Palatinate issue 742

Durham’s Olympic gold medallist Sophie Hosking tells her winning story Palatinate Sport, pages 18-19 www.palatinate.org.uk Tuesday 16th October 2012 FREE

No. 742

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Durham’s only arts & lifestyle magazine - pullout inside

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Palatinate Durham’s student newspaper since 1948

Student success at research awards Matt Lee

The revised format of freshers’ week has divided opinion Photographs: Tom Metcalfe/Durham University/Samuel Spencer

Freshers’ week fallout

Student representatives angry over enforced changes to induction week structure Sally Wardle

JCR Presidents and Senior Freshers’ Representatives have expressed their concerns over University intervention in Freshers’ Week.

Unlike previously, this year’s ‘Induction Week’ spanned a full seven days before the start of term, with greater academic focus and departmental commitments for the new intake.

However, just weeks before the arrival of the freshers, the University informed organisers that college bars should not close later than 11pm from Sunday to Thursday.

Whilst the move corresponded with a more scholarly freshers’ week, this imposition of policy shocked Senior Freshers’ Representatives who had already planned college events in the

JCR. When notified of the change, Collingwood had invested four and a half thousand pounds in two college events, Josephine Butler had booked bands and rented equipment for their “Bar Blowouts”, and other colleges had paid deposits amounting to thousands of pounds. College JCRs had been acting under the pretence that the bars would remain open late, as has been the norm in previous freshers’ weeks.

Professor Adrian Darnell, Deputy Head of Colleges (Student Experience) moderated his stance following discussion with College Principals, JCR Presidents and DSU President Archie Dallas. Yet college bars were still only permitted to operate after 11pm on two weekday evenings, and could only do so if granted permission from the Principal.

The University claimed that the decision was in accordance with

“the Standard Operating Procedures of Bars” during normal term-time.

However, University statutes state that bar opening times are at the discretion of the college Principal and Bursar. The University also clearly stated it had changed its position “for this year” due to the “pre-existing irrevocable arrangements” which JCRs had made. This has prompted concerns about the future of Durham University’s freshers’ week.

“College is the safest place for students to be during the induction period” The DSU ‘Alcohol Paper’

Michael Galea, Trevelyan Senior Freshers’ Representative, fears JCRs will be unable to fight for later bar

opening times next year if the University provides sufficient advance warning. He believes this will lead to “more students heading out to town and freshers’ week becoming less college orientated and more about clubbing.”

He suggests the “Facebook effect” and Durham’s late start to term contributes to this problem: “Incoming students will have had months of seeing photos on Facebook of their friends on alcohol fuelled parties in clubs. When they come to Durham they expect the same so naturally want to go out.”

In March, a student group headed

by Scott Parker, former DSU Welfare and Education Officer, created the “Alcohol Paper”. The paper proposed a series of recommendations for induction week, which was later signed off as University policy. continued on page 3

Five Durham University students have been awarded the top prize in the 2012 Undergraduate Awards.

Henrietta Bailey-King, Alexandra Mansell, Louise Sayers, Andrew Barratt and Jonathan Penny all won their respective categories, fighting off competition from thousands of other entrants.

The Undergraduate Awards (UA) aim to identify and reward “innovative undergraduate research” from across the globe and was founded in 2008 by two Trinity College Dublin graduates. President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, is the most highprofile of the organisation’s patrons and will personally meet all the winners at a ceremony in November.

There were a total of 21 categories with two winners selected from each. Durham University had the highest number of overall winners with a further seven Durham students “highly commended” by the judging panels.

Jonathan Penny was successful in the Modern Cultural Studies category. His essay “The Brain of Britten: Notational aspects of the ‘Serenade’” analyses the discrepancies between English composer Benjamin Britten’s original work “The Serenade” and subsequent performances of the piece.

He spoke of his success: “I never dreamed of winning the categoryespecially as it included other disciplines coming under the heading Modern Cultural Studies, rather than just music.”

All of the winners are invited to a ‘UA Summit’ which will include workshops and speakers over three days. Louise Hodgson, UA Programme Director, commented: “This conference will serve as a three-day pop-up incubation centre for some of the world’s most exceptional young minds.”

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Editorial

A University-student partnership should be equal Freshers of Durham, it is our pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the wonderful staff of this esteemed publication. Just in case the delightful chaos of the last couple of weeks hasn’t made you realise yet, you’re in for an awesome few years.

But what is this 36-page rag you’ve just picked up? Briefly, we are Palatinate, Durham’s student newspaper since 1948, and our aim is to bring you news, sport, comment and cultural coverage every two weeks in our print edition and fresh, online content at www.palatinate.org.uk.

As is custom, it’s our turn to throw in our tuppence worth of sage advice to you recently inducted Durhamites.

Undoubtedly you’ll be sick of hearing the cliché ‘don’t let your degree get in the way of your education’. It featured in the matriculation address at the Cathedral, it was the subject of DUCK officer Carmen O’Loughlin’s first mass email and – perhaps with a slightly more alcoholic focus – is emblazoned on a plaque above the entrance to Cuth’s Bar. However sensible that titbit of

wisdom might be, you’re probably saturated by now. We trust you’ll make lifelong friends, join bizarre societies and generally attack everything you do with relentless Durham vigour.

This cohort of freshers marks the beginning of the £9000 generation, the first students to be paying the increased fee level for their education.

This year group have been encouraged by the media to demand value for money. In Durham, they will be the year group who think nothing of ordering a vodka and coke in the Riverside Café, who view the Palatine Centre as a standard part of the mishmash that makes up the unique architectural vision of the Science Site, and who see glass walls and the e-den as a normal part of library life. So much the better.

But, to horribly misquote Bob Dylan, the education system, it is a-changin’. And among much of our student body, there is a very real sense that this generation is the one who will have to take responsibility for representing student interests when they are under siege.

Our new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, Professor Tom Ward, argues (p.9) that students should see themselves as partners in the education system.

If, as Professor Ward argues, we are in a partnership with those who provide us with our precious degrees, we must make sure it is an equal one.

The drama surrounding early bar closures and charges for college accommodation during fresher’s week, as well as the experiences of postgraduate students at Ustinov struggling with internet outages over the summer, demonstrates just how important it is that we advocate effectively for our own interests, and of our fellow students.

It’s about value for money, yes, but more importantly, it’s about demonstrating that this University is a hugely important part of our lives, these colleges are our home, and that the safety and enjoyment of our fellow students is something we truly care about.

Charlie Taverner & Olivia Rudgard

The best of Palatinate Online this week www.palatinate.org.uk

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

Editors’ Picks

Palatinate Comment: The ethics of violent TV on religious sites Sport: Holly Colvin, Durham and England star, interviewed Careers: Tips for getting ahead in marketing

Editorial Board

Editors-in-Chief Charlie Taverner & Olivia Rudgard editor@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Editor Joe Adams deputy.editor@palatinate.org.uk News Editors Matt Lee & Harriet Line news@palatinate.org.uk News Features Editor Sally Wardle news.features@palatinate.org.uk

Palatinate TV - Freshers’ Fair freebie challenge

Blogs: The Invisible Student gives a clandestine insight into Durham’s strangest lectures. This week: Harry Potter

Inside No.742

Indigo Editor Alexandra Groom indigo@palatinate.org.uk Chief Sub-Editor Kelsey Tollady sub-editing@palatinate.org.uk

News pages 3-9 Careers page 10 Business page 11 Politics pages 12-13 Comment pages 14-15 Sport pages 17-20

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Editorial page 2 Fashion page 3

Features pages 4-5 Food pages 6-7

Music pages 8-9

Film pages 10-11

Stage page 12

Books page 13

Travel pages 14-15

The Back Page page 16

Section Sub-Editors Patrick Fletcher, Aurelien Hayman, Helen Tredget, Frances Teehan & Tom Willshaw Photography Editor Nicoletta Asciuto photography@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Photography Editors Naomi Ellis, Rose Innes, Asher Haynes & Anni Pekie Illustrations Editor James Crosland-Mills illustration@palatinate.org.uk Palatinate TV Station Manager Livia Carron ptv@palatinate.org.uk Publicity Officer Tilly Barr publicity@palatinate.org.uk Advertising Officer Natalie Carnachan advertising@palatinate.org.uk For the full team see Palatinate Online

Get Involved in your student newspaper!

Vacancy: Deputy Sport Editors PTV Profile: Lily van den Broecke Following her Paralympic gold medal, we catch up with Durham’s golden girl

Year Abroad Blogs: Launching this week, read and share stories good and bad about travels away from the Bubble

Keep up to date with Durham news, sport, comment and cultural coverage at www.palatinate.org.uk

Addicted to sport? Want to write about Durham’s flourishing sports scene at college and uni level, helping run the print and online papers?

Email sport@palatinate.org. uk for an application form.

Write for us!

Ever wondered how to get involved with Palatinate? Come along to our Get Involved Meeting tonight at 7.30pm in Elvet Riverside 201. From writing to photography to television with PTV, there’s something for everyone.

Palatinate is published by Durham Students’ Union on a fortnightly basis during term and retains full editorial independence from DSU and Durham University. All contributors and editors are full-time students at Durham. Send letters to: Editor, Palatinate, Durham Students’ Union, Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AN. Alternatively, send an e-mail to editor@palatinate.org.uk

PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

News

News Editors: Matt Lee & Harriet Line news@palatinate.org.uk

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Deputies: Lizzie McAdam, James Ablett & Jillian Ward

Palatinate

DSU refurb underway this term Lizzie McAdam

Refurbish works on the DSU’s Dunelm House began over the summer and are continuing into Michaelmas term.

