YOUR UNIVERSITY, YOUR EXPERIENCE, YOUR VOICE, YOUR PAPER HERE FOR SWANSEA STUDENTS FOR 15 YEARS
thewaterfront
EST - 1995 FORTNIGHTLY AND FREE
27th September 2010 - Issue 192 (8 to go!) www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Societies, Film, Culture, Music, Features, Photo’s and Wheatus!
This paper has it all!
LADS MAG BAN VOTED THROUGH SU Ban the sale of Zoo and Nuts magazine from all shops across Campus By Adele MacGregor News Editor FOLLOWING THE TEMPORARY suspension of Nuts, Zoo and Loaded at the end of the last academic year, the SU has confirmed the ban of sales of the magazines because of the ‘objectification of women’ in their content. In our final issue of the University year, The Waterfront reported the suspension of ‘Lads Mags’ at all Union shops. The suspension and the ultimate ban came after a series of complaints to the Student Union from a senior academic at the University who argued that the magazines objectified women. Professor Mark Blagrove, head of the Psychology department at Swansea University, claimed that the SU were left without choice since the magazines represented “sexually explicit” material, thus breaking the University’s Dignity at Work and Study regulations. “The bottom line is the objectification of women and it runs through the entire magazines” Blagrove told The Waterfront in May, adding “The University should have higher standards than the outside world”. Nevertheless, some students at the University are not convinced this was the right decision. Sam Gardner, Aerospace Engineering student said; “Its crazy, I don’t think the magazines do any harm to anyone. If people don’t like them, don’t look at them at the end of the day. Are they going to stop selling Cosmopolitan which ‘objectifies’ men then?” The SU, who have the final say on commercial decisions, employed a “better safe than sorry” policy with regard to the University’s Dignity at Work and Study regulations and suspended the sales of magazines such as Zoo, Nuts and Loaded at all Union shops, despite not having consulted the students or Executives. A small group of students at the University set up a Facebook group, attracting 553 members, in protest to the
GONE: Lads Mags no longer avaliable from Student Union Shops after SGM vote triggered by lectuer complaint suspension and the proposed ban, stating that students should have; “the right to purchase whatever publication we like”. However, the Student General Meeting held on June 8th, in which the issue was discussed, saw only 31 votes cast in the secret ballot, 18 of which voted for the ban. “The biggest concern regarding the ban was the students right of choice” said SU Women’s Officer Raegan Healy. “The SGM offered a democratic process in which students were welcomed and encouraged to
vote”. Healy said that those opposing the ban were well informed and had the opportunity to vote against it and the ban was overall a student decision. Healy said that magazines such as Zoo, Nuts and Loaded “portrayed women negatively” in both their images and their comments, adding that if student want to buy the magazines elsewhere then they can and that to her knowledge there have been no complaints from students since that ban was voted through. SU President Luke Young called the ban was a “positive step” and said
Also in the News -
he realised that some students felt their rights were being taken away but said that “decisions are made by those who show up”, echoing Healy’s comments on the turnout of the SGM. Societies officer Raechel Mattey said that the SGM couldn’t have been held at a better time. Leaving it until the new academic year would have left it too long, said Mattey. “There would be no guarantee more students would turn up if it was held later in the year”, adding that it also ensured that students who have now graduated would have their voices heard.
Mattey also commented on the low turnout at the SGM and stressed that the meeting in which the vote took place, was clearly and effectively advertised. Mattey urges students in the future, if there is an issue that they wish to discuss or resolve, to come along to an SGM and have their say. “The SGM is a democratic structure and the outcome of issues are decided by the students”. The Waterfront wants to hear your thoughts and opinions on this - editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Language academics set to be cut by Uni - Full story page 3 Proposed SU and AU merger - See back page Student cycles 600 miles for Charity. Find out why! - Page 5
02 NEWS
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
Editorial So how was summer? Did it go too fast? I know the feeling! Whether at festivals, on holiday in exotic locations or just stuck working for the cash machine, I hope you had a great one. And if not, don’t worry Freshers’ Fortnight is HERE! So get involved with EVERYTHING! Hello and welcome to everyone for the start of another year here at Swansea University. Whether a first time fresher, a gap year student from across the pond or just returning to complete another year on the road to your degree, I hope you all have a fantastic time here and enjoy Freshers’ Fortnight! This year is set to be a very special one for The Waterfront as fifteen years ago this week the paper launched and was circulated to students for the very first time. 192 issues later and we are still here today, representing the student body, reporting the stories that are important to you, continuing to ask the questions and having some fun along the way with all the experiences that come with being a part of a student newspaper. Check out our new feature, Waterfront Rewind, on page 8/9 for a look back to the papers very first issue. Not only is the paper fifteen years old this academic year but our countdown to Waterfront 200 has well and truly begun which we will be celebrating sometime in February 2011. I hope you enjoy the first issue of the academic year. It’s crammed full of features, interviews, reviews, guides and photo’s as well as the low-down of news and sport that should help you settle in and get to know the area a little better. As for Swansea, I can honestly tell you that you could not have picked a better place to come to University. Yes, the film Twin Town describes it as a ‘pretty shitty city’, but that was the nineties. I can tell you that in 2010 it’s a bloody awesome one to be a student! Just remember work hard and play harder (but don’t forget your here for a degree) Don’t forget to check us out alongside Xtreme Radio at Freshers’ Fayre this week (Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th September) we will be located by the stage on the left hand side as you enter the tent. Come say hi and find out how you can get involved with contributing to numerous areas within the media department. If we’re not your thing, not a problem! There are loads of sports and societies to get involved with at Swansea – See pages 20/21 for your Freshers’ Fayre pullout guide and list. That’s it from me, not my best editorial ever, but we were pushed to the limit this year to get this with you by Monday morning. Look forward to meeting you all sometime this week! We are back in a fortnight. Enjoy it! All the best, James Editor editor@swansea-union.co.uk
EDITOR JAMES SNAITH editor@swansea-union.co.uk
FILM EDITOR ANDY WILLIAMS waterfront.film@hotmail.co.uk
NEWS EDITORS ADELE MACGREGOR ALUN RHYS CHIVERS
DEPUTY FILM EDITOR RHYS WILLIAMS
DEPUTY NEWS EDITORS ANGHARAD JONES LAURA RICHARDS
FILM WRITERS GLENN JOHNSON ARON JOHN
NEWS TEAM TILLY INGLEBY LIDIA PEDRO
TRAVEL EDITORS ANDY BELCHER SAM BARNETT
SPORT EDITORS BEN DONOVAN waterfront.sport@hotmail.co.uk
TRAVEL WRITERS CHAN MYEA HANNAH MOORE
DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR RACHEL CLAYTON
FASHION EDITORS LUCINDA REID CARA DARE EDWARDS
SPORTS TEAM OWAIN HARRIES (Intramural Reporter) CULTURE EDITOR SUZANNE BEYNON culture.waterfront@hotmail.co.uk DEPUTY CULTURE EDITOR SOPHIE BAMBER CULTURE WRITERS BECCA COOPER ALICE COPELLO LUKE SAMUEL CURTIS CHARLOTTE ELLIS MUSIC EDITOR CHARLIE TEASDALE waterfront.music@hotmail.co.uk DEPUTY MUSIC EDITOR SARRA GRUMMETT MUSIC WRITERS JOE BROOKS DAVID BURN - Mixtape
Inside this week’s edition
Student Style Hot new fashion section! Hot or not? Latest fashion and trends! Your street style! Best beauty tips And much more... The Waterfront is 15 years old this academic year! To celebrate and mark the occassion check out our new regular feature looking back at past issues, the stories covered and the students who wrote them. Waterfront Rewind - Page 8/9
P.S Desperately seeking male fashion writer! Add us on facebook: Fash’n’chats
WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CV? Join TheWaterfront Team Get Involved with News, Sport, Culture, Music, Fashion, Travel, Welsh, Film, Page Design, Photography, Sub Editing and more! 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
Detroit Social Club’s David Burn gives the music section the lowdown on his top ten all time favourite tracks as he takes the famous Mixtape Test Music Section - Page 14/15
FEATURES WRITERS SOPHIE BAMBER JESS MAIN PHOTOGRAPHY SILVIA MANDLER RHODRI BEVAN JAMES SNAITH CAREERS JO DAVIES CARTOON ARTIST MARTIN MAXWELL GUEST CONTRIBUTERS JAMES TAYLOR TOM ‘TIM’ MAYA GILES LEWINGTON CHRIS LAIDLER
It seems like ages ago! When it’s only been 3 months since Summer Ball 2010. The SU had a number of photographers snapping away throughout the day capturing every moment. See if you can spot yourself! Summer Ball Photo’s - Page 17/18
Freshers Fun by Martin Maxwell
www.waterfront.co.uk
News 03
University plans to cut the number of modern language academics By Adele MacGregor News Editor SWANSEA UNIVERSITY has been criticized by both language experts and staff following a proposal to dramatically cut the number of academics in its modern languages department. The University’s pro-vice chancellor for academic development, Professor Noel Thompson, said that the cuts were in response to “downward pressure” on public spending which is reducing its core funding, adding that the proposed changes to the modern languages department were a ‘re-balancing’ of activities. The proposed changes currently under discussion would see 22 members of staff having to reapply for 10 posts, which includes two vacancies set aside for Welsh language lecturers, meaning the current 22 staff will effectively be competing for just 8 positions. All 22 members of staff in the Modern Languages Department received a letter of Friday August 6th stating that their jobs were ‘at risk’ and that they would have to reapply for a reduced number of posts. The two posts currently occupied by full-time lecturers in Italian will be ‘deleted’. There will be no Italian academic staff left at the University following the proposed restructuring and only one FTE language tutor will remain. The proposal has sparked outrage among both students and staff and the University. The University Council
of Modern Languages (UCML), the Association of Modern and Contemporary France, and German language lecturers have all written letters of protest to the University and a petition has also been created, receiving over 1,000 signatories within 48 hours, including world renowned linguist Professor David Crystal. In a statement from Modern Languages at Swansea, a senior spokesperson said; “We recognise the financial pressures facing the University, and have responded to calls for more efficient use of existing resources by co-teaching with colleagues in other departments such as English, Politics and media studies. We have already lost language staff teaching Russian, Portuguese and Catalan. Asking us to bear a further third of university-wide cuts is highly unjust”. Modern languages also remarked that the cuts were not only bad news for staff, students and the University as a whole, but that the proposals “will also damage Wales’ internationalisation agenda”, adding; “Swansea University and Wales need to be out-ward facing and international, not insular and parochial”. The Modern Language department have stressed that they will do everything it can to minimise the impact of the proposals on students. Lidia Pedro, a Catalonian studying the Master Erasmus Mundus Journalism within globalization: the European Perspective said; “I think the cuts to the Modern
Languages Department are really negative. The cuts do not only affect the staff but also the students. The first thing I knew about this university was the really good Modern languages Department, they taught Catalan and I was really proud about coming to study here”. Dr. Brigid Haines, Head of the Modern Languages Department at Swansea said; “We in the department are committed to offering the best possible student experience. Our student satisfaction ratings have always been very high...our graduates are extraordinarily employable, entering careers as diverse as law, interpreting, teaching and business. We very much hope that the senior management of the University will reconsider the proposals, which would reduce the scope and quality of what we are able to offer”. Professor Mike Kelly, executive member and former chair of the UCML, said languages were vulnerable partly because it is difficult for Universities to reach a “critical mass” in modern language departments. “A French lecturer can’t be used to teach German. A department can very easily fall below a viable threshold...it’s a slippery slope, and a fairly short one”. Professor Kelly added that the number of universities offering modern languages had halved in the past ten years, leaving only those at the “top end” of the spectrum, ultimately meaning that languages will only available to those university applicants who achieve top A-level grades.
Furthermore, GCSE results this year revealed a fall in the number of students studying a language to the age of 16. It is clear that the previous Labour government’s decision to remove the requirement to study languages to age 16 has had catastrophic effect on the teaching of modern languages. However a CBI ‘Emerging Stronger’ report in 2009 found that having a language degree makes an individual highly employable. The report states that while 72% of UK international trade in with non-English speaking countries, only an estimated 1 in 10 of the UK workforce can speak a foreign language and employers are keen for graduates with both language skills and intercultural knowledge who can operate effectively in a globalised economy. “Modern languages are an important and vital subject area which contributes to the regional, national and global context. Consequently, excellent provision of the kind provided by Swansea should be fostered, not reduced” said Professor Carol Tully, Professor of German at Bangor University. International officer Andy Patton said he was “disgusted” by the proposed cuts, saying that the same quality of education would not be possible with half the staff and that both the department and its students would suffer as a result. SU President Luke Young has said that the SU have concerns over the proposals and are seeking assurance that the standard of teaching in the department remains high.
Drama Auditions
Break a leg!
Monday 4th & Thursday 7th October Shoreline Theatre are auditioning for: One Act Plays Both Alike in Dignity A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Crucible Auditions will take place in Dining Room C at 9pm.
Ugly beauty SWANSEA artist and former Swansea University art teacher hosts latest solo exhibition inspired by industrial decline. George Little, now in his 80s, has been painting full time since his retirement in 1994. He says his inspiration is the colours and shapes of decay of the copper, coal and steel industries. “These areas have now been sanitized and built upon and the ugly beauty has been replaced by characterless features”. Little, born in Danygraig, Swansea in 1927, has exhibited his work with 20 solo shows across the UK. Little will bring 65 new works to his latest show ‘Here and There’. The exhibition will be held at the Attic Gallery, 37 Pocketts Wharf, Marine Quarter from 24th September to the 16th October.
Senior lecturer flying high after chair success By Alun Rhys Chivers News Editor SENIOR LECTURER Dr. Tudur Hallam, of Swansea’s newly created Academi Hywel Teifi, won the National Eisteddfod Chair in August, with a poem dedicated to the man in whose memory the academy was established. Dr. Hallam, of Foelgastell in Carmarthenshire, won the national competition with a poem called ‘Ennill Tir’ (Gaining Ground), a tribute to the late Professor of Welsh at Swansea, Hywel Teifi Edwards, who retired in 1995. Commenting on Dr. Hallam’s success, Vice-Chancellor Richard B. Davies said, “To win the Chair of the Eisteddfod is a great achievement and highest accolade for a Welsh poet. The university and its staff share in the celebration and have pride in Tudur’s success. It is a great honour for us to have a chaired bard in our Welsh department.” Professor Edwards, Head of Welsh in Swansea during the 1990s, passed away in January, and Dr. Hallam based his awdl (strict metre poem) on his former colleague’s vision of Wales in the future in the event that the Welsh language is not protected. Dr. Hallam, writing under the pseudonym ‘Yr Wylan’ (The Seagull) tells of a conversation between himself
and a seagull who urges him to do all he can for the survival of Wales and the Welsh language. Dr. Hallam’s success came a day after the launch of Academi Hywel Teifi, officially opened at the Ebbw Vale Eisteddfod site by Professor Edwards’ son, BBC newsreader Huw Edwards. Robat Powell, delivering the adjudication on behalf of his fellow judges, Elwyn Edwards and Idris Reynolds, called Dr. Hallam “the most original and daring poet in the competition”. Powell said, “He conveys the emptiness of the beginning of this year, following the death of Hywel Teifi Edwards. Yr Wylan’s work has the strongest appeal this year. It’s unusual and fully deserves to win the Chair with all the honour of the Eisteddfod.” Speaking at the time of his success, Dr. Hallam said, “Hywel Teifi often told me I should win the Chair. He always wanted someone from the department to win it and he would have been delighted. “The seagull’s message in the poem is that he must, if he wants to see the language thrive, change his way of life, by following the example of a hands-on leader like Hywel Teifi. “Parts of the poem are directly to do with him. They reflect the kind of person he was – original and different.”
