Spark Newspaper - March 2020

WRITTEN BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS

MARCH 2020

Hollywood studios plan revealed

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Top 5 Easter Egg picks Student Millie shares her favourite chocolate easter egg choices. Do you agree?

US film company plans to build £150 million film studio on site owned by UoR.

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Interview

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with Team GB athlete Our Print Editor Taz caught up with Masters athlete Natasha Norris.

ST PATRICK’S DAY

FREE SELF DEFENCE

PARTY IN UNION

CLASSES ON CAMPUS

THEMED DRINKS AND AN IRISH BAND WILL TAKE OVER WEDNESDAY UNION.

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN TAKE PART IN ONE OF THE SESSIONS ON PAGE 8.

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ll-o ut Wi nn ller ers yI nsi de

INTERVIEW WITH STEVE PUNT

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Adam Snook | Part 3 History & International Relations

BBC

The Spark caught up with comedian and presenter Steve Punt during his visit to the University to host BBC Radio 4’s staff vs. student quiz show last month.

During the interview Steve spoke about his career, inspirations and creative process. To read the full interview visit page 30.

CAMPUS IN WINTER Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

YOUR NEW OFFICERS

Taz Usher | Print Editor Jessica Choi

Our Photography section this month showcases campus events such as the RUSU Elections and Cultural Show, as well as images of campus in winter.

Visit pages 40-50 to view the collection.

Last month saw RUSU’s biggest event of the calendar, the RUSU Elections, dominate campus talk, social media and students’ most-loved night clubs.

The election period- which ran from February, 21st to February, 28th -included quiz times, online and offline campaigning, voting and a results party.

And despite a minor online voting issue, the candidates for RUSU’s 2020/21 team of representatives were successful in encouraging students to get involved with the elections and cast their votes.

Commenting on this year’s election process, current RUSU president Molli Cleaver said: “Elections this year has been a whirlwind of emotions for both

the candidates and the Officers.

“With it not running as smoothly as expected I’m incredibly proud of how all the candidates coped and adapted to ensure they campaigns continued running. It was wonderful to see so many students running, passionate about their students union and enhancing the student experience.”

Throughout the week The Spark covered the Full-Time Officer quiz time, campaigning and Results Party.

To find out which of the candidates will be representing you next year, as well as the winners’ reactions visit pages 22-27. You can also view a gallery of the photos from the elections events in our Photography section on pages 40-50.

FIND THE SPARK ONLINE AT SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK AND ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.

Contents

CONTENTS

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MARCH 2020

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 03 Print Editor Taz says her final farewell and gives an overview of this issue’s content.

FOSSIL FUEL FREE 04 Find out how the University of Reading plans to have fossil fuel investments by May 2020 and the reasons behind this pledge.

STUDENT AUCTION

Last month RAG hosted their popular student auction eventhere’s the items that sold for the most.

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#NEVEROK 10 We spoke to UoR’s new Dean for Diversity and Inclusion to learn more about the University-wide welfare campaign, #NEVEROK.

BRAIN FOOD

Print Editor Taz explains how leading a healthy diet in the weeks leading up to deadlines and exams is crucial for students’ physical and mental wellbeing.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Digital Lifestyle Editor Millie lists the top ten women that inspire her.

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PRINT EDITOR TA Z U S H E R E D I TO R .S PA R K @ R E A D I N G. A C.U K HEAD OF WEB N I KO L E T T BA RT U S O N L I N E E D I T O R @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O. U K NEWS EDITORS M A D E LY N M O R G A N N E W S @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O.U K D I G I TA L L I F E S T Y L E E D I T O R MILLIE DINSDALE L I F E S T Y L E @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O.U K

Reading University Kpop Society welcomed universities from across the country to compete in a charity competition last month.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T E D I T O R S LOIS PLUMMER RAAGULAN UMASHANKER E N T E R TA I N M E N T @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .

CO.UK

HOROSCOPES 32

SPORT EDITORS

KPOP CONTEST 30

Find out what the stars are saying about you this month.

WHAT’S ON

This month’s Photography section showcases events from throughout February and March such as the RUSU Elections, Cultural Show and KPOP contest.

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KNIGHTS CHEER 54 Student Emma shares what Reading Knights Cheerleading have been up to this term including their campus showcase and latest competitions.

LET’S BOUNCE

Reading University Trampoline Club give a report of their most recent competition at Cambridge University.

IZZY EINON DAISY HANSON S P O R T @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O.U K SUB EDITORS S A B I TA B U R K E P R I YA K H A I R A LEAD DESIGNER X I A O M E N G FA N G

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The Spark Newspaper is designed and typeset by students at the University of Reading. Printed at Newbury News Limited, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG12 2DW. Published and funded by Reading University Students’ Union, contact: activitiesofficer@rusu.co.uk. Our students strive for accuracy but on occasion can make mistakes. Errors can be corrected/ acknowledged by contacting the Editor. Complaints should be made to the Editor in the first instance, and thereafter to RUSU. All complaints should be made in writing. All articles, letters etc. must include a name, address, and contact number/email address. These may be withheld from publication at specific request. The Spark Newspaper or RUSU can take no responsibility for products or services advertised herein. The Spark Newspaper reserves the right to reject or edit any submissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. The views expressed in The Spark Newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of the Editors or RUSU, particularly those expressed in the comments pages, which are often opinions of the specific authors. Photographs in The Spark Newspaper are copyright, and you will need permission from the photographer to re-use. Contact the Editor at: editor.spark@reading.ac.uk.

DESIGNERS KIA MACKENZIE HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY S A R A M AT TA R P H O T O G R A P H Y @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R .C O. U K SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM ALEX WINFIELD ALEX BURROWS D A N I E L L E J AY S E C R E TA R Y & S O C I A L S R E P OLIVIA MILL TREASURER ARHAM NAHAR

Editorial

MARCH 2020

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Photo by: Pexels/ Te lensFix

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NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Dear Spark readers,

STUDENT SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE

Welcome to my last issue as Editor! Before I let you know about the fantastic range of articles in store for you this month, I’d like to thank all of our readers, members, editors, RUSU and UoR staff for making every issue of The Spark possible and for your ongoing support.

Student Elsie Stuart shares her suggestions for cheap and exciting holiday destinations.

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READING FESTIVAL 2020

Here’s the first wave of acts announced for this year’s RANDL.

Photo by: James Bridle, Official RandL

Photo by: Reading University Riding Club

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READING UNIVERSITY RIDING CLUB The Reading University Riding Club tells us what they’ve been up to this academic year.

Being the Editor of an 86 year old newspaper has been an absolute honour and I’ve been privileged to see the publication go from strength to strength over the past three years.

features many food related articles such as pancake, smoothie and vegan chocolate cake recipes, as well as tips for choosing foods that help you with studying and are good for your mental health. Writers Rita and Sara also explain why they chose to start food blogs and how their channels can be useful to students.

Our student writers also offer their tips for creating healthy sleep and natural skin care routines, and overcoming the stigma associated with post-graduation mental health.

I’d also like to thank every member of my incredible team; the editors, designers, social media team, and most importantly Daniel and Daisy from RUSU whose encouragement and help the Paper would be lost without.

And if it’s study or travel advice you’re looking for this month, check out Sabita’s column on doing well in class tests and Sara’s feature on 15 reasons to visit Egypt.

In Entertainment you’ll find reviews of KPOP’s most recent showcase, Tame Impala’s new album and Toni Morrison’s novel, The Bluest Eye.

As of next issue we will be passing the baton over to the new committee under your new Print Editor Eden James’ leadership and I can’t wait to see what direction they take The Spark in; I can only predict good things!

Writer Adam Snook also caught up with comedian Steve Punt during his visit to the University last month; the full interview can be found in this issue.

In News this month you can expect to read about the 2020 RUSU Elections results including an overview of our interviews with this year’s winners, the University’s pledge to have fossil fuel free investments by May, and an update on industrial action affecting the University.

Other campus stories this month include a review of this year’s Edith Morley Lecture which focused on Women in Sport in celebration of International Women’s Day, as well as RUSU’s £1 Million Capital Fund project, and plans for a Hollywood studio in Reading.

This issue you’ll also find updates from your RUSU Officers including Activities Officer Daisy’s article on the OLIO food waste app, Education Officer Fifi’s Lecture Capture piece, and Welfare Officer Gemma’s self defence workshop announcement.

Meanwhile this month’s Lifestyle section

Don’t forget to check out your monthly horoscope over in Entertainment too.

Our Photography section takes a look at events from throughout this month including the RUSU Elections Quiz Time, campaigning and Results Night, as well as this month’s Women in Sport event.

And in Sport you can read updates from Korfball, Knights Cheer and RUBLS, in addition to my interview with a member of the Team GB’s Masters Athletics squad.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and have a great end to the Spring Term.

r e h s Taz U

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News

MARCH 2020

News

READING UNIVERSITY TO HAV FUEL FREE INVESTMENTS BY Madelyn Morgan| Digital News Editor

The University is to sell their remaining investments in fossil fuels and instead focus on backing green schemes.

This move means that the investment portfolio of Reading will be fully divested from fossil fuel companies, this follows appointments with new fund manager Cazenove Capital of Sachroders.

“the investment portfolio of Reading will be fully divested from fossil fuel companies” They have been selected to look after the universities £120 million shares and bonds portfolio with the focus of becoming fossil fuel free in the next 3 months.

This comes after support from RUSU, in regard to the students, staff and stakeholder concerns.

Ethical, social and governance issues were imperative to the decision of selecting a new funds manager.

Reading University has world leading research on climate change and sustainability and therefore it was important to select an investment manager with a track record with UK universities divesting from fossil fuel companies.

“it was important to select an investment manager with a track record with UK universities divesting from fossil fuel companies”

Moreover, the universities investments will now exclude holding with companies producing armaments, tobacco and pornography.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “As an institution, we are a world leader in environmental research and have already made great strides to reduce our carbon emissions and to support environmental sustainability.

After a rigorous appointments process, we are confident that our new fund manager has the capability to align our investments with our mission to understand and fight climate change.

“Unfortunately, the University seems to have equated the moral severity of the fossil fuels industry and the arms trade with that of pornography” This news is also cause for celebration among the student community, especially for student run group ‘University of Reading Students for Divestment’ who made a change. org petition for the universities divestment back in November made this statement: “We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Students Union and the wider student body, in achieving this. We look forward to seeing the fruition of this plan. Having said that, the university should publish regular evidence on how it is progressing towards 100% divestment.

“It has been five years since the University pledged to pursue full divestment, and other universities have achieved this much sooner.

It would be pertinent to receive a timeline on this subject.

“A public portfolio and a clear process to allow for criticism and accountability from the student body, which is essential.

“We would like clarification on their additional pledge to divest from

indirect holdings, which would include banks and investment companies, which have significant investments in fossil fuels and the arms trade.”

“Unfortunately, the University seems to have equated the moral severity of the fossil fuels industry and the arms trade with that of pornography. Though this could just be a slip of language, it is important to understand the impact that this comparison has on individuals and society.”

“this news is a cause for celebration among the student community” Dan Fernbank, Energy and Sustainability Manager at the University of Reading, said: “Our students, staff and local

MARCH 2020

VE FOSSIL Y MAY

Time for Munchiies!

Kia Mackenzie |Print News Designer

A brand new desert shop has opened on Wokingham Road, and best of all... they offer student discount!

A wonderful new independent desert shop Munchiies has opening up at 65 Wokingham Road and offers a huge range of desert items, including their signature ‘roll up ice cream’.

They also offer discount coupons for 2-for-1, so keep an eye out for these!

Check out their Instagram: OfficalMunchiies

News

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CORONAVIRUS IN THE UK Elle Miles | Part 2 History and Philosophy There are now over 460 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and those who have been in contact with the infected are being tracked down to try and prevent the further spread of it.

So far, 6,143 people have had negative tests for the Coronavirus in the UK. The difficulty with the virus is that symptoms are similar to the flu and common cold, so people may not know they have it and are unsure what to do if they suspect infection.

Arguably, there is more the government and health authorities could do to inform people without creating panic until there is a treatment available.

Drinks include bubble tea, chocolate, strawberry and mango tea, Desi, pink and Desi green tea, cold and American drinks.

They also have a range of Desi sweet treats including Gulab Jaman, Kajer Halwa and ice cream (Desi Sweet Surprise), Falooda, and Kulfi, Ras Nalai or Jalebi (Desi Ice Cream Pan).

It is expected that there will be a vaccine available for human testing in around three months’ time.

RUSU TICKET RESALE APP

Students and NHS staff receive a 10% discount off of their already competitive prices and are run by an amazing group of staff. Their ice cream is real Italian (strawberry is 32% real strawberry and tastes delicious!).

Eden Eddolls | Part 2 English Literature and History RUSU have recently partnered with the resale page Twickets, enabling students to buy and sell tickets at no more than original ‘face’ value.

They have only been open one month but are a perfect pit-stop for any hungry student, especially after a long day when you just need a sugar boost!

Munchiies

The Twickets page serves as a ticket platform to protect students from being ripped off by profiteering resale sites that encourage ticket touting.

RUSU will therefore no longer accept resold or transferred tickets bought from other students, unless they have been resold via Twickets.

The resale page will only be open to purchase tickets from once the event has sold out and resale must be completed an hour before the event starts.

Munchiies

Image by Benita5/Pixabay

community expect us to demonstrate environmental leadership, and sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

“The key approach to a fossil free, low carbon basis management of the university’s endowments will have 3 characteristics 1. Lowering carbon emissions - the proposed equity portfolio has 80% less carbon emissions than the world index; a reduction in emissions

equivalent to planting over 200,000 trees per year.

OLIO- the easiest way to reduce food waste.

Daisy O’Connor | RUSU Activities Officer

2. Engaging with companies to encourage the transition to a lower carbon future – using the influence of a large global asset manager

OLIO is the easiest way to reduce your food waste! Branched out to a new crisp brand but discovered you don’t like them?

When you’ve got food that you don’t want but still in good shape, upload it to OLIO and a neighbour will come and pick it up for free.

3. Investing in solutions to meet environmental need, such as renewable energy and infrastructure.

Got 11 eggs left when it’s time to go home for the holidays? Optimistically bought a kilo of apples and then remembered you don’t like fruit?

Equally, it’s a great way to get freebies from your neighbours and local cafes before your loan drops.

Magda Ehlers /Pexels

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News

MARCH 2020

LACK OF ANSWERS RESULTS IN FURTHER STRIKE ACTION

WOMEN IN SPORT EVENT INSPIRES STUDENTS TO OVERCOME BARRIERS Elle Miles | Part 2 History and Philosophy

Jo Hawkins | Part 2 English Literature

Photo by Annie Davis The University of Reading along with many other UK universities have been hit by strikes for a second time this academic year. University academics across the UK are striking in response to falling pay levels, the gender and ethnic pay gaps, spiralling workloads and precarious contracts, as well as rising workloads and the devaluation of pensions.

As is to be expected, this action has divided the opinion of many students.

Some are angered at the potential effects that might be had on the quality of learning; a lack of contact hours may be detrimental on some courses.

Liam Mason, a second-year German student at the University of Reading, shares the common view that “we don’t have many contact hours anyway, does significantly take away from our learning, tuition fees are so high as it is, financially it feels unfair for the students”.

Others are sympathetic towards the strikes and on 20th February, the UCU announced that there was “solid support” for the “biggest ever wave of strikes on university campuses…as UCU members at 74 universities begin 14 days of strikes”.

So, what do the strikes entail? And what is being proposed? The University and College Union (UCU) higher education committee has confirmed that they will be instructing members to take a further 14 days’ strike action, building up strike time over a period of 4 weeks. UCU has given notification of strike action on the following dates: Thursday 20th February/Friday 21st February (2 days)

Monday 24th February/ Tuesday 25th/Wednesday 26th February (3 days) Monday 2nd March/Tuesday 3rd/ Wednesday 4th/Thursday 5th March (4 days) Monday 9th March/Tuesday 10th/ Wednesday 11th/ Thursday 12th/ Friday 13th March (5 days) This is in addition to the current period of action short of the strike, which continues until April 2020.

In a letter emailed to all students, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Parveen Yaqoob, addressed the efforts made to support students: “We have asked all Schools to make arrangements to make up for any missed teaching, which may include rescheduling, combining missed classes with other classes, or providing materials for you to review independently.

