The St Mary's Telegraph - Issue 2

SMT St Mary’s Telegraph news • radio • up and comers • film / tv / music • art • theatre • fashion • LIFESTYLE • FUN • SPORT

International students mistreated in London Metropolitan University

It seems the Conservative Party have once again been catapulted into the spotlight with more bad publicity regarding higher education. This time the target was on foreign students at London Metropolitan University, after the government and the UK Border Agency removed Higher Trusted Status (HTS) from the university in October last year.

No contingency plans for students were properly thought out or arranged which left students queuing

all night in the rain to obtain registration certificates from the police.

This has sparked outrage from the public as it has been widely reported in the newspapers and television. This has prompted a campaign from students and trade unionists to reinstate the university’s license to accept international students.

The Vice President of the University of London Union (ULU), Daniel Cooper, presented a letter of complaints to Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, saying, “We wish to echo the comments made by the NUS international students officer, Daniel Stevens, who has suggested that the police can take a number of straightforward steps to ease the situation in the short term, including introducing a ticketing system and increasing staff numbers.”

He then went on to say, “More to the point, however, we believe the whole process of registration to be unnecessary, given that the UK Border Agency (UKBA) already possesses the necessary information.

Not only this, we wish to state our opposition to the growing system of controls to which international students are subject, including PRCs which, in our

view, are a pernicious and xenophobic development.”

This latest debacle comes only weeks after the government and UKBA’s disgraceful treatment of international students at London Metropolitan University. It appears as if the government, and the Conservative Party in particular, is intent on sending out a message that people from elsewhere in the world who wish to come to this country, whether for study or for any other reason, are increasingly unwelcome. Such an attitude can only be to the detriment of London’s diverse and multicultural character.

Outrage continued on Wednesday 21st November when a protest was organised as a part of the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts. The march on parliament began at 10am at ULU on Malet Street, and they made their way to the NUS national demonstration. This protest brought together 10,000 students and staff from across schools, colleges and universities, illustrating the passion and dedication for the cause. More protests are planned for the future but no changes have been made in government.

Find out more at www.anticuts.com.

St Mary’s Election The halls of St Mary’s campus were full during the 2013 elections with over 1,077 students voting in one day. The week was full of events including the candidate debate which took place on Wednesday, 6th March 2013. This debate gave the students an opportunity to step up and talk about their manifestos as well as answer questions. With over 400 students in attendance, it became a lively event.

SMSU introduced candidate promotional videos, more effective candidate training and stricter canvassing rules. One of these rules was the misuse of alcohol in candidate marketing. This meant all that could be found on stalls was cupcakes and sweets to grab the attention of their voters.

SPRING 2013

However, students and staff alike found it to be a better atmosphere than previous years.

Another surprising aspect of the elections was that 214 online votes were cast. This was the highest response ever. All candidates and their teams were very passionate and the t-shirts were covered in ‘vote me’ slogans and leaflets with manifestos were handed to students.

On Friday, 8th March the results were announced placing Aedan ‘Scholes’ McDonagh as SU President and Pietro Palladino as AU President. Executive roles were elected as follows: Welfare: Heather Kuhlman, Representation: James Anderson, Entertainment: Dan Smith.

Issue 2 | SMT

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NEWS

Changes to St Mary’s University College and a meeting with Principal, Arthur Naylor

By Cassidy Johnson There have been a lot of changes within St Mary’s over the year, from the way we register in the classroom to the change in Principal. After some investigation, I hope that this will answer some of the questions you may have.

Firstly, is the change in Principal from Prof Philip Esler to Dr Arthur Naylor. At the beginning of this year Prof Esler resigned and Dr Arthur Naylor assumed the role of interim Principal until a successor is appointed.

Dr Naylor was Principal of the University College in 2010 and after 18 years of service he stepped down to pursue other areas he was interested in. He went on to be a Governor at Chichester University, helped with the build of an Academy in Croydon, and is the Chair of a charity called the Richmond Theatre Trust that helps to make educational and social programmes. In his down time he likes to holiday in Cyprus, he goes back to Scotland occasionally, he loves the theatre and swimming. In an interview in March he informed me that the Governors have appointed him here in the short term and this could be decided as early as September of this year or as late as December. He then went on to say that “I am here to work for the student’s interests. I am very keen to see how I can develop this for the future. I have a deep sense of love for St Mary’s and even though I am here in the short term I will be working full time to make students experiences better. I am working towards helping with the changes that were underway before my arrival such as the new 20 credit module structure and I will work with the head of schools to plan 2013/14.”

Another prominent change to the campus is the introduction of registration through the use of our swipe cards. The reason for this change is purely academic.

Students who attend classes achieve better results. So if lecturers are aware of the students with low attendance they can help them with any issues that they may have. This would help them get the grades they

deserve. Another reason for the new registration is that there is limited classroom space on campus, therefore this system will help in allocating space in a more effective and successful way. The UK Border Agency are also very strict about international student’s attendance and if it is not recorded correctly it could have detrimental effect on the students. This has been seen in the London Met University last year and this would stop a similar situation from occurring at our University.

The LRC has also changed since last year from the upgrading of the self-service section to the addition of a larger law section. There is also an investigation into the structure of the Library in an attempt to make it bigger.

There are also some new professors and staff that have been added to the St Mary’s family including Chris Keith in New Testament, Fiona Robertson in English, John Nicholson in Applied Physics (and Acting Head of SHAS), and Dr Claire Taylor as new Vice Principal. The Students’ Union also has a new General Manager called

A Meeting with the Vice Principal, Dr Claire Taylor By Luci Sorrell Dr Claire Taylor joined the St Mary’s family back in September 2012 when she took on the role of Vice Principal (Students and External Relations). Joining us from Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, Dr Taylor has much to offer with her wide portfolio of experience in the higher education system. Claire is currently an active member of the ‘Staff and Educational Development Association’ and specialises in learning, teaching and the student experience. She still continues to research and write on these subjects, alongside her role at St Mary’s, and recently published a book, Teaching and Learning on Foundation Degrees: A Guide for Tutors and Support Staff in Further and Higher Education, in 2012.

We thought it’d be a great idea to meet with Claire to find out how she has enjoyed her time at St Mary’s so far, to get an insight into her role at the University College and to, of course, find out her plans for the future as one of our Vice Principals.

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What have been the highlights of your first semester as Vice Principal at St Mary’s?

Well, I arrived on 3rd September and, a couple of weeks later, one of the first things I was involved in was a big open day which was fantastic as we had hundreds of prospective students on campus. That is when I first saw the student ambassadors in action. There was a really good sense of community across campus and it was a really positive event. During my first semester I’ve been made very welcome, I’ve got to know the staff across the campus and I’ve been working closely with the Students’ Union. I have to say, I have a great team working for me! Some of the events leading up to Christmas were also memorable, including a celebration dinner with St Mary’s Olympians. Of course, the most recent and real highlight for me was winter graduation.

We saw hundreds of students gaining a whole range of awards, and that was a very positive day, full of celebration. It was a privilege to be part of that day.

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Donna Harrison. The senior team have been working closely with her as well as the SU and AU presidents in order to make the best quality of student life.

In the National Students Survey, St Mary’s is also in the top percentile for the first time since 2007. The requirements at the University College are that all work submitted is given back to students within three weeks.

This standard has been upheld but students can help by reminding their lecturers of this.

The new lounge that was refurbished earlier in the year now has wireless access and it is another initiative to make the campus more user friendly.

The University College has always been a great place to learn and hopefully with all these changes they could be better.

If there are any other changes you would like to see that would make St Mary’s better, then please email me at cassie854@hotmail.co.uk and I will put it in the next edition.

INTERVIEW

That sounds like a great start! So why, may I ask, did you choose to come to St Mary’s? What was it about the University College that stood out for you?

I was interested in working at St Mary’s because I was looking at moving from a relatively small institution, Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, which has around 2000 students, quite a lot smaller than St Mary’s, to somewhere a bit bigger, and St Mary’s seemed like a good next step. I am a Christian, and am very interested in what faith-based universities offer and I felt that St Mary’s had a distinctive approach in that respect. Also, I have a background in education and teacher education – I knew that St Mary’s had a good reputation for teacher education and so that was another important factor to me. But most of all, I wanted to be somewhere where there was a sense of community, not a big concrete jungle, a place where people will know each other and care about each other.

So could you just explain for us what your role as Vice Principal involves?

My official title is Vice Principal for Students and External Relations. I oversee a whole range of professional support services that impact upon the student experience here at St Mary’s and I manage a team of six people. This includes our Registrar who looks after registry services – everything from applications and admissions to on course support, quality of courses through to graduation. I also manage the Director of Student Services who looks after accommodation, student care, welfare, financial advice, disability advice and careers. The Head of the International Office is in my team and there are also two Marketing Managers – one looks after student recruitment and our outreach work in schools, and the second manages the design and communication element of marketing including public relations and the website. Finally, I also manage the Director of Information Services who looks after the Learning Resources Centre and e-learning support.

Overall, I want to ensure that we offer the best that we can to St Mary’s students in terms of the quality of their university education.

As you have said, part of your role focuses on the student experience. Do you therefore get the chance to interact with the students and get feedback from them?

One of the key things I have tried to do is to work closely with the Students’ Union, to encourage them, this year in particular, on improving representation, with which I think they are doing a really good job. We have student reps on some of our official committees across the University College and we are trying to increase this.

I would like to see more of a student voice within some of our more formal decision-making processes. I think it is essential in order to make sure the place is being run well. I do have students that come and see me every now and again, however, they’ll often go and see one of the heads of services in my team, but I am always interested to hear from students. As I say, I see the main vehicle of the student voice being through the Students’ Union. I do my best to support Charlie and Luke in what they are doing.

How would a student go about contacting you if they did have a problem or wanted to talk to you, specifically, about something? What have students’ general concerns been in the past?

I have had students who have wanted to talk to me about things that may be happening on their course or they might come to me with an idea. Students have

SPRING 2013

contacted me by email or talked to me about concerns they may have with course quality or access to resources and I have also had students bringing suggestions to me over welfare and Student Services. I am very happy to talk to students, but often it is best for them to go and talk to the manager who is responsible for that particular service or area. However, I will always try to follow up with the students to ensure that whatever they have asked for or are investigating has been resolved.

