conundrum?

Clue: Nourish

Quick Maths 12

4

24

+58

÷7

x8

HALF IT

3/8

x3

OF

HALF TREBLE IT IT

÷4

DOUBLE IT

DOUBLE IT

+2

÷5

x4

+32 ÷4

3/4

+5

-9

SQUARE IT

3/4 OF

+5

-7

HALF IT

OF

÷8 +44 ÷3

FIVE MINUTE FUN

With lectures starting last week, you’re already bound to be wishing away the time as the clock tick... tick... ticks... towards 5 o’clock (or you will be if you’re an Engineer). Why not help pass that time with another glorious edition of everyone’s favourite puzzle page? Go on, make the first move! Don’t be shy!

You know you want to...

Hidato

Sudoku

PUM MUNUD HWYL 25

Here are a few quick brainteasers to give your maths mind a little run out.

Can you solve them?

Fill in the grid using the numbers 1-9, each number can only be used once per sum.

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

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

M

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

These are tricksy puzzles which were first used during WWII to communicate information undetected. That was a complete lie - I have absolutely no idea if they were used for real codes, but one can dream and you probably believed me anyway...

Fill in the grid with the letters A-Z. Each number corresponds to one letter. I’ve decoded a few letters to get you started!

S I

Get involved on Twitter with #FMF and share your pictures with the puzzle page around the University!

Most audacious photo wins the grand prize of one gallon of fresh Cathays air. Mmm, delicious!

Keep your best suggestions for Freshers to do flowing in to @gairrhydd too!

WELSH WORD OF THE WEEK

DIOLCH

THANK YOU

Your puzzle master Michael Ash

@CAERDYDD

To contact our campus life desk, drop us an email at caerdydd@gairrhydd.com

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/@caerdydd

@CAERDYDD

26

Film finds support in Cardiff October becomes film month in the Welsh Capital

Tirion Davies @Caerdydd Editor

T

he Iris Prize Film Festival returns to Cardiff for its 13th anniversary this month, the same month the BAFTA Cymru Awards 2019 are taking place in the heart of Cardiff. Between these two mammoth events taking place in October and the recent announcement of Rhys Ifans as an ambassador for Into Film Cymru, support for film in Cardiff has earned a radical elevation. Here’s the low-down on what’s going on, how to get involved, and how the film industry in Wales is going from strength to strength.

The Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival began in 2007 and prides itself on sharing the best of LGBT+ filmmaking in Cardiff each year. Year after year, many flock to Cardiff for the festival with Iris Prize earning publicity in recent years following the success of its previous winner, Dee Rees, who has since earned notoriety following her 2017 film 'Mudbound' which was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Rees.

As the festival approaches its 13th year later this month, and with Cardiff University as one of many sponsors of the awards, the Iris Prize has elected to introduce a new showcase. The showcase, new for 2019, will include student filmmakers from across the UK. The film festival will take place in venues around Cardiff center, including Tramshed Cardiff, Cineworld, ATRium Cardiff and the Iris Festival Club (located on the first floor of the Capital Shopping Centre) between October 8 and 13.

There is the option to buy a full festival pass, or simply a Weekend or Day Pass, with discounts for students also available!

By popping over to the Iris Prize

Events - October 2019 National Theatre Live Presents: Source: Wikimedia Fleabag Commons Cardiff Odeon and Cardiff Vue: Encores between October 2-9 2019 A Midsummer's Night's Dream LIVE: Cardiff Vue, Cardiff Odeon, Cardiff Cineworld and Chapter Arts Centre October 17 2019 7:00pm

Wales Millennium Centre:

Your @Caerdydd desk Tirion Davies

BAFTA Cymru: The BAFTA Cymru statues on display before the ceremony begins. Source: Wikipedia Film Festival’s website, you can check the full programme of films, events, parties and prices. Although in 2019, Iris Prize Live is available to those who’d rather experience Iris from the comfort of their home or halls. But if you’d rather be there in person, opening night is just £5 for students and takes place at 7pm at Cineworld Screen 8 on the 8th of October.

With Russel T Davies announcing the winner of the Iris Prize 2019, and the Iris Carnival returning for yet another year, the Iris Prize Film Festival is an unmissable event.

A staple of Welsh film and television appreciation, the 28th BAFTA Cymru Awards take place on October 13 this year at St. David’s Hall, Cardiff. Celebrating Welsh film and television, the BAFTA Cymru Awards helps to boost the visibility of Welsh filmmaking. With the BBC moving its home this year from Llanishen to Cardiff Central, making its new home next to Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Cardiff ’s support for film and television will be boosted further this year.

If you’re on the lookout for a celebrity sighting, you can watch the BAFTA Cymru red carpet in person, for free. By arriving at 5pm, you

have the chance to watch, take photos and even meet some of the celebrities attending this years’ awards ceremony.

If you want a piece of the action, there’s the opportunity for £98 to attend the 2019 BAFTA Cymru Awards. This ticket offers access to the red carpet, a Champagne Taittinger reception, the awards ceremony and the after party including food, free drinks and a special photo booth experience. The tickets also include access to the two rooms at the after party, with DJs in both to keep guests entertained until 2am.

As a way to celebrate Welsh film and television whilst rubbing shoulders with some famous faces (note: Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen and Matthew Rhys are some of this year’s nominees), it’s definitely worth considering.

