The Knowledge Issue 2

Issue 2

www.upsu.com Election results Radio1 at UPSU! Plymouth Town Takeover

For the latest up to date news check out www.upsu.com

transforming lives through experience

Nov - Jan

WIN TICKETS TO SEE

page 2

CONTENTS 2-3

Part Time Officer Election Results

4

‘Radio1 at UPSU’

6-7

Global Issues

11

‘Local Neighbourhood Policing’

12-13

november 2009 | the knowledge

union news Hopefully most of you will be aware that the UPSU Part Time Officer Elections have been taking place recently. The elections were your chance to vote for Part Time Officers to represent you at Student Parliament. Parliament is the body of students that meets regularly to discuss Students’ Union policy, but also receive reports from the Full Time Officers (such as myself).

UPSU Part Time Officer Elections

By James Redfearn VP Activities & Communications

Careers

14

Plymouth Town Takeover

16

What’s On

The results of the elections are available for you in this paper and around the Union building, and you can find further information online at upsu.com if you want it. The officers were elected to represent different groups of students, and will be looking to find out from you about any issues you are having with your course, or what campaigns you’d like us to run. The elected officers are the only people who have voting rights on Parliament, but the meetings are open to all students to attend – so come along and have your say!

Results night took place in Sub:lime in the SU on the 30 October, where candidates were waiting with baited breath to see who had won the chance to represent their fellow students at Parliament. Overall, this was the most successful Part Time Officer election in UPSU history, with a record-breaking number of votes. Thanks to all of you who voted!

18-19 Reviews

22-24

Sports & Societies

Editor James Redfearn / Georgie Luton

Keep an eye on the notice boards around the Union, online at upsu.com and in Fly magazine for details of the next meeting of Parliament.

Design & Layout Oli Horne Dannii Newman

If you have any questions about Parliament, or want to find out more – email deputypresident@upsu.com

Editor Says

WE HAVE A NEW EDITOR

Hello and welcome to the second issue of ‘the Knowledge’ this term. I would like to start by saying thank you for electing me as your Student Editor, I would like to be able to make the Knowledge an enjoyable read for you and get a lot more of you involved, and make it a more student lead newspaper.

and managed to find something to interest you.

The student part time elections are announced, and were a big success this year. It was great all the candidates enthusiastic with their campaigning. There is also some news from your sabbatical officers about what they have been up to recently.

This issue covers news and events that have been happening at your Students’ Union so far. As well as your Sports Clubs and Societies, which had a very successful Sports and Societies fair, and I hope you all enjoyed it

We have also got a bit of information on graduate jobs and employability, which may interest quite a lot of you and worth checking out.

Have a good rest of the term, and feel free to get in touch with us about what’s going on, or if you want us to include your articles in the next edition which will be coming out in the new year.

Georgie Luton

november 2009 | the knowledge

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union news

RESULTS POSITION

WINNER

Education Faculty Rep

Conor Heaven

Business Faculty Rep

Matthew MacKay

Science and Technology Faculty Rep

Laura Nottle

The Knowledge Editor

Georgie Luton

Mature Students Officer

Andrew Duncan

Independent Representative

Abigail Pettit Barnaby Smyth Clare Willis Polly Miles

Students with Disabilities Officer

Daniel Eggle

Postgraduate Officer

David Fraser.

LGBT Officer

Michael Chafe.

Racial and Ethnic Officer

Gyorgy Melegh.

Ethics and Environmental Officer

Seena Shah

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november 2009 | the knowledge

union news

Radio1 at UPSU

By Georgina Luton

We’ve been quite a hit with Radio 1 this term.

When Welcome Week was coming to a close, the Radio1 djs, Chappers and Dave appeared at Sub:Lime to present The Big Cheese on 2 October, bringing us a mix of great music, as well as games. This was a great event to end the Welcome Week, especially seeing as you wouldn’t expect anything as good as Calvin Harris at the Freshers’ Ball, but they pulled it off just as great. It was part of their tour, where they go around student unions of universities. Dave of course is not a stranger to the University, he made an appearance last December in the Students’ Union, when the Chris Moyles show presented one of their live karaoke nights.

would you say your best part of your body is?’ These questions are what got the entire crowd enjoying the entertaining games that Chappers and Dave put on for all of us, as well as the cheesy music.

Tune in to Radio 1, week days when you can hear more from Dave with Chris Moyles in the morning, and more of Chappers with Scott Mills in the afternoon and on the weekend when they occasionally fill in for people.

To top it all off, we had another visit from Radio 1, this time it was Greg James on 17 October. I managed to get up, close and chatty with Greg for a few minutes. I met Greg and his producer Neil, just before they were due to perform on stage, who hadn’t long arrived down in Plymouth, so didn’t get much of a chance to get a look around the town. But like Comedy Dave, Greg also isn’t a stranger to Plymouth, he was also down here when Chris Moyles had his karaoke night last December 08, when he performed his own karaoke song.

I tried to get to know Greg a bit better by asking him a few questions...

Do you have a favourite genre of music, or a favourite artist?

