thewaterfront
Free Issue 239 24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
the official student newspaper of swansea university
MELTDOWN!
BID TO OUST PRESIDENT Election candidate withdraws over offensive tweets
by Jon May
front@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS have launched a petition to remove students’ union president Zahid Raja from office. Citing financial mismanagement and bringing the union into disrepute, the group of students need 3% of the student body to begin the process to remove him from power. The organiser of the petition, Dale Cousins, explained why he has started the petition: “Whilst in office in the students’ union, Mr Raja’s actions have brought our union into disrepute. We have no confidence in his ability to continue leading our union. Enough is enough.” The group claim Raja is abusing his expenses and brought the union into disrepute through mismanagement of the 7 to 5 officer campaign and the Pole Fitness Society ban. Last week, Raja was implicated in an expenses scandal alongside presidential candidate Harry Noden. The students’ union denied authorising travel, hotel and food expenditure for presidential candidate Harry Noden to accompany Raja in attending a 90-minute meeting in London. Students questioned whether attending a meeting that ended at 7pm justified an overnight stay in a London hotel.
Students have launched a petition to remove students’ union president Zahid Raja from office. The students’ union has now launched an investigation. Raja defended his actions: “Much like in any other students’ union of our size, the President doesn’t seek permission to go to conferences / take students where if their interest is furthered, it benefits the student body. If this were the case, more than half of my time at work would be spent in red tape. I would question what political motivations lie beneath ‘the Union’ now quizzing this single trip ahead of a
Presidential candidate Harry Noden stood down after complaints were made about offensive tweets he’d made.
FTO election where the candidate in question is not an incumbent. It smacks of double standards.” Noden has since stood down from his candidature after the students’ union received several official complaints about offensive tweets he had made. Of the trip to London, he said: “Basically, I‘m quite new to all of this and Zahid offered to let me shadow him at an event in London where he was trying to get some university leaders to take a stand on the Immigration Bill.”
Other presidential candidates however denied they were offered an invitation to the event or any shadowing. Welsh affairs officer Lewys Aron has resigned from his union post: “Over the lack of action taken to investigate the matters.” Two assistant deputy returning officers in this week’s elections have also resigned. Union general manager Stuart Rice will now preside over the elections with university pro-vice
chancellor Iwan Davies. News of Raja’s trip to London with Noden sparked criticism. Former AU President Dan ‘Flash’ Ryan-Lowes said: “[This] highlights the problem of an old boys club being created and political grooming trying to make positions safe and getting people in the role before there even is an election.” Student Jonathan Baker commented: “What I will say is that they shouldn’t be sending unelected candidates on conferences. Essentially union money is being used to favour certain candidates over others which looks to me as a breach of process.” The Waterfront was originally restricted from reporting on the expenses by the union, but the story was picked up by Aber Student Media. Expense figures for the officer team as a whole were released last week by the union, with the team spending over £10k in conference expenses. A spokesman for the students’ union said: “We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this and other issues that have been raised. It would not be appropriate for us to comment until the investigations have concluded.” Campaigners will be collecting signatures for the paper petition this week. What do you think? Email front@ swansea-union.co.uk
02 I NEWS
thewaterfront 24. 03. 14
thewaterfront Third floor, Students’Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: @waterfront facebook: The Waterfront Swansea Editor Kay Byrne editor@swansea-union.co.uk News
Gemma Parry
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Crime & Investigations
Chris Flynn
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk Deputy Editor & Website
Jon May front@swansea-union.co.uk Features
Samantha Booth waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk Sport
Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk Music
Olivia Rosenthall waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk Film
Saul Masters waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk Culture
Lauren Phillips
waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk Societies
waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk Fashion
Nanette Turkson waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk Travel
Verity Ockenden
waterfronttravel@swansea-union.co.uk Relationships
Holly Miller
waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union.co.uk International
Atoke
waterfrontinternational@swansea-union.co.uk Advertising
Annie Cottam (01792) 602496
Former student on trial for alleged sexual assaults
by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
by Alan Daventry
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk A FORMER Swansea University student, Nigel Evans, has gone on trial charged with sexual assault. The Conservative MP for Ribble Valley has been accused of one count of rape, two of indecent assault and six of sexual assault. Mr Evan denies all charges. The trial began on 10th March and is expected to last four weeks. Mr Evans studied Politics at Swansea University and graduated in 1979. He then helped run his family’s newsagent store in Townhill, Swansea, and also became a councillor on the former West Glamorgan County Council, being elected deputy Conservative group leader in 1990. He was elected to parliament in 1992. Swansea University’s alumni page states that Mr Evans is currently the Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. Mr Evans actually resigned as deputy speaker on 11th September, 2013 in order to focus on facing the charges Nigel Evans being presented with a honorary degree by brought against him. The alleged incidents occurred between 2002 and 2013. Swansea University in 2012.
Don’t be afraid to report hate crimes, urges new campus- wide campaign by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A NEW campaign has been launched to encourage students to report any discrimination that could be described as a hate crime. A hate crime is prejudice against someone because of disability, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, gender/identity, or age. Swansea University, the students’ union and South Wales Police have come together to launch a new service to encourage students to to report such crimes. Robin Benson, community liaison officer at Swansea University said: “We have organised a comprehensive range of advice and support services to help students report incidents so please don’t suffer in silence... we can help.” Welfare officer Hayley Harris said:
Make sure good teachers are recognised
“We all were aware of hate incidents that had occurred on and off campus, but these had never been reported to the police. We want to make it easier for people to report any incidents that
they experience and we have set up a joint reporting system with ourselves, Gower college and Trinity St David’s. “People can report using a online form on the students’ union website. They will then be contacted by a representative from their higher educational establishment, who will take some more details, and talk through their options. “The decision to report to the police is always with the victim, and we are here to help and support them to deal with how the incident has affected them. “By reporting the hate crime or incident they can help stop it happening to anyone else, reporting does matter, and we want to spread the message that we do not tolerate hate crime in Swansea.” •Look for the online form at www. swansea-union.co.uk
EVERY year Swansea University likes to honour great teachers and support staff in its student nominated Excellence in Learning and Teaching / Student Support Awards. Last year we had over 100 nominations from students, resulting in a very strong final selection of candidates for consideration by the panel. Eight members of teaching staff were awarded the Excellence in Learning and Teaching Award and one member of support staff was awarded the Student Support Award. All awards were presented at graduation. Last year’s winners were: Excellence in Student Support Award: Zoe Brooks-Green (Criminology) Excellence in Learning and Teaching Award: Ute Keller (College of Arts and Humanities) Dr Tapas Mishra (College of Business, Economics and Law) Dr Evelien Bracke (College of Arts and Humanities) Peter Jones (College of Arts and Humanities) Dr Roberta Magnani (College of Arts and Humanities) Dr Tracey Sagar (College of Business, Economics and Law) Professor Danny McCarroll (College of Science) Dr Michelle Lee (College of Human and Health Sciences) This year we’d like to have even more nominations than before and even more final candidates. All it takes for a staff member to be considered for either award is for them to be nominated by just two students. All staff teaching on both under-grad and post-grad modules are eligible for the teaching award. All individual staff in a role supporting students are eligible and so are whole teams. All the information you need, and the nomination forms for both awards, can be found at: http://salt.swansea.ac.uk/ awards If no-one nominates, there can be no awards. Nominations will be open until Friday, 2 May 2014.
Pretty shitty city By Alan Daventry
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 03
Fights mar success of six nations rugby screening in refectory by Alex Hughes
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk HUNDREDS of students enjoyed the showing of the Wales V England rugby match in the Refectory in Fulton House, but the event was marred by fights and bad behaviour. For most students, like Charlotte Godfrey, a second year English Lit student, the showing of the match was “an enjoyable day out”. However some students raised concerns about the amount of alcohol consumed by people at the event. A student who wished to remain anonymous said: “I saw three fights break out, all within like five minutes of each other in the corridor outside the dining room. “The first fight was where a few pushes turned into shoves which turned into punches. Bouncers came and broke it up, one bouncer escorted one person out. “After this, a second fight broke out where someone else started by grabbing someone else and punching them, which was then broken up and they were escorted out. “Finally, a blond guy head butted someone which kicked another fight off. They were quite all clearly steaming.” Chris Buxton, a third year War and Society student, did not attend the showing of the match as he “had a [American Football] game
The crowded refectory hall. on at the time. But I walked past when everyone was drinking outside. When I walked over the quad, everyone was coming out and they were smashed and shouting abuse at us and the cab drivers and the cars driving by Fulton House.” A member of staff working at Costcutter during the match said: “I was working downstairs in
Ready, steady, push!
ST John LINKS Society staged a fundraising CPR marathon outside Fulton House last week from 8am6pm. The aim was to get people involved in practicing CPR on Annies (dummies designed for CPR training) and raise money for the charity.
Bilingual packs for societies launched SWANSEA Students’ Union has announced the release of bilingual packs for societies as a part of the Eisteddfod legacy. The packs, which are a joint venture of the Students’ Union Societies and Services Officer and former Welsh Affairs Officer Lewys Aron, will include a list of translated materials for societies to use. Lewys Aron said: “This is a new and exciting
development which will be of great help to all official societies. Bilingualism shouldn’t be a chore and I want to make it as easy and as trouble free for societies to fulfil their obligations under the union constitution whilst displaying materials in the union house. “This is about working together to celebrate the fact that we are a bilingual nation and union.”
Costcutter. There were no fights in Costcutter, but around £50 of stock was estimated to have been stolen or damaged.” A spokesperson for the union said: “One altercation broke out at the event and this was very quickly contained by security. “This was the biggest showing of the match in Swansea so we were really pleased that the majority had a great time and enjoyed the event.”
Standing room only in the hall by Laura Fiteni waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE showing of the England - Wales match was so popular that many students were forced to stand throughout the entire game. The refectory was bursting at the seams and students at the back of the dining hall had to strain to see the screen over the heads of all those in front, whilst those standing against the walls had to jostle with crowds of rowdy students heading to and from the bar. Third year physics student, Chris Millett said: “It would have been easier if the small TVs were on too so you could see without having to fight for a position where you could see the main screen.” Students left standing also questioned why a section of reserved seats by the windows remained empty. Those who attempted to sit in the seats were brushed away by members of ENTS . One table “reserved for competition winners” according to the print-off laid across the top remained empty right up until the start of the game when two of the current full-time officers took up the seats. When The Waterfront asked the union what competition the officers had won, it was revealed that the officers took the seats after Costcutter staff, the legitimate competition winners, failed to show. Alexandra Fish, projects assistant said: “Unfortunately Costcutter did not attend the game and after holding the table for them for a period of time we then let other members of staff who had participated in the awareness days from various departments sit on the seats.”
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 05
Disabled student refused access to buses after making a complaint about wheelchair shove by Chris Flynn
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk A DISABLED student has been left stranded at her bus stop this winter because some First Cymru staff have apparently barred her for making a complaint. Elsa Morgan-Pientka, a Swansea University student, was told that she couldn’t board the number 4 bus after a conductor told her she had “caused trouble before”. Since the beginning of this year, she has been refused travel on the bus seven times. Elsa catches the no 4 bus to university from Swansea city centre but last term made a complaint to the bus company after an incident with a conductor. “I was going down the ramp when he shoved me off. There was no need and I wasn’t expecting it and it really hurt my neck. “Then in the January the problems started. On the 8th of January at the Quadrant bus stop, the purple bendy bus number 4 stopped and allowed all the other passengers to get on. “When I asked for the ramp to be lowered,
the conductor refused because “I had caused trouble before” and had made a complaint against her colleague. “When I asked to speak to the driver, the conductor opened the door to the cabin and the driver turned around in his seat and also said that he wasn’t prepared to help me because his colleague had been reprimanded and nearly lost his job “because of you”. “When I challenged this by asking if they were not allowing any wheelchair users on the bus, they avoided answering me and continued to tell me how much of a fuss I had caused by complaining about their colleague. “They refused to give me their names or any information that could identify them. I ended up taking a photo of the driver and conductor. “I am extremely stressed and anxious now about getting on buses because it’s a fight almost every time.” Ms Morgan-Pientka has also contacted the police hate crimes unit regarding the matter. First Group Buses, who owns First Cymru, operates in almost 30 cities in the United Kingdom. On the First Cymru website section regarding wheelchairs, it reads: “As part of our
STRANDED: Wheelchair user student Elsa Morgan-Pientka.
University called upon to ‘disarm’ by Will Brealey
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Swansea University to disassociate itself from the arms trade. Concerned student Rob Abrams, on behalf of student-run group Disarm Swansea University, issued a Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding the university’s investments. The documents he received show that Swansea is investing a total of £97,472 in two companies labelled ‘defence industry’. The companies, BAE Systems and Rolls Royce, are both on the activist group Campaign Against the Arms Trade’s watch list, with BAE systems reportedly selling equipment to countries that have committed grave human rights violations. Aside from the direct investment in these companies, Rob has also drawn attention to BAE Systems’ involvement in the sponsorship of the university’s Bay Campus construction, and the sponsorship of research grants, mostly based in
the College of Engineering. Rob told The Waterfront: “From my own experience of being out on campus and talking to students about the issue of Swansea University’s investment in the arms trade, it seems to be the case that many people just don’t know about it. “I’m not convinced these links would be so accepted by the general staff and student bodies alike if they were more well-known.” To this date eight higher education facilities have divested from the arms trade, including Manchester University and Goldsmiths, University of London. Rob said that: “Currently, there are no preparations in place for protest on campus, but this is something that is now being considered as a potential option.” A spokesperson for the university said: “The university is in the process of developing a socially responsible investment policy which will be considered through the university’s governance structures.”
commitment to providing accessible travel for wheelchair users virtually all our buses have a dedicated area for wheelchair users”. Ms Morgan-Pientka wrote to the bus company about the issue, but they had failed to reply until The Waterfront began investigating. A spokesperson from First Cymru said: “We categorically refute any suggestion that our drivers are deliberately refusing Ms Morgan-Pientka travel. We are well aware of our requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act and all our staff are trained in disability awareness. “We have noted the concerns raised by Ms Morgan-Pientka in her letter and in our reply to her have explained our policies regarding the carriage of wheelchair users. “We have also offered to meet with her directly to discuss the issues she has raised, with a view to finding a resolution that makes it easier for her to travel on our buses. “If a driver is unable to board a disabled person because for instance the wheelchair space is already occupied by another wheelchair user, the driver must stop, explain the situation and advise the person when the next bus is due.” First Cymru claim that they only received one recent complaint from Ms Morgan-Pientka, although she disputes this, stating she has called them many times to complain about poor service.
Being refused entry onto the bus.
