PAPER CUTS JANUARY, 2016
PRODUCED BY BATH SPA UNIVERSITY CREATE LAB
Author: Alex Moldovan
MAKING THE CUT ON the morning of Thursday 28 January, first-year students on the Create Lab module, part of the Publishing combined BA, were given their second whole-day challenge: to create a newspaper from scratch. The briefing was swift, and by 10am, the hunt for stories had begun. With notebooks at the ready, and cameras hanging over their shoulders, students made their way across Newton Park campus, and as far as Sion Hill. Luckily, it was a perfect day for photography, and the small teams were welcomed wherever they went. With only a few hours, choices had to be made on the run. Some stories were found through the oddest of circumstances – say, by noticing an out-of-place poster in a hallway, or by overhearing an interesting story about a cat – while others had been thought out beforehand. Lunch marked the halfway point of the challenge, and still the paper did not have a name. Between bites, students checked their notes and scribbled down any questions left unasked. The more material, the better. By two in the afternoon, the students had regrouped in the Publishing Labs, and were ready for the second phase. Notes were taken out and one by one, articles began to spread over empty pages. Streams of photographs were looked through in search of that one, perfect shot. Time was running out, and the paper’s name was put to a vote. Outside, the sun had begun its slow downward course. Last checks were made, and pages printed out. By 4pm, the crisp, sharp pages lay spread out on the table, for the entire team to see. The day was over, and the challenge had been overcome. Paper Cuts was heading for the press.
Newspaper Club is here to help people to make and print their own newspapers. www.newspaperclub.com
CONTEMPORARY BRONZE MEDAL DESIGNS ∙ Authors: Isabelle Britton, Alex Moldovan and Liam Jones ∙ Photos: Alex Moldovan
GIVE THESE GUYS A MEDAL Sion Hill students compete in national medal competition for their first live project OVER at Sion Hill, second-year Contemporary Arts Practice students have been hard at work creating medals for the British Art Medal Society Student Competition. This yearly event encourages both students and tutors across the country to submit work to the exhibition and, it must be said, our students’ final products are gleaming. For the competition, participants use the ‘lost wax’ process to produce a palm-sized and fairly lightweight medal. If selected for the exhibition, the final works will be sold on to the public for a rough starting price of £150, which goes straight to the artist. The winner receives £750 plus a £100 casting of their medal for the Founder’s Company Collection – an amazing achievement by anyone’s standard.
Paper Cuts caught up with a few of the applicants from Sion Hill, who proudly presented their ideas. Each of the double-sided medals showed its own unique pattern, hand-crafted by the students themselves. The designs we saw included a beetle, a house, a fried egg, various body parts and fossils. Each is a completely original design and has a story behind it. We interviewed Will Ford, whose ‘In My End Is My Beginning’ medal is a proud and bold expression of gay sexuality, taking inspiration from Mary Queen of Scots and TS Eliot. Will’s design, which he describes as ‘tongue in cheek’ features a mould of both a mouth and an anus. Upon querying his reasons for the outlandish design, he explained that his art is driven by his sexual identity. He felt that typical artistic displays of sexuality, such as phallic models, have been overdone, so he wants to embrace the ‘beauty’ of our bodies. Alongside Will, we met fellow
student Billy McGregor, whose ‘Which Came First? Boiled or Fried?’ tickles the funny bone. One side is a boiled egg, the other is fried. Billy explained that this design is linked to our human instinct to want to know things, such as the chicken-or-the-egg debate, and how it is linked to our stomachs and natural predispositions. It is clear that both of these students had put a lot of thought into their pieces and have produced some high-quality art. They and their classmates had created stunning designs of industry standard. Students described some of the specifications for their products and it was soon apparent that there was more to it than simply creating. The medals had to ‘make a statement’, according to Will, and each side of the medal ‘talk’ to the other to create a story. Each individual had put a little bit of their personality and beliefs into their design, which has made this project enjoyable for everyone. For example, one medal was a
footprint from a boot to reflect one student’s hiking hobby. This was the first live project these artists have worked on since arriving at Sion Hill, so it was an exciting prospect for everybody involved. After visiting the Contemporary Arts Practice students at Bath School of Art and Design, it is clear to see that they are in an environment designed to let them shine. The rooms are full of happy, passionate and driven young artists, with their outstanding work on display all over the campus; not only that, but their relationships with tutors are so strong, they have a fan club for their lecturer Pete, which sets a strong group dynamic at Sion Hill. We wish Will, Billy and their fellow course mates the best of luck in the competition. The talent at Sion Hill is unbelievable and we can’t wait to see more of what they can produce in the future. Find out more about the medal competition at www.bams.org.uk.