This term work focuses on the Fonteyn Ballroom and the Riverside Café and whilst long-term plans are still in the pipeline, the feasibility of other plans is still under discussion.

At the moment, the Kingsgate Bar is closed and will not re-open for another month. This deadline is dependent upon how much work is to be done.

So far issues have been encountered including the presence of asbestos and unforeseen circumstances such as punctured water pipes.

The proposed plan is to combine the bar with the Riverside Café, providing a welcoming student environment throughout the day and night.

Café facilities will be available during the day with bar services taking over the space during the evenings.

The renovated bar is aimed at providing a different type of atmosphere to the other places on offer in Durham. Jazz nights, comedy shows and other events will be offered on a regular basis.

This term will also see the ballroom floor replaced. The Fonteyn Ballroom is one of the larger halls in the University with a capacity of 700.

However, its high demand has led to several issues with the current floor including splinters affecting some dance groups.

700

Capacity of the Fonteyn Ballroom in Dunelm House

The DSU is home to over 200 societies including academic societies, DUCK, student development as well as specialist sports groups.

A number of societies have already expressed fears that if plans stall for too long it could result in disruption to these societies and a lower quality finish to the facilities than intended.

However, there remains a strong determination amongst those involved to avoid delays at all costs.

Plans are currently under review by the University for a business case, and, if deemed feasible, work would commence on this within a few years.

DSU President, Archie Dallas says of the work: “It is a huge job and we want to make sure it’s done properly.”

The Riverside Café will be closed until November before becoming a café by day and bar by night Photograph: Naomi Ellis

University policies change freshers’ week Continued from page 1 The Group concluded “college is the safest place for students to be during the induction period and also that we should be supporting our college bars rather than bars in town.”

Those involved in the organisation of Freshers’ Week expressed their concern over the repercussions of closing college bars early.

Nick Cooper, President of Trevelyan College, noted that “by enforcing 11pm closing times for the majority of the week we are effectively being made to encourage the decisions of freshers to go out into town.

“We found that on one of the nights we had been allowed to stay open until 12.30 we had much fewer freshers heading into town and a much better atmosphere in the college.”

DSU President Archie Dallas was involved in the original discussions

Siri Minsaas, Senior Freshers’ Representative of Josephine Butler added: “It is a bit disappointing when

you’ve spent four months planning Freshers’ Week and freshers come up to you in the evening events asking for directions to Loveshack.

“However, they are adults and I can understand why having their drinks taken off them before midnight on some nights would encourage anyone to go out.”

The welfare problems created by the early bar closures and freshers venturing into town alone appear in direct conflict with the recommendations of the ‘Alcohol Paper’ passed through the University Council.

Collingwood President Harry Rylott suggests: “The freshers who will be punished by this policy are not those who will drink regardless, but those who would have been able to socialise in the safe environment of Collingwood JCR and who will instead be forced elsewhere, into potentially unpleasant, uncomfortable, and at worst, dangerous situations.”

The University’s decision to close college bars at 11pm Sunday to Thursday may also have implications for the rest of the year, in particular for college formals. Colleges in-house entertainment is often heavily centred on the bar.

Despite a new push for an academic “Induction Week”, students have complained of poorly organised

departmental events and a lack of communication between the University and colleges.

Thomas Bishop, the Senior Man at St Chad’s College, described the induction talks run by departments during Freshers’ Week as “highly

“A fundamental failure to acknowledge student opinion” Michael Galea

disorganised and often chaotic.”

The University failed to provide a list of when the departmental commitments were, or where students needed to go.

Instead, one Freshers’ Representative at Collingwood spent four days contacting all 28 departments, compiling a universal timetable of these commitments which he then sent out to the colleges.

However, Thomas Bishop suggests that whilst entire days were scheduled for departmental commitments, these slots were often not filled. Colleges had little knowledge of when students were free, and so were unable to plan events. This left

many students with nothing to do during the day.

The utility of departmental talks has also been called into question.

One day the Psychology department sent their freshers on a tour of Queen’s Campus despite the fact that most students will only study modules in Durham City.

Thomas believes that the University should focus on “quality of talks, rather than quantity.”

Throughout this investigation, an underlying theme has emerged: the hard work and enthusiasm of Freshers’ Representatives. The volunteers often work fifteen to twenty hour days, ensuring the smooth running of Freshers’ Week. Despite anger towards bar licensing and poorly organised departmental talks, most feel their weeks were a success, largely because of the work of these volunteers. Yet concerns remain over the future of Freshers’ Week.

Michael Galea criticised the University for failing to communicate and cooperate with Senior Freshers’ Representatives: “While millions is pumped into advertising and promoting the ‘Durham difference’, the only thing that I find different about Durham is a fundamental failure to acknowledge student opinion by the University.”

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News

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

Ustinov postgraduates suffer from internet failings Olivia Rudgard Postgraduate students at Ustinov College staying in college over the summer experienced problems with internet failure and scheduled DUO maintenance close to dissertation deadlines.

Students living in college accommodation lost access to the internet several times, on one occasion over a four day period.

Those affected included many pre-sessional students arriving in Durham early for language courses.

The lack of out-of-hours support available to students from CIS when the internet failed, particularly during weekends, meant that problems reported on a Friday were not fixed for several days.

Matt Hann, a student in Politics and International Relations who lived at Ustinov over the summer said: “CIS seem unable to fix anything over weekends or in the evening.

They seem not to realise that postgrads are here all the year round, and that the college is our home.”

DUO was also taken down for scheduled maintenance two days before the MA dissertation deadline.

Another MA International Relations student commented: “I rely on the internet for a large amount of my research, and for most of my leisure time. As a foreign student it is also my only connection with home, so these problems have greatly added to my stress.”

Approximately 1,200 students had rooms in Durham between June and September.

A spokesperson for the University said: “We are still investigating the reasons as to the frequency of these outages in order to determine a more permanent fix.

“Outages which occur out of hours are dealt with as a priority on the first working day following the report of the incident.

“The timing of this particular work was a cause for understandable concern amongst the MA students referred to. We understand the frustration this must have caused and for that we apologise.”

Photograph: Durham University

MP criticises Durham for accepting “astonishing” Kuwaiti donation Harriet Line

Conservative MP Robert Halfon has criticised the University for accepting a £2.5 million endowment from a former Kuwaiti Prime Minister who stepped down over corruption charges.

The former Prime Minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Sabah, gave the money to support research on regional politics and security.

Robert Halfon described the University’s acceptance of the gift as “astonishing.” He has previously criticised the University for its links to the Syrian president Bashar alAssad, after one of his aides was offered a doctorate by Durham. At that time, Halfon suggested that “ethical questions” should be asked of the University. Last year, he stated that Durham University and the London School of Economics had accepted “blood money” from “despotic regimes” in the Middle East.

The new comments come after the former Kuwaiti Prime Minister attended the new academic programme’s launch in person last month, after pledging the personal donation last year.

He stepped down as Prime Minister after the money was pledged due to allegations that his government had illegally appropriated state

funds, which led to mass protests in Kuwait. Although Sheikh Nasser was cleared of the allegations, he refused to appear before a parliamentary panel probe into the matter. His son, Sabah, attended Durham University.

The donation has enabled the University’s School of Government and International Affairs to establish in perpetuity the Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah Programme in Inter-

“Durham should question whether it ties into their commitments.”

Raheem Kassam from The Henry Jackson Society

national Relations, Regional Politics and Security, which will promote research underpinning a greater understanding of Middle Eastern societies.

Raheem Kassam from The Henry Jackson Society, a foreign policy think tank, disapproved of the University’s reluctance to rethink their policy, stating: “Durham University should feel obliged to reject any donations from leaders who have been implicated in scandals.

“Durham should question whether it is ethical and whether it ties in to their commitments. They should

explain what their policy is regarding moral standards in education.

Students will be up in arms about this.”

Although the University refused to comment further on the criticisms, they reiterated last year’s statement, saying that: “Durham University was honoured to receive a personal commitment of £2.5m from His Highness Sheikh Nasser Bin Muhammad Al-Sabah, former Prime Minister of Kuwait, to endow a research programme in Durham’s School of Government and International Affairs.

“The programme will focus on regional politics and security and will support the research of an existing professorship, as well as PhD studentships. One of the studentships is named in honour of General Sir Peter de la Billière, who holds an honorary degree from Durham and is a long-time associate of the former Prime Minister’s.

“The University conducted a detailed process of due diligence before finalising its acceptance of this gift. We are aware that His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al Sabah has previously faced charges brought by opposition MPs in the Kuwait Parliament and that he was able to satisfy his Parliament on that issue.

“Kuwait is one of the more open and progressive societies in the Middle East.”

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PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

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Palatine Centre opens Joanna Thom

The Palatine Centre, a £48 million university investment, is set to open on the 24th of October, having been under constuction for the past two years.

The centre contains a new law school, moved from the Bailey, as well as a new student services building that will include careers facilities, counselling services, disability services, immigration and a financial support office.

£48 million

The cost of the Stockton Road development

This unites the services that were previously spread across town, making it easier for students to access them. It also provides meeting rooms and lecture halls and law school facilities include a mooting chamber.

Most students spoken to were excited about the centre, one in particular about the catering facilities:

“The food facilities are outstanding. It’s extremely helpful seeing as the science site is so far from the centre of town.”

Some law students were less positive about the change. One said that the new department was “impersonal” while another said: “It feels too much like a hospital, I don’t understand the art and statues they have put in there and I preferred being on the Bailey, the building there was more suited to studying law.”

