Spark Newspaper - January 2020 by Reading Students' Union

WRITTEN BY STUDENTS FOR STUDENTS

JANUARY 2020

Striking for change

Page

RUSU take a break Find out what your full-time officers got up to over the winter break in our Photography section.

We take a look back at last term’s striking period and explain what will happen next for staff and students.

Page

RUCC Caving Trip

Page

Reading University Caving Club share what they got up to during their trip to Ogof Ffynnon Ddu.

APPLY FOR YOUR

GIVE A NEW SOCIETY A

STUDENT MEDIA.

GO THIS TERM.

APPLICATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR’S COMMITTEES ARE NOW OPEN.

THE RE-FRESHERS’ FAYRE AND GIVE IT A GO SESSIONS ARE RUNNING THIS MONTH.

NEW YEAR’S MOTIVATION

Photo by: RUSU Marketing

Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

Head over to Lifestyle this month to celebrate 2020 with a range of useful articles designed to help you kick start the new year. Whether it’s advice on budgeting your student finances, workouts to do at the gym, a new Reading café to try out, or a self-care routine you’re looking for, Lifestyle has it all.

STAR WARS IX: END OF AN ERA Ryan Harnell | Part 2 International Development

R U RUNNING? Taz Usher | Print Editor Nominations are now open for RUSU’s 2020/21 team of representatives.

The end of the Skywalker Saga is here - is it any good? The epic conclusion to this 40-year-old isn’t perfect, but does deliver moments of real heart and humour. Read all about it on page 30.

The roles- which are open to all students at UoR- include the five salaried positions of RUSU President, Welfare, Activities, Education and Diversity Officers, as well as part-time roles including Women’s, BAME and LGBQ+ Officers. The election period- running from

January 13th to February 28th- will also feature the selection of next year’s student trustees and school reps, resulting in more than 1,500 students stepping into leadership roles across the categories.

part-time officers.

Commenting on the benefits of the part-time officer roles, current International Officer, Sara Mattar said: “Throughout my role as part-time international officer I have enjoyed many things, especially working closely with the diversity officer and

The leadership positions also offer unique opportunities for skills development including leadership, the promotion of change, and most importantly, networking and meeting new people.

“I have enjoyed creating campaigns and events for internationals to make them more integrated in the University community.”

Sara added: “One of the many opportunities I have enjoyed during my role is the opportunity to attend the UKCISA conference in London. The talk focused on what internationals are facing in education and how we can make it better for them. I would encourage each student to go for a part-time position as you work closely with the University and are the voice of all students you are standing for.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 8.

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

Contents

CONTENTS

JANURARY 2020

Editorial

JANUARY 2020

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 03 Print Editor Taz gives an overview of this issue’s content and explains how aspiring writers can get involved with the next issue of The Spark and apply to join the committee.

RUSU UPDATE 04 Your five full-time officers reflect on their Autumn Term

successes and outline the next campaigns on their agendas.

TIME FOR CHANGE 10 Find out which ChangeIT ideas were successfully voted through last term.

LEND A HAND 18 These are some of the volunteering programmes you can get involved in whilst at university.

CUT IT OUT

Student Rob explains how taking a break from social media could be beneficial to your work ethic and mental health.

FEEL INSPIRED 32 Both old and new, here’s some films that could give you some much needed motivation for the new decade.

JELLICLE CATS 34 All cats have nine lives but does this remake of Cats? Read our Editor Taz’s review of the film.

HOROSCOPES

Read what the stars are saying about you this month. Is there some lucky in-store for you this decase?

Take a look at our Photography section to find out what your full-time officers got up to over the winter break.

Knights Sailing Secretary Peter explains why the team’s latest competition left them a little windswept.

TAKE A STROLL

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 LIFESTYLE EDITORS H O L LY F O U R N I E 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

If you’re a fan of a Sunday stroll, these are some spots you might want to check out.

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.

MOVIE-MAFIA MOGULS Martin Scorsese made us an offer we couldn’t refuse. Read this student review of The Irishman.

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

You’ll also find updates from all five of your full-time officers about their Autumn Term successes and plans for the rest of the year, as well as student reports of last term’s CHANGEIT results, UCU strikes and pheasant hunting ban.

Over in Lifestyle you’ll find plenty of new year’s inspiration including gym workout tips, a campus volunteering guide, fashion reviews and why dieting isn’t always the ideal resolution.

DESIGNERS KIA MACKENZIE

TREASURER ARHAM NAHAR

In News this month you can expect to read our front-page story on the opening of the RUSU nominations which features tips from current Students’ Union President Molli Cleaver about applying for RUSU’s 2020/21 team of representatives.

Global and national events are also topics of this month’s section so be sure to check out News for the latest on the Hong Kong unrest and UK General Election result.

LEAD DESIGNER X I A O M E N G FA N G

S E C R E TA R Y & S O C I A L S R E P OLIVIA MILL

Happy New Year and welcome to your first issue of 2020. I hope you all had a fantastic, restful break and are ready to get stuck into Spring Term.

IZZY EINON

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM ALEX WINFIELD ALEX BURROWS D A N I E L L E J AY

Dear Spark readers,

Student Ella tackles the topic of new year’s dieting and explains how students can enforce a healthier lifestyle in a more positive way.

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

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

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

CANCELLING THE NOISE OF DIET CULTURE

SPORT EDITORS

RUSU TAKE A BREAK 38

WET & WINDY DREAM

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

PLACES TO WALK IN READING

Print Editor Taz shares some hidden walking spots in and around Reading which are worth checking out this year.

Our student writers also give their advice on making changes to your Sunday selfcare routine and everyday budgeting. In Entertainment you’ll find reviews of Blockbuster and Broadway newbies including Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Jumanji: the next level, Dear Evan Hansen, and the heavily scratchedat Cats. Students Ryan and Elsie also share their takes on new music from Billie Eilish and Harry Styles. Elsewhere in the section you can find inspiration for the new decade including your monthly horoscope and a run down of all the movies and tv series to look forward to this year.

To find out what your full-time RUSU officers got up to during their Winter break head to the Photography section where you’ll find a section of snaps from their holiday escapades. Our Sport section also has a just as exciting line-up this issue and features updates from campus societies including Caving, Pole Fitness, Sailing and Chess. And if you’re still not over the excitement of the KSI vs. Logan Paul fight, you can relive the night by reading our report of the event in Sport too. As always, we are looking for new writers and members to join our society and would love to hear from you if you have a passion for writing, an interest in a particular topic, or are looking to improve your skills in photography, marketing, or design. If this is you, please get in contact at editor.spark@reading.ac.uk or via our Facebook groups. Head to the Noticeboard on page for more information about how you to connect with us on social media. We are also currently recruiting for our 2020/21 committee so if you’ll be at the university next year and fancy giving one of our roles a go I strongly encourage you to apply! Writing for The Spark is a fantastic opportunity which can help you to improve your writing style, enhance your CV, and develop skills applicable to careers in Journalism, PR and Marketing. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and have a great start to the Spring Term and 2020!

Taz

r e h Us

News

JANUARY 2020

News

JANUARY 2020

AN UPDATE FROM YOUR FULL-TIME OFFICERS RUSU PRESIDENT

Molli Cleaver

“If I were to summarise last term in 3 words I would say exciting, chaotic and fast-paced” If I were to summarise last term in 3 words I would say exciting, chaotic and fast-paced represent it fairly accurately. As an Officer team we do so much together, a lot of these updates are collaborative and I can’t take full credit myself!

Freshers Although we started in June having the buzz come back to campus in September was exciting! We handed out nearly 5000 lanyards, visited all 12 halls, spoke in all the welcome talks, celebrated your arrival at Mash Up and then went on to attend all the Freshers events! I also came along to the PGR social, International Welcome, Mature Students lunch, Commuters social and handed out around 200 smoothies promoting Change it! plus seeing you all at the fayre’s!

Employability & graduation Graduation – we added info about getting financial support onto all the December graduation invitations. RED talks – I have been in conversation with the Events department who are speaking with IT about how to achieve a central platform for discovering events and talks at the University. Finalist support – RUSU had a stall at JobFest, I have made videos to help you understand careers and one is now released about the Officer’s favourite parts of the careers service. I am currently working careers and RUSU to plan Social Impact week and we are currently producing a leavers pack to hand out to everyone at graduation to ensure you feel supported after you leave Reading.

For someone who hasn’t previously been massively engaged in politics it’s been a wild ride!

chaired two Trustee Boards; this board meets to scrutinise the delivery of RUSU and to ensure we are delivering our charitable outcomes. General Election – I’ve helped to deliver a societies debate, postering and leafleting on campus, a door knocking initiative with Vote for your Future, shuttling students to the polling stations, hosting the GE hustings and encouraging you all in person and all across social media to register to vote.

Sustainability – I’m talking environment audits, Green Week, fossil fuel divestment work, NUS sustainability summit, supporting two clothes swaps, creating an Environments Committee, creating an Environment and Ethics student network, Maya’s Refillables to offer environmentally friendly products in RUSU and participating in the September climate strike.

WELFARE OFFICER

RUSU supports UCU striking staff – we did a lot of work when strikes were announced, including running a referendum, sharing information on social media, visiting the picket line with hot drinks and producing posters and stickers to be circulated. Proudest Change it! moment: in response to the campaign for more indoor packed lunch facilities there is now a microwave in Eat at the Square as well as the 2 in The Study and 3 down at London Road. Plus, an indoor packed lunch facility map is being produced and we are now looking at adding another one on campus.

Event space

Outdoor spaces – glass pods have been submitted to the £1 million report and I just need to choose locations. Room booking – I’ve agreed with room bookings and the University Estates department to run a Spring pilot of a self-service option for societies to use.

It’s been a busy term! The main area I have focused on is mental health, something that is close to my heart and because it affects so many students.

#1in4 After finding out that 1 in 4 students struggle with their mental health at University, I decided to run a campaign called #1in4 (You’re not Alone) so that students have and know how to use positive coping mechanisms, to support their mental health. As part of this year-long campaign, I want to improve appropriate resources for mental health provisions at the University, improve signposting so students know where to access appropriate support and finally provide tools to improve positive coping mechanisms for mental health issues.

inspiring story about a stranger who saved a man from jumping off waterloo bridge. As part of my campaign I have also been running a survey to get feedback about experiences of mental health and services, so that I can bring this to the University’s attention.

Podcasts I have also started a podcast, with the first episode being about Mental Wellbeing at University. You can find this on the University Essentials pages or on Apple podcasts if you type in ‘1 in 4 you’re not alone’.

Sport in Mind I have also been helping to promote the amazing work that Sport in Mind are doing. They run 6 sessions a week for students struggling with stress, anxiety or any other mental health related issue. The sessions are a mix of high and low impact activity from mindfulness to badminton. Student volunteers recently received their active leader certificate from Robert, our Vice Chancellor, which was great to see! (image).

Be a Mate In addition to this, I have been working with the University on an alcohol awareness campaign called ‘Be A Mate’. We trialled workshops surrounding alcohol awareness and interventions,

run by the Alcohol Community Officer from Reading Borough Council. We are going to be running more of these sessions next term. We also had some activities during Alcohol Awareness Week. We were giving out cups and scratch cards, with alcohol measurements on so that students make a more informed approach when drinking. I also made a #1in4 podcast about the effects of drinking on mental health.

Caravan Theatre I have also worked with the University and with Zeid (Diversity Officer) on the #NeverOk campaign. During Fresher’s week we had the Caravan Theatre here and they performed a play called Ninety Four Thousand which concentrated on identifying hate crime and the serious effects hate crimes can have on people’s lives.

#NeverOk We also had a board up around the University, encouraging students to put up what was Never Ok (examples include; bullying, sexual harassment, racism) and advertised how you can report these, by emailing neverok@ reading.ac.uk. For next term, I am in the process of planning a housing campaign, and I am also hoping to get my Welfare Directory up and running, which will signpost students to support, on and off campus.

So far, I have run a ‘1 in 4’ union night and a mental wellness fayre for World Mental Health Day, in collaboration with the society ‘Open Mind’.

Manifesto round up:

Mojos renovation – we’ve kicked this off and are in the early stages of picking out an identity!

Gemma King

For the Union night, I was doing blue glitter face paint, 1 in 4 cups had stickers on them stating ‘1in4 you’re not alone’ and Open Mind were there raising money for Mind.

Engagement

There were also digital screens up (which are still up) directing students to support services, and showed statistics about mental health, to make students feel less alone.

Merch – I haven’t got too far with this, but next term I will be gaining student feedback about what you want and discovering what other SU’s offer.

Mental Wellness Fayre

Touch screen boards and voting stations – these went into the £1 million report and should be installed in Spring term! Trustee Board – I have now

Photo by Sian Lake

Molli speaking to students at the Freshers’ Fayre

For the Mental Wellness Fayre, students shared wellbeing tips, and we had a suicide prevention speaker talking about Jonny Benjamin ‘The Stranger on the Bridge’ which is an

Photo by RUSU Marketing

Gemma with Sport in Mind and Robert Van De Nort, after he had given them their Active Leader certificates

News

JANUARY 2020

Daisy O’Connor

Olio

Zeid Sharif

Autumn term was a very busy time for us, I found that it never really calmed down after fresher’s week! Whilst students are at home for a month over Christmas, we had more time to prepare for Spring.

I have also been working with ‘Olio’, a food recycling app which tackles food waste by allowing people in the community to share food they don’t need anymore. I have been getting students to sign up and introduced it to RUSU’s Mondial Café.

It was been a great start to the year!

Knights Pride

Networking

Alcohol-free socials At the start of Autumn term, Gemma and I ran welcome chats for committees for some of the biggest sports clubs. We wanted to get to know them, and get them talking amongst their clubs about socials, alcohol, and club reputations. Between the 10 groups, they came up with 130+ social ideas which didn’t rely on alcohol!

I am working on a Knights Pride campaign to reduce homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia in sport at Reading. I am working with Stonewall and Edda, our LGBQ+ Part-Time Officer, to increase education around LGBTQ+ identities and how sports clubs can be as welcoming as possible.

3G pitch Good Lad Initiative We also worked with the ‘Good Lad Initiative’, a company who run workshops for both men and women to facilitate discussions about mental health, group culture, and gender relations.

Buddy Scheme A highlight of my work so far has been the Buddy Scheme. The aim was to increase participation in sport by making it more accessible to students who wouldn’t have gone on their own- whether they’re nervous, don’t feel like they’d fit in, or just want to go with a friend to make it more fun. 134 students signed up last time which was amazing, and we’re opening it again this term for anyone who wants to try a sport or a society!

I’m still supporting the University with the 3G pitch project- a lot of work is being done to gain community support, make sure the disruption to local residents and students is minimal, and ensure we get planning permission from the council when it’s submitted again in Spring term. Overall I have had a great (albeit very busy) time in this job so far, and am looking forward to further projects coming to life in Spring.

EDUCATION OFFICER

DIVERSITY

ACTIVITIES

Working with all the other officers has been an amazing experience for me! I wanted to take you through a few things I have been working on throughout autumn term.

During freshers week I hosted Networking events with the part-time officers for out minority and liberation groups that are represented in our union. The first networking events was a great success! We hosted a second round of networking events towards the end of November and we are planning to host at least two at term.

the idea about an extending the roof to the patio. However, the new renovation should give mojos a brand-new identity and we hope to share it with you soon.

Fifi Bangham

Food tasting One of my main manifesto points was improving the food around campus. I have been working with the university catering team to create food tasting groups so students could have their say on what food is served around campus. We have run our first food tasting session last term and we have one coming up at the start of next this term. I have also been working with the RUSU catering team to enhance the food quietly we serve in Mojos.

