Issue 8

The University of Leicester’s free student newspaper

www.the-ripple.co.uk ripple@le.ac.uk @uolripple www.facebook.com/therippleleicester

Issue Eight

Semester Two

5th February - 16th February

MEET PAUL-BO: UoL’s NEW VC

The University has appointed Professor Paul Boyle as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester.

by Samuel Osborne

Professor Paul Boyle will take over from Professor Sir Rob Burgess, who will retire after 15 years of service to the University.

Initially, Professor Boyle will serve as Vice-Chancellor Designate in September 2014, then take up the role of Vice-Chancellor from 1 October.

He is currently Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council and President of Science Europe. Previously, he was Head of School of Geography and Geosciences at the University of St Andrews.

An email to students explains that members of the University Committee were impressed by

Professor Boyle’s insights into strategic issues facing the University. The Committee said that it “is confident that he will prove a distinguished Vice-Chancellor and a worthy successor to Professor Sir Robert Burgess.”

In the email to staff and students announcing his appointment, Professor Boyle said: “The University of Leicester has developed a strong reputation over the past 15 years, delivering world-class research and providing teaching of the highest quality.

I have been hugely impressed with those staff and students I have met during my appointment process and I am looking forward to working together to build on the University’s suc-

cesses over the coming years.”

In the same email, Professor Burgess said: “I am delighted that the University has appointed Paul Boyle as my successor.

He is a distinguished social scientist who has much to offer the University locally, nationally and internationally. I wish him every success in developing the University of Leicester and its work.”

In a post to the Leicester Union website, Union President Dan Flatt said: “I’m very excited with the appointment of Paul Boyle. He is an advocate for the student experience and the new Executive team will be able to continue developing the Students’ Union’s excellent working partnership with the University under his leadership.”

13 Arrested as student anger continues to sweep UK

by Alistair Robinson

On Wednesday the 29th of January, over 300 students from universities around the UK and Northern Ireland, including Leicester, met at the University of Birmingham to discuss longterm aims and strategies for the resurgent student movement.

Deciding to describe the aims with the title of ‘free, just and democratic education’, the three hour conference reached consensus on a number of pressing student issues, which included the continued sale of the student loan book, the refusal by some universities to reduce

In this issue...

News

their wage-gaps and pay the Living Wage (resulting in the current industrial action) and recent attempts by universities and the police to punish and criminalise student protest.

After the meeting, organisers had arranged a rally to be held at the base of ‘Old Joe’, the iconic clocktower at the centre of the UoB, with a 50 foot banner reading ‘free education’ dropped from the summit. The rally was followed by a short march which Ripple sources suggest aimed to visit previous sites of occupations in an apparent effort to pay homage to

Features

Letting Why take a Agency Hell year out?

the rich history student protests and highlight the important role of protest within democratic processes.

According to reports, it was at this point that large groups of private security staff hired especially for the by the University physically removed students from the building in confrontations which have given rise to claims from students of ‘excessive violence’ and from the university of ‘pushing’ from students. As students exited the university’s Great Hall, they were met by Police and ‘corralled’ according to West

Midlands Police and held for approximately two hours in a courtyard. The operation has been likened by a number of sources including The Independent to ‘kettling’, a controversial police tactic which denies the ‘occupants’ access to food, water and shelter for the duration.

13 students, including a University of Leicester, The Ripple source (who wishes to remain anonymous), were arrested upon exiting the ‘kettle’ after apparently being given the choice by police of giving details and going home or of refusing and

being arrested. Students were held in custody for around two hours in vans , strip-searched and then held for a further 27 hours in solitary cells before all but two were bailed without charge. There are question as to the legality of the police operation, with sources citing a case in the June in which the High Court ruled that releasing people from a kettle only when agreeing to hand over details, was illegal and protesters received compensation.

Banner reading “Free Education” unfurled on Old Joe, the University of Birmingham’s clock tower.

Photograph by Lou Macnamara

What’s On

Culture

Lifestyle

Sport

Red Light Comedy Ride

Todd Howe: “We’re itching to get out”

New Year, New Me!

Mr University

NEWS Ripple Investigates: Letting Agencies Leaving Vulnerable Students Out Cold 2

Edited by Alistair Robinson

by Harry Wells The Ripple can reveal today that over the course of this academic year, several students have reported severe issues with the quality of properties and services provided to them by letting agencies around Leicester as a result of a lack of affordable and well-managed rented housing.

In response to the spate of poor quality properties and abuses of students by estate agencies and landlords, the Students’ Union set up SULets in 2004 as a joint venture between De Montfort and Leicester’s SUs. The agency is a not-for-profit service run by the unions which lets out 200 houses and 650 rooms in student halls near to both universities at reasonable rates, with government-protected deposit schemes and no agency fees for registered students at either institution.

However, with 40,000 students in total studying at both universities, the demand for accommodation is far higher than what SULets can provide, and

therefore students frequently turn to private housing with local estate and management agencies who often advertise themselves as “student-friendly”: which can sometimes be far from the truth.

One student who did not wish to be named (for fear of the agency seeking retribution) rented a house with a lettings agency (which we cannot name for legal reasons) which, they alleged was only cleaned “five minutes before I moved in”: and the issues did not stop there.

Another housemate was required to purchase bedroom furniture for himself, transport it to the house and set it up, to be reimbursed by the same agency at a later date, whilst still not having fixed a broken double bed and sending a replacement freezer two weeks later than promised. The hot water in the house does not work, and nor does the bathroom fan.

Upon withholding a month’s rent in order to make some of these essential repairs (a tenant’s legal right), as the agency

was not doing so, the agency allegedly “pursued a policy of harassment” against the student and his guarantor for the rent in order to secure not only the rent due, but also an undisclosed amount in late payment fees which the student had previously been assured he would “not be charged” for (as it is not on the contract).

Other students have reported issues with damp, heating, cleanliness and the incomplete state of many properties. Another student (who also wished to remain anonymous), lived with another widely used private agency last year, and allegedly suffered from “mice in the kitchen almost constantly”, whilst two students using yet another agency this year described a raft of problems.

“We have such severe damp and mould on the ceiling in the bathroom that it covers nearly the entire surface,” one explains.

“The cause was present before we moved in, and we suspect it to be that the guttering on the roof above the bathroom

is damaged and leaking into the house, but [the agency] refuse to fix it and have claimed that our deposits will be at risk should the damp get worse as it will be our fault for not turning our heating on!”

“I’ve had issues with damp, and also huge problems with the furniture [the agency] provided,” the other student says. “Upon moving in, my room was so small that my bed was touching my wardrobe, and it was impossible to open the wardrobe door the whole way: so I turned the bed around 90 degrees to run along the other wall. After doing this, I discovered damp and unidentified stains the whole way across the lower wall of the room. Then, as I moved the desk in my room to finish relocating the bed, it actually fell apart in my hands! The wardrobe drawers aren’t installed correctly and don’t open, and the doors are warped and won’t close properly. When our heating broke last week, because the boiler is so old the refill tap on it has rotted and fallen off, we went for 48 hours without hot water

or heating before it was sorted because [the agency] “forgot” to send someone round. It seems like there’s just one problem after another.”

The Ripple will be investigating these agencies. Read the full report in the next issue of The Ripple, coming out Monday 17th Feburary.

The article will be posted on the same day online at: www.the-ripple.co.uk

Thank You

The Ripple would like to express our gratitude to the Alumni Grant Fund, for their generous donation towards the publication of this issue.

This Week’s Team Editor & Designer: Jamie Burton jb497@le.ac.uk News Editor: Alistair Robinson agr13@le.ac.uk Opinion Editor: Sarah O’Rourke sor3@le.ac.uk Features Editor: Karina Maduro akm38@le.ac.uk What’s On Editor: Nikki Skinner ns317@le.ac.uk Culture Editor: Patrick Reckitt pgr8@le.ac.uk Lifestyle Editor: Katie Masters kmm36@le.ac.uk Sport Editor: Conor Wickham cw274@le.ac.uk Editorial Executives Editor-in-Chief: Samuel Osborne so104@le.ac.uk Deputy Editor: Alexander French ajwf1@le.ac.uk Operations Team Secretary: Mel Agnew Advertising and Marketing: Lauren Swain Print and Distribution: Hollie Brookes Online Development: Vicki Clarke Events: Olivia Milizia President Christopher Everett ce70@le.ac.uk

Summer Programmes in Korea, Taiwan and China Make friends, improve your CV and learn about a different culture during the summer holidays • Summer Programmes approx. 4-6 weeks long • Courses in English • Free tuition or accommodation may apply • All Undergraduate students (not in final year) can apply • Competitive travel scholarships of £750 are available for first year students • Travel scholarships also available for students within the College of Arts, Humanities and Law Apply now! Deadline for applications: 28 February 2014 For more information and an application form visit www.le.ac.uk/summerprogrammes or email studyabroad@le.ac.uk

“It was a life changing experience for me and one that I will never forget.”

Zohra Ahmadyar

OPINION

3

Edited by Sarah O’Rourke

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: A Woman’s Place in Student Drinking Culture

by Z. M. I recently saw an account of sexual assault in the Ripple, suffered by a fellow student at the hands of a taxi driver. Following, I saw the usual game of ping-pong between those who looked to victimise her, mostly citing her partaking in the lucrative plethora of gender absolutes that is student drinking culture as the reason for her suffering. Even the Leicestershire Police, eager to fortify their own reputation, took to the debate and sweetly beseeched the young woman to ‘drink less alcohol’. I feel my eyes slip to the back of my head, as this is part of the boring routine of dismissal and victimisation that I have suffered through for nearly a year now.