On the positive side they said they appreciated the space that the school provided and found it “light and airy.”

Earlier this year the library extension was opened, providing students with 500 extra study spaces and a 42% increase in floor space, countering crowding problems during exam weeks.

The changes were undertaken as part of the “Gateway Project” which sought to “reconfigure” facilities along Stockton Road.

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For more details, visit www.palatinate. org.uk

The Palatine Centre, located next to the renamed Bill Bryson Library Photograph: Rose Innes

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London Met in visa scandal James Ablett The Government continues to defend its decision to ban London Metropolitan University from hosting international students from outside the EU. Last month, the establishment lost the ability to sponsor the foreign students following an investigation by the UK Border Agency (UKBA), a bureau that has subsequently come under fire for failing to implement a new visa system successfully.

Part of the Home Office, the UKBA raised concerns about students not attending courses or having the required level of English language skills.

The UKBA also found that a large proportion were here illegitimately, with a quarter of a 101 student sample still in the country despite having had their visas revoked. Two further samples covering 600 students found problems in 60 per cent of cases, with the issues ranging across a spectrum of language and visa areas.

Damian Green, the immigration minister, said the figures showed the problems there were not isolated, and that there had been a systemic

failure by the UKBA. Facing calls to allow students to finish their degrees, he defended the injunction, telling MPs, “institutions must comply with the rules, whether they sponsor 10, 100 or 1,000 international students.”

The students in question face deportation if they cannot find an alternative sponsor in the next three months.

Following the ban, last month the Commons Public Accounts Committee published a report investigating the UK Border Agency and its “unacceptable” failure to act quickly enough on abuses in the system, or to remove bogus students from the country.

London Metropolitan is a prime example both of their failures, and their ensuing crackdown as officials play ‘catch-up’ in an attempt to rectify their extensive mistakes.

The problems stem from the 2009 introduction of a new visa system.

Prior to the new procedure, it was the responsibility of immigration officers to evaluate the legitimacy of foreign students.

This was replaced by the current system where the onus is on the colleges or universities to prove their

students are in the country rightfully.

The old checks were removed before the new ones were completely in use, with some aspects not fully operational until a year later, the CPAC said.

Although many higher education institutions have watched events unfold with growing unease, a statement from Durham University remained confident in their checks.

Professor Tom Ward, Pro-ViceChancellor for Education, commented: “All students meet the same or equivalent standards of entry.

“We work closely with the UK Border Agency to ensure that we have the necessary policies and procedures in place to meet all the UKBA requirements.”

Similarly, Chulachat Kanjanaoransiri, a 3rd year international student, commented: “Checks on international students are quite strict. However, the UKBA should be careful and considerate when revoking a right to sponsor non-EU students as implications can be quite severe.

“At the same time, if you are a genuine student, I don’t think there is anything to fear.”

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

New DUCK Officer’s Column Carmen O’Loughlin DUCK Officer The beginning of term is filled with new prospects for everyone and I’m more than aware that people are motivated to do things for different reasons.

Whether you want to enhance your CV, gain some transferable skills, meet new people, or just have fun, Durham has lots of opportunities for you and this year DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee) is looking to link up with every single one of you, through your college, society or department!

“The saying ‘don’t let your degree get in the way of your education’ sums up the true ethos of DUCK ”

The saying ‘don’t let your degree get in the way of your education’ sums up the true ethos of DUCK. You can spend the next year in the library, be caught up in the monotony

of day to day Durham life or you can get involved, make a difference and have a lot of fun doing it.

Having attempted to study History for the last three years, I know from first-hand experience that DUCK is a great way to spend your time.

And it’s not just me. Throughout the history of Durham University, students involved with fundraising and DUCK have set themselves apart and created some incredible stories in the process.

Past escapades range from suspending an Austin 7 under Kingsgate Bridge, breaking into Durham prison to put a box of chocolates on the Governor’s desk and getting to Syndey, Australia without spending a penny on our annual DUCK Jailbreak.

These legendary tales are just a few stories from people that have stepped up and got involved and done silly things in the name of charity.

But in whatever way you want to this year, if you want to be part of something bigger – even if it’s donating a Penny to Pudsey for Children in Need - make a difference (that phrase again), and get involved.

PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

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DSU President’s Column Archie Dallas DSU President

Freshers of Durham, I speak to you directly.

Take a second, if you will, to stop being quite so excited about your new life in Durham and consider the last seven jam-packed days of your life.

I’m not talking about the amazing new clubs you’ve joined or the ‘hilarious’ stories from Freshers’ Week but instead of the hundreds of nonfreshers that you will have met since you arrived.

To give you an idea, I’m talking about the hideously enthusiastic Freshers’ Reps who helped unpack your car, the stashed-up folk at the Students’ Union, people trying to bribe you into their society and your academic parents looking after your degree.

“The University can often take for granted how much students contribute”

What it’s easy to forget, when faced with this barrage of passion, is that these people are all volunteers.

Fundamentally, what makes Durham such an amazing university is the dedication and drive of the students that inhabit it.

The amount of time that students give over to improving your time here is astounding, and often goes unrecognized. I don’t think that the University are deliberately trying to exclude non-first years from Induction Week; I just think that they often take for granted how much students contribute.

It’s the students that make Durham what it is, and the fact that they were overlooked in something as fundamental as Freshers’ Week accommodation is, to be honest, a little bit revealing.

Van Mildert was not alone experiencing difficulties housing returners in freshers’ week Photograph: Durham University

No home for college returners in first week Jillian Ward Durham’s returning students have struggled with accommodation this autumn, with college let agreements beginning a week after the arrival of first year students.

The change in let agreements is one among a series of induction week plans put in place this year by the University.

In a press release, Deputy Head of Colleges Adrian Darnell explained that “returning students, whose college let agreements begin on October 6, may be able to take up their college place at an earlier date for an additional charge.

“Freshers’ reps and students helping deliver the Durham Students’ Union fair should be able to take up their college places at an earlier date, with free accommodation but a charge for food in catered colleges.”

Darnell insisted the change was enforced “in consultation with student representatives” in order for

induction week to “focus on new students.”

However, it has caused widespread difficulties, especially for students involved in extra-curricular activities at both college and university levels.

“The balance between inducting freshers and welcoming back returners is not correct” St. Chad’s Senior Man

Many returning students were unable to attend the Durham Students’ Union Fair, which showcases university-wide sports and societies.

In an interview with Palatinate, DSU Societies and Development Officer Jim Elliott said that only after

negotiation with the University were “named stall-holders able to move into their college accommodation free of charge”, but with a charge for food.

Another problem Elliott noted was the “lack of returners who were able to attend the Fair [...] since many did not come back to Durham until [the] weekend before the start of term”, which made it “much harder for returners to try something new this year, which is a great shame.”

The let agreements also caused problems in terms of organisation and turn-out to college-based events.

Siri Minsaas, Head Frep at Josephine Butler College, said the change in let agreements made it so that “presidents of societies couldn’t come in for the college Freshers’ Fair.”

She also had to postpone a ‘Meet your College Parents’ event, adding that “livers-in returners missed out on events they were invited to” during Induction Week.

Thomas Bishop, Senior Man at St Chad’s College, also noted that Team Durham held captain meetings dur-

ing induction week which returning students were unable to attend.

Many argued that the let agreements created an obstacle for integration between years.

£20

The cost per night for returning students to stay in their college rooms

While Bishop welcomed “the initiative to properly induct freshers, the balance between inducting freshers and welcoming back returning students is not correct.

“Returning students are given insufficient time to settle in before lectures begin, and also miss out on all of the Freshers’ Week fun.”

P

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News Features

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Breaking down artificial barriers Professor Tom Ward, the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, talks to Charlie Taverner about diversity, stuffed swans and the student experience

I

t may not have made headline news this summer, but the University has appointed a new ProVice-Chancellor with responsibility for your education experience. And he speaks with passion about Durham’s value for money and widening access to higher education.

Professor Tom Ward, the new ProVice-Chancellor of Education and Professor of Mathematics, joined the University at the start of September after twenty years at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Despite his recent arrival, Professor Ward has already been impressed by the student community.

“Across this extremely broad range of activities there is a feeling that everything that is done is done very well, and done rather intensely.

Be it sport, be it music, be it Theology.

That’s quite fabulous.”

I met Professor Ward inside the recently completed Palatine Centre, just off one of the airy open plan offices that each possesses a glorious Cathedral view. The whiff of fresh white paint served as a constant reminder of the £60 million Gateway project in which we sat.

The impressive location, combined with the impending arrival of a fresher cohort paying £9,000 tuition fees, turned the conversation quickly towards value for money.

“The net income we get to teach students is not significantly more. It’s just coming from a different source.

It’s a debt placed on the student, instead of all coming in block grant form from the government. So, the challenge is that we don’t have significant resources to play with, but we do have significantly raised expectations.

“But the reason I’m optimistic is that Durham students place enormously high expectations upon themselves, so everything we try and do that requires more from them, of energy, of commitment, of enthusiasm, of entry tariff, they’re up for it.”

Confident in the commitment to the college system and investment in physical facilities that has already begun, Professor Ward noted: “The fact we have a professional rugby coach, the fact that we can provide facilities like [the Palatine centre] and some of the new learning space, I wouldn’t have any radical alterations.”

But, when pressed on how the University would react to the inevitably raised expectations, the Pro-ViceChancellor took an alternative view.

