The Spark Newspaper - October 2018

OC TOBER 2018

VOL 78 I S S U E N O. 2 FREE

6

CO N S E N T C A R AVA N COMES TO CAMPUS

16

W O R L D M E N TA L H E A LT H D A Y

29

EMPOWERED AND BEAUTIFUL

39

AMERICAN FOOTBALL ON THE UP

THE LAUNCH OF.....

Nozomi Tolwor thy Diversity Officer

Over the summer, I have been working with members of staff at RUSU to develop one of my manifesto points which was to create an ‘inclusivity media campaign’.

The initial idea for this popped into my mind way back in February 2018 when I was brainstorming for my campaign to run for RUSU Diversity Officer. With the “inclusivity media campaign”, I wanted to launch a platform that explores all aspects of diversity through a variety of mediums and all through student contributions.

I wanted to create this platform as I found it hard to actually attend lots of cultural events held by RUSU on campus because I either had coursework or if I wasn’t a member of the society that was running the event, it often felt a bit out of place for me to just pop along.

So here it is now, this idea has developed into a brand new website that was officially launched on Thursday September 20 - Diversity Digest.

This website aims to be a showcase of you, the students studying here at the University of Reading.

I wanted to launch a platform that explores all aspects of diversity through a variety of mediums Diversity Digest is a platform where students can send in content that represents who they are and what they get up to whilst studying here at the University of Reading.

Building an easily accessible online community, the website features the culture & faith societies at RUSU and details the various events that we organise.

Diversity Digest is a platform that also publishes and showcases the student content: including articles which tell us what you’ve been getting up to whilst being a student here – events you’ve attended, societies you’re a part of or even day trips you’ve been on! You can also share photos of home and of your hobbies, as well as having your favourite homecooked meals published on the website, to encourage healthy eating and, of course, try something new for your dinner!

If you’re interested, check it out at www.rusu.co.uk/diversity-digest.

Students can send in content that represents who they are There is a submissions page on the website if you would like to send anything in, or feel free to drop me a line with any queries relating to sending in content adiversitydigest@rusu.co.uk.

I’m looking forward to seeing lots more content from you throughout the academic year on Diversity Digest!

N E W S | PA G E 2

C A R E E R S FA I R S C R E AT E S FUTURES

RUSU GE TS YOU HOME

RU FREE THOUGHT

Sabita covers the new Safe Taxi Scheme.

Adam covers Free Thought society’s recent event

Phaidra gives you the information you need!

PA G E 6

PA G E 4

PA G E 1 2

news Phaidra Robinson News Editor

A

new term also creates a sense of renewal and productivity, which I hope will continue throughout your first year, and has definitely applied to the second issue of The Spark of this academic year.

This October issue of The Spark covers all your careers needs, from part-time work at the JobFest to planning your post-uni life through graduate schemes and in-

ternships. The news sections covers the consent caravan, which came to campus earlier this term, and highlighted the issues of consent in the student population. Following this, Reading University Student’s Union continues their good work on student welfare by creating the Safe Taxi Scheme, which helps students have a safer night.

We also cover the Reading Town Meal and how the

All these societies contribute to the university community in their own way work of Reading Internship Scheme allows students to help towards projects that help Reading and the community. The News section

also covers the Younite, English, Open Mind, Free Thought and RUMBSA (Reading University Malaysian, Bruneian and Singaporean Association) societies. All these societies contribute to the university community in their own way, whether they’re a home away from home, a support system, or a group in which you can openly debate with others. This issue also covers

updates on the new 3Sxity Club at RUSU, an interview with a Shakespearian actress and how Reading recently celebrated Vegan and Vegetarianism. I’m looking forward to how The Spark continues throughout the rest of the academic year and if you are interested in joining The Spark, please email news. spark@reading.ac.uk or join The Spark News Group on Facebook.

JobFest Connects Students to Jobs Megan Siarey

3rd Yea English Literature

The Careers team put on its first “JobFest” which took place in the Dome on Wednesday, October 3. The event used to be the Reading Experience Day, however it has changed names this year with additional booths and sections.

The event was split into three zones; Part-time Jobs Fair where students could meet local employers that have work on and off campus; Opportunities Zone with volunteering and other

The Careers Zone gave students the opportunity to get a professional photo development opportunities being advertised; and the Careers Zone. The Careers Zone gave students the ability to get a professional photo for their LinkedIn accounts as well as getting one-to-one advice at the Genius Bar. The start of term is a prime time to secure part time jobs. Jay Russell, Cam-

pus Job Manager, stressed that companies do Christmas recruitment in October, for example. Jay also highlighted how one-on-one interaction between students and employers offer a chance for student’s personality and communication skills to shine. This was seconded by

...offer a chance for student’s personality and communication shills to shine.

James from At Your Service, a company that does interviews and training at the university to avoid the additional travel costs involved in job searching.

Kris Atkins, a 3rd year Psychology student who also works with Campus Jobs said of the event, “it is an informal way to interact with employers with a chance to connect face to face.” He also stressed that “the set-up is easier to navigate as it is less intimidating and allows students to remove any ambiguity that they may have about part

All the employers present at the JobFest advertise through MyJobs Online time jobs and careers.”

All the employers present at the JobFest advertise through My Jobs Online, a site managed by the Careers team. Careers also run regular career sessions, and oneon-one appointments can be made throughout the year to discuss all career queries.

N E W S | PA G E 3

A note from the Print Editor

S PA R K TEAM PRINT EDITOR TA Z U S H E R E D I T O R . S PA R K @ R E A D I N G . A C . U K

Welcome back to our regular readers and a big hello to our first-time readers. I am delighted to be able to introduce myself as the new Print Editor of The Spark Newspaper. Having already held the position of Entertainment Editor, I am really pleased to have beengiven the opportunity to play a slightly bigger role in the enhancement and modernisation of The Spark, and to be a part of all the exciting things we have planned for the publication this year. I also look forward to welcoming all our new writers, committee members and readers; many of whom I have already met.

As a reminder for those who are not yet members of the society but are interested, you can still sign up for your free membership online via RUSU and attend our first social of the year on Tuesday, 23 October. Details can be found on Facebook. We hope to see many of you there! This month our issue looks at a range of central topics, debates and campaigns on and beyond campus. Notably, World Mental Health Day and the importance of student welfare are amongst these.

Likewise, if you’re looking for an inspirational read this month, RUSU’s Diversity Officer, Nozomi, shares the details of her latest campaign ‘Diversity Digest’ in News, whilst I explore the pivotal growth of feminist conversation in Entertainment. Meanwhile,

DEPUT Y EDITORS MARTHA ODYSSEOS E L L I E P E S TA I N A D E P U T Y E D I T O R @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

NEWS EDITOR PHAIDRA ROBINSON N E W S @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

LIFESTYLE EDITOR Lifestyle gives insightful guides to tackling loneliness and mastering contemporary make-up styles, whilst Sport takes readers on a tour of recent campus events and Photography explores light and colour. As the end of October approaches and we grow closer to our first reading week, I encourage readers to reflect on what they have achieved so far this term and to set at least one goal to achieve before the Christmas break. And whether that’s attending that 9am lecture you’ve skipped after a couple of heavy nights, completing the next part of your dissertation or simply remembering to ring home and tell mum you’re alright, even the smallest of steps will go a long way.

Best of luck in your studies and other commitments over the next month and I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of The Spark!

ROSIE NEVILLE L I F E S T Y L E @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

E N T E R TA I N M E N T EDITOR TA Z U S H E R E N T E R TA I N M E N T @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

SPORTS EDITOR T H O M A S LY O N S S P O R T @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR EUAN CARMICHAEL P H O T O G R A P H Y @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

S E C R E TA R Y OLIVER GRENIER S E C R E TA R Y @ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R . C O. U K

DESIGN TEAM F L O R E N C I A B O T TA MODASSER KHAN

@ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R

@ T H E S PA R K N E W S PA P E R

@ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R

@ S PA R K N E W S PA P E R

N E W S | PA G E 4

Careers Fair Creates Futures Phaidra Robinson News Editor

The Careers Department for the University of Reading will be hosting over 120 employers at both the Careers and Placements Fair and the Law Careers Fair.

Over 90 employers will be attending the Careers and Placements Fair in the Palmer Building between 11am and 3pm on Wednesday, October 24.

This year, Sanofi, the

fifth largest pharmaceuticals all subjects. company in the world, will The second fair the Cabe sponsoring the Careers reers department is putting and Placement Fair.

The fair will provide opportunities for work expeThe fair will provide rience, placement years, graduate schemes and netopportunities for working.

Attending organisations work experience, include Sanofi, Teach First, placement years, Thames Water, EY, Civil Service, Pepsi Co, Lidl UK, graduate schemes Vodafone, British Airways, NHS Leadership Academy, and networking Oxfam – most of which will offer roles that are open to

on this term, is the Law Careers Fair, taking place in 3Sixty from 1pm-3pm on Wednesday, October 31.

This fair has over 30 organisations, bringing the total number up to 120 organisations visiting campus to help students find career opportunities.

The Law Careers Fair is open to students of all disciplines and welcomes over 30 organisations to campus.

It is a great place for students to start looking at op-

It is a great place for our students to start looking at opportunities ... including placements, graduate opportunities and post graduate studies.

C A R E E R S D E PA R T M E N T

portunities in the legal sector including placements, graduate opportunities and postgraduate study.

With application deadlines for full-time graduate schemes and Placement Year opportunities closing in Oc-

C A R E E R S D E PA R T M E N T

tober/November and those for summer internships due in December and January, it is important that students attend the fairs to gain an insight into the recruitment process and to discover available opportunities.

The app gives you access to the complete list of employers attending Careers will also introduce Career Fair +, an app designed to help students make the most of the fairs.

The app gives you access to the complete list of employers attending, the fairs maps and career advice articles. The app is available for download in the App Store and on Google Play and has a desktop version as well.

More information about the Careers fairs can be found on the Careers website following this link: http:// student.re ading.ac.u k/es sentials/careers_and_professional_development/ events/fairs.aspx.

For additional queries, please contact Careers at careers@reading.ac.uk.

C A R E E R S D E PA R T M E N T

N E W S | PA G E 6

Consent Caravan Comes to Campus Hannah Moore

3rd Year English Literature

The ‘I heart Consent’ campaign is a consent educational programme created by both the NUS women’s campaign and Sexpression UK. The campaign aims to “facilitate positive, informed and inclusive conversations and campaigns about consent in universities and colleges across the UK”.

The Consent Caravan Theatre, sitting in front of 3sixty on the day of the RUSU Sports Fayre, housed a ten minute performance (three times an hour), which followed two freshers on a night out and raised issues about consent and sexual harassment.

The quirky setting made the performance intimate, personal, and a perfect en-

Consent is everyone’s responsibility vironment for interactive discussion. On the outside of the caravan participants were invited to write about what they had learnt or thought was important about consent.

Catherine Thorpe, The RUSU Women’s Officer (who was the driving force behind the vehicle) commented that she wanted it to be a “different way to engage.”

As well as the perfor-

mance, free condoms were available as well as notepads, temporary tattoos and bright orange wristbands which have been part of a rebrand to make the campaign more gender inclusive.

Dan Bentley, RUSU welfare officer, said, “Consent is everyone’s responsibility, not just women’s.” He is working with Catherine on the campaign and stated, “We need an inclusive consent culture”. Bentley went on to discuss how consent is more than sex, and goes beyond just saying yes or no.

This marks the first year where a video about consent was shown as part the freshers welcome talk. This video was made by #consentiseverything which are a movement supported by

the Thames Valley Sexual Violence Prevention Group.

It compared consent to making tea, providing a short and simple summary of everything needed to understand consent.

We need a more inclusive consent culture I talked to a Camille Bollinger, a student from France doing an Erasmus term aboard who watched the video as part of her University welcome talk.

Camille said she “thought it was a good idea, an interesting way to show things”

going on to explain that it was not something that she has heard being discussed in France, “it was powerful, simple and important”.

This example of culture impacting awareness is something that is at the core of Dan’s goal for his time on the RUSU committee: “we need to work on translating consent into every culture for every student”. Bentley is also looking at taking this topic to social media, planning a “Myth busting Monday” to start to debunk false perceptions of consent and increase its exposure to promote conversations.

As well as this, a “Consent is…” poster in RUSU hints of more things to come for Dan and Catherine’s consent movement on campus.

RUSU Gets You Home Sabita Burke

2nd year English Language and Linguistics

Dan Bentley, the current Welfare Officer of the Students’ Union, has recently initiated the Safe Taxi Scheme, a system to allow students to get home safely even when they have no money available.

“STS” was created in partnership with local taxi service Yellow Cars, and runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is designed in the hopes of being able to help out those who find themselves stranded and alone with no way of getting back home perhaps after a night out in town in the dreaded worstcase scenario of losing all your friends along with your

phone, and, to put the cherry on the cake, being stripped of cash.

To use the service, students must go to the RUSU reception and sign up, where they can pay for their first journey in advance. They will then receive their Safe Taxi card which they can show to redeem their ride.

The taxis will pick up from anywhere in Reading and take you to any halls or the Redlands Road or Wokingham Road student res-

It is designed in the hopes of being able to help out those who find themselves stranded

idential areas at no extra cost than the amount you paid, and other areas can be reached for an extra charge.

Several other unions or universities run similar schemes and ...it’s so important we I wanted Reading to have a safe alternabe able to benefit tive method of get- from having one too! ting home safely.

If students have paid their deposit but never find themselves needing to use the service, they can be fully refunded if they return their card.

Of the project, Dan Bentley commented: “I’m really enthusiastic about the Safe

vellous job and this will help many a young student feel just that little bit safer on nights out. They are now able to fully enjoy themselves secure in the knowledge that whatever turns their night may take, they will find themselves safe at home at the end of it.

Taxi Scheme, as it’s so important we have a safe alternative method of getting home safely. It’s there for anyone who doesn’t have access to money, feels threatened or is in an awkward situation. Several other unions or universities run similar schemes and I wanted Reading to be able to benefit from having one too!”

RUSU have done a mar-

DAN BENTLEY

THE OFFICAL FOOD OF

READING STUDENT LIFE

EVERY SINGLE DAY VALID ON MEDIUM OR LARGE PIZZA ONLY

JUST USE CODE: 64 CHRISTCHURCH ROAD READING, RG2 7AZ

0118 975 8889

PIZZA241

AT THE CHECKOUT

OPENING HOURS: 11AM - 5AM MON-SAT 11AM - 1AM SUN

CLOSE FOR COLLECTION: 1AM - 5AM MON, TUES, THURS & SUN 2AM - 5AM WED, FRI, SAT

*Buy one get one free on medium & large pizza only. Valid online only. Free pizza must be equal or lesser value than the first. Not valid with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn without notice. Available in participating stores only. Student ID required. EXP 31-5-19

N E W S | PA G E 8

Reading Town Meal 2018 Nia Dalton

3rd Year English Language and Linguistics

On Saturday September 29, the local community of Reading came together to celebrate homegrown food and local produce.