You see, I am the ‘only other student’ that the Leicestershire police are ‘pleased’ to say was the only other victim of sexual assault reported to them this year.

As such, I feel like I have been attributed, however unwillingly, with an adequate understanding of what this girl has faced and what she will continue to face throughout her university experience. And although we are both just anonymous sets of fingers scratching out our accounts in a University newspaper, I hope that she sees this and so I can tell her: “It’s okay. It’s not your fault. And anyone who tries to place even the semblance of blame on your head deserves a fist to the proverbial jugular.”

I will not be getting in to the details of my own circumstance but I can tell you this much: I have been confronted by the men involved on Granby Street in broad daylight – an incident I immediately reported to the Police to later find that they had made no record of it; when attempting to seek refuge from the emotional torment that singlehandedly destroyed my second year, I was called stupid by the University’s own counsellor; I was passed around the NHS’s therapists before they eventually dropped me as a client; I melted in to the sanctity of my bed for two months behind a numb haze of habitual cannabis use, suicide attempts, and self harm whilst trying to come to terms with my rape. People who know about my situation tell me I must be a strong person, but to me, I’m just a woman trying to come to terms with the fact that, one night, I was not strong enough.

All because I was bladdered in Firebug one night and got speaking to the wrong people.

I am no stranger to the liquid seductress we call alcohol. It is no secret that students and drinking go hand-in-hand, and yet our negative attitudes towards female drinking remain shockingly sturdy. In my own experience, when the Police released a photo of the men involved in my assault on their Facebook page in an attempt to identify and locate them, it would occasionally pop up to greet me on

my own newsfeed, undoubtedly shared by a well-intentioned acquaintance of mine... to the tune of hundreds of commentators labelling me as a deserving slut.

Though, I wonder if these detractors would have compromised their songs if the incident had illustrated a male who, when drunk, had been beaten senseless by a group of men. Would he have deserved it? Would he, as the result of a poorly-timed stint of binge drinking, be directly responsible for his own attack? I’m no oracle, but I dare to think the answer would be a “no”.

It’s somewhat heartbreaking when you’re watching people ignorantly deliberate on what you must have been wearing to be designated as an object worthy of sexual assault (I forgot when changing that evening that an oversized Morrissey tee and baggy shorts is what really sets the loins ablaze). However, it’s even more disconcerting when you realise that people in our university, in our city, genuinely consider a woman’s inebriation and skimpy clothes to be rigid lines in the tally of whether or not she was asking for it. In a world of hypotheticals, a woman should be able to walk down the street stark naked and not have to fear for her safety, and why?

Because it is the act of sexual assault that is the problem in our culture, and not the faults of the impressionable young females who have to haphazardly juggle both the climate of ritualised alcoholism that implores them to “down it, fresher” as well as the

inherent sexualisation of their bodies by a mainstream androcentric media. The perception that a woman has more need to be in fear for her own safety is one that perpetuates our society and this is despite the proportion of perpetrators and victims of alcohol-fuelled crimes being overwhelmingly male.

Who, therefore, has the drinking problem?

If the best way to prevent crime is to hand out “don’t get drunk” in the same way that clinics provide free condoms to prevent unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections, why not give it to people it is more likely to affect? Why not give it to the people who are most likely to commit crimes based on alcohol intake? Why not give it to men – or even better, in the name of equality, why not give it to all genders?

Alas, I forgot again; it is the woman’s place to be the virtuous maintainers of sexual conduct in our society, and the people who actually commit crimes are dismissed as anomalous eventualities. What’s more morally reprehensible: being drunk, or forcing yourself on someone?

The answer is obvious, though the solution remains at large until we confront the appropriation of blame attributed to student drinking that is based almost entirely on a person’s gender.

And this is not a feminist lampoon of men, although I have

no doubt it will be branded as such. I feel nothing even akin to shame when I identify as a feminist, especially when I try to communicate the importance of equality in my argument. I have male friends who have been drugged and sexually abused whilst drinking, and I’ve seen unsuspecting men battered to the point of blood loss in bar fights. This is a feminist issue in that the implications of pressing “drink less” upon women also negatively affects men. It implies that male victims of aggressive crime under these circumstances are less important; a viewpoint I find hardly convincing whilst watching a man get his face hit with a wine cooler while his aggressor, also drunk, moulds him in to a headlock and screams of his intent to kill him. All to a chorus of cheering table-smacking, burger-chewing onlookers who care less about the gravity of the assault unfolding before them and more about how they’ve managed to come in to some free entertainment along with their 3am Big Macs. However, I cannot deny; I am irrevocably tired of having to maintain a state of constant vigilance based on the fact that I was born with a vagina, when arming victims against what might happen is an exercise in futility when actually attempting to combat the problem of alcohol-fuelled crime.

Dear fellow anonymous woman: please consider this piece of writing as an empathetic hand stretched out to you, because I don’t think many people un-

derstand you in the same way that I do. You are ill-equipped at our University to combat the problems you will have to face, and that is the gospel truth. The counselling service is stretched thin and the ever-lengthening list of students in need of therapy means that it will be almost impossible for you to get an appointment. The support page of the Students Union contains no information for victims of sexual assault, and will instead implore you to drink less which, again, leads you to believe that your actions had a part in what happened to you. And throughout the self-deprecation, the victimisation you inflict upon yourself due to the incessant drumming of “don’t drink, don’t drink”, you will continue to be surrounded by ritualised pre-drinking, 4 for £7 J-Bombs at the O2 Academy, dirty pints, rings of fire – knowing that you will have to maintain more control than your male counterparts because of a genital physicality that you did not choose.

You have the right to drink, to get drunk, and to enjoy your time in university without fear of sexual consequence. To say that women should drink less than men for their own safety is an act of anticipatory victimisation, and it is something that should be re-evaluated should women ever hope to reach the lofty heights of gender equality within the sphere of student living.

LGBTQA Conundrum

by Joe Hendon For many new students University is a place where they can express and experiment with their sexuality without fear of reprisals or resentment from family and friends at home, but is the LGBTQA appropriate or all those who identify as such?

As someone who identifies as bisexual I have personally had mixed experiences dealing with the LGBTQA but that probably has more to do with a fiery-nothern-temperament than anything else.

When asked whether the association represented his interests

an ex-member said, “No, it promotes a culture of victim-hood and I don’t feel like a victim”.

Another current member, when asked the same question, said, “The society is useful for promoting and helping those who already fit into the two main negative stereotypes of either butch lesbian or effeminate gay man.”

Alistair Robinson was also asked why he created GRSBAT , as many LGBTQA members find this society to be offensive.

He was also asked for his opinion on the LGBTQA. “I was bullied for my hair colour from an early age by people who had a similar mindset to those on the LGBTQA Facebook page

that particular day. I don’t think discrimination of any kind is acceptable and GRSBAT was initially formed as a safe space for people who have had a bad time with the LGBTQA. They don’t seem to see any other forms of prejudice unless you’re an ethnic minority, LGBTQA or female.” He went on to then praise the new committee.

For some perspective Emily Harvey, one of the current co-chairs, was asked for her opinion as an individual about the association. “In my opinion, there are many positives to joining the LGBTQA. Most importantly, the Association is foremost a welfare society. It is

there to offer advice and direct members to the most suitable services and organisations, within and external to the university, that can help them; for many, the Association is often the member’s first point of contact, and I believe this is a crucially important and positive aspect to the Association. It is also, as I have mentioned, an excellent place to meet people at university who have similar experiences and stories to yourself. These friends can also be very useful with regards to supporting those needing guidance regarding their sexuality or gender. Finally, another good point of the Association is that it can act as a strong, more unified

force for campaigning and raising awareness on LGBT* issues.”

It’s estimated that one third to a half of LGBT Leicester students aren’t actually members of the association, which could be construed as a positive sign that our campus is relatively prejudice free-in order for so many not to feel the need for representation.

Hopefully, each subsequent year will see the decline in need for such support services as society becomes more tolerant and respectful towards LGBT people.

However, for those who are confused about their sexuality the LGBTQA offer support, guidance and a safe place to meet others in a similar situation.

Societies?

Sports Groups?

Events?

Buy this space from £3 Email ripple@le.ac.uk

FEATURES

4

Edited by Karina Maduro

The Advantages of Taking a Year Out With many students opting to take a year out, Amy Reeves looks into the many options available.

Graduate Schemes: Application Process Kirsty Bates provides an insight into the graduate scheme application process.

by Amy Reeves

by Kirsty Bates

Taking a year out of a degree can be extremely advantageous in many different ways. Most departments highly encourage experiencing a place other than Leicester to enhance your degree, and many offer bursaries or grants to assist you on your voyage.

As a final year student, the Christmas break was not just filled with food, presents and merriment but also the looming deadline of graduate scheme applications. Here are a few things I noticed whilst in the process, and a bit more information on what the application process is like:

A Year in Industry A year in industry, while not available for all courses, is possibly the most practical of the options for a year out.

Students are able to gain actual experience in the field they wish to pursue and really see the opportunities that are available to them as postgraduates. By gaining experience, they can decipher if that path is most suited to them and form connections with companies by proving themselves to be hard workers.

The application process, much like a graduate job, forces students to present themselves at their best. The challenging series of applications, interviews and tests mirror the processes that students will have to face after graduating.

