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thewaterfront
18 May 2010 - Issue 191 www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
EST - 1995 FORTNIGHTLY AND FREE
Final Issue of this Uni Year EXCLUSIVE interviews with Professor Green and Eliza Doolittle. Sport grab a chat with Warren Gatland on Varsity (plus photos from all the games)
ACADEMIC COMPLAINT GETS
LADS MAGS SUSPENDED By Thore Haugstad News Reporter THE STUDENTS’ Union has temporarily suspended the sale of Zoo and Nuts magazines from their shops after a senior academic has complained they “objectify women.” Professor Mark Blagrove, head of the Psychology Department, has in a series of emails to the SU tried to permanently stop the sales of the two magazines due to fears about the negative influence nudity and phone line advertisements could have on students. The SU has taken a cautious approach to the complaints and requested information from the University to clarify their position on the issue, saying they have employed a “better safe than sorry” policy by putting the sales on hold. However, Blagrove claims the SU is left without choice as the magazines represent ‘sexually explicit’ material which breaks the University’s Dignity at Work and Study regulations. “The bottom line is the objectification of women and it runs through the entire magazines,” he said. “At certain stages you get extreme points, for example having adverts for people in order to become prostitutes. Any sensible person would say that isn’t okay. “The University should have higher standards than the outside world. The University should be like BBC 4 and that’s it, and then you suddenly get the worst bits of cable television. “There are University regulations about sexually explicit imaging that you simply have to go by. It is the same category as selling cigarettes.” The SU stopped the sales with immediate effect three weeks ago
UNDER FIRE: The SU has temporarily suspended the Zoo and Nuts magazines from their shops after complaints from a senior academic that they “objectify women”
despite not having consulted students or the Executives, leaving questions over the democratic process of the decision. But SU President Luke Young has defended their actions, saying the removal is only temporary until the Executives have been consulted. A meeting will be held this week to make a final decision. However, The Waterfront understands Blagrove will meet the University committee of equal opportunity around
the same time in an attempt to force University Dignity at Work and Study regulations to permanently stop sales of the magazines regardless of the SU’s verdict. Young is not convinced the appeal can justify a permanent ban, saying that “what we sell is a different argument to the protection of University staff. “Because it’s in a shop on sale, it’s not exactly in an office or some kind of workplace bullying. That is a distinction
which has been held for quite a while in the Students’ Union. “We don’t have reason to believe that the dignity of work policy has been breached, but if that is the case then it has been breached for a long time.” The SU is currently consulting the University about the dignity of work policies in order to inform the Executives as this week’s meeting. But while the SU will have the final say on commercial decisions, Young
concedes there will be pressure on them to act if the University finds the magazines are related to issues of staff protection. “While we do operate at Campus, the things we do regarding staff will have an effect on the Students’ Union,” he said. “I’m not sure if this is an issue where the University will do that. But if there would be a rule that had to be followed then we would just have to get on with it.” Turn to page 2
02 NEWS
WATERFRONT 191 - 18/05/10
Editorial Wow! How fast has this year gone? I can’t believe it is the last issue of The Waterfront for this year already! What a year it has been though. We started off (what seems like ages ago) last September with the story about the risks of Swine Flu to returning students. Moving on to cover dramas of prop losses, updates and information about the expected new campus, freedom of information requests revealing just how much you guys were losing to library fines, student anger in the engineering department over extended lecture times and issues surrounding student voices going unheard in Hendrefolian Village concerned with maintenance and safety issues. Not to mention our groundbreaking overnight election special delivering the news of which SABBs you had elected to office just 8 hours after it had taken place. These stories and more all made the front page this year and I am proud to say each time we delivered the student body the truth and facts of what was going on! Thank you to everyone who brought us stories and to the number of people who we got in touch with to give us quotes and opinions, the paper really would not have been as good without you. We have also managed to grab interviews with a whole host of famous faces, including Newton Faulkner, Girls can’t catch, Warren Gatland, Mr Hudson, The Saturdays, Zane Lowe and Wheatus so far. Florence and the Machine are just around the corner so be sure to pick up Issue 192 (September) and find out what it felt like to play the 2010 summer ball. Come September we will be back once again raring to go for what I hope will be another progressive and exciting year for The Waterfront and student media as a whole here at Swansea University. The next academic year sees the paper enter its fifteenth year of circulation and encompassed within this will produce its 200th edition sometime in 2011. It should be a year to remember and don’t forget you can be involved with it at any level. It’s your paper, so make sure you get in touch over the summer to find out more about writing for us or stop by our table at Fresher’s Fayre in a few months time. Finally, another huge thank you to the whole team this year who have contributed, whether you took part in just one or all twelve issues, your work, time and effort has been greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with my new section editors over the next twelve months, congratulations to those of you that have gained positions so far, but I am sorry to be losing so many friends that are moving onto pastures new over the next few months. I wish you all the best of luck with what you go on to do next. Keep in touch. Have a fantastic summer! Good luck to all those graduating! All the best! See you in September! James Snaith Editor@swansea-union.co.uk EDITOR JAMES SNAITH editor@swansea-union.co.uk SUB EDITOR LIZ ‘LEGEND’ COOLEY NEWS EDITOR ALUN RHYS CHIVERS COLLETTE ‘CLASSY’ BIRD waterfront.news@hotmail.co.uk NEWS TEAM THORE HAUGSTAD DAVID LEWIS MATTHEW EDWARDS BRADLEY MORGAN LAURA RICHARDS ANGHARAD JONES LANCE HORSEY - WELFARE OFFICER SPORT EDITORS TIM ‘PLAYER’ HARRIS RHYS ‘40 WINKS’ WILLIAMS waterfront.sport@hotmail.co.uk SPORTS TEAM BEN ‘THE DON’ DONOVAN MICHELLE OWEN BRADLEY MORGAN SAMANTHA LOUISE WILLIAMS LAURA RICHARDS SIWAN LILLICRAP - AU PRESIDENT CULTURE EDITOR TOM ‘TIM’ MAYA culture.waterfront@hotmail.co.uk CULTURE WRITERS RHODRI DIAZ SUZANNE BEYNON SOPHIE BAMBER SUSAN HILL BECCA TAYLOR PAUL SEACOMBE MUSIC EDITOR JAMES ‘MR T’ TAYLOR waterfront.music@hotmail.co.uk MUSIC WRITERS BELLA WHATELY BRYONY HICKS CHARLIE TEASDALE - Mixtape
FILM EDITOR VICKY DOHERTY-BONE waterfront.film@hotmail.co.uk FILM REVIEWERS DAVID LEWIS RHYS WILLIAMS ANDY WILLIAMS CHARLES GALLERY
Inside this week’s edition
‘Now look Nick, just remember I’m in charge until it goes tits up’ It may have enthralled you or been the bane of your life for the past few weeks. Either way check out our Election 2010 overview - Page 5
continued from front page Women’s Officer Raegan Healy believes Blagrove is right to have the magazines removed, saying a ban could raise new awareness of the issues regarding objectification of women. “The student environment, like the Pornstar Party and these magazines, makes it become acceptable among students. I don’t think it is right to have that in the Students’ Union,” she said. “It’s seen as something which is just there and that you can’t do anything about. But now that the issues have been raised I think people will start to question it more.” General Secretary Luke James does not think one single lecturer should be able to decide the students’ choice of reading material. “It is not the place of a university professor to dictate to students which magazines should be sold in their Union’s shops,” he said. “If students want to see these magazines removed from the Students’ Union then that should go through the sovereign decision making body of students at this university that is the
student general meeting.” Students’ opinions are mixed on the issue, although the general view is assumed to disagree with the removal of the magazines. Third year history student Chris Williams believes the magazines do not contribute to any good among the students. “Publication of Nuts and Zoo should be banned. Without such action these forms of despicable filth will only continue to erode the decency of our great nation,” he said. Another history student, Sam Holliday, disagreed by arguing that students should be free to read whatever they want. He said: “I believe in freedom of choice, freedom of the press and freedom of speech. But then again if the SU voted to remove the magazines it would be within their rights to do so.” What is your opinion in this story? The Waterfront wants to hear your voice and opinions; should lads mags be taken away from University shop shelves? Or should they continue to be sold? Get in touch: editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Think it’s too late to get involved?
THINK AGAIN! The Waterfront is run by students for students! Your Voice, Your Paper! Feel you have something to contribute? Want to add to that CV in final year? Or are you a Fresher tired of being hungover? GET IN TOUCH!
Editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Charlie Teasdale chats Lady Gaga, football and roller blades with up and coming cockney starlet Eliza Doolittle inside this weeks music pages. Just one of two Exclusive interviews The Waterfront has this week. Pages 15 - 17
TRAVEL EDITOR NIKKI LITTLEHALES TRAVEL WRITERS ANDREW BELCHER SAM BARNETT FASHION EDITORS AMY SHERIDAN JAYE TURPIN FASHION WRITERS LUCINDA REID CARA DARE-EDWARDS EMILY WORTHINGTON AMY BILLS LYDIA O’CALLAGHAN WELSH TEAM JESS MAIN ALUN RHYS CHIVERS DANIEL HARVEY PHOTOGRAPHY BETH MICHELL HUW EVANS PICTURE AGENCY JAMES SNAITH CARTOON ARTIST MARTIN MAXWELL WITH THANKS TOM UPTON VIC JAMES JAMIE TAGG RUSSELL WADE KERRY NEWSOME ANNIE COTTAM RICHARD LANCASTER MICHAELA HINTON
‘Raise it up’ in style! Students DO NOT feel down! The summer ball is just around the corner, acting as a beacon of hope beyond deadlines and exams. The Fashion pages have some top tips and advice on where to everything from suits to sunglasses. Pages 24 -25
President to Prime Minister: His final hours Election 2010 - page 5 Cartoon by Martin Maxwell
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News 03
Letting Agents let down
Vox Pops What’s your opinion? Do you think Zoo and Nuts magazines should be removed from Union/University shop shelves because of their ‘objectification to women’ in their content?
Number 22: The house originally viewed
TO LET: Brynmill Terrace is popular area for student housing
By Collette Bird News Editor
can a professional agency let that happen?” Although the students have sorted out a new house for next year, their turmoil with Student Digz has not ended. After failing to get any response from the agency, the students enlisting the advice of their parents and the University Advice Centre and began to try to negotiate finances with the landlord of the property and Student Digz. The landlord agreed to pay back their deposits and summer retainer. However, Student Digz have so far refused to pay back the group’s agency fee, which totals £200. Virginia Rudge stated “it’s so unreasonable, especially because the mix up was their fault not ours. Now we are going to have to have to take this through the Small Claims Court ourselves which is really stressful.” Sharon Hobbs from Student Digz told The Waterfront via email that she had not seen the property prior to the house viewing due to the fact she was covering for a member of staff off work that day and assumed that the group were stood outside the correct house when she arrived for the viewing. “I didn’t know a mistake had been made. This was compounded by the fact that I didn’t have to use our keys to gain
STUDENT focused letting agency “Student Digz” has angered a group of students by refusing to pay back the agency fee when they inadvertently signed a contract for the wrong house. Vanessa Talbutt, Virgina Rudge, John Wignall and Mitchell Morgan went along to a house viewing at 22 Brymill Terrace. Alarm bells started to ring when the current occupier was confused and had not been made aware of any viewings for the property. Regardless, the students were met by Sharon Hobbs, director of Student Digz, to be shown around the house. The group liked what they saw, and signed a contract under the assumption that they were signing for that specific house. However, on a second viewing, they were taken round the rear entrance to the house they thought they had signed for, only to find that it was a completely different house. The students were completely unaware that they had in fact signed for house number 25. Troubled student Vanessa Talbutt told The Waterfront “we were really confused. Even the woman who showed us around said that the house we were shown looked unfamiliar to her. How
entry, as the door was already ajar” Soon after signing the Tenancy Agreement, the tenants arranged to have a second viewing of the property with the Landlord present, which is when they realised they had signed for the wrong address. “In order to show understanding that a mistake had been made, we agreed to release the Summer Retainers (which we were holding, not the Landlord) and also recommended the Landlord release the Bonds back to the Tenants. Without delay the Summer Retainers were transferred back by us. The Landlord followed suit a few weeks later with the bonds.” Sharon Hobbs also told us that they felt Student Digz had acted in the appropriate mannar for this situation. “We feel that we have not acted unreasonably in the matter and that negotiating the Tenants out of a contract that had been read and signed is something that was done to their advantage. We have housed over 15,000 students in Swansea and strive to be the best we can in a very demanding environment.” However, Chris Ravenhill from Swansea University’s Advice Centre argues: “Student Digz are not, as far as I am aware, a member of any professional trade association. In this particular case
Number 25: The house signed for
it would have been professional to return the agency fee. The registration fee covers viewings, contracts and administration duties, in this case, as I understand it, the viewing was for the wrong house, the contract was for a property they had not seen and they failed in their administration duties, such as advertising and showing the correct property.” Chris also reminded students “when viewing a property, the agent should allow the prospective tenant 24 hours, to allow them to take the contract away to be looked at by a solicitor or in the case of Swansea University Students, to take the contract to the SU Advice Centre who have a great deal of experience in scrutinising housing contracts. Do not be pressured into signing the contract. When the agent or landlord tells you that he has other students waiting and if you don’t sign immediately you will lose the house, walk away. Above all take photos of everything when viewing a property. This is not only a reminder to you of which properties you have seen, it is a safeguard against any later difficulties and disputes.If in doubt, talk to experienced advisers at the SU Advice Centre.” Log onto waterfrontonline.co.uk for more student advice when house hunting.
William Leonard 3rd year Politics and Ancient History “I don’t buy them personally but I don’t feel they should be removed because people should be able to purchase what magazines they want. Yes I feel they objectify women in a way but all the women that are involved in these magazines do so voluntarily.”
Raechel Pearce 3rd year Politics “No, because people should be free to read what they want when they want regardless of what the content is. But if guys are silly enough to buy the magazine then more fool them”
Library temperature issues to be fixed By Matthew Edwards News Reporter THE UNIVERSITY has announced that the library’s heating and ventilation system will be subject to a major upgrade this summer, continuing over the next few years, as part of the University’s Estates Strategy. This comes in light of complaints from students who say that the library‘s upstairs computer areas are too hot to work in, especially in the summer. Hannah Prosser, first year English Literature student, told The Waterfront that there was also a problem with downstairs in that it can be too cold. “I also know people who are writing their dissertations, who will have to use the library extensively.” Others have said similar things: “With the heat from the computers and the compact space, it will naturally get a bit hot. Things may be implemented this summer, but that doesn’t help me with
my exams at the moment. “I’ve had to go to the Students’ Union building at times, but there are no books there so it’s not that convenient.” Elaine Douglas, first year in English Language, said: “Trying to revise there is almost unbearable during peak times. The sun, the little workspace and the heat make it very hard.” Another first year student said: “I’m not in the library much, but I wouldn’t want to stay upstairs for an entire afternoon.” In a recent press release, Ian Macpherson, the University’s head of Estates, said: “Controls are set to avoid overheating and the temperature levels are being regularly monitored. If you experience any further problems, please send an email to library@swansea.ac.uk and these will be addressed at the earliest opportunity.” Some people have raised short-term suggestions such as bottles of water or
fans. However, these suggestions were rejected on the grounds that they would not benefit much, as all they would do is blow hot air around the room. “The Estates Department, the LIS and the Students’ Union will be working together to regulate heating during the summer term”, said Ian Macpherson in a statement. The balance of heating in the upstairs and downstairs sections is a cause for concern. One level two female student welcomed the news of an upgrade:“I’m glad something is being done. Hopefully things will be sorted by next year as I’ll have a dissertation to do!” Ross Gilman, outgoing Education Officer for the Students’ Union, has been monitoring the situation, having also dealt with student concerns with the library, and urges people with any complaints to contact the SU. “I know its difficult at the minute but we are keeping a close eye on things, if temperatures become extreme further
action will be taken” At the time of going to print, no comments were available from the library.
Matt Fowkes 3rd year Politics “People know the sexual content if they are buying them so they should have the freedom to. If people have got objections they don’t buy it, they shouldn’t stop other people from wanting to purchase it.”
Melissa Corby 3rd year History “No, I honestly think we live in a democracy and that anyone can read whatever they want. If you get rid of them people are going to go to other shops and buy them so it’s pointless.”
04 NEWS
WATERFRONT 191- 18/05/10
Campus re-developments underway Exec election drama Bradley Morgan News Reporter
WORK IN PROGRESS: Diggers move in on the Abbey courtyard for it’s summer makeover
Laura Richards News Reporter AN EXTENSIVE re-development programme has started around the University Campus. The Waterfront exclusively revealed the development plans of the SU building entrance which is just part of a wide range of development throughout the campus last term. Other areas include the Taliesin Entrance and Digital Technium, James Callaghan, Fulton House and the Abbey. The narrow gap between the Taliesin building and the Digital Technium will be resurfaced, linking the Taliesin annex with the Mall, whilst the brick wall surrounding the ramp up to the Technium will be demolished and replaced. The upper level entrance to the Taliesin will also be reformed with suitable lighting to encourage students to use this entrance. At the moment, the surface outside the James Callaghan building is in reasonable condition. However it will be resurfaced in order to link into the mall, with the landscaping outside the building also being overhauled. The small garden
between the James Callaghan building and the Abbey Coach House will also be opened up with access from the Mall. The glazing of Fulton house, including the refectory and dining rooms, will be replaced, as well as a proposal to relay the terrace in front of Fulton House. Alun Griffiths, Estates Project Officer is keen to reassure students that the work in the dining rooms will not affect any exams. “At the moment there is a temporary wall up in the dining rooms but no further work will start until after the exam period.” The Abbey sees the most intensive work with the main courtyard and car park being resurfaced. As well as this the terrace garden at the south of the Abbey is also being redeveloped, with the old features and fountains being repaired. Griffiths commented that the main aim of the Abbey Garden is “is to bring the features back to working condition and hopefully emulate the condition it was in during Victorian times so as to enhance the Abbey as a feature.” Students will have already noticed that work has begun in this area and Griffiths is keen to emphasise that whilst students are still able to walk through
the courtyard there is also an alternate route behind the James Callaghan and Keir Hardie buildings. The restricted walkway also means it will be difficult for students to cycle through the Abbey and are therefore asked to be considerate when doing so. Throughout the developments, adequate signage will be displayed to show alternate routes and disabled access will also be maintained. Fiona Nixon, Deputy Director of Estates, is keen to stress that throughout the work Estates will be “liaising with Student Services to ensure that disabled students are aware of any changes in the pathway and that access to the Student Union building will be maintained through the lifts.” Students will remember that the construction work on the Mall caused chaos at the start of term. However the funding provided for this external enhancement programme dictates that all work must be finished by the 31st July to ensure minimal disruption. Students will be also glad to hear that the forthcoming work will not disrupt the Summer Ball as the meadow will not be affected by any of the construction work.