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Inspiration
THE STUDENTS’ UNION DREAM TEAM ∙ Authors: Tia Harding, Charlotte Moyle, Georgia Northall and Laura Steel ∙ Photo: Laura Steel
PRESIDENTIAL RUN BRANCHING OUT ∙ Authors: Leah Fleming, Lauren Ashworth and India Pearce Photo: India Pearce
AN ARTIST’S CITY Students at Sion Hill talk about finding inspiration in Bath IF you can manage the steep gradient to reach the top, the view from Sion Hill is worth the struggle. This is the perfect location for the Bath School of Art and Design. With a range of different creative practices offered in this secluded part of the city, it is the perfect place to be surrounded not only by the beauty of the sweeping landscapes, but also by other budding creative people. Sophia Whittle, a second-year Creative Arts Practice student at Sion Hill, told us her favourite aspect of the university is its modern facilities, set in breathtaking scenery and with a fantastic atmosphere. Sophia also said she was inspired by the architecture of Bath. Many of the city’s iconic rows and crescents of Georgian homes can be seen from the top of Sion Hill.
Second-year Textiles students Anise Perera and Ellie Izzard also expressed their love of Bath’s architecture. The diverse range of people Ellie is surrounded by at Sion Hill influences her work. Both Textiles students said that they intend to go into this area of design after they graduate. From these interviews, it was clear that art students at Sion Hill are driven and confident about their work. The atmosphere in Café Sion, as well as the surrounding gardens and landscape at the campus, radiate creativity, as students work on their current projects. A 10-minute walk down the hill from the Art and Design buildings, Victoria Park is another area that provides inspiration. A popular spot for walking and jogging, it has similarly impressive views for students to enjoy on their way to and from their studies. With its green spaces and inspiring architecture, Bath is an ideal location for creative students to express themselves.
Exclusive interview with SU officials Aled, Kitty and Bruce AT 11am on 13 March 2016, three of Bath Spa University’s own will be taking on the Bath Half Marathon, running over 13 miles in a circuit that starts and ends at Great Pulteney Street. You might have spotted them around campus – Bruce Galliver is President of the Students’ Union and a former BSU Commercial Music student; Kitty Hilton and Aled Davies are Vice Presidents of Activities and Welfare, and former BSU Psychology and Drama students respectively. Paper Cuts asked them about their inspiration to run.
HOW IS TRAINING GOING? The group laughed. Aled said he was finding it more difficult to train than the others: ‘I’m probably doing the least training at the moment. I can’t physically get up early.’ He added that fitness has been on and off for him, but the Bath Half is something he’s always wanted to do. On the other hand, Kitty has always had an active lifestyle. She has taken part in marathons previously, including the Paris Marathon. She’s also doing a marathon four weeks after the Bath Half, so said it will be ‘kind of like a training run’. Kitty has a natural fitness
routine: ‘I’m a morning person… I like exercise… I went out this morning and did 11k accidentally.’ Bruce is somewhere in between the two. ‘I’ve always been into sport,’ he said, but explained that he stopped for a while when he was at university. ‘It’s been really cool having the Bath Half as a reason to get back into it. I was only going to do this if these guys would.’ On his training routine, he said: ‘I tend to keep the same period of time aside on a Sunday to do it. I use that day to reset my life a bit and get ready for the next week. Leading up to the actual race, I’ll probably start doing it twice a week.’
HOW DID YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS REACT? ‘My family have been really supportive,’ said Kitty. ‘It’s just really nice to see how much everyone supports you.’ Bruce added: ‘On the day, that’s what makes it all worth it.’ He seemed particularly enthusiastic that the Samba Society will be appearing in Queen Square. ‘My dad laughed a lot,’ Aled joked. ‘He knew that I was a bit of a couch potato at the time I signed up. There’s a possibility he might still be laughing. He found it that funny!’ Telling other family and friends, ‘basically a lot of people making fun of me. The whole room was like “What, you, really?” Mixed reactions is the word I’d use.’
DITCH THE LABEL The money the three raise through donations will be given to the award-winning anti-bullying charity Ditch the Label, which was chosen by BSU students as the Raising and Giving Society’s Charity of the Year. Founded in 2002, Ditch the Label first started as a MySpace group and now works nationally in the UK to provide emotional, physical and psychological support for victims of bullying. The charity’s website has a live world population clock and the statement: ‘There are [this amount] of people in the world. And guess what? We’re all different.’ When asked to pose for a few photos, the trio jumped into action, making some enthusiastic suggestions for great shots. They looked like the poster for a superhero movie! Bath Spa’s very own dream team are aiming to raise £1,000 through their efforts. The Raising and Giving Society will also be hosting and taking part in other events throughout the year, with the hope of raising as much money for Ditch the Label as possible. Aled, Kitty and Bruce – we wish you luck! You can show your support by attending the Bath Half as a spectator and by donating at www.ever yclick.com/sabbs16 before the end of April.
