April 2016 - Edition 60
THREE NIGHTS IN MAY #BSUFESTIBALL
FRI 6
S AT 7
SUN 8
CHARLIE TEE HOSTED BY
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3
Introduction.
THREE NIGHTS IN MAY #BSUFESTIBALL
S AT 7
SUN 8
April Issue
FRI 6
This Edition: CHARLIE TEE HOSTED BY
HOSTED BY
LLOYD ONES VS
page 8
HEADPHONE DISCO DOME, PERFORMERS, OUTSIDE AREAS, FOOD STALLS, COCKTAIL BARS, PHOTOBOOTH AND LEAVERS VIP AREA
Line up subject to change | over 18s only GUEST TICKETS AVAILABLE AT BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/FESTIBALL
Re-Elected Get your party socks on, it's that time of year again Festiball 2016 will be taking place from 6-8 May!
Student Engagement Coordinator (DMM) Will Hoskin gives us a blow-by-blow account of the Students' Union's 2016 Elections.
page 10
Contributors Will Hoskin • Joe Collins • Ohio Orumen Jenny Wade • Tim Dixon • April Dowling • James Taylor Rich Hodges • Katelyn Collins • Kat Frei Mark Ormerod • Tilly Haley • Emma Kiy
Personal Safety Vice President Education & Welfare, Jenny Wade, discusses the importance of personal safety.
Georgie Barter • Holly Furniss • Ohio Orumen
page 13
Sian Lipscomb • Greg Pike
Want to see your name in the list above? Want to have your writing or artwork on show to thousands of people? Get involved. Email editor@thebucksstudent.com
Advertising
Jungle Bucks BNU Student, April Dowling, talks us through what we can expect from this year's Bucks Live project.
For all advertising and media enquiries please contact the Students’ Union Communications and Marketing department. Simon McDowell - simon.mcdowell@bucks.ac.uk Articles in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students’ Union but are that of the specific author. View this edition online at bucksstudentsunion.org/communications.
page 30
AU Dinner Sports Development Assistant (AU) Holly Furniss gives us the winners of each award from the ceremony.
© 2016 Bucks Students’ Union
If required, this document can be made available in different formats. Please contact Bucks Students' Union for more information.
page 31
Varsity Vice President Student Involvement, Ohio Orumen, describes how we won Varsity for the very first time.
4 April Issue
Election Results.
RE-ELECTED
by Will Hoskin
Earlier this year the Students’ Union held a number of elections, these were to fill the sabbatical officer roles, NUS delegate, student trustee, Sports committee, society committee and student rep positions.
Monday 4 April 10am saw the ballot boxes open with an immediate flurry of activity. Both Joe and Ohio vying to fill in the first ballot paper of the day, unfortunately for them Jenny was in Uxbridge and, without the banter from her slate mates, had managed to fill in her ballot paper and put it in the box before the others had left the voting booths. In High Wycombe Joe and Ohio were pounding the pavement on the concourse and meeting students in the foyer. The Sabbs campaign teams were just as vocal and personable as the candidates and there were enough of them to make sure no student went near a ballot box without hearing about their manifesto. Noon on Friday the ballot boxes close. It was all over now the effort was done and the wait begins... All the candidates and their campaign teams were enjoying Prosecco and Pizza whilst waiting for the results to be announced. Shortly after the free food and drink was being washed down with a more conventional snake-bite and black, the crowd was informed of the results. NUS Delegates - Ben Parmar and Sarah Baker were elected. Student Trustees - Ben Parmar, Jack Watkins, Jack Flynn and Honey Darwood were elected. Vice President Student Involvement - with 788 votes Ohio Orumen was elected. Vice President Education and Welfare - with 1002 votes Jenny Wade was elected. President - with 1105 votes Joe Collins was elected. Bucks Students’ Union would like to thank all those who stood in the elections and congratulations to those who were elected.
FANCY WINNING A £100
VOUCHER?
To be in with a chance all you have to do is visit bucksstudentsunion.org/newspapersurvey and complete a quick survey on The Bucks Student. The winner will be notified by Friday 3 June 2016.
5
Election Results.
April Issue
JOE
OHIO
Firstly, I have to thank all those who voted and supported me over the course of the elections. I am massively appreciative and grateful. I wish to just briefly mention some of my priorities for my second term in office.
graduating, and increase our visibility at our Uxbridge campus and Partner Colleges, creating innovative ways to communicate with students, making it easier for students to find out what the Union has to offer.
I hope to expand on my ‘Sexual Harassment is #NeverOK’ campaign, relaunching in September and working towards ensuring our bar/security staff are trained in sexual harassment awareness, lobby for a stronger academic focus on employability to ensure Bucks students are prepared for the real world upon
I also want to create an online platform to make it more straightforward for students wishing to report class cancellations/ general issues, so that these matters can be resolved ASAP.
The difference between going after a job with nothing to lose and defending your job with everything to lose made this year’s campaign week a tad more stressful. However I would like to extend a massive thank you to my committed campaign team for devoting their time to securing votes and Joe and Jenny for their continued support.
to create a comfortable and healthy environment for women who wish to become more active.
Amongst the manifesto points I would like to achieve next year, my main focus is going to be to launch a #BucksGirlsCan campaign
I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in the elections – it was a really tough week but I am so happy to continue my time in office with Joe and Ohio!
JENNY
I am looking forward to building on Peace of Mind - the mental health awareness campaign; holding focus weeks throughout the year but also working closely with the university support services and local charities.We have made some progress raising awareness this term but now I want to take that a step further. I feel that there is a need to continue the work around personal safety – students have the right to feel safe during their time at
Please feel free to pop into our officers at any point to have a chat, after all our job roles solely exist to improve your student experience.
Along with working on opportunities for leadership qualifications and a higher award for volunteering hours, a key aspect of my second term in office will be to continue pressing the fact that I am not Vice President Sport, I am Vice President Everyone. Because that’s what Batman would do.
university so we will keep this campaign ongoing and continue to encourage students to remain vigilant. One project I’m really excited about launching next year is a campaign around student accommodation; ensuring students are aware of their rights and that they are not being taken advantage of by landlords and estate agents. I’m also planning to search for alternative car parking arrangements at both the High Wycombe and Uxbridge campuses, as well as working very closely with the PVC Education to help implement the new education strategy, and improve the academic experience at Bucks.