But if you’re not keen on spending that much money on a night out, there’s always the option of watching the BAFTA Cymru Facebook Live event or watch its Youtube channel from 6pm for exclusive interviews with attendees.

Welsh film has earned massive support with the recent announcement of Rhys Ifans as the newest ambassador for Into Film Cymru, joining

Cardiff University Events:

Clwb Ifor Bach:

Cardiff Half Marathon October 6, beginning at 10:00am Source: Wikimedia 'Plastic PolCommons lution: From Research to Everyday Life' October 15, Sir Martin Evans Building, C/0.07. 05:30pm.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Day October 10 between 10:00am and 03:00pm in St Dyfrig and St Samson Church, Grangetown.

Sherman Theatre Cymru:

Grease the Musical October 15-19, matinee and evening performances

Hedda Gabler October 18 - November 2

9 to 5 the Musical October 29 - November 2

Getting the third degree October 25, 7:45pm

Fleetwood Mac Night October 8, 11:00pm Source: Wikimedia One Direction Commons Party October 10, 11:00pm Blodyn Papur Gig October 11, 07:00pm Ibibio Sound Machine October 15, 07:00pm Bang Bang Romeo October 16, 07:00pm

Story:

Quids In with Joey Source: WikimeEssex dia Commons October 7, 10:00pm

the likes of Matthew Rhys, Celyn Jones and Michael Sheen. Into Film offers resources, CPD training and industry-led events developed and formed with Welsh audiences in mind.

The programme was made in attempt to support schools and colleges in educating and promoting the use of the Welsh language and highlighting the career opportunities available within the Welsh creative sector.

This year, the 2019 Into Film Festival will take place between November 6-22, showcasing films created by young people throughout Wales. Offering a platform for young filmmakers between the ages of 15 and 19, the festival also includes an awards ceremony, and each entry for next year's 2020 festival (entries open until 6 December 2019) will be entered into a draw to win £1,000 worth of filmmaking equipment.

Welsh filmmaking is earning its voice thanks to programmes like these, beginning the encouragement for filmmaking at a young age.

For young filmmakers from Cardiff, they’re getting the opportunity to gain experiences which would otherwise be hard to attain at such a young age.

Whether you’re interested in the Iris Prize Film Festival, the Into Film Festival, or BAFTA Cymru 2019’s Awards show, there’s plenty for the avid film fan this October in Cardiff.

CUTV will be on the red carpet at the BAFTA Cymru Awards, be sure to keep an eye out for their coverage of the Awards!

To learn more about the Iris Prize, search irisprize.org.

Pryzm: Captain Morgan's Shipwreck Island October 19, 11:00pm Agenda/Halloween October 26, 11:00pm Halloween House of Horrors October 31, 10:00pm

Chapter Arts: Elis James October 14-28, various times October Fiesta October 19, 07:00-11:00pm, Studio The Creature, Company of Sirens October 1-10, 08:00pm

Source: Wikipedia

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CHWARAEON

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

For more content, head to gairrhydd.com/sport

World Championships: A sport in crisis?

Coleman doping scandal and poor attendance in Doha exposes the dire state of athletics Luke Wakeling Sport Editor

T

en years ago, Usain Bolt struck a new world record for the 100m sprint that still stands today.

Athletics for the following eight or so years was revitalised by the exploits of this clean athlete, who managed to divert attention from the sport’s troublesome relationship with doping.

Now, with the eight-time Olympic gold-medallist retired, athletics finds itself back under a dark cloud devoid of flashes of brilliance from the charismatic Jamaican.

Christian Coleman ran the fastest race of his life at the World Championships in Doha, winning gold with a time of 9.76 in the 100m final.

The 23-year-old, who is now the sixth fastest man ever, beat the impressive 37-year-old Gatlin who clocked 9.89. It was an emphatic victory. It should have had an emphatic reaction.

Yet, the truth remains–the winner had missed three drug tests and the runner-up had already been convicted of doping, all in front of a half empty stadium.

It should be noted that Coleman

hasn’t been convicted of doping and has strongly defended his case by saying “I have never failed a drugs test and never will” and has stated that it’s just people trying to smear his reputation.

Athletics needs to entertain again and the empty stadium in Doha isn’t helping Coleman added that “there have been a lot of inaccurate things said in the media over the past few weeks; it’s a shame we live in a world where clicks equals money, yet people still believe everything they read.”

The American had been charged with missing three drugs tests and was facing an automatic one-year ban when the case was withdrawn after being advised by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

‘Missing’ a drugs test can sound harsh here – what it actually meant was that Coleman failed to let officials know of his whereabouts, which every athlete has to do for one hour every day.

However, surely as a professional athlete this process should become routine, and questions still have to

be asked as to why Coleman failed to do this three times in a year.

There is much debate amongst ex-athletes as to whether Coleman should be the new poster boy of athletics, as Lord Coe believes he should be given the benefit of the doubt and Michael Johnson arguing the scandal “completely disqualifies” him from holding the mantle.

The fact that this debate is taking place instead of a celebration though already signifies a regression in the sport.

Critics say that athletics never really took full advantage of Bolt to revive the sport; ex British sprinter Darren Campbell explains it rather “rode on his back”.

With Bolt gone, athletics needs to entertain again and the empty sta-

dium in Doha isn’t helping.

The low attendance for the women’s 100m final was particularly evident, with pictures circulating of a stadium that looked 20 percent full at the most.

