Picketing for Pensions - Spark's March issue

M O N D AY 12 MAR 2018

VOL 76 ISSUE NO. 5 FREE

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R U S U R E S U LT S Interviews with the new RUSU full-time officers

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50 SHADES Inconsistancies galore in the latest installment of the Grey franchise

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PICKETING Have a look at some of our lectures on strike

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DEFEND THE REALM Varsity is back, can Reading defend the title?

M AY-J O R R E V I E W I N TO T U I T I O N F E E S - S E E P A G E 0 3 NICK SELENSKY

Picketing for Pensions LAUREN COLLARD 2nd Year English Literature

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S tensions grow between striking university staff and those proposing significant changes to their pension schemes, both staff and students are becoming increasingly frustrated with the disruptions.

From the ver y first day of the proposed strikes, a number of staff have gathered together to spread awareness of their cause

It’s mixed opinions from students.

We’re getting more and more picketers every day.

through the means of handing out flyers and picketing with hopes of shortening the period of the strike.

O n Tu e s d a y, F e b r u ar y 27, Chiara Cirillo, an ISLI lecturer was asked about the response she is receiving from picketing outside of SportsPark by the main entrance of the u n i v e r s i t y.

“I would say it is a mix. More students are showing support, there is a petition continued on page 07 ...

LAURA MCCARTHY

NEWS | PAGE 2

Emer Scully PRINT EDITOR

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HIS is my final Spark issue after 12 months as your Print Editor. It has been a rollercoaster of a journey working hard each month to bring you the latest news, fashion, sports and entertainment articles, and now it’s come to an end. On that note I think it’s important I take this final editorial as an opportunity to thank everyone who has worked so hard over the past year to make this paper what it is today.

Victoria Purcell, RUSU’s societies and media coordinator, thank you for your constant support and efforts. Without you we could not run, and your enthusiasm and love of media is really appreciated. From helping with our design crises

ALEXIA LAVENDER Deputy Print Editor

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S week 11 of spring term approaches, there will undoubtedly be many things on the average finalist’s mind: dissertations, exams, applying for jobs (that is if you want to get a job straight after graduating - read Harriet’s editorial for a much more exciting and adventurous alternative), and trying to upkeep some sort of social life.

Now, I’m no career advisor, but I hope some of this advice will be useful to you, no matter what year you are in, if you don’t know what to do after uni. Firstly, a big shout out to the Careers Service at our university. It is the sole job of a brilliant team of career advisors to make you have the best chance of getting the job you want by ensuring your CV is in check, your cover letter is word-perfect and your interview skills are on point. Taking part in work experience and internships is also an excellent way to help you figure out what you want to do. It was through a summer internship last year that resulted in the realisation that I didn’t want to work in that particular industry (ironically, it was journalism). Plus, work experience and internships are pretty much essential for your CV no matter what career you enter into in the future, and are some-

and organising an amazing training day at Thorpe Park, to spending days interviewing the new team and always immediately responding to an email, the work you do is brilliant.

Charlotte O’Leary, our current Full-Time Activities Officer, thank you for caring about media just as much as sport, societies and all your other commitments. From featuring our newspaper in your officer photograph at the beginning of your role, to ensuring our bi-monthly meetings allow you to support us as much as we need, and putting up with me constantly popping into your office to see if you have any news. You’ve been wonderful to work with. thing you can partake in whether you are first or final year. Take a career quiz! This might end up being a bit of fun rather than telling you the exact job you’re suited to There are some excellent websites that offer these sorts of quizzes, career profiles and general advice on job hunting. But what if you do not know if you even want a full-time job straight after uni? There are so many options open to students after completing a degree - gap years, travelling, part-time jobs, volunteering, or even completing another degree if you haven’t had enough of studying. Whether you know what you want to do after uni or not, I hope you can use at least some of this advice to help plan your future, whatever it may hold. As cliché as the saying is, the world is your oyster – so why not dream big?

On a final note, as this is the last issue of The Spark I will be deputy editing alongside Harriet, I wanted to thank everyone who has been involved in producing The Spark in the last year, and to everyone who has read it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a fantastic team, and although it has been far from plain sailing I assure you, I can say with confidence that it has been one of the highlights of my time at Reading. So thank you and good luck!

My team; Harriet, Alexia, Ari, Phaidra, Zoe, Jess, Laura S, Laura M, Manon, Sally and Eden. Thank you for the hours and hours of work you put in every month. Regardless of your degree, social life, and other commitments you always get the job done, and get it done well. I know you’ll all do amazingly at life and wish you all the best.

Special thanks go to Eden and her design team. Designing a whole newspaper within three days is stressful work, and as a previous entertainment editor who spent hours designing the section I know it is not an easy job. To be given the role of Head of Design and immediately produce a brand new newspaper template is

HARRIET SALMONS Deputy Print Editor

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O this is the last issue of The Spark that I’m deputy editing, and the end of this has reminded me of the oh-so-near-and-frightening end of uni, and subsequently, the beginning of “proper” adulthood.

At the beginning of this year, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do – I was genuinely debating finding a sugar daddy so that I wouldn’t have to accept responsibility and decide what to do with the rest of my life even though I’ve barely lived any of it. But over enhancement week I forced myself to spend a few days just looking through the options and figuring out some kind of plan. The first day was absolutely horrible, because all I knew is that I didn’t want to live in England. I had no clue what jobs to look for, and no idea what country to look at, I just knew that England was not the place for me.

My family have always repeated that line, “you can do anything,” and I think

amazing, and our new look is incredible, so thank you Eden for sharing your Indesign genius with us.

After working with this newspaper for two years it is going to be so strange to have nothing to do with the next issue. However, Georgia Courtney-Cox has spent the last couple of weeks being dragged along to meetings, bombarded with information about how we run

the paper, and even spent a morning covering the strike picketing in freezing temperatures, so I trust she’ll do a fabulous job as your new Print Editor. Georgia, just remember articles are not like essays, and students don’t need us to cover national or international stories unless they have a Reading student twist, and you’ll go far. Best of luck with the role, I know you’ll smash it.

that’s what made it so terrifying – there’s so much out there and being told that it’s all possible makes it absolutely impossible to narrow down the options!

In terms of practicality, in order to live in most of the countries I was looking at originally (e.g. the USA), you need to have a Visa, and to get the Visa you need to have a job, but you can’t get the job without a Visa – a completely insane and impossible task.

And then, I discovered Australia. Obviously I knew it existed and I’d always wanted to visit, but I’d never thought of it as somewhere I could actually go. A few of my friends spent a year or so travelling Australia, which made me look into Visas, and lo and behold, you can get a working holiday Visa for a year, and you don’t even need a job to apply!

This completely raised my spirits and I continued my life planning with renewed vigour.So now, I have plans.

I didn’t want to settle in England with a nine to five job just because that’s what people expect from graduates, but I also don’t have the

money to take a gap year, so now, I can go to Australia and (hopefully) never come back. It’s so exciting to think about and I’m no longer left wanting to vomit at the thought of leaving uni.

I feel like so much pressure is put on people to settle in graduate jobs as soon as they leave uni, but for some people it’s just not the way to go; if you don’t want to stay here, don’t – if you don’t want to get an “adult” job yet, don’t. Anything is possible, and you can do anything (yup, that annoying phrase again), so take the time and force yourself to make those scary decisions.

Anyway, moving on from the trying-but-failing-to-be-inspirational rant, it has honestly been so great to be a deputy editor for The Spark alongside Alexia.

It’s so rewarding to see your creation brought to life, and everyone in The Spark team is amazing. Thank you for continuing to read the paper, and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this issue (perhaps as a stress reliever for when it feels like you have no plans for your future).

Peace out - you got this.

STRAW SWAP!

PICKETING

V OT E 1 0 0

RUSU swap the old plastic straws for biodegradable alternatives

Interviews from the lecturers’ picketing line

A report on the celebration of 100 years since women got the vote

PA G E 9

PA G E 7

PA G E 8

news PHAIDRA ROBINSON ZOE OSMAN CO-NEWS EDITORS

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n a month of f rosty temperatures, and even f rostier relations between the striking staff and the university management as picketing begins, we’ve still managed to f ind plenty of positive things to celebrate across campus!

We have inter views f rom the striking lecturers as they picketed as well as

We’ve still managed to find plent of positive things to celebrate across campus!

indepth inter views with the new RUSU off icers for the new academic year of 2018 to 2019.

The university celebrated feminism and the 100year anniversar y of the first women being able to vote, explored the quirky

We have loved our time working together and with all our writers

facts of Reading, as well as fundraising for the Anthony Nolan charity.

This month has brought in the spirit of renewal, as a new review of higher education by the government, new biodegradable straws were introduced and this f inal issue of The Spark before the new committee star ts has been produced.

We have loved our time working together and with all our writers as C o-News Editors. While

Z oe embarks on life after university, Phaidra will continue to be a par t of The Spark team as News Editor.

If you would like to write for The Spark News S ection in the future, please go to the Facebook group ‘ The Spark News Group’ or email news. spark@reading.ac.uk.

We hope ever yone stays warm and safe in this cold weather and the snow didn’t inconvenience you too much!

May-jor review into tuition fees JASMINE DAVIES 1st Year English Language / Lit

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AY g ave a sp e e ch i n D e rby an nounci ng t he l au nch of a maj or, w i de - rang i ng re v ie w of t he p ost- 18 e du c at ion s e c tor, i nclu d i ng t he f u nd i ng s yste m. May s aid an “e x p e r t p anel” w i l l re c om me nd changes to ma ke it fai re r on student s and t a x p aye rs a li ke.

In an i nte r v i e w on IT V ’s T his Mor n i ng , May a ck now l e dge d t he c onc er ns of stu de nts and t he i r f ami li e s : “ There are s ome qu e st i ons for un ivers it i e s.” May a ls o s ai d, “May b e we shou l d

have more un ivers it i es t hat of fer t wo - ye ar d eg re es r at her t han t hre e.”

She a ls o r ais e d t he d eb ate ab out w het her a l l un i versit ies shou l d charge t he s ame r ates. O ne of L ab our’s mo st f amous prom is es is to ab olish tuit ion fe es, but May s ay s t hat w i l l not happ en b ec aus e of her re v i e w. She argues t hat “shar i ng t he c ost of univers it y e duc at ion b et we en t axp ay ers and t he g radu ates w ho dire c t ly b enef it is a fair pr inc ipl e.” Ab olishing fe es ent irely wou ld me an t ax inc re as es w hi ch wou l d af fe c t me mb ers of t he p opu l at ion w ho d o

not go to un ivers it y. It wou ld a ls o rei nt ro duce a c ap on cours e numb ers .

L ab our a ls o pl an to br i ng b ack mai ntenance g rants , and t he Pr i me Mi n ister ag re e d t hat t he cost of liv i ng for stud ents “ne e ds to b e lo oke d at”.

S o, w hen t his re v i e w ends i n 2 0 1 9 , t here may b e s ome rad i c a l changes to t he tuit i on fe e s y s tem. But one t hi ng mad e cr y st a l cle ar by t he Pr i me Mi n ister is t hat t he y w i l l not b e s crapp e d. S omet hi ng tel ls me t hat tui t i on fe es w i l l b e ma k i ng an app e arance i n Parli ament ar y d eb ates for many ye ars to come.

JASMINE DAVIS

NEWS | PAGE 4

SPARK TEAM P R I N T E D I TO R E M E R S C U L LY EDITOR.SPARK@READING.AC.UK

HARRIET SALMONS

MANON JONES

PHAIDRA ROBINSON

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N E W S E D I TO R ZOE OSMAN PHAIDRA ROBINSON NEWS@SPARKNEWSPAPER.CO.UK

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NEWS | PAGE 5

RUSU Results Rebecca Stevens 2nd Year English Lit / Theatre

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HIS year’s RUSU elections have been an intense journey for all involved, but after weeks of hard work it all came down to Friday, February 23, results evening.

One of the winners of this year’s RUSU elections is Lillie-Mae Firmin, who won the position of Education Officer. When asked why she chose to run for this position she said, “Last year I saw Ed get announced on stage and thought ‘that will be me next year’ I just knew that I wanted to do that”.

One of the key things Lillie-Mae wants to achieve is better relations between staff and students through utilisation of course representatives and feedback from students.

Lillie-Mae also hopes to provide each student with a printing budget. After spending a year at another university where this scheme is already in place she remarked that, “If other unis can do it, why can’t we? ” When asked about university study spaces she said,

Lillie-Mae also hopes to provide each students with a printing budget.

“I just think it needs to be addressed. It’s going to be tough but I think it really needs to be really fought for.

I hope to continue with Ed’s hard work.” Lillie-Mae is determined to put many of these plans into place whilst also continuing the hard work of her predecessor Ed White.

Ali Perry won the position of Activities Officer.

Activities is a key part of the university experience, something which Ali is keen to articulate. Throughout her time at the University of Reading she has always been busy within social and sporting activities, particularly netball. She stated, “My parents have always said it’s not just about the degree it’s about what you do along the way.”

When asked about the key things she wants to achieve

Why haven’t girls been offered an escape that isn’t competitive? Other unis have it to offer a break from stress so why don’t we? during her time as RUSU officer, she said one of her key points was to create a University wide ‘girls league’.

This league aims to provide an opportunity for girls to be involved with sport and societies without having to go for the team, instead just enjoying it as a social activity.

Ali argued, “Why haven’t girls been offered an escape

ALI PERRY

It took me a long time to recover from working that hard and not seeing a result, so I applaud every candidate that gets up and puts the work in. that isn’t competitive? Other unis have it to offer a break from the stress, so why don’t we?” In addition to this, she aims to get more support for matches, “I feel like support in this university could be improved upon, even if that’s just getting the message out there that these events are happening.”

The campaign for Ali was key to her being elected, she used her friendly, kind and easy-going nature to her advantage but says that “Part of the stress of campaigning is you have no idea if it’s being effective.”

Moving forward, Ali hopes to achieve all the things laid out in her manifesto whilst also gaining support and unity between societies and sports clubs across the University through showcases

and joint socials. Finally, when asked how she feels she will stand out in this role she said, “I believe in my ideas and I’m confident to stick up for them.”

Arguably the most coveted and fought for role within RUSU elections each year is the position of President; this year, it was Jason Dabydoyal who was elected to the post. When asked what first motivated him to run for the role, he said, “It was always an aspiration of mine, I didn’t intend to be the President initially but then last year I spoke to Ben and he said ‘just get up and do it’ and I came second. I learnt from the experience of it and now it’s got me here.”

J A S O N D A BY D OYA L

“When you experience a failure like that, not only does it drive you and make you stronger. It took me a long time to recover from working that hard and not seeing a result, so I applaud every candidate that gets up and puts the work in. For me, it gave me an experience that grounds you and humbles you when performing the role.”

Jason is realistic about what can and cannot be achieved, “I also recognise I only have a year to do it, and a year isn’t a very long time to make a lot of change that people will see, so you have to work out what’s best for students.”

“It’s an incredibly turbulent time with what’s going on with the strikes, student diversity, inclusivity, and we have to make sure we find that balance between innovation and making things better, but also fundamentally looking after current students’ needs as well.” This putting the student’s best interests first lies at the heart of Jason’s manifesto.

“I couldn’t believe the result when I heard it. I had to ask for 30 seconds before I went on stage to process the information, and even then I could not believe what I was hearing.”

NEWS | PAGE 6

Following this, the emotion overcame him and he left the stage in tears thanking everyone. “Over 18,000 people could have applied for this job...and the electorate chose 5 of you. It’s a great feeling.”

When asked for his advice for anyone thinking

of running in the future he said simply, “Just run. The experience you gain from it is amazing, you share a very intense experience that not many people get to go through. You share something with the winners and the losers. But when you lose you lose together.”

only will she be fighting for a cause she has been told about by students, but one that she has experienced first-hand.

Nozomi’s main focus for her future career as Diversity Officer is a new inclusivity media campaign.

In her opinion, the way to move on from the previous diversity officer’s work is to create a new website.

This website will mean that all students can be involved in a community without having to take too much time out their day by walking to and attending a

physical event at the university campus.

Physical campus events are still going to be a focus for her but this website will allow students to post recipes, photos of their home towns/cities/countries, photos of their local festivities and articles. It will be for all students and will first approach individual societies to reach the majority of the student body, before spreading university wide. Nozomi is going to be the third diversity officer at the University of Reading, and we are one of the only universities who have had a diversity officer for so long. Nozomi therefore realises that a part of the role is building on the work that has come before from previous officers to create a more inclusive environment.

She knows that a whole university’s culture and

and the introduction of a safe taxi scheme. In an interview with Dan, he explained why he chose to campaign for the Welfare officer position.

“From being the Wessex JCR Welfare Officer, I really found that I care about people, I really care about their wellbeing and how so many different things can affect their lives and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else, as welfare is most important.”

In order to win the election, Dan campaigned through social media and by handing out flyers on campus. He also campaigned online by making a music video parody on Kanye West’s song Stronger to get students to vote for him.

He also posted on several university Fresher’s pages and put up posters around the University. ”The big thing is to get your face out there so that people remember you”.

Dan maintained a continuous online presence and talked to students on campus,

listening to their stories and learnt what he could do to improve their wellbeing.