Dr Tudur Hallam takes a seat after his 2010 Eisteddfod success
WWW.WATERFRONT.CO.UK
NEWS 05
Charity Bike Ride Success for Uni Student Networking By Angharad Jones Deputy News Editor A SWANSEA student took part in a 600 mile independent charity bicycle ride this summer all in the name of charity. Scott Jenkins travelled for 8 days with his two-wheeled companion in a trip he refers to as “painful yet monumental”. The second year history PhD student cycled from Swansea to his home in Glasgow to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Trust; a charity which lies close to his heart. Cycling for 12 hours per day, 27 year old Jenkins raised an astounding £1,240 for the charity - expecting to
increase his total in the weeks following his return. Claiming “the most active thing i had done for a decade was watch two friends play squash” it is no surprise that Jenkins had to endure three months of training to prepare for the event, along with developing a healthy diet and even quitting smoking. Travelling a phenomenal 70-80 miles per day, Jenkins admits the challenge was demanding, he tells The Waterfront “ I thought about giving up more than once, but I remembered the stories i had heard about how cancer had affected peoples lives, people I knew, and how Macmillan had helped them. I couldn’t let them, or Macmillan, down.” Having completed the majority of
his journey, Jenkins met his brother in Carlisle where they cycled the remaining 100 miles together before being greeted by friends and family at the finish point at George Square, Glasgow. Feeling he has benefited from the experience, Jenkins said “I feel much healthier, and happier than ever before as a result. “The feeling of accomplishment at having finished the journey, was itself worth all the effort”. Jenkins hopes to maintain an active lifestyle and is planning a walk from coast to coast in 2011. Support Scott and the Macmillan Cancer Trust by visiting www.justgiving. com/Scott-Jenkins and donating to this worthy cause
Triumph For Part Time Students
Scott on his bike
Students celebrate quiz win
Students Union Finishes Facelift
By Tilly Ingleby News Reporter
Photo By Silvia Mandler May 2010
By Laura Richards Deputy News Editor THE STUDENTS’ Union entrance has been transformed over the summer months. Previously the Students’ Union building lacked a clear entrance with poor hygiene and lighting. Now as part of an extensive development project throughout the university campus, the entrance to the building has been enclosed and revamped.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE! A new SU sign has been erected to indetify the area as the entrance to the building and to hopefully give the building a new identity away from the main university building. Previously the area was used as an entrance/exit to Diva’s on a Friday and Saturday. Despite the new area the SU is keen to stress that this will remain the same. Stuart Rice, Union Manager, confirmed “the new area will still be used as an exit point for Diva’s and therefore the entrance to the club will
also remain the same. At the end of the night when the club and university closes, safety stewards will clear the area and discourage any lingering.” When asked about the cost of the project, the exact amount is unclear due to it being tied in with other projects throughout the campus although The Waterfront understands it’s believed to have cost around a quarter of a million pounds. Alun Griffiths, Project Officer hopes that the “students appreciate the investment in the SU entrance as it
September 2010 was one of the main areas concerning students during refurbishments.” “Everyone involved with the project are absolutely delighted with the outcome and hope that the SU and students are equally as happy. There has already been a number of positive comments about the new entrance and we hope that it continues.” “However students need to respect and look after the area if they want the positive comments to continue”
IN AN effort to boost the university experience for those who don’t study full time, the launch of the Part Time Student Network was launched with a pub quiz in JCs on September 15th. Arranged in conjunction with the Department of Continuing Adult Education, the event attracted 50 parttime students studying at Swansea University, coming from as far as Pembroke Dock, many of whom had never attended an on campus event before. The launch was seen as one of the biggest events for part time students, an often under represented group in the university community, for years. Education officer Luke James credits Swansea’s widening access scheme, allowing individuals to study in their community as well as on campus, but admits that not enough has been done in the past to engage with part time students. “It was really great to see so many new faces in our students’ union bar and hopefully we will see part-time students at student general meetings, as course reps and taking part in societies,” It is hoped that the launch of the Part Time Student Network is just the start of immersing part time students into university life, and that more events like the pub quiz will follow this event.
Library Coffee Shop re-located By Laura Richards Deputy News Editor
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Coffee shop re-locates to entrance
Photo By Silvia Mandler
THE NEW coffee shop in the Library has opened its doors in time for the new academic year. Previously the coffee shop was situated in the study hall and provided students with a variety of hot and cold drinks as well as quick snacks. Steve Williams, Deputy Director of the Library and Information Services, commented that the “new facilities are in a much better location than before as a number of students had previously complained of the noise in the study hall
due to the cafe area. Now with the new location, there will be minimal noise and as also it will entice more people into the library.” Not only will the new coffee area provide a nicer area for students to relax with new soft furnishings but the catering department is also keen to expand the area even further. Run in conjunction with the Welsh Academy which is starting this term, the coffee shop will also offer Welsh produce including food, drinks and newspapers. Les Carmichael, Catering Manager, confirmed that there are also plans “to
expand the area out into the Mall to create an Al Fresco Cafe which hopefully will replicate international campuses as well as taking away the institutional feeling that has been in place in the library for a number of years.” When questioned over the cost of the redevelopment, Carmichael was keen to stress that the funds provided were well spent. “This was a collaborative project with Estates and the Catering department focusing on improvement of facilities for both staff and students. Therefore the outcome has provided an efficient and effective area for all to enjoy.”
06 NEWS
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
Floods, Fear and corruption
- A nation in turmoil
FLYING THE FLAG: Pakistani cricket fans celebrate the latest test match
By Alun Rhys Chivers News Editor OFTEN REVERED as the saviours of their country in times of troubles, Pakistan cricket team’s tour of England this summer was seen by millions of Pakistanis as an opportunity to offer some hope in the wake of devastating floods which have engulfed much of the country’s mainland this summer. Pakistan’s problems have been further compounded by terrorist attacks which saw 120 Pakistani nationals killed in the first week of September alone. Monsoon rainfall in much of the area between Islamabad and Peshawar in north-west Pakistan has seen 8 million people become homeless, with many lives lost in rural villages. In the Swat Valley, tens of houses have been destroyed in Maidan town. A pedestrian bridge linking northern and southern areas of the Dir district has been destroyed, cutting off transportation routes across the valley. In Kanju town, only one structural pole of the popular Dubai Hotel remains. In Charsadda, there have been reports of bodies being washed through villages, and graves in Alipur are now under water.
Many of the millions of residents in the Punjab region have been left angered by the Pakistani government’s apparent failure to send out a regional flood warning, instead choosing to focus their attention on Swat and Charsadda, where there is relative prosperity. The floods have been set against the backdrop of allegations of corruption against President Asif Ali Zardari, with the UN appealing to Europe and the United States for $459 million in aid to begin the clean-up operation. So far, the aid has not been forthcoming, and the situation is seen as many by the worst offer of aid by Europe and America for a natural disaster in recent years. The situation is further compounded by an apparent refusal to offer support to Pakistani troops on the border with Afghanistan. In light of Pakistan’s trouble, it would be fair to suggest that its national cricket team could offer a ray of hope and a means of restoring some faith. But they too have become entangled in allegations of corruption, falling foul of the cricket code of conduct and into the hands of an Asian bookmaker. Match-fixing in cricket is undoubtedly rife, further compounded by the emergence of spot-betting, a process by which the outcome of a
particular delivery during a match can be decided before a ball is bowled. In an apparent sting by the News of the World, Croydon-based bookmaker Mazhar Majeed was filmed claiming to have offered £150,000 to captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif to deliberately bowl no-balls at particular times during the first day of the 4th Test at Lord’s. Majeed was filmed predicting that the bowlers would bowl a no-ball at certain times, a prediction which proved accurate on three separate occasions. The match ultimately led to a defeat for Pakistan by an innings and 225 runs, their worst in Test history. Whether the actions of the three ultimately affected the outcome of the match is irrelevant. Journalists and former cricketers – from England and Pakistan – have called for those found guilty of the allegations to be banned for life from cricket. There is never a good time for corruption in cricket, but if those caught up in the allegations are found guilty of wrongdoing, they will be the heroesturned-villains of the sad and sorry tale of a nation attempting to lift itself out of the devastation of its latest natural
A SWANSEA University student aims to trek forty miles in just seven days across the Great Wall of China to raise money for wounded servicemen and women next year. In order to fund the far-east challenge Chanai Operanta plans to set up a fundraising event every month from now until the scheduled trip in September 2011. This will not be Chanai’s first charity
challenge as she has previously skydived 13,000ft out of an aircraft over the Gower Peninsula and hiked the highest peak in South Wales, Pen-Y-Fan and also helped raise a substantial amount of money towards the Welsh National Monument in Cardiff to honour those who gave their lives who served in the Falkland’s War. “As the daughter of a military veteran who actively served in various conflicts I know how important it is for soldiers on active duty to know that they are supported at home.” The next fundraising event on her
By Angharad Jones Deputy News Editor THE NATIONAL student survey results reveal that there have been no improvements since 2009. Completed by final year students evaluating their experience at Swansea University, the National Student Survey marks the standard of aspects such as feedback, academic support and learning resources within all departments. Though student satisfaction results for many subjects appear impressive, overall responses for Swansea are disappointing. With only 56% of students deeming the feedback they received as helpful, Swansea lies 1% below the UK average, showing no improvements since 2009. In a bid to ensure improvement in time for NSS 2011, the students’ union aims to encourage students to specify the most beneficial form of feedback. According to the NSS, only 71% of students believed they had sufficient advice and support with their studies, marking a 3% slide since last year’s survey results. However, the availability of staff stands at 84% - 3% higher than the 2009 national average. Eager to improve the quality of academic support available to students, the university plan to promote peer-topeer support along with providing course representatives with additional training. The survey also revealed that learning resources have become less
accessible, and students believe that the library resources are not up to standard. The results place Swansea University’s learning resources 3% lower than the UK average, showing a 2% decrease since the 2009 results. In response to this outcome, the students’ union intend to encourage communication between students and their library, along with ensuring the library install more power sockets to accommodate further laptops. Education officer Luke James toldThe Waterfront “The results are disappointing and they show that paying more doesn’t mean getting a better quality education. “Students are paying higher fees than ever before yet satisfaction levels have decreased.” With recent results placing Swansea below the three other main Welsh universities; Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Bangor, it is clear that changes need to be made to improve results in future years. Luke James is confident that these expectations will be met, he said “we are going to see some big rewards for our students, including investment in careers and employability to ensure students graduating are competitive in the job market”. The University intend to undertake a major initiative to regain their status as an institution with a great student experience. Are you satisfied with the quality of your education? Share your thoughts by emailing editor@swansea-union.co.uk
World’s largest study into bipolar
disorder seeks volunteers!
disaster.
Students Road to the Great Wall By Lidia Pedro News Reporter
NSS shows no improvement
list will be a bake sale in Fulton House main foyer on Friday 1st of October, during Fresher’s week. Cakes and confectionaries have been donated from shops around the UK and Swansea area to help Chanai and her friends raise money for this cause. All proceeds will go towards Help for Heroes which is an organization that supports members of the Army, navy and Royal Air Force wounded in active duty from recent conflicts such as in Afghanistan and Iraq. Don’t forget to stop by and lend your support to Chanai by purchasing a cake this Friday.
THE BIPOLAR Disorder Research Network (BDRN) is currently seeking to double the number of volunteers who have taken part in their genetic study of bipolar disorder from 3,000 to 6,000. In collaboration with research based in the USA and Europe this will make it the largest genetic study into bipolar disorder in the world. The study aims to investigate how genes and environmental factors (such as stressful life events) can contribute to the illness. Professor Nick Craddock who leads the research based at Cardiff University explains: “Improving the lives of those with bipolar disorder requires an understanding of the causes and triggers of illness. The illness varies greatly from person to person so it is vital that we see as many people with
bipolar disorder as possible”. Past volunteers include celebrities such as Stephen Fry and Kerry Katona. Fry, a keen promoter of the research, acknowledges that volunteers are helping to “remove stigma, shame and hidden pain” associated with the illness. Bipolar disorder, which affects around 1 in 100 individuals, is characterised by episodes of mood disturbance, including periods of unusually high mood (often called mania/hypomania). Many people with bipolar disorder also experience periods of depression. For more information about the research the team can be contacted through our website www.bdrn.org or call our Cardiff Office on 02920 744392.
08 Feature
Waterfront 192 - 27/09/10
8@SDQEQNMS 3DVHMC This academic year marks the Waterfront’s fifteenth year of circulation to Swansea students. September 1995 saw the Waterfront newspaper rise out of the ashes of its de-funked predecessor, Bad Press, under Editor Richard Sheridan. This year we look to celebrate and mark the publications fifteen years by looking back and reminding ourselves of some of the stories covered and the students who wrote them. This week we take a look back to every Waterfront September issue going back in five year instalments.
Issue 1 - September 1995 ‘Swansea coach on sex charges’ by News Editor Tim Phillips The Waterfront started off life as a monthly paper rather than a fortnightly issue. Tim Phillips bagged the first ever front page in September 1995. The splash immediately grabbed student’s attention with the high profile story about former University Swimming coach Paul Hickson standing trial for ‘17 counts of rape, buggery and indecent assault’ The former deputy director of physical recreation was alleged to have carried out many of the offences against students during examinations and fitness tests which took place at the University Sports hall swimming pool. Hickson was arrested in 1992, just a year after leaving his position at Swansea University, after allegations of indecent assault were made against him by a number of female swimmers who had been coached by the defendant. The former Olympic coach was convicted of 15 out of the 17 charges against him and sentenced to 17 years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court on the 27th September 1995.
‘Park Life! Red tape threatens lighting’ by Duncan Danley Duncan Danley had the privilege of reporting for the first time on a story that would become a revisited topic throughout many issues of the paper over the years. The report told of how students claimed red tape was standing in the way of proper lighting being placed in Singleton Park for the start of term following fears over the vulnerability of students who used it as a route to get home at night. “Last year, students’ union officers agreed with the University’s estates department and Swansea City Council that lighting would be placed in Singleton Park” Despite campaigns from SU women’s officers and the University offering to pay the £15,000 cost of the scheme, the project hit the buffers due to councillors committee not sitting to discuss the issue until then end of November 1995. Sports Editor, Will Smale reported how the kung-fu kicking Manchester United star Eric Cantona was to return to the field in early October 1995 by playing in a testimonial game for Swansea City assistant manager Bobby Smith. Football fans will remember how the Frenchman was banned the previous season after attempting a Bruce Lee style kick on a Crystal Palace supporter at Selhurst Park during a Premier League match against the red devils. Comedy performances were still going strong, with a preview of Pub Landlord Al Murry at Bar Hendre (that’s Woody’s to you and me) wonder what ever happened to him?
Issue 64 - Summer 2000 Freshers Guide 2000 Aimed at getting Fresher’s in the mood for the start of their university life at Swansea the Waterfront team lead by Editors Matt Flye and Maxine French produced this guide to the average Uni virgin. Cram-packed with advice to first time students away from home, students on their gap year from America to a guide on the best pubs, TV, cooking (including a recipe for the classic staple spaghetti bolognaise), sport, societies, the Gower and its beaches and a feature what Swansea is famous for and the top places to visit before leaving. This issue really had everything to offer the new millennium Swansea Fresher! My favourite article form this issue was a tongue-in-cheek look at the ‘fifty things you’ll do at university’ that I am sure hit closer to home for many of us than we care to admit with such gems as: 16. Have sex on the beach. 28. Call your parents when you run out of money. 37. Puke in your bed. 40. Fill your house with ‘beer trophies’ the traffic cones and road signs you nick on the way home from the pub. 49. Avoid paying library fines until you realise that if you don’t pay them, you can’t graduate.
What 50 things will you do whilst at university?
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Features 09
The changing faces of Waterfront through the years 1995 - 2005
Issue 132 - 26th September 2005 ‘Anger over terror claims’ by Editor Rachel Howells Five years ago this week Islamic students at Swansea University ‘hit back at claims they may be harbouring extremists’ after the claims had been made via an intelligence think tank report in an edition of the Guardian newspaper. Swansea was named alongside thirty other universities linked with alleged extremist groups such as Hizb ut-Tahrir and al-Muhajiroun. The document also referred to Ramzi Yousef, a student of the now-closed Swanseabased Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education who was said to be amongst those responsible for the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing in New York. Islamic Society’s president Abdullahi Arabo pointed out the flaws in the report that held no information that an MI5 report concluded that Yousef had not been involved with the 1993 attack in New York and that his identity had been stolen. Arabo also dispelled worries about the motives of Swansea’s Islamic students telling the Waterfront ‘Islam teaches tolerance and peace. We work closely with the University to promote a wiser understanding of our religion and operate an open-door policy at the mosque.’
Also in this edition... Former Waterfront Editor and Swansea graduate Dave Cornthwaite planned to break a world distance record long boarding across 5,000 miles of Australian coastline from Perth to Sydney in aid of three children’s charities. ‘One morning I woke up and started thinking about how I wanted to travel, and how much i‘d become restless with the nine to five routine and decided to combine my new hobby, skating, with my oldest passion, travelling’ The Library recieved a £300k facelift to the entrance to allow its 1.1 million annual visitors easier access. ‘New facilities include self-issuing machines, allowing students to check books out themselves and a new security system’
From the back page... Swansea University cheerleaders were picked for a new squad to support Celtic League Champions Neath-Swansea Ospreys, as they were known in September 2005. The team was dubbed the Birds of Prey. President of the Swansea Shadows, Emma Bartlett told the Waterfront that many of the group come from the universities cheerleading society ‘they are very pleased to have been selected for such high profile appearances’
Five years of
Front
Five years ago this month the Waterfront said hello to an off-shoot from the paper in the shape of a monthly magazine that delivered a student’s need of music, film, culture, food reviews, features, a what’s on guide, puzzles, photography, you name it this baby had it. As creator and Editor of Front Rachel Howells told readers to think of it as ‘Waterfront’s cool little sister’ Issue one not only delivered all of the above but also bagged an interview with the ‘one and only’ Chesney Hawkes giving reporter Dave Lamont the down-low on his career to date ahead of his Fresher’s Ball appearance in Time (Oceana in today’s currency) on the 5th October 2005. When asked who he would most like to be for the day an excited Chesney replied with what would still be a very popular choice and for good reason too! ‘Brad Pitt – so I could see Angelina Jolie naked everyday!’ The 2005 set wasn’t the first time Chesney played Swansea and told Front of how brilliant student crowds had been in previous years. This couldn’t match a certain night in Scotland though as when asked about his weirdest gig he told of a night when he played in Aberdeen ‘Someone in the crowd threw a horse’s head onto the stage... a pantomime one of course!’