We have spoken about your role with the students but do you have any plans, or anything you want to handle, when it comes to the teaching aspect of the University College?

Well, that is not directly within my remit but I do have a responsibility for overseeing the overall quality and quality enhancement of the courses. I am very keen that we continue to invest in things like library services and we do have plans to look at how we could improve that over the coming years - that’s a long-term project though. My impression is that students want spaces for individual and group study and that they want access to good resources, to books, e-books and to computers. I am also really keen for the Students’ Union to have more of a say in terms of course development and how we can enhance the St Mary’s experience for students. I also want to encourage students to take advantage of studying abroad and the International Office provides fantastic opportunities for this. If the students of St Mary’s finish with a degree as well as international experience it stands out more for employers. We are also constantly looking at how we can get work placement opportunities and employability opportunities into the courses if people don’t want to go abroad.

but will benefit new students and the University College in the long term. As well as all of this I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Students’ Union to develop them as an influential voice for change and development at St Mary’s. Finally, you may soon start to see some changes to our website, including a new look homepage and a news section.

It sounds like you have some great plans for the future! So finally, in your role as Vice Principal at St Mary’s, what would you say are the 3 most important things to you?

I think, firstly, as a Vice Principal, the most important thing is to listen to people. If people want to talk to me, if they have a concern or an idea to share, then that is worth listening to and I hope that people find me approachable in that respect. Secondly, I see my role very much as trying to get people to work together so that we don’t have things going on in different corners of the University College that people are not aware of.

Making connections and helping people to see where similar areas might overlap is absolutely vital. Finally, and the most important thing to me, is that at the end of the day we are here because of our students. If we didn’t have any students we wouldn’t have a St Mary’s! It is always important to remember that whatever job we do whether it is as Vice Principal, Housekeeper, or Lecturer, we are here because of our students. Therefore, we need to do the very best to make sure the students are looked after, cared for, and have a great university experience here at St Mary’s.

For further information and updates you can also follow Claire on Twitter @DrClaireTaylor.

Are you therefore involved with helping students go from the University College campus into work?

My job is to make sure that we have an infrastructure that supports students to do that. I think it depends on a combination of good careers advice and good links between the University College and local employers. We are developing good networks with employers and students are also being encouraged to take part in enterprise activities and develop business and networking skills. I think this is where things like work placement opportunities and international opportunities can also help students to boost their confidence.

Can you tell us of anything going on at the moment in your role, or that you are planning for the future?

At the moment we are looking across the different areas that I manage and planning for the year ahead. One of the things we are very excited about is that there is a real possibility of us moving our Student Services into the Students’ Union building. We are looking at remodeling, probably, the top floor of the Students’ Union building. In that building students will have, in effect, a ‘one stop shop’. This will be a place where they can go and get welfare, accommodation or fees advice.

We may also be able to have some of the international team in there, instead of people being sent all over the place for different services. I’m really keen to get these ideas up and running in the upcoming academic year, and that of course is something we can build on. We also have interesting plans around the library. The Board of Governors are currently looking at some very initial, tentative explorations around a fairly significant extension. However, that will be a long-term project, which will probably take 3-5 years, and obviously depends on planning permission and all sorts of other factors, so it won’t affect the current students directly

Editorial Team The SMT team have worked long and hard in this edition and I thank all of them. Cassidy.

Editor Cassidy Johnson Cassie854@hotmail.co.uk Contributors Danni O’Connell Hannah O’Donnell Robert Edwards Alex Birch Sam Grant Nathan Rhodes Brandon Sheree Fadil Zoe Marshall Lucy Upstill Juchinar Searles Luci Sorrell Harry Rogers Emily Hennings

Graphic Design FREDD www.fredd.co.uk

Issue 2 | SMT

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RADIO

Q. OK, so that’s the business side of things. What about yourself? What’s your favourite colour?

Joe: Maroon.

Q. Star Sign?

Joe: Sagittarius Q. Who would play you in a film?

Joe: Denzel Washington.

Joe Garvey and his plans for the

Radio

By Cassidy Johnson

SMUC Radio is running again and the main man holding it up is Joe Garvey at the Students’ Union.

Just across the hall from Charlie Benson, Joe is in the booth constantly planning the up and coming shows.

He has big plans that will change the University College for the better. We sat down in the hub at the SU to talk over his goals for the next couple of months at the radio.

Q. Hiya Joe, what you have planned for the radio this year?

Joe: Well, the station is going to be different this year because we are trying to cater for a wider audience.

We are trying to broadcast the radio through the SU bar and the Dol.cHe Vita. We plan on having more music on between 9am-3pm and then more specialist shows between 3pm-9pm.

Q. What kind of specialist shows do you mean?

Joe: Well there is going to be a Spanish show in Spanish with that kind of music. There is going to be radio plays and 80s themed music. A huge variety.

Students are going to have more control and be able to book bands to perform on air.

Q. What new positions are there at the radio?

Joe: We’ve actually elected a new team of presidents for the radio - Adam Tolfrey is the Station Controller (kind of like the president but the title is Station Controller), James Oliver Turnbull is the Head of Music, James Anderson is the Social Secretary and Peter Webster is the Head of Web and Social Media.

Q. Wow that’s exciting. Amazing to see how the radio is expanding. How long have you been working at the SU? Joe: 7 months, I think.

Q. What do you do other than the radio?

Joe: I work on the website, posters and marketing of most of the stuff at the SU.

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Q. Ha Ha. OK. If you could have 5 famous people to a dinner party who would they be?

Joe: Kurt Cobain, Tom York, Beyonce, John Mayor and Kanye West.

Q. Yeah, fair enough. Jay would probably come with Beyonce and Kim Kardashian would come with Kanye. Four for the price of two. Smart Joe, real smart. You’re on death row, what’s your last meal?

Joe: Umm, I would say a lamb roast dinner – don’t forget the mint sauce.

Q. You can choose two superhero parents, who are they?

Joe: Thor, because he is Thor, he is a god and has a cool hammer, and storm.

I hope this gives you a little insight into the man inside the booth and, hopefully, give you reason to tune in to SMUC Radio at www.smucradio.com.

RADIO TIMETABLE

Wednesday 9am

Lauren Cork-Simpson

11am

James and Alex James and Alex serve you up all the latest and best music, with a few interesting facts thrown in for good measure

1pm

Open slot!

3pm

Lauren Cork-Simpson Sam and Lauren play out their favourite music – be warned, there will be Disney

5pm

Chloe and Liam's Rock Show Expect to hear Chloe and Liam playing nothing but the finest alternative, rock and punk music!

7pm

Pete and James' Wednesday Night Out Pete and James provide the soundtrack to your Wednesday night – played LIVE from the SU Bar!

Thursday 9am

Kieran

11am

Ben and Josh's Mindful Chatter Josh and Ben play you the best tunes interspersed with meaningful and conscientious conversation

1pm

Slot open!

3pm

Tom and Harry

5pm

Lewis

7pm

Tolfrey and Crane's Wow! Show Get ready to be WOWed...

Monday 11am Tolfrey and Crane's Music Madness Adam and Rhys' 'wake up' show (in their own words!)

1pm

Jason and Paul

3pm

Slot open!

5pm

Hannah and Clair's Musical Moments Hannah and Clair take you through their pick of Musical Moments

6pm

Henry Bruegger Henry provides the soundtrack to your Monday night out, LIVE from the SU Bar!

Friday 9am

Kieran's Music Show Kieran serves up the finest tunes to start your Friday off the right way

11am Fran and Gemma 1pm

The Sam and Lauren Show Sam and Lauren give you the best tunes for your Friday lunchtime

3pm

Pete's Big Cheese Show Pete serves up some pure cheese to get you dancing on a Friday afternoon!

Tuesday 9am Kieran Rose

5pm

The Jason and Paul Show Jason and Paul finish your uni week in style!

11am Jenna and Charlotte's Music Show Jenna and Charlotte providing yet more great music!

6pm

The James and Ben Show James and Ben give you that Friday feeling with the best in new music

1pm

Open slot!

7pm

Open slot!

3pm

Lauren Cork-Simpson

5pm

Have I got news for two?

Tune in and catch Tom and Harry for a chat in the afternoon!

6pm

James, Dan and Ben's 80s Show Love 80s music? Then make sure you listen in to James and Ben, one of our station's two 80s shows!

7pm

Alex's Spanish Show SMUC Radio's first ever show in the Spanish language! Already attracted attention from the Spanish press ...

This is our current schedule, but it's never too late to get involved in SMUC Radio! If you’d like to put on a show or be involved with the station, then email joe.garvey@smuc.ac.uk.

SPRING 2013

UP-AND-COMERS

Must-have Book for Students

Students who have read the book have said: “This book covers everything I would have needed help with when I started university. It’s very friendly and full of handy tips.”

Jack Oliver, Archaeology student “I might actually treat this book like a comfort blanket.

The author has a very reassuring voice and the advice is good advice!”

Elena Villarreal, International Relations student

‘University life: Making it work for you’ is published by Palgrave Macmillan and costs £7.99.

We are all looking for a way to get through university.

Stumbling onto the campus at the beginning of our first year, we are desperate for a how-to book on university life. Well, I’ve just found it. ‘University life: Making it work for you’, by Lauren Lucien is the book that all students should read to survive the next three years.

It talks about everything from student finance (God knows, I had no idea how to do any of that), to simple recipes that will get you through with little to no money left in your bank account. Her simple yet humorous tone makes it an easy page turner and doesn’t take long to read.

The author is a Kingston University graduate so shows an insider’s view on getting the most out of university life while studying.

Lauren recently completed her degree but started this book in her second year, frustrated that there wasn’t a book she could relate to. Here are Lauren’s Top Ten Tips on How to Survive University Life: 1. Get an academic wall planner and put it up on your wall so that all your deadlines, term times, parties and other important stuff, like student loan payment dates, are all in one place so you can keep track of everything easily.

2. Stay social! University life is not just about working hard on assignments. Don't forget your friends and mix with other students to make new ones.

3. Cook! Use a student cookbook and make and share meals with your friends. Not only is this healthier, but it will help you save money and is a fun way of getting your friends together after a long day at uni.