Home and Away
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NEWTON PARK ACCOMMODATION ∙ Authors: Louisa Hunter, Ashleigh Sandford and Marielle Scholten ∙ Photo: Marielle Scholten
CAMPUS VS COMMUTE Having difficulty with picking your home from home? UNIVERSITY accommodation can be a good idea in your first year, as it minimises the hassle of going through an agency and ensures you do not miss out on any social events in Freshers’ Week. Paper Cuts assesses the different types of housing available to students at Bath Spa University. It’s worth considering them all before making a decision.
LIVING ON-CAMPUS Rosemary Boyd, a Publishing and English Literature undergraduate student, lives in the picturesque Gardens accommodation with nine people. She describes the living space as ‘quiet and modern’, with a ‘scenic atmosphere’. Each block in Gardens has a communal kitchen, and fitted ensuite with a shower, washbasin and toilet. The study room, costing £148 per week, includes a desk, small double bed, fitted wardrobe and under-bed storage. However, Rosemary also says her living conditions are ‘claustrophobic’, because she can’t stay connected with her friends and family. ‘The phone signal is awful, but the wi-fi saved my life.’ If you thrive on mobile connection like Rosemary, you may need
to think twice before you live on Newton Park campus.
LIVING OFF-CAMPUS If you decide to live off-campus you have the choice of Waterside, Charlton and Twerton Mill halls of residence. Twerton Mill is the newest of the three and was completed in 2015. Stacey Vincent, a Study of Religions, Philosophy and Ethics undergraduate student, lives in a flat with five others, where she says they each have an en-suite and share a large kitchen. The halls have good bus links into campus and the city centre. She decided to live off-campus because she ‘wanted easy access to the city centre and the lifestyle it provides’. It is just a two-minute walk to Twerton Village, which has a post office, bakery and several convenience stores. The Lidl supermarket is also a short walk away. A disadvantage of living at Twerton Mill is the cost; it is one of the most expensive accommodation options at £152 per week, and Stacey describes purchasing a bus pass as ‘essential’.
COMMUTING INTO UNI Living on- or off-campus is not the only option first-years have. Commuting in from home could be a great solution. Hannah Bennet, an undergraduate Media Communications and Publishing student, commutes by car from her home, which is approximately 40 minutes
away from university. Advantages of commuting are the comforts of family and a home-cooked meal, which is always good for students. Together with the rent savings, not having to pay for things like food minimises cost and student debt. Hannah does pay for her car and petrol, but even with this, she says, ‘it comes out a lot cheaper than living independently’. The disadvantage is missing out on many of the social aspects of university life, such as Freshers’ Week and the nightlife. In the end, though, Hannah says: ‘Sometimes I regret not living near university, but I know I made the right decision, because I love getting home at the end of the day.’ When it comes to picking the perfect location at Bath Spa University be sure to explore the area, look at the accommodation options and visit our specialised housing team.
WOODLAND WALK ∙ Authors: Gigi Wierzbicki and Alexandra Collister Photo: Lauren Ashworth
NEW HORIZONS Listening to a student from Germany and visiting the studios WHILE sitting in Sion Hill’s café, making the most of the catering facilities, we talked to an international student about her work. Lisa is a second-year Fine Art student from Germany, and is currently on an exchange programme. She explained that there are some differences between Germany and Bath. Mostly, she misses the woodland back home, where the forests are much denser, whereas Bath is much more open. She admitted that occasionally she feels homesick, but she copes with this by ‘walking alongside the river’. Lisa is currently working on a video – a digital collage on the subject of feminism and female rappers who have influenced and interested her. Since studying here she has found that she is more productive in her work, as she comes in every day for her current project.
When asked about her plans for the future, she explained that she is hoping to graduate in Germany and then go travelling. She has already visited a number of places, including London. After our chat with Lisa, we wandered through a maze of artfilled corridors, taking pictures of the floral paintings as we went. There was a hint of fresh paint and pastel in the air, unique to art galleries and the creative arts. It made us feel comfortable even though it was our first time visiting this compact campus. That was when we found the Photography studio. It had a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, and we were greeted by artwork that hung proudly on the walls, exploring fashion and culture. A member of staff happily presented us with a range of magazines created by third-year students. We were inspired by their collaborative work, and it encouraged us for our own future projects. This was a thoroughly enjoyable visit.