Every campaign has its ups and downs, and for Dan it was the self-doubt. When he was campaigning he never knew which way it was going to go, quite a few times he would try and approach students and they would simply walk past him making it hard to keep going with the campaign, however he stated, “I am glad that I doubted myself as it made me work harder.”

When asked about what he enjoyed the most while campaigning he said, “I think meeting people that I would have never spoken to normally and talking about what had happened to them or their friend and what things aren’t right and how they need to change”. Hi said he really tried to engage with the students and genuinely wants to changes things for the better.

The first agenda point Dan plans on addressing is the safe taxi scheme.

MIA SKEVINGTON 2nd Year English Literature

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OZOMI Tolworthy decided to apply for the diversity officer position after realising that her dissertation and essays on her film degree all had a common theme: cross cultural experience. Nozomi herself is half Chinese, half English and grew up in Hong Kong. As a result, she herself has found it hard to fit in. When talking to her about this she said: “I personally experienced being ‘inbetween’ as I didn’t feel like I quite belonged within the international societies, but I’m also not a local/home student”.

This experience in belonging and culture has not only spread into her degree but made her realise that she was perfect for the diversity officer role. Not

ALISHA JINDAL English Literature and German

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FTER a week of intense campaigning, RUSU’s new officers were elected.

Dan Bentley, third year English Language student, was elected to be RUSU’s new welfare officer. His manifesto includes combatting sexual harassment and consent on campus, better awareness and help with mental health (specifically male mental health)

ALISHA JINDAL

Just run. The experience you gain from it is amazing, you share a very intense experience

ALISHA JINDAL

This year’s campaign for all officers and roles seemed far quieter than last year’s, with a lower voting turnout than in previous years, which is obviously disappointing for those who have put so much effort into their campaign. When asked why he thought this happened

Jason said, “I feel people might feel distanced from the Students Union due to the strikes.” Taking over from his competition last year, Tristan Spencer, Jason comes across as mature and more than prepared to take on the role of our next Students Union President.

society cannot be changed overnight but she is going to do her best to contribute. She believes she has the skills to change what she needs to change and if she comes across hurdles or resistance she is prepared to compromise.

Nozomi also believes that social media will be a step forward in this area of the role. She thinks that what is key to the student-officer relationship is if the students have all the information about her campaigns available to them.

To do this she will post updates on her officer Facebook or Instagram page for

all to see.

She believes that if students know why some of her manifesto is not possible at certain times then they will understand that it is not from lack of trying that they have not yet been achieved.

Nozomi feels that the way forward is by communication at all levels and she believes that with her new role she will be able to do this by relaying the students’ feelings directly to the management of the university and then feeding back what they say to the students.

Overall the role will give her the authority to make a real difference to the collaboration of all groups at our university, and show that inclusivity is important not just for the minority or the majority, but also those inbetween the categories.

“I want to get the safe taxi scheme in place for Fresher’s week, it could really make a big difference, especially for Freshers who don’t know where they are and a lot of people haven’t been drinking before, so they go out in an unknown place with people they don’t know”.

The safe taxi scheme would help a lot of new students and

make sure they can enjoy their Fresher’s week without worrying about their safety.

Many people contribute to the success of a campaign, and likewise, Dan had many people supporting him. He said, “I want to say thank you to everyone, it really means a lot that people thought that I’d be able to this job - so thank you everyone!”

NOZOMI TOLWORTHY

ALISHA JINDAL

NEWS | PAGE 7

Staff picket in minus temps.

LAUREN COLLARD 2nd Year English Literature

...continued from front page) on Facebook where students are trying to change the RUSU position. That’s my understanding. We’ve just been fed and been given hot drinks by student supporters. It’s mixed opinions from students. We’re getting more and more picketers every day.”

At the London Road pick-

LAURA MCCARTHY

et line, the Associative Director for the Museum of English Rural Life, Isabelle Hughes, said: “We don’t want to strike but it’s such a big issue. The decision about pensions was made very quickly and in an arbitrary way. It’s a last resort”.

She adds that the response she has received is “very positive even by people who doesn’t necessarily agree with it, as they recognise the hardships that faculties will face with the proposed changes. People have gen-

erally been very supportive, even by passing cars that honk as they go by.”

An anonymous picketer urges that ”We would love more students to come down and picket with us.

Those who feel strongly about it should be here.

Picketing has been going really well. We’ve been getting support but it is something people are angry about because normally we don’t want to let our students down at all but it has come to this.”

LAUREN COLLARD

LAURA MCCARTHY

NEWS | PAGE 8

Celebrating Forgotten Women ZOE OSMAN Co-News Editor

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018 marks 100 years since the Representation of the People Act was passed in parliament, allowing the first women to vote. To be a woman and vote in 1918, you had to be over the age of 30 and own at least £5 in property (or have husbands who did).

It seems poignant to share the voices of women who deserve to be remembered Not until the Equal Franchise Act in 1928 were all women over the age of 21 given the vote.

To celebrate the centenary, staff and students

voiced their forgotten heroines on Thursday, February 8 in the Van Emden lecture theatre on Whiteknights campus. This student-led event was hosted by second year English Literature student Imi Snell and third year History student Sophie Crossfield , whose hard work produced an engaging and lively night.

Imi said, “It seems poignant to share the voices of women who deserve to be remembered, even though history has forgotten them.” Organised as part of Imi’s Part 2 work placement, English Literature lecturer Madeleine Davis gave praise for Imi’s “energy, commitment and eye for detail”.

Each student and member of staff gave individual presentations focusing on a different historical female figure who had been previously uncredited or forgotten. From women in science, to female renaissance

writers, to modern feminist figures, there was a huge variety.

After introductions by Modern History lecturer Jacqui Turner, Madeleine Davis then began presentations by addressing the historical issue of women written out of history. She highlighted the work of Constance Garnett, who translated great Russian literature for English audiences. English Literature lecturer Mary Morrissey drew attention to the work of Isabella Whitney, the first woman to publish secular texts. Mary aptly remarked that had the female figures in the bible stayed silent, many biblical events would simply not have taken place.

During a short interval, an exhibition was presented with the help of Guy Baxter from special collections. He also assisted with the popular badge-making stand in the Edith Morley lobby.

Artefacts and information about the Suffragette moment were displayed, with University’s own Madeleine Davis’s suffragette ring from 1918, once belonging to her grandmother. About the event, she said, “The party we held in memory of forgotten, extraordinary women was great fun and we were thrilled to see such strong attendance from students and from senior colleagues. The event showcases the benefits of work placements as well as the skill, intelligence and dedication of our own remarkable students.”

Students Melanie Khuddro, Sian David, Maddie Webster, Rebeca Bird-Lima and Imi Snell all spoke thoughtfully and eloquently on their chosen unrecognised women. From the relevance of Libby Lane’s appointment as first female Church of England bishop in 2015, to one of the most successful pirates in histo-

ry, Ching Shih. Imi said, “It has been a privilege to learn the stories of so many phenomenal women.”

In the final part of the evening there was a short Q&A, where Mary Morrissey spoke of the event’s scope and diversity.

“The variety of experiences we’ve heard about today is the sense in which they are all describing ways of living a life as a woman that was somehow not the prescribed one, not what you were supposed to do.”

With visitors from both inside and outside the University of Reading, there was a strong turnout and it was inspiring to see so many people interested in the history of unrecognised heroines and the centenary of the first women’s vote. A brilliantly organised event with thoroughly engaging talks and a lively atmosphere, it was a wonderful collaboration between staff and students.

NEWS | PAGE 9

Straw Swap!

PHAIDRA ROBINSON Co-News Editor

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USU has introduced a new 5p payment for all straws at their bars, which will now be biodegradable.

From now on, if you want a drink with a straw at any of the union bars, you’re going to have to ask for a straw in advance.

The 5p levy will be add-

reusable straws are readily available online

ed to the total price of the drink, but don’t worry, the drinks will not be changing price.

The move was brought in

by RUSU after students voted with a 75% majority to abolish the plastic straws in favour of this new, environmentally friendly alternative, and all the profits from the straws will be going to charities.

The first event to use this new system was RUSU’s Flux night on Wednesday, February 21, and follows the University of Reading’s reputation as an institution that cares about the environment after it was awarded the Green Gown Award in November 2017 for reducing our carbon emissions by 35%, compared to 2008/09.

Kyle Smith is the Environmental and Ethics parttime officer for RUSU who has helped push this campaign forward.

For those who do not want to pay the 5p, he advised that “reusable straws are readily available online and can help decrease our plastic waste output even

further.”

Although the charities are yet to be confirmed, he has also said that the potential options include The Conservation Volunteers, a local volunteer group, or the Berks, Bucks and Oxon wildlife trust (BBOWT) who “deal with conservation and ecology for wildlife in Reading and the surrounding areas.”

The new straws will hopefully be an example set for other universities and make students at the University of Reading consider that if changing something as small as a straw can have a positive impact, what other changes can we make to combat the effects of humans on the environment?

PHAIDRA ROBINSON

PHAIDRA ROBINSON

NEWS | PAGE 10

Reading Marrow’s Find Your Match RILEY ZANDER 2nd Year English Literature with Creative Writing

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EADING Marrow, a student branch of the Anthony Nolan charity, hosted a spring charity fundraising party on Monday, February 26. It was a fun, vibrant night which brought students together to ‘Find Your Match’ by creating a space to socialise and mingle, especially for

I thought a socialising event where people ... could come and mingle would be perfect

WILLIAM RIMLINGER

those who are also single.

Not only did students get to meet new people, but the event also raised awareness of the group of student volunteers and the charity it supports. There were many balloons, amazing raffle prizes, and brilliant live music; it was a chill Monday evening to relax.

Reading is one of many universities that has a student group like ours. We have been active for four years now, and our group is growing not only in recognition, but also in leading an open experience in helping others by signing up students as potential donors. The more people that are on the register, the higher chances that those diagnosed with blood

cancer can be cured.

Isabella Coley, President of Reading Marrow was asked about the creation of the fundraiser and how she felt the event turned out.

What brought on this idea?

“I wanted to do a fundraiser for Marrow where everyone could have fun and also get to raise money for charity! I thought a socialising event where people in relationships could come and have fun, and single people could come and mingle would be perfect! The raffle added an extra bonus!

We wanted as many people to come as possible.”

What are your expectations by creating this event?

“I’m expecting that more people will know about and be interested in Marrow, and that we’ll be able to raise over £500! This kind of event is perfect to get people involved but in a fun way, and

I think from this event we’ll get more people involved within our society.”

What do you want people to take away?

“I want people to take away a new awareness of Marrow, and a great night.

I’m hoping people will feel they had a lot of fun and tried something new, and obviously won some great prizes from our raffle and lucky dip.”

I want people to take away a new awareness of Marrow and a great night.

How do you think it turned out?

“It turned out amazingly; I’m so proud of my committee and everyone who worked so hard to make it happen! The performers were incredible, so many people came and I know we’ve exceeded our target of £500 which is incredible!”

I agree it was a successful night. As a proud committee member and fellow volunteer of Reading Marrow myself, there is a good sense of fulfilment knowing that we could actually make a difference when signing someone up to a list that could one day potentially save someone’s life. We’d like to commend them as selfless heroes.

If you would like to know more about us and Anthony Nolan, you can look up their website and find ‘Reading Marrow’ on Facebook. Let us know if you’re interested in volunteering as well.

NEWS | PAGE 11

8 Quirky Facts About Reading CHLOE SEFTON 2nd Year English Literature

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EADING is a town with plenty of interesting secrets that many residents don’t know about.

Whether you’ve lived here all your life or you’ve only moved here recently for university, you’re sure to learn something new by reading these quirky facts about Reading. Despite having a reputation as being disappointingly ordinar y, this town has a surprisingly interesting histor y!

Foxhill House was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect who also designed the Natural Histor y Museum.

That’s right, that Gothic-looking building on Whiteknights campus (also known as the Law building) was built in 1868 by Alfred Waterhouse. It was his sole residence until the early 1870s when he moved into another building he had

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Despite having a reputation as being disappointingly ordinary, this town has a surprisingly interesting history

designed. Waterhouse was known for designing the Natural Histor y Museum in London in 1881. Foxhill House is a Grade II* listed building.

Jane Austen attended the Abbey School in Reading.

For any fans of literature, it might be interesting to know that Jane

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Austen attended the Reading Abbey Girls’ School, now known as the Abbey School, in 1785. Jane and her sister, Cassandra, attended the school un-

Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins travelled as fas as Africa and Tibet

til December 1786. They were sent home from what was then a boarding school due to not being able to afford the school fees. Austen is most famous for writing novels such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, and ‘Emma’.

The famous biscuit company, Huntley & Palmers, originates from Reading.

Founded in 1822, Huntley & Palmers was one of the world’s first global brands and it used to run the world’s largest biscuit factor y. When the company was in their prime, Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins travelled as far as Africa and Tibet. They even provided biscuits to Captain Scott for his 1910 expedition to the South Pole. The company also famously made biscuits for the war effort during WWI. Supposedly, Huntley & Palmers invented the famous ‘Nice’ biscuit.

From 1870 until the 1970s, Reading was known as ‘Biscuit Town’ because of Huntley & Palmers’ fame, and Reading Football Team were known as the ‘Biscuit Men’.

Charles Dickens was asked to stand for

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MP in Reading.

Whether a fan of literature or not, it is highly likely you’ve heard of Charles Dickens, author of novels such as ‘Great Expectations’ and ‘Oliver Twist’. In the 18th Centur y Thomas Talfourd was an MP for Reading. When he decided to step down, Talfourd wrote to close friend, Charles Dickens, asking him to stand in his place. Unfortunately, Dickens declined the offer. A mark of the strength of their friendship is the dedication to Talfourd that can be found in the September 1837 volume edition of Dickens’ ‘ The Pickwick Papers’.

Ricky Ger vais grew up in Reading and made a film about Cemeter y Junction.

This fact is a favourite of second year Maths student, Martin Thomas (known by his fans as @ martins_meals on Instagram). Actor and comedian Ricky Ger vais was born and raised in Whitley, a suburb of Reading. In 2010 he made a film named after Cemeter y Junction, a complex junction linking Wokingham Road and London Road that many

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CHLOE SEFTON

university students will be acquainted with. The film starred Tom Hughes, Ralph Fiennes, Matthew Goode, and Felicity Jones, and it made £1.3 million at the B ox Office.

The University of Reading appointed the first ever female professor in Britain.

Due to the old HumSS building becoming dedicated to her in 2017, many of you may have heard of Edith Morley. However, you may not know the reason behind this recent dedication. In 1908, the University of Reading demonstrated its progressive nature by hiring Edith Morley as the first ever female professor in Britain. Morley studied at the University of Oxford, and she was appointed by the University of Reading as Professor of English Language. In 1950, she was made a member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Reading used to be on the major stage coach routes between London and Bath in the 18th Centur y.

Due to a rising popularity for Bath in the 18th Centur y and good turn-

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pike (toll) roads in Reading, Reading used to be a major stage coach stop for travellers between London and Bath. Two of the major coaching inns still sur vive today : The George on Kings Street dates back to 1423, and The Sun Inn on Castle Street dates back to the 13th Centur y.

Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in HM Prison Reading in 1895 and wrote a poem about it after his release. Another fact for the literar y enthusiasts; Wilde was a famous writer, known for works such as ‘ The Importance of B eing Earnest’, and ‘ The Picture of Dorian Gray’.

In 1895, Wilde was sentenced for two years after being convicted of homosexual offences. Upon his release, Wilde immortalised Reading Prison in a poem called ‘ The Ballad of Reading Gaol’.

The poem was published under the name C.3.3., standing for Cell Block C, Landing 3, Cell 3, due to Wilde’s name being infamous at the time. Wilde was granted a posthumous pardon in 2017 for homosexual acts which were no longer considered offences.

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NEWS | PAGE 12

Campus Comments: Why go to University?

RICHARD MCKAY Post-Graduate Film

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HERE else other than University, one might ask, could one garner the confidence to attempt to answer the question of why anything matters?

The title question alone is potentially answered in its very essence. Much like the urban legend of the philosophy student replying ‘What chair?’ to their exam question, asking ‘Prove the existence of this chair,’ we all know that there are numerous practical reasons why that answer, and my answer, is insufficient.

As a University educated individual, my first reaction in answering the title question (which I set myself ) is to define the necessary terms.

What exactly is a University? The term itself is shorthand for the Latin phrase “universitas magistrorum et scholarium”, meaning ‘community of teachers and scholars’. Although preceded by similar institutions in Asia and Africa, the first of these were in Medieval Europe, created from Christian Cathe-

RICHARD MCKAY

dral schools in Italy.

Today however, Universities are predominantly seen as a means to an end; the end being economic growth

those statisticians amongst you, this may be indicative of a sliding scale of earnings which proportionately increases over time, presumably based on work-experience.

Others of you are perhaps thinking you simply should have attended University at 8 years old, instead of insisting on a ‘healthy child-

Today, however, Universities are predominatly seen as a means to an end; the end being economic growth and individual success.

and individual success.

So with the intention of being ‘on trend’, let’s briefly broach that most short-sighted of talking points: Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, published last year - referring to 2016, showed that on average, University educated graduates earned just shy of £10,000 more per year than non-graduates.

However for graduates aged under 30, the difference is just £6,000. For

One should attend University not for material gain, but to seek answers to the big questions.

hood’.

