September 19 2017 Issue by The Spark

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 2017

SPARK VOL 74 ISSUE NO. 1

MEET YOUR RUSU

Introducing you to your new RUSU Full-Time Officers, here to help you!

MORE LIKE HOME

BEST CLUBS IN TOWN?

Sally, The Spark's Lifestyle Editor, tells us how to perfect room decor

Danielle Smith give us the answers we've all been searching for

WOMEN'S RUGBY

Highlights from the New Zealand and England for the World Cup Championships

Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor PAGE 6 -7

PAGE 18

PAGE 24

'The Spark' caught up with Sir David Bell to see what he has to say about the upcoming year ALISHA ASSOMULL Print News Editor

“WHETHER you have just arrived at Reading for the first time, or are coming back after the summer break, may I offer a very warm welcome at the start of the new academic year.” The Vice-Chancellor acknowledges that “coming to

university is a life-changing choice”. He is aware that it is “a big commitment of your time, effort and money.” Feedback is important at the University of Reading to ensure you are making the most of this “life-changing choice.” Thus, Sir Bell assures that the University is

“currently reviewing feedback from several important student surveys and focus groups”. Additionally, details of the Student Experience Action Plan – out later this term, will be released by The Spark in an upcoming issue. Furthermore, Sir Bell explains (Continues on page 5)

“Why on earth did I pick this module, I’m now budgeting a 2:2 for it” To some extent, you need to enjoy what you are learning otherwise you will not be motivated to do the actual work. However, do not be afraid to

push the boundaries in an area you have not been exposed to before; it may surprise you. First year can be a learning curve, that is why it is great that it doesn’t count towards your final degree classification; spend time (Continues on page 17...)

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Credit to: University of Reading

Freshers' Advice -- Things I Wish I Knew Earlier MARK SMITH Graduate

MODULE Success does not just come from picking modules you enjoy “That module sounds really interesting, I think I’d enjoy that” 6 months later….

Owner and Credit to: Freya Berry Names of Pets: Milo and Lola

Four University Bands, Four Different Stories MILLIE FARQUHAR Entertainment editor

See your adorable pups, felines and hooved animals in this month's Pets of the Month 1

Millie Farquhar interviewed four different bands to find out their genre, how they formed, and what their hopes are for the future.

From band break-ups to what kind of music they like to play most. These band members tell us about which bands they listen to themselves., and who inspires them most. (Continues on page 26...)

Don't Let the End of Summer get you Down NEWS|DEPUTIES

HARRIET SALMONS Print Deputy Editor

SO, it’s that time of year again – the start of yet another school year. I personally would like to send a huge welcome to all the new freshers arriving this year, and a welcome back to the second, third, and fourth years rejoining us. After a long (and wellneeded) summer, I’m sure most of you are not looking forward to the start of lectures, essays, and exams, however some of you are undoubtedly happy to be escaping from your parents’ houses, and excited to “do whatever you want.” To make this transition from A-Levels to first year, or from summer back to University, easier, this issue is packed full of advice and information about everything the university is offering this year. Many of you are presumably excited for Welcome Week and the nights out it includes, and

EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK

so you should be. Welcome Week is one of my favourite times of the year; it is a great opportunity to socialise, meet new people, and of course have some messy nights out. However Welcome Week does take its toll what with freshers’ flu (it is real, freshers will get it, returners will get it, and staff will get it, there is no escape), homesickness, and the inevitable hangovers. For advice on how best to prepare and get through this week, head to our lifestyle section where we have a Fresher’s 101 guide. Despite what people may think, University is not all about nights out, so for those of you who don’t enjoy drinking, don’t stress. As well as advice for the drunkards out there, in our lifestyle section we have information about the best days out in Reading and London, so if you are an international student, haven’t been to Reading before, or are

just looking for more things to do, this will be well worth a read. There is also a wide range of societies available, including a new Disney society, which I am beyond excited for. To read all about it, head over to our Entertainment section. If you are more of a sporty person, we have interviews from various sports team captains to give you some information on what sporting societies we have here. Finally, I would like to wish you all good luck during this time. There will be highs, and there will be lows, but The Spark will be here to get you through it all. We have a stall at the Freshers’ Societies Fair, so feel free to pop in, grab some merch and say hi. We are looking for new writers, new designers and fresh faces on our committee. It would be really great to see some of you getting involved. We'll see you there.

Credit to: Harriet Salmons

Above: "Messy Nights Out" Zoo Themed Social 2015. (From left to right: Hazel Lewis-Farley, Charlotte Breen, Jessica Dudley, Megan Peear, Harriet Salmons, Beth Prentice, Mariana Maksymowych and Ciara Roddy.) Credit to: Harriet Salmons

Above: End of Freshers' Fortnight Ball 2015. (From left to right: Charlotte Breen, Hazel Lewis-Farley, Harriet Salmons, Mariana Maksymowych, Ciara Roddy, Jessica Dudley, Megan Peear and Hayley Pipe.)

Samwell Tarly has ‘no concrete plans’ after GOT ends

ONLINE PICK

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

EMER SCULLY Print Editor

THE Game of Thrones actor who plays fan favourite Samwell Tarly revealed he has “no concrete plans” for after the show, but would like to star in a play, during a guest appearance at Reading Festival. John Bradley-West has played Jon Snow’s best friend for the past seven years, and explained how he is trying not to think about life after just six more episodes of filming. After beginning his acting career when Game of Thrones began, he is not sure where life might take him next, but revealed he would like to try stage acting. He told The Spark: “We’ve only got six more episodes to shoot at the moment and that’s the series done. “After that it’ll all be over, which is sad, because we’ve been doing it for so long and it has been such a huge part of all our careers, so it will be weird to be without it. I’m trying not to think about it. “Playing Samwell Tarly has been amazing. He is a joy to play. He’s progressed so much. Every time I go back to it, I’m not treading water: I’m constantly developing. “His journey is always evolving. It’s been a privilege to chart out that progression over several years. “I have no real concrete plans for after the show ends. I’m trying not to think about it too much. I just want to keep

on telling stories. “I’d like to do a play at some point, but apart from that I am going to keep doing work that I like and that hopefully other people will like as well.” John stated he planed to hear Eminem, an artist he's never managed to see before following rumours the rapper had retired during what he

described as the “wilderness years.” The GOT star added: “I’m here to see Eminem tonight and Liam Gallagher tomorrow. I’m excited to see Eminem I’ve never seen him before. “I never thought I would get the chance after he had the wilderness years where he wasn’t really doing very much,

so even just to say that you’ve seen Eminem is a boast.” The actor went on to reveal he will never turn down a fan who asks for a photo or a quick chat. He continued: “I’ve been here about an hour today and taken quite a few photos with people, but they are all really lovely and they only come up and say nice things. “It’s a nice atmosphere here so I don’t want to be the one to spoil it.”

|NEWS

'SPARK' TEAM: PRINT EDITOR:

Emer Scully

editor@sparknewspaper.co.uk

ONLINE EDITOR:

Credit to: Emer Scully

Jack Champion

onlineeditor@sparknewspaper.co.uk

DEPUTY EDITORS:

Alexia Lavender Harriet Salmons

deputyeditor@sparknewspaper.co.uk

NEWS EDITOR: Alisha Assomull

news@sparknewspaper.co.uk

LIFESTYLE EDITOR:

Sally Nicholls

lifestyle@sparknewspaper.co.uk

ONLINE LIFESTYLE EDITOR:

Ari Carrington

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Millie Farquhar

entertainment@sparknewspaper.co.uK

ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: Sam McNulty

SPORTS EDITOR: Manon Jones

sport@sparknewspaper.co.uk

DESIGN EDITOR:

Vicky Matthews

design@sparknewspaper.co.uk

DESIGN TEAM:

Ruth Johnson Lucy Robbins Riccardo Zazzini

SECRETARY:

Laura Staes

@sparkphotographers

@thesparknewspaper

@sparknewspaper

CAMPUS CENTRAL? Campus Central has undergone a change to The Cooperative. PAGE 10

19|09|17

ALISHA ASSOMULL News Editor

ALISHA ASSOMULL Print News Editor

The sun, sea, and sweat have been left behind. Summer’s over and The Spark is back. This issue’s stories vary from giving friendly advice to first years, to questioning the advantages of a new Co-op on campus. It tries to keep you updated with what has happened since our last issue such as Reading East electing a new Labour MP(!), but also tries to focus on issues and events happening this month. September is potentially

the most nerve-racking month during your university experience.

"don’t worry, despite the initial apprehension things do tend to fall into place"

DOGGY GRADUATION Boris the Dog attends student’s graduation for support. PAGE 10

DISCRIMINATION Zoe Osman considers its rise in Universities across the country. PAGE 11

DAN LEAVE JAPAN Dan shares his experience after spending his year abroad in Japan. PAGE 11

NEWS

For Freshers, it tends to be the month you: meet who you’re going to live with for your first year, decide whether you’ve chosen the right course, and question whether you’ve made the correct decision by coming to university. Currently in my third year, I can confirm that this question still arises, but don’t worry, despite the initial apprehension things do tend to fall into place. This issue’s news editorial is going to be relatively short. After reading about Alya Abu-Zayed’s experience at

the Student Media Summit in London I felt that devoting this space to her interview would be appropriate. After briefly campaigning for the development of a culture of hospitality for refugees in Reading over summer, and hearing some hate-ridden responses, I do believe it is an issue that needs increasing recognition and I hope Alya contributes to this. I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer and has a great start to their year at Reading, be it their first or last. If this is the

"If this is the first copy of The Spark you've picked up, hopefully it is the first of many"

first copy of The Spark you’ve ever picked up, hopefully it’s the first of many.

Talking to Steve Valdez-Symonds about the Refugee Crisis

Interview with Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty's Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme Director, about the refugee crisis. human experience of being a the “apparently increasing Syrians arrived. Indeed, Jordan ALYA ABU-ZAYED 3rd Year Politics and IR

I RECENTLY attended the Student Media Summit in London, hosted by the NUS and Amnesty International, where I attended a range of talks by speakers involved in journalism and the media. Whilst there, I had the chance to chat to Steve ValdezSymonds, Amnesty's Refugee and Migrant Rights programme director. He has written extensively about the refugee crisis, focusing on “the people behind the numbers", but his job also includes advocating for the rights of refugees to the government. When I asked him about his average day working at Amnesty International, he told me “there isn’t really an average day”; sometimes he is writing something for digital media, sometimes he is advising organisations that work with refugees, and sometimes doing interviewssuch as this one. I took this opportunity to

get some career advice and ask Steve about his job and what led him to working with Amnesty International. Coming from a legal background, he has worked primarily in immigration and asylum law since 1999. His legal practice represented people with social and welfare issues, such as employment and housing. Later, he went on to focus specifically on refugees, helping people with their asylum claims. Since then, he has been focusing more on the policies concerning refugees, working with organisations and governments to create wider change in society. We also discussed the stigma against refugees and what we can do to combat that. Steve argued that we need to work on debunking the myths and the negativity surrounding refugees, which campaigners are not always very good at. “It’s going to take months and years of work,” Steve claimed, “to engage more and more voices positively about the

migrant, of being a refugee.” There is also the controversial topic of free speech. When discussing the refugee crisis with those on the other end of the political spectrum, sometimes people accuse others of stifling their free speech when you tell them that their views are harmful.

"Steve argued that we need to work on debunking the myths and the negativity surrounding I asked Steve about his views on this issue, to which he said that “there is a fine line between free speech and hate speech,” and it needs to be “called out for what it is and it does need to be pointed out just how harmful that is.” An additional point which I found quite interesting was a comment he made about

degree of ire and hate and spite amongst a section of our public,” which he claims “can’t really be good for any of us whether or not we think that what may lie behind that in terms of politics is wrong”. I asked him about what to say to people who just do not care about the refugee crisis. As many people are aware, it becomes problematic when many students and young people do not care very much about politics. “That sort of position [of apathy] has not worked out very well,” Steve points out. Refugees have existed for decades and “countries like this one largely ignored that. With Syria […] the conflict there exploded. The capacity for countries neighbouring Syria to cope with that just wasn’t there, let alone the will. People forget […] [that] the countries to which people largely fled, particularly Lebanon and Jordan, were hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees long before the

had a population of more than two million Palestinians […] which very little attention had been given to by any countries, let alone this one, to support them. And so [with Syrian refugees], there wasn’t the capacity or will [to take them in], and so that spilled out even further. […] By ignoring this for all this time, countries like ours have only made the current global situation far, far worse, and certainly in need of solutions that are going to take even longer to deliver. The longer we keep ignoring it, the worse it’s going to get.” Very well said. And as for the future of the refugee crisis? Steve states that there is not going to be any concrete resolution in the near future, but there will be moments in time when countries are more welcoming and moments where they are not, so organisations like Amnesty International need to be doing as much as they can continuously, or the situation will continue to escalate.

Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor GENERAL NEWS

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

ALISHA ASSOMULL Print News Editor

(Conintued from page 1...) “THAT five new student support centres have now fully opened across the Whiteknights and London Road campuses”. These are purpose-built to provide a welcoming and accessible service for students, with extended opening hours and confidential breakout spaces. They are designed to be a “first port of call” for any student queries. “So what has been happening recently? One area of focus is the library,” Sir David Bell continues, “In the past, students told us that they wanted more flexible study space and easier access to academic resources. This is why we committed to a £40 million refurbishment of the library, which, as you will be able to see on campus, is currently underway. From 2019 onwards, students will benefit from facilities that will be the envy of other universities.” Whilst this is true, the temporary closure of the library

study-space has been relatively controversial for students who will no longer be in Reading come 2019. However, to assure students are not disadvantaged, alternative study space has been made available: the creation of The Library@URS. Sir David Bell explains that this substitute has around 800 study spaces available. Additionally, “feedback on the space over summer 2017 was positive and so we will continue to use it for the next couple of years.” “Across the rest of our campuses, you will see other developments from work starting on a new Health and Life Sciences building to the recently erected tennis dome. At the same time, we continue to refurbish classrooms and other spaces that students use.” Addressing first year students specifically, Sir David Bell assures that “you have joined a community here at Reading that will remain a part of you for the rest of your life. You will acquire knowledge, learn skills, find friends, share

|NEWS

Credit to: University of Reading

cultures and experiences, and build memories that will stand you in good stead for the future. “If this is the first copy of The Spark you’ve ever read – the first of many, I hope – you are probably new to life at the University of Reading. This might even be the first time you have lived away from home. “Being at university is a wonderful and exciting time. For some people, it can also be a rather daunting experience. The University is a close community and Reading has something for everyone. “Remember though, that if you need it, there is help, support and guidance available in lots of places. The University has advice and counselling services to help you- just ask at any Support Centre. “I look forward to meeting and talking with you as I am visible across campuses and always happy to speak. If you have any queries or comments at any point, do let us know by submitting a question via the Me@Reading student portal.”

Meningitis Vaccine Uptake Worryingly Low

Numbers of those not taking the free, lifesaving vaccine on the rise Credit to: BMJ

MILLIE FARQUHAR Print Entertainment Editor

IN England, anyone aged 17 to 18 is entitled to a free meningitis vaccine. Similarly, anyone starting University who is under the age of 25 is entitled to a free vaccine. Yet last year, the Royal College of Nurses found that less than a third of those entitled to this complimentary lifesaving injection got the vaccine.

"The most dangerous and fatal strain of the disease, MenW, is on the rise and reported cases of this strain have risen from 22 in 2009, to 117 in 2014" University said to be

students are among those

with the highest risk of getting meningitis. The most dangerous and fatal strain of the disease, MenW, is on the rise and reported cases of this strain have risen from 22 in 2009, to 117 in 2014. What makes meningitis so dangerous is its symptoms; they present as the flu or as a hangover, with a headache, dizziness, and vomiting being the most common symptoms. This means that many people who have these symptoms overlook them. This is where the danger starts and unlike colds or the flu, strains of meningitis work extremely quickly with many people being in intensive care within 24 hours of first presenting symptoms. Those that survive meningitis often have to live with disabilities such as loss of hearing, sight or even limbs. The Royal College of Nurses is urging everyone to go to their GP surgery and get vaccinated, a small scratch is much better than death or having to live with life changing disabilities if you survive.

