thewaterfront the official student newspaper of swansea university
Free Issue 240 7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
INSIDE
Your new full-time officer team
AND 7 BECOME 5 From left, JERRY Isokariari (societies and services), Ilana Cohen (education), Ceinwen Cloney (president), Charlotte Peters (sports), Joel Gascoyne (welfare).
by Gemma Parry
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
FIVE candidates have been elected as full-time officers for the next academic year in a closely fought contest. They will take up their new roles in July. The number of full-time officer roles has been reduced this year from seven to five to save money. International and female students will no longer have representation after 185 students (1% of the student body) voted to axe them, following a botched consultation process. Lewys Arôn, former Welsh affairs officer, said: “Given the circumstances that followed a botched and frankly unprofessional report from NUS, I feel that the union had to “make do” with the responses provided online.” Some international responsibilities have been transferred into the president role, but there will be no representative taking over women’s campaigns. A further consultation on fulltime officer roles and wider issues is expected to take place later this year. Ceinwen Cloney was elected as the first female president in the students’ union for over a decade. She beat Aron McGill with 55% of the vote. A third presidential candidate, Harry Noden, withdrew his nomination
after students complained about offensive tweets he had made. Ilana Cohen won the post of education officer with 918 votes, beating runner up Oliver Bell who took 518. Whilst she will start in July for the 2014-15 academic year, there is still no current education officer after Swaran Singh resigned just before term started in September 2013. Jerry Isokariari won the role of societies and services officer in a very close race. Exit polls put him only 2% above the next most popular candidate, Jazmin Kopotsha, but eventually managed to fend off the competition with 39% of the vote, compared to Jazmin’s 36%. Charlotte Peters was re-elected for another year as sports officer. She faced a challenge from two female candidates, but regained her title with 903 votes, with runner up Chante Lee taking 822 votes in the third round. Joel Gascoyne was elected in the most contested role this year, welfare. He won 30% of the vote with runner up Chuks Nwabugwu taking 28%. Voter turnout was an all-time low, with only 2,181 votes cast, just 14.6% of those eligible, in comparison to 3,508 cast last year. Students’ union manager Stuart Rice has outlined in the strategic plan for an increase in participation in the elections to over 5,000 voters.
Ceinwen is president elect by Will Brealey
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk CEINWEN Cloney has been elected as President of Swansea University’s Students’ Union for the next academic year. Her chocolate-themed campaign ensured her sweet success for the second year running. She is the first female president of Swansea University Students’ Union for a decade. Beating the only other candidate Aron McGill with 55% of the vote compared to his 22%, Ceinwen told The Waterfront: “It’s been a really long week! I’m going to go for coffee with Aron, and with his permission I’d like to implement some of his ideas into my
manifesto.” Exit polls throughout the week showed Ceinwen to be the favourite, with a 52% majority. Ceinwen’s campaign promises to “Review, Revive, and Restore” Swansea’s Students’ Union. Her manifesto also aims to move the union to a more central building on campus, ensure all union volunteers (including in societies) gain HEAR accreditation, and to increase union funding. She believes her experience as Societies and Services Officer this year has prepared her for the role. Aron McGill said: “I want to say good luck to Ceinwen, she’s got a lot of work ahead of her.”
Our eight page pull-out preview of all the action page 17
Lad culture backlash
page 12
Fabulous student fashion show page 30 page 29
02 I NEWS
thewaterfront 07. 04. 14
thewaterfront Third floor, Students’Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988
What your rent will buy you in town
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
by Alan Daventry
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
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
AS THE END of the academic year approaches students continuing their studies are considering where to live next year. There are a number of different housing services to consult. Swansea University’s Student Accommodation Services (SAS) is one of them. We have put together a map showing the average cost of renting in the area around the university. The prices next to the street reflect the average price of a property (let by SAS) on that street in the 2014/15 academic year.
Date auction The winning couples of the Date Auction held in JC’s Coffeeside on 18th March. Hosted by Fred Cooper and organised by Jennifer O’Neill and Mollie Jackson, the event raised £128 for the Link charity as part of the Hitch Society’s fundraisers.
The prices are included to give students an approximate figure of how much money they would have to spend. SAS warn that students are advised to not base their decisions on price or location alone. Other important features such as whether the property was recently refurbished, or landlords’ policies, ought to be considered as well. A spokesman from Student Accommodations Services said: “We advise students [that] there are a number of factors to consider when looking for accommodation - to which location is just one of them. “Some landlords may charge a higher rent for properties that are closer to the university, local
shops etc. So students may get better value for money living further away from the university. “However with SAS managed properties location doesn’t really come into it - we obviously wouldn’t take on properties that we feel are too far away for students to be interested in but we manage properties in Mumbles, Sketty, Brynmill, Uplands, Sandfields and the Marina. “We band the properties based on their quality. So we feel that offers the students better value for money. We score each property based on quality of kitchen, bathroom, decor, furniture, to name but a few. Generally speaking students prefer properties of the higher standard and as a result are prepared to live slightly further out for a bigger, better property.”
Timetabling changes will benefit students CHANGES to timetabling arrangements have been welcomed by SU president Zahid Raja. New software will enable real-time access to timetables and web-based room booking. Raja said: “Timetabling is often cited as one of the biggest pains for students. I’m incredibly pleased to see that the university have made a significant investment in how timetabling will be administered. “This will allow students who have jobs, caring responsibilities and extracurricular commitments to plan their time at university in a more effective way.”
Pretty shitty city By Alan Daventry
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 03
Police release CCTV footage to reach witnesses by Rahul Vashisht waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk POLICE are appealing for help in tracing three young men who are potential witnesses in an ongoing criminal investigation. The men in question were captured on CCTV in the Southern Fried Chicken Shop on The Kingsway, Swansea. It is believed they may have seen another man in the shop who went on to commit a serious offence shortly after. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, December 21. The man was subsequently charged and is due to appear in court in June. Police are stressing that the three individuals are potential witnesses and not wanted for any criminal offences. A South Wales Police spokesman said: “Police want to trace the men as they are believed to have interacted with another man who was subsequently arrested and charged with a serious offence.” Anyone with information is urged to call the crime investigations team on 02920571530 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111 quoting Operation Manitoba.
ASSAULT ON CAMPUS:
IN a separate inquiry, police are appealing for information regarding an assault on a Swansea University student, writes Rahul Vashisht. The attack happened at around 2.30am on Saturday, March 15, on the Singleton campus.
Swansea University rises in rankings by Jacques Kenedi waterfrontnews@swnasea-union.co.uk
CCTV footage released by South Wales Police of the three men they hope will come forward as witnesses.
The 18-year-old student was walking with his girlfriend when he became involved in a “verbal altercation” with a number of people. He was then assaulted and left with facial injuries, which were treated at Morriston Hospital. Detectives are appealing for
anyone with information to come forward. Anyone with any information on the assault is urged to contact South Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference number 1400086758.
Brave student rewarded
Swansea student Jonathan Gardiner after recieving his Royal Humane Society Certificate for an act of bravery from Vice Chancellor Prof Richard Davies. By Samantha Booth waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A SWANSEA student was recognised for his heroics after saving a woman whose clothes caught fire on a trip to remote islands in Canada. Jonathan Gardiner, a 21-year-old School of Management student, from near Carmarthen, received the Royal Humane Society Certificate for an Act of Bravery for saving his friend, Catrin Davies, after a cooking stove exploded on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Speaking to the Carmarthen Journal, Jonathan said: “It all happened very quickly, the stove exploded and Catrin was on fire. Everyone froze and she ran off into the woods on fire. So I ran
after her, trying to catch her. I knocked her to the ground and started to tear off the leggings, they were very flammable and obviously she was in a lot of pain.” The team then took turns in carrying water from a nearby waterfall to pour over her legs. Catrin, a Cardiff University student, spent a couple of weeks in hospital receiving treatment for her burns. Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard B Davies said: “It is always a pleasure to commend our students for the positive contribution they make. I was extremely pleased to attend the ceremony and to present Jonathan with his Humane Society award for bravery. “Jonathan’s bravery and the selflessness of his actions are inspiring. He is a fine ambassador for Swansea University.”
SWANSEA University continues to climb in the Complete University Guide’s League Table as they rise to 48th overall. This is a steady increase from 60th place in 2011. The improved ranking comes as the result of the university’s improved score in six out of the nine criteria used to compile the league table since last year, including spending on facilities and academic services, entry standards and student satisfaction. In many of these they achieved their best score since 2010. Research Assessment has been at the same level for the past five years, scoring 2.43 out of a possible 4. The only categories where the university failed to improve are degree completion and the student to staff ratio.
WALKABOUT DEATH: AN investigation is underway following the recent death of a bar worker on Wind Street, writes Rahul Vashisht. The 20 year old was working at the Walkabout pub where the incident occurred, in the early hours. The incident is
These results put Swansea as the second highest ranked university in Wales after Cardiff University for two years running. These scores echo the progress made by Swansea not only in the Complete University Guide but also in The Guardian and Sunday Times’s league tables. However, unlike Cardiff, Aberyswyth and Bangor, Swansea did not appear in the Times World ranking for 2013-2014. The efforts made by the university to improve itself have not gone unnoticed. Classical Civilisations student, Alexander Turnbull said: “Over the three years I have spent at Swansea I have noticed a steady improvement of the universities’ facilities. “From the refurbishing of dated buildings on campus to the construction of a new entirely separate campus out on the bay, it is easy to see how the university are trying to make the student experience more rewarding.”
understood to have occurred inside the lift within the premises. Whilst his name has not yet been revealed, it can be confirmed that he was not a student. A Walkabout spokesman said: “We are all extremely shocked and saddened by this tragic
accident.” A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “We are working with Swansea Council to jointly investigate the circumstances of a work-related death at the Walkabout bar in Wind Street, Swansea. Next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed.”