Swansea Uni’s BIGGEST beach party! Angharad Jones News Reporter ALMOST 1,000 students congregated on Swansea Bay on Tuesday 4th May for the biggest student beach party Swansea University has ever seen. Originally planned as a Hendrefoelan Student Village ‘American Pie’ style house party, the facebook-founded event saw just over 1,800 guests due to attend. With the high capacity of guests posing as a health and safety threat, HSV security warned party organiser Jack Palfrey against holding the party in the University accommodation, apparently threatening the student with a large fine if it did go ahead. The party was then moved to the Swansea Bay beachfront directly opposite the University. Disappointed, Palfrey said “after we changed it to the beach I thought people
would definitely drop out, but I got a lot of messages saying the beach was a better idea – and the attending list kept growing so it didn’t make much of a difference!” Second year Business student Charlie Sanderson said “I thought it was an extremely well organised gathering, everyone was there to have a good time and there was a very laid back atmosphere” The fortunate weather provided for an ideal beach party, while bonfires, burgers, acoustic guitars and copious amounts of alcohol also contributed to the success of the evening. Second year English and Classics student Holly Granger said “It made a change from the standard nights out to wind street or tooters, it was an awesome alternative!” Proud of his party planning achievement, Palfrey told The Waterfront “It’s really awesome to have organised
something on such a big scale which started as a drunken idea at the pub”. “I’m glad people got behind the plan and it’s awesome to see people had a good night.” Palfrey, a first year English and Creative Writing student hopes to plan another party in the future, hoping next time to achieve the American Pie house party dream he had previously hoped for.
WITH SLIGHTLY more definitive results than we had on the 6th of May, the students elected its representatives for the Executive Committee for the next academic year last Tuesday 11th May. In the 12 elections for committee positions, five involved just one candidate, but still saw them campaign all of Tuesday to avoid the embarrassment of losing to RON (Reopen nominations). All managed to avoid humiliation as they all received a majority. Mahaboob Basha was elected Mature Students Officer, Zahid Raja for Black Students, Ria Nichols was elected LBT Women’s, J’aime Mc’Leod was elected Students with Caring Responsibilities and Daniel Woolstencroft was elected Students with Disabilities. Another five elections involved a two horse race, including Emma Fitzgerald defeating Martyn Shrewsbury to represent Part-time students and Sarah Woodvine defeating Mitch Theaker for the post of General Secretary. Controversy surrounded the election for Postgraduate Officer, as an email was sent by a member of the Islamic society urging its members to vote for candidate Niyaz Mohammad and a number of other students. He went on to win the election, although the result as well as seven other positions are currently pending due to an investigation regarding the incident. Losing candidate, Rebecca Cooper stated that she would not comment on the allegations until the inquiry was completed. Two other contests involved counts
that seemed to be too close to call, as Daniel Grinnell defeated Gareth Owen for the post of GBT Men’s by achieving the exact number of votes required for a majority. In the race for Welsh Affairs Officer the two candidates were just 9 votes apart after the initial vote, and following the recount of the RON votes Charlotte James defeated Owain Harries by just 10 votes. The two major fights were firstly for Community and Housing, where three candidates ran for office. Eventually, Charlotte Britton defeated Rebecca Taylor in the final round, after candidate Rhiannon Hedge had been eliminated in third place. The office of Environment and Ethics Officer saw four names thrown into the ring. After the initial count, three candidates were extremely close, with Matt Robinson eliminated in fourth place. After looking at the next preferences, Charlie Merritt bowed out in third, and finally after much waiting, Stephen Marshall was elected ahead of Barney Jones by a small margin. Speaking to winning candidates in JC’s afterwards, Ria Nichols stated ‘I’m very pleased to have been re-elected and I promise some exciting developments in the next year’, while GBT Officer Dan Grinnell simply remarked ‘Magic!’! During the campaign, there were questions over whether party lines would be an issue, but on this subject Stephen Marshall said ‘these elections are not about the parties people support, but about the people who are running and who the voters believe is the best person for the job. I believe that the people have chosen their representatives based on the policies rather than what colours they sport’.
General Secretary Sarah ‘Woody’ Woodvine (ELECTED) Community and Housing Officer Charlotte Britton (ELECTED) Post Graduate Officer Niyaz Mohammed (RESULT PENDING) Part time Officer Emma Fitzgerald (RESULT PENDING) Swyddog Materion Cymraeg (Welsh affairs Officer) Charlie James (ELECTED) Students with Caring Responsibilities Officer J’aime Mc’Leod (RESULT PENDING) Environment and Ethics Officer ‘Ginger’ Steve Marshall (ELECTED) Mature Students Officer Mahaboob Basha (RESULT PENDING) Black Students Officer Zahid Raja (RESULT PENDING) Students with Disabilities Office Daniel Woolstencroft (RESULT PENDING) LBT Officer Ria Nicholas (RESULT PENDING) GBT Officer Daniel Grinnell (RESULT PENDING)
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NEWS 05
Clegg jumps into bed with Cameron By Alun Rhys Chivers News Editor
Overview of the 2010 General Election
WHEN LABOUR Prime Minister Harold Wilson uttered his immortal words, having defeated Ted Heath in 1974 “A week is a long time in politics” little did he know that 35 years on his words would still ring true for Westminster. – just ask Cameron, Clegg and Brown. As the country geared up for the May 6th General Election, none of us expected we would have to wait until just after the stroke of midnight on May 12th to discover exactly who would be governing the United Kingdom, and exactly how it would be done. But sure enough, official confirmation came that David Cameron and the Conservatives, having won 306 seats, had entered into a coalition government with unnatural bedfellows, the Liberal Democrats (57 seats), and that discussions had started in earnest over cabinet positions, and compromises been thrashed out over policies. Labour, with 258 seats, were left out in the cold for the first time since 1997. Earlier in the evening of Tuesday May 12th, at 7.45pm, Gordon Brown offered his resignation to the Queen, and the ball started rolling quickly as the nation awaited the instalment of David Cameron as Brown’s successor. Talks with the Lib Dems’ continued well into the night, and details about the new Cabinet began to emerge in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg will serve as Cameron’s Deputy, along with a significant Liberal Democrat representation in the Cabinet. Priorities for the newly-formed Government will no doubt include reducing the £6 billion deficit due to the
National Students have been left outraged as they were turned away as they attempted to vote in the general election (6th May) The National Union of Students (NUS) condemned election officials after students were put in separate lines to other members of the public at Ranmoor polling station in Nick Clegg’s home city of Sheffield Hallam. Students complained they were denied the right to vote as other members of the public were fast tracked causing students to be at a disadvantage, and many were turned away as polling stations closed at 10pm Soon after polling stations closed there were reports of massive queues outside polling stations all across the UK and delays in the key student areas of Manchester Withington, Liverpool Wavertree, Hackney South and Shoreditch, in which students queued in record numbers but faced huge delays. NUS National President, Wes Streeting said: “We are alarmed by reports that students were placed in a separate, slower queue. Students’ Unions have worked tirelessly to reverse the trend of low voter turnout amongst students and other young people. What message does this send to first time voters whose votes will not be counted?”
economic crisis, although it has now emerged that there will be no farreaching electoral reform, a key policy the Liberal Democrats had hoped to push through. Instead, it is likely that there will be a referendum on the Alternative Vote system. As the Conservatives’ coalition negotiator, William Hague told journalists, “It is the best of the Lib Dem manifesto with the bulk of the Conservative manifesto.” As students make up 15% of the UK’s electorate, the student vote was one which would have an inevitable impact on the overall outcome. In a message sent to students at Swansea from SU President, Luke Young and NUS
representative Estelle Hart, students were urged to use their votes sensibly, and to look particularly at issues which would directly affect higher education, namely a possible rise in tuition fees. Students were encouraged to take an indepth look at all parties’ manifestos and to cast a vote for students in Swansea West. In brief, a glance at the manifestos of Wales’ four main parties reveals wideranging policies on higher education. Labour were aiming to increase the percentgae uptake in university places and funding for an extra 20,000 students, and were keen to point out that they had eliminated the need for upfront payment of fees.
The Conservatives pledged fair access to universities for all, as well as 10,000 additional places, while the Lib Dems aimed to scrap tuition fees as well as Labour’s pre-manifesto 50% university uptake target. Plaid Cymru’s policies unsurprisingly had a distinctly Welsh flavour, with a promise to support the proposed Federal College for Wales, as well as a Welsh medium education strategy and a National Veterinary College, and significantly to curb any further increase in tuition fees, and the “abolition of tuition fees as and when public finances allow”. Therefore, there was plenty for students to weigh up and ponder over.
SWANSEA UNI STUDENTS ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL (4%). The other candidates made up the remaining 7.3% of votes cast. Newly-elected Swansea West Labour MP Geraint Davies is now in opposition, having soon to consider who he will support in the Labour leadership race, his party left in disarray. Rhiannon Hedge, a Swansea University student who was active in Mr. Davies’ campaign, said, “Swansea Labour Students were at the centre of the campaign in Swansea West.” While conceding that “Labour did see a slight drop in support in the area”, Ms Hedge emphasised students’ commitment to the Labour campaign, stating that “none of us who put everything else on hold and were out every day on the doorstep could say we’re anything other than immensely
STUDENTS WERE actively campaigning across the Swansea West constituency, with plenty of action seen on campus, and in and around the city. In a closely contested election, Labour’s Geraint Davies came out on top, securing 12,335 votes (34.7%), just ahead of Liberal Democrat Peter May on 11,831 (33.2%). Conservative Rene Kinzett trailed behind on 7,407 (20.8%) and Plaid Cymru’s Harri Roberts failing to retain his deposit with just 1,437
UK uni round up
proud of what we achieved.” She added, “The Liberal Democrats set Swansea West as their number one target seat in Wales...so we expected fierce opposition from the outset.” “Geraint was the candidate who stuck his neck out for students time and time again, from his support for the NUS Vote for Students campaign to his help on getting the ballot box back on campus.” At the same time, Liberal Democrat student Cherry Taylor is satisfied with her party’s own campaign. Ms Taylor, who was involved in the campaign, said, “The once ‘safe’ Labour seat can really now be seen as a marginal seat thanks to the efforts of the Lib Dem campaign, being just 504 votes away from success.” “The support from students was phenomenal and after all, students and young people of today are the most influential voting electorate of the future, so gaining such a strong following now is, indeed, incredibly promising.” So what, then, of the Conservatives? Campaigner Craig Lawton said, “Not only did we increase our vote by 4.8%, but we also saw a 7.2% decrease for Labour.... We have seen that there is a strong Conservative vote in Swansea and Wales as a whole.” “We had a fantastic turnout of
students and young people who were willing to help in our campaign. This not only sets the Conservatives up well for the forthcoming National Assembly Elections next year, but also Swansea’s local elections in 2012.” Plaid Cymru candidate Harri Roberts, supporting the campaign to restrict tuition fees, failed to secure enough votes to retain his deposit. Plaid Cymru student Owain Harries said, “Looking at the television campaigns, people would have had the impression that there were only three parties. “We are disappointed with the election as we had a chance to win in places such as Llanelli, with a swing of 5%.”
Exeter University – Expose XTV, the University of Exeter Students’ Guild student television station returned from this year’s National Student Television Awards with a record haul of six awards. Winning such categories as Best Light Entertainment and Best Documentary, XTV also picked up the Highly Commended award for Best Broadcaster, the first time in its history, making XTV officially the second best student television station in the UK behind Leeds’ LSTV. Dan John, outgoing Station Manager and 3rd Year English Student, said: “We are so proud of how well XTV have done this year. The spread of awards really reflect the dedication put in by so many of our members to make varied and quality programmes. Everyone involved in XTV has worked very hard over the past few years to make the station one of the best in the UK” Cambridge University – Varsity Cambridge students have been struck by a recent outbreak of mumps. Several students have contracted the illness, with some being hospitalised. However, no new cases have been reported for over a week, and Colleges are monitoring the situation closely. A theatre tour in Europe has been found to be the likely source of infection, after many of the group fell ill soon after their return. The University has previously been affected by a widespread mumps infection in 2004, raising concerns that many students were not immunised properly. Students aged between 17 and 23 were born before the infant MMR programme began, and are advised to check with their GP that they have been properly immunised. Cardiff University - Gair Rhydd Medicine students sitting their finals were forced to wait for an hour and move to a different venue after the exam room was double-booked with a conference. Over 300 students arrived at the All Nations Centre (Tuesday May 4th) to sit the two-hour Knowledge and Understanding paper, due to start at 9am, but were told by invigilators that a conference was being held at the same place and time. Students were relocated to their usual lecture theatre at the Heath Clinic and eventually started at 10am, and lasted for an extra ten minutes.
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
News 07
SU increases involvement with Sin City David Lewis News Reporter ALTERNATIVE NIGHTCLUB Sin City is set to become fully Student Unionowned, after the Union tabled a successful take-over bid. The Union had previously only been responsible for the running of the bar and certain events at the venue, but this latest deal sees them take responsibility for it as a whole. The last two weeks have seen doors at the club closed pending discussion of the licence and a minor revamp of the interior. Meanwhile, Sin City’s main events, namely Thursday’s Sin Savers, Friday’s Face Off, and even a Silent Disco, all hit the road, with what was dubbed ‘Sin City On Tour’ visiting Oceana, The Club (formerly Escape) and Divas respectively. Russell Wade, Manager of Swansea Uni Ents said he was pleased with how the tour had gone, with each event managing to maintain its distinct atmosphere, despite the changes of location. Manager of the Union’s involvement in Sin City, Gary Lulham, explained that a deal had been in the pipeline for around the last month and a half, and that the two week closing period upon completion of the deal had given them an ideal opportunity to sort out various matters
behind the scenes and to refresh the club’s interior decoration. He did emphasise, however, that “people shouldn’t walk in expecting to see a brand new Sin City with brand new content, not that they necessarily want to, and most of what we have been doing is back of house stuff, which will ultimately mean that more money goes back into the Union”. Russell Wade echoed Gary Lulham’s comments that increased SU involvement in Sin City would mean more money available for investment in the Union’s other activities and services and that there was still an alternative night out in Swansea offered by the SU. He also said that the Union’s acquisition of the club as a whole could well mean further job opportunities for students, with an increased need for promoters, bar staff and technical staff as well as the potential for summer jobs to suit students wishing to remain in Swansea. Reacting to the news of the acquisition, Nick Ruggieri, a final year student, said: “I think it’s a good thing that the SU are taking over the building and hopefully they can do something about the conditions in the club. However, looking at Divas, I’m not sure whether much is going to change”. The club reopened at the end of last week and Sin Savers is set to recommence at Sin City on Thursday 20th May. Last
Monday, however, there were initial fears that a small fire in the fire escape area at the back of the club may have delayed its reopening but, fortunately, only limited damaged was caused. The blaze is believed to have been started by a homeless person who was able to gain entry through the back, but Gary said that they had taken precautions to ensure that the area around the rear of the venue is now secure, so as to prevent a repeat incident. In terms of upcoming events, Gary additionally said that they had just confirmed American pop-punk band Bowling for Soup for the 6th July and that there was an exciting programme to follow in the new academic year. He added: “I think next year is going to be the year for Sin City. The last year has been pretty good but next year I think we could see some massive stuff down here”. Russell also commented that the Ents team is keen to hear suggestions as to what students would like to see at Sin City, particularly with regards to use of the building during the day, and emphasised the suitability of the venue for society rehearsals or performances. Those with comments, suggestions, or enquiries regarding the hiring of the Sin City should email sincity@swansea-union or make contact through Sin City on Facebook.
DOORS BACK OPEN: Sin City back this week after closure
Beatboxer added to summer ball line up Students mystery death
still being investigated
James Snaith Editor JUST AS you thought the main event of the summer couldn’t get any better, Radio 1’s Beatbox Champion THePETEBOX has confirmed he will be joining Swansea University’s Summer ball line up on the 9th of June. The Nottingham born artist was crowned champion beatboxer back in 2004 becoming a legend on the local music circuit before taking the world by storm with his unique individual skill to create an entire layered loop music set using foot pedals, base beats and vocal harmonies. Playing festivals from Reading, Glastonbury, Bestival and various locations around the world, THePETEBOX has just returned from the Monaco Grand Prix this week accompanying Diversity for a three day set. When asked why another act was being added to the event with less than a month to go, Ents Assistant, Jamie Tagg told us that the Summer Ball had this year surpassed all expectations with
Angharad Jones News Reporter
regards to ticket sales and popularity and that money from the sales was being re-invested back into another genre of music to ensure a great event. “The summer ball is not about making money but about providing a good event for students. Petebox will add another flavour to the ball that already offers six other genres on the day”
THePETEBOX will be performing on the second arena at about 8pm, just before drum and base DJ’s High Contrast take to the stage. Tickets for the summer ball are now completely sold out, Ents told The Waterfront that a total of 190 went back on re-sale two weeks ago and were all snapped up within under an hour.
Get ‘Sunkissed’ this term! AT LAST summer is here (well almost) and most of you will be sunning yourselves on the beach over the next few weeks, for all those 2nd, 3rd and 4th years you will know that it’s this time of year that the students are known for getting very sunburnt (and then moaning about it loudly). Next month the Students’ Union’s final campaign of the year sets out to tackle this, the ‘Sunkissed’ campaign aims to raise awareness and educate students on the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Whether this is
sunbathing at Langland or just walking to town to pick up some shopping, damage from the sun is very dangerous and can lead to serious illnesses such as Melanoma. With the help of cancer charity Tenovus, the Students’ Union is producing a fact filled booklet which will give you all of the information you need about keeping safe in the sun. Throughout the week the Students’ Union will be giving away lots of sun related freebies to all those that are enjoying the sun in the Village, on Campus
Lance Horsey Welfare Officer
and on the Beach on the other side of Mumbles Road opposite the University . Sunkissed reps will be walking around giving away T-shirts, Sun Screen and much more. The campaign will run alongside part of the Ents ‘Seven lazy hazy days of summer’, which includes the Village Carnival, Dodge ball and the Summer Ball. The ‘Sunkissed’ campaign will be running from the 5th June to the 9th June keep your eyes peeled for those freebies and have fun but be safe in the sun.
