BUCKS WINS
IN THIS EDITION
THE CLASSIEST VENUE PHOTOS
FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR BUCKS AWARD
PLUS LOTS MORE!
May 2019 - Edition 81
EAT GOOD; FEEL GOOD
THE OFFICIAL FOOD OF
BUCKS STUDENT LIFE
EVERY SINGLE DAY VALID ON MEDIUM OR LARGE PIZZA ONLY
TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE…ONE CODE, TWO PIZZAS
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*Buy one get one free on medium & large pizza only. Valid online only. Free pizza must be equal or lesser value than the first. Not valid with any other offer. Offer can be withdrawn without notice. Available in participating stores only. Student ID required. EXP 31-5-19
3
A Word from the Editor.
May Issue
BE THE EDITOR! Varsity Captains Alanah and Riadh recount our recent victory against Roehampton in this year's Varsity fixture page 31.
Contributors Lauren O'Shea • Georgia Nosal • Charlie Cotton • Sarah Jackson The Students' Union Activities Team • The Advice Centre The Multifaith Chaplaincy • Abby Gray • Krzysztof Stocki Dani Smart • Tamsin Grainger • Jessica Miles • Nikkita Miller Jade Clifford • Alanah Walters • Riadh Boudiza Oli Gunson • 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 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. © 2019 Bucks Students’ Union
If required, this document can be made available in different formats. Please contact Bucks Students' Union for more information.
Do you want to earn £100 per edition and get some fantastic experience for your CV? Then this could be the position for you! We're looking for an editor for the academic year (2019-20), and are asking anyone who will be a Bucks Student next year to consider applying for the role! Just email sucommunications@bucks.ac.uk for more info.
4 May Issue
Sabbatical Officers.
By Lauren O'Shea, Georgia Nosal & Charlie Cotton
AN UPDATE FROM YOUR SABBS CHARLIE COTTON LAUREN O'SHEA VICE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
GEORGIA NOSAL VICE PRESIDENT EDUCATION & WELFARE
As it comes to the end of my term in office, it’s ending in an exciting way. There are still lots of activities to get involved in before the end of the academic year. You should make sure that you make the most of what Bucks Students’ Union has to offer.
I hope you all had a lovely few weeks off and are raring and ready for these last couple of weeks!
After two years in office and 16 updates for the newspaper, sadly my time at Bucks is coming to an end. Life as a Sabb is exciting, challenging and rewarding, no two days have been the same. Bucks Students’ Union is an incredible force, formed of a staff team who work hard daily supporting students. During my time in office there The end of the second term saw the biggest sporting have been big changes for the institution; academic event of the year, Varsity, take place. This year, 400 Bucks students travelled to Roehampton to take part in restructures, new senior leadership and a rapid addition to the course portfolio. It was vital for the Union to be a day filled with excitement, joy, and sporting talent. involved in these changes to ensure they’re made for the On a day filled with emotion, the Varsity score board benefit of students and we were welcomed to committees kept ticking over, with both Bucks and Roehampton and panels to have your voices heard. I’m extremely picking up points, keeping it neck and neck. At the end impressed at how the University strives to develop, but of the day, Bucks students gathered at Rosslyn Park RFC there is still more work to be done to improve the education for the main event and final fixture. The supporters and you receive and the overall student experience. I also hope players from Bucks did the University proud on that day, to see a better mental health provision with easy access helping Bucks over the line to win Varsity overall for just to students across all campuses and a curriculum that the second time in the competitions history. suits all students, no matter their educational or cultural background. Thank you to everyone who has supported me Events like these are ones that you don’t want to miss out on. Make sure you regularly check social media and during my five years at Bucks, you've changed my life. Best of luck to Tao in taking on the role of President. the ‘Whatson’ page on bucksstudentsunion.org.
Sadly this is my last update! We have achieved so much as a team this year and have you all to thank for making that happen. The year started off with welcome week bringing such a buzz to the campus. We went on to put on Break the Stigma, Wear It Pink which were our first and successful campaigns! I started to focus on the education side, as I was in meeting after meeting pushing to get you the best academic experience possible. There’s still so much to get involved in with the SU. Union Awards is just around the corner, a night where we celebrate staff and students for going above and beyond. Congratulations to all those nominated and good luck! So, while I’m still clutching onto my office, don’t hesitate to come to me for a chat! Thank you all for your support and hopefully see you around soon!
Get in touch: Charlie: charlie.cotton@bucks.ac.uk Lauren: lauren.oshea@bucks.ac.uk Georgia: georgia.nosal@bucks.ac.uk
Bucks Vpsi
@BucksSUVPSI
Bucks SU Pres
@BucksSUPres
Bucks Vpew
@BucksSUVPEW
By Sarah Jackson
GRADUATE PROGRAMME As your number 1 students’ union we don’t want you to miss out on anything while you are here but also after you leave Bucks. You may be heavily into dissertations and assignments or end of year performances and shows but what are your plans for when you leave?