But those playdough animal figures weren’t going to mould themselves now were they? This figure is an average of course, but still reflects well in the longterm when thought of as ‘initial start-up costs’.

The potentiality of never paying your copious student debt back, however, is only in a situation where you remain a relatively low-earner. In which case, the lack of having to pay back debt accumulated in your youth, may be similar to the silver lining round a toxic gas cloud.

What I want to suggest though, and the main point of this article, is that it doesn’t matter. How are financial concerns going to benefit you as a person?

What bearing do they have on what it means to be alive as a human being? On what it means to exist in the universe?

You and I are alive now.

The economic cost or benefit of University is ultimately of no consequence on a planet doomed to crash into the sun. That is of course, if humans don’t become extinct before then, due to any number of potential apocalyptic hap-

penings.

So what point can there be for going to University?

Or doing anything, for that matter?

Well if there is a point to anything, the answer is surely to be found amongst the collective wisdom of Einstein, Kant, Turing, and the giants on whose shoulders they stood.

One should attend University not for material gain, but to seek answers to the big questions. Since studying philosophy, psychology and social theory, I’ve personally come to accept that free-will is an illusion. It’s something that puts my life and the lives of others into an irredeemably different light.

What of morality and ethics? What of the hard physical substance (if any) of the universe, and the laws which govern its function? What does it mean to be conscious?

Questions such as these are ones which have dominated intellectual thought for millennia. In answering them therefore, it would serve us well to think back to the original impetus behind universities.

In the early European universities for instance, it was believed that the study of such things as rhetoric, logic, geometry and astron-

You and I are alive now.

The economic cost or benefit of University is ultimately of no consequence on a planet doomed to crash into the sun

omy would benefit society at large.

The re-emergence of work by Aristotle led to

an acceleration of our understanding of the natural world, and our place in it.

Key to this revival was humanism, from which derived the humanities.

Humanist professors in Early Modern universities not only developed the fields of natural philosophy, medicine, maths, logic and astronomy, but they also implored their students to live honourable lives.

Go to University to open your mind to big, new, shiny

In the early European univeristies ... it was beleive that the study... would benefit society at large.

ideas. Go to University safe in the knowledge that while others are discussing economic outcomes, you are determining the meaning of existence.

Not to mention the potential for fulfilling, long-lasting personal relationships with like-minded individuals that one might develop while attending.

And of course there’s that whole ‘fun’ thing that people keep going on about.

But who cares about that?

And who let an ending with three conjunction-starting-sentences get past the edit? We just don’t know.

If you want some slightly more light-hearted content by me, under the guise of what some people call, ‘stand-up comedy’, then you are welcome to check out my YouTube channel link below (or search ‘Dickie Cavendish Arms’): h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . com/channel/UC O c yj6HPCcsIE2iqxbla6vg

EASTER

H E A LT H

TRAVEL

Laura gives us a rundown of the best eggs to get your hands on this Easter.

Nicole, the University Team Leader for Beat writes about raising awareness of eating disorders

Emma shares her stories of volunteering in Bangladesh with Oxfam.

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lifestyle How to find your confidence R E F L E C T I O N S O N C O N F I D E N C E A N D H O W T O F I N D I T; N O T F R O M O T H E R S B U T F R O M W I T H I N JACOB COLMAN 1st Year Philosophy

AS children, we perceive confidence rather linearly. If a friend is loud, they must be confident, if a friend is quiet they must not. However, as we grow older and more perceptive, we realise this is often far from the case. We observe that frequently it is those who talk the most and demand considerable attention that might merely be seeking diversions from people viewing them as the unconfident people they might really be. On the flip side, it can become apparent that the ‘bookworm’ who we presumed only sits on their own due to a lack of friends is actually rather happy with their own company, and surprisingly very personable.

Moreover, such reflections ought to lead us not to think of confidence as something that comes not from feeding off others or being the centre of attention, but instead, something that comes from a quiet yet happy self-assurance that we can bare ourselves.

As a first year, confidence has at times seemed a more important currency than our student finance leant pounds we value so dearly (yet spend

so easily). From Freshers events and parties, to simple tasks such as speaking in a seminar or putting your hand up in a lecture, it quickly became apparent at the start of term that without confidence, university life could be tough.

was supposed to say. Instead I tried to think hard before I spoke. What really does make a person confident?

We all share a great deal of uncertainty about who we are Something that comes from a quiet yet and what we aspire to be happy self-assurance that we can bare ourselves

Whilst I myself don’t feel particularly faced with such a dilemma, I was surprised by the amount of students I came into contact with that felt crippled with a lack of confidence - to the point they wouldn’t tell a seminar group their views on a topic, despite feeling so passionate about them. When asked for advice about how to feel more confident, as a mere friend, it was difficult to know what to say. Typically one might suggest ‘getting out there’ (whatever that means), trying to lose one’s inhibitions or just ‘letting go’. However, on recent occasions, I’ve felt obliged to save them the empty words I

Unexpectedly, my mind turned to waiting rooms of all places; a world away from the night clubs and social interactions confidence is typically deemed necessary.

Such unremarkable places are conducive of quite remarkable insight into ourselves. Next time you are faced with a fifteen minute wait in a doctors clinic, observe those around you; some are fidgety, some are restless, most are using their phones to escape the situation. However, occasionally, people appear calm, at peace, present and approachable. They appear completely comfortable in the presence of themselves. With no distractions to avoid the situation, these people, without saying a single word, seem confident.

Maybe it is a simple as that.

If we can bare ourselves, feel like our lives are on the right track, can live with the decisions we’ve made and thus, are comfortable in our own skin, the results are that we have assurance in the person we are when we meet others; we don’t fear - or particularly care - about their judgement of us.

We don’t fear - or particularly care about their judgement of us.

Having had a think, I felt I could indeed potentially offer some advice to my friend about how to be more confident. In a world of selfies, likes, follows and so much noise, I proposed that an alternative source of confidence might just lie within.

If he could sit in an empty, quiet room with himself and feel he was the person he aspired to be, could see the value he offered others, appreciated his uniqueness and was grateful for such things, confidence would likely come in due course.

With no distractions to avoid the situation, these people, without saying a single word, seem confident.

Admittedly, we all share a great deal of uncertainty about who we are and what we aspire to be, however, what we needn’t be so uncertain about is the value we bring others and, however judged we may feel (either on social media or in person) on the whole, things are far more simple; we all just want to get along with one another. Thus, we ought to be relieved to know that what people want from us tends not to be loud excessive confidence or being a natural leader of a crowd, but just a sense that we are comfortable in our own skin.

After all, being happy with who we are, appreciating others for their differences and realising our universal similarities could be seen as the ultimate confidence.

LIFESTYLE | PAGE 14

Why you should learn a second language KATHERINE PEBWORTH MA Applied LInguistics

WITH Brexit upon us there’s been a lot of rhetoric in the media about language learning and the lack thereof in the UK. As a nation, we aren’t the best at learning second languages, often with the attitude that ‘English is everywhere’ so why do we need to learn another language? And whilst you might just about get by with English in most of your holiday destinations, there are so many benefits of second language learning that might just make you change your mind.

As a nation , we aren’t the best at learning second languages

First of all, studies have shown that the majority of monolinguals are completely unaware of the health benefits on learning another language. It not only improves your cognitive abilities such as your memory and decision-making ability but it also decreases the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life!

Decreases the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life!

Something a bit more obvious is that learning another language in todays job market also makes you much more employable.

Whilst there are the obvious job routes such as teaching

In Defence of Self-Confessed Phone Addicts A B O U T H O W O U R G E N E R AT I O N H A S I N V O L U N TA R I L Y H A D T E C H N O L O G Y FORCED UPON US

OLIVIA WITHINGTON 2nd Year English Literature

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HAT mini heart attack.

You know the one. You

HAMZA BUTT

reach into your pocket and think ‘Oh God, where’s my bloody phone?’. The baby boomers tut and shake their heads in unison. ‘Your generation just can’t leave your technology alone! Back in

and translating that many people automatically associate with bilinguals, there are also so many companies that state ‘a second language’ as a preferred skill on their job adverts. It puts you in a great position against other candidates in today’s competitive market, in any field.

Another reason that is not often considered is that learning a second language can massively improve your confidence. It does require persistence so seeing yourself improve can really help you in other areas of your life and really improve your self-esteem! Also, you have the opportunity to meet people from other cultures and see the world through their eyes, in their language. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to travel to the country of your target language, we are lucky enough in the UK to be home to many different cultures and access to my day…’.

I admit it, I feel on edge when I don’t have my phone with me. It is my trusty companion. When I’m running late and I’ve got to let my friend know. In an awkward situation when you’ve run out of words to say. Or, perhaps most importantly, to settle a debate via google because I knew I was right all along and now I have evidence to prove it. That said, there is still a part of me that would lose all this in an instant if only for some peace

In an awkward situation when you’ve run out of words to say. and quiet.

As guilty as I am of using meme-tagging as a form of communication, half the time I detest my phone and all social media. It seems that to me that ‘instant’ messaging has become a little too instant for my liking. Considering we are constantly criticised for our phone addiction, there is this contradictory presumption that we are always in contact sharing where we are and who we’re with. None of us asked to be born into the online genera-

second language speaking practice with native speakers is likely to be much more accessible than you might think!

The opportunity to travel to the country of your target language Finally, the best reason, it’s FUN! People often associated language learning with their GSCE German classes in which they spent the entire time being confused by the grammar and just thinking of ways to pass their exams with as little effort as possible. But, language learning doesn’t have to be like your GCSE German classes. There are loads of great ways to learn with today’s technology. There are apps like ‘Duolingo’ that tion. Nowadays we have no choice but to be addicted to our phone. It is no longer just a ‘cool bit of tech’ we beg our parents to buy so we can show off the new flipup feature to our friends in the playground (those were the days). Our phone is our bank, our work, our shops, our friends, our entire lives.

I couldn’t put my phone

None of us asked to born into the online generation. down even if I wanted to.

Admittedly, it’s very useful to have everything available at the touch of a finger all stored conveniently in a pocket-sized gadget, but my phone is also the bane of my life. Sometimes I spend hours procrastinating by looking through a mutual friend’s avocado/beachbased Instagram feed. As a result, I get very little done and end up going to sleep at 2am (normally asking myself the question ‘But what have I been doing this whole time?’) Yet the worst thing about social media is this emerging ideology that if people don’t reply straight

are completely free. You can literally learn a language on your phone, on the bus, on the way to uni. Also, with the power of social media, finding language meet ups has never been easier. There are so many adverts on Facebook and other platforms so that learning a language can be fun, easy, and free.

Language learning doesn’t have to be like your GCSE German classes.

Learning a second language is so beneficial to so many aspects of your life and is so accessible that you really have no excuse. Download an app, meet someone new, and get learning another language. away they are bad friend or not interested in you. I’ve started to find myself filled with guilt if I realise I forgot to reply to a friend an hour ago - but why? It’s such a toxic concept that we should prioritise our Facebook messages over our own busy lives. I call for us to abandon this emotional blackmail that glues me to my phone because half the time I’m on my phone I don’t even feel

If people don’t reply straight away they are bad friend or not interested in you. like I want to be.

So yes, maybe I am a phone addict. Maybe I sneak off to the toilet at a family dinner to check who’s messaged me.

Maybe I lose an hour of my day aimlessly scrolling. And maybe I can’t seem to put the damn thing down. But all this, is very much against my own will.

LIFESTYLE | PAGE 15

The Spark’s Top 10 Best Easter Eggs LAURA ELPHICK 2nd Year Consumer Behaviour and Marketing

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ASTER is just around the corner, and we’re already counting down the days until we can eat our weight in chocolate eggs.

Whether you’re buying Easter Eggs for your friend or buying multiple Easter Eggs for yourself, here’s our top 10 picks of chocolate Easter Eggs this year - let us know if you agree or disagree with any of our choices!

Cadbury Dairy Milk Daim Easter Egg I’m personally not a Daim fan, but Cadbury’s have launched a new Daim Easter Egg for 2018. Cadbury’s has dominated our Top 10, as this is one of four Cadbury’s Easter Egg featured. Whether you’re a Daim lover or not, this is a new egg to add to the shopping list!

Galaxy Celebrations Easter Egg Remember those days

when Celebrations selection tins were for Christmas only? You can thank your lucky stars because Galaxy has given us a Celebrations Easter Egg, with your favourite Celebrations inside (anyone else miss the Galaxy truffles? Because I do).

Even so, this egg is packed with yummy Galaxy milk, Malteser, Milkyway, Twix, Mars, Galaxy Caramel, and Bounty and Snickers (which are always left to the end, am I right?)

Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Oreo Easter Egg and Oreo Egg ‘n’ Spoon I don’t think we’d be forgiven if Oreo didn’t feature in our top 10 somewhere so here it is at no.8 (should it have featured higher?). Oreo has dominated the confectionary market recently, and it’s Easter Egg is no exception. We also love the Oreo Egg ‘n’ Spoon eggs – they are Oreo creamy perfection.

These are great for sharing, or if you’re like me, eating all 4 to yourself…

Lindt Lindor Milk Choco-

late Easter Egg At no.7 is Lindt’s Lindor Easter Egg, which comes with mini foil wrapped Lindt milk chocolate eggs. Lindt chocolate has a luxury taste but at a reasonable budget.

There are also Lindt Strawberries and Creams (yum!), Lindt Coconut and Lindt Orange Milk versions too.

Of course, it would not be Easter without having a Lindor Lindt Chocolate Bunny too, complete with adorable little red ribbon and gold bell.

Hotel Chocolat Ginger Easter Egg This Dark Chocolate Ginger Easter Egg from Hotel Chocolat may be pricey, but it is totally worth the extra pounds! It’s made with luxury dark chocolate and ginger pieces and is vegan. We loved other Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs too, such as their Brownie Easter Egg, which isn’t vegan, but is delicious.

Moo Free Original Organic Egg with Buttons This egg is at our no.5 spot and is also perfect for

you organic, vegan lovers out there! This Easter Egg also comes with chocolate buttons too and it is Soya Free. Whilst our other Easter Eggs are mainly stocked in supermarkets, this one is available on Amazon.

Galaxy’s Golden Eggs Easter Egg This Galaxy Easter Egg perhaps has made our Top 10 purely because this egg is golden (golden chocolate eggs – sound amazing, don’t they?). Galaxy has a whole host of Galaxy Easter Eggs, including Galaxy Minstrel, Galaxy Ripple and Galaxy Caramel and Galaxy Crumble versions. This one is our favourite Galaxy egg however. Galaxy Golden Eggs come in individual packets too, so make sure you try them if you haven’t already.

Thornton’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Easter Egg Yes - you read that right!

Thornton’s have an Easter Egg which is fudge brownie flavoured (is anyone else drooling?). This Easter Egg is a bit more expensive than

some of our other contenders but is definitely worth it. Even the box it comes in is beautiful, and it tastes delicious of course! Choosing this Thornton’s Easter Egg was difficult, because Thornton’s have many other tasty Easter Eggs. Check out their Harry Hopalot white or milk chocolate Easter Egg or their Fruit Collection Easter Egg, if you’re a fruity lover.

Cadbury’s Mini Eggs Easter Egg Cadbury’s have quite a few of their Easter Eggs in our top 10, and in at no.2 is their Mini Eggs Easter Egg. Mini eggs are another Easter classic, and we love the packet of Mini Eggs that comes with the Easter egg.

Packets of Mini Eggs can be found to buy in your local shop too and are a great snack for getting through this busy period of semester 2. They’re also perfect to top Easter cupcakes and brownies if you’re making your own Easter snacks this year.

Cadbury’s Crème Egg This Easter Egg has pipped the others to the post and is our official no.1 spot!

Why? Because Cadbury’s Crème Eggs are undoubtedly an Easter classic. As soon as supermarkets start stocking their shelves with this egg, you know it’s Easter (despite supermarkets now starting to stock Easter Eggs in January). This Easter Egg is great because it comes with mini Cadbury’s Crème eggs too.

It’s our favourite, but is it yours?

Pets of the Month SALLY NICHOLS Print Lifestyle Editor

AS we hand over to the new media committee next month, this will be my last time running Pets of the Month. I thought I would do a little throwback and feature some of the cutest pets that we have seen in Pets of the Month over the past year. Thanks everybody for sending in your pet photos!

APRIL 2017 OWNER’S NAME: ALEXIA LAVENDER PET’S NAME: PUMPKIN

DECEMBER 2017 OWNER’S NAME: LAURA MCCARTHY

MARCH 2018

PET’S NAME: DORRIS

OWNER’S NAME: LUCY ROBBINS

M AY 2 0 1 7

O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

OWNER’S NAME: XOANA WALKER WHITELAW

OWNER’S NAME: EVIE PA R K E R

P E T ’ S N A M E : R AYO

PET’S NAMES: TED AND SID

SEPTEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

FEBRUARY 2018

MARCH 2018

O W N E R ’ S N A M E : S A L LY NICHOLLS

OWNER’S NAME: ZOE DURRAN

OWNER’S NAME: WILL W AT E R S

OWNER’S NAME: BETH HOLLAND

P E T ’ S N A M E : T I L LY

PET’S NAME: BABY

P E T ’ S N A M E : H O L LY

PET’S NAME: THOR

PET’S NAME: SMOKEY JOE

LIFESTYLE | PAGE 16

5 Things to Look Forward to in Spring ROSIE NEVILLE 1st Year English Literature

WARMER weather HIS winter seems to have lasted much longer than three months. The endless rain and wind which has now turned into snow has become irritating, and everyone seems to be awaiting the first signs of spring.