FORMER SWANSEA student Laura Brown died suddenly in her home on Christina Street in Swansea on 16th April, just 48 hours after embarking on a night out in Swansea city centre. The cause of the death remains a mystery, with police referring to the death as unexplained. As home office pathologists are carrying out a series of tests, it has been confirmed that determining the cause of death could take up to three months. A mature student at 29 years of age, Laura is believed to have dropped out of university just months before her death. Well known among clubbers in Swansea, Laura worked part-time at the popular nightclub Play and also at
Orson Mills photography studio on the Kingsway. Friends have set up a memorial fund and aim to buy a bench in memory of Laura, with various fundraisers being held to raise money for the cause. A commemorative group on Facebook has been created to raise awareness of the fund, with over 1,000 members joining to share their sympathies with her family and friends. James Davies, also known as DJSlim, shared his commiserations on the social networking site: “It’s tragic news about Laura, she was the life and soul of the party, we all had some great times.” Many of Laura’s friends are participating in a Tandem skydive on the 8th August, plunging 12,000 feet at 120mph to raise money for the worthy cause.
Village Carnival back for 8th year! SWANSEA University’s Village Carnival returns for its 8th year on Sunday 6th June, writes James Snaith. The Carnival is just one event being organised during the ‘seven lazy hazy days of summer’ that students can enjoy next month and is bound to be a big draw as it takes place just two days after the official exam period ends. The event begins at 12pm, located on the stretch of road between Woodies and The Spar shop, and runs all the way through until 12am. It’s 100% free and will play host to live DJ’s and bands throughout the afternoon.
Organiser Daz Thomas told The Waterfront that the experience of the day is worth checking out and that in the past the carnival has played host to acts that have made it big just weeks later: “Back in 2006 we had Scouting for Girls play in front of a few hundred people, just weeks after they were in the charts and the following year playing festivals around the UK” So far DJ Henry Brown and Battle of the bands winners Fresh Lobster Scandal are set to play, just days before they play the Summer Ball at Abbey Meadow.
08 Welsh/Cymraeg
WATERFRONT 191 - 18/05/10
^ Waterfront Gwyl Ddewi HWNTW YN Y ‘GOGS’! ‘Yma O Hyd’ Gan Jess Main
I bobl sy’n byw yma yn Ne Cymru, mae’n anodd credu weithiau bod galw am bobl sy’n gallu siarad a deall Cymraeg. Dwi’n gwybod, fel myfyrwraig yn y brifysgol sy’n siarad Cymraeg, fod hyn yn gallu swnio fel gwrthddweud ond rwy’n credu mai hyn yw’r gwirionedd! Mae’r angen am y Gymraeg yn Ne Cymru wedi cynyddu’n barhaus yn y blynyddoedd diwethaf, gyda mwy a mwy o wasanaethau dwyieithog ar gael i’r cyhoedd. Es i i ogledd Cymru i’r Bala fel rhan o’r cwrs Cymraeg yma yn y brifysgol, a ches i gyfle i weld y gwahaniaeth drosof fi fy hun. Y mwyaf amlwg o’r gwahaniaethau, rwy’n credu, yw’r olygfa. Gyda’i golygfeydd trawiadol, mae’r gogledd yr un mor brydferth â lleoedd eraill yng Nghymru. Ond, mae rhywbeth yn wahanol yno, rhywbeth nad wyf yn gallu rhoi fy mys arno. Efallai bod yr heddwch a’r tawelwch yn ffactor sy’n cyfrannu ato, ond mae popeth yn ymddangos fel pe bai’n fwy hamddenol o lawer na rhannau Cymru yr ymwelais i â nhw o’r blaen. Wrth gyrraedd y Bala, teimlwn fel pe bawn i wedi camu i mewn i gerdyn post o Gymru draddodiadol, ac mae’r un peth yn wir am y bobl! Mae rhwystr yr iaith yn amlwg ar unwaith, ac mae’n wir na siaredir llawer o Saesneg yn y gogledd hyd heddiw - o leiaf, dyna fy argraff i! Mae rhai pobl yn galw pobl o’r gogledd yn ‘gogs’ fel llysenw (cas efallai). Gyda’i hacenion cryf a thafodiaith ddigymar, mae’n fath hollol wahanol o Gymraeg i’r hyn a geir yma. Felly, fel rydw i wedi dweud o’r blaen, mae byd o wahaniaeth rhwng de Cymru a’r gogledd. Er, mae’n amheuthun gweld pobl sy’n dal i fod yn Gymry cryf ac yn wladgarol ynghylch ein hetifeddiaeth, ein hiaith a’n gwlad ni ein hunain. Mae hyn yn arbennig o wir gan fod llawer o bobl ym Mhrydain yn amau pwysigrwydd bodolaeth Cymru a’r iaith Gymraeg y dyddiau hyn. Mae’n rhoi hyder i bobl sy’n debyg i mi hefyd; sef bod pwrpas gwneud gradd yn y Gymraeg. Efallai y dylai’r ‘Hwntws’ ddilyn esiampl y ‘Gogs’! Er fy mod i wrth fy modd yn byw yn y De, dwi’n meddwl ei bod hi’n brofiad i unrhyw un i ymweld â’r gogledd nid dim ond Cymry Cymraeg. Mae’n gyfle perffaith i brofi’r ddelwedd ‘ddelfrydol’ o Gymru sydd gan rai pobl, hyd yn oed os nad yw’n wir am y wlad gyfan!
WHERE’S THE WELSH?
Gan Alun Rhys Chivers
Brenhines ein Llên 1891-1985 Gan Daniel Harvey Ar daith yn ddiweddar, ymwelais i â Gogledd Cymru i weld lleoedd pwysig Cymru, fel Trawsfynydd, Aberystwyth ac yn y blaen. Ond, aethon ni i Gae’r Gors hefyd, sef tŷ Brenhines ein Llên, Kate Roberts. Roedd hi wedi ysgrifennu llawer o straeon byrion sy’n boblogaidd a llwyddiannus, a nofelau hefyd. Roedd ei gwaith yn dangos bywyd yng Nghymru o safbwynt menyw. Roedd hi’n ysgrifennu am fenywod cryf yn ei gwaith ac yn rhoi llais i fenywod Cymru. Roedd hi’n profi bod menywod yn rheoli bywydau dynion. Yn un stori fer, mae hi’n dangos bod ei chymeriad yn rheoli ei harian ar ôl iddi dalu ei dyled olaf (“Y Taliad Olaf”). Ond cofiwch ei bod hi yn y fenyw gyntaf sy’n dangos bod y prif gymeriad yn fenyw sy’n gryf. Roedd hi’n newid llawer o agweddau tuag at fenywod yng Nghymru’r cyfnod, gyda’i “syniadau radicalaidd.” Mae’n bwysig cofio nad awdures yn unig oedd hi. Roedd hi’n ddarlithydd, yn aelod o Blaid Cymru ac yn weithredwr dros hawliau menywod a Chymru. Dechreuodd ysgrifennu ar ôl marwolaeth ei brawd ym 1925 fel ffordd o oresgyn tristwch ei farwolaeth. Roedd ei gyrfa wedi goroesi trwy chwe degawd tan ei marwolaeth ym 1985. Ond doedd hi ddim yn ysgrifennu am fenywod cryf yn unig. Roedd hi’n fenyw gryf dros ben. Cymerodd reolaeth dros ei gyrfa yn llwyr ym 1935, ynghyd â’i gŵr. Roedd hi’n rheoli pa waith y dylai hi ei gyhoeddi. Gwnaeth hi lawer yn ystod ei thrigain mlynedd fel llenor. Roedd hi’n cael ei pharchu gan rai o’r ffigyrau mwyaf llwyddiannus ym myd llenyddiaeth, yn enwedig Saunders Lewis. Pan ddaeth ei gyrfa i ben, roedd parch sylweddol gan ei chyfoedion tuag ati. Roedd hi’n haeddu’r teitl “Brenhines ein Llên” ac awdur mwyaf hynod yr ugeinfed ganrif. Felly, os ydych chi’n ymweld â Gogledd Cymru, dylech chi ymweld â Chae’r Gors, tŷ Brenhines ein Llên.
Adeg yma’r flwyddyn, gyda’r gwaith cwrs ar fin dod i ben a’r arholiadau ar y gorwel, mae ein sylw ni fel myfyrwyr yn dechrau troi tuag at adloniant yr haf. Fe aeth yr ornest Varsity heibio yn yr wythnosau diwethaf, a nawr mae’n bryd edrych ymlaen at un o uchafbwyntiau cymdeithasol eraill y flwyddyn, sef y ‘Summer Ball’. Ar Fehefin 9fed eleni, bydd miloedd o fyfyrwyr Abertawe’n ymbincio ac yn llowcio ambell beint cyn cael gwledd o gerddoriaeth gan rai o artistiaid mwyaf poblogaeth Prydain, gan gynnwys ‘Florence and the Machine’ a ‘Wheatus’. Ond un cwestiwn bach i chi. Ble mae’r Gymraeg? Ar hyd y blynyddoedd diwethaf, ni fu’r Gymraeg yn ystyriaeth fawr wrth ddewis bandiau ar gyfer y digwyddiad blynyddol ar y campws. Mae Ents wedi dweud wrth Waterfront nad oedd galw am fand Cymraeg eleni. Meddai llefarydd, “Fe wnaethon ni ofyn i’r myfyrwyr pa artistiaid yr hoffen nhw eu gweld ac ni chafwyd yr un awgrym o ran band Cymraeg, rwy’n ofni. Gan fod hwn yn ddigwyddiad i’r myfyrwyr, rhaid i ni wrando ar yr hyn yr hoffen nhw ei weld.” Gofynnwyd i fyfyrwyr yn Ail Ffair y Glas awgrymu ar fwrdd du pa fandiau yr hoffen nhw eu gweld yn y Ddawns Haf, ond ni nodwyd yr un band Cymraeg. Ble’r oedd y Cymry Cymraeg, tybed? Mae’r ergyd hon i’r Gymraeg ar y campws yn fwy ysgytwol fyth eleni, yn dilyn blwyddyn lwyddiannus i’r Gym-Gym yn 2009, gyda dyfodiad yr Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol i Abertawe. Fe lwyddwyd fis Mawrth diwethaf i ddenu rhai o oreuon y sin roc Gymraeg i’r brifysgol, gan gynnwys Derwyddon Dr. Gonzo, Fflur Dafydd a’r Barf a Mr. Huw. Bryd hynny, roedd cannoedd o fyfyrwyr o bob prifysgol yng Nghymru wedi heidio i mewn i’r ffreutur am wledd o gerddoriaeth roc, pop a ffync. A’r un fu’r hanes yn y blynyddoedd cyn hynny, wrth i ni ddenu enwau fel Brigyn, Vanta, Ashokan, Poppies, Daniel Lloyd a Gareth Phillips i’r campws ar gyfer nosweithiau unigol fel ‘Roc Tawe’ a ‘Roc Tawe Rock’ (a’r amrywiad ar enw’r noson yn ymgais i ehangu apêl y gerddoriaeth), yn ogystal â’r ŵyl uniaith Gymraeg, ‘Tyrfe Tawe’. Dro ar ôl tro, mae’r digwyddiadau hyn wedi profi bod cryn dipyn o alw am gerddoriaeth Gymraeg ar y campws a’u bod yn gyfle hefyd i’r Undeb wneud tipyn o elw ariannol, ond ychydig o ddatblygiad a gafwyd. Cyn beirniadu Ents a’r Undeb yn llwyr am hyn, mae’n deg dweud eu bod nhw’n gefnogol os ewch chi atynt i awgrymu noson Gymraeg. Wrth ymateb i’r her, meddai’r llefarydd wrth Waterfront, “Os hoffech chi awgrymu ambell artist iaith Gymraeg, byddwn i’n hapus i’w hystyried ar gyfer digwyddiadau sydd i ddod.”
Dyma gyfle i chi, felly, osod pwysau ar yr Undeb ac Ents i gynnwys band neu artist Cymraeg yn y lein-yp ar gyfer Wythnos y Glas a Dawns Haf 2011. Rhowch wybod i’r Waterfront pwy hoffech chi weld yn dod i lwyfannau Prifysgol Abertawe dros y flwyddyn nesaf. Dyma ambell awgrym i ddechrau’r rhestr.... Race Horses, Masters in France neu... ? E-bostiwch ni: editor@swansea-union.co.uk
VARSITY 20 10 Varsity Photos
Waterfront 191 - 18/05/10
FRONT
Packed with music,film, food, fashion and Professor Green It’s your essential culture guide
professor green had time to teach us a few things after his recent gig at oceana full interview page 15
12 FRONT-CULTURE
WATERFRONT 190-18/05/10
Books: Solar by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan’s latest novel Solar sees his attempt to differ from the usual doom and gloom tone of his books and write something that belongs in the world of
comic writing. The novel is split into three sections, the first of which is set in the year 2000. The novels main protagonist Michael Beard is fifty-three, a noble laureate winner for his early theoretical work on the photoelectric effect. Beard’s life consists of sitting on committees, donating his name, and thus his prestige, to the letterheads of different institutions and semi-enthusiastically heading a government-backed initiative to battle climate change. Alongside his work life, the traditionally womanising Beard has to come to terms with the fact that his wife Patrice is now having the affair except he is more in love with her than ever. In an attempt to escape Patrice’s torture, Beard travels to the arctic to battle climate change. When his professional life and his personal life collide due to a freak accident, Beard finds that an opportunity has arisen
whereby there is a possibility that he may be able to extricate himself from his mess of a marriage, re-establish his career and even save the world from environmental disaster. Solar is pieced together with endless scientific terms alongside witty and satirical prose. Although the book is constructed very well and, as usual with McEwan, the writing technique is excellent, I did not find this book compelling. Despite the satire and comic effect of the novel, I had to keeping reminding myself that this was a comedy. This was not because it wasn’t funny, it was because even though McEwan demonstrated a confidence with including scientific terms in his prose, I did not feel confident reading them. I found myself getting lost in an endless bog of terms followed by an occasional comical event. I would laugh, then once
again find myself sifting through the physics. It would be unfair to say that this book generated complete dislike on my part. I appreciated the comedy, especially when it came to the remarks about the media in the middle section. The postmodern techniques were there, enjoyable enough and they added to the humour. I cannot fault the writing style and cannot say that the book was completely un-enjoyable. However, it was all very neat. I read it thinking this is very well written but at no point did I forget that I was reading a book. I did not become absorbed into the world of Michael Beard. I simply found that I was reading about a fat, selfish scientist that I didn’t really care about. I would recommend that people read this, despite my criticism. With all McEwan books, they are worth reading simply because of his writing ability. He
Food & Drink: Noah’s Yard in the Uplands and even more yet to be unveiled in the gallery upstairs. All this comes along side a more contemporary art influenced vision with a piece of work by popular street artist Banksy and an original paper mache creation by the daughter of the creator of childhood favourite, “old saggy cloth cat”, Bagpuss. Moreover, having read a degree in photography and graphic design at Swansea Metropolitan and having worked as a graphic designer for the city’s Monkey Bar, Noah’s passion for art and culture is obvious to anyone entering the bar.
Quirky teapots, homemade cakes and an antique Italian coffee machine; these are the just some of the features of Swansea’s latest cafe wine bar, Noah’s Yard, in the Uplands area. Described as a “bit of a tea drinkers paradise”, this latest culture injection is not one to be missed. The refurbishment of 38, Uplands Road can be particularly commended for its salvaging of local materials; indeed
wood from demolished buildings in the Kingswood area has been used in the renovation. Noah emphasised the importance of using locally sourced ingredients and naturally sourced products within the business and this whole ethos is unmistakable in the decor. Upon entering we were charmed by the antiquity of the furniture and fixtures; old leather couches, exposed brick walls, a piano in the shop window
Being a former student in the area has really given Noah an advantage in knowing what Swansea is lacking in relation to the student population and its social life; he emphasises that all the food to be served will be fresh and home cooked, an uncomplicated menu encompassing things such as hand-cut sandwiches, greek salads, fresh breads and olives and of course a huge range
of teas. But that’s not all; a Spanish and Italian hot chocolate will ensure an escape and an alternative to the powdery and cheap substitutes offered in machines. All food and drinks are to be served to the highest possible standard with a big emphasis on presentation – a pleasant and cultural environment that steps away from what has become regular and expected of the local social and student life in Swansea.
This Month, Swansea’s ‘Attic Gallery’ is showcasing the work of two landscape artists, Jonathan Taylor and Robert Harrison. The Exhibition hopes to allow the public to compare the two artists, and their depictions of the beautiful South Wales. Through their very different techniques they demonstrate very different perspectives of Wales. Robert Harrison, was born and bred in Neath in 1943, but studied for his degree in Bristol’s college of art. After studying for his teaching degree in Cardiff university, he taught art at a
comprehensive school in Herefordshire, before deciding to devote his time to his own art shortly after. The Attic Gallery have held his exhibitions since 1980, and he is a well know name in the world of Welsh artists. He creates his spectacular paintings through the use of texture, overlaying oil paint with a palette knife, and often using fabric to create the multi-layered look that he is famous for. Robert claims that his intention was to ‘fuse’ two very different perspectives into one painting. He rarely ventures away from using the
Suzanne Beynon
time – a relaxing alternative to the usual night out, great customer service and an outwardly friendly atmosphere with great music – it’s open every night till 12pm and in a couple of weeks will be open in the day from 10am to 6pm, go check it out! Sophie Bamber
Moreover, as well as the food and drink offered by the soon-to-be-open day time trade, the evenings offer an arsenal of music to play at the request of the customer from Noah’s own collection and most notably, local singer/songwriter Stuart who we were lucky enough to see on Tuesday night! Noah’s Yard has already had a surge of popularity both with students and the local residents of the Swansea area and this is before it is even open in the day
Art & Design: Exhibtions at the Attic Gallery Welsh landscape as his inspiration, and who can blame him! His work stands out in a sort of abstract way, through combining the familiarity of the Welsh landscape with texture and layering. He attempts to find the abstract in a variety of structures. On the subject, he wrote, “I try to analyse the structure of the subject whether it is man-made or natural, real or imaginary or obvious or discreet, in order to find this hidden identity.” Jonathan Taylor was born in the West Midlands in 1962. He studied art in Worcester and Leeds from 1982 to 1987, and became a professional artist in 1988. His painting show his love for surroundings, landscapes and scenery, so it’s no wonder he eventually discovered Wales as a destination for inspiration! His paintings of the Gower Peninsula, have made it onto the BBC’s show ‘Countryfile’. Jonathan claims to be fascinated by light, and the effects it has on portraying certain landscapes in a different way. He said, ‘I am interested in how a scene can have an almost physical
manages to mix literary accomplishment with entertainment. Those who have not read any McEwan before may enjoy this more than those who have. This is simply because you may find the satirical tone of Solar more comfortable than those who are used to his more sombre tone which he demonstrates more naturally. Those devout fans who know a lot about McEwan will enjoy this because it shows a degree of self awareness on his part that transfers into the humour. The merit of the novel has also been shown by the fact that it has recently been shortlisted for the Wodehouse comic novel prize. The novel’s ability to provoke conflict in your opinion of it and to make you laugh even though you may not be overly enjoying it, I think, is what makes it most interesting.
impact on me and I try to convey these emotions in my paintings.’ His paintings are mostly created through Watercolour and pastels. Jonathans paintings aim to capture a sense of place, time or mood, and he feels through the use of watercolours and pastels, this is easily achieved. His work has been showcased in many Swansea exhibitions before, as well as other galleries in Surrey, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Yorkshire and Sussex. Recently in 2010, his paintings won the ‘Rowland Hilder Award’ and the ‘Matt
Bruce Memorial Award’ at an exhibition in London. So if you have ever felt inspired or intrigued by our beautiful country and it’s scenic views, make your way to the Attic Gallery between the 8th and 29th May and decide for yourself which artist truly captures the landscape. Robert Harrison’s textured and abstract perspective of Wales or Jonathan Taylor’s idea of a ‘transient Wales’? You decide!