According to graduate-jobs.com the top 5 graduate employers as of this month are:
Graduate schemes aren’t just for those of you studying marketing, HR or business... there are schemes for events, product Enterprise Rent-A-Car have an ongoing design and travel too – basically in any application process so you can apply industry or for any interest you may at any time to work for this organisation have. Many of the schemes accept that has been ranked as a Times Top 50 applications year round so it’s not too Employer for Women for 13 years running. late to apply. If you have your ideal career lined up Explore Learning has helped over that’s really great and we hope to hear all At prospects.ac.uk you can search 175,000 children achieve their potential about your successes in the future! by sector making it really easy to find over the last 15 years. They too have an a scheme that suits you. Other useful But maybe you don’t yet know what your ongoing application process and pay websites are: next step is and if you are looking for that around £24k dependant on location. stepping stone into a specific industry grb.uk.com FDM Group launched the careers of or career, a graduate programme may over 1,000 graduates in 2017 and are savethestudent.org be just the thing for you. These schemes the UK’s leading IT Graduate Employer. milkround.com can provide you with a foot in the door Graduate recruitment at the FDM Group to many large organisations, either in brightnetwork.co.uk is ongoing and nationwide. an industry of your choice or just for Aldi, one of the world's largest privately you to gain basic transferable skills owned companies, offer graduate Area such as communication, leadership, Manager schemes in return for a £44k management, finance or negotiation. salary, commitment and hard work. Applications are also ongoing and nationwide. KPMG also offer year-round graduate recruitment and the opportunity to work in a fast-moving, intellectually challenging and supportive community.
If you don’t think a graduate scheme is for you, here at the Students’ Union, we can still help you! Whether its help with applications, writing your CV or tips on interview skills, we can give you the support you need either through our group sessions or on an individual basis. All of our skills sessions are available to book on our website: bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson. Alongside all this fantastic support you can access the University’s Careers and Employability department for tailored career advice and guidance. There’s also a vast array of free resources through My Bucks Career, which you can access through the University’s website using your Black Board log in and password.
May Issue
It’s not too late to apply for a
5
Graduate Programmes.
6 May Issue
The Bucks Award.
By Sarah Jackson
GET YOUR BUCKS AWARD TO SHOWCASE YOUR SUCCESS! Here at your number one students’ union, we know how good you are! Now we are giving you the opportunity to receive a certificate with all of your Students' Union related achievements in one place.
Every time you participate in an activity with us, be it volunteering, a skills session or securing a committee role, we have a record of it and are now able to collate these records to really showcase your involvement through the Bucks Award. The Bucks Award is divided into sections with the idea that by the time you leave university you have something in every section – a completely achievable goal due to all the FREE opportunities you have access to thanks to the Big Deal. Employment We will list any role you have had with the Union during your time at Bucks backing up that you have had the work experience you claim on your CV Volunteering This will detail the number of hours volunteering you have completed (and most importantly logged!) by type of role – club or society committee role, ambassador role, community or external projects and Union or internal projects. Talking about your volunteering experiences and relating them to roles that you apply for can be priceless. Leadership Roles Whether you’ve been a School Officer or Course Rep, Ambassador or Chair of a Club or Society, you have had to use leadership skills to perform your role. As a candidate in our elections you will have planned a campaign and influenced people into voting for you thereby demonstrating signs of your leadership skills. Whatever you want to do as a career, leadership skills will be invaluable. Skills Maybe you’ve attended our course specific or generic training sessions or achieved accredited qualifications through us. These will all be listed here so you can see exactly how much you’ve developed with your Union. Awards Here will be a list of any Award you have received at AU Dinner or Union Awards including any awards you have been shortlisted for. These are really great achievements and should be recognised. Memberships If you are a member of a club or society, it will be listed here. Participation in these activities demonstrates commitment to a sport or interest and the ability to build your own networks and team based skills. Extra-Curricular Activities Anything else you’ve done with us, recreational activities or sport for fun, will be detailed in this section and can be used to demonstrate cultural, social or self awareness. The Bucks Award can be used as an ongoing reflective tool to identify any areas you feel we can help you develop – maybe you have accrued many volunteering hours but would like to secure a leadership role or maybe you’ve attended lots of skills sessions and would like to use those skills working for us next year. It can also be a way of showing prospective employers the many activities you have been involved in thereby demonstrating the transferable skills and experiences you’ve picked up during your time studying. To claim your Bucks Award, email sarah.jackson@bucks.ac.uk with your ID number and Sarah will contact you once its ready for you to collect.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES It’s all happening in the SU... The end of this academic year seems to be coming around fast but it's not too late for you take advantage of our free opportunities courtesy of the Big Deal! Whether you need some time out after your dissertation handin, are thinking of getting in one or two final skills sessions to add to your CV or just want to get involved, we have something for you.
successful in both. Learn about business plans and local schemes and networks that will give you that kickstart. Fri 24 May- Mental Health Awareness This session is designed to explode the myths and misunderstandings about mental health and mental illness. It will enable you to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health issues and benefit from practical advice about directing friends, peers and colleagues to appropriate guidance and support, when managing distress. Sat 25 May - Sh!tfaced Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew A cast of first-rate actors (one of whom is completely sh!t-faced). Hilarious, boozefuelled, on-stage hijinks ensue. Sun 26 May - MCM Comic Con, London SOLD OUT!