Reading Town Meal provides over 1,000 people with a free meal, made entirely from fresh fruit and vegetables, donated by local farmers, and cooked by Reading College students.

This year celebrated the fifth successful ‘picnic in the park’, since the event was first introduced in 2011.

Reading Town Meal provides over 1,000 people with a free meal

This year celebrated the fifth successful ‘picnic in the park’ since the event was first introduced

treasure hunt to encourage children to interact with different stalls. Alongside this, many charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Launchpad, were there to spread awareness and raise money for important causes.

Danielle Milsom, University of Reading Geography student and Town Meal Intern, proudly and successReading Town Meal is fully organised the entire organised by a partnership group of stakeholders, including Food4Families, Reading College and ReadThe day was filled ing Food Growing Network; all of which aim to promote with live music, sustainable wellbeing and interactive inforcommunity capacity.

The day was filled with live music, interactive infor- mation and family mation and family activities. activities Reading University students ran a Town Meal

I can’t quite believe how great the day was, the weather was perfect and everyone had a great time event.

Danielle was the main point of contact for volunteers and stall holders and was the face and voice of all publicity for Reading Town Meal. She featured on Thames Valley TV and Radio, BBC Radio Berkshire and Blast 1386 radio.

quite believe how great the day was, the weather was perfect, and everyone had a great time enjoying the free food and activities”.

Danielle participated in an Internship working for Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), which she discovered through the Reading Internship scheme.

The Reading Internship scheme exclusively offers UoR students Paid summer Internships to gain experience and build their CVs.

Danielle reflects, “I can’t

N I A D A LT O N

N I A D A LT O N

N I A D A LT O N

N I A D A LT O N

N I A D A LT O N

N E W S | PA G E 9

Younite Foundation Reading Students Sophie Gibbons

3rd Year English Literature

Younite Foundation Reading Students is a brand new society working in partnership with Younite Foundation and Younique Travel Adventures in Swindon.

Our focus is to help raise awareness and donations for our amazing partner schools in the slums of Nakuru.

The children are all from severely deprived and broken homes in the slums,

with very little resources.

Our support, donations and love provide these children with some positivity and motivation to strive to do

Our focus is to help raise awareness and donations for our amazing partner schools

their absolute best.

We wanted to introduce your new committee to you: your YFRS president is Sophie Gibbons (3rd year English literature), your secretary is Jessica Worth (2nd year English literature), your treasurer is Kathleen McGoldrick (2nd year Psychology), your welfare officer is Chloe Edwards-Calvert (3rd year Ancient History and Archaeology) and your social secretary is Lydia Rainey (2nd year English literature).

Kenya was an unforgettable experience We are so incredibly excited for the incredible results that we know that we will be able to achieve at Reading.

We cannot wait to meet you all very soon!

It isn’t all about being involved in the UK as you

could go out to Nakuru and experience this for yourself.

Lydia Rainey commented that “Kenya was an unforgettable experience,” and Chloe Edwards-Calvert said, “I just cannot wait to return to visit my sponsor children and see the development within the school.”

Being in Kenya as a volunteer means that you are made to feel like part of a wider family from day one.

You could be involved with making a huge impact on nearly 700 children’s lives, while making some amazing memories and lifelong friends. Find us on Facebook to keep up to date with all the work that we are doing throughout the year.

An Afternoon With The Bard Eleanor Dewar

3rd Year English Literature

Second and third year English literature students were invited to take part in a Shakespeare workshop on Friday, September 28, focusing on how to learn and speak some of literature’s most famous texts. It was lead by University of Reading’s own Professor Grace Ioppolo and guest speaker Jenny Hall; an actress whose late father Peter Hall helped found the Royal Shakespeare Company and was a great advocate of the techniques we were taught.

We were all split off into pairs and given texts beforehand of some Shakespeare’s most endearing moments, including Prospero telling Miranda of her true heritage or the delightfully cringe worthy spectacle of a disguised Viola trying to hide her love from Orlando.

Our mixed bunch of acting novices, to near trained professionals, only added to the safe and welcoming atmosphere that Jenny had created as we giggled our way through the muses of

Henry V and as our confidence grew we began to truly exhibit the passion and grace fit for Queen Titania.

The methods taught to us

by Jenny were exciting challenges which we made us more determined to crack that one line the next time!

What appeared to be the simple task of not breathing till the full stop was soon discovered to be not as easy as it seemed. We all gained a huge amount of respect for those professional actors who deliver exceptional per-

We all gained a huge amount of respect for those professional actors who deliver exceptional performances night after night

formances night after night and the meticulous detail which goes into every rehearsal.

Overall, everyone who attended had an interesting and enjoyable time at the workshop, in particular Millie Farquhar, 3rd year English Literature, who said about the experience: “It was fantastic to learn from Jenny, her insight into how Shakespeare is performed on the modern stage has changed the way I read and interpret Shakespeare forever.”

I spent some time interviewing Jenny Hall: Why is Shakespeare still important for young people?

Because its been 400 years since he’s been with us and the amazing thing is that Grace and I said we would like to do a workshop and twelve people said yes. The other amazing thing is the Shakespeare industry, the tourism, selling DVDS, selling radio tapes it goes on and on, it’s not just a million-pound industry, its billions around the world.

And to me that’s because he speaks to us and some us

said these scenes make us cry, it’s incredible, it’s human nature, everything and the precision in which he wrote is unmatched.

How do you advise those who might be intimidated by Shakespeare?

I don’t know how to get over that fear, if you don’t want to go and see Shakespeare then don’t, at one point during my late twenties I had had enough of Shakespeare I needed a break, then I always find I come back. But you don’t have to, nobody is forced to. However, if you want to

Do what you love, and do what comes easy because you’re good at it and it’s your thing and that covers everything - work and life.

introduce your friend to Shakespeare than just take them to a good production.

Any advice for people about to graduate?

Do what you love, and do what comes easy because you’re good at it and it’s your thing and that covers everything- work and life.

Where would you set a Shakespeare play, past present or future?

People are free and should be completely free to interpret, that’s how Shakespeare lives on in new productions and people are passionate about it and have something to say. If they want to set it on Mars, good for them, if they can make sense of it good for them, from school productions to the greatest actors, all of them are valid.

Favourite Shakespeare play?

A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Professor Ioppolo and Jenny Hall for taking the time out of their busy schedules and giving us this opportunity.

N E W S | PA G E 1 0

A Home Away From Home: RUMBSA Sharleen Idrus

3rd Year Quantity Surverying

Studying abroad has always been a bold decision to make. Especially for international students, it is absolutely normal if you feel nervous or anxious when being in a new environment and it is far from home.

But fear not, we at Reading University Malaysian, Bruneian and Singaporean Association, or as we call ourselves “RUMBSA”, serves as a platform for people not just from these countries but other countries as well, to meet, socialise and bond while studying in the University of Reading.

Being one of the largest cultural societies in the University, with more than 100 members, we portray ourselves as one family regardless of our race, religion, and beliefs.

Throughout this academic year, various activities and events such as “Quiz & Chill”, Nottingham

& RUMBSA Games, RUMBS A N i g h t , RU M B S A B a l l and many more will be organised each month by our society.

The RUMBSA family are very passionate about sharing and exchanging our rich cultures and traditions with everyone. One of the main attractions of being a cultural society is that we bond with each other through food!

With that being a plus point, our special cultural celebrations for this year include Deepavali/Diwali lunch, Christmas dinner, Chinese New Year Dinner and Eid Al-Fitr picnic. We believe that it is a great opportunity for our members to enjoy and engage with different cultures, races, and religion over scrumptious foods.

Speaking of food, RUMBSA is also proud to announce our partnership

with “New Happy Garden” restaurant by giving out discounts when purchasing meals, all you have to do is show your student card and your RUMBSA membership sticker! (This is just one of the benefits of joining our society.)

RUMBSA had also been collaborating with other different societies such as Reading University Singapore Society (RUSS), Brunei-Reading Society (BruKnights), Reading University Hindu Society

it is a great opportunity for our members to enjoy and engage with different cultures

and University of Reading Hong Kong Society (RUHKS) in organising successful events together as well as creating long-lasting bond among each other.

Recently, we hosted a “Town Tour” event with RUSS in bringing a number of Freshers around Reading Town including visits to Forbury Garden and Reading Abbey.

In ensuring RUMBSA is engaging well with our fellow members throughout the year, the “Abang Kandung” initiative, which is also known as “interest-group” initiative, was introduced.

This initiative helps to create a platform and allocate members in their best interest and passions to organise their own activities such as sports that includes basketball, football, netball, etc. that runs weekly by our “Abang Kandung” representatives.

In addition to sports activities, RUMBSA is cur-

rently looking for members who are interested in participating and representing Reading for the upcoming Nottingham Games, which will be held at Nottingham University. This is a great way for our members to undertake their best common interest and expand it with other students from other Universities across the United Kingdom.

For more information about RUMBSA member perks or any membership enquiries, do drop us an email at rumbsa@gmail. com or view our website at http://www.rumbsa.com. To stay updated on our events and activities insight, follow us on Facebook at “RUMBSA (Reading University Malaysian Bruneian Singaporean Association)” and Instagram “@rumbsa”. Whether you are Asian, Middle Eastern or Westerner, RUMBSA welcomes you with open arms as we are your home away from home.

SHARLEEN IDRUS SHARLEEN IDRUS

SHARLEEN IDRUS

SHARLEEN IDRUS

SHARLEEN IDRUS

N E W S | PA G E 1 1

English Society Sophie Gibbons

3rd Year English Literature

Hello! Firstly, it was amazing to meet so many of you at our freshers’ fayre, we are so excited for the year ahead.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that came to our first event on Wednesday, October 3. Our doughnut social was a huge

success and it was great to hear so many of you had signed up for EngSoc already!

For those of you that don’t know much about us, EngSoc is for literature, language, joint honours students, or anyone with an interest in English and books.

We are a second and third year committee of five including: Priya Kumar

(president), Katie Lawman (vice-president), Sophie Gibbons (secretary), Lauren Collard (welfare) and Vicki Evans (treasurer).

Membership for the society is only £5 and can be purchased on the RUSU website. This will give you 10% discount in Blackwells (and a cool sticker for your campus cards), offers to some of our socials and formals, dis-

counted theatre trips and lots of academic support. This payment is a one off and lasts the entire year!

Our next social was Saturday, October 13 and was a Park Bar and Union night.

Our theme is freshers: back to school, returners: lecturers! To keep up with all our events and plans throughout the year, like us on our Facebook page.

If there is anything that you would like to see us doing over the coming academic year, feel free to drop us a message. This society is for you and about you, we are inclusive for all but want to make sure it is what you all want it to be.

For now, English love!

Festival Plants Vegan Ideas in Reading Sabita Burke

2nd year English Language and Linguistics

The organisation Reading Vegan Festival hosted their second ever event across numerous locations in Reading town centre on Saturday, September 22.

The festival lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and included over 70 stalls selling a variety of food, clothing, cosmetics and jewellery stalls. There were also speakers about various hot topics related to the vegan lifestyle, and even arts workshops and films to entertain and inform both older and younger audiences throughout the day.

The speakers included Carl Donnelly, an award-winning comedian who has overcome depression through adopting a vegan and compassionate lifestyle. There were also animal rights activists sharing information on how we can take part in supporting the welfare of our fellow living creatures - from buying “cruelty-free” labelled cosmetic products in our next trip to Superdrug, to holding pro-

tests and vigils.

The festival was created with a view to expanding awareness of the benefits of a plant-based diet for oneself and others. Giving a more scientific perspective on this plant-based diet, a nutritionist gave a talk about how research has shown vegans to be healthier overall, able to meet all their nutritional needs without taking supplements, and to live longer than omnivores.

The range of food on offer was impressive in its diversity. There was an abundance of vegan burgers, curries, salads, vegetable boxes, and even hot dogs from Green Grill, which proved popular and received rave reviews from festival-goers online afterwards. The stalls

...research has shown vegans to be healthier

were not limited to western food, thanks to the likes of Brownin’s Caribbean Vegan/ Vegetarian Food, and my personal all-time favourite from the weekly World Food Market on Whiteknights campus, Vegivores Natural Kitchen.

I was impressed by the way that the stall 100% Natural combined delicious, distinct flavours in their Earth Pot which I was lucky enough to try; the takeaway vegetable medley included delectably sweet plantain chunks that added an exotic punch, and was topped with a creamy coconut sauce the likes of which I had never tasted.

Aside from savoury food, there was a plethora of alternatives to our everyday dairy-filled desserts and chocolates. To me, the most eye-catching was cake connoisseur Vegan Sweet Tooth London who sported a stall brimming with beautifully-decorated and delicious-looking gateaux and tray-bakes, ranging from indulgent chocolate flavours to brightly coloured edible

flower-topped delicacies, all surprisingly well-priced.

Of the day out, participant and mum Natalie Stevens commented: “I went to the…festival to eat! I have been vegan for two years and have everything I need

I have been vegan for two years and have everything I need for day-today purposes

G I A N C A R LO, V E G A N SWEE T TOOTH LONDON

for day-to-day purposes, but for me it is about the naughty treats: cakes, biscuits, etc, which I find difficult to get elsewhere. Also, the hot dogs were amazing!”

The day proved to me that although living a completely plant-based lifestyle - especially while at university - is one of the hardest challenges one could ever take on, the community of vegans is ever-growing; and with them, their indomitable compassion and gratifying appreciation of where every meal, household product and item of clothing comes from.

N E W S | PA G E 1 2

Open Mind Reading Gemma King

3rd Year Psychology

We’d like to introduce you to our new society Open Mind. We are dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of mental health. Our aims are to support those dealing with mental health issues and to educate students about positive mental health and wellbeing.

Over welcome week we held PositiviTea events in halls as well as a mindfulness walk in the Harris Gardens.

We were incredibly pleased with the turnout especially in Wantage and Wessex halls and we could already feel the Open Mind community growing.