Globalisation During the start of the year a lecturer in English linguistics approached us and asked for some assistance in his module. Fifi and I had a look through and gave our suggestions. Right before term started, he had asked me to help him facilitate the lecture with him, I have been attending most of his classes in Globalization in language and helping with whatever I can. it has been an amazing experience being on the teaching side of the classroom and you will hopefully see me in another class next term!

News

JANUARY 2020

Celebrations

Mojos renovation

We have also hosted a few workshops during the term for relevant celebrations and remembrance days. There are a few things we have started planning for next term. One of which is the cultural show which I have been working on with Daisy and the other is LGBT+ history month with I have been working on with Edda and the LGBT+ society.

Molli and I have been working closely with the commercial team at RUSU to start the planning stages for Mojos renovation! Unfortunately, we have to drop

If you are interested in some of the other things I have been doing throughout autumn please reach-out to me or drop me an email.

You’re excellent On October 2nd we launched the ‘You’re excellent’ scheme, as part of the RUSU excellence awards. Post boxes are being placed in different locations around campus, with postcards alongside them. Students are then able to nominate anyone working on campus (not only u n ive rsity/ aca-

Assessment

Study spaces

& Feedback

I have been working on campus wide informal study spaces (funded with money from the Student Support Experience Fund). We have identified 11 spaces to prioritise in phase one of theproject, created a spec, and approved the design plans for these spaces. We are excited for the spaces to be rolled out from the end of this term- so keep your eyes peeled! I will be engaging students to identify spaces for the second phase of the study space renovation.

As part of my manifesto, I have launched the Focus on Feedback in partnership with CQSD (Centre for Quality Support and Development) at the University. We are aiming to improve the quality and consistency of feedback on assignments. We have collected feedback from student in training sessions and using ROSiE, and have run sessions with staff from the University to help shape changes to policy. We are also looking at rolling out a poster campaign to not only give staff advice on the best way to give feedback, but also to help students with how to get the most out of the feedback they have been given.

Power sockets

In mid September, plug sockets were installed in the John Madejski Lecture theatre in agriculture. This is a huge win for the students, as there had previously only been 2 single sockets in the 192-seat theatre. Over the holiday, work was also completed to install plug sockets in John Nike Lecture theatre, now providing all of the seats in John Nike with a plug socket as well. This was funded by the Student Experience Capital Fund.

Photo by Zeid Sharif

Daisy with Gavin Brookes, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at November’s Share a Sofa event

Fifi at the Nursery 10 year Anniversary celebrations.

award

I received funding from the Alumni and supporter award for us to run a conference for our academic reps in the spring. We are looking forward to creating an event with an emphasis on boosting employability and leadership skills. The event will be called ‘Life and Leadership’. We are really looking forward to welcoming some really exciting guest speakers to talk to our reps at this event.

Pro Vice Chancellor interviews In July I sat on the interview panel for the role of PVC for Academic planning and resource. Mark Fellowes had previously been acting in this role, and he was appointed permanently to the position.

abeth McCrum and Julian Park who have been appointed to the role, and started on 2nd January.

Photo by Patrick Shiel

4 Officers driving around freshers trying to meet all the new students

supporter

In December I then sat on the interview panel for the Pro Vice Chancellor for Education. I am really looking forward to working with Eliz-

demic staff). Nominees will then receive a pin badge alongside their postcard. I’m excited about the year round staff recognition this will enable.

Photo by UoR

Alumni

News

JANUARY 2020

News

JANUARY 2020

NOMINATIONS OPEN

Monday 13th January, 10am

RUSU NOMINATIONS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1... Taz Usher | Print Editor

Those who apply for the parttime officer roles must self-define before nominating themselves as this information is an important aspect of the positions. Students can also choose to nominate themselves to represent the entire student body in one of the five full time officer roles. Speaking to The Spark about her initial reasons for applying, current RUSU President Molli Cleaver said: “I love working with people and being able to make their experience better. I was really lucky to have an amazing University experience but not everyone does, so I wanted to work to tackle that problem and make theirs even better.” Molli- who is now 6 months into her role- also highlighted the benefits of the position: “This job is like no other job you will ever have. You are suddenly thrown out of your graduation gown into a position of quite big responsibility and influence where you get to drive the direction of a multimillion-pound charity.”

“Background access is another huge perk. I’ve learnt that there is a lot on campus that I had absolutely no idea about; it’s really interesting to see what goes on to keep the University running and to be a part of that is exciting.”

“Another perk is the team. I may be slightly bias, but the team you work with at RUSU is such a strong and welcoming community. Everyone has been nothing but warm and inviting and this extends out beyond RUSU to all University staff. “On a serious note, you are also given an equal voice and voting rights in all decisions where an Officer might be involved, so this role is beyond just being a head figure for the organisation.” Molli also reflects on her favourite moments as President so far. She said: “Going along to the honorary graduations in the Summer was a great experience. I also get to do TV and newspaper interviews from time to time which is a weird sensation as someone actually wants to know what you have to say. “I really love seeing students

excited for something. It means we’ve done our jobs right and makes what I do extremely rewarding.

“I guess the one key part of my role is chairing the RUSU Trustee Board which oversees the running and delivery of RUSU.” And although the election period is known for being one of the biggest and most exciting events of the RUSU calendar, Molli also notes that applicants need to put time and thought into their applications. Molli said: “The roles are very different so even if you are only a little bit curious, I’d highly recommend coming to talk to one of the Officers. “The number one thing I have learnt is that the role is far bigger than you will imagine; there is so much that goes on behind the scenes I had no idea about until I started.” Her top tips for the all-important manifesto also included: “Be realistic, don’t over promise and don’t rush it. If you win, you’re mandated to complete your

manifesto so make sure your ideas are achievable. “Feel free to come and talk to the Officers and speak to students around you to see if there is genuine interest.” And those applying for the roles aren’t the only ones who need to commit some time to their decisions. From February 25th (11am) until 28th February (3pm), all UoR students will be welcomed to vote for the candidate they think is best suited for each role. A question time event will also run prior to the voting period when candidates will speak to students about their manifestos. Commenting on the importance of voting in the election, Molli said: “These are the people that will be driving the direction of RUSU for the next year, so you have to make sure that the right people are representing you. “Question time is a really good way to understand the candidate’s motivations, manifestos and how they respond under pressure to a

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Friday 7th February, 3pm

Photo by RUSU Marketing

room full of students. “The elections take up such a small proportion of your life that it is really worthwhile that your voice is heard, and we are giving you the platform to do so.” Molli also gives readers some direction for recognising a strong candidate. She said: “I think the word genuine sums up a successful candidate pretty well. Is their manifesto genuinely there to enhance the student experience? Do they want the job for the right reasons? Are they someone who you believe can represent your voice? “Don’t just vote for someone because they are popular or because everyone else is voting for them, try to see the bigger picture and whether their ideas meet your values and demands.” You can vote for your favourite candidates at rusu.co.uk once the voting platform is live. The results of the elections will be announced at the Results Party on Friday, February 28th. To view the full elections timeline visit rusu.co.uk/elections.

NOMINATE

NOW RUSU.CO.UK/ELECTIONS

#RUSU ELECTIONS

News

JANUARY 2020

CHANGEIT RESULTS Yinan Zou | Part 2 BA Politics and International Relations

Pheasant Hunting Ban Made Official Sabita Burke | Sub Editor The University of Reading has made the decision to end a lease which previously allowed pheasant shooters to kill prey on its farmland. This ban was put into place following an internal review and a meeting held by the University Executive Board on Monday, November 11th. Those concerned decided to back the findings of the review group and endorse an end to the University’s current license for game shooting on its land at Hall Farm in Arborfield, a village four miles south-east of Reading. Once the existing agreement with the shooters comes to an end in February 2020, the University will no longer allow its land to be used for the practices of game bird raising or shooting.

rusu.co.uk ChangeIt is an online platform which provides students with a voice to share their ideas for improving or changing the University. Each term, a number of ideas are submitted and then passed or rejected at a termly Student Voice meeting. Two campaign ideas and one policy idea are then chosen, requiring support from 200 students, in a cam-

“Currently, the university provides free parking to students with disabilities” pus-wide vote. Last term’s successful ChangeIt ideas are as follows: 1. RUSU to campaign for the University to introduce a security text service 2. RUSU to campaign for the University to make parking on campus more accessible for students

3. RUSU to write a sustainable crockery and cutlery policy. Taz Usher- the student that proposed the security text service idea- believes that the option to text security as well as calling them would make the university’s 24-hour security service “much safer and more effective”. Taz was inspired to put forward her security text service idea as a result of her own experience of needing to report suspicious behaviour to security, but needing to do so subtly and quickly. She also said: “A security text service would benefit students from all backgrounds, particularly students with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing”. Taz added: “My idea offers both a safer and more practical solution to reporting safety issues on campus”. The second successful campaign idea was submitted by RUSU President Molli Cleaver after hearing from various students about how important the issue was to them. Molli’s proposal aims to make parking more accessible to students by

making parking more affordable to those who need it. Currently, the university provides free parking to

“Two campaign ideas and one policy idea are then chosen”

This decision was in part spurred on by a letter of complaint sent to the Vice Chancellor by the charity the League Against Cruel Sports. This letter was written on humanitarian grounds and requested that the University cease the practise of pheasant shooting when its lease ended in February. The members of staff who participated in the review group that pushed this decision forward included Professor Mark Fellowes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning & Resource, and expert panel members from the University’s School of Agriculture, Policy and Development and the School of Biological Sciences.

The group took into consideration the Full Time RUSU Officers, who had unanimously voiced their personal support for ceasing the shooting. The

“This decision was in part spurred on by a letter of complaint”

student voice was considered to be an important factor in the decision, according to the review report. A University of Reading spokesperson said: “The University of Reading is known… as a leading centre for the study of agriculture, food and the environment. While there are many arguments for and against game shooting, this decision was taken based on what is the most appropriate use of University land, based on our values and plans for the future. “We are committed to maintaining close links with outside groups and the local community across all our operations, including on our farms. “We are grateful to all those who engaged with us positively throughout this review process.”

students with disabilities, however not many students are able to access these places. Consequently, the new ChangeIt idea is encouraging adjustments to help alleviate the problem. The successful policy idea- RUSU to write a sustainable crockery and cutlery policy- was submitted by student, Kim Coleman. The idea aims to drive the university towards a greater initiative of being environmentally friendly. If you like any of the ideas remember to show your support over the next two years to keep them in place. For more information about the Change It scheme visit www.rusu. co.uk/representation/change-it/.

Robert Horobin, Unsplash

JANUARY 2020

News

JANUARY 2020

FAIRTRADE ON CAMPUS

APPLY NOW TO JOIN NEXT YEAR’S MEDIA STREAMS. Taz Usher | Print Editor

Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science

Unsplash/Zan As students, we will often look at the items on the shelf in a supermarket and opt for the cheapest option. Have you ever wondered why some bananas cost more than others? The price difference is often due to a Fairtrade premium. Fairtrade products aren’t limited to bananas. Chocolate, tea and gold, to name a few, can also be Fairtrade. So, what exactly is Fairtrade? The Fairtrade scheme was set up in 1992 and has aimed to tackle injustice within global trade. Countries rich in natural resources and export large amounts of produce tend to be amongst the poorest; they are exploited by more developed countries. Consumerist countries set prices by controlling the demand for products. Producers receive little money for the product in comparison to the cost of the item we pay in the supermarket.

STUDENTS: LIVE WHERE THE LIFE IS!

A product can be classed as Fairtrade if it meets standards set by the organisation. Farmers must join together with other farmers to form a cooperative. Fairtrade aims to increase how much money producers receive by setting minimum costs by weight and by giving Fairtrade premiums.

Applications are open now to return to Hall next academic year. See reading.ac.uk/return-to-hall for more information.

B25390 Returners adverts newspaper MM v6 PRESS.indd 2

14/01/2020 11:15

sum of money. Money is awarded to the cooperative and is then democratically decided how it should be spent within the community. The cooperative can invest the money where they see fit, whether it be t0 schools, increasing sustainability or building new roads. There are huge possibilities for where this money can be spent, as less developed countries often lack the infrastructure that we take for granted. Fairtrade sets social, environmental and economic standards for the workers and companies involved. However, the organisation has been under criticism for setting certification and inspection fees. Fees, therefore, increase the cost of production which may lower the wage that farmers receive. The money farmers receive is still very little in comparison to the price that consumers pay. Is Fairtrade worth it? I think so. Although the scheme isn’t perfect, consumers have the responsibility to advocate for the rights and fair treatment of the people who produce our food and clothing!

Setting a minimum value is very important for producers. Demand for certain products fluctuates throughout the year. When demand is low, the prices fall below what was already a poor deal.

By purchasing a Fairtrade product, we are increasing the demand for fairly sourced products which may help set better standards for workers. Fairtrade should be the universally accepted minimum.

Setting a minimum cost, in theory supplies farm owners and workers with a steady income. Fairtrade invests into communities through the Fairtrade Premium, which is an additional

Fairtrade products can be purchased on campus at the Co-op. As a cooperative, they offer a range of fairly and sustainably sourced products.

Media streams Applications are now open for UoR’s 2020/21 media stream committees. The streams- which comprise Spark Newspaper, RUTV Junction 11- are looking to positions including chief editors managers, as well as secretaries social reps.

The and fill and and

Students who apply for the roles must be members of the university for the next academic year, and those who are successfully placed in the positions will join the committee from February onwards. Commenting on her roles in The Spark during her three years at UoR, current Print Editor Taz Usher said: “I have been a part of The Spark since my first week of university and have never once regretted my decision to join the society. “Throughout my membership I have occupied the positions of writer, Print Entertainment Editor and Print Editor and have made many friends and memories that I will cherish as part of my student experience. “Writing for The Spark not only opens up so many career opportunities to you, but it helps you to grow as a person in terms of organisation, attentiveness, and a commitment to empowering the voices of others.

She added: “Highlights of my time in The Spark include reporting at Reading Festival 2019, attending a weekend conference and awards ball in Cardiff, and winning media stream of the year, two years in a row.”

and meet new people from across the country at NaSTA (the National association of Student TV). If you have any questions about RUTV or it’s committee roles, email rutvproducers@gmail.com.”

Media stream membership can be valuable in more ways than one. Not only does experience in the roles provide invaluable skills applicable to media, marketing and advertising careers, but content that students create during their membership can be collated into a portfolio which will really help them to stand out in the job market.

Station Manager of Junction 11 also highlights the benefits of joining UoR’s student radio team. She said:

Head of RUTV, Ben Stone said: “If

“This growing and learning media stream is an open canvas for you to leave your mark” you love to create videos from dating shows to news shows and comedy shorts to sports coverage then RUTV needs you to apply to join the committee team. “This growing and learning media stream is an open canvas for you to leave your mark, learn new skills

“Would you like to get involved in reporting on breaking campus news? Uniting music fans of all genres from all corners of the campus? Keep the radio playlists up to date with the hottest tracks of the minute? If so, Junction11 is for you. “We need a committee of strong characters to help steer the station to help students to find the confidence to develop a show or have an involvement that they are proud of! For any questions, email stationmanager@junctionradio. co.uk” Getting involved in student media is a great way to improve your confidence, campus and general news knowledge, and to acquire skills applicable to all kinds of industries. To apply for next year’s media stream committees visit https://www.rusu. co.uk/surveys/207/.

News

JANUARY 2020

News

JANUARY 2020

UCU STRIKES. WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Annie Davis

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW 2019 GENERAL ELECTION

Unsplash/Eva Dang

Steph Holmes | Part 3 English Literature and Politics

2019 has ended with a new government, as Boris Johnson, failing to secure a mandate to deliver Brexit, called a General Election for the 12th of December. It was the first December election since 1923 and the second General Election in two years, which indicates the messy political landscape which has dominated these past four years. The election result was a Conservative victory of an 80 seat majority, up from 48. This was the biggest landslide majority for the Conservatives since 1987 and a complete triumph for the party.

their vote share, resonating particularly with Remain voters and thus, they gained a total of 11 seats. The SNP also gained seats, winning 48.

to the ‘London bubble’, student politics and identity politics just didn’t resonate with the working people of Britain who had always been so loyal to the Labour Party.