Coming up this term we have:
Mon 27 May - Cambridge Day Trip
Fri 17 May - Wicked!
Abounding with exquisite architecture, exuding history and tradition, renowned for its quirky rituals, Cambridge is a university town extraordinaire.
Sat 18 May - Brighton Day Trip Get FREE transport down to Brighton for the day and explore the Lanes, the beach or the many great bars, restaurants and shops before we bring you home again! Wed 22 May - Award in Front of Stage Operations If you are on any type of events, festival or music course, this qualification will be invaluable on your CV. This course has been developed to enable the delegate working in the ‘Pit’ at live concerts to have a wider understanding of the hazards associated with working in this role, together with the various issues you may be faced with. Wed 22 May - Self-Employment Workshop In this session you'll be able to understand some of the key differences between employment and self employment and how you can be
Anytime in May - Hounslow Urban Farm Hounslow Urban Farm is one of London’s largest community farms. Covering 29 acres it's an important educational resource and leisure facility for all the family. You can book onto any activity through our website so be sure to keep an eye out on the Bucks SU ‘What’s On’ page - don’t miss out by not reserving your place early on! If you need any support to enhance your academic experience, pop into one of the Students’ Union offices and we will be more than happy to help wherever we can. Maybe you have something different in mind? If you have an activity or skills session that you would like to take part in, please do not hesitate to get in touch! We love hearing your ideas and providing opportunities that you want! Contact us at surecactivities@bucks.ac.uk or pop in to one of the Students' Union offices. Your Activities Team
May Issue
By The Students' Union Activities Team
7
Student Activities.
8 May Issue
Advice Centre.
By The Advice Centre
TENANT FEES BILL Important information for anyone thinking about, or currently living in, privately rented accommodation.
The Tenant Fees Bill will come into force on Saturday 1 June 2019 for all tenancies signed on or after that date. It will be illegal for letting agents to charge tenants anything that isn't rent, deposit and contract break fees. Key points of the Bill include:
• Default fees will be limited to charges for replacement
Alongside rent and deposits, landlords and letting agents will only be permitted to charge tenants fees associated with:
keys or a respective security device and late rent payments only
• A change or early termination of a tenancy, when
• Holding deposits will be capped at no more than one
• Utilities, communication services and Council Tax
week’s rent, applying to a maximum of one property only
• A civil offence with a fine of £5,000 for a first offence will be created, alongside civil penalties of up to £30,000
• The Consumer Rights Act 2015 will be amended to specify that the letting agent transparency requirements should apply to property portals, such as Rightmove and Zoopla
• Local authorities will be able to retain the money raised
requested by the tenant
• Payments arising from a default by the tenant, such as replacing lost keys
With this in mind we would advise you to put off signing any tenancy agreement until after Saturday 1 June 2019. For more information on this, or any accommodation issue you may be having please drop into the Students’ Union Advice Centre, or call us on 01494 603 016 (High Wycombe) or 01494 605 180 (Uxbridge).
through financial penalties, with this money reserved for future local housing enforcement
ADVICE CENTRE ADVICE CENTRE Bucks Students’ Union Advice Centre ADVICE CENTRE ADVICE CENTRE MONEY
YOUR PERSONAL LIFE
MONEY
YOUR PER
Please call to make an appointment atto either for a face-to-face, appointment. Please call makecampus an appointment at either telephone campus forora Skype face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment.
High Wycombe Campus: High Wycombe Campus:
Uxbridge Campus:
Uxbridge Campus:
Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Fridayto9am-4.30pm to Thursday 9am-5pm, Fridayto9am-4.30pm Monday Thursday 9am-5pm, Monday Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm YOUR PERSONAL LIFE INTERN MONEY LEGAL ISSUES LEGAL ISSUES Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North Located: Located: RoomBlock N0.03, ground floor, North Block Room 1.03, first floor Located: Room 1.03, first INTERNATIONAL floor STUDENT ISSUES STUDE Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 180 Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 180 ake an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment. Please call to make an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appoint
If you have problems in any of these areas, we can help:
ADVICE CENT ADVICEADVICE CENTRE CENTRE
Evening appointments are available of standard opening hours High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 7pm. Please Eveningoutside appointments are available outsideatof standard opening hours at5pm Highto Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7pm. Please Uxbridge Campus: High Wycombe Uxbridge Campus: contact us to arrange an appointment time to suit you.Campus: contact usat toa arrange an appointment at a time to suit you. ay 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4. INTERNATIONAL N0.03,COURSE groundISSUES floor, North Block COURSE ISSUES Located: Room 1.03, first floor MONEY LEGAL ISSUES ACCOMMODATION ACCOM Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North YOUR Block PERSONAL LIFE Located: Room 1.03, first floor YOUR MONEY STUDENT ISSUES ne: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 180 Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 180 Please call to make an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, tele Please call to make an appointment at suadvice@bucks.ac.uk either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment. bucksstudentsunion.org/advice suadvice@bucks.ac.uk bucksstudentsunion.org/advice make Mon-Thurs: an appointment atappointments either for a face-to-face, telephone Skype appointment. are available outside of standard opening Please hours at call High to Wycombe 5pm to 7pm. Please campus Evening are available outside of standard opening or hours at High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7p contact us to arrange an appointment Wycombe Campus:at a time to suit you. Uxbri contact usHigh to arrange an appointment High Wycombe Campus:at a time to suit you. Uxbridge Campus: Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday Campus: to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm HighCOURSE Wycombe Uxbridge Campus: ACCOMMODATION ISSUES INTERNATIONAL ISSUES Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North Block Located: Ro Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, Northto Block Room 1.03, first floor Monday Monday Thursday 9am-5pm, Located: FridayLEGAL 9am-4.30pm to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm STUDENT ISSUES Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: INT Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 180 LEGAL ISSUES Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North Block Located: Room 1.03, first floor
Wycombe Campus:
uadvice@bucks.ac.uk
bucksstudentsunion.org/advice suadvice@bucks.ac.uk bucksstudentsunion.org/advice STU Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 Evening appointments are available outside of 180 standard opening hours at High Wycomb Evening appointments are available outside of standard opening hours at High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7pm. Please contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.
contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit y
Evening appointments are available outside of standard opening hours at High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7pm. Please COURSE ISSUES ACCOMMODATION contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.
suadvice@bucks.ac.uk COURSE ISSUES
bucksstudentsunion.org/advice
suadvice@bucks.ac.uk
bucksstudentsunion.org/advice suadvice@bucks.ac.uk bucksstudentsunion.org/advice suadvice@bucks.ac.uk
bucksstudentsunion.or ACCO
EAT GOOD; FEEL GOOD The mood boosting effects of chocolate are well known, but did you know that there are many other foods out there that can have similar effects?
We are not talking about rare and exotic foods that cost a king’s ransom and need you to embark on an epic quest in order to track them down. Most of these foods are easily and cheaply available from market stalls and in supermarkets. Take a look at the list of foods and tips below and see how easy it is to eat food that is tasty, healthy and helps you to feel good. Dairy: milk, cheese and full fat yogurt, Meat: beef, chicken and turkey Eggs Fruit: avocados, bananas, watermelon, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, apples, strawberries Nuts: pistachios, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, Brazil nuts Fish: herring, fresh tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout. Vegetables: beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, tomatoes, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts Oils: olive oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil Pulses: chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans Green Tea Seeds: flax seeds, sesame, pumpkin, chia Soy products Cocoa And of course, chocolate – but make sure it is Darth Vader chocolate – Dark!
You do not have to eat only these foods, but do try and include some in every meal.
Keep things simple and look at the quality of the foods you eat, reduce processed salty foods, keep sugary treats to a minimum and make sure you’re eating at least your five-a-day. Many supermarkets have offers on fruit and veg such as ‘Any 3 for £1.00’, which provides a really inexpensive way of getting those all-important fruits and veggies. If you do not want to eat just cabbage/cauliflower/sprouts all week, get together with your flat mates, buy a selection from the offers then share out the goodness between you. Recipe ideas: Quick and easy chickpea salad This is another recipe from my Italian mother and resembles a deconstructed hummus 1 tin chickpeas (rinsed and drained) ¼ small onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp. olive oil
Hate sprouts? Try cooking them this way, but beware - cooked like this, they may become your favourite! Wash and trim sprouts. Slice each one horizontally 2-3 times so you have little round slices of sprout. Heat some olive oil in a frying pan, add the sliced sprouts and fry on a high heat until they are starting to colour at the edges. A minute or so into cooking, add a finely chopped garlic clove. Cook for another minute or so.
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
The sprouts are ready when golden brown at the edges and bright glossy green elsewhere. Season to taste then serve as a side.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Serve with wholewheat pitta bread.
The sprouts will be crunchy and peppery, not the soggy, bitter pulp that all too often passes for cooked sprouts.
Cost: around 80p
Enjoy!
A squeeze of lemon juice
May Issue
By The Multifaith Chaplaincy
9
Healthy Eating.
Council Co-opted Student Member expression of interest form The University’s Council has agreed to extend its membership by the co-option of a current registered student of the University to the Council. This student will sit alongside the President of the Students’ Union, representing the voice of Bucks students. The co-opted student member’s term will run until Friday 31 July 2020. Person Specification/ Selection Criteria • The University’s Council is made up from individuals with experience and skills across a broad range of professions, business and industry.
• The University and Council encourage, support and value diversity and welcome expressions of interest from any currently registered student studying directly with the University. Applications from part-time, post-graduate, mature or BAME students would be particularly welcome.
Experience and Skills desired for the role: • a broad understanding of the whole University community and demonstrable support for the ethos and mission of the University
• able to think strategically, understand and engage with issues quickly, debate and contribute to discussions pro-actively and challenge rigorously
• a strong interest in the Bucks’ student experience and more generally in the education sector and the role education plays in transforming lives
• able to devote time to preparing for and attending Council and sub-committee meetings – normally 9 x 2 hour meetings per year. Additional hours may be required for pre-reading
• good interpersonal skills – being confident to express views on behalf of the student body in a concise, fair and measured way
Council papers. • ambassadors for the University
• committed to working as part of a team witah other Council members and senior staff of the University
Cut here.