Second year mechanical engineering student, Oliver Hetherington, commented that ‘career prospects are much more likely if graduates have practical experience and references from respected sources’ and, while not necessarily ending with a job, the opportunity provides independence and a chance to peek into a possible future. The application process, while daunting to many, really allows students to display their

innovation and motivation in a real-world environment. Second year aerospace engineering student, Goergeous Gobreal, stated ‘even though most of my friends will graduate a year before me, I feel that in the long run, I’ve got a better chance of getting a job’.

Study Abroad Another option is The Study Abroad program, designed for students who want to experience something outside of Europe but still want to contribute to their degree and retain the stability of a university environment. Leicester has over 50 exchange agreements with various countries all over the world, including Australia, America, Japan and Colombia.

Furthermore, if money is holding you back, a year in a different country may in fact save you money in the long run, as Home and EU students have their tuition fees cut to just £1, 250 for that year and many of the participating universities offer scholarships to outgoing students. For students who

Feminism at Leicester

An investigation into how feminism has affected changes at the University of Leicester.

by Lauren Swain ‘Feminism’ has become something of a controversial word recently. With the antics of Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus and many other celebrities being widely publicised by the media, feminist groups across the country have been campaigning against what they perceive to be attacks on women.

Robin Thicke’s now infamous song, ‘Blurred Lines’, has been banned in many Students’ Unions across the country, mainly due to feminist groups objecting to its questionable lyrics.

But do we still need feminism in 2014?

The University of Leicester Students’ Union obviously thinks so, with the appointment this year of a Women’s Officer.

Rachel Holland, who currently holds the post, spoke to The Ripple and said, ‘at a university level, feminism is needed more than ever; despite women making up the majority of the higher education population, they still are not accurately represented in many fields of academia, graduate study or study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, leading to underrepresentation of women in these career paths’.

want to broaden their horizons and career prospects, but don’t want to learn a new language, the Study Abroad program is perfect.

Erasmus For those students who want to fully immerse themselves in a completely different culture by learning a new language and meeting a wide range of people, the Erasmus opportunity provides a chance to develop personally, academically and socially. Encouraging students to live in houses with speakers of the native tongue, Erasmus provide incredible experiences with the flexibility of a choice of a full year, or just a semester.

While it is a requirement to learn at least the basics of the language as a common courtesy, Erasmus supplements 50% of these costs and, like Study Abroad, cuts tuition fees for the full year to just £1, 250.

this is the opportunity of a lifetime and many graduates say that their year in Europe was the best of their lives as it gave them a different world perspective and an insight to everyday cultures that are generally unseen by tourists. Furthermore, the career opportunities are far more extensive to students that have experienced something other than the run-of-the-mill university degree.

Whatever your choice – a year in industry, studying abroad, or Erasmus – it’s well worth considering the opportunities available to you outside of your immediate degree.

However, in contrast to Study Abroad, the time Erasmus students spend in the Universities of Europe contributes to their degrees. Although a challenge,

She then went on to state that ‘at Leicester for example, while 80% of psychology undergraduates are women, 0% of professors in the school are.

Alongside this, 67% of women have experienced sexual harassment at university - this is not ok by any means and feminism is here to ensure that victims feel comfortable coming forward, that the perpetrators are punished appropriately and that student culture changes in order to reduce this figure.

Feminism isn’t just needed in universities, it should be required’.

In addition, the ‘spotted’ pages are still seen as being negatively targeted towards women.

Rachel has successfully campaigned for safe spaces in the

Online Application: Each company and graduate scheme has a different process and combination of tasks to complete to progress on to the next stage. Even the initial stage, the online application form, can take many different forms. Some companies will ask you to answer competency questions in the application, using the dreaded ‘please explain a time when…’. However, I have also come across forms which only required me to upload my CV. Tests: If successful in your online application, the test section follows. This process can involve a number of different tests. So far I have been tested on my numeracy, verbal and logic skills in a variety of different forms and also the test I dislike most, situational judgment. These tests cannot really be revised for, although you can practise tests online and increase familiarity. They are very important so make sure you are not going to be disturbed before you start the timer and do the questions.

both feel strange to start with as you don’t see the response from the interviewers. But as the interview will mainly include competency questions and asking you about why you want to join them, your answers can be prepared in advance, which allows you to relax more.

Assessment Centres: Assessment centres are usually the final step in the process and the part most people dread because they can vary dramatically from company to company, and also it is the final stage where you can go home with nothing. But remember this is also their final impression of you. So make it a good one. They are mainly looking for your teamwork skills and contribution, so show them off. You can’t be marked if the assessors don’t see you demonstrating the skills.

Don’t try and be who you think they want you to be, or be upset if you don’t get offers from every company. However, by researching and speaking to current employees you will get a much better idea of whether the company you are applying to is the right fit for you and you will have a much better chance of making it through the various stages.

Interview: The interview can also take different forms. The telephone interview and the video interview library during revision time.

But do we really need ‘safe spaces’ in the university and Students’ Union?

women in higher education establishments, making university a much more pleasant place for women to be.

are adequate enough to win elections on their own merits, instead requiring the help of a higher authority to succeed.

This is 2014, not the Middle Ages, and whilst there are still people with sexist views in the university, they are arguably now in the minority. Surely by advocating the need for safe spaces we are simply proclaiming to the world that women still need protecting from what is out there.

The Union has also recently introduced a policy of ‘seats for women’, where half of the seats in each union council zone are guaranteed for women. This means that, if say, 9 women and 30 men all run for the same 20 seats, all female candidates will be automatically elected, regardless of the actual number of votes cast for them. This policy aims to work towards fairer representation, with over half of all the University of Leicester’s student population being female. There are some who say this policy is doing more harm than good, as it could be construed that the Union doesn’t think women

Women are not damsels in distress who need saving anymore. Whilst the media may show women in demeaning ways, most notably through ‘page 3 girls’ and fashion police columns, there are now so many more strong women being widely featured in today’s society. In the last academic year, three out of the five union executive officers were women, outnumbering the male officers.

However, whilst the presence of women is increasing, some form of feminism will always be necessary. More can always be done to reach equality.

The University of Leicester Feminist society aims to work towards the goal of women gaining equal rights and opportunities as men. There are so many casual slurs against women, and feminist groups are working towards eradicating negative actions towards

WHAT’S ON

5

Edited by Nikki Skinner

Pick of the Week: 5th-16th February

by Mona O’Brien For some February is the month of candlelight dinners, love hearts and overpriced cards. Certainly, there’s plenty going on this month for all of you lovebirds. However, in Leicester February is not so much about lovebirds as laughter.

This is the month of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival and there is a massive range of acts and even free events. According to the Guardian this is now one of the top five comedy festivals in the world. The festival has hosted some big names over the years including Dara O’Briain, Jo Brand, Bill Bailey and Jimmy Carr, so if you love comedy this is a great place to see the up-and-coming talent. It’s guaranteed to have you smiling and chuckling to yourself all month!

a three course dinner hosted by the catastrophe prone Basil and Sybil Fawlty alongside Manuel, of course. An evening of eating and laughing – what could be better?

To combine comedy and laughter, why not plan a “disaster” of a dinner date at Fawlty Towers? Fawlty Towers: The Dinner Show is running at the Curve until the 8th of February. Come along for

Do you think that history is dull, tedious and just plain boring? Get yourself down to the Jewry Wall Museum to see A History of the Roman Empire With Jokes and let comedian Ed O’Meara (who also has

Or do you fancy a trip to the circus? Cirque Beserk will be at the Curve from the 6th to the 8th on their first nationwide tour. It’s the circus – but not like you’ve seen it before!

Cirque Beserk promises you an alternative and exciting show, with a diverse range of talents.

The 6th also sees the kick-off of Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival, and there’s a launch party at Just the Tonic! The punch-line?

It’s free! Just go on the festival’s website to get your tickets for what promises to be a good night.

a degree in history!) change your mind.

Or if you’re a fan of Charles Dickens his great great grandson, Gerald Dickens, will be performing Great Expectations at the Guildhall.

On the 8th why not feel good and do some good all at once? The Big Difference Company is hosting a night of comedy song in association with BBC Radio Leicester. The proceeds from the evening will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, the Big Difference Company and Leicester Cathedral.

Or why not get on your bike? Ride Leicester is holding a Red Light Comedy Ride, a guided tour around the comedy venues and cultural “attractions” of Leicester City Centre with some of the festival’s comedians. There will be three rides, each lasts an hour and you’ll be back in time for the Red Light Comedy Club at 7:30pm at the Bike Park.

Do you procrastinate by watching funny cat videos? Then John Cooper’s ‘Pictures of Cats’ show on 9th February at the Exchange Bar may be the comedy evening for you! Other topics will include money, cider, surgery, Doctor Who and the quest for happiness.

Do you love Jane Austen but wish she’d managed to write a few more books? Finally there is a solution: Austentatious: An Improved Jane Austen Novel at The Little Theatre on the 10th. This show has taken Edinburgh and London by storm. You are invited to see the lost works of Jane Austen (Pride and Predator is just one!), swooning is guaranteed.

The start of the New Year is, traditionally, the season of diet and fitness promotion, which gets many of us feeling a bit blue about ourselves. Feel about your body (How do you?) who were a huge success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival are coming to the Curve tonight, 12th

February. They are bound to have you in stitches and feeling a lot better about life at the end of the night!

The 14th of February is, of course, Valentine’s Day, beloved by couples and card companies across the world. Keep an eye out for good deals in many of Leicester’s best restaurants if you’d like to bring that someone special out (advanced booking is strongly advised!).