“All students are pretty smart about this. I think they know that if they pressurise the University to treat them more as customers who have purchased something and less as partners in education, they are pushing sort of in the wrong direction.

“Why are Durham students so employable? It’s not just that they’re very smart, it’s not just that the educational quality is very high, it’s

largely driven by the volunteering and the work they do. The way they contribute to college life, the skills they acquire from charitable activity, from sporting activity, all that stuff.”

However, Professor Ward admitted that “we’re going to need to adapt” how the University and DSU work together to set education policy. For example, the Educational & Welfare Officer, Jenny James, will now sit in on the early meetings when the agenda is being set for the year.

Having studied Mathematics at Warwick University, then working at two American universities before taking up a lectureship at UEA in 1992, Professor Ward is steeped in higher education. After becoming Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UEA, he is in an experienced position to judge the wider landscape.

The Pro-Vice-Chancellor predicts “serious turbulence” because of the £9,000 fees but with different effects on different parts of the sector.

“It’s possible at Durham, in some discipline areas, you don’t need to think about where your students are coming from [in terms of numbers and quality]. That’s a fabulous thing but it should never close our mind to the obligation to go out and sell Durham, in particular to different audiences.”

This year Durham University only experienced a 0.8% drop in applications by those eligible to pay home

The Palatine Centre: part of the new £60m development Photograph: Durham University

Special needs students participate in the Grey in the Professor Ward in full flow Photograph: Durham University fees. The national context shows a stark contrast, with UCAS recording a 7.7% decrease for all universities.

Professor Ward suggested that while Durham will continue to recruit strongly “it will be harder and harder to be confident that it is really reaching all the students with the ability to achieve a Durham education.”

“We want to be confident that there are no artificial barriers for the brightest kids, the most energetic, who are going to take advantage of the Durham University education.”

Durham’s exaggerated stereotype - of being populated by white, uppermiddle class students from expensive public schools in the South - is wellknown. Although he quietly laughed at the description, Professor Ward accepted that despite the “widespread commitment” to widening access already in place, there is still work to be done.

“I respect and love already some of the tradition and history; the Hogwarts. It’s miraculous, it’s amazing.

But there are things in that which artificially raise those barriers.”

“If I were a sixteen year old from a household in which higher education did not feature in my parents or my grandparents’ generation, what are the barriers to me imagining myself, picturing myself, at Durham as a student?

“One of the barriers is it’s a little daunting to picture myself getting an A* and two As. But that barrier isn’t the one we’re going to remove. It’s part of our commitment.

“But the barrier of “I can’t see myself in a group of people that have those accents” or “I can’t see myself in a group of people that are dressed like that” sometimes we can do something about.”

To a student community that appears wedded to tradition, from formals to drunken college days, this might seem an inconvenient truth.

However, Professor Ward’s suggestion for change is more “a gentle nudge sort of thing.”

“When a student is organising a charitable event or a social event, just that thought, “I wonder how this looks to a sixteen year old who didn’t go to the school I went to?” Are there ways in which we don’t alter any of the substance of what we’re doing, but just be a little more accessible to a diverse audience?”

Taking the example of DUCK’s charity hitch-hike, Formally Lost - an event he described as “completely fabulous, really wonderful” - Professor Ward stressed the importance of giving students from a range of backgrounds the confidence to “step in.”

While his suggestions might rile a few Durhamites, Professor Ward certainly seems to have rapidly picked up the essence of this particular student community.

“This is not an elite university because we eat stuffed swans. It’s an elite university because the students here are extremely smart, work extremely hard and play extremely hard.”

10

Careers

Careers Editor: Amy Sandiford-Watts

www.palatinate.org.uk

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE @PalatiCAREERS Palatinate

careers@palatinate.org.uk

Energising plans for employment laws Ben Hamer

A

s Britain faces the ramifications of a double dip recession, the government is attempting to stimulate growth and reduce unemployment through changes to employment laws. Reforms are being put forward in an attempt to incentivise employers to take on more workers and thus reduce unemployment.

“Employers will more readily hire if they know that a reduction in staff will be easier ”

As a result, the government faces a balancing act, which Business Secretary Vince Cable explained to ITV as the need “to have confidence in business that they can hire people … [while retaining] basic labour rights and protection.”

The idea behind easing constraints on employment is that employers will more readily hire knowing that a reduction in staff will be

easier. The government is looking to reduce the £72,000 compensation limit for unfair dismissal. The upper cap, whilst only being awarded to around 2% of cases per annum, was seen as putting businesses off hiring employees. The voluntary “no-fault dismissal” scheme sees employers taking “settlement agreements” rather than entering into legal disputes with employees. Through giving a compensation package, employers gain protection against being taken to an employment tribunal.

These plans are the result of an earlier government-commissioned report by Adrian Beecroft, a venture captialist and Conservative donor, which suggested movement towards tribunal reform.

The idea behind the reform is that employers will be able to both hire with a greater peace of mind, and also remove and replace underperforming workers with greater ease, creating efficient and productive companies. Unions have been vocal in their opposition of such changes.

Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the UK Trades Union Congress (TUC), warned that the proposals were “little more than a smokescreen to erode hard won rights” and would ”not create a single new job.”

The General Secretary of Britain’s General Union GMB, Paul Kenny, took

Business Secretary Vince Cable aims to cut legal red tape Photograph: Liberal Democrats his criticism one stage further, suggesting that such reforms would actually have an adverse impact upon the economy. He said: “In fact the steps being taken here by government, and the ‘noises off’ about it being easier to sack people, will have a much more profound effect on workers than employers. It will increase feelings of job insecurity and reduce the confidence of workers as con-

sumers to commit to spending.”

Naturally, any reduction in the rights and liberties of workers is contrary to unions’ interests. However, the reforms are an attempt to reduce the red tape that companies face in dealing with the recruiting process and to increase their confidence in hiring people. Likewise, while a reduction in the compensation limit for unfair dismissal may seem to be

a move against the interest of those unfairly dismissed, in reality the median handout is between £3,000£4,000 - over £68,000 less than the upper limit. The reforms are the product of compromise and of the coalition, and are a meaningful step towards creating a working environment beneficial for both business and those looking for work.

university holidays, it’s a great way to see if agency life is something you would like. However, previous work experience is by no means essential so don’t worry if you don’t have any. If you can show that you have researched the agency or company you’re applying to and have an interest and understanding of what’s going on in the industry, that’s a great way to show how keen you are. Furthermore, if you can show campaigns or brands that you love and explain why, that’s another great way to get your passion across.

coherent way from the outset is invaluable. You will also need to bring in all of your personal skills to build relationships with peers, seniors and clients alike.

Republic or Campaign on Twitter to keep up to date with industry news and follow specific advertising agencies to hear news from them.

CV tips for a great career in marketing Katie Rosseinsky

Accelerate is the Premier Marketing Graduate Programme run by DAS. A division of communications giant Omnicom, whose clients include Pepsi and the 2012 Olympics, DAS is a network of world-class agencies offering specialist marketing and communications services.

As the ominous job hunt begins for many third years, DAS Project Manager Francesca Crane spoke to Palatinate about how to make graduate applications stand out, offering tips on how to craft the perfect CV for a career in marketing.

What are your CV tips for those applying for a marketing role?

Try to only include relevant infor-

mation and if you don’t have loads of stuff to put on your CV, don’t try to fluff it out – a page or two is more than enough. Even more importantly though, include extra-curricular activities – we love to find out what makes you tick, so knowing that you play the drums or are on the rowing team helps us get to know you better and understand if you’re a team player or a leader. Finally, if you are creative and like to think outside of the box, please do! We’re a creative industry and showing a little bit of creative flair can really help your CV physically stand out.

Some students might be worried that they lack relevant experience. Is previous work experience necessarily essential?

If you are able to do some work experience or internships during your

What transferable skills will students have that may be useful?

Being logical in your thinking and transferring this into the workplace is essential in agency life. You will often be involved in planning a project or campaign so doing so in a logical,

DAS Project Manager Francesca Crane

Social media has become crucial to marketing - how can students use this to their advantage?

Digital is at the heart of everything our agencies do, so showing that you have a good handle on social media is a definite plus. Put links on your CV to your LinkedIn or Twitter – but only if you want us to see your profiles on each. You can follow Brand

What is the most rewarding thing about a career in marketing communications?

You can work with some of the top brands within some of the most creatively awarded agencies in the world. You can put your creative spin on something that you can see through from start to finish in a relatively short time span, providing real results for your clients. Finally, you will most likely be working for several clients on various campaigns so a career in marketing communications can be a really interesting one – constantly changing, pushing your boundaries and exposing you to new, exciting projects.

PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

Business

Business Editor: Flo Childs business@palatinate.org.uk

11

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Insight into start-up web firms Mark Lazar

Defining a ‘web-startup’ is tricky. Google, slightly sanctimoniously, refers to itself as a ‘startup’.

Some define it in terms of employee count, level of funding, time in business, or revenue. In reality, a web-startup is an early stage webbased company.

One thing is certain, for a webstartup to succeed, it must fundamentally change the way we act online. Facebook and Twitter have permanently altered communication and interaction.

YouTube transformed distributing and viewing videos. Of course, these are now substantially sized companies but they all began as web-startups.

If a few people are going to create something that disrupts conventional online practices, they must be competent in a wide range of areas, with the ability to fulfil varied tasks simultaneously.

Fulfilling these substantial roles successfully entails significant responsibility and accountability that would not be required at a large company internship.

Indeed, Alex Depledge, Director of Teddle, states that initiative and independence are more important than specific skills. The ability to make autonomous decisions in a wide variety of tasks is paramount, so that senior staff can focus on their work.