The university is doing its best to mediate and he reassured that “while we acknowledge the right of staff to undertake industrial action, we are committed to minimising the impact for our whole community”.

Based on compensation given to students in the last strikes in November/ December 2019, it is expected that potential deadline extensions or mark compensation may be given if, once reviewed, it is felt that the students’ modules have been negatively affected by strike action.

For more information on the strikes, the UCU website at https://www.ucu. org.uk is particularly useful for regular news updates.

Photo by Maria Garay In celebration of International Women’s Day, the first female Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UoR, Professor Parveen Yaqoob hosted the ‘Women in Sport: Overcoming and Succeeding’ event on Thursday, March 5th.

“this year’s edition of the University’s Edith Morley Lecture which takes place annually in memory of the first female professor of UoR” The talk- which took place in the Henley Business School of UoR’s Whiteknights Campus- was this year’s edition of the University’s Edith Morley Lecture which takes place annually in memory of the first female professor of UoR and any British University.

The lecture theatre was buzzing with a near full capacity audience awaiting to hear from the inspirational line-up of female panellists. These included Olympic silver medallist Cath Bishop, captain of the University’s netball 1st team Alice Kirkup, and two members of Reading Women’s Football Club,

Kelly Chambers and Fara Williams.

“the lecture theatre was buzzing” The event started with an introduction from Professor Yaqoob who spoke passionately about the history of women in sport and the strides that have been made towards making sport more accessible for women over the world. She also described Edith Morley- who was a professor at the University during 1908- as a pioneer.

“the panel covered issues such as barriers for women in sport where funding and visibility were discussed at length” Fara opened the panel discussion with what inspired her to pursue a career in sport. All four women interestingly commented that there was a shortage of role models for them to look up to due to the limited coverage of women’s sports.

The panel covered issues such as

barriers for women in sport where funding and visibility were discussed at length.

Questions from the audience ranged from balancing a sport career with family life, to their encouragement for women who have been put off sport, to give it a go.

Additionally, there was one question that sparked a lengthy conversation about equality between men and women’s sports. All panellists expressed that even though steps have been made towards equality, there is still a long way to go before gender equality can be achieved in sport.

This was an insightful and inspirational event that brought women together while helping them to understand the challenges and benefits of being a woman in sport.

“questions from the audience ranged from balancing a sport career with family life to their encouragement for women who have been put off sport”

MARCH 2020

RUSU’S £1MILLION CAPITAL FUND EXPLAINED Molli Cleaver | RUSU President

News

Plans for £150m Hollywood studio in Reading revealed Madelyn Morgan | Digital News Editor The new developed state- of- the- art site is expected to become one of the largest film studios in the country and bring £500m to the UK economy annually and potentially bring up to 3000 jobs.

Blackhall studios, behind films such as Venom, Jumanji: The Next Level, and Godzilla: King of Monsters has signed a deal with the University of Reading to build the studio development at its Thames Valley Science Park, land which the university owns.

The studio lot will also include a cinema and will be the first investment for the Altana based firm in the UK. The studios will be designed by Scott Brownrigg and located in the remaining land allocated in the original outline for the science park in Shinfield.

University of Reading

RUSU’s £1Million Capital Fund is a joint initiative between RUSU and the University to support new projects to enhance your University experience.

Each RUSU Officer team are responsible for working with the University to agree how the fund should be spent the following academic year.

We have recently received approval for all of the projects we submitted into our report!

“Joint initiative between RUSU and the University to support new projects to enhance your University experience” Mojos renovation - Mojo currently does not have an identity and feels entirely fit for purpose. We want to provide a modern, refreshing space for students to socialise.

Stephen Lawrence media renovation – we are going to redesign the media centre so there is an exciting space for our three media streams to work in.

Positive Mental Health Advisor – The positive mental health advisor helps students with their mental wellbeing and balancing the difficulties of academic life. This is the salary for the second year.

“Positive mental health advisdor to help students with their mental wellbeing” Mental health support on nights out – Mental health provision on Union nights means there will be a first aider with a mental health first aid certificate or equivalent.

Paramedic support on nights out – similar to the mental health provision, a first aider will be available on Union nights to provide medical support to students.

Part-time Muslim chaplain – salary for the second year.

Muslim centre renovations – we intend to renovate parts of the centre including the toilets, adding a campus card scanner, improving storage and improving accessibility.

Touch screen boards and voting stations – making it easier for you

to find out and take advantages of the opportunities RUSU has to offer.

Outdoor gym – free access for all students to an outdoor gym on campus!

Good Lad initiative – funding for another year to offer workshops that encourage groups to talk about issues such as lad culture.

3sixty water fountains – three water fountains available that make it easier for you to access water, especially on Union nights Glass pods – placed around campus so you can meet and study outside!

“Glass pods placed around campus so you can meet and study outside” RUSU outdoor digital screen – similar to the Carrington screen so you can easily find out opportunities that RUSU and the University are offering.

Digital screens – replacing some of our poster boards so we can stay modern and fresh!

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Ryan Millsap, chairman and chief executive of Blackhall said:” Our USbased clients like Disney, Universal and Sony are all asking us to expand into the UK to meet their desire to create productions here.”

Samantha Foley, the University’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “These are exciting proposals that would focus the future of Thames Valley Science Park around key areas of expertise at the University of Reading including film and TV, heritage and the arts, and innovation and technology.

Further developments encourage closer engagement with local communities, schools and organisations,

as well as students and staff at the University of Reading, providing opportunities for training and careers in a variety of fields of economic importance to the UK economy.

The University is now open to listen to local people and stakeholder on how a broader vision may look at Thames Valley Science Park.

Ryan Millsap also said: “We are very excited about the prospect of investing in the UK creative industries as one of the most vibrant markets in the world. We hope that the site at Thames Valley Science Park will be the start of a series of investments in the UK which will see investment in jobs, training and the creative arts across a range of disciplines. The UK has a wealth of talent that our UK companies recognise and want to partner with for decades to come,” The total spent on film and TV production in the UK thus climbed 16% year-on-year to £3.6bn, the highest ever recorded. A record amount was also spent on film and TV production in the UK last year, driven in large part by a 29% surge in spending on highend TV shows.

Construction of the film studio is expected to start in spring 2021, with the aim of being complete by early 2022 subject to planning consent being granted by Wokingham Borough Council.

Lecture Capture to launch in September 2020 Fifi Bangham | RUSU Education Officer Lecture capture is arriving in September 2020, after 4 years of planning.

Lecture capture will have a phased roll out over the next three years, starting with large teaching spaces, then rolling out across the majority of teaching spaces over the next two years.

It will be made up of a combination of video and audio recording, which will be uploaded to blackboard and

made available to students shortly after the lectures.

The lecture capture project came about after the idea was submitted to ChangeIt! , and will be really beneficial for all students.

It will give the students the opportunity to revisit their lecture material, allowing them to solidify their learning and assisting with revision in the lead up to elections.

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News

RAG presents: Student Auction

Free Self Defence Classes at RUSU Gemma King | RUSU Welfare Officer

MARCH 2020

Cait Pilkington | RAG Challenges Officer

RAG Auction made a return last month... and raised over £650 for RAG’s chosen charities.

RAG’s infamous Student Auction was a resounding success with over £650 raised on the evening for our charities Mind and New Beginnings – a homelessness charity in Reading.

We had an amazing range of prizes donated to us by sports teams, societies and election candidates.

Some of our most notable – and unique – prizes were a belly danc-

ing session; a private pole dancing session for the winner and up to five friends donated by Pole Fitness; a year’s supply of Gillette razors; and a private water rowing session donated

by Reading University Boat Club.

donated by the University Bars Team.

Bids for the great prizes ranged from £11 for a year’s Yogalates membership to £80 for a private cocktail masterclass at Ice House, a Park Bar hoodie and £20 worth of food vouchers, all

If you want to get involved with RAG, our next challenge is now open for registration; the Tough Mudder Challenge raising money for Breast Cancer Now.

Thank you so much to everyone who donated prizes and thank you to all those in attendance who bid on these prizes.

Snapwire/Pexels

Last year an idea was submitted to Change it! to hold female-only self-defence classes, so we are holding four sessions in RUSU over March.

All Abilities Martial Art will be teaching the Japanese martial art Aiki-Jujitsu to help students learn effective self defence.

Each session is an hour long and no booking is necessary so just turn up - the sessions are completely free so make sure to come along and bring your friends – if the sessions are popular then we may run more, so please feedback to me (welfareofficer@rusu. co.uk) with any feeback you may have about the sessions.

The techniques are adapted to encourage all abilities to come along.

Monday 2nd March (360, 1-2) Female-only

The first two sessions will be for those who identify as female, the second two will be mixed-gender.

Monday 9th March (Boardroom 1-2) Female-only

The session will involve beginners’ martial arts, learning how to defend yourself physically but also tips for how to generally stay safe around campus, for example if you are walking back late at night.

Monday 16th March (360, 1-2) Mixed session Monday 23rd March (360, 1-2) Mixed session Charlotte Abraham

Real Time Video Alex Winfield | Head of Social Media

What’s going community?

on

in

your

local

Based on South Street, Reading, Real Time is one of the most established and successful participatory media organisations in the UK. They have an international reputation for participatory video and digital media which is used as a tool to inspire an engage with hard-to-reach and marginalised groups of people.

In the coming months, Real Time are partnering with StoryDec, a major European storytelling project, which aims to respond to the needs of youth participation and youth exclusion using autobiographical methodologies.

Utilising the tool ‘StoryAp’, Real Time are encouraging young people, between the ages of 16 and 30, to send in their stories, either through video, audio or photo narration, with the end goal of sharing their experiences with social and personal change.

runs every Tuesday evening at The Rising Sun Arts Centre in town.”

To learn more about the projects, Real Time are currently partnered with, I interviewed Creative Director and founder of the charity, Clive Robertson, and Trustee David Wall.

“Students are welcome to send in their short films which will be showcased on April 17th at the next screening.”

Clive explained: “There are a number of ways students can get involved and we are always looking for individuals with a passion for digital storytelling.”

“Real time runs a video production project for people recovering from mental ill health, Open Mind, which

David added: “Our short film cinema night at The Rising Sun Arts Centre promotes local film makers by showing their work in an informal setting.

Clive and David emphasised: “Students who would like to take part are not required to have any specific film making skills, it is more important that they are interested in making a difference locally.”

To find out more about Real Time Video visit info@real-time.org.uk

Photo by Real Time Video

News

MARCH 2020

V-DAY WITH ROMAN KEMP Giulia Waddington | Part 2 English Literature The ticket sales were low, but the energy was high on Valentine’s Day and not because of chocolate.

Roman Kemp had come to 3sixty for all the single hearts and couples that couldn’t afford takeaway.

With a quick feature of his dad’s hit single ‘Gold’ by Spandau Ballet we were hooked.

NEW STUDENT PROGRESS DASHBOARD

STUDENTS TAKE PART IN FOOD DIVERSITY REVIEW

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Zeid Sharif | RUSU Diveristy Officer

Taz Usher | Print Editor UoR recently launched its new Student Progress Dashboard which provides students with the tools to monitor their academic progress as well as setting their own goals.

To view your dashboard visit RISIS.

UoR

PACKED LUNCH FACILITIES REVAMPED

We are currently planning our third Food taster group!! The first two went well and we have received really good feedback!

have affordable options for our students. We also discussed the possibility of having a free coffee with a meal plan.

The first event was hosted on the 20th of November we discussed some of the hot meals and homemade meal opens the catering outlet.

Other than the food options, we mentioned a campus card App, making allergens/nutritional information available online.

Several topics were discussed regarding hot meals, this included prices, quantity, and quality.

Finally, we spoke about how it would be great if we could see what is being offered in the catering outlets with online menus so that students know exactly what is offered in areas near them.

We also spoke about the importance of alternating the menu to offer more choices for our diverse community we have here in the University.

We also wanted to ensure that we

The second Food group was very successful we had a large turnout and discussed packaged meals.

This included planet-based packaging and the price of the already prepped sandwiches and ready meals.

1. 50% said that food was an important factor when choosing a University.

One key aspect that was mentioned is that students or more conscious about the food quality and the majority of students wanted healthier options over deep-fried food.

2. 100% said that food was important to Academic success.

The University Catering Team are working towards removing deep fat fryers from all outlets as they continue to increase the amount of food made on-site.

4. Quality and Taste are the most important factors for students.

During the first meeting, we asked students to take part in a survey, this resulted in 6 key points listed below:

6. Variety of menus the is where we need to focus.

3. We need to advertise more and shout louder about what we offer.

5. Overall satisfaction score of 4 out of 5.

Molli Cleaver | RUSU President RUSU to lobby for packed lunch facilities was an idea that came through Change it! and was assigned to the President.

A microwave has now been placed in Eat at the Square and Molli is now looking for more locations.

A packed lunch and hydration map has been created so it is quick and easy for students to find where they can heat up and eat their lunch.

S’well /Unsplash

Sadman Chowdhury/Pexels

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News

MARCH 2020

#NEVEROK WELFARE CAMPAIGN

RUSU Marketing Taz Usher | Print News Editor

The University of Reading has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and discrimination, meaning any form of offensive behaviour from or towards its staff and students is unacceptable.

To raise awareness of the policy, the University launched its #NeverOK campaign in collaboration with RUSU during November 2018, which is still ongoing today.

Commenting on the initial objectives of the campaign current Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at UoR, Dr Allán Laville said: “The original aim was to raise awareness of the Universities UK Taskforce report, which examined violence against women, harassment and hate crime affecting university students.”

And relatively new to his position as Dean, Allán expressed the important role he believes #Never-

OK to occupy in the University community. He said: “In order to have an inclusive and respectful community, we must all acknowledge and support #NeverOK. “For me, this is closely aligned with Stonewalll’s #NoBystanders approach! ‘I will never be a bystander to hateful language and abuse. If I hear it, I will call it out and report it, and if I can, I will stop it’.

“No one wants to feel unsafe or uncomfortable on campus” “#NeverOK means that it is never OK to harass, bully or discriminate against another person. The core part of #NeverOK is respect

for others, which should be a part of everyday life.”

Since its launch, #NeverOK has helped to reassure students about their rights on campus at the same time as creating an environment in which they feel safe and respected in.

Dr Laville added: “#NeverOK has been very successful in raising awareness of these important issues within our staff and student community. It is great to hear people refer to the campaign in daily conversation.”

Also responsible for the #NeverOK campaign, among many other student safety initiatives at the University, is current full-time Welfare Officer for RUSU, Gemma King.

She said: “Students can report incidents

by emailing neverok@reading. ac.uk after which they will be contacted by a member of the welfare team who will support and guide them to further support.

“If you are feeling anxious or vulnerable when walking across campus on your own there is also a chaperone service available.

Call 0118 378 7799 and security can watch you on CCTV to ensure you are safe on your journey.”

RUSU also run several other campaigns throughout the year which are designed to promote student welfare and safety both on and around campus.

These include Ask for Angela, a lifeline for students in dangerous and uncomfortable situations on nights out, and I ‘heart’ Consent; a campaign promoting the importance of consent before sex.

Responding to the Students’ Union’s strengthening safety measures, one student said: “I think that at a university where people of all ages and backgrounds study, it is extremely important for their safety to be acknowledged.

“No one wants to feel unsafe or uncomfortable on campus, and I think that the increasing campaigns and services providing awareness are doing an excellent job- it can hopefully only keep getting better!”

For more information about the university’s welfare services visit: student.reading.ac.uk/essentials/_support-and-wellbeing Or you can go to: www.rusu.co.uk/advice/welfare for details of organisations that provide advice and support on a number of issues affecting students.

Please remember, there is always someone who can listen.

MARCH 2020

News

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News

MARCH 2020

IT’S PANCAKE DAY EVERY UoR praised for DAY AT READING’S NEW LGBT+ inclusion LITTLE DESSERT SHOP Taz Usher | Print Editor

The University of Reading has been named a leading employer by an organisation which promotes the inclusion and diversity of staff.

Taz Usher | Print Edittor

The University of Reading has been named a leading employer by an organisation which promotes the inclusion and diversity of staff.

The Stonewall Top 100 Employers listwhich the University has continued to progress in- placed UoR at 93 out of the 503 employers based on the institution’s efforts to encourage the inclusion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Trans (LGBT+) community.