4. If you feel like you can't handle everything tell somebody – share with someone you trust.

5. Keep a close eye on your student card and make a print out of all the places and websites that offer student discounts – it will help make your tight budget go further.

6. You will change and grow as a person at university.

If you feel a bit lost remember you're leaving what you don't need behind and becoming what you want to be – even if you don't realise it yet.

7. You get out what you put in, so try your best. If you get stuck take your work to an academic advisor who will check it and help you to improve it.

8. Make use of your uni library and all the uni resources and staff whilst you are there, you're paying for it.

9. Use Freshers’ Week as a chance to socialise and sign up to clubs and societies. It's worth it in the long term as the networks you make at uni can set you up for life.

10. Enjoy your time as a student it really will fly by!

SPRING 2013

Interview with Harry Masters ...

Master of Comedy

By Robert Edwards Harry Masters is the new president/all powerful leader of the new St Mary’s Comedy Society which held its first official meet up on Wednesday 3rd October.

Robert Edwards caught up with Harry for an exclusive interview.

How long have you wanted to be a comedian?

For about a year or so now, it was really just an issue of trying to get the courage to go on stage for the first time, that is the hardest for a new comic.

Who would you say are your comedic influences?

Well, I’m really into a lot of Black comedians really, guys like Chris Rock, Godfrey and Dave Chappelle.

What subjects do you like to talk about on stage?

Well, most of my material is pretty observational in nature, so anything goes really, as long as I can make a joke of it somehow. I’m finding at the moment, that I get a lot of good stuff from subjects like rappers, video games and prison.

Do you think it’s hard as a young comic starting out?

In London surprisingly no, it’s not too hard. In London there are about a 135 open mic nights a week so it’s not too hard to get your name out there and to practice. A key thing about the open mic circuit is you have to network with other up-and-coming talents.

You can help each other out on material and get gigs for one another.

Why did you start the Comedy Society here at St Mary’s?

Well, there was an old comedy society around a few years ago which just seemed to die out of lack of interest. I’m hoping to get people here into comedy.

On a personal note, I also wanted a place for me to try out my own material.

What plans do you have for the future of the Comedy Society?

At the moment, it’s about finding what works for the group. We’ll do some basic improvisation activities and have people come up with what they find funny.

On that we will see how as a group we can make a decent stand-up routine.

If the Society is a success could you see it going to the Edinburgh festival at some point?

I’d love to see if the Society could go this year.

Edinburgh during the fringe is the capital of comedy and it would be great to take a group of us up there.

Of course, that depends on price of accommodation, etc., but I’m sure if there was enough interest, we could make it work out somehow.

Thanks for the interview, if people are interested by this and would like to know more about the Society what would you suggest?

Well, the society has a Facebook group called “St Mary’s comedy society” (name will likely change); they can come and find me (he’s bloody hard to miss at well over 6ft!). Membership to the society costs around £30.

Issue 2 | SMT

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FILM / TELEVISION

What to watch this summer LINCOLN –

THE VERDICT

By Emily Hennings Broadchurch

By Alex Birch

ITV London 9pm Monday

24 Hours in A&E

When you hear the words ITV what do you think about? The older generation? Yes, me too.

Emmerdale, Corrie, I would finish that list but I literally have no idea what else is on ITV, except maybe Ant and Dec, but I don’t even watch that so that’s no good. Yet I have found a programme that I am glued to each Monday.

Broadchurch. A little boy has been murdered in the most remote town in deepest Devon and week-byweek we are kept guessing about who has killed him.

There are three more episodes and I could not tell you who it is. It sounds quite pathetic to say that I wait for 9 o’clock to hit on a Monday, but it is true. Don’t judge me, I know you all do it too!

The Big Bang Theory

E4 8pm Thursday

X-Factor and Britain’s got Talent

ITV 7pm Saturday

It is happening again. I can feel it all building up.

Audition chat is circulating Twitter, there is hype, embarrassment and, to top it all off, a bit of Simon Cowell. This is definitely what most of us want to watch on a Saturday evening and then tweet about. We talk about how terrible everyone is UNTIL we are told who is going to win, weeks in advance. ITV. Saturday.

Great British Bake-off

BBC 1

I want to be in this programme just because I am in love with most of the characters. If you watch it you will understand my current love for Sheldon and Amy, they are just so cute! And there is a new series starting on E4 at 8 o’clock on a Thursday. I strongly advise this.

24 hours in A&E

Channel 4 9pm Wednesday One Born Every Minute has been replaced with 24 hours in A&E. I don’t really like the sight of blood or gross things like that, but these Channel 4 episodes have me quite addicted. Yes, there are deaths and no, I am not making this sound like very good television, but you have to see the positive and it can be so cute.

Most patients live or get better, so that’s a good thing!

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This is not on right now but how on earth could I talk about what’s on television without mentioning the big one? Now, I am very aware that this list doesn’t show me in the best light. This list of television viewing says retired lady with far too much time on her hands, but, Great British Bake off will be back on our screens soon and it will be very, very exciting, trust me!

I had been waiting for Lincoln to come out since last summer, and was horrified to learn that the release date that I had been counting down to, November 9, was only the American release and that I would have to wait until January 25 to see it.

My expectations since last summer were incredibly high, because let’s face it, it’s the world’s most successful, and arguably the best, director and the world’s greatest actor coming together to make a film about the greatest of all American presidents, to the sound of a John Williams score. I thought it was going to be epic, featuring long and rousing speeches with Williams’ orchestra playing loud sweeping music in the ‘background’.

So I was very surprised when I saw it at last to realise that I was watching a very small film. “Small?!” I hear you cry! “This is Spielberg we’re talking about!”

But yes, it is a small film about the minutiae of American politics and all of the ‘big’ action takes place with people, mostly men, gathering around a table and… talking.

I’m not going to even try and explain how American politics works but the story is that Lincoln is desperate to pass the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which will abolish slavery in America for good, before the Civil War is over so the slaves he freed through the Emancipation Proclamation can never be enslaved again.

So we’ve established that it’s a very talky film but is it anything else? Well, it’s also very, very absorbing.

This film is two and a half hours long but it flies by because it’s actually quite thrilling, as Lincoln has to connive, convince and con both Republicans and Democrats to vote yes to the Thirteenth Amendment. It is also very funny in places. The main source of the comedy comes in the person of James Spader’s Bilbo (yes, he is called Bilbo), one of three men who have been employed by Lincoln to persuade Democrats to vote yes to the Amendment, as most of them are antiabolition. It is very difficult getting your head around the fact that the Republicans are the good guys and the Democrats are the baddies.

Everybody’s been making a fuss about Daniel DayLewis as Lincoln and he deserves the praise because he is absolutely magnificent as Honest Abe and makes this revered historical figure flesh and blood that we can believe in and sympathise with. The rest of the cast is superb: Tommy Lee Jones as the radical abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens, Sally Field as Lincoln’s wife and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Lincoln’s son Bobby.

And what of Steven Spielberg? I think this will go down as one his masterpieces as he allowed his actors to take centre stage and let his camera be ‘quiet’, a phrase Spielberg coined to describe the modest shots employed on Lincoln.

A great director met a great screenwriter and they met a great actor, and together, they have made possibly the greatest political drama committed to film.

It was well worth the wait, I can tell you.

SPRING 2013

FILM / TELEVISION

Sam about town 3D: THE Introduce yourself FUTURE OF FILM AND TV? By Sam Grant

By Alex Birch

I watched an interview with the director of Titanic and Avatar, James Cameron, the other day, in which he wanted to foretell the future of entertainment. As a result of the enormous success that Avatar saw, he suggested that 3D could be the way in which every film is seen in the cinema yet to come. He made a comparison to the change from black and white to colour in the 1960s, whereby the transition from black and white to colour on television compelled the movies to make a similar change, to keep up with their smallscreen competitors, and he said that this would be the same story with the transition from 2D to 3D. So is 3D going to be the future of film and television? Cameron and other blockbuster directors such as George Lucas and Steven Spielberg will say that 3D is simply the next step in the evolution of cinema, and audiences will happily wear the 3D glasses every time they want to watch a film, as they enjoy the reality and involvement of what they are watching. Everything comes alive onscreen and it is an absorbing and almost immersive event.

But I’m not sure if people see 3D as anything more than just a gimmick, that they experience only a couple of times a year. Yes, it is very exciting when a movie comes out in 3D but isn’t it only the novelty of the thing that makes us go and see them? Could people really cope with every movie coming out in this format? So once in a while, it seems like you could touch something that’s on the screen or it appears that a stray cricket ball could hit you in the face, but what else is there? Is there any actual substance? I mean, people have enjoyed watching films in two dimensions for nearly a hundred years and I’ve never heard somebody criticise a movie by saying ‘I only wish it could be three dimensional!’ Please correct me if I’m wrong. In addition to this, many people come out of a 3D film and they’ve either got a pounding headache, or they’re feeling dizzy or seriously sick. I don’t know about you, but these aren’t the kind of after-effects that I like experiencing when I’ve just watched a film.

Like I said before, James Cameron said that it was because of television going from black and white to colour that made Hollywood do the same, and he confidently predicted that this is how it will be with 3D, in particular with networks doing big events such as the Super Bowl and the Football World Cup in that way. But I am pretty sure that television has no desire to change to 3D broadcasting, as there has been no evidence yet that they are the remotest bit interested in such a transformation. It would be expensive, extensive and most importantly, inexplicable. There is no demand for 3D for the reasons I mentioned above: it is a gimmick most of the time, it is vomit-inducing, headache-producing and dizzying, and of course, of course, everybody feels like an idiot when they’re wearing the glasses.

SPRING 2013

As it is probably guessed, I am gay. This is something that I have known for a very long time; well, I am young, so maybe not that long. From the age of about 12/13 I've known that I wasn't sexually attracted to girls. This was terrifying, obviously, as it was wrong and strange in a world where young children do not talk about sexuality. I find it strange now to think that, six years ago, I wouldn't bring up the subject of me being gay to my best friends, but now it is a fantastically abused topic of conversation. One may be led to believe that views have drastically developed, but I would disagree.

It is not that times have moved on in a short period of time, but that a child (under the age of 15) is programmed not to openly discuss sex, love and relationships in any way other than 'fun' or 'silly'.