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 07
Students perform random acts of kindness in new nominate craze by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk NOMINATING a friend to complete a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) is the new ‘Neknominate’. In accordance with the RAK rules, nominees are required to do something kind towards another person without any other reason than benefiting another. Nominations have swept across campus as students looked for a healthy alternative to consuming pints of alcohol (often with many other vile substances added) as the last craze on campus - ‘Neknominate’ - dictated. Last week, a nominee walked into JC’s bar and suspended two cups of tea behind the counter for the next two unsuspecting guests to enjoy. Hetty Hyde-Durrant, the lucky recipient of the free cuppa said: “Me and my friend ordered a cup of tea and the women asked if we would like one of five suspended cups already paid for. “It was such a lovely gesture by a complete stranger. High of my day,” she said. RAK nominees capture their good
deeds on camera and are expected to post a video of their charitable actions online. Following this the good Samaritan then names three other people who are nominated to take part and pass the good deed forward. One Swansea University student who refused to do her ‘neknomination’ decided to do a RAK instead. The anonymous student bought a meal deal from a local supermarket and filmed herself giving it to a
homeless man on Swansea’s high street before nominating three others to do the same. Students are encouraged to abandon the dangerous ‘neknomination’ and take up the RAK instead. Welfare officer, Rebecca Grimes said: “I don’t need to go on about the dangers of excessive drinking, it’s obvious in the sad deaths of the young Irish guys who passed away recently that things are going too far.
Sea swim for late colleague to raise money for cancer charity Prof Stevie Davies (left) pictured with the late Nigel Jenkins (right).
by Kay Byrne
editor@swansea-union.co.uk PROF Stevie Davies is braving the waves to raise money for a cause very close to her heart. The novelist and director of Creative Writing Research at Swansea University is planning a sea swim to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research, following the death of her colleague Nigel Jenkins from the disease earlier this year. Nigel, 64, was an award-winning poet and writer as well being director of creative writing at Swansea.
Said Stevie: “Nigel was the loveliest of human beings and the best friend, colleague, teacher one could ever have. I plan to swim from Rotherslade Beach, Nigel’s ‘Plage Principale’, to Snaple Point [across the bay], one quiet day in August - prudently accompanied by a life-guard.” Stevie has set up a page at the Just Giving website: http://www.justgiving.com/StevieDavies2 and is appealing for staff and students to support her effort. She added: “The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is doing such needful work. We know that forty years ago only 3% of people diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer survived for five years or more. Today that figure is still, shockingly, 3%.”
“So, why not partake in the alternative, and altogether more wholesome version #raknomination? I know I’d rather see something heartwarming like someone donating a pint of blood on my newsfeed than someone about to be sick after a dirty pint. “ A similar craze of no makeup selfies and nominating people to donate money to cancer charities swept many Facebook timelines last week as well.
Free night bus ends by Alicia Nugent waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A NIGHT bus service offered by the students’ union has come to an end due to lack of funding. The scheme which was piloted from October last year, helped students to get home safely after a night out, with priority being offered to female and lone passengers. The transport was free for students as the cost of putting on the bus had been covered by various clubs and bars on Wind Street including Bambu, Peppermint, Idols, Walkabout and Revolution. A service was offered every 30 minutes between 12.30am and 3.30am and the bus picked up passengers at a point near Wind Street and dropped off at various stops around St Helens, campus and the student village. The free bus ran on a Wednesday night, however there were originally plans to extend the service to other nights of the week also. Rosie Inman, Women’s Officer said: “We were really pleased at what a success the night bus pilot scheme was. “Unfortunately, the pilot’s funding structure was not able to continue indefinitely, but we have been looking at alternative ways in which we could fund the service ... on a long-term basis.”
08 I NEWS
thewaterfront 24. 03.14
WELSH Cymraeg a’i heffaith yn y gweithle ac yn fy mywyd bob dydd by Christian Kelsey
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SIARADWYR ail iaith ydw yn fy mlwyddyn olaf yn y brifysgol ydw i ar ôl i mi dewis gradd yn y Gymraeg pedwerydd blwyddyn yn ôl. Erbyn heddiw, rydw i’n cymryd pob cyfle i siarad Cymraeg; yn y gweithle, yn y brifysgol, yn fy mywyd bob dydd ond bod angen gyda’r mwyafrif myfyrwyr euhannog. Wrth i mi siarad â llawer o bobl ac yn egluro’r ffaith fy mod i’n siarad Cymraeg, mae llawer ohonyn nhw’n troi i’r Gymraeg gyda fi, fel y byddech yn disgwyl. Rhywbeth fel ‘I’m doing a Welsh degree see..’ ‘O, i ti? Fi’n siarad Cymraeg hefyd...’. Rwy’n sylweddoli taw Cymraeg eithaf llafar yw hwn ond y pwynt yr wy’n ceisio gwneud yw bod gan lawer o bobl diffyg o hyder i siarad yn eu hail-iaith nhw ond mae angen eu hannog yn gyntaf neu hyd yn oed siarad eu mam-iaith weithiau. Ond dyw hynny ddim yn digwydd bob amser – yn enwedig mewn lleoliad gwaith lle all diffyg hyder yn eu rhywstro . Mae llawer o bobl yr ydw i wedi cwrdd â nhw yn poeni am eu defnydd o Gymraeg yn y gweithle gan ystyried nad yw eu Cymraeg nhw ddigon ffurfiol i’w siarad o flaen pawb arall. Gall hwn fod oherwydd eu bod nhw wedi cael eu magu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg, yn defnyddio tafodiaith ddeheuol/gogleddol na fydd yn cael ei ddeall, neu ar y llaw arall, yn meddwl bod angen iddynt wybod bob gair yn y Gymraeg. Mewn gwirionedd, dywedodd rywun yn llyfrgell Prifysgol Abertawe y mis diwethaf ‘Sain siarad Cymraeg yn aml yn y gweithle achos safon Cymraeg fi yn awful’. Ond dadleuaf, ystyriwch eich defnydd o’r Saesneg...pan siaradwch chi â ffrind neu gyd-weithiwr, sut yn union yr ydych
Christian yn cwrdd ag actor enwog Cymraeg Michael Sheen yng ngwaith. chi’n siarad â nhw? Y tebyg yw anffurfiol ac yn gyfforddus. Felly pam dylai’r Gymraeg fod yn wahanol? Nawr, byddai rhai academyddion yn dadlau bod safon yn bwysig ynglŷn â’r iaith Gymraeg mewn unrhyw gyd-destun ond wrth i mi bron cwblhau gradd yn y Gymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe ar ôl pedair blynedd o waith caled, gallaf yn sicr ddweud nid yw hwn yn wir ar gyfer bywyd bob dydd neu yn gweithle. Yn enwedig o ffaith bod y Llywodraeth Cymru
wedi cymryd camau er mwyn sicrhau bod Cymraeg yn y gweithle ar gael. Yn unol â Deddf yr Iaith Gymraeg 1993, mae’n ofynnol ar gyrff cyhoeddus i lunio cynlluniau iaith Gymraeg ac mae Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg yn gweithio gyda’r cyrff hynny i sicrhau bod gwasanaethau yn cael eu darparu i gwsmeriaid yn Gymraeg. Cofiwch, does dim ots pan fod pobl yn siarad. Felly, er bod y gweithle yn lle fod angen proffesiynoldeb, dyma rai o dipiau i chi ar gyfer defnyddio Cymraeg mewn sefyllfaoedd anffurfiol
fel siarad ar y ffôn neu gyda chyd-weithwyr; Peidiwch â bod yn ofn wrth wneud camgymeriadau. Mae pawb yn defnyddio geiriau Saesneg weithiau. Nid ‘scholar’ ydych chi, ond person bob dydd. Gwisgo bathodyn Cymraeg i ddangos eich bod chi yn ei siarad hi ac yn falch o wneud. Maen nhw ar gael i chi yn rhad ac am ddim. Os ydych am dderbyn un, e-bostiwch post@ comisiynyddygymraeg.org a dweud bod gennych chi ddiddordeb. Byddwch yn falch o’ch gwreiddiau. Mae hyn yn cael ei galw yn ‘tafodiaith’ ac yn golygu bod gwahanol eiriau ar draws gwahanol ardaloedd o Gymru. Gallwch addysgu rhywbeth i’ch cydweithwyr ac yn gyfartal yn dysgu ohonynt. Gwrandewch ar sgyrsiau a mentro i siarad yr un iaith â’r bobl sydd yn ei gael. Mae defnyddio’r un iaith â rhywun yn gallu cryfhau perthnasau ac yn gwneud iddynt deimlo’n fwy cyfforddus. Po fwyaf ydych chi’n gwneud hyn i gyd, y mwyaf hyderus y byddwch chi. Mae Cymru yn wlad ddwyieithog, ac erbyn hyn, mae mwy a mwy o sefydliadau yn cydnabod gwerth darparu gwasanaethau yn ddwyieithog. Ar ben hynny, ’nôl yn 2006, ailstrwythurwyd maes Cymraeg i Oedolion a sefydlwyd chwe Chanolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion i gynllunio a chyllido darpariaeth ledled Cymru. Mae’r Canolfannau wedi penodi swyddogion penodol i ddatblygu a darparu cyrsiau Cymraeg yn y Gweithle ac mae dros 180 o ddosbarthiadau yn cael eu cynnal yn y gweithle ar draws Cymru ar hyn o bryd. Mae gan y Canolfannau Cymraeg I Oedolion brofiad o ddarparu cyrsiau o safon uchel a gallant eich cynghori gyda’r broses o gynllunio eich rhaglen hyfforddiant iaith Gymraeg. Felly, cadwch ati a pheidiwch â rhoi’r gorau iddi!
ENGLISH Using Welsh in the workplace by Christian Kelsey
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk I am a second-language Welsh speaker in my final year at university after choosing to do a degree in Welsh four years ago. By now, I take every opportunity I can get my hands on to speak Welsh every day, be that in the work place or in and outside of the university, but the majority of students will need more encouraging. Having spoken to a number of people in English and explaining that I also speak Welsh, a lot of them decide to speak Welsh to me after realising that I do, as you would expect. Something like ‘I’m doing a Welsh degree see..’ generates the response ‘O I ti? Fi’n siarad Cymraeg hefyd…’ (Oh is it? I also speak Welsh). I realise that that is quite an informal dialect of Welsh that I just noted but the point I am trying to make is that a lot of people don’t have enough confidence to speak their second language or even their mother tongue sometimes. Of course, this doesn’t always happen. There are those who I have met who worry that their Welsh isn’t good enough to be used within the workplace and deem it as too informal to speak
to their colleagues. This could be down to the fact that they were raised in a Welsh-speaking household, speak in a colloquial (Southern/Northern) dialect that they worry won’t be understood, or that they believe that they need to know every word in Welsh. Last week, a staff member at Swansea University library told me: ‘I don’t speak Welsh in work often because my standard of language is awful’. How does one measure standard? It baffles me. Consider your use of the English language. When you are speaking with a friend or co-worker, how exactly do you speak with them? My guess is informally in a way that’s natural and comfortable. The Welsh language should be no different. Some academics would argue that a certain standard is important with regards to the Welsh language to save it from degenerating but after spending four years doing a Welsh language degree, I would then argue that using the language impurely is better than not using it at all. Especially as the Welsh government has taken steps to ensure that Welsh in the workplace is available. In accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993 and numerous acts since, public bodies
are required to draw up plans for the inclusion of the Welsh language within the daily running of the business with the Welsh Language Board working alongside those organizations to ensure that services are provided to customers in Welsh. Of course, in writing, professionalism is key but in everyday speech, slang and familiarity are more important. Thus, even though professionalism is required within the workplace, here are some tips for you with regards to using Welsh informally, perhaps on the phone, with your co-workers or customers; Don’t be shy when it comes to making mistakes. Everyone substitutes Welsh words for English words sometimes, especially when it comes to specialist terms. You are not expected to be a ‘scholar’ but an everyday person. Wear a ‘Welsh speaking badge’ to show that you speak Welsh and that you are proud to do so. They are available for free. If you wish to receive one, e-mail post@comisynyddygymraeg.org and explain that you are interested in receiving one. Be proud of your roots. This is known as ‘tafodiaith’ (or dialect) and means that you use a regional word that may be different in another part of Wales. You could teach your co-workers something, after all. Listen out for Welsh conversations and venture
to it too! Using the same language as somebody can strengthen relationships and make them feel more at ease when communicating. Furthermore, back in 2006, the Welsh for Adults programme was adapted to attract a wider audience and six new Welsh for Adults Centres were opened to plan and fund Welsh- language provisions across Wales. The centres have appointed specific officers to develop and deliver courses Welsh in the Workplace and over 180 classes are conducted in the workplace across Wales at the moment. All the Welsh for Adults Centres’ have experience of providing high-quality courses and are ready and waiting to help you plan your language training program. Therefore, keep at it and don’t give up!
If you would like to write an article for the Welsh page, please email Laura Fiteni at waterfrontnews@ swansea-union.co.uk
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 09
Students who help themselves and others through volunteering by Samantha Booth
waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk ALMOST a third of students in higher education undertake a significant amount of volunteering during their studies, it’s been revealed. It’s estimated that nationwide 725,000 students give 44 hours per year to volunteering, according to findings from the National Union of Students report, The Student Volunteering Landscape. Within Swansea University’s Students’ Union there are over 400 students that volunteer their time to societies committees. Some 19 societies frequently volunteer and around 50 frequently fundraise. Between 150-300 people have volunteered with various projects around Swansea and the university. Discovery, a volunteer-led organisation at Swansea University, aims to enrich the lives of people in Swansea through volunteering. Located in Fulton House, the charity has around 300 volunteer and over 30 different projects working in the local community and in Zambia.
Current volunteer and ex-President of Discovery, Josh Hale said: “I believe that student volunteering is essential as it helps to develop you as an individual and it helps foster relationships within local communities. “I often feel students are seen in a negative light and I believe by volunteering students can show what they have to offer.” The students’ union societies and services officer said: “When students choose to come
to university, the priority is usually the course. However, with the rise to £9k fees, the amount of students looking for extra-curricular activities has risen substantially. “This is because students are looking for skills, attributes and experience to get a good graduate job because a degree may not be enough anymore. I’d encourage students to look at every opportunity to look for these transferrable skills such as time management and team work.”
Are two-year degrees a good idea? THE Welsh Conservatives have announced plans to consult on whether some degree courses at Welsh universities could be studied in two years instead of three. The content and credits would remain unchanged, writes Rahul Vashisht. They argue that shorter degree lengths, whilst more intensive, would cut student debt, reduce the student loan repayment period and enable a swifter transition to the world of work. Angela Burns AM, Shadow Minister for
YES
by Charlotte Bunker
I think for certain courses being able to do them in two years wouldn’t be so bad. Looking at my own degree, English Literature, you probably don’t need the first year as much and it could definitely be condensed into two. This term I currently have four hours a week, granted I have a dissertation too but it’s by no means a stressful timetable. My hours per week have always been in the single digits throughout my entire degree so even if my degree was compressed I’d only be getting an extra four or
NO
by Joshua Lovell
The Welsh Tories may speak about speeding up the process of a getting a degree yet they fail to talk about the development of that person, and how they can get a competitive edge over other graduates. Studying at university shouldn’t be just about getting a degree at the end of it. The majority of people now have degrees and students must do more to get a competitive edge. For example students may take part in voluntary work, societies, learn a language and network. This is something in which students may struggle to find the time to do if these fast-track degrees
Education, said: “Three years is a long time to complete a degree and to delay entering the world of work, so Welsh Conservatives will consult on introducing a fast-track option. “Student debt is rising year on year and could in future become a significant barrier to higher education so cutting debt and reducing the time taken to pay the money back could make HE more accessible to people from less well-off backgrounds.” five hours which wouldn’t be that much of an increase at all. First year doesn’t count towards the final degree, and as such the emphasis is largely about going out and getting drunk and making new friends. Most study skills we’re supposed to learn at uni, we should have been taught at A-level. I think it’s pretty pointless to study for a whole year, spend all that money and then not have it count towards the final result. In that respect, it seems better to me to be working towards something from the very beginning, surely? What people have to remember is that this is a choice, the proposal isn’t to force people to go into two year degrees, it’s just giving them the choice to do so if they wish. And that’s what life were implemented. As well as working towards this competitive edge, students develop and mature through their years at university. I myself have only found the confidence this year to run for a committee positions in one of the societies I am a part of. First year, I found myself still getting used to my new surroundings and the thought of a committee position would have never crossed my mind. The Welsh Conservatives are looking at university from a single academic view point. It is becoming more what you do at university that will give you the competitive edge when it comes to employment. Two year courses would limit opportunities and students will not reach their full potential if this fast-track option was put in place.
