I SSUE 4 M ONDAY 1 0 TH N OVEMBER 2008
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
STAY SAFE ON CAMPUS
Adam Mason Vice-President (Education & Welfare)
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s the winter gets c los er and the nights get darker, it become s all t he more important to stay safe on campus. Keele has a firm record of being a safe campus and I`m sure you`ll agree, we all want it to stay that way. I think it is important to explain about one of KUSU`s invaluable services; the Safety Bus. The Safety Bus is a completely free service to students, which runs from the car park outside the Students` Union
www.kusu.net
Tips for your safety:
building to make sure you get home safely regardless of where you live. Any Keele student can use the Safety Bus, but vulnerable students are given priority over big groups of less vulnerable students. Soon, there will be a chalk board in the Students` Union to let you know when the Safety Bus will be running and how long you can expect to wait for the next bus. If you`re ever in doubt, ask KUSU Security when the next bus will be. Not satisfied with how safe Keele is? If you have a direct concern, let me, Adam Mason, Vice President (Education & Welfare) know and I`ll push the University to improve. I especially want to know about street lights that aren`t working or places where you think needs more lighting. Also, if you have an amazing idea of how we could make Keele a safer place, let me know. Without students` ideas, Keele would never make any progress – how do you think the Safety Bus came about? Students of course!
*Avoid walking around campus alone at night. If it`s dark outside, make sure you walk home with a friend. *Use the Safety Bus. The Safety Bus is there to keep you safe, make good use of it. If you don`t see it on the car park, ask one of the stewards or doormen where it is. The Safety Bus should be available between 9pm and until close (so around 2am on every night of the week - 2 buses on Monday, Wednesday and Friday). *Get yourself an attack alarm – available from the Independent Advice Unit (IAU) during the day for only £1.50, a small price to pay. Remember to take it out with you; they don`t work when they`re sat on your bedside table. *When you`re walking around campus, stick to main roads and clearly lit paths.
Cut me out and pin me to your noticeboard: Residen t Tutor`s Barnes Hawthorns Horwood Lindsay Oaks/Holly Cross
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News
10th Nove mbe r 2008
PROGRESS MADE WITH PHASE 3 DEVELOPMENT SITE
Talah Omran KUSU President
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some plans for the new development were disclosed. In addition to this Council members (which I am a member of) were invited to go along first hand on a grand tou r of th e new sit e. The tour started off with a little background information telling us about the time-line of the work and goings on in the park. The proposals for Keele Science Park were first launched at a stakeholder`s event in September 2006 by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Janet Finch. At this event the VC was keen to clarify that the new 70 acre science development was not separate to the university but in fact would become a mixed use development with other `key university developments`. The first thing the other councillors and I noticed was the sheer size of the site on the ground. An aerial view is presented below and it was really nice to see that the lakes had been kept intact as well as some of the surrounding woodland. As we travelled around the site in one of KUSU`s much appreciated mini-buses, Mike Leech (CFM Senior Management Team) and Eric Kelsall (Planning & Secretariat Directorate) gave an extensive talk about the conservation and environmental care that has been taken in account concerning this project. All this information seemed like fantastic news to me but this was the first time I had heard anything really about the new site and so I made a request to the university to publish this information in our very much loved newspaper Concourse to inform all students of the goings on of our campus. Most of the infrastructure has now been developed i.e. the roads, paths and a very quaint seating/relaxation area, but the burning questions remained at the back of my mind was when will this be open to students and what will the students get out of this? Mike Leech informed me that it was actually part of the planning approval that 10-15% of the area will be staff/student residential areas, whilst another 40-45% went to business and 40-45% went into University buildings. Not only that, but with the hoped success of the science park and with much collaboration, this venture could potentially be a thriving bed of job opportunities for our students. This does not only offer tangible employment prospects but also raises the aspirations of our community. All in all it was a very cold but informative trip out to the new development.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
KEEP THE CAP! (ON TUITION FEES) Richard Blake & Adam Mason CAC General Secretary & VP Education/Welfare
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his week saw the launch of the joint KUSU-Keele Labour Student campaig n known as `Keep the Cap` which was reported on in the p revious issue of Concourse. The campaign was lead by KUSU Vice President (Educ ation & Welfare) Adam Mason and Keele Labour Students’ Campaigns Officer Gareth Snell. The c ampaign has so far involved a petition (which some of you may have got a chance to sign) being run on concourse outside the Union all t his week ; howeve r, it was on Thursday that the `eye catching` aspect of the campaign was run. All day Thursday students were being asked to sign a red cap with their name and how much debt they will have accumulated by the end of their course. This was not just a gimmicky stunt though; many of the students approached actually underestimated just how much debt they would be in. Cap-signers usually had to be reminded not just to include tuition fees, but also maintenance loans, overdrafts and credit card bills that are used by students to get through University. The fact that Universities currently pitch their courses to students as `£3000 a year` means that some students don`t actually realise how much debt they are actually in until they are prompted to sit down and figure it out. Just stop to think for a minute – how much debt might you be in when you leave Keele? £3000+ on tuition fees per year, £4500 loan per year, plus that pesky overdraft, some money you borrowed from family, perhaps a credit card? That could easily amount to over £25,000 over a three year course. Anything above that and you could begin to wonder if higher education really will pay off in the long run; an increase in tuition fees would send that figure well into the £30,000s.