To express interest fill in your details below: Name
Student ID number
Course
Relevant Experience:
Reasons For Applying: (What do you hope to bring to the role?)
Deadline for expression of interest: noon, Thursday 30 May 2019 To be handed in to Bucks Students’ Union front desk. If you have any questions or issues, email lauren.oshea@bucks.ac.uk Short selection interview: Monday 3 June 2019 Selection Panel consists of: Chair of Governance Committee, Academic Registrar & Secretary, President of the Students’ Union and CEO of the Students’ Union Appointment term starts: Saturday 1 August 2019
11
Film Review.
May Issue
12
15 May - 19 May
BUCKS STUDENTS' UNION IS OPEN SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK. IF YOU DO NOT SEE AN EVENT LISTED BELOW, CHECK ONLINE NEARER THE TIME!
Monday 20
Wednesday 15
May Issue
20 May - 26 May
Thursday 16
Friday 17
Saturday 18 Wednesday 22
HAWAIIAN
Sunday 19
BLOWZONE
Saturday 25
Sunday 26
GENERAL K
13
29 May - 5 Jun
VISIT BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/WHATSON OR SEARCH: BUCKS STUDENTS' UNION ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Wednesday 29
May Issue Friday 31
Acoustic Night
Friday 24
Saturday 1
STUDENT DJ EVENT
KNOWLEDGE
Sunday 2
Wednesday 5
May Issue
14
BUCKS WARDROBE
AVAILABLE NOW! Baseball tees, t-shirts, chunky zipped hoodies, fleeced sweatshirts, core and zipped hoodies.
Available online or by calling into the Students’ Union offices. bucksstudentsunion.org/shop
Y E N O M R AKE YOU
R E H T R U F GO M
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m.com Go to totucard now r to get you
Hailey .M Tshuma National Union of Students exp: 09/09/19
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ything r e v e n o s nt Big discou azon to Zavvi from Am IS NOW TOTUM
16 May Issue
Student Opinion.
By Abby Gray
TAKEN FROM THE PALM OF THE LAND Imagine that you are living in a glorious land. Where
required for usage in many Westerners’ throw-away
Few other products have such negative karma - illegal
the sun always shines. Where it is beautiful – the air
highly-consumable products: palm oil.
loggers deforest native tribes’ lands, forcing both
is clean, the water is clean, the plants and trees beside
This is the situation being faced by native peoples
the tribes and the animals to starve and lose their
you are healthy and well. You have a family and are
and animals alike in the forested places of the world
natural homes. Child labour has also been known to
very happy. You go about your daily business – at
– notably, the Amazon and Malaysia. The problem is,
be employed – particularly in the palm oil plantation
one with your surroundings. You have a connection
it is a vast business that has been going on for a long
in Malaysia. Some organisations were created to solve
to the land you walk and live on. You can rely on the
time. And it needs your help. It is a story very much trees and berries to give you sustenance of which they like that of Avatar, as it is accentuated by modern have plenty, and you can hunt animals occasionally. man’s lust for financial profit at the cost of indigenous
these problems – so their cover story would have us
And then, one day -inextricably – this equilibrium
peoples and animals and loss of habitat. But it needs
palm oil. It leaves rivers and streams polluted, ruined
vanishes. Like Pandora in Avatar, your forest
your help.
soil, and contributed drastically to global warming.
62.6 million tonnes of it was produced in 2015 –
And organic companies are also caught in this net
upwards from 15.2 million tonnes the previous year.
– because they do not check against child labour,
homeland is in danger. Strange vehicles and men are roaming your land without your permission and logging the trees, forcing the birds to scream in alarm. Animals and people are running away before you – fear showing the whites of their eyes.
It’s in your shampoo. Your cakes. Your washing detergent. Even your pet food. And your eczema cream. Its derivatives are an emollient (glycerin), a
believe. But they are heavily flawed and do not in any shape or form produce “sustainable” ethically sourced
sustainability or deforestation. I am going palm oil free – and choosing more sustainable alternatives instead. I think you should do too. For more
You smell something strange, something that fills you
foaming agent (sodium lauryl sulphate), an emulsifier
with fear. You smell the smoke of trees being burned
of sorts (cetearyl 20) and many more. Cheap and
– and as you gaze over, you see that your home is
readily available, it cooks to higher temperatures so is
abby.graymoose.com/index.php/myths-a-
being permanently destroyed to grow an ingredient
in your fast food too.
legends/life/palm-oil
information, see my website:
My name Is Krzysztof Stocki and I am
friendships and experiences. I personally
currently in my third year of Criminology.
have completed my Silver DofE Award. It was
I decided a couple of years ago that I
an amazing time, and I have gained many
wanted to do something for the community.
skills which have helped me throughout life
When I heard of the possibility of joining
and I am currently contemplating starting the
the Volunteer Police Cadets; where you
Gold award.
learn about the police as well as having volunteering opportunities, I decided to join. I was around 14 years old when I joined, but
During the time away assisting with DofE Award, I taught cadets how to read maps and use a compass during the practice
when I turned 18 I decided to stay on as a
expeditions, as well as making sure the
voluntary staff member. Ever since I have
camps are kept clean at night. In the morning
been coming to weekly meetings, helping out
the routine was the same where we would
with the sessions. Another reason I joined as
check the camp and make sure it is clean.