Our committee are all passionate about mental health and we know how university

can be a stressful time with lots of pressures and new experiences; we hope that at Open Mind we can relieve a bit of that pressure and have a positive impact on your university experience. Below is a little introduction to our committee and why we are passionate about this society: Beth, 3rd year Psychology student and President of Open Mind said, “Mental health is something that has affected me since I was a child but I never had people there to support me or educate me so I went nearly a decade without diagnosis. I think mental health should be discussed in exactly the same way as physical health and everyone should feel free to talk about it whenever or to whomever. This will mean that future generations will know what to do

and how to seek support, the people to talk to on cammoment they need it.” pus and there is still plenty of work that needs to be Libby, 3rd year MSci done on raising awareness Clinical Psychology student on mental health issues and and Vice President of Open wellbeing in general.”

Mind said, “I struggled with depression and anxiety in Alexandra, 3rd year Gesilence for a long time. Af- ography student and Welter coming out of that dark fare for Open Mind said, hole I became passionate “I joined Open Mind as I about mental health and wanted to be part of a safe speaking out about it. I nev- and open community where er want anyone to feel how people can come and share I once did! This year I hope their experiences, meet new to encourage students to put people and learn more about themselves first, take time mental health. out when needed and understand the importance of self Gemma, 3rd year Psycholcare!” ogy student and Treasurer of Open Mind said, “We Rachel, 3rd year Psychol- all know someone that has ogy student and Secretary of a mental illness or is strugOpen Mind said, “I am pas- gling currently with their sionate about mental health mental health which is why and the Open Mind Society I think this society is so imas I believe every student portant. I struggled a lot needs to know that there are in my first year and wish I

spoke up about it at the time.

I hope we can raise awareness and encourage people to be more open.”

Chloe, 3rd year Geography student and in charge of Events said, “We need to encourage those with issues to speak out and seek help and those who have not experienced issues to learn more about the topic so they can guide and help their friends.”

Throughout the year we will be holding more of these events which involve free tea and cake and give you a space to clear your mind or get things off your chest. We also hope to hold other events such as quiz and movie nights, so keep a lookout on our Facebook page and Instagram (Open Mind Reading) to see what we are getting up to!

RU Free Thought Adam Snook

2nd Year History amd Internationa; Relations

The first RU Free Thought Society event of the year took place on Thursday, October 4. The group started with the discussion topic of: “What is Britain’s global po-

sition in the modern world?” and initially focused on Britain’s military spending and intervention in conflicts around the world.

An outlandish proposal was put forward that Britain should just scrap its military entirely. This was hotly debated and resulted in a flash

vote about if the UK should have nuclear weapons, with the majority voting yes.

A tasty selection of doughnuts were consumed from the humble, but widely popular, jam doughnut to the divisive custard doughnut.

Discussion branched out across many topics including Britain’s colonial history, the role of NATO, the conflict in Ukraine, the war in Syria and the potential for a Kurdish nation state, before eventually finishing with a debate about the merits of grammar schools.

Free Thought Society aims to promote dynamic discussions of this type where all ideas are welcome and not restricted to the main topic.

Dan Fitzgerald, 2nd year Politics and International Relations student said: “The committee made it a relaxed environment where I felt able to express my views.”

ADAM SNOOK

The goal of the society is not to have winners or losers but to discuss ideas in an informal, enjoyable way.

At times the group naturally split into four smaller groups of discussion and then explained to the group as a whole what they had thought about.

The next Free Thought event will see the return of the popular Think and Drink social, where the society meet to discuss any topic they consider important over some drinks. Future events will include the always well attended Pizza and Politics event, as well as hosting guest speakers.

The committee is also open to suggestions about what events members would like to attend. To keep up to date with when events are taking place you can like the society on Facebook at facebook. com/rufreethought and sign up on RUSU (for free) at rusu.co.uk/societies/6547/.

N E W S | PA G E 1 3

What’s New About 3Sixty?

Mia Skevington

3rd Year English Literature

In February 2018, plans to refurbish Reading University’s Student Union 3Sixty club were revealed.

These plans included a projected almost £2.9 million being invested into the club.

Plans revealed new audio and visual systems, better

These plans were revealed in articles in both the Reading local paper and in an article on the Staff portal.

access and general improvements to the overall décor of the club. These plans were revealed in articles in both the Reading local paper and in an article on the Staff portal of the University of Reading website.

The works were projected to start in March and to end in time for the beginning of the Autumn term 2018. At the beginning of Autumn

The works were projected to start in March and to end in time for the beginning of the Autumn term 2018.

This is definitely a smarter union than us students are used to term although the club was open to all its various freshers events it was not completely finished. But now the club is finished, and the questions are: what has changed and what do students think of this?

One of the noticeable changes is the levelling of the dance floor. This means that the stairs up to the main room bar have gone.

This is probably the most noticed change due to many students having many memories of previously falling

UNIVERSITY OF READING

UNIVERSITY OF READING

UNIVERSITY OF READING

UNIVERSITY OF READING

down the stairs on various nights out! The second difference in relation to this is the fact that the bar now seems higher. The third difference is the fact that the décor is greatly improved.

Instead of being sterile and white, the walls are grey and

the changes may be for better access and general appearance reasons only the bars have grey wood panelling. The seating for the club’s daytime use has also changed to a bright blue and the bars are now adorned with grey wood cladding. This is definitely a smarter union than us

students are used to.

However, when asking students how they thought this new student union club affected their night out the response was that they were quite unfazed by the changes. Eleanor Parrott, a 3rd year Politics and International Relations student said that she “didn’t really notice the difference” on her recent visit to the club.

So the changes may be for better access and general appearance reasons only, and may not affect a student night out directly.

However the changes have been completed and they can be observed through pictures and I think that it is a smarter and a more practical union.

We know you’d feel lost without your laptop or phone.

Stay connected with our flexible and affordable gadget insurance.

You never know when the unexpected could happen.

Get your cover at endsleigh.co.uk/gadget Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting their website at https://register.fca.org.uk/ Company No. 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.

285x330_SUMA_Advert_Protect.indd 1

Insurance recommended by

13/09/2018 10:00:5

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 1 5

INVISIBLE ILLNESS

READING RAG

MUMS MEALS

Emily talks about life dealing with an invisible illness

The experience of a life time with RAG

Our regular ‘Mum’s Meals’ series. This month, learn how to make a roasted pea and tomato risotto.

PA G E 1 5

PA G E 1 9

PA G E 2 0

lifestyle Making Invisible Illnesses Visible EMILY HEUCH

2nd year Ancient History

I am a student at Reading and I am disabled. I always have been, but I never used to think of myself that way.

Things changed when I came back to university this year having started using a cane on a daily basis. My disability hadn’t gotten any worse; I’d just started looking after myself a little better.

I have a rare genetic disease called Ehlers Danlos syndrome (a bit of a mouthful, I know). But it’s not so different to, and very much overlaps with, a common connective tissue problem: hypermobility. The reason I explain away my issues to others as a result of EDS rather than hypermobility, even though hypermobility is far more palatable, is because, if I tell someone

I have hypermobility, they will inevitably comment that their second cousin twice-removed does too, and they don’t have any pain at all. But there are many different levels of severity regarding hypermobility, and everyday someone else has to start using a wheelchair as a result of it in order to get by. If I tell someone I have hypermobility, my pain is dismissed. If I tell someone I have EDS, they will likely not understand. Either way, I lose my voice.

But starting using a cane has changed that, to an extent so incredible it has disoriented me; it’s as if I am experiencing an odd kind of culture shock which hasn’t yet gone away. While I appreciate the well-meant concern, people have begun to treat me as though I am made of glass; people I’ve

known for years can’t seem to comprehend that nothing about me has physically changed, that I have the exact same issues I’ve always had with my body. I’ve inadvertently put a spotlight on something that, though I do mention on occasion, has gone largely unnoticed by others for the entirety of my life. This is the nature of having an ‘invisible illness’; a disability which isn’t immediately visually apparent.

And yet the experience has been freeing, in many ways; though I would much rather people introduce themselves to me with a handshake rather looking at my cane and saying, “So what’s that for?”, it feels good to get everything out in the open.

Even the behaviour of my close friends has changed; if I say, “I’m feeling exhausted,” they won’t say, “me too,”

but instead remember that that’s a result of my chronic fatigue, because the evidence is right in front of their eyes. I feel understood and validated as I never have before, and all because of a stick in my hand. I no longer feel ashamed to take the lift, or worry about getting dirty looks for parking in a disabled spot, because I have proof - but why should I have had to feel like that in the past?

If there is no immediate physical evidence for something, it is easy to forget.

When I used to tell someone that I have EDS and that gives me chronic pain, fatigue, fainting spells and an inability to walk for more than twenty minutes without a rest break they’d understand for a moment, but, naturally, it would soon slip their mind as life went on. They

would forget to walk slowly or that I need to use the lift. My cane changed all of that for me, but it shouldn’t have had to. Besides, I’m not alone; people’s health problems are dismissed because they’re not immediately visible all the time; a particular memory that sticks out is of a museum guard groaning at having to go out of his way to operate a lift for an apparently ‘abled’ man, because, “he doesn’t look like he needs it”. Can you do anything to help? If you have a friend with health problems, take the time to ask them if there’s anything you can do to make their life that little bit easier. Don’t let yourself forget something which could have a huge, constant effect on them. Let’s make invisible illnesses visible one step at a time.

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 1 6

World Mental Health Day Dan Bentley

RUSU Welfare Officer

As students, we often come in to contact with mental health awareness campaigns run by our respective SUs or even articles that crop up on our news feed. Mental health is something I’m going to be focusing on after Christmas, but as it was World Mental Health Day on 10th October, I thought it would be wise to share some top tips on checking up on your own mental health, as well as those around you.

1. KEEP AC TIVE

It’s always good to listen to science, and when science says exercising is good for your mental health as well as your physical health, I’d definitely believe it. Say goodbye to those feelings

of low mood, anxiety and stress and hello to that sense of achievement and feeling positive! It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise 6 days a week, but a run or even the odd class at a gym could really be beneficial.

people a while to get to grips with how they’re feeling, so if they say all is good, then respect it and move the conversation on!

3 . B E AWA R E O F YOUR LOW MOM E N T S

2. CHECK UP ON Y O U F R I E N D S It’s not always obvious

It can be really hard to open up about how we’re feeling, so it’s good just to check up on your friends if you get a sense that they’re not being themselves. This might be because they’re not going to lectures, social events or even communicating on the group chat – whatever it is, a simple ‘how are you’ could really mean a lot and start a much-needed conversation. Just be careful not to pressure anyone in to talking, sometimes it takes

when you’ve hit a low moment, you might put it down to stress because you have 3 essays due in on the same day, or you think once you get to Union on Saturday, all will be forgotten and you’ll be feeling better. Whatever the reason, make sure you’re checking up on yourself and be aware what makes you stress and how you can manage the events leading up to this to make your life easier and improve your mood.

4 . E AT, H Y D R AT E A N D S L E E P W E L L

Three very simple things we all do every day, but it’s easy to get into bad habits and before you know it, eating a pot noodle after a 3am library sesh has become the norm! So, make sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet – deficiencies in things like iron and vitamin B12 can result in a low mood.

You’ll be surprised how many people don’t drink enough water, instead replacing it with fizzy drinks – plenty of water = happy brain, so get your litres in!

When it comes to sleep, check you’re sleeping at regular times and get your 8 hours – sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain which in turn manages our mood and emotions.

5 . A S K F O R H E L P Finally, if you ever think you need help or someone to talk to – please get some help. We’re very lucky at Reading to have so many different avenues to go down when we’re in need. Whether it’s via the RUSU Advice Service or the university’s Counselling and Wellbeing service, there’s always someone who’s ready and willing to talk to you, no matter what problem you face.

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 1 7

Constant anxiety can hinder your studies, your part-time job and your social life there are ways to deal with these causes.

S O C I A L M E D I A The difficulty of speaking According to the Mental openly about mental health Health Foundation: 49% of – especially if it is about 18 to 24-year olds feel a high your own mental health ex- level of stress because they perience – shifts amongst constantly compare themage demographics. Amongst selves to their fellow peers. university students, every- In the age of social media, day life can exasperate your constant comparison and mental health issues. You peer pressure has reached might feel a sense of loss new heights. Facebook, and isolation where you hide Twitter, Instagram and your feelings of anxiety and Snapchat provide a platform depression in fear of being for university students to portrayed as ‘overly sensi- share their daily activities. tive’ or being ‘melodramatic’.

Please do not misunderIt’s normal to feel stress or stand: social media has its be tired occasionally but positives and negatives. It constant anxiety can hin- allows us to stay in contact der your studies, your part- with loved ones such as famtime job and your social life. ily members, friends from Since all of us are investing our hometown and friends a lot of money and time from university. As we all into our university degree, know however, too much of we cannot afford to ignore anything has a negative asan important issue: mental pect to it. We are selective health awareness. The most as to what we post online. common form of mental There are certain photos health issues are anxiety and and videos we would never depression. post online. Usually, some one’s online presence is an There are several caus- unrealistic portrayal of their es of mental health issues life. We judge our own selfamongst young people. But worth, academic success and

RAJ KHAN

2nd year English Literature & Politics

P I X A B AY / P E X E L

attractiveness by comparing ourselves to other people.

Dr Mariann Hardey from Durham University and Rowland Atkinson from Sheffield University conducted a study with fifty people who went offline. The study found their personal connections with friends grew because they socialised in real life, not through a computer or phone screen.

Why not use social media in a productive way? You can follow your department’s media pages to keep updated with new events and academic literature.

Societies are perfect for meeting new people and having an extra-curricular activity. Whether it’s sports, performing arts, politics, science, maths or anything else, there is a society that Reading University can provide for. You can even run for committee positions for societies you enjoy; it looks great on a CV!

S T U D Y I N G It is normal to feel overwhelmed by the amount of academic work you have.

As a first-year student, you might be worried about the transition from A-Levels to studying six university modules. As a second-year student, you might feel worried about your second-year results contributing towards your overall degree mark.

And as a third-year student, your dissertation will occupy your mind; it is a question you have formulated since part two and you have done a lot of reading for.

Despite all of this, it is always helpful to take a step back and breath. Obviously,

your studies are very important, but your health comes first. In fact, your academic life will decline if you do not look after your mental health.

There are many ways to cope with the stress of studying. One way is to tidy your study space: for most of us, that is our bedroom.

You should vacuum your bedroom floor on a weekly basis and always hang your clothes up in your wardrobe.