www.kusu.net
10th Nove mbe r 2008
Features/News
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On Friday Paul Farrelly MP, the Member of Parliament for the Newcastle-Under-Lyme conICHARD LAKE S ULY stituency that Keele University is in, arrived at the Union in the morning to collect the petition, which will soon be taken to Parliament. Keeping tuition fee prices down did not go unnoticed LECTED ONSTITUTIONAL by the local paper either, and the Sentinel came down for a photo shoot to get a shot of the local MP taking a stand alongside Keele students. Typical to the media, the photographer took about FFAIRS OMMITTEE 15 photos and will only use one, but it`s a small price to pay to get the attention we need for ENERAL ECRETARY such a worthy cause. What about the caps you say? They are currently sitting in the Union waiting to be taken to London, to the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills and to be given to none other On Thursday 30th & Friday 31st of October the then Cabinet Minister the Rt. Hon. John Denham MP. Paul Farrelly MP will be taking the caps election for the position of Constitutional Affairs along with a few KUSU Sabbatical Officers and Keele Labour Students so we can tell the gov- Committee General Secretary was held. The ernment `Our students are already in staggering amounts of debt, so please... keep the cap!` General Secretary is the individual who makes sure the constitution is up to date, amended and makes sure the minutes are taken at the relevant meetings. It might not be the most glamorous position but it is a much needed post and one in which is needed to keep KUSU`s vital democratic functions moving. As always the turn out by students for a byelection didn`t reach the levels of the February elections, with 83 votes being cast in total – a considerable increase from last year. A big thank you to all those who came and voted, and those who kept Rich Hill and I company throughout the fifteen hours that the polls were open! The blue-tac sculptures and games of PC solitaire made the time race by at a tortoise`s pace! The end result was that Richard Blake was duly elected as the Constitutional Affairs Committee General Secretary with 70 votes being cast in favour of Richard, to 13 Re-Open Nominations. Richard then successfully upheld his duties at the first Student Council on the next Tuesday.
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Steven Kew Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Rep
SNAKEBITE IN THE UNION - A RESPONSE Fiona Tennant
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was quite happy to sit down in Lindsay bar one afternoon and have the latest copy of Concourse handed to me. What a shame then to read such an ill informed an d over the top article on page thre e of Issue 2. In `Snakebite in the Union...` Mis s Sadler has shown herself to be sadly misinformed about the reasons for businesses on Keele campu s. Yes we pay over £3000 every year for the privilege to learn at Keele, but lets for a second think about what that money gets for you. Over the course of your average three year degree course at Keele you will be taught by as many as twenty different experts in the fields you are
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
studying, and trust me £9000 won't cover even one of their salaries. On top of this you get the full library and computer suite facilities, access to paper copies of hundreds of different journals and thousands more online. If you study music you can get to use state of the art sound systems, sciences have access to fully-equipped labs and all your chemicals etc. provided. If you study humanities subjects SPIRE will ask two or three professional speakers to come and give talks to you every year. Continues Page 4.
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Features/Letters
10th Novemb er 2008
Continues from page 3.
If this (not-extensive) list of privileges doesn't seem long enough to make up for the money you spend, look at it this way. If you are British your fees are around £9000. If you were an overseas student it would be closer to £30,000. (For my own double science course the international students studying the same course will pay £33,900). Where do you think the university can get the other £21,000 it cost to educate you, from? Some how I don't think the government provides that much funding. Having businesses on Keele can seem like a pain, especially when you have to drive past the huge new expansion work, then struggle to find a parking space yourself. However, there are a lot of advantages, mostly behind the scenes where people can't see them. It means Keele can continue to provide services like the library and computers free of charge. It also means the Halls of Residence and other facilities such as parking and the gym can continue to cost a lot less than many other university's. While it may feel a lot when you hand over your £50 for a years parking permit, a friend of mine recently started Leeds University where it costs her £150 to park and her halls are more expensive too.
While we would all love to see Keele without any outside influences, with purely university run properties and facilities, in the real world the university has to face up to the true costs of education and research. That is why Keele cards cost £10 to replace, and why when I lost mine, I was happy to pay.
Letters to Editor Pl eas e se nd to vp.comms@ kusu.ke ele .a c.uk
Dear Editor I would first like to congratulate yourself on the revamped concourse. It is much improved and I especially like the fact that the sport section has been expanded and put on the back page where it belongs. I read in The Times the other day that the government has decided to cut the threshold for means-tested maintenance grants by 17% to £50,020 (was £60,000) after it miscalculated the number of students that were eligible for the grant. About 40,000 prospective students (about 10%) will be affected by this change. What action is KUSU taking about this issue and are they lobbying the university management for increases in grants or more scholarships for prospective students so that they are not put off coming to university because of the financial burden? Stephen Johns
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
Next Student Council Meeting is on Tuesday 25th November. For any information regarding Student Council, how to get involved etc - please contact Rich Hill vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk
Dear Stephen, You are correct in your facts, but I would like to point out that the grants you refer to are outside of our University`s control. The miscalculation was to do with the student loan and grant system which is a national issue. The NUS is campaigning, with our support, for a fairer funding scheme for students who choose to go to University - I wholeheartedly support the NUS `Broke & Broken` campaign and will be campaigning alongside them in support of their alternative action plan when it comes to fruition in the Spring. Watch this space for more of that! However, with regard to Keele`s Bursary and Scholarship Scheme, I can say that KUSU has successfully supported a positive shift in that scheme. The last meeting of Senate, our Vice Chancellor reported that `OFFA (Office of Fair Access) has approved Keele`s revised Bursary and Scholarship Scheme. The new Scheme will start in 2009/10.` Our old bursary scheme was the most spread out in the UK - with 14 confusing types of awards - where the new scheme `overcomes the problem of having a limited number of awards`. The new scheme will consist of 2 types of guaranteed bursaries, 2 types of guaranteed scholarships and an additional study abroad bursary. In terms of students not being put off coming to University, this all depends on how Keele markets these new bursaries – I will be pushing hard for Keele to advance its efforts to reach out to potential students, especially through KUSU`s involvement in Open Days. I hope that answers your question; if anyone would like any more information, contact me at vp.edwel@kusu.keele.ac.uk. Adam Mason Vice President (Education & Welfare)
www.kusu.net
10th Nove mbe r 2008
60 Second Interview Scott Osborne - Membership Services Co-Ordinator (otherwise known as the the NUS man!)
studied Environmental Mgt & HRM at Keele between 1998 and 2003 and after a few years away was `sucked back into the bubble` to work for KUSU in 2006. I support the sabbatical team with their everyday duties, work closely with societies and the StARs throughout the year, look after KUSU.net and head up the NUS Card scheme.