Everything is uncertain, because the environment is constantly changing, meaning long and unstructured hours. You leave when your work is finished, and not before. Your social life may well take a hit. You will not be paid handsomely (if at all). However, Dom Lewis, Co-Founder of Tray, comments that if you are proactive, passionate and innovative, you can build yourself into a business, and fundamentally change how things are done, irrespective of age, experience, or qualifications.

It is possible to have a real impact in a very exciting space, which is something that is unlikely to happen in a large structured company, where you are limited by protocol and hierarchy.

Perks of the job: Nestlé’s corporate sponsorship has extra benefits such as meeting Olympian Peter Reed Photograph: Annie Goman

Sweet success in FMCG firms

Annie Goman

I

applied to the Nestlé Sales Graduate Scheme in my third year at Durham and, like many finalists, this meant juggling the completion of arduous competency based questions alongside dissertation and summative deadlines. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get an offer from Nestlé before the end of my first term. Despite the countless evenings spent dedicated to completing form after form, I can now see that sending off as many applications as possible is now certainly paying off.

After completing a twelve week internship with Unilever in the summer between second and third year, I had a pretty firm idea of which companies I wanted to apply to, having done some basic research using sites such as Milkround and also from speaking to colleagues who have moved around in the industry.

During my time at Unilever, I enjoyed the customer-facing element of sales combined with the numberfocused approach to achieve business and personal targets.

The exciting, setting of working in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) made each day in the office very different. One day I would be out in stores, monitoring the compliance of retailers in executing a Ben & Jerry’s promotion, the next I would be analysing daily sales reports against forecasted volumes to make sure enough stock was being produced.

Having a company like Unilever on my CV certainly gave me the confidence to think my application would at least be considered by the various HR teams in the filtering process. I would advise any student to apply for summer internships as, until I began at Unilever, I couldn’t have told you what a role in sales entailed. The responsibilities assigned to me during my placement meant I had direct, sales-related examples to draw upon in the competency based questions of the online application.

Despite this, I would estimate that only 70% of the schemes I applied to actually replied to me, and only 30% of these came with the positive news that I had made it through to the next stage of the process: the art student’s worst nightmare – an online numerical reasoning test. From my experience, all the companies I

applied to made this a prerequisite of their procedure.

“I have not been let down by my intially high expectations”

What was unique about my Nestlé application was that, having somehow passed the numerical testing, to proceed further I had to complete a Youtube video where I was required to film myself answering three questions: what does sales mean to me at a company like Nestlé, what skills are required to succeed in the role and why I would make an ideal candidate. I was given three days notice to complete my video and when I turned up to the Assessment Day having been successful in passing this stage, I was immediately recognised by the sales graduate co-ordinator as “that girl from Durham who filmed her video outside the Cathedral” which was both refreshing and comforting at a time when nerves were high.

Another favourable aspect of the Nestlé Assessment Day was that, throughout the whole day, a team of twenty senior employees were involved, whereas, at previous assessment centres, there had rarely been more than three or four. They were involved, charismatic and warm; a first impression that helped

me make my decision to choose the Nestlé grad scheme.

The day was structured around three exercises – an individual competency based interview, a group task and a role play exercise, a format very similar to the one adopted

by Unilever. I found out the following day that I had been successful and was offered a place on the graduate scheme. I wanted to work for a company that valued each individual employee and offered accelerated career development whilst still maintaining a work-life balance, and Nestlé seemed like somewhere I could achieve this.

Having now worked at Nestlé for just over a month, I have not been let down by my initially high expectations: our first week involved a residential training camp for all 40 grads at in Maidenhead, including the chance to meet Olympian Pete Reed who is a member of Team Nestlé . Our second and third weeks consisted of training days in both their Gatwick and York offices.

Therefore, whilst the initial process of completing online applications is time-consuming and disheartening, the opportunities have been so worth it. I am now working as a Customer Business Executive for Confectionery on the Morrisons team. I am throughly enjoying my job and excited about the opportunities available to me at Nestlé.

12

Politics

Politics Editor: Francis Still

www.palatinate.org.uk

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

Deputy: Joe Mayes

politics@palatinate.org.uk

The state of play: Obama vs Romney

With the start of polling fast approaching, the two candidates are locking horns in a series of live televised debates Photograph: Donkey Hotey Andrew Plygawko

T

he home stretch is approaching. On November 6th the American people will go to the polls to elect their next President.

It will set the direction of the United States in terms of ideology, in terms of its role on the world stage and, less overtly, in terms of electoral practice.

A decisive win on the themes of ‘hope’ and ‘change’ in 2008 cemented Barack Obama’s place as an international champion: a revolutionary candidate who could strip away the intrigue from politics and halt the slide into economic depression.

Four years on, many Americans feel differently. His approval ratings have been middling, rarely hitting 50% in the past two years. For over three years the `right track/wrong track’ poll has been damning. Even his signature `Obamacare’ bill, which has provided millions more with healthcare, has proven at best divisive, at worst unpopular. The contrast between 2008 and 2012 seems stark. So what happened?

On the simplest level, the major thorn in President Obama’s side has been the economy. The Democrats inherited a disastrous situation from the Bush administration: from early 2008 to mid-2009, under Republican economic policy, 7.5 million jobs were lost. Whilst Obama’s policies

have been largely successful in tackling these ill fortunes, providing 4.6 million new jobs since March 2010, many Americans feel it hasn’t been enough.

Unemployment is mired at over 8% and the latest reports show jobs growth slowing and manufacturing levels falling. The United States is definitely on the road to prosperity, but for the jobless it is a long road to walk.

Obama’s stimulus package may have saved jobs, improved quality of life for many, and helped to stem a possible tide of homelessness by subsidising mortgages, but this isn’t seen as a strong enough case for reelection.

“The major thorn in President Obama’s side has been the economy”

This is Obama’s second problem.

Expectations were set so high when he took office that no matter how well he did putting the country back on the road to recovery, it would never have been enough in the eyes of the American people. All the good done in his first term has been overshadowed by past notions of sweeping change.

With this bleak outlook for Obama

in mind, the Republicans should have had a relatively easy task ahead of them. Why, then, are they left scratching their heads at the President’s persistent lead in the polls over their own nominee Mitt Romney?

There are several possible explanations. Firstly, the race has matured into more than a mere referendum on Obama’s handling of the economic crisis. The recent eruption of antiWestern riots across the Middle East has catapulted foreign policy into the campaign, placing Romney on the back foot.

An incumbent President will usually have the upper hand in a foreign policy debate due to their experience with international relations. Obama is also likely to receive a poll boost, albeit temporarily, due to the `Rally Round the Flag’ effect. The American people picture their President as a symbol of national unity and support them accordingly during times of diplomatic crisis.

Beyond that, an opposition party cannot resolve foreign policy issues themselves and so cannot take any credit. Meanwhile criticism of the government’s handling of the situation backfires amidst claims of politicising national tragedies, as Romney has so recently learned. Pair this with Romney’s infamous criticism of the London Olympics and the incumbent becomes the more credible figure to represent America on the global

stage.

The same can be said in reference to healthcare. By choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate, Romney incurred a barrage of harsh criticisms.

Ryan championed a controversial budget that proposed scrapping current medical care for the elderly and replacing it with private insurance schemes partially subsidised by the government.

8%

Minimum unemployment rate in USA in recent months Such a risky Vice-Presidential pick proved a double-edged sword. Ryan, a devout Catholic, helped to assuage any doubts amongst grassroots Republican voters regarding Romney’s Mormon faith, and choosing the author of a budget strengthened the appeal of the Republican party amongst voters longing for a better economy.

On the other hand, his arrival on the national scene magnified scrutiny of the ‘Ryan Plan’, exposing several flaws with the arithmetic. Beyond that, the budget proved widely unpopular with the elderly who were afraid of losing their healthcare entitlements. The older demographic will prove very important in swing states such as Florida.

But even the widening campaign perspective only explains Romney’s

recent flagging in the national polls.

The only long-term explanation for the resilience of the polls is very simple. People have, in general, already made up their minds. Very few undecided voters still exist, with the unprecedented number of campaign adverts leading many to reach their final conclusions long before the election day.

Romney is seen by many as less trustworthy due to his oft-mentioned founding of the investment colossus Bain Capital, and is depicted as caring little for the middle class.

These concerns were further validated by the secret tapes leaked of a fundraising speech in which he stated his job was “not to worry about those people” who rely on government welfare.

This helps us understand why the race has for so long been so close, and why nothing seems to change that significantly. It also explains Romney’s ideological shift towards the right on social issues in recent months.

Setting a narrative of economic restoration and playing to independent voters’ concerns over Obama’s recovery plans has not done enough to guarantee Romney victory. With President Obama holding a narrow yet crucial lead in many swing states, Romney has only one viable tactic left: he must rally the grassroots supporters, pander to the traditional Republican base, and hope for the best.

PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

13

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‘Lurch to the right’ in Cabinet reshuffle Charlotte Hook

C

abinet reshuffles have always been something of a risk. They can give the Prime Minister a short-term boost that quickly fades or for some can end in disaster.

David Cameron’s reshuffle in early September saw him ship out some more liberal-minded ministers from government and bring in others who are seen to be more pleasing to core Tory supporters.

For example, out went Ken Clarke as Justice Secretary and in came Chris Grayling, once described by a Liberal Democrat MP as “a man who does not have a liberal bone in his body.”