Your desk should be your main priority. Throw away unnecessary items. Clear away your desk drawers and store your relevant module folders in them. Get folder boxes from IKEA or Amazon; a great way to organise your documents. Try to get new stationary equipment: pens, pencils, highlighters, rulers, rubbers and anything else you can think of. A tidy desk can put you in the right frame of mind for when you are writing essays.

Whilst lecture and seminar hours vary depending on your subject choice, there is not enough contact hours to get a full-time education. Open University recommends 32 to 36 hours of studying outside your contact hours, but it depends on everyone’s preference.

Everyone processes information at a different pace so try to make a study guide that works for you. By creating your own study guide and timetable, you will not feel overwhelmed by all the assignments and exam revision.

The most important way to focus on your studies is to get rid of any distractions: mainly your phone and social media websites on your desktop computer. One

phone app I would recommend is called Forest. Its slogan is ‘stay focused, be present’, where a tree will grow if you stay on the app.

For your desktop computer, get an app called FocusMe; it blacklists certain websites.

By blocking social media sites, you can free your mind from any distractions!

PA R T - T I M E WORK A N D S O C I A L L I F E

Some of us can find it difficult to balance our studies with a part-time job. But the university provides a great service called Campus Jobs.

There are many job opportunities in different sectors but if you want a part-time job in catering or retail specifically, there are several jobs you can apply for.

You can only work a maximum of twenty hours every week during term time and you get to choose what shifts you want to take.

Also make time to go out with your friends even if it is small, like a coffee break at Dolche Vita, or bigger like a night out at union.

D E - S T I G M AT I S A R I O N

Above all, mental health awareness is essential to de-stigmatise mental health issues. As World Mental Health Day goes by, the student body and the university staff must continue to work together. This way we can create an inclusive environment where no one is ashamed of experiencing mental health issues.

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 1 8

Amateur Cruelty Free Autumnal Make-up LAURA MCCLINTOCK

1st year International Development

Clear blue skies, leaves crunchy in shades of red and orange, the return of the pumpkin spiced latte… it’s time for makeup lovers to take a look at our autumn inspired makeup look.

To achieve this look, first apply your base, using as much or as little coverage as you prefer. The defining factors in this look, however, come from the eyes and the lips. Products used on the face: Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation in Light Neutral,

Urban Decay Weightless Concealer in Light Warm, Kat Von D Contour Powder in Sombre, Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Glow and Kiko Glow Fusion Highlighter in shade 02.

Eyebrows are as personal as the way you like your cuppa, so go with whatever you feel looks best on you, whether that’s naked brows or perfectly HD brows. An excellent brow product at the moment is the Freedom Brow Duo (Ash Brown), priced affordably at £4.

Moving on to your eyes, the palette used in this look (and an excellent affordable, versatile palette to use all year round) is the Revolution X Soph Extra Spice Palette. For this look use a light orange all over the eyelid and a darker orange to blend into the crease for definition. Start light and build more colour gradually. As you can see, these two colours create a very neutral look, so don’t be afraid of using some colour!

To intensify the look, we

added deep purple and black into the crease and outer corner.

My top tip is to use liquid lipsticks as wet eyeliner!

The red eyeliner in the intensified look is Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick in the shade Outlaw. Apply some product to your hand and use an eyeliner brush to apply to your eye. Using red liner may seem unusual at first but looks gorgeous once applied, and we think it’s very apt for the Halloween season.

To achieve a more neutral

appearance, we recommend opting for a nude lip. The product used in the left image is NYX Slide On lip liner in Sugar Glass.

However, to enhance the intensified eye look you could use a deep plum lip colour, such as NYX Revamp or the product in this look, Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick in Exorcism. For gloss, just apply your go to lip balm liberally! Add some false lashes or some mascara and the look is completed!

Go To Budget Makeup Maddie Eastwood

2nd year History and Politics

After first year, I had to adapt to the poor life of being a student, meaning that I had to let go of some of the more expensive designer products. This adaptation was not easy but through the hard times I found that these cheaper alternatives needed to be shared with my friends, and would be great to assist the new freshers in their transitions as well!

After mastering night out makeup over first year, I pulled myself together every day of freshers and dragged myself into the shower to beat this face UP. If I do say so myself, I managed to look half decent every night out I went on… (I hope).

So here you have it - my go to products that will save you from the penniless perils of NARS, Mac and Giorgio Armani.

BARRY M BROW KIT

I SWEAR by this eyebrow kit. SWEAR by it. It comes with a gel, a powder shade, and a highlighting shade.

The gel is the perfect texture - its firm but has enough movement to create a sleek look, and a sleek base if you like to pack on the powder shade to darken the brow.

Retailing at £5.99, it’s the perfect alternative to the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade.

M AY B E L L I N E DREAM S AT I N L I Q U I D F O U N D A TION

This foundation is unreal.

Whether you like a low coverage, natural glow, or like to beat your face so no real skin is visible underneath the beautiful sheen this foundation creates the perfect look. I would even go as far to say it beats L’Oreal’s True Match (a BOLD statement).

Its dewy but not sweaty, and this moisture can easily be tamed with some setting powder without leaving your brushes clumpy with lift off.

Unreal at £8.99 per bottle.

R I M M E L S TAY M AT T E PRESSED POWDER

OK so I must admit, letting go of Laura Mercier’s

translucent powder due to severe poverty (slight exaggeration but too poor to spend 30 quid on powder) was a hard experience. But this powder has been amazing. The flashback isn’t horrendous, and it leaves a good finish that doesn’t mobilise throughout the day. LM is the best - undoubtedly - but this classic product is a good contender for the drugstore top spot. £3.99.

NYX COSMETICS S O F T M AT T E L I P C R E A M

If I’m honest, my opinion on matte lip products is biased towards the creamier products like the NYX creams, or the Bare Minerals liquid lip, just because I hate the dryness of matte products. Kylie Jenner, the queen of the matte lip, hasn’t even mastered this - in my opinion anyway. This is why if you’re looking for an accessible and affordable matte lip, NYX is a lush option. £6.00.

L’ O R E A L T R U E M A T C H THE ONE CONCEALER

I love this product. You avoid the clumps and get definition in your lashes from root to tip. The brush is petite and thin and allows you to poke it into your inner corners to get the shorter lashes and spread across the line. Precision allows for extension, and that’s exactly what this mascara gives. At £4.99 at all drugstore retailers, it would be rude not to.

Whilst yes, I bashed L’Oreal for Maybelline over foundation, I do have a lot of time for the L’Oreal concealer. Its light and super blendable. Whilst it could be a little light for those hangover eye bags but I’m not sure anything could have hidden those puppies. £7.99, so slightly on the pricey side, but worth it in my book. S E V E N T E E N PRIMARK STRIP LASHES S T Y L E ‘ S U LT R Y ’

Lashes became an essential at uni. I’m not sure why but I couldn’t face a night out without them. Primark’s £1 lashes are a lifesaver. The £45 for semi-permanent lash extensions, or the £11 a pair from Eyelure is just not sustainable for the first year social scene - invest in a pair of these for just £1 and they’re just as reusable as more expensive brands!! Sultry is my personal fave, but you do you gal and shake it up.

RIMMEL EXTRA L A S H M A S C A R A

3D

I N S TA N T GLOW BRONZING POWDER

This product is unreal. It gives a natural glow and can be used as bronzer and highlighter because it has that beaut shine. It’s not quite Anastasia Beverly Hills, but saves the pennies for a snakebite or a toffee apple at Park Bar. Gentle disclaimer that not all products work for everyone, but I hope these products at least give you the inspiration to try drugstore makeup rather than always choosing the expensive, branded products.

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 1 9

Meeting Reading RAG SELINA MUSTAFA

3rd Year Art & Psychology

Freshers, welcome to the University of Reading! And hello again returners! We are Reading RAG Society (that stands for Raising and Giving, in case you were wondering) and we are the official student-led charity and fundraising group for the university! The RAG committee works tirelessly to organise mind-blowing events, challenges and adventures for students to participate in, all in the spirit of raising money for incredible local, national and global charities!

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, a once in a lifetime adventure, a team of like-minded students, or just a naked calendar, RAG is the one society that has it all!

With RAG, fundraising is seriously fun! Here are a few examples of the crazy, unforgettable and unbelievable events we plan throughout

the year that any thrill-seeker or go-getter can get involved with: Jailbreak: A thrilling head-to-head challenge where teams race to travel as far away from Reading as possible, with NO MONEY, and only 36 hours. Last year students made it as far as Milan, Italy!

Paradox: we will take you to a mystery location where we will fundraise during the day, and then celebrate by experiencing the best nightlife the mystery city has to offer by night.

Lost: teams are dropped off in a mystery location.

It is their challenge to be the first team to get back to Campus without spending any money!

Student Auction: bid on your fellow students for a saucy date, a free night out at Union, a romantic candle-lit dinner, or any other mystery prize!

Skydive: freefall through the clouds from a height of 12,000ft! All whilst raising money for a worthy cause!

A G R O U P O F B A N A N A S T H AT M A D E I T A L L T H E WAY T O

As well as running events I F Y O U W A N T T H E A D V E N T U R E O F A L I F E on campus and in the local T I M E , R A G I S T H E S O C I E T Y T O J O I N ! community, we also send students all over the world!

In past years we have sent students to Nepal, Peru, Abu Dhabi and Morocco. This year our huge jet-setting challenges are the National Three Peaks challenge, Amsterdam Marathon, trek to Machu Picchu, and climb Kilimanjaro! (Find out more information on these challenges by following RAG on Facebook and attending our information talks!)

Every year we chose two inspiring charities to raise life-changing sums of money for. This year we are more determined than ever to smash our record and raise even more with your help!

JAILBREAK/READING RAG Our first local charity for this year is ‘Red Balloon Learner Centre”. This Read- Our second charity is ‘Stu- and an experience you will ing based charity supports dent Minds’. This national never forget! young people who have ex- charity empowers students w w w. r u s u . c o. u k / s o c i e perienced severe bullying or with the knowledge, confi- ties/rag trauma, then offers a unique dence and skills to look after recovery programme to aid their mental health and supFacebook: @ragreading their integration back into port the wellbeing of their Twitter, Instagram & education or employment. peers.

Snapchat: @readingrag RAG can be found on all forms of social media too.

Feel free to send us any messages or questions if you would like to get involved!

We love new members and want to offer the best experiences to as many of you as possible! Our beloved mascot Lenny the Lion will also be around occasionally throughout the year, send him a friend request on Facebook to find out where he’ll be next, so you and your mates can grab the ultimate selfie with the Lion himself !

We hope to see you soon, whether that be betting on our student auction for a date, diving out of a plane at 120mph, or trekking through the Andes and discovering the mysterious ancient city of Machu Picchu, being a part of RAG is an opportunity of a lifetime, AMSTERDAM/READING RAG

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 2 0

Loneliness: It’s Closer Than You Think LIBBY BUSHILL

2nd year English Literature

It’s something frequently associated with the elderly, but findings from recent surveys suggest that 16-24 year olds the are the loneliest among us.

The BBC’s Anatomy of Loneliness experiment found that 40% of 16-24 year olds feel ‘lonely’ or ‘very lonely’ on a regular basis, whilst the Office for National Statistics suggests that this group is three times more likely to feel lonely than people aged 65 and over.

Why is this the case? Researchers have suggested that it is all about resilience – our ability to ‘bounce back’ and recover from setbacks.

This is something that is built up over time, and often the 16-24 group simply haven’t had the chance to build up their resilience. There-

fore, they feel negative emotions like loneliness more strongly.

The University of Reading offers a ‘Resilience Masterclass’ as part of its ‘Life Tools’ series. This isn’t surprising - university life constantly tests our resilience with new environments, people and deadlines thrown at you every day.

As we are frequently told, there are plenty of opportunities for a rich social experience at university.

However, there is also ample opportunity to feel left out and on the side-lines. It’s easy to look at others who appear to have become best friends instantly and wonder why you haven’t got that too.

You’re constantly surrounded by people, so why does it feel like something is missing?

Loneliness often doesn’t

mean you are alone. It can be that you feel like you have very few meaningful relationships with people who really understand you.

How many times have we all replied “Good!” when asked how we are? How many times do we feel able to say: “Not too great, actually”?

If small talk makes up the only conversations in your day, you can begin to feel isolated. It becomes harder to want to make the effort, easier to stand and scroll endlessly through social media posts you’ve already seen.

This urge to look ‘busy’ (and not just ‘alone’) is strong.

Loneliness has a stigma around it - many people report having felt ashamed to admit that they feel lonely.

This can mean that loneliness becomes something that many of us often feel

Mums Meals ALICE BRYANT

Final Nutrition and Food Science

Easy roasted pea and tomatoe microwave risotto: This is a super easy recipe which is perfect for after a long day of lectures, the microwave does all the work

and it is a budget friendly dinner. Risotto is a great recipe to know how to make as it is a great base to add in any food that you have left in the fridge, it is also a great base to add many different flavour combinations.

This recipe is a simple roasted tomato and basil risotto, but you could do a variety of combinations for example butternut squash and goats cheese or chicken and bacon.

Total Cooking Time - 20 minutes

Price - £3.30 per portion Difficulty Level - Easy Serves - 1 person Ingredients: 120g Arborio rice - (risotto rice) £0.40 550ml of stock – (550ml boiling water + Vegetable Stock cube mixed together) £0.10 Handful of tomatoes £0.80 Handful of Basil (fresh or dried) - roughly chopped £0.70 30g Hard cheese - grated (you can buy a supermarket

but very few actually talk about. When you ask people – especially those people who you thought had it all sorted – you quickly realise that it is more common than you may think.

As someone who has felt this way, I know that the typical advice to ‘join a society’ or ‘start a conversation’ can sound vague at best and terrifying at worst.

My advice is to practice saying ‘yes’ (and ‘yes’ - I know how cliché that sounds).

With this you can start small and work your way up. Say ‘yes’ to asking a course-mate if they want to meet up and go through what was said in the lecture. Say ‘yes’ to an offer to go for a coffee or into town. Say ‘yes’ to allowing yourself to start a deeper conversation.

This practise of saying ‘yes’ – especially if it means break-

ing you out of your routine – can be daunting, but it can lead to new opportunities to create those meaningful relationships that can make university life just that bit easier. Once you get in the habit of taking opportunities, that earlier advice of getting involved in a group can feel more accessible.

For lots of people, loneliness is temporary. However prolonged feelings of loneliness can have a serious impact on your mental health. People who reported feeling lonely also reported higher levels of anxiety and depression.