African orphans get sporty by Samantha Booth waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk FIVE Swansea students are raising hundreds of pounds for a South African orphanage as part of a university module this semester. Through a series of pool tournaments and donations, held in JC’s, the Business Studies students, George Parsons, Jonathon Wolfe, Josh Bartlett, Phil Roberts and Will Cowper, have so far raised over £245 for a local newspaper in Ballito, Durban. The newspaper channels money raised to non-governmental organisations that care for orphans and vulnerable children in the area. The team will also be auctioning a Tom Cleverly Man United t-shirt with proceeds also going to the orphanage. They aim to send around 90kg of sports equipment which was supplied from the university’s sports clubs. A large amount of the money will come from a day being held at a primary school in Bristol where the enterprise will be presented to the pupils and staff. The university module, Social Enterprise, aims to raise awareness and help others in need. The students want to raise sporting awareness in orphanages and schools. Jonathan Wolfe said: “We want to raise awareness for those who are unable to gain the same sporting equipment and clothing we are fortunate enough to have. We also want to raise awareness within Swansea that a small donation can go a long way to helping someone in need.”
NEWS I 11
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Uplands traders wonder: ‘How much would a Costa cost us?’ by Jon May
front@swansea-union.co.uk RESIDENTS and students are divided on the issue of a proposed Costa Coffee in the Uplands area of the city. A proposal from the chain store Costa Coffee to develop a vacant building into an outlet has been submitted to Swansea Council. Student Will Kay condemned the plans: “Terrible idea! We need to stop letting huge brands overwhelm everywhere where there is character and charm. Uplands has its own quirky feel about the place - Nothing will beat a good cuppa from the diner when you’re hungover.” Student Phillip Nicholl disagrees: “If people don’t like the idea of it then they should just boycott it, I myself am a fan of Costa and a convenient location in the Uplands would be amazing”
Traders in the Uplands Crescent area have come together and have launched a petition against the proposal. Lance Pardoe, from Uplands Diner said: “We already have one pub, two wine bars, a sports bar, night club, five cafés and coffee shops, but all of these are small traders. To consider the big boys like Costa and Starbucks is stupid, they would kill the small independents that are already in this area.” Uplands councillor Pearleen Sangha said: “Over the past couple of years, Uplands has grown into a fantastic independent quarter filled with shops and traders that have built a great atmosphere. It would be a shame to see that ruined by a corporate company providing a service that so many of our local traders already specialise in. “I have nothing against the chain, but I just don’t think it’s right for our area. I think it would threaten the
DEBATE: Residents of the Uplands area are divided on the potential opening of a new Costa Coffee shop. growth that is already happening and I hope that community members and residents will sign the petition that traders will have in their shops.” A Costa spokesman said: “We are
Students develop app to help find library books by Rachael Legg
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THREE members of the Swansea University Computer Science Department have developed an Android application aiming to help students to locate books in the library. Simon Robinson, Matt Jones and Jennifer Pearson have created the app specific to Swansea University’s library. It offers users detailed maps directly to the bookshelf they are looking for. BookMark uses barcode scanning to direct users to any other book based on similar knowledge to the book that has just been scanned. The app already has over 200 users, and Dr. Jennifer Pearson, said: “We would love to see it utilised as much as possible.” After downloading BookMark, users are told
currently evaluating opportunities in the Uplands and have registered planning permission with the local authorities but that we have no definitive new store opening plans in place at this stage.”
WOULD you like to write for The Waterfront? If so, write to editor@ swansea-union.co.uk
Students collect for food bank by Emma James
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS Craig Smith and Jake SingletonHill are organising a food bank collection on campus at the end of March. Recent figures show the number of people using food banks in Wales has more than quadrupled in two years. Around 1,577 people used Swansea’s food bank in a six month period last year, including 491 children. Jake said:“We are currently in the early stages of organising the event and are contacting local companies and organisations to try and obtain some incentives/ prizes for people who donate.” The event is expected to commence on the 31st of March, lasting two to three days There are around 80 towns and communities being aided by the food banks, according to the Trussell Trust. The Welsh Trussell Trust Manager, Tony Graham, said: “One of the joys about Wales is that people are so generous. “The rise of food banks is a heart-breaking story, but there is a silver lining in the way that we have seen communities care for their own. “In the last 18 months we have opened 14 more food banks. We are about to open our 34th in Brecon.”
that it “aims to give you a little help finding what you’re looking for in Swansea University’s Library and Information Centre” and can find information on the library itself. The app features a step-by-step guide of how users can make the most of it, also providing information on the research that went into the creation of BookMark. Matt Jones said: “We would love to get feedback and any thoughts on how to improve the design of the app from students, who can leave comments on the app or contact us.” The design of the system has been recognised globally as a novel research idea, and is due to be published in the largest conference in human-computer-interaction (CHI) in Toronto in April. The research paper is available on the Swansea University website. To download the app, just type “BookMark Swansea Uni Library” into Google Playstore.
NO
From left to right: Matt Jones, Jennifer Pearson and Simon Robinson.
THE WELSH Varsity is set to include ‘alcoholfree zones’ this year in order to cater for those students who do not want to drink alcohol. The annual event consists of a day of sporting events between Swansea and Cardiff universities, culminating in a rugby match held in the Millennium Stadium. In previous years, alcohol has been permitted in all areas of the event across Cardiff. However, Swansea Students’ Union Sports Officer said that the union specifically asked for an alcohol-free zone in the stadium this year that will be separated by a few blocks, in order to make the event more inclusive to those who do not wish to indulge in drinking culture. Alex McKenzie, a third year English Literature
student said: “Not sure how much they’d get used, [but] it’s good to give people the choice.” Rahul Vashisht, a third year English Literature student said: “Not every student drinks and they shouldn’t have to be surrounded by people who do. As long as the zones don’t impact too much on people who want to drink, it can’t be a bad thing.” A Law and Psychology student said: “The fact there is an option would be a good one. One of the reasons I didn’t buy a ticket to Varsity this year was that I thought [I] couldn’t be included in the drinking aspect.”
front!
Photo by Infomatique on Flickr
What to wear: Festival fashion p16
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
13
fashion 14-15
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
features 12-13
L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a s t u d e n t s
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
14
WIT H SA M ANT H A B OOT H
features
FREE FOOD AND PROTESTS? WHAT THE NUS DOES FOR YOU
UClan students at the 2012 fees demo in London. Photo by ChloeVinden
Occasional 20 per cent discount at Topshop and Burtons? Free fries with your meal at Maccies? That’s right, it’s the NUS Extra card. But what else does the National Union of Students do on a daily basis? Gemma Parry investigates.
M
OST students will recognise The National Union of Students because they have a card that pockets them free cheeseburgers and McFlurries from McDonalds following a night out. In reality, the NUS does a lot more for students than looking out for us by making sure that we get free food and cheaper clothes in our favourite shops. Primarily, the organisation serves to represent the views of, and to work in the interest of all students on a national level, as well as providing support to member students’ unions in their every day running. Currently, it is being run at NUS UK level by President Toni Pearce, and by President Stephanie Lloyd at NUS Wales level. Many students will also recognise the name NUS following the infamous demo in 2012, which saw marches through the streets of London in protest against the increase in tuition fees for university students. There are around 600 students’ unions affiliated with NUS, amounting to more than 95% of all higher and further education unions in the UK. Through their member students’ unions, NUS represents more than seven million students, around 18,000 of them being Swansea University students. However, in the upcoming full-time officers elections, Swansea students will be asked to take part in a referendum, which comes around every year, alongside casting their votes for next year’s FTOs. This election exists to understand whether Swansea students wish to remain affiliated to the NUS or not, and to take the appropriate action thereafter. If you, like me, have ever been inside the union bubble, you will know that there is an ongoing debate surrounding students’ unions across the country being affiliated with NUS. In fact, as I write this, there is a debate raging across social media websites between campaigns that are encouraging students’ unions to vote YES
in their individual referendums, and others that are encouraging students to vote NO. There is no such campaign for Swansea Students’ Union, mostly because there is a distinct lack of awareness about the referendum and of what the NUS does for Swansea students’ union. Hopefully, that’s all about to change. So what are the benefits of remaining affiliated to NUS? Beyond the free food and discounts that we all know and love, the NUS does represent students on a national level. Their mission is ‘to promote, defend, and extend the rights of students and to develop and champion strong students’ unions’, which is exemplified through their regular campaigns for the rights and welfare of students. The organisation does have the welfare of its students at its heart, giving its member students’ unions advice and assistance when needed, and protecting the needs and wants of its individual student members. The advantages are not always plainly seen by the students. The students’ union can buy alcohol at a cheaper price to resell in union outlets and bars. They also campaign for nationwide issues such as £9k fees and Reclaim the Night. If Swansea students’ union was to disaffiliate, there would be no guarantee that the union would be represented on the same level that it is with the benefit of the NUS national voice. Additionally, NUS provides an infrastructure that helps Swansea students’ union to undertake their own work, and provides training, advice and information that is vital to our full-time officers. It all sounds pretty good, but, what needs to be considered about continuing our affiliation is the cost.
Money, being one of the main concerns of your average student, is one issue. NUS is seen as a giver of discounts, saving students who are strapped for cash when online shopping or going to certain nightclubs. While it’s all fine and dandy that students benefit with their NUS Extra cards on an individual basis, the fact of the matter is that the students’ union could save up tens of thousands a year by disaffiliating from the NUS. The extra £32,936 a year affiliation fee could fund the two FTO positions that the union recently had to cut to lower expenditure, or give societies more funding, or rent another nightclub in the area. Let’s face it; we are not a particularly rich union and an extra bit of cash can’t really hurt. If Swansea students vote to disaffiliate, it is more than possible for us to do so. Several students’ unions across the country aren’t affiliated to the NUS, and they seem to be doing just fine on their own. Glasgow Students’ Union, for example, has never been affiliated to the NUS, Southampton’s students’ union disaffiliated in 2002, and just last year many student members at Cardiff’s Students’ Union initiated a “No to NUS” disaffiliation campaign. The campaign was unsuccessful, but the campaign alone highlighted the way many Cardiff students felt about what the NUS was doing for them, stating that its affiliation impeded Cardiff’s progress. The overall progress of the NUS does show it to be of some value to students’ unions. Individual students could actually save money by becoming a member through the NUS Extra Card. All the same, can the students’ union justify spending up to £32,000 a year to fund its continued membership, or should we disaffiliate and use the extra money to thrive as an individual union? Only time will tell if we will continue to be members or not. For more information about the NUS and how to get involved visit www.nus.org.uk.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
fashion 14-15
15
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
What I received (and gave back) through my time in the NUS Third year Law and Politics student, Chris Flynn was elected as an NUS Wales delegate in 2012 and explains how his current role on the democratic procedures committee works within the students’ union.
W
HEN I first began university, I started out with a relatively cynical view on the NUS because we pay so much money to them and on face value, it just looks like we only get discounts in town. However, I ran in my second year to be a delegate for the NUS Wales conference. I saw students from across Wales passionately debating and discussing the issues that had arisen in their students’ unions across Wales and we passed policy to try and fix these issues. We saw a lot of further education colleges that don’t have a large students’ union presence where the NUS is a fantastic bank of support and knowledge for the growing unions at FE institutions. At conference, I ran to become the Chairman of the NUS Wales Democratic Procedures Committee. I help to arrange conferences and deal with any democratic or accountability issues that arise throughout the year, especially leading up to conference. The DPC oversees all NUS Wales democratic proceedings, such as debates on policy, and they take complaints on any issues a delegate has on the democratic running of conference and is made up of a maximum of three students. There have been cases where I’ve been asked my opinion and clarification in democratic procedures. I enjoy it and I went in on my manifesto that the NUS needs change and I think I’ve done my best to change it a little bit, and that’s the best I can do. This year, the NUS were very heavily involved in the 7 to 5 consultation. I think that there were errors made but with that the report was set out to do. From the NUS’ viewpoint, it did a very good job of its original intentions in the NUS UK campaign for union development. Directly, Swansea students benefit from the NUS Extra Card but the campaigning and canvassing that NUS do on behalf of students is in my opinion invaluable. We could still benefit from the campaigns if we weren’t a member but if every union took that stance, then the NUS wouldn’t be able to run
REVIEW: Shoreline Theatre presents Lord of the Flies
W
ILLIAM Golding’s novel Lord of the Flies was the subject of Shoreline’s latest production at the Grand Theatre, Swansea, writes Joshua King.
It was a an unlikely production for a student society to undertake as it deals with the detachment of boys no older than 14/15 and the savagery that is inherent in all of us, whether we are man or child. Kudos has to go to the cast for waxing their legs for charity for the play to try and achieve the look of boys just about to hit puberty. The best part of the Lord of Flies is Josh Hutin’s Simon who is fantastic as the lynchpin that the play’s tone hinges on. Hutin commands your attention every time he talks, and during his monologue he manages to convey the emotions his character is feeling so convincingly that you forget it is a man in his twenties playing a young boy. John Welch’s Piggy is also fantastic in a subtle portrayal of a boy who represents the desire for law, order and a civilized society for the boys to live in on the island. There is not a single point where you feel yourself drawn out of the play by his acting. He actively engages your attention whenever he is on the stage. Tom Skirrow is superb as Roger, his presence on stage is exactly what the character requires and deserves. You feel as though his character could lose his lid at any moment and Skirrow, to his credit, manages to achieve this without delving out of character or taking the audience out of the moment. When he is planning with Jack on ways to capture Ralph, you truly get the sense that Skirrow is this character. Credit is also due to the supporting characters who play their parts magnificently.
the campaigns. If a union pulls out of the NUS then that’s less money for the campaigns which means the campaigns would not be as effective. I’d absolutely recommend students to get involved in the student campaigning and politics. It’s exciting and character building. Sometimes you are part of a campaign and you make change and being part of that is a really wonderful thing. My favourite NUS campaign has to be the students fees campaign as it attracted so many people to actively protest and it was so publicly visible and it just showed those in power that us as students weren’t happy and that we still aren’t.