How things have changed since 1995! The Amsterdam weekender cost just £45! Beer prices in Diva’s were set to rise! The Students Union night bus cost you just 50p or £2 for five tickets! Barons Nightclub still existed - £1.50 entry every Monday!
By James Snaith
ISSUE 1: Front in magazine form
10 Feature
Waterfront 192 - 27/09/10
Camp America By Sophie Bamber - Great Barrington, Massachusetts When I first signed up with BUNAC for Camp America last September I was reasonably sure that there would be a few obstacles. I was right. There is a weighty application procedure and that includes box after box of self representation, induction here, orientation there, an interview and that all important trip to the embassy. However, I can honestly say it could not have been more worth it. On the 16th June I flew out of Heathrow and touched down in JFK, before being chauffeured right into the centre of Manhattan. There were about 40 of us all together and the company put us all up in a hostel on Amsterdam Avenue. We were given another talk, a couple of free t-shirts and a departure time for the morning. By this point the five of us heading to Camp Half Moon had found each other and were well underway with the three crucial W’s of getting to know someone: ‘Who are you, What do you do, and Where do you come from?’ The five of us caught the 12:40 bus from Port Authority the next afternoon and apart from forgetting food and water for the six hour journey, it wasn’t all that bad. We were destined for the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts and it was pretty cool seeing the scenery change from concrete jungle to thick forestry and small towns. I can’t really describe the anticipation but I’m sure if you’ve been on a gap year you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s that stomach churning feeling where you have absolutely no idea where you’re going, who’s going to be there or what it’s going to be like. I love that feeling. It always reminds me of my first day at Swansea and driving up to halls, wondering what the flat mates would be like!
HITTING THE BEACH: Our reporter Sophie and friends having some fun
Arriving at Camp
YURT: Camp America living
Thirteen of us got off the bus in Great Barrington and were greeted by an all American, excessively enthusiastic and very warm hello from one of the head staff before being driven to the camp. By this point there were Australians, English, Scots, Kiwis, a girl from Iceland and a girl from Holland. Arriving at camp was surreal. It looked exactly how I’d imagined it. There were a multitude of little white wooden cabins, a basketball court, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a theatre and a huge dining hall. There were about 45 staff in total and by the end of the first week we knew each other pretty well. I’d found a soul sister and various summer romances were just beginning to blossom! We’d cleaned the pool, set up the docks on the lake, lined up the kayaks, pumped up the basket balls and tested out the gymnastics equipment, all ready for the campers to arrive at the weekend. It was really hard work but it paid off because the camp looked awesome and it was a great way to get to know everybody. Our first night out was in the local town, luckily I’m 21 but where we were the drinking regulations seemed to work on a more discretionary basis and weren’t too strict, which was good for everyone under age! On our days off we soaked up the sun by the lake or explored the local area.
Kids Arriving and Food The last week of June we had the first batch of residential campers arrive. My bunk was to become home to seven lower seniors and they were all really friendly.The kids were generally from quite affluent families and we had girls sporting everything from Marc Jacobs wellies to Cavalli bikinis. It’s easy to see how they can afford the $7000 charge for the whole summer. The food at camp was pretty good; the only problem was, was that it was unlimited. With a simple raise of the hand you could get a whole new plate of food and eat till your heart’s content. The camp provided a fully stocked salad bar and if that wasn’t to your fancy there was always the alternative PB&J. An unlimited supply of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!
Schedules I was employed as a Pioneer Leader which meant I was going to be working with 4-6 year olds all day. They arrived every morning at 8:30am and from 9am we had a fully packed schedule until 4:30pm when they went home. Schedules change every week and I had a really good deal as I got to experience all the activities every day. One of the perks is getting to go on day trips with the residential campers. I got lucky and scored a trip to a really awesome beach/ lake in the Berkshires and definitely got my summer tan on, other counsellors experienced theme parks and even Hershey World where all the chocolate is made alongside loads and loads of roller-coasters and other rides! continued >
SOCCER SCHOOL: Kids and team leaders take a break
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Features 11
A student review of a great summer experience Check out! www.BUNAC.org After Camp The end of camp came all too soon for most people, we’d made friends from across the globe and had some of the best times of our lives. One last night out and a very emotional goodbye sent everyone on their travels across the states. 24 of us rented a gigantic beach house in Cape Cod for a week before the travelling properly commenced which was absolutely amazing. It was a week-long house party in a sweet location with sun, surf, sand and a great bunch of people. I was lucky enough to have been offered accommodation with one of the parents of one of my kids on the upper west side of Manhattan so a couple of us stayed there which was incredible. The location was, for starters out of this world and the view from the 44th floor was unbelievable. The travelling was awesome because we’d all worked so hard over the summer and to finally receive our wages, IN CASH, and be able to spend it doing whatever we wanted, wherever we wanted was great. Camp is definitely like a bubble and to be back in the real world was great. I made friends I’ll keep for life this summer and I hope one day I’ll go back. I’ve kept in touch with some of the kids and their parents which is nice and always a bed for when I next go to the states! An absolutely incredible experience and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. Great people, great weather, decent wages and an experience of a lifetime! Before I went I got told it would be the hardest job I’d ever love and it really was! There are various organisations that provide the Camp America experience, but I believe the company I went with, BUNAC, offer the best value for money and pay the most wages at the end of the summer. It’s a lengthy application procedure but it’s more than worth it. Swansea regularly has information stands for Camp America and you can find out more there or by visiting www.BUNAC.org
POSING: The 2010 Camp America team photo call before summer began
By Jess Main - Brewster, New York
NEW YORK: Chance to escape into the City
Making the decision between a summer in not-so-sunny Wales, or the opportunity of a lifetime in America was not the hardest I had ever made! Back in September last year, I decided to take the plunge and embark on what I was told would be ‘The Summer of a Lifetime’; and in all honesty, it didn’t disappoint. Having heard mixed reviews on which company to travel with, I decided to choose Camp America. Boasting ’40 Summers of Fun’, I knew I would probably be in capable and more importantly, experienced hands. As a first – time traveller I would definitely recommend Camp America. From the moment I submitted the (quite lengthy) application form online, things moved rapidly, leaving me free to worry about whether or not I would get placed! And get placed I did! I was lucky enough to get a placement at Hillside Summer Camp in Brewster, New York; a day camp which has a range of different activities for all ages. My job over the summer was as a ‘specialist’ or activity leader which meant I was able to interact with all children between the ages of five and fifteen! Although the days were long and working with children quite tiring, it was without doubt the most rewarding and fun thing I have ever done. So what about accommodation? As you can imagine, it’s not five star hotel standards. I lived in a yurt with eight other girls. The living conditions had been previously described to me as ‘rustic’ although after just a week it became a home from home. The only negative being that you had to share your bed with many insects and spiders, so bug spray is a must if you’re thinking about it! Food at camp is average, but what do you expect when it’s free! Aside from work, the biggest aspect of camp in my opinion was the social side; it was a brilliant opportunity to make some amazing new friends and meet like-minded people. Also if you are placed at a day camp you will more than likely have evenings and weekends free to travel and experience American culture, so it’s important to have some good friends to experience it with you! You only had to take one look at the blubbering group of counsellors on the final day to imagine how hard it was parting ways. After camp travels can seem daunting, but Camp America offer help and support for members, advertising discounts on hostels and travel companies and generally offering ideas for travel plans. Also, the J-1 student visa that you need to live and work in the States is valid usually until October so you really can have the true US experience if you wanted. I recommend Camp America 100% to anybody who is thinking about it for next summer. It’s a great chance to experience the American. Also, it’s reasonably priced, and the wages are an added bonus too (if a little on the small side!) Just remember, apply early – especially if you’re applying for the position of general counsellor. Be open-minded, you might be living in a tent all summer! Save lots of money, especially if you want to take part in the many activities that are on offer, and most importantly have fun – it all happens so quickly! So bear Camp America in mind for next year’s travel plans. It really is an amazing experience, so much so I’m going back next year!
12 CULTURE
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
Welcome Back: Culture Section 2010 - 2011 Hello and a big welcome back to the culture section for a new academic year! As the new culture editorial team we are here to encourage you to get involved with writing for the section, contribute ideas for improving it and cover your own cultural interests in Swansea. This is an exciting year for the newspaper as we will be releasing our 200th issue as well as celebrating the Waterfront’s 15th year in print.
In a bid to try and entice old writers back and new writers to come forward we have decided to review all of our favourite culture hot spots in this issue. This, we hope, will continue to make students aware of what is available in and around Swansea that may not have been publicised to the student population. In previous years we have worked closely with cultural venues in the city and consquently interviewed many
artists that have visited Wales. In the following issues we will aim to cover more venues and events as and when they appear on the radar. This year we are hoping to recruit lots of new writers as well as welcome back previous contributors. Writing for the newspaper is a great thing to have on your CV and a really great experience which may lead to phone interviews with celebrities, free tickets to the theatre
and even a free meal if you’re lucky! It’s also a great opportunity to enhance your writing skills, meet new people and learn more about Swansea. The Waterfront will be at the Fresher’s Fayre on the 29th and 30th of September and we will be looking to recruit as many writers as possible. If you would like to be part of a great team of writers and are interested in taking the culture section from strength
to strength please don’t hesitate to sign up or email waterfrontculture@hotmail. co.uk All the best and here’s to another great year of culture! Suzanne Beynon and Sophie Bamber
Books: The Time Traveler’s Wife I’ll be completely honest with you. I didn’t expect too much of this book. Everyone has told me how brilliant it is, and of course it’s also been made into a very successful film. I always find over-hyped books disappointing, as they never quite live up to the expectations I’ve built up. With this in mind, I settled down to read Niffenegger’s novel. Within half an hour I had taken back everything I had previously thought. If anything, it hadn’t been hyped up enough. The fast, continually changing pace of this novel throws the reader through time and space every few pages, and the
confusion only adds to the enjoyment. Although the idea of Henry and Clare being in love when Clare is only 6, and Henry 36, is initially alarming, the development of their relationship from companionship to friendship to love is gradual and believable. Niffenegger’s ability to make the reader believe in Henry’s time-travelling genetic disorder demonstrates her flawless writing style, and she effortlessly draws the reader in to her story and makes it extremely difficult to put her book down. The novel uses first person narrative, but switches between Henry and Clare,
and also switches backwards and forwards in time. Each chapter begins with the name of the narrator, the date and the ages of both Henry and Clare. I won’t lie, there will be at least one or two sections where you’ll stop and have to double-check who the narrator is and what age they are, but that doesn’t detract from the story. If anything it adds to it – it makes the reader feel just as confused as Henry is, moving forward and backwards in time. Of course it affects the ages of everyone else in the novel, and there is only so long that Henry can keep his time travelling a
secret. Re-appearing in a locked room, teaching his younger self how to pick locks and trying to convince unwilling scientists he’s not insane – all in a day’s work for Henry DeTamble. I’m yet to see the film, but would recommend this book a thousand times over for anyone. If you’ve never heard of it – read it. If you’ve heard of it but don’t think it’s for you – try it. If the thought of the book fully puts you off – try it anyway. You just might be surprised. Becca Cooper
Comment: Government Library Cuts One of the most talked about topics in the media this summer has been the proposal of the cuts to culture in the UK by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The press release recently assured people that funding to the The British film institute would continue, sport would also not be forgotten, but what it failed to go into detail on was the future of our libraries. Over the past few years there have been concerns that the public library has been a dying institute and it is not a surprise that the first of many cuts to come are aimed at the British libraries. However as a result of these cuts the importance of these institutes has been highlighted and their already flawed system shows that, if anything, more money needs to be put into them rather than taken away. After working with deprived children in the South Wales area last summer I became concerned with the fact that I was faced with children aged eight who struggled to write their own name let
alone anything else. After doing research for this piece I realised that there are many programs throughout the country that are designed to encourage both young people and adults to read more. What seemed to be lacking, however, were programs designed for children and adults who have a very low literacy level. Libraries provide an important environment for teaching people how to read and with the cuts being made the question remains about where people who get lost in the school system can go if they need help in improving their reading ability. The library after all was founded under the description ‘The University of the Street’ but this looks like it could be purely of the past, with no place in today’s society. Further danger as to the future of our libraries is indicated by the proposed cut to the public lending right. This is the 6p per loan that an author receives with a cap of £6600. For less well known authors this is a very important sum of money as most struggle to make money,
hence the number of creative writing departments throughout the country. Less popular authors normally do well in libraries as people have nothing to lose if they take out an unheard of book. If the public lending right disappears then it may mean that the reading selection in libraries greatly declines and the cycle of less attendance by the public and hence less publicity of reading programs begins. I think this is very important for Welsh literature in English. How many of you, who are not a literature or creative writing student, can say that you have picked up a book written by a local welsh author in the book store? Stumble across a Welsh literature section in a library and you may be more inclined to pick something up. Luckily, academi, which supports writing in Wales has survived some of the cuts made by the Welsh Arts Council. However, with the proposed cut to the public lending right, the question is raised that even with the academi funding, will welsh writers be able to
Society: Shoreline Theatre Becca Cooper (pictured) of Shoreline Theatre, the university’s drama society popped down to Swansea Women’s Aid at the end of last year to drop off a cheque for £567.13. This impressive sum was raised by the society during the production of The Vagina Monologues, which were directed and organised by Becca Cooper and Izzy Dabbs and were part of RAG week. A further £52.20 will be sent to the V-Day charity in the U.S.A., who
organise The Vagina Monologues. Shoreline Theatre puts on the event every year, and for those of you that missed seeing it, or would like to get involved in the actual performance this year, watch out for notice of auditions in 2010/2011. Thanks to all those attended, and Raegen Healy, SUSU Women’s officer and Kerry Newsome of ENTS for all of their support. We hope to see you all again next year.
Shoreline’s year begins with auditions on the 4th and 7th of October, 6pm9pm, Dining Room C for two one act plays (Teachers and The Morning After), the Christmas comedy (Both Alike in Dignity), Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Crucible, so come along and have a go, there may even be an Oscar in it for you at the end of the year! Everyone welcome!
continue to afford to write? Furthermore, the cuts to the library funding indicates the possibility of closures leaving those who need them; whether it be for IT resources, fuel their love of reading if they can’t afford to buy books, or because they genuinely need help learning to read, with few places left to turn. Even with a sugar coated 49 page document released by the Arts Coucil
Wales, vaguely detailing the cuts to be made but reassuring people that culture in Wales will be okay, Wale’s huge arts community, not just in terms of literature, but also theatre, music and dance looks to have a difficult and troubled future ahead. Suzanne Beynon
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Stage: The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre is a performing arts venue situated in the centre of Swansea city. The theatre regularly stages plays, pantomimes and touring theatrical acts that visit Swansea and has even seen the likes of Jimmy Carr and Michael Macintyre. The theatre opened in 1897 and was designed for proprietors Morell and Mouillot by architect William Hope and opened by Madame Adelina Patti - a local resident operatic diva. The theatre
was threatened with closure in 1968 but a campaign led by its manager and its artistic director saved it and now it is as thriving as ever. This September will see many different performances ranging from comedies to dance and has proved in the past to draw in crowds of the young and old. One example of the great stuff coming up this term to entice students and locals alike is ‘Tango Pasion’ .Two decades after the Broadway success of
‘Tango Argentino’, creators reignited the passion of Tango with a brand-new live spectacle, combining virtuosity with sensuality - the result: ‘Tango Pasion’. It has thrilled audiences and taken the international stage by storm; enthralling audiences with its charm and zeal. Go along for yourself and experience the energy, zest and fervor of pure Argentinean Tango, music and song in this magnificent, captivating performance, presented by 12 of Buenos
CULTURE 13
Aires finest Tango dancers. Some of the best acts on the Comedy Circuit also appear in the Depot Studio of Swansea Grand Theatre throughout the term, on every last Wednesday of the month. For freshers who want a break from all their hard work and lectures, this night will prove to be full of laughs and also gives you a chance to relax with friends and enjoy a drink, cabaret style! Charlotte Ellis
Stage: Taliesin Arts Centre Located bang splat in the middle of the University Campus you’re unlikely to miss a culture favourite, the Taliesin Arts Centre. It’s open all year round and offers a wide range of cinema screenings, theatre, live performances including dance, jazz and world music, plus a whole load more. It’s a modern building despite being
over 20 years old and is inviting to both students and people living in and around Swansea. Not only does the Taliesin offer performing facilities but also a great restaurant, a bank, a gift shop and a Waterstones Book Shop for you to shop for the contents of your reading list! The Taliesin is also home to the Egypt Centre which houses a museum
Art: The Glyn Vivian
of Egyptian antiquities accredited by the MLA. It’s a free attraction and is of particular interest to those students studying Egyptology or Ancient art subjects. There are over 50 live performances a year at the Taliesin, ranging from classical to contemporary dance, world music to jazz and fusion, children’s events to opera, drama to physical theatre. Some
of the performances are from University societies, and speaking from experience, the Dance Society shows are not to be missed. The cinema can house 300 people and the screenings regularly sell out and we preview them here in the culture section every fortnight so you won’t be left in the dark about what’s on offer.