We're looking for Freshers' Helpers, bar staff, event security and event crew to join our dynamic and tenacious team. To find out more please visit: bucksstudentsunion.org/workforus
6 April Issue
Crew for Calais.
by Jenny Wade
CREW FOR CALAIS
Crew for Calais is what happens when the theatre and creative industries come together to help people in need. Crew for Calais is currently operating in both the Calais and Dunkirk refugee camps. Volunteers from all sections of the creative industries from performers to production managers are putting their skills to good use to help people in both camps. Crew for Calais is working in partnership with L'Auberge des Migrants and Help Refugees UK to distribute aid to the Calais camp, and with the organisations Utopia56 and Build Box Convoy in the new Dunkirk camp built by Médecins Sans Frontières to construct kitchens and communal areas. Katharine Rose Williams Radojićič, who founded Crew for Calais in December 2015, says: “People in our industries have so many transferrable skills that are perfect for working with refugees. And theatre people are used to going on tour, getting the job done efficiently and dealing creatively with the day-to-day challenges of working on a refugee camp. So many people in our industry are freelancers, which means they have really useful breaks in between projects where they can donate their time and talents to serving displaced people.” Crew for Calais started off building shelters in the Calais camp during the winter months and made seven trips in partnership with A Home For Winter. Some shelters were built in the UK (with theatre
company Slung Low at the HUB in Leeds and at Factory Settings in London) and some were built at the A Home For Winter warehouse in Calais.
Lee, Grainne Maguire, Comedy Bitch, Lolly Adefope, Chris Coltrane, Bec Hill and Chris Goode and £4,679.75 was raised during the week.
Since the clearances and hunger strikes in the Calais camp in March, and the opening of the new refugee camp in Dunkirk, Crew for Calais is operating a new model of “touring” volunteers to Calais to work in aid distribution for longer periods of time. This model allows Crew for Calais volunteers to work more closely with the refugees. Our volunteers come from a range of professional backgrounds, from those working backstage or in design roles to actors, producers, writers and directors. Students from the National Student Drama Festival are also volunteering and making trips to Calais and Dunkirk. If you would like to get involved, please email crewforcalais@gmail.com for more information on opportunities in both the UK and France.
Crew for Calais continue to fundraise in order to maintain a presence in Calais and Dunkirk. In addition, some theatre companies are coming forward to recycle sets, and Nuffield Theatre Southampton has delivered the corrugated plastic used on a youth theatre show, Odyssey, which was developed in the Good Chance Calais theatre in the Calais camp last year.
Loren O'Dair, an actor from London who has recently returned from Calais, said: “I am quite overwhelmed by everything – there is so much to think about. It was amazing, and I want to go back.” The Arcola theatre in Dalston, East London, donated its venue to Crew for Calais for a week-long festival of comedy and live performance, featuring Stewart
Max Lindsay, Youth Theatre Director at the Nuffield, says: "this feels like the project has come full circle and we hope this can be the start of a regular donation."
Crew for Calais contacts: Email: crewforcalaispress@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/CrewforCalais Twitter: @crewforcalais Fundraising: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/crewforcalais
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Nursing.
April Issue
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Article type.
April Issue
Elephants and Hill-tribes Explore Northern Thailand Volunteer at a Thai elephant sanctuary. Experience a remote hill-tribe community Extend your trip to Thailand’s Islands.
Join up for just ÂŁ275 and fundraise throughout the year! Visit our website to find out when your university is going challengesabroad.co.uk @Challengesabroad For more information, email: @Challengesabroad @challengeAbroad volunteering@bucks.ac.uk
9
Article type.
Challenge Snapshot Jet off to Bangkok
Trip Length: 3 or 4 weeks
Home
Participation fee: £275 Explore Ban gkok’s attra ctions by tuktuk! V isit the mag nificent Temple s and bustli ng markets. Ha ve a drink o n the famous Ko San Road a nd a red Thai curry if you eat can handle the heat!
Spend 2 weeks volunteering across a sustainable elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai and a trip to the remote hill-tribes where your work will make a huge difference in the local community. In your free time you can explore explo the local area.
For Trip dates visit: challengesabroad.co.uk
Fundraising target: £2,450 What’s included? - Accommodation - 2-3 Meals a day - Flights - charity donation Optional Extention After 2 weeks volunteering a week relaxing in paradise is the perfect way to finish off your trip. Sip cocktails in beach bars, snorkel the crystal clear sea and trek beautiful waterfallls
April Issue
At a glance
10 April Issue
Personal Safety.
by Jenny Wade
PERSONAL SAFETY So many people take their safety for granted and it is usually only something you come to think about if you’ve had a bad experience or have been a victim of crime. It is so important to remember that you can get in to trouble anywhere at any time, so it is really worth taking precautions and staying vigilant. The chances of being attacked are relatively low, especially if you follow the basic rules of personal safety, however it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Below are a few points to help you keep yourself and your belongings safe whilst at University: 1. Although it may sound obvious, 'safety in numbers' is good advice and you should avoid being out late on your own. 2. Try to walk in well-lit areas and always plan your route in advance. 3. Walk towards the flow of traffic, making it more difficult for cars to pull up behind you. 4. Don't take short cuts through parks or dark alleyways. 5. If you think you are being followed, cross the road several times if necessary, then make your way to a place where there are other people and call the police immediately. 6. Vary your route if you regularly go cycling or jogging. 7. Cover up expensive looking jewellery/phones and MP3 players. 8. If possible, take a course in self-defence or safety awareness. 9. We run a free SSHH bus every Wednesday and Friday night that can drive you from the Venue after a night out to your doorstep – make sure you make the most of this, or prebook a taxi with a reputable local company.
You can pick up your free personal safety alarm from either of the Students’ Union Advice centres - Ground floor North Wing, High Wycombe campus or 1st Floor Uxbridge campus. When and how to use an alarm:
A PERSONAL ALARM SHOULD BE JUST ONE PART OF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY PLAN.
• The primary purpose of an alarm is not to attract help, you cannot rely on them to do that. Firstly, there may not be anyone within earshot. Secondly, hearing an alarm does not necessarily attract help • If you are able to attract the attention of passers-by, you are more likely to get help if you shout a specific instruction, such as "call the police!" This makes it clear that you are in danger and need help • Once you have set off the alarm, leave the situation as quickly as you can, moving to a busy area if possible. Don't wait to check that your alarm has had the desired effect; just go. • Remember that a personal alarm should be just one part of your personal safety plan there are other ways in which you can help yourself to avoid dangerous situations We remain an incredibly safe campus and the security team and local Police work hard to maintain this; university Security provides advice and assistance for students and staff on campus on a 24/7 basis on 01494 605 070 or ext 5070 internally. However, in an emergency call 999 or for non-emergencies dial 101.