“You make change and being part of that is a really wonderful thing”
However, the actors portraying Jack and Ralph were not strong enough to round out and flesh out their characters to make them seem real. The moments that are supposed to hit home with the audience lack the power due to these somewhat underwhelming performances. The characters of Jack and Ralph represent two different sides of the same coin, Jack the yin to Ralph’s yang, yet when watching this performance you never truly get that feeling. Stefan Fletcher does not really command the stage enough to justify his casting as Jack. Both himself and Ralph, played by Alexander Gardiner, feel miscast as the main leads. They are capable actors, just not at the moment powerful enough to lead a production.
REVIEW: Broken by Motionhouse IT was an hour and ten minutes of riveting creativity and expression that had the audience on its feet at the end. Motionhouse dance company took the Taliesin by storm with their production of Broken, a genuinely emotive portrayal of our fragile relationship with the earth. Fascinating digital imagery and original music combined with impassioned and acrobatic dance to create a spellbinding experience that began with the Big Bang and took us on a gravity-defying journey from the caves of our ancestors towards an inevitable disaster. The strength and athleticism of the performers was truly impressive and matched by the creative muscle behind this piece. Taliesin is renowned for booking the best in contemporary dance and Motionhouse are the crème de la crème. If you ever thought dance wasn’t for you, think again. Kay Byrne
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
16
with nanette turkson
fashion
Festival Fashion.... F
ESTIVAL season is around the corner, whether you are lucky enough to be jetting off Stateside to dance the days and nights away in the Californian heat at COACHELLA, or if you are remaining on UK soil, and gearing up to see your favourite artists performing live at GLASTONBURY, WIRELESS or READING, be sure to get your festival-goer outfits ready for the MUD, MUSIC, MISCHIEF and MADNESS that is guaranteed to ensue.
MISGUIDED Naira High Neck Crop Top With Bandage Waist In Camel, £14.99 Looks great when paired with denim cutoffs
ASOS Polka Dot Headscarf Neckerchief, £6
Cult Fashion Item Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses, £120
TOPSHOP MOTO Acid Wash Denim Hotpants, £30
NEW LOOK Xhatch Structured Backpack, £19.99
The denim cut-offs are synonymous with the festival season, not only are they comfortable, which makes them perfect for those long festival days, but they are also effortlessly stylish. So reach for the daisy dukes and don’t be afraid to flash those pins! With the amount of dancing and walking you’ll be doing from stage to stage, a comfortable yet fashionable pair of flat shoes are necessary. Your feet will thank you. ASOS MAGIC NUMBER Flat Shoes, £35
Don’t forget the wellies! HUNTER colour block wellies, £95
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
fashion 14-15
17
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses, £120 Ray-bans are the perfect outfit accompaniment for both guys and girls!
URBAN OUTFITTERS, Carhartt Cayman Shirt in Green, £65 Looks great buttoned or left unbuttoned over a white vest.
TOPMAN Burgundy Chino Shorts,£22
Guys, don’t shy away from shorts either. These Topman chino style shorts are the perfect colour for summer and festival
VANS Paisley Print, Office £56.99 The paisley trend is here to stay !
TOPMAN, Underrated Angels T-shirt, £35
TOPMAN Hype Sand Backpack, £20
thewaterfront
T U O L L U P S N O I ELECT 24 March 2014
waterfrontonline.co.uk
the official student newspaper of swansea university
INSIDE ELECTIONS
Election Party
Candidate manifestos
waterfrontonline.co.uk/elections
VOTING SHAKE-UP IN OFFICER ELECTIONS by Jon May
front@swansea-union.co.uk ELECTIONS will take place for five full time officer positions for 2014/15, down from seven this year. Voting will be from Monday 24th March to Friday 28th March, a change from the usual week-long Thursday to Thursday arrangement. Voting will also be open 24 hours a day. Polls will close at 5pm on Friday, March 28 and SU-TV, which was recently nominiated for an NUS Student Media Award, will be broadcasting The Result 2014 live on
Five full-time positions are being contested by 20 candidates
YouTube. Exit polls and, for the first time ever, entry polls will be released as soon as voting closes. Students’ union general manager Stuart Rice recently announced the new strategy plan for the union which includes one point to get the voter turnout over 5,000 students. Last year over 3,500 voted in a hotly contested election for the £16k job. Manifestos are officially published within this pullout and can also be found on the Waterfront website:
waterfrontonline.co.uk/elections Video manifestos and interviews can also be found there. Presidential manifestos include points about restoring the union to its former glory, reviewing the union and introducing expiry dates on student cards. Welfare candidates have highlighted healthy eating as a shared point to tackle. Sports candidates are campaigning on equality for all clubs, campaigning
page 2
LIVE TV
to keep Wednesdays free and a Sport Swansea App. Societies and Services candidates want to see student staff rewarded, ensure space on the second campus for societies and create a Swansea Student Media to fund Xtreme Radio and SU-TV. Education candidates want to increase employability, better timetabling and online payments for library fines. Women’s and International students are no longer represented on the fulltime officer team after students voted to cut the two positions. •Voting will take place via a portal on www.swansea-union.co.uk
Catch all the results live on the night page 4 PUZZLES
Hustings bingo cards are back! pagepage 4 29
www.360swansea.co.uk
02 I ELECTIONS
thewaterfront 24. 3. 14
WI
TH DR
AW N
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION PRESIDENT Ceinwen CLONEY
PRESIDENT Aron MCGILL
1. REVIEW the founding principles of the Union, REVIVE what they mean and RESTORE the faith. 2. Increase central funding through an increased block grant, and utilising outside funding pots. 3. Move the union into another more central building on the Singleton Campus. 4. Ensure international students have maintained levels of representation, are welcomed and are fully supported by the union. 5. Secure that ALL union volunteering receive HEAR accreditation. 6. Agree suitable union, societies and sports facilities on the bay campus. 7. Run basic first aid sessions in all first year university residences. 8. Chocolate Fountain Fridays in JCs.
Many students are not included within the current system. I intend to change this by: • Conducting a full review of the students’ union • Make information on sexual health, sex-based crimes and sexual fluidity more available, especially to individuals who have been victims of abuse • Work with local charities and support groups to create a tailored welcome pack for freshers • Run a term long consultation with students and have a referendum on any issues that students wish addressed • A year long celebration of each represented student culture aiming to be as large as Summer Fayre Be Included. Vote Aron
PRESIDENT Harry NODEN
WELFARE Shareena EKHITIARI
I’m Harry and I’m standing to give our union a fresh start. I’m actually quite short so like me, my manifesto is about small, realistic ideas that make big changes to students’ lives. YOUR UNIVERSITY; expiry dates on student cards, increased hardship fund, and more incentives for our feedback. YOUR UNION; SU internationalisation strategy, liberation forums, and an online part time job shop. YOUR PRESIDENT; I’ll start the debate on redeveloping Singleton Campus whilst involving students in the transition to becoming a dual campus university. I’ll also publish how the university and SU spend your money. Start #thinkingsmaller here: harrynoden.co.uk
*Speaks For All* A change and development require persistent, powerful and prominent Voice. Vote for me to be your strong voice. I’m Zarina Hamzah/Shareena Ekhtiari If I am to be elected: • I will organise some events “to get together”, so that students have an opportunity to speak; • I will work closely with the university and the private letting agencies as well as the accommodation officer to improve accommodation on and off campus; • I will work with the university on bus fare and bus schedule during picked period; • I will work closely with other officers.
WELFARE Joel GASCOYNE
WELFARE Rhydian MORRIS
Hi, I’m Joel. The university will never respect a ‘fluffy’ or ‘soft’ position on increasing funding to student services, reducing rent, or lowering the price of food. Let’s change the way welfare is perceived. I offer a welfare campaign that has teeth: challenge any increase to student accommodation prices, landlord accreditation scheme, end deadline clashes, introduce minimum standards on personal tutoring, a taxi safety scheme, lower the price of food on campus, lobby university for more support staff, and campaign to improve current plans for student support on the second campus. For more of my ideas to #givewelfareteeth: www.joelg.co.uk
Vote Rhydian “Spiderman” Morris #1 Welfare “With a great welfare officer comes great responsibility” Mental Health: A targeted men’s mental health and awareness campaign alongside a fully inclusive campaign. Housing: Launch and follow through a voluntary landlord accreditation scheme. Accessibility, access and accountability: To ensure all contact information and feedback mechanisms of the officers are advertised online and offline in places students actually visit. Safety: Lobby council to fix the drainage problem in Singleton Park Fresher’s pack: Full pack containing contact info and list of services of the union, alongside welfare advice and guidance. Available online and offline.
WELFARE Chuks NWABUGWU
WELFARE Dharani VIJAYAKUMAR
Hop on Chucks change train and, let’s collectively • Give every student a voice, and ensure we all have a positive student experience • Tackle anti-social behaviour in and around the university and bring it under significant control, and to guarantee safety of all students • To ensure the quality of food on campus meets health and safety standards and also fairly priced • Vigorously lobby for affordable student accommodation, advice and help students deal with housing related issues • Firmly support the buddy scheme across the university in order to cater to the needs of new students, especially those with disabilities Vote Chucks #1
As a college rep, I have a great deal of experience in ensuring that students’ views are not ignored. My involvement in a range of activities in Swansea, including volunteering with Mental Wealth, has allowed me to engage with important issues, such as mental health. It is because of this that I am running for Welfare Officer, and hope to achieve the following: • Information packs, detailing available health services • Free first aid training • Relaxed social space on campus • Non-alcoholic night in Divas • Re-introduce ‘Rate Your Landlord’ • Guarantee welfare facilities on Bay Campus • Improve staffing of health centre & wellbeing
WELFARE Verity WILLIAMS
EDUCATION Oliver BELL
Every student should be treated as an individual and not a number during their time at Swansea University, with their welfare and wellbeing as a top priority. I’m here to ensure that your time at university really is the best time of your life! Look out for our Superheroes who can tell you a little more about the campaign, my manifesto, and why your number 1 vote should be going by my name. Alternatively join our Facebook group at facebook.com/voteverity or Tweet your questions @voteverity and keep an eye out for your reply! #VOTEVERITY
Hello, I’m Oliver Bell and I’m campaigning to be your education officer. The reduction in the number of full-time officers makes it even more vital that each officer will represent your needs. I will do this with enthusiasm and sound policies such as: • Continuing the work on improved timetables and on increased study space. • Seek to get an improved map of the library on site and online. • Continue to support the careers, workshops and placement scheme services, ensuring they provide more/better quality services to students. • Seek to create a simple student handbook covering less well known areas. Twitter: Oliver_Bell3
waterfrontonline.co.uk
ELECTIONS I 03
VOTE 24th - 28th MARCH EDUCATION Ilana COHEN Your university is calling out for change. The standardisation of your university is vital; all college offices to be open all day, online diaries of assignments available in every department, individual timetables sent before every semester to every student. Better student engagement in lectures and more advice during module selection is critical for your education. Topping-up your library card online is a necessity for students. Already Postgrad Officer for the students’ union and nominated for Subject Rep of the Year, I believe I am the right person to transform how you learn. This is YOUR education, YOUR university, YOUR future.
SOCIETIES & SERVICES Jerry ISOKARIARI • Lobby for society space and services on second campus. • Increase annual funding allocated to societies. • Arrange daily drop-in sessions to avoid students waiting behind closed doors. • Push for an appeal process for societies that have been shut down. • Arrange fortnightly meetings with society presidents to identify if and how the students’ union can help them. • Help smaller societies increase their visibility within the university. • Get society committee member positions recognised on transcripts • Increase international food on campus. • Arrange monthly meetings for international students to discuss and address any difficulties they are having. Slogan: The odds shall always be in your favour.
SOCIETIES & SERVICES Kat MOLLOY If elected as your societies and services officer I would: 1. Create Swansea Student Union Media to be inline with the other unions to allow them to get support like the Waterfront. 2. Implement a reward scheme for student staff. 3. Reinstate Raise and Give. 4. International student societies forum and set up liberation societies network in conjunction with local organisations and charities. 5. Finalise the Fulton House renovation project and also refurnish Xtreme lounge in Divas. 6. Secure provision for the second campus therefore securing income so that other services can go to second campus.
SOCIETIES & SERVICES Glyn WILLIAMS As Charitable Rep on the Societies Executive Committee, and President of UNICEF On Campus, I already have a great deal of experience in working with societies. If elected next year, I hope to: • End the ban on societies giving out free hot food and drink. • Guarantee union services (including a bar) on the Bay Campus, employing student staff. • Make myself available to societies, with fixed office hours and a meeting with each society at the beginning of the year. • Introduce a dedicated societies’ noticeboard to JC’s Coffee Side. • Subsidise evening bus services between the Singleton and Bay campuses.
EDUCATION Dylan HOPKINS VOTE DYLAN HOPKINS FOR EDUCATION OFFICER If you elect me I will: • Introduce guidelines to make lectures more engaging and more educational. • Introduce personalised timetables. • Push for improvement of old lecture theatres. • Balance the inequality of focus that is dedicated to non-science based subjects. • Be accessible so I can address the concerns of any students, using weekly drop-in sessions. • Make extensions for extreme circumstances easier. • Ensure all student are represented. • Keep the library open 24/7. • Introduce work placements for most if not all courses. • Make university WiFi available on the beach.
SOCIETIES & SERVICES Jazmin KOPOTSHA Hey, I’m Jazmin. I’ve served as JC’s bar staff, Dance Society committee, and as editor of the Waterfront Societies page. I want the students’ union to deliver services that students want whilst providing societies with sector-leading support. If elected to the union will; GET MORE SPACE: Partner with the local council to make spaces outside campus available to societies. MAKE ROOM BOOKINGS EASIER: Develop an online room booking page. CREATE PART-TIME JOBS FOR STUDENTS: Start a social enterprise with the university creating more part time jobs for students. So #getJAZZYonit and check out more of my ideas: getjazzy.co.uk
SOCIETIES & SERVICES Nick TOWNSEND If elected as Societies and Services Officer 2014-15 I intend to: 1. Introduce a student-staff discount card to reward student-staff members. 2. Introduce a committee reward scheme for society committee members. 3. Carry out an annual cross campus services review to improve the quality of services. 4. Run bilingualism training for society committee members. 5. Source more space for society activities. 6. Secure the future of societies on the second campus. 7. Ensure an equal provision of services across both campuses. A minute of your time for a year of my life. Facebook: Mr Societies and Services Twitter: @MrSocietiesandServices Nick#1
SPORT Chanté LEE I’m Chanté Lee, a third-year Marine Biology student and I’m running for Sports Officer. I’m an active participant in rugby, dance, canoe polo and quidditch within the university, but also do kitesurfing and figure skating. My aims for the next year if elected are to: • Have a physio and first aider available for all home games. • Equal publicity and representation in media. • Publicity videos for individual sports for Freshers’ Week. • Keep Wednesdays free. • Implement disability sports within Sport Swansea. • Sports Vs. Societies competition through the year. • Open day workshops with the public to encourage. Vote Lee for Sport Equality #Sport=Lee-ty
SPORT Charlotte PETERS
SPORT Lauren WALKER
Aim to get club-specific sponsors for equipment, training, etc. (as extras to bars or restaurants). Continue work with intramural leagues to get a successful and sustainable structure established. Ensure that sporting provision is a key feature on the second campus. Push the university to keep to their word of the facilities our clubs should be able to use at Fairwood, and if they can’t, ensure they provide a comparable alternative. Create a handover week before the summer for new committees so clubs are completely prepared. Monitor the new kit provider and work hard to cement an efficient ordering system.