Serious discussions of these issues are not properly dealt with publicly or privately until it is deemed that the child is of appropriate age. If this was not the case a lot of grief would be avoided.

Throughout my teenage years I experimented heavily in the gay community, in many different ways. Due to this, I have gained an excellent amount of experience that has helped me mature and understand myself and other people for what they are. Most importantly, because of my immersion in the gay community, I understand what people are really capable of.

This sounds extreme, but once you become part of a world that lives in a stagnant state of excess and twisted morality that is an extreme opposite to the 'straight', 'ordinary' world, then it is easy to understand.

The issue of coming out haunts every gay man or woman. It is always the worst thing that they have to do, and I don't see that changing any time soon. I believe that it does not matter how accepting your family or friends are, it is an awful experience. Mine was, like many others, not too fun. However, it has allowed me to move on in my life and do things that I was not able to do while living under a shadow of suspicion and lies. I am now at university and have recently turned 20, half way to my mid-life crisis.

Cinema with guts Gay cinema is one of the only forms of entertainment I feel that is left that really works for me as a gay man. I recently watched Weekend, which was amazing. I really found the conversation in the film an enlightening focus that touched me and made me rethink a lot of issues that had before eluded me. What I find really interesting is that the film asked why it is that gay men and women have all of these 'new' rights that have almost been given to us; this is like pacifying a child, keeping it quiet, subdued and happy. Also the topic of sex is never discussed in any depth by gay people either with each other or with straight people. It has become an unsaid norm by all to tolerate and mock gay people. I personally don't think this is going to change at all, but is one of the most frustrating facts about the treatment of gays.

School Merger Controversy Plans to merge the school of Theology, Philosophy & History with Culture, Communication & Creative Arts have proven controversial, following the suspension of one school head and the resignations of a lecturer and honorary professor. Dr Anthony Towey was suspended on 17th September after sending an email to students in which he stated, “… Prof Pettitt and myself … over the forthcoming months … no advice has been given.

We are completely in the dark.”

Dr Towey’s suspension and removal from the campus during a lecture sparked national press coverage in The Tablet, Catholic Herald and Times Educational Supplement. Dr Towey had objected to the merger and a plan to implement changes to the schools during the summer break when discussion by the relevant staff might be limited.

At an academic board held on 12th September, nearly all of 40 observers, Heads of School and staff walked out of a meeting with Former Principal, Prof Esler, on the grounds that they did not feel properly consulted about the plans of Governors and Senior Management.

Prof Esler and staff had disagreed on the constitutional rights of the academic board.

According to the minutes of a joint school meeting to discuss the merger, staff disquiet about managerial processes leading to the decision had already been expressed by a majority on 14th September.

Speaking with the St Mary’s Telegraph on 5th October 2012, Prof Esler said, “This merger is about bringing together two talented groups of art and academia to help students achieve better results.”

Asked about the controversy surrounding the process, Prof Esler told the paper, “In the Governors’ meeting we completely reconsidered the merger on Thursday 20th September.

“We took into account the views of students and staff and only after this did we decide to go ahead with the decision to merge two schools.”

Continued on page 18 >

Issue 2 | SMT

7

MUSIC

Got the Silver?

By Nathan Rhodes-Brandon There’s a number of factors that go into the correlation of ticket price and enjoyment of a gig. It might be, in the case of when I saw Bob Dylan, that for £60 I’m getting standing tickets in a small intimate arena not 100 metres away from the greatest musician who ever lived.

It might be that I’ve only spent £12 as I did recently when seeing Harlem rapper ASAP Rocky, and I’m treated to a vibrant and exciting live performance by someone who isn’t resting on their laurels and is putting everything into their music in order to make the big time.

Then there’s the case of the Rolling Stones and their O2 arena gigs (on the 25th and 29th of November).

Now, it goes without saying that at their peak they were, and continue to be through recent remasters and reissues, one of the greatest musical acts of all time. I couldn’t tell you the amount of times I’ve listened to Exile On Main Street. But there’s a few differences between the Stones, Dylan and ASAP Rocky. In the case of the latter, £12 is a very small amount of money to go see a musician who is doing their best to make sure you keep buying these tickets, you keep supporting their act and downloading new mix tapes.

And they ensure this by putting on an energetic and kinetic show. Dylan, having spent 50 years in the music industry, has a reputation that of course he is going to take advantage of; let’s not pretend £60 is cheap, but it’s one of the greatest pleasures of my life to be able to say I was very close to him while he stood and played Desolation Row in his elder statesman of music way.

The Stones are selling tickets that, when first up for sale, were £106. This price was for the worst seats in the entire O2 arena. Looking now, those same seats in block 418, so high up and so far removed from the rest of your music going company you’d have sympathy for the devil if he sat there - are on sale for over £300. There are two standing tickets available for £4000 each through viagogo sellers.

For late 60s/early 70s Stones, and with enough disposable income to burn, I can see £300 tickets being a great price for some great seats. I can see £4000 tickets being a luxury but one I’m willing to pay if I rid myself of a kidney or two first. But to see three saggy piles of bones (excluding Charlie Watts because he just sits there and looks like a nice grandad) writhing around like sexually charged dying snakes for around a years’ worth of student loans? You can’t always get what you want, I suppose.

The Killers’ new album ‘Battle Born’

By Alex Birch Battle Born is The Killers’ fourth studio album, coming four years after Day & Age. In 2009, the band decided to go on a hiatus after five years on the road and lead singer Brandon Flowers did his well-received solo album Flamingo. Now they’re back and Battle Born is one of their best albums: it combines the soft anthems of debut album Hot Fuss with the more rock-style songs on Sam’s Town and the upbeat dance-y tracks of Day & Age, while also, it must be said, sounding a lot like Flowers’ solo effort. The album seems to be about how life now is not as good as it once was and many tracks off Battle Born talk about relationships that have gone awry.

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‘Flesh and Bone’ kicks the album off in brilliant rock-style with great guitars and Flowers singing of the conflict between his Mormon beliefs and his love of Las Vegas, nicknamed ‘Sin City’.

‘Runaways’ is the first of the many songs about a relationship gone wrong: it speaks of the woman wanting to “run away somewhere else, someplace good” and the man saying, “There’s a picture of us on our wedding day; I recognise the girl but I can’t settle in these walls”, but ultimately the song is one about hope for the couple because the man assures his wife, “I knew it when I met you, I’m not gonna let you run away”. The song starts slowly but builds up to a sensational climax and as Battle Born’s lead single, it let everybody know that The Killers were back with style. “The Way It Was”, “Here With Me”, “Matter of Time” and “Miss Atomic Bomb” all follow up on this theme as they individually discuss the sadness of a love lost between a man and a woman. “The Way It Was” bemoans that ‘sometimes the dream, it don’t come true’ and in “Here With Me”, Flowers sings ‘I saw you in a restaurant the other day, but instead of walking towards you, I ran away’. The musical style of these song vary from soft ballads to heart-thumping rock songs.

The other theme that is most prevalent on Battle Born is the idea of the new generation of children have a lot of pressure on their shoulders and Flowers’ wish to relieve that pressure, especially for his own three sons.

“Deadlines and Commitments” is a song about the financial crisis and how young people today are finding it difficult to live their own lives, but Flowers offers a helping hand: ‘If you should fall upon hard times, if you should lose your way, there is a place here in this house, that you can stay’. “Heart of a Girl” is a ballad about a girl calling her father to tell him she’s in trouble and the father responding that ‘I got all night to listen to the heart of a girl’. “Be Still” is also a song of encouragement to his children when things get tough, telling them ‘Don’t break character, you’ve got a lot of heart’. “Battle Born” is a song to America as well as his children, telling them to keep fighting for the spirit of America because the country was born out of battle.

“The Rising Tide” has an ambiguous theme but it seems to be about Flowers warning non-believers of ‘The Rising Tide’ that is coming; in other words, judgement by God. The first three of these songs are soft songs with Flowers’ vocals gentle and comforting while “Battle Born” and “The Rising Tide” both talk about serious messages with loud, passionate urgency by the way of great guitar riffs and heavy drumming.

Battle Born is a great comeback album from a band that was close to being forgotten. The exciting songs with thought-provoking and moving lyrical themes throughout make this a must-listen.

Rob’s Favourite Gig

By Robert Edwards To ask me what my favourite gig is that I’ve been to would be a silly question as I’ve only been to about four in my life. However, the management of the paper in your hands begged, threatened and downright blackmailed me into writing one, so here goes nothing.

The place is Bristol, the O2 academy to be precise. The performer was Seth Lakemen; for those of you unaware of Mr Lakemen’s work he is a folk/rock outfit who is well know (in folk circles) for his use of Fiddle and Tenor guitar. I have always preferred stand-up comedy, so I had been to many of those gigs but this was my first music one. We (me and my sister) arrived half an hour before Seth was due to take the stage. I was amazed by the throngs of people around me but we managed to push through to a decent place in what I believe is called the “mosh pit”. I asked my sister, who was far more seasoned at such events than I, “what’s a most pit?” She says nothing, but the twinkle in her eye could not lie; I was in for an interesting night.

Seth takes to the stage to thunderous applause and begins fiddling on his fiddle to cheers and whoops. It’s now I realise that, for some inexplicable reason, every man and woman in Bristol who is taller than me has come to this gig, and is standing right in front of me.

Now, dear reader, I am not short, I’m 5ft 10” (5ft 11” on my tippy toes) but here in the O2 that counted for nothing, due to the jolly green giant deciding to stand right in front of me. However, as Seth got started, I realised this was of course a musical event, where my eyes become useless and my ears take the sensory centre stage. As the night goes on, the energy in the mosh pit grows. I’m unused to proper mosh procedure so I stand rigidly still, straining to see the stage about ten metres away. My sister tugs my arm, trying to tell me I should probably start moving around to avoid being elbowed in the face by some rogue dancer. Why are people moving around? I think. When I listen to music I like to be lying down and letting the music envelope me as I think, not wildly gesticulate my body in a small confined space with others doing the same.

