The Spa Star 25 JANUARY 2018
A NEWSPAPER MADE IN A DAY BY CREATE LAB, BATH SPA UNIVERSITY
Authors: Sophie Chaddock, Lily O’Gorman, Lucy Guinea and Nadya Ellahi
WELCOME TO BATH SPA’S NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR THIS week marked the arrival of new Vice-Chancellor, Susan Rigby, at Bath Spa University. We talked one-to-one about how her arrival will impact life at Bath Spa. Coming from the University of Lincoln, Susan’s first impressions of Bath Spa highlight the unique atmosphere: ‘It just seems so lively … I was interviewed for the job when there were no students around, so now it just feels alive, in a way that no university can when it’s just the campus itself.’ The new Vice-Chancellor went on to say that most universities only care about league tables, which can result in assessing results within quite small parameters. Few are brave enough to admit that they don’t care about the numbers. She felt that what’s special about Bath Spa is that we ‘teach people to be thinkers and doers and makers. It’s stretching people.’ Creativity is the most important aspect of learning and research here at Bath Spa. It is her belief that Bath Spa ‘shouldn’t hide brilliance’, but instead needs ‘to celebrate it’ visibly. This includes changing perceptions of student employability, once they leave the university. She said a new emphasis needs to be put on ‘quality of life, rather than how much you’re earning’. After all, as Susan states, it’s about finding out ‘what we want and helping us get there’.
NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR SUSAN RIGBY
OLLIE LANGFORD AND THE REPURPOSED HERMAN MILLER CHAIR ∙ Authors: Natasha Greenslade and Hannah Shilling ∙ Photo: Danny Sturgeon
SION HILL: ELEVATED BY ART We’re going on a chair hunt! Furniture, art and innovation TASKED with creating a behindthe-scenes story about the students at Sion Hill, our team uncovered the real experience of being an art student in Bath. Within the corridors and exhibition halls of Bath Spa’s Art and Design campus across town lurks the elusive ‘Herman Miller chair’. We roamed the halls in search of this innovative art project and found a compelling view of the students and their work as we explored. First we met with Amanda Goode, Course Leader and Subject Co-ordinator in the Field of Design at Sion Hill, who outlined the history behind the creation of the chair. She is also a cofounder of the Independent Textile Makers and a member of The Slow Textile Group, so we felt in safe hands. She told of ‘the former Herman Miller factory’, designed
in 1976 by Sir Nicholas Grimshaw. The building, located on Locksbrook Road, manufactured furniture and now the university has made plans to ‘revitalise the area for a new campus for the students’. With our interest piqued, we set out to view the early product of this artistic merger between Herman Miller and Bath Spa. The search led to the Textiles Department, where third-year student, Tyra Moyo, was in the early stages of an ‘exotic fruit’ illustration for an upcoming exhibition. Each Textiles student is currently working on individual projects with personal themes. Moyo’s fellow student is using monochromatic design. Unfortunately, she knew not of the Herman Miller chair, but outlined her surprising experience at Sion Hill. Specialising in exotic fruit and flowers due to her ‘keen interest in bold colours’, Moyo explained how the art industry offers little help in creating bridges between student life and the real world. In a
‘survival of the fittest’ landscape, Moyo told how ‘they [the industry] don’t really have anything for me’ and that ‘contacts are hard to get’. As a result, she was pursuing her own way into the industry. Continuing towards our goal of finding the Herman Miller chair, we ventured through all four floors of Sion Hill before coming across Sue Beech, a helpful member of the administrative staff. She led our team to the Digital Processes rooms, to the handmade chair of a student called Maria. It was an unusual design constructed of wire circles; however, it was not the Herman Miller chair. When we came across the hidden workshop, time was nearly up. Product Design students Ollie Langford and Adam Meyrick were more than happy to fill us in on the Herman Miller chair. The actual product is primarily made of traditional chair parts, having been designed from a disassembled Herman Miller chair. It doubled the height of the wearer
and seemingly appears stable, with a wooden structure. ‘Hierarchy’ was the students’ theme in creating this chair. The idea was to be able to lift someone heavier than themselves on to their shoulders. Regrettably, the second-year students were not able to perform this feat, although they assured us it was possible. Adam recalled the ‘one-week project to dismantle a Herman Miller chair’ and the end goal to ‘build something else out of it’. They were given six chairs to experiment with. Fellow students created a sound sensory system out of one, while another chair was remade as a bed. Students threw themselves at the challenge and came up with amazing design solutions. The above photograph shows Ollie Langford modelling the Herman Miller chair. From our adventure, we came to realise the extent of the creativity of Sion Hill students and that innovation and a passion for art were at the heart of such designs.