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Q: Do you know of any Keele myths? Good old Nello Baldwin applied for the England manager's position a few years ago and narrowly lost out when they very selfishly appointed Sven Goran Eriksson instead. Ask him all about it if you dare.... Q: Who did you want to win the American Presidential elections and why? I think either party would have had a lot to do over the coming months. Four years is an unrealistic little time in which to make major changes. The Democratic win really seemed to lift a lot of people which is always good to see. Q: Your favourite local takeaway? The indian where you can watch them cook your food online via a webcam! You've made me hungry now.... Q: Why do you enjoy working for the Students' Union? Brilliant people to work with and a great group of students to work for. I loved the Union when I was a student at Keele and it's nice to see people getting the same benefits I did from it years down the line. Q: The squirrel - friend or foe? The vast squirrel population at Keele would make for a very dangerous enemy. Best to keep in their good books! Q: A rumour you have heard about any of this year's sabbaticals?
Ha Ha Working in the same corridor means I see the sabbs a lot. I've heard rumors about ALL the sabbaticals! Im not telling though...
WHO
Features 5 SAID SATURDAY NIGHTS ARE BORING?! THEY`RE AS COOL AS ICE!
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ight, so you`ve done your work for the week, you want to chill out, you`re hungry and you want a bit of culture in your life. So what do you do? The thing is at KUSU we like to cater to all of our students needs and we thought as part of our new programme this year, we would address some of ones issues flagged up in The Student S urvey as well as doing this. So to kill two birds with one stone members of staff, as well as ourselves got together and had a little head scratching session. It was here that we came up with the amazing, fresh and innovative idea of holding ICE events!
ICE standing for International Cultural Events. These events are aimed at show casing different cultures around the world via food and music – two very important aspects in student life! An added bonus is it allows students to have some fun at the weekends. To date, we have had two parties; a British party and the most recent based around India and the sub continent (also the Indian Festival of Light, Diwali). Both were a great success. The British party show cased some of our more traditional cultural foods such as sheppard`s pie and strawberries and cream. To add even more excitement to British culture we also had British games including Aunt Sally (no one under the age of 50 has probably heard of this) and more commonly known games like tidily winks and a coconut shy. It was a great night and event to welcome the international students to the UK. As for the Indian party, there was food, dance lessons, drumming and interesting information about Indian culture and what Diwali is about. The food was my personal favourite, I think I went back for five or six servings; each time loitering by the food pondering how to justify another portion. It included potato curry, marinated chicken, onion bhajis, samosas and more. The best bit was a large bowl of coriander on this side. The India event was energetic and colourful and even managed to attract University Staff members. Dr Anand Pandyan, Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Rehabilitation, was most definitely drawn into the bright lights and reported: `It was great to see Keele start to celebrate multiculturalism and it was a fantastic evening - I only hope more staff will support such events!` Alright so I bet you are all watering at the mouth screaming at your papers shaking them furiously and asking how do I get involved?! Easy! Join the International Cultural Evenings Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=34106961815 and find out about our many up-coming events throughout the year. Our next event takes place on the 15th of November in the KUSU Ballroom and is centered around the Americas...yes that most definitely includes all you Canadians out there too! On this night we are going to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings plus some traditional American entertainment. Please do get involved as this is a fantastic way of meeting new people, being fed well for £2 (£2.50 on the door, lower price is for advanced ticket) and learning a bit about different cultures! As a wise man once said `Culture is a little like dropping an Alka-Seltzer into a glass-you don't see it, but somehow it does something.` - Hans Magnus Enzensberger. Below is a list of dates for the other ICE events: Semester One 15/11/08 Americas 06/12/08 Europe (Christmas traditions)
Semester Two 24/01/09 China (Chinese New Year) 14/02/09 Africa or SE Asia (TBC) Surely it's a biscake? Or a cakeuit? Why would you even 07/03/09 or 28/03/09* Africa or SE Asia (TBC) be eating Jaffa cakes when there are Chocolate Hob Nobs 23/05/09 Australia available? Q: Jaffa cake - cake or biscuit?
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Societies KEELE UNIVERSITY MOTORSPORT
Mike Fryatt - Keele Motorsport Society President
or those of you who didn't already know, Keele University Motorsport
Fis no longer part of the Athletic Union and is now a Students Union
Society and to celebrate this new working relationship we're happy to introduce the new 2008/09 Championship. The championship is open to full Keele University Motorsport (KUM) members, guests are free to race but cannot be considered for championship points and do not get exclusive prices. Some races may not be available to these participants. No driving, racing or karting competition licence is required and full KUM members will get exclusive prices for each race meeting. Indoor Karting: - Fast Lane Karting, Stoke. Outdoor Karting: - Midland Karting, Staffordshire - Priory Park, Tamworth Off Road Karting: - Walker Adams, Birmingham.
CREATIVE
WRITING SOCIETY
Chris Prendergast - Non-Portfolio Officer
FREED UP IN THE GREEN ROOM
10th Novemb er 2008 Dates are currently unconfirmed as each race will have a different minimum number of participants and this may effect the day in which it cantake place. For every race, once we know who's interested in driving, we'll be holding a draw in which the winner will race that week for free.
Those of you interested; join the facebook group `Keele Motorsport Challenge` or contact the Society President at k eel eun ive rsi ty mo tor spo rt @hot m ai l. co. uk played off each other constantly to introduce each poet. It was entertaining and inspiring to see a mix of subject matter, tone and experience behind the mic. Performers were free to take their own spin on the theme of `Evil`. We were taken to a dark and macabre world which included promiscuous office workers, Salford estates, Welsh villages, thug violence, the Government, Sarah Palin and Work! What`s more one of Keele`s own writing talents Johnny Coughlan took to the stage to deliver some of his own pieces, including one particularly racy number. Johnny read brilliantly to the packed room and gave a special shout out to the Keele writing fraternity (And Nat!). Demonstrating just how flexible the shows formula can be Johnny was followed by a stand-up rant that culminated in a dispute over an Orange phone petition? Needless to say I won`t be taking a toilet break mid-show again. As the evening drew to a close Dominic and Steve announced the theme of `Open` for next month. After which we took to the bar to gather our thoughts and speak to some of the performers. In a bizarre twist Keele`s new published novelist Joe Stretch strolled past the bar and was thrown into a confused panic at seeing so many of his workshop students out of the Keele Bubble. Queue tequila shots, rants about Carol Ann Duffy, and questions of `Why do you write?` being thrown around the table. Unfortunately half of us had to split early for the last train home, but we departed Manchester vowing to return in a month`s time. Freed Up will be taking place again on 20th November (the last one of 2008) and the theme for the night is `Open`, consider that any theme you like! Anyone is allowed to perform if they contact Dom or Steve in the run-up to the event. The reading slots are four minutes for each poet. It is being held in the bar, so has a large capacity. We will be leaving Keele at about 5pm, travel details to be confirmed. If you`re interested join the Creative Writing Society facebook group and we`ll keep you updated.