RENTING AND BUDGETING When you are looking to rent a property it is easy to forget that the amount that you pay to a landlord or agency is only a part of the overall expense. Estimate the cost of your rent plus your bills when you are looking at a property. Alongside your weekly/monthly/termly rent – you may also need to pay for things such as electricity, gas, and water rates. You can use switching sites to help you get an idea of how much you will need to budget for utility bills. Be aware that in your contract it might state that you are prevented from switching from a supplier. If this is in your contract it is an invalid clause and you should ask that it be removed. The only way that the landlord can restrict you from switching is if; the landlord pays the energy bills and then charges you, the energy costs are included as part of the rent, or if the switch involves the changing of an energy meter. To see a list of Ofgem approved price comparison sites visit this site; goenergyshopping.co.uk/en-gb/help/comparison-sites. Draw up a budget of all of your costs to give yourself a fuller picture of what you’re likely spending will be over the term of the contract on the property. The Students’ Union Advice Centre can assist you with budgeting and planning your finances or if you would like to do it yourself you can do so.
Studentcalculator.org is a good place to start if you are looking to put together a budget for yourself. The type of things that you will need to know the cost of are how much you are spending or are likely to spend on; • Transport costs • Mobile phone • Broadband • Food/clothes • Gym/hobbies/nights out • Childcare • Outstanding loans or credit card repayments Alongside this you will also need to take into account your income including any student funding you receive, income from employment that you will be undertaking, and any other sources of income that you are likely to receive. This will give you an idea of how much you will have available to you to spend on rent and utility costs. Don’t forget that you will be asked for a rental deposit up front. A deposit is normally from 4-6 weeks rent up front. Your landlord must put your deposit into a tenancy deposit scheme
(TDP) within 30 days of them getting it. The TDP will make sure that you get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy if you have met the terms of the tenancy agreement, you haven’t caused damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear, and that you have paid your rent and bills. Additional costs might include; the agency fees - for things such as reference checking. The amount that you will pay for this will vary, removal or storage fees, furniture or furnishings (not normally a problem if you move into a fully furnished property). If you would like further advice on accommodation issues, you can contact the Students’ Union Advice Centre by: Email - suadvice@bucks.ac.uk Phone - 01494 603 016 Skype - Ask for more details Or visit us at either the High Wycombe or Uxbridge Campuses.
April Issue
by Tim Dixon
11
Accommodation Advice.
12 April Issue
Student News.
by Jenny Wade
NATIONAL STUDENT DRAMA FESTIVAL 2016
At the end of March I spent five days at the National Student Drama Festival in Scarborough, now in its 60th year of celebrating student theatre. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, NSDF showcases the very best of student theatre selected from hundreds of entries throughout the year, as well as providing workshops led by theatre professionals and holding daily discussions about the social and political issues that affect the theatre industry. This year I was lucky enough to head there with fellow graduates Adam Zaman, Modupe (MD) Salu and Performing Arts Course Leader Nic Fryer. In hindsight, the thought of heading to a week-long event so far away and that had a jam-packed schedule of workshops and showcases every day, was pretty daunting; but it turned out to be one of the most insightful experiences of my year. As you probably know, I graduated from the Performing Arts course here at Bucks last September and since then I’ve been working in the Union whilst not really undergoing any performance work. Myself, Adam and MD put on a showcase of our dissertation performances alongside other graduates Cassie Fletcher and Esther Abe, at the Court Theatre in London last summer and it was from there that MD’s show was selected for the festival by the Artistic Director Michael Brazier.
Get involved with as much as you can during your time studying, because it will be over before you know it.
MD performed a piece she submitted for her dissertation, called ‘I Can't Breathe’, which is a personal reflection on issues of race-related violence and cultural prejudice. Eric Garner, killed by New York police in 2014 after being put in a chokehold and repeating the words ‘I can’t breathe’ until he died, inspired the title, and video footage of the event was shown during the performance. MD’s solo show may have been the shortest at the festival but it was honestly the most powerful, with the critics stating ’15 minutes can change your life’. The show was critically acclaimed and won her two prestigious awards; ‘The Buzz Goodbody Student Director Award’ and ‘Spotlight Most Promising Actress Award’; with her narrowly missing out on the Festgoers Award (best show of the festival, voted for by the audience) by a single vote. It was one thing witnessing the audience’s response when she performed the show here at Bucks, but it was really overwhelming to see how people reacted at the festival. MD’s was the final performance of the festival and despite having to do it four times throughout the day, it still left the audience breathless. Modupe said: “I always look forward to the future but after the huge appreciation of my work at the festival it has pushed me to keep going, keep creating honest work and keep being myself, as that's all I was at the show and everyone seemed to connect with that.” Since graduating from Bucks, MD is studying alongside fellow Bucks’ graduates Adam Zaman and Tess Clarke at the UK’s Double Award Winning Part-Time Drama School and leading West End & LA based Talent Agency ‘Identity Agency Group’ which produced Hollywood’s latest sensation John Boyega. The majority of student work at the festival came from universities including Warwick, Durham and Sheffield so it was really refreshing to see Bucks really making a name for itself in the industry. I am well aware that a lot of students aren’t proud to be studying here at Bucks, and in all honesty I didn’t fully appreciate my experience here until I graduated. It is only once you take a step back and go to these type of events that you begin to realise just how valuable your time here has been. I would strongly encourage anyone interested in the Arts to attend the festival next year and to just throw yourself out into your industry and be proud to say you studied at Bucks. Get involved with as much as you can during your time studying, because it will be over before you know it.
Bucks Live 2016 presents...
JUNGLE BUCKS!
We'll be bringing all the excitement and wildness of the jungle straight to the High Wycombe campus on Saturday 30 April. "Jungle Bucks", a family fun day inspired by the Disney book and Film 'The Jungle Book' and other jungle themed adventures such as 'Tarzan', 'George of The Jungle' and 'Jungle Run', will take place from 10am-4pm at the Bucks New University Campus in High Wycombe. Jungle Bucks will provide an abundance of fun for the whole family, including inflatable attractions, face painters and fairground rides such as chair-oplanes, teacup rides and a carousel. There will also be a variety of fantastic live music and local entertainment, from Little Brother Eli, Coates, Nick Byrne, Holmer Green School Choir, Circus society and more. Visitors will be welcomed by an array of delicious food and drink stalls including Dorset Market Kitchen co, West Indian Cuisine, Waffle Mania, sweets and snow cones to indulge in. Creative crafts and local produce traders will be selling a variety of products on the day for you to browse.
working day and night building in the workshops, connecting with companies and local communities, and scouting the best possible entertainment to ensure you’re enjoyment on the day. Second year student, and team leader Jacob Mee said "This event is pulling our class together as a unit and as a team” and “We are learning so much by putting theory into practice, the experience and knowledge is brilliant for this industry. we can’t wait to see what our hard work has produced on the day, and we hope all the visitors really enjoy it”. Admission to Jungle Bucks is free! However small charges will apply for some attractions. Discounted packages are available on our website. Cost per child to go on unlimited rides and inflatables ONLINE DISCOUNT - £5. On the day - £7.50 or two children for £10.