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PLANS TO GO AHEAD FOR LOWER BRISTOL ROAD ∙ Authors: Heather Dunn, Emily Pinfold and Holly Moberley ∙ Photo: Holly Moberley
BIRTH OF A NEW ERA ACTIVE TRAVELLER IN ITS NATURAL HABITAT ∙ Authors: Isobel Tupman, Tesni Roberts, Brittany Schofield and Faye Griffiths ∙ Photo: Faye Griffiths
SNOW SEEKER Adventurer Jim Walker discusses the ins and outs of publishing JIM Walker helped to set up Double A Media, where they produce three magazines – Active Traveller, Cycle Traveller and Snow Magazine – with the last of these being his most successful. They are predominantly online titles and, each year, the best articles are put into their annual magazine, which is distributed to stores all over the UK. The audience is mainly 30 to 55-year-old skiers and snowboarders. Their most successful article online is ‘The Top Ten Ski Resorts in the World’, with 300,000 views and the 2018 updated version having scored 50,000 views in a week. Despite the magazine being aimed at an older audience, there is a wider range of readers for the online website. Jim comments on this difference, saying that ‘the content is not
specific to the online audience’. He states that their success is due to the quirkiness of the articles and the fact that they talk about personal experiences and stories, rather than just promoting resorts because they have the ‘best snow or restaurants’. Another thing that helps is having interesting articles, such as ‘Is Snowboarding Dead?’, which created an online uproar. This is because the clickbait title draws a lot of attention to the article from Google. Jim advised us on the positives of publishing online: it is available to everyone and it is easy to monitor who is looking for how long and whether they have explored the rest of the site to see how successful it is. Jim also gave some advice, which was: ‘You don’t need money to start something like this. You just need to have excellent content.’ He advocated for young writers to be honest in their content to attract a bigger audience.
Bath turns a fresh page with building developments THE Bath Press building on Lower Bristol Road is currently undergoing demolition work to make way for new developments. Planners are set to build a housing and office complex out of the historic remains of the Bath Press building, formerly owned by Pitman Press printing works.
HISTORY Isaac Pitman, born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, not only founded Pitman and Sons but also pioneered the shorthand technique as an 18th-century writing system. By 1837, he had invented his own form of shorthand and published a first edition of ‘Stenographic Sound-Hand’, whereby the sound of letters created the basis of shorthand. On 7 March 1889, Pitman was awarded the English Gold Jubilee Medal for his efforts and on the same day, Pitman and Sons occupied the Fifth Phonetic Institute on the outskirts of Bath, Lower Bristol Road. This was later to become The Bath Press. This historic building will now take on new life as it is developed further into a complex beyond Pitman’s vision. However, it will still retain its original frontage in homage to Sir Isaac Pitman. The
development’s emphasis on conserving a classic design reinforces the argument that a project such as this does not have to ruin Bath’s cultural heritage. The progression of Pitman from a rural parish to a building that published 27 million books a year is a vast achievement. Located south of the main road to Bath, The Bath Press boasted a series of extensions throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, including a ‘Ballroom’ extension in 1925–26 to increase factory floor space and even two large warehouses to the west of the main building. In 1942, the eastern half of the Pitman Press Building was donated to the British Overseas Aircraft Corporation to repair UK and US propellers. They certainly did their bit for the war effort. By the 20th century, The Bath Press printed books under various names, including Phonetic Institute from 1913, Pitman Press from 1934, Pitman Ltd from 1974 and later The Bath Press. However, due to foreign competition, particularly from Asia, unfortunately The Bath Press was forced to close in 2007 with the loss of 250 jobs. REGENERATION There are many positive aspects of this regeneration project. Constructors are embracing the building’s rich history by recycling
as many design aspects of the original building as possible, including its ornate columns. However, the rest of the building will be demolished, causing concern for local residents due to noise, pollution and dangerous debris. This project is generating muchneeded space, including 244 homes and 16,000 square feet of office space. Ed Crockett, head of UK Residential at Aberdeen, said: ‘The Bath Press site provides us with an excellent opportunity to deliver a scheme of scale and quality in the under-supplied and highly sought after central Bath residential market.’ Some local people are not convinced that this project is beneficial for them. One resident believes ‘they won’t help local people wanting housing as they will be bought by people relocating from bigger cities.’ However, constructors have confirmed there will be affordable housing available. Most importantly, this project will regenerate a run-down building in Bath, giving it a new lease of life instead of it standing as an eyesore. To conclude, while the develop ment means change for the historic Bath Press building, it will be a welcome change for the residents living near to the derelict site. As well as being an elegant homage to Sir Isaac Pitman.
