Issue 5

www.the-ripple.co.uk ripple@le.ac.uk @uolripple www.facebook.com/therippleleicester The University of Leicester’s free student newspaper

Issue Five

Semester One

1st December - 12th December

Is Your Degree a Smart Financial Investment?

by Mark Thompson and Ross Brown

All the stats and figures below were gathered by a recent article in The Independant and have been beneficial in highlighting potential flaws in the education system.

A study has revealed that the UK university system is one where ‘everybody feels like they are getting a bad deal’. The Higher Education Commission has revealed its doubts about the long term future of the current system and its financial stability.

However after commissioning this study in which evidence from expert witness’ were taken, they have acknowledged there is no quick fix to the system.

From 2012, the maximum amount that tuition fees could be set at was raised by the coalition from £3000 to £9000. Rather famously, this went directly against a pledge that the Liberal Democrats had made saying that they would vote against any rise in fees (which, slightly less famously, went on to spawn The Poke’s fantastic remix of Nick Clegg’s apology).

Around £3000 of the fee rise was to make up the loss in state funding that universities

suffered after the 2010 general election, and the Russell Group universities welcomed the rise as a ‘life-saving cash transfusion’ which would allow UK institutions to continue to compete on the international stage.

Some other universities condemned the rises, and there was widespread worry that it would make higher education more elitist.

to student repayment structure will work or not.

However, there has been concern that for some time the rise in fees would not bring in as much money as had been hoped. In April, the Institute for Fiscal Studies said that the weak economy meant that students would be paying back less of their loans and would not save the taxpayer as much money as had been originally claimed.

This study comes at the same time that the Daily Mail reported on a study that discovered only 49% of university students feel that they have to work hard to get a decent degree and that most students believe seminars are not worth turning up for due to the easy content involved.

Two months earlier, in February, the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) – the government department that is responsible for Higher Education – warned against the possibility that an extra £5.5bn provision for their budget would be needed by 2018-19 to cover losses in student repayments. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it has been said by many that it will take decades to know for certain whether the increase in fees and change

Speaking to a student from the University of Leicester they said ‘I do not feel as if I am getting my moneys worth at £9,000 a year. You would have expected three times the teaching and education since they have tripled tuition fees but this is not the case’.

The latest report is yet another blow, saying that the current situation is ‘not sustainable’, and came just days before a Free Education march in central London. The report also highlighted that students felt they were paying more, while the government was still having to write off a lot of tuition fees, and universities were not benefiting from extra funding.

The Free Education march, which was not supported by the National Union of Students, was organised by the National Cam-

paign against Fees and Cuts and the Young Greens, the march was to protest against tuition fees, student debt, and education cuts.

The march was largely peaceful although there were some incidents with Conservative headquarters, a Starbucks targeted, and there were eleven arrests resulting from the march.

This will come as a reminder to the Government that there is still some serious concerns surrounding the price of tui-

tion fees, three years after the cap was increased three-fold to £9000. Students up and down the country at a variety of universities are not happy with the service they receive, especially since the increase in 2012.

The Daily Mail recently reported that graduates face being turned down for mortgages over high debt repayments as mortgage lenders are now required to take into account student loan debt when considering applications.

The article in The Independent

Image by Flickr user Andrew Moss

also showed that 73 per cent of graduates will still be paying back their loans after 30 years, according to the commission’s study which used a wide range of figured from separate research.

It is clear that a new system needs to be developed whereby both students and the public finances do not suffer and a healthy balance can be brought to tuition fees.

Inside: The Ripple’s Christmas Special

Opinion

Features

What’s On

Culture

Lifestyle

Sport

NEWS

2

Edited by Ross Brown

Taxi Firm Overcharges Students

by Ross Brown

The Union has an affiliation with Swift Fox Cabs, a local taxi company, and are the University of Leicester Students’ Union preferred partner. Swift Fox have been the Union’s preferred partner since 2013 and provide a fixed rate service to all University of Leicester students. As a preferred partner of the Union the taxi company offer set prices, but recently have received complaints against the fact that they have been changing prices for journeys and not dropping off students at their required locations.

It is beneficial for both the Union and students to use a company such as Swift Fox as the partnership allows for the students interests to be the central focus. With problems such as pricing, the Union can then work with both students of the university and Swift Fox to fix the issue and ensure that both parties get a fair deal.

Tips for using taxis are also available on the Students’ Union website and advise students to ask for a receipt of their journey in order to prove any discrepancies and complaints they may

have. It also advises booking taxis before hand in order for them to be fully insured to carry you as a passenger. Taxis can be booked from the entrance of the O2 Academy on a night out.

This mishap appears to have only affected a few students but it is important the issue has been raised to make sure students’ interests are kept at heart and there is a safe and trustworthy relationship between the Students’ Union and Swift Fox.

Image by Flickr user James Barrett

It is not an issue that is rife throughout the company, as it has been stated that it was only a handful of drivers. In a statement posted on the Students’ Union website, Swift Fox have issued an apology and have indicated that a refund will be available to those who have been overcharged, providing the journey can be traced on their system and proved with a receipt.

University Launches Graduate Scholarship

by Michael Rubin

Last week, the University launched a brand new ‘Graduate Scholarship’ offering graduates from the University of Leicester a 50% discount on tuition fees for certain postgraduate courses at the University - including Masters Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) and Postgraduate Certificates (PGCert).

This Scholarship is available to ‘Home/EU’ students graduating in 2015 with a 2:1 or above.

The Scholarship is brilliant news for students who want to continue onto Postgraduate study. Last year, one of Leicester Union’s priority campaigns was around the Postgraduate study as it is commonly referred to as one of the biggest barriers to continuing education.

graduate Champion and lobby government for a better national system of postgraduate funding. We also began a conversation with the university about increasing the ‘alumni discount’ offered to graduates – the alumni discount was only 10%, rather than 50%.

The Union are therefore delighted that the university has taken such a proactive and positive step to make it easier for students to continue in education and study at a Postgraduate level.

As Student Union President, I am absolutely over-the-moon at the announcement. Too many students are priced out of postgraduate study and the Graduate Scholarship is a big step in making it more accessible. I’m incredibly pleased that the University decided to launch the scheme.

For more information about the Graduate Scholarship and to see the full range of courses available, please visit: http://www2. le.ac.uk/study/fees/50percent.

Image by Flickr user David

The Union persuaded Jon Ashworth, MP, to sign up as Post-

University Students Facing Poverty

by Lauren Swain

A new report by The New Policy Institute (NPI) has just been released last week, and it doesn’t look good for students. There has been a sharp rise in the

number of under 25’s living in poverty in the UK. According to the report, done in conjunction with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) there are now 13 million people living in poverty in the UK.

Image by Flickr user bensonk42

Whilst unemployment has fallen, according to the report, the number of zero hour contracts has risen, with many workers struggling to find enough paid hours. With students comprising a large proportion of the under 25’s, this report gives a potentially bleak outlook on life after university.

The report, released on the JRF website, states that ‘household incomes fell in real terms for the third year in a row’ and ‘wages have fallen, for men and women, working full and part time, for low and high earners. The average full time hourly pay for men has fallen from £13.90 to £12.90 after adjusting for inflation. For women it has fallen from £10.80 to £10.30’.

Students looking for part-time jobs to supplement their Student Finance Loan may find it difficult to get employment.

With increasing competition for part time employment, as according to the survey, 1.4 million adults are in part time work because they can’t find full time employment and even when employment is available, the survey has discovered that three-fifths of people who moved from unemployment into work in the past year are paid below the living wage.

anonymous says, ‘In second year I struggled to pay for both bills and food, so I had to get a job, but I ended up on a zero hour contract, so I don’t get any holiday pay’. Welfare Weekly, who published the survey explained why employment is no longer a guaranteed way out of poverty, ‘A changing labour market and the prevalence of zero-hours contracts, part-time work and low-paid self-employment means that moving into employment is no longer a guaranteed route out of poverty.’

So what does this mean for students? With many struggling to get by at university on their Student Finance loan, many turn to part time employment. One student, who wishes to remain

And this research has implications for life after university for many students. There are currently around 1.4 million zero-hour contracts that do not guarantee a minimum amount

of hours, with over half of these in admin, retail, or catering.

And according to research by the Higher Education Careers Service Unit (Hescu), published on the BBC website, whilst graduate unemployment has fallen, 7.3% of graduates from 2013 are still unemployed, and 13% of those employed are working in retail.

But with graduate starting pay falling, according to the JRF report, it may be surprising that there are up to 160 graduates applying for each job, but with poverty on the increase, and changes in the welfare system worsening the experience for those in poverty, students are feeling the pinch now more than ever.

Students’ Union to Begin New Student Housing Advice Campaign

by Jessica Wells

University of Leicester’s Students’ Union are to begin a new campaign designed to improve student housing in Leicester.

The ‘Safe for Houses’ campaign was devised by the Union’s Experience Officer, Jamie Appleyard, over the summer and aims to educate, cooperate and help student tenants.

The campaign is a long-term project which will provide information to new students regarding smart house-hunting in Leicester, as well as standing up for the rights of troubled student tenants.

There are horror stories surrounding student accommodation and until now, students were only able to seek advice from the Pro Bono advice group and Student Welfare Service at university. This campaign however, hopes to collaborate with Pro Bono for much needed advice and defence against unhelpful landlords.

Furthermore, the campaign hopes to work with landlords and tenants alike, hoping to improve student housing, including solving some of the most common and tedious of issues.

Students will be encouraged to sign up to the ‘Safe as Houses’

pledge, which is designed to raise awareness about housing support and the advice that this campaign will offer. This pledge will also advertise and include a new publication, the Housing Magazine, which will educate and inform new and current students about searching for houses, as well as advice for those currently holding contracts. Over the last few months, the magazine has been researched extensively by the sabbatical team, led by the Experience Officer. It will feature genuine examples and stories by students to show house hunters the advantages and pitfalls of student housing.

Venturing out of halls into private housing can be daunting, and that’s why Jamie Appleyard has decided to implement such a campaign. He told The Ripple that he “had a series of misadventures and horror stories before I found the perfect place because I wasn’t prepared for

the reality of renting”.

After speaking to many students about rented accommodation, it became clear how many students had the same scare stories.

Jamie hopes that through this campaign, the quality of student houses will be improved and

that the rights of student tenants will be realised and held.

To take a look at the campaign, read the first issue of the Housing Magazine in the next fortnight.

Image by Flickr user Ruben Schade

OPINION

3

Edited by Alex Mitchell

When You Banned The Laugh The Difficulties in Adapting You Banned the Laughter as an International Student

by Becca Lee

Everyone will have heard by now about Dapper Laugh’s (or Daniel O’Reilly by birth name) cancelled tour. Members of our student body were a part of a campaign to call for a ban on his tour coming to the O2 Academy. Was this the right thing to do?

made about the banning culture in our Union.

man rights as defined under the Human Rights Act 1998.

I am not in any way suggesting that the comments that Dapper Laugh has made are okay, nor do I support his views. What I am suggesting is that the Students’ Union should consult with the Student body (perhaps through a poll) or referendum.

If the Union and/or student body were still uncomfortable with Dapper Laughs being on campus, a person who feels strongly about this issue could do a ‘Change it or Explain it.’

This new channel of democracy with the Union, as spearheaded by the Engagement Officer, allows students to question and hopefully change parts of the University and the Students Union they are uncomfortable with. By going through the Zones, the Council and then a task force, your representatives have plenty of opportunities to question the proposal. This helps refine the idea and mean greater consultation with more of your representatives, so more opinions can be heard.

Do you still think he should have been banned or was there another option?

Image by Flickr user Adam Foster

Many people would say yes.

The remarks he made irrefutably and those he has made allegedly were disgusting. It even made ITV not renew their contract with him. The derogatory comments are not something a woman such as myself or even a man wants to hear.

However, in my opinion a ban was not the right way to go about it. Our Students’ Union has a history of banning certain items or events that conflict with those ‘in power’ and without thinking it through. What most freshers might not know is that the Union pushed through a ban on the sale of the Sun newspaper on campus. Most students would agree that Page 3 is not sending the right message to young girls; but there was some serious questions

A petition appeared on Change. org (a website where people can make their own petitions) a couple of weeks ago. It was posted by a student and made mention to the Union in its information. By including the Union, it became Union business.

This meant that a lot of people saw it as the Union supporting a petition that affects students without consulting students.

If we had the opportunity to try again, I would suggest a boycott of Dapper Laugh’s performance by students. It was open to the public, and by banning it we are infringing upon the public and students’ right to freedom of expression and choice. Through a boycott the Union would still be supporting their Zero Tolerance campaign whilst allowing for the public to exercise their hu-

In conclusion I think it is clear to see that a ban was simply the wrong way to prevent a sexist performer coming on to campus. There are other options that give power to more people creating a better democracy and yet still deal with the problem of Dapper Laughs. If we start denying a person freedom of choice and expression, we are slowly on our way to having not a democracy but a quasi-dictatorship. Moreover who wouldn’t want to throw an egg in Dapper Laughs face?* *not recommend by the writer, water maybe.