Some even reckoned that the 40,000-seat stadium was attended by no more than 1000 people, resulting in an eerie and underwhelming atmosphere.

The World Championships have only further portrayed athletics as a sport limping towards the finish line.

Instead of lifting the sport back up, controversial figures like Coleman seem to be at its ankles, dragging it further behind.

All of this begs the question that many other fans are starting to ponder: Is athletics a sport in Crisis?

Sinking: Khalifa International Stadium Source: Wikimedia Commons

Wales Euro 2020 qualifiers preview

Matt Hancock-Bruce looks at Wales’ chances of making it to the Euro 2020 finals signing Daniel James.

James has enjoyed a fruitful start to his Premier League campaign, notching three goals in six appearances.

He will therefore be confident of adding to his Wales tally having scored the only goal in the previous fixture against Slovakia as well as in the side’s last match, a 1-0 victory over Belarus.

Matt Hancock-Bruce Contributor

T

hursday sees Wales’ Euro 2020 qualifying campaign get back under way, starting with a trip to Slovakia where they hope for a repeat of their 1-0 victory in March.

The game in Trnava was scheduled to be played behind closed doors due to a FIFA sanction resulting from racist chants by Slovakian supporters.

However, the ban has since been lifted meaning that the 2000-plus Wales fans with tickets will be unaffected.

Wales’ form away from home hasn’t been at its best recently - losing both of their previous away qualifying matches against Croatia and Hungary.

Yet, since those defeats Wales have secured wins against both Azerbaijan and Belarus, giving them a much-needed confidence boost heading into the crucial clash.

Slovakia, meanwhile, will be hoping to bounce back, having been embarrassed by the group leaders Croatia, who ran away with a 4-0 victory at the beginning of September.

Marek Hamsik, now of Chinese

Home advantage: Wales hosting Slovakia Source: Llion Carbis Super League side Dalian Yifang, is likely to captain the home side once more, already holding the record for appearances and goals for his country.

Elsewhere on the pitch centre back Milan Skriniar will ensure that finding the back of the net is no easy task for the Welsh attack.

After the away fixture, attention will turn to Sunday when Wales return home to welcome World Cup finalists Croatia to the Welsh capital.

The star-studded squad top the group having only lost once in their qualifying campaign, a shock loss to Hungary in March.

The visitors have no shortage of talent, and they don’t come much more talented than midfield dynamo Luka Modric who will be relishing a trip to the Welsh capital, having won the UEFA Champions League on his previous visit in 2017.

In terms of team news for Wales, there are no major injury concerns for manager Ryan Giggs with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey both featuring prominently for their respective European powerhouses.

However, the man who could prove the deciding factor plies his trade a little closer to home, in the form of new Manchester United

Croatia will be a great test for this Welsh side in search of Euro Securing three points in one of these games will likely prove a tough task for Giggs’ men but they know that victory is essential if they want to stand any chance of qualifying for EURO 2020.

Wales lie fourth in their qualifying group, three points and a game in hand behind second place and automatic qualifiers Slovakia, making the matchup in Trnava even more important.

Overall, Wales should have enough strength in their ranks to overcome the Slovaks but a win against Croatia may be too far, raising the stakes for next month’s final round of qualifiers.

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

CHWARAEON

Kit clash embarrassment in Cymru Premier W Fixture between Cardiff Metropolitan University and Cefn Druids postponed after shirt

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Jack Vavasour Cardiff Blues Columnist

hen I was offered the role as Cardiff Blues Columnist for the 2019/20 season I was over the moon.

I thought long and hard about what I could bring to the role and just how far I could push the boundaries of a column.

Along with attending matches, I shall attempt to read as much Cardiff Blues related content as is possible for a full time student.

This role will not be a chore for me as I have loved rugby from the first second I picked up a ball.

The Blues are a wonderful side with plenty of potential to excite and I am hoping that they ignite their playmakers this season to greater success than in recent years.

I wish not only to make this a column merely commenting upon the Blues but also reference the Blues within the wider context of the game Seeing red: The game has been rearranged for November 23 and how national and international matters affect the Cardiff outfit.

Townsend, the official in question who keep the players safe and it’s important This will be particularly potent took the decision to postpone the game, to give plenty of respect to him too. It’s within the early stages of the season did not do this. hard to put all the blame on anyone and with the World Cup ongoing.

A statement from Cefn Druids, who I don’t think anyone is to blame today, I I also want to make this column had travelled over 130 miles for the just think it’s unfortunate.” enjoyable and fun, sometimes I match, read: “Prior to the fixture, the Meanwhile, Cardiff Met boss Chris- might even seek to break convention club had communicated, in all good tian Edwards said: “It’s very disappoint- in an attempt to innovate. faith, with all relevant parties, as re- ing. Both teams were on the pitch ready Regardless, I shall do my best to quired. There was no intimation of a po- to play. I think it’s just been an honest relay the news of the Blues to the tential colour clash until the kit inspec- mistake from those at Druids bringing readers of Gair Rhydd. tion by match officials at Cyncoed.” their red kits to Cardiff”.

With only six players away on inDruids manager Huw Griffiths added: Gair Rhydd Sport has contacted the ternational duty during the World “I’ve had a word with the ref, and he’s FAW for comment but are yet to receive Cup, the Blues will be looking to said that he must do things that will a response. make a strong start to the season with other regions having lost a great deal more.