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Culture
CAPTURING COMMONS ∙ Authors: Faye Joyce and Sophie Hesp ∙ Photo: Sophie Hesp
PASTORAL CARE Blurring the boundaries between the old and the new FROM early 15th-century buildings to the state-of-the-art Commons, Newton Park offers a ‘unique mix of modernity and history’. It is for these reasons that so many students love the campus. Almost 300 years on from the initial landscape designs by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the mighty Commons building stands proud as one of the centrepieces of the campus. The project received planning permission in 2011 and work began in the same year. It took three years to complete and the project had a value of £28 million. The bustling hub of activity acts as a reminder that Bath Spa is a place of relaxation as well as education. Nominated for several awards, Commons was developed by Cube Design, which won the RIBA Wessex award in 2010. It was important for the architect to keep
the building’s rural surroundings in mind to avoid a misplaced construction, a potential eyesore to passers-by. Commons includes a large central atrium, with glass on both sides, ensuring that the students and the building remain in contact with the landscape encompassing the university. The organic curve gives it a sense of movement, and light panels featuring natural scenes on the outside reflect the current technology within. Away from the modern buildings, the Walled Italian Garden provides a blissful escape from student life. Located towards the top of the campus, the garden has a magnificent entrance gate and pastoral topiaries on either side. With impressive lawns and floral displays, this peaceful environment will transport you to Tuscany, giving you that real Italian vibe on campus. From the dramatic gothic concrete gargoyles, to the more romantic shaping of the archways, a sense of pastoral escape is never far away.
STUDENT OWEN STEPHENS REHEARSES ∙ Authors: Bethany Harding, Hannah Rose and Chloe Tissiman ∙ Photo: Chloe Tissiman
UNIVERSITY OF NOTE Music comes alive with the students of Bath Spa University BATH Spa University is known for its endless creative freedom, and the music department is no exception. With courses ranging from Creative Music Technology to Commercial Music, budding musicians can cultivate their talent here. Whether you see yourself getting classical in an orchestra or rocking it out on stage in an indie band, most students here are positive about their successful career prospects following their course. ‘Music courses at Bath Spa are ranked 10th out of 71 providers nationally for overall satisfaction,’ according to the National Student Survey 2015. Dylan Osafo, who studies Commercial Music, explained that ‘the course is ideal as it covers production, band opportunities and a heavy focus on performance’ His band-mate Owen Stephens added: ‘I love the setting of the uni.’ The landscape is definitely one of Bath Spa’s most unique qualities, with many students feeling inspired by their surroundings. The Commercial Music course provides an exclusive set of modules, unlike any other university, which draws in its students. There is a definite encouragement towards collaboration and the
creation of bands. Students become confident in their talents and often establish themselves within the city’s music scene. University bands like Karma Club and Eat Your Greens are often seen dominating music nights at The Nest and Moles in the city centre. Students are required to showcase their musical talents in performances within and surrounding the university. Many participate in bands and orchestras – also a requirement. Besides club events, Music students also take part in orchestral and choir events at Bath’s prestigious Abbey and Wells Cathedral. Often musical talent stems from childhood, and it seems that many Music students on campus have progressed from simply playing the recorder to honing their talents on niche instruments. Jake Garratt, for example, plays the euphonium, while Alice Silcock specialises in the bassoon. The university encourages music diversity;. Although there is a strong focus on creativity and innovation, it does not detract from the study and love of traditional music. Each individual has their own unique tastes. Osafo specialises in guitar and bass and enjoys bands such as Little Comets; however, despite his specialism, he himself enjoys artists such as Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar. Stephens enjoys heavier indie
bands such as Royal Blood and music from the 80s and 90s. With the variety in their course, each student is given the opportunity to take inspiration from their favourite musicians and build that into their own work. Surprisingly, Garratt explains in regards to his music that ‘I play it, I don’t listen to it’, because he practises at least two hours every single day of the week. This shows the sheer dedication he has to his craft and his love for performance. Most students have said that they enjoy the practicality of their courses and it seems each student prides themself on their high-quality work. The arts are often undervalued as a subject area for higher education. However, these courses offer valuable practical and theoretical experience. Students aspire to become professionals, such as production managers, sound engineers and studio workers. Kira Gilborson, who studies voice and piano within her undergraduate Music degree, plans on continuing her studies with a Postgraduate Certificate of Education, so that she can progress into teaching. With all the talent the music department has to offer, it will not come as a surprise if the students follow their idols and Bath Spa becomes parent to a whole host of expert teachers or even the next Royal Blood or Shostakovich.