An exciting raffle will take place, with amazing prizes for the whole family, including; a family pass to Woburn Safari park, two WhizzKidz passes, two Cineworld tickets, Chiltern pools and gym swim party, a Hollywood Bowl family voucher, five Delta Force paint balling vouchers and many more wild prizes to get your hands on.
Get connected and find out more about this event through our social media platforms, to get more information about the day!
Jungle Bucks is being produced and staged by our very own Bucks New University students studying Music and Live Events Management, as part of their second year assignment. Students have been
Facebook- facebook.com/Buckslive2016
So save the date, come down for family fun and we can’t wait to see you on the day! Website- buckslivepresents.wix.com/junglebucks
Twitter- twitter.com/BucksLive2016 Instagram- instagram.com/buckslivepresents
FANCY WINNING A £100
We are learning so much by putting theory into practice.
VOUCHER?
To be in with a chance all you have to do is visit bucksstudentsunion.org/newspapersurvey and complete a quick survey on The Bucks Student. The winner will be notified by Friday 3 June 2016.
April Issue
by April Dowling
13
Student News.
April Issue
14
For more information on any of the events listed below, or to book your place on a recreational activity or skills training session, please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson.
REC. ACTIVITIES
SKILLS TRAINING
AT BUCKS IN THE VENUE
(eligible for reward scheme)
MONDAY 25
25 APR - 05 MAY
MONDAY 25
DJ Workshop Netball: 5-6pm Futsal: 6-7pm
TUESDAY 26
TUESDAY 26
WEDNESDAY 27
Badminton: 5-6pm Golf: 5.30-7.30pm
WEDNESDAY 27
THURSDAY 28
Watersports: 1-3pm Disability Awareness Emergency First Aid
THURSDAY 28
FRIDAY 29
SATURDAY 30
Spanish Lessons Handball: 4.30-6pm
BUCKS LIVE AFTERPARTY
Badminton: 6-7.30pm Table Tennis: 6-7.30pm
FRIDAY 29
SUNDAY 01
Saturday 30 April 10PM ‘TIL LATE THE VENUE
Please check our website for additional events listings
Snakebite: £1.80, Icy Black: £2, J20: £1, Hooch: 2 for £5 FREE ENTRY FOR PUBLIC AND STUDENTS
SATURDAY 30
MONDAY 02
TUESDAY 03
Please check our website for additional events listings
BAR CLOSED SUNDAY 01
WEDNESDAY 04
THURSDAY 05
Basketball: noon-2pm
BAR CLOSED
April Issue
SPORT FOR FUN
WHAT'S ON
15
MON 25 APR - SUN 01 MAY
16
MON 02 - SUN 08 MAY
April Issue
For more information on any of the events listed below, or to book your place on a recreational activity or skills training session, please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson.
SPORT FOR FUN
REC. ACTIVITIES
SKILLS TRAINING
WHAT'S ON
AT BUCKS IN THE VENUE
(eligible for reward scheme)
MONDAY 02
FRIDAY 06
Netball: 5-6pm Futsal: 6-7pm
TUESDAY 03 Theatre Visit: Lion King Badminton: 5-6pm Golf: 5.30-7.30pm
WEDNESDAY 04 7-A-Side Football Tournament Online Reputation Management
SATURDAY 07
Watersports: 1-3pm
THURSDAY 05 Spanish Lessons Museum Visit: Clink Museum Handball: 4.30-6pm Badminton: 6-7.30pm Table Tennis: 6-7.30pm
FRIDAY 06 Please check our website for additional events listings
SUNDAY 08 SATURDAY 07 Volleyball: noon-2pm
SUNDAY 08 Basketball: noon-2pm
06 - 08 MAY
For more information on any of the events listed below, or to book your place on a recreational activity or skills training session, please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson.
REC. ACTIVITIES
SKILLS TRAINING
AT BUCKS IN THE VENUE
(eligible for reward scheme)
MONDAY 09
09 - 22 MAY
MONDAY 09
MONDAY 16
Netball: 5-6pm Futsal: 6-7pm
TUESDAY 10
BAR CLOSED TUESDAY 10
TUESDAY 17
WEDNESDAY 11
WEDNESDAY 18
THURSDAY 12
THURSDAY 19
Visit: Draughts - Board Game CafĂŠ Badminton: 5-6pm Golf: 5.30-7.30pm
WEDNESDAY 11 Inclusive Sports Day Watersports: 1-3pm
THURSDAY 12 Spanish Lessons
LIVE MUSIC! Please check our website for additional events listings
Handball: 4.30-6pm Badminton: 6-7.30pm Table Tennis: 6-7.30pm
FRIDAY 13
AFTERPARTY
FRIDAY 13
FRIDAY 20
SATURDAY 14
SATURDAY 21
SUNDAY 15
SUNDAY 22
Please check our website for additional events listings
SATURDAY 14 Brighton Day Trip Volleyball: noon-2pm
SUNDAY 15 Basketball: noon-2pm
April Issue
SPORT FOR FUN
WHAT'S ON
17
MON 09 - SUN 15 MAY
18
MON 16 - SUN 22 MAY
April Issue
For more information on any of the events listed below, or to book your place on a recreational activity or skills training session, please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson.
SPORT FOR FUN
REC. ACTIVITIES
SKILLS TRAINING
WHAT'S ON
AT BUCKS IN THE VENUE
(eligible for reward scheme)
MONDAY 16
23 MAY - 03 JUN
MONDAY 23
Assessment Centre: Tips and Preparation Advice Netball: 5-6pm Futsal: 6-7pm
TUESDAY 17
TUESDAY 24
WEDNESDAY 25
Autism Awareness Badminton: 5-6pm Golf: 5.30-7.30pm
WEDNESDAY 18
THURSDAY 26
DANCE TAKEOVER
FRIDAY 27
Watersports: 1-3pm EVENT TO BE ANOUNCED Please check our website for additional events listings
THURSDAY 19
SATURDAY 28
SUNDAY 29
MONDAY 30
TUESDAY 31
Spanish Lessons Footgolf
FRIDAY 20 Please check our website for additional events listings
EVENT TO BE ANOUNCED Please check our website for additional events listings
SATURDAY 21
WEDNESDAY 01
THURSDAY 02
Please check our website for additional events listings EVENT TO BE ANOUNCED Please check our website for additional events listings
SUNDAY 22 Please check our website for additional events listings
FRIDAY 03
19
Film Review.