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THE BATH SPA PRIDE 2018 TEAM ∙ Authors: Josh Adams, Gaby Stocker and Georgia Beaumont ∙ Photo: Andie Griffin
‘ONE BIG GROUP HUG’ Bath Spa: waving the flag with Pride this April 2018 28 JUNE 1969 was the day Pride was born. The New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan, NY due to a breach in the Licensing Act. The Inn didn’t have a licence because the NY State Liquor Authority didn’t issue them to establishments that served gay customers. Handcuffed victims were placed outside the bar, suffering abuse by the arresting officers. When one women pleaded with the crowd to ‘do something’, onlookers started protesting, beginning to throw pennies and other objects, with the crowds reaching thousands. The first Pride event was the Christopher Street Liberation Day March (CSLD) held on 28 June 1970. It started with only a few hundred people, but slowly grew to several thousand marchers celebrating Pride throughout New York City. Since this first parade, Pride has evolved into pure celebration where the LGBT community presents themselves on proud display. There are hundreds of Pride events happening all year round within the UK and all over the world. And Bath Spa isn’t one to miss out! Firstly, the university will celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. In the UK, this is recognised in
February as a tribute to the 2003 abolition of Section 28, a law stating that institutions could not promote homosexuality. According to the LGBTQ+ History Month website, this year’s focus is ‘Geography: Mapping the World’, as a recognition of Australia legalising gay marriage. However, the university’s biggest LGBTQ+ event is their Pride week. For the past three years Bath Spa has held its own Pride Festival in the award-winning Students’ Union, and this year it isn’t holding back. Spread across two nights, the SU will host both the Spoken Word and the ‘Main Event’ for Bath Spa Pride 2018. We recently caught up with Nathan Maradei, George Cook and Laura Steel – the Bath Spa Pride team – and spoke to them about the upcoming Pride celebrations happening on 17 and 21 April. These charity events, run by the LGBTQ+ Society, are held in the Students’ Union and are known to be some of the most popular and heavily attended events in the university calendar. The team stated that they wanted the uni to hold its own Pride festival due to the lack of celebration within the Bathonian community. This inspired them to create the illustrious event, something which everyone can enjoy and take part in. The first event is the Spoken
Word night, which takes place on 17 April; this is a chance for students to speak out and find themselves within a community that will listen. George describes the night as ‘extremely personal and inclusive’, somewhere people can be accepted for who they are. This event is returning because of its popularity last year; the team even dedicated a whole night to it. For people who would prefer not to perform in front of a crowd, there is the opportunity to have personal written pieces published in Laura’s project magazine. To be involved with this, get in touch with her via Bath Spa Pride social media. As well as the Spoken Word celebration, the Pride Main Event will take place on 21 April. This is a great event where there will be a variety of acts such as pole dan cers, bands and drag queens. And to further reinforce the feeling of community spirit within Bath Spa, all the acts performing at the event are students or alumni of the university. The team are also encouraging anyone and everyone to attend… even the rugby team turn up shirtless! And if that’s not a reason to head along, what is? To find out more visit the Bath Spa Pride social media pages: Twitter: @BathSpaPRIDE Facebook: Bath Spa PRIDE Instagram: @bathspapride
© OPENSTREETMAP 2016 ORDNANCE SURVEY ∙ INSET: ANDY SALMON ∙ Authors: Megan Turner and Megan Miller ∙ Photo: Jonah Kensett and Aida Alvarez
CREATIVE BOOM Andy Salmon discusses the rise of creative industries in the UK THE map above shows the areas of creative hotspots in the UK, centred down in the South and South West. The demand for talent within the digital technology sector is at an all-time high, and Dr Andy Salmon, Dean of Bath Spa University’s College of Liberal Arts, is passionate about the university contributing to the success of the booming creative industries in the region. Worth £91.8 billion to the UK, the creative industries are taking a leading role in driving the economic recovery of the country and are experiencing high growth. The UK’s creative industries are essential in shaping our global image as a major international economy. The South West is at the forefront of the innovation as it becomes even more popular with businesses looking to move out
of London. Bath and Bristol have become a leading UK creative hub, challenging common preconceptions of the region. Andy expressed his optimism for the future of the creative industries, stating: ‘Now is the age of creativity.’ In an increasingly fragmented digital world, the creative industies, and in turn the liberal arts, present the human aspects of creative innovation. ‘The big questions we face are human ones,’ says Andy, encouraging the academic community of staff and students surrounding him to explore and address such questions. The South West embodies the values he believes in. Bath was unfamiliar territory for Andy, but in a short time the warm, creative atmosphere has allowed him to find a collaborative community, prompting the conclusion that the South West is ‘big enough to have purpose, small enough for creativity’.