The Ripple would like to clarify the University of Leicester Student’s Union was not affiliated with the cancellation of Dapper Laughs’ tour. This was a nationwide tour cancellation alongside ITV’s decision to axe Daniel O’Reilly’s character.

Image by Flickr user Andy Black

by Valérie Maxime van Doorn One of the first things I noticed about the University of Leicester is just how widely international it is. This shouldn’t be surprising; there is currently an increase in globalisation, especially with the development in new media technologies enabling an expanse in international communication. Not to mention that travelling in general has become more accessible around the world. In my opinion, in regards to issues such as identity and culture it has made things more interesting as well as difficult.

Personally, I have moved around quite a bit over the years, I know that there is a certain expectation in adapting as you’re seen as ‘the guest’. I respect these expectations and try as best as I can to adapt to foreign cultures, though recently I’m quite surprised that the more I move around the more difficult it seems to be to maintain my identity. I think this partly summarises the ideas of being a worldly-citizen, though it raises questions in adapting and communicating with so many influences of different cultures. I’m wondering with all these international students walking around campus that I can’t be the only one with these difficulties?

I remember when I moved to Canada, we had a lecture on Canadian culture (mostly talking about how Canadians say ‘sorry’ and love ice-hockey) and there was even an option lecture on clothing advice for those not being accustomed to cold (and when I say cold, I mean at least -20!). Many of these things are based on stereotypes and generalisation, which isn’t always just in certain situations, but in my opinion does seem to have some truth to it. Being Dutch myself, I find the multiple books and articles on Dutch culture and stereotypes amusing as well as truthful at times. The Dutch are

known for being direct as well as down to earth.

However, I never feel Dutch in the Netherlands due to my international upbringing. It wasn’t until I lived in Canada that I recognised and embraced how Dutch I am, as it’s an important part of my identity.

The downside is that I’ve noticed how people respond differently to my directness.

Though I’ve lived in England before, I currently notice it’s the English who have some difficulty with this directness of mine.

It seems that the English have a strong non-verbal communication (stereotype of the stiff upper lip), which sometimes seems to be another way of being indirectly-direct. Though I’ve already attempted to somewhat decrease my tendency to be blunt, I can’t help but feel that they are non-verbally saying that I shouldn’t be direct at all.

I’m trying to adapt, though how can I adapt completely or how far do I go in adapting without losing one of the things that makes me who I am? I can only assume that I’m not the only one with these questions?

Additionally, we can’t instantly know each and every custom of a nation, it would be impossible. We have to learn this by experiencing it. I know how difficult it can be to deal with culture shock, but when I see students from certain nationalities cliquing together from the beginning and not trying to communicate with people from different nationalities, I wonder what the reason for this is.

I don’t know whether there is an obstacle and whether it might be shyness, dislike for the country’s culture or other reasons. But how do I approach them without perhaps being insulting or intrusive? I guess what I’m trying to say is that adapting is difficult for everyone and we make mistakes and we learn. People can be judgemental sometimes, but don’t be too quick in criticising when someone is at least trying to adapt, whilst maintaining their identity.

These issues are likely to increase as this world is becoming more globalised, so shouldn’t we at least try to get along with each other better by being more open-minded and forgiving?

FEATURES

4

Edited by Fjollë Bunjaku

Volunteering Abroad: Can You Afford It?

by Katie Ricketts

Volunteering abroad is perhaps one of the most fulfilling and life-affirming things we can do.

There are many schemes set up to encourage students to volunteer abroad. The ‘gap year’ is increasingly common amongst students. Yet with costs often spiralling into thousands of pounds, is it really affordable for students from a lower income to volunteer, or are they perhaps being excluded from a once in a lifetime experience? Furthermore, for those who sign up to a volunteering scheme and managed to raise the amount, where does the money actually go?

Although volunteering is hailed as a fantastic opportunity, in recent years, volunteering abroad has come under increasing scrutiny. Volunteer tourism, volunteering simply to enhance a CV and exploiting the system have all contributed to this scepticism.

A Channel 4 documentary recently exposed instances where fake orphanages were set up in some developing countries to gain money from certain NGOs (Non-governmental Organisations). Hidden costs or unclear price breakdowns are also problematic. Indeed, many students are drawn into volunteering abroad with a relatively low cost; just to find that flights aren’t included in the package, consequently adding a considerable sum to the overall cost of

the project. Similarly, for NGOs the volunteers are asked initially just to fundraise to cover personal expense, only to find later on that they are expected to fundraise for the charity as well.

The cost of volunteering has led to speculations that it is arguably only a viable option for the wealthy.

Charities have therefore foregrounded the option of fundraising enabling those from a lower income background the opportunity to volunteer abroad. Yet even the fundraising process itself can be problematic for students. With having to raise money into the thousands, many find the time and effort daunting, questioning just how many bake sales it would take to raise the money.

Ultimately, time spent fundraising and organising events is time taken away from studying for a degree at an institution which they worked very hard to get accepted into. Moreover, some of the fundraising methods can seem unattainable or problematic for some students.

Having attended meetings about volunteering abroad, the session encourages the participants to make use of other networks such as encouraging work colleagues to donate or to gain sponsorship from large companies. This would be easier for students with parents that have access to large professional networks. Many students that do not have these connections

may worry about the effectiveness of fundraising and how much you can actually achieve.

Another concern for students is where the money actually goes. The answer can often depend upon the organization, yet consistently, a significant portion of the money is allocated to administration fees or flights costs. Food and suitable accommodation can take a significant portion of the money, whilst administration fees cover the cost of advertisement and office fees.

The charity ‘Projects Abroad’ provides a breakdown of the costs for their project: 17 per cent goes to administration fees, whilst 22 percent of the money raised is spent on accommodation and food for the volunteer, whilst only 19 per cent of the cost goes to projects directly. Of course administration fees are essential to keeping the charity and projects up and running, yet to many it seems exasperating that only a small percentage of the money raised goes directly to helping those in need.

Although at Childreach Online the approximate cost for volunteering abroad is estimated at £2,700, the charity provides perhaps more support than most companies. In a meeting with Childreach Leicester a spokesperson stated that, “we understand you’re students and that you are all probably broke”, and explained that charities which target students directly can offer more support. The initial cost of

Image by Flickr user VISIONS Services Adventures £245 fee comes out of the student’s back pocket, yet this can be paid over a period of time enabling students who do not have money readily available to participate in the scheme.

Although fundraising is an integral part of the process, the charity has a society within the Students’ Union, meaning group events are easier to organise. Equally volunteering schemes attached to student unions provide more support and help, by providing equipment such as collections buckets,

meaning students don’t have the added expense of equipment.

Once you have signed up to the programme, the participant has access to a fundraising site from which you can sign up to organised fundraising events, such as bucket collections, therefore not actually having to organise the event yourself. It seems that if you are a little strapped for cash, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as certain charitable organisations may be more helpful than others.

In times where the graduate jobs market is looking ever fiercer,

those students that do manage to volunteer abroad may have a significant edge on their CV. There are charities that provide more support for students enabling students from a lower income the opportunity to volunteer abroad. Yet, whilst there are clear benefits to volunteering abroad, both to the community and the individual, the great expenses of volunteering continue to be an obstacle for many students.

What Deadly Mistakes are You Making in Your CV?

by Phil Gratton Ex-student and recruitment specialist of several years, Phil Gratton reveals common CV mistakes that people make, and how to remedy them.

As a student I remember view-

ing a CV as a document which, if phrased correctly and with the right tone, could land you any job from project manager to copywriter, even with limited experience and skills. Alas, as I graduated and moved into a recruitment position I realised how naïve I had been to assume that flowery writing could make up for a lack of solid experience.

Here, I will try to outline some CV golden rules that I have come up with based on the mistakes and oversights that I still see day to day in my current role at a recruitment agency.

Be specific This is so important. So many CVs try to cover many bases in one document. This doesn’t work. You may well be ‘a team

player’, and ‘a great communicator’, but guess what? So is everybody else.

Be as specific as you can about meaningful skills which you can bring to the table. Understand that in doing this you are actually distancing yourself from the sea of generic comments on competitors’ CVs. If you can use specific software programs, say so. If you are a website designer, then characterise yourself as this specifically. Don’t try and broadly appeal to every possible denominator, appeal to as specific a role as you can, and make sure you’re a good fit.

Be fluid This links to the first point, and it’s just as important. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a CV is a one-time document. It is a fluid, ever-changing document that should be tailored and changed depending on the role you’re applying for.

Change your profile statement, change your skills section, and even change how you describe your duties. Your aim is to get

to an interview, so use the terms that put you in the best light for that particular role. This could mean that ‘updating the twitter feed’ becomes ‘experience of social media campaigns’, or a role without targets could be described as meeting demanding targets. If you’re doing your job well, you are meeting your targets. Be creative with how you describe things, be savvy with employer expectations, and be fluid.

Get experience It’s hard to bluff your way into your dream job with academic experience alone. Even though your education is important, it’s not as greatly valued as concrete skills. Do voluntary work and get experience of doing the things that you need. Even if you are just working with one other person in a small office updating the website for a local tennis club – suddenly you have the chance to demonstrate knowledge of website building, SEO, social media, marketing and so on. As well as this you have shown commitment

to self-improvement, which speaks volumes to an employer. Don’t just assume academia is enough; take action which makes you more employable.

Make the CV look good I don’t mean that it must be a CV of graphic splendor, but it should follow some basic rules of layout. Make your headings clear - no one wants to squint to work out where one section ends and another begins, so ensure your headings are separated from the main text.

Similarly, use white space. Don’t cram everything together. If you spend your days reading CVs (trust me, I know) there is nothing worse than too much text crammed into a small space.

It’s hard to digest, and feels like hard work. Space your CV out to make it easy on the eyes of the reader (often your potential employer). Try and keep it to 2 pages if possible. Anything longer suggests that you may have waffled. Remember, you are trying to summarise your situation in a short time, always

assuming that a potential employer may only have limited time to skim through it.

For good general guides and templates that shows layouts there are many good websites available online. Some that I have used and found to be good are www.totaljobs.com, www. cvsmart.org and www.reed. co.uk.

Understand how to use your CV Self-promotion is almost as important as having credible skills.

Once you are happy with your CV then market it appropriately. Understand that websites like totaljobs.com are used by recruiters to trawl for CVs to put candidates forward for jobs. Get your CV uploaded to the big recruitment sites, and contact from agencies will follow. Elsewhere use LinkedIn to promote yourself, and depending on your sector, you can even use Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Make sure this doesn’t blur into any drunken Saturday nights – create new business style profiles

that show you in your preferred light and follow groups that are related to your industry, as well as networking with anyone you know in recruitment, or who works in your target industry.

Networking is something you should be doing right now, regardless of whether you need it at the moment. Someday it will help you.

Follow those key points and it should help you on the way to a somewhat seamless transition from university to working life.

Finally, don’t be afraid to speak to recruiters and ask for advice.

They are the industry experts and will work with you to improve your applications, and your understanding of your chosen industry.

The University of Leicester also has a Careers Service that offers guidance on the application process as well. At any stage of your degree, you should be making the most of all the help available.

WHAT’S ON

5

Edited by Jessica Ramsdale

Seasonal Societies

by Rebecca Alcock Semester one has well and truly flown by and there have been some amazing events this year on campus! Luckily there is a still a lot to look forward to before the term ends.

University Chorus: Christmas is definitely the time for carols and there’s plenty of opportunity to listen to these round campus in the near future. The University Chorus is having its first concert of the year on Saturday 6th December at 3pm in Fraser Noble. It should be a perfect opportunity to get you into the festive mood as they will be singing a few carols as well as a medley from Oliver.

Leicester Orchestra: If you’d rather, the Leicester Orchestra Christmas Concert is taking place a little later on at 19:30 on the Saturday as well as 3pm on Sunday 7th. It should be a really enjoyable and mixed concert with music from the Star Wars score as well as a composition about Richard III. University Musician’s: If you’d rather a more informal listening experience then head to the Leicester University Mu-

sic Association’s Carols in the Square event on Friday the 5th of December from 12:30. Grab yourself a festive beverage from Starbucks and then settle into one of the sofas for an afternoon of festive entertainment.

appearances from local Leicestershire comedians so it should be an excellent opportunity to catch some local talent. Tickets cost £5 on the door with proceeds going to the mental health charity, CALM.

Sexpression:

Oxfam:

If you prefer performing to being in the audience, Sexpression is holding an Open Mic Night on the 4th of December at Duffy’s bar. The night will not only involve some fantastic music but there will also be a raffle and a game of Bingo to keep you entertained. If you fancy taking up the microphone yourself then contact leicester@sexpression.org.uk.