04 I NEWS
thewaterfront 07. 04. 14
Students’ union full-time officer election results
Ilana voted in for education
Charlotte re-elected for sports by Fred Kirby
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk CHARLOTTE Peters has secured a second year as Swansea University Students’ Union’s sports officer beating opponents Chanté Lee and Lauren Walker with 903 votes. Peters celebrated a 21% increase in her vote since last year and said: “I was really lucky that I had some great people helping me, if they weren’t there I don’t think I’d be here.” When asked if there was anything she would change in her manifesto, Peters said: “I Just want to make sure it’s all done.” When asked about her main priority Peters said: “I’ll generally be sticking to what I’ve said I’d do, and not letting people down.” In her manifesto, Peters had called for more
by Rachael Howes-Tonks
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk ILANA Cohen has been elected as the full time Education Officer position for Swansea University’s Students’ Union for the next academic year. She has won with 918 votes, beating runner up Oliver Bell who had 518 votes. Ilana had led in exit polls earlier in the week with 27% of the vote. In her manifesto, Ilana has promised to introduce more practice interviews for students, longer college office hours and more module selection advice. She has already had success as a Postgraduate Officer within the union, and had previously
been a student rep. After hearing that she has secured the position Ilana said: “I feel exhausted now, I can’t wait to go to bed! But I can’t wait to celebrate with my team later.” “The priority of my manifesto is the standardisation of university because a lot of people have identified problems within their colleges.” “I wouldn’t be anywhere without my team. I can’t thank them enough. I’m so happy.” After the results were announced, Oliver Bell said: “This result was what I was expecting. I had to do most of the campaign myself.” Dylan Hopkins said: “I feel good, it was an amazing experience. I will probably run in further elections.”
sports specific sponsors for teams, as well as promising to overcome kit supplier issues which have affected teams this year. Exit polls carried out by The Waterfront correctly predicted the result, with 42% of those asked saying they had voted for her. Charlotte also promised to ensure a smooth transition with the opening of the Bay Campus, promising to make sure that transport and timings would ensure players could make it to all training and matches. Runner up Lauren Walker said: “it’s been a good week, I’ve come out of my shell. When asked about Ms Peters, Walker said: “She will do really well in her second term as sports officer.” In a vote with only 58 people asking to reopen negotiations (R.O.N), Chanté Lee came third with 822 votes in the third round.
Joel clinches welfare role by Lauren Phillips
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
Jerry wins societies and services by Rahul Vashisht
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk JERRY Isokariari has been elected as the full-time Societies and Service officer for the academic year 2014/2015. Isokariari won with 39% of the vote, narrowly beating runner up Jazmin Kopotsha who obtained 36% of the votes. In his manifesto, he pledged to focus on obtaining society space and services for the second campus and increase annual funding for societies. He also said he will aim to arrange daily drop-in sessions for students, as well as pushing for more international
food on campus. He will work with the students’ union and the other newly elected FTOs to accomplish this during his tenure and believes that his experiences as president of the AfroCaribbean Society have given him the valuable expertise to act as Societies and Services officer. Isokariari, a third year student of mechanical engineering, said: “I’m so happy that I won the election. My campaign was a bit slow at the start, I got my banner up on Tuesday. “I put in a lot of effort talking to people, rather than handing out flyers. It’s easier to communicate with people and get them to know your
manifesto points. “Having looked at other candidates’ manifestos, I think I need to pick up a few points from theirs, it’s all about making the students’ union a better place.” The exit polls showed Jazmin with 28% and Jerry with 26%. He said his priority would be to get awards for committee members recognised on transcript. He thanked his campaign team, and everyone who voted for him. Rival candidate and runner-up for the Societies and Services post, Glyn Williams, wished Mr Isokariari well and urged him to: “Try and have fun whilst you’re doing it.”
JOEL Gascoyne has been elected as Swansea University Students’ Union Welfare Officer for the academic year of 2014/15. The third year Criminology student won with 30% of the overall vote, beating runner up Chuks Nwabugwu who took 28% of the vote. Verity Williams took 24% of the overall vote. In his manifesto, Mr Gascoyne promises to introduce a landlord accreditation scheme to encourage students to lease houses from accredited landlords and challenge attempts to increase rent accommodation. He also plans to lobby the Council and University to install lighting in Singleton Park and make sure the University maintain social spaces, shops and amenities for students
during the Student Village sell-off. At the announcement of his victory, Mr Gascoyne said: “I have no idea how I’m feeling, but my heart’s still racing. I’m happy and can’t wait to get started.” Mr Gascoyne’s campaign focused on changing the way Welfare is perceived, with the slogan ‘Give Welfare Teeth’. He said: “I think my campaign was really successful. However, in hindsight the teeth were a bit weird.” When asked what he would tackle first of his manifesto, Mr Gascoyne said: “It would be my housing charter. It’s one thing that most students can agree on, so that will be my first priority.” Welfare candidate Dharani Vijaykumar said: “It’s nice to be running against some amazing candidates. They made it enjoyable because they were so lovely.” “Good luck to him. I’m sure he’ll make the most of it and enjoy.”
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 05
Netball club members are tireless in support of helping charities
Tim Butt (left) and Steven Jones are doing a three-month triathlon in South America.
Survivor’s tough way to help others live by Gemma Parry
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk TWO recent Swansea University graduates are taking a three-month triathlon charity challenge in South America. Steven Jones and Tim Butt started the charity challenge on April 2 in aid of the heart charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), following Tim’s near-fatal cardiac arrest in May last year. CRY is a charity founded to raise awareness of conditions that can lead to young sudden cardiac death (YSCD) sudden death syndrome (SDS) and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS). The CRYathlon is made up of a 1,000 mile cycle from Buenos Aires to Santiago; a three peak hiking challenge over the Andes Mountain range and a canoeing challenge covering another 1,000 miles of the Amazon River. Tim, who graduated from Swansea in 2010
with a BSc in Geography, and an MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change in 2012, said: “The South America Challenge marks the start of a series of challenge-based fundraising. We aim to raise a target of £15,000 to fund heart screening and medical research through CRY. “Since my Long QT Syndrome diagnosis was made, I have wanted to support the charity, which I can say first-hand is vitally important and can save lives. I am one of the few lucky ones, which really gives me the position to do something about it.” Steven Jones, team mate and BA Media and Communications and MA Digital Media graduate, said: “Our cause is a very personal and worthy one and we very much hope that university students, staff and the wider Swansea community will support our challenge.” To make a donation, visit http:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/CRYathlon
Student feedback on lecturers must be use to improve, not discipline by Rahul Vashisht
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk THE presidents of Swansea University Students’ Union and the lecturers’ union (UCU) have released a statement outlining how student feedback should be used. Currently end of module surveys are completed by students twice a year, and they help inform staff reviews between lecturers and their managers. Students’ Union president, Zahid Raja, and UCU branch president, Dr Simon Hoffman, have now composed a series of principles detailing exactly how student feedback will be used.
The full statement, consisting of ten principles, explains that participation in feedback should be encouraged, as well as stating that the purpose of feedback is to identify areas for improvement, rather than to discipline. Furthermore it says lecturers teaching modules should be properly supported to address issues raised, as well as maintaining the need for confidentiality for those giving the feedback. Third year history student Gemma Parry said: “This can only be a good thing, module feedback is so vital in ensuring the students’ voice is heard. “Given how much we spend on our degrees we need to be certain that our views are being listened to.”
by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University Netball Club recently played host to a mixed interclub tournament in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The tournament was open to all students with the intention of encouraging wider participation from all sporting or non-sporting backgrounds. The day was a success with a number of Ultimate Frisbee and Football members offering the girls some competition. ‘Union J’ (consisting of footballers, boyfriends and netballers) beat ‘Mo’ (Woodside freshers and
netballers) 4-2 in the final to become the overall winners of the tournament. An impressive £220 total was raised as the competitors worked up a sweat on court showing the club’s tireless commitment to supporting local charities. The proceeds have since been donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. The club’s RAG (Raising and Giving) rep Amber Jones said: “We are so pleased with how the day went. It was great to see so many of the boys getting stuck in and enjoying themselves during the games as well as giving us great competition on court.” The girls continue their campaign as they plan and prepare for their next charity event climbing Pen-y-Fan Mountain for Sport Relief.
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 07
Lecturer’s bestselling book goes global by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A SWANSEA University lecturer has got a bestseller on her hands! Dr Penny Sartori (pictured right) is a leading expert on near-death experiences after making the first long-term prospective study of them whilst working as a nurse in the intensive care department of Morriston Hospital. Since publishing her thesis, she has been invited to lecture all over the world but says she was unprepared for the reaction to her recently published book, Wisdom of Near-Death Experiences: How Understanding NDEs Can Help Us Live More Fully. After being serialised in the Daily Mail, the book went viral and created a global debate. The book sold out on Amazon before it was even publsihed and has since been through several print runs. It is now being published in USA and Australia as well as in the French and German languages. Dr Sartori has also been invited to talk on numerous television and radio programmes about her work. “It’s been overwhelming,” she said. “Since the book was published I have been receiving around 200 emails a day from people who feel reassured that the subject is being taken seriously after
having a near-death experience themselves. “There are a lot of misconceptions around my work being associated with life after death. The purpose of my research was actually to get a greater understanding into the dying process. Through the course of the research I discovered many things about consciousness that call into question our current belief that it is a mere byproduct of the brain. “A knowledge of these types of experiences is fundamental to health care and I believe should be included in the education of nurses and doctors and anyone helping people recover from illnesses or facing their own death.” Dr Sartori teaches a science, spirituality and health course on the part-time degree course at Swansea University.
Faith and cultural week events Faith and culture societies at Swansea University got together to stage a week-long series of events on campus. Olivia Kinsman and Amber Furnage from the Pagan Society are pictured in front of the marquee outside Fulton House. The week culminated in an informal cultural evening in The Hive with food and music.
Battle of the Bands competition by Alex McKenzie
editor@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENT musical acts are competing in a Battle of the Bands competition for the opportunity to perform at this year’s Summer Ball. Over three days, the heats featured bands and acoustic acts in union venues, Divas, Sin City and JC’s. It has been organised in conjunction with the Live Music Society. The final, consisting of two bands and four acoustic acts, will take place on Friday 6 June in Sin City. The panel of judges included Sin City manager,
Gary ‘Big G’, welfare officer, Becky Grimes and the Students’ Union’s Entertainment Coordinator, Simmo. Live Music Society president and judge, Greg Stocker, said: “It is a great opportunity for bands who are part of the society. “Whilst we host fortnightly gigs in Divas, the chance to perform on a festival stage is a once in a lifetime moment.” The lucky winning band would win a chance to play on the Summer Ball main stage, while the winning acoustic act would perform on the Oak Sessions stage. To keep updated, like SU Live Music Society on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SULMP.