Beginnings
5 ARTWORK BY SHANI MCFARLANE-MARTIN ∙ Authors: Jemma Gardner, Rachel Muskett and Abigail O’Driscoll ∙ Photo: Jemma Gardner
A FINE START Exploring first-year artwork at Bath School of Art and Design
BASKING IN THE SUN ON BATH SPA CAMPUS ∙ Authors: Emily Collins, Heather Fawcett and Natalie Piggott ∙ Photo: Heather Fawcett
BLOOMED TOO SOON? Swanning around Newton Park in the springtime
winter also brings with it the anticipation of a brand new year full of exciting prospects and wonderful adventures.
walkers can be seen throughout the grounds on a daily basis.
SPRING has come early this year to Newton Park, much to the delight of the students. Just days after Storm Frank, the wind and rain has given way to the first clear day of the new year. The sun shines down on Bath Spa University, throwing light on the early blooming daffodils. The sudden appearance of these flowers comes as a surprise to many, adding a splash of colour into the spacious landscape. The sunny weather also makes the walk around the lake a lot more enjoyable. The light bounces off the water, bringing out the spring colours that were previously hidden behind the curtain of winter. Commonly, when people think of spring they think of lambs, hundreds of different colours bursting out of bushes and a gentle wind warmed by the new sun. What they forget is that the transition from winter to spring can be just as beautiful. As the graceful morning sun rises over the nearby hills, the dew frozen from the night’s chill glistens like tiny diamonds on the green grass. Snowdrops pop through the undergrowth to bedeck the roots of trees with their sleep-white heads. The change to spring from
DEFINING THE SEASON
Daffodils may be regarded as one of the first signs of spring, but this flower, more closely associated with Easter rather than the beginning months of the year, has bloomed too soon; and that could bring consequences. With the unseasonably warm weather during December and January, the bulbs were prompted into blooming. But as temperatures are expected to drop at some point in February, this could have damaging effects on the flowers: not only the daffodils, but also other plants that were triggered during the unusual weather. Tulips and snowdrops are also at risk. Guy Barter, chief horticultural adviser at the Royal Horticultural Society, told readers of the Independent newspaper to ‘Keep calm and carry on gardening’, stating that ‘there is nothing we can do about the weather’ so to ‘go out and enjoy it’. While it may not be the ideal conditions for the spring flowers, and though it would have been better for them to have a longer dormant period, reports say that things should be back to normal within the next season. So, for now, just go out and enjoy the sunshine; knowing the English weather, it won’t last long.
When taking a walk around Newton Park’s picturesque lake, it’s easy to spot signs of spring. Even as early as January, daffodils bloom and birds frequent the scenic route. The sight of flowering buds bursting from the earth almost teases us into thinking we can get away with leaving that heavy coat at home so we can embrace a warm spring breeze. The question ‘what defines the beginning of spring?’ is one that is hard to answer. Recent weather reflects a different season altogether; with snowdrops coated with melting frost, it’s clear that winter is only just settling its feet. The lack of cows and sheep in the nearby fields was also a sign that the weather is far from warm, meaning, unfortunately, no adorable baby calves to show. Regardless, the lake still remains a brilliantly inspirational place for Bath Spa students, offering endless quantities of beautiful scenery. It is well known that taking a wander into the depths of the woodland that edges Bath Spa University can brighten any day. It’s not just reserved for students though; the public are welcome to take a stroll among the flowers, and dog
‘KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON GARDENING’
INSIDE the buildings of the Sion Hill campus, work is proudly exhibited, showcasing the various talents and mediums on offer. To get a better idea of life at Bath School of Art and Design, we interviewed three first-year students to learn about their courses and the opportunities open to the creative students who are lucky enough to study there. Graphic Communication students Annie Carminke and Tillie Crawford-Miller took us on a tour of their studios and told us about the projects they had been working on. ‘It’s a mixed discipline course, which works really well for me,’ explained Annie. ‘We do a lot of workshops on things like screen-printing, photography and typography, which is a great way to learn new skills.’ Currently, they are designing
zines, independent magazines looking at different time periods, such as the 28-day cycle of the moon. Their last project consisted of multi-layer screen prints of high-street shops, taken from their own sketches and photos. Many of the final outcomes are displayed around the library, adding a pop of colour to even the calmest working environment. Later, Shani McFarlane-Martin, a Fine Art student, introduced us to her course and showed off her sketchbooks and installations. Her work involves a wide range of projects, from painting and sculpting to welding and mask-making. In the future, she plans to become an exhibition curator, using the knowledge and experience she has gained to organise and showcase artwork. Next year, selected students will be given the opportunity to study abroad for six months in Chicago or Sydney to experience a new culture and gain inspiration to help them further develop their creativity.