There are also several comedy events going on as part of the Dave Festival if you’d rather laugh the night away.

For some alternative fun you could try the Comedy Blind Date at The Little Theatre, which promises ‘‘madness, comedy, stupidity and possible nakedness’.

Three comedians will be quizzed by a member of the public who will then get to go on a date with one of them.

For Valentine’s treat with a twist try Only Lovers Left Alive at the Phoneix Cinema, starring Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, as

lovers… and vampires who are growing tired of the modern world but who are thrown into chaos by an unwanted arrival. And why not enjoy a meal to share whilst you’re there as part of the cinema’s Valentine’s special!

From the 14th to the 16th Lynn Ruth Miller will be performing her hysterical show Granny’s Gone Wild! This 80 year old performer proves that age means nothing. She has won the TO&ST (Time Out & Soho Theatre) Cabaret Award 2013, as well as being an author, artist, broadcaster, comedienne and burlesque performer. And she only started her stage career at 71. Inspiration for all ages this show promises laughter, inspiration and even a few tears.

So whether you’re in the mood for some romantic smoozing or laughing like a lunatic there’s lots on in Leicester to get you smiling this month, enjoy!

Write, edit, and do business for...

The Ripple is looking for talented writers, editors, and business volunteers for the second semester.

Roles currently vacant include: News Editor Lifestyle Editor What’s On Editor Chief Executive for Advertising and Sales Writers, Journalists and Columnists If you think you have what it takes, or would like to find out more, email ripple@le.ac.uk with your preferred role as the subject.

CULTURE

6

Edited by Patrick Reckitt

‘Vital’ - Bombay Bicycle Club’s latest offering

TV En Français by We Are Scientists

by Mattie Allen

by Peter Gilbert

Following the longest break in their career so far (a heady three years, the slackers), they’ve returned with a polished gem of an album, so widely genre-spanning that it simply cannot be pigeonholed.

What is so mightily astonishing about So Long, See You Tomorrow is the sheer breadth of different genres that are delivered to you within. Be it the Bhangra-influenced ‘Overdone’, which sees the band more than living up to their subcontinental name, the jaunty, staccato electronic drumming in ‘Carry Me’, or the early-2000s, hip-hop-harking beat behind ‘Home By Now’, Bombay Bicycle Club are more than proving that they have the ability to be one of the most exciting and experimental bands around.

Even with all this genre-bending, there are still classic Bombay Bicycle Club hallmarks littered throughout the album, such as the drum beats nestling behind the panpipes and skittering synthesiser in ‘Luna’. This is vintage Bombay Bicycle Club on top form, with the creative

juices flowing, sluicing through every single song and meandering through the canals and rivulets of your nervous system.

This album is vital; it’s a clear stepping stone to better things.

Much like The Bends spawned OK Computer, and Total Life Forever spawned Holy Fire, So Long, See You Tomorrow feels like the change of tone necessary to inject life back into a band whose third album didn’t stray far enough from their first.

Despite the departure from their original sound and stylings, Bombay Bicycle Club are still very much themselves.

Sure, ‘Luna’ is clearly electronic in its sound, but it is still firmly them. It wouldn’t sound out of place on their first album and yet at the same time it has its own strong identity that separates it from their early music. An album such as this needs to balance evolution with the revolution; they feel safe and daring all at the same time. They’re both alarmingly comforting and comfortably alarming.

Cynics may find themselves saying that Bombay Bicycle Club have jumped on popular bandwagons, or are hedging their bets by trying to include something for everyone. This is simply not the case; far from hedging their bets, they are in fact revolutionising their own sound, and as for bandwagoning, it’s tough to agree when the quality of music is this high.

Bombay Bicycle Club are proving that here is never a wrong instrument, merely a wrong artist, and they’re certainly the right people, with the right music at, currently, one of the most transformative times.

So Long, See You Tomorrow is out now

‘Gleefully Manic’ - American Hustle

Considering the rather bizarre title of the fourth album by California based indie-rockers We Are Scientists, TV En Français, I have decided to continue the remainder of this review in the language of our near neighbours across The Channel. Estu prêt? Bon, Je commence… …only joking! Bet I had you all with that wonderfully original prank. Anyway, the review; 18 years down the line We Are Scientists are still going strong.

Ever since they exploded onto the U.K. scene in 2005 with With Love & Squalor, the now two-piece band has continued to build a solid reputation on our shores. After releasing the Business Casual E.P. last year, We Are Scientists are back again with some of their finest songs to date.

Something I look for in an album is an opening track which will grab my attention from the off and suck me into the rest of the songs. With opening track ‘What You Do Best’, We Are Scientists have certainly ticked the right boxes. It’s a perfectly acceptable indie tune, setting

TV En Français off to a good start. Following on from the opening track we have arguably the song of the album, ‘Dumb Luck’. I love the opening guitar riff; it feels like it has been taken straight out of some 80s hair metal band. The video to this track, released in early January, is also well worth a watch (a quick disclaimer, I must warn that it’s pretty gross). After the pace and urgency of ‘Dumb Luck’, the album moves on to ‘Make it Easy’. The harmonies between lead vocalist Keith Murray and Chris Cain are solid throughout the album, but it’s on this track I feel they’re at their strongest. The chorus is beautifully mellow and sweet, plus the shift from the gentle notes of the beginning to the fuller sound in the middle of the track is seamless.

‘Overreacting’ is another favourite. I get a sense of rock legends The Cure during this song, and that is definitely not a bad thing. Moreover, Chris Cain’s backing line of ‘one too many, over reactions’ during

of energy during the frenetic ‘Slow Down’ (I know, bit of an oxymoron right?), before honing in on what could easily be a stadium filling anthem in ‘Don’t Blow It’. If I had any criticism it would be that this track, rather than ‘Take an Arrow’, should have finished the album. It just feels like it would have been a stronger send off to what is a very good album.

TV En Français is out on March 3 2014 on Dine Alone Records We Are Scientists are on tour in the UK this March.

the chorus is a pleasure to the ear. To finish, We Are Scientists build up a sudden burst

No Bed-Pan Jokes Here The Ripple talks to Derek star Kerry Goldiman about her new show

by Patrick Reckitt It’s hard to know what to think of American Hustle. This is partly because it never travels at anything less than a hundred miles an hour, with characters introduced and discarded, and a bewildering array of plot points teased at every turn.

More than anything, though, it’s hard to know what to think of a film that’s hustling you as much as the characters are hustling each other. There are as many red herrings as there are bad perms, and even the genre of the film is changeable; David O Russell veers between the tone of a comic crime caper to that of a gravel-toned gangster film and back again from scene to scene, like the hyperactive lovechild of Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas and David S. Ward’s The Sting.

In a different film all this slipperiness might be irritating.

Here, though, the sheer prepos

terousness of the characters, and the frenzied energy of the performances gives American Hustle a gleefully manic tone that justifies its breakneck speed. Christian Bale gives a solid central performance as the self-pitying, and increasingly desperate Irv, an ageing grifter blackmailed into a morally dubious sting by the manically ambitious FBI agent Richie DeMaso, played with a kind of boundless nervous energy by Bradley Cooper.

The result is a rivalry characterised by barely concealed contempt, with the two characters half a step away from fisticuffs at any given moment.

This might be a highlight in most other films, but here it’s overshadowed by an electrifying turn from Amy Adams as Sydney Prosser, the razor sharp and borderline sociopathic third member of the con, not to mention Irv’s mistress.

This quartet is wonderfully completed by Jennifer Lawrence’s scene-stealing performance as Irv’s vengefully destructive wife Rosalyn.

Beyond this whirlwind of central performance there are memorable comic set-pieces from the likes of Louis CK, as Richie’s careworn and belittled boss, and Jeremy Renner, whose performance as the absurdly good natured mayor Carmine Polito produces one of the funniest moments of the film.

So, American Hustle is a glorious experience, and a film well worth being conned by.

American Hustle is showing now at the Odeon Leicester and Showcase Leicester

by Theo Beecroft

How did you get into comedy?

Following her stand up gig at Leicester’s ‘Firebug’, the Ripple catches up with Kerry Godliman

Initially, I trained as an actor but I‘d always wanted to do stand up. I grew up watching comedians like Bill Hicks and George Carlin so I’d been exposed to comedy all my life. I took a stand-up course in London and started sort of half doing gigs at little comedy clubs but I didn’t expect to do too well. Eventually, a friend of mine introduced me to the comedy circuit and I thought “screw it”, I may as well give it a go.

What do you think of the comedy scene in Leicester?

Do you get nervous doing stand-up?

When I was new to stand up, I played a few gigs here.

Everybody was so welcoming; it gave me a lovely atmosphere to perform in. I recently played in Firebug in town and that seemed to go really well (I hope anyway).

Initially I was terrified, at least for the first few years, but I don’t get like that anymore because I’ve been doing it for so long. I still get a little anxious if I’m trying something new or it’s a big venue but generally, I just really enjoy performing and making people laugh. People half expect me to be Hannah from Derek. She’s a lovely character but when people come to see me do stand up, I’m me.

If people come expecting bed pan jokes, they may be a little disappointed.

What’s the theme of this year’s tour?

Well, there’s a loose theme based on the way that people communicate with each other, be it in person, on the internet, or on a mobile, you know? I’m just looking at all of the ways that you can enter friendships and relationships now.

You’ve been on TV quite a bit, have you got anything coming up for this year?