It’s well known of course that “guilty feet ain’t got no rhythm.” Which makes sense, because the day before I had embezzled a spectacular amount of money. This possibly explains my dislike of dancing in public (I do It when I’m alone in a darkened room). That said, I did find myself tapping my feet and clicking in time to the music like an English, middle class version of Westside Story. This was my favourite concert as it was my first; after this, I’ve been to a few more and even a festival but, to me, this will always hold pride of place in my memory.

SPRING 2013

MUSIC

My Music ... My Way

Ones to watch

Rubylux

By Cassidy Johnson

Bastille – A Beyond Brilliant Band

By Harry Rogers Music is in the ears of the beholder and Bastille, a London-based four-piece, will soon be everyone’s favourite new band; it’s sure mine!

Fronted by Dan Smith, this band from South London has been around for a while but they are finally taking the music scene by storm. There most recent single “Pompeii” managed to reach #2 on the UK singles chart and their debut album “Bad Blood” is currently residing at number 1.

One of my clueless friends asked Twitter the other day, “What is a Bastille?” If he bothered to listen to them before clicking send, then his naïve comment would have been non-existent and the Bastille addiction would have already taken place. Nonetheless, I feel like it’s my duty to introduce each of my friends to the wondrous experience of Bastille’s music. I don’t want to be that person who rambles on about their love for a band which nobody else knows, but with the success Bastille is having at the moment, I know I won’t be for much longer.

However, you want to categorise them (pop, alternative, indie), it’s the rippling melodies and tunes that flow through all Bastille's songs that define them.

Dan Smith, the creative heart of the band writes songs that show a renewed confidence and maturity, a change that has seen Bastille go from strength to strength this year alone. Their songs are simple yet haunting and they will shake you to the core.

From slots at Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival, to the recent release of their debut album this month, things are deservedly on the up for Bastille. But don’t expect seeing them anytime soon; their biggest tour to date has sold out and I didn’t get any tickets either (I’m not bitter). If you want a slice of some Bastille action then check them out on Soundcloud or YouTube, there wicked mixtapes titled, “Other People’s Heartache” have some amazing covers and will not disappoint, they’re even free to download.

But nothing is complete without buying their debut album “Bad Blood: The Extended Cut” from iTunes, it’s a sure fire hit at becoming album of the year. The replay button will be worn out, I’ve warned you.

As students, we are always interested in the new band or sound that we can dance or sing to. Well, this is a heads up to a new amazing band that is releasing their album, ‘The World Goes Quiet’ on 17th June 2013.

Rubylux are known for their guerrilla gigs across the UK and their rock sound has been toned down in this second album appealing to a pop genre, with more catchy songs.

Rubylux are originally Brighton based but have established a reputation across the country with their radical methods which have built a loyal audience. The lead singer and guitarist, Rob Irving, bassist, Clark Coslett-Hughes, keyboard player, Adam Harris and drummer, Mike Hall, make up this great band who explained that they are inspired by everyone from Jimmy Hendrix to The Killers. The band’s method was to borrow a generator and PA system and play 30-45 minute gigs which defied police and council policy. This allowed them to record and sell which, in turn, helped them buy equipment and find further recording. It was also the only way they were able to pay for their 2010 debut album, ‘Fake Control’.

They toured around the world from Australia to America with their first album and were formally recognised when they received the Best Band accolade at The Brighton Music Awards. The 12 tracks on their new album, ‘The World Goes Quiet’, has been compared to Snow Patrol, One Republic and Maroon 5.

Mike loved the end results. "We wanted to make an album where people could fall in love with every single song and, hopefully, that's exactly what we've done,” he says. “For me, each track has something special about it, whether it’s the string arrangements we wrote in the mountains of North Wales for Sound Of Light, or Rob's guitar solos we recorded in his bedroom, Ad's synth solo on I Don't Want Paradise, or Clark's bass line on Love Without A Cause. Each part of each song has a story behind it. I can't stop listening to it, and I'm hoping other people won't be able to either!"

Clark said, “We tried to achieve the perfect balance on the songs and sounds from epic to chilled, which we like to put across in our live shows – it’s all in there. So I am confident that the album represents the band through and through.”

Adam concludes: “From the day Rubylux got together, our aim is to make the kind of record that we would all like to listen to, to try and compete with the biggest bands in the world – to play as well as they play and make the kind of music that touches people in the same way they do. With this album, I think we have begun to achieve that.”

The band touches on aspects of sustaining love in a relationship that is shown in ‘The Black Sun Needs Sparks.’ They present love as turbulent with accessible music that makes you want to sing along. The band’s single, ‘The World Goes Quiet’, has a catchy tune that keeps you upbeat on a day when you have essays due in the morning or when you are contemplating mistakes you made in previous relationships. This is a band that has similar aspects to others but has a fresh tune, and it doesn’t hurt that they have their own sharp individual styles.

For more information on Rubylux’s next tour dates and forthcoming festivals they will be attending during the summer, go to: www.rubylux.net.

My Top 5 Bastille Songs: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Weight of Living, Pt. II Icarus Pompeii These Streets Laura Palmer

To keep up to date: Website: bastillebastille.com Twitter: twitter.com/bastilledan Facebook: facebook.com/bastilleuk YouTube: youtube.com/BASTILLEvideos Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/bastilleuk

SPRING 2013

Issue 2 | SMT

9

ART-icle

EmiNguyen EmiNguyen creates gorgeous split images with soft, gentle tones. Her images create a romantic fantasy element that leaves the audience intrigued and besotted. Her portfolio consists traditionally of still life and self portraits but with such lovely imagery one is simply besotted with her works. www.flickr.com/photos/teacupie

Julia Starr Starr uses photo manipulation to her advantage.

At 21, she has worked hard building up an audience on deviant art with a wide portfolio of photography and photo manipulation. She is also keen to help inspiring photographers by allowing her photoshop actions to be used for free world wide. Download them here http://night-fate.deviantart.com

Exhibitions

By Sheree Fadil Current upcoming must-see exhibitions

What: Where: When:

Lichtenstein: A Retrospective Tate Modern 21st February-27th May 2013

This exhibition explored the spotty, dotty pop art and comic artwork of Lichtenstein.

The artist’s rich and expansive practice will be represented by a wide range of materials, including paintings on Rowlux and steel, as well sculptures in ceramic and brass and a selection of previously unseen drawings, collages and works on paper. this momentous show brings together 125 of his most definitive paintings and sculptures and will reassess his enduring legacy.

Image courtesy of the Tate Modern. Purchased 1966 © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Win! Win! Win! Each week an image taken by our photographer, Sheree Fadil @trappedbehindthelens photography, releases an image and asks for a response.

Send your entries to sheree_fadil@hotmail.co.uk with the subject ‘Photography week 1’ and you could have your images featured in the next issue! trappedbehindthelens.daportfolio.com

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SMT | Issue 2

SPRING 2013

ART-icle

Each week we send out a search around the world for the most interesting, beautiful and mind-boggling art works.

We hunt out the newest exhibitions and show off the artists who really deserve to be in the spotlight.

By Sheree Fadil Artist in the spotlight

Holly Bynoe This week we have Holly Bynoe is the spotlight.

Bynoe is a visual artist who focuses on contemporary art, exploring a wide range of mediums such as photography, collage, video and writing, ‘my practice confronts through visual and textual juxtapositions the issues of identity, politics and place.’ Says Bynoe, ‘I am interested in interrogating states of being; those residing between history and myth, between remembering and inevitable erasure.’

Her collages are incredibly complex with their compounds constructed through a central device of layering and re-configuring. She explains the meaning with, ‘The weathering and deterioration of pixels reinforces the idea of an unreliable voice, highlighting the loss of a true narrative space.’

Bynoe is a co-founder and editor-in-chief of ARC Magazine, a non-profit visual art and culture publication focused on contemporary arts. Her work has been exhibited internationally and regionally with recent shows and publications including: Pictures from Paradise (2012) Robert & Christopher Publishers, Disillusions: Gendered Visions of the Caribbean and its Diaspora (2011) at Middlesex County College and Sylvia Wald and Po Kim Art Gallery.

Holly Bynoe’s works are available at www.hollybynoe.com

SPRING 2013

Issue 2 | SMT

11

SPORT

Why Not Join The Weight Lifting Society?

By Cassidy Johnson Name: Age: Subject:

The weightlifting club let me into their world for a day where I was able to get a feel for what it would be like to be on their team. I spoke with members and the President, Robert Anderson and Vice President, Phil Price, asking questions you would want to know before you joined up. First we sat in the Dol.cHe Vita with a nice coffee and they explained the ins and outs of weightlifting.

Q: Weightlifting society? What do you enjoy about weightlifting?

Rob: Well, I really enjoy being part of the team. We get together once a week and get about 35 lifters in at a time. Our sport is quiet unique and the best thing about it is the atmosphere.

Q: What age did you start weightlifting?

Rob: The bulk of our people have a year’s experience.

Phil: But they usually start when they come to university.

Q: What commitment does the club expect?

Phil: Well, we usually meet on Wednesdays, so once a week. But it varies, some train every day.

Q: How easy is it to get injured in this sport?

Phil: There is this stereotype that the risk factor in weightlifting is high, but that is not the case. You are more likely to injure yourself in rugby.

Q: What does St Mary’s offer to support you?

Phil: They don’t really support us despite being a sports University. But that is because we don’t have an accreditation. We are aiming to get that and then will receive more support. However the AU president has been very helpful and aims to help us over the year.

Q: What is your aim for the Club?

Rob: We aim to be the best in the UK. We want more members and championships as well as corporate sponsorship to make travel easier. We also encourage progression for members in different areas such as sport, academia, coaching skills, personal development and career prospects.

Q: How can students get involved?

Phil: Email us and we will organise a time when you can come down for a taster session. You can also visit our website for more information at www.stmarysstrength.webs.com. We are also on Twitter and Facebook under the name ‘St Marys Strength’.

Robert.anderson@smuc.ac.uk Phil.price@smuc.ac.uk

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Emily Cushion 21 Strength and conditioning science Achievements: Received Silver medal at under 20s and under 23s championship.

Background: Emily played rugby in her first and second year however due to an unfortunate back injury she was forced to stop. This led her to join the weightlifting team. She was the first girl in the club but she hasn’t been the last. When asked how much someone needs to commit Emily stated, “We have sessions every Wednesday and Sunday evening, and I train daily, however, it’s completely up to you.” Emily then went on to explain, “We also have a coach in the club who will monitor and give you suggestions on how to improve.”