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Library and Leisure
STUDENT CASSIE SEARLE USING SPORTING EQUIPMENT ∙ Authors: Zoe Ridgway and Anika Schulze ∙ Photo: Anika Schulze
MEET UP AT THE GYM ALISON BAUD ∙ Authors: Sandra Baczek, Hannah Bennett and Caitlin Whisker
BORN DIGITAL Interview with Library and Learning Director Alison Baud TECHNOLOGY has a vast influence on our everyday lives, but what impact does this have on 21st-century publishing and libraries? ‘I think it’s a great improvement and libraries are still niche publishing specialists, in both print and online,’ says Alison Baud. ‘I would describe the digital switch as a positive impact. I like using e-books as you can grab and download quickly.’ Having said this, Alison also loves holding a copy of a book, as it looks appealing, is easy to read and fulfills a sense of ownership. She believes there is a place for both in the publishing world: ‘Hard copies are more high end and if you just want to read a novel to enjoy, ebooks are quick and easy to download.’ The speculation that print would vanish affected the industry; however, Alison believes that
it’s a mixed economy of print and electronic, even though primarily everything is based online. ‘Because of the large amount of students on campus, using electronic ebook copies means multiple students can have the information all at the same time rather than having to wait to check out one book.’ This leads to a completely different model that focuses on access rather than ownership. ‘What is the most exciting aspect of my job? Well, I was heavily involved with the design process of Commons, and the silent study areas and pods. I was excited to extend the library area, and even though people assume that it should consist of books, the one in Commons has over 85 per cent of our resources available online.’ She explains how reading something electronically can take you on a journey to find things that interest you, whereas with print it’s more linear ‘Electronic is a much more multi-faceted experience, we are now born digital.’
A look at the leisure options available at Bath Spa University DO you want to work out? Try some new exercises? Right at the top of campus is the Students’ Union with its gym on the second floor, where you can find up to 40 stations including up-to-date Life Fitness cardiovascular and strength equipment. With a peak membership from January at only £98 you get access to the gym and a set of free gym-based classes including Ab Blast and Boxercise. The peak membership opening times are Monday to Thursday 7.30am till 8.30pm, Fridays 7.30am till 6.30pm and weekends 10am till 6pm. For a cheaper option there is an off-peak membership, which costs £110 from the beginning of the academic year, with different opening times, such as Monday to Friday 9.30am till 4pm and weekends 10am till 6pm. The facilities available include running machines, cross-trainers, rowing machines, Olympic barbells and a free weights area, and spaces to stretch with mats where you can do core exercises or warm up. There are many opportunities to get your body in the shape that you want. Other facilities include lockers, showers and changing rooms. The Students’ Union Bar and Kitchen are directly under the gym, handy
for those who find themselves with post-workout cravings. On our visit to the gym we spoke to staff member Greg Newport, the Health and Fitness Manager at Bath Spa University, about the many benefits of the gym for students. He highlighted the ‘decent value for money’, stating that it works out at £14 a month for 10 months if you buy the £140 peak membership at the beginning of the academic year. Compared to other gyms in the town centre, such as Fitness First, it is the ‘cheapest in Bath for students’. Our first impressions of the gym were that it’s clean with a pleasant atmosphere and the staff members are friendly and helpful. Gym member Cassie Searle said that they will help you with any matters concerning the equipment and physical exercises to help your development. This echoes what Greg said about the benefits of free one-onone sessions and the free advice you get at the Students’ Union gym. More benefits, according to Greg, of it being a student gym is that it’s a ‘pleasant community with students looking out for each other’, making your gym experience more comfortable. Additional benefits, other than the physical factors, are that there is a chance to connect with other students who have a similar passion for exercising. Sitting down and talking to Cassie after her work-
out we asked a couple of questions about her opinion on the gym. ‘The gym has got what you need. It’s a great place to meet new people,’ she told us. Other more social options are the gym classes offered by the Students’ Union. These include Zumba and Yoga, available to members and non-members. They each have 11 sessions, with Zumba running every Thursday from 7.30pm till 8.30pm and Yoga on Tuesdays from 7.30pm till 8.30pm. They both require an additional payment of £33 for gym members and £38.50 for other people interested. Greg says that both classes are popular among this year’s students. There are a few things that could be improved, such as the size of the gym – both Cassie and Greg agreed that ‘it’s a bit small’. But still Cassie says: ‘The membership is worth it and I would recommend it to my friends and classmates.’ We were advised that the best times to go to avoid the crowd are the mornings. The gym on Newton Park campus offers a variety of opportunities to improve your fitness in 2016. If you’re looking to sign up, application forms can be found on the second floor of the Students’ Union, in the main office. You can book any of the gym classes on the SU’s website, which also has further information about the memberships available.