4 JASON HEWITT’S HIT NOVELS ∙ Authors: Charlee Rowe and Jess Silvester-Yeo ∙ Photo: Ella Elliott and Ryan Elliott
THE REAL JASON The inside scoop on the person behind Jason Hewitt JASON Bennett is an author and playwright, best known for his novel The Dynamite Room, which was long-listed for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the Authors’ Club First Novel award. Critics claim it to be ‘Ambitious and often gripping, with a tense and dramatic climax…’ (The Observer). His books are popular in both the US and Canada, as well as the UK. Jason has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University, where he now teaches, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both History and English from the University of Winchester. Additionally, he also trained in drama to become an actor. He has appeared in several plays, including Pericles and A Christmas Carol. ‘I chose the pen-name Jason Hewitt, as Bennett was already taken by a previously established actor, and
I needed a unique name,’ he explains. When asked why he chose to write stories focused on the Second World War, he says that for him, it was a way of escaping into another world. He also finds that writing suspenseful contemporary novels is much harder, as new technology broaches more problems in his storylines. ‘In The Dynamite Room, Lydia gets kidnapped. If the book was set in the modern day, she could text or call someone for help,’ he explains. Jason’s love of history is partly what inspired him to write these novels – Agatha Christie’s books were one of his first loves. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks and Atonement by Ian McEwan are also key influences. ‘Although, as an author, this is not enough to be able to write a novel,’ he says. ‘You will find inspiration in everything around you.’ Sticking to the 1940s, Jason’s latest novel in the works is a haunting ghost story, centred around a small sheep farming community in Cumbria.
ARCHITECTURAL PAINTINGS CREATED BY ARTIST CHARLOTTE COWEN ∙ Authors: Cerys Smith and Victoria Knight ∙ Photo: Shania Jones
A BLANK CANVAS A day in the life of three very different art students at Sion Hill THE SION HILL campus is home to the Bath School of Art and Design (BSAD), a place where creativity flourishes and artists grow. The all-white walls inside the main building serve as a blank canvas for the many pieces of art that surface from each class, and with its history dating back to the original Bath School of Art in 1852, it is unsurprising that BSAD is still popular with students. Our visit to Sion Hill was inspiring, to say the least. Upon entering the many open studios, our eyes were met with colourful projects, each signed by their respectful creator. There was a variety of sculptures, paintings, constructions and models, and among them three women, each absorbed their work. Their willingness to talk to us about their projects was incredibly helpful, and they provided us with a clear insight into a day in the life of a Fine Art student at Sion Hill. Rachel Davy, a first-year student with a mind full of ideas, enlightened us with her concept of a hospital-themed party. She described her theme as ‘laughing in the face of my fears’, which placed emphasis on the dark humour she was channelling.
Speaking of her experience at Sion Hill so far, Davy said that it was ‘the first time I ever felt like I belonged somewhere’. Nodding in agreement with her were two fellow first-years, Italian student Lucrezia Di Canio and mature student Juliet Duckworth. Di Canio explained the theory behind the creation of her 3D sculptures, the ideas for which came from her water paintings. After noticing that her abstract paintings seemed to have more than a two-dimensional feel, she progressed into sculptural work. She experimented with different pieces of metal, even leaving one of them out in the rain to rust. Meanwhile, in the corner of the room there was a collection of teepee-like structures. Duckworth explained that in her creative process, she was instinctively drawn towards nature, and salvaged pieces of discarded wood from the countryside where she lives. She approached each of her creations with the concept of how humanity can manipulate nature, and added unnatural materials to them. When asked about their first term, the students admitted that the independent study was overwhelming at first, but progressively felt this became a way for them to grow as artists. Davy noted how the course was ‘so freeing’, especially in terms of being decisive about the direction
of their projects. Although they confessed that from time to time, the freedom gave them a ‘slight existential crisis’, they agreed that collaborating and bouncing ideas off each other gave them the motivational boost to persist. It was evident that the collaborative process had an impact and an overwhelmingly positive effect on the students’ final pieces. The developmental process, particularly that of Duckworth, was aided by the suggestions of her peers. She showed us her sketchbook, which contained earlier drafts and notes, therefore effectively marking the stages of her work. Davy exemplified how it was marvellous to be surrounded by ‘fantastically passionate people’ at this stage of the process, and Duckworth noted how it ‘opens your eyes to possibility’. Obviously, feedback was prevalent among the students, and they spoke of how it helped them develop as artists. It was an unusual and enlightening experience to be surrounded by such creativity, and the open and collaborative atmosphere allowed it to thrive. Duckworth passionately exclaimed that ‘being in a place where everyone thinks art is the only thing in the world is fantastic’, and that was made obvious for us, as guests, too. It was truly wonderful being able to see into that small fraction of their studies.