This is a move that will please more hard-line Conservatives who are in favour of tougher prison sentences, and may mean more confrontations with the European Court of Human Rights on matters concerning the UK’s sovereignty.

In a similar shift to less liberal ground, Owen Paterson became the new Environment Secretary. He has said that he is not a great supporter of wind farms nor of expensive green energy subsidies. We can expect a more uncompromising stance towards the global warming lobby from Paterson than the previous

minister.

Justine Greening was also removed as Transport Secretary after just ten months and replaced by the more amenable Patrick McLoughlin; ironically, he’s afraid of flying. Boris Johnson condemned Greening’s removal, saying that the only possible reason for her demotion could be her opposition to a third runway at Heathrow. Indeed, McLoughlin comes with no such baggage.

The reshuffle also saw Baroness Warsi demoted from Party Chairwoman to a Senior Minister at the Foreign Office, her previous duties being taken on by the smooth talking Grant Shapps.

One of the less surprising replacements was that of Andrew Lansley, the Health Secretary who presided over the NHS reforms debacle. In his place comes Jeremy Hunt, a surprising choice given the controversy over his handling of the takeover of BSkyB.

“Overall this is a serious lurch to the right.”

Senior Tory Minister A setback to Cameron’s plans for this shake-up came when Iain

Photograph: The Prime Minister’s Office Duncan Smith refused to accept his intended position as Justice Secretary and insisted on remaining as the Work and Pensions Secretary.

The Chancellor George Osborne will therefore have to be prepared for more confrontations with this department over the next year as he plans to make further cuts to the welfare budget.

The appointment of Andrew

Who is your local MP? Joe Mayes

Labour’s Dr Roberta BlackmanWoods is your local MP. She is the Member of Parliament for the City of Durham and was first elected in 2005 with a majority of 3,274. She was re-elected in 2010 and is currently a Shadow Minister for Communities and Local Government.

In Parliament she voted against the increase in tuition fees to £9,000 in 2010 and she chairs the All-Party Universities Group. Amongst many local issues, she has campaigned to encourage more graduates to take up jobs in the North East and for the greater provision of free school meals.

Previously a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Northumbria, Blackman-Woods has wide

political experience in the local community. Before becoming an MP she worked as a welfare rights officer and councillor for Newcastle City Council.

With her first speech at Westminster she acknowledged the importance of Durham Cathedral, Durham University and the city’s mining heritage to her constituency. She quoted Bill Bryson by describing Durham as “a perfect little city” and encouraged other MPs to “go there at once.”

She has described Durham University as both “an extremely successful educational institution” and a “key City employer” that is of “great strategic importance to our future.”

In a recent statement, BlackmanWoods said she would use the coming weeks in Parliament to “do all [she] can to expose the hugely negative impact the excessive cuts being carried out by the Coalition Govern-

ment will have in Durham.”

She also said she would “[highlight] the short termism of cuts to Higher Education and the way in which cuts to public services make life more difficult for vulnerable people.”

You can meet Dr Blackman-Woods at her constituency office at the Miners’ Hall, Redhills or you can contact her at mail@roberta.org.uk.

“I will do all I can to expose the negative impact of the excessive cuts.”

Roberta BlackmanWoods MP

Mitchell as Chief Whip also landed Cameron in trouble. Only a few days later Mitchell allegedly insulted a policeman by calling him a ‘pleb’, leading some to question Mr Cameron’s judgement.

The changes to the Cabinet have been more extensive than expected which perhaps shows an attempt by Cameron to revive his government’s popularity. However, reshuffles have

not always proved successful. The ‘night of the long knives’ during Harold Macmillan’s premiership, socalled because he ditched a third of his Cabinet, was seen as a hysterical overreaction and failed completely.

Cameron’s changes to his Cabinet are not quite on the same level, but this re-branding exercise and lurch to the right could backfire.

Photograph: timrawle

14

Comment

Comment Editor: Florence Snead

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www.palatinate.org.uk Deputy: David Siesage

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

TV shoot-out in cathedral: a step too far?

Violent George Gently scenes are not offensive and promote Durham’s heritage Amy Simpkins

T

he BBC drama ‘Inspector George Gently’ last week concluded with a fatal shootout filmed on location in Durham Cathedral. With bullets clearly seen to damage religious artefacts and innocent choirboys witnessing attempted murder, the episode has become contentious. The sight of bullets ricocheting around a UNESCO World Heritage Site caused unease.

Not only is the cathedral a protected building, but one of extreme religious significance.

As a Theology student, the arising controversy has interested me greatly: was this a justifiably dramatic moment or a shameful desecration?

The BBC based the episode on T. S. Eliot’s play ‘Murder in the Cathedral’, which dramatises Archbishop Thomas Becket’s assassination in 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral. Likewise in Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’, the famous “star-cross’d lovers” both commit the cardinal sin of suicide in the Capulet Crypt of the church.

Clearly, history is no stranger to this debate.

Evidently religious buildings have been used to depict violence throughout the centuries, but is this decision an acceptable one?

Those who responded angrily to the BBC episode questioned the us-

age of weaponry in a place supposed to represent peace and protection.

On the surface, they have a point.

Christianity is an inherently non-violent religion, with Jesus promoting his golden rule to “love thy neighbour” and Matthew 5:9 proclaiming “blessed are the peacemakers.”

“

Religious buildings cannot be marketed solely to those with faith

”

However, although it is an important emblem of faith, I do not believe the character of the cathedral has been ‘violated’ by the decision to stage a shootout within its walls. In contrast, the BBC producers were evidently keen to draw upon religious themes.

The storyline was one of morality. Corrupt police officers responsible for fraud and murder covertly worked alongside criminals to try and frame Inspector Gently, himself entirely sincere. Eventually good triumphed over evil in the cathedral showdown, restoring justice and integrity within the force.

Illustration: Sean Mui

Durham Cathedral, site of the explosive George Gently finale Photograph: Charlotte Snead The idea of remorse also featured; Gently apologised for failing to trust his Sergeant and for leaving him unarmed, a move that left the latter with potentially fatal injuries, drawing parallels with John 15:13, “no one has greater love than this, that he lay his life down for his friends.”

So while the episode was violent, this violence helped promote the cathedral and its message to the public.

A cathedral spokesman emphasized this, explaining that “bad things sometimes happen in sacred places” and that worship may not be the only occurance in a religious setting.

Given the increasing secularisation of Britain, religious buildings cannot be solely marketed to those with faith. The cathedral relies heavily on donations for its upkeep, and without publicity this will not be achieved. Featuring it during a

primetime television slot on a major channel such as the BBC will undoubtedly be positive for tourism, an advantage the cathedral cannot afford to refuse.

Many Facebook fans of the building recognized this, praising the producers for their style of filming. The camera panned in on the cathedral’s intricate architecture and stain glass windows, showcasing the very best to over 4.3 million viewers. The Facebook page likewise urges fans to contribute to its upkeep, pointing out that it is the only large medieval cathedral in Britain which does not charge for entry.

Consequently, we cannot be too scared to use religious buildings for dramatic purposes through fear of offending a minority. If religious trepidation amongst society prevents the media from having access

to buildings such as the cathedral it is we, the public, who ultimately lose out.

This three part series was filmed exclusively in the North East, including in St Mary’s College and on Palace Green, and I believe there really was no better place for the finale than a location at the very heart of the city.

The BBC’s filming did not violate the cathedral, nor should it have offended religious believers.

Instead it celebrated the magnificent beauty of ‘Britain’s Best Building’, as voted in a Guardian survey last year, and proudly showcased it for all to see.

P

React online at palatinate. org.uk

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The dangers of teaching bad economics Britain’s financial crisis is partially a result of the teaching of outdated economic myths James Murray

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erhaps one of the more alarming, yet understated reasons why we are in such devastating financial turmoil is because the version of economics being taught is hopelessly inaccurate. Yes, even here at Durham economic theories are being taught which are so inaccurate they amount to misinformation.

Take these apparently simple questions: What is money? Where does it come from? These are questions which you would think should be straightforward. However the answers given are often confused and inaccurate, and beset by ulterior motives. The best way to describe the answers given for these questions are that they are the following myths.

The first myth: money emerged from barter. This is a classic and prolific notion within economic theory which lays its foundations. The

problem is that there is no evidence that it ever happened. In fact, money emerged out of debt-based relationships.

Before money, human society was radically different and large scale trade was simply not possible.

Anthropologists have known this for over a hundred years. Adam Smith, writer of ‘The Wealth of Nations’ asks us to imagine a time before money where the butcher had to go and barter with the ironmonger for his knives - the problem is that there were no butchers and ironmongers before money.

The implications are profound.

Money did not emerge from a ‘real’ economy of trade independent of the state by some invisible hand. In fact, in many cases it took a centralised power to introduce monetary systems, so money and the market were the result of state activity and there is nothing intrinsic in them.

They existed as a byproduct of centralised government.

Now for the second myth: money today is created by the central bank or government. In reality money is created by commercial banks - well

at least 97% of it. Economists are taught that money is created by the central banks and expanded by commercial banks according to a process unimaginatively named the ‘money multiplier’ effect.

“

The reluctance to update refuted theories can only be attributed to ulterior motives

”

The story goes that when somebody deposits money, the bank, thinking they will only ever want to withdraw a small proportion at any one time, lends the remaining amount out. The person who borrows it redeposits this money, which is in turn lent again and so on.

This is usually cited as the principal mechanism behind fractional reserve banking, and it is why there is a ‘run’ on the bank when people lose confidence in their ability to repay.