“I’m a big fan of indie, bands such as Maximo Park, Kings of Leon, Bloc Party who were my highlight at Glastonbury this year.”

I notticed Greg playing a bit of a Kings of Leon medley into some Bloc Party during the evening.

Do you have any favourite songs to play when you are visiting Universities to get the party started?

The cheesy pop anthems got the crowd going crazy for the two djs. From P!nk to Five and S Club 7, classic cheese music can’t get much better than that. In amongst all this they decided to make an excellent tribute to Michael Jackson, playing one of the biggest songs to come out of the Jackson five.

Together Chappers and Dave came up with their own version of blind date. They nominated three mysterious girls, along with a guy who asked the questions. They came up with a series of questions that the nominated guy had to ask the 3 girls, which reflects Chappers and Dave’s comical sense of humours. Some of the questions consisted of ‘Have you ever kissed a girl?’ and ‘What

“I don’t really go by a set list, just see where the night takes me.”

What is the most embarrassing moment you’ve had or experienced while performing on stage?

“I once fell off the stage in Chester, because I didn’t see the step.”

I notice their are many students in here tonight having themed nights out, that are always a good laugh. What is the best theme party you’ve been too?

“At university we use to go out dressed as Pimps and Hoes, OAP nights and I liked

999 themes.” Greg studied drama at The University of East Anglia.

What made you choose to go into radio?

“I got involved with working for the Student Radio station at my University, then went up from there.”

Greg started his early morning breakfast show on Radio 1 in June 07.

To hear more of Greg, catch him on Radio 1 weekdays between 13:00 & 16:00

november 2009 | the knowledge

Make the most of your money.

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Say hello to the Lloyds TSB Student Account.

Up to £1,500 interest-free tiered Planned Overdraft in your first year, to help you stay in control. You can apply for £500 in the first 6 months, up to £1,000 in months 7-9, then up to £1,500 after that. And all sorts of other ways to help make the most of your money.

How you make the most of student life is of course, up to you.

Visit us in branch, call 0800 085 9175 or go to lloydstsb.com/student

Account opening is subject to our assessment of your circumstances. You must be 17 or over and a UK resident to apply for the account. Overdrafts require you to be 18 or over. Overdrafts are repayable in full on demand and the amount we lend depends on our review of your personal circumstances. Telephone lines open 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Calls may be recorded.

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november 2009 | the knowledge

global issues

The Climate Change Society

By Emma Wilson

This term has already been a very busy one for the committee and members of the society! Our first social went really well – The theme ‘Reduce- Reuse- Recycle’ ensured that all fancy dress costumes were really original and some were pretty crazy too! It was great to see so many new faces and have the opportunity to meet people from different courses, who all shared an interest in the pressing issue of climate change.

So far this term we have had guest speakers from Campaign against Climate Change and Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, film showings and held campaign stalls in the students union.

We have also organised a coach to the London Climate demonstration on the 5th of December.

This term we are running two awareness raising campaigns: The first concentrating on The Climate Summit in Copenhagen in December and the second a campaign to highlight the importance of new green jobs to students.

The United Nations Climate Talks are the world’s last chance to secure an emissions reductions agreement that will replace the Kyoto Protocol before it expires. There is now a growing consensus amongst the worlds leading scientists that we have a global climate emergency in which we have

ten years or less to stop and reverse the global growth in greenhouse gases before ‘runaway’ climate change becomes uncontrollable. This means the international talks being held in Copenhagen could be our last chance to avert a global catastrophe of unimaginable proportions – perhaps the most important international meeting ever held. On campus we will be running workshops, petitions and banner making sessions where students can get involved and find out what the implications of this summit will be for them and for the rest of the world.

Green jobs for graduates, the second of our campaigns, is one we think should be prominent in every students mind here at Plymouth. The government has promised to create employment in sustainable and green areas, this is crucial, not only to help fight climate change but also to help pull the UK out of the current recession. Today one in five young people between 16 and 24 are looking for work, the highest on record and there are fears of a new “lost generation” of young people. It has also been estimated by the Trade Union Congress that 800,000 new jobs are needed in the UK to meet the

essential demand to cut CO2 emissions by 40% by 2020. Therefore we believe that the solution is simple – the government needs to keep deliver these promised new green jobs.

We have been asking as many students as possible to get involved, as we feel the benefits from the deliverance of these jobs will impact not only our members but many namy students here and across the country when they graduate and enter employment.

So please do sign our petitions and put your names on the banners that we will be taking to London in December to represent all students here at Plymouth.

We are urging students to get involved with both of these campaigns and are really looking forward to an eventful and exciting few months leading up to the summit in December!

If you would like to get involved in the campaigns or enquire about membership (it’s only £2 for the year) please get in touch and email benjamin.middleton@students. plymouth.ac.uk.

november 2009 | the knowledge

Leave your footprints at Earth.org Anyone who loves travel, culture and the environment should log on to Earth.org, a newly launched, collaboratively written online travel guide.

It’s written purely by travellers, for travellers, and aims to combat environmental issues through encouraging responsible tourism.