5 SUSAN MCMILLAN TALKING ABOUT HER FILMMAKING ∙ Authors: Abigail Wilson, Phoebe Ridgway, Sarah Morey and Finlay Naylor ∙ Photo: Honey Debney-Succoia
... AND, ACTION! Creator, journalist and all round cool lady – Susan McMillan
SELECTION OF THE HIGH-QUALITY MAGAZINES AT MAGALLERIA ∙ Authors: Emily Whitehead and Jennifer Bailey ∙ Photo: Georgia Ellis
PRINT RESURRECTION Magalleria’s exclusive indie magazines prove that print is still alive SQUEEZED in between a hairdresser’s salon and a doorknob shop, Magalleria is a hidden haven for anyone who likes their magazines with a bit more life than the typical glossy rag you’d find in a supermarket. We spoke to Libby Borton, freelance writer and parttime manager of the shop, about its core ethos and how the rapid evolution of technology has changed how people read their magazines. Since the first Kindle appeared on Amazon listings in 2007, publishers, readers and writers have been predicting the death of print and the traditional book. Yet the print industry marches on, in spite or perhaps because of the bombardment of competition from the internet and new technology that should have, according to some, killed it years ago.
REVERSING THE TREND Libby thinks the surging popularity of small, independent magazines in the age of a glut of free, instantly accessible blogs and social media feeds is down to reverse psychology. ‘When someone says something is dead, suddenly everyone’s into it,’ she said, from her spot in the corner of the tiny shop on a quiet Thursday morning. She says
that the more choice people have, the harder they find it to settle on something to read, whereas if they are given a more limited selection, they are more likely to make a choice. The readership of the magazines that are distributed by Magalleria is recognised as being ‘unshakeable’, especially with loc ally sourced magazines such as Another Escape, which was founded in Bristol. Libby identifies that there is a demanding audience of middle-aged women who are interested in craft or young professionals who are highly driven towards those magazines promoting interior design.
PASSION FUELS THE FUTURE Something that we were sure of after our visit to Magalleria is that the publication and production is led by passion. Common interests shared between the writers and the audience are the drivers for many people who see indie magazines as a ‘passion project’ and not as a source of financial income. Libby was the first to admit ‘we don’t earn s**t tons of money’. But there are ‘two types of people in this game’. There are the ones who have a genuine passion for the subject matter and would create the magazine if they only had one loyal reader purely because they care and are dedicated
to it. ‘Then you have got the other type who come from this industry, who have already built a name for themselves in the editorial or photographic sectors and are producing these magazines from their own pocket. Or rich kids.’ Of these magazines, ‘some are good, some are self-indulgent,’ she observes with an honest if slightly harsh critique. Our interviewee was eager to point out that everyone ‘works really well when constrained’. Magalleria distributes a relevant and limited variety of magazines and she strongly believes this is a positive decision, as it allows the customer to find niche publications. She jokingly compares this to being in a restaurant and being offered 25 dishes – you’ll never know what to choose. Given five dishes, you’ll be able to make a quicker decision, and one more tailored to your personal taste. This was an interesting point and led us to question about the depth of the internet. On the web, anything and everything is readily available, compared to what is offered in the indie print market. As Libby puts it, ‘The internet gives you absolutely everything, and that’s too much.’ It seems Libby Borton is confident in the revival of print magazines and the honest following that indie mags are gathering from all different audiences.