Turnout was slightly down from the 2017 snap election, at 67.3%. Among 18-24 year olds, the turnout was 47% in which only 19% voted for Conservative.

As a result, lifelong Labour heartlands in the North of England, the ‘red wall’, turned blue in support of the Conservatives for the first time in history.

A factor of the Conservative victory lay in their commitment to delivering Brexit and thus, they

What was particularly interesting was the march of angry Labour supporters on the evening of the 12th of December, as they descended into London, denouncing Boris Johnson as their Prime Minister, echoing America’s ‘Not My President’ chants after Trump’s win in 2016.

“the 2020s must be a time of careful reflection”

In contrast, the Labour Party suffered their worst electoral result since 1935, only winning 32.1% of the vote and losing lifelong Labour voting constituencies.

had a clear lead among Leave voters and Leave voting constituencies.

Despite Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson losing her seat, the Liberal Democrats increased

Furthermore, fears of radical socialist policies, accusations of Anti-Semitism, Labour’s appeal

And so, 2020 begins. The election was a momentous way to end the decade. A large Conservative majority means they are in a secure position for delivering Brexit by the 31st of January as well as committing to their manifesto pledges.

The 2020’s will be a new postEU Britain which must navigate through a new relationship with the EU and the wider world and hopefully will do so with great success. Jeremy Corbyn’s resignation as Labour leader as well

This election has also resulted in a Parliament which now has the highest number of LGBTQ+ MP’s in the whole world as well as large numbers of female and ethnic minority MP’s. Along with the uncertainty of the Labour Party

“This election has also resulted in a Parliament which now has the highest number of LGBTQ+ MP’s in the whole world”

as their crushing defeat means that, for the Labour Party, the 2020’s must be a time of careful reflection, in which they seek to regain the support of those they lost. This election has also meant possible Scottish independence, with demands for another referendum from Nicola Sturgeon after the SNP gains.

direction, the Conservative led Parliament and the deliverance of Brexit, the 2020’s will be a time of change and a redrawing of a new political landscapes and leaders. What will become of Britain is yet to be known, but as Bob Dylan once sang, ‘The times, they are a’ changing’.

Annie Davis | Part 2 Biomedical Science

Following votes by the University and College Union (UCU), strikes took place on campus from the 25th November to the 4th December.

“Reading was among the 60 affected universities”

The university responded, with the conclusion that this would not be affordable and is an unrealistic request. Disputes with pay were also seen following the annual national pay bargaining process, which determines pay increases for staff for the following year. The pay increase was set to be between 3.65% and 1.8%, depending on the job role.  SO, WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Reading was among the 60 affected universities. At our University, there are approximately 700 members of the UCU, with a third of them estimated to have striked. This makes up just over 16% of the total staff employed. Members took part in the strike due to disputes over pay and pension contributions which they were unable to sort with the University directly. Following changes to the pension scheme, members suggested that pension contributions should be over 26% of annual salary, with various options of how this could be achieved.

Each school was differently by the strike.

affected

As part of the industrial action, members who chose to strike have said they will stick to their contracted hours and, in other words, will not make up for missed timetabled hours. The university has asked that members of staff will make up for

“members who chose to strike have said they will stick to their contracted hours” the missed content, however, this may vary hugely between schools. If you had lectures cancelled, there is a form that you can fill out on the University’s website. Many schools will not test on content that was missed due to the strike. However, if you feel that your exams have been impacted by the strikes, there is a form to fill out on the university’s website. This will enable your department to make adjustments. Many

“If your assignments or coursework has been negatively affected by the strike, adjustments can also be made.”

students had assignments set which ran throughout the strike period. If your assignments or coursework has been negatively affected by the strike, adjustments can also be made.  These forms can be found at https://student.reading.ac.uk/ essentials/_the-important-stuff/ industrial-action-2019.aspx

“many schools will not test on content that was missed due to the strike”

News

JANUARY 2020 Isaac Wong

THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS – HONG KONG POLICE BRUTALITY Colette Chan | Part 3 International Development

New year, same goal - Five Demands, Not One Less. Hong Kong begins 2020 like how 2019 ended. Carry on to the first day of 2020, 1.3 million Hongkongers protested on street. One of the controversial discussions during the anti-ELAB movement is the excessive force used by police, including arbitrary arrests, brutal beatings and torture. Since June 2019, police have fired around 16000 rounds of teargas, 10000 rubber bullets, 2000 rounds of bean bags and 2000 rounds of sponge bullets (Source: RTHK). Universities were stormed by the attack of police force; Live rounds were fired to student protesters; Multiple citizens including protesters, journalist and first aiders were also shot by rubber bullets in the eyes, which caused permanent visual impartment. Over the past few months, the Centre for Communication and Public Opinion Survey of the Chinese University of Hong Kong conducted a series of surveys about public attitudes towards the protest.

It reveals the Hong Kong Police Force has lost public support. Survey with nearly 90% of Hong Kong citizens took part in, showed that 87% of Hong Kong citizens rated 0 satisfaction to police force and agreed that police have been using excessive force (Source: SCMP). Respondents condemned the police violence and urged the government to form independent inquiry into police humanitarian crisis. Amnesty International Hong Kong revealed the use of excessive force to unarmed civilians by Hong Kong police has violat-

“Respondents condemned police violence” ed the international law. According to the UN Human Rights Office, the principles on the use of force and firearms have clearly stated that law enforcement officials should only use force and firearms when necessary, with a guidance of minimising damage,

injury and respecting human life. Injuries or death caused by law enforcement officials should be reported to the superiors, as well as not prohibiting any paramedics to rescue. However, during every protest, specifically the 831 Prince Edward station attack and the Siege of Polytechnic University (PolyU) campus, has shown scenes of police indiscriminately attacking peaceful protesters with excessive force. At the 831 Prince Edward station attack, members of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) known as “raptors” attacked commuters on tube and hindered the aid operation; moreover, during the Siege of PolyU, a bunch of medics were arrested outside the besieged campus. Other inhumane treatments such as sending pregnant arrestee to hospital 4 hours after vomiting and spraying pepper spray directly to protesters in the eyes within short distance were also recorded. Up till now, there are many suspicions towards the police

guidelines for using lethal force; numerous of missing arrestees are also considered as forced disappearance by the police. The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) is a government-appointed organisation, which is often described as a “tiger without teeth”. According to international experts, the IPCC has a shortfall in power, capacity and inde-

of the “Five Demands’ is calling for establishment of an independent commission of inquiry, which is a more transparent and effective mechanism for ascertaining the truth. Despite the shocking escalation of conflicts in the protests, the Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the Hong Kong Police Force still opposed to establish the independent commission of inquiry.

“ law enforcement officials should only use force and firearms when necessary” pendent investigative capability to investigate the misconducts happened during protests, for example not being able to summon witness. The explicit prioritise of “ethical” flexibility and blind obedience to directives have raised concerns to Hongkongers, whether any legal sanctions would be given to police using excessive force. As a result, one

Every Hongkongers who stepped out gamble their lives and persevere through suffering. With the witness of the new decade, we pray for everyone in Hong Kong to be safe and sound. To be continued in the next issue, we are going to look at the yellow economic circle created by the pro-democracy group.

JANUARY 2020

Lifestyle

JANUARY 2020

Lifestyle

MY UOR VOLUNTEERING JOURNEY Taz Usher | Print Editor

Before coming to university, I strongly associated the word ‘volunteering’ with helping out in charity shops. However, since being at UoR I have grown to recognise that volunteering can cover a broad spectrum of extra-curricular activities including helping out at local schools, working on a committee, or representing a group of people. Course Rep The first volunteering role which I occupied was First Year Undergraduate Course Rep for my course. I was selected for this role along with another of my course mates following a nomination process which required me to put together a small manifesto regarding what I would contribute as course rep and my ideas for improving the course. As course rep I attended termly meetings with the other rep from my degree (2 from each year group), as well as the head of the department, library coordinator, and other staff members. The meetings were a chance for each course rep to contribute praise, as well as suggestions for improvements about various aspects of their year and course. In order to contribute this feedback we also had to collate comments from members of our course via short surveys (paper and online) and a Facebook group which acted as a comment forum. This role was highly beneficial as it not only gave me an insight into the “behind the scenes” aspects of my degree, but helped me to get to know the other students on my course. Students in School Another key volunteering opportunity which the UoR encourages students to get involved in is the Students in Schools programme. Requiring just 10 visits to a local school for basic completion of the programme, it allows students to experience work in an educational environment. When applying for the programme you specify the age group that

you’d like to work with, any subject preferences, and whether you’d like to work with SEN students. I spent my placement at a local Catholic primary school which I visited for two hours on a Wednesday afternoon for 9 weeks and supported the year three class with assisted reading activities. I recommend the Students in Schools programme as it gives you a taste of the profession in a way which is rewarding to you; both

“[...] it gives you a taste of the profession in a way which is rewarding to you;”

Eden James | Part 2 History

“When Little Mix came out with their new album LM5, there came another Little Mix tour. ” When Little Mix came out with their new album LM5, there came another Little Mix tour. I recently went with my sister and was blown away by the message of female empowerment their concert promoted. With lyrics like ‘If you never been told how you gotta be… if you never shouted to be heard, you ain’t lived in a woman’s world’ they have a clear agenda of raising awareness of women’s struggles ad how society needs to change. Not only through the lyrics but by their stage presence, dance moves and the on-screen visuals. With their main demographic being young girls and women, this is the perfect message to be spreading, throughout the whole concert they sang about loving their bodies, not caring what anyone else thinks of you and the sisterhood between them as band members and between women as a whole. Their emergence as feminist icons will inspire their fans who have idolised them since the band formed back in 2011. Since splitting from their previous record label to produce their 5th album they have been granted the freedom to express themselves through their music. The tour comes after the band have taken many steps to speak about empowerment. At the end of 2018, to promote their single Strip (which was played at

their concert) they posed nude with hate comments written over their bodies which included ‘Fat’, ‘Ugly’ and ‘Slutty’. This was intended to combat such comments and address the negativity they have been subjected to from people feeling they need to make hateful comments about them. Outside of their music one of the band members Jesy Nelson came out with her documentary Odd One Out earlier this year in September in which she discussed her mental health, body image and online bullying she endured since winning the X-Factor. In this she speaks about the issues she faced and speaks to others about what they endured and the difficult journey to overcome this and how they learnt to love themselves. This is especially powerful in a time fuelled by social media where people feel they can speak their mind, it gives those who are suffering through the same thing solace that they are not alone and that they too can get through what they are experiencing. Going to the concert after watching this made a message of body empowerment much more poignant as it clearly comes from the heart. All this leads me to believe Little Mix are the prefect role models for girls, teaching them they need to love themselves and don’t need to answer to anyone.

BUDGETING FOR 2020 Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

Photo by Holly Fournier

It’s the 13th of January, and your student loan has just arrived. You’re straight on the Domino’s app, forgetting that the last time you did this at the beginning of term you were left skint when Christmas came around. This feeling I can relate to. However, I wanted to eliminate this feeling at the end of each term and keep track of my spending, so I bought a budget book from Wilko- now every term my student loan goes further! This could be a new year’s resolution, even if it is effort, you’ll appreciate it when week 11 comes around.

MINDFULNESS 10 FINGER GRATITUDE EXERCISE Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

Workouts to do at the gym

in terms of work experience and watching the students benefit from your support. Red Award and Advanced Red Award The Red Award is another great and easy way to get involved, and be awarded for, your extra-curricular involvement whilst at university.

‘I got the power’

Lifestyle

Photo by Alex Winfield

RISIS.

Additionally, if you get ahead of the game and complete your RED Award within your first or secThe Award is made up of three ond year, there is also the option parts: core activity, volunteering, to do the Advanced RED Award and training; the timescales for which requires a more independwhich can be found on the website. ent approach to improving a skill I highly recommend completing such as Commercial Awareness, your RED Award whilst at UoR as it is very easily completed and something which, if in your sec- “If in your second or ond or third year, you may have third year, you may completed without realising. The have completed without RED Award is a valuable method of recording your extra-curricular realising.” commitment and offers a sense of accomplishment on completion of the scheme. You can sign up on Communication and Presentation;

Digital and IT skills. To complete the award, you will need to create a personal development plan around your chosen skill and then log your progression in this skill and attend an employability event. You can also sign up for this on RISIS. The Advanced Red Award was just as beneficial to me as it encouraged me to explore my chosen career in much more detail than I would have out of personal choice. The Professional Track The Professional Track is a programme unique to the School of Literature and Languages and

upon completion, provides students with a valuable record of the activities they have been involved in whilst at university. To complete the Professional

“The Professional Track is a programme unique to the School of Literature and Languages” Track you are required to complete three Professional Track courses, two placements (academic/ professional), one university activity,

and a reflective report. These can be completed throughout the duration of your degree. I really recommend doing the Professional Track as not only has it become a great asset of my CV, but it has helped me prepare for the workplace and crucial career decisions in more way than one. The Spark Newspaper Throughout my time at UoR I have also volunteered as a committee member of The Spark Newspaper. Throughout my membership I have occupied the positions of writer, Print Entertainment Editor and Print Editor and have made

many friends and memories that I will cherish as part of my student experience. Writing for The Spark not only opens up so many career opportunities to you, but it helps you to grow as a person in terms of organisation, attentiveness, and a commitment to empowering the voices of others. Highlights of my time in The Spark include reporting at Reading Festival 2019, attending a weekend conference and awards ball in Cardiff, and winning media stream of the year, two years in a row. If you would like to apply for a position on next year’s committee you can do so at https://www.rusu. co.uk/surveys/207/.

Dhriti Dawda | Part 4 Food and Nutritional Sciences Targeted workout for different areas of your body: Sometimes it’s easier to go in with a narrow focus with a few exercises to really target certain areas to build muscle and be more toned. For upper body this can be things like lateral raise, ventral raise, pull ups (assisted), upright rows. For lower body there are exercises like glute bridges, reverse lunges, and squats. There are websites that show you how to do some of these exercises and it means the next day you can focus on another area while the rest of your body is recovering. Full body workouts: If you are short on time and do not work out very often, this is a good option. It means you can target all areas of your body and train again after you have recovered. The exercises mentioned above can be done as well as HIIT workouts which have an element of cardio in

them and burn a lot of fat. If your gym has classes focused on full body its beneficial to join them as the equipment is provided and exercises just must be followed. Cardio This is a great option for losing fat. It is a good idea to incorporate cardio in your workout routine to lose fat and show your muscle tone. It doesn’t have to be boring, for example on the treadmill there is an option of sprinting at various intervals, or using the rowing machine as and stationary bicycle. Balance and stretching Finally, recovery as well as activities like yoga are essential to rest and restore the muscles. Attending classes or doing a short practice at home are options for this kind of activity as well as investing in a foam roller and carrying out balancing exercises. This prevents injuries and ensures you can continue exercising.

Photo by Diego PH on Unsplash

This new year try the 10-finger gratitude exercise. If you’re feeling down because you’re back at university and Christmas has passed, the 10-finger gratitude exercise is an excellent thing to do to remind yourself on a bad day of the things you’re grateful for. On each finger, count ten small or big positive things/events that happened in your day. Such as, someone opening a door for you in the library. This will hopefully make you realise that many positive things have also happened in your day as we tend to focus on the negative naturally.