Another key aim of Earth.org is to provide honest information for travellers. Reliable and trustworthy information can often be difficult to find on the Internet – many websites are plagued with sponsorships and advertisements. Earth.org is independent of business interests –its content is not influenced by advertising. Its wish is to provide responsible travel information that readers can trust. 50% of its profits will go towards supporting environmental, social and cultural projects, with a future aim to increase this to 100%.

We recently planted 237 trees in India – one for each country in the world. We also went to a small, remote village in the Indian Himalayas as the very first tourists, and took pictures of the inhabitants.

We then developed the pictures, framed them and

gave them back to the people. Through projects such as these, we are aiming to encourage cultural and environmental learning throughout the world So whether you’ve been on a gap-year or simply a two-week holiday in the sun, why not tell the world about it? Recommend your favourite cities, landmarks, attractions, hotels, restaurant, beaches and anything you want to share about the places you’ve been. Give valuable opinions and tips which will help future travellers to enjoy a place in the same way you did, and have the best experiences possible.

Even if you aren’t a traveller Earth.org wants to hear from you. Become an ambassador for your city and write about it and the surrounding area. What things are there to do? Where’s the best place to eat? What’s unique about it? Provide an honest and positive account which will help travellers to your hometown see it the way you do and experience the things you love. The most valuable travel information comes from the people who live and breathe the place.

What’s more, Earth.org has been created by a 100% remote team, working together from all over the world. Most of the 30 plus team members have never seen each other, but it works. We feel this way of working fits in perfectly with the nature of the project – distance should be no obstacle to creating something wonderful. The point is to bring the four corners of the Earth closer together through communication and respect. We want to create an online community of people from all walks of life who share one common interest – travel.

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global issues

Getting involved with such an original yet ethical project has been great fun and I feel like I’m really making a difference to the way we see and treat the world. Mass tourism is one of the biggest dangers to the environment and so by encouraging ecotravel, we can make a huge difference in the fight against the destruction of our beautiful planet.

Share your travel information by logging on to www.earth.org Also follow us on: Twitter: http://twitter.com/earth_dot_org Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ Earthorg/50617312298?ref=ts And check out our YouTube video: http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=QrPpIkife7Y

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november 2009 | the knowledge

november 2009 | the knowledge

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local issues

Plymouth University Guides and Scouts Most people remember Brownies and Guides, Cubs and Scouts when we were younger, the lovely uniforms, crafts, camps, cooking etc. But most people left when they reached secondary school. Some of us however didn’t! SSAGO – the Student Scout and Guide Organisation – is a national organisation aimed at continuing Guiding and Scouting but with a student twist. We carry on doing what we want to do whilst supporting local groups. SSAGO groups are all over the country doing any activity you could imagine and once a term meet up to cause mayhem. You don’t have to have any previous experience with Guides or Scouts to join SSAGO. PLUGS is newly formed at Plymouth and looking for people to join. The more people join the more we can do both locally and nationally.

Our first big meeting is open to anyone. It’s a chance to meet some of us, learn more about what we do as a society, and a little about Guides and Scouts in Plymouth. We want to hear some of your suggestions too, so please come along.

First General Meeting: 24 November, 7pm, Cookworthy 402

Recycle for Plymouth Students in Plymouth are being encouraged to get into good recycling habits at the start of the academic year.

Plymouth City Council has created a new website page for students, which gives the low down on what to recycle. And it has teamed up with the University of Plymouth to make sure as many students know what day their bins are emptied as well as what they can and cannot recycle.

The council’s webpage will link into the university’s website and staff will also be on hand at the Students’ Union on Wednesday 21st October and Wednesday 18th November to give face to face advice on recycling habits in Plymouth. The information is also being sent to all the major student accommodation agencies in the city.

University of Plymouth Students’ Union President, Aleshia Sampson said: “The university has an impressive sustainability agenda, indeed it has been voted the overall best performing university in the People and Planet Green Universities league table.

“Students play an important role in promoting sustainability and the Students’ Union is dedicated to furthering this mission through encouraging its members to be responsible members of society and friends to the environment.

The Students’ Union does this through initiatives such as Green Week and its award-winning volunteering initiatives. In light of this, the Students’ Union is 100% committed to working with Plymouth City Council to ensure new students get into good sustainability habits from day one – for the benefits of the local community and the wider environment.”

Make the most of your money. Make the most of student life. £1,500 in Up to

Say hello to the Lloyds TSB Student Account.

terestf overdr ree aft

Up to £1,500 interest-free tiered Planned Overdraft in your first year, to help you stay in control. You can apply for £500 in the first 6 months, up to £1,000 in months 7-9, then up to £1,500 after that. And all sorts of other ways to help make the most of your money.

How you make the most of student life is of course, up to you.

Visit us in branch, call 0800 085 9175 or go to lloydstsb.com/student

Account opening is subject to our assessment of your circumstances. You must be 17 or over and a UK resident to apply for the account. Overdrafts require you to be 18 or over. Overdrafts are repayable in full on demand and the amount we lend depends on our review of your personal circumstances. Telephone lines open 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. Calls may be recorded.