Furthermore, Cardiff Blues will be looking for a strong start out of the blocks in order to improve their standing from last season, when they failed to qualify for the play-offs.

In Europe, the Blues will hope to dominate the Challenge Cup as they did two years ago.

Last year was far less of a triumph as they could only beat Lyon, a thoroughly disappointing French outfit, comfortably succeeded in both for- perfectly for fans and pundits alike after being destroyed by Glasgow mats. the difference between red ball and and Saracens.

Following a successful World Cup white ball cricket.

In truth, both the Warriors and and a completion of a four year cycle, England need batsmen who can Saracens are very classy outfits, but the scrutiny then fell on the Test side. battle against the best bowlers in the if the Blues see themselves as conSurely, if we are successful in one world. tenders then these are games they form we should be in another?

We will find these batsmen in the should be at least competing in.

Once again, this is not always the domestic game.

I hope that this encourages readcase. however, English cricket is far ers to return to my column regularly Regardless, England would hope from doom and gloom. in order to read what I have to say to at least be in the same ballpark as The ECB just need to realise that about the Blues - this will be an intheir white ball counterparts. players come from the domestic sys- teresting and exciting year for both tem and if you don’t believe that it Welsh and Blues fans alike. is producing talented players then it In the meantime, we shall enjoy If you don’t trust is your responsibility to change that the wonders of Japan before turning your domestic red rather than paper over cracks and our attention back to the Pro 14 to ball tournament sweep the problems under the car- see if the Blues can once again regain then how can a pet.Some English players have impres- the glory of previous years. player prove their sive statistics in the Championship. worth?

If I were the selectors I would stop complaining and saying that these players aren’t good enough.

The gulf in class is astounding.

I would silence the fans by playing The reason for this is because the them, if they succeed then that’s brilECB reversed their previous selec- liant. tion policy and decided to select the England will travel down under red ball side on white ball form. with a terrifyingly fast attack of Jofra Unfortunately, Roy has hardly Archer, Olly Stone and Mark Wood. played any red ball cricket of late and There many positives to take when even less as an opener in the format. you analyse England cricket as a Cummins and co. must have been whole, we just need to realise that licking their lips as Roy highlighted they are there.

colours are deemed too similar

Olly Allen Sport Editor

S

ky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme rarely, if ever, covers the Welsh top-flight in its coverage of the weekend’s games. However, that changed on Saturday September 28, but for all the wrong reasons. On a day when the talking point should have been perennial champions The New Saints losing a home league game for just the fourth time in three years, something rather more bewildering caught the attention.

“Something I’ve never seen before has happened”, host Jeff Stelling chuckled.

“The League of Wales [Cymru Premier] game today, between Cardiff Met University and Cefn Druids has been postponed. Due to a kit clash.”

“What? No!”, “Someone’s got to have some bibs”, “Skins!” were the responses from the punditry team, in fits of laughter. “I have never ever, ever, ever heard of a game being called off at that level, for a kit clash. I mean not even at Sunday morning level!”, Stelling affirmed.

The incident is embarrassing for a division that is trying to present itself as more professional – this summer, the

league structure underwent a rebrand with a new name, new logo and the inclusion of the first and second tiers under the same banner. But a story such as this reaching national media, along with the fact that there was no website for the league until matchday eight, won’t help matters.

The question must be asked why the kit clash and subsequent postponement was allowed to happen in the first place.

Cardiff Met’s home shirt is a dark red maroon colour, so it is confusing that Cefn Druids arrived in their red away shirt, considering their black and white home strip would not have clashed.

They could, however, point to Llanelli wearing red against Met last season as a precedent for the game going ahead.

In addition, Gair Rhydd Sport understands that it would have taken Cardiff Met over an hour to source their away kit, which would not have been feasible as the pitch at the Cyncoed Campus was booked directly after the Cymru Premier fixture, adding to the bizarre nature of the situation. Furthermore, we understand that the kits for all matches in the division are confirmed in midweek on the FAW’s COMET system online and that it is the referee’s job to check for clashes. It must be presumed that Gavin

The Hundred: A dangerous concept for ECB red-ball cricket Jack Vavasour analyses forthcoming changes to the ECB system

Jack Vavasour Contributor

H

ow does one characterise England’s performance this summer?

When considering this question, we must understand that cricket should be categorized into two different sections: red ball and white ball cricket.

England’s focus recently has been on white ball cricket, this has been well founded following a World Cup victory.

However, their complete disregard for red ball cricket has needs to be addressed.

Next year the ECB are introducing a potentially revolutionary tournament ‘The Hundred’.

English cricket already has a T20 competition which is frequented by many big name players. It may not be the money grab that ‘The Hundred’ will be yet it still attracts overseas players.

‘The Hundred’ is a daunting prospect for English domestic cricket and will have long lasting and damaging effects on England’s international game.

One of the biggest flaws in the ECB is that the selection committee doesn’t deem the County Championship as a valuable measure of how talented a player is.

They doubt the quality of the competition. ‘The Hundred’ not only intensifies the ECB’s focus on white ball cricket but will further dim the selectors view of the County Championship.

The season is already overflowing with matches shoehorned into a tight schedule.

First-Class cricket is forced to the edges of the season and played in increasingly challenging conditions.

This will be exaggerated with the introduction of ‘The Hundred’ as the ECB’s new ‘golden child’ shall occupy the best weeks of the summer.

Prior to England’s white ball revolution and dominance they were a side who conquered the Test arena.