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he Creative Writing Society had its first excurs ion on the 16th October with a trip to Manche ster for the Freed Up event in the Green Room. By train or car a bunch of us made it to the venue which was tucked into t he side of Oxford Station. We sat for pre-drinks in the bar which had a screen showing bizarre stage and television projects. It was obviously an encouraging environment for budding artists in various mediums. Eventually it was announced that the night`s event would be starting and we nervously edged our way down red painted corridors. We found a small square room which was decked out in chairs and tentatively perched on a ledge at the back, feeling like special guests to the Freed Up world. The night was enthusiastically hosted by two poets, Steve O`Connor and Dominic Berry (who`s recently published a gripping collection of poetry called `Tonight, I shall go dancing...`). They read their own work and
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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Societies
10th Nove mbe r 2008
Liv Sadler Societies Editor
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s we move into November, it`s getting darker even earlier, it`s unusual to draw the curtains to a dry day, and the temperature never seems to rise above freezing in our dear little Bubble`s very own we ather system. Time to curl up, snuggle down and drink countless cups of tea during early nights in. Or not... Following an astounding month and a half of entertainment the ball just keeps on rolling to bring you more reasons to brave the weather and get out and socialise.
22nd. Bringing together funk, soul and old school electro amongst others. For just £1.50 head to the Union for a Saturday night pick up after getting `Funked` on Friday. Although of course there is a prior engagement for many this night. Every team of the Athletic Union will be scrubbing up and dressing in something other than their kit to look their absolute best for the fantastic A.U. Christmas Ball – oh yeah! A personal favourite to the social calendar, the Ball combined with the Presentation Ball in the Spring Semester is even more of a reason to be in a club and the A.U. With tickets £30 for a three course meal, music all night and probably one of the best nights out you will have this semester, `worth it` is an understatement. The Halls bars are still keeping things fresh too, with the closely fought Quiz every Sunday and nights like Defected on a Thursday over at the Pig and Rat in Barnes. Their weekly pound a pint extravaganza is becoming increasingly popular despite the fact you`d think most would be recovering from a Wednesday. Think again friends, as late licensing and the chance to start the weekend early, special offers on drinks and DJs keeping the music coming all night mean that it`s not just an alternative to doing nothing on a Thursday night – it is what you should do on a Thursday night. As well as the weekly favourites in The Pig however, each Saturday is changing up from Credit Crunch Carnage to Around The World in 80 Drinks to keep the weekend rolling. Keep an eye out for the next opportunity to get cheap drinks and great music in an awesome venue. On the societies front things are still ticking over nicely and everyone has been continuing with socials and events to give you even more options of how to spend your time in Keele. The Dance Society have been Salsa-ing on a Tuesday night, the Beer and Ale Society have been doing the rounds in the local pubs and the Philosophy Society have been aiding their debates with a little free wino to get the metaphysical juices flowing. Not to be out done by some of the new societies on the block however the oldies are still bringing out the goods, especially the now fully functional KUBE team. For any of those that don`t know, KUBE the resident award winning radio station of our fine university and now up and running with shows on all day everyday from 12p.m. until 12 a.m. which you can listen to on www.kuberadio.com/listen/. KUBE have also been keeping up on the social scene and since their Music Legends social in the first week went on a bar crawl as children`s TV characters last Monday for another manic one. Show your support for out Student Radio Awards nominated team and listen in to keep the ratings high. Moving on towards Christmas there is bound to be even more for the socially hungry to get your teeth stuck into. Societies get in touch (u6k18@ugk.keele.ac.uk) to get the word out there and everybody else keep on reading to help you plan the festive season – or at least the run up to it!
Coming up just this week, Less Than Jake arrive in Keele on Thursday (13th) to launch the gig scene into a new month. Straight from touring America with their captivatingly sweet mix of horns, drums, guitar and bass, Less Than Jake are ordained to make it a night to remember as tracks from previous albums and the new GNV FLA will no doubt create yet another night of rock and ska to savour. Get your tickets for just £14 from the Box Office and head over to the KUSU Ballroom to kick start the new month in style. If more music is what you`re after, then look no further then yet another Sunday night incarnation as Keele Live Lounge (16th ) opens the stage to whole host of Keele talents. Not just your average Open Mic night, this gig sets to make Keelites the stars of their very own Live Lounge sessions, with a sound engineer on hand to really get the vibe right. Bring along your own instrument and vocal talents to show off your musical talent amongst other musicians and guest bands in a harmony of acoustic sets and a fantastic live venue. Talent can take many forms however, and after last years Keele`s Got Talent showcased an eclectic mix of electric violin, Irish dancing and classic acoustic guitar work it`s back, bigger and better this year on the 23rd November. For just £2, take your seat in the Ballroom and enjoy what your fellow students have to offer – or even better – enter your- Until the 24th – have fun! self and make an impact. Personally, I think a Full Monty-esque routine from the Rugby lads would go down pretty well. Providing the performers have the talents to impress. (Rhythm and awesome choreography, obviously.) Saturday night takes yet another form this month as well, as the second in a series of ICE (International Culture Evenings) takes over the Lounge to celebrate the U.S.A on the 15th. With Thanksgiving themed food included and music to dance the night away to, for just £2 it`s another event to fill in the blank of what to do on a Saturday night. Another Saturday night extravaganza - DEFER - hits Sam`s Bar on the
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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www.kusu.net
ARE YOU A FLIRT FANATIC?