Among the factors considered during ranking were employee policy, employee lifecycle, staff network groups, allies and role models, senior leadership and monitoring which, combined with an anonymous staff survey about experiences of diversity and inclusion of LGBT staff, resulted in a steady improvement for the institution– from 98 in 2018 to 115 in 2019 to 116.5 this year.

Images by Taz Usher

The opening of Little Dessert Shopwhich was celebrated by an event on Thursday, February 27- tempted local sweet tooths to its exotic menu in apt timing for pancake day.

Starting at 6pm, guests were greeted by a red carpet, balloon arch and flower wall, whilst a live saxophonist provided entertainment for customers as they enjoyed samples from the menu.

“guests were greeted by a red carpet, balloon arch and flower wall” The shop’s layout, including an ice cream and dessert counter, as well as branded furniture also gave a contemporary feel to the dining experience. In particular, the upstairs seating area is sophisticatedly designed to reflect the chain’s unique menu.

Commenting on the impact of the shop’s opening, store manager of Reading branch of Little Dessert Shop, Shiteej Sharaf said: “Little Dessert

Shop brings something new and unique to Reading.”

“ice cream and fruit filled pancakes” Shiteej added:“There has been a huge demand for sweet products from members of the public within Reading and Little Dessert Shop is finally here to fill that void.”

And despite competition from high street dessert chains Creams, Treatz and Sprinkles, it is savoury dishes, mocktails and smoothies which Little Dessert Shop brings to the market.

These include savoury crepe, waffle and croissant options, as well as alcohol-free alternatives to popular drinks such as Mojitos and Piña Coladas.

“alcohol-free alternatives to Mojitos and Piña Coladas”

Desserts include ice cream and fruit filled pancakes and croissants, chocolate covered waffles, and generous slices of cake.

And adding even more fun to pudding time, creative additions including brightly coloured ice cream, sauces and toppings are special touches to the kids menu. Sundaes, cookie dough, soft and hot drinks, and milkshakes can also be found on the menu.

“sundaes, cookie dough and milkshakes can also be found on the menu”

Stonewall’s assessment panel complimented the University on ‘Faces of Reading’ and the strength of internal communications. They said: “It’s great to see explicit statements of inclusion, diverse recruitment and clear signposting of your staff networks.

“The Faces of Reading is also such a great tool for encouraging diverse recruitment and showing your commitment to diversity and inclusion. Really good internal communications around specific LGBT days and also promotion of learning and development

opportunities to LGBT employees.”

The panel also commented that the University’s LGBT+ Network is “very active and a key part of university life” and that there is high level of engagement from LGBT Allies across the institution.

They added: “The appointment of a ‘lead ally’ is also a good idea and it’s good to see them lead on coaching and mentoring of other allies. Your support for employees to become LGBT role models is fantastic.”

Delighted by UoR’s ranking, the University’s current Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Allán Laville said: “I am extremely pleased that we continue to be a Top 100 Employer in Stonewall’s rankings. It reflects our ongoing commitment to our LGBT+ colleagues, and the hard work put in by our LGBT+ Network, RUSU officers and colleagues across the institution to make this an inclusive and welcoming place.”

Zeid Sharif, Diversity Officer at Reading University Students’ Union, added: “Top 100 for two years in a row is impressive, more so in view of the increased competition from employers.

I feel privileged to have been involved in initiatives and campaigns that make Reading an inclusive and welcoming place to study and work, and I look forward to continued work on this.”

Customers can choose to enjoy their purchases within the shop or as a takeaway. The Reading store caters for over 50 people across its two floors and has free wifi, toilets and baby changing facilities.

For more information about the chain including its menu and opening times visit littledessertshop.co.uk. Little Dessert Shop are also offering 20% off its entire menu until 31st March 2020.

Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

MARCH 2020

13

WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN VIP SUMMER BALL TICKETS Complete this year’s undergraduate surveys at reading.ac.uk/ug-surveys*

thestudentsurvey.com

*Undergraduate surveys open until 30 April 2020 20 pairs of tickets to be won – 10 pairs per survey

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Lifestyle

MARCH 2020

Lifestyle

BRAIN FOOD FOR STUDENTS Taz Usher | Print Editor

What to eat in the lead up to exams and big deadlines.

When it comes to exam season, maintaining a healthy diet can be a challenge for students who find themselves spending longer days (and nights) in the library.

For some students, a Red Bull, family size packet of crisps and the occasional apple might suffice as study snacks, however it’s important to distinguish between foods which give you short bursts of energy and those which act as slow-release brain foods for studying.

Getting the right number of vitamins and nutrients into your diet will help to improve your concentration and focus in exams as well as boosting your energy levels in the revision period leading up to the assessment.

Here’s a few top tips for what to eat in the lead up to your exams, to help you perform to the best of your abilities and ace the exam!

“Getting the right number of vitamins and nutrients into your diet will help to improve your concentration and focus...”

Good habits to get into While eating a bowl of porridge on the morning of your exam might help you to concentrate when it counts, making healthy food choices throughout the study season is just as important. Here’s a few good habits to get into early on.

Come prepared Planning what to eat ahead of time is a great strategy for avoiding poor snack choices. While eating junk food can act as a stress reliever, such foods can leave you craving more sugary and salty foods which will do your body and brain more harm than good in the long run.

To avoid the spontaneous junk food

buying which is often encouraged by campus shops and vending machines, take a packed lunch to the library which you can prepare the night before. An easy way to make lunch for the next day is to double up on the dinner you’re making the night before - it saves you having to cook twice and bulk making dinners is highly cost effective.

It’s always good to have something substantial in your lunch box. Don’t only pack a sandwich as this is unlikely to fill you up, make sure your lunch is balanced with plenty of fruit, vegetables and snacks - some good healthy options include rice cakes, humous and carrots and granola bars.

Stay hydrated Taking a bottle of water to an exam is already a habit for some but remembering to drink enough water whilst revising is something not as many students do.

Staying hydrated helps to prevent tiredness, headaches and a lack of concentration; all of which you could do without whilst studying. Ensure you make use of your university’s bottle filling stations to keep you hydrated at no extra cost throughout the day.

Motivate your friends to join you!

Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels

Encourage your friends and study mates to follow the same healthy brain-boosting diet as your during exam season. Having someone to share healthy food ideas and recipes with is a great way of motivating each other to avoid junk food and give your brain the fuel it needs.

Top food groups for brain power: Protein: Protein-heavy food can help increase mental clarity and concentration. These include whole-grain cereal, eggs, low-fat milk, flax seed, and nuts.

Eggs on multi-seed toast and porridge with fruit and nuts are great exam morning breakfasts.

Carbohydrates: Your brain requires carbohydrates for the energy it needs to function. These include whole por-

Photo by Jannis Brandt on Unsplash

Lifestyle

MARCH 2020

EATING BOUJEE ON A STUDENT BUDGET Rita Cacote | Part 2 LLB Law

Image by Rita Cacote

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CREATING A HEALTHY SLEEP ROUTINE Eden Eddolls | Part 2 History and English Literature Creating a healthy sleep routine can be difficult, especially whilst at university and having to juggle several essays, part time work, socialising with friends and weekly visits to Wednesday Union. However, creating heathy sleep routines are so important to our daily routines, helping to increase our productivity levels and increase concentration.

1. Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtimethe blue light emitted from our electrical devices interrupts sleep patterns

My homemade beef burgers

I’m tired of seeing students settling for a pot noodle for dinner, so I thought I would share my secret to how I eat tasty and exciting meals without breaking the bank.

ridge oats, whole grain bread, sugar-free muesli and beans.

they’re cooked, add some cut up vegetables in your packed lunches.

Fish: Fish is proven to be a fantastic source of omega-3 protein which has brain boosting qualities. Oily fish such as smoked mackerel, sardines and trout are shown to have particular benefits (although your fellow students in the library may not thank you for it, so best to save your fish for dinner!). If you’re vegetarian or vegan, chia seeds of flaxseeds and believed to be the best vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fruit: Dried fruit, and berries such as blueberries and blackcurrants are especially beneficial fruits to eat during exam season, they’re full of vitamin C which is thought to improve mental agility. Buying a bag of frozen fruit which you can add to porridge, yoghurt and smoothies is a cheap and easy way of getting vitamins into your diet. Here’s a quick and easy smoothie recipe to try.

Vegetables: Vegetables contain fibre and iron which can reduce tiredness and increase focus. Try and sneak in a bit of spinach here and there in your meals where you can! It’s also been proven that eating vegetables raw has a lot more benefits compared to when

Consider taking multivitamins. It can be hard to get all the essential vitamins and minerals you need each day, taking multivitamins is an easy way to make sure you’re getting all these in, look for ones with B vitamins in as these especially strengthen brain function.

Rule number one SHOP AT A SUPERMARKET, I cannot emphasise enough how much more expensive shops like the co-op are compared to supermarkets. The price you’re paying at a co-op could get you a much higher quality product at a supermarket, plus co-op’s don’t offer a large variety of food choices so it doesn’t allow you to venture out.

some inspiring recipes or have a look at Instagram food pages. What I do sometimes if there’s a recipe that I want to try but it has a lot of different ingredients that will cost too much to cook, I’ll swap them out for cheaper alternatives by doing this you create your own version of the recipe and become so much more confident with cooking.

I personally believe Aldi is the top supermarket if you’re looking for good food on a budget. Aldi sells quirky food that I’ve never seen before in other supermarkets, so the whole shopping experience becomes fun because I’m finding food I’ve never heard of before, and I can afford to try it because it’s so unbelievably cheap.

When I meal plan for the week I tend to buy enough meat for seven days and use that as my starting point and then work around the meat, so for example, if I plan to buy mince I will then buy the ingredients for Sheppard’s pie.

Secondly, I’d suggest doing your food shop weekly, shopping for a week’s worth of food produces less food waste as you have a more realistic perception of what you’ll be eating in the following week. This also means you’ll never get bored with the food you’re eating because you can change it up every week, for example, you can have one week where you only eat veggie.

Thirdly, try making a rough meal plan, I usually google around for

Lastly, cooking from scratch works out cheaper long term, it’s also much healthier and tastier, and if you have a dish you make often it’s worth buying all the ingredients to make it from scratch as you can use them for many more meals after that which works out very cheap. One of the cheapest and best meals I’ve made was homemade burgers and it was also really fun to make, the burgers came to 85p each! If you want to see the recipe check out my Instagram page @boujeestudentmeals. I hope my tips and advice have helped, good luck!

Pancakes! They’re not just for pancake day.

Eden James | Part 2 History Pancake day really is the perfect excuse to come together and eat pancakes. We ended up having both crepes and pancakes which are both so easy to make all you need is eggs, milk, flour and sugar for crepes and for American-style pancakes just add

baking powder for a thicker batter.

Mine were so yummy and I paired them with Nutella but other ideas for toppings include; lemon and sugar, jam or fruit. But they aren’t just for pancake day, they also make the perfect breakfast!

2. Read a book 3. Keep a consistent sleep schedule.

Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.

4. Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep.

5. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. For example, make yourself a hot drink or read a book before bed.

6. Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings.

7. Avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.

BEST BRANDS FOR NATURAL SKINCARE Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature and Film Studies

Image by Seksak Kerdkanno / Pixabay

Whilst drinking plenty of water, getting a good night’s sleep, and eating healthy are great ways to improve your skin, it’s not always that easy for student life, with deadlines and Wednesday union. For natural skincare products, three brands at different price points I recommend are ‘The Ordinary’ for the cheapest oils and serums, ‘Glossier’ for moisturisers, cleansers, and cute packaging, and ‘The Body Shop’ for ethically sourced creams, masks, and lotions. Looking good starts from feeling good and feeling good comes from face masks.

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Lifestyle

STUDENT SUMMER HOLIDAY GUIDE

MARCH 2020

Spring-Summer fashion trends and predictions Eden Eddolls | Part 2 History and English Literature

Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature and Film Studies

Photo by Tamara Bellis on Unsplash

While the start of the year can feel gloomy and miserable, the evenings are beginning to last that little bit longer now and it won’t be long until we see spring/summer starting to arrive. With the turn of the new decade it’s the perfect excuse to try out new fashion trends and experiment with your look this spring/summer.

So here are the spring/summer fashion trends and predictions for 2020 to give you some inspiration.

Neon tops, dresses, trousers, skirts, hairbands, makeup, you name it, neon is everywhere this year. It can be applied subtly to add a little extra to your outfit or can be a statement neon piece for a rave or festival. This trend will be seen everywhere this year.

Photo by Tom Jeffery

Cheap and exciting holiday locations for the upcoming summer Sometimes it can be hard to imagine whisking away on holiday for a long weekend of luxury when you’re knee deep in deadlines and have essentially moved into the library. However, now is the perfect time to look ahead to the holidays and start planning some escapist bliss far away from Edith Morley, and within a student budget!

According to the annual report from Hoppa, the cheapest European stay in terms of hotels is Kiev, Ukraine, setting you back £87.41 a night. However, as students we can definitely look a little cheaper than that and explore Airbnb for some amazing offers. For example, Prague is a beautiful and vibrant city in the heart of Europe, and a one bedroom apartment from a verified host can be from £30 a night.

An added bonus is that Prague is confirmed to have the cheapest pints in

Europe, according to Hoppa being on average £1.18. per serving. Getting around on unlimited trams, trains, buses, and funicular’s will only set you back a few pounds a day, and you get passes which will last you all weekend for your convenience. Whilst in Prague, make sure to visit the old town square with its’ incredible architecture and museums featuring the work of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali, complete with adorable café’s and shops.

When crossing the Charles Bridge, head up one of the towers to take in

“This holiday destination won’t cost you a fortune, and you can fill your days exploring the historic city...”

the amazing views, and then on over to the castle and John Lennon wall to sightsee further. This holiday destination won’t cost you a fortune, and

you can fill your days exploring the historic city, or simply amble around the quaint streets drinking coffee and eating pastries - either way you will have a trip to remember.

If you fancy a more relaxing, seaside holiday, look no further than Sardinia, an island just off Italy. Stay right on the coast in a beautiful apartment for around £40, and enjoy local seafood, swimming in the ocean, and stunning native views. Visiting serene and picturesque beaches with clear seas and white sands in incredible scenery and weather taking time away from studies doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg; flights from London can be under £80.

So, take a break from essays and assignments, and allow yourself to grab your friends, family, or partner, and book an affordable, relaxing break over summer. Whether you’re after cocktails on the beach or museums near castle’s, don’t wait to book a holiday, go out and find some motivation to get through the year - you won’t be writing an essay on the beach!

Puffed sleeves is also a new favourite for a lot of big fashion brands, with it being seen all over the runways in the forms of tops and dresses, you’ll slowly start to find this trend in most high street stores.

Hair slides- weather it be pearls, flowers or diamantes, hair slides are

everywhere and will be the staple spring/summer accessory this year.

They’re perfect for adding that extra something to help dress up an outfit and also keep your hair out of your face whilst still looking glam.

Wrapped ankles- If you’ve been keeping an eye on Instagram lately you may have notices that several fashion companies have been tying their sandal and heel straps around their trousers.

Sheer layers- This is the perfect compromise for those who love to layer during the winter but can’t during the summer months due to risk of overheating. Adding sheer layers to your outfit, such as a sheer shirt over a cute bralette or vest top is the perfect fashion statement to create a chic and sophisticated look that looks effortless whilst on.

Crochet was popular several years back and is back again for spring/ summer 2020. The perfect piece with shorts and layered necklaces or over the top of a swimsuit whilst on the beach.

My Top 5 Easter Eggs for 2020 Amelia Dinsdale | Digital Lifestlye Editor With Easter fast approaching, I decide to create a list of my top five favourite Easter eggs. Do you agree?

1 2 3 4 5

Milkybar’s White and Milk Chocolate Easter Egg. I was sceptical at first having never tried their milk chocolate but it is a firm winner for every milkybar lover Lindt’s Gold Bunny. Available in milk, white, dark and hazelnut. A little pricey but a showcase of Lindt’s excellent quality chocolate.

Maltesers bunny. More chocolate and less biscuit than the classic Malteser in an adorable bunny shape, what isn’t to like?

Cadbury’s Egg ‘N’ Spoon. Comes in classic chocolate and double Oreo. A chocolate egg filled with a luxurious mouse.

If you have never tried these before then you are missing out.