Food and Drink
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NEED A COFFEE FIX? ∙ Authors: Rosemary Boyd, Amy Stirling and Katherine Valentine ∙ Photo: Katherine Valentine
COFFEE ON CAMPUS I do my best work over coffee – I tend to have a latte on my mind…
Barista’s choice: Mocha with orange syrup Rating: 3 out of 5
COFFEE WITH A VIEW WE explored the four main coffee outlets on Newton Park campus to give you a taste of where to get the best latte, and spoke to the baristas in charge of making them. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant. Not only does it improve concentration and reduce anxiety, it can literally improve your vision as it makes your pupils dilate. No wonder, then, that it is so popular. Whether it’s an early morning lecture or the dreaded 5pm to 7pm seminar in the evening, we all need a little help now and then to power through the hours. Bath Spa University offers several possibilities when you need a quick coffee fix.
It is rumoured as being the best on campus, but does East Wing live up to the hype? Although we rated the coffee highly, we felt its lattes were perhaps too small considering the expense (£2.40). The money suddenly seems worth it however, when faced with a sunny day and beautiful views over the lake. Open longer hours, from 8.30am till 4pm, as long as you avoid the lunchtime rush, there’s not usually much of a queue. Most popular drink: Long black Barista’s choice: Flat white Rating: 4 out of 5
CORPORATION COFFEE COFFEE ON WHEELS The coffee van in Commons is the cutest place to buy a coffee on campus, with fabulously friendly staff. Our first stop of the day certainly set the standards high. Its perfectly balanced coffee is served in quirky, illustrated cups, and at £2, a latte is significantly cheaper than the neighbouring Starbucks. While the coffee van might not be open as long as other outlets – from 8.30am until midday – it’s worth catching while it is open. Most popular drink: Latte
We all know that we use Starbucks for a simple caffeine hit rather than a relaxed sit down with a coffee, along with the rest of the permanent queue of bustling students rushing to get to lectures. Open from 7.45am to 8.30pm Monday to Thursday (10am to 3pm at the weekends), it may be the most expensive, but is a popular choice, both for its long hours and for offering card payment. Most popular drink: Mocha Barista’s choice: Caramel macchiato Rating: 2 out of 5
COFFEE IN A MUG If you’re not running for a lecture, the Student Union Bar not only serves the best-tasting coffee, but is also the most relaxing place to enjoy it. Proper mugs and comfy sofas combined with background music create a homely atmosphere and at £1.70 it’s the cheapest latte on campus. All these factors combined meant this was our top pick for Bath Spa coffee. Most popular drink: Latte Barista’s choice: Flat white Rating: 5 out of 5 At this point it’s probably important to highlight that we didn’t all have four cups of coffee in the course of a morning, as doing that regularly can lead to a multitude of problems including an abnormally fast heartbeat and muscle tremors, which are obviously best avoided. We carried out a survey, and found that out of 32 students, 18 would choose to go to Starbucks, purely because ‘it is convenient’, based on the ground floor of Commons. However, with all four lattes costing under £2.50, there is no reason not to break tradition, visit somewhere new, and perhaps even find a new favourite. Whether you want a break from work or something to help you through it, why not beat the queues, spend less money and get coffee made with extra care.
CHOCOLATE BROWNIE ∙ Authors: Beckie Poole, Bronte Huskinson, India Bayley and Louisa Hunter
THE CAKE OFF Our tasters had one mission: to find the most delicious cakes WE started our tasty treats tour at the Students’ Union. However, all they had were brownies and flapjacks from an outside supplier. From appearance you could see the chocolate chips were not evenly spread across the surface, the texture was unpleasant in the way it sticks to your mouth, but the overall taste we rated 3 out of 5. This rating changed radically when we realised the brownie was OUT OF DATE! The Refectory is the local hotspot for students to get a cheap meal on campus at a fair price. Unlike the Students’ Union, it provides cakes and sweet treats, both made on site and supplier-stocked. The dry chocolate cake, masked by poor icing and a mediocre chocolate button, was underwhelming. At £1.80 per slice it left an unpleasant taste in both the purse and the
mouth, only scoring 2.5 out of 5. At Starbucks, arguably the most popular place among students for coffee and food, the carrot cake became an instant favourite among the tasters. With delicious icing and a cute little carrot on top, it was the most visually appealing. It had a moist texture, but wasn’t sticky, and the fillings were evenly distributed. We gave it 4 out of 5. Through the revolving doors of the Commons building, you may have come across the coffee van selling delicious sweet treats for hungry students. There lies a cake stand full of rocky roads ready for taking. At £1.80 each, they are crunchy and rich in chocolate, ideal for chocolate lovers, but with soft marshmallows that melt in your mouth adding a different texture. The tasters collaborated to rate the coffee van brownie an impressive 4 out of 5. So for goodness cakes, why not give them a taste yourself – it’s a piece of cake.