Well, we’ve just finished filming the second series of ‘Derek’ and that should be coming out this coming spring. Other than that, I’m doing this tour at the moment and also my second season of Kerry’s List on BBC Radio 4.

How is working on the radio in comparison to stand up and acting?

It’s lovely actually; I think because it’s a mish-mash of stand up, sitcom and comedy sketches it gives me a lot of creative freedom. This up-coming series has really given me a chance to try new things and it’s been a lot of fun working in that environment.

You were in ‘Our Girl’ last year in a more serious role; how did you find acting in a drama, as opposed to comedy?

I wouldn’t say that I have much of a preference but at the moment I’m quite into my comedy.

I’m happy to do drama but I like having stand-up to fall back on. I’m focussing on my comedy performances at the moment; I just hope that people enjoy my gigs.

Kerry Godliman will be playing at the crumbling cookie on the 9th of April.

The Return of The Boxer Rebellion

7

The Ripple talks to guitarist Todd Howe about history, drama and the power of hate mail

by George Miller The Boxer Rebellion was a Chinese anti-Christian movement in the late 19th century.

How did the band end up with that name?

It was more anti-imperialism… but yeah, it was an uprising against the Christian church.

They were trying to convert Chinese people to Christianity, but [the rebellion] was basically the start of communism. Anti-exploitation vibes, that’s my take on it. But we literally got it out of a historical encyclopaedia.

So there was no intention to send out a political message with the name.

No, definitely not; like any band, we wanted a name that sounded cool. If anyone else’s looking for a band name, get a historical encyclopaedia.

There’s nothing in ‘A’, but we got halfway through ‘B’, and there was The Boxer Rebellion.

You’ve been compared to Muse, The National and Biffy Clyro, the latter of which you supported on tour in 2004.

Who would you say are your main influences?

Initially, on a lot of the first album, Black Rebel [Motorcycle Club] – they shaped a bit of our sound. We’ll always be fans of Radiohead… but we have a lot

of separate influences. I was always a fan of early U2 stuff so that’s shaped my guitar sound.

Anyone who vaguely follows Nathan Nicholson’s illness in 2004 must have had a serious impact. After his recovery, was it easy to get back into being a band again?

It was all around the time where stuff was really starting to happen, and he got sick so we lost a lot of our momentum – that plus the Poptones thing, where our label imploded and everyone got dropped. It left us dead in the water; from then until when Union came out in 2009, we call them the wilderness years. All we were doing was writing songs and staying underground until we had something that was going to do the business for us.

And then two weeks after your first album release, your label imploded. Did you panic? Or were you confident you could self-fund the future?

We had absolutely nothing going for us. We all went back and got jobs…but we found some funding from our agent in Japan and that helped us record the album. We couldn’t even afford to press Union on CD for it to come out the same time as the digital release. That was literally how skint we were.

Notably, your second record, Union, could not enter the charts because you couldn’t afford to fund a physical release.

Did this matter to you?

Personally, I didn’t really give a shit [about the lack of physical release]. I consider us so far removed from anything that’s going on, particularly in this country. We kind of do our own thing. The thing that annoyed me was that we knew we’d sold enough records to get into the Top 40, ‘cause we’d hit 82 or something on the Billboard Chart in America.

Then when it didn’t show up on the charts, we questioned it.

Then we found out digital-only sales don’t get included. What we actually did was rally the fans and I think they ended up sending a lot of hate mail to the Official Charts Company. I think we played a little part in having that changed, because we managed to get quite a bit of press.

Promises is your fourth album and, fingers crossed, the drama has subsided. What are your ambitions for the band now?

We’re just working out what we’re doing on the next record.

Of course, we’ve still got a lot of work to do on [Promises]; we’ve got lots of European festivals and so forth. In and around that, we’re going to be writing a new record. It won’t

be the same as Promises, like Promises isn’t the same as The Cold Still, which is not the same as Union.

Promises takes a more laidback approach compared to your earlier work. Do you feel that has been well-received?

Live, that more upbeat dancey element on songs like ‘Diamonds’ and ‘Fragile’, yeah, definitely. We’re definitely going to move more in that direction.

But personally, I’m a fan of bigger guitars.

The Promises tour is your first UK tour for 2 years, despite you being based in London. Is it fair to say you’re more popular in the US than the UK? Why would you say that is?

Yeah, basically everywhere really. It’s a side effect of how the British music industry is – the way radio works, we just don’t get radio, and that’s why we feel staunchly independent. It’s very scene-driven, and very fickle and fleeting, that’s why we kind of run parallel with everything.

Do you get excited to tour the UK, then, with it being your home, or is it a little smallscale?

I’m just looking forward to getting out and touring again.

Some of these places, we haven’t played in a long time. We sell more records everywhere

Image by Vincent Dolman

else, but that doesn’t mean we’re neglecting our fans. It’s actually kind of the opposite, where we’re actually itching to get out and play to our fans again.

The last time you played Leicester was nearly a decade ago. Any memories from that gig?

We were supported by a band called Riff Random from Australia. They asked to borrow our gear and then they trashed it, so we kicked them off the rest of the tour for being a disrespectful bunch of bastards.

It seems like a lifetime ago to be honest but I guess, with the lifespan of this band, it is a lifetime ago.

Apart from that Leicester gig, what is your career highlight?

Probably our last London show.

I mean, we’re a UK band, and I’ve lived here over a third of my life now, so to come back to

A Chat with John Robins The Ripple talks to the Bristolian comedian about touring, Edinburgh and his new show

by Patrick Reckitt After a critically acclaimed run at Edinbrugh with ‘Where is My Mind’, festival veteran John Robins will be performing in Leicester for the Dave Comedy Festival. The Ripple caught up to find out more.

How would you describe your upcoming show?

It’s about finding way out of embarrassed life through my local indie nights and about an experience of Reading festival, and about how I deal with Image by Idil Sukan

relating to my teenage self now that I’m a 30 year old.

‘Where is My Mind’ is your fifth show at Edinburgh – how have you found the Edinburgh experience over a long period of time?

It was fantastic seeing the reviews and responses and ticket sales that the show got, yeah, but it’s a long process gaining an audience in Edinburgh the old fashioned way, just by going up year on year, whereas everyone has different paths - some people go up one year and get a TV show and the next thing you know they’re

doing arena tours, but the way that it used to work when I was starting was that you would go every year and build sort of an audience that way.

I believe this is your second tour– how have you been finding touring?

It’s been good going to places that you wouldn’t necessarily go to that often, so, this tour goes to a lot of the places that I didn’t get to last time, but also it’s nice to come back to Leicester, where it’s the only place I’ve done every Edinburgh show, so the difficulty is giving that show a shine and every year I’ve done a preview of next year’s show there. So, I’ve got a lot of affection for the Leicester festival. It’s a great atmosphere every year.

Has this touring changed the way in which you’ve approached writing your shows at all?

This stuff I’m doing on tour with by the beginning of spring, it’s sort of - it’s weird because I’m doing a show that’s nearly a year old, as well as working

in new material for the coming Edinburgh, so I prefer to say half the show will be new stuff and half the show will be the hour show for Edinburgh. So, it gives you a way of packing up new material, which is quite nice.

Speaking of writing, how do you approach writing new material?

I’m one of those people who just has to do it on stage; I can’t really just sit down in front of a piece of paper, I need to have that sort of live atmosphere for it. So I will work in new material at some of the live gigs or at the work in progress shows like the one in Leicester.

For anyone who hasn’t seen you before, how would you describe your comedy?

It’s storytelling, it’s very self-deprecating, it’s not mean at all. It’s sort of confessional, taking stuff from our own experiences. I think this year, this show is being marketed as stand-up for anyone who wants to live in the moment, only to realise that moment happened

over a decade ago.

What would you say your major influences were?

I’ve lived with other comics – I’ve lived with Jon Richardson and Russell Howard and Mark Olver, they were all compères as well as comics, so they do lots of improvisation and audience chat, and they’ve always done that, so they’ve been a big influence on me, as well as heroes of mine like Phill Kay and Daniel Kitson, none of whom are the kind of... they’ve got sort of warm stuff,which is great, even though they’re different styles.

Thanks for your time.

John Robins will be performing ‘Where Is My Mind’ at Firebug on the 13th of February, and his work in progress show at the Belmont Hotel on the 12th ofW February

London last October and just to have a crowd that amazing was pretty special. And then things like the first time we ever played in the States, we played the Troubadour [in Los Angeles] and it was sold out. That was so shortly after the release of Union. After 3 years of doing absolutely nothing, barely scraping by, it was a really good feeling. When we finished the first song, the crowd’s roar was amazing. That’s a highlight.

Thanks Todd.

The Boxer Rebellion play the O2 Academy Birmingham on Friday 7th February. Their latest album, Promises, is out now on Absentee Recordings.

Featured Poem The Murder, The Three I saw three crows Cawing, gnawing, mocking And talking at me Each perched atop branches Of the old oak tree It’s limbs hung gauntly So sprawled and writhing Like a towering cadaver Between the sun and me Its faint, hopeful rays Fleeting yet so serene It took all I could muster To manage a glimpse at the sky And turn from the obsession Poised within my eyes To somehow eclipse the murder— the three And return to normalcy, Where a crow is a crow And a tree, a tree.

By Zachary Painter

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LIFESTYLE

8

Edited by Katie Masters

If Real Women Have Curves...

by Jasmine Dellimore Self-image is something we all care about, no matter how confident and self-assured we claim to be. Regardless of age or gender, body image plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives.