Cadbury’s mini eggs. No Easter egg list would be complete without these. What can I say, they are a true classic.

Lifestyle

MARCH 2020

10 INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN TO MARK WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

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15 REASONS TO VISIT EGYPT Sara Mattar | Head of Photography Photo by Sara Mattar

Amelia Dinsdale | Digital Lifestlye Editor Photo of Rosa Parks

As someone who is from Egypt, I could tell you many reasons to come to Egypt and would go on and on for hours about it, but here are my top 15 reasons: 1. It is very cheap and affordable 2. The weather is beyond amazing especially in March and April time.

It is not too hot and not too cold 3. The food is full of flavour and different than anywhere else 4. The people are very friendly and interesting to meet 5. The culture is beautiful to learn about Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

To celebrate Women’s History Month taking place from Sunday, March 1st to Tuesday, March 31st this year I compiled a list of the 10 most inspirational women in my opinion.

1837-1930 Mother Jones • She co-founded the Industrial Workers of the World • She inspired mining workers to strike against poor conditions and poor wages 1867- 1934 Marie Curie • A physicist and chemist who conducted ground-breaking research on radioactivity.

• The first woman to win the Nobel Prize and the only woman to win it twice.

1910- 1997 Mother Teresa • Founded the Missionaries of Charity which helped people dying of AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis.

• In 1979 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 1913- 2005 Rosa Parks • Best known for her role in the Montgomery bus boycott in which

she refused to give up her seat to a white patron 1918 Katherine Johnson • An American mathematician whose complex calculations for NASA were key to the success of the first US crewed Spaceflight.

1926 Queen Elizabeth II • She was crowned Queen at just 27 years old and the longest reigning monarch at 67 years so far.

1929-1945 Anne Frank • She died at the age of 15 in a concentration camp • Despite her struggles, she wrote that ‘In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart’ 1958 Ellen Degeners • A stand-up comedian who started her own talk show called Ellen

• Ellen was cancelled in 1998 due to controversy over her coming out as gay on the Oprah Winfrey Show

6. Roaming around in the night in the middle of Cairo is just beautiful while listening to people play instru-

ments and hearing the different stories from people around you 7. Seeing the pyramids 8. Best scuba diving and snorkelling in the world 9. Surrounded by the Mediterranean and Red Sea 10. Thrilling desert safari and sand boarding 11. Sailing on the River Nile 12. Riding camels 13. The beaches are beautiful 14. A lot of water activities 15. Many monuments and temples to visit: a lot of history

TACO BELL, READING Sara Mattar | Head of Photography Photo by Sara Mattar

• She made a return to TV in 2003 and has now produced over 3,000 shows 1973 Tarana Burke • Founder of the #MeToo movement • She wanted to raise awareness of sexual abuse and assault in modern society 1997 Malala Yousafzai • She was shot in the head on a school bus when she was just 14 but, instead of going into hiding, she became more outspoken about her views • She is the youngest winner of the Nobel Prize Laureate

I recently went to Taco Bell after hearing the hype about it and I would say it is an okay restaurant. If you would go there have their fries and their chicken quesadillas. Their nachos are also good and they have options for vegetarians where it’s not all just chicken or red meat. Their

nachos wouldn’t win awards, but their churros make a good dessert.

The place is very clean and the staff are welcoming but I wouldn’t choose to go there again. It’s more of a hype, but the taste of the food is not that great. The price of the food is reasonably good.

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Lifestyle

SUMMER BALL 2020 Amelia Dinsdale | Digital Lifestyle Editor

MARCH 2020

GRADUATE MENTAL HEALTH: IS THERE A WAY FORWARD? Ross Carver-Carter | Politics and IR graduate

Photo by RUSU

Summer Ball, the highlight of the academic year. The tickets will be released at 7 am on the 19th March and are set to sell out as quickly as they did last year. There are different priced tiers so if you want a cheaper ticket you better set that alarm. The Summer Ball will take place on the 13th June 2020, it’s not an event to be missed.

VEGAN BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE Taz Usher | Print Editor Ingredients: Alpro peach yoghurt, Frozen summer fruits, long-life pineapple juice.

Method: Using a food processer blend the ingredients together to produce a refreshing drink. This is the ideal easy-to-make breakfast smoothie which can be enjoyed at home or on the go. Add oats for more goodness and you can exchange yoghurt for milk alternatives.

MY FOOD BLOG Sara Mattar | Head of Photography

Photo by Sara Mattar

Don’t know what restaurant to go to when travelling or in Reading? This food blog is designed for recommendations of restaurants around the world. Follow @foodaholic. global to find out more.

Photo by Lia Castro from Pexels

Once the fanfare of graduation is over, it is easy to despair about what comes next; Competitive job markets, poor transitions into adult mental health services and a deluge of change in every facet of life create a perfect storm for graduate mental health, meaning all too often it is depression. There is a dearth of research on the subject, and much of the data on it is anecdotal, though no doubt

health services provided on campus are left to seek support through the NHS. Oftentimes, this can leave students with mental health issues in a blind spot of care, opening the door to a mental health crisis. Better communication between HEI’s and NHS services preceding graduation could go someway to alleviating this, and advice given on how to seek support externally would also be hugely beneficial.

“The City Mental Health alliance has reported that just under half of students surveyed noted a decline in mental health post graduation. ”

When it comes to jobs the landscape is no more forgiving; graduates are penalised for a lack of experience and rejected from roles relevant to their degree, but rightfully wonder how on earth they are supposed to get that experience if they can’t get through the front door.

it is extremely widespread: The City Mental Health alliance has reported that just under half of students surveyed noted a decline in mental health post graduation.

Graduating is a trying time for all, both those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those who have never suffered. The reasons for this are multifaceted: firstly, students who were in touch with mental

And as for feedback, many are lucky to receive a rejection email for failed applications, let alone constructive criticism that can help going forward. This is in stark contrast to the setup graduates are used to. Naturally, this is detrimental to their self esteem and can leave them feeling completely adrift and rudderless.

Lastly, many graduates express feeling guilty about their depression; the anxiety and depression felt by gradu-

“Once the fanfare of graduation is over, it is easy to despair about what comes next...” ates is real and widespread. It is also a natural response to a change in everything from structure to location, relationships and more. In according it the attention it deserves, and aiding young adults in the tumultuous transition from higher education to full time work, we do not belittle other causes of depression, but tackle toxic stigma which is a common enemy to all of us.

I hope this article does not become another op-ed that is read and forgotten; laudable efforts are underway to improve student mental health, but let’s make the transition into the “real world” smoother and less daunting. Universities should work to manage graduate expectations, and to tackle severe definitions graduates impose on themselves of what success is post university. And at the most simple level, we need to start a conversation about this issue, free of judgement.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please seek

professional help or reach out for support. Below are a few article’s offering advice on dealing with graduate depression and managing your well-being. https://www.topuniversities.com/ blog/we-need-talk-about-postgraduation-depression https://www.themix.org.uk/worka n d - s t u d y / y o u r- c a r e e r- p at h / managing-post-graduate-depression-29088.html https://www.studentmindsblog. co.uk/search/label/Graduation https://www.studentminds.org.uk/ lookingafteryourmentalwellbeing. html Students of the University of Reading can also use UoR Careers services up to 18 months after graduating, and if Henley Business School you have four years of access post-graduation to their support service.

Lifestyle

MARCH 2020

FOODS THAT BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Holly Fournier | Part 3 BA English Language and Applied Linguistics

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What can you do when you are struggling with depression at university?

Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science

Photo by Stephanie Studer on Unsplash

“Finding ways to boost your mental health can be difficult. I know that when things get tough at university doing even the smallest thing to boost your mental health can feel like too much effort.”

Finding ways to boost your mental health can be difficult. I know that when things get tough at university doing even the smallest thing to boost your mental health can feel like too much effort. However, one of the easiest things you can do to boost your mental health whether you’re feeling anxious or depressed for example, is to eat foods which contain natural nutrients and chemicals which can boost your brain chemistry. Similarly, avoiding particular drinks can also help boost your mental health.

Avoiding caffeine and substituting this for a decaf coffee or tea can help reduce anxiety. When I used to drink caffeinated teas frequently, I noticed

“Avoiding caffeine and substituting this for a decaf coffee or tea can help reduce anxiety.” that I used to get anxious throughout the day due to the ups and downs that come with a caffeine high. Even sugary drinks can have an effect like this. That strawberry and cream Frappuccino that you love to buy in

Starbucks contains a lot more sugar than you may think. I absolutely love drinking tea, so I found a great substitute to drink in the evenings called ‘Bedtime Brew’ by Yorkshire Tea. It’s very comforting and makes me feel incredibly relaxed – perfect for if you’re having an evening in after a stressful day at university.

Greens! Cooking up a stir fry is an excellent way to ensure you are eating enough vegetables in the tastiest way possible. I love a vegan stir fry with sugar snaps, baby corn, broccoli, garlic, green beans and green paper in a bowl with spicy noodles. Throw in a vegetable stock cube and some soy sauce in the mix and you’re all good to go. The nutrients inside green vegetables is associated with helping your brain boost a positive attitude.

Fruit is also an excellent way to boost your mental health. Strawberries help your brain produce the chemical serotonin – the happy chemical.

Similarly, fruits that are rich in antioxidants are known to reduce anxiety and boost your happiness.

Blueberries, kiwis, oranges, and peaches are all examples of these – there are so many kinds of fruits to choose from.

Photo by Daniel Brubaker on Unsplash

“With days getting shorter and the cold weather, it’s natural to experience a lowering in your mood. But what should you do if the mental “freshers’ flu” and January blues just won’t go away? ” Many students struggle with their mental health at university. Being in a new area and away from family and friends can be daunting. With days getting shorter and the cold weather, it’s natural to experience a lowering in your mood. But what should you do if the mental “freshers’ flu” and January blues just won’t go away?

It is ALWAYS a good idea to talk to someone about how you feel. A problem shared can often be a problem halved. Academic tutors can be an important point of reference.

“A problem shared can often be a problem halved.”

If you are struggling, you should visit your GP as they can help you access a range of treatments. Medications prescribed to treat mental health, in particular antidepressants, aren’t magic pills. Medication can be helpful and improve your mood, but they can have side effects. When you first taking a medication, there is often a short period where you won’t

see an improvement, but in the long term, you should see improvement.

They are not “fix” as when you stop taking them, symptoms may come back. This is because antidepressants only address the biological aspects of depression. Your GP may refer you to Berkshire talking therapies, but you can also do this yourself. Doctors often recommend talking therapies and drug therapy in combination to address all possible causes of depression.

Berkshire talking therapies offer a whole range of treatments and support. This includes CBT, counselling, interpersonal psychotherapy, dynamic interpersonal therapy and behavioural couples therapy. If one mode of therapy doesn’t work for you, do not give up hope. There are so many different therapies available to you!

Support is available at the university.

You can register for support with the Counselling and Wellbeing service.

This can be done either online or in the Carrington building, room 109.

The team offer support groups, counselling and meetings with a mental health advisor.

What can you do while waiting to be seen by a service?

Having suffered from poor mental health myself, here are my top tips: Communicate with your loved ones, it’s nice to have someone check in on you every once in a while.

Keep busy. Breaking tasks into smaller tasks can make them a lot easier to complete. It can be satisfying once they are done.

Look after your body. Try to eat 3 healthy meals a day, your brain cannot function properly if it doesn’t have fuel. Exercise can be a great way to get out of your head and release endorphins. Sleeping enough is also very important.

Prioritise self-care.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

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Lifestyle

MARCH 2020 Photo by Sabita Burke

SABBY STUDIES: HOW TO GET A FIRST OR 2:1 IN CLASS TESTS Sabita Burke | Sub Editor

It’s that time of year again, when Spring Term modules are coming to an end and we are bombarded with class tests.

It’s that time of year again, when Spring Term modules are coming to an end and we are bombarded with class tests. They’re like exams, but instead of having a solid couple of months to revise for them, we only have a week or two between finishing the content in our lectures and sitting the paper. On top of this, they are often worth a large proportion of our modules’ assessment.

It is understandable that many of us find class tests particularly stressful.

For this reason, I have shared my three top tips for how you can rock up to your test feeling confident and ace these tricky assessments. Check them out below!

1. Use all the sample questions.

There’s no more effective way to prepare than by actually working through examples of the questions which may come up in your test.

Take advantage of any questions your module convenor uploads to Blackboard. I find that waiting until I have revised the content as much as possible is the most effective way to utilise these resources. If you test yourself before learning the content, not only will you feel discouraged if you didn’t perform to the best of your ability, but you will also no longer be able to view the past paper with a fresh pair of eyes once you have revised, and may not have an indication of what your knowledge gaps really are.

If your lecturer hasn’t uploaded any questions or has only shared a few, remember you can always email them to ask for more. As long as

“There’s no more effective way to prepare than by actually working through examples...” they haven’t already given out a full past paper, they should be happy to help. If they have already shared up to the limit of one exam paper, make up your own questions, leave them for a few days so you forget them and then test yourself on these.

2. Use flashcards.

For me, using a mixture of online and hand-written flashcards works

effectively. On Quizlet, write each card in the form of a simple question or a key term. Download the app to your phone and whip it out whenever you have a spare moment, such as when on the bus or train. By hand, on those enormous 8x5 inch white flashcards, write out condensed forms of your lecture notes. Fill in any information you may have missed by looking at the PowerPoint slides. Then, make up yourself different questions to ask yourself every day while covering the card. Personally, I am an auditory learner, so talking these through out loud consolidates the information in my mind. Do all this, and you’ve covered all bases by learning as much information as possible.

3. Test yourself with friends.

The question of whether revising with friends is effective is a controversial one, and I do not do this often as I

believe there is a time and a place for it! I find it most helpful when I have already secured a fairly good grasp of the knowledge I need to learn, but I still have a few areas I’m rusty on. Done this way, you will be in a position where you will benefit from consolidating in your memory anything you can explain to your mates, but also clarifying and learning other

“Done this way, you will be in a position where you will benefit from consolidating in your memory anything you can explain to your mates...” things which you may have accidentally skipped over during your own revision.

Lifestyle

MARCH 2020

Veganism: who says you can’t have your cake and eat it?

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Why do we swear and how can we stop doing it?

Adam Hitchcock | Masters of Medieval Studies

Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science

Delicious!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

“It took me no more than two minutes to think of an analogy for the thing I am about to staunchly oppose which perhaps demonstrates Photo by Annie Davis

When someone says veganism, cake is definitely not the first thing you think of. This delicious fudgy chocolate cake is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser and leave you wanting more.

Ingredients: (for cake batter) 120g plain flour 150g cocoa powder 1.5 tablespoons of baking powder 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 350ml of chocolate dairy free milk (for the icing) 100g cocoa powder 200g icing sugar 60g sunflower spread 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 60ml of chocolate dairy free milk Method: Preheat your oven- if you have a fan assisted oven, heat to 180C or for a regular oven to 200C

into a medium sized bowl. Add the vanilla extract and plant milk and mix until a creamy, smooth consistency is achieved.

Pour half of the batter into each tin and place on the middle shelf in the oven. Allow the cake to bake for approximately 20 minutes. You can check whether the sponges are fully cooked by using a cocktail stick to poke through the cake- if it comes out clean the cake is cooked.

Take the cakes out of the tins and allow to cool.

Grease two round cake tins with sunflower spread

While the cakes are cooling, make the icing by sifting the cocoa powder and icing sugar into a large bowl.

Add the sunflower spread, vanilla extract and plant milk and beat until the icing is smooth and thick.

Make the cake batter: Sift the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder

Put the icing in between the two sponges and on top to decorate.

the amount of confidence I have in writing this.”

It took me no more than two minutes to think of an analogy for the thing I am about to staunchly oppose which perhaps demonstrates the amount of confidence I have in writing this.

In a two person board game, I cannot think of a modern alternative to chess I’m afraid your single opponent claims a move that you made was against the rules. As it is, you know that it was not against the rules, moving a knight in an L shape is correct and your opponent’s suggestion that a two spaces vertical two space horizontal mandate is false. The conviction you have of your righteousness is so strong that you reach for one of your opponent’s pieces, the castle and abruptly toss it to one side.

When we swear at those we may be justly angry with we reflect our opponent or even our enemy’s perceived misinterpretation or violation of the rules with conduct wilfully designed to collapse any designation of rules.