SUSAN McMillan is an established wildlife filmmaker with over 25 years of industry experience. Her astounding collection of films includes Wilderness Men (2000) and Nature (2011), as well as the critically acclaimed Natural World (2012). She now works here at Bath Spa University as Head of Writing, Film & Digital Creativity. We spoke with her about her experiences as a filmmaker, and her transition into academia. Her love for filmmaking started at a young age, always being interested in writing her own scripts for films. She originally pursued a career in science and found herself a job in the BBC. After working her way up, she was asked by her employers to train the next generation of future filmmakers and digital creators. Susan enthused, ‘I was really
quite excited by this idea because I thought, I’ve been very lucky and I’ve got to the stage where I’ve been around the world, I’ve made lots of films, and actually I really enjoyed having that opportunity. It was my time now to give something back’. Susan has been a major contributor to multiple large projects. Her adventures include highs flying in a helicopter and lows in the sea. She spent days directing Shackleton: A Story of Survival (2000), flying helicopters and meeting one of her heroes, Sir Edmund Hillary, ‘someone who made history’ with his ascent of Everest. One unfortunate incident involving a camera lens, a metal cage, and a curious shark was definitely one to remember! ‘The cameraman just turned the camera around in time, but this shark bit the lens… and that was the end of filming for that day!’ she told us. Her hopes for the future are to help the students of Bath Spa University in their careers, giving them endless opportunities.
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THE TEMPLE AT NEWTON PARK CAMPUS ∙ Authors: Emma Oram, Lucy Ellis and Savannah Dowling ∙ Photo: Savannah Dowling
THE RESTING ROUTE EQUALITY OFFICER CERI JENKINS Authors: Amelia Hunt and Jessica Murphy ∙ Photo: Georgie Cox
LGBTQ+ MONTH Ceri Jenkins tells us about Bath Spa’s LGBTQ+ History Month LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual celebration that aims to raise awareness and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community by celebrating the legacy of prominent figures. The event has been influential in the UK since 2005, but is only just being introduced to Bath Spa University this year. Unlike Pride, which is focused on the celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the history month focuses on educating our wider society about the LGBTQ+ community. We spoke to Bath Spa University’s Equality Officer Ceri Jenkins to find out more about the details of this event. When asked about her role, she said: ‘I get to work with students like yourselves in making sure they feel well represented.’ We also asked her why this
was the first year of LGBTQ+ History Month at Bath Spa. ‘My position is a really new one,’ she said. ‘It was created at the start of last year, so I don’t think there have been many resources to put towards this kind of thing. We have a great LGBTQ+ rep and society this year and now having a dedicated position in the university means that more of these events are going to be able to happen.’ In her role she has definitely noticed a change in regards to accept ance towards the LGBTQ+ community. ‘Change is actually starting to happen, finally!’ she said. ‘But I also think there is still a huge amount of work to be done. And a lot of it comes down to making sure that institutions are actually supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and not just treating it as a tick-box exercise.’ To find out more about events head over to the Bath Spa website, and show your support by getting involved this February.
Learn to take some time to create a better version of yourself AFTER having wandered around Newton Park campus at Bath Spa University, a vital discovery was made. Student life is stressful. Those studying at the university go through lectures, seminars, having to engage in social activities as well as fending for themselves at dinner time – all in one day. However, it isn’t always doom and gloom, as the campus itself is situated in old manor grounds, providing access to all that the land has to offer. To take a break from academic demands, a route for relaxation can be found behind Main House. Students are able to take time out of their busy schedule to explore the grounds and get their mind off any troubles they may have, for a little time at least. Studies show that relaxation is a key factor in improving productivity and creating a positive mindset. After having sat in hours of lectures it is important that, for their mental health, university students are able to take a small amount of time out of the day. This allows them to calm themselves, enabling them to have a clear mind and be ready to learn. University is difficult, there is no denying it. This is why having a beautiful green-
filled campus as big as this one – especially right next to where the students work – is important in their growth and development. Students are able to put some physical distance between themselves and the classroom. The route around the lake takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, making it ideal for those who have little time in their schedule. This provides an ideal opportunity for students to gain energy by slurping on a smoothie or munching on a muffin, strolling past the stream. The main highlight is the lake situated at the back of the grounds, acting as host for a plethora of wildlife. Swans, herons and ducks all live in the water, and bleating sheep are their neighbours in the surrounding fields.
‘Students can take the time to stay off their phones and engage with nature, seeing it for what it’s really worth’ The walk is ideal for both individuals and groups, meaning that undergraduates have the option to do some soul searching on their own, giving themselves that little extra bit of TLC. Alternatively, they can take friends along to see the sights together and just generally
have a good time in each other’s company. Here they can take the time to stay off their phones and engage with nature, seeing it for what it’s really worth. Open all year round, there really is never a time that you can’t visit and explore. We would, however, suggest a trip when the warmer weather arrives, as it really is a beautiful sight to see. While visiting the Newton Park campus, there was the chance to interview students on their opinion about the importance of the environment on reducing their stress. One of them expressed an enthusiasm for the landscape by saying: ‘I always make sure to take time out of my week to wander around the lake. I like to listen to the music as I walk around as it helps me remove myself from the stress of university life.’ Another group of students said: ‘We are lucky to have such nice surroundings like the temple that is located on the lake. ‘As a group, it is an enjoyable activity as it gives us the opportunity to take pictures together as we unwind and speak about what we have been doing, without the distractions of lectures and seminars.’ Research shows natural environments help to reduce stress and improve mood. Students can be inspired by their surroundings which at Newton Park are also historic.