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FRONT - CULTURE 13
Stage: ‘Elephant’ at the Taliesin In Elephant we see performers from the U.K and South Africa come together to create what is sure to be a spectacular and unusual performance at the Taliesin Arts centre. The show has been described as ‘inspiring’, ‘stunning’ and ‘beautiful’ in a selection of reviews. Direct from New York, it uses an array of dancers, actors, story tellers, musicians and even a selection of elaborate body puppets in order to tell their story. The show unravels the story of Chief Zanenvula. The chief was well respected and a good man, but following his death he finds himself being refused entry into heaven. Unable to understand why, the chief is told to look back at his past, to review his life and consider his actions. Slowly he begins to grasp an understanding of how he has offended
the spirit of Africa, but he also has to learn how he can redeem himself.
Elephant is sure to create enjoyment and significance for its diverse audience.
The idea for Elephant followed the successful production of the show An Elephant called Slowly, performed originally 12 years ago. The show was put on in support of the internationally renowned wild life charity, the Born Free Foundation. The story was designed to send a message about protecting the elephant in its natural environment.
Consequently, in 2004 a group of actors, musicians and dancers came together to explore the themes of captivity, freedom and redemption. These powerful themes are explored through a fast moving series of scenes that contrast the upbeat and funny with the beautiful and moving. From a need to explore these themes through creativity, Elephant has fed off art forms that have faded from our stage. The dodgy clutch and Market Theatre Johannesburg has created a vigorous revival of these rich, vibrant and long suppressed traditional forms.
After the birth of a New South Africa, the Dodgy Clutch theatre believed that the animal symbolised the nations new found liberty and the need for freedom that exist within everyone. Their aim with Elephant is to demonstrate this theme on stage. With a message that offers meaning and relevance to all,
With an aim to capture this vitality on stage, in order that their audience feels the same enthusiasm that they
do, they have collaborated some of the foremost performers from companies in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. A group of these performers came back to New Castle in order to develop a brand new production of Elephant. Showing from Wednesday 26th May to Saturday 29th May, Elephant creates a magnificent visual feast for everyone to enjoy. It’s ability to delve into the theme of freedom brings together a celebration of forgiveness and humanity, or “Ubuntu”. Adding to Swansea’s diverse culture, it is rare to find something that offers such originality on stage. Tickets are £8.50 for students. Elephant is not one to miss. Suzanne Beynon
Stage: Review of Shoreline’s production of Measure for Measure This year’s Shoreline Shakespeare production was ‘Measure for Measure’, the comedy/problem play about a man imprisoned and sentenced to death for the crime of getting his fiancée pregnant. It begins with the Duke of Vienna taking leave for a diplomatic mission, leaving in charge the hard-line judge Angelo. When Angelo hears of Claudio’s fiancée’s pregnancy, he sentences Claudio to death. His hypocrisy in this issue is seen when Claudio’s sister visits
and commanding voice, he dominated the stage aptly. This was complemented by Morgan Rise’s performance as Escalus, another strong character who demanded audience attention. Isabella was played beautifully by Emma Purkiss, with all the passion and innocence her character required. Credits for comedy must go to Ross Gribble, whose insults were perfectly timed; Nick Ruggieri for the daring lengths he went to with the background prostitutes; James Davies for the drunken prisoner scenes and James Thomas for slapstick genius
and personality to boot. And to those to often forgotten – great work from the backstage team, particularly Izzy Dabbs and Paul Cargeeg, who kept everything moving swiftly. Personality shone through in the last of Shoreline’s performances for the academic year, making it a truly special occasion.
Mullen. In 2005 Carroll toured New Zealand and Brazil performing in front of 50,000 fans as a member of the drumn-bass collective known as ‘London Elektricity’. Recordings with Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and top US guitar man Jerry Donahue give added kudos to Liane’s awesome musical CV.
personality. Carrolls first solo album ‘Billy No Mates’ won two BBC Jazz awards in 2005 a unique achievement for a contemporary musician. Not content with ‘Elektrifying’ dance fans in Brazil and Kiwi her Glastonbury concert in 2007 was broadcast live to the nation on BBC R2.
Cole Porter, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and instrumental compositions by Duke Ellington. With a new CD due out at the end of the summer Liane Carroll at Taliesin is a hot ticket and a must-see concert for music fans of all ages.
A regular live act at London’s top jazz clubs Ronnie Scotts in Soho and the 606 in Chelsea, Carroll has won a devoted and loyal fan base through her superb musicianship and charismatic
Liane Carroll’s last CD ‘Live at the Lampie’ was recorded at the Blue Lamp club in Aberdeen and featured Brian Kellock on keyboards. The album showcased songs by amongst others;
to beg for his life and Angelo agrees to release him – if she sleeps with him. Through all of this, the Duke is in disguise as a Friar, watching over the situations, and holding his tongue to the abuse launched at the Duke from Lucio, Claudio’s friend.
I’d love to say that one or two people stole the show, but the strength of this play came from the high quality of every actor who graced the Dylan Thomas stage. Ben Kennedy’s performance as the Duke was brilliant – with a clear, crisp
Music: Lianne Carroll at the Taliesin As Swansea’s leading performing arts venue, Taliesin on Singleton campus regularly presents cutting edge musicians. From global roots to straight ahead jazz there is no better place to catch the finest contemporary jazz and pop. Lianne Carroll is a singer and jazz pianist who’s work has drawn comparison with legendary Canadian chanteuse Blossom Dearie. Having gained a loyal fan base through her electrifying concert’s, Carroll’s reputation is further enhanced by her mash-up collaborations with the legendary jazz-funk duo Morrissey/
Film: Previews of upcoming films at the Taliesin Mugabe and the White African (TBC) 24th May
Since 2002 Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has remained unchanged with his government’s policy for land reform and land distribution – tragically this has instigated a country that lives in a relentless fear and intimidation scene. More than 3,000 farmers have been told to leave their properties and if they don’t they face horrific consequences. ‘Mugabe and the White African’ follows 75 year old Michael Campbell, one of the few white famers left in Zimbabwe, who has owned the land he lives on for 30 years, and his and his family’s plight
to keep the land they’ve worked on, their home and their livelihood. The film is a personal account of astounding endurance and bravery as the family challenge Robert Mugabe before the SADC (South African Development Community) with charges of racial discrimination and of violating Human Rights. Filmed in a country where a total pressban still exists and little is known about life under Mugabe’s internationally criticised regime, directors Andrew Thomas and Lucy Bailey have succeeded where few have before them. The film is poignant and emotional and we watch the family’s profound and unwavering determination to be seen
as and appreciated as African. The film follows the family’s countless visits to the Namibian International Court where Mugabe and his government of disunity postpone time and time again and a constant hounding by Zanu-PF officials and their militia. The film is ultimately about human rights and the rule of law and democracy and Zimbabwe as a post-colonial country seemingly wanting all traces of that colonialism gone. This powerful documentary depicts a country on its knees, a country torn apart by fear and racism, and a family trapped between the aggressive land reform regime aimed at correcting colonial–era inequities and
Next year promises to be bigger and better, so support your future Oscar winning counterparts, and get down to Shoreline Theatre in 2010-2011! Becca Taylor
Lianne Carroll at Taliesin Saturday May 22nd: Taliesin box office 01792 60 20 60 (student discount available with valid NUS card). WWW.taliesinartscentre. co.uk Paul Seacombe
an unjust, centuries-old hegemony in conjunction with brutal intimidation. ‘Mugabe and the White African’ is a heart-wrenching and moving film about one family’s struggle against a campaign of state-sanctioned terror and sheds light on an issue often forgotten due to a state inflicted press ban. This thought provoking, Oscar nominated documentary, unbearably suspense and with a shock ending, really does expose the tragedy of Zimbabwe, the reality of life under Mugabe’s dictatorship and is thoroughly worth watching for its insight. Sophie Bamber
14 FRONT-CULTURE
WATERFRONT 191-18/05/10
Film: Previews of upcoming films at the Taliesin Alice in Wonderland (PG) 1st June There is perhaps a no more natural fit in cinema than the Gothic genius Tim Burton and the mastermind of bizarre fiction, Lewis Carroll. Burton has been thriving on selling weird and unusual movies to the mainstream audience for almost two decades and he owes a great debt to Carroll in this endeavour.
A Prophet (18) 7TH June Jacques Audiard (The heart that skipped a beat) is son of the director Michel Audiard, a popular director in French cinema between the 1940’s and 80’s. Jacques followed his father into film making in 1994 with the film See How They Fall. His fifth film, A Prophet explores the prison genre that people have loved for years and adds to Audiard’s reputation as a ‘distinctive’ and ‘leading-figure’ of flim-making.
A Single Man (12A) 8th & 9th June
Fashion designer, Tom Ford, has created a highly impressive debut film with his feature, A Single Man. Set in Los Angeles in 1962 and based upon the 1964 novel by Christopher Isherwood, A Single Man tells the story of university lecturer, George Falconer (Colin Firth), and his attempts to come to terms with
Released in 1865, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland was a publishing sensation amongst adults and children alike and sold out its initial print run in record time. It could count among its early readers Queen Victoria and Oscar Wilde. Little needs to be said about the story as it has become a pop-culture sensation in the 145 years since its release, largely due to a 1951 Disney animated movie that was hugely successful. However for the uninitiated, it tells the tale of a young girl named Alice who stumbles
down a rabbit hole into a mystical, magical world known as Wonderland, populated by bizarre creatures and run by a neurotic Queen.
A Prophet follows the character of Malik El Djebena, played by newcomer Tahar Rahim. Malik is nineteen and after serving much of his life in a juvenile detention unit, he is now beginning a six year sentence in prison. While Malik wants to keep his head down and out of trouble in prison, Corsican Mobster, Cèsar Luciani, who controls the guards of the prison has other plans for him. Malik, a young Arab guy, finds himself torn between the divisions of the Corsicans and the Muslims in the prison, and has to decide whether to follow Cèsar or die.
A Prophet sounds like the typical prison movie with the divisions, corrupt guards and pecking order. However with its success of one BAFTA win for Best Film not in the English language and an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language film of the year, it must be concluded that there is more to this film than a simple prison movie. The film seems to represent everything that people have loved in the longstanding tradition of prison movies without treading on cheesy cliché territory.
the death of his partner, Jim, in a car accident.
and student, Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), who is strangely fascinated by George. Behind the designer suits hides a very lonely man.
George is the epitome of repressed English manners, a trait that becomes more apparent as he sinks further into despair after being banned from Jim’s funeral by his family. He is excessively polite to everyone he encounters, despite his inner turmoil and he is well-respected by his peers. In spite of this, he has very few friends, except for his best friend, the alcoholic Charley (Julianne Moore)
Tim Burton’s Alice takes certain liberties with the original story and in fact is a fusion of both the original book and its sequel, Through The LookingGlass. Alice is now 19 and has visited Wonderland previously, although she does not remember it.
Rhodri Diaz
As to be expected from a director of Tom Ford’s artistic ability, exquisitely filmed with great attention to detail. Every scene resembles an advert in a glossy magazine, at times even making 1960s-set American drama, Mad Men look dowdy. However, whilst it is undoubtedly stylish, A Single Man also
Michael Moore’s latest documentary is a witty and infuriated stab at America’s love of capitalism; the audience is invited to wake up to the reality of an economic meltdown, insurance scams, the mechanics of Wall Street and the absurdity of the distribution of the fruits of economic progress. It is a fierce attack on America’s economic system which exposes the market ‘fat cats’ who populate just 1% of the entire nation yet seemingly
Moore doesn’t lose his style of archive footage, witness interviews and sarcastic commentaries but rather uses it again to reawaken America and the world to
the message they’ve all heard before: economic collapse, mortgage crisis, and banker bailouts – he wants the system purged and abolished to correct a seemingly failed socialist structure. He compares the selfless act of Dr. Jonas Salk who handed over his polio vaccine to the public for the common good, to the “insane casino” of Wall Street. An American dream that’s turned into more of an American nightmare with homes, jobs and savings all at stake, Moore’s film echoes the 1980’s Michael Douglas film ‘Wall Street’ with the same themes of corporate greed and human condition. By outwardly asking for explanations from the people in power, whether that’s
The Ghost (15) 14th June
name is mud in the filmmaking world which, not discounting his crimes, is a shame in light of the release of this highly interesting political thriller.
the murder and discover the horrible truth about the ex-PM. The film also stars Olivia Williams as the worn-down and exasperated wife of the ex-premier.
The film stars Ewan McGregor as a jobbing writer who lands a position as a ghost writer for an autobiography of the former Prime Minister, played by Pierce Brosnan. Things take a turn for the weird when it is discovered that Brosnan’s last ghost writer died in strange circumstances and McGregor resolves to unravel the mystery, solve
It will come as no surprise to those who have followed Polanski’s career that the film has been well-received by the majority of the critics. The film is reminiscent of some of Alfred Hitchcock’s finest thrillers, with some blackly comic elements that set it apart from anything before it. The film is, of course, a veiled satirical attack on Tony
Roman Polanski has been in the news for all the wrong reasons as of late. Awaiting extradition to the United States on child-sex charges, he has been roundly condemned in all corners of the globe. When Polanski won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for this, his latest movie based on the Robert Harris novel of the same name, the decision was met with derision and hostility. Polanski’s
give the film that extra substance that takes it into the world of Oscar nominee, with the development of its main protagonist becoming more important to the story than simple prison politics. Excellent performances from its leading actors, Tahar Rahim and Niels Arestrup and outstanding directing from Jacques Audiard make this film both memorable and meaningful. Suzanne Beynon
The films underlying themes seem to
dominate 95% of its wealth. Michael Moore uncovers the crude and impassioned country populated by Goldman Sachs investment bankers and property vultures (property opportunists who prey on home owners just having lost their home); he brings comedy to a crude moral universe by arriving at Wall Street to make a ‘citizen’s arrest’, and wrapping some of the largest investment bank buildings up in crime-scene-donot-cross yellow tape.
Capitalism: A Love Story (12A) 10th June
The movie sports a stellar cast including Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Anne Hathaway, Matt Lucas and Stephen Fry. Although it received mixed critical reviews, Tim Burton is to be admired for taking on the adaptation of such a strange and densely populated book and this is worth a look for anyone who enjoys the occasional trip down the Rabbit-Hole.
has a great deal of substance. Colin Firth gives an outstanding performance as a gay man struggling to grieve in a society that simply will not let him. Firth occupies a number of close-up shots throughout the film, all of which subtly convey the myriad of emotions that he is battling to contain. It is an expertly nuanced performance evokes compassion and Firth more than justifies his critical acclaim. Sarah Hill
Catholic Priest Thomas Gumbleton, or Elizabeth Warren, US Congressional Oversight Committee who cannot answer Moore’s probing questions with much more than a shrug, the film demonstrates the power of the market and implores and appeals for a more suitable regulatory system which would restrain the excesses of capitalism.
Blair’s regime, even down to the casting of Pierce Brosnan but it stands up perfectly well as a taut, gripping thriller that stands up to the best of Polanski’s work.
It’s sharp and entertaining, it exposes the high rollers and the bottom feeders and it’s definitely worth a watch whether you agree with him or not.
Sophie Bamber
Rhodri Diaz
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FRONT - MUSIC 15
PROF. GREEN, IN OCEANA, WITH THE MICROPHONE! Reporter Bella Whately managed to grab a quick interview with the highly successful Professor Green at Oceana, Swansea. How old were you and how did you get started?
Do you produce your own backing tracks?
PG: Um I’m 26, I started listening to rap music when I was 9 or 10, Biggie was the first artist I started listening to. I never really had any of intention of becoming an artist but the guy you saw on stage with me, I was at his house when I was 18, everyone around me had been making music for years and everyone was free styling and I got put on the spot and it kind of worked so it just progressed from there.
PG: Nah, I don’t produce. Sometimes I’ll write top lines, I’m good with melodies but I’m just not hands on.
What was your ‘big break’ so to speak?
PG: [Laughs] Well it felt like it took forever on the day!
How long did it take you to shoot the video for ‘I Need You Tonight’? PG: About 17 hours Really, so not days then, not too long?
PG: There’s been more “I got stabbed, there was an than one I suppose, argument in this club and initially it was getting spotted by Mike someone came at me with [Skinner] when I was at their hands...” Brixton Academy and getting signed to his label, but the first thing I really released properly was the most recent song ‘I Who has been the most exciting Need You Tonight’ which is obviously a person to work with? bit different and exposed me to a totally different crowd. PG: Um, probably Lily [Allen], there’s a lot of energy in that girl, she’s fiery. I saw you at Brixton Academy, years She’s a good person to work with, she’s ago now, supporting the Streets and got a really good vibe and she’s great to be around. you put on a really good show. PG: Cheers!
Have you ever thought of doing a Plan B and making some drum ‘n’ bass tunes, or dubstep?
PG: Um, not so much because it’s very English and ,um, before I was into rap music, I was into music at a really young age and all the older people on my estate were all into jungle, so d ‘n’ b, jungle, dubstep, they’re all genres that I’m into so I’d definitely play about with them. You’ve got some interesting tattoos, any interesting stories behind any of them? PG: Well I actually got this one on my neck two weeks before I got stabbed, there was an argument in this club and someone came at me with their hands...that’s how I got this [points to scar] That’s awful, I’m sorry. PG: Yeah, I’ve had better days… What kind of music are you into apart from rap? PG: I kind of like singer/song writers, to be honest I like little bits from pretty much any genre y’know, apart from heavy metal, but I like a lot of trip hop, a lot of ambient kind of stuff. Morcheeba are cool, Bonobo is really good, Cinematic Orchestra, anything that kind of sets a mood. I really admire the lyrics in your song
‘Serious’, you talk about how you don’t want to live on a giro, you say ‘my Gran can barely walk on her legs, so how can she be cleaning somebody’s house and walking upstairs. I want to feed the hand that fed me.’ PG: Yeah, that’s a really old song, that was real life. I was selling drugs at that point, things weren’t great. I’ve never signed on by the way. [Laughs] Well I think that’s really commendable, well not selling drugs but you know what I mean!
imagine it’s pretty difficult to do what you do whilst slurring your words! PG: I used to always drink and smoke before I’d battle and I used to always drink and smoke before I went on stage, I’ve cut the smoking out and by doctor’s orders I’ve cut drinking out for the moment, but I’m quite a big drinker so my tolerance was pretty high. I dont know, it can help the vibe though, I usually sound pretty sharp after a few, or at least I think I sound pretty sharp! Cool, well that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to talk.