You can visit Plymouth City Council’s student recycling pages at: http://www.plymouth. gov.uk/homepage/environmentandplanning/ rubbishandrecycling/recycling/recyclingforstudents. htm

JOB NAME: 000550_StudAcct_105x105

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november 2009 | the knowledge

union news

WIN £1000

International students

Your views count

I-Graduate Survey The University of Plymouth values your opinions which is why we have invested in the IGrad survey that will be offered in the autumn and late spring of the academic year.

We have now analysed the results of the 2008/2009 surveys and found some interesting results that will inform our future planning at the University to be more able to meet the specific needs of our diverse student population. We have a new Employabilty Centre (in RLB) opening early in 2010, what are your needs ?

It is really important that we hear from you, so we will be sending you a special link in the first week of November to fill in the confidential survey. As mentioned earlier, we will be doing another one in May 2010 for comparison.

We need to know about your experience to be able to consider your needs!

Please take the time to fill in this survey to help the University improve its services to you

Pat Blower Manager, International Student Advisory Service

Check your university emails and click the hyperlink to the online survey

International Student Barometer™

Be part of the biggest international student feedback study

INTERNATIONAL INSIGHT www.i-graduate.org

Escape to the countryside and beaches of Devon and Cornwall by train from Plymouth Tamar Valley - journey time 30 minutes £4.50 adult return Looe - journey time 60 minutes £5.50 adult return Newquay - journey time 2 hours £8.00 adult return 4 travel, 2 pay. With GroupSave, up to four people can travel for the price of two adult Off Peak Day Returns on First Great Western trains.

Explore the Great Scenic Railways of Devon & Cornwall from Plymouth, including Rail Ale Trails and walks. Find out more at www.greatscenicrailways.com

The Looe Valley

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For times and fares, call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Supported by First Great Western

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november 2009 | the knowledge

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local unionissues news

Neighbourhood Policing Aleshia Sampson – UPSU President James Redfearn – UPSU VP Activities & Communications As part of our ongoing work with the local Police, we were invited by Sergeant Mike Giarchi-Faulkner to ride along with him and his colleague, Jim, in a Police van for a Friday night shift. Mike works within the Neighbourhood Department in Charles Cross police station, and it is for this reason that we were invited along. The aim of the night was firstly for us to learn a bit about the work of the Police, and secondly to see first-hand some of the issues caused by the night-time economy on North Hill and Mutley, and in particular any issues surrounding University of Plymouth students. Key issues here are obviously the safety of our students, but also problems of noise or disorderly behaviour, particularly around residential areas.

So, on Friday 30th October at 8pm after a full day of work at UPSU, we found ourselves sat in a briefing for the Friday night shift - operation ‘Talon.’ After the briefing we were planning to go and see a local resident to follow up on a series of complaints made to Mike, but as soon as we reached North Hill we received a call to support some PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) and were plunged into our first “blue light” driving experience.

Speeding down Alexandra Road at 75mph in a transit van was fairly exciting but we were certainly glad when it was over. After that, we did manage to talk to the local residents, who were very pleased to see us getting involved with the work of the Police. Likewise, it was good to hear some stories and ideas from people outside of our usual contacts.

During the course of the night we also visited the Shekinah Mission, just off Union Street, which on a Friday and Saturday night is a base for Paramedics to provide

first aid and the Police to take statements quickly and easily as soon as an incident takes place, to enable people to get on with their night out if they were a witness.

We also visited the CCTV control centre for the city, which covered everywhere from the Barbican to Efford. One thing that it did highlight was a lack of coverage of North Hill on the main Police network of cameras, which is a significant concern as far as student safety goes. The University liaises with the Police, and can share footage, but this can sometimes take time.

Mike told us that the Police had put up half of the money, and have requested the second half from the University. We have pledged to lobby the University on your behalf for this, as we can see real value in the installation of a camera on North Hill – especially as there has been a rise in violent crime on North Hill recently.

(it’s behind Cuba...) who is kept awake until 5am by irresponsibly drunk people.

It’s also about your safety. If you drink so much that you lose control of your body, how can you be sure you’ll get home safely?

I guess the take home messages that we would like to pass on from our experience that night are: - Drink Responsibly! I know you hear it often enough, but ultimately you’re more safe if you are alert to what is going on around you...and actually, your friends probably aren’t big fans of carrying you home!

Overall, it was quite a quiet night on North Hill and around Campus, which Mike and Jim put down to the horrible weather and the fact that Halloween was the following day! However, we did discuss a number of issues with regards to the high density of student residents in the area, particularly noise and student safety.

But what it boils down to is that students have to take a bit of responsibility for themselves – at the end of the day there is only so much that the Police and UPSU can do, both to protect students and to maintain healthy relationships with the non-student community.

UPSU volunteers, Sports Clubs and Societies do a lot of great work in the local community and for charity, but that is little consolation to an elderly resident of Winifred Baker Court Residential Home

- Be aware of local residents – There are many people, both students and non students, who are asleep whilst you are out on the town. Please be aware of this, and keep the noise down when you are out walking between venues.

- Respect the Police – We saw first-hand how dedicated the Police are to keeping both students and non-students safe on busy Friday and Saturday nights. If you are asked to move on, or quieten down, please do so!