NEWS|MEET YOUR RUSU OFFICERS

Being a RUSU FullTime Officer is ‘frustrating’ and ‘really stressful’ but also a ‘buzz’

EMER SCULLY

Print Editor

ANOTHER new team of elected officers have officially taken over for a year of campaigning, bringing change, and avoiding the real-life world of post-University for 365 more days. Each of the five officers will spend the next year of their lives inside snazzy offices with an extra-large photo of their face on the door. Activities officer, Charlotte O’Leary, seems to be carrying more equipment than she can handle in her photo, outdoing the previous activities officer, Molly Philpott, with her mere hockey stick. The Spark could not help but notice its front page is featured on the photo, alongside a hockey stick, tennis racket and what look like a set of skis. Charlotte, said: “Having all the photos taken was probably the most embarrassing thing in this whole process so far. “As for the props, I knew I wanted to try and get a different bit of my remit into it so the juggling occurred, I stood in position and the photographer loaded it up.” President Tristan Spencer won your vote following the creation of a music video The Spark is sure will haunt him for the rest of his life, and has now spent a number of months in office. changed me positively and drive the way I think and act. I believe they are the key to happiness and success in all aspects of life. If you could have dinner with one celebrity living or dead who would it be and why? I’m pretty into technology and how it affects everyday society so it would have to be one of those visionary, inventing, entrepreneur types. Like Elon Musk or Richard Branson. That would be amazing.

Tristan Spencer – President

What animal would you be if you could be any animal and why? I’d be a Red Panda because they’re different and it’s good to be different. Also they’re beyond cute. If you don’t know what Red Pandas are, go look

How would you describe yourself in five words? Driven. Pragmatic. Creative. Empathetic. Outgoing.

them up now and have your Why did you want to be a day made. You’re welcome. RUSU officer? What has influenced you most Towards the end of my University career, I found in your life? A couple of years ago, I started myself in a unique position to reading into and researching the create positive, visible change. importance of social concepts My sociable personality had such as emotional intelligence, naturally driven me to create empathy and mindfulness. a network of vastly different I find that these have really types of people.

EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK With sky-high confidence diversity officer and she will be Tristan was a force to be working to ‘remove the stigma reckoned with as he greeted surrounding international students with friendliness only students’ and ‘reducing the normally found following at amount of discrimination on least four drunken encounters, campus.’ and a hungover 9am - always a She said: “I want to make bonding experience. sure that students have a way He said: “If you ever see me of reporting discrimination around, come say hi. I’m really easily and anonymously if they friendly and would love to hear face it.” your opinion on things.” And finally, education Speaking of his new role, officer, Edward White, wants Tristan told The Spark: “So to improve student feedback, far I have been loving the and library resources during job. No two days are the his time in office. same and although it can be Edward wants students to really stressful at times, it has know that although being an exceeded all my expectations.” officer means another year Welfare Officer Rose within the bubble of student Lennon has ‘an open door life, it is not easy. policy’ and is ‘looking forward He said: “One thing I have to having all the students found frustrating is how long back on campus’ so she can it can take to make changes begin making our University a happen at the University. happier place. “Some of the items on my Rose will be the chief manifesto won’t be possible supplier of tea and biscuits, and until the end of my year. wants to make sure students “I’ve also been struggling always have someone to talk to with the number of back-toabout any problems. back meetings I can have. Something we all worry “It can be really hard to fully about is the change from prepare for one meeting on let’s University life to full-time say library redevelopment, then work, and Rose feels that too. go straight into another about She said: “The role has been the extenuating circumstances challenging at times but I’ve procedure. loved it. This has been a big “You have to completely change from student life but change mindset.” I’m excited to continue the role The full-time officers can and enjoy the buzz of having be found on the first floor of different things to do every RUSU, or hurrying across day.” campus in a mad dash to their Leen Al-Najjab is this year’s next meeting.

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

MEET YOUR RUSU OFFICERS

Rose Lennon Welfare Officer

|NEWS

What animal would you be if you could be any animal and why? Pigs are my favourite animal although I’d not want to be one! I think if I could be any animal I’d be one from the sea because I love it. Maybe a seal, because they always look like they’re having fun. What has influenced you most in your life? My biggest influence in my life would my family, it’s cliché but true. They’ve been my biggest supporters and always encourage me. I take a lot of inspiration from them, especially my dad.

Ed White Education Officer What animal would you be if you could be any animal and why? A penguin - they’re cute. What has influenced you most in your life? I think it would be failure - I tend to be quite critical of myself, so every time something goes wrong I try to learn from those experiences If you could have dinner with one celebrity living or dead who would it be and why?

Charlotte O’Leary - Activities Officer What animal would you be if you could be any animal and why? If I could be any animal I would definitely be a polar bear, the reason being that (and this is no secret to anyone that knows me) I absolutely adore the snow and all things to do with snow! What/who has influenced you most in life? The biggest influence in my life so far has to be certain members of my family and friends who have really pushed me to always keep going and do my best even if the going gets tough.

If you could have dinner with one celebrity living or dead who would it be and why? Oh that’s easy, Leonardo Dicaprio. I could go on and list reasons why I love him but that would be a never-ending list. I don’t really care about celebrities but maybe David Attenborough? He’d be pretty cool to meet right? How would you describe yourself in five words? Fun, wacky, motivated, determined, organised.

How would you describe yourself in five words? Colourful. Energetic. Welcoming. Optimistic. Passionate.

Why did you want to be a RUSU officer? I often got frustrated during University at things which I couldn’t solve. So, I ran to try and solve these issues and try and make the student experience the very best it can be.

Why did you want to be a RUSU officer? I wanted to be an officer because I wanted to make a change in the student experience. I wanted a chance to create campaigns on campus that will be successful

Leen Al-Najjab Diversity Officer What animal would you be if you could be any animal and why? I would be a butterfly because they are colourful, full of life, and have the ability to fly anywhere in the world whenever they want to. What has influenced you most in your life? I was most influenced by my mother who is an academic at the University of Exeter and taught me everything I know about life. If you could have dinner with one celebrity living or dead who would it be and why? I would have dinner with Amal Clooney, as an aspiring lawyer, who is also from the Middle East. It would be an absolute privilege to dine with her and listen to her story and how she became so successful.

If you could have dinner with one celebrity living or dead, who would it be? Don’t even have to think about this one… HARRY STYLES. Need I say more? How would you describe yourself in five words? I’m hard working, enthusiastic, cheerful, clumsy and dramatic… not even going to try and deny it.

How would you describe yourself in five words? Motivated, energetic, fun, loyal, passionate. Why did you want to be a RUSU officer? I want to be in a position where I am able to help students with any issues they may face. And to be able to express these concerns to the University and encourage them to take the necessary steps needed to enhance the student experience.

Why did you want to be activities officer? I wanted to be a RUSU officer because I felt I had the experience and ideas to implement some real change, I wanted to represent what the students of the University of Reading really want.

NEWS| GENERAL NEWS

Matt Rodda voted in as Labour MP for Reading East

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

Credit to: Bank of England

ZOE OSMAN

3rd Year English Literature

Controversy Over New Jane Austen £10 Note ALEXIA LAVENDER Deputy Editor

THE appearance of celebrated writer and former Reading resident Jane Austen on the Bank of England’s new £10 note has caused controversy amongst avid Austen fans through the choice of quotation on the note. The new £10 note was unveiled on the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death by Bank of England governor Mark Carney at Winchester Cathedral, the writer’s final resting place, on Tuesday, July 18. However, some fans have commented on the choice of quote on the note alongside an image of Jane Austen, as originally drawn by her sister

Cassandra. The quote reads, “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!” and is from one of Austen’s most famous novels, Pride and Prejudice. Although at first glance the quote seems fitting, the controversy arises through the character who utters these words. The line is said by one of Austen’s most cunning characters, Caroline Bingley, who has little interest in reading and books, and is merely attempting to catch the attention of the book’s most eligible bachelor, Mr. Darcy, whilst he is reading a book. Despite this, Mr. Carney has defended this choice of quotation, remarking that it is representative of Austen’s

understanding and insight into characters and social satire. Jane Austen maintains a strong connection with the area in and around Reading through her schooling and various family members residing here. The writer attended the Reading Ladies Boarding School (also known as Abbey School) which overlooks Forbury Gardens in the town centre. Here, she learnt traditional subjects for girls in the 18th century including sewing and dancing, but perhaps most important for her future craft as an author: spelling. She is the first female writer to feature on a Bank of England note. The new note will be released into circulation on Thursday, September 14.

A CONSERVATIVE stronghold since 2005, Reading East was swept up by Labour MP Matt Rodda in the 2017 General Election. A former journalist and civil servant, Mr Rodda was first elected as a councillor for the Katesgrove Ward of Reading Borough Council in 2011. He then stood for election in 2010 for East Surrey, before standing for Reading East in 2015. After two unsuccessful attempts, Mr Rodda took a strong majority, surpassing sitting Conservative MP Rob Wilson. He called it a “huge honour” to represent his new constituency, and has voiced wishes to open an office space in the local area. Mr Rodda massively increased his number of votes from 16,697 in the previous election, to 27,093 in June. Improving his share of the vote from 33.1% to 49%, he garnered a comfortable majority over the

sitting MP, Mr Wilson. Mr Wilson did in fact retain his number of votes, with little difference from 23,217 in 2015, to 23,344 this June. This may indicate that Mr Rodda’s success was largely down to the number of new voters, rather than existing ones changing loyalties. This assumption is also due to the huge 72% youth turnout, the highest it’s been in 25 years. Mr Rodda attributed the 9.9% swing towards Labour to people being “fed up” with public sector services like the NHS and education being continuously cut by the Conservatives. Shortly after winning, a clearly elated Mr Rodda told Get Reading: “I’m really tired, but very pleased and quite surprised”. He went on to say: “I’ll be a backbench MP working hard for local people, campaigning for more investment in health and education and for more affordable housing in the town”. Credit to: Office of Matt Roda

University of Reading receives

Silver TEF Award ALISHA ASSOMULL Print News Editor

IN a national trial of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the University of Reading has been awarded Silver. The 299 participating institutions for teaching excellence were assessed in three key areas: teaching quality, learning environment, and student outcomes. TEF

awards are decided by an independent panel of experts, including academics, students and employer representatives. According to a source, the TEF Panel highlighted Reading’s work to support students concluding, “very high proportions continue with their studies and progress to employment or further study, and to highly skilled employment.”

Gavin Brooks, ProVice-Chancellor (Teaching & Learning) stated, “The University’s TEF Silver award is testament to the commitment and expertise of our highly professional and talented staff who teach, inspire and support our students throughout their learning experience here at Reading. “Over the next three years, the University will be reviewing all undergraduate programmes in line with our new Curriculum Framework to support our students to develop

the essential attributes for 21st Century lives. Throughout the 2026: TRANSFORM capital investment programme, we will continue to enhance our teaching and learning facilities. Further investment will be made in the development of innovative teaching practices through our ringfenced Teaching & Learning

Development Fund. And we will maintain our focus on developing robust assessment practices and providing effective feedback, supported by our major investment in the Electronic Management of Assessment to provide our students and staff with a more consistent and high-quality assessment experience.”

NEWS| SPARK ARCHIVES

Student’s Family Pet, Boris, Attends University Graduation

ALEXIA LAVENDER Deputy Editor

The University of Reading invited Art and History of Art student Daisy Evans’ family pet dog Boris to attend her graduation on Friday, July 7 with the rest of her family. Boris, a springer poodle cross, accompanied the graduate’s younger sister Hollie, 19, who suffers from anxiety. The canine companion eases her condition and her nerves, acting as a “bit of a distraction,” as explained by Hollie. Daisy’s graduation was her parents’ and siblings’ first family outing in nearly five years. At the height of her sister Hollie’s anxiety, she was unable to speak for

ALEXIA LAVENDER Deputy Editor

THIS September, familiar RUSU supermarket Campus Central was replaced by The Co-operative. Due to launch on the 14th of September, the Co-op plans to introduce a card to which the students’ family members can load money, as

NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK Credit to: University of Reading

two years. Boris has made a significant difference to her daily life, aiding her in anxious situations, such as coping with large crowds. The University of Reading said they were “delighted” to welcome Boris to the graduation celebrations, with Hollie stating that he was “part of the family, so should be here.” “Boris comes with me everywhere - he rescued me.” The story has been covered by local as well as national news outlets, including the regional platform ITV Meridian on TV and online, and the worldwide BBC News website. On the day of online publication, the BBC article became the seventh most read with slightly extended opening hours. online article of the day. More hours means more While modifying well as accepting the NUS work. contracts were a concern cards for a 10% discount. A complete refurbishment leading up to the change, staff of the store has taken place still have “flexible contracted this summer, with a small hours”. Current employees temporary store running in suggest that contracts will Monterey Lounge whilst “still work around studies”, work was in progress. Now calling the Co-op a “very complete, accompanied by a student-friendly organisation”. more modern look, the campus The staff has remained largely store is ready to open, and the same, but has reduced in

Campus Central Replaced by The Co-operative

Campus Central has closed down and the space refurbished, to be leased to The Co-operative.

Credit to: Alisha Assomull

number. With the Co-op’s large presence in Campus Central, several of the products will be familiar, and the Co-op will continue to sell hot food. On top of this, baked goods and a wider range of fresh produce will be on offer, providing an alternative to finding vegetables at the weekly fruit and veg market. Whilst it has many new things to offer, the store is unlikely to continue selling university merchandise once it is leased by the Co-op. The RUSU building accommodates the other merchandise shop, although it is often seen closed, due to a lack of staff availability. Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, Gavin Brooks, has said “Strong ethical values and the discount schemes offered to NUS extra card holders and Co-op members make Co-op the right fit for our campus.” Whilst it is true that the Co-op membership scheme gives back to the local community, the Student Union

will not go unaffected by this change. Campus Central was a business run by RUSU, the profits from which benefited the Students’ Union, advice services, sports clubs and societies, volunteering opportunities and student media. The new Co-op will continue to distribute The Spark newspaper and support RAG with charity buckets. RUSU president Tristan Spencer, said: “The University has helped to mitigate the impact on RUSU revenue by increasing our grant [until 2021], and paying us a decreasing annual subsidy for the shop. It is a shame that RUSU will no longer have Campus Central as one of their services, but I am also actually happy that this change is happening… lowering shop prices to create a more affordable campus was actually on my extended manifesto.” Spencer sends his thanks to “all the staff who worked for Campus Central and made the store what it was.”

SPARK ARCHIVES

|NEWS

Recent Developments of Discrimination: a multifaceted issue spreading across university campus NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

Has discrimination surged in the last year? Are recent political upsets to blame? University campuses are amongst some of the prominent places that have been recording higher and more frequent numbers of discriminatory cases, including our own University of Reading campus. ZOE OSMAN

3rd Year English Literature

Discrimination is defined as the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different people based on class, gender, race, sexuality, age – the list goes on. Much of last year’s political turmoil has provoked debate surrounding the apparent rise in reported cases of discrimination. There was a lot of talk about whether there was a correlation between the surge in hate crimes and the Brexit vote – and the conclusion was yes. According to the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC), there was a 57% rise in hate crimes just four days after the EU ballot on June 23. One of the detrimental effects of the Brexit vote was that it appeared to give license to xenophobia. It gave many people a justification to act on prejudiced thoughts and feelings that, until now, had been kept at bay. Reports included cards with the words “No more Polish vermin” distributed around Huntingdon,

DAN BENTLEY 3rd Year English Language

AFTER spending over ten months in Japan, what I originally perceived as strange Eastern behaviours soon came to be the norm and eventually, actions I adopted myself. However, little did I expect when returning home to the UK at the end of July that the British culture which had dominated twenty years of my life and predated my Japanese trip would feel so alien to me. Simple things such as being able to understand everyone around me, to not seeing any Kanji characters on every street corner and train station signs, were putting me on edge; it was as though Japan had become my new comfort zone. I think secretly I enjoyed not understanding everything and being able to identify myself as the white British guy within my social groups. Since coming home, it has not been so simple.

and racist graffiti on a Polish Centre in West London. Furthermore, the Grenfell Tower incident demonstrated a form of class-based discrimination through a gross miscarriage of justice and continued neglect and ignoring of tenants’ concerns over the safety of their homes.