This extraordinary Edwardian style building situated on Alexandra Road, Swansea, displays a range of Richard Glynn Vivian’s collection of traditional visual art, complemented by modern 20th century Welsh Art. Solely admired by the museum’s history, its not surprising that crowds of people from across Wales decide to visit every week. The story originated over a century ago when Richard Glynn Vivian, fourth son of industrialist John Henry Vivian, desired to study the arts at Cambridge University. After studying for several years, Vivian graduated and returned to
Swansea with a Masters of arts degree. When his father died in 1855 he was fortunate enough to inherit a quarter share from the largest and most successful family run copper business. Countless years of collecting pushed Vivian to prepare plans in order for him to open a purpose built gallery which intentionally would display a combination of visual art. Regrettably Vivian passed away shortly before the gallery was scheduled to open in 1911. Today, the museum is still standing and exhibits collections from 1700s - 2005s made available in chronological order. Inspiring oil canvas painting ‘The
Cockle Woman’ by Evan Walters, is one of many pieces that illustrates traditional Welsh culture. Usually considered a female task involving manual labour using a hand rake and sieve, cockle picking still exists to this day. This fascinating ‘double vision’ painting portrays Sarah Goss in a warm layer of clothes, in no doubt to resist those strong shoreline winds. Another local artist Grant Murray in 1928 created ‘The Mumbles Train, Swansea Bay’ which is another gripping piece of art which captures the steam train in action during its final year. Throughout the 1920s, its thought that
more than 40,000 people a day would travel to and from the seaside by train. Although this method of transport is no longer available in Mumbles, Murray has most certainly captured an iconic moment which today shows how far Swansea has developed. There are many other pieces of art to view in the gallery and students researching the Arts should without question visit The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. Why not? There’s no admission charge!
“I was born in a large Welsh town at the beginning of the Great War – an ugly, lovely town, or so it was and is to me...” That’s Swansea’s renowned poet Dylan Thomas speaking about the city and some of you will know the more contemporary ‘pretty shitty’ reference from the film Twin Town. As it goes, there is a beautiful building in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter commemorating the life of the poet. The centre boasts an extensive collection of books, posters
and memorabilia as well as being home to many literary events throughout the year. The Maritime quarter is also home to a statue of Dylan Thomas’ Captain Cat, the familiar character from the radio play ‘Under Milkwood’. Last year the culture team covered the annual Dylan Thomas Festival which takes place during October and November. Uplands is the former home of the world famous poet and every year the street is decorated with bunting and
stalls in a bit to attract local interest. There are various arts and crafts stalls, treasure hunts and competitions. It’s a great day out for the young and old, even if you just manage to get to Uplands Tavern which last year offered a ‘Create Your Own Cocktail’ competition. For any one studying English Literature you’ll probably get the option to study poems by Dylan Thomas. Much of his work was an attempt to communicate the beauty of new life, nature and biological diversity through
poetry and as an English student myself, I really enjoyed learning more about him. The Dylan Thomas Centre is open from 10am – 4.30pm, seven days a week and is in close proximity to other Swansea museums and an excellent restaurant. It also includes a cosy bookshop and cafe. For reservations or for more information call 01792 463980.
Museum: Dylan Thomas Centre
Luke Samuel Curtis
Sophie Bamber
Film: L’amacoeur / The Heartbreaker
Ever hated a friend’s girlfriend or boyfriend so much that you would have paid to see them break up? If you were a character in L’amacoeur translated as The Heartbreaker, that’s exactly what you could do. You might want to get a loan though, because Alex (Romain Duris) breaks hearts for a living, and the fee is extortionate. Together with his master of disguise sister and his technical expert brother-in-law, he prides himself on being able to break up any couple, through deception and sometimes even thanks to his good looks.
To be able to sleep at night and look at themselves in the mirror, though, they set themselves rules: they will only intervene if the woman is unhappy, and never for religious or racial reasons. As noble as they are, their morals will lead them to a considerable money shortage, and that’s when they accept a job that looks more like a mission impossible. Juliette is 10 days away from marrying a charming English businessman, Jonathan, and her gangster father is not pleased. The mission is a tough one, and his crush on the target surely doesn’t help.
Thanks to his position of “bodyguard”, Alex is able to keep a close eye on her, even though she is not ecstatic about it, and eventually understand the classism issues going on in her relationship with her husband-to-be. Key to his success (or not?) will be a mysterious missing year in Juliette’s past. L’amacoeur has received many contrasting reviews. Those of you who expect a sophisticated French love story will find themselves disappointed, as according to some writers like Donald Clarke from the IrishTime
“sophisticated is not the word”. This film sounds more like a French “Hitch” (2005 with Will Smith), and its south of France setting apparently does not grant it any additional artistic value. So much so that the Hollywood remake is said to be underway. L’amacoeur is on at the Taliesin on Monday the 11th of October. Alice Copello
The Taliesin is a great facility and something we’re really lucky to have on campus. Here at the culture section we’ll aim to keep you up to date with what’s coming up and what we think but in the mean time visit www.taliesinartscentre. co.uk for more information, or even stroll right in and see for yourself. Sophie Bamber
14 MUSIC
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
THE MIXTAPE Fast emerging indie alt-rock band Detroit Social Club’s David Burn gives us his ten all time favourites. The Geordie six-piece Detroit Social Club has just finished an epic summer, playing Glastonbury, T in the Park and The V’s. Celebrated for their own brand of blues-indie, it won’t be long until they explode all over the airwaves. Their album Existence has been out for a while, but new single Northern Man is out on the 11th of October. I would highly recommend buying either, or both if your loan’s come in. Afterglow Of Your Love - Small Faces
Perfect way to get back at someone, I suppose. I love the fact he just didn’t bother writing a chorus for it.
Pretty self explanatory, and mandatory for this to be in anyone’s top ten! The Verve - Bittersweet Symphony
In My Life - Beatles As with Oasis, I had to have one Beatles song. I chose this one as it suits my most current mood.
As this is an ALL TIME top ten, this would have to be in, as it is probably the track I’ve listened to the most in my life! It made me change my life, literally.
Be My Baby - The Ronettes
The Masterplan - Oasis Steve Marriott’s voice is amazing on this track. I wanted it as my wedding song (if i ever got married!) but two friends have pinched it from me! God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
I had to have one Oasis track in here because of the importance they had on my growing in love with music in the 90’s, and this is probably the one that I could relate to the most as a 29 year old.
Positively 34th Street - Bob Dylan
I love American history, and this to me is what the sixties over there sounded like. It’s kind of like my retrospective soundtrack to 1960’s America!
Dylan’s lyrics are always special, but I remember hearing this for the first time, and the bitterness in his words really jumping out at me.
MUSIC REVIEWS Our outspoken reporters get stuck into the latest releases. Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns
VersaEmerge - Fixed at Zero
Plan b - The Recluse
Michael Buble - Hollywood
Linkin Park are revolting. Revolting against a robotic oppressor that doesn’t actually exist. They seem to live in a post apocalyptic world separate from the rest of humanity, one where ‘the machines’ have risen up and taken over the world, leaving a baron husk of a planet in which petty human emotion strives against sadistic industrial oppression. Or at least this is the image new album A Thousand Suns presents. All fifteen tracks are woven together by grainy public service announcements and distant megaphone warnings of disease and genocide, but if you can filter out the dramatic crap (and Mike Shinoda’s terrible, terrible ‘rapping’), the album is delicately powerful and highly accomplished. Each track is more emotive and powerful than the last and certainly more convincing than their whingey offerings of the past. Listen to A Thousand Suns now, because it may well be the sound of Linkin Park peaking.
2010 sees Florida’s VersaEmerge delivering a compilation of striking and dynamic sounds in their debut album, Fixed At Zero. The first track opens with a drifting mythological sound, transcending into an explosive chorus. Whilst the band’s second independently released EP, Perceptions, featured energetic drumwork and supercharged guitars, Fixed At Zero sees guitarist Blake Harnage experiment with different sounds and harmonies; turning this record into an enchanting, experience. Inspired by the realms of space, forest and sky, vocalist Sierra Kusterbeck provides lyrics that appear to have been born in a fairytale and seem to have more substance and depth to them than similar artists of her time. With an infectious title track and songs such as “Fire” which features male vocals and a fantasy style closing; Kusterbeck’s vocal talent alone is what makes this record so dramatic. The albums last track, “Lost Tree” is remarkable in itself. Demonstrating a fierce talent for incorporating both sweet and mellow with an explosive element- weaving together key lyrics from other songs on the record. This is VersaEmerge: delicate and inspiring. Electric and unpredictable.
After a questionable image change, brand Plan b has gone from strength to strength; posing as Strickland Banks, the thug with soul, seems to have really worked for Ben Drew. The next chapter following The Defamation of Strickland Banks begins in the same hallmark fashion as Ben Drew aka Plan B’s previous three singles. Making use of the same underlying melodies, Plan B exercises a different vocal style whilst still maintaining his trademark rap verse-- which will continue to uphold his fans’ attention and interest. Though the track preserves the same dark underlying quality lyrics as previous songs, Plan B manages to sustain an upbeat, lively rhythm which pushes the true meaning behind the song to the back of the listeners mind. However, despite in keeping up with this protagonist’s story and varying the many ranges of his voice; it’d be nice to hear a more different and refreshing sound from him.
Look out ladies, it’s the Buble, and he’s coming for you. It’s no use, you won’t be able to resist him, he’s too suave, cool and overpoweringly smooth to say no to. That’s right, Mickey Bubbles is back with his latest single, ‘Hollywood’, and yes, it’s bad. But it’s worse than usual, not only is the melody grating and harmony sickly, but this time Bubbles has tried to ‘teach’ and ‘guide’ his adoring (middle aged women) listeners. Why? Because it’s his duty! Any successful recording artist knows that. “Baby Hollywood is dead, you can find it in yourself!” Too true Michael, too true. But is it really your responsibility to be the self-esteem-booster-royale? No it isn’t. You sing smooth lounge jazz, stick to that. ‘Hollywood’ is the kind of offering Buble has come to be known for; light, weak, transcient and ultimately, very forgettable. In which case, I hope it won’t be too long until it’s out of my head.
CHARLIE TEASDALE
SARRA GRUMMETT
CHARLIE TEASDALE
SARRA GRUMMETT
8/10
10/10
6/10
2/10
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face - Roberta Flack The best vocal performance, ever. Just mesmerizingly beautiful. Atmosphere - Joy Division Simply for the line “soothed my soul as I tried to get to the wretched sleep that awaited me” Fall At Your Feet - Crowded House It may not be that cool now, but it was the song that I first wanted to play along to when I was 12! It was the song that made me first want to be in a band!
WWW.WATERFRONT.CO.UK
MUSIC 15
CHASING THE STATUS Reporter Joe Brooks tells us why Chase and Status will be worth seeing at Oceana on the 29th of September. In an intense 5 years the London duo known as Chase and Status have built up a repertoire that has not only satisfied the hunger of avid breakbeat fanatics, but has surfaced into the popular market and dug it’s heals in. They have not been alone though. The pair, Saul Milton and Will Kennard, have collaborated with Plan B, supported The Prodigy, and have fans that include Snoop Dogg, Pharell, Jay Z and the legend in the world of drum and bass, Andy C. Constant gigs and DJ work provided a solid foundation when they eventually released the album, More Than Alot, in 2008 that reached number 2 in the UK dance album chart. Milton and Kennard met at university and have been djing together ever
since. Moving rapidly up the ranks of music has been easy for the duo, first doing remixes here and there, then producing for the likes of Lily Allen and eventually releasing their debut album. Since then it seems that their stock has sky rocketed; they have worked with some of the biggest stars in the world and have recently started their own label, More Than Alot Records.
opened the doors for hard dance in the ‘90s and Pendulum gave many their first taste of drum and bass. movement that seems to have taken over the UK.But it was Chase and Status that really brought dubstep into the mainstream. Few (students) can say they haven’t heard the double act on the radio and in clubs at some point, causing deep bass tremors across the country.
However Chase and Status are by no means the first to bring this genre to the masses. It was The Prodigy that
What sets them apart is variety. Their work contains elements of drum and bass, breakbeat, dubstep, grime and hip hop in a thick liquid-funk soup that is dirtier than a kebab from Wind Street. A night out with Chase and Status consists of an assortment of pumping bass that will get both pop and hardcore fans dancing to the same beat.