If you want to contact any of us: Mike – michael.giarchi-faulkner@ devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk Aleshia – president@upsu.com James – vpactivites@upsu.com

www.drinkaware.co.uk

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november 2009 | the knowledge

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november 2009 | the knowledge

union news

Plymouth Town Takeover So, I’ve been out talking to students last week and today, but what subject could be so interesting it warranted talking to a bearded stranger for? Well, naturally Plymouth Town Takeover. This will be a two day event over the weekend 6-7 February aiming to secure a fairer tuition fee cost for you and future generations of students. What do you think fees should cost? Now take that figure and compare it to the £5,000£10,000 recent government rhetoric indicates it could become. Yeah I know, scary.

I’m sure you’ll agree that the cap should stay on at £3,000; graduates are already leaving with an average debt of £21,000. Taking over Plymouth, we will pressure local MPs from the four main parties to raise the importance of keeping the cap on fees. Consulting students with an issue which will quite obviously affect their education is only fair; currently the loudest voices being heard by government are Vice Chancellors and the CBI. By turning out on mass we can reverse this so that students are the loudest voice and we get a fairer funding future.

All Town Takeovers are part of the ‘Funding Our Future’ campaign, which aims to combat rising fees and fight against the mounting hardship that students face. Every Student Union supports them with the National Union of Students (NUS). The later have published a ‘Blueprint for an alternative higher education funding system’ which demonstrates that it is possible to fund higher education in a fairer and more sustainable way (www. nus.org.uk/PageFiles/5820/NUS_ Blueprint_Summary_report_final. pdf). It proposes a completely new system that ensures the money raised for funding Universities is not extracted from students alone.

But don’t read that, use your energies to be a part of Plymouth Town Takeover (look out for the facebook group). By being an active part of Plymouth Town Takeover you can have a real impact on the decision of government. Would you like to know more about what we are doing? Or maybe you want to be an active part of the Town Takeover campaign? Your involvement is up to you. Currently, we are going out and talking to students getting their support and finding out what events they want to

go to. Plymouth Town Takeover is very much in the embryonic stages, if you would like to be involved as an active volunteer e-mail me, vpedandwelfare@upsu.com Ed Marshall VP Education and Welfare At the time of print, Liverpool, Bristol and Sheffield Town Takeovers have already been and passed generating mass media interest. Look out for the coming Town Takeovers in the news.

• Southampton: Tuesday 17 Wednesday 18 November • Reading: Thursday 19 - Friday 20 November • Newcastle: Tuesday 24 Wednesday 25 November • Cambridge: Thursday 26 Friday 27 November • London Camden: Tuesday 1 Wednesday 2 December • Birmingham: Thursday 3 Friday 4 December

The Secret’s in the Age Written and Illustrated by: Nicola Carter

The world of fashion has taken a dramatic turn in the last few years. Now it focuses on everything that is characterised by maturity and enduring appeal, otherwise known as ‘Vintage’. Since 2007, the catwalks have been covered with garments that have been inspired from the past.

Over the last two years Plymouth has advanced incredibly fast in the fashion industry. Vintage style is inspiring almost everything, from clothing to music. Not only can you get your hands on some beautiful vintage treasures, there is also vintage style clothing covering the shops. This attraction to the past has been a huge inspiration to most stylists and has also begun a stream of stunning shops found hidden away in most

towns and cities. In Plymouth alone there are several boutiques and vintage retailers, its just a case of knowing where to go. Faux Couture is situated just off Mutley and opened this year, and offers you beautiful garments ranging from the 1930s all the way through to 1990s.

Their unique hand picked garments are putting them on the map to be one of Plymouth’s most successful vintage retailers to young adults for 2010. The Barbican, Ebrington Street, Mutley and the Market have a lot of hidden gems to snatch up at brilliant prices too, and guys too... i’m not just talking to the ladies here! So get searching to be on top of the fashion that is going to rock the catwalks for the rest of 2009 following into 2010.

november 2009 | the knowledge

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november 2009 | the knowledge

november 2009 | the knowledge

25 January 2010

@ Plymouth Pavilions

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The Prodigy break into 2010 with a handful of UK shows before continuing on their 'Invaders Must Die' world tour. Due to demand from fans they wanted to do a run of places not previously visited on recent tours and Plymouth is one of only 6 chosen destinations!

The generous guys down at Plymouth Pavilions have given us a pair of tickets for this sold out gig. For a chance to win a pair of tickets to see The Prodigy simplygive our animal picture a headline.

Fill it in and return the cut out advert to the Hive. see www.upsu.com for terms and conditions

caption:

GET YOUR CAPTIONS IN BY THE 18/01/10 THE EDITORS WILL PICK THEIR FAVOURITE AND THEIR DESICION IS FINAL

name: email: WINNERS WILL BE CONTACTED VIA EMAIL

www.plymouthpavilions.com

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november 2009 | the knowledge

reviews

Richard M Parsons, MA Creative Writing First performed in 1921 when the audience booed and hissed, Pirandello’s puzzling play- about -a -play has been revamped

by Rupert Goold and Ben Power and is performed by Headlong.