PG: [Laughs] PG: That’s cool, that’s alright, nice to Have you ever had one too many drinks before going on stage? I would
meet you. Take care.
‘GOOD TIMES’ AHEAD Music Editor James Taylor lets us in on a huge night coming up at Swansea’s very own Oceana with chart topping acts Talay Riley and Roll Deep! If there’s a new chart topper, you know where they’re going to end up – Oceana Swansea! Once again, our favourite nightclub has managed to book an upcoming act guaranteed to seduce us with their alluring dance tracks, this time in the shape of chart topping dance act, Roll Deep and Talay Riley – live on Thursday 27th May! For those of you unfamiliar with Talay Riley, he is the man behind the curtain for some of Chipmunks most prestigious tracks. Such examples are “Oopsy Daisy” and “Look At Me”, with the latter featuring the vocals of Talay. On the 27th however, it’s going to be
Talay’s time to shine. Let’s not forget current chart toppers Roll Deep, a MOBO Awardnominated grime music act, fresh out of London. The band consists of an army of members (16 in total), with the likes of Wiley, Scratchy, Skepta, Breeze and Jet Li (not the actor...I asked). But it will be members DJ Target and MC Manga taking to the stage in Oceana. Previous members of the group include such big names as Tinchy Stryder and Dizzee Rascal, who seem to prove that this London based collective is a machine for creating musical talent. The first time that Roll Deep
managed to break into the mainstream music scene was back in 2005. If you cast your mind back to when garage wasn’t dead, then you might remember Roll Deep’s first successful track “The Avenue” – reaching the respectable number 11 spot in the UK charts. This track was followed closely by their next single “Shake a Leg” which wasn’t as popular but still managed to finish in the top 25. But now, Roll Deep are currently lapping up the luxury of topping the charts with their debut single “Good Times” (not to be confused with Justin Lee Collins’ chat show), with the song
emerging onto the music scene and shooting straight to the top spot. With the hard-hitting bass and assshaking beat, ‘Good times’ is definitely a track that does exactly what it says on the tin. So it would only be apt to tell you all that Oceana is the place to be May 27th! And remember: “Let’s keep it rocking, the party aint stopping!” Grab your tickets a.s.a.p from Oceana’s Milan bar or from www.freshcity.co.uk Tickets = £5
16 FRONT - MUSIC
WATERFRONT 191 - 18/05/10
A FAIR LADY IN ROLLER BLADES
Reporter Charlie Teasdale talks to upcoming ‘cockney starlet’ Eliza Doolittle about her climb to fame, being a replacement for Lily Allen and the struggles of being a female artist. So, your debut single Skinny Genes has just been released, is it one of those dream-come-true scenarios? Yeah! I feel like I’ve been working towards this moment for my whole life, so yeah it is a bit of a dream. I’ve been writing since I was really young and I was always kind of working towards an album, and I had enough songs for one, but I didn’t know if they were the right sound and it was never quite coming together. Then I wrote the song ‘Roller Blades’ and everything just went from there. You’re from Camden in London and there’s some clear ‘cockney’ tones in your singing voice, how important is it for an artist to represent their hometown and general upbringing? I think it’s important to sing in the accent you know, but I think it’s fun when artists create their own little agendas and characters, like Beyonce’s got Sacha Fierce, but she’s not singing in a Russian accent is she? That would be funny though. You’ve just finished supporting Alphabeat on their tour after they toured with Lady Gaga, how did the gigs go? It was great! It was a really fun crowd actually, quite lively, Alphabeat really know how to get the crowd going. Speaking of Gaga, do you think artists, particularly female artists need to be extravagant and outrageous to be accepted and celebrated? I don’t know really, I think all people have different personalities and Lady Gaga is a prime example of that. I
really like her act but for me it’s about the music. I mean officially, I’m a pop singer but I’m not a hubba-bubba girl singing about boys and going around with my boobs out. Ray Charles and The Beach Boys were pop back in the day, and I want to be like that, making my own music and not having an image alongside it.
amazing, and I think that’s always been the case. Also I feel I have to respect my elders in a way, they’ve done what I want to do and I idolise them because of it.
You’re about to tour with Jamie Cullum, I’d imagine his audience is somewhat different to your’s, is it a daunting prospect knowing you’ll be playing to a bunch of smooth lounge jazz lovers? I don’t know because I’d like to think my music can appeal to all different people, and I’m so chuffed, it’s going to be a good challenge because we’re pretty much just playing theatres, I’m going to try and charm them with my voice, not bouncing up and down like a mad lady! On your blog there’s mention of Rita Hayworth, Joni Mitchell and The Kinks, how much are you influenced by, shall we say, vintage or classic performers? I think there’s something about classic stuff that just relates to everyone and people always say ‘if only things were like they were back in the day’, everyone always prefers what has been before. I mean, in a few years we’re going to look back on this decade and think wow that band was amazing or that song was
Are any of your idols or influences in the charts now? I listen to a lot of music and I try to listen to new stuff, I think probably Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys...To be honest I haven’t been won over by anything, there’s some great new bands that I love but I wouldn’t say they’re
influencing me. What influences me the most is just watching the world go by really...
So can we expect the same sort of sound as Skinny Genes and Roller Blades on your forthcoming album?
How do you feel about the comparisons between you and Lily Allen, you’re on the same record label and you’ve arrived shortly after her supposed retirement?
Well whenever I wrote a song I wanted to make sure it fit in with everything else, I really wanted to make a ‘record’ and not just a collection of random songs from here and there. I wanted the record to sound like it had all been recorded in
Well it’s a complete coincidence; her “My music is completely and her people have different anyway, if you had no influence listen you’ll hear that mine over what I’ve done, I think it’s the is more thoughtful and not accent! My music is as cheeky.” completely different anyway, if you listen you’ll hear that mine is more one day if that makes sense? So yeah, thoughtful and not as cheeky. all quite light and summery. There’s nothing I can do to stop the comparison, I’m not Are you playing any festivals this that bothered by it anyway, year? people will make up their Yeah I’m doing Bestival, Secret Garden own minds. and V Festival and a bunch of other There seems to be a bit of ones but they’re all on my Myspace. a trend of collaborations in the charts at the moment; Is it a good or bad thing to be caught Bieber and Ludacris, in this onslaught of female singer Gaga and Beyonce etc. songwriters? Can we expect you to be I think it’s good that there’s a big group collaborating with anyone soon, and if not, if you of female singer-songwriters, it’s about could work with anyone, time really, the world is just getting ready for girls! I think we’re all different who would it be? and it’s a bit annoying how people put I haven’t collaborated with anyone on as all in the same box. my first album because I like the idea of it being just me and my own thing, but Finally, you’re an Arsenal fan, how I am up for it if it’s someone cool and do you think the season’s gone? I like their music. There’s a hundred Um, I’m looking forward to next people I’d love to work with, if I had to say one it’d probably be Stevie season... Wonder.
22 MORE DAYS!
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FRONT - MUSIC 17
MIXTAPE
This week, newly promoted Music Editor Charlie Teasdale gives us his top 10 tracks of the moment. Hi, my name’s Charlie and I write for The Waterfront’s music section and as you can tell from my picture, I’m also a player! I’m about to finish my 2nd year at Swansea and I’m studying English and Creative Writing. I’ve been asked to do the Mixtape because I’m going to be Music Editor next year and I guess James Taylor wanted to let you people know what the content will be like in his absence! So here we go, enjoy... Charlie Teasdale’s (Real) Mixtape...
50 Cent - In da club
Backstreet Boys - Backstreet’s Back
N Sync - Bye Bye Bye
Ideal for pre-lash when I’m out with ‘da lads’ plus the video is, as always, very funny. I sometimes do weights like fidy in da vid too!
A friend got me into Backstreet Boys and I haven’t really looked back. Want this played at my funeral - so emotional!
If someone asks me to put a song on, for some reason this is always the first thing that comes to mind. The awesome baseline to this track makes We Are Scientists look like Morris dancers.
Ricky Martin - Livin’ de Vida Loca
5ive - Slam Dunk (Da Funk)
I was really gutted that I missed him in concert, but I performed this song for my first Pop Idol audition.
This song takes me back to basketball practice with the boys at college. We always used to play it during ‘free throw’ practice.
Ellie Goulding - Starey Eyed
Gary Glitter - Wanna be in my Gang
Ellie is one of the most exciting new artists coming out of the UK right now. Contempory, cool and cutting edge. Love it-back of the net!!
This is just classic seventies rock and reminds me of weekends staying with my Uncle.
100% accurate and true Information provided by Milton ‘Danger’ Murphy and Joe ‘Coco’ Cole.
Westlife - Uptown Girl
All Saints - Pure Shores I’ve recenlty realised what goddesses All saints really are, and this is possibly my favourtie song of theirs. Always brings a tear to my eye.
Reminds me of my first love back in 2001 and is pretty much everything I’d want in a song.
Rick Astley - Never Gonna Give You Up Possibly my favourite song of all time. I always sing this in the shower. My housemates hate it though, lol!
REVIEWS
Our harsh critical reporters review this week’s upcoming singles and albums. Bluetones – A New Athens
Plastiscines - Another Kiss
Tinie Tempah – Frisky
Having never been in a commercially successful band I can’t be sure, but I’d imagine that the draw to strive for more acclaim and fame following a hit record must be pretty strong. The truth is most hit songs are one-of-a-kinds and bands and artists find it very hard to repeat the same triumph. The Bluetones were a fairly big (but equally generic) indie alt-rock band of the nineties and created the anthemic track ‘Slight Return’; you won’t recognise the name but you’ll know the song. They’re new and sixth album ‘A New Athens’ starts boring and gets duller, each song is as pale and monotonous as the last. It may just be my taste, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of thirty somethings being hurtled back to the hedonistic 90’s upon listening, but this type of acoustic soft-rock died about eight years ago, and it’s a shame bands still feel the need to parade its rotting corpse around the airwaves.
Plastiscine’s ‘Another Kiss’ is a pop lover’s heaven. Though it’s catchy on first listen, the sound gets a bit repetitive and you find yourself wishing the band had better lyrics to go with such a wicked tune. Despite this, the song is pretty upbeat and definitely a girlie hit to get ready to on a night out. For those who aren’t fans of girl bands such as Girls Aloud and The Saturdays, Plastiscine’s are probably more up your street than Cheryl and Frankie’s gangs with their unique rock and roll edge to mainstream pop. The French girls’ influences range from The Kinks to Blondie and you’ll definitely get an 80’s brat-pack feel to their songs. Their success looks to carry on as their music has been used in American TV series, Gossip Girl and have two albums on their backs already. Although by the listen of Another Kiss, I’d like to see the band take on a stronger rock and roll element to their music; though it’s all to do with personal taste.
I’m not sure if it’s down to nostalgic reasons, but Tinie Tempah does like his video-game style backing tracks. With first single “Pass out’s” background beat resembling Pac Man, it seems that Mr. Tempah has moved on to Space Invaders with new single Frisky. At first, I felt the slow rhythm of the vocals didn’t match up to the heavy dance beat over the top, but as the song progresses the two tempo’s slowly come to some form of compromise and produce a very catchy tune. Similar to his previous track in many ways, with the lyrics still as ludicrous as before, and the 80’s video game sound track, but that’s what makes the song work so well, but also helps the young rapper avoid falling into the category with all the other cliché rap stars. Instead, Tinie takes a pinch of Pendulum, a few tunes from Space Raiders, and topping it off with some outrageous lyrics to make another possible chart topper.
4/10
6/10
8/10
Charlie Teasdale
Bryony Hicks
James Taylor
A personal message from your Editor: Mmmmm some great tunes here Charlie, lets just say I think I will take control of the office CD selections come September! The only other thing I can add is BANTER! Welcome to the team.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE MUSIC TEAM NEXT YEAR? FANCY INTERVIEWING SOME CLASSIC MUSICAL TALENT? CONTACT CHARLIE AT: WATERFRONT. MUSIC@ HOTMAIL. CO.UK
18 Travel
Waterfront 191 - 18/05/10
Travel - RHOSSILI By Andy Belcher
Cresent Moon shaped sight of Rhossili Bay
Photo by: Andy Belcher
The exam season is upon us, but never fear, it doesn’t last forever. In a few short weeks you will be free to spend the last of your academic year doing whatever you please and Rhossili can provide entertainment for whatever you summer activities may be. Rhossili is the perfect escape for anybody seeking to travel further into the heartland of the Gower as the cliff tops offer remarkable views of the southern coast and the remote bay allows many activities for your enjoyment this summer. Whether you are searching for a fantastic crescent-shaped surfing beach or spectacular views of the Gower’s countryside, bring your bucket and spade and head out to the western edge. Considered one of the UK’s best sandy beaches, Rhossili Bay has three miles of white sand which stretches far into the horizon, large enough to accommodate everyone searching for a tranquil place to unwind after these stressful few weeks. Experience the true beauty of the Welsh countryside that is available on your doorstep. Broken only by the ribs of the nineteenth century’s Norwegian adventure ship, the Helvetia, Rhossili Bay grants its visitors one of the most magnificent beach Wales has to offer. Usually sparse due to its remote location, Rhossili Bay bursts with character whilst remaining deserted and is truly a hidden gem of the Gower and should not be missed this summer. A short walk over the cliff’s ridges leads to two rocky peaks, known as the Worm’s Head, connected by the Devil’s Bridge that is only accessible at low-tide. The serpent shaped rock protrudes from the sea, providing views that spread far across the Gower peninsula. An exhilarating and refreshing walk along the knife-edged rock face towards the Worm’s Head will provide tribute to your freedom after the hard work of these exams. Both walkers and beach lovers can attain an entire day’s amusement here, as well as the adventure-seeking individual who may enjoy paragliding off of the cliffs to enjoy the views from the sky. Rhossili Bay is suitable for water-sports and swimming and is a haven for anyone interested in surfing or lying in the sunshine following exams. Many beginner and intermediate surfers gather in the bay where the surf is consistent. Additionally, the Mountaineering Club ascend the Giant’s Cave in the far reaches of the concealed bay, where many other adventures can also be undertaken amongst the Welsh coastline. The Rhossili Centre in the small town on top of the cliffs can accommodate you in whatever equipment you need. The breath-taking sunsets compliment the evening’s barbeque, drink and entertainment perfectly, leaving you to party the night away under the stars in the most remote reaches of the Welsh countryside. Rhossili is a favourite destination for those who regularly head into the Gower and captivates the hearts of many families who venture here. Whether you enjoy your time out in the air, the sea or on the sand, Rhossili will remain a firm favourite in your memories of your time in Swansea University.
the Fact File • A day ticket for the entire Gower costs £4 on the frequent Gower buses (approx. 45 minutes to Rhossili). • Parking at Rhossili costs £2.50 per car • The rest of the area is free to access • The beach is a ten minute steep walk from the car park/bus stop and may not be accessible for those who have trouble walking • The beach is litter-free. Please keep it this way!
Win Win Win with thewaterfront Every issue Rough Guides will be offering a lucky reader the chance to win a Rough Guide book of their choice! To enter please email your answers to 442296@ swansea.ac.uk or text your answer to 07768975162. Q. What is Tenby’s Welsh name and what does it mean?
Top Five PLaces to Explore this Summer 1. Rhossili: The best the gower has to offer, right on your doorstep 2. Tenby: A timeless jewel on the Pembrokeshire coast 3. Mumbles: Everyones favourite dancing penguin, or, local favourite for many students, 4. Barry Island: Great for a laugh on a sunny day (Keep an eye out for Gavin and Stacey) 5. Three Cliffs Bay: 3 times better than 1 cliff! Check it out for a great photographic opportunity.
Three Cliffs at Sunset
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Travel 23
VISIT TENBY THIS SUMMER By Sam Barnett
A Welsh jewel: Overlooking Tenby Bay
Your Favourite Places We asked students around campus, their top local getaways:
After the end of exams and before the Summer Ball, a lot of students, just like you, will be deciding to spend the end of their year here in Swansea, and with very few exceptions, we will all have a lot of time on our hands. Naturally, only boring people get bored, so what’s the best way to fill your time when you’re not drinking to excess (not that Swansea Uni students do any of that) or dealing with the consequences the next day? In South West Wales we’re spoiled with some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. A large number of students are only going to be living here for three years and need to make the most of it! No Swansea University experience is complete without a trip to Tenby. Probably most famous for being home to Robert Recorde, the man who invented the equals sign, Tenby has a lot more to offer than one quirky fact. It is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most exquisite sea side towns, wedged between two of the best beaches in Wales and bulging with picturesque, pastel coloured, grand Georgian and Victorian houses. But more importantly than any of this, it’s easy to get to being only 33 miles away from Swansea, or a 1½ hour train ride, making it a perfect place for a day out. Tenby is a walled town dating back to the Norman Conquest, its walls which have survived intact until the present day were built to repel the Welsh in 1264, thankfully these days, the Welsh are very welcome in Tenby. Despite Tenby’s long and rich history, its relatively isolated location meant it didn’t become popular as a tourist resort until the Victorian era, with rich industrialists from Swansea taking advantage of the majestic cliffs, shimmering blue seas and golden, sandy beaches that Tenby has to offer. There are 4 beaches in Tenby. North Beach, overlooked by the promenade and by the town of Tenby itself, offers spectacular views over Carmarthen Bay and the Gower in the Distance. North Beach has also been awarded a Blue Flag for its crystal clear waters and impeccable sands. Be warned however, North Beach can get very busy during the summer, not surprising considering all the cafés, shops and hire shops offered on the beach or in the nearby town. Just to the south of North Beach is Harbour Beach, a small and sheltered beach surrounded by cobbled streets and colourful buildings. From the Harbour you can catch a ferry to Caldey Island. Owned and run by the Reformed Order of Cistercian monks, the Island is dominated by and imposing monastery and is famous for selling its own, home-made chocolate and ice cream. A short hop from Harbour Beach is Castle Beach, another access point for Caldey Island, Castle Beach is patrolled by a lifeguard during the summer if you’re feeling brave enough for a dip. At low tide you can walk over to St Catherine’s Island, but be careful you don’t get stranded! Stretching the 2km between St Catherine’s Island and Giltar Point are the expansive and vast golden sands of South Beach. Backed by sand dunes, this beach is much less commercialised that Tenby’s other beaches and is a lot less crowded. Away from the beaches, Tenby boasts an array of Pubs, Restaurants and shops, all hiding away, waiting to be discovered along the narrow, cobbled streets of the Town Centre. Well worth a visit is Upper Frog Street, with its indoor market and many craft stores and gift shops. Tenby has a lot to offer and you might not be able to pack everything you want to do into one day trip, but you can always go back.