Clinching the Best Album at the 2009 Drum and Bass awards and a number 1 single under their belts, Chase and Status have became a ‘must have’ at any festival that contained a whiff of the electronic, putting on an ever better performance. With a DJ set in Oceana topping off freshers week on Wednesday the 29th, they are bound to set the pace for the year to come. Their new album is going to drop in November and will include Plan B and Dizzee Rascal as having already been confirmed on the playlist; and, in my opinion, will be choice enough for this writer to actually spend his money on. Joe Brooks
THE FESTIVAL SUMMER This summer I was lucky enough to have a job that took me backstage at various festivals and gigs around Britain. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds, but it’s still pretty awesome. I’ve left out a lot of gigs, but these are some of the best. I started with a week in Northern Ireland, working at Snow Patrol’s seminal homecoming gig in Bangor. It was only a one night affair but was still the biggest gig in Northern Irish history with more than 40,000 fans. The support was from American anthem pounders Band of Horses, and although I seemed to be the only one listening to them, they were incredible. The Funeral being the song that made the set. Along with them was singer/songwriter Lisa Hannigan and fellow Irish boys, General Fiasco. The former being
a little too quiet and whiney and the latter being a little too loud and whiney, but both still good. When the headliners finally came to the stage the noise was incredible, and the
gig wasn’t too bad either. Even though lead singer Gary Lightbody was a bit heavy on the emotion, you could see the gig really meant something to him, and it transferred onto the crowd. Next up was Rockness, a festival on the banks of Loch Ness (obviously). My boss and I
arrived on site after a six hour drive through the cold and rain and it was pretty torn up, compared to Northern Ireland, this was going to be hell. Even though it poured with rain,
Rockness is probably the most picturesque festival I’ve been to, set in rolling highlands and at the edge of the most famous Loch in Scotland. The line up wasn’t bad either; Fatboy Slim, Friendly Fires, Blondie and The Strokes. I got to see a Maccabees secret gig in one of the little tents
and meet them all afterwards, they’re very cool blokes, one of the best british bands around if you haven’t heard them. But hands down, the highlight of the weekend was see-
ing the Strokes. It was one of their first gigs in almost four years and it was as if they had never stopped, absolutely mind blowing. After a short break I was sent back up to Scotland for T in the park. I had always imagined it to be this incredible Glastonbury-esque set up, but
it really wasn’t. It was small, smelly (there’s a chicken farm on site) and the line up was pretty bad. Well maybe not bad, just confused. In the past, T has always been a fairly ‘rock’ based festival but 2010 saw Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Chipmunk and Scouting for Girls as some of the big names. Jay Z played, but didn’t even headline! I did catch some of Eminem, and even though I don’t like his music, it was all pretty powerful and stirring stuff. The highlight of the weekend was definitely catching Mumford and Sons in King Tut’s Wah Wah Tent. Their set was incredible and the atmosphere inside the packed tent was electric. Again after a few other jobs and a brief hiatus at home, I was off again. This time to the Midlands for Bloodstock, a heavy metal festival. I was very, very tentative about this job, I like a bit of metal now
and then, but not for 14 hours a day for a whole weekend. Plus this time I was staying in a caravan on site, rather than the usual hotel. I was right to be nervous, bands such as Meshuggah, Evile and Cannibal Corpse (I hadn’t heard of them either) double bass peddled their way into my ears, behind my eyes and irremovably into my mind. It was not good music. It doesn’t stop either, the pounding, screaming, bleeding mess that is speed metal just goes on and on, track after track. So there’s just a few of the gigs I was lucky (or unlucky) enough to go to this year. If you want to do the same sort of thing whilst your at uni and write about it in the Waterfront, contact me at waterfront.music@ hotmail.co.uk. Charlie Teasdale
WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE MUSIC TEAM THIS YEAR? FANCY INTERVIEWING SOME CLASSIC MUSICAL TALENT? CONTACT CHARLIE AT: WATERFRONT. MUSIC@HOTMAIL. CO.UK
16 SUMMER BALL
Waterfront 192- 27/09/10
Summer Ball 2010 Interviews Dirtbags and Gladrags Former Music and Culture Editors James Taylor and Tom Maya have one last hurrah with the Waterfront as they gatecrash Navi, Two Door Cinema Club and Wheatus! Upon arriving at the tent backstage where Wheatus front man Brendan Brown sat waiting, there was a flush of nostalgia that flowed through us as we noticed the vintage yellow and blue checked logo on the side of the bands equipment. But before we could break into a gentle hum of “A little respect” we were greeted by Brendan in typical handshake-to-hug American fashion. Getting down to business we asked the early century rock star what the differences are playing to a smaller Uni crowd than a field full of Wheatus fans. “4,000 is quite a lot of people really. We’ve performed in front of lots of different sized audiences, some as small as 7 people. They buy the most merchandise though” Wheatus had previously done other University gigs in such places as Bath and Norwich, so we wanted to know which students are his favourite. “Welsh and Scottish students are the best. I think it’s because they drink more, a hell of a lot more than the English. Definitely.” After a slight applause from Welsh students surrounding us, Brendan then pulled off a very passable Welsh accent – without using such stereotypical words as ‘butt’ and ‘boyo’. It is highly publicised how Wheatus had a messy break up with their record company back at the start of the decade. So we decided to poke the bear slightly by digging deeper into the sudden separation. Since we left we’ve gotten so much more freedom. You don’t have to deal with people who know nothing about music. The problem with the record labels are they know jack about music, and they seek to control and manipulate it, and when it goes wrong its your fault but when it goes right its their doing. None of them have ever stood on a stage and performed, they don’t know the true meaning of music. They are just horrible, vapid, soulless morons. I mean look what Hitler did with propaganda, it very possible to pull the wool over people’s eyes and pretend your doing good for the world”
Tom and James take time out for a chat with Brendan before Ball began
“I can drink myself silly but you Welsh drink as if you’re trying to conquer Poland. You drink and drink til your blood is alcohol” We decided to move swiftly away from the comparison of Nazi’s with record labels by asking Brendan what his favourite collaboration would be, with the answer surprisingly being Willie Nelson. When asked why he chose a country singer rather than his idols AC/DC Brendan stated that: “I’d just love to sing ‘I’d Have to be Crazy’ with Willie, its just a song that I feel strongly about and just want to sing with that man He’s awesome!” We went on to ask the ‘Little Respect’ singer if he wished he took a year international course in Wales during his time in College. After a few seconds of laughter Brendan soon told us that he believes the stage to be the best vantage point to see drunken Welsh students – not amongst them. Brendan went on to talk about one key story that sticks with him about UK students, which took place at Norwich University. “We had one guy in Norwich jump over the barrier and very nearly got beaten to death by the security guards. I’ve never seen anyone resist security so profoundly, he was content to having his ass beat.” Wales is definitely a place Brendan keeps close to his heart, as he claimed Welsh fans to be the true pedigree of rockers. “I was a big fan of Scotland I have to admit, they rocked. But when I went to Cardiff a few days ago and now Swansea…you guys have definitely taken the crown. Both shows were off the hook man, I thought we were going to explode! They blew the roof off the place. Brendan gets up close and personal with The Waterfront “I never grew up with a music background. And when we first started it was very overwhelming. We came to the UK and didn’t know anyone, and then these two Welsh icons in the shape of the Stereophonics and Feeder took us into the pubs and clubs around town. It was a great night, really friendly guys. And it was Stuart [Cable] who played us a song from the band ‘tragically hip’ and that’s when we all knew its going to be ok. We have friends!” On note to the tragic death of Welsh gem Stuart Cable, we asked Brendan on his views on the depressive circumstance. Brendan went on to comment on how Stuart was an inspiration to the industry and will definitely be missed by fans and artists alike. “I can’t believe he’s gone...he was a blessing for the industry. I feel really bad for his seven year old son, nobody at that age should go through that. It sucks. God bless him.” To lighten the melancholy mood, we finished off by asking Brendan what advice would he give to the ‘Fresher’ students coming to Swansea University in September. To which the singer comically replied: “Drink lots of water! Take it easy with the drink. I can drink myself silly but you Welsh drink as if you’re trying to conquer Poland. You drink and drink till your blood is alcohol. And I see the affect it takes while on stage, my vantage point.” After a few pleasant good-byes and another typical American ‘hand-hug’ we vacated the tent to the sound of the rest of the band tuning their guitars to the theme of “Teenage Dirtbag” – it felt like the year 2000 all over again.
By James Taylor
“I was a big fan of Scotland I have to admit, they rocked. But when I went to Cardiff a few days ago and now Swansea... you guys have definitely taken the crown”
Relive Summer Ball 2010
18 Summer Ball Photos
Waterfront 192- 27/09/10
WWW.WATERFRONTONLINE.CO.UK
Summer Ball Photos 23
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
SUMMER BALL 25
TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB Tom Maya grabs a Q and A with Two Door Cinema Club front man Alex Trimble To come on as the first act at the summer ball is no easy task, especially when you’re a group of young lads from a small town in Ireland. But after a surprising great set, we ran backstage with the heavens opening on us all, to find the band rushing to get all their equipment out of the pouring rain. After they finished darting around we managed to have a word with Alex Trimble, lead vocalist of Two Door Cinema Club. How’d you think the gig went? It was alright, it was a new experience, we’ve never done anything like this, like uni balls, so it was different but good! What do you think about the student scene? We’ve kinda done some freshers stuff but never like an event like this.
So we know you did a set at Glastonbury last year, in front of a smaller crowd, what’s it like playing in front of a bigger crowd? Yeah its good, we’ve kinda built it up over the years, we’ve toured a lot, we’ve played our own shows which are a bit smaller and supported bigger bands which it sort of gets you ready playing bigger stages. Where did the name two door cinema club come from? It came from Sam’s mispronunciation of a cinema near where we live, near where we grew up called the Tudor cinema! So we ended up just changing the spelling and just stuck with it! We just kinda liked it and it was just kinda of a joke at first.
What about your album? What’s the story behind that and the title?
Who would you say your dream collaboration would be with?
Well that was kind of to do with where we’d come from, we come from Bangor which is small town, its an ex-tourist town pretty much, like in the 50’s 60’d that where people would go for their holidays, and we kinda grew up in the remains of this tourist town, and then went on tour, and became tourists, so it was a bit apt to name it after tourism.
I’ve really been wanting to work with Daft Punk, so hopefully that will happen! Who knows!! So what other names have you toured with? Ermmmm The Maccabees, the foals, ermmm I really have no idea! Any inspiring words to the freshers?
Who’s been the best person you’ve toured with so far? My favourite was phoenix, we toured with them in Europe and America and they were just really good guys and we all really love and respect music, and its good to learn from a band like that, and it was just really cool being on road with them.
I dunno, I never went to university…. Oh well Wheatus have said drink plenty of water… Well I would add to that and say drink sparkling water. When you’re drinking, halfway through the night have a sparkling water, next day, no hangover.
Navi (Michael Jackson tribute act) The lads grab a chat with the unofficial King of Pop As we fled into a nearby tent to escape the torrential down pour, it was here that we came face to face with the ghost of disco past: Michael Jackson. After realisation set in (and our alcohol levels slowly reduced) we realised the man standing in front of us was Michael’s number 1 fan and tribute act: Navi. The’ Jacko’ impersonator first came to the UK back when he was just 7 years old, and has moon walked his way to fame ever since. Being the key tribute act of Michael Jackson, Navi has made sure he has stayed above the rest of the ‘wannabees’ having undergone cosmetic surgery and spent thousands of pounds on personalised outfits to look like his Idol – and it truly paid off! Despite being dumbfounded by the similarity between the two we managed to ask the talented performer about his time on stage amongst the Swansea crowd. “We have done a lot of shows in a lot of places but Swansea Uni is one place that we looked forward to” said Navi. “I mean we did the O2 arena in January which sold out but Swansea Uni has topped it in my mind. It’s because they are up for it, because the Welsh crowd remind me of the Irish crowd and Scottish crowd, basically every other crowd bar the English crowd. You lot are just up for a damn good time no matter what the weathers like, what the occasion is, what the economy is like or what’s going on in government you are just up for a good time.”
“Whether you’re rich or poor, black or white gay or straight, Muslim or Christian, no matter where you’re from or where you’re going there are always people who love Michael”
James and Tom pose with Navi after his set in June
Navi has gone on to impersonate his Idol for the past 22 years, and has been to 150 international shows and has worked for Jacko himself, performing on numerous occasion for the late artist, with one occasion being for his birthday at Neverland. “Being in front of that crowd today and feeling that energy is not for me it’s for Jackson, just feeling the fact that he is appreciated makes me feel very good inside” said Navi. “Whether you’re rich or poor, black or white, gay or straight, Muslim of Christian, no matter where you’re from or where you’re going there is always people who love Michael. Whether they like him or not they will watch him regardless. I mean you can do 40 minutes to a one hour gig and every song you do of his is a top three hit minimum, and not many artists can say that.” Despite the performer ignoring the likes of The Beatles, Take That, Elvis, Westlife, and Madonna to name a small few (with both The Beatles and Elvis beating Jackson on sales figures), he continued down the path of ‘Idolised blindness’ with some head turning opinions about the King of Pop’s untimely death. “When Michael Jackson passed away Google crashed and Facebook crashed, it affected the world” said Navi. The tribute performer went on to mention how he has put ‘Jacko’s death right at the back of his mind and has worked every day since the news to stay in his bubble of denial, yet he managed to emerge from his protective shield when he stated the cliché phrase that Michael will now ‘live through the fans’.
DOUBLE VISION: Navi meets heroin Michael
26 Travel
Waterfront 192 - 27/09/10
The best local and international travel advice and stories; for students and by students. We are welcoming you to (or back to) Swansea with a look at the local area. Swansea is simply buzzing with life and we present this guide to accompany you around the area.
How are you feeling, Fresher? Dry throat, starved of nutrients, sleep deprived? Yep, we have all been there. Welcome to Swansea University! We’ve slapped some make up on the old warthog of the Travel Section to bring you its sexier cousin, World in Motion. For this first issue, we are looking at the surrounding areas of Swansea, a step further from Wind Street and the Hip Hop Chip Shop, and into the heart of the Gower. So if you are in need of some R&R following the heavy Fresher’s Week, we have some places to visit to cure those hangover blues (if you can survive the bus journey).
THREE CLIFFS BAY
(RIGHT)
Stop the bus at Penmean and follow the Burrows down to Three Cliffs Bay (for those who drive parking is £3 all day). It is not a gentle stroll down to the picturesque beach but it is worth the effort; the best way to view the Gower’s wildlife, views and history is by foot. Having won many awards for its sandy beaches, rocky coves and beautiful views it is one of the Gower’s true gems. Three Cliffs Bay is a fantastic place to take the parents to as well (so you can claim that Uni is more than just drinking and partying).
RHOSSILI
(LEFT)
Stay on that beautiful green bus until the driver kicks you out at Rhossili, the end of the line. Well worth the 45 minute journey, this bay is full of surfers, paragliders and students having barbeques by the beach. Many venture along to the Worm’s Head when the tide is out to view the Gower from a different angle. The Welsh version of Hawaii? Probably, the closest you will get and definately
REYNOLDSTON
worth catching the bus to this location.
The entire Gower area was designated the UK’s first “Area of Outstanding Beauty” over forty years ago. The area around the small town of Reynoldston is perfect if you want to get the best panoramic views of the countryside. With horses, cows, sheep and rabbits mingling around and sharing the marshlands, it’s like a safari for the meek and a perfect place to escape to rest your liver.
The Gower has great accessibility and reasonable priced transport. The bus costs £4.50 for a day ticket for as many journeys as you like. It stops in Sketty and by the Student Village on the way there and back – just look for the large green bus that says Gower on it! Some car parks are free (a word which will soon excite you more than ‘Free Shot’) and range to around £1 an hour. It is also accessible by bike (if you can bear to face the hills).
Written By Andy Belcher
Chan’s Journal Hi, my name’s Chan and I’m a graduate from this University. I finished up in BSc Economics three years ago and I’ve since worked in Cardiff and had plans to move to London, before setting off abroad. The plan: A one-way ticket. Me & three buddies from Uni. No looking back. And to keep going until we run out of money, die on a dodgy moped, or get kidnapped and repackaged as the latest batch of rent-boys in South East Asia. Extracts from my journal of the ongoing adventure will be avaliable in the Waterfront throughout the year.
By Chan Myea
Right: Chan’s (Far Right) Thai adventure begins here. He certainly looks happy!
The SU Travel Shop is running some fantastic trips at student prices. It can be found on the bottom floor of Fulton House and can cater to your travel needs.
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Travel 27
Swansea’s Best Pubs To Visit
The “Official” Guide By Sam Barnett & Andy Belcher
As true connoisseurs of the local pubs in Swansea, we feel qualified enough to bring to you the top 10 pubs around your area. It covers those near the Village, Brynmill, Uplands, Sketty and on the way to town so wherever you’re now living, a new local is not too far away. We have awarded joint first places to two amazing pubs in Swansea, which many of you know well.
Runners Up
Our Joint Winners 1. The Rhyddings Standing tall at the top of Marlborough road, the Rhyddings has long been at the centre of student life in Swansea. “Fantastic! The students make the place, we look after them,” is what the busty blond owner said as we awarded her the first ‘World in Motion’ Top Pub 2010. A favourite for AU meetings, cheap drink deals, ever-changing selection of guest ales and a constant variety of sports makes a vibrant atmosphere to satisfy your yearnings for a potion. With function rooms opening soon, the Rhyddings will continue as the crowning glory of Brynmill.
1. Potter’s Wheel (Town) An unmistakable landmark welcoming you to the city centre, The Potter’s Wheel proudly flies the campaign for real ale’s banner, a way to boast about its Real Ale credentials. As a Wetherspoon pub, The Potters Wheel’s menu might not be the most exciting in the world, but it is cheap which leaves the impoverished student more money for the more important things in life. Speaking of intoxicating liquids, The Potter’s Wheel has a great range, of Ales (like “Tiger Would”) , Ciders, spirits and wine. We asked to see the boss and were greeted with James, the manager “A great place to meet hot girls” he proclaimed in a fit of sincerity after being told his pub had won our competition. We agree with the Good Beer Guide, go to the Potter’s Wheel, get drunk and have a great time with your mates.
3. Uplands Tavern (Uplands) – Great for live music with great selection of food and beers. 4. JC’s (Students Union) – Located right on campus for that cheeky pint between lectures. Always full of students. Coffee, pool and sport always on tap. 5. The Mill (Brynmill) – An under-rated pub overshadowed by its neighbours. Comfy, friendly and warm, the Mill is fast becoming a student hot spot before a night out. 6. The Commercial (Killay) – Cheap food and great lager for those living near the village. Flying five of the Six Nations flags, a Welsh pub and proud of it. 7. Noah’s Yard (Uplands) - A continental style pub set in the Heart of Uplands, come here for a more sophisticated style of drinking. 8. Westbourne (Brynmill) – This big blue pub offers the best pub food in the local area. A bit more sophisticated than your average boozer, too much drinking here will max out your overdraft. 9. The Village Inn (Killay) – Traditional, homely style pub in a soulless centre. What it lacks in sports it makes up for in beer; perfect for a quiet pint.