Hi, I’m Lauren and I’m running to be your next Sports Officer. Our university has everything we need to put Swansea on the map for sports, globally. Here is my plan to do it: Sports Swansea App linked in with university PR team, Varsity promotion strategy to make sure all Varsity sports receive maximum exposure, securing better use of Fairwood, and benchmarking the resources we receive against the teams we compete against to lobby the university for a bigger Sport Swansea budget. #WalkwithWalker and vote Lauren Walker #1 for Sports Officer. For more of my ideas visit: walkwithwalker.co.uk
04 I ELECTIONS
thewaterfront 24. 3. 14
The Results 2014 will be live on YouTube from 5pm on Fri 28th March
waterfrontonline.co.uk/elections
Hustings Bingo Hustings, the debate between candidates, will take place between 12-4pm on Monday 24th March in the Hive and on the Waterfront elections page (waterfrontonline.co.uk/elections).
Tumblr Read my manifesto
Like my page
Check out my policies
Second campus The Waterfront
SU-TV Expenses
Former glory
Back on course
Passionate about students
Sin City
I want to represent you
Costcutter
A vote for me is a vote for you
Ivory Tower
JC’s
Student engagement
*Reference to cheesy video*
Spar
Financial transparency
Review
Divas
University management
Choice
Campus Catering
Students are crying out for ...
Fulton Outfitters
Union mangement
Reform
SAS
Thank you for your time
Healthy food
Change
Look out for my Xtreme Lounge video updates
This bingo card should not be used as a drinking game
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
fashion 14-15
with Hilary Webb
23
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
food
Late-night chocolatey moments L
ATE night trips to the shop to buy coursework snacks were beginning to get a bit pricey so I decided to make one of my favourite chocolatey snacks, brownies. The recipe makes around 16 brownies depending on how you cut them, perfect for sharing (or not).
Double chocolate and marshmallow brownies INGREDIENTS 300g sugar 230g unsalted butter, melted and then cooled 3 eggs 120g plain flour 1 tsp vanilla extract 60g unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon fine salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 200g bag of white chocolate chips 1 200g bag of milk chocolate chips 100g mini marshmallows METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees C or gas mark 3. Line a deep ovenproof dish with baking parchment. 2. Stir the sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs in a mixing bowl. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder and stir until combined. 3. Stir in all the white chocolate chips,
100g of the milk chocolate chips and 60g of the marshmallows.
needs more time. Cooked brownies should remain slightly gooey in texture.
the rest of (or as many as you’d like) marshmallows into the soft chocolate.
4. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread out so that it’s smooth on top. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes, then stick a knife in to judge if it’s ready. If the knife comes back too gooey it probably
5. Sprinkle with the remaining milk chocolate chips and leave until they’ve melted before spreading them over the top of the brownies. Let the chocolate cool slightly before pressing
6. Lift the brownies out of the dish/tin to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
Have you got a recipe you’d like to share? Email editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Vegetarian food with Hannah Etienne Minestrone Minestrone is the best soup in the world. It must be said that, as warming and homely as it is, soup just isn’t enough to satiate one’s appetite. However, this bowl of carb-based joy with a good helping of vegetables to keep your health happy is superb. Its allure comes from its simplicity and versatility, as whatever you already have to hand works perfectly with this, providing that you have the basic holy trinity of onion, carrots, and celery. INGREDIENTS 1tbsp olive oil 1 onion 3 carrots 3 celery sticks 1 garlic cloves 3 tbsp tomato purée 1.2 litres vegetable stock 400g/1 tin cannellini beans, drained
150g pasta ¼ cabbage Chili flakes Salt and pepper METHOD Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the carrot, celery and onion. Season with salt, pepper and chili flakes and cook for around 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a few more minutes. Tip in the stock. Cover, bring slowly bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for a further 15 minutes. Add the beans and pasta and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked. Add the cabbage and cook for 2 more minutes. If it’s a bit too thick, add more water until it reaches the preferred consistency.
front row
The World Premiere A brand new comedy from Dave Jenkins. The local am-dram are celebrating 90 years but have no money, so they decide to write a play. Cue jealousy, silly scripts, bruised egos as they all vie to produce the best play. Written especially to celebrate Swansea Little Theatre’s 90 continuous years of performance in Swansea. . Dylan Thomas Theatre, 26-29 March @ 7.30pm. Full £10 Concession £9
Bridgend Big Band The popular big band from Bridgend returns to Jazzland, led by musical director Bill Davies. The band will play from a repertoire of many big band favourites. 26th March @ 8pm. Swansea Jazzland, St. James Social Club, St. James Crescent, Uplands. Members £7 Non-Members £10
Only Boys Aloud Bring along your Mum to hear these awarding winning boys who just love to sing. With a specially formed section of the choir from the Neath, Maesteg and Cross Hands groups, they will perform a rousing selection of songs. Founded by Only Men Aloud in May 2010, the boys’ inaugural appearance took place at the National Eisteddfod at Ebbw Vale. Since then they have appeared at many highprofile events including at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff with Dame Shirley Bassey and Catherine Zeta and They have been the subject of two TV documentaries and appeared on BBC’s Songs of Praise. In May 2012, Only Boys Aloud came third in ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.
Only Boys Aloud, Waterfront Museum.
The Waterfront Museum, Swansea. 30 March 2014, 1pm & 2.30pm. Free.
Steve Waterman/Alan Barnes with the Dave Cottle Trio Two of the UK’s leading and most popular jazz trumpet and sax players respectively. Expect another high class storming night of jazz! 2 April @ 8pm. Swansea Jazzland, St. James Social Club, St. James Crescent, Uplands. Members £7 Non-Members £10
Little Caesar An American hard rock band. Sin City, 6th April. £14.
Lostalone Plus Verses and Carbon. LostAlone are a British rock band from Derby. The band currently consists of Steven Battelle, Alan Williamson, and Mark Gibson. See page 26 for an interview with Steve Battelle. Sin City, 6th April. £7
Have you got an event you would like to see in Front Row? Email waterfrontfrontrow@swanseaunion.co.uk
Lostalone, Sin City. Photo by Jodiphotography.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
fashion 14-15
W H AT ’S ON
24
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
culture
This brave book will steal your heart T
HE Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a beautifully written yet brutally honest novel, writes Emma James, that follows one German child’s journey from 1939 until the end of the Second World War. Death narrates the life story of the nineyear-old girl, Liesel, who steals books as an act of rebellion against Nazi Germany. The story unfolds as Liesel suffers heartache at a young age from the loss of her brother and her parents who were taken to the concentration camps. Friends and family who share the same passion for reading as Liesel gather around to listen to the words written on the pages. The stolen books are her musical instrument. Even though the story itself is fictional, references are made throughout linking the characters to true events, such as the racism towards the black athlete Jesse Owens during the Berlin Olympics of 1936 and Kristallnacht in 1938. There is a suggested link to censorship within the story, when the German government during this period controlled every aspect of society, even down to the words used in everyday life and the books citizens were forced to read. The fact that the book is narrated by death adds to the charm of the story because we as readers see everything through the eyes of an innocent observer. The narrator shows how strong human beings are to survive a life of pure cruelty, when in reality you would expect people to be torn apart by the heartbreaks of the war and the violent acts of Nazi Germany. Jayne Stockton, a second year student said: “I thought [Zusak] made it more interesting [because] it was narrated by death. It’s an amazing book. I cried a lot.” This novel is one of a kind, mainly because historical events are shown by death and the children who are both innocent bystanders, who do not understand why religion or ethnicity should be a factor in how you treat someone. It will make you cry, smile and will also teach you a lot about the history of Germany during the war period. The Guardian praised Zusak saying: “A novel of breath-taking scope, masterfully told. [The novel is] an important piece of work, but also a wonderful page turner.” The Independent on Sunday said: “A moving work which will make many eyes brim.” •Zusak’s novel has recently been adapted into a film and is currently in cinemas now.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
fashion 14-15
with L AUREN P HILLIP S
features 12-13
25
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Top notch arts centre right on our doorstep AT some point or another we have all visited the Taliesin Arts Centre on campus. Whether popping in to go to the bank, having some food in the café, wandering around the Egypt Centre or buying a course book from the bookshop, we have all been in there. But how many of us have actually visited the Taliesin Arts Centre for its main purpose and facility? writes Lauren Phillips. One of the best art centres in South Wales, the Taliesin offers oneoff performances from renowned local, national and international talent and productions. It’s a place where you can visit the cinema and see an Oscar winning blockbuster like Gravity and The Wolf of Wall Street or a quirky, alternative indie or subtitled film. Tickets for screenings of live shows are available to students from £3. They allow you to watch a show being performed in London in the comfort of our campus cinema for a fraction of the price. A bargain! So if the four walls of the library have driven you mad and you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with deadlines and lectures, why not pop into the Taliesin? Grab a coffee, take a break and experience an arts centre buzzing with music and theatre right here on our doorstep.
What’s on? 24/25 March - The Invisible Woman (12A)
Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas Nelly is a happily-married mother and schoolteacher, haunted by her past. Her memories take you back in time to her relationship with Charles Dickens, with whom she discovered an exciting but fragile complicity. Dickens, at the height of his career, is controlling and emotionally isolated within his success. He falls for Nelly, who will become his long-time mistress. Dickens - a brilliant amateur actor – is a man more emotionally coherent on the page or on stage, than in life. As Nelly becomes the focus of Dickens’ passion and his muse, for both of them secrecy is the price, and for Nelly a life of invisibility.
Review: Kidnapped Kidnapped came to Swansea’s shores this month and proved to be a swashbuckling tale of adventure, writes Rachael Howes-Tonks. The play, based on the novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, follows Davie Balfour, a young boy who is kidnapped and narrowly avoids being murdered, before going on the run through the Scottish highlands. The play used five actors, and a series of puppetry to create a wild, inventive story of the high seas and moors. It was also a play that relied on the audience’s imagination, using minimalist sets and actions which invited the audience to visualize what was really happening. This was particularly well done in an underwater scene, in which the characters mimed swimming and then used their own bodies to create a current acting upon Davie’s limp body. It was a lot more abstract than the commercial modern productions that are often seen, but all the better for this. The musical talent in the performance was
also very impressive, with the cast members tap dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments throughout. Despite this, the songs were not excessive and traditional folk songs were used in-between most scenes to set the dark undertone of the play. It hit the mark in terms of feelgood family fun; the audience gave some genuine laughs and the ending certainly had everyone smiling. My only criticism would be that whilst Kidnapped was advertised for all the family, perhaps some of the younger family members might not appreciate the darker scenes of violence or political undercurrents running throughout the narrative. However, the larger than life characters, particularly Simon Weir playing Alan Breck, were enthusiastic, engaging and humorous. The audience left with a greater knowledge of Jacobite politics than they may have done, and a true appreciation of the “real” pirate tales of the Scottish coasts.
3/4/5 April – Under Milk Wood: an opera In 1954, Dylan Thomas caused a literary storm with his play for voices, Under Milk Wood. Sixty years on, Wales’ leading opera composer, John Metcalf creates a groundbreaking new opera and recreates Thomas’ world of Llareggub - the town that went mad. Under Milk Wood: an opera weaves together extraordinary poetic and comic language, contemporary and ancient instrumental music, recorded and live sound, as this 13-strong company of singers and multi-instrumentalists creates a feast for the ears. Come join blind, old Captain Cat and his fellow villagers cradling their hopes and dreams in Llareggub. Anything can and will happen in this mythical village during the twenty four hours that have captured the imagination of millions worldwide. Part of the Dylan Thomas 100 Festival. Premieres at Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea (3-5 April 2014) then on tour around Wales (8-15 April).
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
WIth OLIVIA ROSENTHALL
fashion 14-15
26
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
music
Lostalone: ‘I can promise a great show’ L
OSTALONE, formed in 2005, have supported bands such as Thirty Seconds to Mars and Paramore. In 2007 they were nominated for the “Best British Newcomer” at the Kerrang Awards. Tim Morizet got to speak with front man Steven Batelle ahead of their UK tour and release of their new album “Shapes of Screams”...
songs that aren’t very good, it’s more to do with finding songs that feel like they are on the same theme. In terms of the release date it’s all really about the cycle of the band. We felt like we’d said everything we needed to say on the last record and this is the time to get the next one out.
TM: In your opinion, what makes a good front man?
SB: I think we’ve changed a lot. We formed a band very quickly and did a lot of stuff that we’d never done before, we toured a lot of places we’d never been to and had a great time. For me personally that really changed me as a person. I’d been on family holidays when I was younger, just to real classic British holiday places like Spain and Portugal and all of a sudden I got to go to Germany, Austria, Scandinavia and America, and all on my own terms with a band. It opened my eyes seeing how amazing those places were and I think it had a big influence on my music and outlook.
SB:I think you need to be able to communicate to an audience. I like the theatrical approach on the stage, as it gets people involved. Sometimes when watching a band its very apparent if the singer has got that kind of magic that captivates people. I think it’s a special ingredient that’s hard to pinpoint, some people have it and some people don’t. TM: How would you describe your music to someone who doesn’t know you? SB: I’d say it’s very musical, actually. We’re a guitar band with a lot of vocals, a lot of guitars; the stage show is very theatrical.
TM: You formed in 2005, how has the band changed since then?
TM: Where has been your favourite place to tour?
TM: Your new album “Shapes of Screams” will be released on the 7th of April, when do you think is the right time to release an album? How do you decide what songs should go on it?
SB: I think maybe Switzerland. I really love it there. I’d been there with the band and ever since I’ve just kept on going back. We went to Montreux, where Deep Purple wrote “Smoke on the Water”, Michael Jackson and David Bowie both recorded in studios there too, and its become a place where I always go once we’ve finished making a record.
SB: That’s a good question. I wrote around a hundred songs for this album and demoed them all at home. It very quickly becomes apparent how certain songs actually fit together. It’s not necessarily kicking out
TM: In April you’ll be touring the UK with your new album, and you’ll also be playing at Sin City in Swansea. What are the negative points of touring?
SB: I can’t really think of a negative point from my point of view. I love everything about touring. I think things are very different now. If you were a band in the 70’s going on tour would mean no contact with friends or anyone, it was a different world. TM: What do Swansea have to look forward to on the 6th of April? SB: Well, Lostalone have never been to Swansea so we’re very excited to play there, and mainly, if you’ve heard the name “Lostalone” before but haven’t been sure what it is or what we’re like, I’d say this is the show to come to. We’ve had a lot of good feedback from our recent gigs, so I can promise a great show.
•Lostalone will be at Sin City on Sunday, 6th April.