During that period, English selectors were condemned for their belief that Test cricketers who were playing well deserved a space in the One-Day side.

As previously mentioned, the two are entirely beasts.

Some players, like Kevin Pietersen and, more recently, Joe Root have

30 SPORT Olly Allen Sport Editor CCFC Column

I

am writing this column the day after what was arguably Cardiff City’s best display of the 2019/20 season so far. Goals from Sean Morrison, Marlon Pack and Callum Paterson saw the Bluebirds dispatch QPR 3-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium – their biggest margin of victory since February 2018.

It was the performance that Neil Warnock would have been crying out for. Despite now being seven games unbeaten, it was the first time that Cardiff had been comfortable victors in a game, with their previous three wins this season coming by just the one goal.

QPR are no pushovers either. Mark Warburton’s side had won four of their previous five matches and had been in the play-off positions only a couple of weeks earlier. The Rs boss felt his side deserved more from the game in the Welsh capital, but in truth, Cardiff simply carried out their game plan perfectly.

The first two goals came from setpieces in the first half, which Warnock admitted post-match they had been working on in the build-up. The opener was captain Morrison’s first of the season as he headed in from Lee Tomlin’s free-kick.

The second clearly came straight off the training ground, as a corner was played short to Gavin Whyte, who drilled a low ball into the middle where it was met by Pack, ready and waiting to tap home. In the second half the Bluebirds managed the game perfectly, and Paterson’s emphatic strike less than ten minutes after coming on as a substitute was the cherry on top of the cake.

Cardiff were not dominant in the game, they only had 28% possession after all, but as Warnock pointed out it is what you do with the ball that counts, not how often you have it. To that end, his side were certainly clinical. The performance of Marlon Pack, who netted his first goal for the club, was also particularly pleasing.

Due to an injury earlier in the season, it was only the midfielder’s third start for Cardiff after signing from Bristol City in the summer, but he will undoubtedly be a key player for the Bluebirds.

In his post-match press conference, Warnock professed how no other player in the squad has the same impact as Pack, praising him for his calmness on the ball and ability to cover a lot of ground.

Due to printing deadlines, by the time this issue comes out Cardiff will have faced their toughest test of the season so far against West Bromwich Albion. Not only will it show if they can compete with a promotion contender, but it will also provide a marker with the campaign almost a quarter complete.

The Bluebirds could be as high as 4th or as low as 14th going into the international break, which is not only indicative of how open the Championship is, but also of how unpredictable the club itself will be this season.

At home, they are fantastic, with the joint best record in the league, but away they are vulnerable, with the fifth-worst, which will be an area Warnock will undoubtedly want to improve upon as the Championshipseason progresses.

Rugby World Cup: Win over Australia puts Wales in pole position

Warren Gatland’s final campaign as Wales boss has started perfectly Reece Chambers Head of Sport

W

ales’ win over Australia in Pool D’s crunch-match last weekend should be ranked up there with the greatest Welsh Rugby World Cup wins of all time.

This win for Wales, in Warren Gatland’s final campaign as Wales boss, illustrated years of consistent development under the New Zealander to become a serious force in world rugby.

For all of the Rugby World Cup’s magic, there is still a significant imbalance between the top tier sides and the rest.

Last weekend’s encounter in Pool D between Wales and Australia, therefore, made it even more of a spectacle.

The word spectacle is often overused in sports reporting, but the clash between two of world rugby’s best sides certainly fits the billing.

It was a clash of two titans, perhaps made all the more intriguing by the fact that it wasn’t even a knock-out match.

To the untrained eye, anyone could have assumed that the match-up was towards the business end of the tournament.

The very fact that Dan Biggar slotted a drop-kick over just 36 seconds into the encounter showed the importance of the game to both teams.

An unrivalled amount of physicality went into the Pool D encounter which is rarely seen in group stage matches.

But what made this match most fascinating was the swing in momentum between both halves.

Wales led 26-8 at the break, but with Dan Biggar failing a Head Injury Assessment in the first half, there was

always a sense that Australia would get back into the game – and that they did.

The opening 40 minutes saw Wales take their chances with conviction and precision.

Gareth Davies’ interception and eventual try following a 40-metre dash showed Wales to have Australia right where they wanted them - on the back foot.

But when you face a side like Australia – who beat the All Blacks 47-26 in August – you are fully aware of the fact that you will face an onslaught at some stage of the game.

Wales’ total of six points in the second half, compared to 23 in the first half, signifies just how important it is to have a resilient defensive unit.

A total of 183 tackles, at a success rate of 86%, shows the world class level to which Shaun Edwards has taken this Welsh side.

Yes, Australian went over the whitewash on two occasions in the second half. But, in truth, limited the Australian side to three tries shows tremendous strength in defence.

Wales showcased everything they have learnt under Warren Gatland In sum, Wales’ defence won earned them another tremendous win in 2019 – following the Grand Slam victory earlier this year. But this may be the greatest Welsh rugby win in recent years.

It showcased an ability to mix it with the best, in both defence and attack, for one of the first times in a major tournament.

Grand Slam: Wales’ momentous win over England in this year’s Six Nations. Source: Replay Images Of course, beating England at Twickenham in 2015 to knock them out of the World Cup may have carried more sentimental value.

But in terms of combining an offensive and defensive game into one, the win over Australia was up there with the very best.