We are constantly bombarded with images of the “desirable” body and made to feel inadequate if we are in any way different. In the past, the desirable frame was thin and slender and many women resorted to starving themselves to get this idealised look. But now, the curvy, voluptuous figure is the sought after physique, and those by nature lacking in this department seek surgical enhancements to acquire this body type. The current popularity in curvier female frames has led to the popularisation of the statement; “real women have curves”, but I ask; if real women have curves, are skinny women not really women?

The veneration of skinny women has its roots in the fashion industry. In the past three decades, the epitome of female beauty – according to the fash-

ion world – has been a skeletal, statuesque physique and the media has taken up the baton in perpetuating this ideal. Although this may benefit the naturally thin women among us, for the majority of women who do not have slender frames, it is exceptionally damaging to their confidence and self esteem. As we all know, a number of magazines use Photoshop to alter photos of women who do not have the desired body type. This is not only another profound attack on the female body but it is probably the most damaging because of the extensive scope of their audiences.

As a result of the demands and pressures created by the media, the number of young impressionable people, both male and female, suffering from eating disorders has risen dramatically.

Girls as young as seven already have disturbingly warped ideas of what the female body should look like and what constitutes as true beauty. Consequently, the media and fashion industry have experienced a strong backlash against their presentation of the female body. Women are now being told to ignore

the pressures forced on them and are encouraged to embrace their curvaceous figures. A greater emphasis is now being placed on presenting full figured women in a positive light; numerous fashion retailers have introduced “plus-size” ranges and plus-sized models are now being utilized on a larger scale.

Of course it would be naïve of me to say that these actions have eliminated the problem; obviously the issue still exists but steps are being made toward accommodating a wider range of body types.

Nevertheless, this backlash has also seen the attack of naturally thin women – countless women have to endure their bodies being branded “boyish” and “ugly”. Some are even accused of starving themselves and having eating disorders as a way of maintaining their slight frames.

I admittedly have a body that could be labelled “boyish” and I have, on occasion, described my body as “unfeminine” while jealously desiring the bodies of my fuller figured friends. Therefore, the glorification of curvaceous women and simultaneous deprecation of skinny women

has led me to question society’s outlook; are we, after all, just a group of people who will never be happy, regardless of how we look?

In the attempt to appease those who have been wronged in the past, a new victim has been made. Skinny women – who, if the statement is correct, aren’t even real women – are now being made to feel inferior because of their thin, curve-less bodies. It perhaps is justifiable to say that these attacks are worse than those aimed at full-figured women – at least they were not denied their femininity.

After years of glorification and ridicule, surely the only way to get justice for the countless women who have suffered under society’s image-obsessed eye is to celebrate all body types? We should endeavour to encourage women to be happy and comfortable with the bodies they have, instead of desperately attempting to conform to what society deems acceptable.

Or, maybe, we should simply strive toward forming a society in which a woman is not judged by the shape of her body at all?

New Year, New Me...

by Laura Sampson

fluffy jumpers which look so cosy, making them extremely practical purchases and worth the extra pennies.

Are you planning on sticking to the whole “New Year, New Me” promise? Prove the haters of this saying wrong by adding new colours and styles to your wardrobe this spring at budget prices! There are some great deals to be had both on the high

Missguided.co.uk, £19.99

Boohoo.com, £12

street and online at the moment so beat those post-Christmas blues with a little pick me up.

Miss Selfridge for example have given students a late Christmas present, with an extra 20% off on all items (January’s not all doom and gloom). H&M, Boohoo.com, Missguided, and Primark also have some gorgeous pieces at low prices . So, you will be able to treat yourself this January after all.

Monochrome and pastel colours dominated the spring/ summer catwalk, but you don’t have to pay designer prices to achieve this look. These great high waisted monochrome shorts by Boohoo.com are a great day-to-night trend and at only £12 they really are a bargain. Dress them up with a crop top and some great chunky jewellery, or wear to a lecture with thick tights, a plain top, and some heeled winter boots. They are also exceptionally flattering and suit the majority of body types. Pastel colours are also a fashion ‘must have’ this season: New Look have some great pastel-coloured jumpers and skirts, giving you a beautiful feminine look. Equally, if you’re looking to spend a little more money, Topshop have some gorgeous

Leather and tartan remain key trends for spring/summer.

What’s more, both Missguided and Primark have embraced the checks in a big way. Primark have some gorgeous tartan shift dresses which would look great with some low heeled boots and would make another perfect day-to-night outfit.

Missguided have a whole array of tartan pieces from crop tops to leggings, with the vast majority of pieces being under

have embraced the leather trend this season,with loads of great leather skater skirts, and this gorgeous, faux leather mini skirt is to die for; and at just 14.99 it won’t break the bank.

Getting Healthy, Post-Christmas

by Larona Lekgabe

Tip 2: Stomach Crunches

What’s the festive holiday without delicious treats and curling up in front of the TV? Of course the problem with Christmas goodies is that they are mostly unhealthy, not to mention the lack of activity that’s common during the festive period. But don’t despair: there are some simple ways to get healthy again, so I have come up with a few ways for you to do so without having to visit the gym.

You can do these in the comfort of your own house for just a few minutes, ideal to fit in during study breaks. You just lie on your back, knees bent and feet flat on the floor hip-width apart. Place your hands on your thighs, across your chest or behind your ears. Slowly curl up towards your knees until your shoulders are about 3 inches off the floor. Hold the position for a few seconds and lower down slowly. Perform about 10 of these or more if you can!

Tip 1: Walking Walking is the most underrated form of exercise ever; it’s more effective than people presume.

Instead of taking the bus to the city centre, why not walk there?

Or, even better: if you’re in the library and you live nearby, why not just walk home? You can also fit short walks in between study periods just to refresh. Walking not only improves heart health but can help prevent type II diabetes too. What’s more, it’s great for your legs and also makes you happy: activity can cause your body to release endorphins into the blood stream, reducing stress and anxiety which is perfect for alleviating stress . If you live in a big building and stay on a higher floor, why not take the stairs instead of the elevator?

This is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health.

Tip 3: Plank The plank can also be performed at home. Lie on your front propped up on your forearms and toes while keeping your legs straight and hips raised to create a straight and rigid line from head to toes. Your shoulders should be directly above your elbows. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds and repeat. This targets your core muscles.

There are other simple exercises that can be performed at home like lunges, squats, push-ups, bridges, press ups, etc. It all depends on how you work them in your routine. Of course if you have the time you can always visit the university sports centre to increase your fitness. If performed regularly the above exercises should help you get healthy again and feeling great after Christmas!

H&M, £14.99

Topshop, £34

£20: bargain! I love this tartan midi skirt which, again, would make a great day-to-night look.

And, at only £9.99 it is a real bargain and would leave you looking top of the class. H&M

Fashion on a budget doesn’t have to be hard, Leicester is a great city for shopping, and has some great vintage shops which always stock great products. Admittedly you have to be prepared to rummage, but there are some great bargains to be had. Dollymix, for example, in Leicester Lanes always has some great deals on vintage-style Levi shorts and jackets as well as great bags and jewellery. If you’re into that kind of style then I would recommend checking out Asos marketplace which has a huge selection of kooky boutiques that you can browse from the comfort of your own home.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking

by Imogen Butler Many of us have found that part of the university experience is having our eyes opened to wanderlust. This can happen in many ways: either through hearing tales from friends of their gap years; seeing images of tropical paradises on social media; or from learning of the existence of places through our actual degrees. Yet, as anyone who has been a student for longer than a month knows, student loans do not go far enough. Given that many of us are on shoestring budgets, visiting Bora Bora’s five-star resorts seems out of the question. So, this is why backpacking is the way to travel for impoverished students.

Backpacking, as we know it, no longer just refers to a large hiking backpack used as luggage whilst traveling; it is a traveling lifestyle choice. It’s the determination to see as much of the world as possible without going bankrupt. With many students

attempting to combine studying and traveling through study abroad programs, backpacking is a great way to get the most out of available funds. That said, the prospect can be intimidating and slightly nerve-racking, so here are a few tips to help backpacking newbies.

my friends told me I was crazy, warning me that I was, at best, going to be lonely and, at worst, going to get abducted. I wasn’t either. I stayed in a single-sex hostel dorm with five

your own means you are your own itinerary, which can be a very liberating experience. At the same time, there’s 24 hours a day that you have got to be able to fill whether or not you’re

Firstly many people can’t decide whether to take the plunge and go on their own or to go with other people. This is such a personal decision and there are clear benefits to both. Going with a friend means that unexpected or slightly scary situations are easier to handle, there is someone to take photos and to reminisce over the incredible experience with.

Yet going alone can be just as fun. It encourages meeting new friends along the way by forcing you to reach out to fellow travelers for social interaction.

For instance, last year I decided to go to Hawaii whilst on my year abroad. I went alone and stayed in a hostel. Every one of

other people: we had breakfast together every day, went hiking together, occasionally split off to do our own thing, and went out each evening to a variety of bars and night clubs. Going on

er people.

The downside is you need to be slightly more on guard; you are on your own and need to think carefully about which situations you can handle and which are miles out of your comfort zone, or just plain dangerous. As it might sound like a great idea to save forty dollars by getting the five am bus, but if it involves walking through a ghetto, at night, it might not be worth the heart palpitations. The same applies for hostels. If you’re travelling with lots of valuables then staying in a 24 person dorm with no lockbox might be far from ideal. Remember safety is key, and worth the extra cost.

lucky enough to meet any likeminded people along the way.