April Issue
20 April Issue
Rusty Recommends.
The venue is open seven days a week and sometimes it is difficult to decide which nights to go to - you may end up missing out on something amazing! Here are my recommendations for the next few weeks for those of you who like to experience something a bit different! Mystery Jets: Thursday 28 April
Glitterbomb: Saturday 14 May - Bucks biggest LGBT+ night.
The Joy Formidable: Monday 23 May
Blue Rinse: Saturday 21 May - 00s,90s,80s,70s,60s,50s.
21
Rusty Recommends.
April Issue
We put on a huge variety of sports, training and recreational sessions - here are a few coming up that you might not know about! To book your space, or for more information on these or other activities and events, please contact us on: surecactivities@bucks.ac.uk or visit our website: bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson.
Inclusive Sports Day
Bucks Cup 7-A-Side Football Event
Wednesday 11 May, 1-4pm
Wednesday 4 May, 1-4pm
With the 2016 Paralympics in Rio taking place in the summer, to help Come and take part in our annual Bucks Cup event! £10 per team with raise awareness you can take part in Blind Football and Sitting Volleyball. all money raised going to this year’s RAG charities.
Online Reputation Management Wednesday 4 May, 2-4pm in N2.01
Don't miss out on this unique training session! This workshop will provide you with information and advice on how to manage your online reputation and social media accounts. To reserve your place please book online below, we require a £5 deposit however this will be refunded to you once you have attended the event. Attending this session will give you transferable skills in: IT skills, organisation skills, written communication. Contact sutraining@bucks.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Assessment Centre: Tips and Preparation Advice Monday 16 May, 10-11am in N1.07
This workshop will include an overview of the typical assessments used at an assessment centre, advice on how to prepare and an activity based on numerical reasoning. Attending this workshop is great way to get a headstart in the world of work. To reserve your place we require a £5 deposit however this will be refunded once you have attended the workshop. Attending this session will give you transferable skills in the following: problem solving, learn a new skill, decision making. If you have any questions please contact sutraining@bucks.ac.uk.
22 April Issue
Unisex.
by James Taylor
PRESENTS
With summer in touching distance, Unisex are finishing their 2015/16 academic year with arguably one of the hottest acts in the UK Club scene right now: Kurupt FM! Performing at the UK’s biggest dance festivals; Creamfields, Parklife, Wireless and Bestival, as well as headline slots at Ibiza’s famed Amnesia club and Ibiza Rocks festival, Kurupt FM have a lot to say for themselves. Did we mention that their BBC3 show ‘People Just Do Nothing’ was nominated for a Best Scripted Comedy BAFTA too?
of UKG, Grime, Drum & Bass and no doubt the odd peanut dust advert thrown in for good measure!
Kurupt FM have not only helped themselves rise to the level they’re at, but they also helped Craig David burst back onto the scene after almost a decade with their collaboration through a BBC Radio 1xtra takeover back in November – where CD first met FestiBall performer Big Narstie, who subsequently went on to record one of the biggest tracks of 2016.
As always, it’s free for BNU students and graduates (student ID required). Public earlybird tickets have sold out and the first release tickets are nearly gone too! You can buy first wave tickets for just £8 via our website: bucksstudentsunion.org/public. Second wave tickets will be £12, so get yours early and save some money!
#PJDN. MC Grindah, DJ Beats, Steves, Decoy, Fantasy and Chabuddy G will all be in attendance taking you on a musical joyride through the sounds
So join us on Saturday 28 May from 10pm and wave goodbye to exams and coursework and say hello to summer!
One of the UK’s most respected DJs, Klose One, provides the back up. He’s already played super clubs like Warehouse Project and Fabric and is a regular favourite at festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival, Snowbombing and Outlook. “A true DJ’s DJ. We try to catch Klose One sets as much as possible and are always vibing for the whole thing! Absolute don” – (My Nu Leng)
Hi guys, my name’s Rich. I’m a second year Children’s Nursing student here at Bucks. I really enjoyed my first year of study on this course, I met some wonderful people, made some really good friends and learnt more in six months than in my 24 years prior to coming here… Ok I exaggerate but you catch my drift. What I didn’t have was a forum to discuss the current issues affecting nursing and health care practice with the people who will be running the NHS in the future, nor did I have a way to socialise with a big group of people who all have the same goal, are all likeminded, and who are all looking to provide or receive support and guidance. Being at the Uxbridge Campus separates us nurses from the rest of the university population. Despite it being a small campus you rarely meet people outside of your tutor group, let alone your year. It becomes easy to become VERY isolated on this course. Life becomes a continuous loop of: do uni work, go to uni, write essays for uni, slip in a rare drunken evening, regret it in your 9am Monday morning Sim Lab, go to placement for six months, lie awake at night watching Netflix because there’s no point sleeping as you have to be up in three hours(!), rinse and repeat. With a course like Nursing, with its intensity, focus on professional presentation at all times, and six months of 13 hour shifts on
placement, everything else tends to take a backseat, and it’s easy to feel unsupported. Until now. Presenting NURSOC, Bucks’ new Nursing Society. For any of you nurses reading this you may be wondering: “But Rich, why do we need a Nursing Society?”, that’s a great question, thanks for asking. In the first meeting of NURSOC, students from all three years got together and talked about issues pertinent to them, what interested them, how they felt about the course, and the campus. Everyone had the same views and felt the same way. Finally, we had a place to go for a few hours each week to discuss our thoughts with people who most likely share the same view, to chat with other people in the same situation as us, talk about what worries or concerns we had, a place to offer support and insight. NURSOC provides us with a student led arena where we can voice our feelings, arrange talks from people we want to hear from, arrange trips or visits to places we want to go, or raise awareness or money for causes that mean a lot to us. The best part of this? We decide. NURSOC is for us, the students. So if you have opinions you feel the world should hear, want to ask more experienced students what to expect, or just fancy being in a group wearing matching t-shirts, then get involved. You can find out more about NURSOC on Facebook, or by visiting bucksstudentsunion.org/societies.
CoppaFeel! are recruiting for a new Uniboob Team Leader. Apply Today! visit uniboobteam.com. Or email volunteering@bucks.ac.uk for more information.
April Issue
by Rich Hodges
23
Societies.
24 April Issue
Societies.
By Katelyn Collins
WHY AM I A CHRISTIAN?