In a group that typifies the superiority of top tier teams in world rugby, Sunday’s clash between Wales and Australia was assumed to be a straight shoot-out for the top position in Pool D. The winner of the blockbuster group stage match, if logic is to be estimated through world rankings, should see them through as win-

ners of Pool D and therefore face an easier route to the Rugby World Cup final in November.

The adjective easier is the important word there.

Rugby has a habit of conjuring up a shock – see: Japan vs South Africa in 2015 or Japan vs Ireland earlier in this tournament.

Gatland and his players will be all too aware of that ahead of a test against Fiji on October 9.

If his players can continue at performance levels as seen against Australia, Gatland will have the belief that he can finish his final Welsh campaign with the illustrious Webb Ellis trophy he is yet to win.

Jack Shore wins UFC debut

Welshman Jack Shore submits opponent Nohelin Herandez in round three George Willoughby Deputy Head of Sport

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bertillery born Jack Shore capped off his UFC debut with an excellent victory over Nohelin Hernandez.

Shore, who was the first bout in the preliminaries, caused a stoppage to the fight two minutes and 51 seconds into the third round.

The Welshman was able to land a takedown in the final round, subsequently allowing Shore to execute a rear-naked choke.

This was the same submission that defeated Scott Malone in his last encounter at Cage Warriors 104.

There has been a lot of excitement surrounding Jack Shore, and rightly so.

He sports an unbeaten 12-0 MMA record and he once again looked impressive against Hernandez. Shore shot for takedowns on numerous occasions and found success taking his opponent down whilst also excelling with his striking.

Shore was able to keep Hernandez at a comfortable range meaning he could avoid incoming strikes and land some effective counters.

Jack shore spoke after the fight and he was pleased with his performance.

“Everything clicked early on,” said Shore.

“I was beating him to the jab and

the only time I got caught was when I went into wild exchanges which was an error on my part.”

Shore was referring to the second round where he was temporarily rocked by a big punch.

He was able to recover and finish the round strong taking Hernandez down to the ground - an area in which he was by far the superior fighter.

Speaking about dealing with the occasion, Jack Shore expressed his ease of dealing with the heightened pressure of the UFC. “I’m usually quite calm and cool before my fights, and to be honest I felt a lot calmer in this fight than my last couple.”

Shore has the experience in front of packed crowds, but UFC Copenhagen was very much the opposite.

“My last three-four fights have been main events in Wales.”

“All eyes were on me being last on but this felt like going back to the amateur days.”

A great start for Jack ‘tank’ Shore’s UFC career.

In other MMA news, John Phillips from Swansea got his first victory in the UFC with an impressive 17-second knockout over his opponent Aled Amedovski.

After starting 0-3, Phillips desperately needed a win, and he duly delivered with an expert showcase of his terrific power punching.

BUCS Highlights

CHWARAEON 31

A round-up of Cardiff University’s sporting action from the first BUCS Wednesday of the season

Cardiff 5-11 Exeter Men’s Lacrosse

Ella Fenwick Sport Editor

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he Men’s First Team faced Exeter’s First Team at Cardiff University playing fields.

Cardiff began the game with a strong start, as Freddie Maddison opened the scoring.

They continued to dominate the fixture and scored four more goals thanks to Caolan Pledge, Akito Jacques, Tom Tait and Freddie Maddison getting his second.

Unfortunately, Exeter answered back with six efforts of their own, making the scoreline 5-6 to the away side at half-time.

The Exeter players then showed some individual brilliance in

the third and fourth quarter to score five more goals and take the game away from the hosts.

Everything was given by the Cardiff team, but they struggled to match the intensity showed in the first half.

The game finished 5-11 in Exeter’s favour, and despite it not being the win Cardiff had hoped for, it was still a performance to be proud of.

Both of the Ladies’ teams also competed on Wednesday October 2 - unfortunately the First Team lost, but the Second Team managed to pull out a win.

There are a couple of important local derbies coming up in for the Men’s first team as first they travel to face Bristol University before hosting Swansea University the following week.

Key fixtures this Wednesday

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he Men’s rugby team will be in action once again this Wednesday.

They face Leeds Beckett at home and will be looking to continue their good form after starting the season with two wins.

These wins came against Hartpury and most recently Northumbria.

Their opponents, LBU, come into the encounter following an impressive 65-0 win over Wednesday’s matchup Northumbria, and another success against Leeds University.

The Women’s team will also be making a start to their season as they have a long trip ahead to Cambridge.

The Women’s football first team are in action, as they make the

trip to Bath in their opening game of the new 2019/20 campaign.

Kick-off will be at 14:00 so be sure to follow their social media updates during the day.

There are plenty of other teams to look out for, but if futsal is your thing, then make sure to support the Men’s first team this Sunday as they host Hertfordshire at Talybont Sports Training Village.

The futsal team have been excellent, even representing the university on the European stage in North Macedonia.

This Cardiff team should be very confident that they can get their BUCS season off to a winning start.

Kick-off for the game will be at the later time of 17:00 in the evening.

The winning team: Source: Cardiff University Tennis Club

Cardiff 6-0 Bristol 2s Ladies’ Tennis

Rebecca Astill Contributor

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ednesday saw Cardiff women’s first team storming to success with an emphatic 6-0 win over Bristol 2s.

The team had prepared for a tough match, as Bristol finished a close second in the Western 1A league last year; a league which Cardiff have only newly been promoted to.