One of the worst things about being a student in winter is the trek to lectures in the freezing cold. Not

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only do you have to force yourself out of your bed to trudge onto campus, but you also have to battle the cold weather and constant coughing fits throughout lectures. Spring is a goodbye to the endless stream of dry lips, flu and painfully cold mornings, and a hello to pretty flowers, baby animals and better weather.

Longer days On Sunday the 25th March the clocks will go forward one hour, giving us the

long awaited brighter mornings and sunny evenings.

9am lectures will no longer involve waking up when it is still dark outside, instead they will involve waking up to the sun rising, giving us a much more pleasant start to the day. When it is dark outside the temptation to get into your pyjamas and binge on Netflix before 7pm is surprisingly strong, however when the sun is still shining in the evening, the day seems so much longer and the motivation to do some-

ROSIE NEVILLE

When it is dark outside the temptation to get into your pyjamas and binge on Netflix before 7pm thing actually productive or interesting starts appearing.

Spending time outside Spring is a gateway to the start of barbecues, walks, picnics and drinks in pub gardens. The Harris Garden on campus is a great place to go with friends to go as soon as the weather heats up, or even for you to take your work to do or a book to read. The idea of sitting outside Mojo’s with a pint in the evenings is something which

BARB HALE/FLICKR

has been long-awaited this year. The idea of afternoons and evenings spent outside with an acoustic playlist a cold drink seems idyllic.

Easter Although the Easter Holidays will inevitably be spent revising for the dreaded exams taking place in the summer term, they will also be spent relaxing at home with chocolate and home-cooked dinners in preparation for the hectic term to come.

Easter welcomes an opportunity to devour chocolate and hot cross buns, and the few weeks we will have away from University mean baths

(for those who are currently living with only a shower and are inevitably craving a long bath), as well as the chance to get your washing done and your meals restocked.

The first signs of summer Perhaps the best reason to love spring is because it leads on to summer. It leads to holidays, the beach, festivals, travelling and relaxing.

Spring is the time for you to prepare for the season to come, enjoying all of the things listed above whilst waiting for the weather to get even better and the days to get even longer.

MIKE STREICHER/FLICKR

LIFESTYLE | PAGE 17

Eating Disorders: Raising Awareness and Ending the Stigma E AT I N G D I S O R D E R S A R E C O M P L E X M E N TA L I L L N E S S E S T H AT do. It is important to real- a problem or may be desperA R E S U R R O U N D E D B Y S T I G M A , S T E R E O T Y P E S A N D M I S C O N - ise you may not completely ate for someone to help. understand but just being If you would like any furCEPTIONS NICOLE DORRINGTON University Team Leader for Beat, UK’s Eating Disorder Charity

A

N estimated 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from eating disorders, which are complex and serious mental illnesses. Eating disorders are not about food but are a means of coping with emotions or feeling in control. They can be glamorised by the media, portraying them inaccurately and leading to a great deal of misconceptions and stereotypesW. It may seem surprising, but in fact only 10% of eating disorder sufferers have anorexia, 40% have bulimia and half have other conditions termed OSFED (Otherwise Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders) or binge eating disorder.

The stigma that sufferers face poses huge challenges. It can cause isolation, prevent them from seeking treatment and lead to people being told they are not ‘ill enough’ to receive help. It is important to raise awareness of eating disorders, the signs and symptoms, but also to inform people who they can talk to if they have concerns about themselves or someone else. Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, are a champion, a guide and a friend to all those affected by eating disorders. They run helplines, online chat rooms and a social media support network, providing a safe place to be listened to, and their online resources can empower sufferers with the information they need to

B E AT

seek treatment. Stephanie Fussell will be running the London marathon for Beat, inspired by the positive relationship with food that running has instilled. She said “The chat rooms run by Beat are important for making sufferers feel as though they are not alone or going crazy, and their website offers really useful advice for recognising signs and seeking help. Uniquely, Beat care equally about family, friends and carers, who are also greatly affected by seeing their loved one suffer. Beat help educate people, which is vital as early intervention

about your own body, your own weight loss or your own eating. Eating disorders can be fuelled by competition and comparison. Do show compassion, care and listen to them non-judgmentally. Ask if they need to talk and be there to listen if they

there can reduce the isolation of suffering. Do be patient. Eating disorders don’t disappear overnight, it takes months or years to recover.

Do tell someone if you are concerned about a friend or relative, but try speaking to them about it first. They may not recognise they have

ther support visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/support-services. You can call the Beat Helpline on 0808 801 0677, open 365 days a year 3pm-10pm, join an online support group, have a 1:1 online chat or visit @ BeatEdSupport on Twitter or Instagram.

10% of eating disorder sufferers have anorexia, 40% have bulimia and half have other conditions termed OSFED is key to recovery”.

For someone suffering from an eating disorder, a good support network is fundamental in recovery.

However, it is often hard to know what to do or say.

So here’s some key do’s and don’ts to bear in mind: Don’t comment on a person’s weight or appearance.

Being critical or even telling them they look healthy can be triggering. Instead, try complimenting their shoes, clothes or bag.

Don’t ask if someone is ‘feeling better’, but just ask ‘How are you?’

Don’t try and take on the role of a therapist but do encourage them to seek professional treatment.

Don’t comment on what or how much someone is eating, or say ‘I’m glad you ate lunch/dinner’. It can lead to an uncomfortable situation.

Don’t get frustrated or annoyed by the person’s eating habits or try to force them to eat.

Don’t make comments

B E AT

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Marseille, Provence JACOB COLMAN 1st Year Philosophy

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HE alarm went at three in the morning. I blearily gathered belongings, attempted to wake up with a cold shower and left my apartment with carry-on in tow. Being early January, the streets before dawn looked quite identical to the streets after dusk, save the hardened club-goers staggering back from an impressive Wednesday all-nighter. Admittedly, as I arrived to Gatwick a little before six, I questioned my sanity as I thought of the comfort of my bed and the effort a no-lecture-day usually requires (very little). I hope I am not alone in feeling a sense of achievement when arriving to ten o’clock seminars on time. So, sitting in the departures lounge at the North Terminal two hours before my eight o’clock flight felt like I deserved some kind of recognition for my efforts.

However, to say I was in the wrong place for such appraisal was an understatement; I saw several hundred people, exuding far more vitality than myself and was reminded that I was merely one of three million passengers passing through Gatwick that month; hardly Scot of the Arctic.

After a foggy takeoff and an overpriced coffee or two, we began our descent into Marseille airport in Provence. From 37,000 feet it was quite difficult to spot any differences between the land we took off from and the land we would arrive on. However, during the final moments of the flight it became apparent about the extent to which the English landscape was different to that of Provence.

In the midst of miles of open water, picturesque small islands made way for a sand and stone coloured city, the coastal tip of France, Marseille.

A short shuttle bus journey and the assault on the

senses that is the Metro, and I finally arrived at the quaint cafe I had arranged to meet my brother at. One would be forgiven for thinking that it was the trailing of my suitcase (echoing “tourist coming through!” with every roll of the suitcase wheels) that gave away my lack of local origin. Admittedly, however, it was the fact that I found it difficult not to find every street corner, market square or charming line of restaurants worthy of a stop, a

stare, a photo and an existential urge to find some resounding meaning from such nice sights. Despite being a normal Thursday morning, the city had a warm and endearing atmosphere that seldom exists in London. Maybe it was the lack of clouds in the sky, the close proximity to the sea or simply the unwavering human tendency to be amazed by the different, but to me, Marseille seemed idyllic. Keen to highlight the perks of being a language student studying abroad, my brother Sam acted as tour guide to the city for the first few days I was there. Guiding me through the shadier districts, Sam showed me the

JACOB COLMAN

best Provence had to offer.

From the beaches that were still surfed in during January, to the affluent neighbouring town of Aix, I tried to take in the new scenery, despite the fast pace at which we travelled. By the final evening, feet worn out by the amount of walking, and mind worn out by the excavation of my GCSE French ‘skills’ desperately resorted to, we left the posh restaurants behind and enjoyed the classic student culinary classic that is pesto pasta with a side of cheap beer; so much for ‘when in Rome’.

Having said goodbye to my brother after breakfast in a little bakery near the airport, killed time in the airport shops, and gone through the reassuringly lax airport security, before I knew it, I was back on the plane to London.

As I sat on the connecting train from Gatwick back to Reading, I reflected on the week that had passed. I was reminded once more of how, in the midst of the familiar accents, sights and sounds, once returned, adventures abroad quickly mist into faint dreamlike memories. A subtle wakeup call that I was home.

How to do summer on a student budget A N E A R L Y B I R D G U I D E T O P L A N N I N G O U T T H E B E S T S U M M E R AT A F F O R D A B L E P R I C E S

TAZ USHER 1st Year English Language and Linguistics

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HILST it may seem way too cold and early to be thinking about the summer break, for most students there are 4 months on the calendar to start filling up with plans. Leave all your money worries behind in winter, and use early planning to your advantage with these helpful hacks.

Early-bird Not only will booking events early give you something to motivate you through your upcoming exams, but it can have huge benefits when it comes to money! Booking in January and February can often get you big discounts. SLXL If it’s a summer holiday that you’re looking to book with friends or a partner, looking at a few different providers online before doing so is recommended. For the past two years, when looking for holidays to go on with my boyfriend, we’ve gone

with Olympicholidays.com as we’ve managed to get our holidays for around £550 for the both of us (so cheap that when we got to the 1st resort we thought we were in the wrong place!). Other sites such as onthebeach.co.uk and lastminute.com can be just as affordable.

But don’t be too quick to book a holiday which stands out as really affordable at first- checking details such as - are flights included?

What about transfers? Air con and security safe? Beach nearby? Buses? Ratings and reviews? These are all vital for preventing any disappointments.

Similarly, if you’re planning to attend festivals or have a weekend getaway in mind, searching for early-bird deals is a great way to avoid an expensive last-minute spending panic when it comes to May/June! Weekend getaway ideas be found on sites such as Groupon - groupon.co.uk/occasion/ weekend-break Keep realistic

With exams out of the way, and being back at home without the responsibilities of washing and cooking for yourself, a ‘care-free’ summer may be the only thing on your agenda. However, don’t let the freedom take you off of the rails with irrational spending. Budgeting during the summer break is just as important as during term time and keeping track of your plans/how much you’ll need for them is a simple way to avoid running out of money.

Plan in advance now that you have the chance and, if you have lots of potentially expensive plans, find the part time work this Easter, Summer, and maybe even during term time to ensure that you can afford it. Finding a job may seem like a horrible and unrealistic idea for some, but once you’re lying on the beach in a hot country or spending weekends at festivals with friends, you’ll thank yourself.

Top tip: Planning how much you intend to earn

by the summer and in the weeks running up to your plans can help you to set yourself spending limits.

Having a clear idea of your financial position can also help to reduce stress all year round and ensure that you have something to strive towards.

Be adventurous For many of us, the summer break will also bring the extra pressures of paying for student housing and therefore big expensive plans may simply be out of the question. But it doesn’t mean that you need to go into your overdraft to have a good time. Why not try planning some affordable days out with friends? For example, beach days, camping trips or days out in London can become cheap with many of the student deals out there.

Buying an NUS card or 1625 Railcard is a really good idea if you’re planning on getting trains to any of these events or wanting to treat yourself to a meal out once in a while. Likewise, there

are often student deals on Eurostar tickets, so a trip to Brussels or Paris could be one for the calendar if you keep your eye out for these deals.

Vary it up The Christmas and Easter break may be too short to fit in seeing all of your old friends and family, but the summer break is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with all these ties. Creating a calendar which incorporates seeing your different friendship groups, family and even old neighbours, will ensure that you get the most out of summer and return to university in September feeling like the ‘real you’ and refreshed. Equally, keeping in touch with your university pals is just as important for ensuring that the return is an easy process. After all, the people that you’re sharing a house with for the next year you’ll want to be comfortable being around.

With all these tips in hand and the time ahead to plan your summer, you can be sure to be looking forward to one of the best breaks yet.

LIFESTYLE | PAGE 19

Oxfam in Bangladesh: from Floods to Female Empowerment EMMA HOLDEN-MAILLARD 2nd Year Philosophy & International Relations

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HAVE volunteered in Oxfam’s shops since December 2013, and last year I decided to apply for the opportunity to take part in a Communication and Exposure tour, not knowing when or where I would be going.

As a result, I was chosen to visit Bangladesh for 2 weeks in December 2017. The tour had been postponed by two months, as we were originally meant to travel in October, however, due to the mass flooding across South Asia and the Rohingya crisis, we ended up flying over on the 1st December.

The majority of the tour was centred around the rural programmes in the northern districts of the country including a youth activism group, a fish entrepreneur, an empower youth for work project, and a flood affected village. We mainly focused on the Oxfam flagship programme REE-CALL (Resilience through Economic Empowerment, Climate Adaptation, Leadership, and Learning). We had a wonderful group of staff to host

us and translate along the way, especially the senior program managers Proma, Aishish and Mustafa who took us around the northern districts.

In Bangladesh, Oxfam’s work is mainly implemented through partner organisations. This is to maximise the impact that Oxfam has in terms of both influence and financial capability. The local organisations are already integrated in the communities that Oxfam works with and has established trust which is very important when working with people who have experienced exploitation and are sceptical of accepting help from peo-

They have then decided themselves that they wanted to change this” ple they don’t know.

A big part of REE-CALL centres around women’s empowerment, which is essential to alleviating poverty. Before, women did not communicate with each

other as many stayed in the confines of their homes. Oxfam, through partners such as Pollisree, helped set up community-based organisations (CBOs) which include ADDA groups that are regular women only discussion groups. They often play games and chat and through this shared space they discover they have common issues. Some of these include domestic abuse and child marriage. They have then decided themselves that they wanted to change this, many citing their reasoning being that they don’t want their children and daughters to experience the same things that they have had to endure.

When we met these groups, many of them were so excited to tell us of all their amazing accomplishments. One group told us about how they had learnt of a young woman whose husband was addicted to abusing her. These women then took a van to retrieve the woman and they also took everything that she had paid for including a goat and the roof of the house! The husband actually ended up being reformed through discussion with these women and after some time, the wife

M U S T A F A

decided to go back to him and is now in a happy marriage. This may seem strange in British culture, but in Bangladesh, divorce is still a big taboo, especially for women. Many of the groups also told us that child marriage was no longer an issue for them.

This amazing progress gives a positive insight

Work in urban areas is scarce and the women are left to provide, finding work as domestic help. This is a very vulnerable position to be in as there is no formal registration for domestic workers and many are abused and exploited as a result. As domestic work is not formally recognised it is very difficult to police, but media is startE M M A H O L D E N - M A I L-

into the future of the social side of the country, however, Bangladesh is at a very high risk of flooding, which threatens to undo much of the progress that has been made. As seen by the 2017 flooding across South Asia that took the lives of 1,200 people. The flooding is not just a temporary problem and it is worsening year on year due to climate change.

The people we met in Bangladesh said how many of them have to take shelter with other households for up to 3 months at a time to wait for the floods to recede.

Once they do, huge areas of land have often been swept away, with more being left infertile meaning they cannot sustain themselves and are forced to move. Many people move to urban areas hoping to find work. But this is harder than it sounds.

The population density in urban areas is already beyond coping levels. With more land disappearing, the overcrowding in urban areas is only going to drastically worsen, and those that move from rural areas already have no choice but to move into the slums.

ing to bring attention to the plight of domestic workers and numbers that are abused and sometimes even killed.

Oxfam’s work in the urban areas is relatively recent and so the impact at this stage is not as prevalent as it is in the rural programs. But Oxfam is helping through their partners Nari Maitree and CityWorks to providing linkages and skills training.

Women from rural areas will most likely have never used appliances such as microwaves and stoves. They also teach them skills of negotiation so that they can seek fairer wages for their work and gain more respect in society. Oxfam also contributes in terms of advocacy and influencing policy makers and employers. They are aiming in the future to get domestic workers included in labour laws and welfare funds, thus granting them more security.This is only a very small insight into the programmes that Oxfam is involved in Bangladesh. If you would like to know more about the tour or Oxfam in general, please contact me at e.v.holden-maillard@student.reading.ac.uk

LIFESTYLE | PAGE 20

Jump into Spring with this Flora Inspired Tutorial S H A K E AWAY T H O S E W I N T E R B LU E S W I T H T H I S F LO R A L S P R I N G M A K E U P LO O K .

OLIVIA LOWDEN 3rd Year English Literature

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S you already know, Reading has seen some beautiful snow fall in February which, despite the cold, I have loved the sight of.

However, as winter draws to a close I decided to create a spring inspired makeup look to coincide – hopefully – with some warmer weather.

This look is so simple and really colourful – perfect if you are feeling bold.