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A VIEW OF BEECH BLOCK ∙ Authors: Charlotte Bessant and Helen Dicker ∙ Photo: Ben Sanders
LIME’S A BEECH An insight into life in Bath Spa’s student accommodation WITH so many types of student accommodation on offer, Bath Spa caters to all. Its Gardens development is situated on the Newton Park campus and so makes an easy journey for students living there.
Another student living in Gardens, Jade Palmer, had this to add: ‘I chose Gardens as the other accommodation looked horrible and these rooms were new and looked convenient. I am close to the SU and the rooms were really nicely sized and had lovely bathrooms and kitchens! ‘I chose on-campus accommodation as it meant I wouldn’t have to commute into university.’
LIFE IN HALLS The Gardens accommodation is close to all the useful facilities a student should need – such as laundry rooms, the Students’ Union bar, shop and gym, beautiful scenery – and is less than a 10-minute walk to the Commons building, so it’s no wonder why these onsite halls are always hard to get into. The blocks all have en-suite rooms, good-sized kitchens and feature eight to 10 rooms to a block. You also have access to free 24/7 Wi-Fi and it’s only a bus journey away to the city centre.
THE STUDENTS’ VIEW When asking existing residents their views on their accommodation choices, George-Rose Cox said: ‘It’s very close to campus, and it is nice university accommodation. ‘The rooms are a good size and it’s a very safe environment. There is 24-hour security, which gives you comfort when living away from home.’
LIVING IN TOWN However, other students prefer to live off-campus. Hannah Ingate, who lives in the Green Park House accommodation, said: ‘I really love living in the heart of Bath as it’s close to everything, including the main shops. The buses are regular and make getting to campus easy, and as it is new, the facilities in Green Park House are good quality.’ But she also adds some downsides: ‘When doing laundry, the washing machines are often all being used, and there isn’t a bus to the Sion Hill campus meaning you have to walk.’ Green Park House is Bath Spa’s newest accommodation option, opened in 2016.
walking around the lake, which is near the halls,’ he said.
OTHER OPTIONS Other Bath Spa student accommodation includes the onsite Lakeside and off-campus Twerton Mill, along with Waterside Court and Charlton Court, and Bankside House. Together, Gardens and Lakeside house 900 students in single, shared and en-suite rooms. The beautiful scenery surrounding the university and the Gardens accommodation is what makes it so unique and creates a relaxing environment for stressed students.
SURROUNDINGS Campus accommodation is situated by Newton St Loe Castle and the walled garden, which features table football tables, ping-pong tables, greenhouses and picnic tables. It’s perfect for social life, and a home away from home. With around 22,785 students in Bath, made up of approximately 15,155 from the University of Bath and 7,630 from Bath Spa University, there is more than enough student accommodation on offer in this vibrant student city.
BEECH BLOCK Graham Ward, a resident in Beech Block at Newton Park, expressed his views on the accommodation offered there. ‘It is new and modern, a nice study environment and is great for
BEYOND FIRST YEAR Living in Bath when in second and third year, there are lots of student houses and flats available to rent in the city centre and close to the main bus routes.
‘FLOW’: COMMONS MEDIAWALL ∙ Authors: Heather Hitchings and Nicole Jarram Photo: Nicole Jarram
FLOW: A NEW WAVE Anthony Head’s interactive digital artwork BSU Professor and digital artist Anthony Head’s most recent digital animation, ‘Flow’, is currently on display at Bath Spa University on the MediaWall. Using his 15 years’ experience and the medium of computer code, Anthony created a piece that absorbs sounds from the Atrium and uses the waves to create ambient ripples across the screens. His personal interests in nature and movement were two of the main sources of inspiration for this digital artwork, where a ‘mathematical representation of nature’ is captured. Anthony was the creative director of Illuminate Bath in 2010, 2012 and 2015, and his creations ‘Symphony of Light’ and ‘Light Painting’ offered audiences an immersive experience through their unique interactive displays. He describes ‘Flow’ as a ‘series of experiments’
and comments on the freedom that coding allows him as regards making constant adaptations to his piece. His initial simulation was inspired by falling snow, but by adding colour and movement it soon become something beyond nature. The MediaWall was built in 2014, and Anthony has been involved from the start, appreciating the opportunities it gives digital artwork to be visible in daylight, unlike previous digital displays that had only been visible at night or during winter. He says the MediaWall is a ‘monolithic creative space that you can walk right up to and this is fairly unique’ as it allows audiences to see the details of the creations that are showcased. Anthony is currently focused on encouraging others to showcase their work. ‘I’m concentrating on filling the MediaWall calendar with works by others. It’s a great opportunity for students, staff and external artists to work in a unique space.’