However, the team made it look easy despite being mostly made up of freshers playing their first matches.

Fourth-year tennis fresher and doubles specialist Gaby Webb and first -year Megha Roy secured the first doubles win with a tight 7-6 (5) 7-5 win.

On the next-door court, third year veterans Alex Boardman and Alice Warren showcased their experience to win the second doubles match 6-1 6-4.

With two doubles wins se-

cured, the pressure was slightly relieved for Alex Oelmann, Megha Roy, Alice Warren and Imogen Sinclair who played the singles.

First year Alex Oelmann won her singles easily 6-1 6-2 - justifying her position as top of Cardiff ’s rankings.

Big server Megha Roy found herself in her second tiebreak of the day.

But she was able to come away victorious 5-7 6-4 10-7 in a three-set match.

Alice Warren displayed her unwavering consistency with a 6-1 6-1 win, whilst Imogen Sinclair won the fourth singles game in a faultless 6-0 6-0 win.

All in all, a strong start to what looks to be an exciting season for the first team.

With such a successful first match, the firsts will now be setting their eyes on promotion to the South A league.

The addition of such a strong group of freshers is already proving immensely beneficial for the club, thus helping to cement Cardiff ’s position as an intimidating matchup for the new season.

Cardiff 29-10 Northumbria

Men’s Rugby continue impressive start to their BUCS Super Rugby campaign with a comfortable win over Northumbria Ben Lovell-Smith Contributor

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ardiff University Men’s Rugby pulled off a strong bonus-point win at Llanrumney in their first home match of the 2019/20 BUCS Super Rugby season against Northumbria.

Cardiff were keen to build on last week’s away victory against the champions Hartpury, with a win over Northumbria, who Cardiff claimed their maiden BUCS Super Rugby win against last season, with a 29-10 home victory.

An expectant army of Cardiff blue shirts and chinos, four packs at hand, arrived in force. They were joined by a man from Gibraltar, supporting his old mate from home, Northumbria tighthead Jamie Ross.

The crowd watched on as the game at

Fortress Llanrumney got off to a nervy start. Northumbria dominated the ball early on, and threatened from an early chip through, startling the Cardiff back three. Cardiff failed to get to grips with such tactics in the early stages as Northumbria inside centre, Zac Thompson, scored down the right after a line breaking run from his winger.

It was clear from early on that Cardiff had the upperhand in the tight, dominating the scrum and lineout. It would be this weapon that they would use to write their reply, as hooker, and Club President, Ben Edwards dived over from a driving maul.

Finally, after a nervous quarter, the Cardiff backs began to gain a stronghold. Some subtle handling from fly-half Ed Dunford gave Cardiff field position and allowed the impressive Charlie Dyde to break the line at first receiver

from an attacking scrum. After just a few phases, Ellis Thomas crossed the line from short range.

It would be this deadly duo once more, that would push Cardiff into a healthy lead. Cardiff continued to dominate possession with some slick broken field play from Dunford and great hands and change of speed from Dyde, allowing Josh Oakley to dart over.

Northumbria were down but not out, and replied rapidly, pinning Cardiff deep in their half. After several pick and goes, Northumbria fly half Robbie Forbes made the most of quick ball to dive over on the left. A missed conversion left Cardiff 19-10 up, going into the break.

The second half was a scrappy affair.

Northumbria and Cardiff took to the second half with even greater intensity but no significant blows were landed from either side.

This was until Luke Shore received the ball from a deep Northumbria kick and returned with interest, breaking three tackles to send George Thomas in for a try in the corner. A fantastic night for the Cardiff backs was epitomised by an outstanding conversion by Dunford from the touchline.

As the second half wore on, the game was slowed by injuries and substitutions and the two sides cancelled each other out. Cardiff finished the game 29-10 winners in another entertaining win in BUCS Super Rugby.

With two wins from two, Cardiff have started the BUCS Super Rugby season as they finished last season. It’s an exciting time for rugby at Cardiff University, and another home game against Leeds Beckett on Wednesday will be a chance to continue an impressive start to the campaign.

Getting to know...

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Jack Pitt Cardiff Cobras

or the new year at Gair Rhydd Sport, we are happy to introduce a new weekly segment we will be running in the paper. This is our first ‘getting to know’ article which involves an interview from a member of one of the many Cardiff University sports teams.

To start things off, we have been chatting to the Cardiff Cobras club president Jack Pitt about Varsity, American Football and much more.

Talking about his journey playing American Football, Jack was quick to point out how quickly he settled in.

“My flatmate in halls suggested I came down to the give it a go session and here I am four years later. “I had my first training session up at Llanrumney on a Sunday morning, I felt almost immediately part of the team which is why it sticks to mind.”

Picking an individual highlight across four years of matches would be difficult for any player, but Jack has one moment in particular that stood out. “I’d say my personal highlight was playing Varsity last year,” said Pitt.

“Although we didn’t win, we put in a huge performance against a top-six side team and we really did ourselves proud. We’re hoping to get the W this time around.”

Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest tasks all players have competing in university sport is managing the time with their degrees. Here is how Jack finds a balance. “Studying a Masters is a heavy workload, but it’s just managing your time properly. “We train Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays so you need to make sure you work the other four evenings every week.”