Love at first sight for Jonny by Holly MIller
waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University alumnus Jonny Owen has not only found success with the release of his latest film Svengali, but also found love on set as well. Jonny, a film producer who studied at Swansea University, met actress Vicky McClure on the set of his film. He had previously starred in My Family, Shameless and Murphy’s Law, while McClure won the 2011 Bafta TV Best Actress for her role as Lol in This Is England 86. Owen told the BBC: “I didn’t know how lucky I’d be when I sent the script to Vicky McClure… In the course of the film we’ve also grown close and ended up in a relationship.” Svengali is the story of a Valleys’ postman, Dixie, whose ambition is to manage a chart topping band. Owen, from Merthyr, created
Jonny Owen and Vicky McClure. Dixie’s character in 2011 for a series of YouTube sketches. Jonny, who studied History at Swansea, graduating in 1999, will be returning to the university next month. The Taliesin Arts Centre will be screening Svengali on the evening of Tuesday 6th May, and Jonny has agreed to take part in a Q&A session following the film.
Pagan Society hosts goddesses THE Pagan Society hosted the first ever ‘PopUp Goddess Temple’ in collaboration with the Priesthood of Avalon from the Glastonbury Goddess Temple recently. The priests and priestesses visited Swansea University for the day to set up a temple dedicated to nine ancient British goddesses and welcomed all students, staff and visitors to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, appreciate the beautiful artwork of Caroline Lir, and contemplate the ancient and modern significance of the Divine Feminine.
In the evening a superbly crafted ceremony took place, involving music, meditation, singing and blessings from the Goddess Brigid, a goddess of healing waters, smithcraft and poetry. Swansea University was the first to take part in this series of ‘pop-up’ temples, and the Pagan Society are extremely proud of this privilege. Many students visited the temple that day, having never been in such a place before; for some this was a very new experience, Report from The Pagan Society pagan@swansea-union.co.uk
08 I NEWS
thewaterfront 07. 04.14
WELSH Cheerleader yr Alban yn ôl Salmond by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Wythnos ddiwethaf, cytunodd Brif Weinidog y DU, David Cameron ac arweinydd y SNP Alex Samond i gynnal refferendwm ar annibyniaeth i’r Alban yn yr Hydref. Dyma pwnc llosg sydd wedi dwyn y pennawdau newyddion yn y misoedd diwethaf. Mae’n ymddangos bod pawb amddweud eu dweud ar yw pwnc ac nad yw myfyrwyr Abertawe yn eithriad. Cymerodd myfyrwyr Abertawe ran mewn arolwg ar-lein a ddangosodd y byddai well gyda mwyafrif myfyrwyr Abertawe gweld yr Alban aros o fewn yr Undeb. Byddai absenoldeb yr Alban yn y Deyrnas Unedig yn cael effaith enfawr ar ddinasyddion y DU gyda llawer yn dadlau y byddai Cymru yn dioddef mwyaf mewn achos o anibynniaeth. Felly, beth yn union byddai annibyniaeth i’r Alban yn golygu i Gymru? Mae Prif Weinidog Cymru Carwyn Jones yn pryderu mewn achos o anibynniaeth i’r Alban na fydd mwyafrif llethol o aelodau seneddol Saesnig yn San Steffan cynrychioli yn ddigonol chwantau ac angenion Cymru. Serch hynny, honodd Aelod Cynulliad Plaid Cymru ,Beth Jenkins, ei fod yn debygol i San Steffan gwrando mwy ar leisiau’r Cymry mewn achos o annibyniaeth. “Pe bai’r Alban yn gadael, byddai Cymru mewn sefyllfa gryfach i ddadlau dros ei hachos a byddai’n golygu cynrychiolaeth cadarn dros Gymru”. Ond nid cynrychiolaeth anfoddhaol yw’r unig
WORRIED: Carwyn Jones. fater sy’n peri pryder. Mae pyderon dros gyllid yn cael eu codi hefyd. Dywedodd awdurdodau o fewn Cymru, gan gynnwys yr economegydd Gerry Hotlham, ymgynghorydd i Lywodraeth Cymru, na fydd Cymru yn derbyn arian ychwanegol gan y Trysorlys mewn achos o annibynniaeth i’r Alban. Ar ben hynny, awgrymodd Jim Strang, prif weithredwr Cymdeithas Tai Parkhead y gall annibynniaeth arwain at ddiffyg buddsoddi mewn tai a seilwaith a gall hyn cael effeith ar lety myfyrwyr a thrafnidiaeth. “Nid allwn cystadlu gyda’r enwau mawr pryd mae’n dod i’r economi ac yn y blaen. Ni allwn sefyll ar draed ein hunain ar hyn o bryd”, meddai. Serch hynny, dywedodd Rhydian Fitter, myfyriwr gwleidyddiaeth a chysylltiadau rhyngwladol, “
Rwy’n cyfaddef nad yw economi Cymru yn barod i sefyll ar ei ben ei hun. Ond mae hyn o achos gweithredoedd llywodraethau San Steffan gan nad ydynt wedi ystyried Cymru o ddifrif wrth ystyried eu polisïau sy’n seiliedig yn unig ar gryfhau’r economi yn Llundain”. Mae canlyniadau mudiad annibyniaeth i Gymru wedi creu dadl ymhlith myfyrwyr ac arbenigwyr hefyd gyda chefnogwyr ar y ddwy ochr. Dywedodd Roger Scully, athro gwyddoniaeth gwleidyddol ym mhrifysgol Caerdydd, “ pe bai’r Alban yn dod yn wlad annibynol llwyddianus, bydd hyn yn newid natur y drafodaeth yng Nghymru a mae’n bosib i annibyniaeth troi’n opsiwn mwy poblogaidd .” Mae arweinydd Plaid Cymru wedi manteisio ar y sefyllfa. Ym mis Gorfennaf, cyflogwyd yr un seicolegydd gwleidyddol er mwyn helpu Cymru dilyn ôltroedion yr Alban pe bai hi’n gadael yr Undeb yn llwyddiannus. Dywedodd cefnogwr annibyniaeth Rhydian, “ Dylai penderfyniadau sy’n ymwneud â Chymru cael eu gwneud yng Ngymru. Mae’r un peth yn wir ar gyfer yr Alban hefyd. ” Ar y llaw arall, dangosodd bôl gan y BBC ym mis Mawrth bod cefnogaeth am annibyniaeth yn aros yn wan gyda 7% o blaid yn unig. Gofynnwyd i fyfyrwyr Abertawe yr un cwestiwn ac mae’r canlyniadau yn awgrymu’r rhywbeth tebygol. Dim ond 27% sydd o blaid annibyniaeth i Gymru. Tynnwyd Cymru yn dyfnach i fewn i’r ddadl pan awgrymodd Alex Salmond fod y Cymry yn cefnogi annibyniaeth i’r Alban er mwyn paratoi’r ffordd ar gyfer yr un cyfleoedd yng Nghymru.
Datganiad gwarthus wrth ystyried mai 10% o boblogaeth Cymru sydd wedi cefnogi annibynniaeth ar yng Nghymru. Mae’n ymddangos bod annibyniaeth i’r Alban yn fygythiad arwynebol gyda Salmond yn drin Cymru fel ‘Cheerleader’. Dywedodd y cyn-Brif Weinidog Rhodri Morgan y byddai rhaid ailystyried yn ddifrifol’ strwythyr DU heb yr Alban, yn cynnwys perthynas gyfansoddiadol Cymru. Mae’n bosib i hyn arwain, yn bosib, at fwy o bwerau deddfu yn cael eu datganoli o San Steffan i Gaerdydd. Y mae’r syniad hwn yn cael i gefnogi gan fyfyriwr Cymraeg a Gwleidyddiaeth Lewys Arôn sy’n credu mewn cytundeb ‘Devo Max’ a fyddai’n gweld y ddau yn ennill y mwyaf o bwerau cyfansoddiadol posib tra’n parhau yn rhan o’r DU. Mae’n golygu bydd gan y Cynulliad fwy o ddylanwad dros faint o dreth y bydd y Cymry’n talu.– syniad deniadol ar gyfer myfyrwyr sy’n bron barod i ddechrau gweithio llawn-amser. Mae pwerau sydd wedi eu datganoli o San Steffan y blynyddoedd blaenorol, wedi arwain at barhad presgripsiynau am ddim yng Nghymru a chymorthdal ffioedd myfyrwyr Cymru. Serch hynny, DU unedig yw’r barn mwyaf poblogaidd rhwng yr holl genhedloedd dan sylw. Yn yr un modd “ pôl ar ôl pôl yn tynnu sylw at ffaith bod y Cymry yn cefnogi bod yn rhan o’r DU.” Dywedodd fyfyriwr y Gyfraith Sam Mason, “Mae’r pôl gan fyfyriwr yn dangos bod mwyafrif o bobl am weld Cymru a’r Alban aros yn rhan o Brydain unedig. Rwy’n credu mai datganoli yw’r ffordd ymlaen a rwy’n gryf o blaid gweld datganoli pellach i Gymru, Yr Alban a Gogledd Iwerddon a chynulliad Lloegr yn cael ei greu hefyd.”