IS THE QUIZ YOUR FAVOURITE NIGHT?
DOES KUSU PLAY THE RIGHT TYPE OF MUSIC? DOES IT PLAY THE WRONG TYPE OF MUSIC?
DO YOU COME TO KUSU EVERY WEEK? DID YOU USED TO COME BUT DONʼT ANYMORE?
DOES THE ENTERTAINMENTS PROGRAMME OFFER THINGS FOR YOUR TASTES AND NEEDS? COULD WE BE DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER?
Mon 10th Manic Monday Tues 11th Super Quiz
Weds 12th Retro Rooms
Thurs 13th Less than Jake 13th Drama Play in K2
13th KRAP
Fri 14th Get Funked Sat 15th I.C.E
Sun 16th Open Mic
Mon 17th Manic Monday Tues 18th Comedy Club
Weds 19th Flirt/ Udisco Austin Powers Fancy Dress Thurs 20th Quiz Night Fri 21st Get Funked
Sat 22nd Defer
Sun 23rd Keeleʼs Got Talent
After a blinding semester so far jammed full of themed events, live gigs, comedy, club nights, quizzes, comps, karaoke and more, KUSU Entertainments want your opinions about the entertainment and events in the Union. Itʼs now about halfway through the first semester, and we are putting together ideas for next semesterʼs entertainment and events. We want these events to be exactly what you want, after all we are the Studentsʼ Union. Do you have an opinion on the entertainment and events at KUSU? Or do you have any new ideas which you think students at Keele would like to see? If so, and youʼre willing to give up a couple of hours of your time to tell us, we want to speak to you. Please email Kenny Walker on k.r.j.walker@keele.ac.uk, making the email subject I Think That KUSU Should…
And include your name, course, year of study and whether you live on or off campus in the email.
Weʼll be in touch with you shortly to tell you how you can help make the entertainments programme even better. Halloween
A big thanks to everyone that helped out at Halloween. You did a great job of spicing the place up. The decoration certainly came down a lot quicker than it went up, thanks to certain students on the night! The event was massive and sold out by 11pm. Sorry to anyone who didnʼt get in as a result – just remember to turn up early next time. Well done to everyone who made such a huge effort dressing up. From Frankenstein to Hellboy, you all looked great.
Flirt UDisco Austin Powers Night
tunity to show the rest of Keele your musical abilities in the regular open mic nights. It kicks off at 9pm in the Lounge. If you enjoyed dressing up for Halloween, then get Performers get there early to guarantee a place on the night. ready to swing back to the 60ʼs, as Austin Powers is coming to town for the next Flirt on Wednesday 19th However, if your ego is too big for the small stage in the Lounge, November - Yeah Baby! Get out your dadʼs psyche- and you think youʼve got the X-Factor, then sign up for Keeleʼs delic suit and make sure you bring your mojo. To Got Talent – the annual campus talent hunt. Held in the Ballroom make this night as massive as our other Flirt themes on Sunday 23rd November, if youʼve got a talent and want to so far this year, we need your help. Weʼre looking for show it off, speak to Dauda in the Sabbatical Offices of the creative people who have loads of ideas for decora- Students Union or email him on vp.finance@keele.ac.uk. tion and venue dressing for the Austin Powers night. If you think you can help (and, in return for some hours of work, want a place on the guest list afterwards!), email me at sta49@keele.ac.uk. Gigs and Live Music
Put on your skanking shoes to the beat of ska. Legendary American rock band Less Than Jake will be at Keele on Thursday 13th November. This is the first time that theyʼve played the Ballroom stage, so make sure you get your hands on some tickets. You can get these as always from KUSU Reception in the Students Union building. As with all of the gigs so far this year, tickets are going quickly, so get in their soon, or risk missing out. If youʼd prefer to be seen on stage yourself, grab your guitar, warm up your vocal chords and make sure you put Keele Live Lounge on your calendar in your kitchen on Sunday 16th November. If youʼve not been before, Live Lounge is your oppor-
Gig Reviews by Kate Vanhinsbergh
THE MUSIC and support THE SPORT: 19/10/08- The Ballroom, Keele University.
After a four-year blip on the music radar, The Music have made an impressive return with material that is taking them in a confident direction. I was impressed with their quiet knowledge that they can bugger off for long enough for us to forget them, and yet still pack out a venue like The Ballroom. Their set was a thump in the face. The sound was perfect, their support was adequate but not too impressive; the whole package was a lot more than I expected.
10
Campaigns
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
10th November 2008
www.kusu.net
KPA
10th Nove mbe r 2008
Lauren Fuzi KPA Chair
GET
INVOLVED IN THE
KPA
W
e are still looking for people to ge t involved in our Social Committe e, our International Postgraduate Forum, and the Postgraduate Environmental Working Group. If you like organising events whilst having fun at the same time then join our Social Committee. Upcoming events include Children in Need, the KPA Christmas Party, and the KPA Fancy Dress night. Contact Juliet Yates (j.r.yates@ihum.keele.ac.uk) if you’re interested. If you`re an international student or if you are interested in international student issues then join the International Postgraduate Student Forum! This group feeds into the main KPA Committee which then feeds into the University. The forum presents a great opportunity for international postgraduate students to air their concerns and find solutions. Email Lauren Fuzi (kpachair@keele.ac.uk) for more information. Do you care about the Environment? Do you want to encourage and create a more sustainable University? Then join the Postgraduate Environmental Working Group. We meet regularly to discuss the University`s Environmental Policy and how we can all work together to ensure its successful implementation. Email Lauren Fuzi (kpachair@keele.ac.uk) for details.