"There was a lot of talk about whether there was a correlation between the surge in hate crimes and the Brexit vote – and the conclusion was yes." The conscious choice to put cost-cutting above the needs of working people makes it a discriminatory issue. I was apprehensive returning to the UK, as I had gone through a period of really disliking so many aspects of our culture and comparing our small nation to Japan and all its wonders. Since being back home, surrounded by friends and family, I have really been able to appreciate and actually take note of all the good things that Britain stands for; something that was quite difficult with all the daily updates about Brexit, the soul destroying news about the world today, and where we stand. Returning home has taught me a lot about our country and has allowed me to see the flaws and the absolute positives in Britain at the same time, and be comfortable with both sides; as well as understanding that comparing Britain to Japan is pointless. It has also allowed me to see how much we have to learn from each other in order to work together for a fairer and just society. That is all well and good

In February, The Guardian reported a sharp rise in anti-semitism on university campuses, with some leading institutions reporting the circulation of Holocaust denial leaflets, fascist stickers, and swastikas. Less than two years ago, the University of Reading drew national criticism when its own agricultural society took to the streets of Reading dressed as ethnic minorities for a themed social. Some students were even photographed “blacking up” their faces. RUSU quickly addressed the issue and expressed disappointment and shame at the students who partook in the social, with the society disaffiliated and students fined. The University of Cambridge’s Conservative

Association also received widespread condemnation for discriminatory and abhorrent behaviour. In July, one of its members, Ronald Coyne, burnt a £20 note in front of a homeless man while his peers laughed, claiming “it should have been a fifty.” The truth is that what once were isolated incidents are becoming more and more frequent around the country. This is made increasingly more difficult to deal with when we are constantly exposed to chief media personalities and leaders of major political parties making dangerously provocative and hateful comments. With Nigel Farage proudly unveiling anti-migrant posters,

Katie Hopkins referring to migrants as “cockroaches”, and US president Donald Trump refusing to condemn white supremacists, the political landscape looks bleak. With their influential stronghold over social debate, how do we distance ourselves from such bold and present incites of racial hatred? The most important and effective way to tackle these issues of discrimination is to report them and make them known. With the political discourse littered with varying opinions, some inoffensive and some provocative, the voices of victims of discrimination must be at the forefront of conversation to prevent recurrences of crime.

but unfortunately, unrealistic. We are too bothered about skin colour, religion, and country borders than we are about working and living together

across the world in harmony. If being in Japan has taught me anything it is that we are not so different after all and even though I had a difficult time

adjusting to the cultures both ends of my year abroad, I am convinced we certainly share more similarities than we do differences.

Study Abroad; an insight. Dan Leaves Japan: Culture Shock in the West

Credit to: Dan Bentley

A range of opportunities

More than a job

Campus Jobs is your gateway to a variety of part-time jobs at the University. You could be working a shift in one of our bars or cafés one week, undertaking a research project in your department the next. With one-off opportunities and regular shift work, Campus Jobs provides a flexible service for Reading students.

As well as the opportunity to earn some money, Campus Jobs can provide essential work experience in a trusted environment. You’ll meet new people, make valuable contacts and develop your employability skills. This will look great on your CV, giving you a distinct advantage when applying for a placement or graduate job.

The simplest way to find part-time work reading.ac.uk/campusjobs 12

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART

EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK

University of Reading takes Instagram Our favourite #universityofreading posts

THE Instagram hashtag 'UniversityofReading' was crowded with posts from students appreciating the beauty of our campus and revelling in the freedom of post exams relaxation this week. But, next time, why not use the hashtag 'thesparkreading' and be in with a chance of seeing your photo featured in our Instagram section. Who knows, if we like your photography enough maybe we will ask you to be one of our photographers. If you are interested in photography as a possible career this could be an amazing opportunity to get your work published and boost your portfolio. So students, now the summer holidays are upon us get snapping, instagram your favourite photos and do not forget the hashtag, 'thesparkreading.'

Credit to: Sema Cil

Credit to: Ruth Johnson

Credit to: Mark Smith

Credit to: Fajar Secti

Credit to: Andrea Boghici

Credit to: Lampros Diamantopoulous

Credit to: Philip Bull

Credit to: Scarlett Brand

PHOTOGRAPHY & ART

Budding photographers- your Environment and Ethics Officer wants you! Photography Competition

EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK

Credit to: Kyle Smith

KYLE SMITH

RUSU Environment and Ethics Officer

WHEN it was voted 6th in the 2014 Green Flag People’s Choice Award, Whiteknights Campus was the only university campus nationally to appear in the top 10. It is no secret that our campus is very green, and there are many spots of natural beauty – so let’s celebrate this. Photography is a fantastic way to unwind and destress whilst capturing beautiful sights and memories, and with modern smartphone cameras rivalling many actual

All photos credited to: Kyle Smith (Ethics Officer)

cameras you don’t need fancy equipment to get into it. All you need is some patience and an eye for a good picture. Whether it’s the wildlife on campus, a sunset over the Harris gardens or the majestic buildings of London Road, RUSU wants your best photos to display in our photography competition. There will be monthly winners with one allround winner picked at the end of the year. Prizes will be on offer! Photos will be judged on their aesthetic quality,

creativity and how well they showcase campus. Please email your photos to environmentandethics@rusu. co.uk by 25th October to be in for a chance to win. The winner will be announced via social media on Kyle Smith (Environment and Ethics Officer)’s Facebook page on the 30th October.

LIFESTYLE|

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FRESHERS' 101 Hristina gives a run down of everything you need to know for freshers. PAGE 19

SALLY NICHOLLS

ECUADOR Kyle tells us all about his field trip to Ecuador.

PETS OF THE MONTH Showcasing a range of student's pet photos.

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LIFESTYLE

The Travel Blues Lifestyle Editor

WINTER WARDROBE Fashion advice from Alicia on how to style your new season look. PAGE 23

PAULA THOMAS

Credit to: Paula Thomas

3rd Year Psychology

WHEN I was still in high school, I wouldn’t be able to sleep the night before the first day back. It somehow seemed like I had forgotten how going to school works. The paralysis of adjusting back to a routine of alarms and 8 a.m. English classes made me unable to switch off my brain. And, whilst I had seen friends around over the hot summer months, everyone seemed to be different. We were a year older, growing up. “Oh my god, can you believe we’re in 6th grade now?” is all that I remember people saying. With another blink of an eye, we had finished school and most of us don’t understand it. I don’t had gone off into the world – at understand where I am and least for a while. even less who I am. I don’t have a sense of permanence in "But having a my being. I may be in Berlin, home filled with but if I close my eyes and open them again I might be back people and things in England.” Yet, the lack of and direction is to look forward orientation somehow where the excitement to certainly of travelling lies. with three of my makes the efforts bestTogether school friends, I went of adjustment on an Interrail trip in the summer of 2014. I remember a lot less the tingling anticipation of imagining what the places we disenchanting." had planned to visit would be Unlike many of my friends, like. You wanted to fall in love, I neither went travelling nor on again and again, every time the a relaxed holiday somewhere train rolls into a new station. by the beach this summer. Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice, Instead, I moved to Berlin for Florence, Rome… And whilst two months. A few days into overstimulation is usually my time spent in a city with unpleasantly overwhelming, an incredible history, many it was extremely exciting to creative minds and too much experience new sensations delicious food, I wrote the like the smell of freshly-baked following into my notebook: croissants on one street corner “If someone asked me to point and raw fish and rubbish on the out on a map where I am right next, the sound of a choir of now, I wouldn’t be able to. different languages and seeing I know I’m in Berlin, but I the ocean.

places sometimes. Maybe we remind ourselves because we so desperately want to escape the routine of our daily lives. However, unwillingly and unconsciously, we have fallen into a new routine. And changing a routine is difficult – even if it’s just switching back to an old one.

"Yet, the lack of orientation and direction is somehow where the excitement of travelling lies."

But, in reality, you get used to the nature of traveling rather soon. You grab the backpack, step onto the platform, get the map out to find the hostel – and there you are, new environment but similar routine. Days and weeks pass and you get better at spotting the least touristy restaurants with the best pasta, at avoiding boys hopelessly wanting a summer fling and at unpacking and repacking the contents of your bags.

"“Oh my god, can you believe we’re in 6th grade now?” is all that I remember people saying." Still, the blur of new surroundings sometimes needs a step back with the attempt to make sense of what is going on. Many of us probably have to remind ourselves to keep getting excited about new

Another reason why we struggle so much adjusting back to real life might be the constant longing to be anywhere besides where we are right now. A few weeks ago, I woke up with a sharp longing for the south - to be somewhere in Spain or Italy. A longing to stroll through narrow old alleys, to hang out by the beach reading or simply doing nothing, to drink wine and to eat tapas or gelato. On the same day, I went to see the Alte Nationalgalerie (old national gallery). Stunned by the work of romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich, I found myself looking at oilpainted sunsets with tears in my eyes. All I wanted was to get away. Where to? I didn’t know. Ultimately, I think I long for having a place that is home. To me, one of the most confusing things about growing up is exactly that: finding a home. Because having the travel blues and adjusting to reality after the experience of what can feel like an entirely different life will always be difficult. But having a home filled with people and things to look forward to certainly makes the

This Month in Lifestyle

SALLY NICHOLLS Lifestyle Editor

IT’S the start of a new academic year and we have a wealth of back to uni themed articles covering everything from surviving freshers to coping with returning to normal life after going travelling, as well as getting hyped about autumn and decorating your uni room. We also have several student’s recounts of travel adventures taken over summer, an insight into study abroad at the University of Rhode Island and some ideas for things to do in Reading and the surrounding area. In makeup and fashion we have a very autumnal makeup tutorial and a guide to getting that autumn/winter wardrobe sorted. We are looking to recruit new writers for this year so if you are interested in writing for the lifestyle section please email lifestyle@ sparknewspaper.co.uk or join our Facebook group, The Spark Lifestyle Group. efforts of adjustment a lot less disenchanting.

"To me, one of the most confusing things about growing up is exactly that: finding a home"

Lastly, the nervousness around returning to school remains at university, at least for me. And everyone might have changed in one way or another over summer, but we are still friends, and home, even if temporary at university, is still home.

|LIFESTYLE

Very British Reasons to be Excited for Autumn NEW ACADEMIC YEAR

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

REBECCA WHITE 3rd Year English Language

SUMMER is almost over. Some of you may be wishing you could go back to the beginning of the holidays, whilst people like me welcome the autumn season with open arms. Although being one of those funny seasons where we can’t quite predict the weather, autumn brings with it a warm, cosy feeling with comfort food and log fires. Bonfire night It’s only a few more weeks until we can all stand and

watch those beautiful bursts of colour fly into the air whilst enjoying a warming cup of hot chocolate and cosying up next to a huge bonfire. Pumpkin-spice & cinnamon Nothing screams autumn more than the scent and taste of pumpkin-spice and cinnamon. Pumpkin-spice lattes are my go-to autumn coffee with their warming and comforting aroma followed by sweet spice. I also love to burn cinnamon candles and bake cinnamon cookies at this time of year. Log fires and hot chocolate As the weather gets colder, Credit to: Manon Jones

MARK SMITH Graduate

(Continued from page 1...) identifying what your strengths are and areas of development. Consider how optional modules are assessed and be pragmatic in your selection; you will also soon discover which lectures are best for your learning within your own department and can be influential in narrowing down your options. Borrowing Course Collection materials beyond the six hours. You have that one module which requires you to do some reading from a Core Textbook which costs £50 that you will only ever use once and you

you can’t beat cosying up next to the fire in your living room with a hot chocolate, possibly topped with heaps of whipped cream and marshmallows if you’re feeling cheeky. A cup of tea never felt so satisfying Tea is always a winner for me; you can’t go wrong with a good old cuppa. However, there is something about the colder weather that makes a cup of tea so comforting. Not only does it warm you up from the inside, but you also have something to keep your hands warm. Big, fluffy dressing gowns This is an item that every single one of us own. There is no better feeling than being able to put on the biggest, fluffiest dressing gown that you own on a chilly morning. This is one of the only things I miss during the summer months. Combined with a warming cuppa, this is the ultimate autumn relaxation. The Great British Bake Off I look forward to the Bake Off every year because, not only do I love seeing all of the delicious cakes, it also signifies the start of autumn. Every year I treat myself to a slice of cake on Bake Off night, whilst snuggling up with a few (hundred) blankets. Coffee shops Autumn brings with it a kind of atmosphere inside a coffee shop which you don’t get in the summer. There is something about walking into a coffee shop after being

outside in autumn weather that makes the smell of coffee so inviting. Sitting down with your favourite (insert flavour here) coffee with a book whilst it’s dark and rainy outside, to me, is very relaxing. Which brings me to my next point… Reading books It is around this time of year that I love reading the most. This is probably due to the fact that going outside becomes less appealing once the summer is over. Snuggling up and reading a good book is one of my favourite things to do at this time of year. Lighting candles Those darker nights signify the perfect time to light lots and lots of candles. They make the atmosphere 10 times cosier whilst making your room smell amazing.

Autumn baking This is where pumpkin spice and cinnamon get another mention. Pumpkin spice cookies, pumpkin spice cupcakes, cinnamon whirls and apple and cinnamon crumble. These recipes are the perfect warming, autumnal treat as the weather gets colder. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should be getting excited as autumn approaches. And not to mention, it means that Christmas is just around the corner.

know there are computer labs dotted around Campus that are open 24/7 such as: - Palmer G.09 - Meteorology GL68 - Agriculture GL20 You will need your Campus Card to gain access afterhours, and they normally have an alternative entry/exit to the Main Entrance. You are more than likely NOT going to come home alone from a Flirt! Wednesday or Saturday Union. Sorry RUSU, it will always be Flirt! Wednesday to me. You will spend more time dealing with your Property Management Company than actual lecture contact hours.

It is unfortunate, that the Lettings industry is not regulated, leaving Agents and Landlords to exploit the student market. It is no secret that student houses are not to the same standard as a “Professional Let” and to some degree, you cannot really blame them. However, be prepared that things will go wrong. Some Property Management Companies have a 60-day clause to resolve your issues, however they can be extremely defensive and you are almost certain to lose something from your deposit at checkout. When your housemate insists on singing an awful

rendition of Lady Gaga’s Million Reasons in the shower, and you have a 9am Lecture the HBS Showers on campus will save you. Know where the decent Fast Food places are ParkBar, Snakebites and 2-4-Tuesday’s will ruin you Those on your course and a year above you are always right They may have done that module, applied for a placement with that company or just know someone within the department you need to talk to. Network, make friends, and utilise them because they can be extremely invaluable. Bagelman can make your day so much better.

Credit to: Rebecca White

"Autumn brings with it a warm, cosy feeling with comfort food and log fires."

Freshers' Advice- Things I Wish I Knew Earlier don’t really want to have to buy. Everyone on the module runs to the library and checks the last few copies out, placing holds or renewing continuously over the term. You find a copy in Course Collection within the Library URS that allows you to borrow it for six hours during the day. Did you know after 4pm, you may borrow it till 10am the following day, and after 4pm on a Friday, you can borrow it till 10am the following Monday? 24 Hour Labs can become your Lifeline. It is 9pm and deadline season, URS is completely full and you need a PC to writeup your assignments. Did you

Making Your Uni Room More Just a few ideas on how to decorate your space Like Home LIFESTYLE| NEW ACADEMIC YEAR

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

SALLY NICHOLLS

Credit to: Sally Nicholls

Lifestyle Editor

MAYBE you’ve just moved into your new room in halls, or perhaps you’ve branched out into your first ever house share, or even to a different house share from last year. Any of the above qualifies you for the need to give your room a bit of a makeover. Even if you’re back in the same room as last year (or never actually moved out), maybe you’ve realised you need a change and are ready to really nail that homely feel for the upcoming academic year. Obviously, a room redecoration is high on the list of important things, because a calm environment allows for a calm mind… or something. Anyway, this room is where you’ll be spending a lot of your time, even if you’re only there when you’re studying or asleep (which, if you’re a fresher, might not be much). If nothing else, your parents will be impressed when they visit. First thing’s first, of course, is to get your hands on a good ol’ duvet set. I absolutely love bright-coloured duvet sets because they bring character and boldness to the room (plus, you can accidentally spill tea on them without leaving too much of a bad stain, which is obviously a priority). However, a pastel or floral set wouldn’t

go amiss, either. Next up, it’s time to get creative with your wall space. Being the generic fresher I was, I sent off to Jessops for some photo prints of friends and family to display on my pin board to remind me of home. I now also have an array of postcards blue-tacked to my wall from the places I’ve visited during summer. As well as this, posters are an absolute Credit to: Vicky Matthews

must for bringing a room to life. During freshers’ week, there is a stall on campus selling posters and so, me being me, I had no choice but to snap up several VW campervan posters, but there are also really cool ones of bands and cities and animals and really anything you can think of that you would want to stick on your wall. And if none of them take your fancy, then there’s always Amazon. Once you’ve got your walls sorted, you can move onto floor space. If you’re lucky enough to have lots of this (which, sadly, most of us are not), then you can feel triumphant in bagging yourself a majestic, fluffy rug to show off to visitors that you are the Queen or King of floor space. If you really want to push the boat out, you could even purchase a bedside table. I’m in my third year now and am still using a cardboard box for a bedside table but, you know, it does the job. One thing that I would 100% recommend though is getting yourself some trusty storage boxes. I have a world-map print one from TK Maxx and it is the most useful thing ever. Having pretty storage boxes basically means

that you can throw in all your junk and all the things that you definitely didn’t need to bring with you to university, but still did because you can’t possibly let them go (and might secretly be a hoarder). And then you can close the lid and pile the boxes up in the corner and they look pretty and organised and give the impression that you have your life under control. Simple as that.