JANUARY 2020

Lifestyle

JANUARY 2020

LEARNING TO DRIVE AT UNIVERSITY Dog’s- Adopt don’t buy IS POSSIBLE…MEANING YOU CAN GRADUATE WITH A DRIVING LICENSE AND A DEGREE! Amelia Dinsdale | Online Lifestyle Editor

“Here are my top 5 reasons why I think adopting is better than buying.” I’ve always been a dog person so I have always had them from puppies. Before 2 years ago I had never even considered adopting an adult dog because of all of the possible complications and let’s face it, puppies are just really cute. So, when I found out that we were rescuing a 5 year old mini schnauzer from Spain I was sceptical. Two years on and I can’t imagine life without her. Here are my top 5 reasons why I think adopting is better than buying. No toilet training. Puppies are cute but the mess they make is it. Adopting an adult dog meant that we didn’t have to deal with that particular problem.

Taz Usher | Print Editor

It’s cheaper. Buying a pedigree can cost in excess of £800. We only paid for Molly’s medical costs and even that was optional. You are giving them a second chance at life. Molly’s previous life was evident when we first got her, from her

damaged ear to her overwhelming fear of men. Now she is so sweet and you would never know about her tough past. It’s amazing to know that she will be happy for the rest of her life. They normally need less training. When we got Molly, despite trying out every command in the book, she was unresponsive, so we assumed that she had never been taught anything. After some thought we decided to try out some commands in Spanish and she responded to them all. With a bit of trial and error she learnt to respond in English too so now we have a bilingual dog. There’s more variety. If you know that you can’t keep a dog for 15 years then you can adopt a senior dog. You may have them for less time than you would have a puppy but you can feel happy knowing that you made their final years great. You can also find almost every breed imaginable in rescue homes across the country to suit any household.

Photo by Taz Usher

Completing your A levels and applying for university are achievements in themselves when you’re 17 to 19 years old. So how come the added pressure of learning to drive is put on us too? While some people are lucky enough to be bought driving lessons, taught to drive by their parents, or even treated to their own car from the age of 17, the option of facing the wheel so early on isn’t available to everyone. I, for one, despite having a parttime job, had neither the time, money nor confidence to set foot in the driver’s seat during sixth form. I therefore waited until joining university before doing the dreaded deed. My decision to learn to drive at university was motivated by four things: 1. I had a lot of spare time during my first year of university and wanted to fill it with something productive.

2. The prospect of having a loan excited me and I wanted to spend it on something worthwhile rather than clothes. 3. I (for some reason) felt I was letting my parents down by having not passed my test before university and wanted to surprise them by learning away from home. 4. I dreaded the thought of graduating and having to find time alongside a graduate job to learn. At first, I was stuck with knowing where to look for a driving instructor in Reading. I didn’t know the area, my new friends had either learnt how to drive already or didn’t know any companies to recommend in the area, and I wasn’t part of any Reading community Facebook pages. Consequently, I used Yell to search for instructors for nervous learners and found the perfect answer. My lessons cost £28 per hour (I had one a week) and started and

finished from my university accommodation. My driving instructor was extremely flexible with timings and worked with me to fit my lessons around my studies. Driving around Reading was at first terrifying, with my driving instructor reassuring(?) me that if I “can drive around Reading, you can drive anywhere”. However, my instructor’s patient guidance and confidence-building agenda got me well on my way to becoming a safe driver. It took me until the start of my third year at university to pass my test, factoring in holidays and time at home, however learning to drive at university is something I’ll never regret. Why give yourself the pressure of learning to drive in just over a year during sixth form when you have three years+ to build your confidence on the road at university?

Photo by Amelia Dinsdale

Internationals at Reading Zeid Sharif | Diversity FTO at RUSU What do you like about living in Reading? The best thing about living in Reading is the people. I have met my closest friends throughout the years I’ve been here. What do you not like about Reading?

Something I dislike about Reading would be the lack of good cuisines there are around town. What could Reading do better? I think it would be better if there would be more events during the day, I feel like most events are hosted in the evenings.

Lifestyle

JANUARY 2020

SUNDAY EVENING SELF-CARE Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

NEW YEAR, NEW BOOTS Monica Lillis | Part 4 German and Economics

JANUARY 2020

THE BIG BROADCAST Jessica Storry | Part 3 English Literature

Photo by Holly Fournier

Lifestyle

WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX.

Rob Young | Part 2 English Literature and Film

Photo by Israel Palacio on Unsplash

Photo by  Laura Dewilde on Unsplash

For me, it isn’t Christmas until I get a new pair of black boots. It’s a tradition that my mum is begging me to stop with my ever-growing collection, but when the new Prada Chelsea boots stepped out the AW 19 runway my jaw dropped. I had to have that chunky sole in my wardrobe. According to the Prada website, the boots are inspired by the famous Victorian gothic novel Frankenstein and were an attempt to balance out rebellious footwear with feminine silhouettes, a perfect way to add a hint of grunge to any outfit. Naturally, I wasn’t the only one to notice

“What better day of the week is there to take some time out for some self-care than a Sunday?” What better day of the week is there to take some time out for some self-care than a Sunday? My favourite thing to do self-care wise is have a relaxing evening to myself utilising my favourite hair, skin and nail products. I am more of a morning shower person; however, I love a long hot shower in the evening on a Sunday. To wash my hair, I am loving the ‘Bioderma Nodé Shampooing Fluide’ shampoo. I love how it is for all hair types, and it works considerably well with my dry hair since it is so nourishing. It costs £9.20 on Feel Unique: https://www.feelunique.com/p/ BIODERMA-Node-Shampooing-Fluide-200ml and don’t forget your student discount because you can get 10 or 20% off! For conditioner, I am loving

the ‘Xpel Hair Care Strawberry Conditioner’. It is only £1 from Poundland and works wonders. It leaves my hair silky-smooth and smelling like strawberries all day. When I get out of the shower, I use hair oil to ensure that the ends of my hair are hydrated and shiny. I’m using the ‘Inecto Naturals Coconut Hair Oil’ as it’s a decent size that lasts a while and only costs £2.99 in Savers. For my skin, I find there’s nothing worse than having my makeup still on my face when I get home. Before I wash my makeup off, I like to use the ‘Bioderma Sébium H2O Purifying Cleansing Micelle Solution’ as it melts off all my makeup and is tailored to oily skin- this is great for when

“I find there’s nothing worse than having my makeup still on my face when I get home. ” I’ve been feeling spotty! Then, when it’s a Sunday evening and I

have the time to take extra with my skin, I use the ‘Bioderma Sébium Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel’ as it will ensure there are no traces of dirt left on your face and is made to prevent blemishes. Both products are £10.80 and can be found here: https://www. feelunique.com/search?q=bioderma+sebium. After removing my makeup, I love to use a face

“My favourite thing to do self-care wise is have a relaxing evening to myself utilising my favourite hair, skin and nail products.” mask and the Missguided one leaves my skin feeling super soft. A serum is something I don’t normally use, but for self-care, the Primark ‘Rejuvenating Serum’ costs around £2 and is enriched with green tea- it leaves your skin very radiant. To finish this self-care routine, I love to paint my nails with an Essie polish in the shade ‘Figi’ because it matches with any outfit so I’m ready for the week ahead.

and chunky boots are well and truly having a moment. Everywhere you shop this style has been snatched up including ASOS and Topshop and with Prada’s boots being nearly £800 a pair, we can thank the high street later. My personal favourite dupes are the Dr Martens “2976 Quad Leather Platform Chelsea Boots” although still an investment, they are sure to see you stomping around campus like a Bratz doll. This gorgeous chunky tread style is here to stay, so why not treat yourself to a new pair of boots for the new year.

ECO-FRIENDLY RAZORS TO KICK-START YOUR AID TO THE ENVIRONMENT

To celebrate the New Year, I completed an annual 24-hour charity hospital radio broadcast which was live on 50 stations across the UK. The Big Broadcast 2019 included a pantomime I acted in, celebrity interviews and live music!

MONTY’S CAFÉ: READING. Lily Woodford | Part 3 English Language and Literature Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Louisa Chopping | Part 3 English Literature

Photo by Tom Hall Boehringer

Photo by Louisa Chopping

A new year’s resolution that should be universal is to start being more environmentally friendly, even if you just do it in small ways. According to brand Friction Free Shaving the world collectively produces 260 million tons of plastic each year, with ten percent ending up in the ocean which is highly destructive to sea life. I realised that the disposable plastic razors I had been using were extremely wasteful, with them being one of the most used bathroom products by both men and women resulting in two billion disposable razors being thrown into landfill

yearly. I researched ways to prevent this large amount of plastic waste and came across Friction Free Shaving. For only £9 I received a metal reusable handle with my name engraved, along with four diamond coated steel blades. After the initial purchase you can choose whether to be sent new 6 refill blades every month or every other for just £9 each time. After you have used the blades you simply put them back into the box you received them in and send it back to the company who will recycle them. This is a simple yet significant way to help the environment!

This January, why not try somewhere new for your morning coffee? Monty’s Café, located at 41 Addington Road in the student area, just on the corner of Addington and Hatherley Road, is a lovely little café under brilliant new owners. Monty’s features both Middle Eastern and English food options, such as a delicious falafel wrap, great coffee, smoothies and sweet treats. Monty’s is certainly worth the trip.

Earlier this term, my phone decided it had had enough and packed up, leaving me bereft of the one thing in this world that never leaves my side. At first this was a disaster. I had to keep asking people for the time as I had no other way of telling it and I had to print off an actual paper ticket to get into Union. How the hell was I suppose to survive the rest of my everyday life without a phone?

“How the hell was I suppose to survive the rest of my everyday life without a phone? ” Despite this, I came to terms with my loss, and after buying myself a watch, I ultimately found this to be a blessing in disguise. Without my little flashing notification box drawing my attention, I found that I had become more focused and productive than I ever have been since starting University. Instead of mindless-

ly scrolling Twitter for an hour before bed, I could now actu-

“[...] I can safely say that taking a longoverdue detox from social media has greatly benefited both my motivation and mental health.” ally do my coursework without distraction. I went to the gym more often and would no longer waste precious time in between sets browsing the same old Instagram stories of nights out or food from people I hardly even know. I finished all of my assignments earlier than I ever have done this term- it’s amazing how much work you get done when you’re not staring at that little screen every five minutes. Don’t get me wrong, smart phones are very useful, which is why I’ve got myself a new one. However, browsing social me-

Social media is addictive and time consuming... it’s time to take a break. dia sites for hours in a day is unproductive and can even be damaging. More and more we are seeing the negative effects of social media on society, with the steep increase in rates of depression and anxiety in young people being closely associated with the emergence of social media. Now

“You can try putting time settings on your phone that block apps at certain times.” that isn’t conclusive, and I don’t claim to be an expert on the matter, but I can safely say that taking a long-overdue detox from

social media has greatly benefited both my motivation and mental health. As we head into the new year, I know that I will be trying to reduce the time I spend on social media even more and I would strongly advise other students to do so as well. You can try putting time settings on your phone that block apps at certain times, or you can do what I do and simply leave it in your room when you go to the library, so that there is no temptation to glance at it whatsoever. Life without social media isn’t too hard I promise, and the benefits are definitely worth the sacrifice.

Lifestyle

JANUARY 2020

£56 for Tarte Makeup Worth Around £160? Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

CANCELLING THE NOISE OF DIET CULTURE

Lifestyle

JANUARY 2020

Photo by Sabita Burke

Ella Murphy | Part 3 English Literature

Photo by Holly Fournier

“For £56, I was able to get 7 of Tarte’s bestselling products averaging at £8 each.” Tarte is a high-end makeup brand whose prices aren’t really tailored to a student budget. Their products really are luxurious, ethical, and highquality. However, twice a year you can get 7 of their products at high-street prices which are shipped for free from America- great for your student budget! For £56, I was able to get 7 of Tarte’s best-selling products averaging at £8 each. The 7 products I chose were: I chose Tarte’s ‘Amazonian clay 12hour full coverage foundation’, which retails at £33. This foundation feels weightless on the skin even though it’s full coverage, and it has a beautiful finish. It does exactly what it says on the tin: it does last for 12 hours! I tested this claim whilst wearing it from 8 am-8 pm during a long day at university. Next, I needed a powder. I chose the ‘filtered light setting powder’ (£33) because it’s translucent. This powder is silky smooth, but its downfall is that it does flash-back in photos, so I prefer it as an everyday powder. Retailing at £21, I also chose the ‘lights, camera, lashes™ 4-in-1 mascara’. Something I will say about this mascara is that it is one of the best mascaras I’ve tried. It comes off effortlessly with any makeup remover without having to tug at the lashescan all mascaras be like this? Tarte’s ‘lip sculptor lipstick lipgloss’ (£21) in the shade ‘sangria’ was

incredibly appealing to me as normally it can be hard to find a lipstick and lipgloss that are the same shade. The ‘tarteist™ PRO to go palette’ (£19) was chosen as a perfect travel essential considering it is small and compact, yet you can make a stunning eyeshadow look with the versatile colours. Penultimately, I chose the ‘tarteguard’ tinted moisturiser (around £30) which is a wonderful companion for days where you want to look effortlessly glowy whilst having a little coverage. Lastly, for the 7th product, you get a gorgeous makeup bag which is a decent size and feels very highquality. This will be perfect for travelling!

“Twice a year you can get 7 of their products at high-street prices which are shipped for free from America [...]” If I had to narrow it down to a couple of products that I would purchase again, it would certainly be the mascara and the lipstick. If you’re interested in getting this incredible deal (I wouldn’t purchase all these products and break the bank for £160!) then following Tarte on social media is a super-easy way to make sure you’re in the know about it.

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

“As January rolls around again, most of us feel an immense pressure to lose weight as one of our New Year’s Resolutions because diet culture is at its most insidious and toxic.” As January rolls around again, most of us feel an immense pressure to lose weight as one of our New Year’s Resolutions because diet culture is at its most insidious and toxic. But what is diet culture? According to Christy Harrison, a registered dietician, diet culture is a system of belief that “worships thinness and equates it to health and moral virtue” and “promotes weight loss as a means of attaining higher status”. An example of diet culture at university is ignoring unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking, lack of sleep, eating fast food and rarely exercising until they cause you to gain weight. It is only when we notice the “freshman 15” that we consider changing our habits. But weight is not equivalent to health and there are healthy and unhealthy people of all body sizes. On the contrary, it is great if you want to eat foods that are nutritionally dense to improve your health, but when your “clean” food choices are driven by guilt and begin to negatively affect the way you feel then that may be a sign of diet culture closing its grip or even disordered eat-

ing. Diet culture also promotes exercise as punishment for eating, so try and remind yourself of the health benefits of exercise instead of viewing it as a way of burning calories. So how can we resist diet culture, especially when it is most prominent this January? As registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert warns “no qualified health professional will ever promote meal replacements over a balanced diet for weight loss. Never.” You

“Also, it is worth remembering that the body detoxes itself [...]” should also be sceptical of fad diets that offer instant weight loss or a “magic” fix. Also, it is worth remembering that the body detoxes itself, so there is no need to waste your money buying potentially dangerous detox and skinny teas. Stop using harmful diet culture phrases such as “I feel fat”. Fat is not a feeling; it is a description. What you mean when you say this is that you feel ugly or dis-

SABBY STUDIES

gusting. Instead, try saying “I do not feel good about my body today”. Stop praising people for losing weight because it could be depression, an illness or an eating disorder. Diet culture congratulates people for losing weight no matter how it is done, so avoid

“Stop calling food ‘naughty’ or ‘bad’. Food does not have a moral value attached to it.” commenting on people’s bodies unless you know for certain their weight loss journey is a healthy one. Stop calling food “naughty” or “bad”. Food does not have a moral value attached to it. Food is fuel but it can also be used for comfort and socialisation. These are just a few of the many ways of fighting back against diet culture but the list is not exhaustive. For more information the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website is useful and charities such as BEAT and MIND provide information on eating problems and eating disorders.