In truth it is a confusing and sometimes chaotic narrative that is driven by the Father, (Jack Shepherd), aided by the Stepdaughter (Gina Bramhill) who occasionally pirouettes on a roller skate.

In the original play six dysfunctional family members interrupt a stage rehearsal demanding that their story be told. In this version a film crew is desperately trying – and failing – to make a docudrama about an assisted suicide in Denmark.

The naturalism of the acting style of the TV crew is then gate crashed by the six actors. The TV producer decides to film their story having been denied access to the real act of euthanasia taking place.

Elements that remain faithful to the original are found in the first act where the Father still visits his Stepdaughter when she is working as a prostitute, the Mother (Hazel Holder) is traumatised with guilt and the children eventually come to sticky end.

The modern spin is most obvious in the second act which is almost entirely new and set in a strange garden where the Girl (Clare Louise Connolly) becomes an Ophelia- like figure in an aquarium and

jokey references to ‘Hamlet’ are thrown in.

This production will polarise opinion with its perplexing and sordid tale allied to flashy use of multi media projections.

Updated and re-contextualised for a modern audience as a dark parable for a media obsessed age, it is not always accessible.

Still, Pirandello himself laughed at theatrical convention so this production certainly keeps to his spirit. Expect a challenging evening punctuated with moments of theatrical daring.

Cyrano Birmingham Royal Ballet.

22nd October.

By Laia Rosewell Cyrano de Bergerac is a character universally recognised. The story of his big nose and even bigger heart has delighted audiences again and again. At its core Cyranos’ tale is one of unrequited love and the pain and selflessness it can inspire. Is there a state of being that can be more universally recognised than that?!

Cyrano is in love with his cousin the lady Roxane. Yet, when he discovers she loves a young cadet, Christian de Neuvillette, he puts aside his feelings in order to pen letters between them both in the hope that he can make the woman he loves happy. As Roxane reads the letters that Cyrano has written on behalf of Christian, she falls more

in love with the words, and so with Christian, the man she thinks has written them. Will she ever discover who the true writer is and so with whom she is really in love with?

Ambra Vallo (Roxane) dances exquisitely as a woman in the throes of love though I found the chemistry between herself and Christian (Joseph Caley) somewhat lacking.

With such a well loved character, and theme, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, managed tonight to bring a respectful warm insouciance to Cyranos story.

Dancer Alexander Campbell (Cyrano) was a delight to watch. The width and breadth of his form, perfectly embodied the depth of feeling so vital to the expanse and vision of the story, in it’s striving for ideals that often seem beyond our human capabilities when it comes to love.

This may be deliberate as Christian is never the man she is really in love with, and highlights the lack of sight one can have when embroiled in the ecstasy of ones own passion. The other person may only need to be a thought rather than real flesh and blood, so long as they exist somehow, to inspire the same depth of feeling. But if that’s the case then the dance between them is clever.

The story itself is still a joy to behold. A touching and awe inspiring treat from a Ballet company that always delivers.

november 2009 | the knowledge

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reviews

Graphic Expressionism Exhibition Hellyn Goodwin. BA (hons) Fine Art Stage 3 This exhibit brought to the University

by Roger M. Payne and Peninsula Arts, is aimed to highlight graphic art. The success lies with the strength of the images, which seem to imbue vibrancy and cheerfulness on the blank wall. The exhibit certainly lightened and brought smiles to the corridor of Portland Square’s ‘Cube 3’ Gallery.

The content ranged from social

statements, everyday iconic symbols and artists representations of everyday subjects. The images professionally printed and expertly presented demonstrated that the framed image can still have impact. So often art challenges the observer to search out it’s meaning, conversely the ‘Graphic Expressionism Exhibition’ was simply a pleasure to look at and enjoy the impact of colour, line and use of tone.

The idea underlying this exhibition is to continue Graphic Expressionism exposure and gather other artists to show their work. Maybe it is time for Graphic Art to move into the art arena on par with the installation exhibits that dominate the art world and give our eyes more visual joy.

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november 2009 | the knowledge

university news

Student Voice for the Enterprise University A Student Voice for The Enterprise University Anyone who has spent any time on the University of Plymouth campus will have come across the word enterprise. There are flags, flyers, stickers, even the stairs in front of the library are labelled.

The message is very clear but is the meaning?

You will know that a person can be enterprising or can participate in an enterprise but in this context the meaning is far more broad and open to interpretation. Levi Huck, chairman of Butonics, the Economics and

LOCAL STUDENTS SHOULD PLAN GREAT ESCAPE There has been an alarming increase in the number of young people losing their lives in domestic fires.

Latest Fire Statistics reveal that the number of people aged 17 to 24 killed in accidental house fires, in England, increased by 14% from 2006 to 2007.

That’s why the University of

Business society, said that to him, “Enterprise is the endeavorment of human spirit overcoming risk”. To me it is about creating your own opportunities, making your own luck and not being afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something different.

Now, the University want to know what enterprise means to you and how you would like the push to cement Plymouth’s status as the enterprise University to be implemented. There is a tradition of Plymouth graduates being highly employable, self starting individuals and this is a key part of the University offer and the vision for the future of University policy.