Katie and Alicia: “Anywhere in the Gower’s quite nice, especially Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili Bay. Cardiff is easy to get to on the train and Barry Island is good for a laugh on nice day, but if it’s raining it’s dire.”
Kelsey: “I like to go to the very end of The Mumbles pier, it’s a really nice view and a good place to get an ice cream.” Byron: “The Mumbles is my personal favourite, the beach is stunning and there’s loads of nice restaurants to take your girlfriend to.”
Zinny’s Diary Hey Guys! Unfortunately I am nearing the end of the best year of my life! Choosing to study in San Francisco was definitely the best decision I have ever made! The past 10 months has gone by so fast! Feels like I just got here yesterday. With finals just around the corner, I don’t really have much time to think about leaving. I’ll like to think I made the most of my stay here! Festivals in the park, Gambling in Vegas, Love fest, Free concerts and especially meeting the most amazing people in the world including the legendary Ryan Veal. The upcoming weeks after the finals will be just as busy, planning for the leaving gala, entertaining visitors, more travels and then saying goodbye. Although I have had an amazing time here, it will be lovely to see friends and family again especially after such a long time and might even catch Florence and the Machine at the Summer Ball! I am most grateful for this grand opportunity I had and will encourage all undergraduate students to take advantage of it too.
24 Fashion
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HOT
Gossip Girl If you like Gossip Girl as much as we do, we can now all dress like them with a new range in Miss Selfridge. Dresses are designed around each characters personal style.
Sex and the City 2 15 days until the new film is out. Yay!
Summer Ball With a great line up and our wicked display of summer ball dresses you can’t go wrong.
NOT Last Issue of The Waterfront this year Not just the last one for this year, but our last one ever! :(
By Lydia O’Callaghan With Summer round the corner and the Summer Ball fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to embrace the Summer look. Make up and beauty ranges are constantly changing so here are my top 5 beauty products to see you through.
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Anyone who is anyone knows that pastels are in this summer. B a r r y M saw overwhelming sales recently with their new pastel nail polish collection. It makes sense that these are the only colours you need to be sporting on your talons this summer!
If you are sunbathing in a hot climate, Fix Plus is the ideal way to cool yourself down. Just spritz this onto your face for a refreshing wake-up call. Fix Plus is loaded with vitamins and minerals, so your skin will drink it up! It can also be used to set your make-up, as an alternative to powder in the hot summer months.
Worried about packing too much for your holiday? The Multiples by Nars are a genius solution; you can use them for your eyes, cheeks, lips and body. They have a very light, cream-topowder formula that feels weightless on the skin. Rest assured, these little babies are worth every single penny!
Nars ‘The Multiple’ in ‘Orgasm’, £27
Rimmel Sexy Curves Waterproof Mascara,
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waterfront 191- 18/05/10
With its SPF 15, this lipgloss is perfect for summer. It’s infused with pink sparkles, yet it still manages to maintain that natural look. Some waterproof mascara and a slick of this on the lips will be all you need to hit the beach.
n si r pe glos .49 u 6 n S Lip ’, £ vlo ous ose e R str y R Lu loss ‘G
This mascara is great for a day at the pool if you can’t bear to go without makeup. It lengthens and separates the lashes, leaving them with that natural look. More importantly, this mascara won’t leave you looking like a panda after a dip in the pool!
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Fashion 25
onfashionfashionfashionfashionfashionfashionfashionfashionfashionfashion Banish the bumps with Big Knickers
To die for Denim
By Emily Worthington
By Amy Bills
For cheaper options head to Peacocks or Primark, where you can find shapewear for as little as £6. When it comes to showing off your shoulders in all your new
strappy sundresses and vests you either want a bra which has no straps or a bra which has straps so pretty you won’t care about showing them off. Wonderbra have done it again and have made the Ultimate Strapless bra. This piece of solution underwear claims to “stay up as long as you do” which will be great for all those long boozy days in the sun. Impressively, it even caters for curvier girls; up to an F cup while still doing a pretty good job of uplifting your appendages. If you’re after something prettier, try the Floozie range in Debenhams which includes a gorgeous pink bra that disproves the misconception that long line bra’s are only suitable for grandma.
The New Shop on the Block By Lucinda Reid H&M, the most valued retail brand in the world, which operates in 37 countries has landed in Swansea. On 6th May, H&M opened its doors to Swansea’s Oxford Street revealing a concoction of garments that would satisfy any gender at any age. The hysteria outside the store mimicked Christmas in London’s own Oxford Street, as hoards of people hung outside clutching their striking white and red H&M bags whilst showing off their purchases. The anticipation at entering this store was overwhelming, almost like visiting a sweet shop when you were little and not quite knowing what you would leave with. Plus, going into the store on a particularly dismal, rainy day only made the impact of H&M even more fabulous. As the customer absorbs the crisp white interior and bright spotlights, highlighting a range clothes inspired by tropical beaches to cool nautical seas, it is impossible to know where to begin. Luckily, the well dressed mannequins dotted around the shop instantly pull you deeper into the store as you hurry to find the displayed outfit. This task is easy for the shopper as the garments styled on the mannequins are neatly placed in close proximity. The women’s department consists of basic t-shirts, trend setting
pieces like cycling shorts teamed with Chanel inspired jackets and statement evening wear, including cute cocktail dresses perfect for the Summer Ball. But where H&M excels is the reasonable, student friendly prices, without lacking in quality. The men’s department involves the same great value but with a wide range of shorts and graphic t-shirts, standing well against their collection of summer blazers. H&M certainly has everything covered from swimwear to accessories making it a great asset to Swansea. Interestingly though, H&M achieves something with its wide range of clothes that many high street stores struggle to. One of my friends picked out a pretty lace nightdress that was placed in the lingerie section, commenting on how perfect it would be to wear in the day to follow the underwear trend. This was completely true and inspiring; proving that H&M does ‘allow customers to find their own personal style’. They ignite the stylist in us all, something which can brighten up even the most dismal days.
By Cara Dare-Edwards
Denim made a humungous come back with jeggings and now the fashion world has gone denim mad, with it coming in all shapes and sizes. From hotpants to dungarees and dresses, who needs plain denim when there is an array of patterns and summer colours to choose from! Fresh off the catwalks at Marc Jacobs, DKNY and Paul Smith is this season’s must have, from Paul Smith’s cute pale denim dress to clinched in military style jackets and Mulberry’s gorgeous handbags. The high street is also catching on fast as Topshop, Mango and Miss Selfridge are all stocking up on the latest trends. Topshop do nearly every type of clothing in denim, providing a very wide choice. The American flag hotpants at £32 are an edgy way to revitalise your wardrobe, teamed with sandals or flats and an oversized top, will definitely look fab this summer! Also Miss Selfridge’s pretty floral patterned prom dress (£40) would look stunning for the Summer Ball. However Mango has preferred a country laid back approach with short dungarees and a cute soft, bleached, all in one jumpsuit. D&G and Chloé have even teamed denim with denim for a bold look, with D&G still favouring the high wasted jeans. Paul & Joe paired a loose denim shirt with ripped cropped jeans while Charles Anastase teamed tight crops with a ruffle edged jacket. Proving that denim is everywhere is the striking Chanel swimsuit that was featured on the cover of French Elle. Tory Burch also has a bang on trend pair of heels incorporating denim with wedges (£275) but a more student friendly priced pair are available at Dorothy Perking for just £20. The key staple item to this summer’s wardrobe is definitely the denim jacket. Teamed with a cute floral dress or just with a pair of jeans, every girl needs one; it’s the ideal thing to put on over any outfit whilst sitting on the beach in the evening or going for a night out. So whatever you choose, make sure it’s denim.
Thinking back to summer 2009, a number of celebrities are bound to spring to mind; Cheryl Cole owned every magazine cover with image after image of her outstanding X-factor outfits or her holiday wardrobe, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller brought the vintage and hippie factor, whilst Katy Perry embraced graphic retro prints. It’s likely that the same stylish faces will be seen everywhere this summer, but there are also a couple of newcomers to the fashion scene that I think are definitely worth keeping your eye on for cute style tips! Watch this space...
Lea Michele
EW EN E H T AK Y BL VEL LI
Your favourite ‘Glee’ star has been hitting the red carpet hard lately showcasing various striking and elegant cocktail dresses, a bit of a style chameleon considering her preppy ‘Gossip Girl’ inspired everyday outfits; nevertheless day or night she gets it spot on.
THE NEW ALEXA CHUNG
Jameela Jamil
Nina Dobrev
THE NEW RACHEL BILSON
The most fool-proof way to look good in your new summer wardrobe is to overhaul your underwear. For a streamlined silhouette in your summer ball dress the two possible choices are; detox for a week before and then faint on the day from malnutrition OR stuff yourself silly with your favourite food and then suck all those sins away with a pair of magic knickers. By far the best way to banish all your bumpy bits is the Spanx High-Waisted Power Panty which reaches all the way up to your bra and mid way down your thighs to ensure you don’t end up with unsightly wobbly bulges in odd places.
Summer Style Crushes
Nina plays ‘The Vampire Diaries’ leading lady Elena, despite her cute and practical on screen wardrobe which is perfect for running around after vampires all day in, off screen she embraces stylish, beautiful outfits in bold colours or prints and shapes to flatter her body shape!
Vintage with a funky twist of modern sums up the T4 presenter. Her never-ending collection of the sweetest one off mini dresses combined with chunky platforms are sure to make her one of the best dressed this summer!
Solange Knowles
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Bey’s baby sister has grown up and is already making her mark in the UK, having just been signed as the new face of Rimmel. Solange is a massive Topshop fan CE and has been photoN graphed recently in YO several outfits from our BE favourite high street W E go-to, so keep your eyes N peeled... HE
26- Film
Waterfront 191 - 18/04/2010
WaterfrontFilm
Swansea Bay Film Festival Last issue we reported that this year’s Swansea Bay Film Festival included a film produced by a Swansea University alumni. This week, various Waterfront Film journalist’s attended the festival, and we finally got to see and judge Lovelorn, and to interview Christine and Becky Preston, Lovelorn’s director. So, what was the verdict....?
By Vicky Doherty-Bone
Becky and Christine at Cannes last year.
I’ll have to admit I was little nervous about seeing this film, mainly because I’d already promised the lovely Christine Cheung that I would send her a review when I didn’t know if it was going to be a favourable one. However, it turns out that I had little to fear. Lovelorn merges a timeless love story with a contemporary soundtrack and trendy shots of London, working marvellously from start to finish. Not quite Lestat, but as an ex-student, we thought we’d have a good ol’ chinwag with Christine Cheung and Made for £200,000 and shot partially in the Czech Republic, and partially in find out the secret to her success... London, the story follows four separate individuals as they come to terms with death and the prospect of a less than heavenly afterlife. How long has it been since you were in Swansea? Not since my graduation back in 2002, so about 8 years ago. I’m actually really looking forward to coming back, I have many Following a devastating motorcycle accident in which Lorna (Olivia Chappell) was driving, she is left comatose and her boyfriend Dave (Tim Robinson)is killed. fond memories of Swansea. Both wake up separately in an Otherworld complete with a river and Ferryman Do you feel that your course at Swansea helped with your career? named Charon (Edmund Dehn) – however, Lorna finds she is unable to cross, Absolutely. Every film school tutor will tell you not to bother with film school and get yourself a law degree, if you want to be a as she isn’t dead. Also unable to cross is Mia (Rebecca Santos), a suicide who Producer that is. The reality isn’t far from this. Producers need to deal with a whole spectrum of areas; legal, finance, production, longs to be reunited with her dead family. As Lorna is comforted by the sage post production, marketing, etc, etc. I don’t think it’s a “must have” but I certainly think the production would benefit if one of the Ferryman, and Dave finds his afterlife guide in the impish Angel (Sara Angel), Producers come from a Legal or Finance background. The majority of film producers come from those backgrounds, but you also Lorna’s brother, John (Phillip James), struggles to come to terms with Lorna’s condition. As he delves into research pertaining to the mythology of the afterlife get Producers who come from post production or other areas of the business too. the boundaries between the waking world and the realm of the dead is unnervingly Is this your first feature film? blurred and John’s grasp on reality begins to falter as he attempts over and over again to bring Lorna back. The interweaving stories are beautifully accompanied Yes, Lovelorn is my first feature film. And hopefully there will be many more to come. I have produced short films prior to this so I didn’t dive straight into the deep end. by lustrous shots of the luminous woodland afterlife, the high light contrast of which created a drugged, fuzzy atmosphere that permeated the screen with the In preparing the shots and subject matter for Lovelorn, what was your inspiration? dreamlike, morphine addled experience of Lorna’s hospitalised presence in the I personally look up to Jerry Bruckheimer because he’s had such an incredible career, everything he touches turns to gold. afterlife. As Lorna and Dave endeavour to find each other again there is a definite feeling He’s a genius in my opinion! I’ll give you some examples of his work, in the 80s he produced Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun, of the ancient love story being reinterpreted to a modern context whilst retaining Flashdance, then he moved onto Con Air, The Rock, Coyote Ugly, Armageddon, and more recently he’s produced Pirates of all the classic hallmarks and the piercing, everlasting message of hope for life and the Caribbean, Prince of Persia, etc. He’s also branched into Television and thanks to him we CSI. Having said that I would like love after death. The film is full of references to classical mythology pertaining to some recognition, I attended the BAFTAs in 2007 and it was one of the best nights of my life, so I hope to go back one day with a the crossover of life and death (particularly attractive to me, as a classics student), feature nomination…give me time. and the sweetness of the subsidiary characters cements the good-natured, overall hopeful attitude of the film to life, love and death. Preston’s script ably reinforces Got any further hopes for the film? Lovelorn has so far won 19 international awards and the film has been to USA, Greece, Mexico, etc, so Becky (Director) and I this update of an ancient story, with the dialogue promoting sympathy for the are very pleased with how well the festivals are responding to the film. We’re still going around the festivals circuit and there are characters and ably communicating each individual’s particular battle. The casting could not have been more apt; the meticulously tailored and handsome lots of countries we haven’t covered yet. I suppose the next big step (or final hurdle as I would like to call it) will be sales and distribution which is often a very complex and tricky area, particularly for small independent films. A lot of people have this Grim Reaper who occasionally offers trap-ridden ways out of each character’s perception that a film is made and automatically gets a cinema or DVD release, however it’s never that easy and some films never predicament is played with equivocating charm by Orlando Seale, skating a see the light of day. We’re feeling quite positive at the moment because the response has been great so far, so with any luck we line between the reasonable and the sadistic in his offers. The two lead actors, Chappell and Robinson, have a cherishing chemistry that is easily intepreted as the can secure some kind of release. everlasting kind. Winter’s mischievous Angel, and Dehn’s grave but kind Charon Got more ideas in the pipeline? each conveys the different kind of comfort and help Dave and Lorna are able to receive on their journey, while affirming that each of them will have to find their Yes, it’s actually an exciting time for us. I’m developing more feature film projects with Becky so she’s busy writing scripts at the moment. I’m also developing some TV pilots or potential webisodes. We’re looking into music videos and more short films while own way to each other. James also portrays John’s slow misery and dwindling the bigger projects are in the pipeline, it’s good to try different things and expand on your experience – plus they’re great fun. interest in the world around him for the world beyond with empathy. There’s a lot going on in general. I’ve also got meetings lined up in Cannes next week, as you can sometimes pick up other film All in all, this is a beautiful film with a classic story and a great soundtrack, all of projects which are ready to go, so the options are certainly there. I can’t wait to get going on the next project. which stays with you long after the credits roll. Interview and review by Victoria Doherty-Bone.
Interview with a Film Producer
What About....?
Victoria Doherty-Bone would like to confess a sordid old secret for her last ever issue....
When I was growing up, I always wanted to see The Godfather. I loved films, to an insufferably pretentious level, and The Godfather and its first sequel is considered cinematic gold; almost every Best Film’s of All-time list features it somewhere in the top 10. Watching it was a requirement for any film lover, and you could not call yourself such until you had bathed in the soft glow of the treasured gangster classic. So it was with near unbearable and night before Christmassy anticipation that I arranged to borrow the box set from my then boyfriend when I was 17. I sat down in front of my television, my stomach in knots and my heart palpitating in excitement for my initiation to what is widely considered the best film ever
made. Then, 2h 15m later I switched it off with a horrible sinking feeling in my gut; I hadn’t liked it. It was boring and conceited. The characters were unsympathetic, and I just didn’t “get” them. Just to make sure I wasn’t deflated by my stupidly high expectations, I watched it again in preparation for this article with significantly lowered expectations; I still found it tedious. I’ve now acquiesced with my inability to like this film, but at the time I was shamed and heartbroken. This couldn’t be! This was a film that was considered the very reason cinema was invented. My not liking it made me feel a traitor to film in general, unworthy to call myself a film lover.
Yet I have managed to move on. And over time I have been disappointed by more films that are more popularly valued than diamonds sculpted on the breasts of exquisite Circassian virgins. Once Upon a Time In The West. Pirates of the Caribbean (the first one, anyway. The second one was amazing.) The Sound of Music. And I would like to take the opportunity to implore all those film fans to let me live in my Godfather free existence. When I first told my then boyfriend about my dislike of the film he was so filled with “film lover” disgust he extracted his head from his arse for a full 10 minutes to berate me. Hate to inform you all, but I don’t like these films. I never will. They may be worthy of all those awards and shizz,
but they just weren’t for me. My not liking them is not indicative of any brain damage, stupidity or distaste for more “thinky” films either - stop suggesting it is. And finally, I’d like to point out that the films that I consider masterpieces are barely known; you’re monstrously offended that I didn’t like your favourite film? Well, you’ve never even heard of mine! Quills, Sirens, The Last Supper, The Chungking Express, Brighton Rock, Heavenly Creatures, Kandahah. My love for these films is based on none other than my own experience of them, not because a bunch of awards and supercilious film critics (screw you Robert Ebert) told me too. Long live individual opinion!