Sabita Burke | Sub Editor

“Welcome back to my study column- a safe place to discuss all things studying and motivation.” Welcome back to my study columna safe place to discuss all things studying and motivation. January is a particularly heavy time for us students, mentally and emotionally. The Christmas fun is over, and it’s back to the grind as we return to our library sessions. Also, on top of that, the dreary weather certainly doesn’t help. Therefore, I’ve brought together a list of my 5 favourite Study YouTube, or StudyTube, channels to help get you into that motivated mindset. Eve Bennett Every time I watch Eve’s videos, I’m

awestruck by her work ethic. Eve is a Spanish and German student at the University of Oxford; she is a master of hard work as she tackles her enormous workloads head on, all in time to go out clubbing with her friends. As if that wasn’t enough, she recently posted helpful career tips for anyone looking for work experience. Vee Kativhu Although Vee is less well-known than her fellow Oxonian, Eve, she is beyond worth checking out. Having entered the traditionally homogenous and non-diverse Oxford through a foundation year, she has since given back by doing outreach work encouraging those from minority groups to apply to uni. Her message is that no matter what your background, you can achieve great things. Oh, and her channel sports hilariously realistic “Essay Crisis with Me” videos, which reminds me

that it’s okay to struggle sometimes. Jack Edwards Jack is the punniest StudyTuber alive, so if you like a good dad joke, you’d love his videos. Using humour as a coping mechanism is something we’ve all had to do at some point at uni, and Jack provides light-hearted videos about his journey as an English student at Durham University. As he is in his final year, his documentation of the trials and tribulations of writing his dissertation of-

“I’ve brought together a list of my 5 favourite Study YouTube, or StudyTube, channels to help get you into that motivated mindset..”

fers comfort for any third years out there who are also struggling. Ruby Granger Ruby is probably the most unique StudyTuber I’ve watched. Originally starting out on Instagram with a “studygram” account, she now crafts content with the most aesthetically-pleasing visuals imaginable. Her YouTube brings so much more than that, however. She studies English at the University of Exeter and instils productive vibes within me, as she presents studying as not just a chore, but something she gains so much from. In a nutshell, Ruby fosters an actual love of learning for learning’s sake. Unjaded Jade I totally haven’t saved the best for last, or anything! Jade Bowler, known as Unjaded Jade, attends the radical online-learning based Min-

erva School where each semester she lives on a different continent, and is to me the ultimate queen of StudyTube. She brings all the aspects of the above channels together and douses them in a beautifully positive outlook on life. Her very honest rambles about everything from dealing with academic failure to tips for remembering large amounts of information (which I swear got me my best exam results) leave you not only motivated to be your best self, but also ready to appreciate the little things that make you enjoy life with a passion. If you have a question about any aspect of university study, or if you’d like to see a certain study-related issue discussed in The Spark, you can email me at sabby.studies@outlook. com. All queries remain anonymous, and no question is too big or small!

Lifestyle

JANUARY 2020

My Favourite Winter The Botanist Reading Serves Fashion Staples Up an Autumnal Treat Holly Fournier | Lifestyle Editor

Taz Usher | Print Editor

Photo by Taz Usher

Photo by Holly Fournier

“[...] I automatically get ready to switch my wardrobe into my favourite fashion staples for winter.” Winter is my favourite season of the year fashion-wise. To be able to bring out my best coat and winter boots is something I long for during the summer. When it starts to get cooler and the pavements outside my house are scattered with beautifully-coloured autumn leaves, I automatically get ready to switch my wardrobe into my favourite fashion staples for winter. For shoes, you can’t go wrong with some Dr. Martens- the iconic winter boots. Although they are spenny, priced at around £139, they are one of the best investments I have ever made. I wear them almost every single day during the winter because they are a staple piece that go with almost every casual outfit I wear. If you are vegan or don’t agree with leather, Dr. Martens do some wonderful vegan boots that are still just as sturdy and long-lasting as the leather ones. Also, many shoe shops have 20% student discount weekenders (if not, 10%) so you’ll be

able to get a staggering £27.80 off your boots, making the investment even more worthwhile. A smart overcoat is a classic winter staple. Especially in a camel colour, you can’t go wrong if you are going for a sophisticated look. You could funk the coat up and dress it down with some Dr. Martens or dress it up with some heeled Chelsea boots. Although as a short person I struggled with finding the perfect smart overcoat that fit my arms without being too long, I went for the Boohoo petite range in the end as the other fits in Topshop, New Look and Primark didn’t fit. Autumnal lipstick is my go-to for winter. I love Topshop lipsticks and the one I adore at the moment is in the shade ‘wicked’. As a deep purple colour, it is the perfect for winter and works well as a contrast with a lightcoloured jacket or coat. Lastly, my classic everyday winter outfit is a jumpsuit with a long-sleeve, deep-coloured t shirt underneath. It is super comfortable for lectures, whilst still giving off that classy vibe. My favourite is an all-black one from Miss Selfridge, and I pair this with a long sleeve top which you can get very inexpensively from Primark.

“The Botanist Reading celebrated the changing of seasons with the launch of their new menu.” While crisp, auburn leaves provided a visual celebration of Autumn in our natural landscape, The Botanist Reading celebrated the changing of seasons with the launch of their new menu.

Baked to an exceptional standard, the velvety cheese, crisp bread, and irresistibly sweet pickle produced a combination of textures and flavours which the country’s top chefs would struggle to match.

drizzled with its side of harissa jam, provided a satisfyingly Greek flavour. The only thing that could improve the restaurant’s signature kebab dishes, would be the inclusion of a small salad portion within the price.

The restaurant’s Autumn a la carte food and drinks list flaunts rustic, authentic flavours presented in the form of both British, traditional dishes and more exotic meals inspired by cultures from across the globe.

Our selection of main dishes was an equally tricky decision; teasing us with descriptions of homemade pies, traditional fish and chips, and sirloin steak before leading us to our choice of hanging kebabs.

A sweet and toothsome finale to our fantastic dining experience was our choice of dessert. We had Baked Cookie Dough (£5.95) which our cowardly appetites decided to share. The inviting warmth of the dish matched its impressive presentation; a generous, circular portion of Oreo filled cookie dough topped with a dollop of silky, vanilla ice cream.

The Starters and Nibbles sections of the menu feature diner favourites including calamari, chicken wings, garlic bread, and houmous. Mine

“Baked to an exceptional standard, the velvety cheese, crisp bread, and irresistibly sweet pickle produced a combination of textures [...]” and my dinner companion’s choice of starter was the Baked Camembert (£13.50) served in a garlic and rosemary bread bowl and presented on a wooden platter with a side of sweet pickle and an apple half.

I decided to go for the Chicken and Chorizo Hanging Kebab (£13.95) which was immaculately served on a hanging skewer above a bowl of crispy chips and with a side of warm garlic butter. This meal which I highly enjoyed featured a delicious combination of succulent meats and sweet, roasted peppers which produced a satisfying infusion of taste. My choice of side, the House Salad (£3.50), also offered a refreshing complement to the meat dish; including a mixture of beans, salad leaves, onion and beetroot. The Lamb Kofta Hanging Kebab (£12.95) was my dinner companion’s choice of main meal. Also served with chips, the crispness of the lamb

My choice of drinks was the Mulled Wine (£5.50), served in a homely mug, with segment of orange, and Tiki Thyme (£6.95). The gorgeous spiciness of the mulled wine was the perfect complement to my choice of baked camembert starter, whilst the Tiki Thyme cocktail (spiced rums, fruit liqueurs and citrus juices) was a delicious addition to my meaty main course. However, this was served in a tall glass rather than the Koala styled container we had expected. I highly recommend dining at The Botanist. The staff are exceptional, the menu is faultless, and the atmosphere is enchanting.

JANUARY 2020

Notice Board

QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS

> > >

Monday, January 20th until Sunday, January 26th- Give it a Go week: Try out any societies you’re considering joining before you sign up. Get in contact with the relevant societies before next week to find out when and where their session is running. Buddy Scheme- If you want to attend a Give it a Go session but are nervous about attending alone, sign up to RUSU Activites Officer Daisy’s Buddy Scheme which buddies you up with another student interested in attending the same session so you can meet and walk together to the event. Tuesday, January 21st, 11am-3pm. Refreshers’ Fayre- Go along to the societies fayre taking place in SportsPark to talk to your university clubs about trying something new this term. Quiet hour will take place from 2-3pm.

Sunday, February 2nd, 7pm: Brooklyn Nine-Nine Quiz 2.0. Caffeine & Cocktails, Reading.

Friday, February 14th, 10pm: Outback Love Shack - Roman Kemp DJ Set, RUSU: A club night designed for all of you who love Valentine’s night or simply want an excuse for a really good night out in 3Sixty!

21st of February- 8th of March: Don’t miss the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia

1 in 4 podcasts: Tune into RUSU Welfare Officer Gemma King’s mental wellness podcasts by searching ‘1 in 4 youre not alone’ on Apple podcasts or by searching ‘podcasts’ on the University essentials pages.

Media stream applications: Apply now to join The Spark Newspaper, Junction 11 and RUTV’s 2020/21 committees. To apply visit rusu.co.uk/surveys/207/

JANUARY 2020

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

Entertainment

A FLAWED BUT POWERFUL FINAL ACT: STAR WARS EPISODE IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER REVIEW

Ryan Harnell | Part 2 International Development

I have seen Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker three times now, and as both a fan and a reviewer, it’s fair to say that I am satisfied. The epic conclusion to this 40-year-old saga isn’t perfect: it suffers from pacing issues, an over-complicated plot, mixed messages and predictability. However, it does deliver two and a half hours of sprawling, adrenaline-fuelled action, edged with moments of real heart and humour. This decade-spanning tale of redemption and the triumph of light over darkness, The Rise of Skywalker ascends into the upper echelons of the Skywalker saga and serves as a worthy and uplifting final chapter. As mentioned above, this film has its flaws, and for me, they reside largely in its execution. During my first viewing, I felt almost overwhelmed by the breakneck speed of the first act of this film. We are dropped right into the action which doesn’t give the audience enough time to digest or appreciate what is being shown. In the opening minutes, we follow Kylo Ren – superbly acted by Adam Driver, in by far the best role of this trilogy – as he uncovers a device that leads him to the resurrected Emperor Palpatine. The film doesn’t spend much time – if any – explaining how or why, but surprisingly this isn’t all that detrimental. We are just so enthralled and terrified by Ian McDiarmid’s operatic return to this role that as an audience, we shrug it off. It’s also worth noting that McDiarmid is clearly having incredible fun bringing a new dimension to the galactic supervillain by portraying him as a Hammer-films-inspired ghoul hell-bent on taking his revenge. This time round we get to see the sequel trilogy’s core characters: Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe (Oscar Isaac) and Finn (John Boyega). We watch them spend time together as their relationships are tested and develop over the course of the film. All three actors bring their

a-game to The Rise of Skywalker, succinctly tying up their respective arcs with grace and humour, but particular praise has to go to Ridley for bringing real gravity to her character’s journey. She overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the form of Kylo Ren, The First Order and the Emperor, but more importantly her own self-doubt and desire for belonging. Rey’s arc in this film – whilst I’m not 100% convinced it feels like a natural progression from The Last Jedi – is pure and ultimate Star Wars. Perfectly mirroring Anakin and Luke’s arcs, we are also presented with new and timely questions over identity, legacy and the sins of our forebearers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, firstly, congratulations: we have survived another decade.”

The much-anticipated line-up for Coachella 2020 has been released, featuring the likes of Frank Ocean, Lana Del Rey and Fatboy Slim.

Giulia Waddington | Part 2 English Lit

‘Pony’ Rex Orange County (2019) The answer to the question, what sounds like the siren call to hipster and top-knot hairstyles loves? But we love it anyhow. This is one of the very few heartbreak albums I can get behind. Absolute tunes such as ‘Always’, ‘Stressed Out’ and ‘Face to Face’ have rocketed Rex to the mainstream. If you want a night in without crying, I’d give this album a listen. A few candid lines sown into the lyrics makes Rex relatable and the next icon for Generation Z.

Photo by IMDB

believe it to be as awe-inspiring as in Episode VIII – is certainly something to behold, especially during the film’s climax. It is a masterpiece in itself, pulling together a vibrant collage of the saga’s best showdowns, dogfights and surprises. Particular attention has to be brought to the final confrontation between Rey and Palpatine - the music, visuals, dialogue and the commitment from both actors amount to nothing less than one of the most epic film moments of the decade.

“The epic conclusion to this 40-year-old saga isn’t perfect...[but] it does deliver two and a half hours of sprawling, adrenaline-fuelled.” action”

While the film won’t please everyone, and is a little derivative to be a true masterpiece, The Rise of Skywalker brings a spectacular and passionate crescendo to the conflict that began over 40 years ago by reminding audiences that the force really is with the underdog, always.

culmination of his arc was both fulfilling and powerful. John Williams’ score is one of his best, eliciting goosebumps during the epic moments and broad smiles during the set-pieces. The cinematography – whilst I don’t

COACHELLA: 20 YEARS IN THE DESERT

Now there are no if ’s or but’s here, these are the concrete places, the reason I write this article is because you cannot argue back but instead only at yourselves. Right, we ready, ok.

As you can probably tell so far, the acting is above-par, even from smaller roles like Billy Dee Williams’ Lando Calrissian, who settles almost uncannily back into his swaggering charisma. Again, I sometimes feel that we as an audience don’t deserve such a complex and provocative character as Kylo Ren, but here we are as Driver once again brings enormous nuance and humanity to this insecure zealot. Despite where we left Ben Solo at the end of The Last Jedi, I am satisfied with how he was utilised in this film, and feel that the

Photo by IMDB

“The Rise of Skywalker ascends into the upper echelons of the Skywalker saga and serves as a worthy and uplifting final chapter.”

Iconic Albums of The Decade Ladies and gentlemen, firstly, congratulations: we have survived another decade. Bravo, Brava. Secondly, we all know we couldn’t have done it without these iconic albums to drag us along the finish line.

The end of the Skywalker Saga is here - is it any good?

Entertainment

‘Awesome Mix Vol.1+2’ Guardians of the Galaxy (2014 & 2017) This is the moment we will have no if ’s and or but’s. None of the songs in these phenomenal playlists came out in the last decade but we can all agree that at least one of them was on our ‘recently played’ for at least six months. We all fell back in love with songs from the 70’s and 80’s because of this album. Songs like ‘Hooked on a Feeling’ by Blue Swede and ‘O-O-H Child’ by The Five Stairsteps. I have both these albums on vinyl, and they are two of my most prized possessions, and they should be yours too.

“we can all agree that at least one of them was on our ‘recently played’ for at least six months.

‘Blonde’ Frank Ocean (2018)

‘Lemonade’ Beyoncé (2016)

R&B liquid gold is one of the many titles that this album deserves. Frank Ocean graces us with his 2nd studio album five years after his debut ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’. His cover of ‘Moon River’ would melt anyone’s heart, perfect for any Valentine’s Day playlist. If you’re feeling a bit more teen angsty I’d give ‘Self Control’ a few rounds in the evenings.

Queen B’s 6th studio album brings the transformed Beyoncé, and she has brought us too our knees. The power, the strength and the sheer determination that she has brought to this album is unlike anything we have seen from her before. Even though Adele’s album ‘25’ won the Grammy for Album of the Year, she dedicated most of her speech to thanking Beyoncé for giving all of us her latest triumph.

Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor

Taking place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, Coachella 2020 will mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic festival. Known for its appreciation of everything weird and wonderful in music and the arts alike, it has become a hallmark of indie culture and a living dream for Woodstock wannabes. Granted, not all of us can afford a week in California, but in honour of Coachella’s 20th birthday, we will be gifted an exciting documentary featuring exclusive interviews and footage. Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert, directed and produced by Christ Perkel, will premier on 31st March via YouTube Originals. An official teaser released on the official Coachella YouTube channel promises a film that gives “a rare look at Coachella’s colourful beginning, presenting exclusive, never-beforeseen footage, interviews and key performances from some of the biggest names in music.” Coachella will be held April 1012th and 17-19th at its Californian home this Spring. According to the Official Coachella website, Weekend 1 Festival Passes have already sold out. But not to worry, the website boasts an array of Passes and Travel options, but it’ll cost you upward of $100 (and that’s without added costs.) Rest assured, the majority of us will experience major FOMO at home watching Instagram stories and streaming performances online.

Nirvana reunion? Dave Grohl & Friends Play Benefit Show With St. Vincent and Beck. Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor Lovers of Dad Rock and 90s Grunge will be excited to hear that Dave Grohl recruited the surviving members of Nirvana at the arts nonprofit The Art of Elysium’s annual Heaven gala in Los Angeles on 4th January. Amongst Grohl’s friends were Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, who reprised the roles they played in Nirvana during the early 1990s. Smear has also been a core member of Foo Fighters since 2010, of which Grohl is the frontman.

In the reunion, the band comprised of old and new faces – and Grohl’s daughter 13-year-old daughter Violet – as they played a set of five classic fan-favourites. Lithium, In Bloom and Been a Son were among the bill, while Violet delivered an engaging rendition of Heart-Shaped Box.

throwback to one of the most iconic movements in music history.

Closing the show with their famous cover of David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold the World – featured on Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York performance in 1994 – was a touching

The full performance can be watched online for free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Tfn68g9CGFI.

Violet undoubtedly supplied teen spirit to the set, while Beck and St. Vincent’s Annie Clark provided the vocals and lead guitar for the late Kurt Cobain.

Entertainment

MY ALBUM OF THE DECADE: ROOM BY EIVØR

JANUARY 2020

Films to Inspire You This New Year Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies

Josh Coombes | Part 3 Philosophy & English Literature

Mohamed Hassan/ Unsplash

Photo by: Eivor/Tutl Records

Eivør Pálsdóttir is a Faroese singer-songwriter. Known for her dreamy Nordic lullabies and art rock-infused folk, she is certainly a unique 21st century artist. Delve into Icelandic landscapes and Viking myths with the ever-elusive Eivør. Favourite tracks: ~ Rain ~ True Love ~ Far Away By the time this article goes into print, we’ll be in the New Twenties, and we’ll inevitably be trying to fill it with the famous roar of last century’s post-WW1 boom. But before we get carried away with Gatsby-esque parties and desperately trying to learn the Charleston, it is worth taking a retrospective look at the last decade of music to shine a light on one of the more obscure gems out there. Everyone has their ‘album of the decade’. Mine has to be the 2012 album Room by Eivør, although I

wouldn’t blame you if that’s a name you’re unfamiliar with. I only discovered her a few years ago, but I’ve been making up for lost time since then. Eivør is probably most famous for providing the soundtrack to the TV series The Last Kingdom (no spoilers please, I’m only one season in) as well as the PS4 game God of War (not that I’ve played it). As a native of the Faroe Islands, which is a Danish territory despite its location between Scotland and Iceland, a lot of her music is imbued with a deeply Nordic quality – including her most popular song, ‘Trøllabundin’. But Room is not quite as Viking in feel as some of her other works (if that’s what you’re after, I would recommend songs like ‘Salt’, the afore-

mentioned ‘Trøllabundin’, and ‘The Last Kingdom’. No, Room is perhaps more readily accessible. While Eivør’s later works could be termed ‘folktronica’, Room is most accurately described as a folk-pop offering. The album was dedicated to her late father, deftly weaving together both light-hearted and slightly more sombre tracks. But overall, the album’s understated joy, which shines through lyrically on tracks like ‘Far Away’ and ‘I Know’, and musically through pretty much all of them, wins out over the darker elements of Room. It is an album you can listen to in any situation, but as with Eivør’s self-titled album of 2004, it’s the perfect soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon.

As we head into a new year (and decade), we often look to be encouraged, motivated, and inspired in order to be – or feel as if we are – the most productive versions of ourselves. Even if this façade only lasts a few weeks before we all settle back into our usual procrastinator ways, here are a few films which will make you feel as if you can take on the world. Number one pick, which came to mind with only a second’s thought, has to be the 2001 epic, Legally Blonde. Although having unconventional motivations, Elle Woods fights and works her way into Harvard Law, and spends her time proving herself to everyone there who doubts her, as well as showing herself her own worth. A legal drama wrapped up in a perfect early 2000’s ‘chick-flick’ aesthetic, no one can watch this cinematic masterpiece and not want to do something about their life, whether it’s dumping their “bonehead” boyfriend, committing to getting into your dream school, or just proving everyone wrong. Moving on to something slightly more old school, the classic boxing drama, Rocky. A good ol’ rags to riches story with the grumbling king himself, Sylvester Stallone, and legendary Carl Weathers (seen now in The Mandalorian), this has a slightly different tone than the aforementioned movie. If you’re a fan of sports films, with a plucky underdog, high

stakes, and violence, well you’ve probably already seen this. But, re-watching old and classic films such as this, with a score and theme song so inspirational, you can only get in the mood to conquer anything and everything in your path. Travelling into more recent times now brings us to a true story to really get you motivated, the biographical drama of Hidden Figures. Released in 2016 and based upon real black female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the 1950s-60s – in the space race. Combined with the struggle of overcoming the unknown mathematical equations needed to safely get someone to space, they were also dealing with segregated work environments, institutionalism and overt racism and sexism, on top of their economic disadvantages. Managing to produce ground-breaking work and complete complex tasks despite having bathrooms in different buildings, being dismissed and disregarded at every hurdle, these women were unapologetic and determined, their intelligence and resilience triumphing over the discrimination embedded within their government and environment. So, if you’re looking for a kick into gear for 2020, and are determined to stick to those resolutions and achieve some of the tasks which have been building up over the Christmas break, look no further than these films.

January Playlist

1 2 3 4 5

Teenage Headache Dreams - Mura Masa, Ellie Roswell, Wolf Alice Golden Brown - Bedhead

Happy Hour - The Housemartins

Billie Eillish: Xanny Review Ryan Gavin | Part 1 Film Studies

Billie Eilish. That’s all I really have to say to make people jump and cry with excitement. There is no denying that she is the uprising superstar of our generation, commonly nicknamed “The Queen of Misery,” and she has just blessed us with a new music video for her latest song: “Zanny” from her latest album, “When we all fall asleep, where do we go?”. Not only is the music written and sung by Eilish, the music video itself is directed by her, allowing for full artistic control and it’s something that we never knew that we needed until we got it. The music video itself features a pure white set with a crème bench which in itself is aesthetically pleasing. As you could probably assume the tranquillity of a pure white set is disturbed by The Queen of Misery herself from cigarettes being put out on her face to frantic obscure camera movements; Billie really encompasses the numbness of being on a “zanny” in a truly petrifying way. It’s fair to say that Billie Eilish has not failed to stun us again with her creative genius, making us crave future music.

Creative Corner: “Another Day,” a Poem. Tara Bermingham | Part 2 English Literature

Photo by Davies Designs Studio on Unsplash

Photo by: Billie Eillish/Interscope Records. Pictured: Billie Eillish in her new music video Xanny (2019).

Another day of mundane activities I pour the cereal and you pass the milk Take turns getting into the warmth of the shower One quick kiss and then you’re off on your way Another day of living an existence “How’s your day been?” you text “It’s been okay” comes the reply. Walk home and have dinner, I’ll see you at 7. Always 7. I hear your tales like I did yesterday I give sympathy, enthusiasm and tell you mine

Turn on the tv to watch the same show Where they are doing the same thing As they did last night. Another day of our shared life But that one moment at night In the warmth of the lamp When I see your face, again, for the first time. Another day, my heart clenches Holds tight, as if I’m pulling you tight. This perfect, gorgeous human. I’m so glad to have had another day with you.

Best NYE Events of 2019 Eden Eddolls | Part 2 History & English Literature

There were so many events to go to on New Year’s Eve, with it being one of the biggest and most anticipated days of the year.” There were so many events to go to on New Year’s Eve, with it being one of the biggest and most anticipated days of the year. We take a look at some of the NYE events around the UK that reflected on the best of 2019. Thames firework display, London

Need Your Love - Tennis

Lost In Yesterday - Tame Impala

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

The famous firework display along the Thames is a standout event around the UK and is so popular that London now sells tickets for attendance. They

started selling as early as September, so hopefuls had to plan far ahead for an up-close look at the impressive display. Ministry of Sound NYE / Ministry of Sound, London This iconic clubbing institution never fails to deliver the goods on New Year’s Eve, and the 2019 set was no different with Hannah Wants, Danny Howard, Jess Bays, Plastician, and more all on hand to deliver the goods.  Uprawr New Year’s Eve Rawring Twenties, Birmingham The new decade was reigned in like the Shelbys, complete with glitter, feather boas and suave suits. The event promised to throw a party ‘bigger than Gatsby could even dream of ’ and it did not disappoint with it being full of Co2

guns, confetti cannons and balloons at midnight. Printworks Glitterbox NYE, London Having sold out Printworks last February for their Press Halls debut, Glitterbox returned for a very special New Year’s Eve show. The production was fit for the Glitterbox dancefloor and had a stellar line-up to match.

“The production was fit for the Glitterbox dancefloor and had a stellar line-up to match.” Kisstory NYE, Bristol Hip hop, RnB and garage classics to sing your heart out to. What more could you ask for?

Photo by Fidel Fernando on Unsplash

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

REVIEWS

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

WHICH MOVIES SHOULD YOU WATCH IN 2020?

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH...

Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature Studies and Film Studies

Photo by: Unsplash/Stephan Henning

Cats (2019): Abominable or Adorable?

Photo by: Taz Usher

Dear Evan Hansen: Broadway Blockbuster?

Photo by: Pixabay/nile

Jumanji 2: Next Level Jungle Genius?

THE MANDALORIAN: EPISODES 1 & 2 REVIEW (SPOILERS AHEAD) Ryan Harnell | Part 2 International Development

Photo by: Harry Styles/Columbia Records

Harry Styles: Crossing the Line? Photo by jhathome/Unsplash

Taz Usher | Print Editor

A dictionary, love for cats, and an impartial outlook were just a few of the features required by viewers of December’s highly-anticipated Cats.

Fresh from Broadway, Dear Evan Hansen has captivated the first of its London audiences with a story pertinent to our daily lives and relationships.

The highly criticised remake of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical – which was rated as low as 1 star by top news outlets including The Guardian – was struck of its nine lives before given the chance to impress cinema-goers. Cats tells the tale of a community of felines, known as Jellicle Cats, who live their lives in anticipation of becoming the chosen one.

The new musical, which premiered in December 2016, follows the struggles of a teenager with social anxiety who, torn between the advice of his protective mum and finding his own place in the world, becomes tangled in a web of white lies. Sam Tutty gives a spectacular performance as Evan Hansen, acing every twitch, note and stutter in this fascinating yet complex role.

And in an attempt to avoid plot complexities, director Tom Hooper selected the white cat Victoria – elegantly played by Royal Ballet dancer Francesca Hayward – as the film’s narrator; taking viewers on a tour of the Jellicle family in a much more clear-cut manner than the original show. The film’s impressive cast, featuring Judi Dench, Rebel Wilson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift and Jason Derulo, made for an interesting variety of entertainment. Familiar faces also included James Corden, who gave a heartwarmingly fun portrayal of Bustopher Jones, and Idris Elba, who sunk his claws into the villainous role of Macavity. It is worth noting, however, that occasional CGI misjudgments caused Elba’s character to evoke more humour than fear. The film’s strongest qualities include its spectacular score and dance numbers. Particularly impressive performances were given by Ian McKellen, Robbie Fairchild, and Jennifer Hudson whose stellar vocals captivated audiences. Despite the negative reviews Cats has attracted, I highly enjoyed the film and would encourage those debating to see it to give it the chance it deserves.

Vocal excellence is particularly shown from Tutty in Words Fail, the number in which Evan reflects on the damage caused by his untruthfulness. Evan’s mum, Heidi, is played by Rebecca McKinnis whose extraordinary transition from reserved single mum to free-spirited woman is led by her strengthening vocals showcased in Good for You and So Big/So Small.

Taz Usher | Print Editor Adventure-seekers unwrapped an early Christmas present this winter as Sony Pictures treated them to another installment of action series Jumanji. The sequel to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), which reached cinemas officially on December 11th, takes viewers on another quest to the fantasy world; yet this time, we are trusted to do much of the code busting ourselves. Blockbuster favourites Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black star once again as game avatars challenged with moral dilemma of saving Jumanji and avoiding their own deaths. And this time a stampede of ostriches, vicious monkeys, revolving bridges, and a badly groomed baddie are just a few of the obstacles preventing them from doing so.

Lucy Anderson, Lauren Ward, and Rupert Young, who perform the roles of the late Connor Murphy’s family, must also be praised for their impressive grasp of the characters.

For unconventional best friends Spencer, Fridge, Martha and Bethany, tackling Jumanji should have been easier the second time around – had they taken on the same avatars, voluntarily. However, blighted by their destruction of the game after the last near-death experience, a glitching screen and missing Spencer is an uncanny formula for disaster.

Anderson, playing the conflicting role of Connor’s sister and Evan’s love interest, masters Zoe’s unpredictable liberation in the wake of her brother’s death. And performing one of the most poignant numbers in the show, the trio expose the show’s multiple messages in Requiem, when tasteful harmonies combine with powerful lyrics to challenge stereotypical ways of dealing with grief.

Although potentially confusing to non-linear viewers of the series, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is innovative, hilarious, and morally-rich. And Danny DeVito’s starring role as Spencer’s stubborn grandpa Eddie, combined with Awkwafina and The Rock’s genius impersonations, can be thanked for much of the laughter you’ll get from the film.

Dear Evan Hansen takes an honest and emancipating look at contemporary issues not yet explored so directly in theatre.

Director Jake Kasdan’s next branch of the fantasy action remake is the perfect escape from a wet, winter’s day. I highly recommend.

Elsie Stuart | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Harry Styles is doing very well for himself right now. From being a main ambassador for Gucci, delving into the world of acting, performing huge soldout concerts, and frankly being a style god, his sophomore album is the icing on the cake. ‘Fine Line’ is an album seemingly out of season, with a lot of the songs being summery in tone; think ‘Watermelon Sugar’ which is a certified bop, full of sweetness and pop instrumentals. The overall influences seem to be flower-pop, and the kind of 70’s rock which his personal style emanates, with several of the songs such as ‘Golden’ having beautiful harmonies, backing vocals, and instrumentals which swell the songs with depth and an almost magical and spiritual feel, blending different sounds and feelings. Each song has different artistic emotions, from wistful, to cheesy funk, or nostalgic pop. There is a continuous flow throughout the album moving from one direction (pun intended) to another, the amalgamation of iconic sounds represented through his music as well as style and persona. In short, he has created a well-rounded poprock star image, breaking out from his boyband mould, and whilst the album may not be perfect, and lyrics wise perhaps falls a bit short of the intensity and impact desired, the overall sound and tone is a success and hit for Styles.

Episodes 1 and 2 of the long-anticipated Star Wars TV Show, The Mandalorian, are finally here. And for the most part, it’s pretty amazing! The show follows the exploits of a stoic but morally conflicted gunslinger, played to enigmatic perfection by Pedro Pascal, on the outskirts of the New Republic, five years after The Return of the Jedi.

Photo by: Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn DC Comics/Warner Bros. Photo by Myke Simon/ Unsplash 2020 is shaping up to be a big year for film, with the theme of remakes and sequels barrelling through into this decade carrying on from the last. Superhero cinema is continuing as large as ever, despite Martin Scorsese’s complaints, but with a slightly more female lean than ever before.