"This room is where you’ll be spending a lot of your time, even if you’re only there when you’re studying or asleep (which, if you’re a fresher, might not be much)."

The final addition is, of course, stationary. Okay, so, maybe we’re adults now and are no longer in compulsory

"One thing that I would 100% recommend though is getting yourself some trusty storage boxes." education but, let’s face it, the start of term wouldn’t be the same without a cheeky trip to Ryman for a spot of stationary shopping. And our desk layout definitely wouldn’t look so Instagrammable without a new set of pens, pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, gel pens and highlighters -even if we know that we are 100% not going to touch them for a good few weeks, probably not even until the night before the first deadline. Having cute little bunnies on your biros makes the idea of studying so much more welcoming now that you’re actually, well, studying. So, there are a few ideas for how to make your uni room a bit more liveable – I hope they help.

Reading Freshers' 101 7

|LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

HRISTINA MIHAYLOVA 4th Year Psychology

FOR most people, university is the first opportunity to live away from home, allowing you to do whatever you want, whenever you want. This can make it a fun and exciting experience, but also an extremely overwhelming one. Below is some advice on how to beat the blues and have the best possible time at the start of university.

Freshers’ flu:

You might have heard about this mythical beast that unfortunately is very real for both fresher’s and nonfresher’s alike. The simple fact is that bringing together lots of different people from various places will mean some viruses get shared. In order to avoid the flu, you could:

Dress warm – although this may not be the main priority on a night out, there is no reason why it cannot be during the daytime. Do yourself a favour and purchase a cosy winter coat.

friends can be, there are some minor (and major) risks involved. Getting too drunk can lead to situations that are dangerous, or even just really embarrassing to hear about when you wake up. Take these easy steps to enjoy your nights out safely:

Make sure you eat before you start drinking – nights out are a lot more fun when they do not start and end with throwing up in the toilet... or somewhere worse. Trust me on this. Adding to that, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after the more exciting beverages. Look out for your friends – if they are too intoxicated to make informed decisions then try your best to get them home safely. It is important to be aware of people taking advantage as this sadly does occur often at universities. Group chats – you will often find that your friends have somehow vanished in the club and this is an easy and

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efficient way to keep track of each other.

Homesickness:

As an international student who spent their first year sulking about how far away home is, I fully understand the moods and thoughts that go with homesickness. However, everyone experiences negative emotions differently, and although generic reassurance may not always be the solution, you might find something helpful among the following:

"Try and be around people, talking, playing games, finding similarities and making friends"

Leave your door open – or in other words, try and be around people, talking, playing games, finding similarities and making friends.

"The more time you spend in the novel university environment, the better it will feel"

Eat fruit and vegetables – the good ol’ five a day will save your life amongst the takeaways and fast food you will inevitably consume during freshers' fortnight. Wash your hands thoroughly – your mum was right all along, no need to elaborate. Drink the odd cup of tea, or other hot beverage – whether you like it English with milk or herbal with honey, it will do you good. Do not be ashamed about staying in for a night or two if you feel like you are coming down with something - it will save you trouble down the road and you will be able to enjoy more nights out afterwards.

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Staying safe on a night out

As fun as clubbing with

NEW ACADEMIC YEAR singing or any other hobby, make sure you pursue the things that make you happy. Let homesickness run its course – like any other difficult experience, this one Allow yourself some alone also needs time to heal. The time- disregard the above more time you spend in the when you are really not feeling novel university environment, it. There is no point in forcing the better it will feel. Let yourself into socializing all day yourself feel sad when you are everyday if you are not feeling sad, try your best to get out up to it. Cut yourself some there and do things to help you slack and take some me-time feel better and be patient with to recuperate. it all. Talk to your parents/siblings – do it as often as it is helpful. Create a home environment – this is easier said than done when your room is only yours for one year. Regardless, try to make it as close to home as possible. This can also be applied to your emotional environment as well as physical – talk to your friends about how you feel. The trust and reassurance they provide will make it feel more like Hopefully this guide will home. give fresher’s some advice for Eat chocolate or do some the first couple of weeks of form of exercise – both of university, and non-fresher’s a those are proven to increase the little bit of nostalgia. Just don’t production of happy hormones forget – freshers (usually) in the brain. I know which one happens once in a lifetime and I would rather do… the most important word of Do something you love advice I can give you is to fully – whether it is drawing, and truly ENJOY it.

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"Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after the more exciting beverages"

Credit to: Will Waters

Ecuador: by Land,

LIFESTYLE| TRAVEL

Air and Sea

KYLE SMITH 3rd Year Zoology

THERE are few places in the world that immediately conjure up images of dense rainforests, exotic animals and deep history in the same manner as South America, and with its rich culture it is no surprise that it appears on the travel bucket lists of so many people. Whether it is the colourful carnivals of Rio de Janeiro, the picturesque Iguazu Falls or the famous Machu Picchu, South America has something for everyone. For me, it was the natural environment that snagged my interest, and so during a tropical field course trip to Ecuador I became captivated by the biodiversity the continent and country had to offer. From the mysterious Pinocchio lizards to the world’s most venomous spider, and to the Ecu-adorable sea lions of the Galapagos, the 16-day-roundtrip encapsulated the true animal wonders of the land, air and sea, and treated us to some of the rarest sights in the world. It was in the air, and indeed the sky, where Ecuador boasted its impressive bird diversity. With highlights including the soaring vultures of the valleys and the buoyant hummingbirds of the cloud forests, we were

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

A Zoologist's guide to the creatures of Ecuador Credit to: Kyle Smith

never far from a species we had not yet seen. We were even treated to an energetic lekking display by the fluorescent red males of Rupicola peruvianus, commonly named the Andean Cock-of-the-rock, a ritual in which males convene in one common place to show off for the ladies.

"and with its rich culture it is no surprise that it appears on the travel bucket lists of so many people" On this occasion, they seemed to be unsuccessful - and they weren’t the only ones. The dancing blue-footed booby males we observed in the Galapagos did not seem to have much luck either, their charming routines entertaining just myself and the other students. Perhaps they need better wingmen. Similarly to the birds, we spent a lot of time in the air, in the somewhat cosy

compartments of the many planes we flew on. Getting around the various parts of Ecuador we visited was no mean feat, requiring several plane, bus and boat journeys. But it was often during these journeys, notably the boat journeys, where we were closest to the natural habitats of the animals we wanted to see. On the Amazon River

"The river, however, while exciting in the day, was much more intimidating at night. When darkness fell, the murky waters became a predator’s playground"

Days out in Reading and London

DHRITI DAWDA

2nd Year Food Science with Business

Looking for something to do in the local area? Here are some ideas to keep you busy…

Reading

Walking or running by the River Thames – if you are looking for places to jog other than on the treadmill or in circles around campus, then this is perfect because the path continues on for many miles. It is a beautiful route to take and is ideal because it is not far from campus.

"I recommend checking popular websites such as timeoutescapes.com"

Taking a stroll in the Harris Gardens – the Harris Gardens is a place that not a lot of first year students know about because it is not on the main part of campus. It is very peaceful and relaxing so is a good place to hang out and soak up the last of the good weather as we move into autumn and winter. Walking around the lake – there is a nice loop to walk around the lake, which allows you to be completely immersed in nature. It does not feel like you are on campus and can be a nice escape from all of the buildings. The Oracle – a place everyone knows of but, nonetheless, has to be on this list due to its popularity and central location.

London

Walking along the River Thames – this is a scenic walk as it passes the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye in addition to the London’s bridges. You can walk down a bridge to the south side of London and then back to the north side. Waterloo Bridge is my personal favourite. Covent Garden – Neal’s Yard is very colourful and a nice place to hang out. It feels very cozy as it is tucked away in a little corner of Covent Garden. Kew Gardens – this place takes you to a whole new world. With plant species from all over the world, it does not feel like being in the UK. It is great to walk around and discover plants that are not

found in the UK and provides plenty of photo opportunities too. In London there are many exciting things to do whether you want to be indoors or outdoors. I recommend checking popular websites such as timeoutescapes.com for events coming up and things to see and do in London.

"Walking around the lake – there is a nice loop to walk around the lake, which allows you to be completely immersed in nature. It does not feel like you are on campus"

from our motor canoes, we saw a green anaconda, as well as pink river dolphins and turtles. The river, however, while exciting in the day, was much more intimidating at night. When darkness fell, the murky waters became a predator’s playground and, for a reptile enthusiast like myself, the best time to see caiman. We were not disappointed: our guide’s torch lit up the glowing red eyes of huge black caiman in the water, which always promptly sank into the abyss below. Some of these beasts can grow to over 5 metres in length, and it was difficult to forget that they were around when we were swimming in the day. When in the Galapagos, the speciesrich water of the archipelago prompted appearances from turtles, sharks, and a large group of feeding manta rays. When we were on land, we were treated to even more fantastic natural sights, including the illusive Pinocchio lizard (very few people have ever seen one) and Galapagos favourites such as Marine iguanas and Galapagos tortoises. We got the chance to climb Sierra Negra, the second largest caldera in the world, and Mother Nature even went to the extent of showing her presence through the form of a magnitude-5 earthquake, shaking our Quito hostel and scaring us in the process. So, to summarise: earthquakes, a caldera and some of the rarest animals in the world. What a trip!

Travelling Europe by Train TRAVEL

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

ERRIN HOLMES

3rd Year Biomedical Sciences

THIS summer, I decided to push myself to my limits again by going travelling without my parents. I have only done this once before, going to the USA for Camp America, but travelling that way can be very sheltered as my camp directors helped organise most of my travel plans. So this year I wanted to push myself one step further and create my own. I had always wanted to go interrailing around Europe so my boyfriend and I decided we should go ahead and do it. For those of you who have not heard of interrailing, it is essentially a train ticket which you can use on most trains in Europe, whilst also getting discounts in lots of weird and wonderful places, such as the Hard Rock café in numerous capitals. Whilst interrail is explicitly for EU citizens, Eurail is the alternative for non-EU citizens, run by the same company. When I first began planning my travels, I started to realise the amount of responsibility I had taken on. The flights

and train ticket were easy to organise, simply using online websites. I’d also decided on places I wanted to visit, and had planned a general route from the bottom of Italy, up to Poland, then back to Greece, where we would fly back to London. However, after reading the terms and conditions of the interrail ticket, most European trains required extra reservation fees on high demand trains such as night and high-speed trains. Most eastern European countries had no online server for train reservations either, meaning some trains had to be booked in the country at a train station. In hindsight, I would recommend reading the terms and conditions before buying the train ticket. I corrected my mistake by using companies who booked the trains for me, and I picked up the tickets on the date of departure. This saved me the stress of having to book a reservation for my selected trains on the day, in case they were overbooked. However, I ended up paying over the odds to get a reservation. I also booked a bed between Prague and Oswiecim, but only ended

up with a seat in a cabin of 8, arriving in Auschwitz at 5:30am with no sleep. Although the organisation of the trip was stressful, the excitement of unfamiliar places took over once we started exploring. We were travelling for 18 days and visited a new city each day so a lot of our sight-seeing was rushed. Every hostel we checked into looked at us as if we were mad when

they realised we only had 1 day in their city. But I had planned this trip as a quick tour to get a feel of which countries I’d like to go back to in the future. For example, we hired a car in Austria and drove to Slovenia. We fell in love with the mountainous countryside with its beautiful lakes such as 'Grüner See' in Austria, and 'Lake Bled' in Slovenia, and planned to go back. We were

|LIFESTYLE

also enlightened by a visit to Auschwitz. Even though it was extremely emotional, I like to learn about history, because, as printed on the walls; “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it – George Santayana". Our interrailing journey was an amazing adventure to have this summer and we hope that we can return to some of our favourite places again soon. Credit to: Google Maps

My First Week at the University of Rhode Island EILIS MCGEE

3rd Year Art and English Literature

BEFORE arriving at the University of Rhode Island, my expectations were influenced by Pitch Perfect, Bad Neighbours and Monsters University, and so far I have not been disappointed by college life. In the past week, we have had orientations, tours of the campus, a trip to the beach and visited the infamous Walmart. I have always known that studying abroad was something I wanted to do. I love traveling and so the opportunity to live in a different country for several months and become fully integrated into the culture really appealed to me. When choosing where I wanted to study, the University of Rhode Island stood out for me with its coastal location and being close to both Boston and New

York. In the past week I have already visited two different beaches and walked along the cliffs. Before leaving the UK I did have some worries, mainly to do with the journey as I had never flown alone before, however I was surprised at how straightforward I found it to be and how easy the airports were to navigate. Compared to attempting to fit my life for four months into a 20kg luggage allowance, the journey was easy! The campus is incredible! Although I was expecting it to resemble the American films I grew up watching, I did not know how surreal it would feel to actually arrive. On my first evening in the US, as I sat on the quad eating my dinner while looking at the American flag, I felt like I was on a film set.

The first couple of days consisted of orientation sessions and campus tours. The facilities here are great. The health centre has an x-ray and pathology department, and access to the gym and pool is free for students. We were also taken to Walmart to buy things for our rooms. Dorm decoration is a big deal here and on freshmen movein day, the corridors were full of boxes, fridges, microwaves and families. On Sunday evening there was what is called ‘First Night’. It is similar to our Fresher’s Fair, with all the clubs and societies at tables, but here it was at night with lights, food, a rock climbing wall and music. In addition to the clubs and societies, American universities also have Fraternities and Sororities. These are male and female social groups or ‘sisterhoods’/‘brotherhoods’. They are all named after Greek

symbols such as ‘Alpha Delta Pi’ and many of them have frat or sorority houses on campus. On Monday it was Labor Day in America so it was a national holiday. We took advantage of the good weather

and headed to the beach. It was a really great way to end the summer before classes start. The first week here has flown by, I am excited to start classes and continue to experience American culture. Credit to: Finlay Bald

Pets of the Month F LIFESTYLE| PETS OF THE MONTH

LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

or the past few issues we have been featuring pet photos sent in by students to comfort anyone who is missing their precious furry friends from home. And yes, it is okay to be missing your pets more than your parents. If you would like to contribute to Pets of the Month in the next issue, please email your pet photos to: lifestyle@ sparknewspaper. co.uk.