Venus Grunge Palettes 1 & 2

by Lime Crime Rockateur Blusher by Benefit Conceal and Define by Revolution Brow Kit by Barry M

Thick & Fast Mascara by Soap & Glory Contour Kit by Revolution They’re Real ‘Double the Lip’ by Benefit Pressed Powder by Natural Collection Start, as always, by priming your lids with a dab of concealer and then set with some pressed powder. You should now have a nice smooth base to apply the shadows – particularly as we want to create some really vibrant colours.

Take the shade ‘Filter’ from Venus 2, a brilliant sky blue colour, and apply with a flat shadow brush all over your eyelid. Make sure the colour really pops.

Take the same shade and, with a blending brush, apply it into the crease of your eyelids so that the colour fades

1

2

out gradually.

Next, take the shade ‘Rebirth’ from Venus 1 on a small angled brush and apply it underneath the lower lash line. This is a bright pink colour which contrasts nicely to the sky blue. Blend it out slightly if you think it looks too stark.

Next, apply mascara, eyebrows, and foundation to your taste. I just used concealer for this look as I wanted to keep it lighter for spring, and I also applied a lot of blusher to give my cheeks a rosy effect.

The final touch to the look is a pink lipstick to tie it all together. I used a Benefit matte lipstick but anything can work.

As promised, a super simple makeup look to get you excited for spring.

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4 5

Spring Bling THIS SEASON’S JEWELLERY TRENDS

textures. If you think heartshaped hoops are a bit too sweet then there are some beautiful hoop statement earrings from Zara, made from bamboo, for around a

The trend for teeny tiny micro sun-

GRACIE MADDISON

glasses will be strong

2nd Year English Literature

this spring

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PRING - new life and all that, so in jewellery terms, this means new jewellery! Or, if you’ve been thinking about it for a while, then spring is the ideal excuse for a new piercing.

Daith piercings, which sit at the innermost cartilage fold of the ear, were big in 2017 and the often intricately embellished earrings are set to continue into this season.

I personally do not remember a time where hoop earrings weren’t cool and there is certainly no exception this spring. From thick to thin, hoops remain timeless but edgy. This season, designers are reinventing the simple hoop using a multitude of shapes, embossed metals and different

O L I V I A LO W D E N

GRACIE MADDISON GEORGIE KENNY WEARING S TAT E M E N T E A R R I N G S -

tenner. Other earring trends include brightly coloured gemstones, tassels and mismatched earrings, which featured heavily in the recent spring/summer fashion weeks, especially within Roberto Cavalli’s Paris show.

Another groovy trend is wearing faces on your own face! Estella Bartlett currently has a lot of eye, lip and bone pendants whilst abstract wire face earrings can bring a little arty Picasso-vibe to your jewellery collection. That being said, minimalist, sculptural earrings are also being joined by the return of glitzy, shiny chandeliers and Chanel’s spring 2018 show featured many of these glamorous ear candies.

From thick to thin, hoops remain timeless but edgy As I am currently in Denmark, I can’t not mention Danish jewellery. The national flower of Denmark is the Marguerite daisy, which also happens to be the name of Denmark’s current monarch, Queen Margrethe II. Many Danes wear these little white flowers on their ears and Marguerite earrings can be found within all the little jewellery shops around Aarhus. They are also particularly fitting for the blossom of spring. As we will hopefully be experiencing some sunnier weather soon it is the perfect time to treat yourself to a new pair of shades. The trend for teeny tiny micro sunglasses will be strong this spring and many will be ditching oversized specs in favour of these little frames. Think Tyler the Creator, for inspiration. Thick wooden-framed sunglasses will also be particularly prevalent amongst male brands this spring.

OLD MEETS NEW

WAKANDA FOREVER

B A R E F O OT I N T H E S N O W

It's goodbye from Ari, and hello from Taz!

Have a read of Georgia's in-depth review of the iconic Black Panther movie

An exclusive preview of one of our editor's first published story!

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entertainment See you around!

ARI CARRINGTON Entertainment Editor

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T’S that time of year, where we say goodbye to the current newspaper team and welcome in a brand new group –this issue is a collaboration between the old and new, and obviously will be my final issue as your entertainment editor. Don’t be too sad though, you’ll still see me around, as a contributor (check out Creative Corner this month, and hopefully in future issues), or as another consumer of all the great entertainment offerings on campus. As I’ve been at Uni here, I’ve made it my mission to get as involved as possible, and every year I explore new things around the Uni. Whether that’s joining societies and sports, running for RUSU, or attending events put on by societies, there’s tons to do around campus, and I love being able to explore so much of it. So as we welcome in the new committee, I’m going to say, “embrace the new”, and try something different this term.

It’s never too late to join many societies and teams, so check out something you’ve been intrigued by but not been to –I certainly will be. Or attend one of the performances put on around campus. RUDs are performing Spring Awakening very soon, and it promises to be amazing if their performance of Macbeth was anything to go by! The ballet society are putting on their annual dance show on Thursday, March 15, with a number of dance societies performing fab routines (plus you might get to see me trip on stage, so there’s that). And that’s just a couple of the big things going on this term –there’s absolutely loads, and I really urge you to check it out. We’ve got some amazingly talented people here, from musicians, actors, dancers, writers to just about anything else you could imagine. So in the spirit of new, as we bring in our new committee, join me in exploring something new on campus, and appreciating these incredible talents!

Hello from me TAZ USHER Entertainment Editor

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I everyone! So this is my first issue helping to edit the entertainment section of the Spark before I attempt to take on the challenge of becoming entertainment editor myself (eek!). Since starting at Reading, I’ve been regularly writing for the lifestyle and entertainment sections of the newspaper and have absolutely loved seeing my articles printed every month. Writing for the Spark has already given me the fantastic opportunity to attend and review Emeli Sandé and Calum Scott’s tour at the O2 arena and I’m so excited to be able to search for further opportunities like this for our writers. I’m always impressed

by the quality of the section that Millie and Ari produce and can only hope that I will uphold this standard in future issues. I’ve got some new ideas lined up includ-

Hi everyone! ing workshops to help new writers get to grips with writing for us, contacting local entertainment providers to source complimentary tickets to events, and expanding the music section to include top music playlists for all our many moods. I’m also keen to get more societies on board with writing content for the purpose of keeping the student body up to date with events occurring

RUDS Presents Spring Awakening AMY HUBBARD 2ND YEAR THEATRE STUDIES

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ASED off Wedekind’s Play, ‘Spring Awakening, The Children’s Tragedy’ the musical begins by exploring the childhood innocence of Wendla Berg-

man (Lily Ingleton) and her friends. Meanwhile, in school, the teen boys become more frustrated with the education system and sexual awakenings, particularly Mortiz (Ben Carter). Whilst the teachers hold all the cards, plotting

to remove Mortiz from the school, he becomes increasingly desperate, struggling with his relationship with his family and coping with the expectations of society. Whilst rekindling an old friendship, Melchior (Teddy Turpin) and

Wendla become curious and passionate, leading to life- changing consequences. The rocky musical explores themes of sexuality and morality through youth rebellion with only each other to rely on. Taking place in RUSU’s 3Six-

across campus each month.

We’re always looking for new writers to contribute to the Spark and, whilst at this point in the year we’re all getting bogged down by assignments and exam prep, I find that putting some time aside to write something which I am passionate about and can personalise is the perfect way to restore my productivity (before I get back to the essays). And if you just want a little time off from writing, sitting down to read this fantastic paper is also a great way to unwind.

The key thing to remember this term is that hard work and winding-down time come hand-in-hand when it comes to doing well. For now, putting life lessons aside, I hope that you enjoy reading this issue! ty, RUDS’s production of ‘Spring Awakening’, directed by Hettie Cole, is occurring on Tuesday March 6, Thursday March 8 at 7pm, and matinee beginning at 2pm Saturday March 10.

The cast have all worked amazingly and it won’t be a show to miss.

Get Your tickets at https:// w w w. t i c k e t s o u r c e . c o. u k / rudstickets

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Millie’s Mumblings MILLIE FARQUAH 3rd year English Literature

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NE of my favourite YouTube channels at the moment is The Slow Mo Guys. The channel was started in 2010 by friends Gavin Free and Daniel Gruchy and the main thing they do is film things (mainly explosions) in slow motion. I really recommend their current series, The Super Slow Show-It has been developed with the Play Station Store and is beautiful to watch, and incredibly interesting.

I could sing their praises until the cows come home.

However, what I want to concentrate on is the popular idiom life is so much better in slow motion, something

that I forget every day when I am rushing from place to place. We are all so focused on our phones or on simply getting from A to B that we forget to look up and watch the world around us go by.

So, I have been working hard this month on getting off my phone and getting back into the world! Here is a list of the three things I have been doing to help me re-engage with our incredible surroundings.

1

THRIVE App by Thrive Global THRIVE is designed to get people off their phones, whether its for a bit of enforced focus time to help you get on with work, or a way to remove distractions when you are with friends and family, it is an

Ridley me this JACK CAMPION 3rd Year English Literature

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ITH his recent recognition by the BAFTAs, and him coming into his 80th year, it seems apt that we reflect on the eclectic cinematic career of one of Britain's most recognisable filmmakers – Ridley Scott.

Ridley Scott is very much a visual film maker. From an early age he would draw obsessively, which lead him to study at the Royal college of Art in London, of which he said "I use everything I learned every day at art school. It's all about white sheets of paper, pens and drawing." He directed a

GAGE SKIDMORE

plethora of commercials including one for Hovis known as "Bike Round" (1974) which was voted Britain's favourite ad of all time, demonstrating his cinematic potential.

However, though a lucrative industry, the creative itch he had discovered at art school could not be scratched by making commercials, and in 1977 he broke into the world of cinema with The Duellists.

The confident period piece, based on Joseph Conrad's short story The Duel, won Scott the Best Debut Film award at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival. Scott, who was 40 at the time, had made his mark on the scene and, though the film enjoyed limited box office success, showed his ambition and reverence for the art form.

Of course, what marked Scott on the cinematic map was the 1979 sci fi horror classic Alien. The dark iconography of the film is continually referenced and parodied to this day, a testament to Scott's keen eye for visual affects and cinematography.

It also gave us Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), one of

incredibly easy app to help you. It has so many cool functions. From scheduled time periods to help you turn off from social media, to an app monitor to show you just how long you spend on your phone a day! (Mine was an embarrassing 8 hours at one point!). Once you are in Thrive mode, your phone will block all apps, notifications, calls and texts (except for the numbers you put in your VIP list) and will send anyone who does contact you a short message, explaining why you didn’t answer. It has really helped me to get focussed when I want to, and it helps me concentrate on one thing at a time. Itis free and available on most devices, so why not give it a go, even if it is just to learn about how cinema's most revered and beloved protagonists. The strong female lead paved a new path for strong female characters in the overcrowded male locker room of leading roles. I could go on forever talking about Alien, and it is because of Ridley Scott's skills as an auteur that I am able to. Every film he made after this could have been garbage, and it would be ok because he made this.

Thankfully, that was not the case, and in 1982 the world was gifted another sci fi classic, Blade Runner.The legendary film was an opportunity for Scott's artistic spirit to run free, allowing his neo-urban style in alien to develop into a full-blown dystopian city. Dark blues and blacks fill the screen, and the audience is lulled into a world which never sees the light of day. Technology and biology become uncomfortably close and the audience is forced to question what it means to be human. Like Alien, Blade Runner will forever be in internet top ten lists, and with good reason.

Blade Runner ran on blades when it was released, however, and tanked at the box office. Legend, his follow up fantasy film, which won an academy award for the iconic

much time you spend a day looking at a screen.

1 Second Everyday: Video Diary by 1 Second Everyday Inc: I realise that my article about getting off your phone involves a lot of apps and using your phone, but 1 Second everyday is an incredible reflection tool. It does exactly what it says on the tin, all you do is film a one second video every day, and it compiles them all into a video. An entire year is condensed down into a few minutes and one of my favourite things to do at the start of the month, is look at everything I have done over the past month. Something I have been documenting on the app is my weight loss journey and I really enjoy looking at how far I have

2

Satan-like costume worn by big bad Tim Curry, was also a financial failure. Though both films were original and interesting (Blade Runner arguably more so), the audience in the eighties wasn't there.

Alien had set the bar for sci fi and horror, but James Cameron's sequel Aliens moved the bar completely, and audiences for better or for worse responded to the campy fun of the then brand-new eighties action movie.

Black Rain and Someone Watch Over Me came next, and whilst not being financial failures, failed to set the world on fire. Thelma and Louise, the iconic feminist road movie was an instant classic and revived the directors career.

However, the passion project period piece 1492: Conquest of Paradise was a total failure. Thus ends the first wave of Ridley Scott. Scott's second wave can be said to be in the early 2000's. His swords-n-sandals epic Gladiator (2000) had all the passion that his early films had in them, and this time his audience was there. The awards for this film are five in total, including Best Picture and Best Actor. This was the first of many huge successes for Scott, solidifying his position as one of cinema's most im-

come and my transformation so far.

3

Get a good nights sleep!

It seems obvious but sleeping well is important. It just makes everything easier! After 8 hours of sleep a night, I found myself able to concentrate more, improve the quality of my work and my mood was so much better. How I did it was to put my phone charger on the other side of my bedroom, this stopped me from lying in bed and just scrolling through my phone. This meant that when I went to bed, my brain switched straight into sleep mode and I was able to get to sleep faster and have a better quality of sleep in general!

I would advise anyone who struggles with sleep to try this simple trick out and see how your behaviour changes because of it! portant players. Black Hawk Down (2001) and Kingdom of Heaven (2005) channelled both the gritty and grand hallmarks that defined his early career. Scott's reverence for epics like Lawrence of Arabia clearly informed his tastes as there is an undeniably epic flavour to everything he does, regardless of the success of his projects. Contemporary Scott has seen the director in a position that feels able to go back to the Alien franchise, as he attests that he always intended. Recent instalments, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant seek to discover the answers audiences have been asking since their first encounter with the terrifying xenomorphs. Both films have been met with mixed critical reception, and found respectable box office success. I personally found Prometheus to be a very enjoyable, if flawed, return to the franchise. I'd rather not talk about Alien: Covenant.

Whether or not you enjoy his films, it is undeniable that Ridley Scott has played a very important and permanent role in the world of cinema.

One thing we can all take from him is that he has an uncompromising vision, and follows his creativity to the end, for better or for worse.

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

Black Panther: A Review GEORGIA COURTNEY- COX 1st Year English Literature

W

ARNING: this article contains major spoilers. Black Panther is a superhero movie which caters for everyone: young, old, Marvel fanatics or simply, cinema lovers. Most importantly, this movie refreshingly opens its doors to a group of people who had not previously seen themselves portrayed as superheroes on the big screen.

Not only does Black Panther celebrate the rarity of seeing a mainly all-star black cast, but the movie itself contains multiple themes, subversions of representations and political messages in the midst of an action and humour filled plot. Its native language, traditional costume, colour and ceremonial initiation are an absolute celebration of this.

The portrayal of Afro-futurism in this movie is outstanding, giving an insight into the powerful nation that Africa could have become without the impact of colonisation. This movie pays homage to the continent of Africa through the presentation of Wakanda; a fictional country in the Marvel universe. It has highly advanced alien technology and ultra-efficient energy sources which are hidden from the world.

The movie focuses on the story of T’Challa’s reign as King of Wakanda after the death of his father. However, secrets from his father’s reign are revealed in his mission to capture Ulysses Klaue (the man who killed his father and stole Wakandan artefacts from the British Museum); T’Challa is unaware that the cause of his unsuccessful mission is his cousin Erik Killmonger.

The murder of Erik’s father was committed by T’Challa’s father as a result of opposing views of Wakanda’s power (foreshadowing the same fight between the two cousins later in the movie).

Left behind is a fatherless boy in Oakland who grew up with the sole purpose in life

to avenge the death of his father. Erik returns to Wakanda as an African American and challenges the King for the throne.

The portrayal of Wakanda plays on the stereotypical depiction of Africa in the media and is used to create a cinematic experience which reflects Africa’s beauty and history. The rich colours in the movie are deep purples, blues, reds, greens and golds, reflecting the beauty of the continent and its culture. In an interview with Vanity Fair Ryan Coogler, the Director explained the significance of the character’s costume choices and fighting styles in the fight scene. He revealed that he was influenced by the culture of pan-Africanism in using the ‘pan-African flag of red, black and green in Okoye’s, T'challa and Nakia’s’ costume as well as experimenting with the characters’ different uses of their environment to fight.

Although this movie is about a black male superhero, it is mainly represented by black women- challenging and subverting the stereotype that women can be strong, powerful, humorous, intelligent, beautiful fighters, and still be feminine.

The Dora Milaje diminishes all of these stereotypes, fighting honourably alongside the King as the elite all-female warrior group of Wakanda. Other female characters in the movie include Shuri; her character celebrates the intellectual excellence of young women leading and developing all of Wakanda’s technology.

Her creations range from the Black Panther’s suit, which uses tiny molecular-sized vibranium springs to absorb and store kinetic energy whilst he fights, to the transportation within the city of Wakanda: hi-tech getaway vehicles all the way to vibranium beads (which can also be used to heal the wounded). Her character is not only the brains powering Wakanda, but also the source of comical relief throughout the movie. These characters

are only a few in a country of beautiful and thriving women who are clearly feminine, nonetheless willing to fight for their country without question.

The significance of this portrayal in a cinematic space allows viewers to see the many types of black women subverting the stereotype that they are all the same.