POSTGRADUATE OFFICE MOVES AND WITHDRAWAL OF SUPPORT FOR CONTINUATION STUDENTS
THE
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standing that students who entered into a contract with the University to undertake PhD study before 2008 are guaranteed `personal office space` during the continuation period. Thus, it is the KPA`s belief that the University has broken its contract wit h those continuation students for whom access to personal office space has been wit hdrawn and who also started before 2008. The KPA raised this issue at Senate looking for answers and adequate solutions. The issue received a reasonable amount of attention and arrangements were made to enter into further discussions with Allan Howells (Director of Academic Services), Edward Youngman (Planning and Project Manager) and Professor Sue Scott (Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences). However, no answers were given as to whether the Code of Practice constitutes part of the contract that the student enters into with the University. The KPA then met with Allan Howells and Edward Youngman. The discussions were positive although no real solutions came out of the meeting. Suggestions were made that students on continuation whose studies have been disrupted should be eligible to apply for a retrospective leave of absence. However, Academic Services will only suggest this option to students insofar as it does not affect the University`s submission rates to the Research Councils; this could have a negative affect on the success of the University`s future funding applications. Despite this, the KPA would advice those students who feel that their studies have been genuinely disrupted by the office moves to apply for a retrospective leave of absence regardless of what level of study they are. The KPA will soon be meeting with Professor Sian Maslin-Prothero (Dean of the Graduate School) and Professor Sue Scott to discuss, in practical terms, the issue of space for continuation students. The issues raised by the office moves point to the bigger issue of the University`s treatment of its continuation students. The recommendations of the Roberts Review 2002 suggested that the length of a PhD should be increased to 3.5 years to reflect the reality that most students take this amount of time to complete their PhD. At the moment, most sources of funding last only three years. This means that most students will have to go onto continuation status at the end of the three funded years. This suggests that most students on continuation will still need support and supervision. If the University wished to encourage early submission it needs to ensure that students have the necessary facilities and support to allow for this. Withdrawing the little support that continuation students had does not seem to be the most effective way of encouraging early submission.
R
ec ently the Faculty of Humanit ies and Social Sciences has implemente d space moves for PGR students within a number of its institutes. Full-time postgraduate students in their third year have been moved to the Claus Moser Centre, full-time first and second years have been moved to the Darwin Building. All students on continuation status have been informed that they are entitled to `hot desk` facilities but are not provided with space for their belongings. This has negative implications for the provision of adequate and appropriate resources and fac ilities for continuation students. The KPA also believes that there is a legal issue that needs to be addressed. It is the KPA`s under-
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12
Film Review
FILM
10th November 2008
SHAMELESS ADVERTISING MAKES QUANTUM OF SOLACE AND BOND OFF TARGET
Quantum of Solace By Mike Fryatt
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
That was c#@p!` the words I heard as soon as the screen turned black and the lights came up in the cinema, and I have to say I agree with my lessthan-discrete fellow movie watcher as I checked out the latest release from the Bond franchise. I have to admit, the film doesn`t really have a story line, we were promised way back when the title was released that when the magic moment came for us to see it, it would all make sense, well...it doesn`t. There really is no explanation for it other than the bad guy`s `evil operation` was called Project Quantum. That`s about it! And as Bond villain`s go, this was a pretty tame one, a small statured man who decides he`s going to steal water? Who thought that up, and more importantly how are they going to get away with making millions for this rubbish? The queue was out of the door on opening night, people were standing in the rain, eagerly anticipating seeing what should have been one of the best films of the year, yet it just doesn`t deliver. If anyone can explain to me the story behind the film, other than explaining the end of the last film, be my guest, because that`s all that`s really done well in this film. ( C o n t i n u e s Page 14)
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10th Nove mbe r 2008
WHAT MAKES YOU SO SPECIAL?
IAU/Jobshop
13
business and my cash flow in the early days was low and the risk involved entailed sleepless nights. Something I also found hard to deal with was unreliable staff, as when you put your trust in others and have high hopes for them and then when they walk out or let you down you have to quick`KEELE SUCCESS STORIES` is an exciting workshop that`s ly pick up the pieces, cover the lack of manpower and move on.
part of `What makes you so special?`; the careers-based workshops and events running throughout May and hosted What did you do prior to this? by KUSU`s IAU and the Careers service.
After I left school I joined the Army and spent five years at Her Majesty`s Service, where I met my current business partner. I then started at Keele Keele Success Stories - Keele Alumni here to help you! University as a mature student, studying Law and International Politics. Following that, I began a career in Sales, working in the telecoms indusEver wondered if there`s life after Keele? This event, on May 13th, try, working for Worldcom, BT and Opal Telecom. I started Corkscrew proves that there is and it`s exciting! Successful Keele alumni from a Events in 2005 and have been enjoying the challenge ever since! range of careers are coming back to give you advice, information and inspiration on their careers and how Keele helped them achieve success. Apart from your degree, what else did you do at university?
The following Q&A with Keele graduate, Mark Linton gives you a taster of things to come:
Name: Mark Lint on Job Title: Director of Corkscrew Events Degree: Law and International Politics
Can you tell us what your job actually involves?
I was Chair and National & Regional campaign leader for the Student Industrial Society (now the Skills Society) and ran the first ever National Skills training day. I successfully invited eight other universities and eight large employers, such as Reuters, Boots, Independent Insurance and Proctor & Gamble to get involved. I was also Vice President of the Law Society and supported the running of the Law Ball. I also helped to raise funds for a local charity, the Elizabeth Trust for sheltered women. My entrepreneurial streak was present in those early days and I also set up my own business called Boat Trip 98, which was enjoyed three years of success, taking students from central England to Stourport to party on a boat. To sell tickets I recruited other students from Keele. I was Club Captain of the Canoeing Club and left to join the Rugby Club (earning me the nickname of Canoe) and went on to become Rugby Club Captain. I successfully took the Sevens to the next level to make over ÂŁ1000 for the club, one of my proudest achievements! I had three phones in my room to cover all of this and it was a wonder that I ever got any work done!