ENGLISH Is Wales Scotland’s cheerleader? by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk PRIME Minister David Cameron has agreed with SNP leader Alex Salmond to a referendum on the matter of Scottish Independence to take place this autumn. A topic which has dominated the news in recent months, it appears everyone’s got something to say and students in Swansea are no exception. An online survey taken by Swansea students showed that a majority would rather see Scotland stay within the union. The absence of Scotland within the United Kingdom would have a huge effect on all UK citizens with many arguing that Wales would feel the loss of Scotland worst of all. So what exactly would Scottish independence mean for Wales? The Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones worries that following Scottish Independence the overwhelming majority of English MPs at Westminster would leave Welsh interests unprotected and under represented. However Plaid assembly member Beth Jenkins predicted that Scotland leaving the union would mean Westminster listening to Wales more. “If Scotland were to leave, Wales would be in a stronger bargaining position and it would mean a better seat around the table for Wales.” But under representation is not the only issue to have been raised with concerns over insubstantial funding also rearing their ugly heads. Authority figures within Wales including economist Gerry Holtham, adviser to the Welsh government, said that Scotland leaving the UK
LEANNE WOOD: Pressing for independence. would not likely mean extra funding from the treasury for Wales. Furthermore, Jim Strang, chief executive of Parkhead Housing Association, suggested this could lead to chronic lack of investment in housing and infrastructure which could affect student accommodation and transport links between Swansea and students’ home towns. ‘We just aren’t up there in the big league in terms of the economy and so on. We can’t stand on our own two feet right now,” he said. However, Rhydian Fitter, an international relations and politics student said: “I admit that Wales’ economy is in no place to go it alone now, but that is only because successive Westminster governments have seriously held us back with policies based solely on strengthening the
London economy.” The connotations of a subsequent Welsh independence movement have been debated among students and experts alike. Roger Scully, a professor of political science at Cardiff University said: “If Scotland becomes independent and is seen as a success, it would change the nature of the debate and independence could become a serious mainstream option.” Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood has capitalised on the situation. In July she hired the same political psychologist as the SNP leader to help Wales follow Scotland should it successfully leave the union. Pro-independence supporter Rhydian also said: “The decisions made for Wales should be made in Wales. The same for Scotland.” However, a BBC Wales poll in March showed Welsh support for independence remained weak with only 7% backing it. Swansea students were also asked the same questions and the results reflected the same sentiment; only 27% favoured an independent Wales. Wales was further drawn into the debate for Scottish Independence when Alex Salmond suggested that people in Wales were ‘cheering Scotland on’ as increased powers in Scotland paved the way for Wales to create the same opportunities. An outrageous statement considering a vote for independence has only ever gained up to 10% popularity in Wales. It showed Scottish independence to be a superficial threat that Salmond needed to treat Wales as a cheerleader. Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan said that a UK without Scotland would require ‘radical
reconsideration’ in terms of its constitutional relationship with Wales, potentially leading to more law-making powers being devolved from Westminster to Cardiff. This idea is supported by Welsh and Politics student Lewys Aron who believes in a Devo Max settlement for both Scotland and Wales that would see both gain maximum constitutional powers but remain a part of the union. This means the assembly would acquire more influence over the amount of tax Welsh people pay for example - an appealing thought for those students about to enter the big world of work. Devolution of powers from Westminster to the Welsh Assembly in previous years have allowed for the continuation of free prescriptions within Wales and subsidised fees for Welsh students at university. However a united United Kingdom seems to be the most common interest between all nations involved. A poll suggested that almost half of Scots would be “dismayed” if Scotland wins its independence. Carwyn Jones said: “A strong Scotland in a strong UK is a positive choice.” Third year Law student Sam Mason said: “Even the student poll demonstrates that the majority of people want to see both Wales and Scotland remain part of a united Britain. “Poll after poll shows that Wales wants to continue as part of the UK and does want to break away. “Personally, I believe that devolution is the way forward, and I am strongly in favour of seeing further devolution to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the creation of an English Assembly.”
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 09
No make-up selfies raise £££ for cancer research by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk YET another nomination craze has swept across campus in the form of the ‘no makeup selfie’. Many female students have been posting fresh-faced pictures of themselves on social media sites in a bid to raise money and awareness for Cancer Research UK. The internet trend asked the women participating in the campaign to post a photo of themselves without makeup and nominate three other friends to complete the same challenge thus starting a chain of nominations. The craze became so popular that the #nomakeupselfie jumped across the gender divide as even the men on campus donned a face full of make-up and posed for a photo as an alternative to stripping away the wall paint. The internet craze has thus far raised over £8 million for the charity which relies heavily on public donations with Cancer Research UK confessing to being ‘overwhelmed with donations and support’. Welfare officer Rebecca Grimes said: “Social media seems to be a massive driver of campaigns recently, and this one is possibly one of the best so far! “Early detection is key to increasing your chances when you are diagnosed with cancer, so awareness campaigns are essential. Alongside
the selfies, people have donated money which will hopefully go a long way to finding the cure and improving care for cancer patients.” The mass increase in donations also rubbished claims from sceptics who claimed that the #nomakeupselfie campaign in no way represented the hardships faced by cancer sufferers. Second year Psychology student, Charley Cross said: “I hate the negativity towards the #nomakeupselfie campaign. “I’ll admit it, I didn’t understand how it was raising awareness until I noticed people making a donation to charity alongside. Does it really matter what people’s underlying reasons for taking part is as long as in the end we’re making a difference?” However, spelling mistakes by those texting in and corrections made by autocorrect on smartphones have seen thousands of donations going to Unicef, where it should have gone to Cancer Research UK. Unicef said so far £18,625 had been accidentally received where in those pledging money had accidentally text ‘donate’ rather than ‘beat’. Similarly many people received text messages from the Word Wildlife Fund (WWF) detailing information about adopting a polar bear after their phones corrected ‘BEAT’ to ‘BEAR’. Fortunately, the two charities worked to together to transfer the funds and reallocate the donations to the intended charity. Those wanting to donate to the cause should text ‘BEAT’ to 70099.
Union finances are healthy, SU AGM told; 3 motions put to forum by Josh Lovell
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University Students’ Union’s Annual General Meeting, held before the student forum on Tuesday April 1, assured students that finances were “healthy”. Ceinwen Cloney, the student union’s current Societies and Services Officer and future president, said that the SU budget was “healthy for finances”. One student in the forum questioned the justification for removing two full-time officers. Zahid Raja, the current SU president, said: “The reason why we removed two full-time officers, last year the students’ union asked for an independent health check, one thing they asked for was to move the two full-time officers. Otherwise we would have had to look at redundancies,” he said, referring to union staff members. In a statement of the financial activities the union revealed what activities were being paid SWANSEA University students put forward three motions at the student forum, writes Josh Lovell. One of the motions was to ban ‘blacking up’ within the students’ union. Tori - llana Evans, who is the part-time Disability Officer, pushed this motion. She said: “The act of blacking up has a history of persecution. As a SU, we represent all faiths and
for by the SU. Money went to activities such as study aid, funded campaigns such as Park Lights Out, recruitment of a new union staff member and a 48% increase in the societies and services grant budget, which Ms Cloney described as a “huge win”. The SU is also planning their involvement with the new Bay Campus. The SU promised an increase in funding and support, to maintain the union on both campuses and have a presence of elected officers and commercial services on both. There have been calls by some students for the union to compensate travel for students who need to travel between the two campuses. Rahul Vashisht, a third year English literature student said: “Given the distance between the two campuses, I’d hope the university will provide some form of travel between them. “Be it a shuttle bus, subsidised bus fares or anything else. Otherwise it will be grossly unfair on people who have to go between both campuses and will be even more out of pocket.”
backgrounds.” Another motion was the ‘Fossil fuel diversity policy’. This was put forward by third year Social Policy student and student activist Rob Abrams. He said: “Man-made climate change is irreversible. Divestment from fossil fuels is a legitimate tactic.” The final motion that was proposed was to repeal the ‘we’re students, not
consumers’ policy which passed in January 2014. This policy forces the students’ union to support all industrial action taken by staff. Meg Ball, the SU’s Communities and Housing part-time officer, pushed forward the motion. The three motions were not contested and were put on the SU website for students to vote for or against online.
front!
Photos by Rob Hillman
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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
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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WITH SAMANTHA BOOTH
features
Keep your hands to yourself, lad Sexual violence covers a wide variety of actions and behaviours. University life and ‘campus culture’ has seen a rise in assaults spurred on by ‘lad culture’ and large intake of alcohol. Samantha Booth spoke to students who have been subjected to harrassment in nightclubs in Swansea.
E
VER had your bum groped on a nightout at university? Has someone shouted sexually aggressive statements at you? From nasty comments to groping, sexual harrassment is defined as behaviour that is unwanted, intimidating or humiliating for the victim. Touching another person in a sexual way when they haven’t consented is defined by the police as sexual assault. The NUS report ‘That’s What She Said: Women’s experiences of lad culture in higher education’ addresses the 21st century issue of ‘campus culture’. Interviewees in the research expressed the difficulties of a student life focused on social activities and drinking. A small number of those interviewed said drinking was a useful tool for social anxiety and others suggested that the pressure to drink and be ‘one of the lads’ was one of the ‘defining things’ in the initial experience of university. Alongside this, participants talked of the ‘gendering’ of campus culture and the ‘sexualisation’ of women and, in instances, men. We spoke to students who had faced incidents of sexual violence to find out how it made them feel and the actions they took when it happened. A third year student was in Sin City when a man was staring at her and touched her inappropriately: “I was dancing with my friends and boyfriend in Sin City and a stranger reached out and grabbed my vagina. I was so shocked and I pushed him off and when I had a go at him he just laughed. “He did it again later and I managed to get him kicked out once I explained to the bouncer. But it was genuinely disgusting.” Another third year student told of her experiences as a staff member in a Wind Street nightclub: “As someone who works in a nightclub, I’m used to being groped and fondled, and although it’s unpleasant I’ve got used to brushing it aside. “But back in December I was out on Wind St with my friends and boyfriend, and one of the rugby boys came up to me and stuck his hand all the way up the front of my playsuit (it was baggy around my thighs) and actually started to touch me in *that* area. I pushed him away and he just laughed in my face.
“Not the most dramatic act of sexual violence on a night out, but it left me feeling really unclean and disgusting. “I think it’s a really important article to do to get the message out that sexual violence does happen on nights out all the time and it’s not okay.” A quarter of our participants in the NUS survey felt that such sexualised cultures and double standards could easily lead to sexual harassment. One interviewee from the survey explained her view as follows: “I don’t think if somebody’s in a big group of lads they think that it’d be ok to have sex with a girl who doesn’t want it but I think definitely with sexual harassment they think its ok to grab a girl’s bum or try and kiss her when she doesn’t want you to, so I think sexual harassment is quite a part of lad culture.” A number of female students questioned stated they have their ‘bum grabbed or slapped’ by strangers on nights out in Swansea.