a volunteer is because I have wanted to join
During the assessed expeditions I would help
the police ever since I was young. Becoming a
at checkpoints making sure that the cadets
volunteer with the VPC helped me get a better
were following the correct route. In the
understanding of how the police functions
evenings and mornings, like in the practice,
and the issues surrounding policing.
we would make sure that the camp is clean
Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) were made
and tidy.
so that there is a safe place for youth to
Volunteering for the VPC has helped me
meet new people, learn about the police and
improve myself as a person over the past
policing issues, as well as a crime diversion
couple of years. This includes gaining more
activity. There are activities provided for
confidence in myself. There are many new
youth, this is all under supervision of police
skills I have gained since joining, such as:
officers and voluntary staff. All voluntary staff
First Aid, map reading, cooking, as well as
are vetted before to ensure safety.
learning police based topics and procedures.
Over the past few weeks I have also assisted
To me volunteering is for everyone. It is nice
as a staff member during Duke of Edinburgh
to give back to the community, which is the
Award (DofE) expeditions for Bronze and
main reason for doing it. You do not have to
Silver, for both practice and assessed. The
volunteer much, and you still give something
award includes learning new skills such
back. Volunteering is also fun as you get
as navigation, cooking etc. It also allows
to meet new people (hopefully making new
people to meet each other, possibly gaining
friendships as well) and gain new skills.
May Issue
By Krzysztof Stocki
17
Police Cadet.
18 May Issue
Red Cross Volunteering.
By Dani Smart My name is Dani Smart and I am currently
I was recently promoted to ‘Social and
in my second year of child nursing. I
well-being coordinator’ for my team, which
decided a couple of years ago that I wanted
means I have the responsibility to ensure my
to do something extra to help people that
team is supported during call out and check
are in crisis and learn some new skills.
up on them after a difficult or challenging
When looking around I discovered the Red
time, ensuring they are getting the support
Cross and I spoke to their team leader there
they need.
who suggested I applied for the Emergency Response (ER) team.
Alongside the ER team, I am part of the event first aid team. This service supports
For the last couple of years I have been
organisations during events such as festival
volunteering for the British Red Cross, ER
and sports events, where we offer first aid
team. My role within this is to support
and psychological support.
individuals that have unfortunately been affected by a humanitarian crisis such as fires and floods, by providing first aid, space, resources, psychological support and much more to help them get back to normal life. In 2017 I was amongst the volunteers that supported the victims of the Grenfell tower fire. I was among one of the first couple of
Since being a volunteer I have learnt so many new skills; from enhanced first aid to knowing how to support someone that has lost everything. It has helped me grow as a person and I have become more confident in what I do today, especially within my nursing degree.
volunteers that went down to London to set up
I believe everyone should become a
a rest centre, offer psychological support and
volunteer, not only does it improve your
be there for those that still had family members
knowledge and skills but it allows you to
missing. This was an extremely stressful time
meet individuals from different backgrounds
but extremely rewarding, knowing that I was
and allows you to tackle challenges you
able to make a difference that day.
never thought you would!
BEING MISS GLOUCESTER When you think of pageants you will probably have a
fundraising, would be a good place to start. I felt
Miss England competition last year and am aiming for
stereotypical idea in your mind of what they involve, the
passionate about charity fundraising and since being
the crown again this year.
sort of people who enter and their reasons for getting
in the role I have raised more than £7,000 for charities.
involved. As a tomboy with a curvy figure who has
Through my work I have also accumulated hundreds of
struggled with a skin condition and dyslexia, I really
volunteering hours; through motivational talks, helping
wanted to break down those stereotypes and prove to
in the local community and hosting town events.
people that you can achieve whatever you want when
I have met some amazing people along the way, including the former Miss England and the Mayor of Gloucester who has since become a close friend. My biggest achievement would definitely be my work with dyslexia.
I am only the second Miss Gloucester to reach the finals
I have had so many people reach out to me to tell their
of the Miss England competition and the first ever to
story and say that I have helped them by sharing mine.
I first got involved in pageants during my gap year as I
compete for the crown two years in a row. It’s definitely
This has really touched me and made me proud to do this
was struggling with self-confidence and felt I needed to
not been easy as I have had to juggle my normal life
work. To anyone considering going for this themselves
prove to myself that I could achieve something. I wanted
with a job and studying at University with all the other
I would just say just go for it! It’s a chance to be an
a challenge and thought that combining my interest
commitments that come with the role. This said, it’s
amazing ambassador and a positive role model to so
in spreading awareness of dyslexia and charitable
100% worth it! I came 25th out of 20,000 people in the
many people.
you give 100%.
Tamsin is a second year Events and Festivals Management student and Chair of Snow Soc. If you would like to support her fundraiser for disadvantaged children around the world please visit her fundraising page: justgiving.com/ fundraising/missgloucester2019
May Issue
By Tamsin Grainger
19
Being Miss Gloucester.
20 May Issue
Bucks HEMA.