After fans campaigning for pretty much a decade, Marvel finally decided to give Natasha Romanoff a film in Black Widow, coming out May 1st, despite (spoilers!) killing her rather unceremoniously off in Avengers: Endgame. DC have also chosen the year of the woman with both Wonder Woman 1984 on June 5th, and Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) on February 7th, following the success of the first Wonder Woman and Margot Robbie’s character in the slightly undesired Suicide Squad. Although it is nowhere near the abundance of male led superhero flicks, it is a step in the right direction at least.

For lovers of more independent cinema, there are UK releases of international and film festival acclaim being released in the new year, with

Taika Waititi’s hailed Jojo Rabbit on January 1st, after huge success in the states. Additionally, on February 7th Parasite will be released, the

“remakes and sequels [barrel] through into this decade carrying on from the last...” Bong Jong-ho film which was one of the most celebrated films of 2019 by critics and fans alike. Both The Lighthouse (starring Robert Patterson) and Portrait of a Lady on Fire will also be released in the UK this year also. As mentioned, there are many remakes and sequels to be released this year, including the upcoming James Bond, No Time to Die on April 2nd, the 9th instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise on May 22nd, and after a 29-year break, Bill and Ted Face The Music on August 21st. Following the critical miss of the 2016 adaption, on July 10th there is Ghostbusters: Afterlife, starring Paul Rudd, appearing to take on a more serious tone from the trailer. Further sequels and adaptations include Top Gun: Maverick, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do

It, and Godzilla vs Kong. Disney is embarking on another live action movie of an animated classic, with Mulan on March 27th; however, rather than following their storyline from the 90’s hit, they go with a more traditional and refined adaptation based upon the Chinese folklore. Undergoing similar changes is the upcoming release of Sonic the Hedgehog, which has updated its stylistic choice after initial backlash. Hopefully it’ll be worth the animators’ time! Other notable films include Emma (February 14th), Bombshell

“there are UK releases of international and film festival acclaim being released in the new year...” (January 17th), In the Heights (June 26th) and The Personal History of David Copperfield (January 24th). Hopefully, heading into this new decade, more inclusive and diverse films will take the lead and become a more progressive medium to be enjoyed by everyone, and the UK will continue to release renowned international creations.

“Hopefully, heading into this new decade, more inclusive and diverse films will take the lead and become a more progressive medium to be enjoyed by everyone, and the UK will continue to release renowned international creations.”

It’s a simple but effective narrative that allows Star Wars fans new and old a glimpse into the galactic underworld. Pascal brings extraordinary depth and nuance to a character whose face we never see. Through subtle body language and the gravity of his carefully selected dialogue, he delivers a memorable and charismatic protagonist that strikes a stark contrast with the likes of Luke Skywalker and Rey.

“a western-esque soundtrack with an iconic Star Wars spin elevates many of the show’s set pieces”

is episode length. At around thirty minutes long, I can’t help but feel like I’ve just got into the current adventure when it reaches its climax. A little underwhelming, but everything that is packed into those thirty minutes is more than worth your time, regardless of whether you are a Star Wars fan or not.

“my only gripe so far with the show is episode length” It would be remiss of me not to mention the true star of the show: Baby Yoda. This unbearably cute – marketing ploy? – addition to the show is both a surprise and a Pandora’s Box of questions about where the story is headed. Ultimately, this is what I think is best about The Mandalorian. Its Easter eggs, lore connections and side characters just highlight how weird and wonderful the Star Wars Universe really is.

A Western-esque soundtrack with an iconic Star Wars spin elevates many of the show’s set pieces, setting itself apart from what has come before, whilst feeling like a natural extension of the franchise. On the topic of set pieces, it’s spectacular how cinematic TV can now look. The Mandalorian is no exception, the shoot-out at the end of Episode One and our protagonist’s pursuit of the Jawa Sandcrawler in Episode Two are of particular note. My only gripe so far with the show

Photo by HBO/IMDB

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

AN OFFER WE COULDN’T REFUSE...

BUY ONE

GET ONE

FREE

EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Photo by: Netflix/TriBeCa Productions

The Irishman arrived to Netflix in 2019. But was it worth the wait and anticipation? Josh Deane | Part 2 English Literature & Film Studies

Scorsese’s new film is a slow burner. A really slow burner. Those of you expecting an electric, fast pace romp akin to that of Goodfellas need only to look at the films’ 3-and-a-half-hour runtime to realise that this movie attempts something different. While you can still expect the same actors and jazzy numbers (although few and far between), Scorsese dials back on the flashy set-pieces and instead

“Scorsese dials back on the flashy setpieces and instead focuses on the characterisation...” focuses on the characterisation, allowing the likes of Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino to deliver lines of incredible dialogue, showing us that they still rank among the best actors alive. The camera

lingers on their expressions and leaves a lot of space between each line; it’s not so much about what is said as what it leaves you to figure out. While this is where the film excels, it unfortunately may also be what turns a lot of people off. You really have to plan your day around this movie. Fortunately, given that this movie is on Netflix, it allows a more accessible approach to viewing it. I would not be surprised if many of who watch this film decide to have breaks in between viewing as it can begin to drag at times, but for me when it started to get to that stage, something exciting was always around the corner, almost like Scorsese realised you were starting to pull your phone out. This is not only a testament to Scorsese’s masterful timing, but also of his ability, even in this less flamboyant movie, to create tense sequences that grab your atten-

tion. These moments are placed so seamlessly that you never question its thematic tone in a movie which mostly consists of old men talking. In fact, these two contrasting tones complement each other perfectly. When Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran commits a horrific crime, the viewer feels the dramatic shift; to Frank, however, this is just another day at the office, perfectly highlighting his apathy to his victims. In his mind he’s just ‘following orders’. Like I mentioned before, the performances in this movie are great, but it seems the actors came into some unavoidable pitfalls when it came to playing characters decades younger than themselves. The CGI is impressive, but it’s always at the forefront of your mind when you’re watching. The actors’ real-life age is easy to hide in the face, but not so much in the mannerisms. Looking at Stephen Graham play with such energy and tenacity alongside the older De Niro (whose charac-

“This is not only a testament to Scorsese’s timing, but also of his ability, to create tense sequences that grab your attention. ” ter is actually younger than Graham’s Provenzano), the contrast can’t be ignored. It seems that even with the acting

“It’s interesting to see actors explore the theme of ageing... but the younger versions just weren’t as convincing.” skills of De Niro or Pacino, playing a character decades younger is just impossible unless you’re static. Where the actors really excelled was when playing their own age or older. Joe Pesci was especially impressive near the end of the film as a shaking Russel Buffalino, contrasting perfectly the cool-headed, steady-hand-

ed character previously seen in the film. It’s interesting to see ageing actors explore the theme of ageing itself through their characters in this movie, but the younger versions just weren’t as convincing. Overall, The Irishman did something great. It showed a more played-down, sinister, but at the same time more human portrayal of gangsters than we have previously seen in mafia movies. Regardless of how terrifying Sheeran was in his prime, in the end he is an aging man who, after everything, just wants to repair the relationships with his estranged family (not that he necessarily deserves it). The film utilises long, close up shots to emphasise the spirits behind the faces of these hardened gangsters, even behind all that CGI makeup.

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

Entertainment

JANUARY 2020

YOUR JANUARY HOROSCOPE Lois Plummer | Entertainment Editor

Aries (21/03 – 19/4) Powerful news will come to you soon. A fresh start is on the horizon: a new hobby or a class. You’re learning a new skill that you will succeed in. If you look around and inside yourself, you’ll quickly find everything you need. There is a question hanging over you at the moment: be careful of bitterness.

Virgo (23/8 – 22/9)

You always defend the things you love. Courage is knowing when to walk away; not staying along for the ride. You’re questioning whether you really know yourself. Pay attention to your actions, they speak louder than words.

Taurus (20/4 – 20/5)

You often lie awake thinking of the choices you have made. You are strong, albeit unsure right now. You fear repeating the same mistakes that you’ve learned from. Be wary of addictive behaviours and keep a clear head. Everything in moderation.

Libra (23/9 – 22/10) This new year calls for passion. You have a lot of plans for yourself, and you will see them through. But you must take the first step. Something big will inspire you; dive into it. Watch out for people close to you who may be holding you back.

Gemini (21/5 – 20/6)

Some recent rejection or disappointment has left you feeling weak and vulnerable. You might be thinking of taking a risk, but hold yourself back. Slow and steady wins the race. You will find financial security with this method. Your judgement may be off about something; keep an open mind.

Scorpio (23/10– 21/11) Something happened near the end of last year that you haven’t fully dealt with. It’s time to address this. Be careful not to interrupt someone’s path or partnership; it’s not your place anymore. There is someone you might love, or at least one that touches your soul. Are you brave enough to face them?

Cancer (21/6 – 22/7)

Leo (23/7 – 22/8)

Your mind is busy and it’s keeping you up at night. The new year is full of promises and responsibilities, and this can be stressful. People rely on you for heart-to-heart conversations, but don’t let them take advantage of you. Be careful and aware; choose yourse

You feel there is something that needs to change in your life. Is it them? Or you? You may be feeling flirtatious at the beginning of the month, leading to some spontaneous choices. Have fun and enjoy the magic in the air, but try not to be too impulsive. Slow down.

Sagittarius (22/11 – 21/12)

Capricorn (22/12 – 19/1)

Things are looking good financially. You cherish your solitude, but try to be more social this year. You can thrive with others and learn something. Your patience is being tested. Something you’re cultivating needs more time, you don’t have to jump into it now. What will be will be.

Something has officially been completed; when one door closes, another opens. A new relationship or friendship is very likely, but it may suffer from communication issues. Plans might not go as you hoped, so be sure to triple-check everything.

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

Aquarius (20/1 – 18/2)

You’re becoming increasingly independent; you’re conquering your own world. You may become separated from something you love, but there’s a new venture that you should pay attention to. Communicate your ideas clearly. At times, success comes with seclusion; but it makes it harder to stay strong. Rely on yourself.

Pisces (19/2 – 20/3)

There is something that you put all of your energy into, and it might not have turned out as you hoped it would. But don’t worry: there will be another opportunity for you. The new year asks you to overcome shyness and face the fear. With love and friends, don’t hold yourself back; express yourself.

Photography

JANUARY 2020

Photography

JANUARY 2020

Photography

Photo by: Zeid Sharif

Photo by: Molli Cleaver

Photo by: Gemma King

RUSU officers in Amsterdam over christmas

Diversity officer spending christmas with his dogs in Abu Dhabi, UAE Photo by: Zeid Sharif

Photo by: Molli Cleaver

Officers as elves

Photo by: Gemma King

Photo by: Molli Cleaver

RUSU officers riding scooters in Cologne during the christmas holiday

Christmas Mocktail

RUSU officers in Cologne

Diversity officer attending a wedding in Dubai

JANUARY 2020

Photography

JANUARY 2020

Welfare officer attending reunion with school friends

Photo by: Molli Cleaver

RUSU officers in Cologne over christmas Photo by: Gemma King

Education officer and president of RUSU at Brussels

Photo by: Gemma King

Photo by: Zeid Sharif

Photo by: Molli Cleaver

Education officer and president of RUSU at Brussels

Education officer and president of RUSU on the bridge of Amsterdam

Photo by: Molli Cleaver

Welfare officer going to walks around Bath

Diversity officer attending a wedding in Dubai

Welfare officer going to the wave in Bristol

Sports

JANUARY 2020

Sports

JANUARY 2020

Sports

MY FIRST CAVING TRIP WITH READING UNIVERSITY CAVING CLUB Jessica Lane | Part 1 Law We arrived on the Friday in this adorable old-timey caving hut in Wales. Hung on the walls was an old helmet, not battery operated, but instead what looked to be an old gaslight fitted as the torch. I proceeded to follow my peers as we investigated the hut, finding the staircase, it already felt like I was in part of a cave. The width of a mere one person, steps so small that barely one foot could fit on each one, twisted in a tight spiral to reach the upper level, where the 3 rooms filled with bunkbeds and mattresses would become our abode for the weekend. Once I chose my bed and got settled into the hut I soon realised that this was going to be the first time I experienced not being able to use my phone for the lack of signal. What a refreshing feeling it was to be in an environment where there was no technology to distract anyone, allowing us to socialise and make quick friends. The morning came, and off to Ogof Ffynnon Ddu we went, sights of the old quarry as we parked up took my breath away. We were soon separated into three groups and told which part of the cave we would be exploring. “Bottom”. And just after all the rain that Britain had had for the last week. “Well I guess my undersuit already being still damp isn’t such a bad thing now” I said to one of the leaders, making him laugh. The walk down to the entrance was an adventure in itself, clambering through the trees and slipping on the mud, soaked from last night’s rain. But alas, we eventually made it down safely.

“The walk down to the entrance was an adventure in itself” Entering the cave there was a set of two ladders guiding us deeper underground, an odd lingering smell somewhat similar to that of urine presented us on the first ladder. At the bottom I could hear the sound of a rushing stream in the distance, our leader Chris became aware and stated that he needed to make sure that

the water wasn’t too high for us to explore.

Photo by: Pexels- Pixabay

As we clambered through the first part there was a constant presence of shallow still water, approximately shin height. We found there were hidden bars in the water that we needed to get our footing on. After some time, we found ourselves at a junction with 3 separate directions to follow.

Another section we came to was given the nickname ‘the roly-poly’ and I soon realized why. The hole was so low that there was no way you could crawl through it, you may have perhaps been able to army crawl through, but as I quickly learnt, this was painfully tricky and tiring. So, the best option was to lie flat, arm straight up above your head, and roll, and just keep rolling until you reached the other side. I was extremely dizzy by the time I reached the other side- but wow was it worth it! On the other side of the roly-poly there were formations everywhere, and hidden in a little alcove was a section where the floor, walls and ceiling were almost completely covered in glistening formations.

The sounds of rushing water were much louder now, I knew we had to be close, and right I was because just around the corner we found the stream. Chris jumped in first, finding that the water reached just above his waist and given the all-clear I was next. The water was like ice, and due to my short height, it reached just above my stomach. It didn’t take long for the feeling of water rushing into my wellies to appear.

The scariest part of the cave was when we came to the traverse. Leading up to it I had my first experience of being clipped with the cowstail in order to climb across a part where there was a very big gap behind me. At one point we reached a part where we were not clipped on and I had to climb on top of a boulder and spin my body round, slide off the other side and shimmy my way around the boulder. As I stepped back, I realised that there was no floor beneath one foot, then I saw it, the

“The sounds of rushing water were much louder now, I knew we had to be close. and right I was ” The water pressure was strong and we had to work together to get through the stream. Occasionally my foot would find a gap between rocks and I would end up slightly deeper in the water. And alas, more hidden pipes to walk along were hidden beneath the rushing water; thankfully our leader had been down here before and knew where they would be. We soon came to a corner were the water was rushing in a downhill motion. “There’s a hole here, so you need to step over it and climb up onto this rock.” Chris shouted to me over the racket. God it was so loud. As I lifted my leg to step forward, I was thrown backwards by the rush of the stream. I began to panic a little, but I wouldn’t let that stop me. Chris reached out a hand and grabbing it I tried once more. I made it! I had to go on a bit

ing each other along the way, until we reached the top, and yes, there, right at the top, was a rather small hole for us to squeeze our bodies into and climb up and through.

traverse. It just looked like a big black hole that went on forever. “Hug the boulder and shimmy across till you can clip on”- that was another fresher shouting to me from the other side. I felt panic rise up through my body again, but I soldiered on. Once clipped in, I moved along, but I was so fearful that the wire in the wall would give way that I chose to hook my arm over it and slide along holding the wire. Towards the end two more sections were new challenges for me, firstly was the rope ladder. I had never used one

leg out to catch ourselves on another rock to stop us falling and hurting ourselves. I froze up at this point because I have a fear of free-falling. Thankfully the other caver in front helped guide my foot to the rock as I slid down, and I did the same for the person behind me. As we came reached the entrance once more to make our exit we came across more cavers just beginning their adventures. They could see from looking at us that they were about to get very, very wet!