Lostalone will be at Sin City on Sunday 6th April. Get your tickets at: www.swansea-union.co.uk
Reviews Bombay Bicycle Club @ Cardiff Students’ Union In a sold-out students’ union, packed to the brim with eager Bombay Bicycle Club fans, the ‘new-to-the-scene’ Rae Morris took to the stage to play her support slot, writes Alexander Reeve. From singles such as ‘Grow’ to potential hits from her upcoming album, Rae Morris performed a plethora of songs elegantly and flawlessly, in a voice that without a doubt, left a lasting impression on those who stood before her. After Rae Morris’ set, and a prolonged stage setup, Bombay appeared onstage and kicked things off with ‘Overdone’, a track from their latest album. From there on in, fans were treated to a range of old and new album favourites, such as ‘Luna’, ‘Shuffle’, and as one would expect ‘Always Like This’. Like the band’s energy and enthusiasm for their music, Jack Steadman’s vocals never faltered, and evidently surpassed the crowd’s hopes and expectations. All in all, it was a concise, tremendous performance that proved to the audience that Bombay Bicycle Club is an incredibly talented band with still a lot more to offer in the future.
CHVRCHES @ Cardiff Students’ Union Electro synth pop trio danced right through their short album set engaging with the audience on Thursday, 13th March, writes Rebecca Sirett. The only down side to the evening was the other viewers, who although clearly liked the music did not show it by dancing or singing along! The gig was colourful, intimate and fun; and the band were adamant when coming on for a quick encore that they would not play any covers. This sums Chvrches up, sticking to their unique Glaswegian music- brilliance.
Tales of Us
Goldfrapp Live Film Event
The idea of releasing a 47 year old’s new album in an edgy collection of short films is a brave idea to say the least writes Lawrence Porter, for it to be properly pulled off one would expect there to be something included that would hold one’s gaze. Instead we were treated to 35 minutes of staple hipster clichés. Aimless wandering through woodlands, naked people with no real seeming role at all apart from being naked, lots of people looking lost, continuous black and white film footage, lesbian love, inexplicable murder, and the complete and utter lack of any storyline whatsoever. Overall it was trying far too hard and it left me feeling that this sad middle-aged woman just wants to be trendy. Some advice: Give up love. As for the album that this mess was meant to be promoting, it sounded like someone had a bad trip listening to early Moby or Groove Armada and thought, “what the heck, let’s give this dreamy intense dance a go!” The result is a dismal pile of mismatched unattractive rubbish. The sound created here is frankly unclassifiable, and not in a way one should be proud of. In fact if I created this wispy rubbish I would be deeply ashamed. I suppose if I were to find some light to this dross, her live performance was strong, her voice was never flat and the musicians accompanying her were incredibly tight. It is obvious that a lot of money has been pumped into Goldfrapp for this album and it actually makes me rather angry. There are thousands of aspiring artist waiting for their lucky break who really deserve the money that was spent on this old horse’s pretentious guff. If you are looking for a good new album where a woman is really socking it to the man, listen to St. Vincent’s new album. Goldfrapp can only dream of a sound like that.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
with saul masters
fashion 14-15
27
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
film
From Youtube to Hollywood... Swansea alumnus Jonny Owen’s journey
F
ORMER Swansea University student Jonny Owen set out a few years ago to make an online Youtube series telling the story of Dixie, a loveable Welsh lad who has dreams of making it big in London with his new band, The Premature Congratulations. The series was recieved with great acclaim by the likes of Time Out and NME. The series made the jump from the computer screen to the big screen. Saul Masters met up with the writer and creator, Jonny Owen and lead actress Vicky McClure. What is Svengali about?
Jonny Owen: It’s about a lad from Wales who discovers a band on the internet that he believes will be the next big thing, kind of like a cross between the Sex Pistols and the Clash. What music needs he thinks, so he packs up with his girlfriend, who’s played by Vicky, I play the lad from Wales, Dixie, she plays Shell. He travels to London to manage the band and it’s about a few weeks period in his life where the band becomes really successful and does all the things a band should do like they get a Radio 1 session with Huw Stephens, front page of the NME, and they get on soccer AM and then it’s about his story, his life spinning out of control, other people wanting the band.
Martin Freeman and Jonny Owen (right).
Where did you get the idea from? JO: It’s roughly based on the manager of my old band, I was in a band called the Pocket Devils and we had this manager called Paul Dickson, Dixie, and as a band we were a little bit arrogant and young. And I thought there was a lot of room for comedy in it. Alan McGee gave me a great line, the guy who signed Oasis “rock n roll is the only industry in the world where bad behaviour is actively encouraged”. I thought that was a great back drop for lots of comedy, so I tried to use that and a lot people from the real world like Carl Barat from the Libertines, and Alan McGee, recreate stuff like the Radio 1 session with Huw Stephens at the Maida Vale studios, so that was sort of the premise of it. How much of it was taken from your own experience? JO: A lot of it is yeah, it was in the mid-90s when I was signed and there is a little bit of life imitating art in that I was trying to get the film made while the character in the series was trying to get the band signed. I certainly knew the world and the characters, the larger than life characters, the A&R men and record label scouts, promoters and journalists and I used a lot of them to create certain characters. How did you get Vicky McClure involved? JO: Vicky I heard on Radio 1, being interviewed with Edith Bowman, she was very funny. And great fun, I was obviously a massive fan of hers on This is England she played Lol and won the BAFTA and I heard her in this interview and thought she would be perfect to play Shell and I went back to London and I approached her with the script and obviously with the online series she was able to visualise that as well. What attracted you to the script? Vicky McClure: When you pick up any script if you can just go through it from start to finish, without putting it down or being distracted by a phone call or making a cup of tea then you know that really is a good sign that you’re sucked into the story straight away. The fact it had so many elements to it, comedy, drama, the music side of it. And even down to the Welsh gags and that was really endearing as well. Was it nice to take on a lighter, more comedic role? VC: Yeah it was brilliant; we laughed every day on set. It was nice to play something different, it’s always nice to play different characters, whatever that is. Shell was particularly good fun to play, good fun to dress up. And even down to the Welsh gags and that was really endearing as well. I read the script and rung my agent back straight away, I was on board. How did you get Martin Freeman, Michael Smiley and Matt Berry involved? JO: Martin Freeman got in touch with me via a mutual friend he’ d seen the virals and asked for my number and asked to be in it. Matt Berry acted with me on a film
called A Bit of Tom Jones, and we became good mates. I was always very lucky, the person that I wanted the most at the start I got which was Alan McGee and that started the ball rolling. And after that then it was kind of like I was approached a lot because I think the series was seen as left field. VC: It’s quite astonishing really because people will often write a film wishing they could have certain people but not thinking they would like it when actually actors like Martin Freeman who have got amazing careers from the Hobbit, he was loving the fact he was part of Svengali it really meant something to him. He dresses like a mod, lives the life of a mod. How was it to go to the Edinburgh film festival? Especially because you were
nominated for the Michael Powell award?
JO: That was bit mental, I didn’t expect that. It’s a very intellectual award so that was a great pleasant surprise. And we got down to the last four, we got best of fest, we got into CBGB festival in New York, they were just bonuses really. I was making a comedy drama that I wanted people to enjoy in the cinema and in their house. So when that happened I was pleasantly surprised. You quoted in a past interview that Tarantino once said that he didn’t go to film school but went to films. What films did you go to for Svengali? JO: I was a huge fan of films, my grandfather was huge fan of films so I watched a lot of old films that he was into. He was really into Frank Capra so those great classic films he did it’s a wonderful life and Mr Smith goes to Washington. I was really into a lot of those kind of movies and then like a lot of people what Scorsese did and those films of the late 60s, early 70s that had sort of changed Hollywood. I do love British directors like Danny Boyle, I love Guy Ritchie I think he did a great job with his early stuff like Lock Stock and Snatch. There’s so many good film makers around but Shane Meadows was kind of my favourite British film director. And Quadrophenia was the most important film because I know it’s a mod film but It’s the film I’ve watched the most. Does taking a less traditional route through acting have its advantages?
VC: I’m not from a trained drama school, I went to a work shop where you just got up and tried stuff and you never got a certificate or a pass it was just a case of twice a week going down there and trying different things out and we did plays but when we did Shakespeare we did it our way. Drama school wasn’t for me and I’m just extra lucky that I managed not to go drama school and also you know and have a fairly successful career. Have you got any advice for any students wanting to get into films? JO: Film stuff, film anything, and don’t worry about writing film. You got your thumb and you got your iPhone, you’ve got no excuse now, film it. That’s the secret.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
WITH VERITY OCKENDEN
fashion 14-15
29
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
travel Fish and fireworks in Hong Kong A
S soon as I arrived in Hong Kong, I was whisked away to a Chinese restaurant near the university, to try some real Chinese food. After the traditional washing of all the crockery and utensils in hot water, the time came for me to begin to understand the art of using chopsticks. I can say that I was completely humiliated in the first few days, although I am starting to master it now. After the first couple of days in Hong Kong, I was abruptly informed that the majority of Chinese food you get in the UK is from Indo-China, as dishes such as prawn toasts and prawn crackers not being Chinese, with the only ‘authentic’ thing on my last UK Chinese meal being the boiled rice. Vegetarian food is also popular, with a Buddhist population of 21%, which became apparent when I went to the Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery, where I tried a vegetarian fish (made of a mashed root vegetable) and some tofu prawns. With Hong Kong being a series of islands, fish is a particularly popular dish on the menus, especially on outlying islands such as Cheng Chau and Tao O, a town built on stilts over a river estuary on Lantau Island, where you can get a beautiful fish platter and vegetables for a very reasonable price. Central Hong Kong is a sea of closely packed skyscrapers, one of the most prominent being the IFC (International Finance Centre) of 88 floors, and many skyscrapers only have a couple of feet (61 cm) between them. I have never before had the experience of craning my neck so far to see the top that I nearly lost balance — they make Manhattan Island, New York, look small in comparison to the sheer height and density of Hong Kong. There are several green spaces on the island, a blessed relief from the
Edwin Rose, a BA History student, is on an exchange programme at Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Here are his initial impressions of a ‘truly fantastic city’. extremely crowded central area, where the average number of people waiting for the traffic lights to change would be about 30. With so many people, the concept of ‘personal space’ in Hong Kong is extremely limited, with it being quite common to be packed shoulder to shoulder in a crowded street or be squeezed into an MTR (Mass Transit Railway) carriage more tightly than a tin of sardines, with it becoming even more crowded for the Chinese New Year. Chinese New year in Hong Kong was fantastic. Preceding the New Year, there were wonderful flower markets, with a huge array of flowers of all types along with food, the most prominent being fish balls, which is a type of fish mixed with dough then deep fried, along with small snacks such as coconut sweets. The first main event of the New Year was the parade through the streets, where there were different floats, a marching band, lion dancers and dragons. This was a hugely crowded event, with 1.5 million
people watching. The next evening, we went to see the New Year’s fireworks, which made the ones in London look like a child’s sparkler. They were in the shapes of hearts and lotus flowers, but no horse, which was a bit disappointing because it is the year of the horse. However, the fireworks were so large that the government had to inform the airport about the smoke from the display, which rose into the air around the skyscrapers of central, was reflecting off their mirrored glass. During the New Year week, there were continual celebrations, with it becoming a common occurrence to walk down a street or through a market and see Lion Dancers, with the lion costume reaching up to the top of the stalls to ‘eat’ lettuce which was hanging there, in order to bless the shop for the next lunar New Year. There were also New Year celebrations on the outlying islands, although on a much smaller scale. On the island of Cheng Chau a little old lady ushered me into a Taoist temple where she showed me how to prey to the deity in the beautifully decorated temple, which had a Chinese New Year flag outside. Hong Kong is a truly fantastic place with a wealth of interesting things to do; I just can’t wait to explore more of them! After the New Year celebrations, which was a bit strange because I had one week of lectures then another week off, the time came to really knuckle down and do some work. All of the lectures are in English with a lot of the work at Lingnan being fairly rigorous and constant, with it mainly being based on continuous assessment. This can be anything from seminar participation to weekly essays and longer assignments. The classes are much smaller here, with there being a maximum of about 30 people, in
comparison to our big lectures of over a hundred people. The lectures have a much more casual air, and are more like one large seminar, where everyone is expected to participate — I was extremely surprised to find myself receiving results in my first week for class participation and a short assignment. Recently I have been doing one or two essays every week, something I would not be doing until mid-March at home, although there are very few exams here. Lingnan University is situated in the New Territories of Hong Kong, away from the hustle and bustle of central. It is an award winning campus, designed to look like a Chinese temple, with ponds filled with fish and turtles and a mountain behind with fantastic hikes through the rainforest. The university accommodation looks out over the university and the mountains of the New Territories. It very different from Swansea because you have to share a room with a local student. This is so you can help them to improve their English and they can help you improve your Cantonese. The accommodation is often cleaned once a day, and there are lots of local shops and a market to buy food. This is proving to be a truly fantastic experience, with me gaining a perception of an amazing city through the eyes of a resident, rather than a tourist.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
with HO LLY M ILLER
fashion 14-15
31
features 12-13
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
relationships
Blind Date Revisited
After Ali met Harvey
Ali Montgomery, 21, an Ancient History Studies student, and Harvey Jones, 20, a Marine Biology student, met last year for The Waterfront Blind Date. We catch up with them.
Ali on Harvey
Ask Aunt Laura and Aunt Mel Your resident agony aunts are here to answer your problems. if you have any questions, from how to change a lightbulb to whether to kiss the boy you like, email waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union.co.uk Dear Laura and Mel, I was out in Tooters a couple of weeks ago and on my way home I came across a girl crying. Obviously being the gentleman I am, I decided I would see if she was ok. This resulted in me walking her home to make sure she got home ok. At her door I was about to bid her farewell, when she offered me a service I wasn’t all too comfortable with (let’s just say it begins with A and ends in L). Obviously I refused and, humiliated at the embarrassing offer, she ran into the house slamming the door behind her. I now frequently see her around university and I know she recognises me, do I talk to her again and let her know it’s ok, or do I pretend not to know her, making her feel even worse about herself. What do I do?? From Jordy Dear Jordy, We think for a start that it was lovely of you to walk the lady home. This is a bit of an awkward subject as she was clearly embarrassed about the situation. But your refusal did give her an education not to offer up things when you have just walked her home. She could get herself in a lot of danger being so open with people, so lady if you’re reading this please be more careful! We are sure we don’t need to tell her that. It is clear that she will be embarrassed about this for a long time so we think the best thing is to avoid speaking to her for the time being, she clearly was having a bad night and had been drinking so we think it is best to forget about the incident for her sake as everyone says silly things when they are drunk. Therefore just avoid talking for now and maybe in the future if you see her just tell her she doesn’t need to worry and that we all say stupid things when drunk, or claim you have forgotten about it. Keep up the gentlemanly behaviour as there aren’t many men that would behave as you did that night. Love, Laura and Mel Dear Laura and Mel, I’m in a bit of a predicament; I’m panicking about graduation in just a few months and am unsure what I want to do after university. The thought of settling down into an adult lifestyle with a lot of responsibility is filling me with dread! It is now getting to the point where I’m worrying about it all the time. Where can I go to get advice and what are my options? Godfrey Dear Godfrey, First of all do not panic! A lot of people are in the same boat as you, and are worried about leaving their crazy student lifestyle behind! There are many options for you after university that offer you a whole new adventure; you could continue in education, get a full-time job or even travel. The university has many career advisers that can help you out and we would recommend booking an appointment with them. You can also speak to your personal tutor as they will be able to offer you advice too. Hopefully, after talking it through with them you will have more clarity and can enjoy the remainder of your time at university. All the best, Laura and Mel
How did you feel before and after the Blind Date was published? I felt a real sense of achievement. I had finally made headlines - very exciting. Now that some time has passed, would you go on another date? I would absolutely love to - especially with Harvey. Have you considered meeting up for another date with the person since? We met several times, and our love burned bright, like a million stars. Have you drunk texted or phoned him? Yeah we did, but he wrote me some pretty cute letters; he’s pretty old fashioned in that sense. I’ve lost my phone, so am waiting on another drunken letter. Do you still make eye contact when you pass each other on campus? Always! Sometimes I feel like I must look like a creep when I flash him my smile and suggestive wink. Harvey isn’t picking up on it though TAKE THE HINT! Are you Facebook friends? Yes we are, he added me two and a half seconds after our date 0 he must have been keen. Would you recommend the Blind Date to your friends? I really would, it’s an amazing thing to take part in. Who knows, you may meet Mr Right!