I have only briefly touched upon the excellence of this movie, but rest assured there are many more scenes to highlight.

The political messages in this film cannot go unnoticed. The first scene set in Oakland which is depicted as less developed than the nation of Wakanda, and characterised by its makeshift basketball hoops in a run-down neighbourhood, foreshadows where the conflict starts. The next political pivot in the movie shifts to the British Museum where Michael B Jordan’s character ,Erik Killmonger, is viewing African artefacts and outwardly expresses his interest into the origins of the artefacts and how they became situated the British Museum- miles away from their roots in Africa. Another political pivot arises in the question of identity when Ulysses Klaue assumes Erik Killmonger is just a ‘crazy American’, when in reality he is half Wakandan.

The idea of having to prove one’s identity is also reflected in how his character as an African American is viewed by other Africans-emphasising the existence of disparity even between black cultures.

This issue I think transcends beyond the characters and can be applied to many people with dual nationalities or those who feel disconnected from their communities.

The most significant and powerful line in the movie is delivered by Erik Killmonger in his last breath. He proclaims that he would rather be ‘buried in the ocean with [his] ancestors who jumped from ships because they knew that death was better than bondage’. The character of Erik Killmonger (played

by Michael B Jordan) is said to be the best in villain Marvel history of the cinematic universe. This line holds so much anger, resentment and pride as his character is unable to reconcile with his ancestors; this is shown in the return to his childhood after drinking the Heart-Shaped Herb; he is left alone in an Oakland apartment with only the ghost of his father and is therefore unable to move forward: forever trapped in a cycle of generational trauma. This is unlike T’Challa’s experience of drinking the same herb and being surrounded with the previous Black Panthers.

Children all over the world will love this movie, especially black children as they will be able to see themselves being represented on the big screen with a strong and rich heritage: challenging what is taught about their enslaved ancestors. The film’s imagery and representation also shows all young kids that super heroes

MARVEL

can be any colour.

The movie premiere celebrated African culture with drums, traditional clothing and African prints which gave an insight into what viewers could expect. Hopefully this spectacular viewing will begin to influence children growing up, how they view themselves and their ancestry, and that this positive representation can become their norm.

This film transports you to a place where Africa is technologically advanced and thriving without help from other countries. Alternatively, they can offer foreign aid and their technological advancement to underdeveloped countries, including the West.

The Black Panther movie is more than a trip to the cinema. It’s a worldwide movement. It covers themes such as loyalty, love, hate, betrayal and a sense of belonging; there is something for everyone. This movie is spectacular from start to finish and has an incredible message for everyone, especially young ethnic minorities. I recommend you go and see the movie and join the movement.

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

Downsizing: When science triumphs, love and morality are put to the test.

TAZ USHER Entertainment Editor

A

LEXANDER Payne offers a fresh insight to the world preservation debate with this humorous, but genius, solution to population growth- human ‘downsizing’.

The innovators of the scientific process, Dr Asbjornsen and Dr Jacobsen present their initiative as “the only practical remedy to humanity’s greatest problem”.

This ‘Gulliver’s Travels’/ ‘Honey, I shrunk the kids’-esque film begins with a light-hearted, but slightly harrowing, perspective of marriage and adulthood.

Middle-aged couple Paul and Audrey Safranek (played

by Matt Damon and Kristen Wiig), after much deliberation and persuasion from their newly ‘small’ friends Dave and Carol, take the greatest leap in their rela-

tionship so far and agree to ‘downsize’. Their desired new town, Leisureland, tempts them with the opportunity to “live like kings” in a mansion costing much less than their current crowded flat, and the additional promise of immediate retirement. But when it comes down to the crunch and they are separated during the medical shrinking procedure, Audrey gets ‘cold feet’ and the plot undergoes a remarkable shift.

Having transformed from 6ft to the size of a needle, and from married to divorced, it seems that life for Paul couldn’t have taken a larger summersault. Nevertheless, things prove to get even worse for him when his new party fanatic of a neighbour, Dusan, persists on giving Paul a headache worth complaining about with his nightly house parties. But once again- becoming a common theme in this film- things take yet an-

other unexpected turn and Paul is soon having a taste of the party life, which he had never experienced in his ‘old’ life, for himself. It’s from this moment, after approximately an hour of screen time, that Payne decides to bring the film’s moral message into play- with Paul’s knowledge of bionic limbs at its foundation- yes, it gets even more random! The second part of the film sees the second female protagonist, Ngoc Lan Tran (played by Hong Chau), hobble into the increasingly humble care of Paul Safranek as his offer to fix her faulty artificial leg escalates to being her taxi service, assisting her humanitarian escapades and most comically, becoming her cleaning substitute. Whilst all this time spent together helps present Payne’s moral that sometimes luxuries must be sacrificed for what is ethically right, the romance which unexpectedly blossoms between

the two is an addition to the film which arguably doesn’t quite ‘fit’. The relationship between the two emerges during their journey with party-goer Dusan and his equally arrogant friend Konrad to Norway- the home of the first ever community to downsize.

It is this point which I would have highlighted as a suitable place to end the film, as Ngoc finally gets to fulfil her dream of visiting the country.

The final part of the film features a new initiative to continue to preserve mankind with a new underground space protected from the growing threat of global warming. Paul must make a conscious decision between joining it or remaining in the real world. Here the film finally reaches its closure, although introducing such a new idea I believe could have been saved for a sequel to the film.

‘Downsizing’ is a hugely

creative and clever presentation of both geographical and scientific evolution. A revelation of ideas which I cannot fault, however I would argue that some aspects of the plot could have had less screen time and adding other scenes, such as Paul potentially visiting his cowardly ex-wife, would have made room for more humour and a consistently engaging storyline throughout.

FLICKR/Ma_Co2013

Fifty shades of freed? More like 50 shades of inconsistencies!

EMER SCULLY Print Editor

Apologies for the spoilers but I feel like it’s Fifty Shades of Grey so do you even care?

O a bad guy slapped her twice and kicked her in the stomach – which by the way did not even harm her unborn child – and she went into a coma, an actual coma.

I mean it fully knocked the gal out. She was rushed into surgery on one of those hospital wheelie beds and everything. Then, as she finally woke from her long slumber, she raised herself from the bed, looked up at her doting husband, and just full on yanked the tubes out of her nose.

S

I mean can you even just do that? It seems so medically unwise.

Going to see the film for a bit of a laugh, and expecting the absolute worst, I received more than I could ever have imagined. My, oh my, was it just not good, not good at all. Aside from the seriously controlling and abusive husband, I have to address the problems with the plot, and oh wow were there some big ones.

Firstly, ‘freed’??

Was she freed? Or had she just committed herself to a lifetime with a man who leaves her when he finds out she’s pregnant and punishes her in a very weird vibrator based-removal-of-pleasure

situation which forces her to use her safe word in anger.

There were a few good scenes. Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) has a sassy word with a beautiful architect who makes moves on her husband, drives an expensive car with speed and ability (despite her husband’s lack of faith in ‘the woman driver’), and there is an intelligent phone switch which allows her to be tracked whilst being taken hostage.

Ultimately, it was an interesting watch, plus the end scene shows the cutest chubby little boy running in their idyllic family home’s garden as a pregnant Anastasia looks on. However, the

happy family ending seems like a strange way to condone Christian Grey’s (Jamie Dornan) controlling and almost abusive behaviour. It seems this is a life meant to be lusted after, with women everywhere wanting their own Christian Grey’s; but it is important to realise how abusive he can be, and how dangerous that situation is in real life. If anything were to go wrong in their relationship Christian has full control over Anastasia’s entire life, from being her boss, to owning everything she considers ‘her’s.’It’s an interesting watch, but please don’t think of her life as one you want for yourself. Independence is bliss.

Universal Pictures

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

The Artistic Dichotomy: Reputation and Merit ROBERT BURN 2nd Year History

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OW, having read the title, you're probably anticipating some sort of leitmotif regarding the ongoing, broad discussion about the separation of an artist's works from their actions, or indeed the mere reputation of their personality (*cough*, Ritchie Blackmore). However, more so than a university paper article opening with a clichĂŠd destruction of the 4th wall, you may or may not be surprised to learn that the intention of this segment is not to throw a definitive hat into the proverbial ring.

Inevitably, this may happen anyway, but I suppose you'll have to read on to find out.

It was interesting to read this week, of the fallout resulting from BAE Systems' sponsorship of The Great Exhibition of the North Festival. At least two artists have announced their decision not to participate in the festival as long as BAE is a partner, with many more supposedly likely to follow suit. Others on the line-up are in discussion with the event organisers, seeking to distance themselves from the precarious reputation of the company. BAE do indeed have an understandably nefarious reputation, on account of their primary market involvement being arms manufacturing and weapons dealing. In a public statement, they essentially claimed that their involvement with the festival is intended to revere t'North's history of invention and engineering pedigree. However, it would appear that recent court cases clearing their deals with Saudi Arabian trading groups as legal has done little to alleviate many people's dislike of

their apparent commitment to combat innovation and streamlining warfare, for some strange reason.

'Wait a minute, is this not an article about music and

do we hold bystanders and wit-

time isn't entirely genuine.

One might even be able to go as far as to say it could be considered a microcosm of mass hysteria. Frank Zappa would, ironically, probably have labelled it a fad.

Ostensibly, their refusal of involvement is purported to demonstrate compassion and, for want of a less pompous phrase, moral superiority. But it would appear that a more likely explanation would be the re-manifestation of 'thoughts and prayers' syndrome, intending to save their public image by not

nesses to the same moral

ther. We've seen this kind of 'synthetic outrage' (to quote an old friend of mine) before. One such prominent example was President Trump's inauguration.

Trump's own reputation aside, artists of all musical persuasions refused to share an event with such a divisive presence. Some, however, braved the media storm and chose - probably against the better interests of their portfolio – to partake. Most of these artists were a long way from being A list celebrities, so it's probable that they thought a gig of such magnitude would be worth the potential abuse and would pay dividends, reputationally speaking. However, perhaps most surprisingly of all, save for a few cheap jabs at these musicians, little to no result

it pains destitution? me to see musicians artistry?', I hear you enthey quire. Why, yes it is. Thank you for reminding me. The having to could crux of the matter is that this situation provides an interesting twist on the public even use treat their perception of an artist and their connection to political the stage as attitudes or morality (or lack art as a thereof, as the case may or may not be). All the recently their emerging accounts of sexubusiness al assault committed by the platform political class, Hollywood liberal elitists and other people on pontificate pedto estals make it easy to deem the perpetrators as just as deviating from the consenprotest reprehensible as the acts sus. Unfortunately, industhey have committed, purely by virtue of the solitude of their perpetrators. It is more than justifiable to accuse a convicted murderer of being a murderer. But do we hold bystanders and witnesses to the same moral destitution?

The performers refusing to involve themselves with BAE Systems may have a point, but it's possible that their sudden coincidental urge to all leave at the same

tries based on media and art tend to be founded entirely on a culture of facile, image-based presentation.

I say unfortunately, as you could easily argue that this is almost a necessity to make money from selling ideals, concepts and visual or sonic distractions from reality.

Nonetheless, this is not the first example of such a reaction on such a scale, and I doubt it will be the last ei-

occurred. This is interesting, because it sets a precedent (pun not intended), and begs the question of the current situation unfolding up t'North; what are the acts so worried about?

Perhaps they are partly worried that the radio silence on the acts who performed at the inauguration

was so deafeningly undefining and inconsequential that their reputations might suffer more from a lack of discussion than a tirade of contrived abuse. No one had heard of the acts performing for Trump, and no one has heard of them since. The uncharacteristically half-hearted nature of the media's quasi-sensationalist treatment of those acts appears to have done more harm to their careers than any alternative, as all that resulted for the acts involved was a mediocrity of a performance and a saddling of 'Trump' on their Curricula Vitarum.

So, perhaps lessons have been learnt after all, and the performers leaving the Great Exhibition line-up are simply playing tactically. But supposing this is the case, is this not a saddening indictment of our collective treatment of artists? Is it fair of us to attach the reputation of an arms dealer to a choir of commoners (their choice of adjective, not mine) simply because the latter sang on a stage on which the former's name may or may not be included? I suppose that's up to the individual, who can vote with their wallets. But above all else, it pains me to see musicians having to treat their art as a business to such a pronounced degree. Perhaps a simple solution would be for just one artist or group to publicly denounce both the controversy and the status quo and just play the damn gig. They could even use the stage as their platform to protest, as many before them have indeed done. Alas, until we purge this hypocritical artificial assumption of automatic crime by association from pop culture and embrace a little more lucidity, we're going to remain in a rut of re-processed musical safety.

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

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

ARIES

TA U R U S

GEMINI

CANCER

MARCH 21 - APRIL 19

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

M AY 2 1 - J U N E 2 0

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

The month of March will feel a lot calmer than the battles you would have faced a few weeks ago. This month is indeed a busy one though, and you will have to make sure that you take some time out for yourself. Treat yourself to a massage or a hot bath- anything to make sure your feeling of serenity is kept as this will help you cope with stress in the upcoming weeks.

This month is a challenge for you as you will feel like you are being pulled every which way. Stop trying to please everyone and focus on what makes you feel happy. As an earth sign, you will have a feeling of accomplishment towards the end of the month as you are planting seeds for your future and this should manifest in the springtime. Remember: positive thinking and action gets results!

You may feel bored and, frankly, dissatisfied by life at this time. You need a calling and some motivation and the best way to do this is to have some time alone to reflect on what it is your heart wants. Therefore you can manifest your dreams and desires and find out why you have been feeling out of sorts. Write down your thoughts, make a plan and most importantly- chill out.

You will be flying this month, Cancers! There is no-one that can break your spirit down and everything you do will seem effortless and gain maximum results in your favour. You have the right mix of shyness and charisma to achieve your desired goal this month- go get em’!

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

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

AUGUST 23- SEPTEMBER 22

S E P T E M B E R 2 3 - O C TO B E R 2 2

O C TO B E R 2 3 - N O V E M B E R 2 1

This month throws a romantic spanner in the works and you need to proceed carefully.

If single, someone may seem too good to be true- assess the situation, investigate and take baby steps if you want to venture into something new. If in a relationship, make your partner feel your love this month, they may need it.

Matters of the heart are affecting you this month, Virgo! You may feel hopeless and in need of attention this March. Perhaps a friend has been neglecting you, or have you been single for too long? Whatever the emotional matter; remember that you are not to blame for how you feel. Give it time and matters will resolve on their own- self belief is key.

Librans, the month of March brings goodness into your life. You will feel grateful for the people around you whom you care about.

Buy a nice gift or treat someone whom you love as someone in your life feels underappreciated right now.

Stress alert! Time to cool down and alter your perspective as you are being very stubborn!

It’s time to offer an ear and listen to someone as right now you are coming across as very petulant. Additionally, someone whom you respect may let you down and you should deeply think about whether they are worth your time.

S A G G I TA R I U S

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19

JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18

FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20

This month will feel monotonous and bland for the Sagittarius, with your heart wanting to escape. Thus, do something spontaneous: book a holiday or pack up and explore somewhere new for the day- revive your senses!

Let loose this month and treat yourself! You have been working so hard lately and its taking its toll. It’s time to cool off and appreciate the little things in life. Visit somebody who makes you happy or phone an old friend- it might lead to new things!

You will be in your element this month, Aquarius; work life will feel like a breeze. Be careful not to be too cocky though as pride comes before a fall. In matters of love, you will be less successful so try not to wear your heart on your sleeve and have a poker face in order to minimise emotional damage.

Your month is here and it has a whirlwind of emotions for you to deal with! In love, things will be sweeter- someone may surprise you and you will feel even more besotted. However, take care in professional matters: you don’t want people talking! Be humble, honest and show your skills to really move up in the world this month.

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

Entertainment at The Reading Film TheatreThe Disaster Artist (2017).

LUCY HOWELLS 2nd Year English Language

D

IRECTOR: James Franco On Tuesday, February 20th The Reading Film Theatre screened The Disaster Artist (2017), James Franco’s love letter to the movie, “The Room” (2003).

If you are an avid film fan, it is highly probable that you may have heard of The Room: infamously directed, produced by, and starred in by Hollywood outcast, Tommy Wiseau. If you’ve seen it, however, then you know just how peculiar it is.

You really do have to see it to believe it, don’t you?

Renowned as “one of the worst movies ever made”, with a quite frankly generous Rotten Tomatoes score of 26%, it is nothing short of fascinating that this ironically funny film has achieved cult-classic status all around the world. The Disaster Artist shares this same bewildered admiration. In almost true Wiseau fashion, Director Franco stars as Tommy, the disaster artist himself, with real-life brother, Dave, playing best-friend, Greg Sestero. The movie tells the

true tale of the two-friend’s ridiculous and bizarre journey of coming to make The Room, as aspiring film maker, Wiseau, and wanna-be actor, Sestero, fail to chase their big Hollywood dreams. Absolutely hilarious and unexpectedly touching, The Disaster Artist masterfully pays a spectacular homage to one of Hollywood’s biggest remaining mysteries.