If you’re concerned about your mental health, say ‘yes’ to accessing the support Reading has to offer. Wellbeing Services are located in the Carrington Building and can be contacted by email at counselling@reading.ac.uk

own hard cheese or choose your favourite i.e. parmesan) - £0.80 Handful of frozen Peas £0.50 Optional - splash of white wine Method: 1 . Place your tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.

2 . Place your risotto rice in a microwavable bowl and add a third of your stock into the bowl (if you have some white wine then add it all in now too), cover with cling film and put in the microwave on high for 10 minutes.

3 . After the 10 minutes add another third of the stock into the bowl, give it a mix, cover it again and put back in the microwave for 3 minutes on high.

4 . Add in the rest of the stock to the risotto, mix in your frozen peas, cover and put in the microwave for the last 6 minutes on high.

5 . Take out of the microwave, grate in your cheese and chopped basil, mix well and cover while you take out your tomatoes from the oven.

6 . Mix the tomatoes into your risotto, serve and enjoy!

L I F E S T Y L E | PA G E 2 1

Ibiza Party Guide T H E W H O , W H AT, W H E R E A N D W H E N ’ S T O I B I Z A’ S S U M M E R .

NIA DALTON

3rd year English Language and Linguistics

As the party venue for the summer, Ibiza does everything bigger and better: the outfits are extra, the pool parties are wilder, and the prices are definitely higher. It’s a holiday that is guaranteed to wipe your bank account; but you simply won’t care or regret a penny of your overdraft as Ibiza leaves you laughing with the best memories.

From the stunning sunsets at Cafe Mambo, to the celebrity-infested waters at Ocean Beach; you can take in the Spanish sunshine whilst mingling with the latest reality stars.

To access all areas, you want to stay in San Antonio.

It’s walking distance from Cafe Mambo, Ibiza Rocks and round the corner from Ocean Beach. With restaurants, beaches and the strip; there’s everything you’ll need. The party season begins in May and closes in October, with June and July the busiest months. Ibiza ends the summer with a bang, hosting September closing parties with the hottest headliners.

O C E A N B E A C H The pricey pool party is owned by Wayne Lineker and has a different theme and style of music every day of the week. Each event has different performances, from extreme acrobats to giant inflatable gorillas. The aesthetics are an Instagram lover’s dream, with flower walls everywhere you look.

Charging €385 for a 30cl bottle of Ciroc, it’s like drinking liquid gold out of plastic orange cups. But, you can do it on a budget; with entry for

€25, and single cocktails for €15, you can sit on the pools edge or stand by tables and still experience it all.

IBIZA ROCKS POOL PA R T Y

Ibiza Rocks is in walking distance from the main beach S’Arenal de San Antonio. It’s much more laid back than Ocean Beach, but just as busy and live. The DJ line-up is always good, with Rudimental and Craig David performing every week of last summer. It’s the type of pool party where people actually get in the pool!

There’s BBQ food to buy on site, or you can pop around the corner after for a KFC to fuel your fast food fix.

PA C H A S U P E R C L U B

Pacha is by far the weirdest and wildest club on the island. There’s a restaurant, a merchandise shop and a super-club all in one. The “f*** me I’m famous!” event has 1950s style dancers swinging from chains whilst David Guetta is on the decks - it’s definitely a sight you’ve not seen before. It is located on the other side of the island and taxis cost approximately €30 from San Antonio. Unlike the seasonal pool parties, Pacha is open 365 days a year. The average price of a ticket is €50, and you can buy them online in advance to save money when you’re there.

U S H U A I A Titled one of the best clubs in Ibiza, Ushuaia hosts some of the best international artists, from Tinie Tempah to David Guetta. Ticket prices are the same as Pacha and Amnesia, and it’s located on another side of the island so

you’ll need to get a half an hour taxi. It’s an open air beach club, and the most popular event is ANTS every Saturday. There’s a Ushuaia hotel too, if you want to literally ‘eat sleep rave repeat’.

This is the venue that you can pull out all the stops on your outfit and you will never be over-dressed.

A M N E S I A If you’re into techno and house, Amnesia is the biggest electronic club on the island. Like Ushuaia, the most popular night is a Saturday, where Amnesia unites with Elrow. Everyone gets the classic photo in front of the Amnesia red bus to prove they’ve been there.

At €18 a drink, you’ll want to pre heavy before; and make sure to keep an eye on your drinks and stay clear of a man dressed as Jack Sparrow! He was rumored to be part of a gang that spiked drinks earlier this year.

drinks. If you’re into black R&B, Soul City is a good club for you. Don’t underestimate the small bars either, the music is usually charts and classics so you’ll be able to sing your heart out all night.

I B I Z A R O C K S PA C K E D P O O L PA R T Y / N I A D A LT O N

CAFE MAMBO

Cafe Mambo is a beach bar and restaurant located on San Antonio coast, with the most amazing view of the sunset. To catch the sun setting and the live atmosphere, its peak time is between 7:00pm and 11:00pm.

Cocktails are a little pricey at €15, but you can be sneaky and take your own drinks to the coast instead. Surrounded by new restaurants, it is a good location for a chilled down food and cocktails night, or to start pre drinks.

W E S T E N D In walking distance from Cafe Mambo, is the Ibiza strip ‘West End’. Unlike Ayia Napa and Magaluf, the strip in Ibiza is small and less live than the big clubs - but you are guaranteed cheaper

I B I Z A R O C K S PA C K E D P O O L PA R T Y / N I A D A LT O N

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 3

DOC TOR WHO?

HOROSCOPES

WOMEN EMPOWERED

Rosie shares her views on the new doctor and what could be in store for viewers this series .

Looking for some inspiration this month?

See what the stars are saying about you!

Taz looks at the growth of feminist conversation in entertainment this year.

PA G E 2 5

PA G E 2 6

PA G E 3 1

entertainment Millie’s Mumblings MILLIE FARQUAH

3rd Year English Literature

With the Autumn term in full swing, I have found myself back to my old procrastination ways! One day this month I stumbled across a Buzzfeed video entitled ‘Ron Swanson Quotes To Live By’ and my unending love for Parks and Recreation, as well as my desire not to do any of my work, instantly made me click play. And before I knew it I was watching the beauty of Ron Swanson dispensing his wisdom on to the world.

For anyone who has never watched Parks and Recreation, firstly, WHY? It is the incredible love child of Amy Poehler and the creators of the Office USA. It focuses on the Parks and Recreation department of a small town and it includes an incredible cast of Chris Pratt, Rob Lowe, Adam Scott, Aubrey Plaza and, of course, Amy Poehler, and Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, head of parks and Rec and self-proclaimed hater of local government! He spends most episodes avoiding work and dishing out brutal

honesty and witty phrases. work, my concentration and focus is so bad that I actively have to distract my brain and block out the world with music so that I can just about at my work, but then I I was hit with the look get distracted by my phone, sudden realisation Facebook and any other social media sites I use daily.

that when I work my concentration and focus is so bad

Anyway, back to the quotes. Whilst the purpose of many of these lines was to get a laugh, such as: “Any dog weighed under 50lbs is a cat and cats are pointless” and “fish for sport, not for meat, fish meat is basically a vegetable”.

One line really did stand out to me and that was “Never Half a** two things, Whole a** one thing” and this pulled at my heart strings as I sat trying to write an essay, or even this article, whilst also watching YouTube videos and listening to music.

But as I looked around the room, I realised so many other people were doing the same. I was hit with the sudden realisation that when I

phone you risk not only disrupting your focus, but you kill the tree as well! This app really appeals to my empathy as I began to feel bad whenever I reached for my phone. However, the downside of this app is that you cannot stop the death of the tree, even if you had an emergency call or the need to use a calculator or get anything off your phone, you cannot undo the damage looking at your phone does. it is a really fun way to I get distracted by But see how many trees (of fomy phone, Facebook cus) you can plant during day and it really motiand any other social the vated me to focus me more, media sites so I could plant a forest!

Then there is Thrive. ArEven my emails drag me ianna Huffington’s edition out of focus and into the to the App world not only world of procrastination. So, helps you stay focused, I began to research ‘focus’ but it also helps you deapps for my phone and com- velop routines and combat puter and I came up with distractions in the future. a couple that I really like.

Instead of just blockFirstly, one of my favour- ing phone calls and emails, ites is Forest which holds this app can also be set up your focus by turning your to send messages to anyone phone into a growing tree who contacts you during that you have to leave alone. your ‘Thrive time’ and lets It blocks your notifications them know that you will be and if you even touch your available in ‘X’ amount of

time. It can also be used to limit your phone use before bed and lets you schedule sessions throughout the day!

focus and concentration techniques are different for everyone I understand that focus and concentration techniques are different for everyone, and that these apps might not work for you. But after too many hours wasted in front of a computer screen, I wanted to try and take positive steps towards “whole A**ing” things and being more efficient with my time.

I hope you guys have a great month and I’ll see you back here for more of my mumblings in the next issue.

Millie x

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 4

Taking my Boyfriend to Mamma Mia! SABITA BURKE

2nd Year Lit and Lang

Every day we act as social justice warriors as we are cautious not to stereotype groups of people, males and females in particular: some boys like pink, people! That being said, when it comes to the entertainment industry I do feel that differing interests between men and women are as resoundingly true for some reason.

This came to light when I sat down with my boyfriend, who I had managed to bring unwilling, to see the current stage production of Mamma Mia! at Aldwych’s Novello Theatre, London. In contrast to the excitement I felt building up to this moment, his remark was: “looking forward to a three-hour nap.”

As the production unfolded, it was satisfyingly similar to the movie version we know and love. Meanwhile, there were also twists and

turns at times when I least expected it. One of my favourite scenes from the movie, when Colin Firth launches into “Our Last Summer” on a boat in the midst of the sparkling Grecian sea, was replaced with “Thank You for the Music”, adding an interestingly new dynamic to the dialogue. Additionally, it took us on a tour of our memories of Donna and her love of music.

satisfyingly similar to the movie version we know and love If I am brutally honest, the male singers were nothing to write home about in this edition (sorry, Pierce Brosnan, but I think you’ve started a trend there). We all know the girls’ parts are

the most important, though, and Sara Poyzer’s Donna and Georgia Louise’s Sophie sported some beautifully clear, soaring notes as they danced through ABBA’s most famous tunes. They even turned their hand to several of the saucier songs we know from Here We Go Again, including my personal favourite, “The Name of the Game”.

Despite the laughter, drama and feel-good joie de vivre that I gained from this upbeat performance, my boyfriend’s most heartfelt comment by the end of the night, whilst he by no means disliked the show, was: “One thing I will say that annoys me about Mamma Mia! that annoys me- the music’s so bloody catchy.”

He also pointed out the almost reality show-esque nature of the plot, which I had never paid much attention to before. He noted that the storyline was “like a bad episode of Jeremy Kyle; you

don’t know who your dad is and then three come along at once!”

Do all different genders innately perceive things differently, or are we conditioned into being interested in styles that we are told are tailored to our thoughts and desires?

giggle-loving, overtly female audience Seeing one of my all-time favourite stories played out through a very masculine young guy’s eyes also made me consider how the stage version was especially centred on a giggle-loving, overtly female audience.

Written by a middle-aged female playwright several years back, one of my favourite quips and one that made all the older women in our row roar while the few men that were there kept a stony silence, was Tanya’s reply to Pepper announcing his name to her: “What, because you’re so hot?”

S A B I TA B U R K E

Refreshingly addictive thriller: A Simple Favour O N E S I M P L E FAV O U R B E C O M E S A H U N T F O R T H E D A R K T R U T H .

TAZ USHER Print Editor For those of you who have seen or read Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, Paul Feig’s A Simple Favour provides the same compelling plot twists, adrenaline rushes and seat jerks that the prior ‘Missing Woman’ thriller did.

This comparison, however, is by no means designed to depreciate the cinematic genius that A Simple Favour is. The new comedic mystery thriller is a fiercely refreshing addition to our big screen; combining the talents of some of our favourite female American actresses with a superbly executed plot and choice of setting.

It is no surprise that the new release has already grossed over $43 million worldwide. Anna Kendrick,

best known for her appearances in musical comedy Pitch Perfect and fantasy Into the Woods, gives a faultless performance as Stephanie Smothers, a widower who thrives on motherhood and is utterly overwhelmed when ‘too sexy to be true’ school mum, Emily Nelson, invites her round for cocktails at her million-dollar mansion.

Blake Lively, renowned for her role in Netflix’s Gossip Girl, gives an equally impressive performance as Emily. Lively adopts the role with a deceptive amount of elegance and charm which convinces viewers, as much as Stephanie, that she is content with her prosperous life style, handsome husband (Henry Golding) and high-profile job.

Comedic at first, the contrast in character between soon-to-be best friends

Stephanie and Emily, proves a vital aspect of the plot, which Emily so cunningly uses to her advantage. For just a simple favour. From this moment on, viewers receive a gradual insight into the darker and more complex themes of the film; unveiled through unanticipated, sudden turns in the plot.

Feig’s unique and contemporary mystery thriller is yet another example of the gripping and entertaining nature of missing persons fictional crime. It has everything mystery-fanatics want in a good, borderline gruesome, crime tale: a lake, a dead body, an abandoned summer camp-A Simple Favour has it all.

Nonetheless, the film does not demonstrate the cliché, predictable moments that some thrillers often fail to avoid. This carefully crafted, fast moving plotline is quite possibly the winning feature

which makes A Simple Favour so enjoyably addictive.

Likewise, it’s combination of both comedic and alarming moments contribute to the unique viewer experience of the film, resulting in viewers left wanting more.

viewers receive a gradual insight into the darker and more complex themes of the film “You don’t want to be friends with me, trust me.”, -Emily warns Stephanie before she disappears. Similarly, you won’t want to love this film, which will make you cringe, gasp and flinch at points, but you WILL.

L I O N S G AT E P U B -

I have no doubt that this film will become a favourite for mums and teenagers alike, and will be of a hot topic for the weeks to come.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 5

A witty and loveable genius: Doctor Who Rosie Neville Lifestyle Editor

‘The Woman Who Fell to Earth’ has not disappointed me. 13 Doctors down the line and Jodie Whittaker is already in the running for me as one of the best ones yet. The regeneration of the Doctors began in 1966 when health problems led to the Doctor needing to be replaced. Now regeneration has become the very thing associated with Doctor Who. It is something which causes a huge debate each time, as people fall in love

with their Doctor, and obviously this time it has caused the largest debate yet as we have awaited the first female Doctor.