The Rhyddings: A student favourite
The Potter’s Wheel: The place to stop before a night out
10. Eli Jenkins (Town) – The mid-way point on your walk to down. Perfect if you left your cans at home!
Hannah’s Journal Hannah Moore is a American Studies student at Swansea who left our sunny shores to start a new year in New Mexico. Each issue she will keep us up to date on what life is like in a Stateside university. So finally, after months of anticipation for our American adventure, and an exhausting 24 hour plane journey from hell, Nessa and I have landed safely in Albuquerque, New Mexico!! This has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. We are living in a city which stands at 6,000 feet above sea level, is settled in the middle of a spectacular landscape of vast golden mountains wrapped in cloud, and is surrounded by an endless desert stretching on for hundreds of miles into the blue distance. The vast range of wildlife includes wild horses running freely in the desert, and bears, wolves, mountain lions, and even black widow spiders roaming the mountains (which means I’m not going camping any time soon!). As we are much closer to the sky, the sunsets are beautiful, and the heat is intense. The thing is, we’re not here to enjoy the landscape! It has been a scary and overwhelming transition from a Swansea uni student, who has had the most amazing first two years, to a clueless American college exchange student, but we are slowly getting over the culture shock. It is exactly how I imagined it. All the Americans we have met are extremely friendly and are loving the British accent and there are countless fraternity parties and house parties, which are all exactly like American Pie; complete with red cups... and beer pong!!! The American football games are rammed with thousands of loyal students cheering on their team no matter how much they suck (and they are terrible, believe me), and the amount of fatty fast food here is ridiculous. I will come back a whale. After living here a month, along with missing friends and family, I have finally had to accept the painful loss of PG Tips and Heinz beans, as after all, your experience is what you make it, and I intend to make the next 9 months the most exciting and jam packed of my life! Watch this space..!
By Hannah Moore Above: The golden sands of New Mexico
28- Film
Waterfront 192 - 27/09/2010
Waterfront Film The A-Team
Toy Story 3
Salt
Remake of the classic TV show. Hits all its targets, its funny and full of action, just don’t expect an Oscar.
Sequel to possibly 2 of the best animated films ever. If you liked the other 2, you’ll love it.
Angelina is a spy who sets out to prove her own innocence. Overcomplicated and ends up as Bourne-Lite
Worth catching up with? You’ll love it when a plan comes together
Worth catching up with? You should follow Woody, Buzz and the gang to infinity and beyond.
Worth catching up with? Health experts say that Salt isn’t good. They’re right.
The Expendables
Grown Ups
Inception
All out action film with possibly the most testosterone-fuelled cast ever. Its big, it’s loud, full of action and dumb Worth catching up with? Definitely, if only for seeing Stallone, Willis and Arnie on screen together
Adam Sandler, Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock are former high school basketball team mates back together as grown ups. ‘Hilarity’ ensues.
To find out too much, is to ruin Inception, believe the hype. The smartest blockbuster since The Dark Knight.
Worth catching up with? Worth a miss, makes Wild Hogs look like a masterpiece
Worth catching up with? You shouldn’t dream of missing it
Get Him To The Greek
Knight and Day
Get a party loving rock musician to his ‘comeback’ concert. Funny if not inventive.
Action rom-com with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz globe trotting and getting into car chases, shoot outs and general mayhem
Worth catching up with? If you like Russell Brand, yes. If not, it won’t convert you
Worth catching up with? Its good fun after a lobotomy
BORED? Top 10 Films to Watch in Halls
By Andy Williams
Anchorman
Adventureland
Shaun of the Dead
Reservoir Dogs
Grease
Ron Burgundy. A name that is legendry for all that have seen Anchorman. A laugh-a-minute comedy, Anchorman is often referred to as the best comedy in years. Anchorman is the story of Ron Burgundy, the local newsreader for San Diego, California, and his news team. The hiring of a female newsreader shocks Ron and his news team, hilarity ensues. Whether Anchorman be liked, hated or not seen, it’s unarguably one of the most quotable films of all time.
Set in the 1980’s, over-intelligent, James Brennan is looking for a summer job. He finds a job in the local theme park – the eponymous Adventureland. From here he encounters Em. From here, the evolution of their relationship, along with the relationships of many of the other characters, that the film gets its main story arc. Whilst many people were expecting another Superbad, Adventureland is a heartfelt, comingof-age teenage comedy.
The first (and possibly only ever) Rom-Zom-Com stars Simon Pegg as the eponymous Shaun, as he and his friend Ed have to battle zombies to save Shaun’s loved ones and get to the only safe place – the pub. Shaun of the Dead is an easy watch. Its possible to sit down, have it on in the background and still follow the story. However, to appreciate the jokes fully, repeat viewings are a must.
Whilst being effortlessly cool, Quentin Tarentino’s debut feature is iconic in every sense. From its opening titles to its character names, Reservoir Dogs is instantly recognisable. The story of a heist, told from the perspective of its planning and its aftermath. Highly original and often controversial, Reservoir Dogs is smart, clever and unique.
The classic musical, which launched the careers of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, is as relevant today as in 1978. Grease is the story of Danny and Sandy from 2 different cliques of high school and their struggle with the people they are and the people think they are. The story is nothing compared to some of the sing-a-long songs that the legendry soundtrack contains. From Summer Nights to Greased Lightnin’, everybody knows these songs.
The Breakfast Club
Clerks
Juno
Monty Python’s Life of Brian
Made for just $27,000 and shot on the cheapest camera possible, Clerks relies on its script for its charm. Thankfully, it’s hilarious. Telling the story of the day in the life of convenience store clerks Dante Hicks and Randall Graves. Their day includes closing the shop to go to a funeral, playing hockey on the roof - and not to mention what happens in the freezer. The real comedy of Clerks isn’t just that Dante and Randall hate their jobs; they actively hate their customers too. Clerks is an endlessly entertaining and hilarious film. However, you might decide to never work again.
Often voted the funniest film of all time, Monty Python’s Life of Brian is clever and controversial in equal measures. Banned for 30 years for its religious content, many people have taken offence to its central premise. The story is that a man called Brian was born on the same day as Jesus – and is often mistaken for the messiah. Monty Python’s Life of Brian is an amazingly quotable and a genuine classic. A real pleasure to watch, with new jokes seeming to appear each time, Monty Python’s Life of Brian is a genuine classic.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Ferris Bueller is a righteous dude. After 8 days off school in one semester, Ferris uses his ninth (and last) to have the best day possible. After getting his girlfriend out of school with the help of his genuinely sick best friend Cameron, Ferris embarks on various adventures around Chicago, which involves sweet talking his way into a posh restaurant and riding a float in a parade. Ferris Bullers Day off is full of charm and laughs. Guaranteed to put a smile on even the most hung-over of faces.
The story of a teenage girl who gets pregnant, Juno is a quick-witted, sarcastic 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant by Paulie Bleeker. She decided to put the baby up for adoption. Juno shows surprising depth the longer the film goes on. Juno simply keeps improving until its credits. It is a heart-warming film about a teenager finding her place in the world.
With The Breakfast Club, writer-director John Hughes is making his second appearance in our list. In this feature, he takes one person from each clique in high school (the criminal, the princess, the athlete, the geek and the basket case) and puts them in detention together. What follows is a study of each character and how they’re fundamentally different to how they are perceived by everyone else. The Breakfast Club is an undoubted masterpiece as it breaks down preconceptions and portrays its different characters as fully rounded people.
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Waterfront Film
new releases dinner for schmucks who’s in it? Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis what’s it about? Tim (Paul Rudd) is a financial analyst who is invited to a “dinner for winners” in which he has to bring an eccentric guest with exceptional talent in order to win a trophy. After discovering that the main purpose for the dinner is for guests to be relentlessly mocked by their superiors, he decides to invite Barry (Steve Carell) due to him being a loser is a shoe in for the prize and a number of comedic situations ensue. what’s it like? Dinner For Schmucks is a remake of french film Le Diner de cons (The Dinner Game), which shares only its premise with this disastrous remake. The usually reliable Jay Roach has seemingly lost his way with this exceptionally unfunny film. Even with the excellent cast this film fails to even slightly amuse its audience, which is a disappointment due to the talent behind this project. The film is essentially a ‘buddy move’ which deals with the relationship between Tim and Barry, and how Barry accidentally ruins Tim’s life in every way possible. This could have been so much better with some good performances from the all star cast unable to save what is a humorless romp about the financial world. This is down to the overly slapstick approach that director Jay Roach took when making the film. This ultimately leaves the audience with the feeling that they could have been watching something so much better.
scott pilgrim vs the world
resident evil: afterlife
who’s in it? Michael Cera, Mary Elisabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong
who’s in it? Milla Jovovich, Wentworth Miller, Ali Larter
what’s it about? The film charts the weird adventures of Scott Pilgrim(Cera), a 23-year-old who plays bass in punk band Sex Bob-omb. Scott is soon smitten with a mysterious dyed-hair beauty named Ramona Flowers (Winstead). Scott’s budding relationship with the tortured Ramona is complicated by the fact that,his character has to defeat her ‘Seven Evil Ex Boyfriends’,all of whom show up at random to do battle with Scott, 90’s beat em’ up style. Scott must try his best to win over Ramona and prove his love for her. what’s it like? Directed by one of cinema’s most inspired mash-up artists, Edgar Wright has done it again. A romantic comedy recast as a video game that stands shoulder to shoulder with his zombie rom-com (Shaun of the Dead) and comedy meets The Wicker Man (Hot Fuzz). Scott Pilgrim provides one huge jolt to the system through a barrage of sound and colour, which makes a nod to the 8-bit era of gaming and with great cameos from Chris Evans and Brandon Routh makes this a must see film for anyone who has grown up with computer games. verdict: Funny and clever - if a little niche with its references
glenn johnson
FILM 29
Fresh from the summer, the reviews are back and raring to go
the other guys who’s in it? Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes what’s it about? Allen Gamble (Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) are two mismatched New York detectives assigned to desk duty and filing for top detectives P.K. Highsmith (Samuel L Jackson) and Christopher Danson (Dwayne Johnson). When the top cops get a high speed chase very wrong, they leave a gaping hole in the department that needs to be filled. The disgraced Terry feels this is his opportunity to regain his pride, but Allen’s idea of a case involves permits rather than perpetrators. So when the pair follows up on some scaffolding permits from millionaire David Ershon, their surprised to discover more than just a misdemeanour.
what’s it about? Afterlife is the latest edition of the Resident Evil franchise and the latest film to jump on the 3D bandwagon. This time round we follow Alice (Milla Jovovich) as she and a group of survivors search for a rumored safe haven known as Arcadia. Alice is joined once again by Claire Redfield (Ali Larter) and her long lost brother, series newcomer Chris Redfield (Wentworth Miller). what’s it like? Afterlife had the potential to breathe new life into this slowly decaying zombie franchise, but sadly the film fails on so many levels. The acting throughout the film is mediocre at best, and sees Wentworth Miller turning in what is possibly the worst performance of his career. The film also fails to deliver on the over the top action that the series is known for with the over use of wire play and slow motion effects that look like they’ve come straight out of a John Woo movie. The films only saving grace is its effective use of 3D technology which serves its purpose well. Resident Evil: Afterlife tries to take the series in a new direction but fails thanks to a string of bad performances and outdated action scenes. The film can only be recommended for long time fans of the series, and fans of the 3D cinema experience.
what’s it like? The Other Guys is good for a fun night out but, will leave some people wanting more. Will Ferrell is good in his role but the performance is far away from some of his earlier roles such as Old School or Blades of Glory. Mark Wahlberg on the other hand, does well in this new comedic role though the recurring joke“What drug cartel are you working with?” does tend to become tedious towards the end. Even with its bad points this film still has all the qualities to be a hit for years to come, it’s just sad that the sight of Eva Mendes is more memorable than some of the dialogue. verdict: Solid gags, if not Ferrells best.
verdict: The franchise is decaying like its zombies.
aron john
verdict: Film for Schmucks.
rhys williams
rhys williams
Actor Profile : Michael Cera Michael Cera made his first major impact on American cult comedy Arrested Development. Playing teenager George Michael Bluth, who had an inappropriate crush on his cousin, which showed his willingness to explore the most uncomfortable comic situations. This paved the way for future film roles, playing awkward characters. His first leading role was the film Superbad playing a teenage outcast, which was a certified blockbuster and cult film. The same year he also appeared in indie film Juno with raving reviews. He often writes sketches for Saturday Night Live showing a new kind
of dry witted comedy. Glenn Johnson
What About.... Remakes? In the past we have seen many age old franchises being rebooted such as A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the Thirteenth. Due to the success of these remakes and reboots many Hollywood producers and directors have become machines whose sole purpose is to cash in by restarting franchises from the beginning. A perfect example of this is the recent announcement that there is gong to be a reboot of the Spider-Man series. This came as a shock to many people due to the success of the original trilogy of films the third of which was released within the last three years. The question is do we really need to see yet another retelling of a story that is still fresh in our minds from the original. It is shocking that studios and producers are willing to cash in by making people pay their hard earned cash to go to the cinema and watch a film that they’ve
seen only a number of years before, with the storyline basically remaining unchanged. In many cases these ‘reboots’ are far worse than the originals, such as the recent ‘Friday The 13th’ remake, and also the latest Halloween sequel which could easily be recommended as a cure for insomnia. Although there are some exceptions to the rule such as the recently released ‘Pirhana 3D’ which retained much of the fun of the original and updated it with modern day humor, with that said these exceptions are rare. The only way to stop this reboot frenzy is to stop paying to watch these films In the cinema and go out and buy the usually far superior original on DVD. Rhys Williams
30 SOCIETIES
Waterfront 192 - 27/09/10
thewaterfront
S
S E I T E I C O
Get involved! Sign up! Freshers’ Fayre Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th September Get involved! Societies are and integral part of many students’ university experience providing an amazing opportunity to meet and socialise with new people, try something new or develop an existing hobby! For two days in Freshers’ week you have the opportunity to meet the people who run the societies and if you like the look of them- SIGN UP! As all student are members of the Students’ Union you can sign up to any and as many societies you like so don’t miss out and go along to the marquee on Fulton House lawn between 10am and 4pm on the 29th and 30th of September. Start something new? If there is something you really enjoy doing and we currently don’t provide it you have the opportunity to start your own society! It’s really easy to do, email societiesandservices@swansea-union.co.uk for more information!
2010/11 Societies List
Get involved! Over 80 Societies to choose from! AEGEE American Studies Society Amnesty international Ancient Studies Bio Science Biochem Society Bright Futures Business and Economics Capoeira Cathsoc Chess and Boardgame Society Chinese society Choral Society Christian Union Comedy Club Conservative
Dance Society Debating Drama Duke of Edinburgh Society Engineering English Literature EWB Film Society Geography Society German Society Glee Club Gospel Y Gym Gym Health and Development (SWUH&D) History Society
SOCIETY SOCIALS: History at play(zone)
History - Best Society 2009/10 “Swansea University History Society is one of the most popular societies on campus. With an ever-growing number of student members joining it and attending some world class socials and trips. Our aim is to introduce people to fellow history lovers and welcome those to another side of history, with a unique range of different socials and events held throughout the academic year, with a view to an end of year society trip abroad, as previously done in Rome 2010. This academic year, the society team hope to build upon the success of last year, in which we won the award for Best Society and the best educational event, and progress further to the next level. With the help of all our student members, by fully supporting and participating in all events possible we can succeed in that. With future socials like the annual Playzone trip, pub golf and the end of year trip, as well as participating in charitable events such as the Remembrance Day service, it’s hard not to get excited by the society. So join up, make some friends and be a part of something special, you never know, you may go down in HISTORY for it” For more information please contact the committee at swanseahistorysociety@gmail.com
Hitch Hong Kong Society Imanage Society Islamic Italian Kadampa Buddhist Labour Students Law Society LGBT Liberal Democrats MASU Media Society Mooting Musicians Society Nursing Pakistani Society
Paramedic Science People and Planet Photography Plaid Cymru Ifanc/Young Plaid Cymru Psychology Society Quatar RAG Real Ale Role Play Saudi Students Scandinavian Society SCI-FI SIFE Socialist Workers Students Society
Spanish Society Sports and Exercise Medicine SSWIGS SUCS SUM Soc SumaSoc Tactical Airsoft (SUTA) Tashan- Indian Society Wales University Air Squadron Wales University Royal Naval Unit War and Society Society War Gaming Society (SUWGS) Wilderness and Medicine Xtreme Radio Yoga
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Features 31
New Societies and ones to watch MUSICIANS GLEE MOOTING The Swansea University Musicians Society is a a sociable society for people who play an instrument and want to join in with a variety of groups while having fun, making great friends and working towards a number of concerts and events throughout the year. The society is VERY sociable and we guarantee you will make some great friends - be it in rehearsals, in the pub after, or on one of our big socials in the city! The groups currently run by the society are: Brass Group, String Group, Orchestra, Concert (Wind) Band, and Jazz Band. All of these perform in joint concerts toward the end of each semester. The Jazz band has also played a number of gigs including the South Wales Navy Cadets summer function and the Societies Awards Night. The Concert band is currently looking to collaborate with the City of Swansea Concert Band at some point this year! We welcome all players of any instrument and any standard to join one of our groups and have a great time while playing some great music! For musicians looking to form bands we recomend using the society’s facebook page wall to get in contact with other musicians with similar interests. To get in contact simply join the Facebok group or email: Sam Woollcott (President) on Facebook or at sam.woollcott@ gmail.com
This all singing and all dancing society is hoping to make a huge impact on Swansea University this year. This new society is hoping the huge success of the American musical comedy-drama will be a great selling point for them, come find them at Freshers’ Fayre to sign up!