O Na wne me r: F s o rey fP a ets Ber : M ry ilo a

s iggin H e r n la rli e r : CP e t : M e n w O e of Nam

Owner N a m e o: R o b e r t a H o w f Pet: R son-Jan es uby

Owner: Agnieszka Kowalik Names of Pets: Roman and Stefan

Owner: Clare Higgins Name of Pet: Moo

Owner: Clare Higgins Name of Pet: Lottie

ray ll Mur nty i W : r Owne of Pet: Mo Name

Owner: Sally Nicholls Name of Pet: Tilly

A Look for Autumn LIFESTYLE@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

MAKEUP AND FASHION

|LIFESTYLE Credit to: Olivia Lowden

Create this 90s inspired grunge look with that the colour is very seasonal autumnal colours sure concentrated. Once you’ve applied ‘Creation’ directly onto the lid, blend it out with a blending brush. Don’t take the colour up too far, but make sure it blends seamlessly to continue the gradient effect. Many of the looks I saw used makeup to create ‘tired looking’ eyes. To achieve this, take ‘Creation’ and, using a flat-angled brush, apply it to the lower eyelid just beneath the waterline. Blend this out with a blending brush and don’t worry if it comes down quite far – this will only add to the look. Apply mascara thickly to your top and bottom lashes to get a clunky effect. Fill in your eyebrows as usual. I kept my face really matte for this look, in keeping with 90s grunge makeup. Apply your foundation as usual to get an even coverage, then apply face powder to get rid of any shine. Use a matte bronzer to carve out your cheeks. For my lips, I wanted to use an orange-toned earthy colour, preferably matte. However, all I had available was a red-brown lipstick, so, unfortunately, I had to make do. You can pretty much use any brown-toned lip product you have available! And that’s it. A really simple makeup look, inspired by 90s grunge and perfect for autumn. Enjoy!

Venus Palette by Lime Crime Venus 2 Palette by Lime Crime Nars Sheer Glow Foundation Soap n Glory Mascara Natural Collection Powder Revolution Bronzer This is a super easy tutorial that anyone can master. However, my advice would be to purchase a blending brush. It’s pretty much impossible to do this without one, and they are essential in nearly any

makeup look. First, I prime my eyelids with a dab of foundation and blend it in with my Real Techniques face brush. To set the foundation, I apply some face powder with the same brush and smooth it over the top of my eyelids. This makes the shadows really easy to blend and gives a smooth, even appearance on the eyelids. Taking the colour ‘Mustard’ from the Venus 2 Palette, I apply this above the crease of my eyelids with a blending brush in a ‘windscreen wiper’ motion. This will act as a transition colour for the rest of the shadows. If you don’t have the Venus 2 Palette, any yellow colour will work. Using the same brush and palette, take the colour ‘Jam’ (a bright orange colour) and apply it directly into the crease of your eyelid. Tip: don’t load too much product on the brush at once, as this will make it much harder to blend. Instead, build up the colour bit by bit to get an even, smooth result. You should begin to get a gradient effect from orange to yellow, so keep blending until you achieve this! Next, take the Venus 1 Palette. Using a flat brush, take the colour ‘Creation’ and apply it directly onto the lid. You can even use your finger for this part – just make

ALICIA O'DONNELL

How to rework the summer trends into the new season with 3 looks as an example

OLIVIA LOWDEN 3rd Year English Literature

AS we begin a new year at Reading, I thought I would create a makeup look to help welcome the new season. I love when the season changes, as different styles of makeup become more appropriate. In September, we can say goodbye to bright sunset shades and instead make use of the neglected browns and burnt oranges. Taking inspiration from various 90s grunge makeup looks, I have put together this incredibly simple makeup look for the autumn term. As always, I am using my favourite palettes from Lime Crime, the Venus 1 and the Venus 2. These palettes are ideal for the sort of look I’m creating and, better yet, they are both vegan and crueltyfree!

Product List:

Credit to: Alicia O'Donnell

Transform your Summer Clothes into a Winter Wardrobe 3rd Year Classical Studies

AS summer draws to a close, it seems like the season of florals and pastels ends with it. The start of September brings the new autumn/winter 2017 collections and trends that start with the designers and filters down to the fashion you see on the streets and on campus. But we should not have to split our wardrobes into two halves that must be kept separate for the sake of fashion. Instead we just need a way to incorporate items from the summer into our winter outfits. With every autumn/winter

season comes a variation of the jumper for the months to come, and this year you need to go big or go home! A supersized sweater is guaranteed to keep you warm and it is in tune with the new season of fashion to come. My take on this look also incorporates other winter trends but features a summer skort that I barely took off over this summer. The new colour of autumn/winter is a bold red that has been seen on many celebrities recently with my favourite example being Emma Watson’s red bodysuit and slacks combination she wore to a press junket back in April (it seems like she

knew the new trends even back then). Luckily, the skort I picked up over the summer is a fab red shade that works for this new colour scheme. On the autumn/winter catwalks, designers have been styling their skirts and dresses with higher hemlines that will be leaving our legs bare to the elements this autumn but it is nothing a pair of skin coloured tights cannot fix. A summer favourite of florals are always challenging to bring through into the winter but equally hard to banish to the back of our drawers. Personally, I like to merge them with the

traditional preppy look that makes a reappearance every September. Autumn/winter is known for the return of more neutral shades in our everyday looks, but a contrast of floral brings a fresh tone to this trend. For me, the best way to go preppy is with a blazer paired with jeans over floral camisoles bringing the typical summer look into the winter season. Although the new colour must-have is a vivid red, the summer shade this year was undeniably pink and this could arguably be the colour of the generation with the infamy of ‘millennial pink’. It does

not seem to be getting left behind anytime soon with the shade featuring heavily in Missguided’s new collection collaboration with Barbie. But if, like me, you would prefer to highlight this colour without the branding you may want to consider uniting pink with the checked grey that is coming forward in the suits and trousers on the catwalk. So, do not be scared to mix and match the trends from summer and winter. Although nothing could seem more separate then spring/summer and autumn/winter, fashion can be confined to no season, only our own personal style.

ENTERTAINMENT|MILLIE'S MUMBLINGS AND NIGHTLIFE UOR'S DISNEY SOCIETY: Do you love Disney movies and want a chance to go to Disneyland? PAGE 25

'MATILDA, THE EMPRESS': "I am not a woman. I am a lion" PAGE 28

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK 'THE PRINCESS DIARIST': Sports Editor Manon Jones gives us an insight into beloved Carrie Fisher's memoir PAGE 29

'LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO': Get an insight into the single that took the internet by storm PAGE 29

ENTERTAINMENT MILLIE FARQUHAR Print Entertainment Editor

WELCOME to my little corner of The Spark and with it, the entertainment section; world of theatre, film, television, societies and music. Here is where you will get reviews of anything and everything and learn about what is going on in Reading and what you can go to. My name is Millie, and I am a second year English Literature student. I have been writing for The Spark since I

was a fresher and it has taken me on some extraordinary journeys. From London late night film screenings to west end shows, to the evergrowing catalogues of films and television on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I love all things entertainment and love sharing my own and other people’s opinions with you. After all, if you are going to binge watch a show, you might as well know if it is good before you dedicate yourself to it.

Reading Nightlife: The Must Know Guide Danielle’s guide to the best clubs Reading has to offer DANIELLE SMITH 3rd Year History and Politics

FOR many of us, the social appeal of University life is a huge motivation for going to University and is a large aspect of that is the nightlife. Luckily, at Reading you are spoilt for choice on where to go on any given night, and whilst everyone has different tastes, these clubs, in my experience, never disappoint.

Club: Q Location: Friar Street Best night: Monday Monday Night Q is the place to be with the best chart songs combined with some absolute throwback classics chucked in. The best R&B songs are played in room 2 if that genre is more to your taste. Q is always super busy and whilst it does make for a great atmosphere, I recommend that you arrive early because the queues can be very long. Club: Lola Lo Location: Friar Street Best night: Tuesday Hula Tuesday’s always

have the best songs, I spend practically all night on the dance floor. Also, the outside area is lovely, lots of seating with fairy lights so it is very atmospheric. It is nice to sit and have a few drinks and a chat rather than attempt to shout over the music all the time.

Club: 3Sixty Location: On Campus Best night: Wednesday’s

and Saturday’s I am yet to meet anyone at Reading who doesn’t love Union. With different rooms playing various genres of music there is something for everyone; cheap drinks and, with an NUS card, entry is only £3! In my view, cheese room with a blue VK in your hand is the only way to do a night out in Union. On other nights, there are events held in the Union like Quiz and Karaoke and the hugely popular Comedy night, so for those of you who are not as keen on clubbing, the Students Union has something for you.

Club: Matchbox Location: Friar Street

Best night: Thursday

Matchbox is the “go to” venue on a Thursday night. The drinks are super cheap and the music never disappoints. It is quite small but I think that’s a positive sometimes - it means you never lose anyone! It is a popular choice for socials, so if you join a society, which I recommend you do, you will probably spend a lot of time here.

Club: Public Location: Castle Street Best night: Friday

Public is the place to be on a Friday; with two floors, there are two genres of music to choose from. It is quite spacious, so is great if you want to dance rather than bob around on the spot in a massive crowd of people. But the floor does shake upstairs, it’s nothing to worry about but can be an odd sensation, especially after a few drinks! So, there you go, a roundup of the best clubs in Reading for each day of the week. Even if you don't love a night out, I urge you to attend Union Credit to: RUSU

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK Credit to: Harriet Salmons

LAURA STAES

2nd Year English Literature

born during last year's freshers ball, where a group of friends saw an Alice in Wonderland themed ball.

SOCIETIES AND REVIEWS

|ENTERTAINMENT

Laura Talks all Things Disney with the University's Newest Society The group was formed by the love they shared for Disney, gathering 250 signatures in a mere 3 days. Shaun Perryman, President of the Disney Society said ‘We made the Society to have people bond over Disney and it was an utter shock yet also pleasant to see how many other people loved Disney as much as us.’ Whether you are a classical Disney fan or a Pixar fan, as long as you have an interest or love for the movies and art Disney provides, you can surely sign up at the fresher’s fair! Their first official event as a society will be the Madhatter's Tea Party on Saturday, September 23 at the Harris Garden during the last

week of freshers where you have the opportunity to meet all the members and bond over Disney. After freshers when you need some down time from all the alcohol and partying, you can join them at Movie Night in Palmer G10 on Friday, September 29, where a movie will be voted on by all the members within the society. Shaun Perryman, President of the Disney Society also spilled some potential upcoming events, saying ‘We also hope to go to Disneyland Paris in December. It would be absolutely wonderful to be able to do that but as for now we can't make any promises.’ Upon interviewing Shaun Perryman, he revealed which

Disney character he preferred out of them all. He said ‘I'm a huge classical Disney fan and if I had to choose a favorite character I would go for the Little Mermaid, as she is highly adventurous.’ Everyone knows the Little Mermaid from her curiosity and stunning red hair but what many don't know is that the Little Mermaid is the first cousin of Hercules, another character within the Disney brand. Ending the interview, Shaun Perryman wanted to leave a message for any interested freshers or current students saying, ‘There's something for everyone at the Disney society! Don't be afraid to come meet us and potentially join us too!’

Hamlet: A Very Palpable Hit

A NEW Disney society was

PHILIPPA HARRIS 3rd Year Real Estate

BREVITY may well be the soul of wit, but so too of Kenneth Branagh’s production of Hamlet, starring Tom Hiddleston as the angst-ridden Dane. The production, with the briefest of runs spanning three weeks, in aid of RADA, is being held at the school’s intimate Jerwood Vanbrugh theatre. Seating only 160 per performance, the atmosphere was incredible and I was within touching distance of the cast, with only 30cm and selfcontrol lying between myself and Tom Hiddleston… and a restraining order. Hiddleston is very much a classical Hamlet; sane yet uneasy with the burden of his vengeful task. A dashing urbane prince for a modern era production, who sings, dances and sports a Danish flag like a cape whilst in a teenage-like hormonal mood, complete with face paint. Yet Hiddleston’s youthful brooding gives way to a more adult and masculine Hamlet, as he must stoically accept his fate, although this does not stop Hamlet later enjoying his mad

pretence and rolling around the floor under a rug; to thine own self be true I suppose. There is a strong supporting cast, with Nicholas Farrell putting in a sinister and umbrous performance as Hamlet’s cunning uncle, King Claudius, a man "A little more than kin, and less than kind.” Ansu Kabia is striking and unsettling as the grievously murdered king. He also took on the role of the scenestealing facetious Gravedigger, who merrily goes about his work whilst playing a cheerful tune on the bones of the dead, including alas, one poor Yorick. Yorick’s or rather Hiddleston’s Glaswegian accent provided a must needed lightness to an increasingly darkening tragedy. Branagh’s humorous interpretation of this scene fits what is actually a rather witty rendition of the play, marking it out from its contemporaries. Sean Foley adds a distinct humour as Polonius, making the most of his protracted lectures to Laertes and tripping backwards over a chair, proving even Kenneth Branagh isn’t above a little slapstick. His daughter, Ophelia’s, sweetness (played by Kathryn Wilder) adds pathos to her all

the more tragic fate, as Hamlet performance to reach a wider spurns her love and literally audience, let us hope that it tears to shreds the love letter should come to this, because as he once wrote to her. The unravelling of her sanity is vividly portrayed and Hamlet’s distress at her death is as sharp and as welldefined as Hiddleston’s cheek bones. Although it must be noted, there is a hint of frisson between Hamlet and the gender swapped Horatia. The modern setting worked well, for a contemporary Scandinavian royal family, with imperialistic undertones, so that the ending sword fight did not feel out of place. It was a long and aggressive duel, well choreographed, with enough feeling of anger and bitter resentment to fuel the suspense. Therefore to conclude, something may well be rotten in the state of Denmark, but all is well with Branagh’s formidable production of Hamlet. Every dog will have his day and Hiddleston certainly looked like he was having his as he bowed and winked at the audience. RADA is under increasing pressure to record the

many should see Hiddleston’s sullen and dour version of the famous “To be, or not to be,” soliloquy as possible. All in all, a hit, a very palpable hit. Credit to: Phillippa Harris

University Bands

ENTERTAINMENT|MILLIE'S MUMBLINGS AND NIGHT

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

The in’s and out’s of making it in the music industry while studying

Only Animals

The Only Animals is a fourpiece alternative rock band that has a big presence in town. Three of their members, Sam, Lewis and Cameron talked to me about all things 'Only Animals' and how they work as a team. When did you come together as a band? [Cameron]: The band came together in the Autumn of 2015. Sam and I met in fresher’s then we got together with the original two members, Laura and Lawrie, through BandSoc. When Laura and Lawrie left, we held auditions and Lewis and Naomi joined us. Why did you choose Alternative rock as a genre? [Sam]: It's always difficult to define a genre of a band, I guess we chose the genre simply because it's what we all like listening to. Whilst we are more of an alternative band, some of our songs do also have elements of blues or folk in them.

What comes first, the melody or the lyrics? [Sam]: Normally I'll write the core stuff so lyrics, structure, basic melody, chord progressions etc. and then the other members add their own specific parts as well as tweaking bits etc.

What is your favourite part of the song making process? [Cameron] There’s this amazing sense of achievement and pride that comes over me the first time we fully play through a new song. The combination of all these separate parts coming together to make something whole is something pretty special and it’s great to be a part of it and see all of our hard work achieve something. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to join a band at the Uni? [Sam]: I think the biggest thing with joining Uni bands is to be open with your genre. When you come to Uni everyone has something different to offer. So being open with what you want

Credit to: Quebec

your music to sound like makes it easier to find band members because it doesn't limit the band to just one genre and also makes for more interesting music.

How do you manage to balance your studies, social lives and band practice? [Lewis]: I tend to work 9-5 so we usually practice once or twice a week on evenings. It can be tough fitting it in sometimes though as we all lead the rock and roll lifestyle. Sam is typically only seen between the hours of 5pm and 5am. We often have to drag him from beneath an ocean of JD bottles before practice. What are your favourite songs that you have created together? [Cameron]: The song I am proudest of and my favourite song we have made so far is ‘I Never Say Love’. I think it’s beautiful, especially lyrically. It slowly builds and builds into this amazing guitar solo. I think it is our most coherent song with all the parts fitting together perfectly Credit to: Only Animals

Quebec

Quebec is the ‘youngest’ band I spoke to, yet they are the ones I have seen around campus the most. I first heard them performing in Café Mondial in April as part of Band Society’s event ‘Encore.’ They class themselves as a ‘class’ rock band, and can be found on Facebook @wearequebek What do you all study? Callum (Guitar and Vocals) studies Film and Theatre, Harry (Drums) studies Meteorology and Alex (Bass and Vocals) does Chemistry. When did you first form the band? [Callum]: Harry and I started in October-time of 2016. We clicked instantly after learning of each other's unconditional love for Radiohead. After some jam sessions, Harry put forward the idea of starting a band. A couple of months down the line, we met Alex for an impromptu jam and immediately felt that his virtuous musicianship heightened our music to another level. What is math rock? And why did you choose it as genre? [Alex]: Math Rock is essentially any kind of rock music - usually Indie rock though can often be much heavier - that uses odd or unusual time signatures. I think we write this style of music because we like listening to it and it’s fun to write and perform. What was your first performance together as a band like? [Callum]: Our first show was a unanimous success. We had a great crowd and loads of support. We played our

entire set, and even made a good profit from it. That was brilliant, the feeling of making money by doing something you truly love. Also, I'd never really played a gig that was so band orientated before, which is all I've ever wanted from music at this stage. What advice do you have for anyone hoping to join a band? [Harry]: don't be worried you're ‘not good enough.’ There will always be people with a shared interest in music that will want to jam with you, so just ask! Encouraging more people to get involved will be one of my main objectives as BandSoc Welfare Rep next academic year How do you find time to practice as a band in-between work at the University? [Callum]: We work around work schedules quite well. We're all usually preoccupied in the week, leaving Saturday’s open for us. That's when we find time to go down to our rehearsal space and practise. We try and do this on a weekly basis, which we've been good at sticking to so far. It's one of the things I look forward to in my life. What do you want people to get out of your music? [Harry]: I’d like people to appreciate us for the little intricacies in our work that makes us, in my view, unique. What is your favourite song of yours? [Harry]: ‘Writer’s Block’ was my favourite for a long time purely because of the technicality of the composition, but I think the one I'm going to be most proud of is yet to come.