Harvey on Ali How did you feel before and after the Blind Date was published? Proud that such an important moment in my life was documented for the entire readership of The Waterfront to see. Now that some time has passed, would you go on another date? I haven’t seen the point. Alexandra Montgomery was my dream woman. Any girl I have met after has just seemed inadequate. Have you considered meeting up for another date with the person since? She doesn’t seem as interested now. Initially our lust-filled affair became entangled in emotions I didn’t know existed, but she has ripped my heart out. I fear she has been cheating on me - I won’t let myself return to her arms again. Have you drunk texted or phoned her? A couple of times, but recently she’s changed her number. Her neighbour tells me it’s just a coincidence but I have my suspicions. Do you still make eye contact when you pass each other on campus? Yeah every time but that’s mostly because she has this weird twitch thing going on. Are you Facebook friends? She keeps adding me and then deleting me... I think she needs help. Would you reccomend the Blind Date to your friends? I feel this question is best answered by Shakespeare. “It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” I just want to take this opportunity to thank Alexandra Montgomery for my... personal awakening. I miss you.
If you are interested in having a blind date, email your name, age, course and level to waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union.co.uk
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
With Aderonke Atoke Taiwo
fashion 14-15
33
features 12-13
international
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Open your eyes to the colours of the wind A
S winter slowly gives way to spring, it is a joy to see the flowers blossoming. The weather is nice enough to go out without the heaviness of a thick woolen coat; without the dreadful constant rain, one can actually wear nice shoes. Spring is a beautiful time of the year, but it also that time of the academic year when, as an international student, you face a lot of pressure. During the autumn term, it’s new and fresh. Everything is different and exciting. On the school front, it’s exhilarating to discover new modules and new tutors. On the personal front, you’re probably settling into new digs, or even a new city – if it’s your first year. It’s that owning a shiny new toy feeling. But, as winter sheds its chills for the golden glaze of the sun, we begin to feel the intensity of the school year. Results for the first term are out and there’s an intense urge to do better and strive to improve on grades. There is no longer room for the excuse of settling in; rather it’s that time when the reality of work hits you in the face. The combination of school work, along with the fact that a lot of money is being spent on this project called ‘Education in the UK’. With every phone call or message from home, there’s an intense need to succeed, because you know that the alternative path is not one that is easy to travel – not as someone who has come from thousands of miles away. So in all this, how do you cope with the pressure? How do you ease yourself out of the burden that comes from knowing that there isn’t much leeway for failure? How do you ensure that that the pressure that comes from the need to prove that the time being spent out in Swansea is not completely wasted? Focus and Calm. These two might, in the face of it, appear to be at cross purposes. However, they’re twin tools which help to handle all the pressure that comes with this time of the year, for an international student. Maintaining focus on your core goals is of primary importance. With your desired objectives clearly mapped out
Swansea Bay. Photo by Christopher P Jobling on Flickr. before you, there is a room to chart an action plan; be it with study or with extracurricular activities. Create a working schedule for yourself and make it realistic. Outline your day, setting out time for class and all matters relating to studying every week. Make room for non-academic endeavours as well. This is because it helps to give a more wholesome experience at Swansea. Join a society, learn to play the Tuba. Have non-academic goals and aspirations, and put them in focus. So that when the course work and presentation threatens to drown you out, you have an outlet. Now let’s talk about keeping calm. No really, Keeping Calm is a thing – it’s not
just fancy slogan on a mug or t-shirt. Luckily, Swansea is a city where you can find calmness in abundance. When you feel the pull of pressure, all you need to do is stroll out through the front gates of Swansea Uni; cross the road and walk down any of the foot paths. You’re immediately struck with the blue and grey hues of the Swansea Bay. Take off your shoes and walk on the beach. Feel the soft wet sand in between your toes and feel all the negative pressure slowly leave your body. There are very few things as therapeutic as nature and Swansea is one place where you can’t really close your eyes to the colours of the wind; it is impossible
to be immune to the fragrance of the sea and it is a place where you can feel the calm of nature. Because it is everywhere around you, you just have to look. So when next you feel pressured by school, expectations from home, fear of failure or even the rising costs of being a student; go for a walk on the fitness trail along the coast. Go to the Mumbles for an ice cream; explore the beauty of the Gower because there’s nothing like it elsewhere. Keep your eye on the ball, but remember that there’s always a way to let go of the pressure. It’s right there in front of you. I love Swansea because of that… and so should you.
Where to get help and advice for international students THERE is a wealth of help and advice available for overseas students, both from the university and the students’ union. The International Student Advisory Service (ISAS) provides information and advice on non-academic matters, including immigration advice and services, to all international (non-UK) students and their dependants. We
support all non-UK students regardless of nationality, religion, gender, age, sexual preference or health status. Advice is offered free of charge and without discrimination. The International Student Advisory Service operates according to the UKCISA/ AISA Code of Ethics and meets the strict rules and standards of the Immigration Services Commissioner.
ISAS is part f Student Support Services. It is located just across from the Library, on the ground floor of the Keir Hardie Building (building No. 3 on campus map). For more information on services available see http://www.swansea.ac.uk/ international/students. The students’ union in Union House (behind Fulton House) also offers help and advice to
overseas students. International office Eva Donoghue heads up this service (pictured right). The students’ union also runs several socities for overseas students, including African Caribbean, Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, Hong Kong, Iranian, Japanese, Jordanian Palestinian, Kuwait, Malaysian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and Scandinavian.
societies 35
fInternational 33
Relationships 31
travel 29
culture 27
careers 26
film 25
music 23
food 19
front row 17
fashion 14-15
features 12-13
careers
35
24 March 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
How to excel at an assessment centre I
F you’ve been invited to attend an assessment centre, congratulate yourself. Only the best candidates are invited to attend an assessment centre and this can be your opportunity to shine. Before you attend the assessment centre, it is worth taking stock of your current situation to ensure that you make the most of the day. Undertake some final research about the organisation – what do they do, are they involved in any current affairs and most importantly where the assessment centre will be held. Check through the job description and how you feel it relates to your strengths, so that you are able to talk confidently about the potential role at any one-to -one interviews. Use the resources available to you on our website – www.swansea.ac.uk/ careers – to help you develop your knowledge of why organisations use this method of recruitment and some of the activities you might be expected to be involved in. Our employer videos can be found under the ‘Information Resources’ section and include: ‘Why do employers use assessment centres?’, ‘How are candidates assessed?’, ‘What are candidates asked to do?’ and ‘General tips for assessment centre success’. An assessment centre will give you the opportunity to meet people currently working for the organisation, other candidates and the organisation itself. This can be the ideal chance to find out what day-to-day life might be like and how recent recruits have found their experience. Don’t forget
Careers adviser Jenny Drewson talks you through the dos and don’ts. that although you’ll be meeting other candidates and working with them, this it is not a competitive experience! This is your chance to network with your fellow candidates and find out their experiences and history – don’t forget everyone has a role to play in a team and this is a key skill that organisations are looking for. Employers use assessment centres as part of the recruitment process, as unlike a standard one to one interview, they allow candidates to relax and show how they work under normal conditions – how you work as part of a team, how you negotiate, how you deal with deadlines, how you deal with (and resolve) conflict and how compatible you are for the role. Most employers favour a mixture of group activities, presentations and one to one interviews throughout
the assessment day. A group activity can involve being confronted with a task or issue specifically relating to the organisation, and as a group you communicate your thoughts and ideas. Bear in mind that you will be assessed on a range of skills relating to the role and could include interpersonal skills, your leadership skills, your ability to resolve conflict, influence others and your understanding of the organisation. Try not to see the other candidates as direct competitors until the final stage of the recruitment process. At assessment centres most organisations do not have a limit on the amount of candidates they take through to the next phase of the recruitment process. This means that if your whole group has demonstrated good team working skills then there is every chance that everyone from the group could make it through to the next phase. If your assessment has psychometric
tests you could think about practicing these before the event. We have psychometric tests that you can use to practice beforehand. On our website you can log into ‘Profiling for Success’ and use three different types of aptitude tests which include verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning. Contrary to popular belief, you can practice for this type of assessment. If you feel that you would like additional one-to-one support, book an appointment with a Careers Adviser to discuss strategies for coping with the event. See the blackboard below for a typical outline of what an assessment centre could involve... The assessment centre is your chance to demonstrate your potential to an organisation and demonstrate why you would be excel in the organisation. Relax, be yourself and let your potential shine!
Your careers staff — knowledgeable, helpful and friendly A HUGE thank you to the students who completed our recent satisfaction survey. Over 400 questionnaires were returned. You had used a wide range of services including individual appointments, asking queries at the Helpdesk, resources on Blackboard or our website, placements and the Swansea Employability Award. The results so far show that our services are having a strong impact. As a result of using these services •92% felt more equipped to plan their careers •88% felt able to take action to get to their next step •89% felt they understood more fully what they can
offer an employer •88% felt more informed about the recruitment process It also seems that you like dealing with careers and employability staff. Thinking that they are helpful (99.5%) knowledgeable( 98%) and give relevant information (97%). Comments include: “Really good, thought they’d be a waste of time but they weren’t. Has really helped me and informed me about the opportunities” “Very helpful in directing me to a strategic plan for the future”
“When I started ... I had no clue what I wanted to do but with the careers adviser’s help I have decided what field I want to be in and I am homing in on my final choice” “Really friendly; made me feel completely at ease: full of really useful knowledge” We will be looking through all your comments and suggestions as a team and deciding what action we can take in the light of them. Thanks again for giving us your feedback. Got a comment or an idea? Please email careers@swansea.ac.uk •Visit www.swansea.ac.uk/careers
Careers talks/skill sessions 2014 Tuesday 25/03/2014
17:00-18:00 The Importance of Networking Fulton House - seminar room A
Weds 26/03/2014
13:00-14:00 Developing your Employability Mindset
Thurs 27/03/2014
17:00-18:00 Opportunities in Nursing and Healthcare in the Army Fulton House - seminar room A
Library - Level 7 seminar room
Tuesday 01/04/2014
12:00-13:00
Go Wales Placements and Jobs
Thurs 03/04/2014
17:00-18:00
Leadership in the British Army – A personal perspective Fulton House - seminar room A
Library - Level 7 seminar room
Tues 08/04/2014
11:00-12:00 International Placements - Making your international experience count
Vivian Bldg 4th Floor - Room 404
Thurs 10/04/2014
16:00-17:00 International Placements - Making your international experience count
Vivian Bldg 4th Floor - Room 404
waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 37
Football
SUMFC 3rds overcome poor start to ensure safety with back-to-back wins in final two games
FIGHTERS: SUMFC 3rds captain Tom Cullimore (front row, third from left) hailed the battling spirit of his team as they avoided relegation. SUMFC 3rds found form at the vital time as they narrowly escaped relegation from BUCS Western 4B. Tom Cullimore’s side headed into the Christmas period looking destined for the drop. Sitting rock bottom of the league
by Ellie Caddick waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
with just a single point from five games, the team were demoralised. Even more disappointingly for the team, two of the defeats suffered were at the hands of rivals
Cardiff. The first term seemed to have got the better of this young team, who were faced with a mountain to climb in the new year. Cullimore was keen to restore some confidence in the team in order to scale the table, advising the
team to treat the next five games as cup finals. The team began the new year with a draw away at Glamorgan. They then hosted Aberystwyth 1sts, who they had been defeated by 3-0 in the first match of the season. Determined to redeem themselves the team came from behind twice to win 3-2, with all three goals scored by fresher Joe Holland. “Scoring the hat trick was fantastic,” Holland commented, “but winning that game was down to the determination and never-saydie attitude of all of our players out there that day.” The win restored belief in the team and allowed them to go forward with confidence. The boys were now sitting just one point behind Glamorgan and two behind Cardiff. With 3 games to play and 9 points up for grabs, there was still everything to play for. However, their momentum was halted with a defeat at home to Glamorgan, and their chances of survival were hanging by a thread. Next up was a trip to impressive league leaders Cardiff Met. The
Swansea side seemed unaffected by the enormity of the challenge that lay ahead as they overwhelmed the home team, winning 4-2. “People ask me what I said to the lads before that game away at Cardiff Met”, said Cullimore. “It’s simple, I just told them to think how they would feel looking back on this season if they were relegated, and hadn’t fulfilled what they know they are capable of. “I could see it in their faces that that image hit home.” This win for Swansea was vital for team morale. The boys could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel but the job was not yet complete. In order to secure safety the boys had to win their final game at home to Glamorgan, who were now propping up the table. The side sealed a convincing 6-0 victory, providing an impressive end to a turbulent season and meaning that Cullimore’s men managed to elude relegation, and are able to look forward to next season. “It was a great way to sign off from this incredible football club,” Cullimore reflected.
SWANSEA INTRAMURAL FOOTBALL Ashleigh Rd round-up WITH the league drawing to a close, University 7ths and Team Sloth are increasingly hard to separate. SUMFC 7ths still occupy the top spot with three games left to play. The side have been incredibly hard to beat, losing just twice in all competitions: 1-0 losses to Photosinthesis in the cup and Armadillo in the league. Breathing down their necks are Sloth, just one point behind but with a far superior goal difference. After claiming the intramural cup for the third consecutive season, they will be focused on a league and cup double. Fulton Wanderers have slipped off the pace in recent weeks with losses to Sloth and Gladiators. Despite a drop in form, they sit just two points off the pace, albeit with one more game played. The 6ths have dropped just two points since Christmas, seeing them challenge for the more familiar heiights of the top four. Crayola stand in their way, having won 10 of their 16 games. With Golden Showers having just one match left to play, Ajax Treesdown
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
have a chance to force their way into the top six. They currently lie in sixth after a shaky start to the season. Team Armadillo have showed glimpses of their potential in recent weeks. Most notably, they recently ended the 7ths chances of an unbeaten league campaign with a brilliant 1-0 win. Clinical Finishers, Gladiators and Hardly Everlusen have enjoyed comfortable seasons and are assured of a mid-table finish. Despite reaching the semi-finals of the cup, injuries have hampered Photosinthesis’ season. They will look to finish strongly with games against Crackwell and Real Engineers still to come. Ladzio, Pitches & Bitches and History will all finish in the lower half of the table after inconsistent seasons. St Helens Athletic and SPR will also be looking to improve next year after largely disappointing campaigns. Both Real Engineers and Crackwell have endured tough first seasons after forming in September. Crackwell’s 18-1 loss to Sloth sums up their season, which has seen them ship 136 goals with two matches still left to play.