“Don’t be scared. All of this is new to you, and new can be scary.” The 8.2 million viewers (statistics which beat both Matt Smith and David Tennant’s first episodes) who watched the new Doctor’s debut are hopefully now feeling as reassured as I am: the fact that the Doctor is a woman does not take away from the fact that she is The Doctor: “Bit of adrenaline, dash of

outrage and a hint of panic knitted my brain back together. I know exactly who I am. I’m the Doctor. Sorting out fair play throughout the universe.”

we fall in love with their selfless actions No matter what the Doctor looks like (young, old, male, female), we all love him/her because he/she is a witty and loveable genius.

We fall in love with their

selfless actions and the fact that they fall in love with their assistants to cure their loneliness: “if there’s one thing I’m certain of, when people need help, I never refuse. Right? This is gonna be fun.”

Jodie Whittaker is a change from the more cynical Doctor that Peter Capaldi played, and reminds me the most of David Tennant.

Although I will always miss Rose, and I will always have respect for Christopher Eccleston for bringing Doctor Who back, I am thoroughly excited for this series. I

FLICKR/GREGLE-

will always long for Russell T Davies, however feel that Chris Chibnall (the new writer) has great prospects.

Although I loved Steven Moffat’s work on Sherlock, I did not like his work on Doctor Who. I think that a new writer, who has taken such a bold step as to introduce a female Doctor, has to be incredible. To master the first episode and make many people thoroughly excited to watch Doctor Who again after the lack of interest in the last series, is impressive: and I’m excited.

An Interview with Benjamin Cunningham: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

D O U B L E B A S S I S T C O M M E N T S O N H I S M O S T R E C E N T P E R F O R M A N C E W I T H T H E R P O AT T H E H E X A G O N , R E A D I N G

Rober t Bern Part 3 History

In your view, how well suited to the orchestra is the choice of pieces for this performance? Are there any that stand out as personal favourites?

The performance at the Hexagon was characterised by three real power horses of the repertoire; the kind of pieces all orchestral musicians grow up with and which are at the very centre of orchestral playing and technique. Brahms has always been a huge passion of mine, with his organic unfurling of thematic material but I think Beethoven’s Thirdreally suits the RPO. It’s virtuosity and youthful energy really plays to the orchestra’s strengths. In fact, it’s one of those pieces that remains astounding no matter how much you perform, rehearse, or hear it.

The Grieg piano concerto is always a real crowd pleaser, with its instantly recognisable opening bars and its gorgeously wistful d flat major slow movement. I think that, followed by the revolutionary energy and inventiveness of the symphony, means there’s something for everyone.

Typically, how long does it take for everyone to prepare for a concert like this?

Does the venue or type of piece make any particularly discernable difference?

All of these pieces are what we call core repertoire so the musicians playing them will have spent their lives learning and performing them.

We will all have learned the tricky passages and have our plans of attack worked out so when we come to perform them again, it’s a matter of revision and dusting off a few fingering patterns. We will often only come togeth What about this particu- er for a three hour rehearslar concert do you think al before we play pieces we will appeal most to people? know so well; which means you have to come ready to

play (i.e. personally prepared), and ready to listen to your colleagues and the way in which they play. You can rehearse for days but it’s useless if you don’t have your musical antennae out and your ears open.

Conductors seem to be known for injecting individualist styles when working with an orchestra. How has the relationship been between Victor Aviat and the orchestra been, particularly musically-speaking?

This is the first time we have worked with Victor and the relationship seems to have gotten off to a great start. He is obviously a very musical young man, who shows great taste and judgement in his direction. Some conductors are megalomaniacal in their desire to impose themselves on the music and the musicians, but others are much more collaborative in their music making, responding to what the musicians themselves bring, and finding a common ground

which truthfully represents R O YA L P H I L H A R M O N I C the music. From this outing, I would suggest Victor seems to fall in the latter category. the pub on a concert ticket?! In all honesty, I think price point is always an issue

How do you think stu- for tickets, particularly if dents at the University of you’re trying something for Reading could best be in- the first time. However, we centivised to attend/par- work with all our venues to take in classical music and provide a range of affordable tickets and we have our performances?

‘Student Pulse’ app for deals I read in the paper that on tickets so I hope that stustudents aren’t drinking al- dents might be able to get cohol these days so what bet- together with like-minded ter way to spend the money friends and make an evening that you might have spent in of it.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 6

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hexagon Rober t Bern Part 3 History

On Saturday the 6th of October, I was invited to come and revel in a performance at the Hexagon by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Naturally, this was a unique opportunity, and one that would prove to be completely mesmeric. Among the pieces played were the eclectic Brahms’ Tragic Overture, the dramatic Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor and the controversially long Beethoven’s Symphony No.3.

As the impeccably dressed audience shuffled reverently into the auditorium, one thing became very noticeable; the demographic was notably distinguished, both in age and posture. However, the Zimmer frames and wheelchairs parked in the

corner of the room purveyed a most poignant image. People were about to be able to forget about any limitations they had, even if just for a short while, and enjoy the art form in all its beauty.

the orchestra made every effort with every tailcoat and black evening gown

The crowd muttered excitedly as the various sections

W H AT ’ S O N AT R E A D I N G F I L M T H E AT R E

October 23 The Miseducation of Cameron Post 25 Cold War 30 A Simple Favour November 1 Faces Places 6 The Wife 8 Wajib 13 Bad Times at The El Royale 15 Tehran Taboo 20 The Guardians 22 Members’ Choice- Film to be announced

Details regarding times and ticket prices can be found on the RFT’s website www.readingfilmtheare.co.uk .

You can also find more about the RFT Classic and Premier members and their perks online.

of the orchestra warmed up and made their final preparations. Dressed to impress, the orchestra made every effort with every tailcoat and black evening gown. However, as the chatter died, the well drilled orchestra stood and faced the audience in unison as the conductor bounded onto the stage in a favourably flamboyant manner. As the audience applauded his arrival, he looked simultaneously nervous and delighted, his kingly, velvet, black shirt glimmering in the stage lights as he bowed and floated around his conductor’s rostrum – a podium specifically for his use.

As the orchestra launched into its first piece, a number of things became apparent immediately. It is always interesting watching something microcosmic function, with several intelligent parts working together symbiotically. The orchestra breathed musical life as one expert organism. While the violins melodically held the upper frequencies, the cello and double bass sections ensured a resonance of magnitude totally of their choosing at any given time.

breathed musical life as one expert organism While the brass and woodwinds appeared to be initially used to simply fill sonic space, their placement was tonally very satisfying, and they would later come into their own with their own sequences of crescendos. The rarity of experiencing a percussion section tasked with ornamentation rather than metronomic

or rhythmic management duty was unusual to an old dad-rocker such as myself, but was pleasantly stimulating whenever they were deployed emphatically.

Most intriguing of all, however, was the complete mastery with which every single musician played, and yet no one sought to showoff. Aside from the odd relieved smile or glance at a fellow musician onstage, there was no movement from the orchestra than towards the function of the piece. With such control over dynamics, it was clear that they all placed the orchestra above themselves, most admirably. Save, reassuringly, for the conductor. His flare for individualistic performance became apparent from his atypical gestures and expressive style.

flare of individualistic performance His heavy breaths of effort were audible above the orchestra (aided perhaps by the admittedly poor acoustics in the Hexagon), but as he flicked his baton around with fluid speed, he was obviously in his element, his trance-like state reinforcing the art of the performance.

I overheard one audience member behind me complain about his choice of “hippie” clothing and exuberant style. I, for one, think that it added to the performance, and classical music generally would most likely encourage wider participation if the stricture didn’t appear so impenetrable to anyone without some sort of pre-begot understanding of the genre and all its technicalities.

Finally, the arrival of

the pianist for the second piece – likewise dressed in a non-uniform, black, kimono-esque style of shirt – heralded an even more stunning element. Immediately, the crowd were taken aback by this maestro’s technical skill.

His hands danced about the keys with total ease. His fingers danced gentle waltzes, stomped in the style of tap and melodically waxed and waned everything between.

The glint of their reflection in the instrument burned unpredictably like fire. As he and the conductor watched each for other’s cues, they gleefully exchanged smiles, all while maintaining professional composure – a difficult line for any performer to tread. By the end of their performance, the audience authentically refused to stop applauding, with shouts of “bravo” ringing out across the theatre. Three times they returned the stage and bowed to the audience, something that would later be repeated by the end of the third piece.

the audience authentically refused to stop applauding As the audience filed out, despite some fatigue among the more elderly members, everyone was discussing the finer points of the performance energetically. The performance had clearly created a stir among apparently regular attendees to classical performances, and the Royal Philharmonic did not fail to deliver on this occasion, as, judging by the supremely talented musicianship among them, it is doubtful they ever do.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 7

HOROSCOPES F I N D O U T W H AT T H E S TA R S A R E S AY I N G A B O U T YO U T H I S M O N T H

LIBRA

SCORPIO

S A G G I TA R I U S

CAPRICORN

SEPTEMBER 23 - OC TOBER 22

OC TOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21

NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19

Spontaneity is on your side this month, Libra. As we enter the darker months, making a last-minute plan with friends could be enough to turn a dreary week into one to remember. Stick close to the ones you love and let your hair down once in a while and you’ll be just fine.

You may feel a lot calmer this month than you have felt previously; your stinger has retracted for a little while. You’ll feel a lot more patient and willing. This month is all about new beginnings and for the Scorpio it is all about letting go of past grudges and allowing people back into your life again.

This month is a month of ‘you win some, you lose some’, Sagittarius. You might feel a bit disappointed with a task you have recently completed. However, rejoice in the fact that these perceived failures are a blessing in disguise. They may open a door to new opportunities on the horizon and lead to progress.

This month you should be extra careful with your health, Capricorn. Watch out for clumsiness and silly mistakes. This means taking a more relaxed approach to life. This month, however, is good in matters of the heart. You’ll get to know someone close a lot more and develop a deeper relationship.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

TA U R U S

JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

MARCH 21 - APRIL 19

This month is an opportunity to refresh for you, Aquarius. Your hard work ethic will reward you with the chance to spend some time on yourself. Why not make the most of it by starting to read a new book, rewatching an old favourite film or catching up with a close friend?

This month offers a monetary opportunity for you, Pisces. Whether that’s an unmissable deal, new motive to save or the chance to earn some profit on something you already own. Struggling to seek the opportunity out? Start by sorting through belongings you haven’t touched in a while. There may be something of value..

A P R I L 2 0 - M AY 2 0

A new skill offers you a step up this month, Aries. Trying something out of the ordinary could give you the new outlook on life you’ve been looking for. To start, turn to the people closest to you. It’s likely that, in one way or another, they’ve got some wisdom to share.

A hard worker never regrets their efforts. If you’ve had the time to read your horoscope amongst your busy schedule this month, then good on you, Taurus. Taking even the smallest of breaks to do something outside of your hectic plans is the ideal choice to ensure that you aren’t straining yourself.

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

VIRGO

M AY 2 1 - J U N E 2 0

J U N E 2 1 - J U LY 2 2

J U LY 2 3 - A U G U S T 2 2

AUGUST 23- SEPTEMBER 22

With your own birthday a while off, this month is the perfect opportunity to help plan a celebration for somebody else. Put your organisational skills to work this month, Gemini, by giving a close family member or friend a birthday to remember. Tip: Many brains working together produce better ideas!

You may feel slightly undepreciated in some periods of this month, Cancer. But, remember, not everyone is as emotionally adept as you are. Also, you may make a new friend at work or there may even be a new love interest on the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled!

Your roar will be slightly muffled this month, Leo, but you are urged to stand up for your opinion. Confide in someone near: a close connection will listen and give you the audience you deserve.

This month is one which will be fruitful for matters of love and understanding, Virgo. The time is now if you are single and want to risk asking someone on a date. Luck is with you this month and risky decisions will pay off.

The birthday month of many of you out there! The month of April brings a whirlwind of emotions to the forefront. The feeling of anger at the l ittlest of things to be expected, so try to

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

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 8

Arctic Monkeys in Concert: A Review OLIVER GRENIER Spark secretary

Ahead of their return to UK touring this year, fans could understandably have been a little apprehensive about seeing the Arctic Monkeys perform. Earlier this year, the band released their sixth studio album, after a 5-year hiatus, to which they received an incredibly mixed response amongst their fan base and the wider music community as a whole.

I briefly reviewed ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino’ (TBH&C) earlier this year and praised the band for taking an adventurous turn in their musicality, and now 4 months and many listens later, it really has grown into an obscure favourite of mine. I can readily admit that it is arguably one of the band’s ‘worst’ albums- but given each release of their’s has been so strong, this album still ranks around an 8/10 for me. What I really liked about the album is that it was quite old school in its composition. It wasn’t just a mix of songs around one general style: the album portrayed a narrative of a future-set lunar base and a lead character in a washed up 70’s rocker. This can only be appreciated when the album is listened to as a whole. That’s where my own apprehensions before the gig began though. I love that the album is made to be listened to as a whole. And as a whole, it is most definitely greater than the sum of its parts. However, I knew very well that this wouldn’t be the outcome when played live.

As I sat with 2 friends in Wetherspoons in the centre of Manchester, we had a lengthy discussion about how the albums individual songs would fit in with Arctic Monkeys already pretty dense catalogue of songs.

We questioned whether the 70’s smoking lounge tunes of TBH&C would dull the atmosphere alongside crowd favourites like “Do I Wan-

na Know?” or the riotous “Pretty Visitors” and “Brianstorm”, that sent the fans into a frenzy when I last saw the band in 2013.

arguably one of the bands worst albums Any thoughts of this were quickly quelled when the band opened into TBH&C’s lead single “Four Out of Five”. The crowd crooned along with Alex Turner, with the songs steadfast drumbeat pounding through the venue and my chest. Clearly eager to maintain the atmosphere, the band quickly burst into a note-perfect rendition of “Brianstorm”.

This was a theme that continued throughout the night.

Equally, not one of the quartet or their accompanying support band put a single foot wrong the entire night.

Yet this was something that bothered me slightly. The band was so tight that some of the songs seemed to lose the edge that made them so popular in the first place.

Yeah, they sounded almost identical to the recordings… so what’s the problem? But that is the problem. When I see a band live I want to hear their raw sound, see them let loose a little out of the confines of the recording studio.

In this case, it felt like the band weren’t even enjoying themselves at times.

Arctic Monkeys seemed so intent on reproducing their songs so perfectly that a bit of soul was lost in them.

Heartfelt songs like “Cornerstone”, “Snap Out of It” and “Do Me a Favour” seemed to not have the emotion that made them so loved originally. Even the mosh pits seemed to be missing a sense of fever during anthems like “Pretty Visitors” and “I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor”.

Continuing in this time

may appear as if I am doing the band a great disservice.