Name: Age: Subject:

Stuart Diplock 19 Strength and Conditioning science

New Clubs and Societies

By Lucy Upstill St Mary’s sport is constantly growing; this new term we have introduced 7 new clubs to the University College.

Getting involved with sports and societies at St Mary’s can be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of your time here. So, if you’re a first year at St Mary’s or just fancy getting involved in a new sport or society, then contact the president of the club with the details given below. #Getinvolved Boxing

Kick Boxing

Kelsey Williams kelmx@hotmail.com

Volleyball

Softball Background: Stuart was injured in rugby and was in need of a sport with less contact. He had no previous experience when he began and has been supported by coach Kazem who has taught him the right techniques. When asked about the coach, Stuart said, “Kazem is a great coach. He doesn’t make you do anything, he advises you with a personal programme to make you better over time. After the operation in my shoulder the surgeon said that I wouldn’t be able to lift more than 50 Kilos but with Kazem’s help I can now lift 107 Kilos.”

Stuarts goal for the next year is to keep training and compete in the under 20s championship.

Mike Brooks smsubox@hotmail.co.uk

Swimming

Comedy Club

Christina Pendl Pendl.cm@hotmail.de Katherine Lack 113042@live.smuc.ac.uk Josie Rivers Josierivers@hotmail.co.uk Harry Ward Masters H_wardmasters@hotmail.com

Show Choir

Chris Burkill kiyokotek@gmail.com

If you would like more information on clubs and societies contact: AU president: Luke Allen Aupresident@smuc.ac.uk Sports Officer: Tegan Pickles Tegan.pickles@smuc.ac.uk

Name:

Kazem Panjavi

Background: Kazem started weightlifting when he was 17 years old. He is an Olympic weightlifter who has competed in many competitions. He coached his brother for the 2004 Olympics and helped in running the English squad in the Commonwealth Games. He has also been an Olympic technical officer. This consisted of judging the Olympians and report if they are missing something in their routine.

What he can do for you: He starts all members with a programme testing out our flexibility and speed. His objective is to make you stronger. He does this by building you up every week. He will help you with your positioning and stance. He looks at your weaknesses and helps you weekly.

10 reasons to go to a sports social!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Meet new friends Learn new drinking games Chance to go on tour Have one too many drinks Good old fancy dress Bond as a team Usually can blag free entry at slutskies!

Learn the chants of your team Most clubs get discounted drinks where your social is held 10. Have joint socials with other teams

SPRING 2013

SPORT

Paul Addison and the Basketball Team!

What are you looking for in a player?

They need to be independent, organised and very committed. Commitment is very important especially in previous years. We need players who pay their fees and always turn up. Game wise we need level headed skilful players who are always putting in an effort.

How important is it to be a real team player?

Very important. In the past we haven’t really had a coach so we needed to rely on each other for motivation. Without being a team player, we can’t really develop.

Are there any big changes this year?

Are many second teams getting to play main matches as, I know in the past, some have felt held back?

Sadly, last year we lost a lot of players who graduated and this year we’ve only had enough freshers to fill two teams. Everyone has a spot and has the opportunity to play a main match and I’ve made a lot of changes within first and second team.

By Sheree Fadil

Hi Paul. So you’ve just become president. How are you finding it so far?

It’s going good so far, it’s a lot more difficult than I thought it would be in comparison to watching ex president JJ last year. There’s a lot more responsibility and you have to be more organised than I thought with organising fees and budgets, etc. Everyone relies on you, so from me being just a member of the team to running it I’ve realised how much pressure each president has.

Why did you chose to run for president and did you know it was going to be this stressful?

I ran for it because I wanted the experience of looking after our team because for the past two years that we’ve been here we haven’t done as well as we could have. I feel that’s sort of due to how former presidents have run things, so I thought I would make a lot of changes, such as getting a coach in, which has made all the difference.

How did you feel the previous president coped and what were his good and bad points?

Well there are quite a few bad points but I guess it’s very easy to criticize. He didn’t really have much organisation with training and the sessions didn’t really have any structure to them. He didn’t fill us in with anything that was going on behind the scenes i.e. budgeting, fixtures etc and now I’m trying to get everyone involved in what’s going on. He was very negative and whether we won or lost a match there were always more negative things than good.

What do you plan to bring to the team yourself?

The whole reason we’re doing this is because everyone loves basketball and wants to play and do their best, and I plan for us to do as well as we can. I want us to feel like a family and I feel like, so far, I am succeeding.

Hopefully, I can bring more as the season goes on.

SPRING 2013

Do second team get an opportunity to play main matches often?

Yeah. I mean, the kits are all the same and we constantly swap teams around.

How are you doing for team players this year since you said you recruited lots of freshers?

We’ve only got eighteen players this year so that’s nine a team. We’re doing OK, but we do need a couple of extra players and we have a lot of freshers who have filled a few slots.

So how would people get involved if they wanted to join the team?

I’m on the St Mary’s page; you can speak to Luke Allen about it. I’m quite well known on campus, being a third year, so I’m easy to get hold of. Feel free to email or text me; I’m always keen to get people training.

What are the training times?

We have two sessions a week: one on Monday and one on Friday, 8-10pm and the girls train before us from 6-8pm. When new players come, I would like them to have a few taster sessions before committing to the team.

on the court, I still have to motivate and work hard.

How do you prepare for a big game?

Know exactly what we’re going to do classic board and pen and know who’s playing what position. Personally, I love a good music session beforehand to help me relax and stretch.

What music inspires you the most?

I’m an all-rounder. I like a lot of different music but I’d probably say music related to basketball, such as hiphop, r’n’b and music videos that link to NBA. Think fast beats and raps and very Americanised music, complimented by my Beats headphones to put me in the mood.

What made you get into basketball?

I started in year 8 and it’s because my high school was a basketball college and so promoted it a lot. I used to only play football but, as my body grew, I was recommended to join training. I started to really enjoy it because our high school did really well playing nationals and acting really professional by getting up early for training. If it wasn’t for my school I probably wouldn’t have joined a team.

Who’s your biggest inspiration within basketball?

I’ve got a few but at the moment id probably say my original coach, Gary, as I would never have played without him. He taught me everything I know and he puts so much effort in to train me. Even now, he’s helping coach for England. I’m honoured to be one of his students.

Any big matches coming up?

Yeah, I need a lot of support from St Mary’s so come down and watch – just no alcohol!

What are your plans for university? Do you plan to continue with basketball?

Yes definitely. Professional basketball is questionable and very competitive. You need to know the right people and I’ll definitely keep going with it and not let it go.

Thanks Paul, anything else you want to say to our readers?

Yeah, just come and support us – we need it. We have nights out, music and with that support we can perform so much better.

How much are the fees?

The fees are £110 this year, which includes travel expenses, affiliation which registers you as a player, equipment, coach and pays for the referees. The kit costs £30 extra, but that’s for you to keep.

As a sports student in your final year, how does this affect your studies?

I’m finding it hard to balance both as the pressure of being a president and student is quite hard, especially in third year. I’d probably like to have more study time. I know presidents have had issues in the past but I am distributing tasks to other members of the team to give myself some time to do my work.

Aside from presidential duties, what are your other roles within the team?

I often have to act as captain when our coach can’t make it and I try to motivate and encourage the team; not to be in charge, but to be one of them. When I’m

Issue 2 | SMT

13

HEALTH

You Don’t Have To Drink (Loads) To Be A Student

By Sam Collins What you are about to read will not be popular with a lot of people. It will not be popular with your mate who thinks that doing a strawpedo in less than two seconds solidifies his position as the best person alive. It may not be popular with your Students’ Union, it will not be popular with the manager at your local Wetherspoons and it most certainly will NOT be popular with the chief executive of Jagermeister.

It is, however, the truth. You do not need to drink too much at university. In fact, if you don’t fancy it, you do not need to drink AT ALL. The choice is yours and only yours to make.

By now you will have successfully endured Freshers’, or if you’re a 2nd or 3rd year, you may have successfully ‘encountered’ some freshers. Freshers’ is GREAT. It is an opportunity to meet lots of new people, begin chipping away at your loan, act like a twit and sleep with complete strangers. At this stage, you may have lots of new contacts, be a member of countless clubs and societies, have a genuinely disgusting kitchen, may have chlamydia and almost definitely will have a terrible cold.

This is the classic Fresher experience and is a drama that is repeating itself for many of this year’s (roughly) half a million new students across the UK. The extent to which us students drink is impressive.

59% of students have experienced some form of memory loss and a staggering 37% of students have, at some point, not known how they got home. Most impressively, last year students from Leeds Metropolitan University proudly topped the table of drinking establishments by chugging an average of 26.7 units of alcohol per week. That’s equivalent to about 45 single shots of Archers and lemonade in an average week!

Now … I’m no doctor.

This is all fun and games, but there is a fundamental and troubling disconnect. A UNITE Mori study recently surveyed students before they embarked on their studies, asking them what they wanted out of university.

Of the 532 that answered, 456 said they desired a ‘hard working’ atmosphere and time at university, whereas

only 76 said they desired ‘hard partying’. Why and how is drinking so popular then? Somewhere along the line going to university became more synonymous with booze and less synonymous with knowledge. Is it me or are we selling out, just a little? I remember arriving at my halls just over 3 years ago to a welcome pack laced with condoms, free WKD and countless drinking promotion leaflets. I also remember the promoters of CARNAGE coming and asking whether I wanted to pay a ludicrous sum of money to wear a, frankly, offensive T-shirt and wander round some mediocre pubs like Jordan, desperately trying to get laid. I have since graduated (relatively sober) and look back at these things as whimsical attempts at making money off the back of students’ naivety.

Peer pressure? Research from Drink Aware reveals that 23% of 18-24 year old students thought they would be ridiculed on a night out if they did not drink.

Some more facts ... Every week students spend an average of £33.10 on alcoholic drinks and going out, allocating only £25 a week on food. That means you,

10 WAYS TO RELAX

By Hannah O’ Donnell University can be incredibly stressful, what with the partying and the drinking and the general being a tearaway now that you're out of your parents' house.