The social side of playing sport is a huge part of the year, and Jack points out just how influential it has been on his time with the Cobras. “Taking part in sport has easily been the best decision I’ve made at university,” Jack told Gair Rhydd Sport. “Not only does it have huge health benefits, but it has allowed me to make friends and be a part of a wider picture being a team with such a successful history and heritage.”

The Welsh Varsity is a huge occasion in the sporting calendar, some may believe it’s level par with the BUCS leagues. Here Jack’s opinion on the matter. “As much as Varsity means to us, we’d much rather win our BUCS league. Far too much work goes into the league throughout the year for it to be second to Varsity.”

There’s a fine line between success and enjoying the process when it comes to sport. Here are Jack’s priorities between the two.

“Personally I think team performance should come first,” said Pitt.

“If a team is winning then it’s a happy team and good socials follow, however, if you prioritise socials, then you are far more likely to be successful. Putting performance first allows you to have both.”

One final question we asked was what advice he would give to any newcomers to university. “My one piece of advice would be to try anything you’re even vaguely interested in. University is a time of opportunity that really shouldn’t be wasted.”

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

sport

BUCS Highlights Men’s Rugby, Ladies’ Tennis and more Page 31

CHWARAEON

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chwaraeon

Rugby World Cup The greatest ever Welsh win?

Page 30

Cymru Premier Kit clash embarrassment Page 29

Athletic World Champs Luke Wakeling Sport Editor

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hen Qatar bided to host the 2019 World Championships back in 2011, it promised a fantastic atmosphere with ‘no empty seats’. What has actually unfolded is an event heavily criticised for its sparsely filled stadium, not helped by the doping scandal surrounding Christian Coleman– the winner of the 100m final. Athletics is struggling to gain an audience after the departure of Usain Bolt; these Championships were supposed to help it back onto its feet. Instead it has been a PR nightmare for both athletics and Qatar.

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Jack Shore wins UFC debut George Willoughby Deputy Head of Sport

J European exploits: Cardiff University’s Futsal team at the 2018 UEFA Futsal Champions League. Source: Cardiff University Futsal (via Twitter)

Dabbs delighted with UEFA Futsal Champions League ‘milestone’

Reece Chambers Head of Sport

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ardiff University Futsal’s Ryan Dabbs hailed his side’s UEFA Champions League campaign ‘very successful,’ after an historic summer in North Macedonia.

With a mixture of Cardiff University students and Welsh regional players, Cardiff University Futsal made history by becoming the first side to win a game at the UEFA tournament.

A comprehensive 4-1 win over Andorran side Encamp gave the Welsh side a place in the record books, becoming the first-ever FA Wales representatives to win in the competition.

Despite conceding the first goal in the game, the team from the Welsh capital responded with four unanswered goals.

Two of those goals came from third-year Journalism student Ryan

Dabbs who labelled the historic win a ‘milestone’ for futsal in the Welsh captial.

“It was a very successful campaign, we became the first Welsh representatives to win in the competition which is obviously a milestone for both the team and the country in the sport,” said Dabbs.

Facing up against hosts, and top seeds, Shkupi 1927, the only Welsh representatives in the prestigious tournament were given a challenging group. As well as the top-ranking hosts, Dabbs and his team-mates also took on Lokomotiv Daugavpils from Latvia and Andorran Champions, Encamp.

With defeats against Shkupi 1927 and Lokomotiv Daugavpils, the win over Encamp holds all the more importance. Taking on a number of international players, and even a World Cup winner, Dabbs was keen to emphasise the significance of three im-

pressive performances.

“We came out feeling very proud and happy with the performances and the results.

On a personal note, Dabbs was delighted to add two goals to the scoresheet in the club’s first UEFA Champions League win, as well as continuing his development as a player.

“It just continues to make you a better player because you’re playing against professionals.”

Ryan Dabbs, Cardiff Uni Futsal

“Scoring was something I joked about doing but to actually do it was incredible and something I’ll always be able to say I did.

“This summer has been a big development for me because as a team we played slightly differently as well,

meaning I’m learning some more advanced tactics that’ll help in the long run,” explained Dabbs.

With the BUCS season starting on October 13 against Hertfordshire, Dabbs is looking forward to using his European experiences in the domestic game.

“This will help give players confidence to go into the new season and just enjoy themselves and trust in what we’re doing because we have some real quality.”

After coming up short last year, Cardiff University Futsal team are targeting a return to silverware this season.

“The aim is to win the league and win the cup... we have the belief and ability to at least achieve 2nd place and a semi-final in the cup, which should be the minimum we expect.”

With a new season on the horizon, Dabbs looks to be in a great position ahead of the new campaign.

ack Shore began his career in the Ultimate Fighting Championships with a very convincing win over Nohelin Hernandez. Shore, who has transitioned into the UFC from Cage Warriors, was able to submit his opponent with a rear-naked choke in the third round. A fantastic showing from the 24-year old whose outing did not go unnoticed with him picking up one of the ‘performance of the night’ accolades. This was the best possible start for Shore who received a mention post-fight from UFC president Dana White who was complimentary of his victory.

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Wales’ EURO qualifications Matt Hancock-Bruce Contributor

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ales’ 2020 Euro qualifying campaign continues on Thursday against Slovakia, followed by a home match against World Cup finalists Croatia on Sunday. Ryan Giggs’ side lie fourth in their qualifying group, three points and a game in hand behind second placed Slovakia. Gaining three points on Thursday is therefore vital if Wales want to remain competitive towards the latter stages of the qualifying matches.

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