Also taking place on the 9th December at Olive’s Bar is the Oxfam Fashion Show Fundraiser. There will be a DJ there to provide musical entertainment whilst the Burlesque Society model the clothes, as provided by the local Oxfam charity shop. The Oxfam charity shop will also have their own stall there so you’ll be able to have a look at some of their clothes when you’ve got some inspiration from the catwalk.

Leicester University Theatre: There are also a few non musical performance events to round off the semester. For their final performance of the year, Leicester Theatre will be performing an adaptation of Jane Eyre. It’ll be taking place in Queen’s Hall at 7pm from 4th December – 6th December costing just £5 for students.

CALM: Taking place on the 9th is the Comedy for CALM event.

Doors open at 7pm and the first act is on at 8. There will be

Krishna Consciousness: With all the stress of end of term, if you’re looking for a way to relax then Soul Jam could be the event for you. Organised by Krishna Consciousness and taking place on the 10th of December at 31 Granby Street there will be a night of Mantra Meditation and live music. This is the society’s last event of the semester and definitely not one to be missed.

Image by Flikr User: Net_effeks

Enactus Farmer’s Market

by Grace Jasper and Tom Perks Some of the first things that come to mind when we think about Christmas are friends and family, celebrating, choirs singing, and chestnuts roasting.

Where, I hear you ask, can you get this on campus?

Well if you’re wanting to get in the festive mood this semester then look no further; this year sees the return of the much loved farmers’ market to the University of Leicester campus!

Not only is this year’s farmers’ market offering the finest fresh ingredients, grown and cultivated within our very own county of Leicestershire, but we’ve taken things a step further this year by giving it a Christmas theme!

The Enactus Farmers’ Market commercial project, led

by Vladimirs Horjkovs, will be bringing together locally sourced produce with a Christmas theme, to offer a wide variety of both hot and cold foods, from food for lunch to produce to take home and enjoy later.

The best thing about it is that all proceeds that the society gains from hosting the event will go back into the community to fund future social enterprise projects. Therefore, by purchasing produce at the markets, you are not only supporting local farmers but also enabling us to assist local communities.

non-vegetarian Indian foods, pies, and burgers, with further stalls being added as the date draws nearer. With the farmers’ market rules stipulating that all producers must operate within 40 miles of the university, the hand selected goods on offer are sure to be of the highest quality, freshly grown and prepared.

Only the most delicious treats that you can take home with you this winter.

Heard of Enactus before? According to the Enactus website, previous projects created and supported by Enactus Leicester include PatchTogether, Project BODY, and Water Filtration.

What is special about Enactus is that we are an international non-profit organisation dedicated to enabling progress through entrepreneurial action throughout student bodies across the world.

These wonderful delights and much more, will be on offer throughout Tuesday 2nd December on Mayor’s Walk from 10am. There will also be festive entertainment, from Leicester’s very own Big Band society, who will be accompanying the event with some well-known carols to get you into the festive spirit, at around lunchtime.

For more updates on what Enactus Leicester has to offer in the coming term and how to get involved, follow us on twitter, search Enactus Leicester on Facebook or alternatively send us an email (su-enactus@le.ac. uk).

Image by Flikr User: djjewelz

There will be fantastically prepared delights that will entice your inner festive spirits on sale.

This will include vegetarian and

Christmas off Campus December at the O2

By Alice Baillie-Johnson and Lucy Bardoshi

Joy to the world, Bombay Bicycle Club is here! They are back with their biggest tour yet and they will be gracing us with their musical genius at Leicester’s very own De Montfort Hall on 3rd December. So don’t miss this rare and magical event!

Head to the De Montfort Hall website to grab your tickets now.

Not so silent night! Imelda May, the Irish musical queen, will be embarking on her latest tour, following the release of her newest studio album, Tribal.

She’s one of the many delights De Montfort Hall has to offer this Christmas. She’s performing on the 1st December so be sure to book your tickets now before it’s too late.

‘Tis the season for some panto!

Falalalalalalalala! Come and see the magical Cinderella fairytale brought to life at De Montfort Hall this Christmas. Directed by

Leicester’s very own Susie McKenna, this spectacle promises to tickle your funny bones. It starts on 13th December so don’t forget to buy your tickets now.

Ding dong merrily on high! You will be on a high after you’ve seen Alan Davies at De Montfort Hall on 4th December. The star of Jonathan Creek and QI will be presenting his funniest comedy show yet. Grab some more giggles in the New Year at Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival Preview Show. See the De Montfort Hall website for more details.

Little donkey, little donkey, on a traffic-free Queen’s road! It’s time for the Clarendon Park Christmas Fair Extravaganza.

Featuring over 50 stalls filled with Christmas cheer, as well as thrilling fun fair rides and the everdelightful shops of Queen’s Road, this promises to be the festive feature of the season. For one day only on 7th December from 11am until 5pm.

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why, Santa Clauses are running to town! If running is more your thing to get you in the Christmas spirit, then 7th December is the perfect opportunity to start feeling festive. The Great Leicester Santa Run is taking place again with 2.5km and 5km events, starting at 10:30am. See the website for more details.

P.s. What do you call a Kangaroo jumping over a sheep?

A woolly jumper!

Image by Flikr User: Alan Feebery

by Jessica Ramsdale

Don’t miss ‘Neon Waltz’ at the 02 Academy 3 on the 7th December at 7pm. The six-piece band has a powerful, psychedelic, indie-rock sound. You will be over-whelmed in their “sundrenched sonic soundscapes” which reflect the atmospheric wilderness of Caithness in Scotland, where the band write their own music.

‘Embrace’ is another must see, which has already sold out two London shows at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. The band was a favourite act at this year’s festival circuit, and they have announced their most recent UK tour. They are embracing the Leicester’s O2 academy on the 10th of December at 6pm.

‘China Drum’s’ 25th anniversary tour is taking place this year, and they are crashing the stage of O2 Academy 3 on the 15th of December at 7pm. The band

formed in 1989 and self-released their debut album, which was highly praised in the 90’s by the likes of John Peel and Steve Lamacq. The band also supported Greenday. Discover their brand new material with some classics thrown in.

The Jagermeister music tour is proud to announce its fourth UK tour. This year promises to live up to the rest, as the O2 Academy will welcome Punk Rock legends ‘the Gimme Gimmes’ and ‘the Skints’. The former formed in the creative era of the 90’s, fittingly re-imagining pop

songs as rock classics. They have been called the ‘best cover band in the world’ and invite you to mosh your way through Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love you’ and Paula Abdul’s classic ‘Straight Up’ amongst many more. ‘The Skints’ are a reggae-dub four-piece band, who infuse Jamaican, pop, rap and punk-rock styles, to make sure that the audience will be on their feet. Common names on festival programmes, their live performance is ‘genre-defying’ and not to be missed.

Image by Flikr User: Sean Davis

CULTURE

6

Nightcrawler

by Nick Palmer

Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) happens upon a fiery traffic accident and discovers freelance cameraman, Joe Loder (Bill Paxton) filming it in order to sell the footage to local news networks; what he calls ‘nightcrawling’. Lou, fascinated, decides to follow it up and attempt to take it on as a career. He hires Rick (Riz Ahmed) to listen to the police radio scanner and navigate for him whilst he drives to the nearest accident or crime scene. The pressure mounts as Lou is driven to find even better material for Nina (Rene Russo), a local news station manager.

Nightcrawler is very slick, with headlights gleaming in the night and diners providing a little buzz of humanity in the darkness. Several of these beautifully lit shots of Los Angeles are peppered throughout the movie, reminding you of the comforts of urban life, before throwing you right back into the grime of the action.

The biggest draw here is Lou Bloom. Jake Gyllenhall plays the most unsettling character I’ve seen on screen since watching the Hannibal TV series. In fact, he’s even more repulsive to me because he seems to have learned everything he knows

from online management courses. The juxtaposition between lectures about business goals and motivation, and filming police shootouts and moving corpses around for a better shot works fantastically to demonstrate just how inhuman he really is. Gyllenhall reportedly lost 30 pounds and barely slept to play the role. He looks starved and willing to do just about anything to succeed. He believably plays someone who lacks empathy, but also attempts to come across as friendly. One scene has Lou wandering through the local news studio. He passes the male news anchor, laughing that he knows what day it is based on the anchor’s tie, and you can see just how rehearsed his facial expressions and mannerisms look.

It’s a beautifully subtle piece of acting.

Riz Ahmed is also cast well as Lou’s timid, down-on-his-luck intern, Rick. Bill Paxton (of “GAME OVER, MAN” Aliens fame) plays a great sleazy rival stringer and Rene Russo is believable as the stressed-out and cynical Nina, pushing Lou for a harder hitting film.

The movie also takes a very interesting look at news reporting. Lou lectures Rick on which reports are worth driving to, crimes against well-off white

Edited by Dan Jordan

people by the poor and/or ethnic minorities. News stations, in an era of declining crime rates, need the public to be scared, to believe that criminal elements are creeping into their suburbs.

It reminded me of Gone Girl in terms of how the media manipulated public perceptions by choosing how, when and if to show certain events.

My only issue with Nightcrawler would be that the plot was perhaps too simple. Some of the scenes in the middle showing Lou nightcrawling feel like filler shots. They are entertaining, certainly, but they didn’t feel as if they advanced the plot in a particularly successful or memorable way.

Nightcrawler is an unsettling look at modern urban life. It draws out the harsh realities of life and places it in front of the lens of a desperate, hungry cameraman. But, for all of the griminess, it’s also an enjoyable story.

It’s fascinating and frightening to see the facade come down as Lou films more newsworthy incidents and the news station becomes more dependent on him.

Go see it, but drive carefully, lest you end up on the wrong side of Lou’s lens.

Circa Wunderkamma

by Zoe Wolstenholme

Image by Nicola Allen at Curve

As we took our seats, a stark black screen covered the stage.

When you know a show merges traditional circus with burlesque and vaudeville, a black screen can take on a lot of meaning. We didn’t know quite what was about to be exposed.

Then the lights dropped and the screen rose revealing a bare set with only a scattering of LED tube lights punctuating the space. The gymnasts too were bare, stripped to their plain black underwear. This exposure was a constant theme throughout as the performers physically exposed themselves as they also bared their emotions. Their powerful movements and astonishing feats expressed powerful meanings. It was not the raunchy performance I had been expecting but an honest and sensual piece of dramatic circus.

Circa’s routines mapped out relationships between people as the gymnasts climbed over each other, competed for space on the trapeze, or threw one another across the stage. In one piece the performers climbed onto each other’s shoulders resulting in an impressive three person shoulder stand. But Circa was not content to only show us their amazing physical strength.

They made it about human interaction, and even better they made it funny. As each person took their place on the shoulders of the last they took the vest off the person supporting them. By supporting the person on top of them, holding their feet in place, they were helpless to stop the thief sliding the shirt over their head. Each acrobat took advantage of the last. The routine comically communicated how we use others to get what we want to climb the ladder.

But the relationships between the gymnasts in Circa’s routines were also supportive. In one piece in particular, one of the men slowly made his way across the stage on his hands, never touching the floor but using bricks as stepping stones. He was aided by his female accomplice who placed the bricks both in front of him and on his hands and feet, guiding his limbs to

the floor. His stamina amazed and her support was touching.

This piece told a story of an intense journey, achieved through personal strength and the support of others.

Circa’s performances also allowed the individuality and charisma of each gymnast to shine through. One solo performance on the trapeze was highly poetic. As the gymnast slowly removed his clothes, balancing on and hanging from the bar it felt like he was also revealing a deeper part of himself. The music during this performance was particularly powerful; it spoke of love and loss. The performance gave us an insight into this gymnast’s emotional life.

Another personality which stood out was that of the eccentric bubble wrap girl. Her eponymous performance had no music. She brought out a large strip of bubble wrap and proceeded to make her own music by pressing different parts of her body onto it.

The effortless way these performers used their bodies was incredible. Their flexibility and strength were mind blowing and their dare-devil attitudes made the show, adding a compelling element to this sophisticated and thrilling form of entertainment.

Gig: Flyte and MOVIE Film review: Pride

by Valérie Maxime van Doorn

I must say, MOVIE consists of quite some interesting characters. However, their stage attitude is a performance of its own and their sound is catchy without being mainstream. The band members are definitely enthusiastic and I’ve never seen a band so engaged with their music on stage, though engagement with the audience could perhaps be improved.

Focusing on Flyte, who have been played on BBC Radio1, I was surprised at the low turnout. I don’t know who was in charge of promoting this gig or whether Leicester students are just not the right audience, but it seems a shame as the band deserved more attention. Listening to the music of Flyte and MOVIE I cannot help but mention how it somehow reminded me of reading philosophy. You barely get half of what they’re singing about, but you can tell its core seems filled with brilliance.

Still, you keep wondering about what they were thinking when they came to their conclusions.

I have to praise Flyte on their willingness and devotion to entertain such a small audience.