Whilst on the topic of mysteries, seeing as though this was the first time I visited our on-campus cinema on chance of seeing The Disaster Artist, I realised

C R E AT I V E

that Reading University might have a little secret of its own. The Reading Film Theatre is the only Independent Cinema in the Reading area, but yet, it still seems to remain a hidden gem in Reading’s cultural scene, which people should know more about! Based in G10 in the Palmer Building, the volunteer run cinema has been on our campus for over 48 years, showing the best in world cinema. As well as popular new releases such as The Disaster Artist, the theatre has a film programme balanced between new release blockbusters,

art-house English, foreign language films and specialist films with limited or no mainstream distribution. If that isn’t enough for you, there are three Film Seasons per year that coincide with term times, meaning if a night out doesn’t tickle your fancy after a gruelling day of lectures, then you always have the option to kick back and relax to some quality cinema. With membership starting at £10, and tickets at a very student friendly price of £5, why endure the cold walk to The Oracle when you’ve got everything that you could want right here?

CORNER

C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G F R O M O U R S TA R S T U D E N T W R I T E R S ARI CARRINGTON

Creative Corner is probably my favourite part of the Entertainment section to read every month –getting to see the amazing creative efforts of a variety of different students is fantastic, and I hope all of you enjoy seeing the great works of students here as much as I do.

This month I’ve got something very special for you guys to read (and hopefully enjoy!). It’s an extract from a short story of mine, Barefoot in the Snow. It’s just been published in an anthology, Seasons of Discontent, which features a number of works, all on the themes of winter or discontentment, from some amazing Australian authors, including my aunt, Sophie L Macdonald. I was really lucky to get to contribute to this book, and I’m so excited to have my first short story published.

So check out the extract below, and if you like it, check out the book for the rest of the story! You can pick up a copy online from blurb.com/ b/8414931-seasons-of-discontent

BAREFOOT IN THE SNOW The sleet falls over me, but I do not feel it. I press my palm against the window, my hand too cold tomake any sort of impression upon the frigid glass. My breath puffs out, too icy to fog the glass.

Yet on the other side itisso warm and busy that droplets of condensation are gathering in the corners of the panes. Itis a bar, packed to bursting with young students in high spirits. The new term has just begun and their responsibilities and deadlines are so far in the distance that they may as well not exist. And so here they are, night after

night, drinking pint after pint, laughing and joking without a care in the world.

A young man, average build with choppy brown hair, holds two glasses. Without looking at her orpausing in his conversation, he hands one of the glasses to a girl who is seated, though most of the group is standing.

Perhaps itis her shoes that have forced her to sit. They are beautiful, but intricate and incredibly high - patent black leather, with more straps than I could count caging each foot completely. I once owned a pair just like them; a gift from an old boyfriend. But the

day I left him I flung open the large bay window and tossed the damned things to the street far below. Those shoes were not made for standing, as hers aren’t. She could never be comfortable standing in that crowd.

She holds the glass with both hands, her knuckles slightly whitening with tension, rested in her lap. She is very still, eerily so. If one were to simply cast a passing eye across the bar they could easily miss her, or dismiss her as a part ofthe background scenery.

Condensation is beginning to form on the outside of her glass too. The heat from

her hands is melting the ice in the glass. It’s funny; here I stand with frost forming on the hem ofmy skirt, turning it from red to palest pink, and yet just a few feet away a girl sits, so warm and holding a glass full of rapidly melting ice.

A drop rolls down the side of the glass, pooling onto her red woolen dress, darkening it with a small uneven spot. Itis just water, it will not stain, but she frets over it, placing the glass on the bar and rubbing at it.

She keeps her movements minimal and tries tobe discreet about it, butit worries her greatly.

Her brow furrows deeply as she tries in vain to remove the damp mark.

The man with her notices her movements and turns slightly towards her, a slight frown crossing his face. She continues to stare at the mark on her lap, but ceases bothering it, simply laying her hand over it.

He reaches out and pats her shoulder and she smiles.

He turns his back to her once more, continuing his conversation with his friend. She picks up her drink again.

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

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

“This poem is set in the future and describes a terrible event of terrorism. I wrote it to raise awareness of the state that are world may be digressing towards.”

S A B I TA B U R K E

“I wanted to write a poem that gives a sensitive and emotional portrayal of childhood trauma. My poem explores the impact that this trauma can have with regards to trust, on relationships later in life.”

31/12/2030

H O L LY F O U R N I E R 1 S T Y E A R E N G L I S H L A N G U A G E A N D L I T E R AT U R E

The roads are destroyed, you can see the people’s anger within them.

The excitement of your little sister’s first gig comes to an end.

ALONE S A B I TA B U R K E

People are fleeing, dreaming, wishing of somewhere to go.

Ultimately, there’s nowhere.

Nature screams its last screams of agony. There’s so little of it left.

We observe the TV without conscious, these are real people, this is the norm now.

Why are you letting me go alone Through the fields of fire within the bony grass?

Past the grey cloud-memories, heavy as the salt water they hold Inching toward the old lake, the ice through which we swam on a frozen summer day; Seemingly there was joy but now we both see Nothing: she's left us, and the happiness we revelled in on that pollen-sweet afternoon Wasn't going to last anyway.

It was 5 p.m. when we called for her, and ran Streaming through the wheat, beside the sun's heavy treacle glow Rushing into water that curled around red pebbles It felt like liquid velvet on our feet, do you remember?

And do you remember how nonchalantly you kissed me, unexpected and long And when we looked up from our own bodies, remembering her, we saw Just a limb of stony skin Hanging with the currents far out, sliding down below our eyes. * 13 years later, the clamour of a science career and dark must of London stations Tenses the stress into white moons of tightened flesh, and I see the life we were too selfish to save.

I have to go back to the lake, where some parts of her still are Maybe if I ensconce my heart in a reliving, then when I come out I can be at peace.

But the image's cold burn still eats my veins, and you're not here.

Why are you letting me go alone?

An aeroplane filled with innocence that flies so low it could scrape across the top of my head.

We know what happens next.

The plane crashes into a thousand pieces.

I am not surprised.

I was 29 years ago. I was 13 years ago.

This is the norm now.

HOW TO LIVE H O L LY F O U R N I E R 1 S T Y E A R E N G L I S H L A N G U A G E A N D L I T E R AT U R E

We drive along a dead road that lines a beach of Hawaii.

We blast out the music of our childhoods and we know every word.

We’re surfing the greatest waves with the beautiful, scorching and forgiving sun beating down on us, tanning our skin, lightening our hair.

Everyone around us knows we know how to live.

We’re swimming with the most exotic species in the world.

The dolphins’ soft, caring skin scrapes across mine which is cold and fearless.

We feel a connection.

This is how to live.

Next, we’re skydiving, and I can see everything. I can see the world like I’m a hawk in awe of what I want to do next.

We’re landing on the crisp sand, that is as white as snow.

This is true beauty.

This is how to live.

Somersaulting off the most stunning cliffs into the crystal blue water.

We’ve never felt a sensation like this.

We’re living, I’m living.

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photography Picketing at UOR T

HE last week has been the start of the picketing on campus, with lecturers and students standing together in support of the strikes. With all five entry points of the two campuses being covered, with banners,

chanting and drums, the impact has had its affect on campus.

On Wednesday 28th February, one of the main entrances on Shinfield Road displayed the formation of a long chain of students and

lecturers, standing arm in arm across the fence outside campus. With over 150 members involved in the chain, and the march through campus, it is clear to see the support this strike has.

P H OTO G R A P H Y | PAG E 3 3

Neil Cocks, Laurence Hill-Cawthorne, Ian Akhurst, Stephen Samuel (Left to Right)

ALL P H OTO S TA K E N B Y LAURA MCCARTHY

SPORT | PAGE 34

SPORT | PAGE 35

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

LUCY WRIGHT 2nd year English Literature

S

PRING term for Athletics has been an absolute corker. We have completed our fourth race of the LUCA Cross-Country series (run by UCL) at Alexandra Palace.

Our star runners were Natalie Plummer and Niamh Bothwell, for the girls, and James Lyne and Oscar Dickens for the boys. There was an extraordinary amount of mud, and our trainers were sodden within around three seconds into the race. But hey that’s XC for ya!

On Monday, January 29 we had some fun with Give it a Go week where we flitted through Reading in our Neon Rave Run! On Sunday, February 4, 28 of us headed to Hillingdon Sports-ground in

Uxbridge for the BUCS NationalCross-Country Championships (hosted by Brunel), which out did Ally Pally’s mud-fest ten to one! I have never seen so much mud, luckily the majority of us owned spikes. The girls went first with Natalie coming 216th out of 718 runners (4 miles in 28.24 minutes). This was followed by the Men’s A Team, which was made up of Tom McArdle, Joshua Talib, Oscar Dickens, Ollie Millin, James Lyne and Bradley Taylor. They ran an extended route of 10km, and it was James once again who brought it home for the boys coming 111st out of 360 runners, with a time of 37.17 minutes. Finally, the Men’s B-Team began at 2pm, and it was Dominic Le Mar who won it out of the Reading boys coming 204th out of 577 runners, with a time of 31.5 minutes.

The BUCS Indoors happened on February 16 and 17, which began the season for our track runners. Well done to Brendon Reynolds and Sam Cunningham! The final LUCA XC race (no.5) was at Wormwood Scrubs - another great event,

and at least it didn’t rain this time. We are looking forward to the Hyde Park Relays and Teddy Hall Relays in March on the lead up to the Half Marathon. The Half Marathon is nigh, so training is certainly underway with only two weeks

to go. We have training for it every Wednesday, so should anyone wish to join please contact me (Lucy Wright).

The event comes through campus so as much support on the side-lines for our 20 runners would definitely go

IMAGE CREDIT: Kevin McArdle

Race You There MANON JONES Sports Print Editor

W

HEN you’re shor t on t i me it ma kes s e ns e to combi ne your c om mute to Un iversit y w it h you r workout . Not on ly d o e s it k i l l t wo birds w it h one stone, but hav i ng a d e st i nat i on i n mind c an b e mot ivat i ng – plus, t he re’s no e xc us e to b ack out , as we have a l l got cl ass es to ge t to.

From t he k it to invest i n, to how to map out your route, he re’s e ve r yt hing you ne e d to k now b efore you s e t of f.

KIT YO UR S ELF OUT Inve st i n a go o d b ack p ack b e fore anyt hing els e. Not h i ng w i l l put you of f r u n - commut i ng qu i cke r t han chaf ing shou l d er st rap s or a b ag r ubbi ng on you r ne ck for m i l e on e nd.

Buy a sp e ci a list r unn i ng r u cks ack w it h chest and waist st rap s , w hich

T I P S F O R T U R N I N G YO U R CO M M U T E I N TO A R U N w i l l e ven ly dist r ibute t he weig ht of t he b ag across your b o dy and hold it s ec urely in pl ac e.

This w i l l help to not c aus e b ack injur y and supp or t a l l t ho s e he av y b o ok s you are lug g i ng to l e c tures.

T HINK A BOUT S AFETY Whet her you’re r un ning pre-sun r is e or p ost -of f ice, g ive s ome t houg ht to how v is ible you’ l l b e w hen it’s d ark out side.

Invest in a p ai r of legg ings w it h ref le c t ive st r ips or buy an LE D ref l e c t ive ar m or w r istb and.

PIC K UP SPE E D If you’re lucky enoug h to have a shor t commute (anyt hing l ess t han four mi l es), t r y to work i nterv a l spr int s into your r un to re a l ly get your he ar t r ate going . Spr i nt for 2 0 s e conds, t hen drop of f to

a slow j og for 4 0 s e conds to get your bre at h b ack.

R ep e at t his ten to 1 5 t i mes –it’s not overly compli c ate d, suite d to any ter rai n and w i l l f i re up your met ab olis m for t he d ay a he ad.

ALLOW TIME FOR DELAYS D on’t e x p e c t to f a l l i nto a r u n-c om mute rou t i ne st rai g ht aw ay – it c an t a ke t i me to f i g u re out w hat work s b e st for you.

Give you rs el f a bu f f -

e r at f i rst for any w rong tu r ns, or any e x t r a t i me you ne e d p o st -r u n to c o ol d ow n and e at bre a k f ast .

It may b e e asi e r to st ar t by r u nni ng home f rom c ampus, si nc e you’re l e ss pre ss e d for t i me.

D Y L A N N O LT E / U N S P L A S H

SPORT | PAGE 36

Let Me Be Frank THOMAS LYONS Sports Print Editor

I

WAS very fortunate to attend the next stop of famous Frank Bruno’s Let Me Be Frank tour, after releasing his very honest and emotional book that gives an account of his personal and mental struggles throughout, and in the aftermath of a long-standing career at the elite level. Presenting one of the most valued belts in boxing today, theWorld Boxing Council strap was a highlight of his appearance to the Hexagon Theatre in Reading. In front of a packed and engaged crowd who were his biggest fans growing up and followed his career, despite including some tough defeats to ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, Tim Wetherspoon, Lennox Lewis and James ‘Bone-Crusher’Smith.

Starting with the very highs of the Hammersmith man’s career which collectively saw him record 40 professional

FORMER WBC HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION FRANK BRUNBO BREAKS D OWN T H E B A R R I E R S H E FAC E D D U R I N G H I S F R U I T F U L C A R E E R T H O M A S LY O N S

wins, 38 of those coming by way of knockout and losing to only the very best. Bruno was someone not only that caught the imagination of the wider boxing fraternity but was considered a force in the states also before he went over the reeir to fight Mike Tyson, who arguably goes down in history as the best heavyweight of all time.

SWEEPING YOUR WAY TO VICTORY MANON JONES Sports Print Editor

P

YEONGCHANG’S Winter Olympics has been inspiring many across the country to try new sports, from skeleton to toboggan with fans recreating them in their own homes sliding downstairs in duvet. The Winter Olympics may not have the same hype or glamour as the Summer Olympics, but for two weeks, viewers can temporarily become winter sport enthusiasts– armchair ones at east.

What seems to have perplexed many is the fascination with curling, a sport which can be described to some as hardcore sweeping on ice. Why would people want to get excited about cleaning?

Okay it’s a bit more interesting than that.Curling is a sport in which players slide stone s on a sheet

Frank aleluded to the opportunities he was presented with when he turned to the paid ranks and fought with pride, passion, desire and respect for his opponents, every time he stepped foot in the ring.

Some of the main focuses of the discussion, with the inclusion of questions from the floor, talked about the

state of the heavyweight division now with lineal champion Tyson Fury relinquishing the belts after dethroning Wladimir Klitschko inDusseldorf before unified Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua took the division by storm. Since that night the mix includes WBC champion Deontay Wilder who defends his title against Luis Ortiz this weekend and challenger to Joshua’s WBA ‘Super’, IBF and IBO titles Joseph Parker, from New Zealand. However, closer to Frank’s heart were the deeper issues of him being sectioned a while back, his experiences in hospitals such as Goodmayes General Hospital, family life, how he got into boxing and even walking his lovely daughter down the aisle for her wedding. Amongst other issues, it seems the large proportion of his book focuses on the

down times,and when Bruno felt at his most helpless and suffered from depression.

For me personally, reading the book, it was an eye-opener to mental health awareness and now that Frank has set up his own foundation, the Frank Bruno Foundation,he can help others who went through the same experiences,to overcome their demons.

When Frank visited the University of Reading last year, I managed to ask him ‘Frank, what was tougher, the physical or mental preparation ahead of your fights’.

His reply to my question was,that ‘boxing is 90% mental, so that was the toughest thing to prepare’. It just shows you that athletes at the top of their game can suffer from bigger problems that are usually kept behind clothes in their personal lives.

Curling Fever

of ice towards a target area whichis segmented into four concentric circles. Each team has eight stones, with each player throwing two. The purpose is to accumulate the highest score for a game; points are scored for the stones resting closest to the centre of the house at the conclusion of each end, which is completed when both teams have thrown all of their stones. Still not convinced about the hype?

If you don’t consider it to be physically challenging, try to play it and then see if you still have functioning hamstrings the next day.

Oddly, Curling works well for television because the slow pace of the game and the close-up camera shots of the players allow us to share in the emotions of the event.

There is the drama of victory and defeat. There is the teamship and camaraderie that so clearly comes across on the screen it will have you on the edge of your seat chewing your

fingernails in anticipation.

Think about that episode in The Simpsons episode where Marge and Homer took to the ice 2010 ahead of the Olympic Games in Vancouver and helped to

take curling to a wider audience.

Still its not for everyone, but we can still chuckle at the videos of people having fun in recreating the perfect slide.

BINOCANADA/FLICKR

SPORT | PAGE 37

Ice Karting - less friction, more fun.

MANON JONES Sports Print Editor

I

F YOU grew up addicted to Mario Kart, you’ll know that effortlessly power-sliding around the corners is an essential ingredient in any victory. Ice karting is the latest craze to hit the ice! It’s fast and furious and just that little bit different.

Luckily for us we do not have to go far to hit the slopes. Bracknell’s Ski Centre & Ice Rink has a broad range of different and exciting activities to turn your corporate event into a memorable day.

Their karting events offer

YOU’VE HEARD OF DANCING ON ICE BUT COULD THIS BE A RECIPE FOR DISASTER?

exciting endurance racing and there is no better incentive than racing alongside your colleagues, bosses or friends.

This is a perfect activity for a large group of friends or a corporate day out. You will have exclusive use of the ice rink and a DJ will provide commentary.