That’s why I’d personally never go anywhere that I wouldn’t want to see just as much alone as I would want to see with oth-

Extra costs do occur, even for the most organised person.

Being a natural planner I tend to book all accommodation and transport in advance. As I found out this Christmas, doing so does not guarantee a smooth trip. The bus provider we’d chosen this year in California was rude, inefficient and even can-

Indulge in one of your favourite pastimes Uni life can be so busy that at times you have no time for

some of your hobbies: even something as simple as reading a novel. So why not pick up a book now you have the time?

These are just a few things I

9

celled one leg of our journey completely whilst changing the schedule for the other two on a regular basis. We ended up spending an extra two hundred dollars each to rectify the situation. That’s why it’s important to have a realistic and lenient budget so there’s never a case where you are up a creek without a paddle, so to speak.

Although there is no need to plan every last detail of an adventure, it’s a good idea to make a list of all countries that might be entered. The reason for this is because outside of the EU, visa requirements vary from state to state. Crossing from one country into the other only to discover that returns don’t fly could definitely add unnecessary stress. In short, expect the unexpected and remember the essentials: money, vaccinations, visas and, of course, your passport.

Now Exams are Over...

by Elizabeth Adetula So here we are again after all the stressing, sleepless nights and frantic library dashes: most of us are free from exams and assignments and are looking forward to starting our second semesters (or perhaps not). During the manic period as things get intense it is easy to get worked up and it is important to unwind after the dust has settled.

Personally, one of my favourite things to do when I have just had an intense few weeks

meeting deadlines is letting my hair down - I mean literally. I pamper myself with the whole whammy. You name it: manicure, pedicure, eyebrows, new hairstyle, the lot! I don’t go out much but I like to dress up so after deadlines and exams that’s just what I do, get dolled up with some friends and paint the streets red! Below are just a few more of my post-exams and assignments ideas for you to do with your housemates or even by yourself: Party!

Stay indoors with a few friends,

good music, loads of food and some cheeky cocktails. Have a onesie party or just a fun themed get together where you and your friends can just unwind and have a laugh.

could think of but the list goes on. Whatever you do, remember to stay safe and good luck with your second semester!

Toodles!

Play cards, drinking games (drink responsibly!) and just chill.

Dine You’ve worked really hard, so why not treat yourself? An alternative could be to order a nice meal and have a movie night indoors. Just you, yourself and well…yourself.

Don’tThrow that New Years Diet Down the Drain!

by Jess Buckley It’s that time of year where the routine of uni starts to kick in, deadlines start to creep up and those oh-so strong intentions of sticking to a New Years healthy eating plan give way to stress, eating chocolate and Saturday night curries after Friday night’s antics and the resulting Shabangover. We all need to let go once in a while, but eating healthily isn’t just about those among us who are image conscious. Eating healthily reduces the chances of long-term illnesses, can improve your skin (especially if you’re suffering from winter or stress acne), and generally makes you feel less tired, more energised and just really good within yourself. So, here are five tips to help you stick to those promises of eating better and

to continue to make 2014 sensational.

Swap white for brown Swapping your usual white

loaf for brown, seeded or 50/50 makes such a difference.

Similarly using high fibre or wholegrain rice or pasta will make your insides love you

eternally.

Ditch the sugary cereals Oat based cereals such as porridge are a tasty swap for the likes of chocolate based cereals.

Don’t be tempted to add sugar though – adding fruit gives it a similar sweetness, or adding cinnamon can provide a warm winter deliciousness.

Eat you-sized portions It’s very easy to make a healthy meal and then pile your plate with enough food to feed a small family but sticking to portions that are the right size for you helps your body digest the food easily. If you are used to eating larger portions, it will be hard at first, but eating slowly gives you the same full up feeling. What’s more, having a cut off time of 7pm for eating

promotes healthy digestion and gives your body more time to burn fat and calories.

Swap frozen for fresh The best example of this is frozen chips. It’s much healthier to make your own potato wedges or thick chips from fresh potatoes rather than using frozen chips that may claim to be an ‘all-new healthy recipe’ but are no match for the fresh stuff. By chopping up a potato and covering it in a little vegetable oil, salt, pepper and any other spices you feel like (I’ve found oregano and thyme work well) you have a much healthier and tastier alternative to chips.

Stop snacking The easiest way to stop snacking is to not buy them in the first place. When you do your week-

ly shop, don’t go whilst you are hungry because you then end up buying everything that catches your eye. Go with a budget and a list and stick to it. Willpower and budgeting is key here. If you find it easier to study with snacks, go for a healthier option such as nuts, oaty biscuit bars or natural yoghurt.

Of course, a healthy body isn’t achieved by healthy eating alone. Exercise is key to help you feel less fatigued and keep your body rejuvenated. Sticking to these plans is hard, and it’s even harder when you’re doing it alone. So get your house or flatmates involved and keep your body healthy and happy.

Then, eventually, it will only be your liver that ends up hating you for all of the alcohol you consumed last weekend.

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Results Men's Badminton 1st Men's Badminton 2nd Women's Badminton 1st Men's Basketball 1st Women's Basketball 1st Men's Fencing 1st Mixed Golf 1st Men's Hockey 1st Men's Hockey 2nd Men's Hockey 3rd Women's Hockey 1st Men's Lacrosse Netball 1st Netball 2nd Women's Rugby Union 1st Men's Squash Men's Tennis 2nd

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H H H A H A A A A H H A A A H H H

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Nottingham Trent 1st Derby 2nd Worcester 1st Bedford (Bedford) 1st Birmingham 2nd Nottingham 1st De Montfort 1st Coventry 1st Derby (Buxton) 2nd Aston 2nd Oxford Brookes 3rd Northampton 1st Cambridge 2nd Bedford (Bedford) 3rd Coventry 1st De Montfort 1st Nottingham Trent 2nd

1400 1430 1300

Charles Wilson Sports Hall Manor Road Sports Hall Charles Wilson Sports Hall Sports Arena, University of Bedfordshire, Polihill Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9EA University Sports Centre Jubilee Sports Centre, Triumph Road,Nottingham,NG7 2TU Park Hill Golf Club, Park Hill, Seagrave, Leicester, LE12 7NG Westwood Heath Playing Fields, Westwood Heath Road, Coventry, CV4 8GP Leek Hockey Club, Leek High School, Springfield Road, Leek ST13 6EU Manor Road Astro Pitches Manor Road Astro Pitches Pavillion Pitches, University of Northampton, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AL University of Cambridge Sports Centre, Cambridge, CB3 0FS Sports Arena, University of Bedfordshire, Polihill Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9EA Manor Road Back Pitch Princess Road Squash Courts Corby Tennis Centre

LOST WON LOST WON WON LOST LOST WON WON WON WON LOST WON WON WON WON LOST

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Wednesday 5th February

Men's Badminton 1st Women's Badminton 1st Men's Basketball 1st Women's Basketball 1st Men's Fencing 1st Men's Football 1st Men's Football 2nd Men's Football 3rd Men's Football 4th Women's Football 1st Mixed Golf 1st Men's Hockey 1st Men's Hockey 2nd Men's Hockey 3rd Women's Hockey 1st Women's Hockey 2nd Men's Lacrosse Women's Lacrosse Netball 2nd Netball 3rd Rugby League 1st Rugby Union 1st Rugby Union 2nd Rugby Union 3rd Women's Rugby Union 1st Men's Tennis 1st Men's Tennis 2nd Men's Volleyball Women's Volleyball

Thursday 6th February

Women's Basketball 2nd Men's Basketball 2nd Sheet1

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Oxford Brookes 1st Nottingham Trent 2nd Anglia Ruskin 1st Lincoln 1st Loughborough 1st East Anglia 2nd Harper Adams 1st Nottingham Trent 5th Anglia Ruskin 2nd Warwick 1st Oxford Brookes 1st Bedford (Bedford) 1st Derby 1st Nottingham Trent 5th Lincoln 1st Nottingham Trent 4th Loughborough 2nd East Anglia 1st Bedford (Bedford) 2nd Coventry 3rd Derby 1st Anglia Ruskin 1st Northampton 1st Nottingham Trent 3rd Harper Adams 1st Nottingham Trent 1st De Montfort 1st Lincoln 1st Derby 1st

Oxford University Sports Centre, Cheney Lane, Headington, Oxford, OX3 0BD Charles Wilson Sports Hall University Sports Centre University of Lincoln Sports Centre, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS Manor Road Sports Hall Stoughton Road Playing Fields Harper Adams Sports Ground, HAU, Edgemond, Newport, TF10 8NB Stoughton Road Playing Fields Stoughton Road Playing Fields Manor Road Track Pitch Studley Wood Golf Club, The straight Mile, Horton-Cum-Studley, Oxford, OX33 1BF Bedford Sports and Hockey Centre, Chester Road, Bedford, MK40 4HL Manor Road Astro Pitch Manor Road Astro Pitch University of Lincoln Sports Centre, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS Manor Road Astro Pitches Stoughton Road Playing Fields Colney Lane Playing Fields, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY Manor Road Sports Hall Coventry University Sports Centre, White Friar Street, Coventry, CV1 2DS University of Derby Rugby Pitch, Kedlestone Road, Derby, DE22 1GB Shelford RFC, The Davey Field, Cambridge Road, CB22 5JJ Old Northamptonians Sports Ground, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5RX Stoughton Road Playing Fields Harper Adams Sports Ground, HAU, Edgemond, Newport, TF10 8NB Corby Tennis Centre Knighton Tennis Centre, Knighton Lane East, Leciester, LE2 6FU University of Lincoln Sports Centre, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS Charles Wilson Sports Hall

MID 3A MID 3A

A A

1900 2045

Loughborough 3rd Loughborough 3rd

Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, Loughborough University,Epinal Way,Loughborough,LE11 3TU Sir David Wallace Sports Hall, Loughborough University,Epinal Way,Loughborough,LE11 3TU

Sheet3

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is on the hunt for Leicester’s best sports writers!