Putting it thus does expose swearing in such situations for the counter-productive practice which it is.

Without going for any sociological

definitions I think we can all tell that swearwords are unruly in a sense that no other words are. I certainly emphasise that we should never swear towards another person in dismissal of them but I do think quite strongly that never swearing would always be a good thing to commit oneself to.

When used in jubilation it is this very unruliness which cheapens your elation. It is tantamount to ripping up one’s degree certificate the night that you received it.

of will. I know I have as my foundations the fact that any swearing on terrestrial television before 9pm is censored and the fact that the audience of this article would know not to swear in front of their boss.

“On the subject of swearing as a relief to physical pain I find a cry of ouch or just arrgghh is quite satisfactory.”

I sincerely believe that if one day children could grow up in a world where swearwords do not exist that would be a path to a better tomorrow.

Speaking on personal terms though I would prefer an environment where I did not have to contend with hearing these words offensive to language and its scope for enlightenment being uttered so casually and I am confident in my assertion that the student community is part of this.

On the subject of swearing as a relief to physical pain I find a cry of ouch or just arrgghh is quite satisfactory.

People will be exclaiming that they do not want to change that habit because it has just become a reflex but that reflex has been built up over time by surroundings which have been somewhat nurturing to swearwords.

This is clearly a process that can be reversed with concentrated power

For full disclosure I personally have had this commitment to never swearing in front of people for two years and have stuck to it. We can give a greater range of responses to negative situations which will enrich our language in much the same way as regional accents do. We can think of insults which are creative without being degrading. We can commit to zero swearing and start to have conversations fit for paradise.

MARCH 2020

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MARCH 2020

Make time to meet your Academic Tutor Working in partnership to support your academic, personal and professional development

reading.ac.uk/academic-tutors

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RUSU ELECTIONS

MARCH 2020

YOUR NEW 2020/21

MATURE STUDENTS’ OFFICERS KATHRYN BEDFORD Manifesto

• Increase inclusivity at University • Tailored support for mature students returning to education • Raising awareness of mature students experiences, celebrating our individuals

WOMEN’S OFFICERS POPPY LINDSEY Manifesto

• Addressing the university pay gap • Conducting a sexual assault experience survey • Raising awareness of inspirational women throughout history

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ OFFICERS SAMPSON KOO Manifesto

• Launch an international week • Street stations every month listening to your opinions • Hold more meetings between international students and The University

POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS’ LEAH NAPIER Manifesto

• We;fare: mental health support for PGR students • Celebrate diversity of international PGR students

MARCH 2020

1 RUSU OFFICERS

TRANS STUDENTS’ OFFICERS LENNOX BRUWER Manifesto

• Challenge Transphobia • Resources for allies and questioning people to learn about the terminology related to gender • Support Chosen Names

LGBQ+ STUDENTS’ OFFICERS AMY EDWARDS Manifesto

• Create and promote safe LGBTQ+ spaces • Educational resources including talks about LGBTQ+ history and the issues faced by the community • Creating a non-judgemental environment

RUSU ELECTIONS

BAME OFFICER RUTH ADENIYI Manifesto

• Tailoring events to help overcome racial and ethnic insecurities • Increase awareness of campaigns, events and social activities for BAME students • Ensuring BAME students are represented

DISABLED STUDENTS’ OFFICERS KONSTANTINA NOUKA Manifesto

• Social activities will be inclusive for students with disabilities • Accessibility • Decrease the existing stigma that is associated with the word “disability”.

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RUSU ELECTIONS

MARCH 2020

ENVIRONMENTS & ETHICS OFFICERS MARTIN VELICHKOV Manifesto

• Cut University Ties with Barclays • Establish a Framework for Sustainability Education • Create a Sustainable and Ethical Campus

STUDENT TRUSTEE SHELDON ALLEN Manifesto

• Transparency: Make RUSU more transparent by sending you out my report after every trustee meeting.

• Leadership: Ensure RUSU is lead well and sticks to its objectives.

• Community: Ensure that I take your ideas to the top of RUSU.

STUDENT TRUSTEE JAMES WILSON Manifesto

• Scrutinise RUSU’s decisions and ensure that objectives are being carried out responsibly and with the best interests of students in mind.

• I will also increase the transparency of RUSU’s board meetings to increase accountability and allow better student awareness.

MARCH 2020

QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS

> > > > > >

Wednesday, March 18, 10pm-2am: Wednesday Union: St. Patrick’s Day Party: Mojos Bar will be decked out for the Irish Gods, and will feature a live traditional Irish Band from 11pm to play you into the early hours of the morning. Themed drinks and cocktails will also be available on the night.

Self Defence Classes: Free classes run by All Abilities Martial Art taking place on Monday, March 16 and Monday, March 23, 1-2pm on campus.

Sunday, March 22nd, 3.10pm: Don’t miss the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix.

Saturday, March 28 10am-7.30pm: Varsity: Come and cheer UoR’s sports teams on at the biggest campus sport event of the year! Reading Knights VS. Oxford Brookes. Bring it on!

Monday, April 27 6.45-10.30pm: Societies and Media awards ball: Come and celebrate the success of your societies and media streams at this year’s ceremony- followed by an after party!

Tuesday, April 28 6.45-10.30pm: Sports and Dance awards ball: Come and celebrate the success of your sports and dance clubs at this year’s ceremony- followed by an after party!

>

Wednesday, April 29: Excellence Awards: Find out which staff and students have won awards for their work over the past year.

>

Wednesday, April 29: Student Experience Awards: Find out which reps and students have won awards for their campaigns, causes and volunteer work this year.

> >

Don’t forget that the Rugby Six Nations: Round 4 and Round 5 are taking place over March! Catch the matches in Mojos and Park Bar!

Ticket resale- Bought a ticket to a RUSU event which you can no longer attend? Resell your ticket safely and responsibly at http://rusu.twickets.live/.

Notice Board

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RUSU ELECTIONS

MARCH 2020

YOUR 2020/21 FUL

EDUCATION GEORGE INGRAM

Manifesto • Standardized Feedback: Better criteria for feedback given for assessed work, ending single-line evaluations.

• More Study Space: Find and develop dedicated areas for studying, firstly looking at the URS. • Better Access to Library Resources: Create an online avenue to access library resources, dramatically increasing accessibility.

ACTIVITIES ALEX ROSE Manifesto

• Improving the Inclusivity of the Freshers and Re-Freshers Fayre • Including Postgraduate students increasingly with activities at RUSU • Reducing the stigma associated with joining societies

What was the atmosphere like on stage before and after your name was called?

Apart from winning, what’s been your most memorable part of voting week?

“One of the most nicest, warmest moments I’ve ever experienced, we were all holding hands. It was a loving and happy atmosphere.”

“Meeting all the other candidates for the other positions. It was interesting to see the diversity of the different people and the different things they’d engaged in at the University.”

PRESI

RACHEL O

Manif

• #Morethanagradadddressing key s issues • Sustainability- Un and promote way environmental im • Have more fun- L trips and animal v

Have you met people whilst

“Yes, there wer from the LGBT running for the r got to know thei to them about so on campus that I were i

RUSU ELECTIONS

MARCH 2020

LL-TIME OFFICERS

IDENT

OSBORNE

festo

WELFARE BANDY KARKI Manifesto

DIVERSITY RACHEL WATES

ni wide clothes swaps ys you can reduce your mpact on campus.

Live music, weekend visits to campus.

• Welfare Hotline: An immediate support system when in a crisis.

• Student Housing Issues: Holding a housing forum about housing issues with a housing advice officer.

• Sexual Safety: Bar Staff and Bouncers to be trained in detecting sexual harassment.

Manifesto • Asian History Month/ Bisexual Erasure Week as part to proliferate an understanding on intersectionality.

• Access to Study Abroad and University of Reading Malaysia for prospective students.

• Partnership scheme to making it easier for international students to integrate with UK students.

t new groups of campaigning?

What are you most looking forward to about your role?

How has your experience of campaigning been?

re a lot of people T+ community roles, so I’ve really ir society and talk ome of the issues didn’t even realise issues.”

“As I do Psychology my biggest thing is mental health, I’m really excited to implement my manifesto points and get them done, those are my biggest points. I’m also so excited to have experience from psychology and bring this into the job.”

- RUSU podcast student and graduate

“It’s been the best slash worst week of my life. It was challenging in the sense that it was tiring – I’d never done anything like that before!”

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Entertainment

MARCH 2020

Entertainment

INTERVIEW WITH A COMEDIAN: STEVE PUNT STAND-UP AND ALL THINGS THE 3RD DEGR Adam Snook | Part 3 History and International Relations

Last month comedian and presenter Steve Punt visited campus to host BBC Radio 4’s Staff vs Student quiz show, The 3rd Degree.

Entertainment writer Adam Snook caught up with Steve to find out more about him and his career.

Q: What is your favourite aspect of presenting The 3rd Degree?

A: I like the fact that it’s a spontaneous show. There’s a script, links, comments and remarks that are ready to tie the show together – but when you’ve got six people on two teams, you don’t know what the answers are going to be. The 3rd Degree is quite a difficult quiz, but we like to keep it entertaining and light, so that it’s fun as well as informative as opposed to being just about ‘do you know this, can you remember this’. You’re sometimes hauling scraps of knowledge out of areas of people’s brains that they might have forgotten about. You just don’t realise how much lumber you have hidden away in the attic of your mind. It’s very satisfying as we all know what that’s like when you suddenly think ‘oh I’m sure I know that,’ then it comes to you.

Q: Your other show on BBC Radio 4, The Now Show, satirises the news – has this become easier or harder over time?

A: It’s become increasingly difficult – there is rarely only one thing in the news, and the programme is most fun to do when you don’t know week by week what you’re going to be writing about. On the Tuesday morning we come in and look at the papers and we say: “oh look the main story this week is there’s not enough snow ploughs.” Then the following week the main story is about French railways being on strike. Then the week after that, it’s completely different; some minister has been caught with a showgirl in their wardrobe.

It’s always changing – but in the last 3 years that hasn’t happened.

Usually people’s first question is, where do you get your ideas?

What do you write about? And on a show like that, you never have to ask that question, because what you’re going to write about is always there. It’s like doing an exam: walking in at 9 o’clock, the weekly papers are there and the question is “write a half hour show about the subject matter covered in these newspapers.”

Q: Are there significant differences in the way you write comedy for TV, radio or stand-up? Or is it the same kind of process?

A: Yes there are. With television, you can rely on visuals doing a lot of the work for you and that is quite different. But against that, visuals cost money. The thing about television is, you constantly have to think about budget, which you never have to do with radio - because radio has no budget! You’re just using sound effects and voices, so it’s completely controllable and much freer creatively as you can write what you want. There are practical considerations of budget, filming time and cast; on radio you can write a sketch

“You’re sometimes hauling scraps of knowledge out of areas of people’s brains that they might have forgotten about.” that goes “we hear the sound of five thousand slaves dragging a stone block up a pyramid. Slave number 1 says: this is hard work,” whereas you hand that in for TV and they say “you’re joking, ob-

Photo by: Pozzitive TV Productions

Entertainment

MARCH 2020

T TALKS RADIO, REE.

READING AND LEEDS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 2020 LINE-UP Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor The much-anticipated Reading and Leeds Festival Line-up for 2020 was finally announced last month.

Some of the biggest names in musical history – from Rage Against The Machine to Stormzy – plus over 100 other names are set to play this summer at the festival’s resident homes in both cities. Tickets for RandL 2020, this August bank holiday weekend (28-30th), are on sale now!

Hardcore Rage Against The Machine fans will remember their formation in 1991, and their ever-growing ascent to acclaim. Their “fiercely anti-establishment sound merging hip hop, punk and thrash” lead to their undeniable success. The band have sold over 16 million records, with timeless singles such as Killing In the Name and Guerrilla Radio in their repertoire, the Los Angeles legends are set for an unmissable performance.

Photo by: Pozzitive TV Productions / BBC

viously we can’t do this, and we’d need a Hollywood budget.” You have to find a middle-ground, thinking much harder about the practicalities, the staging and the way the joke is done.

Q: What qualities do other comedians have that you admire? What is it important for comedians to have?

A: Confidence is the main one. The truth is that a really confident performer is going to get more laughs with mediocre material than a hesitant, diffident performer is going to get with great material. It’s not about the material, it’s very easy to muck up good material, but a really good performer will get laughs even with mediocre material. In the trade, you hear people talking about selling a joke. I used to write for a comedian called Jas-

“The truth is that a really confident performer is going to get more laughs with mediocre material, than...” per Carrot, who said “it’s a great joke, but I can’t sell it,” to writers when he didn’t use their material. It wasn’t necessarily because it wasn’t funny, he just meant that it didn’t suit his style. I would add awareness of context, as jokes have to suit the style of the show. On the Now Show, we don’t have time for long, anecdotal stories that rely on atmosphere and build-up, which is vital to some comedians’ style.

Double BRIT Award winner Lewis Capaldi returns to RandL as one of UK music’s biggest success stories of recent years. With his hilarious online presence and nurtured talent, he has amassed unprecedented success over the last year. His debut album ‘Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent’ instantly became the fastest selling debut in six years heading straight to number 1 where it spent 8 weeks in total at the top. Capaldi is set to bring a unique performance to the stage.

Multi award-winning musician Stormzy needs no introduction.

Evolving the underground musical landscape; Stormzy is a true spokes-

man of black empowerment and social activism. His critically acclaimed #1 album Heavy Is The Head features important dialogue that’s equally fiery as it is refreshingly vulnerable.

His well-earned headline slot at this year’s Reading and Leeds will be colossal.

All-round legend Liam Gallagher was announced as a Reading & Leeds headliner back in November. Having brought an epic show to 2017’s Reading & Leeds festivals, his appearance on the main stage this summer will no doubt be as iconic as ever.

Two Door Cinema Club will bring a bold blend of alternative pop, dance beats and unforgettable riffs. Singer-songwriter Sam Fender, with his brilliantly cathartic and honest sound, is also an excitable announcement for many fans. Festivalgoers can look forward to hearing such hits as Not Nineteen Forever and Modern Love from indie icons Courteneers.

Lo-fi lovers will be enthralled to see Rex Orange County on the RandL stages, who recently released his acclaimed third album Pony, and has sold out three phenomenal shows at Brixton Academy. 20 year-old sensation MC Aitch is one of the biggest success stories in the last year. His infectious energy and unrivalled flow cement him as a force to be reckoned with at this year’s festival.

The official Reading & Leeds Festival app, available to download now on Android and iOS. General tickets on sale from www. readingandleedsfestival.com

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JOJI RELEASES BRAND NEW TRACK AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM COMING SOON...

Sabrina Aulak | Part 3 English Language

88rising record label

Joji may not be a household name, but the up-and-coming musician behind 2018’s ‘SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK’ is rousing listeners and reviewers alike with his new track, titled ‘Run.’

Abandoning the lo-fi production value the R&B singer had grown accustomed to, ‘Run’ opts to embrace a more sophisticated, alternative take on the genre.

“This emotionallycharged ballad serves as a reminder of Joji’s impressive vocal capacity...”

This emotionally-charged ballad serves as a reminder of Joji’s impressive vocal capacity, while introducing a dreamy falsetto melody in the chorus. Real name George Miller, the artist’s alias: ‘Joji,’ differs starkly from his past online personas, including the likes of Pink Guy.

Photo by: Sarah Louise Bennett / RandL 2019: Billie Eilish and some lucly fans at last year’s festival.

Backed by echoing electric guitars, Miller’s new single will have listeners running to download his latest track on Spotify.

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Entertainment

PRODUCE 101 COMES TO READING: RUKPOPS HOLD INTER-UNIVERSITY COMPETITION

MARCH 2020

Kiki’s Delivery Service Finally Comes to Netflix Izzy Einon | Sports Editor

Lily Woodford | Part 3 English Literature & Language

Photo by IMDB

The beautifully animated Kiki’s Delivery Service, from legendary producers Studio Ghibli - directed by Hayao Miyazaki - was added to Netflix this February. Further films from the Ghibli collection are set to be added to the streaming platform over the next few months.

This gradual addition of cult-classic animated films, such as Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, will allow fans and newcomers to Miyazaki’s worlds. Within which, they will be introduced to magical places and colourful characters.