The highlight was probably when they went off stage to play acoustically; the lead vocalist (Will) with his guitar and the band (Nick, Sam and Jon) singing harmonies. We were huddled together with a group of twenty people and it was quite an extraordinary experience.

The harmony was spot-on and you could feel the musical energy. The band tried to get the audience engaged, and Will even seemed to do some PR himself by innocently flirting

with two young girls who were filming. Ah well, it worked for One Direction. Flyte didn’t have to put effort into their performance with such a low turnout, yet they did. The rest of their songs were just as energetic and it was a sound to easily get lost in. I would gladly see both bands again, though this intimate-gig experience is rare and makes it all the more special.

Image by flickr user NickyRowbottom

by Valerie Maxime van Dorrn

Once in a while you see films that are just so inspiring they really make you think. There can even be transformative experiences when it comes to watching films based on true stories.

Now I wouldn’t say seeing Pride was a transformative experience for me personally, but it definitely got me thinking about the concept of justice. First, a quick synopsis before I discuss the political messages in the film.

Pride displays gay and lesbian rights activists trying to raise money in an attempt to help out in the British mining strike in 1984. However, as their donations aren’t accepted by the National Union of Mineworkers they decide to establish an alliance with a Welsh community in Onllwyn.

WWWThere’s a lot of noteworthy stuff to be mentioned, whether it’s the style of the film, the script or the historical and political themes in it. Though if I have to summarise the film in one sentence I would say that it was thought provoking, endearing, funny and inspiring.

The film puts forward messages

about community and minority acceptance, bullying, and tolerance. Though it is based on historical events, it still shows the importance of such issues nowadays. In a time where it seems that individuality and personal identity seem more important than communities and social identity, this film might get you thinking on your own views and place in current society.

There are still many groups who deserve our attention, whether it is LGBT acceptance, women’s rights, racism issues or bullying.

I wish I could state each and every one of the issues in this article, as each is just as important as the other, so my apologies for only summing up a few.

The issue of injustice displayed in this film is something that might raise awareness and hopefully results in thinking about the injustice occurring in your own environment.

This film manages to focus on these issues through a number of different approaches. The underlying message is clear and by displaying it from a more humorous and less dramatic approach, it’s a very welcoming and loveable film. The film

in general emphasises more the positive points rather than the negative, but doesn’t shy away from mentioning them.

Though some may disagree with this, I personally believe that this choice in production is a positive approach as it shows the LGBT group in the film as victorious and strong rather than victims. Not to mention the overall idea of bullying; you don’t have to accept it, you don’t have to accept that you’re being picked on, because as a group you stand strong.

Of course, it may be slightly optimistic with such particular themes, knowing certain historical events, but inspirational nonetheless. At the end of the film the title Pride falls into its place and makes more sense.

I recommend this film as it has much to offer and speaks to a broad audience. I’ve never experienced an entire audience clapping at the end of a film, but it was a moving response and a fitting end.

CHRISTMAS

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The Ripple’s Christmas Special

Thank you for reading and supporting us this term.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From The Ripple team.

Meet the Committee! Find out about our favourite Festive films, food and songs - who do you agree with?

Senior Team:

President: Lauren Swain Film: Miracle on 34th street Food: Pigs in blankets Song: Carol of the Bells Editor-in-Chief: Jess Buckley Film: The Grinch Food: Gran’s trifle Song: Step into Christmas Head of Operations: Anuj Yadav Film: Elf Food: All of it Song: Merry Christmas Everyone

Deputy Editor: Karina Maduro Film: Miracle on 34th street Food: Yorkshire puddings Song: All I Want for Christmas is You Deputy Editor: Megan Cadwaladr Film: Love Actually Food: Roast potatoes Song: Fairytale of New York Editorial Team: News Editor - Ross Brown Film: Elf Food: Pigs in blankets Song: Fairytale of New York

Opinion Editor: Alex Mitchell Film: Die Hard 1 & 2 Food: Stuffed pheasant and cranberries Song: I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday Features Editor: Fjollë Bunjaku Film: Home Alone Food: Parmesan parsnips Song: Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree What’s On Editor: Jessica Ramsdale Film: Royal family Christmas special Food: Mince pies Song: I Wish it Could Be Christmas Everyday

Culture Editor: Dan Jordan Film: Die Hard 2 Food: Stuffing Song: The Pogues

Legal Officer: Levin Lalan Film: Elf Food: Cheesecake Song: Jingle Bells

Lifestyle Editor: Emily Bird Film: Love Actually Food: Mince pies Song: It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

Operations Team:

Sport Editor: Matthew Allen Film: How the Grinch Stole Christmas Food: Pigs in blankets Song: Merry Christmas Everyone

Secretary: Megan Wright Film: Polar Express Food: Anything chocolate Song: Driving Home for Christmas Treasurer: Jessica Stonestreet Film: Elf Food: Pigs in blankets Song: Fairytale of New York

Events Coordinator: Marie-Claire Hynes Film: Elf Food: Pigs in blankets Song: All I Want for Christmas is You Head of Marketing: Sarah Emmins Film: Love Actually Food: Entire Christmas buffet Song: A Spaceman Came Travelling Head of Advertising: Juliette Smith Film: Love Actually Food: Mince pies Song: Michael Buble

CHRISTMAS

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Edited by Alex Mitchell and Fjollë Bunjaku

The Fight for the Best Christmas Advert

by Alex Mitchell

Apart from trying to ignore that John Lewis had released their advertisement at the beginning of November, (cue teeth grinding for all scrooges and bah humbugs including myself,) it is time to assess who has really pulled out all the stops to be crowned the University of Leicester Ripple top 5 Christmas advert countdown!

to show that Christmas is not all about the gifts but the time that you spend with people.

3. John Lewis:

We’ve all seen it… And personally I find it rather pathetic but the penguin and the end of the advert is really rather cute. It just goes to show how magical a gift can be to someone, and how a little thought can go a long way.

5. Debenhams:

2. Boots:

A late shop after dark with little kids running about, while bewildered staff aren’t quite sure what to make of the whole debacle. The little girl gets all upset when all the presents are gone, only to find the one that she was really after right at the end. An advert well worth mentioning to warm the heart, just significantly lacks imagination .

4. Marks and Spencer:

This one nearly made me all emotional… It’s a little confusing at first because the clock highlights that Christmas is now over and it’s the early hours of Boxing Day. It soon becomes clear though that the person they have wanted to meet is at work on Christmas Day as she is a nurse. So obviously, out of love and compassion, not wanting her to miss out, they have the whole day all over again. Very warming.

As if fairies only clock on at Christmas, but hey ho! These flying women help everyone out in their times of need and really warms the cockles of your heart when they make a love scenario happen between two unsuspecting people. Just goes

event portrayed in the trenches actually happened. Both British and German side’s sing ‘Silent Night’ in their own languages, then on the morning of Christmas Day tentatively come up from their trenches to greet one another. We instantly connect with the bond Jim and Otto

share and get lost in the laughter, joy and a common purpose that all these men share especially on Christmas Day. Reality hits as the artillery begins to fire again shocking all the men into action. But the bravery and compassion shown on Christmas day by both sides in 1914 is an

example to us all. The fact that it Sainsbury’s are also partnered with the Royal British Legion rounds up the experience nicely.

Which Christmas advert did you think was the best?

Be sure to let us know as we are always eager to hear

your thoughts at the Ripple.

Merry Christmas one and all from your Opinions Editor, snd a Happy New Year!

Image by Flick user Catbrusher

1. Sainsbury’s: You guessed it, and why would this not be number one? Not only is it incredibly apt that this year is the centenary of the outbreak of World War One, the

Spread Some Christmas Cheer at University For some, Christmas is full of family, friends and presents! There are many ways that you can help spread Christmas cheer to others this year and here is how!

by Ana Zadel

December is considered by most to be one of the happiest times of the year. Despite the cold and the daylight lasting only an hour or so, there are the Christmas lights to brighten up the mood and the Christmas carols can be heard everywhere to get everyone into a joyous spirit. For students it is a break from university, and for many, a time to go home after almost three months of hard work.

But Christmas can also be the time when people feel the loneliest and saddest, which goes against the general perception. This might be because they aren’t going home for holidays, for others it might be that they have no home, that they are bound to cold and solitude. You can change that!

and the university on and off campus, which connects people and brings us all together.

If you were considering doing some volunteering, but are not sure what to do, when better to do it than in December?

The 6th December is handing out food packets to the homeless.

They are the ones who probably have it the hardest this time of year and something as small, to some people so normal and usual, as handing out a meal could make their day.

A small talk, just a minute or two, to show them they are remembered could be a more meaningful gift than most of us can imagine.

How you can help by brightening someone’s holidays and making December a little bit more joyous than usual for everyone:

UNICEF on campus is organising two events, one on Monday 1st December and one on the 7th December. The first one is a bake sale, while the other one is called Sing for Syria in which people can sing Christmas carols or donate to the victims of the Syrian conflict.

There are numerous events, related to the Students’ Union

Not all children are lucky enough to receive a gift for Christmas.

If you are one of those who can always expect something under the tree, make another child feel the same and donate a toy or two for the unprivileged children on the 4th or the 5th December at the ‘Toys On The Table’ fundraising event. Their happiness will be indescribable.

If you are more of an artistic type of person then put your pencil to paper and draw a small something and put it in a box in the Students’ Union, for the Day of 1000 Drawings event. The drawings will be then displayed at the Chaplaincy and sold on the 8th December, the proceedings going towards education of South African orphans.

If you know someone who lives in another part of the world and might, therefore, not be going home for the holidays, leave them a note, a card or some chocolate, and allow them to only open it on Christmas or New Years to surprise them a little.

The possibilities are limitless.

Do something nice for a friend or a stranger, and keep it going not just in December but

Image by Flickr Cathy Stanley-Erickson throughout the new year too!

In a university as culturally diverse as Leicester University, not every student will celebrate Christmas. Whether

you celebrate Christmas or not, these events welcome any volunteers! It’s the connections and thought that count.

For more information on these events visit the leicesterunion. com website.

CHRISTMAS

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Edited by Jessica Ramsdale and Dan Jordan

12 Days of Christmas

by Emma Smith

The ‘12 days of Christmas’ carol, although a classic, isn’t exactly up to date with the presents that are likely to be given this Christmas – so we’ve created our own!

Over the first 12 days of December, the university will be hosting events that are not only incredible for you, but that also help others to enjoy this fantastic festive period.

First of all, make sure you say your “white rabbits” for luck on the 1st December as we enter the month with a Christmas raffle in the name of a randomly selected charity where you could win a £50 voucher for Topshop/ Topman and buy yourself that cheesy Christmas jumper you’ve had your eye on.

Second prize is a £15 River Island gift card as well as chocolates - so make sure not to miss out on this raffle, as it’s only £1 entry!

If you’re a dog person, the Survivors Training Recovery Assistance Dogs (STRAD) Recovery are in need of dog volunteers in order to aid survivors of mental distress in our community.

So if you’ve got a canine who you think could help the brave people in need of creative therapy, make sure to head to this event and get your fluffy friend trained as an emotional assistance dog on the 2nd December. After all, dogs are for life, not just for Christmas – and this training just might help improve a person’s life.

The 3rd December holds host to an event for LOROS, a hospice that aids in delivering care to terminally ill people in our community. The charity need help sorting donations in their warehouse – so if you’ve got some free time on your hands and bringing a brighter Christmas to those who need it is on your to do list, helping out this

fantastic charity is something for you!

Some children don’t receive presents at Christmas – which is where Toys on the Table come in. They work in partnership with local organisations in the Leicester and Rutland areas for disadvantaged children as part of their appeal this Christmas, and would love for you to play a role as Santa and provide presents on the 4th and 5th December before they are wrapped on the 11th December.

The 6th Day of Christmas entails feeding those without homes this Christmas, and you can help by handing out food packs to the homeless around the Leicester town centre on the 6th December. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it can make.

If you love a good sing-a-long, head to the Leicester City Cen-

tre on 7th December to sing Christmas carols and fundraise for charity. Then on the 8th, why not make a Christmas wreath for the residents of South Lodge nursing care home. You’ll brighten up their Christmas whilst being festive yourself!

Calling all green thumbs, head on over to Saffron Acres on the 9th December for a ground-breaking experience volunteering your gardening skills on a once neglected site which is now a community garden and allotment.

unteers are needed on the 11th December for the Toys on the Table gift wrapping – so if you consider yourself a whiz with wrapping paper and you want to be a part of making a child’s Christmas better, make sure you participate!

the 12th December and asks one small thing – that you wear your cheesy Christmas jumper - perhaps that you bought with the gift card that you won on the raffle - and give £1, or however much you wish, to help an amazing charity.

The 12th and final day of Christmas giving occurs on

Image by Flickr User Allie Creative

If you’re also interested in planting your own fruit trees or herbs, Hungry For Change is a project you should involve yourself in on the 10th, to help change the way students think about food and help produce less carbon emissions.