The Ripple is looking for sports writers, ready for the up-and-coming Varsity season. No prior experience is required, and successful applicants will get a chance to cover some of the biggest games of the season, including: Rugby Union Varsity Football Varsity Rowing Varsity American Football Varsity Applicants must be passionate about sport: we don’t mind if you’re part of the team you’d like to cover, or new to sport at Leicester - we have a position for you.

In addition to this, we’re looking for match reports from regular BUCS and Intramural games, as well as any Sport related news or comment.

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If you’re interested, send us an email with the subject “Ripple Sport” to ripple@le.ac.uk #RippleSport

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11

SPORT

Edited by Conor Wickham

Men’s Rugby Union: The Season so far

by Conor Wickham

This season has been very mixed for one of Leicester’s biggest sporting clubs.

The first team have, on the whole, been very successful.

The team currently sit second in Midlands 2B with a game in hand over Nottingham 3s.

They have only survived one loss all season (to Nottingham) and have beaten Northampton 1s (by 20 points), Lincoln 1s (by 41 points), Leicester 2s (by 50 points), Anglia Ruskin 1s (by 34), Derby 1s (by 5 points), DMU 1s (by 2 points) and Northampton 1s (by 33 points). They have also won two rounds in the cup against DMU 2s (55-3) and Oxford Brookes 3s (98-0). The team has certainly responded well to their controversial relegation under the leadership of captain, Sam Pickett. A number of first years have flourished in the team including versatile back, Kieran Staunton and half-back pairing, Joe Thomas and Callum Jamieson. Tom O’Connor, James

Matthews, Conor Mottram and Dan Hughes have all come of age in the team and made significant impacts throughout the season. Injuries have played a role though. Olly Tapscott and Orie Shaw have only just returned from their time out and Club Captain, Sebastian Goodhew, continues to be following a rigorous rehab programme after his knee injury. With Varsity less than two months away, competition for places on the big day will continue to get tougher. A 34-man squad has been announced and many will desparate for the weather to allow them gametime to impress.

The second team, who are in their same league as their first team counterparts, have struggled this season. They have just one win to their names, which was a Jack Arundell-inspired win over the poly. Ben Gittins’ men are in a challenging league and a relatively young side will have to turnaround their fortunes in the second half of the season. There have been im-

pressive performances from, the now injured, Henry Hunt at Scrum-half, Tom Jeffries, in the second row and Alex Jenks at centre. The side will be looking to win at varsity for the third year running when they take on DMU 2s at Stoughton Road Playing Fields on the 26th March 2014.

ULRFC’s third team has consisted mainly of freshers. The side, captained by openside flanker, Harry Tillyer, has had an up and down season. The season began with a series of tight losses including to Northampton 2s (by 3 points) and Coventry 2s (by 8 points). The team’s only win thus far, in a difficult league, has come against Nottingham Trent 4s. Despite this the team remains 5th in the 7-team table. Signs, for the second-half of the season is encouraging. The squad will target wins against Northampton and Coventry after those close defeats as well as another victory of Trent 4s. The side has also yet to play Bedford 2s who sit bottom of the league

MASS Announces Mr University contest Continued from back page...

There will also be a public vote element to the judging and the entire event will be broadcast online for those unable to get tickets, which are expected to sell-out.

MASS’ press release also stated: “Tickets will be on sale for spectators from Mid February and full rules breakdown and competition entry forms will be made available from the beginning of February”.

so will want to win both of those games. A large amount of away games has meant significant travelling for the young team and they will be looking forward to getting a good run of home victories together in the forthcoming months. A lot of the sides success has been built around strong forward play through Dev Surae and Dan Ashton as well as very effective back moves through Sam Shorten and Jack Todd. A number of the sides star performers have

progressed further up the club but this has given opportunities to others, including another talented scrum-half in the club, George Morgan. This side holds many players who will progress further up the club during their time at university and there is real potential demonstrating that the club is in safe hands.

Photos by Chris Mount from the LFPS and Leicester University Sports Project.

There will be significant help available for those wishing to compete with MASS revealing that: “There will be a contest preparation and posing workshop for all competitors at the University of Leicester Students Union on Saturday 8th February”.

Further information on the event can be garnered by emailing info@bodymass.org or you can follow the event on Facebook (Mr University) or on twitter (@Mr_universityUK).

MASS was started at the University of Leicester and has over 400 members. The phenomenon has been spread to other universities including DMU and Derby.

Intramural Football draw sees infamous Hellenics play Bio-Science and Medics vs Chemistry

by Conor Wickham The draw for the spring term of IMS football is complete. This term the 27 teams have been drawn into 5 groups.

Group A pits strong teams such as Medics A and Medbourne 11 against some of the exciting teams from the Autumn League such as Chemistry FC. The Afro-Caribbean Society’s team as well as Geography B will be competing. Sums Fc are the final team in the group.

Group B will feature a number

of second-string teams including Law Society Reserves, Medics B and Economics B, who will have to play their ‘A’ counterparts. The Politics Society are the final team in the group.

The five-team strong group C consists of halls team, Lasdun Lions, the infamous, Hellenics, BSB FC, Sparta Management and Bio Science. In a very open group, any team will fancy their chances of making it through to the next round.

Group D is a relatively strong affair. The Rugby club’s intramural

side, Still Binned, captained by centre, Conor Mottram, will fancy their chances of progressing. This term they will face another halls team, Nixon Court FC and three academic teams.

Leicester Engineers 1st team and Geology FC will both look to perform strongly this term.

As well the ever-improving, Leicester Criminals, from the Criminology department.

Group E is a six-way split. History AFC, who have undergone a name change over the christmas period, will be looking to

improve on their sole win last team out. American Soccer Eagles, who also had a torrid time last term, will be looking for significant improvements.

In the only result received at publication, American Soccer Eagles had beaten History AFC in a tight 3-0 game. Also in the group are Law Society, Geography A as well as the physics societies team, the amusingly named, FC Squared. Completing the line-up is the mysterious, Hartopp Rangers.

After confusion of registra-

tion and deadlines, the Sports & Recreation team were kind enough to reopen applications.

This meant that more teams were able to compete than had registered by the previous deadline.

Last terms league is still concluding and is currently at the Quarter Final stage. In the first of the four games Hellenics play Medics B. The other games are Leicester Engineering 1sts against Leicester Criminals, BSB FC versus Law Society and finally Medics A take on Poli-

tics. The games were expected to be played on the 26th January but were postponed as the pitches on the day were deemed unplayable.

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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/category/sports

STATE OF THE UNI Leicester up 17 places to BUCS top 50 spot ahead of Varsity grudge match

by Conor Wickham

As on the other side of the Atlantic Barack Obama attempts to convince congress everything is ok, Maryna and University of Leicester’s sports team have a significantly easier job.

As BUCS enters its second term, Leicester currently sit 42nd in the BUCS table. The Midlands university is 5.5 points ahead of Kent in 43rd and 15.5 points behind Brighton in 41st.

Crucially, Leicester is 40 places and a massive 335.5 points ahead of local rivals, De Montfort University. American Football is the only sport where De Montfort have outscored their local rivals. The greatest disparity comes in Hockey where Leicester have amassed a remarkable 30 points compared to De Montfort’s single point.

Leicester’s highest scorers have been futsal, who have recorded 82 points towards the university total, and Rugby Union, where both men and women’s teams have contributed to an impressive 53-point haul.

The position of 42nd is an encouraging improvement from the 59th where Leicester sat in November. The position will also please experience officer, Maryna Danny, who made it clear at the start of the year that she wanted Leicester to finish in the top 50.

Leicester have finished 64th, 67thand 66th in the last three years so the current positioning would mark a significant amount of improvement.

MASS Announces Mr University contest

by Conor Wickham The University of Leicester’s Muscle and Athletic Sport Society (MASS), founded by champion bodybuilder - David Bissell, have unveiled their plans for a ‘Mr University’ event to take place at Leicester’s O2 Academy on Sunday 16th March. Doors will open at 2pm.

In the press release, MASS described their event as: “the first and only UK university based

fitness competition”.

sports kit.

The event will be split into four categories: Men’s Physique, Men’s Athletic, Women’s Bikini and Women’s Athletic.

The physique and bikini categories will feature questions about lifestyle and training regime.

Interestingly, the athletic category will only feature athletes who have competed in the BUCS league so far this year. The category will include interview questions about their sport, which the participant will answer whilst wearing their

MASS hopes, through its event, the raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and: “to challenge the unhealthy, lazy stereotype that many have of students”.

The press release, from MASS, was also keen to emphasise:

“We’re not just about the muscles! In the show we will be discovering the personalities behind the bodies, who they are, what they study and why they train”.

The competition will be judged by mystery ‘celebrity fitness judges’ who will be looking at: “overall physique, personality, stage presence and aspirations”.

Continued page 11...

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