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a particular favourite of mine from the Ghibli canon. It follows the young witch Kiki (voiced in the English dubbed version by Kirsten Dunst) on her first journey away from home, accompanied by talking black cat Jiji (Phil Hartman), to a city by the sea.

Photo by: IMDB/Official Poster

On the 22nd February, the University of Reading Kpop Society (RUKpops) held a national-scale, inter-university ‘Produce 101’ style Kpop competition in aid of the Samaritans, with universities from all over the country visiting Reading for the event.

A total of eight universities competed, including the Reading team, with some coming as far as Bangor to take part. Proceeds from the sale of the audience tickets and from the bake sale were donated in aid of the Samaritans, who sent a representative to speak on the day. Three guest judges from the London Kpop Dance Workshop came along to judge the first round and give professional feedback and advice after each performance.

The event started with performances from each university, with the three guest judges scoring each team member with letters A-D. Once all participants had received a

score, they formed new teams with members from all the different universities, and were given just two hours to practice a performance of their newly chosen song. After practicing, each team performed their song in front of a live audience, who voted on their favourite member from each team.

The points from each round were added up and results calculated to find the top eleven participants, who performed one more time to the Reading101 theme song created

by RUKpops members and the original choreography specially created for the event.

Congratulations to the winners and all the performers who took part and danced incredibly! The RUKpops committee and volunteers worked really hard to make the event run smoothly, and every participant put in so much effort and performed amazingly. The day was a huge success and really fun to be

a part of, and I hope it will continue on in future years!

The winners who made it into the top eleven were:

Holly from Warwick Clement from Oxford

After her arrival she makes friends with Baker Osono (Tress MacNeille) who gives her somewhere to live and uses her bakery to advertise the titular Delivery Service. On one of her many adventures, she meets another friend in Ursula (Janeane Garofalo), a painter who lives in the forest who helps to distract Kiki when she loses her witch powers.

Kiki also befriends a boy of the same age called Tombo (Matthew Lawrence) who is fascinated by her ability to fly on a broom. His obsession

Sunny from Reading Samuel from SOAS Jiaxin from Reading Xiayu Guo from UCL Martha from Bangor Kacper from UCL Olga from SOAS Katy Lay from UCL Leon from UCL

1 2 3 4 5

with aeroplanes alike is explored in is creating his own flying bicycle, or four-engined biplane. Eventually, Kiki does regain her powers, and continues to run her delivery service and spend time with her friends.

The message of the film is one of hope and new beginnings, which is matched by the beautiful animated landscapes, both natural and urban, throughout the film. As young Kiki sets off at the beginning of the film, we are taken on a journey through forests and towns in daylight and moonlight.

Narrated by Kiki and Jiji, viewers are amazed by the attention to detail in the animation of a landscape similar to our own British countryside. This familiarity in both scenery and in the coming-of-age story reminds young and old audiences of their own childhood adventures, making this film a true joy to watch.

Kiki’s journey also reminds us that no matter how far away from home - or your family - you are, there are always people who can become like family and that love is deserved wherever you are. I find this message especially relevant to University Students like us, who are away from our homes, some for the first time. We, like Kiki, must venture out of our comfort zones in order to find our place in the world and among our peers.

Spring Sounds: March Playlist Alone, Omen 3 -King Krule Bad Decisions - The Strokes Run - Joji Delete Forever - Grimes The Birthday Party - The 1975

Entertainment

MARCH 2020

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

FRIDA KAHLO: MEXICAN VISIONARY

AH-MER-AH-SU: MUSIC FOR ALL Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor including I-D and Billboard Magazine, while her debut album Star was voted Top 20 LGBT albums of 2018.

Giulia Waddington | Part 2 English Literature

Ah-Mer-Ah-Su is an Oakland-based songwriter bringing an illustrative and enlightening transwoman voice to the electronic pop musicscape.

Artist. Activist. Socialist. Iconic.

Her self-defined sound is as dreamy as it is interpretative; it was destined to be listened to. Often compared to the heady and enriched timbre of Nina Simone, Ah-Mer-Ah-Su’s tone is both beautifully confessionary as it is fluid and catchy. One might say that she performs acrobatics on the musical tightrope that divides ‘quirky’ from ‘mainstream,’ as she appears to flourish in a self-carved liminal space.

Only a small selection of the titles we can give Frida Kahlo. A Mexican-born visionary from the early 20th century, she brought a new lens to life that showed true vulnerability and purity.

Notable works of hers, such as The Broken Column and Henry Ford Hospital, show her at her lowest points addressing taboo subjects, for her time and still now, such as miscarriage, disability, and depression.

Photo by Star Amerasu/DERO Arcade Photo by: Nickolas Muray

Another reason to make Frida your screensaver: her authentic rebellion against beauty standards.

Whilst almost exclusively wearing conservative and traditional Mexican dresses, she also rocked facial hair better than any top-knotloving barista.

Frida was a special and outspoken individual for her time and despite being married to fellow painter, Diego Rivera, for most of Kahlo’s adult life, she regularly explored her queerness and never apologised for what she wanted or who she loved.

From a love affair with Leon Trotsky, to being impaled with a tram handrail, it is fair to say that Frida Kahlo had a fairly eventful life. But her power, strength and resilience throughout has made her an idol to women across the world.

The Bluest Eye: By Toni Morrison Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor “The death of self-esteem can occur quickly, easily in children, before their ego has ‘legs,’ so to speak.”

Toni Morrison’s words, sourced from the tender Foreword to her novel, The Bluest Eye, speak to a universal turning point of self-evolution: the power of realising one’s worth.

The novel, published in 1970, was the first novel written by Morrison who went on to win both Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes. Her literary work shaped a space in women’s writing that gave voice to the multitude of African-American women facing racism in their everyday lives.

The Bluest Eye features an innovative use of perspective and narrative style, elucidating themes of black girlhood, internalised racism and sexual abuse. The story, set in 1941, follows the life of Pecola: an African-American girl who grows up during the years following the

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Great Depression. The harshness of the White American landscape, and the subsequent racist ideologies that thrive, dramatically impact on the development of Pecola’s identity. The most disturbing aspect of the reader’s experience, however, would be the inexplicable reality of these experiences, lived by the very women this text gives voice to.

Pecola is different. Her skin is dark.

She is called ugly.

The intensity of her outsider experience consecrates her desire for an archetypal aspect of ‘whiteness’: blue eyes. At one point in the novel, Pecola falls pregnant under heinous circumstances. The experience is pivotal; the symbolic marigolds planted in the garden fail to bloom, and Pecola’s premature baby fails to survive. In the aftermath, Pecola’s imagination is split by conflicting emotions about her experiences. The internal conversation is heartbreaking and macabre.

Pecola’s complex and enlightening psychology presents a deep and en-

riching exploration of a black female identity. Abuse is not all-encompassing of Pecola, or the stories that Morrison was writing.

The novel goes beyond racism, and speaks universally to experiences of otherness, funnelled through a unique female gaze. Above all, The Bluest Eye asks us to acknowledge the importance of recognising self-worth, before it’s too late.

“The Bluest Eye features an innovative use of perspective and narrative style, elucidating themes of black girlhood, internalised racism and sexual abuse.”

Star Amerasu has carved an impressively unique yet universally appealing space for herself in the music world.

The elusive moniker - Ah-Mer-Ah-Su - may have been previously unknown to the masses, while the songwriter built up her fanbase on SoundCloud and Instagram. Now, she has been featured in renowned publications

Star, as an album, paints a comingof-age story in which the concept of ‘womanhood’ is explored. Practices of self-compassion and self-forgiveness are intrinsic to Ah-Mer-Ah-Su’s idea of what it means to be a woman in today’s society. As a transwoman, she has indeed faced adversity, but what proves most important is her relentless message of both positivity and emotional openness.

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Entertainment

MARCH 2020

YOUR MARCH Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor

Aries (21/03 – 19/4)

Taurus (20/4 – 20/5)

Gemini (21/5 – 20/6)

Virgo (23/8 – 22/9)

Libra (23/9 – 22/10)

Scorpio (23/10– 21/11)

This month calls for you to look inward. Imagine yourself having the thing you want. Focus on how it feels to finally have it, then let it go. You must allow the things that are meant for you, come to you, in their own time. Patience, grasshopper.

Seclusion has brought about new opportunities and revelations. Prioritising yourself is key to harbouring love. You must take care of yourself before looking to please others. Ask yourself this month: would you rather be comfortable or happy?

Your honed hardworking attitude is required to get you through this month. Are you ready to put in the effort to turn your ideas into a reality?

Attention may be turned to your relationships this month. Ensure that you are kind; avoid getting defensive.

A new love interest may be coming your way. They will be generous and balanced; something you admire.

You value reciprocity; someone who values spending time with you. Acknowledge the positives; don’t lose sight of what needs work or improvement.

You may have been lying lately to protect your heart. This month, you’re being asked to reconsider this selfprotection, and allow people to know the real you. Hiding yourself away can create more problems than solutions.

Be generous; it will spark connections.

This month draws attention to an intense period of transformation happening inside and around you.

A broken heart; bad news. It is a necessary change. Listen out for the signs and always look ahead. After the storm, love will flourish like you’ve never seen before. Trust in the good.

Entertainment

MARCH 2020

HOROSCOPE Cancer (21/6 – 22/7)

Leo (23/7 – 22/8)

Sagittarius (22/11 – 21/12)

Capricorn (22/12 – 19/1)

March draws attention to love and relationships. At times, you tend to be a hopeless romantic, chasing after a fantasy you’ve made up. Logic and love do not always mix, but they can coexist.

Speak your truth; be upfront to avoid resentment.

Too much play, and not enough work, has left you stressed and anxious lately.

You must remind yourself of self-discipline. Prove to yourself, and everyone around you, that you can do this.

Reconsider your relationships; a love interest may have died out.

This month, you’re being sent a reassuring message; you will overcome obstacles. If you’re feeling lost and frustrated, trust that everything is temporary, tomorrow will be better.

You may be longing for deep friendship. Open up to someone you trust.

This month shines a light on romantic love, perhaps with someone you work with? There is a lot of natural chemistry with this person; you get along with no complications. One of you requires support; be their rock, but look after yourself too.

What do the stars have in store for you this month?

Aquarius (20/1 – 18/2)

You’re not always the competitive type, but it feels as if someone is getting to you at the moment. This may be a mutual frustration, or merely playful banter. Despite how intimidated you may feel, this is a sign to step back. Go slower.

Pisces (19/2 – 20/3)

Your actions speak louder than words.

You made a promise, but how are you showing that you can keep that promise? You need to question yourself whether you are capable of making necessary changes. A new person steps into your life.

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Entertainment

MARCH 2020

MARCH 2020

30 years on, Studio Ghibli is just as beloved as ever...

Photo by: IMDB/Studio Ghibli

MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO:

BY HAYAO MIYAZAKI Ryan Gavin | Part 1 Theatre

“My Neighbour Totoro was the first Studio Ghibli film that I watched, and to this day, it is still my favourite...”

Studio Ghibli is and will always be an iconic anime film producing company. They have produced some of the best feature-long hand-drawn animation films of all time. Even though the company stopped production in 2013 - due to the retirement of Hayao Miyazaki the animators have started their own production company and will keep the iconic style under a different name.

My Neighbour Totoro was the first Studio Ghibli film that I

watched, and to this day is still my favourite. The artistic expression that went into every single frame of that movie is so good.

Furthermore, the simplicity of each drawing, the harsh lines and the complete disassociation with realism is also why I love this film. The animators haven’t deliberately tried to modernise the art style; it keeps that traditional Japanese style of anime which is why it is regarded so highly in my books. However, I still enjoy all Studio Ghibli productions, but Totoro has a special place in my heart.

The story follows a family, whose mother is sick, move into a new town. The town seems to have magical powers, in which the youngest daughter Mei Kusakabe, seeing a big magical being named Totoro. Totoro is a forest spirit and is not visible to everyone, which has sparked a lot of audience interaction and theo-

“The story follows a family, whose mother is sick, move into a new town.

The town seems to have magical powers, in which the youngest daughter Mei Kusakabe, seeing a big magical being named Totoro.

Totoro is a forest spirit and is not visible to everyone... only the little girls.”

ries about why only the younger girls can see him. My favourite theory would be the theory that (SPOLIER ALERT) the little girl dies after running away from her family to explore the overgrown grass in the back garden of their new house. This theory stems from the fact that the girl

can see a spirit and that the cat bus that she gets on to travel around is heading towards the “graves.”

I think it is fair to say that Studio Ghibli create outstanding films that everyone can watch. Appropriate for all audiences, and seemingly across time, they will remain a hallmark in anime history.

Photo by: IMDB/Studio Ghibli

Entertainment

MARCH 2020

MOVIE

OVER VIEW Ryan Gavin | Part 1 Theatre

Parasite is the movie that everyone has been talking about. Here’s what one of our Entertainment writers has to say about it...

An international success after the sweeping wins at the Oscars, winning: Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film. Not to mention winning awards at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAS. I think it’s fair to say that this film did quite well. I can only hope the success of Bong Joon-ho in the future as his creative mind and creative vision is pure genius.

“There was not a moment where I felt disengaged from the narrative or any of the characters.”

Photo courtesy of: IMDB/Barunson E&A Company

The latest Korean thriller on everyone’s minds...

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The film is (at the time of writing) still selling out worldwide in cinemas, and I was lucky enough to take a seat in Reading Vue to watch it. Prior to this experience, I didn’t read any reviews or a plot summary; this heightened my interest in the film, as I heard about it winning multiple awards.

My initial response to the film was an appreciation of its beauty. The scenography and cinematography were on point, hooking me in from the very start.

Although this film is Korean, and subtitled for varied audiences, there was not a moment

“It has the potential to expose audiences to a side of Korea that we have ever seen before, contrasting the films that have become Hollywood canon such as Crazy Rich Asians.” where I felt disengaged from the narrative or any of the characters. At times, I forgot that the subtitles were there, and found myself enjoying the film as a piece of art. I loved being so submersed into the storyline.

The narrative itself is so interesting, and I can say as a regular film-watcher that I have never seen a plot so unique and engaging. Yes, there may be films out there that have the same dynamic and basic plot, but the character development and script were something that I have personally never engaged with before.

The almost Rags-to-Riches storyline with a dramatic twist at the end really encompassed some of the hierarchal struggles of a Korean society. It has the potential to expose audiences to a side of Korea that we have ever seen before, contrasting the films that have become Hollywood canon such as Crazy Rich Asians.

I would rate this film a 9/10, and would definitely recommend taking any opportunity to book tickets to see this film.

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Entertainment

MARCH 2020

REVIEWS

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH...

Photo courtesy of: IMDB/Netflix

The Stranger: Suspenseful Book Adaptation Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Netflix has turned out another book adaptation, this time with The Stranger, from Harlan Coben’s novel of the same title.

This suspenseful tale of corruption and lies in a middle class suburban neighbourhood has an all-star cast to match the all-star creation. The basic premise is that a mysterious stranger appears and tells Adam Price – wondrously portrayed by Richard Armitage – a secret about his wife which has a catastrophic domino effect.

Following family and societal drama within schools, the police department, and domestic settings, it avoids being another standard law enforcement show about gratuitous male violence and baby boomer indulgences, with fresh additions of a younger cast. Full of twists, you’re kept on your toes without feeling that it’s piled on continuously for dramatic effect.

Not only is it thrilling, it also has comedy integrated through it to avoid a onenote and dense viewing experience.

The cast is outstanding, as aforementioned Richard Armitage stuns in the lead role; a doting father and husband who delivers a caring but stoic performance. Siobhan Finneran and Jennifer Saunders are as charming and exciting as ever, providing portrayals of middle aged woman which doesn’t reduce them down to the usual stereotypes, and Hannah John-Kamen is emotive and wrathful as the tortured antagonist.

With shocking yet not gratuitous violence, and a compelling, complex narrative, this show is a new binge worthy Netflix addition which you can’t help but watch all in one go.

Photo courtesy of: HBO/Netflix

The Outsider: Stephen King meets True Detective Ryan Harnell | Part 2 International Development Combining Stephen King’s terrifying but thought-provoking story of the same name with elements of True Detective’s inaugural season, The Outsider, is as unsettling as it is difficult to resist watching.

The show follows Ben Mendelsohn’s Ralph Anderson, a haunted detective, as he and a broad cast of allies investigate the sinister but mysterious murders of two children from the local community.