As previously mentioned, vol-

Culture’s Top 4 Christmas Films What’s your favourite Christmas film? Some of our culture writers offer their take on some of the best and most classic.

Zoe: Miracle on 34th Street Against all our reasoning and logic this magical 90s classic persuades us, along with six year old Susan (played by Mara Wilson, famous for her role as Matilda), that Santa Claus is real.

Fall in love with the late Richard Attenborough as the charismatic yet gentle and wise Kris Kringle who believes he is Father Christmas. When he takes a job as Santa at the New York department store Coles, his golden buttoned velvet-trim suit, real beard and sparkling eyes ignite the customers’ imagination.

But corporate competition takes advantage of Kris Kringle’s trusting nature and lands him in court defending his identity.

Image by Flickr User Eustace Dauger

Throw in some fantastic shots of Dylan McDermott (as Sara’s mother’s suitor) in chunky turtle neck sweaters and New York City all dressed up in Christmas lights and this is the ultimate nostalgic festive indulgence.

Emotional and enchanting, it’s the perfect tale of believing in the magic of Christmas.

Owen: A Muppets Christmas Carol Dickens, cheery songs and a bright green amphibian can mean only one thing: ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’, the greatest Christmas film ever made.

The story of Scrooge is led by Michael Caine, who is surrounded by a range of odd and colourful Muppets – bringing

the Muppet brand of slapstick humour and a few puns to the tale.

The jollity and happiness that the film generates is unmatched due to the story being interwoven with wonderfully festive songs that are so catchy you are unable to not at least hum along with them. Unavoidably they’re then stuck in your head for the following months.

The story of ‘A Christmas Carol’ is not diminished at all. There are moments of sadness as Scrooge is showed Christmas of past and present. Throughout the film, the story is tracked and narrated by a hooked nosed, blue furred Charles Dickens, and his rat companion. This allows for transitions between parts of the story and provides an outlet for the more obvious Muppet humour, in a principally human based cast.

The over cheeriness and warmth of ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ makes it feels like Christmas whenever you watch it, so not watching at Christmas makes you a bit of a muppet.

Nick: Gremlins People die in Gremlins. Far more than you’d expect from

a movie which was marketed as a family-friendly Christmas story. It’s no wonder there were so many complaints by parents who took their kids and were treated to an old woman literally being killed when her stair lift flings her through a window.

more Gremlins. The whole town comes under attack in a series of hilarious and deadly harassments as the Gremlins run wild.

It nails the warm Christmas tone; it has a touching family/ romance story and is darkly humorous. It’s an odd mix which somehow comes together to form a classic movie which was as shocking to cinemagoers in 1984 as the titular creatures were to the townsfolk.

Alex: Home Alone

Image by Flickr User Mart

This movie, along with Temple of Doom, actually prompted the creation of the ‘12’ movie rating.Beyond the controversy, Gremlins is a fantastic Christmas movie.

Billy must look after Gizmo, a Mogwai, and deal with the consequences of not adhering to those now famous rules: don’t get him wet, don’t expose him to direct sunlight and never ever feed him after midnight. His adversary is Stripe, the horrid offspring of Gizmo with the shock of white hair, bent on breeding

Home Alone came to the big screens in 1990 and by the end of its run, extending well beyond the Christmas period, became the third highest grossing film of all time. It was also responsible for bringing Macauley Culkin’s name into family households internationally.

I would place this as one of my favourite Christmas films due to its boyish humour and its nostalgic value; it reminds me of stopping up late (well beyond 11 o’clock) with my brother, excited and for once not arguing. The marketing tagline on the theatrical release poster read “A family comedy without the family” which really explains the film’s greatest values in itself.

Image by Flickr User S_herman

Somehow screenwriter, John Hughes, and director, Chris Columbus, managed to make what would be a horrific ordeal – I have to say due to some absolutely horrendous parenting skills– seem so appropriate for the family through a brilliant balance of slapstick action, witty dialogue and a dash of heartfelt moments. Who couldn’t find an 8 year-old boy outwitting a pair of thieves funny?

The contraptions designed by Culkin’s character Kevin McCallistar are without question beyond the capabilities of many children his age, and the whole situation is rather ridiculous and unbelievable, but come on ya filthy animals, its Christmas!

CHRISTMAS

10

Edited by Emily Bird and Matthew Allen

The Night Before Christmas... The Christmas Period: Brought

To You By Barclays... Either Santa’s on his Way or Brendan is

by Matthew Allen

In between now and New Years Liverpool will have to face both Manchester United and Arsenal amongst others. It could be a bumpy road for Brendan, and it might be that he doesn’t even make it to the end of it.

by Eleanor Old Cooking a Christmas dinner: a phrase which paralyses many with fear. How can they possibly cook that much food for that many people without getting at least something disastrously wrong!?

It’s often a task that gets bounced around the family until you cannot avoid it anymore, but for some insane reason I’ve happily volunteered to cook one with my friend Declan for ten of our friends. I think I may be mad.

Although neither of us have ever even cooked a standard Sunday roast before (yet another hint this may be a crazy idea), we are going into this task optimistically, believing that most of the food should at least be edible, even if it’s not of Michelin-starred standard.

We are now about ten days away from the date of the dinner, and preparation has got well unImage by Flickr User Alan

derway. As in, I’ve spoken to a butcher.

Image by Flickr User Rasmus Lerdorf

I felt extremely civilised walking in and queuing behind a middle aged couple buying a ham for their lunch that day.

Declan originally wanted to cook a goose, so I asked about this. I was horrified - they are so expensive and apparently it involves draining the fat off periodically.

My father’s advice was a bit more simple and said that a ‘tidy cook is a good cook’. So we’re busily preparing a timetable to try and stick to, and hopefully the kitchen will remain an organised mess.

I suddenly had this image of us running around hectically with potatoes, and then having to drop everything to tend to a fatty goose. It seemed like far too much work for us novices!

I went for a turkey breast roll instead, a much cheaper option at £30 for ten of us. The butcher said there would be much more meat on this, and seeing as we have five boys attending, I thought this might be a safe bet.

My wise mother has assured me that timing is everything when it comes to cooking all the many elements of a roast dinner, as

one of the most difficult parts is making sure everything is ready at the same time.

The biggest problem I’ve already encountered when it comes to planning Christmas dinner is when to stop.

Remember that episode of Friends? Everybody wants their own favourite item of food, and the more sweet potato concoctions that are suggested, the more extravagant I find the dinner becoming.

I’m just unsure whether a student kitchen is well equipped enough for this undertaking, and I can imagine suddenly running out of pans, let alone cutlery for ten people.

Therefore, my advice would be to keep it simple, and tasty.

You’d rather that than disappointment!

Despite the niggling fear that letting two inexperienced students loose on a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings is simply a recipe for disaster, there is no doubt in my mind that the whole experience will be fun.

The dress code for the dinner is terrible Christmas jumpers, and I’m purchasing some very domestic aprons for the cooks.

Even if we burn the turkey, start a fire with the Christmas pudding and end up ordering a take away, there will still be ten friends gathered together and getting merry.

Thinking about it, at a Christmas dinner, does the food even matter that much?

Put bluntly, Liverpool have been nothing short of dire this season. Not a single victory has been remotely convincing (alright, maybe the Spurs one…), and the losses have been completely feckless. Liverpool have failed to come back from a losing position in the Premier

League once. The fight from last season has all but faded. So have the goals.

Liverpool need victories over the Christmas period, with the two games against Leicester (sorry) as well as the Burnley, Sunderland and Swansea games being nothing short of must wins. A loss against any of these would be bad enough, but a loss against Manchester United would only confirm one thing; Liverpool have regressed from last season. It’s not as if that hasn’t already been suggested, but it would almost certainly be conclusive proof that the Luis

Suarez shaped hole at Anfield hasn’t been filled.

So what should Liverpool be asking for this Christmas?

- A striker. It could come from anywhere; a fit Daniel Sturridge, a return for Divock Origi from loan, Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert finally finding form or someone new in January.

- After a couple of losses? A new manager. Brendan simply won’t change tact, so maybe Liverpool should.

Image by Flickr User Geoffrey Hammersly

It’ll Be Lonely This Christmas for Nigel

by Matthew Allen

Sitting in 18th place, Leicester are going to need a miracle to come out of the Christmas period outside of the relegation zone. Playing Liverpool twice, Manchester City, and an inform West Ham, alongside away trips to Hull and Aston Villa, it could be a case of damage limitation for Nigel Pearson and the boys at the King Power Stadium.

If it’s any consolation for the Foxes, it seems unlikely that they’ll be bottom at Christmas, with the clueless Burnley seemingly having that all wrapped up. Should Leicester find themselves below Burnley, that’s when they should start panicking. There may be no coming back from there.

- A couple of goals for Leonardo Ulloa. The striker looked electric during the first couple of games, but he hasn’t managed to score since he notched his fifth in October.

- Misery for everyone in and around them. Can you wish misery upon others for Christmas? Leicester hope so.

So what’s on Nigel Pearson’s Christmas list this year?

Image by Flickr User bbmexplorer

CULTURE

11

Russell Brand Live: Revolution olution, we get Russell’s lengthy backstory, which I could have quite easily have found in one of his many autobiographies.

by Jess Buckley Sitting in The Phoenix Arts cinema is an experience in itself with uber comfortable seats and nobody judging you for having a beer in hand. However on Thursday 23rd October, this experience was furthered by having a live stream of a theatre audience in Central London broadcast making you feel like, for want of a better phrase, you were really there. The Guardian Live event was being streamed to over 200 picture house cinemas in the UK and it was easy

to see for The Phoenix was packed to the brim. Guardian Live events are anything from keynote speeches, interviews, discussions and debates; think next level Parky in front of a live audience.

This time round Owen Jones chats to self-confessed ego ma niac Russell Brand on his ideas about Revolution, but it all started off as if it was just a bit of a chat about Russell. Admittedly, there was a need to ‘set the stage’, so to speak. Brand talked about his childhood and how

he saw fame equalling power, and, feeling like a “flamboyant weirdo in a paisley dressing gown” as a child, he wanted a slice of that power. But when he achieved fame he found that it wasn’t the power he thought it was at all. We all know the story of Brand’s early career; extremism, drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. He then told the story of how he ended up returning to his hometown in Essex and realising the help that it needed; engulfed in UKIP culture and poverty as it was. So, before we even talk about any form of Rev-

That said, Owen Jones, makes sure he can comment on the living wage before Russell has a chance to talk about himself.

Making sure he is relatable to the incredibly wide audience, he comments on the fact that Picturehouse cinema workers do not earn a living wage and, if they were to form a group against this, things could change - this was the message of the evening really: never stand alone in your actions; you can only make change as a collective.

So then the main event really got going, with Brand, unsurprisingly, acting like he had swallowed a thesaurus to give himself some sort of superiority and making whatever he said sound really clever (when really it’s not, and this was later proved in the Q&A section of the evening). That’s said, some of his comments do carry weight along with the humour that gave Brand his fame as he talks about political apathy. Of David Cameron, he says “He’s

become massively distracted...

You know when you get skin on custard, and animatronics were put behind it, and it went to Eton, and ran the country?” But he argued that even deep down, just like the rest of us, David Cameron is a beautiful human being (very, very deep down).

So, if David Cameron is essentially just like us “Where did we get this idea we’re incapable?” Brand asks. It’s actually a very good question. Does such a large percentage of the population feel so apathetic to politics because they don’t feel like they’re ‘qualified’ to make a judgement about who should run the country? Do they just not care? Or do they not see anyone that they feel rightly represents them? Why can’t we represent ourselves? “Organise, collectivise, collaborate” he says.

Everything discussed from here on out, from Tesco’s profit margins to MPs turfing out single mums in Central London, sounds great. Even people in the cinema start cheering. And okay, it sounds good, and in theory it’s great, but in practice it’s pretty much lunacy. I mean, in what world would taxing 20%

of Tesco’s £3 million profit to build a hospital in Leeds (an example Brand formulates) actually work? Its ideas like these that really inspire the crowd, but they’re just not viable.

Then came the Q&A section of the evening which saw Brand basically repeat everything he had already said, or enthusiastically point at the person who hadn’t actually asked a question, they had just given a suggestion for revolution, and shout brashly a generic ‘Yes! You! You’re the leader of the revolution’ and from then on, many questions were answered ‘Talk to Matt from Ninja Tune records - he’s got ideas’. As a fan of Russell Brand, I was fairly disappointed.

I still admire his humour and ability to completely rip himself to shreds for being an egotistical twat, but his ideas on revolution are just lacklustre dreams made big with convoluted semantics and an audience willing to believe the ridiculous. All in all, an enjoyable evening but I don’t think we will be seeing a Russell Brand Revolution any day soon, if at all.