“A stranger reached out and grabbed my vagina. I was so shocked and I pushed him off and when I had a go at him he just laughed” “It’s non-uncommon for me and my female friends to have our ass grabbed on nights out. I have heard of my male friends have their bums slapped too,” said a first year student. Some women use it as a confirmation on their selfesteem: “If it doesn’t happen on a night out, then I often wonder ‘what’s wrong with me?’ because it happens so regularly,” said one student. A second year English student tells of her story: “On more than one occasion, drunk men have pressed their faces into my (admittedly, exposed) cleavage. “I do not welcome this behaviour and though they are usually not difficult to push away, it is always a bit
of a horrible experience.” Sexual violence is becoming alarmingly normalised on nights out. The NUS report identified ‘lad culture’ with sport and heavy alcohol consumption, ‘banter’, sexism and misogyny, homophobia, sexualisation and the objectification of woman and rape supportive attitudes including sexual harassment. Throughout our research and reaching out over social media, we found that men had few stories to tell about their experiences with sexual violence in Swansea. This could be for a number of reasons; men could feel embarrassed about the experiences, they may not be seen as sexuall violence or they may not happen very regularly. We spoke to one third year student who told of his experience of being touched by a woman in Sin City. “I was just walking and all of a sudden I had my genitals and chest groped by a girl. I did feel violated but it didn’t trouble me too much at the time because I was drunk.” Swansea University’s Students’ Union adopted a Zero Tolerance policy in 2009 after it was passed through student forum. It has been developed and expanded to help keep students safe and help make their student experience harassment and discrimination free. Women’s officer Rosie Inman said: “Sexual harassment on nights out is at epidemic levels - I know countless women who have expressed how normalised this behaviour has become and how rare it is to go on a night out without experiencing verbal or physical harassment; whether that’s being catcalled or groped or worse. “NUS’ Hidden Marks survey found that 68% of women students had experienced sexual harassment during their time at university. This figure is simply unacceptable, and our students’ union is committed to ending this culture of harassment and violence. “All of our venues operate under a Zero Tolerance to sexual harassment policy - if you experience or witness sexual harassment on any SU night (which includes any unwanted touching or persistent, unwanted comments) please report it to a staff member who will remove the perpetrator from the venue, or email womensofficer@swansea-union.co.uk.”
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What are your views on lad culture? Michael Yeubrey, 22-year-old English student:
Melissa Chisholm, 21-year-old History student
“I think it’s an amusing and ironic way of creating a group dynamic but when taken to excess, it can be dangerous in it’s anti-feminist connotations and the violence and excessive drinking it can lead to. “
“I have never been a victim of lad culture, but it’s hard to watch those who are under peer pressure to conform.”
Jonathon Wolfe, a third year Business student: “Lad culture is very much created from the expectations placed on students when they arrive in first year and want to make an impression. “It’s quite often a persona which is derived from the want to be liked. “It’s very common within sporting societies where this persona can quite often be seen as ‘lad culture’, this can also be passed down from years above, of which students are prone to carry on and follow what traits they saw within the first few months of university delivered often by the 2nd and 3rd year students.”
John Roberts, a 20-year-old Economics student: “Being part of the football club, I have been subject to the common misconception that all football club members are ‘lads’. I believe lad culture is not really a huge aspect of university life, maybe it used to be, or is elsewhere, but not at Swansea. There is a small minority which get involved and due to their brash, exaggerated nature, they are very easy to spot, which gives the impression of a larger problem.”
Tori-Ilana Evans, 20-year-old English student:
Sophie Wiggins, a 19-year-old English and Media student:
“Lad culture is prevalent within all universities and Swansea is not excluded from that. It can affect both men and women. It’s most obvious in initiation tasks and on facebook groups such as Spotted: Swansea University and Library. I think it’s really awful that women are seen in relation to their physical nature which is exploited on sites such as Spotted and UniLad and I think that we really have to tackle this sort of behaviour.”
“I think lad culture can be derogatory towards woman but I understand it’s part of life and I think it’s just a bit of banter within reason.”
Opinion: “Being drunk and on a night out is never an excuse” W
HEN some students hear the phrase “sexual violence in nightclubs” many immediately assume that the victims are female, they are overreacting or were asking for it, writes Hilary Webb. While most victims are female it is not uncommon among men. For the idea that victims maybe overreacting I have one answer, no means no. Sadly, no matter how many campaigns are made to plug this into our brains it seems to me that some people haven’t quite grasped this idea yet. The idea that female victims are asking for it is quite frankly disturbing; women should be able to dress how they want to on a night out. The amount of flesh that is or isn’t showing is no indication of how ‘up for it’ anyone is. The difference with nightclub sexual assaults though is
that alcohol is usually involved and sadly many people seem to think alcohol equals an excuse. There’s also the anonymity of nightclubs, hundreds of people roughly the same age, dancing up close and personal in a dark, loud room may seem like a great opportunity to grab a boob or two. It’s not. The word consent it is thrown around a lot in conversations about sexual assault but I’ll clarify for anyone who’s unsure: before any sexual encounter consent from everyone involved is needed. If someone says no that should be the end of discussion. Sexual/indecent assault is any unwanted touching of a non-consenting person anywhere on their body, clothed or not. If you’re unsure whether someone wants you to be doing what you’re doing, stop. Being drunk and on a night out is never an excuse and won’t get you out of being charged for sexual assault – and that on your criminal record really won’t help you pull.
The students’ union adopted the Zero Tolerance policy in 2009.
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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with LAUREN PHILLIPS
culture
In the Company of Giants... and Doug
D
OUG Allan is the multi-award winning cameraman who has been a part of the amazing cinematography seen in BBC documentaries Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Ocean Giants. Tammy Schuh interviewed Doug about his animal encounters, travels and his upcoming new tour, ‘In the Company of Giants’. Tammy: Let’s start at the very beginning. How did you start with your work? Doug: I got into diving when I was at school that took me into Marine Biology, which took me to a degree, that took me to working underwater with some biologists and then I got a job supporting marine biologists as a diver in the Antarctic. Tammy: How was university time for you? You studied Marine Biology. Doug: (laughing) Yes I studied Marine Biology, at Stirling University. I enjoyed it. In 1973 I got my degree. There was much less known about the underwater world. I think the whole 1960’s, the era of expeditions, they went to space but I could certainly go underwater. Tammy: How did you get a job with the BBC? Doug: My way was slightly different; I was pretty inexperienced as a cameraperson, but I did go to one of my trips to the Antarctic. I had a chance to spend my winter with some Emperor Penguins. Emperor Penguins are the bigger type; they breed through the winter, so getting footage from these penguins is difficult. Before I went I contacted the producer of the BBC telling him that I was in the Antarctic working with Emperor Penguins during the winter, and if he would be interested in any footage. He offered my footage around for other programs. On the basis of that, he offered me another contract in the Antarctic. So when that programme came out, half of the first programme was mine, so suddenly I had something to show people. And that was my springboard to all the other offers that came my way. Tammy: ‘In The Company of a Giants’ starts on the 1st April. Are you looking forward to it? Doug: I like the fact that the talk appeals to a wide range of people, not only from all ages, but also people of different interests, a diver or a photographer or a naturalist or just interested in travel. In a way, you know these short 10 minutes programmes that they make at the end of a series, how parts of the programme were made. Well, my talks a like extended versions of those. They are an insight how filming was done, how I was feeling, how the animals behaved; that’s why I think they are interesting, and I just like talking about things like that. Tammy: On the 25th April, you will be in Swansea. What is ‘the Company of a Giant’ about? Doug: The animals I’m concentrating on are Killer Whales, Belugas and Narwhals, which you all find up in the Arctic. And of course about my old friends, the Polar Bears. I’ll deal with filming on the Ice age, up in Canada and how we get close to Belugas and Narwhals and then I’ll talk about the Polar Bear. I’ll talk about Killer Whales and the experiences I have had with Killer Whales in different programmes around the world. Tammy: Are you still nervous before diving or filming? Doug: You have to be interested and passionate about what you do. You have to be willing to watch and animal for a long time to get a good insight. Yes, I’m always excited before I’m going to a new place or filming an animal I have never seen before. I do like these challenges. But it is quite comforting to know what that
condition means, like the cold in the Antarctic. Tammy: Thank you for your time, and I’m looking forward to your talk. Doug: I’m looking forward to coming to Swansea and I’m hoping to see many students. •Doug Allan will be giving a talk on the 25th April 2014 in the Taliesin Theatre. To book tickets to see ‘In the Company of Giants’ visit: www.taliesinartscentre. co.uk •For more information about Doug Allan visit: www.dougallan.com
DIVERGENT: A new dystopian heroine? Books based on a dystopian world have been incredibly popular in the last few years, writes Rachael Howes-Tonks. The ‘Young Adult’ series Hunger Games became a best seller and international film hit with a strong female lead, scenarios of revolution and plenty of action proving to be a winning formula for audiences. This has inspired the popularity of many new “strong” heroines in contemporary YA novels, and Divergent is one series emerging on the back of Katniss’ success. Based on the trilogy by Veronica Roth, Divergent has been adapted for the big screen starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Kate Winslet. The story of Divergent is familiarly dystopian, set in a world divided into different factions. Teenagers choose which aspect of themselves defines them, whether this be honesty, selflessness, bravery, intelligence or peacefulness. Our heroine Tris naturally chooses Dauntless, the brave faction, rather than the faction that she was born into. We then follow
her story through her relentless training to see if she has what it takes to be a member. Tris is certainly a different kind of heroine. She is fairly unattractive, scrawny, and lacking the combat skills needed to place her top of the rankings in training, making us root for her as the underdog throughout the novel. It is this kind of concept that has captured readers and cinema goers imaginations’ lately, as everyone appreciates escapism. Stories where the protagonist struggles to survive and prove a point to an establishment are strangely satisfying to watch. Some critics have not been won over by the slightly overcomplicated plot of Divergent, and perhaps this story will not be as successful once it is translated onto the screen. But in some ways this does not matter, as it is part of an emerging film movement that has already provided its audiences with decidedly positive, gritty and daring teenage role models. Divergent is in cinemas from 4th April.