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Part of the Scenery
PAWS FOR THOUGHT ∙ Authors: India Pearce, Leah Fleming, Lauren Ashworth ∙ Photo: Thanks to Bath School of Art and Design
‘MISSIE’ ME? Sion Hill’s resident cat, Missie – is she a myth or a legend? THE Sion Hill cat is an elusive creature that answers to the name Missie. There was much speculation as to whether this cat actually existed, or whether it was just a myth created to entice people to the university. In order to solve this mystery we interviewed students and asked if they had ever seen the cat, and when it last made an appearance. From our research, we discovered that the cat does in fact exist. Missie used to sun herself outside the 18th-century crescent of Somerset Place – which used to be home to the Art and Design library and studios. Although the real question was if Missie was still alive or not, because everyone we had spoken to noted that they had not seen her in a year. One student told us that they had last seen Missie last August,
but there had been no trace of her since. Another student informed us that the feline mascot had been looking skinny the last time she was seen, so they weren’t very optimistic about her fate. Things were looking bleak for Missie until we received an email from Adele, the receptionist at Sion Hill, informing us that the cat had turned up! Missie had been sighted in the studios and a student quickly snapped a picture as photographic evidence that yes, she does exist, and yes, she is still very much alive. It is unknown who Missie’s caretaker is, but there is much speculation that she may belong to one of Sion Hill’s residential neighbours. Another theory is that she may be taken care of by the grounds porters or print technicians. Missie is believed to be about fifteen years old and has been visiting the Art and Design School since she was a kitten. She continues to be a welcome member of the Sion Hill community.
STIFF LEADBETTER’S TEMPLE ∙ Authors: Dulcie Fieldhouse and Harry Bonser ∙ Photo: Harry Bonser
SET IN STONE The beauty of Bath Spa’s hidden architecture FOR those of you familiar with Tom Stoppard’s 1993 play Arcadia, the history of the grounds at Newton Park may be of particular interest. The setting for the play is an English country house, with the story weaving between the early 19th century and the 1990s, bringing in themes from chaos theory and Romanticism to modern academia. The grounds of Newton Park, itself built around the former manor that is now Main House, sit in the rolling hills of rural Somerset. The park was designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in 1761 for Joseph Langton. Humphry Repton, another famed landscape architect, also later worked on the grounds.
CAPABILITY BROWN’S LEGACY This year is the 300th anniversary of Capability Brown’s birth in Northumberland. Capability Brown changed the face of 18thcentury England, designing country estates, gardens and surrounding landscapes. He was inspired by neoclassical design, which was influencing English architecture at the time. His style was developed in direct contrast to the conventions of the time, which were for French-style formal gardens. Instead he would create
vistas of rolling hills and flowing manmade lakes, meandering paths and tree-lined walks, woodlandstyle planting and occasional grottos or rural workers’ huts. Brown was known for beautifully enhancing the landscape he was given to work with. He designed more than 250 parks across the country, including Chatsworth, Temple Newsham, and Dyrham Park, now a National Trust property, just north of Bath. Newton Park is a little known Capability Brown landscape which is a haven for animals and birds, and, not least, students. The river which runs through the campus attracts herons and other wildlife.
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY’S OWN TEMPLE Overlooking the lake at the bottom of campus, the Temple building is surrounded by nature. The bare branches of the surrounding trees frame the almost golden building, giving it an ethereal feel. In the background, the sound of running water, flowing from the lake and down the stream, adds to the magical sensation. Ducks, moorhens and swans swim in the lake and waddle around on the gravel paths, among the blooming daffodils and delicate snowdrops. The sun glints off the water, highlighting the pond reeds that sit at the edges of the lake, setting the
Temple in one of the most beautiful areas on campus. The Temple was built by Stiff Leadbetter, an architect hired by Joseph Langton between 1762 and 1765. It fits into the Georgian style of architecture, emulating the Palladian style of Lord Burlington, designer of the villa at Chiswick. The Temple is a Grade 1 listed building and is a fundamental element of the landscape designed by Capability Brown. The Temple is made of Bath stone, a honey-coloured limestone, which contrasts with the vibrant green of the hills surrounding it. The five arches that make up the front of the building are reminiscent of the those used by the Romans on the Colosseum, and are still considered a feat of engineering due to their structural integrity. The plaster on the inside of the Temple is complementary to the stone on the outside, and the wooden beams that support the ceiling are beautifully aged, displaying a lovely dark brown colour. The plants that grow through the beams seem to be less intrusive, and more like nature and manmade growing together. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the site’s grand lake, taking in the picturesque scenery it has to offer. This short 10-minute walk is great if you want to get away from the stress you may be under from last-minute essays and hectic deadlines.