8 Hours In: Call Of Duty Advanced Warfare

by Nick Palmer I’m in Nigeria, chasing down a van with a hostage inside, jumping between and riding on the top of traffic on a high-speed motorway. I’m also shooting cars full of terrorists and they’re crashing and exploding spectacularly. Through a quick time event, I jump onto one of the cars, drag the driver out and fling him into a lamp post with a satisfying thunk. Against all expectations on my part, I am thoroughly enjoying a Call of Duty campaign.

your arm and are then offered a cool, highly advanced prosthetic and a job at John Irons’ (Kevin Spacey!) ridiculously rich and well-equipped private military company, Atlas. It’s a great bait-and-switch, actually, in terms of the normal Call of Duty tropes. You begin as a US Marine, fighting North Koreans, pretty standard stuff. But, one mission later, you’re working for a private military company which sells itself to anyone, allowing the game to take you all over the world from Seattle to Baghdad to Antarctica.

Having not played a Call of Duty campaign since 2010’s Black Ops, I had dismissed the notion that the series was going anywhere new or interesting. With last year’s mediocre Ghosts, my thought was that the colossus was finally dying, felled by its own lack of imagination.

However, the series was given a second chance by the fact that both of its supposed ‘killers’ of this year, Titanfall and Destiny, failed to rock the FPS genre and take Call of Duty’s crown.

The story is actually engaging and really scratches the itch that a Hollywood blockbuster does. The plot and the characters aren’t the most complex, but they happily ride on the ridiculous spectacle. John Irons, unlike most Call of Duty characters, has motivations that actually seemed to make sense.

He’s likeable, sympathetic and, at the same time, shocking and cold. Kevin Spacey did a fine job in both voice acting and motion capture.

The basic story is that it’s the mid-21st Century, you are Private Jack Mitchell, played by the very pretty Troy Baker (seriously, look him up), of the United States Marine Corps. At the end of your first mission, you lose

Now, why have I had such a fine time with this game? It fits the Call of Duty formula; missions are still a series of highly linear corridors with various scripted events. However, a number of innovations work well to raise

this campaign into the realms of interesting and fun again.

The EXO suits you have access to in every mission are a crucial addition. One of them allows you to double jump and dash around in mid air, granting a much-needed degree of mobility and fluidity to your movement in a post-Titanfall world.

Later on, you get an EXO suit with a Just Cause 2-style grappling hook, which lets you fling yourself about and yank enemies towards you. There are also other advanced gadgets. My preference was for one that created a bubble of ‘mute’. You set it off, breach a room, and no one outside of the bubble will hear anything. Another cool one is the ‘threat grenade’ that highlights all of the enemies in its radius, even those behind cover.

There’s even an actual laser gun!

In between missions, you also get to spend upgrade points on stuff like lower recoil for your guns, more grenades and more battery for your EXO suit. It’s not ground-breaking, but it’s nice to gradually improve your abilities over the course of the game.

There’s also a great variety in the level design. There are several which do just involve running about shooting people, but others offer interesting differences,

like the Nigerian traffic chase, a hover bike ride through a ruined Detroit and one later where you’re grappling across buildings.

I briefly played some of the multiplayer. It’s amazing how similar it feels to Modern Warfare, which is now 7 years old.

But, with the new EXO suit mechanics, it does at least feel a bit freer and more fluid. If you like

Call of Duty multiplayer, you’ll like this.

One more thing, it really is a pretty game. Facial models and animations are all really nice.

Kevin Spacey really stands out due to him being such a familiar sight that it makes it more jarring to see him all videogame-ified. Striking environments like an Antarctic sunset,

sun-bleached Nigeria and the Golden Gate Bridge show off the game’s excellent lighting and aesthetic design.

Advanced Warfare surprised me with how great it was. Yes, it’s still very much a Call of Duty game. But it’s refined and added to the formula in ways that create a simple, fun experience.

Image by Flickr user Joshua Livingston

LIFESTYLE But First... Let Me Take A Selfie 12

Edited by Emily Bird

by Jaipreet Deo

Over the last couple of years it has blown up in a way that is barely comparable to any other social media phenomenon, and the only logical next step is that people have started hating it.

Iconic or irritating?

We’ve all noticed it. Pre-teens sat on the bus or on walls in town, admiring themselves whilst snapping away. The resultant photos are then in the faces of anyone on any form of social media- too often for the affirmation of beauty.

It appears that ‘selfies’ have become an integral part of a rapidly growing narcissistic culture where people are all too ready to point out their own, and others, flaws at any opportunity.

The word ‘selfie’ was added to the Oxford Dictionary in August 2013, and we are truly submerged in the height of obsession with it. However, general opinion shows otherwise: OnePoll found that 91% of people thought that posting selfies denoted vanity and a desire to ‘show off ’ (http://www.onepoll. com/selfie-is-word-of-the-yearbut-what-do-people-reallythink-about-your-selfies/).

You only have to recall events such as writer Samantha Brick daring to mention that people found her attractive, see There Are Downsides To Looking This Pretty: Why Women Hate Me For Being Beautiful.

Brick was immediately swamped in abuse, the most eloquent of which tended to be “Is someone going to help the pandas out by putting a picture of Samantha Brick in the enclosure?”

So there we have it. If selfies are indicative of horrific levels

Image by Flickr User Lev

on yourself is a good thing for meeting famous people quickly

But we’re deviating from the real reason the selfie is so despised by the general population. It’s due to the common conception that people who take selfies immediately deem themselves good looking. This is probably because of the common knowledge that for every selfie posted online, there were at least 40 rejects which preceded its existence.

of vanity in action, then it is surely the reason for the nation becoming increasingly image obsessed.

in the middle of a screaming horde, or taking a quick picture of you and your friends in a self-sufficient way.

Usually we are so ready to deplore ourselves aesthetically that in the few moments when we don’t, we are so scared and so ashamed that we barely allow ourselves to consider it.

Though cited as the most convenient way of taking photos of you, it does have practical drawbacks. Taken to save a memory of a day out or a night in, the majority of the time it could have been taken anywhere.

But what about the nature of a craze that could create self-esteem issues for a generation who already document their lives online for the scrutiny of their peers?

Humility is a virtue or so we’re told, and modesty is something which should always come before self-appreciation.

How often have we looked back at them and seen only our faces, against a white background of light? Does it jog your memory?

Because I’ve got one that looks exactly the same from two years ago.

That being said, I did meet Luke Pritchard of The Kooks fame the other week, and I was very glad that I had an alternative to asking a stranger who looked vaguely trustworthy (or looked like someone I could outrun) to hold my camera in order to get a photo.

Arguably turning a camera

In actual fact, only 1% of females take selfies every day compared to 7% of males, and 35% of males post selfies on social media compared to 32% of females (http://www.onepoll. com/selfie-is-word-of-the-yearbut-what-do-people-reallythink-about-your-selfies/).

Further, contrary to common belief, self-taken photographs have been a thing for decades.

Admittedly they were not in the dictionary, but that was mainly because there was no internet.

This seems like a pretty flawed philosophy. Is looking at yourself, thinking you look pretty good, taking a picture and showing people that you’re proud of your face really so awful? Is it doing anyone any harm?

Embrace your face! Defy the cynics and the catwalks! You’re allowed to love the body you have, and you’re allowed to be proud of that. Despite the negativity surrounding the selfie culture, self-love should always come first.

Five Spice Pumpkin Pie

by Jemma Malone

Image by Jemma Malone

Although Halloween has passed, pumpkin pie does not go out of style at this time of year. If you’re like me and took advantage of the Jack-o’-lantern BOGOF offers then this is the way to get the most out of your fresh pumpkin.

This gooey pie encompasses a crunchy buttery crust with a dense jelly filling and is surprisingly healthy. Pumpkin possesses only 26 calories per 100 grams! Your Christmas and thanksgiving can be both sweet and saintly this year.

The pie filling needs to set overnight in the fridge, so make it the day before you want to serve it.

Serves 8 Ingredients: 1 pack of ready-made short crust pastry (if you’re using frozen, defrost for at least 2 hours) 2 cups canned pumpkin OR puréed home-cooked fresh pumpkin (see note) 1 cup soy, rice, almond or oat milk ¾ cup brown sugar ¼ cup corn starch 1 tablespoon mixed spice Note if you are using fresh pumpkin: -With a vegetable knife peel the

Readers may remember seeing George Harrison’s famous Taj Mahal photograph from 1966.

fleshy inside away from the skin and chop into small bits.

- Steam for 10 minutes. If you do not have a steamer, fill a small saucepan up with boiling water until about a third of the pan is covered and put on the hob on a medium-high heat. Rest a metal sieve or a metal colander on top of your saucepan and add the pumpkin pieces into it and cover with a saucepan lid - Once cooked scrape contents into a large mixing bowl.

- Using a hand blender, purée the pumpkin pieces until you get a thick smooth consistency with no lumps.

Main Method: 1)Preheat oven to 220°C, gas mark 7.

2) Lightly flour a surface and coat your rolling pin.

3) Place pastry on floured surface and thickly roll out to cover your baking tin and place it in the tin.

4) In a large mixing bowl add all the ingredients to make the filling and mix together with a wooden spoon or spatula.

5) Using a hand blender, blend until there are no lumps.

6) Pour mixture into the prepared crust and smooth top with spatula.

7) Bake for 10 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350°C. Bake for 50 minutes until filling is set.

8) Set on wire rack to cool, then refrigerate overnight.

If desired, top with your choice of dessert topping.

Molto Bene, Grazie!

by Laura Moyston

Bella Italia: A Review Meridian Leisure Park, Leicester, LE19 1JZ (0116 289 1738).

Meal for two, including drinks and service: £45

Situated in the heart of Meridian Park, Leicester’s only

Bella Italia offers a welcoming feel and cosy atmosphere with dimmed mood lighting and a lining of pretty fairy lights to create both a romantic and cute familial feel.

A combination of antique furniture, and American-style diner work to create a perfect setting to enjoy Bella Italia’s tasty Italian roots. For customers young, old, new and long-standing, they offer a range of innovative calzones, new grills, delicious burgers and classic pizza favourites.

The menu also offers a range of alternative foods for specific diets: from vegetarian dishes, to low calorie pizzas, to gluten free recipes.

From their under 600 calorie

range, Bella Italia offers long, thin and crisp whole-wheat Pizza Vita range, topped with rich cherry tomato sauce, lemon dressed baby spinach and rocket for those who want to enjoy a meal out without compromising healthy eating.

Particularly striking was Bella’s Pollo Pizza Vita which was traditionally accompanied by chicken breast pieces, roasted peppers and Granello cheese.

Served on a rustic wooden

board with a crispy long pizza base, the dish is adorned with a variety of both colours and textures, raising my expectations incredibly.

With each bite, the beauty and rusticity of the dish was slightly let down by a lack of flavour, probably a compromise for its under 600 calorie label. Nonetheless, the dish still met our estimations as simple comfort food, expected from an Italian chain restaurant and a price tag of only £9.25.

The traditional Italian roots of Bella Italia soon reaffirmed my high expectations with a traditional carbonara: spaghetti with crispy smoked pancetta, egg and pecorino cheese with a splash of the rich and creamy sauce, served as a perfect choice

for a cold winter’s night.

With its contrast between smooth flavours and crispy salty pancetta pieces, it made it a great choice for the small price of £8.95.

credibly cheap student night that includes a £5 pizza and pasta menu, perfect for a meal out with friends which doesn’t break the student budget.

Served Sunday to Thursday, Bella Italia offers ‘tasty dishes just for students’ with an addition of any soft drink for only £2 with each dish.

Also available are 2 for 1 cocktails for those who want to make a night of it!

Images by Laura Moyston

It’s incredible that these dishes can be turned out so quickly, contributed by the swift and perfectly polite service Bella Italia staff offer.

Bella Italia also offers an in-

To finish, Bella Italia’s Cookie Dough Lava Cake is a must.

Moist chocolate chip cookie cake with a melting chocolate middle, served warm with vanilla pod ice cream and caramel sauce, leaves you with a full belly and a big smile on your face!

13

Have Yourself A Brummy Little Christmas

by Daniella Marsh Instead of lusting after the markets of Europe, The Ripple has brought you something slightly closer to home this Christmas…

The Birmingham Christmas Market is one of the largest German Markets outside of Germany and Austria, attracting thousands of visitors from all across the world each year.

With over 180 stalls, there is something for everyone across the market, whether you want to buy food, jewellery, decorations or hand-made toys! It is a great day out and will really get you in the festive mood for Christmas!

The market just keeps growing in size each year, in correlation with its immense popularity!

The market even opened two weeks earlier this year, giving visitors a five week period to visit this wonderful, Christmassy event.

Open from November 16th, it is expecting around nearly a million visitors this year – a huge increase from years before! No matter when you visit the market the atmosphere is buzzing with festivity and excitement, and everyone visiting and working behind the stalls are extremely merry and friendly.

Birmingham City Centre will be jam-packed throughout No-

vember and December so if you are thinking of visiting the market this year, it is recommended that you should try and visit during the week rather than at the weekends.