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK like The School Of Rock and if they do then they will probably The Velvet Hands are a form a band with you. four-piece Punk or garage rock band, and I spoke to How do you fit practising Louis Willbourne who is and shows in with your work studying English Literature schedules? at the University. Since being It's pretty hectic and I do have formed, this band has gigged to travel a lot for the band. The across the country, including train tickets and meal deals add the BBC introducing stage at up but it's always worth it in the Looe Festival in 2015. the end. It's a labour of love.

The Velvet Hands

When did you form your band? We've been playing together since college back in Cornwall. Dan and Toby had played in various projects together since school. Then I met them at college and filled in when they were drummer-less but I couldn’t shame them. We met Sam in London last year and have been happily married together ever since. What is your favourite part of the music making process? Recording is always my favourite part because the opportunities in the studio are so endless. I am always recording stuff in Reading in our house. In fact, one of our B-Sides on our last 7" single was recorded in Childs Halls where I lived first year. Do you write the song first or the melody? We're all about the melody as a band I'd say. Not that we neglect lyrics, but I always think people remember melodies more so than lyrics. What advice would you have for someone wanting to join a band at the University? Just get out there and chat to people, find out who plays what. Ask someone if they

SOCIETIES AND REVIEWS

|ENTERTAINMENT Credit to: The Bolivars

What is your favourite band at the moment? Father John Misty has just put out a new album and I've been listening to that a lot. He's good at marrying political messages with pop tunes. What message to do try and get across through your music? I wouldn't say we are particularly political as a band because there's enough groups doing that at the moment, but I would say we try to make our music as fun as possible. What will happen after you all graduate? Are there plans to keep the band together? I reckon we will keep going until we're either mega rich or mega poor. There's no real inbetween for us. Which one of your songs are you the proudest of? Personally, our Record Store Day single for this year called "Sick Of Living". I wrote this one after a mate of mine at Uni told me that people where she lives say 'Sick of living' as a phrase all the time and I thought it'd be funny to immortalise that phrase into a minute-long punk song. You can buy that through Easy Action Records or through our various social media channels.

The Bolivars

The Bolivars were the first band I went to go and see at the University; they had a gig at my halls of residence, and they introduced me to the world of RockSoc. Since then, this three-piece rock band (Tom, Taidgh and Ollie) has begun to take the world of Reading by storm; performing at bars around the area. They can be found on Facebook (@ thebolivarsband) How did you come up with the name The Bolivars? [Tom]: Well we were originally called Bridge to Somewhere and I personally wasn’t happy with it. Then I had to write an essay about a guy called Simon Bolivar (the guy that Bolivia is named after) and the more time I spent writing it, for some reason I thought to myself ‘The Bolivars is a good band name.’

And here we are! Why did you choose Rock as a genre? [Tom]: It’s the music that made us want to learn to play in the first place, and I think we all feel most comfortable playing rock over any other style. And its music that gets a response from the audience, if they like it then they’ll let you know about it! What is your favourite part of the music making process? [Ollie]: Working together to come up with interesting ideas, those ‘eureka’ moments. [Tom]: When you write a song you often go looking for something, a particular sound or feel. And when you find it, it’s so satisfying. Just like Ollie said, it’s a ‘eureka’ moment. Credit to: The Velvet Hands

What was your first show like? [Taidhg]: Really special. Playing gigs gives you such a great buzz, it’s like nothing else. Especially when everyone’s cheering and they seem to really like your music. [Tom]: As first shows go it was pretty good. Didn’t have any major screw ups and everyone seemed happy afterwards! And when you go onstage for the first time, you get an itch that can’t be cured ‘til you’re up there again. That show gave me the itch and I’ve had it ever since! What advice would you have for someone wanting to join a band at the University? [Tom]: Join the Band Society! We all met through BandSoc, and me and Taidhg are now on the committee. It’s a great bunch of peeps to hang around with and we’re organising gigs for this year to showcase BandSoc’s selection of bands so come and join in, it’ll be wicked! Which one of your songs are your favourite? [Taidhg]: Personally it’s ‘501’, because it’s a song I wrote, and although it has changed a lot from its first version, it’s still turned out better than I thought it would when I first put pen to paper.

[Tom]: That’s like asking ‘who’s your favourite child’! Personally, it’s probably a song called ‘Let’s Go.’ I wrote it after just coming to university and it’s about moving away from home. We open our set with it and it just feels so right. To me it feels like our theme music.

ENTERTAINMENT|REVIEWS

Review: The Limehouse Golem

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

CHLOE DE LULLINGTON springboard from which to bawdy Victorian entertainment English Literature and Film Graduate

TO LOOK at the posters for The Limehouse Golem, directed by Juan Carlos Medina, one would not assume much subversion of tropes or genre-hopping. Bill Nighy stands moodily in the centre, with Douglas Booth brooding in the background on one side and Olivia Cooke looking pensive on the other, against a murky grey backdrop and the classic single streetlamp. In short, it looks like a fairly generic Victorian drama. There is nothing wrong with this at all, and personally I considered the film a safe bet with Nighy and Booth at the forefront, but it meant I was woefully underprepared for the frankly soul-destroying narrative that unfolded. Set in murky Limehouse, full of stock characters such as Cockney police officers and bawdy, painted ladies of the night, the story flits between the investigation into grisly mutilations carried out by a serial killer known as the Limehouse Golem, and the impending trial of Little Lizzie Cree, hauntingly played by Cooke. Lizzie, a music hall star accused of poisoning her husband, is easily the most interesting and well-rounded character. Lizzie serves as a

discuss systematic misogyny in a variety of unpalatable forms, and while it makes sense to bill fan-favourite Nighy as the lead actor, that honour really goes to Cooke as the narrative unfolds. Alongside her, an unusually dowdy Douglas Booth also shines as female impersonator and theatre manager Dan Leno. Leno, a departure from Booth’s usual chiselled leading man roles, not only subverts tropes of romantic subplots in melodramas, but also creates a refreshing dialogue around the depiction of Victorian masculinity, with Daniel Mays and Nighy himself also offering alternatives to traditional portrayals. All of these characters serve to illuminate different sides to Lizzie’s own narrative, with a twist at the end which brings this right to the foreground. The use of the Golem is a reference to the creature of Jewish folklore and allows the film to address other topical issues, including antiSemitism. Also under scrutiny are the issues of socialism and class division, although their inclusion is abandoned halfway through the film, and the fact that Karl Marx himself appears as a character seemed more gimmicky than thoughtful or indeed necessary. The film combines a vivid, no holds barred exploration of

Credit to: Lionsgate Press Release

culture, from rude limericks to sensationalist news reports, and manages to cram an astonishing amount of topical commentary into what could so easily have been a generic slasher horror flick. This panoply of themes and settings make it all the more jarring, as they do not shy away from close-ups of glistening, mutilated, bloody corpses. Perhaps it would have been more effective to tone that down and develop it into a slow burning psychological thriller, but the serial killer element demands certain gory visual tropes, and the film delivers these in spades. In short, if you are a fan of gore and Victorian crime, this is the film for you. If you are interested in films that explore gender and class divisions, this film is equally for you. If you are into films that explore Marxism and its effect on the poor, this film will provide you with five minutes of interest and then abandon you completely. It ticks a lot of boxes and hops between several genres in different places, but its suspenseful build-up and final scenes cannot be faulted, and left me feeling, overall, rather chilled.

Reading Between The Lines: A brilliant company with a brilliant play MILLIE FARQUHAR Print Entertainment Editor

READING is forever changing, and this is seen most true when it comes to its art scene. One theatre company leading the charge in putting Reading back on the map is Reading Between The Lines. Credit to: Toby Davies

After a hugely successful run of the original play Henry I, Reading Between The Lines is back with a new show by Elizabeth Park, ‘Matilda, The Empress,’ Which follows the life of Henry I’s daughter, Matilda and her struggle to be England’s first female ruler in a world that prefers male heirs. I had the opportunity to meet co-founder and star of Henry I, Toby Davies, and speak about why his theatre company has been credited by the Guardian as ‘the Jewel in the Crown of a town that hopes one day to be more than a name on a railway timetable.’ ‘When people think of Reading, they think about offices,’ states Toby Davies,

as we discuss why he chose to set up a theatre company in Reading, ‘[But] Reading has a phenomenal History, one of our most important kings is buried here. He founded an abbey that was as famous as the Vatican, as tall as the blade, that people from across the globe flocked to.’ That King was Henry I the youngest son of William the Conqueror, otherwise known as England’s forgotten King and father to Matilda, the titular character of this ambitious new play. ‘[Matilda] is a story of gender inequality. Sadly, something we’re still dealing with as a society’ Mr Davies noted. And it is true, with gender inequality being one of the biggest struggles women face today, it seems only fitting that this play be shown now

and with powerful writing by Elizabeth Park, including lines such as ‘I am not a woman. I am a lion, roaring with the injustice that has been done to me and my kin.’ Matilda is sure to be just as much, if not more of a success than Henry I. Matilda seems to be one of the original feminists to me, living and fighting against the rules of the crown nearly 200 years before Joan of Arc was even born. Despite being named as Henry I’s rightful heir before his death in 1135, Matilda was still not crowned as Queen, and instead the crown went to her cousin Stephen. This level of inequality and belief that the female gender is somehow inferior to males is something that women often struggle with today. Something I wanted to

concentrate on more than the play itself, was the story of the production and the research behind the stories that intrigued me the most. Like with Henry I, the University of Reading has had a key part in the production of this play. With both the Art and History departments playing a role in its conception, this attention to detail and drive to tell the truth in a world that has become so obsessed with coving it up will be so refreshing and I cannot wait to see how Reading Between The Lines does it. ‘Matilda, the Empress’ is being performed from Thursday, November 2 to Saturday, November 18 in St James’ Church and I urge anyone who is interested in feminism, history or theatre in general to go and see it. I doubt you will be disappointed.

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

The Princess Diarist – Carrie Fisher

MANON JONES Sports Editor

“Aren’t you a little short for a Stormtrooper?” – Rest in Peace, Princess CHARLIE PINE LONG ago in a galaxy far, far We are also given an honest away… we lost our favourite science fiction princess. Carrie Fisher has been both an iconic sex symbol and an inspiration to Star Wars fans across the world in her role as Princess Leia. She has smashed the trope of the damsel in distress as Leia teaching young women that you do not have to wait to be saved and to forge your own path presenting herself as a powerful leader and strategist when it comes to taking down the empire. In her book, The Princess Diarist, released shortly after her death, readers and fans are given the opportunity to re-live the magic as the autobiography allows them to delve into the stories of Fisher’s life on set. From the makeup chair to the designing of the iconic space buns she adeptly captures the unexpected madness of Star Wars, which was meant to be a “cool little off-the-radar movie directed by a bearded guy from Modesto. A thing like that wasn’t going to make people want to play with a doll of you, was it?” Had she known how things would end up, she adds, she “definitely would have argued against that insane hair.”

insight to her relationship with the “scruffy looking nerf herder", the charming Harrison Ford, who had rescued her from the clutches of some similarly inebriated crew members at George Lucas’s birthday party. Fisher describes Ford as looking like “he could lead the charge into battle, take the hill, win the duel, be leader of the gluten-free world, all without breaking a sweat.” A man who herself and her fans fell head over heels with for his scoundrel attitude. Fisher also includes her original diary entries, which are rambling, repetitive, overwrought, and ultimately not worthy of the generous space that they are given. At one point she remarks that she would be “posthumously embarrassed” were anyone to read them; you can’t help but wish her older self had taken note. Diaries aside, however, her writing is smart and funny. The pages crackle with selfdeprecating one-liners, chatty observations, and the singular wisdom that comes with being forever immortalised in the minds of teenage boys in a metal bikini and chained to a slug. Credit to: ‫وب گردی‬/Flickr

BETH LOUISE

2nd Year English Literature

WITH her new, darker image, punchy electro-pop sound and vengeful lyrics, Taylor Swift is certainly embracing the villain character the media has often portrayed her as.

The singer, who dropped the music video for her new single ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ at this year’s VMAs, hid some not-so-subtle details in it relating to every public feud she’s ever had. Mirroring the lyrics of

| ENTERTAINMENT

Chink: An Autobiography ALBUM AND BOOK REVIEWS

Credit to: Irish History Today

IN Chink, a biography, Lavinia Greacen recounts the story of Major General Eric ‘Chink’ Dorman-Smith, the charismatic Irishman who became Ernest Hemingway’s lifelong military hero and friend, yet whose own army career ended in disillusion. He is nicknamed for his resemblance to a Chinkara antelope. I picked up this book on a bit of a whim (it was on offer on Amazon) having never heard of Mr Dorman-Smith before, something that I suspect will be true for most of us. I am very glad I did. It was very refreshing to read about a pivotal, yet relatively unknown figure who has been skulking in the shadow of others. He played an important role in two world wars and helped to change the course of the Second World War with his masterminding of the defeat of General Erwin Rommel at El Alemein. Often people will think “Field Marshal Bernard ‘Monty’” when the North African Campaign is

mentioned around the pub quiz table. It is thought of as a glittering British triumph fought against one of the finest German commanders, General Erwin Rommel. In the last days of June 1942, with rumours of catastrophe for the Allies in the air, it seemed General Rommel would achieve his goal of taking Alexandra and Cairo. However, thanks to the British Forces under the command of General Auchinleck, he never achieved his goals. This winning defence was devised and orchestrated by Eric Edward ‘Chink’ DormanSmith, Auchinlech’s chief of staff. After the victory, rather than acclaim and reward, Eric Dorman-Smith faced ignominy and exclusion. This is the first biography that has really made an impact on me for some time. It is one thing to read about a driven individual going on to do great things, but Lavinia Greacen’s biography tells of a man who was prevented from achieving his potential. Dorman-Smith led a fascinating life, but one that was full of frustrations. I later discovered that this

book had been selected as a Sunday Times Book of the Year, and it truly deserves to be. It touches on so many different aspects and areas throughout Dorman-Smith’s life, rather than being solely focused on his military career, although this is understandably a large focus of the book. Lavinia Greacen’s style is clear and engaging and this book really deserves wide attention. As the Sunday Times said: ‘Chink, at the heart of the international bohemian world, was a figure as incongruous as David Niven strolling into a novel by Dostoyevsky. Hemingway had a lasting admiration for his friend and repeatedly wove elements of him into his fictions over more than 30 years. But Chink’s reallife story, as told by Lavinia Greacen, is a stranger and more poignant tale than anything the novelist made of it.’

the song, the video implies that the ‘Old Taylor’ is dead, and a darker iteration is here instead to turn the tables on her previous victim narrative by calling out those who’ve crossed her. In the opening scene of the video, there is a ‘Nils Sjöberg’ tombstone shown, referencing the pseudonym she used for a song credit on ex-boyfriend Calvin Harris’ ‘This Is What You Came For.’ In the next scene, she bathes in a bathtub full of diamonds with a single dollar bill, symbolizing the dollar she was awarded with for her sexual assault trial. This scene could be a response to the media teasing that she ‘cries in a marble bathtub surrounded by pearls.’ Swift is then shown sitting on a golden throne, with an ‘Et tu, Brute?’ carving, a reference to Shakespeare’s

‘Julius Caesar,’ signifying an unexpected betrayal by a friend. Her infamous title as a ‘snake’ is also represented with snakes surrounding the throne, one serving her tea. When Swift’s car crashes, some speculate it may be a jab at Katy Perry, who she is styled to look like. She is also holding a Grammy Award in the scene, possibly to point out that Perry has won no Grammys whilst Swift has won ten. During the second chorus, Swift can be seen with eight men, each wearing an ‘I Heart TS’ crop top: an apparent tribute to her ex-boyfriend Tom Hiddleston, who was photographed wearing a similar top. The eight backup dancers could be a reference to the eight ex-boyfriends Swift has had during her career. Swift is then seen standing on a pile of iterations of her past selves, all reaching for

her, reiterating the idea that she is leaving her past self behind. At the end of the video, these iterations bicker with one another, describing each other as ‘so fake’ and ‘playing the victim,’ ending with one saying ‘I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative,’ a reference to her infamous Instagram post about the Kim and Kanye feud. The song has received a polarized reception from fans and critics, with some praising the song as a subversive departure from her earlier nicegirl persona, and others writing it off as petty and vengeful. Either way, no other recording artist, not even Kanye, is this successful at provoking responses and pushing our buttons. ‘Look What You Made Me Do’ will feature on Swift’s new album, ‘Reputation’, out Friday, November 10.