The Student Change Academy will be a committee of students working to give the wider student body a voice on the enterprise push. You will work in tandem with the Change Academy, eleven senior University

Plymouth is helping students in Plymouth stay safe from fire, as they move into digs.

The University of Plymouth has agreed to have a new Student ‘Fire Kills’ Ambassador Tamara Wood. She is one of 24 students specifically funded by the Government to promote fire safety to students. Tamara will be working to promote fire safety messages to students at Uni. Plymouth.

New survey results also show that people vastly underestimate the impact of toxic smoke: Of those surveyed:

staff driving the Enterprise strategy across the institution. You will have the opportunity to define your own projects and inform University initiatives at the highest level through regular meetings and presentations.

Whether you are a sports or society committee member, more interested in the sustainable than the entrepreneurial, or have passion for the arts or charity, if you feel you have a clear vision of what it is you and your friends want from University education then here is a chance to make a difference.

If you are interested and would like further details contact: Gus Palmer on gus.palmer@students.plymouth.ac.uk

• almost half (43%) believed they could survive for more than two minutes in a smoke filled room; and • nearly half (48%) thought they would be alerted to a fire by the smell of the smoke.

• almost a fifth (18%) believed a pet eg. their dog barking, or someone else would alert them to a house fire.

The only way to buy vital time to escape from a house fire is by having a working smoke alarm.

november 2009 | the knowledge

page 21

sports & societies

University Initiations... right or wrong?

By Dan Roe

Initiation - formal admission or acceptance into an organization or club, adult status in one’s community or society, etc.

Initiations have seen a lot of bad press of late. Gloucester’s initiation that was led by a student in a Nazi-styled outfit, hit national press in October 2008 with claims of ‘bullying and intimidation’. This has led to Student Unions up and down the country clamping down on initiation ceremonies. But are they as bad as people make out?

When thinking of initiations most people’s instant thought is of a club or of a society. Many people will not even consider the initiation that Sailors participate in the first time that they cross the equator, or that of what tribesmen endure when passing into manhood. This is because these take place behind closed doors where only the parties involved are present.

Whenever an initiation has been

seen as a negative thing it has been from a third party, a spectator or someone not involved in the actual proceedings. Gloucester, for example, were unfortunate to be filmed by a student that had spent a year doing a work placement for the BBC and had nothing to do with the event.

More recently, a number of complaints were made about students who were engaging in initiations or ‘social activities’.

However, the complaints were made from people who were not involved in the initiations. The point I’m trying to make is simple: Have you ever heard someone complain after their own initiation?

In 4 years at University I have not once heard of anyone that regretted going to their club or society’s initiation. In its own way it is a right of passage, a way of finding common ground with people who have done it before you, and ultimately a way of breaking down barriers between new comers and an existing group. From my own experience I can safely say that I did not properly feel accepted, part of the club, or as close to my peers, as I did after my own initiation.

If it’s done properly then It’s a fantastic a way of bonding with other members, old or new, and breaking down the barriers of an in-group/ out-group that exists naturally at the beginning of each year. Without initiations Freshers would arguably spend the whole of their 1st year of university being an outsider in a club they wish to be part of.

Men’s Rugby Club Chairman 2009/10

Volunteer of the Year I am extremely delighted to congratulate Steve T’abois for winning the “Volunteer of the Year” annual RELAYS award.

Steve graduated this year and is now successfully working as a science teacher in Yeovil. Whilst in his final year Steve helped out at two of the biggest RELAYS events, the Devon Ability Games To Inspire (a day of sports activities, held locally for young people with disabilities) and the Devon Games To Inspire (a day of sports competitions and culture activities for 8-18 year olds from all over Devon), both of which were held in July 2009. After considering all the nominations put forward around the South West, RELAYS were particularly impressed with the time, effort and energy Steve had contributed to RELAYS.

I am delighted Steve’s efforts have been recognised with such an award.

He has been a great value both during and leading up to these events, always reliable, enthusiastic, positive and an inspiring role model to the young people. No matter what the task, Steve was always willing to help.

RELAYS relies on the hard work and goodwill of volunteers without which the events and festivals we run could not go ahead.

Steve will collect his award at the annual volunteering award ceremony on Thursday 5th November where he and a guest are invited to a drinks reception, followed by a three course meal , evening entertainment and an overnight stay at the four star Barcelo Imperial Hotel in Torquay. As part of the award Steve has also been nominated in the volunteering category of the BBC West Sport Awards in December.

Next events:

If you would like to find out more about future RELAYS projects please email: joanna.reed@su.plymouth.ac.uk ‘Battles Stations Breakdancing Competition’ for under 18’s. Thursday 12th November, at the Voodoo Lounge 6-8pm approx, followed by the over 18’s competition.

Also currently taking place, up until Christmas, is the Hoops 4 Health programme. This involves assisting Plymouth Raiders Basketball players to teach healthy living sessions in local primary schools. Volunteers can attend Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm approx.