Christians. You probably know the type; the happy jolly people, who believe in God and Jesus who can’t do anything wrong and go to church every Sunday. But I’m going to tell you that there is more to us than going to church on a Sunday. Here is my story… I grew up in a Christian family, which meant that both my parents and my older brother believed in God and we went to church as a family on Sunday. I wasn’t Christened or born a Christian. I grew up going to a contemporary, modern, happy church every Sunday. I was surrounded by the love of God in a happy home. I gave my life to Jesus (or became a Christian) when I was 10 years old and I haven’t turned back since. This doesn’t mean that life was suddenly a breeze. During my school years I went through many good and bad times such as; bullying, struggling with Dyslexia, struggling to fit in with my peers, finding my love for the performing arts, picking up the bass guitar and passing all my GCSE’s with A*-C grades. But it was when I started Sixth Form, when things really started to fall apart for me. My Nan died from cancer during the first few weeks. Her death had a huge impact on me and is something that I’m still struggling with, 3 years later. But things didn’t end there. During my first year of Sixth Form; I was struggling socially and with friendships in my classes, as well as being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism. Through all this I knew that God was there, he loved me and was holding my hand. But subconsciously, I was drawing away. I was still the happy, jolly girl I had always been but something was missing.
This is when I cried out to God and finally grabbed his hand. I was going to the Student Small Group at King’s Church which was ran by Ida. Ida, along with my newly formed friendships helped me to see God’s love again and supported me through it all. I started to grow closer and build my relationship with God back. The closer I grew to him, the happier and more confident I grew. If I’m honest, the anxiety didn’t completely go away. I still have bits of it from time to time, but through it I have learnt to put my complete trust in God and admit that I can’t get through the day without His strength and love. Without God, my parents and the people he put in my live, I know that I wouldn’t be here today. I would most likely have dropped out, and/or become very unwell.
Being a Christian isn’t always about going to church every Sunday, but having a friendship and relationship, with a heavenly Father who loves you. Being a Christian isn’t the easiest of lives. I’m not perfect; I still mess up and do things wrong, Jumping forward two years to 2014 where I was very I am human excited to be going to university. I was looking forward at the end to studying Performing Arts here and I found The of the day. King’s Church where meet the student worker Ida. She But every was very welcoming and loving. But after my second day, we week living here, the fresher’s buzz had gone and I try to became very low. The change of environment and other be things, really affected me, which lead me to having a breakdown in a lecture. For the first four/five months of my first year at university, I really struggled with anxiety. I would have terrible nausea every time went to lectures or anything social, I couldn’t even eat out. I knew that I couldn’t give up and go home because I would be letting so many people down, who helped me get here and there was nothing for me to go back to, so staying here was my only option.
more like Jesus and spend his love to the world. Even if it’s handing toast to you on a night out or me writing this article now, we are showing the world who God is and how amazing he is to us. If you would like to know more, the Christian Union meet on a Thursday evening in the Sanctuary (near the Disability and Counselling services). You don’t have/need to be a Christian to come along, we would love to meet you and there are so many stories like mine that you could get to hear.
Million Women Rise March 2016 BNU’s Feminist Society made a trip to London this March to join the Million Women Rise march and rally. This is an annual event that occurs around International Women’s Day (8 March) and is a ‘march of women and girls against male violence in all its forms.’ Members decided to join the march as they wanted to show solidarity with all the women across the world who have, and who still are, suffering violence under the hands of men. The UN stats reveal 7 out of 10 women across the globe will experience physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime, making this an extremely big issue. Two members of Feminist Society have shared their experience of the day;
Kat Frei: “Seeing so many women from different walks of life coming together to march was inspirational. At one point a large group of girl guides was behind us and a group of women supporting the release of Thai female political prisoners were in front, which shows the diversity of people who had come together for this march. It was an exciting event to be a part of and I felt proud to be there with fellow students and staff from Bucks.”
Roxi Cox: “The atmosphere at the march was incredible... ‘Say it once, say it again! No excuse for violent men!’ are just some of the powerful words that were harmoniously projected through the streets of London: determined to be
heard. It really was a great experience to march as part of a diverse group of women, knowing that all of us share the same objective: to stand up against violence. I’m very glad to have attended the event with other like-minded Bucks students.” If you are interested in joining the Feminist Society or would like to find out more information you can join the Bucks New Uni Feminist Society on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @Bucks_Fem_Soc. The Feminist Society is open to all students and staff of all genders who are interested in discussing and learning more about current gender issues.
BUCKS BUDDIES REQUIRED! This is a unique project run by the Students’ Union and funded by the University who are aiming to make the transition into Higher Education as easy as possible. Communication will be via email and a Buddy account will be set up for you.
We are looking for students who: • • • • • • • •
are well organised and have common sense are an excellent communicator both written and oral are able to handle responsibility are self motivated and methodical have a positive and enthusiastic outlook are friendly and approachable are sympathetic to the varying students needs are conscientious with record keeping, keeping us abreast of how it is going and the review process at the end of the project.
Please contact katie.smith@bucks.ac.uk for more information or apply online at bucksstudentsunion.org/workforus.
April Issue
by Kat Frei
25
Societies.
GET YOUR VIP PACKAGE NOW! AVAILABLE ONLINE AT BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/VIP OR AT THE STUDENTS’ UNION RECEPTION FOR LEAVERS ONLY, LIMITED AVAILABILITY The VIP package includes 3 food & 3 drink vouchers, commemorative FestiBall 2016 cup, access to themed, heated VIP area with private bar stocked with premium brands, video link to main stage, exclusive Silent Disco headset, queue jump and a VIP wristband, all for just £10!
LEAP
INTO ACTION...
Mark Ormerod, Director of Leap, the Sport & Activity Partnership for Bucks & MK, tells of the opportunities available in volunteering in sport. So you were rubbish at sport at school and now love the fact that universities don’t force you to do PE, cross-country or rugby. You can carry on your education without ever having to touch a ball or a racket – and you will be all the happier for it. Well actually, I don’t think you will be and – the non-sport fanatics may hate me for saying this – your health, wellbeing and ability to learn will suffer from it. Taking part in some sport or activity on a regular basis is essential. Sedentary lifestyles are literally a killer. But what can you do if you have two left feet or cannot catch a ball without dropping it and falling over in the mud? Well, many of the answers were in your own Pre-Freshers newsletter last September which showcased the variety of sports available at your uni - some of which came with the wonderful tag-line ‘Regardless of ability’. But the page that really caught my eye was the one which featured the benefits of volunteering – and which told how 99% of volunteers from Bucks went into employment or further study within six months of graduating. It’s a brilliant message and one you would all do well to take heed of. Yes, I am quite aware many of you need paid work to make ends meet, but making a difference to your local community during your time at uni will sit very well on your CV and will help you stand out to employers like me. Bosses do not just look for good degrees or employment history; they look at your extra-curricular activities and how you have contributed to society. Often it’s the extra-curricular elements of a CV or application form that attract interest from prospective employers. Here at Leap, we can give you experience of both volunteering and participating in sport at the same
time. You can help to steward or deliver activities at the county School Games festival on Friday 1 July*, alternatively, you can search the database of volunteering opportunities to get involved with sports leapwithus.org.uk/coaches-leaders-and-volunteers/ volunteer-in-sport. We also have a number of other programmes in which you can help us, and help yourselves at the same time, either on the fringes at a sports event or by directly mentoring the young competitors. Either way, you will be almost certain to develop new skills, improve your health – and make new friends into the bargain. There are lots of reasons why people volunteer – but they all say the same thing: it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. So, even if you have never displayed an ounce of aptitude for sport in your life, here is your chance to be involved in a fun regular sporting activity. *To volunteer to help at the county sport festival in Aylesbury, contact Fiona McMillan fmcmillan@leapwithus.org.uk or call 01296 585 215 for more information. No prior experience necessary.