Bossing my employees around! No, in all seriousness my business partner and I set up Corkscrew Events in 2005. Now that the company has What advice would you give to undergraduates about to embark on the grown we have focused our roles more, and I oversee the Sales and job market? Marketing of the company as well as contributing to the strategic planThe best advice I can give is to get involved in as much as you can withning of the business with my business partner. out it interfering with your studies. Get as much vocational experience as you can (i.e. placements, committees, work experience) because they will What gave you the push to start your own business? help you to know what you want to do, what you are good at and, more My inspiration was to be my own boss and it got to the point where I importantly, what you don`t want to do! was sick of having to obey other people. Working for someone else has its economic constraints with limited earnings, creativity, direction and authority. I wanted to have the freedom to take my own business to the heights I knew it could reach and to see my hard work and invest- Check out the Corkscrew Events website at: w w w . c o r k s c r e w ment pay off as the company flourishes. eve nts .c om What are the highs and lows of being a Director?
Put May `09 into your diary NOW! Check out this months long series of careers-based sessions and workshops; from how to The highs are the that you get to be your own boss, do what you want to do and see something that you started to develop and earn respect create your perfect CV, to surviving assessment centres and from your peers in both the market and industry. It is also very meeting inspiring past graduates. rewarding to have the opportunity to develop people in your company and to see their skills sets and levels of professionalism improve and Log on to w w w . k u s u . n e t / s p e c i a l , visit in person or phone start to contribute to the business. the IAU on 734800 or Careers on 733023 for more information. As for the lows, the first thing that springs to mind is the red tape! Internally we can keep it to a minimum, but there is so much external bureaucracy that can slow you down. It is not easy starting your own
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14
Games
( C o n t i n u e d f r o m P a g e 1 2 ) . Casino Royale left a few unanswered questions, which to be fair this film does explain but the main storyline seems to be added in as almost a sub-plot. I liked Casino Royale, I know there were quite a lot of sceptics, and before it came out, I was fully expecting it to be rubbish, but it wasn`t, it was one of the better of the recent Bond films. The only problem with Casino Royale was the shameless advertising, and sadly, Quantum of Solace is just as bad, if not worse. The publishers took care to show specially paid-for selective adverts for companies such as Alfa Romeo, Ford, Omega and Sony. As for the film, every car bar one was made by Alfa Romeo, Ford or a Ford owned company, with camera angles chosen carefully to make sure the badge wasn`t cut out. There were quite a lot of Omega watches, that again were made sure to be in the frame, and Sony? Oh yes, every phone in this film is a Sony Ericsson with the badges proudly shown in high detail. The worst moment being when Bond uses the `new Sony Ericsson face detection` to take pictures of the bad guys, which had also been advertised before the film. Oh, and the little cameo from Richard Branson in Casino Royale? The Virgin Atlantic planes are back, tail fins all lit up and a huge `Virgin Atlantic Happy to Help` tag on the guy behind the bar. Oh dear! This is just one big advert with the story an afterthought. Seriously, don`t
10th November 2008 bother with Quantum of Solace, it is really awful. I think my other half summed it up when she said: ‘Well, it was ok, but..I didn`t understand..what was it about?’ To be honest, I have no idea.
Across 1. They sell illegal drugs and stolen goods (7) 8. An idea (6) 9. An item made to order (7) 11. Strong feelings (8) 12. An Inuit,s traditional dwelling (5) 14. Harvest ones crops (4) 15. A compelling charm (8) 17. One who enjoys not wearing clothes (8) 18. Put in your opening stake (4) 20. Produce offspring from (5) 21. I can talk in many tongues (8) 23. Oriental (7) 24. Go through to find (6) 25. A mythical animal (7) Down 2. To come into view (6) 3. A microcomputer (6) 4. A garden tool (4) 5. Types of hats (7) 6. A luxurious car (9) 7. Feeling no guilt or embarrassment (9) 10. To stress a point (9) 12. 19th century plated warships (9) 13. To endure over a long period of time (adj) (9) 16. An old thesbian still working (7) 18. A polar region (6) 19. Extreme fear (6) 22. A small mountain lake (4)
To see if your the next Einstein then check your answers by e-mailing vp.comms@kusu.keele.ac.uk - for this issue or back issues.
Keele University Students’ Union Newspaper
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10th Nove mbe r 2008
HIGHER
EDUCATION MUST DRIVE THE
BUSINESS CASE FOR SPORT Is the message out from British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) the new, national voice for university sport in the UK.
Sport
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activity as well as promoting how sport can be used to engage students, staff and local communities in coaching and volunteering activities. These are not goals we can achieve alone. We are already talking with our members and partners across the education, health and sport sectors to ensure we offer inclusive activities and take a professional approach to sports development. In doing so, we are keen to stress the importance of making the `business case` for sport in its widest sense to university leaders, NGBs and other stakeholders, including, of course, the Government.` Minister of State for Higher Education, David Lammy said:
A n&d yS pBourrtn haanmd MDPa ,v iSde cLr eatmarmyy o fMSPt,a tMe ifnoirs tCeur l tfuorre , HMi gehdei ar
`We must build on the success of Team GB at the Beijing Olympic and Paralympics Games which provided a positive and real inspiration to all E d u c a t i o n w i l l t o d a y h o s t a p a r l i a m e n t a r y r e c e p t i o n t o c e l e - of us to become more physically active. I firmly believe that sport can b r a t e t h e l a u n c h o f B U C S –t h e n e w n a t i o n a l b o d y s e t u p t o benefit everyone, so I really welcome the efforts of BUCS and those who enhance the university experience th rough sport. work in sport throughout our higher education sector in bringing sport to our communities. Not only will this help create the next generation of BUCS was formed in June 2008 following the merger of the British sports superstars but also support the nation`s health and well being.