Ralph thinks the case is cut and dry as the chief suspect, Terry Maitland, played by Jason Bateman, is concretely placed at the scene of the crime by eyewitness accounts and physical evidence. Just to confuse matters for everyone however, Maitland wasn’t in town on the night of the murders, a fact proven by further evidence discovered some twenty miles away.

This contradicting chain of events gets our protagonist caught in the hunt for something far more malevolent than even someone as grizzled as he can contend with. Mendelsohn does a solid job at leading the cast, but I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the performances of Cynthia Erivo as psychic P.I. Holly Gibney and Marc Menchaca as the unstable Jack Hoskins, both of whom bring a magnetic presence to their roles.

The Outsider could maybe be a couple episodes shorter than it is and feels drawn out in places, but for fans of macabre, supernatural thrillers it delivers a dark and brooding addition to the genre.

Photo courtesy of: IMDB/Perfect World Pictures

Emma: Delightful as ever?

Kiran Sian | Part 2 English Literature & German Jane Austen’s much loved comedic novel about a young woman’s unsuccessful attempts at matchmaking gets a new movie adaptation. I was interested to see what it would bring to the table, having already seen other takes on the novel.

Anya Taylor-Joy certainly delivers a great performance of the titular Emma. Her playful banter with Mr. Knightley hasn’t lost its touch, and their blossoming romance is explored further in de Wilde’s reinterpretation, which I am all for. One change made to Emma is her coming across more snobbish and hard – notably around Harriet or the Bates family.

While it’s understandable, I do not understand why the creatives decided on this. The same goes for adding a touch of creepiness to Mr. Elton and the odd choreography between the Woodhouse footmen. My highlights were Miss Bates, Mr. Knightley and Mr. Woodhouse keeping up their distinctive characteristics throughout.

There is, nonetheless, the aesthetic of the production and costume design to admire. I love how they used many pastel shades and kept things bright and joyous to reflect the narrative’s tone. The Woodhouse mansion literally lightens everything up, as do Emma’s costumes.

They show her purity, properness and naïveté to contrast the vibrant colours the supporting figures around her wear.

These small touches are everything.

This adaptation is very promising and definitely one to watch for this generation. Those who are long-time fans of the book: I would recommend to lower your expectations a bit to avoid disappointment.

Photo courtesy of: IMDB/DC Films

Birds of Prey: Eccentric, colourful fierce

and

Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Following the somewhat disaster of Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn kicks onto the big screen in a crazy explosion of colour and character - creating a fun, eclectic, and exciting film with insane fight sequences and genuine personality.

Margot Robbie’s dream baby fulfilled expectations whilst wonderfully glossing over Suicide Squad, especially with the lack of Jared Leto. The Joker is a looming presence over the film as reference to the DCEU is made, but just as an abusive ex-boyfriend (which of course he is.)

The cast is fantastic, fully embodying their characters; Jurnee Smollet-Bell becomes Black Canary, a mix of snark, kindness, and high kicks who bounces off Robbie’s Quinn hilariously. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is excellent as ever, excelling as Huntress in both comedic and physical aspects.

The variation of women both in terms of ethnic and sexual diversity is so refreshing for a comic book movie, relieving us of male angst and two second suggestions to a gay character, and their variation in attitudes and characteristics flesh out these women to well-rounded characters. Margot Robbie personifies Quinn, the perfect mix of badass, caring, and slightly unhinged that delights the screen, her stunt work and dedication as actor and producer evident.

Occasionally the narration can be a little clumsy, but it in no way distracts from the overall vibe of the film, which remains fast paced, exuberant, and just plain mad.

Entertainment

MARCH 2020

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TAME IMPALA THE SLOW RUSH Photo courtesy of Tame Impala/Interscope Records

Jules Decent | Part 2 English Literature & Film

Almost five long years have passed since Tame Impala’s last album.

With nothing but a collection of B-sides, a few singles and surprise collaborations, the fans have been left in anticipation to find out what Kevin Parker’s next major project will be.

This February however finally brought LP number four, suitably titled The Slow Rush, an engaging and self-aware blend of new sounds that is sure to connect with both new and old fans alike.

The first thing long-time followers might notice about the record is the general departure from the psychedelic-rock inspired style that put Tame Impala on the map. Instead, Parker embraces some pop-inspired techniques that would ultimate-

ly give any listener a difficult time categorising the album into any specific genre - whether this is the use of funky bass lines in songs like ‘Breathe Deeper’ or ‘Is It True,’ or autotune in ‘Posthumous Forgiveness.’

It’s worth praising just how much the songs vary stylistically, while still keeping an incredibly consistent theme. The album opens with the instantly enjoyable track, ‘One More Year.’ Beginning with intense and repetitive voice modulation, then enters a bouncing bassline that tricks listeners into celebrating a final year of repetition and lack of responsibility. Cunningly, it triumphs over the prospects of progression of any kind. Comparing this to the track ‘Tomorrow’s Dust,’ which opens with a melodic acoustic guitar and the sound of maracas that pessimistically explores a similar concept.

Using Apollo 11 as one of the biggest examples of progression in human history - and its consequential conspiracy theories – purports an expression of existential angst, shown lyrically: “There’s no use flying to the moon if they won’t believe.”

“It’s worth praising just how much the songs vary stylistically, while still keeping an incredibly consistent theme...”

As Parker has done before, the cover art also plays into the theme of the album. The room dramatically filled with sand resembling

time fleeting in an hourglass.

While calling it a concept album might be a stretch, the idea of time is what brings the album together – opening and closing with ‘One More Year’ and ‘One More Hour’ respectively. For instance, ‘Posthumous Forgiveness’ features two distinct parts that both explore how Parker’s perception of his deceased father has been affected by time.

The first has Parker discuss how time has made him bitterly realise his father’s explanations for the disintegration of his family were far more selfish than originally told; the second shows how the narrator’s maturity over time has allowed him to humanise and forgive his father, likely from reaching an age where similar mistakes can be made.

Songs like ‘On Track’ and ‘One

More Hour’ especially cut deep.

Both explore how Parker’s career is attracting more pressure and responsibility, ‘It Might Be Time’ even questions whether it’s time to call it; literally stopping the music abruptly at certain points.

‘One More Hour’ beautifully recounts the final hour of Parker’s care-free year, finally starting to seriously look at his art as a job, having other people in his life to care for.

While the album seems to a fitting stylistic progression from Currents, it may have gone in a direction some Tame Impala fans weren’t expecting and may be reluctant to embrace. Although, those who enjoy uninterrupted album playback, along with incredibly high production and wonderfully introspective lyrics will certainly get a lot to take from this record.

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Photography

MARCH 2020

Photography Photo by: Annie Davies

Candidates running for Welfare Officer at FTO Question Time.

Photo by: Annie Davies

Candidates running for Diversity at FTO Question Time

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Lenny the Lion at the RAG Auction

Photography

MARCH 2020

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Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Photo by: Annie Davies

Candidates running for President at FTO Question Time.

Serhan Wade at the RAG Auction.

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Current Activites Officer auctioning at the RAG auction

Current Full-Time officers at the RAG auction

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MARCH 2020

Photography

RAG representative hosting the RAG auction

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Rachel Wates at the RAG auction

Current Wefare Officer auctioning at the RAG auction

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Bandy Karki at the RAG auction

Photography

MARCH 2020 Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

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Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Tom Hough at the RAG auction Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

George Ingram running for welfare at the FTO auction

Sara Mattar at the RAG auction Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Current Diversity Officer auctioning at the RAG auction

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MARCH 2020

Photography

Leo Bowman at the RAG auction

DJ Bret at the RAG auction

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Josh Forman at the RAG auction

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Current Education Officer auctioning at the RAG auction

Photography

MARCH 2020

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Photo by: Charlotte Abraham

Current president of RUSU auctioning at the FTO RAG auction

Photo by: Seethalakshmi Muralikishnan

Photo by: Sara Mattar

Elected activites officer (Alex Rose) at an interview with the Spark team Photo by: Seethalakshmi Muralikishnan

Elected Education Officer (George Ingram) being interviewed by The Spark

Country flags decorated RUSU for the Cultural Show

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MARCH 2020

Photography

Photo by: Seethalakshmi Muralikishnan

Elected president (Rachel Osborne) being interviewed by The Spark Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Cultural Show

Cultural Show

Photo by: Maria Garay

Photography

MARCH 2020 Photo by: Maria Garay

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Cultural Show

Arabian students serving Arabic coffee at the Cultural Show

Photo by: Maria Garay

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Photo by: Maria Garay

Belly dance performance at the Cultural Show

Winners of the Cultural Show; K-Pop society

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MARCH 2020

Photography

Belly dancing society performing at the Cultural Show

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

K-Pop society performing at the Cultural Show

Photo by: Maria Garay

K-Pop society performing at the Cultural Show

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Photo by: Maria Garay

Belly dance performance at the cultural show

Photo by: Maria Garay

K-Pop society performing at the Cultural Show

Photography

MARCH 2020

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Photo by: Maria Garay

K-Pop socety performance at the cultural show

Belly dance performance at the cultural show

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

Photo by: Maria Garay

society performing Belly danceK-Pop performance at the Cultural Show

Belly dance performance at the Cultural Show

Belly dance performance at the Cultural Show

Photo by: Maria Garay

Photo by: Jessica Wilson

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MARCH 2020

Photography Duet performance on Valentine’s day in RUSU

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Campus in winter

Campus in winter

Photo by: Sara Mattar

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Campus in winter

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Photo by: Sara Mattar

Students from the music society performing on Valentine’s day in RUSU

Photo by: Jessica Choi

Campus in winter

MARCH 2020

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52

Sports

MARCH 2020

Sports

“FOR THE FIRST TIME I FELT TRULY BRITISH”: LOCAL WOM NATIONALITY AREN’T OBSTACLES FOR FALLING IN LOVE W Taz Usher | Print Editor

Our Print Editor Taz caught up with Natasha Norris to find out more about her path into the sport and its impact on her confidence.

A Berkshire company granted its employee the sporting opportunity of a lifetime last September when it sent Natasha Norris to compete in the European Masters Athletics Championships.

The ten-day long tournament, hosted in Venice between September 5 and 15, welcomed athletes aged 35 and over from teams across Europe to compete in the events.

Representing GB in the women’s 40 100m and 200m was Natasha from Crowthorne who, aided by sponsorship from her employer Berkshire Consultancy Ltd, was competing outside of the UK for the first time.

Ms Norris said: “Berkshire Consultancy sponsoring me was an overwhelming feeling. It was like they understood my dream. I’m lucky to work for a company that believes in and supports its staff.”

Speaking on behalf of the company, Principal Consultant at Berkshire Consultancy Ltd, Nicola Griffiths said: “We encourage all employees to bring their whole selves to work and be the best they can be, so supporting Tasha to fulfil this dream meant a lot to us. We have loved hearing about Tasha’s experience and have been warmed by her increased confidence and drive since returning”.

Among those competing in the championships were a mixture of ex GB athletes, those with national and club standard, and people who found their passion for sport later in life.

Commenting on her path into athletics, Natasha said: “I’ve watched athletics since I can remember. I particularly admired Daly Thompson, Tessa Sanderson and Kelly Holmes and how confident they came across.

“I loved athletics at school but thought it was for more confident kids and therefore didn’t view it as an option for myself. It wasn’t until the age of 37 when my eldest daughter’s coach from Bracknell AC encouraged me to consider training with other mature athletes, that I debated get-

ting into the sport.

“I started training and have never looked back. It has helped with my confidence, bereavement, discipline, and learning to be gracious in winning and losing.”

Delighted by the cultural experience of visiting Venice for the first time, the runner also described the eye-opening experience that accompanied competing in September’s race.

She said: “I met so many incredible ladies who had their own story and tribulations, and for them just getting to the start line was a fight against the impossible.

“I didn’t make it to the final but I did get to have the race of my life and stood on the line with some amazing athletes whilst representing my country. One of my proudest moments.”

Also competing in team GB were athletes Naana Adusei, Karen Burles Susie McLoughlin and Joanne Frost who made a new European record for the women’s V40 age group in 4 x 100 relay.

Chuffed for the women’s success, Natasha also reflects on her owns triumphs from the event. She said: “When I arrived at the venue, I had a little wobble, questioning if I deserved to be there. I couldn’t believe it and it was hard to comprehend until I reached the start line.

“My parents came over to the UK during the Windrush. I’ve always been lucky that my friends have never made me feel that I’m not British, however I believe it’s up to you to determine how you feel about yourself and where you belong.

“I felt so proud to compete at the championships and for the first time I felt truly British.”

And regardless of background, Ms Norris believes that Masters Athletics is something more people should consider starting. She said: “You can

Image courtesy of Natasha Norris

Sports

MARCH 2020

MAN PROVES AGE AND WITH SPORT

The Sport behind Strictly: MY TOP Reading University’s Ballroom, CLASSES AT Latin and Salsa Society SPORTSPARK Richard Sawyer | Part 2 English Literature

Amelia Dinsdale | Digital Lifestyle Editor

Ever since I joined Sportspark in 1st year I have been obsessed with the variety of classes available, and I really think that there is a class for everyone.

Photo by RUBLS Reading University’s Ballroom, Latin and Salsa Dancing Society has proven to be a cherished and welcoming part of the society’s scene for over 40 years. Taught by professional dance coaches all year round, RUBLS is the perfect way to relax, socialize and learn to dance without any prior knowledge needed!

RUBLS offers tuition in a variety of dance styles for members to learn, such as the chic Latin dances the Cha Cha, Samba, Jive and Salsa: or the classy Ballroom dances like the Waltz, Tango, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz.

We welcome people regardless of dancing ability. We have the annual trip to Blackpool to join other universities from all over at the Inter Varsity Dance Championships, our own Spring Ball and a vibrant community.

A member said: “I love RUBLS as it’s a great excuse to not do work! I also get to socialise with my friends and learn new routines every week.”

Image courtesy of Natasha Norris

get into athletics at any age and you don’t need to have a background in athletics.

“You can push yourself as much or as little as you want to. You decide what success means for you rather than someone else telling you if you are successful or not.

“It’s an incredible community that supports each other and it helps with so many other areas of your life including keeping you mobile, increasing your focus, and in some cases that I have seen, helping people to overcome illness.

“It’s a growing movement and I hope more people become aware of it and

decide to give it a go.”

Whilst not on the track Natasha occupies the role of Project Coordinator at Berkshire Consultancy Ltd where she oversees its assessment centres, works with senior stakeholders and leads interviews.

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However, the society’s biggest occupation may come at a surprise. The UK is home to the biggest student competitive dancing circuit in the

world for over 58 years! Competitive Dancing is responsible for the likes of Anton Du Beke, Kevin Clifton and Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing, all being DanceSport Athletes before joining the show. And since the 80’s, Reading has been part of the action! Every year, Reading’s DanceSport Team grows with new members of all abilities and makes lifelong friends!

Another member said: “ I joined RUBLS in my first year, and it’s been a huge part of my life since!”

Salsa Dancing is an incredibly popular style of dancing, perfect for anyone to pick up their step count in best way possible! Reading is an absolute hotspot for Salsa dancing with world-famous salsa teachers, Salsa clubs across Reading and London with a good night nearly every day of the week, and friendly classes perfect for any ability!

The society is perfect for anyone who wants to find a new hobby, relax and meet wonderful friends, waltz in a beautiful ballroom, be part of a vibrant scene and make lifelong friends.

My absolute favorite class would have to be Pure Stretch on a Wednesday afternoon. If you run, dance, cycle or anything else similar you have to try this class out. It’s a brilliant way to relax and it also reduces your chance of injury.

Zumba is a great way to exercise without really realizing that you are exercising. The constant stream of music and dance moves is a workout for your mind as well as your body.

Pilates will introduce you to muscles that you never knew you had.

If you are stronger on one side than the other then Pilates is a good way to balance yourself out. The equipment always keeps the classes interesting, and you will definitely want to go back for more.

Ab Attack does exactly what it says on the tin. It really makes you appreciate how long 45 minutes really is. Who knew there was so many ways to target your abs?

Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash

FINALLY A PROMOTION FOR THE LADIES 2S RUHC Rachel Elkstein-Holden| Part 2 Philosophy

If you’re interested in taking up a new sport, either for fun or seriously, check out the 51 sports clubs available to join at the University including Athletics.