April Issue
by Mark Ormerod Director of Leap, the Sport & Activity Partnership for Bucks & MK
27
Sport.
28 April Issue
Sport.
by Tilly Haley
JUST TAE KWON DO IT
On Sat 27 Feb, Bucks Tae Kwon Do team travelled to the University of Worcester to compete in the 30th Annual BSTF Student Nationals competition, our biggest competition of the year. We entered five competitors across two disciplines in the hope of bringing back more medals for Bucks. Saturday was Poomsae day, where competitors Agnes Kopberg and Tilly Haley hoped to win some medals. Their category consisted of 23 other students and, despite reaching the 2nd round and getting to the final 12, they failed to secure medals. Sunday was set for our more successful day, as we saw the rest of the team, Dave Banez, Rayon Williams, Haroon Rakha and Agnes Kopberg spar in their respective weight categories. First up was Agnes Kopberg, who despite a great fight was sadly knocked out (literally) by a Karate Black Belt in her first round, resulting in a fractured cheekbone. Despite this, she still managed to win a silver medal her next competition a few weeks later. Next up was Haroon Rakha in his first Student Nationals competition. Haroon kept up a solid fight scoring many points and came away with Buck’s first medal of this year’s competition, a Bronze! Fresher Rayon Williams came back from injury to secure a silver medal in this year’s tournament. An
injury in his semi-final fight did not prevent him giving it his all in the final, and was unfortunate to lose by only one point. Last years fresher of the year Dave Banez was last up and secured Buck’s third and final medal of the competition, another Silver! This was a great achievement considering this was his first fight as a higher grade. After a great weekend and three medals won for Bucks, we are now back training for our last few competitions of the year which take place in April and June, where we hope to be adding to our 4 golds, 4 silvers and 1 bronze that have already been achieved this academic year. Sadly, for Chair Agnes Kopberg and myself, this also sees the end of our last ever Student Nationals competition. We have been part of a great team over the last few years and we can’t wait to see how the Tae Kwon Do club develops over the years to come. We’re leaving it in good hands!
If you would like to give Tae Kwon Do a go, then feel free to come to one of our training sessions: Monday: Dance Studio 2, 8.30-10pm Thursday: Drama Studio 2, 8-10pm Sunday: Dance Studio 2, 2-4pm
BNU SWANS UPDATE During the Easter Break, the Swans embarked upon their second competition of the year. This competition was called BCA and is a three day competition including both a university and national competition level. The comp was up in Birmingham, so everybody arrived early on Thursday 24 March, ready for the drive in the minibuses up there.
We were all so proud of the group stunts as all three groups had worked very hard in such a short space of time to pull together great routines and performed their hearts out on that mat. Main Cheer hard work and good fun, but unfortunately the competition was very high this year so we didn’t bring back the trophy for Bucks!
The first day was for our dance squad, so after arriving the girls quickly were rushed off to start warm up! The Pom and Jazz routines were absolutely amazing and the Swans were complimented by lots of other coaches on how great they looked. The Jazz girls managed to scoop up a trophy scoring in 4th place, before we all headed off for a group roast dinner!
The third day more than made up for that though with the dance girls performing their routines again and casually picking up a Gold medal for Jazz and Bronze medal for Pom, 1st and 3rd place respectively.
The second day was a day of Main Cheer and Group Stunt, and also was one of the Swannies' birthdays – Jess Burton!
The three days at BCA was an amazing experience for everybody and I speak for the whole squad when I say that we could not be more grateful to our Students' Union for giving us the opportunity to go and have such a great time. Thank you so much! By Emma Kiy
Overall, this season has been a great success for the Swans in both main cheer and dance. We were very lucky to have a new coach, who was in fact on the very first BNU Swans competition team all those years ago. We enjoyed competing so much that we have decided to put on an end of year show. This will be an opportunity for us to show off all our routines to friends and family. We will also have some new material performed by our game day squad who have been training every Sunday, working on their stunting and tumbling skills. The show will take place on Thursday 5 May in the Event Hall with doors opening at 8.15pm. We are very excited and hope to see lots of you there! Sport for Fun was also run this year on
FANCY WINNING A £100
Sundays, coached by another old BNU Swan - Ellie. Lots of new faces turned up each week. Lots of different things went on each session, such as, cheer based strength and conditioning, tumbling workshops and jump drilling. Some members from Sport for Fun will also be taking part in our end of year show. As a third year Swan writing this I can safely say that being part of the Swans has really made my final year a great one, and I know that all the other third year Swans will agree with me in saying that we will miss it greatly! On a final note, we’d just like to wish our coach BK and her husband all the luck in the world with their little one on the way, we can’t wait to meet him! By Georgie Barter
VOUCHER?
To be in with a chance all you have to do is visit bucksstudentsunion.org/newspapersurvey and complete a quick survey on The Bucks Student. The winner will be notified by Friday 3 June 2016.
April Issue
By Emma Kiy and Georgie Barter
29
Sport.
30 April Issue
Sport.
by Holly Furniss
WINNER WINNER AU DINNER! Congratulations to all the nominees for the Athletic Union Awards. It was a fantastic evening celebrating the outstanding work of sporting individuals over the last academic year. And the Winners were…
Coach of the Year: Stephen Ford – Netball
Team of the Year: Women’s Basketball 1st
Stephen has been an incredible influence on the netball club this year leading the first team to an impressive season and bringing on the second team in massive strides to maintain their position in their tier. Not only has he shown dedication to training he has given up his free time to attend fixtures. His knowledge and understanding of the sport is second to none which has reflected massively in the results in the teams this season.