2nd Year Biomedical Sciences

‘Look What You Made Me Do’ T Swift’s scathing new single: genius or vapid? Either way we’re gripped.

HOROSCOPES

ENTERTAINMENT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

| ENTERTAINMENT

horoscopes Find out what the stars are saying about you this month... ARIES MARCH 21st-APRIL 19th

Aries

Taurus

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23rd-OCTOBER 22nd

After all your hard work over the summer, payday is just around the corner! However, this cycle will bring new challenges and responsibilities so don’t spend it all in one go. Life isn’t just about work, make sure you don’t neglect friends or family as you may find you need them nearer the end of this month. Green is your lucky colour so look out for anyone wearing it, you might just find a new friend or romance.

libra

TAURUS APRIL 2Oth-MAY 20th

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23rd-NOVEMBER 21st

This is the month of new beginnings and it may be time to face your fear of change! Whether that is change in your social life, your work life or your appearance, make the leap and you won’t regret it; you may find life easier for it. Watch out for the number 24 this month, as it will bring you good luck.

Just be yourself this September. Your real, and honest self will attract some romantic attention on a spontaneous night out. Don’t take this new relationship too seriously as it could last a long time. Follow the number 6 for luck this month.

Scorpio

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22nd-DECEMBER 21st

Gemini MAY 21st-JUNE 20th

Gemini

This cycle will be demanding for you; full of deadlines, meetings and pressure. It may feel like life is getting on top of you but it’s time to take a deep breath and create time for yourself. Try letting your creative side out to burn the stress away. Number 11 will be lucky for you this month.

Sagittarius

CANCER JUNE 21st-JULY 22nd Your tough exterior will only get you so far this month. You don’t always have to be the tough one. It’s time to ask for help and support, your friends and family are there for you. Let your emotions control your actions for the next month and enjoy the freedom it will give Cancer you. Red will be very lucky for you this month.

You’ve set your standards high for September so be prepared for the pressure that will come with it. Creating a clean and positive environment will help manage your stress and keep out the negative emotions. Yellow will help brighten your days this month and aid you in achieving your goals.

Capricorn

virgo

An emergency will occur this month, but your calm nature will lead to it passing by without any consequences. Try to find a new hobby or group that will help you come out of shell this month. The number 2 will prove very lucky for you.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 21st -FEBUARY 19th

Aquarius

VIRGO AUGUST 23rd-SEPTEMBER 22nd This is the month to put yourself out there. It’s time to stop being the co-pilot and make your own decisions. By doing this you’ll find a new relationship and a new focus in life. Keep your eye out for your lucky number 18 as it may take you down a new path.

Have some fun this month. You’ve been facing some personal problems and it’s about time you went out for some well-deserved partying. Enjoy your friends company as a change in your friendship group is coming. Blue will give you luck this month.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22nd- JANUARY 20th

LEO JULY 23rd-AUGUST 22nd

leo

It’s nice to flash the cash and treat yourself but be careful with your spending this month. Try budgeting and you’ll see a positive outcome by the end of the month. Purple will be your lucky colour.

Make sure you’re early to any and all meetings this month as an important figure will make an appearance and make you a proposition that will benefit your work-life. The colour orange will provide you with insight and intelligence this month.

PISCES FEBUARY 20th-MARCH 20th

Pisces

It’s time to try very hard to keep your friend’s secrets this month as it could lead to negative consequences if you let one slip. However, recognize the importance of balancing your life with others. Stop focusing on your friend’s drama and enjoy September! The number 22 will give you luck and restore balance.

| SPORTS

Welcome to the Sports Section: READING ROCKETS

SPORT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

MANON JONES Sports Editor

TIME to get your sporting fix. Welcome to the sports section. You made it through and are so close to the end. I am very pleased to be back working with The Spark team and look forward to making the sports pages tailored to what you

want to see in the paper. Please feel free to email me with any ideas and have your say to really make the paper your student paper. This month’s issue I recommend, especially if you are coming to Sports Fair on the 21st , checking out all of our amazing sport and dance

societies to see what they have on offer this year and find the one which is right for you. Be sure to catch up with all from the Women’s Rugby World Cup on Pages 36-37 and see how the Reading Rockets are shaping up ahead of this season on Page 33. Finally if you are still unsure

if you have everything ready to tackle this year head on why not check out the handy dandy kit guide to help prepare for all those important training sessions and upcoming matches. I am excited to see what you all get up to this season and hope you all enjoy your first year at Reading!

"One Small Step For Man One Giant Leap For Man Kind"

Reading's Basketball team blast off their season with some new recruits. LIZ EDWARDS Sport Reporter

ROCKETS retain important trio as Captain Carter returns for a sixth straight season. Reading Rockets have resigned three players from last season’s squad in the shape of English shooters Ali Sbai and Joel Keeble as well as everpresent club captain Danny Carter. Carter, 28, had no hesitation in putting pen to paper for his sixth successive season despite a heavier workload after his head of year promotion at the John Madejski Academy this term. The 6’9 forward is the longest serving player that has come through the club’s junior programme and four years in the United States at Stonybrook University, and the Windsor native is more motivated than ever to bring silverware back to his club. The Englishman was arguably one of the Rockets’ most productive players last season and has been working hard during the down months in the gym and on court. In speaking about his return to the Reading team, Carter, said: “I am really happy to be back and more so I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. As you get older you appreciate a lot more things around you and one of those things is your body. I have been working really hard in the gym and on the court because I know that to be the best player and leader I can be, this is a must if we as a team are to face the upcoming challenges with the ultimate goal of returning silverware to Reading.” Carter will be joined by

sharp-shooter Joel Keeble who has been plagued by injury during the last two seasons, but the 23-year-old is hoping his third term with the Berkshire outfit is a healthier one. The 6’6 guard sat out the majority of the second part of last season with a fractured wrist but looks set to be fully fit ahead of the 2017-18 campaign. In speaking ahead of his return from his hometown of Ipswich, Keeble, said: “I am really looking forward to being back and actually playing and contributing this season. The last two seasons have been frustrating in terms of injury and performance but I am hoping I can repay the faith that’s been shown in me this season and contribute to the team in any way, shape, or form in our quest to bring some silverware back to Reading. I have been working in the offseason to be fit and ready and I can’t wait to get started.” Also returning from last year’s team is 19-year-old guard/forward Ali Sbai. The Moroccan-born shooter played a significant part in Manuel Peña Garcés’ team last time out and was also one of the leading players for the John Madejski Academy in the Elite Academies Basketball League (EABL), guiding the team to their first ever playoff position. The 6’5 former academy player has signed his first contract with the Berkshire club and will be hoping to use his experience with the Great Britain Under 20’s squad to contribute again this year. He said“I am really happy to be given the opportunity to come back and play this season after

finishing in the academy and I will be doing everything I can to help the team win some silverware this year. I can’t wait until the season starts as I have missed playing competitively and I am looking

forward to linking up with my new teammates." Rockets will be announcing some exciting new signings in due course. Follow the Rockets on social media; Facebook, Twitter, and

Instagram - @rocketsreading or check out the club’s website - www.readingrockets.co.uk Media@readingrockets.co.uk Basketball Hotline 0118 926 3040 www.readingrockets.co.uk Credit to: Alan Mousley

SPORTS| SPORT ON CAMPUS

SPORT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

TRY Reading University Rugby League DAVID JACK CANHAM 3rd Year Geography

WHETHER you have played for years, fancy a change from Rugby Union, or have never even picked up an odd shaped ball, Reading University Rugby League welcomes you to come along and give rugby league a try! Who are we? We are a team from all backgrounds and experience levels with a lot in common; a desire to play an enjoyable yet competitive sport, develop strong friendships regardless of age or background, and broaden our experience at Reading in doing so. We view everyone equally, understand people have various commitments throughout their time here, and that sport at University should be enjoyable before anything else. The club is made up of freshers to finalists, and this year our new committee would love to meet you, get you involved and see you become an active member of the squad. Our plans for this season kick off with our taster session on Tuesday, September 26

Over 150 Sport Societies at UoR? Look no further, join the best

at 1pm on “the Paddock”, the fields opposite Park Bar, behind Mackinder Halls. Wear some boots and something comfortable, it won’t be contact based. Here, you can meet us, ask us any questions you may have, and get some insight into what we can offer you this year. Last year, the club developed greatly with membership soaring, player’s skills enhancing, and the achievement of BUCS South Eastern 1A Champions for the first time in Reading’s history. Our foremost aim this season is to see another intake of players with the mindset and ethos of our team – welcoming, inclusive, and passionate to succeed. Tackling our cup fixtures, our goal is then to retain the League Trophy and get involved once again in the Varsity against Oxford Brooks. We also look to pass through the year with a tour, the destination yet to be confirmed, and the welcoming of a new and experienced coach (so don’t worry, you won’t be the

only new face). Off the field, our new Social Secretary, Sam Bussell, already has a few ideas up his sleeve which aim to make your integration quick and enjoyable, and give you the opportunity to make even more friends during joint socials with other University clubs, including Women’s Rugby Union and Athletics. Other than Sam, our new committee this year includes our President, Rhys Davies, and Vice, Dave Canham; Captains, Sam Jones and Josh Bull; Club-Coordinator, Robert Morgan; Treasurer, Chris Lane, and Welfare Officer, Josh Dalton. We’re all really excited for what next season has to offer and get you involved with all aspects of the team. So, fancying trying out something new? Try Reading University Rugby League. See you on the Tuesday, September 26 at 1pm. Questions? Please, don’t hesitate to get in contact – Email rurlknights@outlook.

Boat Club Looking For Further International Success Promo article for RUBC ANNA SMART

3rd Year English Lit and Classical Studies

READING University Boat Club are looking forward to another successful season after topping off last year with international success at The European University Games in Subotica, Serbia. Seven boats represented Great Britain and Reading University at this event and they came away with a gold medal in the lightweight men’s quad, and a bronze medal in the open women’s quad. This followed a year of highs and historical results for the boat club. Notable results include the men’s quad placing fifteenth at The Fours Head of the River, the highest placing the University have ever had with an all student crew. The women performed at an impressive level too, coming seventh. The boat club also achieved at BUCS events throughout the year. At BUCS

head they received medals in all three of the women’s quad events as well as winning gold in both the lightweight and inter quads on the men’s side. Medals continued to be won at BUCS regatta where the beginners had their first foray into regatta racing and the men’s beginner quad managed to come away with a bronze medal. The seniors also performed well picking up multiple medals. Henley Royal Regatta was the next challenge for the boat club and they rose to it, with the men’s quad getting through to the semi final and the women’s quad to the quarter finals, a huge result for Reading University. Last year’s results were amazing but we continue to aim even higher. Olly Dix, previously men’s captain and now president of RUBC said “We cant wait to build on the successes of recent years at the

Boat Club and are excited for the potential this year brings.” If you’re interested in taking up rowing and joining one of the most successful sports teams on campus there will be sessions for beginners at the Sports Park every Saturday starting on the Saturday, September 30 until the Saturday, October 21. These will be from 11:45am till 1:45pm and will involve a range of skill building including improving fitness and technical work on the rowing machines. If you have rowed before and would like to get involved with the senior squad then please get in contact with the boat club by emailing annarubysmart@icloud.com. If anyone would like any more information then either get in contact or find the boat club at the sports and societies fair where everyone there will be happy to answer any questions.

com or find us on FB at ‘Reading University Rugby

League’, send us a message and we’ll get back to you. Credit to: Harry Ellis

Women's Football JODY MANN

2nd Year German & English Lit.

YOUR society's new committee's manifestos/ideas? As we are a brand new set of committee members this year, we wanted to go the extra mile in giving our members the best experience. Our main ideas include getting more tickets to watch games at Madejski Stadium for free, as we have done a couple of times in the past year. We also want to introduce more of a mix of drinking AND non-drinking events/socials What the society will do during and after Fresher’s Week? During fresher’s we will be at the society fair, probably with a few hands-on activities that people can get involved with such as keepy-uppy challenges and shooting practice. We have two taster sessions that we hold in the second and third weeks. We welcome everyone with any ability. Unlike many sports teams, we don't turn people away if they aren't good enough. We will also be holding Initiation for our new members, for a chance to get to know everyone and to introduce them to the social side of the club. Reasons why people should consider joining your society? The main reasons that current members say they love RUWFC is because of the chance to make new friends. We have two teams: 1st and 2nd. I am in the seconds’ team, and was an absolute beginner like most of my friends. We

just wanted to have a casual kick about with occasional games and no pressure, and that allowed us to really bond as a second team. Firsts are much more serious about it, so if there are fresher’s or even current students that are worried that the standard won't be high enough, the first team is still challenging. I think that the mix between the casual and serious teams makes us a perfect society to join. We also provide unique opportunities for our members. For example, last week we trained on the Madejski Stadium pitch. We also have two professional female coaches from Reading FC who are really friendly and approachable. - What your society has achieved during the 2016/17 academic year? Our biggest achievement over the last academic year has been to increase the amount of interest in women's football. We have seen membership numbers increase dramatically over the last few years with emphasis on the amount of beginners who are joining, which is fantastic! We are being recognised more and more as an important society, so much so that our President for 2016/17 dined with Sir John Madejski, VC David Bell, Reading Manager and Ex-Man United player Jaap Stam last week. We feel that this proves how much work the club and past committees have put into RUWFC.

| SPORTS

Swimming Club Ultimate SPORT ON CAMPUS

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ADAM WILLIAM BATEOSN PhD Meteorology

THIS September, you should join Reading University Swimming Club! We are proud of the inclusive, friendly environment the club provides and welcome swimmers of all abilities. Whether you are looking for a chance to compete at National level, a relaxed sports club where you can exercise with friends, or just a way to escape from the library for a few hours, we are happy to accept you into the club. We currently have five pool-based sessions and one land training session a week split across mornings and evenings; this provides plenty of opportunities to access pool time at a much cheaper rate than local pools. Furthermore, with so many sessions it is easy to accommodate swimming around your other commitments. All sessions are coached by one of our friendly committee members, giving you access to somebody with significant swimming experience who can help you achieve your targets. We have a packed competition schedule throughout the year. This year we took large teams to both the BUCS short-course and long-

course meets in Sheffield, and next year we hope to also enter the BUCS team championships. These events prove to be the highlights of the competition year, providing a great opportunity to compare how we’re doing as a club against other University teams from across the UK. As with many of the University sports, we also compete in Varsity against Oxford Brookes and enjoy the annual opportunity to prove that we are the better squad! This year we were invited to the Cambridge relay gala for the first time and hope to once again attend in October. We’re also hoping to coordinate with other local clubs to arrange further galas for next year, so watch this space. The club has gone from strength to strength in competitions this year. Multiple club records have fallen with a particular strength in the relay events. However, as to be expected from a Reading University team, we are never content and intend to further knock down those records next year. Whilst we are committed to swimming hard, socials remain a significant part of club life. Our social secretary, Freya, has already planned the first social of the new academic year with a Baywatch theme, and is currently planning the club’s

participation in a swimming tour in Lloret De Mar, Spain in 2018. All members of the club are encouraged to attend social events, as it fosters a good atmosphere in training sessions. We recognise, however, that not everyone enjoys the more traditional social scene so we intend to arrange a variety of socials over the next year, including café breakfasts after morning sessions, and trips to local leisure activities such as the trampoline park. It should be noted that all socials are voluntary. If you just want to swim and no more, then that is also great. If you're interested in joining the swimming club, please look out for us at the sports fresher’s fayre in September. This provides a chance for you to meet the committee and to ask any questions you may have. We'll have information regarding taster sessions, training times, and details of the first socials. In the meantime please refer to either our webpage (https://www.rusu. co.uk/sports/RUSwimming/) or contact us via email (ruswimmingclub@gmail. com) for more information. Also, check out our brand new Instagram and twitter accounts (@ruswimming). We look forward to meeting you in September!