But you also need some down time and I have ten inexpensive ways to relax.

1. Pamper yourself: a. Get a haircut, or if your student loan isn’t stretching as far as you want it to, get together with a group of your friends and style each other’s hair. See who can do the craziest style or who could be the next Nicki Clarke. b. Do a facemask. For a couple of quid you can get them from your local chemist. Steam your face first by placing it over a bowl of hot water, or just enjoy a hot shower, before basting your face in something soothing. If you want to go all natural, make your own. 2 egg whites separated from the

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SMT | Issue 2

2.

3.

4.

5.

yolk mixed with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt.

Leave on for a couple of minutes and just feel the stress of uni life slip away.

Eat more fruit. Every health magazine tells you that you need five portions of fruit a day. But it’s a tasty way to get what your body needs to fight illness. That can’t be a bad thing.

Write a letter to your parents, or someone you haven’t seen in a while. It’s a good way to vent your feelings and take a moment to take in what’s been going on. Doesn’t have to be a letter (as stamps are extortionate these days) but an email, text or a phone call to a family member will alleviate any homesickness you might be feeling.

Do some baking. In my opinion just as good for you as eating fruit, though nutritionists may not agree. The internet is full of baking tips if you’ve never baked before, but just the smell of cakes or biscuits relaxes people. Make bread for your sandwiches if you feel up to a real challenge.

Pop Bubble Wrap.

You know what I’m talking about.

yes, you, are set to spend £1059.20 on going out and alcohol over your next 32 weeks of being an active student this academic year. We are literally lining the pockets of the alcohol industry. You can pick up a decent second hand car for 800 quid and the going rate for flights to Sydney or Peru around last Easter break was £600. I know where and what I’d rather be spending my money on! Kind of puts into perspective how wrong your mates are when they claim they ‘don’t have enough money for food’. You heard it first here, people. Students are loaded, even after the recent rise in fees. In fact, studies have shown that students have more expendable income than many adults in the graduate world.

What if you’re a non-drinker? There is hope. A recent study from the Journal of Alcohol and drugs found that ‘the vast majority of both male and female students overestimated the incidence of drinking amongst their student peers’; in short, we all think everyone else is drinking loads when they’re actually not. Estimates for non-drinking students range from 10-31%. That means if you’re at one of the least boozy universities, such as Salford or Kingston, 1 in 3 of your peers could be a nondrinker!

What I’m arguing for is a re-definition of what it means to be a student. This does not mean that drinking becomes abolished or stigmatized. It still means going out if you want to, and it can still mean the outside chance of a one night stand! It just means less wasted days walking round campus in tracksuit bottoms at 2pm with ketchup matted into your hair. It means slightly healthier livers. It means feeling awake enough to get involved in other stuff. It means no peer pressure and a bit more respect for people who decide drinking’s not for them. It means 2:1’s, not 2:2’s! It means you may even have a tangible and meaningful conversation with someone after 9pm. It could even mean being able to go away on holiday, a new car, or committing to the internship of your dreams over next summer. Wouldn’t that be nice?

6. Go to a library. It’s quiet, there are books and computers and sometimes it’s just nice to not have to rush anywhere. If you head into central, some even have coffee shops; go crazy and spoil yourself.

7. If the quiet life isn’t for you, turn on some music and dance around your house/room. Do it for at least half an hour, and it raises your heart rate and starts to burn calories. Do it for over an hour, and you can start to feel less guilty that you took my advice number four.

8. Tie Dye a shirt, bed sheets, shoes, go crazy accessorising clothes you already have. Means you don’t have to buy some new ones with your lack of funds, but your wardrobe gets a face life.

Win-Win. 9. Have a movie marathon. Doesn’t matter what the movies are, get a couple of friends or do it on your own. Grab some ice cream, some popcorn and chill out.

10. Take a nap. My personal favourite. 20 minutes can do wonders, and sometimes we all need that little rest to catch our breath.

SPRING 2013

LIFESTYLE

Reverting To Baby Steps

By Emily Hennings From the very beginning, your mum teaches you everything ...

- “Don’t touch that, you will burn yourself” - “Don’t eat that, you will make yourself poorly” - “Look both ways when you cross the road ... actually just hold my hand and don’t let go until we have crossed the road.”

What you don’t think about is that after you have been taught the basics, you then have to learn to live independently. Being away from my mum has taught me how much I enjoy pretending to be an adult even if I don’t always feel like it, even if I do have to run home every so often for a comfier mattress or a mummy hug.

Living without boundaries is just bizarre. I am in my first year at St Mary’s and living in a cute little flat in Strawberry Hill because we did not get halls. Although, I don’t see this as a particularly bad thing at all, other than the fact that it is so quiet when I am here on my own. I think in halls you are still treated like you are at home and so we, in this little flat, have had to become more domestic, more quickly.

I have become aware of how difficult it is to actually make my bed. At home your mum makes it look so easy, but here I have bits of duvet that have folded over inside the duvet cover which is the cause of many a confused look, sometimes resulting in me talking to the duvet asking it why it is doing this to me?

Living with sole responsibility for myself, I find myself calling my mum or my grandma a lot because things I didn’t even know needed worrying about are now a cause for concern. Is the bathroom light meant to make that noise? There are three ladybirds in my bathroom; are they going to kill me or should I kill them first? Can I freeze Greek yoghurt or will I get food poisoning when I defrost it?

It must be weird for her too, though. My mum and I are very close and get on really well and so she has learnt to let her first child wander off to the outskirts of

SPRING 2013

London, probably wondering if I will return completely different or hate every second and need to run home due to terrible homesickness. Luckily, I have placed myself firmly in the middle of the two; very happy to be living on my own and trying to become the person I want to be, but with a little lack of self-confidence to completely remove myself from the Hennings/O’Dwyer family altogether. It is weird not to have to ask to go out or to tell anyone that I am going out and won’t be back until 4 o’clock the next morning, and I know this sounds stupid, but I am now responsible for getting home and locking my front door. I am no one else’s responsibility ... at all!

Which is quite exciting really. Independence at its height. Although, new fears have crept into my everyday routine. I now walk out of my front door, holding my keys because I am petrified of locking myself out if no one else is in. I check the gas hob before I leave just in case I leave it on, and I unplug most things before I go for a visit home. Just in case.

Money is a terrible thing if, like me, you have little control when it comes to the Oxford Street Topshop (the sparkly lights make it so hard to just walk past). I have learnt things like how easy it is to lose track of how much money you are spending in Urban Outfitters.

Student finance have so kindly given you all this money that you have never had on demand before, making it too easy to spend too much. There is also no mother when you get home asking how much you have spent.

On the plus side, I have learnt how much I have aged prematurely due to my new love of Baking. Great British Bake Off, here I come. I have learnt that I HAVE to set an alarm in the mornings, and that, no matter what the packet says, white-tac does stain the walls!

All of these things are very minor and not actually very interesting but I wouldn’t have known them if I was still living at home. So, bearing in mind Mother’s Day has just gone, I shall just say how much I love my mummy!

Teenage Cancer Trust

Your teenage years are supposed to be the best years of your life but for six young people every day, life stops when they hear the devastating news they have cancer.

One minute life is about starting university, hanging out with mates and learning to drive, the next, it’s on hold and you’re in a hospital ward, frightened and alone. To make matters worse, many young people with cancer never meet another young person going through the same experience.

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival of young people aged 13 to 24. The charity builds specialist cancer units within NHS hospitals that bring young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them.

Teenage Cancer Trust has two specialist units for young people living in London and the surrounding areas. We have an inpatient unit at University College Hospital which has been supporting 13-19 year olds since it opened in 2005 and we recently opened our first dedicated outpatient facility situated in the hospital’s new Cancer Centre. Known as the Teenage Cancer Trust Hub, it provides day care treatment and outpatient consultation for patients aged 13 to 24. The unique facility means patients don’t have to stay overnight in hospital and can have more control and responsibility for their chemotherapy treatment.

The Teenage Cancer Trust Hub is bright and vibrant, featuring graffiti artwork. There are eight treatment pods, various treatment and consulting rooms and a spacious social area. This features a gym, DJ booth, games consoles, computers to keep up with studies, a family area and cafe.

Georgia, 19, from Shepperton, was preparing to return to university to start her second year of an Italian and German degree when, two weeks before term started, she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma (a type of bone or soft tissue tumour). Georgia was given her first round of chemotherapy on the Teenage Cancer Trust inpatient ward and is now receiving further treatment on the Hub. Georgia comments, “The Teenage Cancer Trust inpatient unit was nice but, since receiving further treatment at the Cancer Centre, I’ve realised I prefer it.

Having treatment here has given me so much more freedom and independence. It has also given me more responsibility for my treatment, which I like. And there’s so much more space too!”

As well as our units, Teenage Cancer Trust also delivers free cancer awareness sessions to university students. The sessions are delivered in a positive and interactive way and props, quizzes and films are used to empower and educate students about the signs of cancer, treatment, emotional impact and the vital importance of early diagnosis. In a recent survey, 25% of young cancer patients had to visit their GP at least four times or more before they were referred to a specialist.

Continued on page 18 >

Issue 2 | SMT

15

FUN / GAMES

Crossword

By Hannah O' Donnell

Freshers Themed Word Search Alcohol Bouncers Cashin Clive Clubs Cronin

De Marillac Doyle Drinking Graham Halls Party

Societies Sports Waldegrave Wiseman

Across 1.

4.

7.

8.

9.

12.

13.

15.

16.

17.

18.

21.

23.

24.

28.

29.

30.

31.

32.

34.

37.

38.

A mix of red and yellow. (6) A celebrities signature given to a fan (9) To tell an untruth (4) Animals fur (4) The slaughter of a large group of people ( 8) Private and Personal (8) Live in a particular place (6) Absorbed in someone or something (4) Socialist state that existed between 1922 and 1991 (4) Actions made without variation (6) He who believes others act on selfish motives (5) Sixth note of the major scale (3) More than unreasonable (5) Horse Equipment (4) A platform on which to move goods (6) Abbreviation for the genre surrounding alternate worlds (5) Frankly and honestly. Not closed. (6) A song by the Eagles in the album of the same name. Released 1977. (5, 10) An opponent that cannot be beaten or overcome. (7) Roman Goddess of the Night (3) Pedigree (8) A wading bird that is dyed by its food (8)

Cartoon Strip By juchinar searles

Down 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

10.