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Relationships 35
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food 32
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film 28-29
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music 26
culture 14-15
features 12-13
15
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Wales One World Film Festival Wales One World (WOW) film festival returns to Taliesin from the 7th to the 9th April, screening an unrivalled selection of world cinema. Since its launch some 14 years ago, WOW has been at the forefront, supporting and celebrating world cinema and bringing global film to local cinemas across Wales. The 2014 festival will include films from Palestine, Poland, Switzerland, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile. Student tickets are £5.30 for each film, available from the box office or online at www.taliesinartscentre. co.uk Monday 7 April 6pm When I Saw You (12A) Palestine - Arabic with subtitles A powerful Palestinian drama. It’s 1967 and the world is alive with change and hope. Yet, in Jordan, Tarek and his mother Ghaydaa, are amongst the latest wave of refugees to pour across the border from Palestine. Separated from his father in the chaos of war, Tarek finds it difficult to adjust to life in Harir camp and is determined to find him.
partner Carole as they drive their 800 sheep around the mountains of Switzerland. Sleeping under the stars, sheltering from the rain, trudging through the snow, their ‘joie de vivre’ transforms this into a magnificent hymn to freedom. Tuesday 8 April 8pm 7Boxes (15) Paraguay - Spanish with subtitles Scraping a living as a porter around the central market in Paraguay’s capital Asunción, young Victor gets the job of transporting seven boxes to an undisclosed location. As the night wears on he realises he may have taken on more than he bargained for. Paraguay’s answer to City of God.
Monday 7 April 8pm Papusza (15) Poland - Polish & Roma with subtitles B/W An inspired evocation of a Gypsy life that is now lost forever, Papusza is full of music, despair, and the triumph of Polish Roma poet Bronisława Wajs, Papusza. Her story parallels all that happened to the Romany people through the 20th century, through the Holocaust and forced settlement by the post-war Communist regime, to her discovery as a poet. Tuesday 8 April 6pm Winter Nomads (PG) Switzerland - French with subtitles This delightful, fly-on-the-wall documentary follows grumpy old Pascal and his long-suffering
Film screenings @ Taliesin Monday 14 April The Hobbit 3D: the Desolation of Smaug (12A) Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Ken Stott The Desolation of Smaug continues the adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he journeys on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the dragon Smaug. Tuesday 15 April The Tempest (Stratford Shakespeare Festival Screening) William Shakespeare This culminating masterpiece of Shakespeare’s career pits the desire for revenge against the demands of love and asks if man is capable of creating a brave new world. This spectacular and gripping play stars screen legend Christopher Plummer. American Hustle (15) Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper Set in the alluring world of one of the most stunning scandals to rock the US, American Hustle tells the story of a brilliant con man who is forced to work for a wild FBI agent.
Wednesday 9 April 6pm The German Doctor/Wakolda (15) Argentina/France/Spain/Norway - Spanish with subtitles Gently striking, achingly tense, Wakolda subtly explores the shifting relationship between the dimunitive Lilith, a blonde, blue-eyed Argentinian girl, and Josef Mengele, the Nazi doctor on the run for his crimes at Auschwitz. Wednesday 9 April 8pm Gloria (15) Chile - Spanish with subtitles A film about a strong-willed, fun-loving, middle-aged divorcee determined to enjoy life to the full. Gloria works, sees her grown-up kids, but is happiest when out dancing.
Dance Society showcases talent FANCY seeing what dance talent the university has Tickets are only £6 for students. to offer? Swansea’s Dance Society has just what you To purchase tickets: call 01792 60 20 60 or visit the Taliesin Arts Centre. need! The Dance Society will be holding their annual showcase on the 10th and 11th of April in the Taliesin Arts Centre at 7:30pm, writes Emma James. Students of the Dance Society will demonstrate their endless and incredible talents by performing a wide range of dance styles. The performances will be from beginner to advance level dancers, including tap, modern, hip hop, Bollywood, contemporary and much more. Last year, the Dance Society held a ‘Circus’ themed showcase which went down a treat. This year the society has decided to concentrate on the dance performances rather than follow a theme, which should be equally as good, if not better than previous years. Steph Dalton, a second year student said: “You can expect to see an amazing range of talented dancers in styles such as ballet, Irish, salsa or modern. We have over thirty different styles in the show.” Kelly Monteiro said: “A lot of hard work has been put in by teachers and students and I think that will reflect on the two nights of the show!” “The audience can expect an exciting and captivating show!” It will be a night to remember and should not be missed.
thewaterfront sport
Free Fortnightly
Issue 240
7 April 2014
Welsh Varsity preview 2014
SURFC will fight for back-to-back Varsity victories THE men’s rugby team are looking to hold on to the Varsity cup in their encounter with Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium. The team regained the cup last year with a 21-13 victory over their arch rivals. Swansea have won 11 out of the 17 Varsity meetings and look to continue to dominate the fixture. The team’s performance in the league this season has been disappointing, just managing to escape relegation. Team manager Will Thomas reflected upon the side’s struggles. “It is safe to say it was a rocky season but one where the boys showed resolve. “The season didn’t go the way we wanted to begin with. There aren’t any easy games in this
by Ellie Caddick waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
league; we had to fight for every point in the table.” However, league form was not mirrored in the Vase where the team fought their way to the semi-finals. A long trip to Newcastle and a training regime already concentrating on Varsity success resulted in a 32-17 loss. Team captain Reuben Tucker says the team are not disheartened. “Expectations were not met during the season but all of the team are hungry to ensure a win at Varsity,” he explained. “Team confidence and morale is growing during the training camp and the squad is continuing to get
stronger in the build up to the big day.” The team’s victory against Cardiff at Sketty Lane in November was their largest winning margin of the season. Despite torrid conditions the team stormed to a 28-0 win, Thomas described this as “a pivotal moment” in the team’s morale and belief. Tucker is looking forward to the challenge ahead. “Cardiff are a good side and we are showing them massive respect with the intensity and commitment we are employing in our training in the build up to facing them. “League form goes out the window and the game comes down to who wants it most on the day.”
The team have stepped up the intensity of their training and the mood in camp remains positive. “We are constantly critical over every area of our game and are working on them in training.” “We have never backed down from a challenge, and this gives us good self confidence and belief that we are able to continue to work, train and play in this manner.” Thomas believes that playing away from home may work to Swansea’s advantage. “Cardiff finished bottom of the league, but I believe we are the underdogs. “Everyone forgets we are playing in Cardiff, they are playing at home, they’ll feel more pressure to win and will be nervous. “We need to perform and show
the fight we have shown all season” “We have to turn up on the day and not shy away from the pressure. “We want this win and we’re prepared to fight at the Millennium.” The team hope the attendance reaches last year’s high of around 15,000 to cheer Swansea home to victory. “All of the squad is massively excited in the build-up and are hoping for strong support from the Swansea crowd,” explained Tucker. As usual, the showpiece event of the Varsity day will be the final fixture of a full day of sport and is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm, so don’t miss out on a chance to cheer on the guys in green and white!
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18 I VARSITY
thewaterfront 07. 04. 14
Rugby Union
Basketball
McAlister eager for first Varsity win Kennedy hopes work
will pay off on the day
FINE SEASON: The women’s rugby team are hoping to finish a successful season with a first Varsity win. HAVING never won at Varsity, Swansea University’s women’s rugby team are more determined than most to prove themselves against Cardiff on the big day. This year, the girls have had a strong season, finishing third in the BUCS Western 1A League. Their most recent home victory vs University of the West of England, 45-0, will also have given them added confidence, putting them in a favourable position to face the previous victors. Captain Peita McAlister is pleased with the team’s season. “We have had some fantastic wins,” she explained, “and performances
by Claire Cuddihy waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
from new players has meant continued improvement as well as a strong squad for both Varsity and next year, although we have had a lot of injuries in recent months.” Cardiff, on the other hand, despite being in the higher Premier South League division, have had a comparably weak season, only winning one of their ten matches. Based on this McAlister claimed that “we are very hopeful that this could be our year”. McAlister also reflected on the team’s defeat at last year’s Varsity.
“We had an average of 12 girls per game so we were under prepared and had a lot of key players out through injury, so the game was not a true reflection on our team.” The team has been preparing and training hard for Varsity, in order to minimise the risk of another disappointing loss. “We have started work with development games with local clubs. “We also have a coaching team from Neath with whom we implemented a plan, so we are truly ready for the challenge come Varsity day.” The match takes place at 1pm on Pontcanna pitch one on 9 April.
THIS season has been a challenging one for the men’s basketball team. Captain Adam Kennedy admitted that they have found it difficult to work together as a team. “We’ve struggled to gel as a team and struggled to get numbers for our away games, and this has obviously made the season challenging for the team . However, Kennedy insists that this has only motivated them further for Varsity 2014, and the team have been increasing the intensity of training in order to prepare for the big day. “We have really stepped up training, being a lot stricter and training a lot harder.” This increased focus in training has given the team more drive and determination to focus solely on Varsity. “We are stepping away from the season and using Varsity as something to work towards so that we have the best chance at beating Cardiff.” The team have added in extra training sessions, compulsory
by Sophie Wiggins waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
for all members of the team participating at Varsity, to strengthen the team and have also decided to have a week away from court time in order to focus on overall fitness of the team. Kennedy believes that his side can secure Varsity victory this year. “I think we have a good chance of beating Cardiff,” he explained. “The way the training sessions have been going lately shows we all want it.” It is certainly clear that the team are working hard in order to improve and maximise their chances of success this year, and their desire is unquestionable. Crucially, it is also obvious that the losses during the season have not disheartened the team; if anything it has pushed the team on and given them more drive to win Varsity this year. The match is in the main sports hall at 2pm following the women’s basketball contest.