This is a familiar story to economists but in fact banking has not worked in this way for years. Banks don’t have to wait for depositors to put money in the bank to make a loan.

When a bank makes a loan, it can create the money out of nothing by simultaneously increasing the assets and liabilities on its balance sheet.

Bank lending is not limited by the Bank of England’s supply of ‘base’ money.

Instead, according to the Bank of England, “money is endogenous - the Bank supplies base money on demand at its prevailing interest rate, and broad money is created by the banking system”. Broad money means the common units of exchange, including cash, notes and the digital numbers you see when you look at your bank balance.

That these two fallacies lie at the heart of current economic theory has lead to a fatal oversight in eco-

nomic policy.

The first myth gives rise to the ‘market is king’ mentality which can be so pernicious when not properly controlled. In the case of the second myth, by viewing banking and financial institutions as merely intermediaries in the economy, policy makers have completely omitted the role that such institutions play in shaping (and breaking) the economy. In reality such institutions are the principal components of the economy.

If we intend to create an economy which functions for the benefit of society and fosters stability then economists must start teaching a version of economics which actually relates to reality.

The reluctance to update refuted theories can only be attributed to ulterior motives. The current economic syllabus is the result of political and ideological motivations.

Teaching economic theory as it is is akin to teaching creationism despite the fossil record.

The problem is that in the case of economics, trying to run a country on myths and imaginings ends in unemployment, poverty and misery.

The £9000 generation must be proactive

New students must make their fees worthwhile by engaging fully in University life Florence Snead

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h, freshers’ week. Another Great British Summer has fleetingly passed us by, and we’ve barely had a chance to dig out our winter gear before Durham is once again buzzing with student life.

Now that we’re a couple of weeks into term and can once again venture into the nightclubs without the fear of suffocation, I find myself wondering how this year’s first years have found their time so far.

Of course, three weeks is not long enough to form a rounded impression of all that Durham has to offer - it’s barely enough time to shake off the freshers’ flu which they will have caught by now.

For many people, it’s highly likely that before going to university, there was at least one person who told you

that freshers’ week would be one of the best weeks of your life, ruefully wishing that they could once again be in your position. Guilt-free nights out combined with the ‘only 40% mind-set’ have prompted even the most studious among the student community to pine for the days of minimal responsibility.

“

There is no longer space for student apathy

”

Being a university fresher is something that I feel particularly qualified to reminisce about, having gone through the entire process not once, but twice, the first time at a different university before coming to Durham.

My move into a final year in Durham has prompted reflection on the somewhat bizarre phenomenon that is freshers’ week.

In many ways my freshers’ week experiences at both universities were pretty similar, revolving around alcohol, small talk and going freebiecrazy at the fairs.

Freshers’ week will always be an overwhelming experience even for the hardiest of party animals, but this year’s is more significant than ever given the tuition fee increase that sparked so much uproar.

With applications to higher education institutions allegedly down by an approximate 15,000 people, we already know that students this year have had to think longer and harder about whether university is really worth the money.

Public reaction to the impact of increased fees has varied. It has ranged from claims that students will party harder in a hedonistic rebellion to make up for such huge expenses, to those that they will spend the next

few years ensconced in the library to ensure the highest marks possible.

Both these notions fall into the improbable extremes; more likely is that new students will behave the same, perhaps just saddled with more worry than previous years about maintaining the fine balance between work and play.

“

Freshers’ week will always be an overwhelming experience

”

Now that the drunken haze of freshers’ week has lifted, it will be interesting to see if either of these

polar opposites arise as the effects of the £9000 fees come into play for our first years.

It is indeed a hefty bill to foot, and it is this, more than anything, that highlights the need for freshers to seize every opportunity they can during their time in Durham. Increased fees mean there is no longer space for student apathy.

I urge freshers to think what they want to get out of their time here the most, and not to be afraid of pursuing this. Whether this be excelling in academic work, building a friendship network, trying new things or getting involved with the DSU (or Palatinate!), being proactive is key to making the most of your time here.

One final thing: freshers’ week is only the start. It’s possible that while fun, it didn’t quite live up to your expectations of ‘the best week ever’.

However, the same can’t be said as you settle into university life and the next few years here in Durham. Let’s be honest, they’ll be great.

PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

Sport

Sport Editors: William Warr & Kate Houghton sport@palatinate.org.uk

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Deputies: Tom Ryder & Callum Brogan

Palatinate

Holly Colvin: T20 spin queen Palatinate chats to the ex-Durham student after England Women crash out in World Cup cricket final

Holly Colvin took 9 wickets in the tournament, making her England’s lead wicket taker and the second highest overall Photographs: English Cricket Board Tom Ryder

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ged just 15 years and 336 days, in 2005 Holly Colvin became the youngest cricketer ever to play a Test Match for England. She stepped out against Australia in the Ashes and has never looked back. Her record stands to this day. A graduate from St. Mary’s college in June 2012, the left-arm spinner recently flew back from Sri Lanka, after her England side suffered an agonising four run defeat in the final of the World Twenty 20. Despite the narrow defeat, ‘Colin’ was the leading wicket taker in the 2012 tournament, and Palatinate thought it was about time we caught up with her about what life is really like at the summit of women’s sport.

11.85

Colvin’s T20 bowling average

You were the youngest Test Cricketer ever to play for England.

How did that feel?

The day before the test I was asked to the nets because Australia had a left-arm spinner and England didn’t have one - they wanted the practice. I got home that evening and the head coach called and asked if I was free the next day and wanted to

play so I said, alright then! It was all a bit surreal. I had no idea who I was bowling at, but I was actually bowling to some of the greatest cricketers Australia has seen. We drew the Test Match but won the Ashes in the end and it was brilliant, great to be part of.

How did you get into cricket in the first place?

My older brother Patrick would always drag me into the garden and make me bowl at him. I thought it was unfair that he was doing something that I couldn’t so when I was about 8 or 9 I started to join in with the boys. I was the only girl but I didn’t care because I got quite good!

How crucial has Durham University been in your development as a cricketer?

I chose Durham because it was highly regarded on the cricket front.

I applied because it not only had the cricket but it also had the solid degree and is a really prestigious university to go to. They were understanding and I balanced my studies with my cricket. Training hard with the boys always helped because it pushed us to our limits and we found it a challenge. We’d get up at 7am with the boys and chase them round the track. It was a challenge bowling at some pretty strong lads but I think I thrived on it.

Did you go in to the tournament with the attitude that nothing other than winning it was good enough?

I think we did, yes. That was our main aim. We were unbeaten in

20/20 cricket and won the last 20 games in a row, until the end of September. We weren’t beaten in the tournament until the final, and even beat Australia in the group stages.

We’d played some really good cricket up to that point. We were the best in the tournament.

What went wrong in the final?

We had to chase down 145, which was a decent total. We were just outplayed. We didn’t bowl as well as we should have done and should have kept them to a l owe r score.

A n d then w e lost too m a n y wickets in the chase.

We showed some fight at the end, when probably the game was lost. But we left ourselves with too much to do. Lots of people have said that we did the country proud in getting to the final, but to be honest it’s pretty bittersweet.

You were the top wicket taker in the tournament. On a personal level, did you surpass the goals you set yourself?

My aim was to make a contribution. In T20 cricket what I wanted was to take crucial wickets at crucial times. I was able to do that, but consistency was the problem. To be the leading wicket taker was quite surprising because we’ve got so many

other spinners in our team. But the pitch conditions in Sri Lanka certainly helped.

You hit the winning runs in the 2009 final and were out there at the end this time around. Did you ever believe you might be able to do the same again in the dying overs?

I walked out to the middle and knew that we had no right to win the game from the position we were in. But we thought we might as well give it a try. Neither I nor Dani [Hazell, also of Durham] had faced a single ball the entire tournament!

The top order had done the job for us in all the previous games. So we had nothing to lose. When I hit a shot over the bowler’s head for four, I ran past Dani and she came back for the second run and said “Oh my God mate, that’s gone for four!” So I had no idea where that shot came from.

We nearly got out of the hole we’d created but it wasn’t enough.

Do you think that, especially in the wake of the Olympics, women’s sport is enjoying greater coverage and exposure than ever before?

I think people tune in naturally to watch men’s sport, and when the games are tied in with that you can get additional fans. We had a lot of English reporters based in Colombo who came on board with us. And having all the double-headers, our games before the men’s games, and televised, I think was a boost for us.

The Olympics has meant that women’s sport in general is being taken a

lot more seriously.

Do you think people’s previously derogatory attitude towards women’s sport is changing?

Yes. When I first started, a lot of people didn’t even know women’s cricket existed. But I don’t really mind the negative opinions, It’s not as if people are trying to make the game sexier by dressing us in skimpy clothing. It’s the fact that we are now seen not as women playing sport but as individuals.

“I ran past Dani and she said, ‘Oh my God mate, that’s gone for four!’”

And what does life as a graduate hold for you now? Can you live off of being a professional cricketer alone?

I’ve got a short-term plan but no long-term plan! This year is a massive year for women’s cricket because there is the one-day World Cup in the West Indies in February.

This is vital preparation time for us.

We do at least 3 days a week of cricket and regularly head off to Edgbaston, as well as screening weekends and fitness testing. I’m basically going to train and get as much work experience as I can until I go to India.

After that, I have no idea!

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Sport

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

Historic Day for DUAFC “I work hard Durham University football club more than hold their own in a final pre-season friendly against Newcastle United reserves Billly Phillips

Durham University Men’s Football Club finalised their pre-season preparations in the perfect way after a hugely encouraging performance against Newcastle United reserves.