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27-FILM
new releases iron man 2 who’s in it: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson what’s it about: Playboy Billionaire and superhero Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) finds life as a celebrity superhero increasingly difficult, especially when a vengeful Ivan Vanko (Rourke) attempts to destroy him. what’s it like: Successful summer sequels are always difficult to pull off and rarely manage to live up to their predecessors. Fortunately Iron Man 2 is an exception. Director Jon Favreau delivers the same level of tongue in cheek action that made Iron Man such a hit, and the script provides plenty for Robert Downey Jr. too wrap his comedic talent around whilst cementing Tony Stark as one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes. The other performances are also fantastic; most notably Sam Rockwell’s Justin Hammer, stealing some of the focus away from Downey Jr. Also, the film doesn’t feel like a simple repetition of the previous instalment; it manages to stand as its own film with its own merits. However the film is not without its faults. It struggles to balance all the plot lines and some of the characters deserved more screen time than they got. The relationship between Stark and Pepper Potts (Paltrow) is essentially a side note, and the final battle feels overshadowed by the more spectacular action sequence earlier in the film, and is much shorter then you’d hope for in such a promising blockbuster. Despite this, it’s still an entertaining enough ride that the two hour running time flies by. charles gallery
a nightmare on elm street
who’s in it: Jackie Earle Haley, Clancy Brown, Rooney Mara
The best of the latest releases to grace the big screen are dissected especially for you, the fantastically attractive Waterfront reading public. Ta da!
date night
the joneses
who’s in it: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg
who’s in it: Demi Moore and David Duchovny both return to the big screen for this take on modern consumerism.
what’s it about: A bored married couple decide to spice up their weekly ‘date night’ by taking someone else’s reservation at a popular restaurant. When they find out that the reservation was meant for two high tech thieves, all hell breaks loose with the police, gangsters and politicians hot on their tail while they try and clear themselves of a case of mistaken identity
what it’s about: A remake of the 1984 original in which Freddy Krueger preys on a group of American teenagers by stalking their dreams and murdering them. The teens must stay awake in order to stay alive and stop him. what it’s like: Another formulaic horror remake in the vein of Friday the 13th and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the new Nightmare doesn’t bring anything new to the teen slasher genre. Instead it uses the notoriety of the original as a gimmick in order to attract viewers. Much of the film is spent watching teens fall asleep and waiting for them to get stabbed in a new ‘inventive’ way. The fact that the film concentrates on the teens one at a time means that the viewer is even deprived of the chance to guess whose next on Freddy’s list. Also lacking is any feeling of suspense or even the ability to make the viewer jump, something that is usually easily achieved in a film involving a homicidal maniac. Haley’s portrayal of Krueger lacks the theatricality of the original, and chooses to growl instead of scare. The teenage leads are weak, even they don’t seem scared of Krueger and you find yourself siding with the prestigious villain. The film follows the same bland formula as most updates, the only difference is the villain and his methods. kids sleep, Krueger appears, kids die, the viewer cheers. Repeat for 90 minutes.
what’s it like: Date Night is just another generic romantic comedy that fails miserably at being either romantic or funny. How a script this bad got to the stage of a widespread cinema release is beyond me. From the unbelievable plot to extremely contrived performances from the usually on form Steve Carrell and Tina Fey, this film manages to fail on every level. The film gets worse as it goes on with the levels of immaturity rising by the second and is made worse by the use of overly stereotypical characters trying to push the comedy along. Sadly I believe that in the right hands this film could have been something so much better. Date night was director Shawn Levy’s first attempt to make an adult comedy after breaking into the family market with such hits as Night At The Museum and Cheaper By The Dozen; unfortunately his attempts fail miserably at making a more mature comedy, due to terrible writing and bad direction. This is one film that you should avoid seeing at any cost.
rhys williams
david lewis
Great films that you should see that you may have never heard of
Not in fact a film about the famous painting by Da Vinci, but an intriguing look at the spluttering vitriol of hypocritical liberals in the midnineties, The Last Supper is a funny and thought-provoking film that features one of Cameron Diaz’s first roles. A group of liberal minded students take it upon themselves to make the world
alittle bit more empty of intolerance by inviting anti-gay legislation activists, Nazis and other right wing nutjobs to a poisoned dinner, utterly unaware of the irony of their actions. The idealism of the character’s beliefs lead them again and again to murder, chillingly rationalised with the question “what if you killed someone who’s death made the world a better place?” Overtime the constant murdering inevitably takes it’s toll on each of the students, although in different ways. Luke (Courtney B. Vance) slowly becomes more sociopathic, even murdering an investigating police officer for asking questions regarding the disappearences of so many politically contentious individuals. Meanwhile the others show unreconcilable grief for their ongoing actions, with Jude (Cameron Diaz) planting flowers on the graves of their victims, and Marc, who experiences
what’s it like: The satirical take on consumerism that this film employs makes the film very compelling. It completely reflects the greed driven world that we live in, yet it is still amusing and entertaining enough to not leave you feeling guilty about your spending habits. David Duchovny’s brilliant sense of timing gives the film its spark, while Demi Moore is perfectly suited to the strong, female lead character. An innovative idea with a splash of creative and entertaining script-writing makes this film worth the cinema prices.
emily worthington
Actor Profile
hidden gems the last supper
what’s it about: The Joneses are the quintessential “American Dream” family, with all the latest trends and technology adding to their perfection. The mother, Kate Jones (Moore), and her husband Steve (Duchovny) are the trend-setters in their neighbourhood, showing off all the latest designer clothes and top of the range cars. They also have the perfect children, played by Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth, who are the most popular kids at their school. However, this illusion of domestic perfection is not all it seems. The “flawless” family have one huge imperfection. The Joneses are not actually related in any sense. A marketing ploy by big companies, the “family” was put together to manipulate their neighbours and to market particular products to the general public, with massive success.
bouts of guilt-ridden insomnia. The twisted ideology of the students gradually unravels each of their minds. Recognising their dangerous position, the gang agree to give up but decide on one last big hit; right wing TV pundit Norman Arbuthnot (Ron Perlman). However, during the premurder discussion (where the students encourage their potential victim to change their views) the conservative masterfully out-argues them, extolling the virtues of a pluralist society, and the benefits of true democracy. What follows is the most unexpectedand unique endings in any film I’ve ever seen. A definite must see for anyone with a brain, and a nostalgic reminder of a time before Diaz was stuck in a purgatory of one mediocre romcom after another!
victoria doherty-bone
Seth Rogan Seen in: Starting his career in highly acclaimed but short-lived sitcom Freaks and Geeks, it was here that Seth Rogen met many of the actors and producers he would later be associated with in Hollywood – such as Judd Apatow. Although having supporting role in films such as Donnie Darko and The 40 Year Old Virgin, it wasn’t until 2007’s Knocked Up that we saw his transformation into a Hollywood leading man. He has since starred in highly successful comedies such as Zach and Miri Make a Porno and The Pineapple Express – which he also wrote. He is due to play comic book superhero, The Green Hornet to be released in 2011.
Andy Williams
28 SOCIETIES
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thewaterfront
S E I T E I C O S What’s coming up!
Psychology Society End of Year Events! ***London Trip***
***Annual End of Year Dinner 2010***
Tuesday 8th June 2010
THURSDAY 3RD JUNE 2010
Coach leaves Fulton House at 9am.
In the Marriott Hotel, Swansea (Opposite Tesco), then Sin City for those who wish to carry on! Tickets are £20 and will be available from the committee from Wednesday 19th May.
Arrive in London about 1. Just in time to grab some lunch. We have arranged for a guided tour around the Freud Museum from 2pm. Then afterwards some free time around London. Coach will leave London at 7pm and return to Swansea for about 10.30pm. Tickets are £5- so not to be missed! An absolute bargain run for you by your committee. ALL WELCOME! Friends, family, housemates... Tickets will be available from the committee soon.
For this you receive: ~Red Carpet Entry, with a photographer on arrival. ~A 3 course meal (choice of menu to be released soon) ~Wine supplied by your lovely committee on every table. ~Treats and favours per table also. ~Resident DJ. ~Sin City entry. ***FORMAL DRESS CODE*** ***EVERYONE WELCOME- housemates, friends etc... *** BEFORE EATING WE WILL BE HOLDING THE ELECTIONS FOR THE 2010-2011 COMMITTEE. ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED PLEASE PREPARE A SHORT 1 MINUTE SPEECH AND MAKE A CHOICE OF TWO POSITIONS. Pens and paper will be supplied on the night and you will know your committee by that night. Please make an effort to attend this event; we are spoiling you with the amount you will receive as a big thank you for helping the society to be such a success this year. And we look forward to celebrating the new committee with you. If you are unable to attend but wish to run for an election position, please email your speech to Sarah Rampling (sarah_rampling@hotmail.co.uk)
Societies trip to Oakwood Fancy a trip to a theme park after exams as a reward? Get involved! Join the societies trip to Oakwood Theme Park - Monday June 7th Tickets cost £20 (including transport) and are avaliable from the Ents box office. Coaches leave 9am from the front of Fulton House
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SOCIETIES 29
su_dance_society@hotmail.com
DANCE Fusion win IDO World Championship
By Michaela Hinton SU Dance Society 2010 has had a very successful year, with more classes than ever, numerous socials, the Wicked London trip and annual showcase ‘Fusion’; no one expected what would happen on Sunday 2nd May. Earlier in the year auditions were held in Oceana for the SUDS squad; lots of hopeful dancers turned up and were put through their paces with a rigorous routine and a challenging freestyle section. After two long days, the society named a 12 strong team of dancers who would train together religiously for the next few months in order to perform at ‘Fusion’ and participate in the IDO Welsh Street Dance Championships 2010. The competition would involve the finest dance schools from around Wales and our Squad girls could witness the incredible Welsh talent and gain experience in competing. The team worked hard to pull together a routine that encompassed different elements of hip-hop choreography without the help of professional choreographers that many of the competing teams would have the advantage of; often training in Divas and Dining Room C the girls struggled to tighten up their moves without mirrors and could only rely on each other and other members of the society for tips. Trained up for comp, the girls excitedly travelled to the prestigious Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Hundreds of dancers rocking high-tops and back combed hair cracked out routines left right and centre; our girls were stunned and nervous to get on the stage. After six hours of solos, duos, b-boys, b-girls and groups of all ages; it was time for the SUDS Squad girls to make their debut as FUSION. The girls nerves vanished on stage and they smashed their routine with confidence; after 3 minutes the audience were on their feet clapping and cheering for our girls. Even after coming off stage the girls felt their performance was just a showcase; even the team leader said ‘as newcomers we didn’t expect to place, we were just grateful for the experience’. Waiting for the results was painful; as third and second place were announced the girls knew they had done well and that even though they hadn’t placed, the audience had appreciated their work and they were proud of their performance. But 1st place was yet to be called... Feeling fairly defeated the squad girls were ready to leave; the host’s final announcement echoing behind them, “and your Welsh Street Dance Champions are... FUSION!!!”. The girls froze before running onto the stage in fits of hysterics still not believing the result. The gleaming trophy was handed to the team and thrust in to the air. The underdogs of the competition came out on top with a trophy to prove it and will be going to Germany in September to represent Wales in the IDO World Championships 2010.
30 Xtreme Splash
Waterfront 191 - 18/05/10
A look back at an Xtreme year
Get on board with the New Xtreme Radio T-shirt The brand new Xtreme Radio t-shirt has arrived. They cost ÂŁ15 and are available in small, medium, large, xlarge and xxlarge. If you wish to order a tshirt or would like more information please email promotions@xtremeradio.org. The back of the t-shirt can be personalised.
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Photography By: Beth Michell and Huw Evans Picture Agency
Varsity Photos 31
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Intramural review - Season Round-up - by Sports Editor Tim Harris
Geographers do it on the ‘Intramural’ Field? SUCCESSFULL league finishers Geography have been tipped as one of the surprise favourites for the Intramural title next year, which would be only their second campaign as a team. The 09/10 season has seen many strong outfits march onto Ashleigh Road; which included familiar teams from previous years, along with some brand new customers. Geography made a late charge at the back-end of the season, which saw them clinch fourth spot. And the advantage
Geography have over their rival contenders, is they will not lose a single player before the start of next season. While the other big-guns will be waving goodbye to a number of key players through graduation, Geography will retain their entire squad. This detail could make all the difference... The moments of magic and marvel that this season has thrown up make it one of the most exciting years of Intramural Football to date.
Sloth double delight as the uni teams falter
HOT TIP: Geogrpahy have a mountain to climb to win the intramural next season, but many are tipping them to do it
LEAGUE champions Team Sloth have added to their list of titles as they complete the 09/10 Intramural double; following a tightly contested season. Only two points separated winners Sloth, second placed Uni 6ths and third placed SPR. SPR will feel that the title has slipped through their fingers, after they sat in the driving seat for the majority of the year. The top four is completed by Geography, after they made a late surge, rounding off a successful first season for the new team. The University 7ths are the shock midtable sitters; a disappointing year sees
them narrowly squeeze into the top-half. Photosynthesis pipped the Uni 7ths on points; another team to experience a respectable maiden Intramural campaign. Ajax Trees Down and Ents Cup finalists Tits slid into the lower end of the league, after some hindering results took their toll. Geog On and Sub-Standard Liege were the surprises to emerge from the depths of the table; stringing together a run of late wins. A turbulent year for the History Boys saw them finish bottom of the Intramural table after Clinical Finishers folded.
Ospreys secure home play-off place By Bradley Morgan Sports Reporter THE MONTHS of March and April were both good and bad for the Ospreys. They have been fighting for the playoffs but missed out in Europe, eventually qualifying for the playoffs with a home semi-final. At the start of March, they hoped to maintain their charge for the playoffs against Edinburgh, despite missing many players on international duty. They stayed close to the Scottish side, trailing 7-0 at half time, but in the second half, they were picked apart, trailing 330 late on with the game seemingly out of reach. The Welsh side battled back with three tries, but eventually losing 33-17. Next came the Gwent Dragons just a week after the end of the Six Nations. The Dragons took the lead, the Ospreys responded but on the stroke of halftime, the Dragons broken the line and took a 21-10 lead. The second half was quiet in comparison, but the Dragons sealed the game with a third try. Bishop managed a try in the corner late on, but the Ospreys still lost 28-20. This challenge was followed by a tough match against the Scarlets. The Scarlets took the lead with the first try, but the Ospreys responded with Bowe
scoring in the corner and lead at the half 14-13. The game became a kicking contest and then as the Scarlets looked to steal it, Bowe made an interception and took it back 80 metre to seal the game 27-19. Next came the long awaited Heineken Cup Quarter Final against Biarritz. The Ospreys regretted early misses as Biarritz took the lead, but they got back in the game with two tries to close the gap to 16-15 at half time. The two sides stayed close with the score at 29-28 to Biarritz with 5 minutes to play. On the last play, cries of an offside were waved away and Biggar missed a drop goal to end the Ospreys’ European dream. They couldn’t dwell too long, as they faced Ulster in a re-arranged game. In an open game both teams hit two tries in the first half and stayed close, but the Ospreys then began to dominate with a bonus point 38-27 victory. Just three days later, they faced leaders Leinster, and led 16-10 in the first half with Dan Biggar scoring all the points, but the home side battled back to steal the game at 20-16. Next came a massive confrontation against Munster, as both sides were tied for 2nd at the start of the weekend. The game had little drama as the kickers squared off, Biggar had the better boot.
TURBULENT: The Ospreys have had an on and off couple of months, but still managed to secure a play-off position
Although Munster got a late try, the visitors came away with a great 15-11 win in Limerick as they all but secure a playoff place. Then in the final game of the season
the Ospreys defeated the Dragons at the Liberty. They controlled the first half with a penalty try and then unloaded in the second half with four more tries for a 42-10 win.
They managed to clinch the playoff place and with the other results of the weekend they would face Glasgow in a week’s time.
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Womens football fall short as Cardiff rivals claim Varsity win Michelle Owen Sports Reporter SWANSEA Women’s football 1st team crashed to a 5-2 defeat in this year’s Varsity. The first half was a closely fought affair, with Cardiff taking the lead from a lucky through ball, which their striker tucked away. Soon after, a nice passing move saw Owen set up Gemma Jones as the latter played the perfect through ball for Clare Ostle to slot home emphatically. Following this, home keeper Rebecca Thomas was involved in a nasty clash with a Cardiff midfielder and despite being visibly injured, she struggled on. But there was once more despair as Cardiff broke once more slotting it home into the corner. More injury despair was to follow as Cardiff pressed at the end of the half. Defender Nat Davies made a heroic goal line clearance, but was knocked out cold for over 5 minutes and following medical treatment, she had to be substituted. Early in the second half, Owen spread
the ball out to Ostle who was once again in on goal and from the tightest of angles she curled it home into the right hand corner, cue wild celebrations. A few minutes later Swansea conceded a free kick on the edge of the box and Cardiff’s captain showed her ability to produce a perfect free kick out of the reach of Thomas. As Swansea began to tire from the heat and endless running, Cardiff slotted home another goal and their rivals had opened up a 4-2 advantage. As much as they tried, Swansea could produce very little as the game petered out as set pieces from Emily Marchant were always met by towering Cardiff defenders. Late on, a Cardiff shot from range found the net to round off a 5-2 win that was harsh on the home side given their valiant efforts. Vice Captain Emily Marchant summed up the team’s feelings, “It was just an exhausting afternoon. Nothing seemed to come off, and I just think it wasn’t out day, and the scoreline certainly doesn’t reflect our performance!”
UNLUCKY: Womens footballers battled hard but the heat and injuries took their toll and were defeated by a strong Cardiff side
Basketball teams suffer at the hands of ruthless Cardiff
Sirens keep heads held high despite setbacks
By Laura Richards Sports Reporter SWANSEA women’s basketball team lost this year’s Varsity clash to a strong Cardiff side as their rivals beat them 9631. Cardiff opened the scoring just seconds into the first quarter and continued to control play throughout as well as dominating proceedings in the start of the second quarter. Swansea attempted a comeback but a couple of near misses meant that Cardiff had opened a comfortable lead. Swansea captain, Nisa Burton commented “We always knew it was going to be hard as despite having a strong team, Cardiff are a league above us.” Swansea managed to score seconds into the third quarter but Cardiff immediately hit back thwarting the home side’s chances to get back into the game. The final quarter saw a scoring frenzy from Cardiff, although Swansea fought well to regain a couple of points and keep their pride intact. Burton took some consolation from the loss, adding “We had been losing by around 100 points this year so we are happy that we kept it under that. Throughout the whole game we worked well as a team, we all enjoyed the experience and I just want to say a big well done to the whole of the squad.” Cardiff captain, Karly Evans, led the way for her team scoring a number of baskets as well as the final basket of the game and she was thrilled with her team’s performance. “Although we had won the previous
UNFORTUNATE: Off-field issues prevented Sirens from putting on best performance
By Samantha Louise Williams Sports Reporter DEFEATED: Both the mens and womens basketball teams suffered defeats at Varsity
three years, we never came into the game automatically thinking that we would win this year. Obviously as time goes on and the score difference increases, you become slightly more confident that you will win”. Meanwhile, tensions flared as the men lost their Varsity battle 81-54. An action packed first few minutes set the tone for the rest of the game, with a number of near misses before Cardiff finally scored the first basket. Despite this the scores remained close, with both sides battling hard before Cardiff started to pull away at the beginning of the second quarter. Swansea soon reciprocated with a number of baskets of their own, brining the scores closer and giving the Swansea
fans something to cheer about. The start of the third quarter saw Swansea fans being escorted off the court because of their boisterous behaviour. With Cardiff once again dominating, the pressure increased, culminating in a coming together of the two teams. Swansea then took control by narrowing the scoreline but a mistake from Swansea allowed the Cardiff team to once again increase their lead and secure victory. Swansea captain, Richard Broadley, was disappointed with the end result. “We were hoping that we could steal the win but although we didn’t, everyone in the team performed well. We were hoping that the pressure would affect them allowing us to take advantage and steal a win but it wasn’t meant to be.”