Recent results
Latest league table
by Ned Bristow
Sunday 16 March
All information correct as of 20/03/2014
Crayola FC 4 - 0 Gladiators FC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
University 7ths Team Sloth AFC Fulton Wanderers Crayola FC University 6ths Golden Showers Ajax Treesdown Team Armadillo Clinical Finishers Gladiators FC Hardly Everlusen Photosinthesis Ladzio FC Pitches & Bitches History FC St Helen’s Athletic Singleton Park Rangers Real Engineers Crackwell
P
W
D
L
F
A
GD
Pts
15 15 16 16 15 17 15 17 17 17 16 15 16 17 15 16 16
12 12 11 10 10 10 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 5 4 2 2
2 1 3 3 3 1 3 2 3 1 2 1 0 1 2 3 3
1 2 2 3 2 6 3 6 6 8 7 7 10 11 9 11 11
52 68 60 59 48 56 46 55 59 37 37 35 25 30 35 36 25
13 15 22 24 21 35 22 45 45 32 31 31 51 48 47 58 63
39 53 38 35 27 21 24 10 14 5 6 4 -26 -18 -12 -22 -38
38 37 36 33 33 31 30 29 27 25 23 22 18 16 14 9 9
15 16
0 0
3 1
12 15
13 60 -47 23 136 -113
3 1
Fulton Wanderers 2 - 1 St Helens Golden Showers 2 - 3 University 6ths History FC 2 - 4 Ajax Treesdown Real Engineers 0 - 4 Clincal Finishers Singleton Park Rangers 0 - 8 Photo Team Sloth AFC 18 - 1 Crackwell FC Wednesday 19 March Ajax Treesdown 4 - 1 Pitches & Bitches Fulton Wanderers 0 - 3 Gladiators Singleton Park Rangers 0 - 4 Crayola Team Armadillo 4 - 3 Ladzio University 6ths 4 - 3 Hardly Everlusen
38 I SPORT
thewaterfront 24. 03.14
Badminton
Rugby Union
Ladies miss out on final Men’s 2nds leave it late to win
THE women’s badminton team were unlucky to narrowly lose out on a place in the final of the conference cup to USW Pontypridd and Cardiff. The match was a tight one, hinging on a handful of decisive points. Swansea dominated the doubles games, winning all four, whilst USW exercised full control over the singles games, also winning all four. The initial two games saw Swansea’s second choice singles player overturned swiftly by USW’s select squad member. USW built on their impressive start with a victory from their second seeded player against Swansea’s first choice. Two wins in straight sets for the team in red and white secured some breathing space between the sides, with the scores ending 21-6, 21-2, 21-11 and 21-10. With Swansea desperately needing a win to escape a daunting 3-0 deficit, the third game was crucial for the home side. In two competitive games the pair in green prevailed against two talented players in white, winning in straight sets, 21-14 and 21-15. The progress made by the opposition in the singles matches was erased after the second doubles match, as some exceptional shots
by Tom Birch
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
resulted in a 21-6 21-3 Swansea victory. To rebound from a 2-0 deficit in this manner was symbolic of the team’s character, and boded well for the second half. The mid-way point was a critical juncture with four games left; three wins for Swansea would secure victory. After the first set went the opposition’s way 21-10 the visiting team imposed themselves and showed poise. A collective margin of 52 points restored a two game lead. Two doubles games remained as USW sensed a knock-out. The doubles teams found themselves desperately needing to repeat their earlier exploits to bring the contest to a point’s decision. Straight set wins in both matches followed. The final set was a rout for Swansea, who showed great desire and intent to secure results of 21-12 21-18 21-10 and 21-2 respectively. However, the contest was won by USW on points, ending 4-4, 247-228, as the visitors booked their place in the final to face rivals Cardiff. Elegant and impressive in defeat, the home team now focus on the season’s showpiece event, Varsity.
SWANSEA 2nd 24- 19 CARDIFF 3rd SWANSEA men’s rugby 2nds came from behind to overcome Cardiff 3rds in their last game of the BUCS season. Swansea went into the game with survival in the Western 1A all but secure, with Cardiff rooted to the bottom of the table without a point all season. Both teams pushed hard for early points, inevitably cancelling each other out and resulting in most of the first half being contested between either 22-metre line. Possession regularly swapped hands as both teams searched for an opening. It took 20 minutes for the first point-scoring opportunity to arise, as the home side conceded a penalty on their own 10m line, near the touchline. Cardiff, however, missed the kick. Enjoying a spell of pressure, Cardiff finally broke the deadline five minutes later as two of their forwards broke the defensive line to run over. The try was converted, making it 0-7 after 25 minutes. Swansea immediately pressed back. Minutes later Jerome Bryan looked to be through, but a heavy covering tackle took him into touch just short of the line. The referee brought play back and
by Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
penalised Cardiff for being offside, and James Brooks converted for three points. The rest of the half saw a series of handling errors and breaks, and Swansea were caught out just before the whistle as a long kick evaded the back three. In a straight footrace, Cardiff’s fullback emerged victorious and touched down to make it 3-12. The conversion hit the post. There was still time for one more Cardiff break, running through before being penalised for offside. Swansea missed the long-range penalty, and trailed 3-12 at the break. Swansea came out revitalised to pressure Cardiff, and immediately closed the gap with Matt Neat crossing for an early try under the posts. Brooks converted to make it 10-12. Camped in their own half, Cardiff failed to clear the danger and were on the back foot for the majority of the second half. Swansea earned a series of set pieces in the Cardiff 22, piling on the pressure. Some good passing by the backs topped a series of slow phases, allowing Dylan Demange to cross the line for a try which was then converted to make the
score 15-12. After further Swansea pressure, Cardiff finally broke out of their own half. From nowhere, the away side broke away and touched down under the posts. The kick was converted, sending Cardiff into an unprecedented 15-19 lead with 15 minutes to play. The experienced home side took matters into their own hands, forcing their rivals back before captain Jon Wolfe finally bundled over in the corner. Ross Attwood converted well with five minutes to go, bringing the score to 24-19. A scrappy last few minutes was seen out confidently by the home side, who held on for a win. This was the last match for many of the players, and Wolfe says the win was a great send-off. “We came out overconfident, and a few questionable decisions at the breakdown hindered us. Cardiff were switched on and brought the game to us, so credit to them. “It’s been a brilliant three years for the boys, and it’s nice to finish the season with a win over the rivals. It’s a great way to sign off after a fantastic few years of university rugby. “We’ll push on next year, as we always do. A restructure within the club will hopefully benefit all of our sides.”
DERSTANDING SUPPORT RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH MIND STU PACE PROBLEMS CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE UNDERSTANDING SUP RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH MIND STUDENTS SPACE PROBLEM CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT RECOVER MENTAL HEALTH MIND STUDENTS SPACE PROBLEMS CONFIDENT DVICE UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH M UDENTS SPACE PROBLEMS CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE UNDERSTAN PPORT RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH MIND STUDENTS SPACE PRO CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT RECOVER MENTAL HEALTH MIND STUDENTS SPACE PROBLEMS CONFIDENT 18:00-19:00 SUPPORT GROUP FOR DVICE UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH M STUDENTS WITH EATING SU ADVICE CENTRE UDENTSDIFFICULTIES/PROBLEMS. SPACE PROBLEMS CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE UNDERSTAN FULTON HOUSE PPORT RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH MIND STUDENTS SPACE PRO ONFIDENTIAL ADVICE UNDERSTANDING SUPPORT RECOVERY M swansea@studentminds.org.uk /swanseastudentminds HEALTH MIND STUDENTS SPACE PROBLEMS CONFIDENTIAL ADV
EVERY MONDAY
waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 39
Football
Impressive season sees SUMFC 2nds narrowly miss out on promotion from Western 2B Swansea University men’s football seconds finished the BUCS league season in an extremely impressive second place, only five points behind Bristol. The team were never expecting an easy season as recent promotion made success in the new league unlikely. There were fears that with a lot of senior influential players graduating a depleted squad may struggle to avoid relegation. Captain Josh Allard needed to rebuild the team with new additions including Pete Hyndman, Declan Shepperd and Joe Palmer. The season began extremely well with a win away at Bath followed by a trip to rivals Cardiff. “It was old-fashioned, rugged and combative, a style of football in which many 2nds players, past and present, thrive,” Allard explained. A Cardiff red card gave Swansea the impetus they needed to command a 4-2 win. With two away wins under their belt, Swansea were hopeful of a win at home against Cardiff Met to
by Ellie Caddick waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
continue their streak of eight league wins. Unfortunately Swansea couldn’t keep up their momentum, losing 1-3. Allard applauded man of the match Morgan Norey for his game-reading ability and overall contribution to the season’s successes. “Each week I go to bed fearing that phone call from 1sts coach Nick Bowen telling me that he has to take Morgan. Without him, I imagine we may not have been so successful.” Despite the disappointing result, the team maintained their away success with a 3-0 win against UWE and a draw with Bristol. Unfortunately for Swansea, their losing form at home continued. The team entered the Christmas break with a strange predicament, having secured four away wins but suffered two home losses. Key player and fresher Greg King explained the difference in performance and looks to next season. “I think at home maybe we feel
more pressure to win, but on a whole the team this year have been outstanding and hopefully that will continue next year.” In the New Year, confidence in their home form was significantly bolstered with a 2-1 win over Cardiff. Exceeding expectations, the 2nds allowed themselves to dream about the potential of promotion, which seemed an impossibility at the beginning of the season. However, the team then suffered two defeats which put an end to these hopes. The side were able to recover and ended their season on a high with a superb 2-0 win at home against eventual league winners Bristol. After being given a walkover into the final 32 of the cup, the team beat Glamorgan 0-5 in their own backyard to advance to the last 16. This round saw the boys come up against Cardiff 1sts and whilst the sides were evenly matched, Cardiff won the match 5-4 on penalties. If the team could only have mirrored their away success in their home form then perhaps promotion could have been on the cards.
DELIGHTED: 2nds captain Josh Allard (front, third from right) expressed his pride in his team. However, overall the team should be proud of their season’s performance. Allard concluded, “To coordinate a newly-promoted team that finished second in the league and
that reached the last 16 of the cup is something that makes me immensely proud. “The team is left in a great position for next year’s captain, whoever that may be.”
sport thewaterfront
t
f
@Waterfrontspor1 Follow us and get the latest Swansea Uni sports news, latest scores and results via our sports Twitter account.
Free Fortnightly
W
facebook.com/waterfrontsport Whether it’s the latest articles, results or photos, you can check them all out now on our sports Facebook page.
Issue 239
waterfrontonline.co.uk All of our articles throughout the year can be found on our website, it’s updated regularly so check it out today !
24 March 2014
Sloth leave it late to win third straight cup
Inside This Issue Football
SUMFC 3rds pleased with end to season
p37 Badminton
TEAM SLOTH 2- 1 SUMFC 6ths
Ladies lose in semi-final
PHOTO: SOPHIE WIGGINS
CUP-WINNER: Team Sloth captain and scorer of the final’s winning goal Lewys Thomas takes on two SUMFC 6ths defenders at St. Helen’s. A LAST-MINUTE Lewys Thomas winner won the Intramural Cup for Team Sloth for the third season in a row at St. Helen’s. The game began intensely, with possession changing frequently as both sides looked to be the first on the scoreboard. After 15 minutes a free kick from 6ths midfielder Josh Richards appeared to cross the line following a fumble by Sloth goalkeeper Brad Owen, but it was not given by the referee. Sloth began to control play as the 6ths’ midfield struggled to provide their attackers with the ball. With a few minutes left of the first half Sloth opened the scoring through coach and centre-back Alex Marenghi. The reigning champions, who had looked lethal on the counterattack for the whole of the first half, went into
by Ellie Caddick waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
half-time with a 1-0 lead. Haider Al-Qaddo, 6ths captain, had a strong message for his team. “It was a terrible half. I told them I would be happy whatever the result as long as we left everything on the field.” Marenghi said his tactics remained unchanged as Sloth looked to hold onto both the lead and the cup. The 6ths’ best chance early in the second half saw Al-Qaddo’s freekick from just outside the box smack against the post with Owen beaten. As time and victory slipped away from the 6ths their intensity increased. Sloth were clearly feeling the pressure as they took to putting the ball out of play in risky positions and resorted to the long ball in order to break the
Selected Results
defensive line. With 15 minutes to go, 6th’s Samuel Akynniyi scored from inside the box to draw the score level. Knowing that the next goal would be the winner, both teams went on the offensive and three consecutive corners for the 6ths tested Sloth’s defence. However the last word was to be Sloths. A well-timed strike from captain Lewys Thomas went beyond the despairing 6ths ‘keeper to secure victory and the Intramural Cup. Thomas was elated after the game. “To win the cup three years straight is a fantastic achievement. So many players performed incredibly through the cup run but David Nezri and Rob Cook really stood out.” Al-Qaddo reflected on the 6’s performance. “We held it together
Selected Fixtures
12 March
19 March
26 March
Men’s Rugby Union (Vase Q-F)
Men’s Rugby Union (Vase S-F)
Mixed Golf (Cup Final)
SWANSEA 1st 50 - 31 LEEDS 1st
NEWCASTLE 1st 32 - 17 SWANSEA 1st SWANSEA 1st v EXETER 4th
Mixed Golf (Cup S-F)
Men’s Rugby Union
Men’s Rugby League (Cup Final)
Men’s Rugby League (Cup S-F)
Men’s Football
Men’s Tennis (Cup S-F)
Women’s Volleyball (Premier play-offs)
Men’s Tennis (Cup Final) CARDIFF 1st v SWANSEA 1st Women’s Football
USWP&C 1st 2 - 4 SWANSEA 1st SWANSEA 1st 74 - 4 BRISTOL 1st
SWANSEA 1st 10 - 2 GLOUCESTER 1st
SWANSEA 4th 27 - 12 ABER 1st CARDIFF MET 4th 0 - 1 SWANSEA 4th SURREY 1st 1 - 2 SWANSEA 1st
SWANSEA 1st v EXETER 2nd
GLOUCESTER 2nd V SWANSEA 1st
well at the back. Josh Clack had a stand out performance, if he wasn’t playing Sloth could well have scored a few more. Also Josh Richards did not stop running on the wing.” Man of the match was awarded to Sloth’s three-time cup winner Dave Morgan. “On a personal note I was elated to get man of the match,” he said. “There were so many strong performances from both sides that makes it that little bit more special.” Marenghi acknowledged the 6ths as the best opponents he has faced in a final and credited his team’s performance. “I think we were more resilient and more disciplined and there was definitely more fight. We stayed strong defensively, kept working for each other and got our reward.”
p38 Football
SUMFC 2nds unlucky to miss out on promotion
p39
CURRENT BUCS 2014 1 2 3 4 5
Loughborough Durham Birmingham Bath Nottingham
25 UWE 26 Swansea 27 Southampton
3870 2966 2601.5 2507 2463 1018 977 970.5