In what was comfortably the biggest fixture in the club’s history, the first team more than held their own against a star-studded professional reserve side, losing 1-0 over the 90 minutes.

The scoreline belies Durham’s dominance in the early periods, however, as both Joe Barwick and Jonny Giles hit the woodwork in the first forty-five minutes.

After coming so close to taking the lead, it was cruel to concede on the fifty-minute mark, courtesy of a header from a set-piece.

1-0

Final score: Newcastle FC Reserves vs DUAFC

The goal was all the more painful considering the delivery came from an erroneous free-kick decision from the referee.

Nonetheless, the decision to move

Josh Addinall into central midfield alongside Tom Almond and Spencer Brown ensured Durham had firm control of proceedings in the centre of the park, while Billy Wells and Oliver Gill combined to form a formidable centre-half partnership.

“We’re firing on all cylinders for the start of the BUCS season” Spencer Brown, DUAFC club captain

Gill in particular shone throughout and deservedly received the man-of-the-match award from his team-mates after the game.

In addition, Giles and Dan McWilliams linked up with regularity on the left-hand side, while Tom Spurling and Matt Goss similarly worked well as a pair on the opposite flank.

To compete against, and indeed at times overwhelm, a team laden with professionals and future stars bodes extremely well for the forthcoming BUCS season.

After securing back-to-back pro-

motions, the first team will at the very least be aiming for a season of consolidation in Northern 1A, but on the basis of this performance ambitions within the club could be set even higher.

Club Captain Spencer Brown was thrilled with the team’s performance, and believes it will fill the side with confidence ahead of the first BUCS league game against Leeds.

“We were well on top for over half the game, and simultaneously looked rock-solid defensively and threatening going forward,” he said.

“Our ‘keeper had very little to do throughout the whole game, and after hitting the woodwork twice in the first half we can count ourselves unlucky not to come away with a result.

“Nonetheless, this was an incredible experience, playing on an immaculate pitch and enjoying worldclass facilities.

“Peter Beardsley was watching, and the Newcastle first-team squad were training very nearby, so as footballers it was a fantastic day out.

“More importantly, it shall hopefully mean we’re firing on all cylinders for the start of the BUCS season.”

After an opening day trip to Leeds, Durham will host Leeds Met on 24th October. Games against Chester, Liverpool and Newcastle will then follow.

DUAFC put in a strong performance against the professional side Photograph: Spencer Brown

and don’t cut any corners”

Olympic rowing gold medallist and Durham alumna Sophie Hosking tells Palatinate her secrets to success Simon Mocatta William Warr

There are several reasons why Sophie Hosking, a Trevelyan College Graduate in 2007 and former rower with DUBC, might not have expected to cross the finish line first in her Olympic Rowing final on the 4th of August this year. To begin with, a mere week beforehand no British woman had ever won an Olympic rowing gold medal.

Then there was the issue that she had only been rowing with her partner, Kat Copeland for less than six months, when usually rowers tend to have rowed together for the whole Olympiad period of four years.

This, combined with the fact that over the summer at the 3 World Cups against their major rivals they had only secured one bronze medal in their Lightweight Double Sculls category, meant that when they lined up on the start line you would have been forgiven for expecting them to be fortunate to end up with a medal of any colour.

Expectations aside, the British boat controlled the 2000m race from the start, taking the lead just after the 500m mark and holding on for an emphatic victory of just over 2 seconds from the Chinese boat.

The pair may well be best remembered, however, for their celebration moments after they crossed the line

in which Sophie Hosking turned round to face Kat Copeland and after a brief pause and a few words, the realisation of their achievement hit them both and throwing their arms aloft, they collapsed into an embrace.

“We’re going to be on a stamp!” were allegedly the words that sparked their jubilation.

Palatinate was fortunate enough to catch up with Sophie after the fever of the Olympics had subsided.

Palatinate: What’s it been like after you have won Olympic gold – how has your life changed?

Sophie Hosking: It’s been quite manic ever since. I’ve had lots of press engagements. And I’ve just tried to catch up with all my friends and family. I haven’t had a huge amount of time to myself but it’s been good being that busy and just trying to enjoy all the opportunities that have come from winning.

“Kanye West gets me in the right zone for racing”

P: Have you met lots of famous people?

SH: I met Kate Middleton, which

Photograph: Ben Rodford

PALATINATE | Tuesday 16th October 2012

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Golden Moment: Sophie and her doubles partner, Kat Copeland, celebrating their monumentous victory on the Olympic podium Photograph: Ben Rodford was quite cool. All the famous people wanted to talk to the athletes which was really nice.

P: What was the lead up to the race like? How did you prepare?

SH: For the six weeks leading up to the Games we were away first in Germany and then in Italy. We flew back before the Games started and had a trip to the Olympic village and then went back to our own accommodation and we were in quite a good little bubble. We focused on our own performance and delivering what we had done in training.

20

The number of training sessions a week on camp

P: Did you feel much pressure in the weeks beforehand?

SH: No not really, we knew how well we were going as a boat but we were flying under the radar a bit. Being in our team there a lot of high profile athletes probably in a lot more demand than we were.

P: How do you get psyched for a race?

SH: I try and stay as calm as possible for the morning before. Then about an hour before I like to listen to some music and that really gets me in the right zone for racing, either Kanye West or Gaslight Anthem.

SH: Yes definitely. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to carry on rowing once I got to university. I think if I had gone to another university I probably wouldn’t have carried on, but at Durham it was a lot easier to get into a successful rowing programme.

Kat Copeland’s first words to Sophie on crossing the line as Olympic Champions

SH: Yeah definitely. I was there at a time when there were a lot of other U23 athletes, so we had a good training group.

“We’re going to be on a stamp!”

P: And did you enjoy your time in DUBC?

P: How much training were you doing a week?

SH: It depended very much if we were home or abroad. We obviously can train harder on camp but we can recover better. In the UK it was maybe 15-16 sessions a week and then on camp more like 20. We normally do three sessions a day and then a day off every three weeks. You normally try to not think how much training you’re doing! It means that you’re eating up to 4,000 calories a day!

P: What are your plans for the future?

Rio 2016?

SH: I’m going to take time out and think about what I want to do. After the emotion of an Olympic Games it would be stupid to rush into any decisions. I need to let the dust settle a bit and think about my motivations and whether I want to commit to the next four years. Rowing is a not a sport that you can do half-heartedly and I’d only want to do it if I was 100% convinced it was the right thing to do.

P: If you had to pinpoint reasons or qualities for you being successful and getting to the top of your sport over other talented athletes – what would they be?

SH: Perseverance, confidence in my abilities and also making the right decisions for me. I work hard and don’t cut any corners. That really started for me at Durham, learning to enjoy university sport and to also keep working hard towards a goal.

P: Do you think your time at Durham helped you?

Blades of glory: Sophie Hosking and Kat Copeland rowing into history Photograph: Ben Rodford

Sport

Tuesday 16th October 2012 | PALATINATE

Interview with Sophie Hosking What it takes to be a gold medallist, p. 18-19

Holly Colvin: World T20 finalist England’s cricketers just miss out in Sri Lanka, p. 17

Wtih a string of successful results under their belts, Durham’s sport sides, including DUWRFC, are ready to tackle a new season Photograph: Anni Pekie

Durham sides gear up for domination Kate Houghton As Durham enters another academic year, so begins the sporting season.

In preparation for what hopes to be a successful season in the BUCS leagues, many of the University Sports teams completely several weeks of pre-season training prior to the start of term.

2nd

Durham’s all time best BUCS position (last year)

With Durham finishing an all time best of second in BUCS last year, a massive effort is required from all teams if they intend to equal if not

exceed this exceptional ranking.

Wednesday 10th October saw Team Durham sides take to the field in final dress rehearsals for some and opening BUCS clashes for others.

RUGBY

Rugby have had a smashing start to the season.

They recently beat Oxford and also overcame Northumbria with a 27-7 win on Wednesday.

Although this triumph is encouraging, Duncan Finnie emphasised the impact that losing key players will have on their pursuit of another Twickenham final.

He said: “We have lost seven guys from the starting line up. A couple of freshers have come in but it’s going to take time to get to know each other on the pitch.

“We won’t be able to steam roller teams like we did last season” Duncan Finnie, DURFC “Our realistic aim is to win the league and go to Twickenham but we won’t be steam rolling teams like we did last season.”

LACROSSE

The men’s second team battled

with Newcastle but Durham frustratingly lost 6-4.

However, K-man - the lacrosse social secretary - was not too concerned by the loss.

He said: “Pre-season went really well and we’ve got excellent coaching. This was our first game, so naturally we were a bit rusty but we know where we need to improve. We’re gunning for another BUCS victory.”

NETBALL

The seconds took their friendly match against Newcastle as an opportunity to experiment and rotate players into different positions to find the winning combination.

They lost 15-33 on this occasion but Hannah Rodgers, a new member of the team, expressed a determination to thrash them in their league meeting.

Similarly to rugby, the netball first team have also lost a large number of key players, to the extent that their rivals do not believe they will be able to maintain their spot in the Premiership.

Despite this, DUNC aim to prove the haters wrong by finishing at least fourth.

HOCKEY

The women’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th teams were all away at Leeds University.

The second team looked confident securing an easy 2-0 victory but the thirds only managed a 0-0 draw, and the fourths suffered a bruising 6-3 loss.

Ele Morley, fourth team captain, said: “We have a lot to work on but I’m feeling positive. With training we’ll beat them in the league.”