Ice karting takes place on Thursday evenings and runs from 7pm to 9pm. The event can be held at other times but the cost will vary depending on any cancellations that have to be made to the regular programme.

If you fancy yourself as the next Lewis Hamilton and master of the ice here is how you can have the perfect outing for you and your mates.

To go assemble your pit crew you’ll need a minimum of 20 people/maximum of 40 to take part, which will cost you around £40 per person.

Upon arrival you will be given a safety briefing on how to tackle the track and participants will be split into four teams, each driver completing ten laps before swapping with the next team member.

The event will then run as

two 45-minute sessions with a break to resurface the ice.

A member of the ice rink

will be assigned to each team in order to count laps.

ALEX IVANOV/FLICKR

The End of the Fitbit is Nigh EMER SCULLY Print Editor

W

ALKING quicker and completing fewer steps is better for youthan completing 10,000 steps at a slower pace, according to a new study.

A BBC documentary has us all shook with media outlets everywhere asking the same question. Does this mean the end of the fitbit?

Host Michael Moseley and researchers from Sheffield Hallam University created an experiment where one group had to complete their 10,000 steps a day fitbit goal, whilst another had to do faster bursts of three 10-minute walks (around 3,000 steps ).

Not only did those attempting the 10,000 steps find it difficult to reach the goal, but those doing the 10-minute bursts actually sweated and therefore burnt more calories.

With the 10,000 step goal originating from a bizarre Japanese fitness programme around the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics,

which aimed to increase the fitness of the country, it seems as a goal it’s rather dated.

According to the BBC study we would all be healthier and happier just sticking to short active bursts of walking; perhaps out to lunch or just through the library to get a coffee.

However, Jessica Dudley, a 3rd year ancient history student, won’t let this study put her off her fitbit, which she suggests is important as a reminder to exercise, regardless of a 10,000 step goal.

She said: “It doesn’t really change my opinion on the fitbit. My fitbit encourages me to get up and move and I think that’s what’s really important. As students it’s so easy to sit around, be lazy or stare at your laptop all day, so having my fitbit encourages and reminds me to get some exercise.

“I’m not against the study and it’s probably right, but at the end of the day I think that if there is something that is encour-

aging people to get up and move then that’s great.

Whether it’s 10,000 steps or a 10 minute burst, it’s still exercise.”

Another fitbit user, Liz Edgar, 3rd year war and

international relations, agreed: “In my eyes any exercise is good for you, whether it’s 10 minute burst or 10,000 steps. It doesn’t make me less inclined towards a fitbit, as

I use it out of interest and it does motivate me to do more.”

“I pay a lot more attention to my daily activity but wouldn’t say I feel any healthier just more aware.”

ANDRE KOOLME FLICKR

SPORT | PAGE 38

Madjeski Monthly BECKY WATSON 2nd year Film & theatre

FEBRUARY 3RD R E A D I N G 0 - 2 M I L LWALL – WINLESS AND G O A L L E S S R U N AT THE MADEJSKI CONTINUES. eading have now not scored at home s i n c e S a t u r d a y, D e c e m ber 23 or won at home s i n c e Tu e s d a y, N o v e m ber 28 in the Championship leaving many f a n s r a t h e r s o u r.

Vi l l a l o a n e e To m m y Elphick was handed his full debut while deadline day signing Chris Martin was named on the bench.

Reading, who saw debutant Elphick forced off by an apparent knee injur y a f t e r o n l y h a l f a n h o u r, are just six points above the relegation zone.

Vi t o M a n n o n e s h o w e d his class on the stroke of half-time with a string of successive saves that denied Millwall what looked to be a certain o p e n e r.

Royals eventually registered a shot in the s e c o n d h a l f w h e n Va n d e n B e r g ’s a m b i t i o u s volley from 30 yards sailed high and wide of the goal.

The Lions then made their lucky breakthrough 20 minutes from time as Mahlon Romeo's cross was def lected in at the near post by Reading midfielder Leandro Bacuna.

Lee Gregor y then tur ned in Ste ve Mor ison's pass three minutes later to make the points safe.

Fans on B erkshire Radio were calling the d i s p l a y ‘p a t h e t i c a n d c l u e l e s s’ a n d a r e w o n dering how long it will b e unt i l manager Jaap Stam resigns.

B oos from the Royals fans were heard throughout the game and were particularly a i m e d a t Ty l e r B l a c k -

R

ett who sloppily handed the Lions their second goal.

Royals looked bereft

I’m very disappointed.

Not that we thought that we could win a game like this easily.

We started the second half well, but then they scored their first goal from a deflection and then at 2-0 down, it’s very hard to come back into it. of confidence throughout and achieved just a single shot on target.

Manager Jaap St am told BBC Berkshire: "I'm ver y disappointed. Not that we thought that we could win a g a m e l i k e t h i s e a s i l y. " We s t a r t e d t h e s e c ond FEBRUARY 24TH READING 3-3 DERBY – READING COME FROM BEHIND TWICE I N S I X G O A L T H R I L LER. Reading only just avoided losing a fifth league game in a row for the first time in the c l u b’s h i s t o r y.

Royals fans have now g o n e s i n c e Ap r i l 2 0 1 7 without a home Championship win on a Satu r d a y.

Wi t h o n - l o a n C h r i s Martin ineligible to face his former club a n d Ya n n K e r m o r g a n t nursing a calf strain, it meant a recall for Jon Dadi Bodvarsson up front.

Un d e r p r e s s u r e b o s s Jaap St am had ca l le d for unity from the fans in the build-up to the game

and an improved home performance started to lift spirits.

Stam saw his side trail to Kasey Palmer's close-range strike with only six minutes played and prospects of an away win looked promising.

But the hosts went in f ront through Liam Kelly's 25-yard stunning hit ten minutes later and Mo B ar row's oneon-one finish in the 32nd minute.

More dubious defending saw Andy Keogh level at 2-2 in the 35th m i n u t e f o r D e r b y.

The Royals looked like they had thrown it all away after Lawrence's low strike inside a minute of the second half kick-off.

But Reading showed fight andspirit and R ams keep er S cott C arson made a breath-taking save from another s p l e n d i d h i t b y K e l l y.

At t h e o t h e r e n d C a m eron Jerome twice went close, including a header which clipped the

b a r. B u t I c e l a n d s t r i k er Jon Dadi B odvarsson earned Reading a point, equalising with 10 minutes remaining after Carson had made another brilliant stop in t he bui ld-up.

The drama had not e n d e d y e t w h e n D e r b y ’s Chris Baird's received a late red card for a lunging challenge on B arr o w.

The red card provided the spark for a frantic spell of home pressure that Derby just managed to withstand.

Reading remain 18th in the Championship table and four points above the drop zone.

B u t i f S t a m’s m e n c a n match this kind of p erformance from here on in their league status should not be in doubt.

R e a d i n g ’s d e f e n d i n g left a lot to be desired, b u t R e a d i n g ’s p e r f o r mance overall was a big improvement on recent weeks.

Re ading manager Jaap Stam:

We gave away cheap goals and that’s not the first time we’re saying that. We wanted to keep the scoreat 2-1 and then maybe go foward and go for a third goal. We kept on pushing to get back into the game again and we got a deserved equaliser. So that’s a good point.

P L AY E R O F T H E MONTH: MO BARR O W. COMING UP NEXT MONTH: Reading V Sheffield Un i t e d R e a d i n g v B o l t o n Wa n derers Reading v Leeds Reading v QPR

SPORT | PAGE 39

Brookes We’re Coming For You MANON JONES Sports Print Editor

I

T ’ S t h at t i m e ag ai n , t h e fe ro c i ou s R e a d i ng Kn i g ht s te ams w i l l ch a l l e nge ( an d c on qu e r ) their R iv a l s , Ox ford Bro oke s . T h i s ye ar we w i l l b e b a ck on ou r h om e tu r f re a dy to st r i ke fe ar i n t h e h e ar t s of e ve r y op p on e nt we f a c e.

For t h o s e w h o are t a k i ng p ar t for t h e f i rst t i m e you m ay b e won d e r i ng w h at e x a c t ly i s v ars it y ?

Vars it y i s a sp or t i ng f i x tu re b e t we e n t wo u n i ve rs it y r iv a l s . It i s m o st c om m on ly u s e d to d e s c r i b e m e e t i ng s b e t we e n C ambr i d ge Un ive rs it y an d Ox ford Un ive rs i t y. T h e S c ott i s h Vars it y r u g by m atch b e t we e n t h e Un ive rs it y of St A n d re w s an d t h e Un ive rs it y of E d i nbu rg h at Mu r r ay f i e l d s t a d iu m cl ai ms to b e t h e ol d e s t re c u r r i ng Vars it y

BACK ON OUR HOME TURF C AN READING SMASH THEIR O L D R IVA L S ? m atch i n t h e wor l d, h av i ng b e e n pl aye d s i n c e t h e 1860s.

Howe ve r, the Vars it y Match i n C r i ck e t b e t we e n Ox ford an d C ambr i d ge pre d ate s it , h av i ng f i rst b e e n pl aye d i n 1 8 2 7 . T h e i r g am e s h ave of te n b e e n bro a d c a s te d, su ch a s t h e b o at r a c e an d r u g by m atch pl aye d at Tw i cke n h am .

T h e R e a d i ng Kn i g ht s te ams an d clu b s w i l l c om p e te on S atu rd ay, March 2 4 i n a d ay tou r n am e nt ag ai nst t h e i r e qu iv a l e nt s at Ox ford Bro oke s i n ove r 2 5 sp or t i ng f i x tu re s .

Poi nt s are e ar n e d for e ve r y g am e t h at i s won .

T h e Vars it y t rophy i s aw ard e d to t h e Un ive rs i t y t h at h a s a c c u mu l ate d t h e m o st p oi nt s f rom a l l of t h e g am e s pl aye d. B e su re to ke e p an e ye out

for t h e up c om i ng s ch e d u l e to f i n d out w h o i s pl ay i ng an d at w h at t i m e.

Eve r yon e i s we l c om e to s p e c t ate. C om e a l ong , s e e s om e g re at s p or t w h i l s t s upp or t i ng you r f r i e n d s , te am m ate s an d Un ive rs it y p e e rs i n t h e Bi g ge s t Sp or t i ng e ve nt i n t h e C a l e n d ar.

Wh ate ve r you r re a s ons , it i s a g re at d ay out t h at c e l e br ate s e ve r y t h i ng g re at ab out b e i ng a s tu d e nt at R e a d i ng .

Vars it y i s a w h ol e d ay of s p or t , s p e c t at i ng , s o c i a l i s i ng an d c e l e br at i ng ; n ot to b e m i s s e d for te ams an d s tu d e nt s p e c t ators a l i ke. G o on an d t a ke t h e ch an c e to ge t aw ay f rom s tu dy i ng , s p e n d t i m e w it h you r m ate s an d b e i nvolve d i n ou r f i g ht to w i n an d br i ng t h at Vars i t y c up h om e.

RUSU

Step into the ring THOMAS LYONS Print Sports Editor

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he transition from the amateur game to the pro-ranks is arguably what moulds a boxer into the ‘complete’ fighter. Experience cannot be bought in that sense, and the decision to turn over gives them a chance to move through the levels and showcase their skills, acquired from the amateurs, and the accolades that come with this. This is no different for super-bantamweight Louie Lynn, who has announced his professional debut for Saturday, March 24, on the undercard of a heated heavyweight clash between Dillian Whyte and Lucas Browne, at the O2 Arena. Although no formal announcement has been made regarding Lynn’s promotional signing with Matchroom Boxing, there’s been a hint at a likely move to them, with Lynn posting on social me-

LYN N LOO K IN G TO MAK E HIS MARK O N WHYTE- BROWNE U N D E R C A R D IN PRO - D EBU T

dia about a possible meeting with promoter Eddie Hearn.

However, Lynn has been coached by former Matchroom protégé Kevin Mitchell at the 12×3 Gym and is looking forward to making his mark in the paid ranks. An outstanding amateur with GB and representing his country at several national championships and major tournaments, Lynn recently became GB champ at the championships in December in Sheffield, beating Kyle Morrison of Wales in a 56kg contest. It turned out to be a very successful year in 2017 for Lynn, who also became ABA champion with the famous Repton Boxing Club, who’s produced a great degree of talent including Daniel Dubois.

Dubois has since turned over and handled every obstacle put in front of him as a professional. The England

Boxing Elite Bantamweight champion will be looking for similar success and have his career guided accordingly.

Matchroom have certainly asserted themself, attracting the best potential produced from the GB setup, seen with the signing of Joshua Buatsi, Anthony Fowler, and most notably the unified World Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua. Following the same route as an amateur, Lynn will be itching to show what he’s learnt being around the best boxers of the recent Olympic cycle, and the changes he’ll need to make to suit the style of professional boxing. Finishing last year with a flourish, Lynn has a promising 2018 ahead, now that he has managed to get himself onto another top bill, headlined by two heavy hitters in Whyte and Browne.

Nevertheless, the super-ban-

tamweight division has lit up with another tasty domestic clash between Gavin McDonnell and Gamal Yafai for the WBC International title added to the Brook-Rabcehnko card in Sheffield on Friday, March 3. It’s very early days for Lynn, but he’ll know that there are some great matchups further down the line, and this will motivate him to achieve similar things to the amateur days. The crop of

talent from GB is filling the agenda for boxing in 2018 and has become a breath of fresh air, seeing these boxers develop over time and gain valuable experience fight by fight. In terms of making that move from the unpaid to the paid ranks, it highlights the strength of amateur boxing in the UK and the successes of clubs such as Repton ABC to name a few, where Lynn has grown as a fighter.

LET ME BE FRANK

VAVA VROOM

D I TC H YO U R S T E P S

Bruno bears all in his new book and talk at reading Hexagon.

Ice karting the lastest speester past time?

iIs it time to bid your Fitbit goodbye?

PA G E 3 6

PA G E 3 8

PA G E 3 7

sport ‘You All Ready For This?’

MANON JONES Sports Print Editor

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IME to bring your a game. Dust off the pompoms and suit up,as Varsity is around the corner meaning only one thing it’s time to defend our title.

Spring is here and there is a change in the wind as the ice is beginning to thaw and our pitches are returning to their former glory. Time for

change and for me to introduce your new Sports Print Editor...

It’s been a pleasure working with you all this year and I am sure the role will be in safe hands with Thomas Lyons at its helm. Thomas has written for the sports section in the past focusing on shedding more light on the growing development of the boxing society on cam-

pus. He has a knack for media presenting regularly on junction 11 and reporting on boxing news, regularly meeting sporting legends like Frank Bruno and currently writing for a multiplicity of boxing channels both digitally and through written blogs.

Be sure to read his piece on Bruno’s show ‘Let Me Be Frank’ in this month’s issue.

I look forward to seeing where he takes the sports section in the future.

This month we have history in the making at the Winter Olympics with Team GB triple medal score on the skeleton.

The mystery behind the curling craze sweeping the nation. The latest scores from Reading FC’s football season and how to make the

most out of your commute to campus.

If you love being active and have a flair for writing or have a story we would love to hear from you! If you would like to get involved or find out more email our new Sports Print Editor Thomas on sports@ sparknewspaper.co.uk who will be more than happy to help.

Super Slider Saturday MANON JONES

G R E AT B R I TA I N B A G F I R S T T H R E E M E D A L S O F W I N T E R G A M E S

Sports Print Editor

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ATURDAY saw Team GB make history at the 2018 Peyong Chang Winter Olympics. Dom Parsons won a dramatic bronze medal in the men’s skeleton final to claim the first medal of the 2018 Winter Olympics for Great Britain. He started his run in third place but looked to have blown his chance with two racers still to take the course, with Parsons himself admitting “I thought I’d binned it”.

However, Latvian rival and five-time world champion Martins Dukurs of Latvia lost time on the lower part of the course to ensure Parsons remained in the bronze medal position to hand Team GB

ANDY MIAH/FLICKR

their first medal in the skeleton for 70 years.

That evening it saw the turn of Parson’s teammates Lizzy Yarnold and Laura Deas to compete in the women’s skeleton final. Yarnold, known by

other members of the British skeleton squad as ‘She-Ra’, a cartoon character who is the Princess of Power, smashed her own track record by two tenths of a second-what a way to claim gold.

Yarnold’s brilliant run: fast from the start, she didn’t panic when she took a small hit halfway down, and recovered to record a blistering final time and seize the day.

What a performance by Great Britain’s double skeleton gold champion. Gold in Sochi in 2014 and now another four years later.

She celebrated by wildly rushing to Deas with a big hug after finding out her score.

Deas, who finished in third, 0.62 behind her team-mate, collected Britain’s second bronze medal of the games.

The women are close friends and have supported each other throughout the games with Yarnold stating “The night before my run Laura brought

me a massive tub of ice cream”what a good teammate.

Commiserations for poor Janine Flock, though, who had gold there for the taking, but could not respond to the challenge thrown down by Yarnold. She took control of her situation... while heading down the side of a mountain head first. Yarnold demonstrated her determination, nerve and, talent throughout her run, proving herself as a well-deserved winner.

And Britain’s domination of the women’s skeleton continues apace: bronze for Alex Coomber in 2002, silver for Shelley Rudman in 2006, gold for Amy Williams in 2010 and now gold for Lizzy Yarnold in 2014 and 2018.