Mooting is perhaps the closest experience that a student can have whilst at university to appearing in court and gaining this experience can have a positive impact on your future career. Mooting may also help you to build confidence in public speaking, general research, and presentation skills and can benefit every student whether or not they plan to follow a traditional legal career path upon graduation.
AEGEE
Having not been around for a few years the Nursing Society is back and hoping to be a very strong and active society in the upcoming year. Already planning a ‘Children in Need’ fundraiser in October they are definitely a society to watch out for around campus in 2010/11!
NURSING
AEGEE is a widely spread student network that provides the ideal platform where young volunteers from 43 European countries can work together on cross border activities such as conferences, seminars, exchanges, training courses, Summer Universities, Case Study trips and Working Group meetings. With over 15,000 members active in more than 240 university cities in 43 European countries, making it the biggest interdisciplinary student association in Europe. By encouraging travelling and mobility and organising common projects AEGEE attempts to overcome national, cultural and ethnic divisions and to create a vision of young people’s Europe
See pages 20 and 21 for locations of all societies atFreshers Fayre 2010
32 CAREERS
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
Careers Advice... Ask
Jo
Written by Careers Advisor Jo Davies
Create your future - with help from Careers and Employability Recent research confirms that graduates attach increasing importance to job satisfaction in their careers, not just to high salaries. It’s our aim to help you work out how to make the most of all your talents and find the direction that’s right for you, whether it’s a job, internship, further study or time out to try something different. Around 40% of advertised graduate jobs are open to graduates of any subject, so you probably have more options open to you than you might think - an encouraging thought.
most of the talks happen during the Autumn term and early Spring Term. Keep an eye on our home page at www.swansea.ac.uk for news of these events, and book online for talks you’re interested in.
Stand out from the crowd Employers want to see evidence of lots of different skills and personal qualities which you can develop by joining in with student societies, sports clubs, etc as well as from doing work experience placements. So a good social life is good for your career too. Starting early is a key factor to help you get the career and lifestyle you eventually want – here’s why: • To help you stand out from the crowd amongst the ever increasing numbers of graduates. • Giving yourself the chance to try out different types of jobs will help you understand what you really want in your future career – and what you don’t want! • Employers often use internships as the talent pool for their main graduate recruitment programmes. • For certain careers (e.g. journalism, teaching, psychology, law - to name just a few) you need good experience under your belt early to include in successful applications for professional postgraduate training, often a year or more before you graduate. • Your final year will be very busy with exams and assignments, so spreading the load over three or four years makes things a lot easier. Have a look at the pages about finding placements/internships, work tasters, jobs while you study and volunteering in the jobs section of our website at www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/jobs.
NEED HELP? Check out the careers desk located in the library
Find us in the Library and online Our Helpdesk is on the ground floor of the Library in the central hall just before you go into the study hall. It’s open throughout the year (not just term-time) from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (10.00 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday). Our website at www.swansea.ac.uk/careers is a gateway to information on careers and further study options and job search skills, with a range of online services. We provide lots of information on Blackboard too, such as: • Aptitude tests and personal development assessments - try out the kinds of selection tests employers use and get confidential feedback reports by email for FREE. • Databases covering all kinds of careers topics and opportunities overseas. • Resources to help you with Personal Development Planning (PDP). Swansea University offers a PDP programme which is embedded in the curriculum. This is called LEAP, which stands for Learning and Professional Development, and you can obtain more information about it through your School/Department. Basically, it means thinking about how you’re getting on, and identifying/developing a variety of skills that will enable you to make the most of your time at university and get what you want from your future career. The Careers and Employability Team works with academic staff to provide a Personal Development Planning (PDP) process within the curriculum; this is called LEAP which stands for Learning and Professional Development
Advice from the Careers Team Getting your head around career ideas may seem daunting to start with, but we can help you break it down into manageable bite-size chunks, with face to face help and also online advice through our website. To make an appointment for an informal chat with a Careers Adviser you can book online at http:// www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/Makingappointments/. You can see an Adviser even if you don’t yet know where to begin. They can help with any career topic you want to discuss, such as CVs and personal statements, completing application forms, preparing for interviews – any many more. You can also get Careers advice and information by email through our confidential e-guidance service at http://www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/Advicebyemail/ which is available to all students currently registered at Swansea University.
Jobs, internships and work while you study On our main jobs page at http://www.swansea.ac.uk/ careers/jobs/ you will find our database of UK-wide vacancies notified direct to Careers and Employability including jobs for after you graduate, immediate graduate vacancies, work experience placements, voluntary work, and temporary casual jobs in the Swansea area. As well as our own database, you’ll find links to many other sources of jobs and work experience opportunities on our site. For instance, the GO Wales programme offers paid placements and short unpaid work tasters, and there are two GO Wales Placement Advisers working with the Careers Team here at Swansea. We also work in partnership with Gradintel – an innovative online service where you can fine-tune your profile so that it can be matched with jobs in the right niche for you.
Work while you study... Our Jobshop service provides information about opportunities in the Swansea area during term-time and vacation periods. See our page on temporary and part-time work at http:// www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/jobs/Workwhileyoustudy/.
Help for International Students Careers and Employability services are available to all our students, and for students from outside the EU there’s also a special section on our website to help with specific queries relevant to you.
And finally ... Work hard, play hard, and take advantage of all the opportunities to make the most of your experience as a student here because time flies, and you’ll be graduating before you know it. We look forward to seeing you whenever you need help from Careers and Employability.
The Careers Fair and Talks Programme Don’t miss the Careers Fair on 14th October, and our programme of talks by visiting employers – your chance to talk to people you may want to work with. The Talks Programme runs throughout the year, but
Photos By Silvia Mandler
THE TEAM: On hand to help with your career
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Careers 33
Need Cash? Get JOBS at the SU! DIVAS Nightclub
STUDENT UNION VACANCIES To apply for Student Union jobs you will need to go to the Job Shop in the Careers Centre which is located in the Library & Information Services. Please register with the Job Shop and pick up an application form.
DV8 Nightclub on campus requires bar staff for its busy evening shifts. Applicants must be prepared to work weekends and late night shifts. Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref:DV/0910
Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: WD/0910
JC’s Bar
Just Coffee
An opportunity exists to join the very successful team who serve the students in the on-campus bar. Daytime and evening shifts are available to the right applicants.
Daytime staff required for busy coffee bar. Experienced preferred but not necessary.
Once you have completed your application form please attach your CV if you have one and take it to the Student Union General Office on the 2nd floor of Union House where it will be distributed to the relevant department manager. Please note that if you gain employment through the Students Union you will have to submit Identification in the form of either: a. Passport b. Birth Certificate accompanied by your National Insurance card
Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: JC1/0910
Driving Licences are not acceptable
Level 2 Shop
Sin City
The Students’ Union Shop on campus requires retail assistants. Previous retail experience preferred.
“Sin City is a rock and roll venue with some serious attitude, you’ll get paid to watch some of the UK’s finest bands as well as help to shape the club into one of the coolest student destinations around. You’ll be joining a well established team who put as much effort into having fun as they do working. Why are you still reading this... Get applying”
Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: L2/0910
Waterfront Paper Delivery We are looking for a reliable student to help us distribute our fortnightly newspaper across campus and around the student village. Owning your own car would be an advantage, but is not a necessity. Average of 5 hours a week, flexible. Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: WA/0910
Hendrefoelan Shop The Students’ Union shop at Hendrefoelan requires retail assistants. Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: HF/0910
Woody’s Bar Make the most of life in the village by becoming part of the team at the village pub. Energetic and lively staff required to help make Woody’s the place to be in the village.
Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: SC/0910
Nursery Cook Can you cook? Do you have a Food Hygiene Certificate? Then the Nursery is the place to be. We need someone for 2 hrs a day between 11.30 and 2.30 to cook nutritious well balanced meals for the children. Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: NC/0910
Niche Shop Niche Shop on campus requires retail assistants. Previous retail experience preferred. Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: NC/0910
Jobs in campus based =
Job is based off campus = If you have not heard otherwise within two weeks of the closing date from the Union, you can assume that you have been unsuccessful in this round of applications. Your details will be held on record by the Union, so that you may be contacted about work in the future.
Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref JC2/0910
Langland Terrace Shop The Students’ Union Shop at Langland Terrace requires retail assistants. Previous retail experience is preferred. Closing date: 4/10/2010 Ref: LT/0910
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Advice/Info 35
Just ASC The Advice and Support Centre is there for you! New college! New home! Lots of new things happening! It can all get a bit much. Take things easy; don’t try to do everything in the first week. If you are feeling down and miss home and family, it’s understandable. Help is at hand. Just ASC
The Students’ Union Advice and Support Centre is there for you. If you are feeling lost then we can help you find yourself. We can point you in the right direction. Referrals can be made to the Wellbeing Service, who can help with homesickness, depression and support with disability and dyslexia. Just ASC
Not got your student finances yet? This can be a problem, particularly with private landlords who are perhaps not sympathetic to excuses that your loan hasn’t come through. ASC can help. We can talk to landlords to make them aware of the problems that happen with Student Finance. We can refer you to the Money Advice and Support Office who will contact Student Finance directly. In extreme circumstances they may be able to provide a small interest free loan to get you through until your student funding arrives. Just ASC
New house? The Students’ Union Advice & Support Centre can help you with contracts, deposits, disrepair, any problems that might come up with student housing. Although we are independent of the university we work closely with Residential Services and SAS so can advise and support in all aspects of student housing.
Watch out for scams! There have been a number of scams reported to us involving rentals over the internet. Do not part with money over the internet unless you are sure of the seller and the method of payment. Use Paypal who have certain controls in place and use a credit card as this will provide some protection for goods over £100. For information on some of the latest reported scams go to www.consumerdirect.gov.uk The Advice & support Centre is an independent professional advice service for the students of Swansea University. We can be contacted by phone on 01792 295821 or email advice@swansea-union.co.uk or just drop in to the centre which is located in Fulton House. For all your problems just ASC.
Have you registered yet with the Dentist? Kee Dental Care would like to take this opportunity to ‘Welcome you’ to Swansea University. Congratulations for getting this far. We are the only Dental Practice based on a University campus in the whole of the UK. We have a limited number of NHS places
available during Fresher’s week. If you are unable to register for one of these spaces do not worry. This year, for the first time, we can now offer all Students the chance to register with our new “Student Payment Plan”, for just £6.60 per. You will receive
• One check-up per year • One scaling and polishing • All necessary X-rays • Assessment of emergencies and dental pain with any temporary treatment required, carried out at the practice during normal surgery hours
• All treatment planning for your future dental needs • 10% reduction of any crowns, bridges and dentures • 10% reduction of any fillings • Worldwide trauma insurance to protect against the cost of large unforeseen accidental damage • Emergency call out insurance, should you need a dentist in an emergency, anywhere
in the world • Redundancy protection for up to 12 months.
Tel: 01792 602222 email: info@keedentalcare.co.uk
Introducing your Student Residents’ Committee By Christian Parker Vice-President- Campus West SRC This year sees the launch of four brand new Student Residents’ Committees at Swansea University. SRC’s at Campus East, Campus West, Woodside and The Village comprise five or more elected student officers who serve a year’s term with the aim of supporting representing and entertaining everyone living in residence. As the Vice President of Campus West, on behalf of all the SRC’s I’d like to welcome our new residents to Swansea University. I hope you are excited: I can promise you Freshers Week will be one of the best weeks of your life! No doubt you met your SRC officers during the craziness that is Arrivals Weekend but with so much going on I don’t expect you remember what we represent and why we are here… I thought I’d use this article to refresh. It is likely you know by now that
we are here to arrange wild parties (yeah, I can’t believe they’re giving us money for that either). Throughout your first year we will continue to run such events along with sports and day time events. SRC’s aren’t all about parties though: we also work to support you and represent your views to Residential Services and the Students’ Union. From my own personal experience (passing out in doorways; dancing on the tables; etc.) I know how advantageous it is to have someone you can rely on during a good night out: SRC officers will of course be there. But the Committees are also here to help improve your residence and make sure you have the very best experience while you’re in residence. This is where you come in: you’ve got to help us by coming forward with your thoughts and problems so that we can take them to the people that can make a difference. From all the members of the SRC’s: enjoy your first year, take every chance
you get and don’t regret anything! We are here for you every step of the way to make sure life in residence is smooth, happy and enjoyable. Make sure you get involved and tell us what you’d like us to do. In this way you’ll make your SRC your own and therefore your first year the best you could imagine. Campus East President- Georgia Thomson Vice-President- Colette Ogborne Campus West President- James Bassett-Smith Vice-President- Christian Parker (Me) Student Village President- Beci Langston Vice-President- Chris Todd Woodside President- Steven Ralph Vice-President- Joanne Holland
SRC’s on a team building day
36 SPORT
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
Intramural 2010/11 - The season starts here! By Intramural Reporter Owain Harries AS ANOTHER academic year approaches it can only mean one thing - the beginning of another competitive, banter filled and nail biting season of intramural football. For all you freshers who have never heard of intramural football, it is a league run by students for students in and around various Universities across the UK. Last year the Swansea intramural consisted of sixteen teams each battling for the title of intramural league champions and if this season is anything similar to last year in terms of excitement, you’re in for a treat! The title was won on the last game of the season, with Team Sloth AFC beating Liquor 1-0 and going a single point above SPR, who had been leading the league for the majority of the season. There was also an exciting mid table clash, with a number of teams fighting for fourth place dubbed the ‘final champions league’ spot which was eventually taken by Geography and followed closely by Hardly Athletic - two early favourites for this years title. The cup competition was also a closely contested tournament, with Team Sloth AFC claiming the double by beating TITS FC in a grand final watched by over 300 people. Hardly Athletics Arwel Davies told Waterfront sport ‘the cup is a huge priority after watching last
year’s very well-organised final which every player in the league would like to be part of’. This proves the success of last year’s cup final and shows that this year will be just as competitive as the last. With most teams losing players who have moved on and graduated, every team is looking for new players. Freshers and returning students alike should want to be part of the sporting and social side that intramural football can offer, with most teams planning to appear at the Freshers Fayre to attract new talent to the league. The league is once again run by the Athletic Union and organised by 3rd year student Richard Fouracre who is hoping for another competitve intramural season at Ashleigh Road. Speaking to The Waterfront, he said “Firstly I’d like to welcome back all last year’s Intramural players who I hope enjoyed the new format, which turned out to be a competitive league won only on the final day by Team Sloth AFC. Eventual Swansea Ents Cup winners T.I.T.S enjoyed a big day out that no one could’ve predicted”. Fouracre went on to say, “Moving onto this season we look to make Intramural bigger and better with even greater numbers joining us on Ashleigh Road and at JC’s every Wednesday afternoon.”
With a number of players graduating, do Sloth have what it takes to retain their double winning status?
With Team Sloth AFC claiming the double last year and looking to do the same again, do you think you have what it takes to join them or one of the other teams competing to take them off their high horse? With the likes of University 6 and 7s, Hardly Athletic, Geography,
History Boys and many more teams joining, this season looks like it will be one of the most exciting to date. NOTE: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PLAYING THIS YEAR THEN YOU WILL NEED TO BE A MEMBER
OF THE ATHLETIC UNION AND HAVE A MEMBERSHIP CARD WHICH CAN BE SORTED OUT AT THE FRESHERS FAYRE - 29th/30th SEPTEMBER.