16 years in the same league and coming 2nd two years in a row, the girls were determined to get a promotion this year.

You can also join the University’s campus gym or make the most of the newly installed campus running routes.

With the first couple of games under their belt the girls were feeling confident, yet every match was still crucial.

Winning the last two matches 6-0 and 9-0, the Ladies 2s had secured promotion with one game in hand.

After 16 long seasons the 2s are finally getting the promotion they deserve!

Image by Kate Smart

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Sports

MARCH 2020

LONG COURSE BUCS Emm Shilton | Part 2 English Literature

A CRICKET UPDATE! Emilly Johnson | Part3 English Literature Starting spring term off with another Freshers’ Fayre meant that Reading University Cricket Club has yet again seen a growth in members, allowing for our RUCC Women’s team to enter in the BUCS league for the first time in the University of Reading’s history.

Recent matches at home saw the boys obtain two wins out of their three indoor friendly games against Brunel University London, which are great results in their preparation of Varsity and BUCS league games approaching in the summer term.

As for the women’s team, March will see our team’s matches start as we approach the kickoff of league games.

RUCC Women will go head-to-head in two friendly indoor games, one hardball and the other softball, against Crouch End CC.

Photo by Zayna Hussein

On Friday, February 14th the competitive swimming team made the journey to Sheffield once again, this time to compete in the Speedo and BUCS long course Championships.

The event sees over 1000 students compete against each other from all over the country, and as soon as we arrived the team were keen to get swimming. On Friday afternoon, Session 1 began with the 4x100 mixed medley relay, and the 4x100 Freestyle

morning started with the men’s 200 free where Tom Bogdanski got a 4 second personal best time. We then saw the start of the 50 Backstroke where again we saw some great swims! In the 50 Breastroke Chloe Osili won her heat in a great time of 37.14, and

“All teams swam faster than their entry times and set the tone for the weekend”

“The event sees over 1000 students compete

Alex Din also swimming a great time of 32.50.

against each other from all over the country. ”

relays for both men and women.

All teams swam faster than their entry times and set the tone for the weekend. After the relays had finished, we went out for a team meal in All Bar One, where we had a chance to relax before the individual races started on Saturday.

With an early start on Saturday, the team was at the pool again, with the start of the individual races. The

Session 2 started on Saturday afternoon and the racing continued. We also had our men’s and women’s medley teams in action.

The women’s team swam well and resulted in a great times and good overall ranking in the competition.

Unfortunately, the men’s relay got disqualified but still swam a good time overall and didn’t seem to dampen any spirits.

After a day of swimming it was finally time to get back to the hotel and get ready for the night out. The theme of the night was safari animals and the committee were safari rangers. It

is fair to say we all had an amazing night; thank you to Zayna Hussein for arranging it all!

With some sore heads the swimming continued Sunday morning, where we had swimmers competing in the 100 free, 100 Breastroke, 200 IM, 50 fly and the 100 back. After a night out, a big well done to everyone who swam Sunday morning!

Katy Webber had an amazing swim in the women’s 200 IM, where she came 27th out of 50. Racing was finally over and after a long and tiring weekend, the team set off back to Reading to go and enjoy a well-deserved reading week. Another big well done to everyone, and a thank you to everyone that drove us and organised the weekend!

“Racing was finally over and after a long

Earlier in the Spring term as part of Reading’s #NeverOK campaign RUCC participated for the second time in a workshop run by the Good Lad Initiative. This workshop involved a mixed-gendered group of us attending, listening and taking part in an interactive session that explored honesty and allowed us to open up about issues and or situations we discussed that are present in today’s society.

While Reading gets ready to host Varsity against last year’s winners Oxford Brookes the RUCC boys have been training hard each week so they are ready to compete and win their varsity matches. Why not join us and support our boys by showing up on Saturday, March 28th at SportsPark to cheer them on? The first team’s match will commence at 10:45 am followed by the second at 12:15 pm.

After Varsity, we will have our annual yearly event of Social Sixes hosted before the end of the Summer term (with the date and location still to be confirmed). From my personal experience, having participated in Social Sixes for the last two years, I can say it is one of my favourite events of the year and would recommend participating. For those of you that have not been a part of this event, it involves creating a team built up of members and non-members that may or not have played before giving everyone the chance to have fun, dress up and play some cricket.

Following the success of our tour last year in Newcastle our Social Secs have arranged a trip to Malta in June 2020.

Whilst hopefully catching warm and sunny weather the boys will play a series of matches abroad to make it another tour to remember.

Reading Uni Boat Club Rosie Patten | Part 2 History Reading University Boat Club is one of the top performing University Boat clubs in the UK, and one of the highest achieving sports teams in the University of Reading, placing 5th overall at 2019’s BUCS regatta.

Rowing is unlike any other sport.

You can expect to be pushed beyond your mental and physical limits, with highly experienced former Olympians coaching RUBC through the tough training. Spending over 10 hours per week together, the friendships made within the boat club often outlast university life, along with the mental attributes developed during rowing such as resilience and determination. If you were to ask an RUBC athlete or coach for a word that they associate with the club, most would say ‘fam-

and tiring weekend, the team set off back to Reading to go and enjoy a well-deserved reading week.”

Photo by Christopher Bartley

ily’, as the memories made both on and off the water are unmatched.

The club train on the River Thames in Caversham (not Whiteknights Lake, contrary to popular belief on campus), and water sessions are interspersed with training on rowing machines and strength and conditioning at Sports Park. Reading University Boat Club has produced Olympic rowers, and several team GB athletes, as well as taking on total beginners in the novice squad.

If you have any questions about RUBC, feel free to get in touch!

Website: www.readinguniversityboatclub.co.uk Instagram: @ruboatclub Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/RUBoatClub/

MARCH 2020

The greatest show(case) in Reading!

Emma Scott | Part 3 English Language and Applied Linguistics

There was an array of talent at the Reading Knights Cheerleading showcase on Wednesday, February 12th, as all teams came out in full force to perform the routines that they’d been working on this year for competitions, university sport matches and Varsity.

This year, Reading Knights Cheer have four different teams, including three competition teams –Steel, Platinum and Indium – as well as the performance team Titanium. Steel is the Level 1 tumble team; Platinum is the Level 2 non-tumble team; and Indium is the Level 2 tumble team.

Titanium is coached by third year student Georgia Banks; Steel is coached by third year student Justine Arif; and Platinum and Indium are coached by Hayley Hazard, Tenika Jordan and Aliyah Hopkins, who are all from the Legacy Allstars cheerleading team in Bracknell.

The routines on show were full of impressive stunts, jumps, tumbles and dancing, all of which fascinated the spectators who came along to show their support. With a fantastic turnout, many delicious cakes on sale and the purchase of countless tickets for the exciting raffle prizes, the showcase raised an incredible £500. The society are hoping that this money will help subsidise the expensive fees that come with travelling to competitions.

Not only was the showcase a fundraiser, it was also an opportunity for

Photo by Reading Knights Cheer

the Steel, Platinum and Indium to practice for their first competition, which took place at the Copper Box Arena in London on 22nd February.

The day was a massive victory for Reading Knights Cheer, as Steel came second, Indium came fourth, and Platinum’s performance saw them become university national champions with a first-place win!

The teams’ final competition of the season will take place on Saturday, March 14th at the BCA University Nationals in Derby.

However, that won’t be the last you see of Reading Knights Cheer this year, as the society will be hosting another showcase in March, as well as performing one last time at Varsity to display what six months of hard work and determination looks like!

Be sure to come along and show our cheerleaders your support!

Sports

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Return of the Korfball Alumni Josie Edwards | Part 3 Human and Physical Geography What an amazing, busy and boozy weekend. First off, we had the two alumni games on the Saturday afternoon. It was great to welcome everyone back to Reading again, and the competitive spirit was brilliant.

Everyone played amazingly in both games, and those who haven’t played Korfball in a while jumped straight back in.

The first game was pretty close, with lots of fab feeds set up and long shots, with good defense. A last-minute goal from player Katrina saw the score finish 7-7, but a penalty shootout ended in favor of the alumni. The second game was amazing to watch, and everyone kept up the competitive spirit with especially strong defense.

Both teams started pretty equal, but by the end alumni rose to victory, winning 7-5 and beating the current team for the second time.

We were playing in Pink and Red for two charities, Against Breast Cancer and Leukemia UK. Leonie, our clubs

Charity Representative, did some excellent fundraising; we raised an amazing total of £126.04. Thank you so much everyone who donated.

Later in the day, we all scrubbed up for big pres in Park Lounge, and some games of beer pong set the night off.

Everyone loved catching up with the alumni, and it was fun to see our new members getting to know everyone.

A few drunk photos later, we all headed to Union and danced the night away, in the front right of the main room as always!

I would like to say a big thank you to Owen and Rachel, our Social Secs, for organising such an amazing weekend; we all had a great time and already can’t wait for the next return of the Alumni.

Early the next day, pretty hungover, we had two league games against Southampton Spartans. Reading 2 played first – we put up a good fight and did some side feeds and veer shots which we had practiced in training. This was amazing to see, but unfortunately the game finished 16-5

to Spartans.

Reading 1 played next, and as always it was a great game. Reading took the lead early on and scored some amazing long shots, but soon Spartans were catching up – some Mexican waves and cheering from the sideline kept spirts up, and the game finished 14-14.

After the games, lots of us headed to Park Bar for a big Sunday roast and played some board games, before heading to a friendly game against Reading Rooks. This was a really tight game and scoring was equal throughout, there were some well-defended shots and brilliant feeds set up. The game finished 14-13 to Rooks.

Overall, it was a weekend of Korf that left us with lots to celebrate. Our fabulous members who came back for the weekend were sad to leave, and current members already can’t wait to see them all again soon.

Thanks to everyone, alumni and current, for making this a weekend we will never forget. Here’s to the next one!

Photo by Josie Edwards

If you’re interested in keeping up with all of the Reading Knights Cheer updates or you’re interested in joining the society, take a look at their page on the RUSU website and follow their Instagram @uorknightscheer.

Trampolining Competition Chloe Ashby | Part 2 Psychology On Saturday, February 8th, the University of Reading Trampoline Club had an early 6 a.m. start to travel to the University of Cambridge for our third trampoline competition of the academic year, hosted by the Southern Universities Trampoline League (SUTL).

Universities from the south of England and Wales gather to compete; all levels and abilities are welcome as the competition is split into categories from entry-level beginner to elite.

Competitors compete an individual routine and/or a synchronised routine with a friend. Routines consist of 10 moves and competitors will compete two: one set routine – a routine provided by the competition, and a vol-

untary routine – a routine where you are able to create your own 10 moves within the specification of your category.

As SUTL are raising money for Pieta House, a charity taking on a free therapeutic approach to mental health, a ‘synchro roulette’ was held, where two entrants from different universities are paired at random and compete a synchronised routine at the lower level competitor’s category with only one practice!

Synchro roulette is always good fun to both watch and compete as often it goes very wrong with pairs bouncing completely out of sync or even forgetting the routine!

After the competition, a themed social is always held, this is a great way to make friends from other universities.

At Cambridge the general theme was ‘things that fly’ so Reading dressed up as angels. Some other outfits spotted were ducks (University of Bath), bees (University of Southampton) and superheroes (Cardiff Metropolitan University). The social involved a bulk order of pizza, a nightclub takeover by 100s of students and somewhere to stay for the night – for many, the floor of a Scout hut!

Trampoline competitions are always the best weekends away!

Photo by Tom Lara

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Sports

ROUNDERS ENGLAND TOURNAMENT

MARCH 2020

READING UNIVERSITY RIDING CLUB 2019/2020 Harriet Salmon & Joanna Tunbridge | Part 2 Law & Part 2 Graphic Communication

Olivia Mill | Social Secretary On Wednesday 5th of February the Reading University Rounders team took part in a tournament held in Winchester against five other universities: Winchester, Southampton Solent, Bath, Royal Holloway and Portsmouth.

Each team played each other, and the total rounders for and against each team were calculated to find out the final rankings of the team.

Reading played very well for themselves, and it was the first time they had ever been in this tournament.

They started by playing Royal Holloway which was a close game with 9-6 to Royal Holloway.

Next was against Bath, which was also a close game, but Reading were stolen of their win by Bath’s amazing batting skills. However, within this game there was some controversy between the empires and the teams as the rules of obstruction were questioned. Reading felt they were owed half a rounder due to fourth base being in the running stream whilst Reading’s batter was attempting to stump in at fourth.

The umpire however did not see the event take place, so the team were not awarded anything. This left the team downhearted with a loss of 9.5-6.

The next game was a struggle for Reading as the home team of Winchester had support cheering them on. This knocked Reading team’s confidence leading to another win to the other team of 12-3. This was a disheartening match for Reading, as Winchester caught or stumped all Reading’s batters out before they could finish all 30 balls, leaving them with a massive disadvantage before they even had the opportunity to field.

The penultimate game was much of the same story with a loss of 10-2 giving the win to Southampton Solent University. This, however, was a very friendly and fun game as the Solent team were super friendly.

Nevertheless, Reading did not let the losses get them down for their final game against Portsmouth. They managed to harness their skills and get a win of 6.5 rounders to 5!

Even though Reading lost 4/5 games they ended on a high and got to go home happy. The overall winners were Winchester. But this was a massive learning curve for Reading and hopefully next year they can come back better and stronger!

Photo by Reading University Riding Club

Lessons Beginners In their lessons, the beginners have been working up from their first time getting on a horse to starting to learn how to control and work with the horse, which allows them to start progressing to working in trot and then canter and finally beginning to try out jumping for the first time.

Everything is a challenge at first — especially cantering — but with lots of practice, they’ve managed to get really comfortable when starting to move up out of trot and therefore this has improved their riding all round.

They have made a lot of progress so far this year and the beginners value the encouragement and tips from more experienced members of the club, and to be able to start their riding journeys in such a friendly and supportive environment.

Lowers The lowers’ lessons have been concentrating on improving their confidence and being more independent when thinking about what aids to apply to their horse in order to get the best out of them. This has included working in open order to allow the riders to think for themselves and also means that the horses have to think about what they are doing more as they aren’t just following one another around the arena.

To further improve their confidence when it comes to jumping, they have

been doing a lot of polework to allow the horses to start listening to what the riders are asking them to do. This has also helped a lot with increasing the confidence in the lowers when it comes to jumping where their skill has begun to grow with all the practice they have been doing.

Highers This year, the highers’ lessons have mainly consisted of working on the flatwork needed for jumping, but they have also moved on to apply this with actual fences. They have developed their skills to complete a course of jumps, as well as jumping at more difficult angles.

Photo by Reading University Riding Club Overall, we have had a mostly successful season with all teams winning their first matches back in November and multiple individual placings at each match. The second match for all teams was on our home ground at Wellington Riding, but unfortunately the B team did not have the home advantage and came last – this was wildly different to the win achieved at the last match!

win at home and also individual placings of first, third and fourth.

Teams

There were still, however, individual placings despite some strong and misbehaved horses. The A team continued this infamous legacy and also lost at home, again not helped by horses deciding that they would rather not stay in the arena.

We are now looking forward to hosting Varsity at the end of March and keep up our run of wins from the past few years, providing that competing at home actually brings us an advantage this time round.

This year the teams consist of the A and B teams who are part of the BUCS leagues. This year we have also been lucky enough to fund a Friendlies team, which is a really valuable way for our more experienced riders to begin stepping up to teams.

Regardless, individual placings were also achieved at this match and we all hoped that, with the Friendlies home match fast approaching, they would not follow the saying that bad luck comes in threes. Luckily, the Friendlies did not disappoint and took the

Their ability has been tested with new exercises using flatwork so that they can begin to correctly ride difficult lines such as dog legs when it comes to jumping. Using smaller jumps for gymnastic exercises also improves the riders’ confidence and makes the horses reliant on their riders for clear aids. Therefore, this tests the riders’ abilities, and riding different horses each week allows them to think about the aids they are giving and finding out what works for one horse may not work as well for another.

At the next match, the B team took home team second and are now in the running for a regional’s qualification with the fourth and final match fast approaching. The A team took home a respectable third at their last match and again came away with individual placings.

Socials We have had many successful socials this year, with non-alcoholic socials becoming the best way to have fun away from horses. We have had a glitter themed night, trampolining, a pizza night and a Christmas dinner!