By Jessica Miles
BLADES HEMA Bucks Blades is back and better than ever. With a new look, and a new name, Bucks Blades is now Blades HEMA,
Blades HEMA has always endeavoured to give back, especially through
(Historical, European, Martial Arts). Even more inclusive than ever, more
events and displays, getting involved in several outside re-enactment groups,
competitive than ever and with more weapons training than ever. And there’s
volunteering yearly for spook-tacular Halloween shows, putting on fantastic
still more to come! We’re not just sword-fighting, we’ve got knives and axes,
fights, and even giving sample lessons for people to explore the art, teaching
and pole weaponry. With spears and pole axes now on our roster, we’ve got
the future generations the ways of a blade.
14th/15th Century death a-plenty!
Our events this year have included Chiltern Open Air Museum’s
As one of the longest running societies here at Bucks New, and the
Halloween Spectacular, the long awaited Blades HEMA Battle
interactions of the school before that, Blades HEMA is another steps toward
Royale, multiple collaborations, including the second annual
being our best. And as we progress toward the end of this year and into
pyjama LARP-ing night with Cosplay and Craft, and
the next, we’re aiming to expand our repertoire of weaponry even further,
even non-sword related collabs, including origami
with options for everyone to experience and enjoy. With more instructors
sessions and de-stress colouring with the
and experts across all of our weaponry, so no matter what you want to learn
Christian Union.
there is always someone to help. With our numbered experts no one is left to struggle or full behind, so no matter your skill level or attendance, Blades HEMA will always help you level up!
With our doors always open, (that’s Wednesdays 7-9pm, in T0.18 aka Drama Studio 2), Blades HEMA has a lot to
This year out focus has been creating a space that everyone regardless of
offer! And leaves you plenty of time to
skill, gender, course or otherwise can enjoy and feel
still go out SU Events at Frat House.
safe, learning something that you may never have had the opportunity to learn before. No matter who you are or what you do, Blades HEMA will always welcome you to come and join in the fun.
Why play sword-fighting games when you can play with actual swords? And not the foam kind.
TAEKWONDO TOURNAMENT
I have been training in Taekwondo for the past five years. In this time, I have gone from a complete beginner to British Champion, Welsh Squad Captain, and Assistant Instructor at my home club.
from the Manchester Metropolitan Uni cheerleading squad. (Although they didn't compare to the Swans). I brought home two bronze medals, and guaranteed entry to the Student World Championships in 2020.
way to improve your fitness, without having to fit into a team. It’s a great way to learn self-defence. Plus, it’s fun to kick things. And how often do you get the chance to train with, and learn from, a Champion?
During February 2019, I took part in the BUTL (British University Taekwondo League) Student National Championship in Manchester, and the PUMA (Professional Unification of Martial Arts) International Open Championship in Swindon.
Two weeks later, I returned to my familiar competition ground, in Swindon. This was to be my fourth international competition with my home team. In attendance were 435 competitors, with teams coming from as far as India and the USA. Unlike the Student Championship, this competition was open to all ages, from children as young as seven. It was a long day for everyone involved, but it was, as always, a privilege to compete alongside such a wide range of fantastic athletes. I managed to secure a bronze medal in sparring, and in a closely contested final, I won gold in patterns; becoming International Champion 2019.
If you are at all interested, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me. 21418943@bucks.ac.uk.
Traditional Taekwondo tournaments are usually split into two categories: patterns and sparring. Patterns are precise routines made of various moves, increasing in complexity as you work your way through the belts. Sparring is when two opponents face each other and try to score points by attacking various target areas. Each of these categories are then split into belt and weight (sparring only) divisions. I'll start with Manchester. This competition, which was the first of its kind, hosted around 200 competitors representing 31 different universities from across the UK; including myself, as the sole representative of Bucks. The atmosphere was unbelievable, it was a fantastic day to be a part of. We were even treated to a performance
Some of the best friends I've made have been through Taekwondo. I always say, “You know you're a martial artist when you can become friends with someone that has kicked you in the face, on purpose.” Currently Bucks doesn't have a Taekwondo club, and I want to change that. I hope this article will encourage some of you to give it a try. Taekwondo is a fantastic
WE ARE RECRUITING BUDDIES TO SUPPORT OUR APPLICANTS FROM WHEN THEY APPLY AND THROUGHOUT THEIR FIRST TERM AT BUCKS. This is a discrete service conducted via email, so you will be set up with a Bucks Buddy email address. We are looking for students that fall in to the following categories so we can best provide assistance and advice to our broad range of members. Mature student Student from overseas Part time student Post Graduate student Under Graduate student
A Further Education level student (i.e. Foundation) Student with family responsibilities Student who commutes Student who hails from the local area
Any queries email: katie.smith@bucks.ac.uk For more information and to apply, please visit bucksstudentsunion.org/jobs
May Issue
By Nikkita Miller
21
Taekwondo write up.
22 May Issue
BNU Dance.