If anyone is interested in writing for the Intramural page in The Waterfront, then email Owain Harries: 555069@swansea.ac.uk Or if you would like to write for another area of the Sport section, then contact our Sports Editor, Ben Donovan, at b.donovan01@hotmail.co.uk
Final League Standings 2009/10 Season Geography FC are one of the favourites to shine in this years Intramural
Confirmed teams for 10/11 Returning Sides Confirmed:
Hardly Athletic Swansea University 6th’s Swansea University 7th’s Singleton Park Rangers Team Sloth AFC Geography FC Ajax Treesdown FC Balls Deep FC
Sub-Standard Liege FC Sketty Bolognese FC Photosynthesis Grasshoppers History Boys FC Unconfirmed sides (as of Monday 20th August):
Clinical Finisher Blazin’ Bonville Bulldogs
Interested in joining a team? See the intramural group on Facebook using the link http://bit. ly/9F5kn1 for more information on teams, trials and links to team pages. Teams will also be making an appearance in the Freshers Fayre so get yourself down there for more information
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Team Name PLD Team Sloth AFC 15 Swansea University 6th’s 15 SPR 15 Geography 15 Hardly Athletic 15 Liquor 15 Photosynthesis 15 Swansea University 7th’s 15 Sketty Bolognese 15 Geog On 15 T.I.T.S 15 Ajax Tressdown 15 Sub-Standard Leige 15 Balls Deep 15 History Boys 15 Clinical Finishers 15
W 12 12 11 10 10 8 8 6 5 6 5 5 4 3 1 0
D 1 0 2 2 1 3 2 3 4 1 3 2 1 2 1 0
L 2 3 2 3 4 4 5 6 6 8 7 8 10 10 13 15
GF 48 55 58 42 48 43 29 43 26 34 33 44 25 28 14 6
GA 17 14 12 23 25 27 21 38 26 46 47 42 61 64 66 47
GD 31 41 46 19 23 16 8 5 0 -12 -14 2 -36 -36 -52 -41
PTS 37 36 35 32 31 27 26 21 19 19 18 17 13 11 4 0
NOTE: Clinical Finishers folded half way through the season, all their points were deducted and awared to other teams.
38 SPORT
WATERFRONT 192 - 27/09/10
Get into the AU! 45 sports to choose from
Take a Hike
Written By Chris Laidler Photography By Rhodri Bevan
The summit of Pen Allt Mawr looking into the heart of the Brecon Beacons
Sgwd yr Eira (Cascade of snow)
year are to The Peak District, Shropshire, The West Country, The Rhinogs (southern Snowdonia) and Scotland. The weekend trips are a fantastic way to meet new people and ideal for people who are seeking an adventure, they are also one of the cheapest an easiest ways for students to visit some of Britain’s national parks. If you have an interest in photography then we offer a fantastic chance to see some of the best views, wildlife, and sunsets in the UK. We have walks of varying lengths from 6 to 15 miles most of which are suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. All of them will be guided by a competent walk leader so don’t worry if maps and compasses are not your thing, although if you’d like to learn to use how to use them properly then just ask and we’ll show you!
As a non –competitive club there are no trials to pass before you’re allowed to come along with us, if you think you are able to complete the walk then we are happy to take you. All our walks finish in a pub for a well earned pint. Our first outing this year will be on the Sunday 3rd of October and there will be a choice of two walks; Penmaen to Port Eynon or Rhossili to Port Eynon, (9 miles and 6 miles respectively,) both take in some of the fantastic coastline to be found on the Gower peninsula. If you’d like to know more about us then visit our website http://www.hiking. org.uk/ or come and find us at fresher’s fayre! The website has details of our walks programme and our packed social calendar plus photos and slideshows from our walks over the last couple of years.
HIKING you say? Surely that’s for long-bearded men over 50 and people who used to go running but now struggle to keep up? – Not a bit of it! Since joining Swansea University hiking club back in my first year I’ve had the pleasure to meet an incredibly diverse range of students from all over the world with walking experience varying from those who have never walked for fun to experienced mountain leaders. Our walks explore some of the best scenery around Swansea and the UK. On our day hikes (Saturday and Sundays) we visit local areas such as The Gower Peninsula, The Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire… if you’ve ever wanted to walk behind a waterfall, escape to deserted beaches or sledge down a mountain side then these are for you. Our weekends and Easter trips away this
Snow Fun Written By Giles Lewington Media, merch and comms Sec IT’S THE start of a new season for the Snowriders and the freshly elected committee has been spending the summer gearing up for another massive year. Already we’ve sourced some awesome sponsors which give our members a whole bunch of lovely discounts, our holiday organiser has picked us the best value Christmas ski trip out there and this year’s stash is truly the sickest yet with sexy new T-shirts and hoodies on the way. So who are the Swansea Snowriders? We’re one of the biggest and most social clubs in the AU. We’re a mix of skiers and snowboarders of all levels who love the social as well as the frozen white stuff. Throughout the year we run
weekly dry slope sessions, snowdome trips, compete with other universities and throw some HUGE Snocials. Yes we call our socials, Snocials. But the pinnacle of the Snowriders year for me has to be the two HUGE ski tours the club goes on at Christmas and Easter break. These have been the best weeks of my life. The club takes over 160 Snowriders away each year. At Christmas we go by the coach load to join up with literally thousands of students from other universities for the most insane snow filled days of our lives. During the day we shred it up on the slopes and then we embark on some pretty stupefying Après-ski late into the night. It’s just a week of hilarious moments, ridiculous fancy dress and doing what we love, skiing and snowboarding. Because of the sheer number of members the club takes away, we get an unbeatable value
Aikido American Football Archery Basketball Badminton Boxing Canoe Cheerleading Cricket Equestrian Frencing Football (Mens) Football (Womens) Finswimming Golf Hiking Hockey (Mens) Hockey (Womens) Jiu Jitsu Judo Karate Karting Kitsurfing
Lacrosse Lifesaving Mountaineering Mountain Biking Netball Rounders Rowing Rugby League Rugby Union (Mens) Rugby Union (Womens) Running Sailing Snowriders Squash Sub Aqua Surf Swimming Tae Kwon Do Tennis Triathlon Ultimate Frisbee Windsurfing
DRINKS TIME: The team living up another snocial
for money, week long, ski trip that you really shouldn’t pass up while you’re at university. The past years have seen the club go Mayrhofen, Les Arcs, Val Thorens and Avoriaz to name some and this Christmas we’ll be going to the rapturous French resort of Tignes. Back to the here and now, we’ll kick off our year at the Freshers Fayre where we hope to meet all you budding snow lovers out there. Come along to say hi and quiz the committee about the club. If you miss it (I know I did) then don’t worry, just get in touch and we’ll get you involved. The club maintains its reputation for being one of THE MOST social clubs in the AU by of course having loads of Snocials. You won’t want to miss our Freshers Snocial so be sure to join our Facebook group to
keep updated. We will undoubtedly be starting off the bar crawl at our Wind Street sponsors, the generous Walkabout Bar and proceed with drinking games, Jäger Trains and lashings of Snowriders banter for an epic night. On the 12th of October we’ll run the year’s first dry slope session to Pembrey. It’s a chance to socialise, get to know each other, do a bit of skiing/boarding and, if you’re interested, train for the race team. With free lessons available to the club, the dry slope is a great place to learn to ski or board. For those who want to race, the club competes regularly against other universities. Races have a chilled out atmosphere and it gets pretty animated. It’s always fun to see some less than sober skiers try to navigate the slalom. So if you want to ski, board, race, socialise, or all of the aforementioned,
Snowriders provides you with a great opportunity to learn or improve your skiing and meet new people. First Dryslope Session - Tuesday 12/10/10, meet outside Fulton house at 5.45pm Facebook group “Swansea Snowriders 2010/11” For anything about the club our veteran secretary Claudia Mulholland is the girl to ask – secretary@swanseasnowriders. co.uk If you’re interested in racing then give our race captain Tom Hales a shout – race.captain@swanseasnowriders. co.uk
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT 39
Women’s footballers aiming for title glory as kick-off approaches Rachel Clayton Deputy Sports Editor
AMBITIOUS: Both the first and second womens football teams are hoping for glory
EXCITEMENT continues to grow throughout the Women’s Football Club following a gripping and successful season from both teams last year. After narrowly missing out on promotion, the first team looks eager to maintain authority over the league and make the trophy their own - at last! Still a very new team, the seconds too look equally as promising after establishing themselves as a real threat in both the league and cup. With many new faces amongst their committee, the girls are really looking at hitting the ground running come the start of this season. However, after seeing around ten key players graduate, including both captains, the girls are well aware of the pressure to maintain their famously good record. First Team Captain Jess Lloyd said, “Last season we were unfortunate not to win the league. I am very optimistic
about this year and think we have the perfect opportunity to win promotion!” Second Team Captain Nicola Lepper is also looking forward to a bigger, better season after taking over the captaincy. “The main aim of the second team is to provide players of all ability with the chance to get involved, regardless of whether or not the girls have played football before!”. The first team finished 2nd in their league, losing out to rivals Cardiff who claimed the title following a nail biting final round of matches, Despite struggling at times in their previous season, the 2nds came on leaps and bounds last season. After a slow start, convincing wins started to arrive, which coincided with some free flowing attacking football. This allowed them to climb the table and finish strongly, securing a healthy mid-table position. Despite such influential losses, it is hard not to notice the spirit and attitude within the club. Notoriously social, the
girls seem determined as ever to deliver success and enjoyment, both on and off the pitch. Their ‘work hard - play hard’ stance has so far given proof that achievement and fun can come hand in hand. With a definite point to prove after being edged out by Cardiff last year, this challenging season is definitely one to watch! This season, the womens first team will be competing in the BUCS Western Conference 2B and the 2nds will play in the Western Conference 3A. Want to get involved? Pop along to see us at the Fresher’s Fayre or get in touch through our Facebook page: ‘Swansea Uni Women’s Football 2010/11’ For more information on fixtures, results and league tables, visit the British Universities and Colleges Sport website at www.bucs.org.uk
Swans faithful hoping that solid start continues under new boss By Ben Donovan Sports Editor FOLLOWING two successful seasons in English footballs second tier, there is now fresh hope that this could be the year in which Swansea City make the next step as they push for promotion to the Premier League. The Swans repeatedly drew plaudits for their style of play under former managers Roberto Martinez and Paulo Sousa, and that is set to continue under new boss Brendan Rodgers and his attack minded approach to matches, which has seen them claim four wins out of four at the Liberty Stadium as well as progress to the fourth round of the Carling Cup. They may have had the tightest defence in The Championship last season, keeping 24 clean sheets, but they only found the net on 40 occasions which ultimately saw them fall at the final hurdle, and it wasn’t enough to keep Sousa in a job as he came in for fierce criticism from fans over his transfer policy and tactics during big games. Following the end of Sousa’s reign as manager, captain Garry Monk launched an attack on the Portuegese’s training methods, claiming that the squad were not worked hard enough, something which has changed under the new manager. Speaking to BBC Sport Wales, Monk said, “Training has stepped up and
especially the way we play football. Our football fitness is massive to us and I think you could see a lot of times last season we would dominate teams, get to the second half and we would be a bit tired and that mainly comes down from training.” It would be this tiredness that hindered the Swans as they failed to score the vital goals that would have taken them into the end of season lottery that is the play-offs and the chance of a potential golden ticket to the promised land of the Premier League. The decision to let Stephen Dobbie go on loan to rivals Blackpool last season raised a few eyebrows as the former Rangers frontman helped Ian Holloway’s men ironically claim the final playoff spot at the end of the season and eventually go on to win promotion. Brendan Rodgers took over in the summer with a definite point to prove. A protégé of former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, he got his first crack at management at Watford on the recommendation of the ‘Special One’ before an unsuccessful spell at Reading saw him sacked after only four months in the job. Having missed out on the play-offs by a single point last season, several clubs were linked with top performers such as Darren Pratley, Angel Rangel and Ashley Williams. But with Leon Britton being the only departure, leaving on a free transfer to Sheffield United, there
was renewed optimism that they could once again challenge for at least a playoff place with new signings and a new manager at the helm. One of those new signings, Scott Sinclair, has quickly settled in to life in South Wales. He worked with Rodgers when the latter was on the coaching staff at Chelsea, and he has repaid the faith shown in him with a return of 7 goals in 10 games, including a hat-trick in the 31 success against Peterborough United in the third round of the Carling Cup. There were also new faces in the form of Wrexham left back Neil Taylor, Aldershot midfielder Scott Donnelly, and on-loan West Ham striker Frank Nouble, who represented England under19’s at the European Championships this summer. So far this season they have won all four home games and turned in an eyecatching performance against relegated Burnley, as well as a 4-0 success over Preston. However, Rodgers’ side has struggled to find their form away from the Liberty Stadium, despite giving accomplished performances against the likes of Hull, Leeds and Norwich. But with an away game against Rodgers’ former club Watford this coming Saturday, followed by the visit of Nigel Clough’s Derby County, the Swans faithful will be hoping their solid start to the season continues. WINGMAN: New singing Scott Sinclair has proved a big hit wih the Swans fans
thewaterfront
Sport
27/09/10
NATIONAL STADIUM WILL
STAGE VARSITY GAME By Ben Donovan Sports Editor WATERFRONT can exclusively reveal that this year’s Varsity match will be held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Following the success of Varsity 2010 at the Liberty Stadium, the showpiece event once again returns to the capital and will be played on Wednesday, March 30. AU Manager, Richard Lancaster, was understanderbly delighted. “We are all really pleased about the news. This year will be the 15th anniversary of Varsity and we are delighted it has taken a long time to build the event to be worthy of a venue such as the Millennium, who now see Varsity as a fantastic event and deserving of such a great stadium.” For those of you that are unaware, Varsity is an annual event between Swansea University and Cardiff University where the teams of each compete against one another in a range of sports during the day and the students go support their friends and wear the colours of their university. It is a fun-filled day, with the climax being the Rugby match in the evening between the 1st teams of each university, which always attracts a big crowd. Lancaster also revealed that stadium organisers hope to keep the roof closed for the match which will, in turn, help to increase the atmosphere. With the game being held at the 74,000-seater stadium, there are the initial worries that it will distort the atmosphere that was created in previous
years at venues such as the Liberty Stadium and Cardiff Arms Park. When he was asked whether the size of the stadium will prove a problem in terms of atmosphere, Lancaster replied, “It’s a massive step up. Last year we managed to draw a crowd of around 11,000 at the Liberty Stadium which was a remarkable achievement for an event which is growing by the year.” Last year’s game saw a host of celebrity faces in the crowd such as Welsh internationals Jamie Roberts and James Hook, as well as Wales coach Warren Gatland, and Lancaster believes that the venue will attract a larger crowd. “We are hoping that now it has been confirmed that the venue will be the Millennium Stadium, the match will attract people from outside of the two universities to attend”, he said. Varsity 2010 raised the bar once again in terms of publicity, with a regular slot on the BBC’s Sport Wales television programme and coverage in the Western Mail and South Wales Evening Post, as well as the BBC Sport website. Lancaster added, “It will be a great day for university sport and it just keeps getting better year after year both on and off the field.” With Swansea claiming the bragging rights following a 16-12 win last year, Cardiff will be seeking revenge on their home turf, so Varsity 2011 is sure to be one to remember. Keep picking up your free copy of Waterfront throughout the year for more information. Remember, if you have a story that you think we should know about then get in touch with us at: waterfront. sport@hotmail.co.uk
Inside This Week’s Paper Hiking
Womens Football
FANTASTIC: The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will be the glamorous venue for the showpiece event that is Varsity 2011
UNIVERSITY PROPOSES POSSIBLE MERGER OF SU AND AU By Ben Donovan Sports Editor SWANSEA University has proposed a possible merger between the Student Union and the Athletic Union. As it stands, both unions are separate entities working under the same umbrella, but a merger would mean that the two would work together, something which President Luke Young thinks wouldn’t be a problem. “The responsible route would be that if we can find a model that continues to improve sport, protect teams and societies at this university then we should go for it. But students should ultimately decide.” Both bodies are funded by the Block Grant, which consists of your tuition fees and public money. With the Higher Education sector expecting up to 30% cuts, any steps that are not taken to ensure the financial stability of both bodies could result in the loss of societies and sports clubs further down the line. Most UK universities have just one body which includes both the Athletic Union and Student Union, whereas
Swansea is one of a select few that operate separately. Young added, “Before any decisions are made we need to ensure that there is enough autonomy for our sports teams to continue to improve and be the best they can.” “I don’t want to affect the fantastic progress that all our sports teams have made over the last couple of years.” With Wednesday nights being the official AU night for all of our sports teams, there are going to be fears among students over the continuation of these events, and Young was quick to reassure that this won’t be a problem. “There is a joint operation in place to ensure that the social nights will not be affected, and there will still be an official AU night if a merger was to take place.” Athletic Union President Siwan Lillicrap echoed the views of Luke Young when asked to comment on the issue. “I don’t want to rush into anything just yet. We want to explore all the options available to us and we are researching other independent bodies to see if that
would be feasible here.” Lillicrap added, “No decision will be made without a vote by our members.” Waterfront approached Raymond Ciborowski, Registrar and Head of Administration at Swansea University, and he gave us the following statement: “In the light of financial and other challenges facing all public sector organisations, including UK universities, the Students’ Union and Athletics Union have been asked to work together to examine their current structures and mode of operation in order to assess the scope for streamlining operations while continuing to deliver an outstanding student experience. “One of the options to be considered during this process will inevitably include consideration of the feasibility of a single merged structure that protects and supports the current functions of both organisations.” The issue will be discussed at the SGM on 19th October at 6pm in Faraday A where all are welcome, but keep checking Waterfront as we will bring you more news on the story as it develops.