They played an immensely strong set list, dropping in some classics that previously have rarely been heard live, such as “Teddy Picker” and “Knee Socks”, whilst ensuring all of their biggest hits were still played. AM was dipped into a little too heavily for my liking with 6 songs from that album, but only 5 from the newest album. This hinted to the bands awareness of the popularity AM holds amongst fans.

Arguably, some of the strongest songs from the new album, which would have sounded massive in concert, like “She Looks Like Fun” and “The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip” (still an amazing song name) were ignored for songs like “Batphone” and “Star Treatment” which served to only kill the buzz of the crowd. In fact, the decision to open the encore with the slow jam of “Star Treatment” was one of the more bizzare moments of the night.

OLIVER GRENIER

wards part of their performance, there were so many strong points that I don’t have enough room to list.

But the faux 70’s cameramen that broadcasted the band onto the big screens were a great nod to the theme of the album.

If I was to give benefit of the doubt to the band, it was

the first night of their tour and there are always creases to be ironed out. I’m sure the remainder of the tour gave performances that were even more amazing than ours was. Four stars out of five is probably the most apt way to rate the night.

Moody Music FEEL GOOD TUNES FOR DARK AUTUMN

hearing songs you love and relate to being played right in front of you

So after all of this, how do I rate the night? Well, quite frankly- it was f**king amazing. To see one of the country’s best bands (you know it’s true) performing live is still one of the greatest thrills and I enjoyed the whole night massively. Part of that comes from being surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion that you do, and the other part comes from hearing songs you love and relate to, being played right in front of you.

For all my criticisms to-

1. ABBA- When I Kissed the Teacher 2. Elvis Presley- I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You 3. Fountains of Wayne- Stacey’s Mom 4. Aqua- Barbie Girl 5. Britney Spears- Toxic 6. Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie- Rockabye 7. Toto- Africa 8. Young Summer- Propeller 9. Rich Aucoin- Want to Believe

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 2 9

Empowered and Beautiful TAZ USHER Print Editor

As the entertainment industry entered 2018 with the eminent feminist conversation ‘#MeToo’ at its forefront, it is no surprise that the conversation has continued to grow and grow. Following its revival by actress Alyssa Milano in October 2017, ‘#MeToo’ has since grown from a platform used by women across the globe to expose incidents of victimisation from men, into a platform of female strength, unification and determination to say NO.

there have been countless instances of diligent and determined acts made by women Examples of the movement’s impact have been seen across social media, where millions of women have been inspired to find a voice and speak up about their struggles of sexual harassment in and beyond the workplace. The same can be said for the 2018 Grammy Award ceremony in January which saw many nominees wear white roses as a symbol of the movement, followed by the March 2018 Oscars ceremony which gave hints of a call for reformation and increased equality in the entertainment industry.

Additionally, the #MeToo movement has since gained its counterpart, ‘#Timesup’, which was echoed in singer and actress Janelle Monae’s assertion: “We come in Peace, but We Mean Business… Time is Up”, expressed when accepting her Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album.

Female empowerment has by no means been limited to participants of the #MeToo movement this

A M O M E N T O U S T I M E F O R W O M E N I N E N T E R TA I N M E N T

year. Throughout the entertainment industry (and of course in our everyday lives) there have been countless instances of diligent and determined acts made by women, portrayed both in fiction and reality, which have become a symbol of the irrepressible force that is the female population. On the 19th May this year, the nation watched Prince Harry and soon-tobe-royal Meghan Markle tie the knot, resulting in Markle becoming potentially one of the most feminist royals to date.

A longside her growing resp onsibi lities as a royal, the Duchess of Sussex has cont inue d her support and endorsement of the #TimesUp movement , stating that “ Wo m en don’t need to find their voice, they need to be empowered to use it.”.

A refreshingly innovative celebration of female empowerment, talent and tenacity was seen in the musical showcase ‘There is Nothin Like A Dame’, which owned the stage of Cadogan Hall, London, for one night only on the 30th August this summer. The concert was a poignant celebration of one hundred years of women in Musical Theatre which featured four leading female performers from the West End, performing some of the nation’s favourite songs from musicals of the last century. The four performers were Rachel Tucker, Louise Dearman, Alexia Khadime and Ria Jones, who were accompanied by the captivating musical talent of their orchestra and musical direc-

tor, Mr Adam Hoskins, who too joined them on stage.

Adam expressed: “It was of particular interest to see the arch of the female narrative progress over the course of the Twentieth Century.

Interestingly, only the last two pieces involved female composers. I think this massively reflected the nature of the popular reception and the changing nature of the female creative. Of course, there have been extremely important female creatives

(Betty Comden, Agnes De mille, Gillian Lynne, Mary Rodgers), but in an industry dominated in the later half by commercial success, and therefore business and financial import, it is little wonder some men have kept women out of the board room. I loved collaborating with the five singers and hope to work with them more!”

From start to finish, the four singers performed showstoppers belonging to female characters who have made an impact on the female image and transformed the way women are perceived in the modern world.

These included Big Spender from the 1960s musical Sweet Charity, I Dreamed A Dream from the 1980s musical phenomenon Les Misérables and the more recent The Wizard and I, from Wicked,

performed by all four of the women in a momentous reflection on their, and other women in the industry’s, successful careers. Nevertheless, this unforgettable evening was by no means designed to paint the perfect picture of women.

celebrating both female independence and unity Audience members were treated to songs devised for a range of characters including prostitutes, villains and even murderers within their plot lines. Evidently, the decision to celebrate female roles such as the leading ladies of Chicago was not to provide role models for women, but to salute women who have defied social restrictions and used their experiences to help other females to do the same.

In the most up-beat manner possible, Mamma Mia: Here we Go Again was a perfect addition to the list of most empowering moments for women in entertainment this summer. This all-time favourite musical made a comeback which was everything fans of the film ,and the eighties pop band ABBA, had hoped for, and this time it put its everything into celebrating both female independence and unity. For some viewers, Meryl Streep’s lack of appearance was disappointing, nonetheless Lily James gave a peerless performance as young Donna.

James thrived in her portrayal of the character’s resilience and determination to overcome and cope with

betrayal, solitude and motherhood; all achieved with the help of her trustworthy friends and confidant, Sofia.

Although there’s a huge sense of pride to be gained from looking back on how far women have risen in the last century, it is the unfortunate truth that women are continuing to be faced with challenges and knock-backs which require their consistent strength to suppress.

And it is these reactions which are pivotal in the fight for equality; demonstrated in stories from as recent as one or two weeks ago as seen in the media. Monica Lewinsky, an advocate of the #MeToo movement, illustrated this only a few days ago when forced to stand up for herself during a live interview. She afterwards stressed: “It’s more important than ever for women to stand up for themselves”.

Likewise, recent debate surrounding Women’s Magazine Cosmopolitan’s front cover of Plus-Size Model Tess Holliday shows that there still may be a large population of people who are indifferent to the concept of equality, but there is an even larger majority that is prepared to confront them.

I am proud to be female So, if there’s one thing I’ve learnt this summer, despite just how unaffordable uni accommodation is, it’s that I’m proud to be female and have just about the best support network of women in my life to make me even prouder of the person who I am.

If you feel inspired and want to get involved in the equal rights conversation you can join the Reading University Feminist Society or attend their upcoming event ‘Ain’t I a Woman? Empowerment Evening: Celebrating Women of Colour’: 18th October 6-9pm in Palmer 109.

E N T E R TA I N M E N T | PA G E 3 0

Book Review: A Natural History of Dragons, Marie Brennan P E N E L O P E S H A R E S H E R V I E W S O N M A R I E B R E N N A’ S ‘A N AT U R A L H I S T O R Y O F D R A G O N S ’ ; L O O K I N G AT I T S A R T W O R K , C H A R A C T E R I S AT I O N & P L O T L I N E

who she accidentally meets Part 3 Classics in the dragon enclosure of the king’s menagerie when ‘Here I should write her brother Andrew takes something heroic, but in her there. Isabella’s husband truth, the thought that went Jacob, unconventionally, through my head was: This is happy for Isabella readis what you came for, and it ing about and researching is the last thing you will ever dragons, collecting samples see.’ and specimens of them and storing them in their garIsabella, A Natural History den shed, and he encourages of Dragons. her to do so. Lord Hilford, Synopsis: another scholar, invites JaThis is the first book in the cob on a research expediseries of the fictional mem- tion abroad to Vystrana with oirs of Lady Trent, the nar- him, and Isabella asks to go rator and protagonist of this also as their secretary and series. It is set in a different drawing their specimens for land called Anthiope, but their research. the technology and social norms that surround Isabella (Lady Trent’s first name) seem to be an amalgamation of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras. The story is about Isabella and her pasThe relationships besion for dragons. Dragons exist all over the countries tween the characters of Anthiope, yet very little is in the book are realistic known about them.

P E N E LO P E FA IT H F U L L

in their subtlety

a beautiful cover and the odd drawing throughout the book

In a society where women are expected to marry young, have children and be a housewife, Isabella has been breaking convention since she was a little girl and conducted her own natural history research. Isabella is passionate about dragons, and wants nothing more than to be a natural historian who researches dragons, but the constraints of her society prevent her from doing this. However, with some advice from her father, she marries a scholar,

The research expedition soon turns into an adventure, with corruption and subterfuge lingering just below the surface of the local population who are against these Scirling foreigners and their innocent research trip.

Order of Reading: (2014 – 2017) A Natural History of Dragons, The Tropic of Serpents, Voyage of the Basilisk, In the Labyrinth of Drakes, Within the Sanctuary of Wings.

Thoughts: A wonderful and accurate portrayal of how a true passion surrounds and engulfs someone’s entire life, the first book in this series is a lovely read. Isabella is a relatable character for anyone who knows how much a strong enough passion can direct every significant, and seemingly insignificant, deci-

sions one makes in one’s life.

Brennan also provides an interesting insight into some of the different personalities of scholars: the pragmatic, no-nonsense, witty, logical natural historian mind of Isabella, and the thoughtful, but still practical, quiet, considerate portrayal of Jacob. A Natural History of Dragons, being a memoir, albeit a fictional one, is written from the point of view of an older Isabella, which provides an interesting aspect to the narrative which seems uncommon these days: reflection, both of self and of the events that happened, and hindsight. The artwork in the book is lovely too, with a beautiful cover and the odd drawing throughout the book. Brennan also makes an interesting commentary on language, and the different languages used throughout Anthiope, and how Isabella, whose fluency in the languages of Anthiope, other than her native Scirling, ranges from excellent to non-existent, uses her language skills, where applicable, sometimes just for practical reasons and sometimes to her advantage.

The story is very well written, with great insight into a character such as Isabella, and the accuracy with which her character has been written is striking, especially as it is very easy to get wrong.

great insight character

into

The plot is good, and easy enough to remember so you can put the book down, leave it for a few days, and then return to it and still have an idea of what is happening.

However, the plot becomes a bit too focused on the subterfuge happening below the surface, and the pace picks up right at the end, with a heart breaking event almost balanced by two heart warming ones.

How a true passion surrounds and engulfs someone’s entire life However, it would have been nice just to read a story of their research trip, with

the dangers of researching dragons and more details of their discoveries from their research, which become drowned out by the seemingly unnecessary conspiracy part of the plot, although perhaps this will become more relevant later.

The relationships between the characters in the book are realistic in their subtlety, and the affection between Jacob and Isabella is unspoken but unquestionable, with their comfortable companionship surely being the true definition of love.

Despite its faults, this book is excellent. With such an inspiring first book, I thoroughly look forward to reading the rest of the series.

P H O T O G R A P H Y | PA G E 3 2

photography

colour explosion EUAN CARMICHAEL Head of Photography

32

P H O T O G R A P H Y | PA G E 3 3

done using LED lights 33

S P O R T | PA G E 3 5

WOMENS CRICKET

U P T O S C R AT C H

LONDON IRISH

Daisy takes a look at Reading University Cricket Club’s new womens’ team

This term with Reading’s Golf Club

Saturday 13th October Match report

PA G E 1 2

PA G E 5

PA G E 1 1

sport Calling all Sports Societies to Join the SPARK! ONINE SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN

BECKY WATSON 3rd Year Film and Theatre

If you’re on a sports committee or play for a team on campus, we want to hear what you have to say or what you want to show us.

Our online sport submission form is now open on the Spark Online and we want to hear from all teams.

Whether it’s an article about a brilliant win you’ve had at the start of the season or some hilarious pictures or videos from initiations or even the first socials of the Autumn term, just submit them to us and we’ll be post-

ing the best (or worst!) onto the Spark Online.

Participation at Reading University has soared in recent years and more clubs have been created to add to the growing spirit within the university environment.

Therefore, having documented this at the Spark, both print and online, it has allowed for those keen individuals, who have participated over the three years to get involved with the journalism and writing aspect to give their society some exposure.

When more people across the University, from all walks of life, hear about what goes on outside of their academic studies and intense cirriculuum commitments, it gives them a sign of freedom and relaxation to take up a sport, get involved and enjoy the social aspects of meeting new people and engaging in that way.

The Spark offers students a platform to showcase their writing skills and whether that be about sport or the other sections in the paper, there

are links to be drawn and the theme of participation and inclusiveness overlap considerably, so do not hesistate to contact us, visit the Student Activies office for more information and most importantly, get involved, get stuck in straight away and enjoy the year ahead.

All you must do is go to https://sparknewspaper. co.uk/joinus/ and submit your article or media through the submission form. Or just email your submission to me

(Becky) your Online Digital Sports Editor at digitalsportseditor@sparknewspaper. co.uk.

We look forward to seeing what the sports teams have been up to!

The Spark Online provides a platform for students to showcase their knowledge on a range of spoerts, basic editorial skills and a chance to get involved and participate.’

S P O R T | PA G E 3 6

Back-to-back wins for the new women’s cricket team

DAISY O’CONNOR 3rd year Psychology and Philosophy

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH FOR WOMEN’S UNI CRICKET

Women’s cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and now, for the first time, Reading University is getting involved.

In their debut week, Reading University Cricket Club’s new women’s team won their first two matches.

On the first weekend of term, after just one training session together, the rest of the team and I travelled through the pouring rain on the bus, train, and tube, to get to Highgate Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club, arriving just in time for our first ever games.

We threw ourselves into the high-energy, fast-paced, indoor softball cricket matches against local teams, where everybody had to bat and bowl.

Only half of the Reading Uni team had ever played cricket before, but despite this, every member contributed both with the bat and the ball. Many girls had experience from other sports, bringing skills, sportsmanship and energy which was easily transferrable to cricket.