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VARSITY I 19
American Football
Titans aim to cap tremendous season with Varsity triumph PHOTO: KAREN MASCARINAS
LEADING THE WAY: The Titans, pictured here after their BUCS trophy win in late March, have set the standard for Swansea University sport. this year. THE Swansea Titans will be looking for back-to-back Varsity victories over the Cardiff Cobras as they begin to assert a period of dominance over their Welsh rivals. The last time Cardiff beat the Titans was back at the start of 2012. Since then the Titans have won Varsity in 2013, made the playoffs in 2014 and won the 201314 BUCS American Football Trophy on 29 March (see page 38) .
by Simon George waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
For a team which has a fierce rivalry with Cardiff, this year’s playoff run has meant that Varsity has taken something of a back burner. The Titans gained the number one seed in the Championship trophy, which meant they would play all their playoff games at home. They managed to dispatch
competition from Newcastle, Lancaster and Exeter Universities before outclassing Royal Holloway to win the competition with relative ease. Francis Pankhurst, club president and left tackle, explained the team’s preparation for Varsity. “Varsity has not entered our thoughts. We have been planning for a new opponent each week for the last two months and our preparation for the Varsity will be
no different. When asked whether he thought Varsity might be somewhat of an anti-climax for the team Pankhurst agreed. “There is no doubting the size of the game from the standpoint of the university and its no different for the Titans. “However, we’ve played Cardiff once this year, we shut them out, put 30 points up on them and after the trophy win it may be difficult
for some players to reach a high level of intensity for the game. “Essentially, we feel like we have little to prove. Don’t get me wrong though, our team captains will demand a performance and I am confident that you will see one at Varsity.” Finally, Pankhurst addressed the fact that this would be the last game in green and white for many veteran players, including himself. “It’s going to be an emotional day for a number of players who have been together for a long period of time and have built a great team. “My first Varsity defeat is still fresh in the memory, so back-toback Varsity wins would mean the world to me, as it would the team.” The Swansea Titans have had an extremely successful year regardless of the result of their Varsity encounter. The team has surpassed expectations over the last two years and is hoping to round it off in true style. with a win in their final match of the season. The game will take place at Cardiff’s Pontcanna pitch four at 12:30pm on 9 April.
Netball
Tennis
Western 2B champions Captain Belford desperate to see the efforts of SUNC rewarded in Cardiff look for Cup revenge AFTER losing the Western Conference Cup final to Cardiff less than two weeks ago, Swansea’s men’s tennis firsts will be looking for revenge in their Varsity clash on Wednesday, However, having been promoted from BUCS Western 2B after losing just one game all season, the team are feeling “cautiously optimistic’’ in the build up to Varsity. The tournament has been close in recent years, but captain Julian Page feels that they have a good chance this year of securing a win over their Cardiff rivals. “We’ve drawn the past couple of years but last year it was closer than ever,” Page explained. “There were only a couple of sets in it. It was a good experience and we hope to build on that. “We haven’t done any additional training, we just keep playing tennis. “We’ve focused on winning league matches and building morale. We’ve also been trying
by Laura Fiteni waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
out which partnerships work for our doubles matches.” The fierce competition usually brings large numbers to the club house and the fans on both sides arrive in big numbers to support their teams. Page added, “It’s an awesome day and there’s a great atmosphere. Last year, all the spectators in the club house were drinking by midday and loudly cheering us on. “A win this year would be fantastic and we’re going to do our best to bring home the win so that we can celebrate even harder than last year”. With Swansea having beaten Cardiff to the league title by three points, this year’s Varsity clash will see both teams looking for a revenge of sorts over their archrivals. Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club hosts all this year’s Varsity tennis action at 2pm on 9 April.
AFTER suffering defeat two years in a row, Swansea University netball captain Lorna Belford vows that this will be Swansea’s year. “There’s no bigger incentive to win Varsity this year than revenge”, she explained. The club’s first team finished second in Western 2B, their best position for three years, while the seconds finished joint second of 3B and the newly-promoted thirds finished an impressive third in in 4B. This year also saw the creation of a new fourth team, who have been playng in the Swansea netball league. However, as Belford explained, this season’s successes have not just been on court. “I’ve watched all our teams develop and form great bonds as well as putting our efforts into lots of extra activities, where we’ve seen the club raise over £1300 for charities. “I could not be prouder of the overall success SUNC has had
by Laura Fiteni waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
both on and off court this season, and I would put this success down to the great committee and structure of the club this year. We have also benefited from the expertise of our newly-appointed coach Alecs Donavon, who has previous Welsh experience and has brought a determined and professional attitude to the club.” The girls have been going all out in training under Donavon with several high-intensity sessions a week in a bid to improve fitness. “There’s no last-minute preparations this year; we started our training back in September,” said the club captain. “We never walk out of our sessions; we pretty much all crawl because the fitness is so intense! But it’s really helped to improve our game.” The girls did not meet their Varsity opponents Cardiff in the BUCS league as Cardiff play in the league above, but Belford is
confident that this will work to Swansea’s advantage. “We’ve heard they’re not doing so well and we narrowly missed out on promotion, so it should be a good battle. We’ve had such a great season which is a big confidence boost for the girls. Lorna is also confident in the team’s ability and says that every player on the court and bench is strong. “ We’ve got a good number of third years in the team this year who have suffered two defeats and would do anything to win this year”, she explained. “Since January training has been increased to five times a week, with three of them being fitness sessions. “You cannot fault the team’s efforts nor the lengths they will go to in order to defeat our rivals! “With the 1st squad only experiencing defeat 3 times this year I know its not a feeling they want to replicate come 9th April!” The match kicks off at 11am on 9 April in the main sports hall.
20 I VARSITY
thewaterfront 07. 04. 14
Football
Intramural XI hope practice will make perfect as they look to avenge last year’s Varsity defeat
NO STRANGERS: This year’s Select XI began their Varsity preparations well in advance to avoid a repeat of last year’s defeat to a more cohesive Cardiff side. HAVING suffered defeat at the hands of their Varsity rivals last year, the Intramural league committee set out to ensure that they would have the best possible chance of avenging it at Varsity 2014. Captain Charlie Ross says that the biggest difference to last year is the amount of preparation that has gone in to the Select XI this time. “With all the games, training and
by Max Stevens waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
other preparation we have arranged, I think we have a great chance of bringing the bragging rights back to Swansea,” he said. This year the side played a number of warm-up fixtures prior to Varsity, something which Ross and Intramural League chairman Dan Newberry felt was the best way to
prepare for the main event. The Select XI has been a success through the year, the only minor blip coming in a defeat to what Ross described as a “very resilient Swansea University Men’s FC thirds side.” The preparation has been pleasing for Ross, who feels that having played together throughout the year the players have developed “quality team spirit” which was perhaps missing in previous years with teams
Football
Parsons expects SUMFC victory SWANSEA will be out for revenge on 9 April after suffering a narrow defeat in last year’s event. The side twice came from behind in 2013, but eventually succumbed to a 3-2 loss. Despite this, the favourites will go into the upcoming fixture full of confidence having learnt from their mistakes. “We were bitterly disappointed last year, especially as we were the better team”, said captain George Parsons. Parsons is refusing to dwell on the result and is keen to make up for last year’s defeat by claiming the spoils this time around. “We have a fantastic squad this year, with three players playing professionally. “I think we’re rightfully strong favourites and I can’t see us slipping up this year.” Varsity comes at a perfect time for the team, who hit a rich vein of form towards the end of the 2013/14 BUCS campaign. With two wins and a draw from their last three league games, Swansea will head to the capital
by Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
looking to cap off the season with a long-awaited Varsity win. “We started the season poorly”, admits Parsons after his side won just two of their first seven games in all competitions. “But we have strengthened our side and had a fantastic end to the season. “We’ve been playing some brilliant football, and if we’re anywhere near our best Cardiff don’t stand a chance.” Parsons’ confidence is justified:; despite performing well in the knockout competition, Cardiff have struggled in their BUCS league this year. Playing in a lower division, they face a rearranged winner-takesall relegation decider against the University of Bath shortly before Varsity. Swansea have enjoyed a more successful BUCS season, ending the season in a comfortable midtable position. For many of the university’s sports clubs, Varsity is the pinnacle
of the sporting year and the key focus. Parsons, however, maintains that the team must adopt a professional manner and take each game as it comes, claiming that Varsity has only recently come to the forefront of his players’ minds. “We only ever concentrate on the next game; Varsity only became the focus once the BUCS season had finished. “Having said that, it’s a huge event and one the whole club is looking forward to.” The match - a ticket-only event since crowd trouble forced its abandonment in 2012 - will be played at the Welsh Institute of Sport main pitch at 12:00pm, and is one of the most popular Varsity events. “It is likely to attract a large crowd, and the atmosphere given off by spectators plays a major role in the match. “Our supporters are fantastic. It’s a huge game for the whole club, and our supporters really are our twelfth man. They make Varsity what it is.”
made up of players who had never played together before. The only disappointment was the loss of a number of players to injury, the most recent being Dave Cullen who Newberry has since offered a coaching role to whilst he is injured “due to his influence in the dressing room.” Ross was reluctant to pick out individual players in his team, instead arguing that his team was incredibly
strong from front to back with the 16 players for his match day squad being chosen from a pool of 350 Intramural League players. Despite this he did say that “the midfield is particularly strong, with lots of creativity which is sure to provide Newberry and I with a selection headache in the run-up.” When asked what the Select XI would have to do to ensure that they came out on top in the clash Ross spoke of the need for the “team spirit and quality” that has been shown by the team throughout the season to be present on the day. Without prior knowledge of how the opposition will line up Ross is also relying on his coaching team and his players to be able to respond to the tactics deployed by the opposition and tweak their own tactics to counter them. Newberry spoke of the difficulty he and Ross faced in picking 16 players for the final squad, describing having to let players down as a “low point throughout the whole experience” and saying that every player who has pulled on the shirt this season has “played a significant part in this journey and we would like to thank them for that.” The Intramural Varsity game will be played at 1pm on the Pontcanna pitch 2.