Frisbee

JAMES CARR & BETH ARDEN 2nd Year Math & Ecology

ULTIMATE Frisbee is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports, and here is the reason why: Everyone knows the basics; when you’re growing up you throw Frisbees for fun in the park, and so do we, but with a bit more going on.

"We have had huge success this year across all of our teams" Whilst playing Ultimate, you cannot move with the disc, so you pass the disc from player to player down the pitch, scoring by catching the disc in the endzone. We have had huge success this year across all of our teams, with our Women’s Team qualifying for Women’s Outdoor Nationals, our Mixed Team coming 23rd at Mixed Outdoor Nationals, and our Men's Team achieving 3rd place in the BUCS League and becoming semi finalists in the Conference Cup.

We are looking to continue, and build upon, our success going into next year. If you want to help your University attend National Competitions, or just want to see what Frisbee is all about and give it a go, come along to one of our taster sessions, which will be running for the first 2 weeks of term, from 6-8pm on the paddock next to Mackinder. All skill levels are welcome; most people have never played before coming to University, and you will be in good hands with our European champion coaches. Come along, you might just discover you’re a natural! If you see anyone throwing a disc around campus, please come over, have a chat, and join in, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

"come along to one of our taster sessions, which will be running for the first 2 weeks of term"

Credit to: Marie Patrick &Ryan Cumming

SPORTS| BUCS LEAGUE TABLES

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‘Kiwi’s Clinch Championship’ Women’s Rugby World Cup Final 2017

I hope one positive to come out of today is that another girl goes out and takes up this brilliant sport. Credit to: Jumpy News/A Adam/Strusslers

MANON JONES Sports Editor

ENGLAND’S Red Roses played phenomenally in the World Cup Finals against New Zealand in what was the most viewed women’s rugby match of all time. This was an important game for both teams as it could go either way having seen the Lionesses beat New Zealand in June earlier this year and the Kiwi’s remaining undefeated against England in their fight for the World Championship title. It’s the defending champions against the four-time champions. It’s England’s fifth straight World Cup final and their fourth against the Black Ferns. England lost the previous three, finishing runners-up in 2002, 2006 and 2010, and the rivalry between the two is huge.

This was fullback Emily Scarratt’s third World Cup and she congratulated her teammates on the momentum they have helped to generate for women’s rugby throughout the tournament. “It makes you feel really humble that you have girls back home watching you and you are helping to inspire them as well as the next generation.” Over the past few years women’s rugby has grown in recognition and especially women’s sports in general seeing more promotions for tournaments, and matches gaining more TV coverage. This summer has been a huge success for women’s sports such as the women’s cricket team winning their tournament and women’s football squad reaching the semi-finals. The previous taboos

Credit to: Jumpy News/A Adam/Strusslers

surrounding female sports appear to be dissolving, which is great news for the athletes and those who want to take up the game. One of these is the misconception that you will be hurt if you play a sport, yet a statement made by the RFU has crushed this as they planned to double female participation by 2021 and have successfully reached their target ahead of schedule. The ones to watch for the England side for the finals included Scarratt who had scored four tries and thirty five carries throughout the numerous matches, Katie Maclean’s superb kicking game that has reached a whole new level and England’s youngest try scorer and prop Sarah Bern who secured the team’s place in the final by scoring the winning point against the French. The match kicked off with both sides giving their national anthems as well as the Black Ferns providing their awe inspiring version of the Hakka which made many fans swell with pride. The first half sped off in what was the fasted paced game of

the year with the first try scored by New Zealand’s tiny fullback tanking past the England plays with a huge grin on her face. Commentators stated the New Zealand’s 15 could “run for a bus and break through walls” proving to ladies that you do not have to be built like a powerhouse to break England’s defensive line. Comparing the two sides, England throughout the competition have had

"[New Zealand] showed their intensity with some brutal carries by Aroha Savage but our players were not ready to back down."

the best ruck success out of any team and they certainly showed what they were made of in this full throttle first half by having the majority of the ball’s possession, especially in the line outs and driving forwards in the mauls. A snapshot roundup of England’s first-half highlights included a fantastic hand off by their loose forward Abbie Scott sitting her opponent on the ground, Katie Mclean’s astonishing high ball catch, the second scrum against the Black ferns where the Red Roses managed to drive through despite one of the front row having her arm caught and forcing the Kiwi’s to stand up, and some spectacular carries made by Alex Matthew famed for being England’s top tackler. Referee Joy Neville kept the ladies in check making sure that all tries and tackles were up to RFU standards with the help of the TMO crew as well as reminding players the safety of play when she sent off a New Zealand player for not safely lowering her opponent in a tackle. When the first half began

BUCS LEAGUE TABLES

SPORT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK Credit to: Jumpy News/A Adam/Strusslers

squad, which is rare to see in games and probably a risky move from England’s coach, yet he had faith in his squad. This was met with a series of tries including a hat trick by New Zealand’s prop Toka Natua and scrum half Kendra Cocksedge bossing the second half with the score now 36-25 to the Kiwi’s.

Statistics

2.65 million viewers watched the final on live TV 211 points scored by England in 5 games 8 average number of tries per match 33 tries scored by England to draw to a close, there was pandemonium in Belfast when England’s wing Lydia Thompson scored her second try of the match out wide fighting her way over the line leading to a nice conversion kick by Scarratt, bringing the half time score to 17-10 to the Roses.

were not ready to back down with lock Charmaine Smith crashing over the try line followed shortly by Lydia Thompson catching the ball

and flying past players to nudge England into the lead with 25-24. Interchanges came on for the full front row of the England

England now needed two converted tries to draw level with New Zealand who had stamped their name on the ball with 80 percent of possession so far.

| SPORTS

The ladies were doing all they could to wrestle the half back from the New Zealand stronghold, pressuring them into making mistakes. One of these included the New Zealand captain Leslie Ketu being sent off for having a negative body position when going into the ruck placing her hands beyond the ball. England looked like they were making a comeback with only a few minutes to go making a swift try from a try line maul driven by Issy Noel-Smith and beautifully converted by Scarratt however in the final thirty seconds New Zealand kept the ball in tight to eat the time up and screamed their approval when the match was over with the final score 32-41 to New Zealand.

"there was pandemonium in Belfast when England’s wing Lydia Thompson scored her second try."

Credit to: Jumpy News/A Adam/Strusslers

"It makes you feel really humble that you have girls back home watching you and you are helping to inspire them as well as the next generation." The second half of the final saw New Zealand assert their authority by forcing the England ladies to give away two penalties and the first try being scored and converted by them bringing the points level. They showed their intensity with some brutal carries by Aroha Savage but our players The Spark Newspaper is designed and typeset by students at the University of Reading. Printed at Newbury News Limited, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG12 2DW. Published and funded by Reading University Students’ Union, contact: studentengagement@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 Editor 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.

SPORTS| SPORTS FANS AND KIT TIPS

The Beautiful Game and Me - Why I love football

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Glenton reveals her passion for footy in a rare insight to being a sporting fan. SARA GLENTON 3rd Year English Literature

FOR my friends and family who don't like football or know much about it, it can be difficult to understand why I love it so much. "It's just 11 men kicking a ball on a pitch, what's special about that?" they say. Even quoting Bill Shankly's famous saying about football being more important than life or death only results in sighs and strange looks. I'll admit, I have often struggled to explain to people my complete obsession with 'the beautiful game,' but that is what I am going to do. In essence, football is just a game, but as any dedicated fan will tell you, it is so much more meaningful than that. I remember when I first became interested in football at the age of 12, during the 2010 World Cup. I had no concept of the laws of the game, or who any of the players were, and yet I felt this buzz, this feeling that I had discovered something special. That passion quickly

grew, and football continues to enthral me to this day. The rush that I get from football truly cannot be compared to any other feeling. The first Match of the Day of the season, Champions League finals, your team scoring a lastminute winner, staying up late to watch the transfer window Deadline Day programme on Sky Sports - these things may seem like nothing major but they feel exhilarating.

the departure of your favourite players, and failure on an international level can also be hard to take, when you are as invested as I am. However, through the

highs and the lows of a football season, the one thing that remains constant is the feeling that you are a part of something. I have forged many friendships based on a shared

love of football, and no matter how well or badly my team is doing, the football community is always there, for banter, discussion, or just a shoulder to cry on. Like all sports, football has its critics, and there are some people who will never understand it or appreciate it. One thing is for certain though - football truly is the beautiful game, and my life is much more interesting for it. Credit to: Sam Javanrouh

"The rush that I get from football truly cannot be compared."

There are lows involved in football too, when your team falls short - Manchester United losing the Premier League on goal difference to Manchester City in 2012 is still a particularly sore spot for me. Other things like relegation,

Your Ultimate Kit Guide Manon, our Sports Editor, guides you though the essentials when starting a new sport MANON JONES Sport Editors

STARTING a new sport at University can always be a daunting task. Not only are you going blind into the game but you will be given the chance to mix with a great bunch of people who are just as passionate about the game as you are. It also helps to be prepared when it comes to those all-important upcoming matches. Not to worry. We have put together your ultimate kit guide so you will not have to chase your mates for spare socks!

Fabulous Footwear:

This should be an obvious one, but a good pair of boots, trainers, or dancing shoes of all sorts go a long way. If you are playing a contact sport which is on grass, check what type

of boots you are going to need with the society you plan to join before investing in a good pair. A back up pair is a safe bet as well in case you lose them on campus.

Protect Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself:

Most teams on campus will supply guards and helmets for combat sports such as Lacrosse, American football and Riding. However this all depends on what society you are hoping to join as they will have specific requirements of what gear you may need to bring with you so please make sure you do your research. Mouth guards are a go-to if you wish to preserve your pearly whites. If you want to prevent injuries it is always handy to have your own personal basic first aid kit for bumps and scrapes.

Looking Your Best:

Having a something comfortable to train in is always a plus. Make sure you have a spare top to put on after a session so you are not dealing with smelly kit. A raincoat or hoodie to wear to keep you warm and dry from the elements is a useful option to bring to matches when you are waiting to go on. It will also keep you nice and snug when training in the winter months. Why not invest in some leggings or skins to add another layer of comfort to your sporting wardrobe this season?

Hydration Is Key:

Water is essential. Investing in a large clearly marked water bottle is a must when it comes to taking part in any physical activity. On average we drink around six to eight litres a day to improve our concentration and help us stay hydrated.

DANCE ON CAMPUS

Reading University Swing Put on your dancing shoes and into your year at Reading Dance Society swing with the Swing Dance Society. SPORT@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

RACHAEL CLARK 2rd Year English Literature

THIS year, we are holding more non-dancing socials, giving you the chance to chat with all the new people you'll meet - coffee mornings, union nights, nights out in town. We will be hosting regular Sunday workshops with external teachers, so you can learn loads of new moves and routines. We are organising live music for nearly every dance social we hold, supporting the local artists that share our passion for vintage tunes. In the first two weeks, you'll be able to find us hanging out and dancing in the Quad on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, at our welcome classes on the Wednesdays and Fridays, and at the Sports Fayre. We're going to the Student Union after class finishes on

Wednesday, and we're going to the Oakford Social Club pub quiz on the following Monday. Join us because we are completely beginner friendly and really affordable (only £2 per class). Most of us had never danced a step in our lives before joining and we know we can get you up to speed in no time. You don't need to bring a dance partner, just your lovely selves. Last Academic year, we achieved the 5 Star Society status for the second year running and we were a runner up for the Best Society award.

Credit to: Sophia Brahan

*Reading University Swing Dance Society (RUSDS)* www.rusds.wordpress.com @RUSwingDanceS twitter. com/RUSwingDanceS> Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/ rulindyhoppers/>!

'Shake It Off'

Credit to: Bellydancing Society

The Bellydancing Society spice up RUSU with their summer spectacular. Credit to: Bellydancing Society

ALICE CHANNING

4rd Year Speech and Language Therapy

ON Saturday, June 3, the Reading University Bellydance Society took part in the Summer Spectacular bellydance moves, as well as bellydance showcase. incorporating samba-styles of "It was brilliant to dance. The show consisted of be able to watch lots of bellydance groups performing pieces they too had dancers of all been working on throughout the year. There was a diverse abilities" range of styles of bellydance; It was the society’s first ever from a traditional Moroccan public performance, which tea dance to a jazz fusion piece, was hugely exciting. Our even one to Oriental dubstep. fantastic coach Rosella Kench We were also lucky enough had choreographed a dynamic to witness ‘Zara’ perform, as drum piece to “El Geneyya” she is a world-famous belly by Hossam Ramzy. We worked dancer from Cairo. Mid-way on the choreography during the through the show there was a spring term; which included fantastic summer lunch buffet, learning new traditional which gave us a chance to chat

to other dancers and to marvel at the colourful and gorgeous costumes! We also managed a spot of shopping from the wonderful souk too. , and we felt privileged to have the opportunity to dance and showcase our hard work. The society put on a fantastic first performance, and all had a great afternoon!A massive thank you goes to our coach for all her dedication, enthusiasm and unfailing positivity. We are looking forward to hopefully performing in the Snowflake Spectacular on Saturday, December 11, with our new choreography.

READING ROCKETS See how the Reading Rockets basketball team are shaping up ahead of this season.

SPORTS & DANCE SOCIETIES Find out what the societies have got up their sleeves for this year.

MEET THE SUPER FAN Have a passion for footy? Why not read up on what it means to be a super fan of this beautiful game.

ULTIMATE KIT GUIDE Forgotten your socks or lost your gum shield? Never fear your ultimate kit guide is here to help.

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MANON JONES Sports Editor

SPORT

Farewell to the Legends Find out how the sporting greats faired in the London Athletics. MANON JONES

4rd Year Art & English Literature

THIS year saw the London Athletics return to the Olympic Park, where in 2012 many saw performances from athletic giants such as Sir Chris Hoy and Nicola Adams. The athletics was no exception in this, showcasing awe inspiring sporting moments and even making some memories for the history books. Team GB broke a world record with their men’s relay team winning gold for the first time, as well as the women’s relay team placing second who were cheering the lads along. Besides the track events there were some notable performances from the other events such as Grabarz’s high jump attempts, which had the whole crowd clapping along. There was also discus, which is always entertaining to watch as you question what happens if they over rotate and potentially take out a fan The tournament also gave

spectators the chance to say their farewells to sporting legends such as Mo Farrah, who ran several track events and secured his championship title. Farrah has always been a huge supporter of the athletics and is set to run his final race in the Diamond League in Zurich. Farrah stated: “To be honest, to have achieved what I have achieved has been incredible. All I ever wanted to do is run for Great Britain. Now it is finally done.”

"Besides the track events there were some notable performances from the other events such as Grabarz’s high jump attempts."

"Farrah has always been a huge supporter of the athletics and is set to run his final race."

The London Athletics also saw Bolt run his penultimate race. It was sad to see that in the men’s relay race he was unable to finish due to his injury towards the end of the competition. However it was great to see his fellow Jamaican teammates running over to help him off the track in the last lap of honour for the fans. These two men have helped not only promote athletics along with their fellow sportsmen but inspire their nations to take up sport and the future sporting greats for generations to come. Credit to: Marie - Lu Jones

Credit to: Marie - Lu Jones