BNU DANCE
By Jade Clifford
We started off the year with 128 Freshers' Fair sign-ups and a performance alongside it, followed by teaming up with The Works and making them our sponsor, the Club was definitely set up for further success. The achievements kept coming as we danced for Women’s Day, Christmas Lights, Takeover, Uxbridge Latin Classes and Ryeview Manor which were thoroughly enjoyed by all. We volunteered for the Big Sleep Out, Poppy Selling, Big Smile Campaign, Wear It Pink week, We Think Blue week, Movember Fun Run, Soak a Sabb/Senior, Volley 4 RAG, and Netball 4 RAG. We put on two of our own RAG events which included the Halloween Bake Sale
and Sport Your Colours for RAG at Varsity which were great successes. We also hosted a Joint Takeover with Women's Rugby, held a sober social and joint social every month with big turnouts every time. Throughout the Comp season, we won 43 trophies altogether which is a new record for the club, and we are extremely proud of this! The hard-work and commitment paid off, as at our last competition of the season, we placed first in every category we entered. Every year, we put on our very own Comp and this year was no different. Our Comp was the most successful one yet, as we had the most amount of people watching that we’ve ever had at a comp. We raised
£1,300 for both our RAG charities; this is a huge amount of money, which we are so happy to have raised. This led onto us winning the first point for Varsity, another one of our proudest achievements, as Varsity is a massive part of being involved with a sports Club. During the lead up to Varsity, we attended sports games every week to support other sports teams just as they did for us at Bucks Comp. Finally, we had the largest group to go on Tour as we took 21 members and we also had seven members of BNU Dance nominated for awards at AU Dinner. These include Committee Member of the Year, Club of the Year, Sportsman
and Sportswomen of the Year, RAG Contributor of the Year, Coach of the Year and Most Improved. We are so proud of every member who has been nominated for these awards. We are extremely proud of our achievements over the past year, as there has been so many. The hard work, commitment and determination from our members has paid off shown through the proof from our successes. We would just like to thank everyone who is a part of BNU Dance for all their hard work and dedication which has led us to so many achievements in the last year and we hope to see you all back next year to continue the success. Onwards and upwards!!!
BUCKS 10.5
8.5 ROEHAMPTON
It began with dance competing at Surrey, where after a fierce competition, the first varsity point was awarded to the away side. First-blood Bucks. The second fixture was women’s rugby, a highly anticipated fixture between the two sides, both having one win to their names. Unfortunately, Roehampton won in a fastpaced match filled with plenty of action, 1-1. A week later our Futsal Team were hoping to continue their 100% record at varsity and put Bucks back in the lead. A score line of 5-4 gave Bucks a 2-1 advantage going into the big day.
teams came away with a point. Football 1s played an outstanding game, with determination show from every player and the support of the University behind them, they won 3-2. Football 2s also did the club proud winning by 3-1. The 3s finished their game on a 3-3 but were awarded the full point, adding another win to the scoreboard. Unfortunately, Roehampton took the win for the 4s game, with a score of 5-2.
Also putting Roehampton in their rightful place, was our exceptional Women’s Basketball team who finished with a fantastic score of 85-35.
Bucks had an early start on Wednesday 27 March, travelling to West London by coach. Our spectators had the delight of watching 16 fixtures from eight different sports over the course of the day. Badminton and Swimming kicked us off for the day. Roehampton took both the Badminton points, but Swimming earned 1.5 points, making the score 3.5-3 to Bucks.
With the afternoon drawing to a close, next to play was our team of the year, Volleyball. First up was the Women’s team who unfortunately did not win their game and were met with a loss of 3-2. However, the score was balanced out when the Men’s team won their game 3-0. The score line was now sitting at 9.58.5 to Bucks.
Next to step up to the plate were netball. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of every individual on the team, Roehampton remained reigning champions. Taking home, a win of 53-11 in the Netball 1s game and 49-8 in the 2s game. However, the score line was quickly recovered, following a strong win from Women’s Hockey, 11-0, the potential of a bucks victory was looking achievable. This game was followed by Men’s Hockey who despite a great game, were met with a loss of 6-1.
However, this did not mean that we could sit back and relax. With the majority of the student body bevved up to their eyeballs, there was one team that were anxiously awaiting the evening ahead.
Next to show Roehampton what us Bucks students have got was the legendary club that is Bucks FC. After four passionate games, three out of four of our
Thank you to each and every participant and supporter who stood proud and represented bucks on unforgettable day.
Finally, it was time for Men’s Rugby to step up and show Roehampton what they were made of. After an extremely intense game, they did it. MEN’S RUGBY HAD DONE IT!! With the final score standing at 29-24, and 10.5-8.5 for the whole day, BUCKS HAD BROUGHT BACK THEIR TROPHY.
May Issue
By Alanah Walters & Riadh Boudiza
23
Varsity.
WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? The Bucks Student newspaper is looking for current students to write articles - if you’re passionate about a subject, we’d love to hear from you. Can’t think of what to write? No problem! Join us at a Newsgroup meeting and we’ll give you a topic to write about. Our meetings are in the Study Lounge (near Beats, opposite the Dance Studio) - email editor@thebucksstudent.com for a time and date. Not only will you get your views and opinions out there, but being able to say your work has been published will look fantastic on your CV. For more information email the student editor, Eliza, on editor@thebucksstudent.com. Want to take your writing even further, and earn £100 per edition? We are starting to look for an editor to work with the Bucks Student for the next academic year (2019/20). If you would like to find out more please email sucommunications@bucks.ac.uk.