` Universities Sports Association (BUSA) and University College Sport (UCS). With its 153 member higher education institutions the new organ- Christine Ohuruogu, Olympic athlete and University College, London isation has a national remit to improve sport and physical activity oppor- graduate said: tunities in three key ways: `2008 has been a fantastic year for British sport and Team GB. Many Participation - engage more students, staff and local communities in of the athletes who won medals, like myself, at the Beijing Games were playing sport with access to sporting and physical activity opportuni- either graduates or students and had spent time playing sport at univerties such as healthy/wellbeing initiatives or volunteering activities. sity. I have fond memories of playing university netball and as I had to choose early on in my career between athletics and netball, having the Competition - deliver a high-quality sports programme for university opportunity to do both while studying was the perfect combination. I clubs and teams in 50 sports and provide single and multi-sport com- would encourage all students, maybe even those not currently involved petitive events across the UK. in sport, to look at the opportunities available on campus and get active–you never know where you might end up.` Performance - support members to offer students and university-based athletes world-class facilities and coaching as well as providing stuIt would appear that Keele University has finally woken up to the great dents with the opportunity to compete internationally on behalf Great prospects sport can bring to an individual`s time at university and to a Britain at the World University Games and Championships. university`s reputation; especially to future students. The Sports Strategy Plan brings with it great ideas and inntiatives and only time Dr Tim Brabants and Christine Ohuruogu, both Olympic gold medal- will tell if they are to be fullfilled by the relevant bodies. Most sporting lists and university graduates will conclude the event by speaking about people will be judging the implementation of the Sports Strategy Plan as the highlights of their university sport experiences and their pathway to paramount to the future and on-going success of the A.U. and sport as a international success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Secretary of State whole at Keele. The role the Students` Union and the A.U. currently for Culture, Media and Sport Andy Burnham said: have is to make sure that a watertight job description for the new sports sabbatical is proposed and implemented in time for the 2008/2009 elec`Sport plays a key role in the lives of many students, and is a great way tion cycle. Once this is done, 2009 will see a new Sports Sabbatical being of building relationships and settling in to a new community. University elected and in position to improve the healthy wellbeing and sporting offers the perfect environment to take up and keep up sport, and it's fan- lifestyle for all, not just those involved in sport competively. Surely more tastic that we've now got a single, national voice working to support uni- representation for students is a good thing and one I cannot wait to see versity sport at every level. BUCS has only been up and running for brought in during my time in office. Rich Hill. four months but it is clear that is already enhancing the sporting experience of the many student athletes, coaches, and volunteers it serves. I'm sure BUCS will play a huge part in getting more young people to find the sport that is right for them as we move towards 2012.` Ed Smith, BUCS Chair said:
`This is a new and exciting development for sport in higher education. The reception today is the first of many opportunities to celebrate sport`s contribution to the university experience and the success of our athletes in Beijing. As the only UK-wide, multi-sport organisation for students we are committed to getting more people involved in sport and physical
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Sport
10th November 2008
TEAM: KEELE
Steven Kew Athletic Union Treasurer
L
ast week was an interesting week for Sport at Keele. Due to the lovely snow we had on the Tuesday all of our pitches were unplayable which meant that our only two home fixtures were Men`s and Women`s Fencing. Women`s Fencing annihilat ed UCLAN with a fant astic score of 135-66; Men`s Fencing played valian tly against a fantastic York side, but sadly lost narrowly 125-107.
The rest of the country did not seem to encounter the same weather problems as we did in the Bubble, with most of our away matches taking place. Netball 1st beat Salford with a fantastic 40-10 result putting them through into the next round of the Cup, sadly the 3rds didn`t do as well losing 39-18 to Liverpool Hope. Men`s Football 2nds beat Manchester Met 5-2, pushing them through into the next round of their Cup too. The final away match was Men`s Badminton 2nds who managed a fantastic 8-0 win in their Cup fixture captained at short notice by veteran player Rich Hill.
A.U. Ball tickets are also still available for £30 from the office so get in quick. If you still want to join the A.U. then please pop into the office and we will point you in the right direction. All you need is a passport sized photo and £15.
Keele Lacrosse Mixed 1st Tigers Vs. Liverpool 1st Sunday 2nd November 2008
Badminton Women`s 1st Vs. Cumbria 1st Basketball Men`s 1st Vs. Chester (C) 1st Basketball Women`s 1st Vs. NEWI 1st
Another close defeat but this time for Keele Lacrosse at 10-9
hat a difference a year makes. Last year Liverpool University were all over the Tiger`s firing goals left right and centre. Fast forward to this year and it was a totally different story. Being a cold day, plenty of running was on the cards and it lead to an exciting and fast paced match. The first half was a frantic affair with end to end action and with neither team dominating possession. Keele`s Alex Curley obtained the ball and drove toward one goal and fired a shot that `looked` to have gone wide. Appeals were made by the Tiger`s that the ball had gone through a hole in the net but the umpires were having none of it. Goals were constantly being exchanged and some great defensive work by both teams prevented many goals. As the half drew to a close
W
Next Wednesday`s Home Fixtures - November 29th 2008
Fencing Men`s 1st Vs. Bangor 1st Football Men`s 2nd Vs. Liverpool 3rd the Tiger`s took a small lead that lifted their confidence and were upbeat at half time In the second half Liverpool came out all guns blazing and suddenly three goals were scored in the space of five minutes! The Tiger`s were rattled and struggled to get back into the game but fortunately Liverpool were very sloppy with their possession and wasted many chances. A quick team talk by mixed captain Anna Jenkyns made all the difference and the Tiger`s came out roaring! They clawed their way back into the match and started scoring goals. With one minute to go the game went down to the wire with the Tiger`s only one goal behind! The Tiger`s managed to obtain possession from Liverpool but unfortunately the game clock ran out before the ball could find its way into a shooting opportunity. The Tiger`s were gutted with the result, being so close but were satisfied with their performance. Everyone had given 100% effort and coming so close to one of the best teams in the league is only encouraging for the season ahead.
Golf 1st Vs. UCLAN 2nd Hockey Men`s 2nd Vs. Bolton 1st Hockey Women`s 2nd Vs. Edge Hill 2nd Lacrosse Men`s 1st Vs. Lancaster 1st Lacrosse Women`s 1st Vs. Northumbria 1st Netball 2nds Vs. Bolton 1st Netball 3rds Vs. Liverpool JM 1st Rugby Men`s 1st Vs. Bangor 1st Rugby Men`s 2nd Vs. Chester (C) 2nd Squash Men`s 1st Vs. Manchester 3rds Tennis Mens 1st Vs. Man Met 1st
Goal scorers – Alex Curely, Scott Little, Craig Rosenbloom, Shehzaad Khan and Tom Bowen
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