This season saw an influx of new players which had a phenomenal impact on the team's performance. Taking the league by storm the girls won every game by an average of 80 points. They remain unbeaten and did the double by winning the league and the cup beating Essex in the final. They finished the season with a points difference of 608, bringing in 30 BUCS points for the year, making a big contribution to the overall BUCS points that were secured this season.
Fresher of the Year: Daniel Alberts – Swimming
Club of the Year: Rugby
There is no doubt that Dan is a talented swimmer, managing to achieve personal bests in all his races at the BUCS Short Course Championships in Sheffield, becoming the 22nd fastest 100m backstroke swimmer in the country. Dan was also the winner of The Sam Woods Shield at Varsity, swimming in four out of five male races and winning them all, and achieving another personal best of 67.12 seconds in the 100 Individual Medley.
A fairly large club within the Athletic Union, the committee have worked tirelessly to maintain the club both on and off the pitch. The committee have been a great credit to the sport this year including raising an impressive £784.50 at their takeover. With well organised communication, the club has run smoothly, managing budgets, recording minutes at meetings and getting involved with community projects, which has been reflected in the increased numbers at training.
Committee Member of the Year: James Brooke – Rugby
Sportsman of the Year: Alex Leung – Golf
James’ dedication, both on and off the pitch, has played a key role to the smooth running of the rugby club. James has been invaluable, surpassing his duties as club secretary and taking his role to the next level. His administrative skills have led the club to be professionally run and he maintains a close working link with the club committee and Students’ Union. His organisational skills cannot be faulted and his passion for the sport shows no end.
Throughout the season, Alex has represented the University as golf’s number 1 seed, competing in the Premier South Division of BUCS. Alex has had an outstanding year and, on a weekly basis, continues to maintain an incredible winning record of 7.5 points out of 10, which played a crucial role in securing the team’s place in the premier league for the next year. Competing against the country’s top individual athletes, Alex has shown true talent in his field.
Captain of the Year: Emily Lissenden – Netball
Sportswoman of the Year: Jasmine Clive – Netball
Emily has played a huge part in motivating the netball team in their sensational season. Her hard work paid off dramatically turning the team around, winning the league and gaining a well earned promotion. Emily is known by her team for being reliable, dedicated and passionate about netball and always leads by example. Not only is she an outstanding player herself, and keen to help others improve and perform, she creates a fun environment and is well-loved among her peers.
An incredibly dedicated athlete, and established member of the netball 1st team, Jasmine’s performances have excelled being voted player of the match in four out of seven games this season. Jasmine's enthusiasm and commitment to the sport is impressive. She is always looking to improve and her dedication does not go unnoticed by her peers and she has played a significant role in netballs successful season this year.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Sonny Mclean – Football Outstanding Contribution to Sport: Shay Fenlon & Jake Smart Sonny has come on leaps and bounds for Bucks FC this season. He has pushed himself to his physical limits on and off the pitch, committed to team training and attended over 90% of AU Spin Classes. After languishing in the 5th XI for two years, and not originally being picked for a team this season, Sonny soared up the squads and ended the season leading from the front as the 2nd XI striker; scoring and assisting the goals that saved them from relegation.
This year saw two worthy recipients of this award. Both well respected members of Bucks FC, they have played key roles to the running and success for the club. Their passion for sport does not just stop at football as both individuals have had a massive contribution to overall University sport in unique ways.
Hall of Fame: Matthew Gilbert An impressive CV of sporting achievements, boasting the title of top try scorer in their first year, reaching the Conference Cup Final in BUCS, Competing in South Eastern 2A for four years, representing Buckinghamshire County as well as balancing his commitments to competing at national 3 level on a weekend. Three successful years as a student, Matt continued to represent Bucks New University on a weekly basis whilst holding his position as a sabbatical officer for two years…
2016 – THE YEAR BUCKS BROUGHT IT HOME... 16.03.16 was the date of the fourth instalment of our annual Varsity fixture against our rivals University of Roehampton. Despite Bucks coming agonizingly close in the 2014 Varsity series and missing out on the Roebuck Trophy by one point, Roey had dominated the event for three years previous – something had to change.
Being on our turf simply proved too much for the Roehampton supporters who were drowned out in the sea of screaming, shouting and singing from Bucks Supporters. The atmosphere across all the events was phenomenal and with this being my fourth Varsity, I can hand on heart say the support was bigger and better than ever. With hundreds of Bucks Supporters in attendance and the weather being in our favour, it was the perfect platform for our sports teams to put on a show.
Predictions had been made before the day but it was simply too close to call; all those involved knew that Varsity was going to be a tightly contested affair this time around. Anything can happen on the day but there Myself and the entire Rugby 1st XV would like to extend is one thing that Bucks could count on to give us a little a massive thank you to those who came to support us. bit extra – home advantage. Being 9 points down with ten minutes to go knowing that winning the game would put us 0.5 points away from the trophy was mentally challenging; there is no way we could have done it without the energy given to us by the crowd. It was fantastic to have support from Mind, the local charity for mental health awareness who attended a number of games throughout the day. We were very honoured to support their incredible charity and we raised £500 to go to a very worthy cause. Special mentions must go to both basketball teams for dominating the court, badminton for winning 13 points out of 16; Men’s Hockey who came back from 3-1 down in the last four minutes to draw and
especially Swimming – to enter their first Varsity and come out with 9 wins from 11 races is an outstanding achievement. Not to forget the likes of Netball 1sts, Men’s Tennis and Women’s Hockey who’s points gained from draws are not to be taken for granted.
A big thank you must go to our Sports Therapy students for their pre-Varsity massages and those who assisted physios on the day. A huge thanks must also go to our Varsity Captains – Sonny Mclean & Jess Burton. They have raised the bar with the lengths they went to in the name of promoting the importance of playing at 100% and singing your hearts out. Massive congratulations to Daniel Alberts, the Talisman of Bucks Swimming and this year’s deserving winner of ‘Man of Varsity’. I’m sure you all remember my (slightly irritating) Varsity Facebook countdown which culminated in posting a picture the morning of Varsity saying, “YOU DID NOT WAKE UP TODAY TO BE MEDIOCRE” and I am glad that nobody did. Enjoy the taste of victory because Roehampton will be itching to take the Roebuck Trophy back, we have to earn the right to become back-to-back champions. Varsity 2017 - 49 Wednesdays left.
April Issue
by Ohio Orumen
31
Sport.
THE BUCKS STUDENT EDITOR Are you well organised? Passionate about writing or journalism? Interested in earning some extra cash next year? We are looking for someone to be the Editor of The Bucks Student next year. This is a fantastic opportunity to get some experience working with a high quality publication, which looks great on your CV and pays ÂŁ100 per edition. For more information, or to apply, please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/workforus.