If you do visit during the week, you’ll have a lot more space and time to go around all the stalls and more importantly you’ll get a much better view of all the things that the market has to offer!

The market is open 10am till 9pm every day and is great to visit during the day or night. It does outdo itself in the evening though as this is when all of the lights switch on, sparkle and the atmosphere comes alive!

If you manage to get to Birmingham this Christmas here’s a list of 12 things that you simply must do at the German Market!

1)Buy a German sausage: These are a traditional and famous German food which is absolutely delicious! The sausage is very large and is either red or white; it often served in a Brotchen which is a famous kind of bread in Germany and Austria.

2) Buy a pint of German beer: There are many stalls which sell German Beer at a relatively cheap price! After-work hours are particularly filled with stores of young professionals coming to the market to have a beer

with their colleagues.

The stalls are lit up, play music and are complete with benches and tables which are guaranteed to get you in the festive mood and ready for Christmas!

3) Buy the chocolate fruit skewers: Two stalls at the German Market sell this delicious fruit covered in luxurious white or milk chocolate sauce of your choice.

You can choose from grapes, strawberries, bananas or marsh mellows and you can even have a mixture of two! At around £3-4 for a mini indulgence, it is well worth it!

4) Buy a chocolate crepe: Topped with chocolate, Nutella and bananas these are a musthave at the market! Although they are traditionally a French Dessert, you will never beat the ones in Birmingham.

5) Take a ride on the carousel: Located by the Birmingham Art Gallery, the carousel is a really fun thing to do! Although this is typically for children to take a ride on, you see many adults and young people embracing it!

6) Try the donuts: The market offers all types of donuts filled with all types of fillings. All of them are delicious and if you’re lucky, they have some occasional days where they are on offer for just £1!

7) Go on the ice rink: This is located at the very top of the German Market and is quite small, but a great experience and a very festive thing to do!

You are given your own skates so you just need to turn up and ask for a go!

8) Buy a hot chocolate and amaretto: You can get this nowhere else but the Birmingham Christmas Market; it’s a beautiful combination and will keep you warm during your time there.

9) Buy a bobbly hat: There are several stalls at the German Market that sell winter hats and scarves. One stall in particular which is near the Birmingham Art Gallery has lots of funky designs which have Christmas puddings, Snowmen and Santa Claus’ on them. I can say from personal experience that you get a lot of compliments if you buy one of these hats!

10) Try a hot Gluhwein: This is the German name for mulled wine and is perfect for a cold winter night! It often comes in a cute China cup, which you can either keep or pay a small

Images by Flickr User Bob Hall

find them anywhere else.

ols!

amount (usually £2) to keep, and is very cheap and delicious.

12) Embrace the Christmas atmosphere: The market is

11) Buy traditional Christmas decorations: These are all handmade and very delicate, but will look beautiful on your Christmas tree and you will simply not

guaranteed to get you ready for Christmas and feeling very festive, many stalls play Christmas songs and there is even a singing moose which sings Car-

So make sure you embrace the Christmas atmosphere and fully enjoy it!

Festive Fare: ‘Tis The Season To Eat!

by Jemma Malone

Add some sparkle and spice to your kitchen this Christmas!

Across this festive bumper issue I’ve included three of my favourite winter recipes. Cracking comfort food for the chilly days to come. Enjoy!

sion, you can’t go wrong with a generous helping of thick creamy custard to coat this cake.

Pair this with a cup of hot rich cocoa and you’ve got the perfect winter indulgence.

Serves 8

One Bowl Vegan Apple Cake This is one of my favourite cakes to bake! It’s easy and is a great way to use up your leftover apples, especially when you’re like me and buy them from the market and get generous bowlfuls for a pound!

This moist sponge is soft, with a slight crunch from the apple skins, but the combination are a treat for your taste buds.

It’s great as a dessert served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – Swedish Glace is a popular brand of vegan ice cream that can be found at Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons and larger Co-Op stores, like the Haymarket branch.

And for those of you who would prefer to make a non-vegan ver-

Method:

1) Pre-heat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4.

2) Line a cake tin with grease proof paper.

3) Add all the dry ingredients – flour, mixed spice and sugar, if you’re using it - into a large mixing bowl and stir, preferably with a spatula, if not a wooden spoon, to combine.

4)Peel and mash banana with a fork on a small plate then add to the dry ingredients.

Ingredients: 2 ½ cups of self-raising flour – white or brown/whole wheat or gluten free equivalent 2 teaspoons mixed spice ½ cup brown sugar (optional) 1 whole banana, mashed 1 cup soy, rice, almond or oat milk ¼ cup sunflower oil 1 table spoon lemon juice ½ cup water 3 apples

10) Keeping the skins on, cut each apple in half and chop into small chunks. Rid the cores.

11) Add apple chunks into the mixture and stir a few more times until the chunks are coated in the wet cake batter.

12) Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Once removed from the oven carefully hold the sides of the grease proof paper and put your cake onto a wire cooling rack and leave to stand for 30 minutes before putting into

5) Add wet ingredients – milk, oil and lemon juice – apart from the water into the mixture.

6)Stir a couple of times with your spatula/spoon remembering to scrape the edges of the bowl.

7) Continue stirring the mixture and slowly add the water.

Christmas.

This recipe makes 10 small biscuits that are crunchy on the outside and softly moist on the inside.

These are great with a cup of tea or, even better, a cup of warm mulled wine to really spread the festive cheer.

1) Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4.

8) Scrape the edges again and set the mixture aside.

Five Spice Gingerbread

9)Wash the apples and shake them dry to get most of the water off.

These classic biscuits are an essential snack throughout the winter months, especially at

5) Roll the dough out onto the floured surface and use cookie cutters to make your desired gingerbread shapes.

6) Place the gingerbread biscuits onto the baking tray and

Ingredients: 2 cups plain flour 2 table spoons of mixed spice OR: 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmug 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda 3/4 cup sunflower oil 1/4 cup golden syrup or honey Method:

an airtight storage container.

generously coat your rolling pin.

2) Line a large baking tray with grease proof paper.

3) Add all ingredients to a bowl and knead until combined into a ball of dough.

4) Lightly flour a surface and

All photos by Jemma Malone

bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned, turning half way through.

7) Allow to cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They are also suitable for freezing too.

SPORT

14

Edited by Matthew Allen

Finishing Up The Fall

by Frederic Larsson

It’s already December and it’s crazy to think, but I’ve now been in Long Beach for just over three and a half months!

I’m loving every moment of it, and despite it being offseason, lacrosse continues to be a regular occurrence. The CSULB team roster is now getting finalised and I’ve been playing a lot with the Long Beach Men’s team. In this past month or so I’ve been continuing to try and improve as much as possible and I’m really seeing the benefits of training and playing with players of a higher ability than mine!

The biggest issue I’ve faced since my last post is getting my stick dialed in. Having spent two years playing without any significant restrictions on the head or pocket, I’ve now had to factor in the stringent American regulations.

This means I’ve gone from using a high school spec STX Surgeon with two U-shooting strings to playing with an X-spec head and NCAA-specific stringing. I spent the first few weeks using a STX Professor but I found the pocket never did what I wanted it to. So, for the time being, I’ve put that aside and after much tweaking and variation I’ve settled on a Reebok 9k that I’ve strung with 20mm Throne mesh and it’s working perfectly for me.

With the Long Beach Men’s team we were set to continue playing in the Los Angeles ULAX league until we lost 7-6 to the Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs, an upset as we beat them 8-4 the week before.

The game was incredibly hard fought by both teams, but the Chiefs managed to put one more goal in the net than we did.

We took 17 players down to San Diego, which was smaller than both the CSUSM and Filipino squads who seemed to have closer to 25 players with them.

Our team consists of players of varying ability from those with NCAA experience down to players who’ve played for just a few years like me, and one or two who’ve only been playing for a few months.

Despite this, we took a trip down to the San Diego Naval Base this past weekend to play in a scrimmage against Navy Gold. We had to get escorted into the base and it took us some time to get to the playing field due to the sheer size of the naval base.

However, we only lost 6-5 to San Marcos – with one of our key players dislocating his shoulder 20 seconds into the first possession of the game. We tied 4-4 with the Filipino Team. An amazing effort from the guys, considering it was our first real test as a collective team, as well as the fact that we were missing several other players who were unable to make the trip.

The game was a lot of fun despite the heat, and we won 11-9 in the end. It was probably one of my better games since I’ve been here in California. I won the majority of faceoffs and even got an unassisted goal straight from a faceoff win! Overall, playing Navy Gold was a great experience especially since I got to visit a naval base, something which I’ve never done before.

With my university squad, CSULB, we went down to UC San Diego to play in two scrimmage games against league rivals California State University, San Marcos, as well as the Filipino National Team. I got to play against another country, something I never thought would happen!

The following weeks will see training get more intense with stronger focus being put upon team play rather than individual skills. As before, wall ball, lifting, and conditioning will continue to be a key part of my routine so that I’m in the best shape I can be when the season starts. This is in addition to balancing lacrosse with academic commitments, because technically I’m in my third year so I should definitely set time aside for schoolwork.

With finals around the corner and the spring season coming ever closer, it’s time to put my head down and finish the fall semester strong!

Leicester’s Progress in the Premier League

by Gordon Tang It has been a while, Leicester City fans! You can see your club playing again. As the international matches have gone by, the Barclays Premier League is

back and Leicester City will be in action once again. Leicester City have been struggling as of late, with the last seven games ending up winless and losing five of them. Currently standing just inside the relegation zone

(18th place in the league at the time of writing this article), they hope to bounce back as soon as possible in order to stay in the Premier League.

Leicester City showed their

ability and fought well in the beginning of the season, a 2-2 comeback draw against Everton in the opening match at King Power Stadium not a bad way to start. They went on and caused two upsets against two

of the best teams in the Premier League, which were a 1-1 draw against Arsenal and a 5-3 win against the star-packed Manchester United, both at home.

The notable 5-3 win was one of the best in many years and definitely will be in the history books. They also acquired the one and only away win so far against Stoke City. Chelsea was the only top team at that time to have beaten them, and yet Leicester fought well and only lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Such results were mainly due to simple playing styles. They have been playing traditional English football, which involves a lot of crosses, as the British would say ‘whip it in’. The players were on point during those matches. Up to now, Leonardo Ulloa is the current top scorer of the team, bagging 5 Premier League goals in 13 appearances this season.

Their good form did not last forever. Losing five games and Image by Flickr user Jon Candy

drawing two dragged them down near the relegation zone.

The 2-2 draw against Burnley might be a mere misfortune.

The losses were against teams that probably had been on par with them on paper, such as Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. Recently they drew against Sunderland 0-0. They had been scoreless for the last five games as well. With Ulloa scoreless in recent games, other players have failed to step up.

A bunch of players with 1 goal to their names are lining up as the second highest goal scorers for the club. The difference between playing at home and away is clear.

Leicester will be taking on clubs that have been in the top flight for years after the match against Queens Park Rangers. Liverpool and Manchester City feature in Leicester’s upcoming fixtures.

So, Leicester fans, cheer for your team! Who knows if the Foxes can cause another upset!

15

Horns Win? Horns Win! Catch Up with ULLAX

by Andrew Wilsher

November 16th 2014 was a day to remember for the Leicester Longhorns, as they secured their first victory of the season in very dramatic circumstances.

Northampton stormed into a 7-0 early lead in the game with a touchdown and converted PAT. The Horns continue to prove themselves as a much sterner offence than last year. Fullback Jon Priddle charged up the middle to score the touchdown and

bring the game back to 7-6 in favour of the Nemesis. Defensive-end and all around beast Ian Doggett then proceeded to sack the Northampton QB in Northampton’s first play from kickoff, putting fear into the hearts of the Nemesis offence and forcing them to a 3-andout, bringing the 1st quarter to a close.

Leicester continued to show their offensive prowess, with third year Quarterback Joe McDougall showing he can do it all with some big-time rushes and a tasty pass to ‘Interception’ Calum Lightfoot for a 15 yard gain, before punting to place the Northampton offence on their 5 yard line. But with their backs against the ropes, the Nemesis are able to pull off a few clutch plays and run the ball in for their second touchdown of the game before scoring the 2 point conversion, taking the game to 15-6.

Northampton looked to be getting in the zone at this point, forcing a Leicester punt before charging themselves down the sideline for their 3rd touchdown of the game and taking the score to 21-6. This could have caused a loss of faith in the Horns’ camp, but following some sage advice offered by hero of the team Jon Priddle, this just motivated Leicester to come out stronger.

With just under a minute of the half remaining, Lightfoot had a TD ruled out for Leicester by the officials for stepping outof-bounds. However, with the Longhorns stood on the 1 yard line with 5 seconds of the half remaining, rookie Kunle Osi-

bemekun opened his account with a nice touchdown to bring the score back to 21-12 and offer a lifeline to the Longhorns, after some great blocking from an offensive-line featuring the likes of Mattie Allen and Phil Lombardo.