8 ENTERING MR B’S BOOK EMPORIUM ∙ Authors: Natalie Fabian and Emmony Pearce Photo: Hanna Glover
BEST OF BOTH Bath reclaims the independent bookshop NEW FIGURES have been released from the Booksellers Association (BA), which show that in 2017 the number of independent bookshops in the UK grew for the first time since 1995. The BA believes that independent booksellers’ ‘fortunes are reversing’, as people remember the satisfaction of a printed book. Independent bookshop of the year, Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, is clear proof of this growth. The shop itself is exactly what it implies, a true emporium full to the brim with a variety of books and records hidden in every corner, not forgetting their magically creative children’s section. Students are also warmly welcomed, with Mr B’s being the official supplier for some courses at Bath Spa University. Mr B’s also offers Reading Spas and subscriptions to help you find
your perfect book, with many event days where readers can meet authors. Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday at John Street, Bath. Topping & Company Booksellers boasts an impressive 50,000 titles ranging from cookery to art and fiction. Each member of staff has specialist knowledge of their own department. Discovering the perfect book has never been easier. According to staff, they are the biggest independent bookstore outside London, with a substantial events programme that never stops. Notable guests include Mary Berry, Nigella Lawson, Margaret Atwood and even the second man to ever set foot on the moon. Find a range of new signed editions, the perfect gift for any bibliophile. One of their biggest selling points is that they serve free tea and coffee, available for you to enjoy while you browse the shelves. Open every day, 8.30am to 7.30pm, and located in The Paragon, Bath. The world of literature has never been so exciting and nearby.
ONE OF OUR STUDENT GROUPS RESEARCHING ARTICLES ∙ Photo: Honey Debney-Succoia
OUR NEWSPAPER TEAM Brought to you by first-year Create Lab students ON 25 JANUARY, more than 50 students, in their second term of study at Bath Spa University, gathered at 9.15am in the Publishing Lab at the Commons building. There they were briefed to produce this ‘newspaper in a day’ in small teams. They would research, report, interview, photograph, then lay out and edit their articles – all before 4pm. This is one of a series of day-long challenges that students undertake as part of the innovative Create Lab module. Their previous challenge had focused on visual art, graphics and branding, as they created bold collage designs that were then heat-pressed on to tote bags. The days are designed to help students be confident taking creative risks, facing deadlines and rising to the challenge of the unfamiliar. They aim to build resilience and skills, and prepare them not only for success in their university studies, but in the creative industries. The students are guided by lecturers, technical demonstrators and
fellow students, such as secondyear Honey, who took the photo above. We would like to thank all of the students and staff who helped with the day and to put together this newspaper. Thank you also to our interview subjects, for giving your time and insights.
CREATE LAB STUDENTS Abigail Wilson Aida Alvarez Amelia Hunt Andie Griffin Ben Sanders Brittany Schofield Cerys Smith Charlee Rowe Charlotte Bessant Danny Sturgeon Ella Elliott Emily Pinfold Emily Whitehead Emma Oram Emmony Pearce Faye Griffiths Finlay Naylor Gaby Stocker Georgia Beaumont Georgia Ellis Georgie Cox Hanna Glover Hannah Shilling Heather Dunn Heather Hitchings
Helen Dicker Holly Moberley Honey Debney-Succoia Isobel Tupman Jennifer Bailey Jessica Murphy Jess Silvester-Yeo Jonah Kensett Josh Adams Lily O’Gorman Lucy Ellis Lucy Guinea Megan Miller Megan Turner Nadya Ellahi Natalie Fabian Natasha Greenslade Nicole Jarram Phoebe Ridgway Ryan Elliott Sarah Morey Savannah Dowling Shania Jones Sophie Chaddock Tesni Roberts Victoria Knight
CREATE LAB STAFF Katharine Reeve Caroline Harris Gavin Wilshen Gemma Matthews Joanna de Vries Laura Little Swagata Ghosh Produced by first-year students on the Create Lab module and printed by Newspaper Club.