VARSITY’S annual half time show, where the gymnastic abilities of our Swansea Sirens compete against the Cardiff Snake Charmers, is always worth a watch but even the cynics would agree that their hearts went out to this years’ squad. The cheerleaders struggled with confusing instructions from the stadium, claiming they had to perform on the try line or track and not on the field. As a result, slippery conditions made it difficult for our girls and to add to this a Cardiff cheerleader suffered a broken nose. Swansea fans outnumbered Cardiff by around 3 to 1, leaving the Snake Charmers initially refusing to go onto the pitch to perform. Unfortunately, a couple of streakers entered the performing area and a steward tackled him into a stunt group knocking down a cheerleader but
luckily, there was no serious injury as what could have occurred if he had left it seconds later. The girls showed off impressive gymnastic skills with their single bases which constituted balancing on only one girl’s shoulders and hands. All stunt groups completed sponges, which are very hard going on the bases’ wrists and both groups were impressive in the steadiness of the flyer’s scorpions. Lauren Williams managed a split in the air which she carried off with ease, and all basket tosses managed to get good height, which are usually always the favoured stunt. It was unfortunate that Cardiff managed to avoid the havoc and pulled out a well polished routine. Meg John, coach of the Swansea Sirens, comments “I am so proud of how hard the girls have worked to get an amazing routine for Varsity. I think we performed really well considering the set-backs and problems we incurred.”
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Freshers Rugby demolish Cardiff for perfect end to perfect season By Ben Donovan Sports Reporter SWANSEA’S Freshers produced an attacking master class as they made it a hat-trick of Varsity wins after a dominant performance at Sketty Lane in front of a vocal home crowd. Their Cardiff opponents struggled with the Swansea scrum and failed to make their territory pay whereas the home side always looked dangerous when going forward as they ran in six tries, racking up 40 points in the process. The crowd were in great voice as the game kicked off and this seemed to have an impact on the Cardiff players as they produced a number of dropped balls in the opening couple of minutes. And it was one of these drops that led to Cardiff conceding a penalty in the third minute, which was duly converted to put Swansea 3-0 ahead. Swansea were putting Cardiff under real pressure with good turnover ball and this produced the opening try of the match but a failed conversion left the score at 8-0. The spirit and determination of the Swansea players was even more evident when one of the players suffered a nasty dislocated finger but had it strapped up and was thrust back into the action. The away side started to make some
DOMINANT: The Freshers’ Rugby Team have remained unbeaten all season on their way to securing their third successive Varsity title against Cardiff Freshers.
progress in terms of possession but they rarely threatened the Swansea line and a breakaway try was quickly followed by another run in under the posts following a five metre scrum made the score 18-0. A penalty on the stroke of half-time was easily converted as Swansea went in to the break with a commanding 21-0 lead.
The second half started with Cardiff enjoying a lot of possession but it was a familiar story for the away side as they were often thwarted with big hits and strong defensive efforts. They were soon rewarded with a try but another two tries in quick succession for Swansea opened up a 33-5 lead. Another late try from Cardiff failed
to be converted, but Swansea finished strongly and ran in their sixth try in the final minute, which was converted to complete a final score of 40-10 and the final whistle was met with jubilant scenes of green and white. Captain Guy Amir was understandably delighted with the win, and when asked where this result ranks in their fantastic
season, he said, “This was by far the best result we have had all year as it’s the one that we have worked the hardest for”. “The victory meant a great deal - not just to me and the players, but also the fans - so I am glad we were able to put on such a great performance on the day! Amir added, “Next year’s freshers definitely have large boots to fill!”
Behind the scenes for the biggest fixture of the year By Bradley Morgan Sports Reporter Waterfront Sports reporter Bradley Morgan followed the Men’s First Rugby Team in tehri build up to the most anticiopated game all season... Like all the great sporting rivalries: Ali & Frazier, England v Germany, Swansea City v Cardiff City, the Welsh Varsity game is one that that is marked on the calendar months in advance, always drawing a massive crowd for an eventful contest. And for the people involved, the result and their performance can be a day they will cherish forever or a day to forget.
The Swansea team met at 5:20pm at the Pavilion, some of them reflecting on days games and the many good results that were filtering through, so the pressure was on to top of a good day of results. Some of the players seemed nervous, while the more experienced players seemed reasonably calm. The coaches attempt to create a relaxed environment for the players on the day, with little build up, so that they can all focus, after showing a short video on the importance of the game they boarded the team bus just before 6pm. The hopes of a stress free build up were halted slightly, as the bus broke down for a few minutes outside Wind Street, causing some panic, but the bus was
soon back on course, and by 6:25pm, they arrived at the Liberty Stadium, home of the Ospreys, and went for a walk on the pitch, as the fans began to enter the arena. In the dressing rooms, the players had their own rituals, listening to certain music, and eating certain foods. My presence didn’t faze the players, with most of them oblivious to my presence, focusing on the task at hand. The match referee came in for a quick chat to the players, and then the coaches gave a passionate team talk, explaining the importance of the first 20 minutes, to use their strong defence and fitness, and that performing well as a team is how games and wars are won.
At around 7:00pm, the players warmed up, and were greeted to cheers & jeers from the fans. After a warm day there was now a chill in the air and after a few final words in the dressing room, the players emerged from the tunnel, the tension now electric, and with the anthems done, and battle began. Half Time - Despite conceding right before the end of the half, the coaches warned the side not to panic and not to drop their heads, but to focus, become more open to running with the ball, and being more direct with their kicking, explaining that this game was still there to be won. Full Time - The Swansea defence holds
on, and in the 89th minute, the ball finally goes out, the game is over, and the players rush to the field, as the pitch is invaded by students in jubilation of the result. Post Match - In the dressing room afterwards, cheers of ‘Champione’ ring all around, as the celebrations begin and carry on into town for a party that carries on to the early hours of the night. The Day After - Celebrations back in JC’s. Everything is hazy for many, but soon the memories of their great victory slowly return, and will remain in the memory forever, as they can say that they were a part of a memorable victory over their greatest rivals.
Wales Coach impressed with standard of Varsity game By Rhys Williams Sports Editor WELSH National Coach Warren Gatland admitted that he was very impressed with the standard of Rugby on show from both Cardiff and Swansea at Varsity 2010. Gatland, speaking at the end of a low scoring half, admitted that the he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Rugby on show. “It’s my first Varsity Game, I’m really just coming to see the quality of the game and so far I’ve been really impressed by it actually. “ “There’s a great atmosphere. Both
teams are giving 100 percent and really enjoying it.” When questioned if the game had been somewhat lacklustre in the first half, Gatland quickly rode to defend the players. “I don’t know if it’s been lacklustre. There hasn’t been a lot of points scored, but that keeps the game exciting.” “I thought that the way that Cardiff started they looked pretty strong, but then Swansea came back into it and it looks pretty even going into half time.” However, when it came to establishing the reasons for such a low scoring game, Gatland was fairly confident that nerves were the cause. “When you’ve got thirty lads out there pumped up with testosterone and
5,000 women in the crowd, I don’t think there’s going to be many tries scored.” “The guys are pretty hyped up, there’s not a lot of tackles that have been missed, a couple of close chances but it’s like finals rugby, you don’t get a lot of tries scored in finals because everybody is so pumped up.” “We don’t get Varsity games like this back in New Zealand, this is a great atmosphere, if you’re a young player out there and you’ve got this many girls watching you’re going to be pretty excited about performing well aren’t you?” The Welsh coach went on to present the Varsity trophy to eventual winners Swansea.
ENTERTAINED: Welsh Coach Gatland praised the great atmosphere at the Liberty.
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Five-star Swansea beat Cardiff in style to retain Varsity crown By Tim Harris Sports Editor DOMINATION from start to finish saw Swansea embarrass Cardiff 5-1, and retain their Varsity title. While Cardiff appeared the stronger side on paper, Swansea stormed out of the blocks and controlled the entire match, much to the delight of the home supporters. Cardiff struggled to contain Swansea in the first-half who went into the break with a 2-0 lead. And by the latter stages Swansea had the game well and truly sewn up, as they played some confident and fluent football. Coach Nick Bowen heaped praise upon his players for their powerful display. “I am absolutely ecstatic with the performance”, he said. “To win in the manner that we did was truly incredible. The skill and commitment shown by the whole team should not be overlooked”. Swansea went in front early in the game, as they broke the deadlock on 15 minutes. A long goal-kick was flicked on, and Matthew Hibbs released a spectacular volley into the top corner. With Sketty Lane buzzing, Swansea applied heavy pressure on Cardiff who were shaken by conceding so early. And after creating good chances,
Swansea doubled their lead 10 minutes before the interval. Hibbs claimed his second, heading home from a corner. Cardiff produced some unusual opportunities just before half-time, but the Swansea defence never looked troubled. Swansea charged into the second-half, immediately in the ascendancy, and it wasn’t long before it was 3-0 to the home side when James Davies headed home from a wide ball into the box. The three-goal deficit seemed to buckle Cardiff’s suspension, and when Swansea waltzed through their defence, James Pickup slotted the ball in to make it 4-0. The scoring rampage was then rounded off by super-sub Gavin Lang who made it 5-0 Swansea with the fans in jubilant mood. Cardiff did take a late consolation by scoring a penalty with the last kick of the game, but nobody wearing a green shirt seemed to notice. And Bowen believes Swansea put on a master-class in front of their home supporters. “Our passing was of a very high standard, and most importantly we won every fifty-fifty challenge which laid the foundation for our attractive football to be played. “The support which our full-backs
QUALITY: Great passing and a team spirit was the catalyst for an emphatic victory
provided has to be mentioned along with the guile our midfield showed”, he added. Captain Gary Bansor shared his coach’s sentiments in praising the emphatic team exertion that Swansea showed. “I am extremely proud of everyone’s efforts”, he said. “This match meant 100 times more to us than to Cardiff, and that showed. “Our performance has proven that we are a team packed with quality and hunger to succeed. Annihilating their Welsh rivals to
retain the Varsity title has come as the perfect conclusion to a season of mixed fortunes for Swansea football. The team only managed to stay in the BUCS Western Conference 1A on goal difference, after a succession of injuries hindered their league campaign. However, Bowen firmly believes that taking Varsity glory is a strong psychological positive going into next season. “The lads have set the standard now, and I expect this to be maintained next season”.
Men’s Hockey suffer heartbreak as Cardiff secure Varsity victory By Samantha Louise Williams Sports Reporter SWANSEA Men’s Hockey team failed to capitalise on their excellent form this season, battling hard but eventually losing a tight Varsity match to Cardiff. Massive crowds pitch side and the team’s recent Shield crown ensured that they were in good spirits and ready to play hard. With an abundance of Swansea chants, the atmosphere made you feel as if you were a part of the team, regardless of your reason for being there. Swansea started with an unfamiliar 4-3-3 formation to try and take the game to Cardiff. This seemed to work until Cardiff began to shift the ball well around the back and Swansea struggled to get it under control. Cardiff were quick out the blocks and had the majority of possession in the first 10 minutes leaving Swansea this time to get a hold of the game. Cardiff got the first goal to the disappointment of fans but Swansea in their usual fashion came straight back at them. Swansea Captain Adam Foulds won a free hit on the half way line and played it down the line to winger Andrew Willemite, who smashed a ball across the Cardiff defence for fresher Chris Reed to slide in and apply the finish. Just before half-time Cardiff gained a short corner, bobbling the ball in with
DISAPPOINTED: The Mens Hockey team narrowly lost out to Cardiff to bring the curtain down on an otherwise successful season
Frenchman Peley almost managing to clear. Swansea keeper Stroman admitted it was a safe goal. The second half was a much tighter affair with Swansea having more possession and grasping more chances. Taylor and Soulsby were at the heart of Swansea’s creativity, but with a bit of bad luck the forwards couldn’t quite find the net before Cardiff made it 3-1 mid-way through the second half. Swansea found some of their usual energy towards the end of the second half, Captain Adam Foulds making some great tackles and Luke Stroman some
lucky saves. Swansea managed to steal a goal with five minutes to go, Lester putting the ball in for winger Willemite to finish at the back post. Despite Swansea being on top at the end and gaining a few short corners, Cardiff’s defence held strong and the game finished 3-2. Still, with some of the best banter from any of our sports teams, Swansea hockey and their fans kept their heads high knowing that they played a winning game against hard-hitting rivals. Coach Calum Westaway was disappointed with the result, “on another
day with a bit of luck we could have had it”. With the likes of Lester, Taylor, Soulsby, Foulds and Stroman leaving this year, some big changes will be made, with Chris Harding as the new captain promising to keep the league success of this year going. Cardiff are a strong team having just been promoted into the highest BUCS division. Swansea came very close this year and proved that by playing at home with an incredible set of supporters, year by year we get closer to beating our rivals.
AU President Siwan Lillicrap
IT’S been just over two weeks since the big day that was Varsity and I still don’t feel like I’ve fully recovered. What a great success it was, which included many, many highs with not so many lows. Sketty Lane was just electric, with all sports competing against the enemy in one great venue. Swansea turned out in their green and white to support their mates and university and what a great atmosphere it was. Even Cardiff said what a great day it was on Sketty Lane as you could compete but also go and watch other sports as everything was on one complex. A great success I feel. The Varsity challenge was 10-11 to Cardiff and was the closest it has ever been, so congratulations to all teams that played, and an even bigger congratulations to all the teams that won. The Netballers beat Cardiff by a fair amount for the first time, women’s Hockey beating Cardiff 1-0 for the first time ever and Men’s Football thrashing Cardiff 5-1. But let’s not forget all the other great results with Sailing, men’s Lacrosse, fresher’s Rugby, men’s Badminton, Golf and men’s fencing who had fantastic wins. Then the evening finished in the fantastic venue that is the Liberty Stadium, where yet again green and white dominated in the crown and the rugby boys put on a great performance and beat Cardiff 16-12. Cardiff threw everything at the boys in the last few minutes of the game but Swansea’s defence and pride was way too strong to let Cardiff through. Swansea turned over the ball and cleared to touch to complete a fantastic win for us and the boys have brought the cup back to where it belongs. To sum up - great atmosphere, great sport and a very successful day for Swansea. Well done and congratulations to one and all. Let’s take this fantastic form into next year, keep training and working hard and let’s keep Swansea walking on water.
Big Love
Siwan
thewaterfront
Sport
18/05/10
SUPERB SWANSEA SECURE VARSITY WIN By Rhys Williams Sports Editor SWANSEA sealed a memorable victory at this year’s Varsity match, securing a tense 16-12 win in the final minutes of the match. This year’s victory will more than make up for last year’s narrow defeat. However, there were times where it looked like Cardiff were going to crush Swansea’s dreams once again. Cardiff were the stronger attacking side in the first half, coming close to the try line on several occasions and hitting the post with a penalty. It looked like Swansea might hold on and keep the scores level going into the break, but a Cardiff chip to the corner was collected by their winger who went on to score the first try of the match, leaving Swansea trailing 5-0 at halftime. The half-time team talk from Swansea Coach Richard Lancaster obviously inspired the team as they came out fighting in the second half. They scored two penalties in quick succession to take a 6-5 lead. However, this was not to last as a Swansea forward saw yellow for a deliberate knock-on. Cardiff capitalised on this, scoring a push-over try that Swansea simply could not hold back. They then converted the kick to take a 12-6 lead. As the clock ticked down, pressure mounted upon Swansea, but they didn’t let it consume them. With five minutes left on the clock they dug deep and took their opportunity to finally break through the Cardiff defensive line, scoring a try in the corner. A nervous and vital conversion followed. The ball barely passed through the posts, being helped on its way by the cross-bar, giving Swansea a single
RELIEF: Swansea sealed a last gasp 16-12 victory against Cardiff University at the Liberty Stadium securing the first Rugby Varsity victory in three years.
point lead to defend with only minutes to play. Swansea quickly looked to stamp their authority on the game, extending their lead to 16-12 with only two minutes of normal time remaining. However, a single try would be enough to deny Swansea at Varsity once again. Cardiff threw everything they had at the Swansea defence, but they didn’t buckle and produced a fantastic defensive
display, securing the victory in the 89th minute. Head Coach Lancaster was delighted with the victory and heaped praise upon his team. “I’m really, really pleased. It was a bit tighter than we would have liked, our game plan didn’t exactly go as it should have in the first half, but the boys came through really well. “We sat them down at half time,
composed them a little bit, told them not to kick away when we had good ball to attack with and it worked out for us and we came away with a very tight result.” “They weren’t nervous, our defence has been outstanding all year and, to be fair to the boys, they had been through god knows how many phases and they managed to stay strong and keep them out at the end.” “It’s been a fantastic day, not just for
the rugby but also the day sports. It’s been an incredible day, I love Varsity because all of the University comes together, everyone is wearing green and white and everyone is cheering for the boys. It’s been absolutely fantastic.” “I think we have to move on from this now; we managed to consolidate our position on the league and I’m looking forward to next season now and moving on from our position this year”
Full Varsity Results American Football: Swansea Titans 0 - 57 Cardiff Cobras Badminton: Swansea Men 5 - 3 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 1 - 7 Cardiff Women Basketball: Swansea Men 54 - 72 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 51 - 96 Cardiff Women
Fencing: Swansea Men 122 - 118 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 118 - 135 Cardiff Women
Hockey: Swansea Men 2 - 3 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 1 - 0 Cardiff Women
Rugby: Swansea Men 16 - 12 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 6 - 56 Cardiff Women
Football: Swansea Men 5 - 1 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 2 - 5 Cardiff Women
Lacrosse: Swansea Men 5 - 4 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 0 - 26 Cardiff Women
Freshman’s Rugby: Swansea 40 - 10 Cardiff
Golf: Swansea
Netball: Swansea
Rowing: 4.5 - 1.5 Cardiff
Cardiff Win 39 - 28 Cardiff
Sailing: Swansea Win Squash: Swansea Men 0 - 5 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 1 - 3 Cardiff Women Tennis: Swansea Men 4 - 6 Cardiff Men Swansea Women 0 - 10 Cardiff Women