There were fantastic catch-

es, dramatic run-outs and close calls, and we won our first game by a narrow margin.

Between the games we did some training drills and so entered the second match with a lot more confidence, managing to double our own score from the first game and win in impressive style.

After the matches there was a drill involving diving catches, where everybody got involved and came away with bruises on their arms and huge smiles on their faces.

Of course, the day finished with a trip to the club bar for a well-earned cider and a chat with the girls from the other teams. We hauled our brand-new kit, which was kindly provided for us by the organisers, down tube-station stairs, across train platforms, and back to Reading (just in time to celebrate in Union!).

The tournament was one of many Women’s Softball Festivals run by the ECB (England Cricket Board) to get more women involved in cricket.

They are designed to be fun, free and inclusive: the ECB

IMAGE CREDIT: DAISY O’CONNOR

ran 270 of them in 2017 alone, attracting 9,500 players, 60% of whom had never played cricket before. We are now in talks with the ECB about running a festival like this at the University, so watch this space…

This phenomenal growth in participation is likely spurred on by the increasing success of the women’s game at the highest level.

The 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup was held in England, with the record-breaking final taking place at Lord’s.

A sell-out crowd of 24,000 (along with 180 million watching from around the world) saw Heather Knight’s England snatch victory from India at the eleventh hour.

Furthermore, this tournament was the first in which every participating player was professional, after several countries finally won the battle to give their women’s teams this status.

Here at Reading, Cricket has long remained one of the few University sports which did not have a women’s team. This new

development reflects an increasing drive in inclusivity and opportunity from the Students Union, who have been supporting us in getting the team up and running.

The club is open to all backgrounds and abilities- we have girls who have played for Warwickshire and Wales, and girls who have never even watched cricket before.

Amy Pigott, who played in the tournament, said, “Even though I’ve never played before, my team didn’t make me feel like the odd one out. We were all really supportive of one another which motivated us to put 110% into the tournament.” Cricket is a great sport for women to start as beginners- the rules are not as complicated as they may seem, you don’t need to have any equipment (until you play hard-ball), and it’s easy to join on your own or with a group of friends.

The club remains a mixed club, so there are many joint socials with the men’s teams, and an opportunity for all the teams to socialise together after training. We

have several exciting socials coming up, including a trip to Ascot racecourse student day, a fancy dress “Families” social, and a non-drinking quiz and take-away night.

Women’s training is from 5-6pm on Sundays in the SportsPark hall with qualified coaches.

Men’s hard-ball nets are just before from 3-5pm, so women with experience in the hard-ball game are welcome to come from 4pm to join in.

If you or your friends are interested in coming along or finding out more about this successful and exiting new team, come along to training or get in touch through the Facebook page (Reading University Cricket Club 2018/19), the Instagram (@ruccwhiteknights), or the RUSU Student Activities website.

Even though I’ve never played before, my team didn’t make me feel like the odd one out.

We were all really supportive of one another which motivated us to put 110% into the tournament.

S P O R T | PA G E 3 7

Up to Scratch TOM LYONS Print Spor ts Editor 3rd year Politics and IR

With Europe’s successful Ryder Cup victory still fresh in the minds of those elated golfers who took to the luxurious Le Golf National course, just to the south-west of Central Paris, The University of Reading’s ‘elite’ ended the first week back introducing first-year students to the Wokingham Family Golf driving range for their mandatory Tuesday night session.

The first social of the year was the following day while everyone got to know each other and mix on golf terms but also relax at Park Bar before heading to the Wednesday student tradition of 3sixty.

It’s fair to say this wasn’t kept on the fairway, but certainly not in the rough I hope.

Let’s introduce the Golf committee for the 2018-19 season: First off, we have Edouard Barrois who is this year’s Captain alongside, President Ross Wilkins, Vice President Matt Anderson, Treasurer

D E S P I T E D I S A P P O I N T I N G F I R S T R O U N D D E F E AT T O B AT H , T H E B A L L R E M A I N S O N T H E FA I R WAY F O R T H E K N I G H T S Matthew Roberts, Secretary Chloe Ashman and last but not least, Welfare member Dan Helleyer.

Here’s what Ed had to say about introducing himself to the sport and the year ahead for the Knights golfers: “Being part of a keen golfing family, I picked up my first club at the age of 7. Since then, I’ve never dropped it!

I am very honoured to have been made captain for this season. This one in particular will be exciting for us as we managed to get promoted to the BUCS South Premier league following on from last year’s success.”

From just gauging what the golf sessions are like and the atmosphere within the club, this is a quality bunch of passionate people looking to improve in all areas.

Despite the first match of the season not going the Knights way, the lads and ladies still managed to bounce back and continued to celebrate into the night.

After being promoted to the

South Premier Division, and amongst some of the most talented amateur golfers in the country, The Reading team can hold their heads high with BATH playing the better golf on the day.

Even though the guys suffered their first defeat on Wednesday against a topdraw BATH outfit, the morale was not one bit deflated as the six competitors took to Union for another night out to lift their spirits.

RUGC had their second social on Monday (15th) which employed the Pub-Golf theme.

World news: Spectator loses sight in Ryder Cup shock horror After America’s Brooks Koepka tee shot drifted wildly to the left, with hundreds of fans

assimilated around the course, Corine Remande will never forget what happened for the rest of her life just moments later as the club swung and connected with the miniscule white ball.

Threatening to sue organisers that they hadn’t given fans, attending the weekend event, ‘satisfactory’ warning of the dangers posed while standing next to the active, in-play course, the French women has told news outlets that she lost sight in her right eye and was taken to hospital for further examination after the incident occurred.

She also explained how she narrowly avoided a much more serious, life-threatening accident where the ball hit her inches away from the temple that could have crushed the side of her head near the skull with the impact and speed the ball was travelling at.

Koepka who is the #3 ranked golfer in the world behind countryman Dustin Johnson and England’s Justin Rose who really asserted

himself on the 3-day proceedings alongside Ian Poulter, was deeply saddened by this and wouldn’t wish any danger or pain on any of the fans who come out to watch and support on a weekly basis, not just the big Ryder Cup events but also the European and PGA tours respectively.

Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson didn’t have the best of final days as his 16th tee shot ended up in the water, as Europe closed in on winning back the trophy from the US. England’s Ian Poulter provided one of the best putts of the weekend from unimaginable distance to lift the confidence within the Europe team after falling behind early on.

Being part of a keen golfing family, I picked up my first club at the age of 7. Since then, I’ve never dropped it!

FLICKR/TORDSOL-

S P O R T | PA G E 3 8

What University rowers really get up to?

FRANKY BAILEY TAIT 2nd Year English

Rowing at the University of Reading is part of a lifestyle.

We all get up training before 7 o’ clock, 6 days a week.

The programme as a whole consists of three weights sessions, three sessions on the erg (rowing machine), four water sessions - each 12-16 kilometres in length, one circuits and one mobility. After each session every member of Reading University Boat Club will do ten minutes of core.

Twelve sessions a week are

F R A N K Y B A I L E Y TA I T

led by RUBC’s four coaches.

Chris Bartley and Charlotte (Charlie) Taylor are our two ex- Olympians which, provides everyone at the club with the best advice and also large amount of motivation to push for the top spots at big university wide events, such as BUCS Head/Regatta.

Will Rand is our head coach at RUBC, like Charlie and Chris gives amazing coaching which, ultimately pushes each individual on to improve on their abilities.

Finally, Roddy Slater is our strength and conditioning coach who runs circuits, mo-

bility and weights.

Roddy is a key figure in the progression of our athletes when land training, he ensures that injuries are kept minimal and the squad as a whole is progressing with their lifting abilities.

Currently, at RUBC we are in the middle of our winter training programme. This includes many miles on and off the water keeping up our fitness and ensuring we are ready for the head races which we will be attending.

Our next big race is Four’s Head, on the River Thames.

After Four’s Head, it really is

just grinding on through the winter until BUCS Head in the Spring Term.

As a club we will go to smaller head races to prepare for bigger races, but as a whole we just maintain the focus through until we are on the start line of those head races which we work towards over the season.

Aside from that RUBC send many athletes to GB trials, this provides those athletes to compete against others of a high ability, which if successful and invited back after the first assessment in November can lead to that athlete racing

in Under 23s etc.

As a club, we have many male and female athletes going this year. It is also a goal for many to work towards and improve themselves so they can go next year.

The experience of the boat club as a whole is very positive and hugely motivational.

As we are constantly competing against each other for positions in boats, pushing for better scores and generally trying to be the best athletes as we can be whilst doing a degree.

S P O R T | PA G E 3 9

American Football On the Up! Harr y McKAY 2nd Year Politics & IR Following another successful season in which Reading Knights American football reached the play offs of Division 1A South, the club is looking to press on and achieve more great things in the coming season.

The team has had a busy pre-season so far with over 200 students signing up to play at the sports fayre and over 90 coming down to our taster sessions on the following weekend.

From this we hope to build

F L I C K R / R AW L E J AC K -

a squad which can compete at the highest of levels, with our first test coming on the 14th of October when we go to Bristol for a scrimmage against a multitude of teams and put to test everything we have been practicing in our training sessions so far this year.

Two weeks after this the whole squad spends a long weekend at Wellington College in Berkshire where we have an intense schedule of training Friday night and

throughout Saturday, followed by the Oxford lancers and Winchester University coming down to have a scrimmage with us on the Sunday.

The weekend after is our first competitive match of the season as we travel away to face last years’ Divisional champions, the Kingston Cougars.

This is the start of a busy schedule which will see us face the Brunel Burners, Brighton Panthers and the Surrey Stingers.

The club has also been busy off the pitch with our first social of the year being held on the previous Monday, the classic ‘White-T Shirt’ social saw the whole squad having a great time on a bar crawl ending in Q Club, this provided a great opportunity for the freshers to bond and get to know the rest of the squad.

Socials with other societies such as Cheerleading are all upcoming and everyone cannot wait for the next social.

Overall, the team has had a promising start the year and

we are looking to perform strongly in our upcoming scrimmages in order to have us in the best possible position to push on for another season competing in the play offs and hopefully we can get even further this coming year!

Harry is the current Vice-President of the RUAF team, so if you happen to have any queries or concerns please let him know, and if you’re interested in participating or joining then you can find their contact details on Facebook and Instagram.

S P O R T | PA G E 4 0

Record levelling winger Topsy Ojo scores in London Irish twelve try demolition of Yorkshire Carnegie DANIEL MASTERS Third Year Histor y and Economics Alistair Lamont 3rd Year English Language

•On Saturday 13th October London Irish demolished Yorkshire Carnegie 72-5 to make it 6 wins from 6 in the Greene King IPA rugby championship.

•The Reading-based side maintained their 100% record for the season, scoring 12 tries in their victory at the Madejski Stadium.

•Winger Topsy Ojo levelled the London Irish all-time appearance record with his 290th cap for the club, scoring a second-half try in the process.

The two sides last met in the second-leg of the championship final in 2017, where London Irish secured their promotion into the Premiership after winning 55-48.

The Exiles were then relegated straight back into the championship at the end of last season, while Yorkshire narrowly missed out on the championship play-offs after finishing 6th.

This Saturday the hosts got their first points on the

DANIEL MASTERS

board after just 8 minutes, as fly-half Ben Meehan - who was called up as a precautionary last-minute replacement for Stephen Myler after he suffered a knock during a warm-up - crossed over the whitewash.

The power of the London Irish forwards was then quickly put into action to begin what would be a domineering performance, with the home-side scoring a penalty try (13min) after a driving maul was illegally brought down by the Yorkshire pack.

An Irish overlap then led to a try for full-back Tom Parton (23min), before the forwards continued to inflict damage on the visitors at the set piece.

Two lineout interceptions and a scrum turnover in the first quarter of the game were followed by two more tries from the Irish driving maul - the first scored by debutant hooker Matu’u (32min), and the second by prop Brian Hoskins (39min).

London Irish carried their dominant display and then some into the second half.

After overpowering the Carnegie scrum, they spread the ball right and utilised their numbers to allow Parton to

run through and score his second try of the match, only four minutes into the half.

This was followed by two more tries, the first by Hoskins (54min) came from a driving maul and then by Barney Maddison (58min) from a sustained pick-and-go attack

by London Irish. It became clear that the home side were not going to hold back.

The Exiles’ ninth try was scripted for the home fans.

Spreading the ball right in the Carnegie twenty-two the ball landed in the hands of Parton whose quick feet allowed him to break through the Yorkshire defences. Parton then passed right to Topsy Ojo, who received the loudest cheer of the game as he dived over the line to score in his record matching 290th appearance with London Irish.

The team kept pushing hard against the Carnegie side and the pressure began to show as a few kicks went awry.

Mulchrone kept the momentum going with a try in the 67th minute.

Two final tries came for London Irish from ever familiar driving mauls which the away team had struggled to hold back all game. The

first was from Fangia’a and the second was touched down by Hoskins – thereby scoring a hat-trick on his 50th appearance.

However, Carnegie did not plan on leaving empty handed. On the eightieth minute Bruzullier took a penalty quickly on the Irish ten-metre line. With the London Irish players completely unaware he darted through them all before diving over the line.

However, it was too little too late for Yorkshire Carnegie as the final whistle blew giving the London Irish a domineering 72-5 victory.

Last time London Irish were in the Championship they lost only one game throughout the whole season. This win leaves them on course to beat that season’s performance.

After the match head coach Les Kiss stated that he was pleased with the performance but recognised that there was ‘room for improvement’.

‘In all honesty 6½ I’d be saying out of 10. Recognising that our strengths are pushing us there and if we can get some elements in that game right we can push that up to an 8 or 9.’

Man of the match, Topsy Ojo, later told The Spark what advice he would give to young players: ‘As long as you enjoy what you’re doing then the possibilities are endless… keep working hard & don’t be afraid to ask for help… take advantage of every little opportunity … when you get an opportunity on the pitch just shine and don’t let anyone hold you back. Don’t let anyone try to curb your enthusiasm or your talent’ But where next for the record-levelling winger?

‘Now we’re here, one more game to break the record, and then we just keep going. Make it so that it stands for a long time. 300 games is hopefully not too far away, and I guess to leave a bit of a legacy – so make sure no-one breaks my record for a very long time.’

The Irish now travel north to play Doncaster, before returning to the Madejski Stadium to face the Cornish Pirates - who are one place behind the Exiles in the league - on the 27th October.

Coach Les Kiss recognised the threat posed by the pirates but said “We are very wary of them [Doncaster] particularly in an away game.”