“Up we climbed,

“As we reached the

helping each other

entrance once more to

along the way, until

make our exit we came

we reached the top,

across more cavers

and yes, there, right at

just beginning their

the top, was a rather

adventures”

small hole.”” before so it was an unusual sensation to climb a ladder that swayed with every movement that I made. Secondly was our 15 minutes of squeezing through tight holes, I was thankful that I was not claustrophobic at this point. We came to a part where there was about a two-metre vertical drop where we needed to slide down and stretch our

I think in total we were in the cave perhaps 2 hours, but time became irrelevant while we were down there. I wasn’t able to get any photos because I decided it was not a smart idea to take my nice shiny phone underground were there were rocks and water. But I will never forget how beautiful the inside of a cave looked, and I am so excited to do it again!

Photo by: Reading University Caving Club

past my leader so that he could help the others, and I found another pipe that we would need to walk along. As I turned to watch everyone else, I saw Chris get swept down from the water and fall in the hole. “Oh, it’s not as deep as I thought!” laughed Chris and he remained and helped the others to cross from where he had fallen. Coming to the end of the stream we got to stop for a bit. Taking the chance to have a good look around I was in awe. The formations hanging down were like diamonds, it was nothing I had ever seen before. As I tried to walk ahead, I suddenly felt the weight of the water in my wellies and had to empty them. I couldn’t

help laughing, this was an experienced that I never could have imagined having, and then I realized I was hooked, I could see myself doing this again soon. We carried on the exploration, with our leader giving us scientific information about how the formations came to being; it was like having a fun science lesson! Unfortunately, the rest of the exploration I cannot remember in which order I saw things, but I will digress what I saw nonetheless. One part was a wall of boulders so high I couldn’t even see any way out from the top of them, but apparently there was, so up we climbed, help-

Sports

KSI VS. LOGAN PAUL II: LOOKING BACK AT THE YOUTUBE BOXING EVENT Sam Huxtable| Part 1 Film and Theatre Photo by Attentie Anttentie- Usplash

As I write, it’s New Year’s Eve. 51 days ago, at the LA Staples Centre, KSI beat fellow internet icon Logan Paul in a boxing match before a near-sellout crowd, with over 20 million fans watching worldwide. It was the pair’s first professional fight. And yet it was the main event of a pay-per-view aired on national television. The undercard featured only lifelong professional boxers. Rap megastars Rick Ross and Lil Baby performed for KSI’s ring walk. Pop icon Justin Bieber was ringside to support Logan Paul. And it’s estimated the two fighters made over £10M each.

“It was the main event of a payper-view aired on national television” So who are KSI and Logan Paul? KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) first uploaded to YouTube in January 2010, his chaotic gaming videos and sketches quickly achieving millions of views. Paul gained a following making short sketches on a different platform and made the jump to YouTube in August 2015, where his vlogs proved immensely popular.

Since then, they have become YouTube powerhouses. Their hard work and dedication has earnt them over 40 million subscribers combined. Both have released music, starred in films, and had controversies (Paul uploaded a video showing a suicide victim in January 2018); by their own efforts they have transcended the world of YouTube and achieved celebrity status. The pair have used YouTube as a gateway into Hollywood, into the music charts, and now into a professional boxing ring. On November 10th, KSI and Logan Paul went six rounds with no headgear and 10-ounce gloves, hoping to end a two-year feud. The pair had fought before – in August 2018 they had an amateur white-collar match, which ended in a draw. (After beating fellow British Youtuber Joe Weller in an amateur match in February 2018, KSI called out Paul, beginning their rivalry.) During the build-up, the pair released diss tracks on each other, and two intense press conferences were held. But on the 10th November, the two stepped into uncharted territory, boxing with 10-ounce gloves and without headgear for the first time. KSI confidently controlled the first three rounds. Paul seemed cautious, and in the third round he slipped to the canvas twice. KSI landed a blow to his head that knocked him down

a third time – however no official knockdown was awarded. In the fourth, after landing a clean uppercut, Paul held KSI’s head while he punched him again – an illegal move. As KSI fell, Paul illegally punched him twice more. These blows resulted in a two-point deduction from Paul’s card. The fifth and sixth rounds saw them frantically swinging, trying to find a knockout victory. But neither could. After the fight, it was announced that KSI had won by split decision. The pair showed their respects. The feud was settled. And now, with the rivalry ended, what next? We now move into a new decade in which ordinary people can become professional actors, musicians and, of course, boxers – and sometimes all three – through YouTube. The career paths of KSI and Logan Paul show that, through dedication and independent effort, individuals can grow to rival corporate entities, and achieve legitimate celebrity status. This event was encouraging to witness and ended the decade on a hopeful note. I have no doubt that KSI and Logan Paul will tackle and conquer many other industries in the 2020s. Good luck to them.

JANUARY 2020

POLE FITNESS: A DIFFERENT WAY TO EXERCISE!

Charlie Haberfield | Part 3 BSc Zoology This autumn term, I found myself looking forward to the workshops starting my third and final year of my and socials which will be organised degree. Alongside my studies, I had throughout the next term. Already this my first ever pole fitness session af- year, there have been strength, flexter signing up at the freshers’ fayre in ibility and choreography workshops which always gave me something to September. look forward to. I’m also I found myself getting more into very interested in seeing the variety of sports during my studies at universi- different styles brought by all the visitty due to the wider variety compared ing instructors. to back home. Pole fitness presented me with a different way to exercise, Because classes are set depending on whilst also learning something new ability, the socials are a key part of and different. In particular, pole is es- the club. They allowed me to meet the pecially good for improving flexibil- wider society whom I might not have ity, coordination and core strength. met otherwise. They were also very What I like about the sport is how it helpful in letting me get to know my has the ability to make exercise fun instructors and classmates outside of without discrimination. Regardless if the hour-long classes. After all, sociyou’re a man or woman, big or small, eties are always much more fun once you’ll get a considerable amount of you’ve made a bunch of friends. exercise and make some new friends My favourite moment so far has been along the way. the lesson on silks, which is where Unlike other societies I’ve been moves are supported off the ground by joined during my time here, pole two long pieces of fabric. Silks were a fitness is very noticeably female fun way to introduce inverting (going dominated. Although everyone was upside down) but without the effort of presented with the choice to opt for supporting your weight. It’s an added a male or female instructor if pre- piece of variety contained within the ferred, personally, it wasn’t some- sport itself which helps to keep things thing I felt would affect my ability to interesting which is what will always learn. The only way in which being keep me coming back. a man makes a difference is I can be naturally less flexible when it comes All in all, I’m excited to see what the pole fitness society has in store for me to moves like the splits. in the year to come. With 2020 on the horizon, I am most

Barbarians vs. Fiji Daisy Hanson | Digital Sports Editor On Saturday 16th November I attended my first live sports game. It was a Killik Cup rugby match played at Twickenham and while the day was cold the players were on fire, making for a close match between the Barbarians and Fiji. The Barbarians team is made up of members from different clubs. They all sport the same black and white striped uniform, but they wear their club socks. Still excited from the Rugby World Cup, it was interesting to see faces from South Africa in the Barbarians team. Makazole Mapimpi who scored a try for South Africa in the World Cup finals scored another at Twickenham, bringing the scores between Fiji and Barbarians close but not close enough. Fiji held on to their slight lead from the end of the first half of the game. By this time I had decided that live sport might not be for me without the help of more alcohol. As much as I enjoyed the game and my company, hearing about the lives of the men behind me was not exactly what I paid for. Nonetheless, it is what I was forced to listen to. It’s too bad one of the gents lost £100 on a bet that

Barbarians would win!

THE READING ‘WET DREAM’ 2019 The Reading University Sailing Club attended the ‘wet dream’ competition in October: here’s what happened [...]

Unfortunately this new wind soon died off and due to its unreliability, the decision was taken to end the day’s racing after some drifting and waiting for more wind. Cardiff Red were deemed to be victorious having kept a clean sheet throughout the weekend. Cardiff Red were deemed to be victorious having kept a clean sheet throughout the weekend.

“Cardiff Red were deemed to be victorious having kept a clean sheet throughout the weekend”

With 66 races completed, and despite the tricky conditions, everyone at Reading University Sailing Club would like to thank the helpers from Burghfield Sailing Club, the four wonderful umpires, race officers and all the teams who attended for making this year’s ‘Wet Dream’ a success despite the challenges!

Photo by Knights Sailing

A difficult weekend weather-wise for team racing began on Saturday 26th October at 6:30am for the Reading University Sailing Club members that were helping out. 18 teams were once again signed up to the event that has run for the last 3 years in recent times, and holds a name it was given 30+ years ago (or so we are told). Unfortunately, with gusts exceeding 35 knots, racing was postponed until after

Fiji were set for a solid win when John Dyer scored a sudden skilful try, bringing their lead to 33-17. Many subs were called on and among the players called off were Mtawarira, who left the pitch to the sound of ‘Beast!’ reverberating through the stands as a farewell.

On the 23rd of November, the University of Reading Chess Society entered two teams into the London qualifying round for the 20/20 Chess Competition.

Photo by Daisy Hanson

Peter Nowell | Vice Commodore (Secretary)

However, being a part of a lively and (somewhat) engaged crowd was a great experience. The chants of ‘beast’ echoing through the stands every time Tendai Mtawarira touched the ball, and the intense 5-minute Mexican-wave kept me in just enough good humour to enjoy my time without getting angry at the chatty men sat behind us.

The game finished with the scores at 3133 to Fiji.

Sports

JANUARY 2020

England had won the RWC semi-final. Around 11:00 the wind died enough that joint race officers Peter Chaplain and Nigel Rolfe called racing back on and, with cut-downs on the mast, 60 races were completed. Sunday proved to be just as challenging as the day before in terms of organisation despite the conditions being the polar opposite to Saturday’s. With little wind, races were again delayed until the breeze began to fill in.

Chess Society Qualifies Dulcie Pellowe and James Connors | Part 3 Primary Ed. with English Specialism

Each game was played at rapid play tournament standard, meaning each player had 20 minutes on the clock to make their moves. The society went up against 14 other teams from universities and the general public. Scores in this qualifier determined entry to the final in Birmingham. Team A consisted of: Mridul Manoj, Shaun Rodrigues, Matt Brewer and James Connors. Team B consisted of Gareth Qian, Tom Hook, Giovanni Taffarello and Aleem Yawar.

“The society went up against 14 other teams from universities and the general public” Amazingly, B Team qualified for the final tournament in Birmingham later this January, with 2 wins, 2 draws and only a single loss, finishing on 3 points out of a total 5. The A Team narrowly failed to qualify, but in the spirit of determination they will be trying again in January. Special mentions must go to both to Gareth Qian and James Connors. Ga-

reth Qian was unbeaten at the tournament, winning four of his five games and drawing one - an impressive feat earning himself a personal award and medal (as pictured). James Connors (Society Treasurer and Competition Coordinator) single-handedly organised entry, travel and teams for this tournament. Additionally, he ran an in-house competition for the society that allowed all members a taste of competitive play and allowed the teams to practise. The event was a great day out for all players and the B team will now go on to compete at the final in Birmingham on February 1st. Good luck to them all!

Photo by Peter Hornsby

Sports

LOCAL ACTIVITIES Daisy Hanson| Digital Sports Ed

Reading Climbing Centre When I found out that I live less than a 5 minute walk away from a rock climbing centre I was so excited. Rock climbing is an intense full body workout, it leaves you sore from your hands to your calves but feeling so good. If you’re very new to it, it also acts as the quickest way to leave your arm muscles achy for days. The best thing about it? You can go in school times and get out your essay writing frustrations quickly and quietly. Price – around £11.

Bracknell Ski Centre Hop on the number 4 bus and get off right outside Bracknell Ski Centre. Here you can find skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. You may have to contend with children, but it’s a great place to go for a wintery date or weekend trip. You can go to Bracknell town centre after and refuel before the bus home. Price – £10 - £30+ depending on activity.

Dinton Activity Centre The number 4 bus yet again takes us somewhere exciting – Dinton Activity Centre. Get off at The George and walk to the lake. The picturesque landscape is the perfect peaceful place to jump in a canoe with your friends and scream falling into the lake. You can rent a peddalo, canoe, kayak or paddleboard for an hour and take your time or race your friends. Price - £7/hour.

Reading Sports and Leisure The one thing the University Sportspark lacks, in my opinion, is a pool. There is one local, where you can mess around or swim laps for a discounted price. Price – Student discount £3.

SportsPark Do you take advantage of SportsPark? I went for a year ignoring the classes and rentable courts, but this year I have decided to jump further from my comfort zone and try classes. Yoga is really great for supplementing your regular active life by stretching out your muscles and helping with injury prevention. Spin classes at 7pm are a sweaty club experience, complete with a loud bass and almost epilepsy-inducing lighting. Price - £20.50/month

JANUARY 2020

HERE’S 6 HIDDEN GEMS YOU REALLY NEED TO VISIT NEAR READING Taz Usher| Print Editor

“Here’s my quick guide to nearby “hidden gems” and top walking spots” A quick google search of ‘Things to Do’ in Reading will give you the impression that apart from shopping at The Oracle, visiting Reading Museum, or, ironically, visiting the train station (to travel somewhere else), your options are pretty limited.

not to be missed.

Lily Hill Park, RG12 2RX. There are 56 acres of parkland and gardens to be explored across Lily Hill Park. This creative space- characteristed by ingenious woodland sculptures- is the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll which is that little bit different. Those who are fans of the game Pokémon Go will also be pleased to know Lily Hill Park is a hot spot for this.

Dinton Pastures, RG10 0TH. Dinton Pastures Country Park is home to a huge stretch of grassland

walks and a beautiful lake. A stroll around the lake is similar to walking around UoR’s campus, but without the hubbub of students walking between lectures, or bicycles. Dinton Pastures also has a lovely café; a wonderful place to enjoy a hot drink and panini or slice of cake after a walk.

Prospect Park, RG30 2ND. Prospect Park hosts a just as impressive collection of trees and a small pond. Particularly gorgeous in autumn, it is the perfect walking destination all year round. It also has the added attraction of a Harvester restaurant which is one of my favorite places to eat, especially after a re-

freshing walk around the park.

Goring-on-Thames. RG8. If a chocolate café, canal walks and historical buildings sound like your type of thing, a trip to Goring should be on your adventure bucket list. Admire the boldly coloured boats and riverside homes as you take a stroll along the canal- and be sure to look out for hidden clues about the village’s lengthy heritage along the way.

“chocolate café, canal walks and historical buildings”

I, however, after 2 years of searching for something to do with my boyfriend when he visits every other weekend, have found that this is definitely not the case, and that there are in fact, several interesting and enjoyable places to visit in and around Reading. Here’s my quick guide to nearby “hidden gems” and top walking spots:

Beale Park, RG8 9NH. Blooming with colour, life and creativity, Beale Park prides a collection of animal enclosures, flower beds and attractive walks which make for an enjoyable and unique day out. Entry will cost you £7 for the whole day and includes access to the animals. These include rare and endangered birds (with a walk-through aviary), an owlery, monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies. Check their website for opening times and days before visiting.

The Look Out, RG12 7QW. Although home to many children-orientated features, The Look Out has a lot to offer older visitors including acres of forest and walking routes and a tree-high “look out” platform. This is one of my favourite spots for recharging and getting some much-needed fresh air. The tree-sheltered walking routes are also a sight

Photo by Taz Usher