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november 2009 | the knowledge

sports & societies

Ladies Basketball

By Bethan Buck

For the first time ever the Ladies Basketball Club has been put not only into BUCS but also the Exeter and District Basketball league, this is something we’ve worked hard for, and that we are so excited about! The League team have so far played two games, the first of which we competed against the Newton Abbot pacers without having had any training session and no experience as a team…and we lost. However, the potential of each individual player was amazing

and our team enthusiasm didn’t wane. Still with no time for a training session we had our first home game, which, I am delighted to say, we won 37-32. It was a close game, but it was easy to see that the player’s skill levels had increased no end and more then anything that we were finally working as a team.

It’s exciting to think that if, after just two games, we have improved so much, how well we could be playing after a few more training sessions!

UPMC Best Start Yet

After a successful sports fair with more interest than ever in the Mountain Bike Club, member numbers have increased by 43% on last year. And thanks to a last spurt of summer reaching through October, members out riding have also been on the up.

We have started our club race series, the “UPMC Mini DH Series“comprising of several short tracks with a race once a month. 16 riders turned up on the day spread equally between the two categories. The Sport & Hardtail category was won by Peter Justin in

22.06 seconds with Haydn Tanner and Adam Cheetham coming a close 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

In the Elite category, competition and nerves were high as the experienced riders are getting ready for regional competition in a weeks’ time. Matt Harvey was ’the bookies favorite’ for the day and didn’t disappoint, storming home in 16.61 seconds. Jack Wetherbee and Miles Winter tried to catch up but placed 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The next round is scheduled for the 22nd November with more points and prizes up for grabs and once again all members of UPMC invited to take part in this relaxed, friendly event!

More racing took place at Tavistock Woods on Sunday 25th Oct, and UPMC once again had a good presence at the event. Matt Harvey had a good race and came 2nd while the other 4 club riders placed in the top half the group.

For more info email Tom Morris tom-morris@hotmail.co.uk and he will be happy to help.

UPMC Mini DH Rd 1 Winners From Left: Haydn Tanner, Peter Justin, Adam Cheetham, Jack Wetherbee, Matt Harvey, Miles Winter

november 2009 | the knowledge

page 23

sports & societies

Cheerleaders create a storm on campus

By Kathryn Roberts, Hannah Clark and Jo Ball

The university’s cheerleading club Plymouth Storm helped to ‘Join the Fight for Women’s Survival’ on Monday 26 October as they walked around campus collecting money for Breast Cancer Research during their official awareness month. With Cancer Research UK’s statistics showing that sadly one in nine women develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, it is not surprising that so many members of this majority female club were

more than willing to donate their time to raise money for such a worthy cause. Some even went that extra mile and collected in just their bras and Cancer Research UK sashes, which was very fitting with the campaign. However, the fundraising carried out was not just about raising money, but was also about raising awareness around campus.

Despite the weather, the club managed to raise an amazing £215 in under two hours. Plymouth Storm plan to continue raising money for other worthy causes throughout the year, with the next fundraiser scheduled for Children in Need in November.

To find out more about raising money for Canser Research UK log on to www.cancerresearchuk.org To find out about the Plymouth Storm Cheerleading Club log on to www.uopstormcheerleaders.co.uk

your Wednesday Victories for Rowing! Get afternoon delight!

By Nikki Harris

UPRC were off to a blistering start at the first race of their head season, Bristol Ariel Head held at Bristol Ariel Rowing Club on the 24 October 2009. The University had victories in both categories entered over the 4500 metre course.

The first of which went to the Mens Intermediate 3 Coxed Eight crew of, Josh Taylor, Charlie Smith,

Tom Frost, Will Frisk, Alex Dennison, Ali Harris, Tom Lucas, Ian Caswell and Rachel Mclennan (cox) with the 3rd fastest time of the day in 15 minutes 41 seconds.

The Womens Intermediate 3 Coxed Four A crew, Theo Tilney, Nikki Harris, Emma Baker, Katy Gallant and Debbie Turner (cox) shot to victory shortly after, with a winning time of 19 minutes 37 seconds, the fastest overall Womens time of the day. With the B crew of, Debbie Turner, Bella Scott, Charlotte Mitchell, Beth Wills and Rachel Mclennan (cox) achieving 3rd position in the same category.

So, you get to Uni, you join a few sports Clubs, get a parttime job or have other commitments, and it just so happens that it all happens on a Wednesday afternoon!

What are the chances?

Well, the fact of the matter is that Wednesday afternoons need to be kept free for these extra curriculum commitments and the only way we will be able to put pressure on the University is by starting off with a petition. One student has stated: “I play Basketball on a Wednesday, to represent the University and try to enhance my development as a

student. At the moment I have to miss lectures which is really difficult” With such high level of complaints from students we have now put a petition book on reception in The Hive (in the SU) in support of keeping Wednesday afternoons free.

If you feel passionately enough about this, please come and sign your name and show your enthusiasm towards this campaign to keep Wednesday afternoons free for all students.

Chris Rees VP Sports & Fun times

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november 2009 | the knowledge

sports & societies

UPMC Best start yet

page 22

Initiations... Right or Wrong

page 21

Cheerleaders create a storm on campus page 23

Victories for Rowing! page 23