Following an awe-inspiring half time speech from Adam Tipple about mud amongst other things, Leicester stood more pumped than ever to take the game to Northampton to grind out the win. The rain began to

come down heavy, with QB McDougall offering the prophecy that ‘all the comebacks happen in the movies when it starts to rain’.

With that, he took to the field to continue what looked to be one of the best games of his career, breaking all sorts of tackles down the middle for a 16 yard gain. He can pass, he can scramble, what can’t this kid do?! However, after both offences struggled to cope with the monsoon conditions, the third quarter was one of frustration with all kinds of punts going on.

Things started to get heated as the game neared its end, as McDougall punts the ball with 6:48 left on the clock to put Northampton right on the edge of their endzone. The Nemesis continued to struggle with the weather, and were forced to go for the punt. The miracle continued, as the punt was blocked

by Dom Bareford and recovered for the touchdown by first-year rookie Alex James. Suddenly the game had new life injected into it!

The Leicester offence proceeded to take to the field for the 2 point conversion, which was subsequently scored after being ran in by McDougall. Northampton still led by 21 points to 20, but suddenly there was a surge in morale in the Longhorns camp with a clear momentum shift in favour of the home team.

The Northampton offence looked to regain some form of control on the game but stood in disarray, unable to handle the

pressure of the Longhorns defence. The turning point of the game took place as the Nemesis QB fumbled the ball and Longhorns gained possession of the ball with under four minutes remaining.

The Cinderella story was on for the boys in green! Dom Bareford continued to impress in his first game as a Running-Back following a year as a Safety, rushing the ball down to Northampton’s 4 yard line, before the 2 minute warning was called.

After some crucial insight and outstanding play-calling by the Longhorns’ coaches, the dream looked set to become a reality.

The Longhorns converted the ball for the touchdown to take the lead 26-21 for the first time of the game with just seconds left to play. But the damage had been done, as Northampton fumbled the ball yet again and allowed the Longhorns to bring the game to an end. HORNS WIN! Emotional scenes and hugs galore all over the field, as the mighty Leicester Longhorns celebrated their first win in what has been too long. After shaking hands with the opposition in what can only be described as a game-of-the-year candidate, the Horns’ soaked up the adulation from their adoring fans before trudging off to the changing rooms for a well-earned shower.

MVPs: Defence: Jack Cousins – picture-perfect tackles and kept tight in man-coverage. Richard Sherman would be jealous.

Offence: Joe McDougall – Some clutch passes and big numbers in rushing made him a force to be reckoned with. Always looked confident on the field, and reminded me of a young Michael Vick.

Team: Dom Bareford – His conversion from Safety to Running-Back was as genius as JJ Watt’s from Defensive-End to Tight-End. He provided the team with vital yards which led to the win.

by Rasteen Riyahi Boni

ULLAX’s first 2014 season may have gone one of various ways.

This is accredited to a profuse proportion of experienced members being lost to the irksome yet inevitable process of graduation and the apparent widespread yearning for studying in another country for one year.

At the end of last year, the men’s and women’s teams both lost their strapping, unstoppable and ridiculously athletic centre players, Frederic Larsson and Harriet Ruff, as well as several of their top goal scorers. Alongside this, we saw three freshers taking on captaincy positions.

Indeed, Emily Bird, Jason Ho and Estelle Irving had rather tall orders on their hands having had no experience of teaching or captaining prior to this year.

Despite these impediments, we are the first year to assemble 2 women’s teams; one BUCS and one development. Thus allowing our returning members to progress with help of a world class coach training us twice a week and for our girls who have never picked up a stick to learn the bare basics of ground balls, cradling, defense and shooting at their own pace from scratch.

Leicester women’s firsts have never faired better. We started out the season in a strong manner, beating UEA 11-8 away and again shortly after Warwick 2nds 13-8. Finally, in our most recent game the ladies drew with a newly relegated midlands first league team, Oxford Brookes, 11-11. With these victories and goal differences under our belts the team should approach this week’s cup game and final BUCS match against Northampton with a positive mindset and ample confidence.

The girls’ development team has undergone huge improvements with freshers such as the likes

of Kell Griff showing not only great enthusiasm which is so hugely admired on the team, but also great promise. Having been awarded woman of the match in our first development game against Coventry, all the returners are keeping a keen eye on Kell.

Last weekend the development team competed in Lacrosse’s Nottingham development tournament. Overlooking the fact the fresher’s team placed 8th, Estelle claims they showed ‘great promise’ and is excited for the remainder of the year.

Brownie points have been well earned by Sarah Wills, Anisha Patel and Marie Harrison for scoring at Notts and extra kudos to Laura Armstrong for braving GK. In wake of their relegation last year, we would hope that there was no other way but up for our boys this time round in the 2As, and it appears things are indeed going promisingly as Joe Leggat (Men’s Captain) has said ‘season’s going well, scoring a lot of goals’. Thanks for that in-depth insight, Joe. In all honesty however, you do not have to be the most invested member to see that Joe leads the team with his heart on his sleeve. The commitment and passion he has for the team is abundantly clear when he motivates and guides the team on and off the pitch.

The entire committee stepped its game up massively in terms of recruiting higher numbers for the men’s team this year.

As we waved goodbye to the veteran boys at the end of last year there was no choice but to take hostage anything male that walked by our fresher’s fair stall. Specifically speaking, male with functioning legs and a somewhat athletic physique, that wasn’t drawn immediately to the rugby union table in a moth-to-a-flame-like manner.

In terms of stats, the men’s team

have won 15-1 vs Coventry, lost 8-12 vs Nottingham 2nds, won 9-3 vs Derby away and won 23-1 vs Derby at home.

Our club captain, Ian Rhodes, informs me that the “aim for the season is to carry on and win every game, and come at least second” with the hope that Nottingham, their tallest hurdle, loses. “We are gutted about our one loss… the other team really digging deep at the end and capitalising on some fast breaks in the last quarter. We’re a very fresher-orientated team this year, but the new guys are showing great promise, especially in our last match vs Derby where many got their first goals.”

As customary, at this point in the season there are a select few that you can single out and say simply… sparkle earlier on than the majority. “The players to look out for are Edward Rowbottom and Jordan Bojitchkov, showing great promise in their transition play in midfield, and both racking up the goals with Ed even getting a cracking left handed goal vs Derby.

“George Bascom has proved to be an unstoppable force” with Joe entering him into 1st team defence. “Joshua Shanbaum is our top scorer this season capitalising on good positioning to score on fast breaks.”

Overall both teams are surpassing their own and their captain’s expectations with most members allocating vehement dedication and time to their development. The same unfortunately cannot be said for the club’s social statistics. Last week’s girls managed only a disappointing 25% attendance to Let’s Disko on the Battle of the Sexes Social. The girls really need to work on steadying their pre-game if they are to capitalize on their Wednesday nights and maintain the club’s reputation.

For all the latest match reports, fixtures and results, and for more expert analysis from our seasoned Sports team, visit www.the-ripple.co.uk/sports

A Mixed Bag, But a Marked Improvement

by Matthew Allen It’s been a pretty good season so far for the Leicester Longhorns American Football team.

Currently standing at 1-2 going into the bye week, the squad has every reason to be proud of what they’ve achieved so far.

Starting the season with a 68-6 loss might look pretty ugly, but when you consider the pre-season predictions marking Nottingham as the team to beat in the division, it’s hardly surprising that a Leicester team filled with rookies and behind in terms of training time should fall to such a squad. When you consider that a host of strong players graduated after a 1-7 season last time round, it becomes even less surprising. The key thing to take away from the opening day loss? The 6. After not scoring a single offensive touchdown in the entirety of the 2013/14 season, Callum Phillips skittered down the field like a Welshman-shaped pinball to break the plane and earn Leicester a slice of hope. Things only got better from there.

At one point during the Northampton game, the Longhorns were 21-6 down. In previous years we might have seen a capitulation, but that wasn’t to be. Going in at half-time 21-12 down, a rousing speech from Adam Tipple (who knew) and sheer grit and determination would see Leicester come back for a glorious 26-21 victory. The offensive unit moved the ball

efficiently in the pouring rain, led by QB Joe McDougall, passing for nearly 200 yards and a touchdown as well as running in for a score, full back Jon Priddle who looked much improved from two weeks before running one in for a score, and wide receiver Kunle Osibemekun, hauling in a touchdown and flamboyantly celebrating. The young defensive unit was much improved from two weeks before, shutting out a nemesis offense that had been extremely productive in the first half. A blocked punt from Dom Bareford and a forced fumble from Ian Doggett would prove to be decisive in what is Leicester’s first in-game victory (the victory last year was from a Wolverhampton forfeit) in over a year. The pouring rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. Things were looking up.

You could say that the result of a week after was sheer complacency. A 40-0 loss to Warwick, no matter how it’s spun, is not a good result. A lack of production on offense and missed tackles on defense led to what proved to be a reality check. Going into the bye week, the Longhorns know that hard work is necessary to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

Sure, Leicester isn’t the strongest team in the division. A small team full of rookies is never going to be challenging for the title. However, we’re here, going into the bye week 1-2, with a very winnable game against

Wolverhampton coming up before Christmas. We win that, and we go into Christmas knowing that we’re guaranteed a better record than last year.

After Christmas there’s no doubt that Leicester have the ability to go from strength to strength. As the rookies gain experience, the playbook (modified this year, including a change from shotgun to under centre snapping) sinks in, and we gain confidence, Leicester could be looking at a pretty good season. 2-2 before Christmas is achievable, and likewise is 2-2 after Christmas. A team that was written off as the division’s whipping boys will suddenly be a team with the ability to kick on next season with very few leavers and make waves. Victory against Coventry and the varsity clash with DMU on February 1st will guarantee a 500 season, something that was beyond the wildest media conceptions (cough, Double Coverage, cough). Who knows, the much improved Worcester may even find themselves the victims of a similar “Northampton by 21” upset.

We can’t get ahead of ourselves, and we can’t get complacent, as we showed last weekend. But there’s no reason why we can’t be confident. The Leicester Longhorns are on the rise, and they’re proving all the doubters wrong along the way.

So Far, So Good

by Callum Jamieson

After being promoted to the top tier of Midlands’s rugby, the 1st XV were set to face a tough year of rugby after losing a large proportion of the first team from the previous year. However, they have performed above expectations, and competed with and beaten universities with stronger reputations for sport. After six games the 1st XV are sitting comfortably in fourth place in Midlands 1A with four wins and two losses. The wins came from games against Nottingham 2XV, Oxford Brookes 1XV, Loughborough 3XV and a 58-3 thrashing of Birmingham 2XV. The two defeats came against tough opposition away from home in the form of Loughborough 2XV and Warwick 1XV, but with the return fixtures to come at Stoughton - where the 1st XV remain unbeaten – these results will hopefully be reversed. There was also another close defeat to York 1XV of the league above in the BUCS Trophy. In a game that Leicester could have and probably should have won it shows how well the team has stepped up this season.

This strong start is despite several key injuries in the forwards and backs. It has stretched the squad to the max, but everyone has stepped up comfortably

throughout all three teams and adapted to positional changes when required. The freshers have done particularly well; in one 1XV game ten of the starters were first years showing the club is in a strong position for the next few years. The 1XV also had a friendly fixture against the Leicester Tigers Academy squad on a special event put on by the university at Stoughton playing fields. Tigers ended up comfortable winners despite it only being 7-0 at half time. The day was still a great success, with other events such as O2 Touch being on display, and will hopefully go a long way to enhancing the link between Leicester Tigers and the university.

The 2XV have had a mixed but steady start to the season. Winning two and losing two despite losing many players to the 1XV and injuries is by no means a bad return. The season started with wins over Coventry 2XV and Northampton 2XV before close losses to Derby 2XV and Nottingham Trent 3XV. The 2XV also remain in the cup after an away victory against Birmingham 3XV. The 3XV have had the toughest start to their campaign with a lot of disruption to the running of the team due to injuries and lack of depth. After winning their first game against Bedford 2XV,

they have since lost to a strong Lincoln 2XV and Nottingham Trent 4XV. This is not through a lack of effort and determination but purely down to a simple lack of numbers a lot of the time.

In the Lincoln game, due to a number of dropouts and late call-ups to the 2XV, the squad had to travel with only fourteen players. However, like the 2XV, the 3rds remain in the cup and get the first crack of the season against De Montfort in the next round.

Looking ahead to the rest of the year the club should go from strength throughout all three teams with a lot of important players coming back from injury. The 1XV hope to consolidate their place in the league for next season with of course an eye on Varsity at Welford Road where the club will aim to become the first team to win the trophy three years in a row. The 2nds will look to get back to winning ways with the return of many players that have stepped up to the 1XV and will be aiming for a strong cup run. The 3XV are in a similar position to the 2XV and the return of many players will help boost numbers back up and giving some strength in depth. Promotion is definitely not yet off the cards.