11.

13.

14.

19.

20.

22.

25.

26.

27.

28.

33.

35.

36.

39.

16

The staging of the Olympics (8) From whence you came (8) Three of them crossed a bridge with a troll underneath (4) Able to write with both left and right hand (12) Sticks out when sore (5) Deep regret or guilt (7) Showing excessive sexual desire (9) To leave quickly (9) A man with magic powers (6) Proof that something is false (8) An unhealthy interest in the dead. (6) The study of the sea (12) Graceful in movement (5) A girl who behaves in an immoral and cheeky way (5) The punishment of dragging a man under a ship (8) Patch of land privately owned for growing produce (9) A sound made quiet by a cover (7) Dessert served on Shrove Tuesday (7) Ancient language of Rome (5) Cards used for fortune telling (5) Nag a Ram (7) To boast or vaunt (4)

SMT | Issue 2

SPRING 2013

FUN / GAMES

Dear Auntie M., Dear Aunt M., I think I have trouble with alcohol. I don't drink a lot but when I do, I have too much which causes me to make a show of myself, I don’t know when to stop I end up being really sick. Then for days I feel guilty and ashamed of myself, whilst my friends make jokes. I've got myself in so many bad situations – I'm very scared about that because I could potentially be putting myself in danger. I'm so paranoid about what people think of me I feel like I need to hide and never come back. I've been like this for years and I don't know how to stop or help myself. It feels like I have no control and that I'm ruining my life. Also I feel embarrassed for my boyfriend. Please can you help?

Thank you, Anonymous.

Dear Anonymous, Don’t give up. You’re not a bad person for taking a drink too far, it happens to more people than you think and there are places you can go and people you can talk to about it. But the best thing you can do for yourself right now is to take a step back from drinking entirely. If you’re seriously concerned call 0800 024 1480, and they’ll be able to help, but in the long run it’s down to you to make a difference in your own life.

Dear Aunt M., I’m really attracted to this guy on my course, and last week I was wearing a low cut top and I caught him looking. I’m very attracted to him and have been making more effort lately to impress him. We’re meeting up for a private revision session at mine and I don’t know whether to make a move or not. How do I tell the difference between a guy liking me and a guy being turned on by me?

From Sexually Confused Dear Sexually Confused, If he’s a guy who’s checking out your boobs I can’t help but feel that just makes him straight. But not all hope is lost, the only way you’re going to know for sure is if you ask him. Worst case scenario, he says no, but I’d put money on him liking you more than you think.

Dear Aunt M., I’ve always been told I’m good at oral sex, but since I gave a blow-job to my boyfriend, we’ve gradually stopped having sex altogether as it’s all he wants me to do. He’ll kiss me and touch me for a bit and then it’s ‘his turn’, before he falls asleep. I’ve tried talking to him about my needs but it doesn’t seem to have registered. I don’t want to end the relationship but my ex is back on the scene and I’m seriously considering sleeping with him to get my kicks. I’ve never been unfaithful before but right now I don’t see an alternative. What should I do?

Dutiful Girlfriend

Are you sexy and you know it?

Dear Dutiful Girlfriend, You’ve told him what you want and he’s not listening.

It’s up to you to make a move. Either tell him you won’t do it anymore unless you get a little affection, or end it. It no longer becomes a relationship when one of the parties stops listening. I never recommend getting back with an ex. Fix what you can with the relationship and if that doesn’t work, move on to someone who is going to appreciate your talents but not take them for granted.

Dear Aunt M., I’m turning 20 next month and am still a virgin. It makes me feel insecure and embarrassed and even though I’ve had boyfriends in the past, I’ve never felt ready to have sex with them. I don’t consider myself shy or anything I’m just worried I’m not normal.

From 20 year old Virgin Dear 20 year old Virgin, Congratulations, you have survived peer pressure, and stayed true to yourself. This is nothing to be embarrassed or insecure about. Good for you for waiting till you’re ready. Sex isn’t something one should just throw about, so good for you in staying strong.

If you have a problem concern, or just want to get something off your chest, email Aunt Mary at agonyauntstm@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

So LMFAO have decided to take a break from each other. Some believe the split is for good, others are not as convinced. But her at SMT, we don’t like to dwell on the negative. So here is your chance to win a little prize. All you’ve got to do is email in a picture of yourself in you most sexy pose, with your name age and what you’re studying, and you could win £25 gift card to TOPMAN, to help fuel your sexiness. Ready to party rock? stmaryscompetitions@gmail.com

Writing Competition Feeling creative? Well, for the chance to win a Ticketmaster voucher to spend as you choose, all you’ve got to do is write a 1,000 word short story. The theme is Freshers, but apart from that the world is your oyster. The most creative will win a £25 Ticketmaster voucher and be published in the next issue of SMT. The second prize will be £15 Ticketmaster voucher, and third will be £5. Want to get your name and writing in print? Here’s your chance.

Send your story and full name to stmaryscompetitions@gmail.com, and the winner will be named in the next issue.

SPRING 2013

Issue 2 | SMT

17

FUN / GAMES

SMT Horoscopes By Danni O Connell

Teenage Cancer Trust Continued from page 15

Taurus (April 19-May 19) The end is near. With just a couple of weeks left before we leave for the summer, deadlines are looming. But that doesn’t mean Taurus can’t celebrate their birthday. Big changes lie ahead. Your outlook on life is challenged as a relationship ends. But never fear, as long as you follow your instincts on the 27th, you will see the benefits. Money and security are also a big issue this week, so be extra careful with your finances. Right now, you need to think about you, so think deeply about what you want and not what your friends expect from you. Good luck and happy birthday.

Aries (March 20th-April 18) Someone’s hating on the ram. You need to stop looking at other people for validation, you pillock. It will only end in tears. Wear blue. Burn all red clothing.

Gemini (May 20-June19) You are a double-headed snake. Unforgettable but verging on irritating. Reflect on what other people’s feedback. You may need to look at yourself in more detail. Get a haircut.

Cancer (June 23-July 23) You’re a proud person. Therefore any advice the stars give you, you will immediately resent and ignore. Think of others and look for people who’s names begin with ‘S’. There’s no particular reason for this. It’s just textbook horoscopes.

Leo (July 22-August 21) This month you will fall in love. However, the person will either ignore your texts or publically blank you. It’s alright. It happens. What you need to do is either acknowledge it or spit directly in their face.

Virgo (August 22-September 21) You’re feeling fancy free, as though a thousand bullets could puncture your lungs and you would still come out the other side smiling. Wait until you get your results back though. You smug prick.

Libra (September 22-October 22) Everyone waffles on about how balanced Libras tend to be. But let’s be real, you’re as much as a hot mess as everyone else. It’s ok to be dreadful. Get loaded.

Scorpio (October 23-November 20) This month you need to decide what you think you want and what you don’t want. Because realistically the thing you want also wants you in return.

Even though the thing you should really have is a better thing that what you already have. Get those things in order and then the main thing will show itself.

P.S I want my DVDs back.

Sagittarius (November 21-December 20) Take better care of yourself. You need to be in better shape in order to win them back. You cannot put it off any longer. The second worst place to be in the world is ‘friend’s zone’. It’s all relative my friend.

Capricorn (December 21-January 19) Be the best person you can be. Start by doing the washing up, getting a job, shaving your legs, buying a new outfit, going to classy bars, having meals in nice cafes, looking at vegan food at the supermarket, reading pretentious novels on public transport, chopping wood, ordering furniture from Ikea.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18) You’re in love, it’s plain to see. You need to soak up the love juice and store it close to your chest. Don’t play games, be yourself and have fun.

They love you for the flaws as much as the qualities.

Just don’t show them old pictures. It will only scare them away.

Pisces (February 19-March 19) This month you will change. Some will say for the better, others will say for the worst. In all honesty, believe in yourself. Someone’s got to.

DIARY: Upcoming Events Summer Ball .................17th May Boat Party ....................18th May

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SMT | Issue 2

Ongoing support and donations are now needed to maintain our two Teenage Cancer Trust units, fund specialist staff and support our cancer awareness sessions.

•

•

•

Instead of buying a round of drinks, £20 could provide an hour of vital nursing care by a teenage cancer specialist who understands what it is like to be a young person fighting cancer. £100 could enable a patient to attend a one day music therapy workshop which are arranged every March backstage at Teenage Cancer Trust’s concerts at The Royal Albert Hall. £5,000 could pay for a digital jukebox to go in one of our units which can encourage young patients to get out of their beds and remember what it’s like to be a teenager.

If you would like to nominate Teenage Cancer Trust as your RAG charity or organise a one-off fundraising event. then please contact 020 7612 0389 or email: haileya@teenagecancertrust.org.

School Merger Controversy Continued from page 7 The latest proposals to emerge from Governors and Senior Management suggest that the merger should not take place until September 2013, albeit under the leadership of one head.

Senior Management and Governors have also agreed to undertake a ‘lessons learned’ exercise. The aim of this is to examine the events and processes leading to the formation of the new school. They will also be reflecting on lessons that can be learned from this fall out. A facilitator will be gathering relevant information during December through questionnaires and face to face interviews with students and staff.

Prof Esler: “We took into account the views of staff and students.”

Some students have reacted to events in a series of protests and poster campaigns. Heather Kuhlman, a second year Theology student involved in the campaigns told St Mary’s Telegraph, “I adored lectures and felt educationally and spiritually safe. I now find the atmosphere depressing and intimidating … I have lost faith in all the Senior Management team and I don’t trust them anymore.”

Charmaine Garton: “I feel we have been completely disregarded.”

Charmaine Garton, a third year Theology student, agreed, “My issue isn’t with the merger but with the handling of the merger. I feel we have been completely disregarded and have become a non-entity in the eyes of Senior Management.”

Prof Esler, told the paper, “All programmes will continue as usual – we understand that pupils like their teachers, however, academic programmes will not change and, therefore, it should not affect students.”

SPRING 2013

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SPRING 2013

Issue 2 | SMT

19

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SMT | Issue 2

SPRING 2013