Football
SUWFC aim for repeat win SWANSEA’S female footballers head to Cardiff with a point to prove after seeing their rivals finish above them in the league. Since a stunning 3-2 victory in last year’s Varsity match, club captain Sophie Titcombe admits that Swansea have not enjoyed an easy BUCS season. “The BUCS campaign was tough this year. Unfortunately, some tight games didn’t quite go our way, but we’ve definitely built as a squad”, says Titcombe. “We’ve only lost once at home this season, to [league leaders] UWE, and have had a lot of new players come in who have set the foundations for next year.” Recalling last year’s dramatic triumph, Titcombe cites the win as a personal highlight of her time with the side. Swansea returned home with an unprecedented win under their belts after losing 7-2 the previous year. “We went into it as complete underdogs having lost the past three Varsity matches, but the squad were quietly confident that it was going to be our year. “Varsity is definitely the game that the whole season works up to. The girls are out to prove that last year’s result wasn’t just a fluke” Matchday captain Nadine Askew echoes these sentiments. “We talk about Varsity from the
by Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
start of the year, and it’s what we work towards from the very beginning. We would consider our season a success if we win on the day”, says Askew. “I think it has come at a perfect time after a difficult BUCS campaign. With us having drawn 1-1 with Cardiff in the league, everyone is excited to play them again.” Askew will take her side into the match full of belief, after weeks of solid preparation in the build up to the biggest game of the season. “The final team was chosen a couple of weeks ago. With all the added training sessions we have been having, everyone is feeling pretty confident.” Another benefit to the players is the huge support that travels from Swansea to the capital every year. Askew feels that the crowd offers an extra edge to the game, and helps boost performance levels. “The atmosphere really does help. If someone feels they’re having a bad game, hearing the crowd cheer their name will lift their spirits. “When it gets down to the last ten minutes and players are tired and aching, the noise of the crowd will help give them that final push to finish the game strongly.” SUWFC take to the Welsh Institute of Sport main pitch at 2:30pm,.
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VARSITY I 21
Hockey
Janes pleased with club’s preparations as ladies aim to avoid three successive Varsity defeats THERE is a longstanding rivalry between Cardiff and Swansea hockey girls, with numerous teams meeting each other throughout the year. Last year Cardiff beat Swansea 4-0 having also won 3-1 the year before. The girls are aiming to put in a strong performance to come out on top this year and will fight for Varsity victory right up until the final whistle. Captain Holly Janes believes they can overcome their recent Varsity form to secure victory this year. “I think a mixture of over confidence and nerves was our downfall,” she explained. “This year we are just going to play our game, go out there and enjoy it”. The Cardiff first team have been on top form, winning 14 out of 18 of their Saturday league games as well as
by Lisa Jones waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
finishing comfortably in mid-table in the extremely competitive BUCS Premier South division. However club treasurer Izzy Tennyson pointed out the Swansea first team only narrowly lost to Cardiff 2nds 3-2 with a restricted selection of players, and so “anything is possible.” “We are under no illusion that Cardiff are of a far higher standard than us, but that doesn’t mean to say that we don’t stand a chance, against them,” said Janes. “The girls are on form and looking for a good result, so we will have to wait and see” Swansea have played well this year with some exceptional wins putting as many as 17 goals past their opposition at times. They currently sit third in their BUCS league above both Cardiff 3rds and 4ths. “Defensively we are strong
which will be our saving grace at Varsity,” Janes insisted. “We just need to make the most of any chances we get to score”. A strong intake of freshers this season has lead to an impressive team even after a big loss at the end of last year. The second team have also proved outstanding, making it hard for captain Janes to select a training squad of 20, with some fantastic players being bought up. Janes is sure that nerves will not get the better of the new players in the Varsity squad. “For a lot of the team it will be their first Varsity which can be daunting. “However, with some oldies there for support, hopefully they wont let that affect their game.” The final squad of 20 have been working exceptionally hard with a strict training regime, diet and even an alcohol ban to both
get a place in the final team and then beat Cardiff. Coaches Christopher Nelson and Will Matthews have worked hard to get the girls prepared to perform at their absolute best on the day with a combination of pitch sessions, tactics, fitness alongside strength and conditioning. The constant training has paid dividends with an improvement in performance and emphasises the girls’ vast level of commitment to both the sport and the big game. With the Cardiff girls heading to Europe and being two leagues ahead they are obviously the favourites. However Swansea have won before with victories both three and four years ago. Veterans Chloe Guy and Holly Walker are the only remaining players in the squad to have won before, and are keen to repeat the experience.
With the rest of the team having only every heard stories of a Varsity victory they will give it their all again this time round to secure a win for the green and white army! The squad still needs to be cut to a final 16 leaving Janes with further predicaments ahead as she tries to find her strongest team possible. The team are very close having spent so much time together and this will likely be nothing but beneficial on the day. It is likely to be a fantastic game with end-to-end action, plenty of determination and fight, and some nail-biting moments. The team would fully appreciate as large a support as possible on the day as they play what many consider to be the biggest game of the year. So make sure you get to the astro pitch at Sofia Gardens at 2pm to help the girls to victory again.
Volleyball
Jones hopes to continue club’s successful season THE men’s volleyball will be hoping to continue their excellent season at Varsity and get revenge over Cardiff after losing last year. “Fantastic” was how club captain Matt Jones described both teams’ seasons this year. It’s easy to understand why with the men’s firsts winning their league and securing promotion to the Western 1A division. Meanwhile, the ladies’ 1sts were the only Welsh team to reach the last 16 of the Championships and finished third in the Western 1A division. Jones went on to explain just how impressive these achievements are considering the formation of the teams. “Both teams have performed to a higher level compared to last year. “Each year we lose a larger proportion of our players as we rely a lot on international students who come over for between six months and a year. “This means we never really know where we are at from one year to the next, and have to start a team from scratch every September. “However this year we are
by Joshua Pain waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
delighted with the progress we have made and are looking to crown this progress with victories at Varsity. “The whole club has been brilliant, everyone has worked really hard to fuse together as a team, given that a vast majority of players were new members.” Despite this, there were some disappointing moments for the club. The men’s firsts were defeated in the semi-finals of the Western Conference Cup and the result was especially bitter considering the team “felt some key refereeing decisions cost them the game” according to Jones. The ladies’ firsts did extremely well to finish third but will be disappointed to have lost away at Bournemouth, as a win would have seen them clinch the title. At Varsity, volleyball is making only its second appearance. 12 months ago the ladies won, but the men lost and are out for revenge this time. Jones summarised the club’s attitude towards the big day. “As much as we enjoy the league
and cup fixtures, Varsity is what decides our season from our point of view. “All of this year, the players that played last year have been buzzing about the chance to beat Cardiff, and impressing upon the new additions to the squad how big
the day really is for the University. “Tactically, we have been focusing in particular on smooth team play and communication, as we believe our togetherness is what makes us the better team.” There’s no doubting that both the men and ladies are motivated
and in the right form for Varsity. The ladies’ will be looking to make it two out of two while Jones says “the men’s team in particular are looking to translate their good season into revenge for last years disappointment!” Both games kick off at 3:30pm in the main sports hall on 9 April.
FOCUSED: The men’s team are out for revenge at Varsity 2014 after winning their BUCS league this season.
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Golf
Beddow believes golfers can crown their remarkable season with victory at Varsity GOLF team captain Tom Beddow is confident ahead of Wednesday’s Varsity clash after a successful season. The team stormed to the BUCS Western 2B title with an perfect record of six wins from six matches, six points ahead of Cardiff 1sts in second place with a game in hand. As if easing to the league title was not enough, Swansea’s golfers also secured the Western Conference Cup two weeks ago,, beating Exeter 4ths in the final. Beddow thinks that the fact that the cup final took place at the same venue as their semi-final win provided a boost for the team in the match. “Playing at the Lakes course at the Vale of Glamorgan where we won our semi finals, we were confident that we could win the final. “The weather was ideal for us to get the best out of our games, and if it wasn’t for some over-played greens we probably could have had a more comfortable victory! “We played against Exeter
by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
4ths, and we had already beaten their 3rds in the quarter-finals at Pennard, so we didn’t see any reason why we couldn’t win the double in our most successful season yet. “It was a lot closer than we would have liked at 4-2 but they were all tough matches that could have gone either way. “For 5 of us, it was our last ever BUCS match so we are delighted we have finished with such a successful season.” Beddow is now hoping that the team’s form and success throughout the season will provide them with all the confidence they need to replicate their success at last year’s Varsity. “We are confident going into Varsity thanks to our very successful season so far, and we have defeated both of the Cardiff teams already this year. “The Varsity team is a 10-man squad, not the usual six for the BUCS matches, and so we might
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WINNERS: Swansea University’s golfers are looking to complete a magnificent treble on Wednesday morning.. have a few relatively inexperienced players on the day. “However I believe we have enough depth and strength in our squad to win Varsity once again. We will be having caddies for each of our players so that the whole club can have a great
experience on the day, just as it has been in my previous two Varsity days. ““We lost a few top players last year but we have had some very talented freshers this year, and we have had the depth to always put out a strong team going into
every match. “Not only that, but there is so much hunger in this team for success, which has contributed so much to our success this season.” This year’s Varsity golf game takes place at the Vale of Glamorgan at 11am on 9 April.
waterfrontonline.co.uk
VARSITY I 23
Swimming
Hockey
Swansea keen to come out on top in the SUMHC aim Welsh Varsity’s first swimming contest for revenge PHOTO: PAUL SCHILLACI
FIRST OF ITS KIND: Swansea’s swimmers will be looking to ensure the first swimming Varsity victory is theirs. THE Welsh Varsity 2014 will be the first ever to include swimming as an event. After a successful BUCS
by Laura Fiteni waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
campaign both Swansea University swimming captains are
optimistic of their chances against Cardiff on the big day. Having beaten Cardiff last year in the trial run, both the men’s
and women’s captains hope that they can find a repeat of last year’s success in the first official Varsity swimming contest. Men’s captain Joshua Dunn says that training ahead of Varsity has not changed too radically. “We’re training the same amount in terms of hours in the pool but we’re making sure that training sessions are counting for more.” Accumulating a massive 280 points in the BUCS league, the most points amassed by any Swansea team registered with BUCS, there are high expectations for the mixed-gender squad. Women’s captain Stephanie Hanley described the eagerness of the squad. “We have a really big incentive in obtaining that first official Varsity win. “We want to start well and keep the momentum going forward.” Those looking to watch the action unfold in this very first Varsity swimming clash should head towards Cardiff International Pool for 12pm.
Sailing
Sailors looking to get back on course after suffering first Varsity loss in 2013
FOLLOWING their first Varsity loss in many years last time around, Swansea University sailing captain Tom Walker and his team are back again to prove that their preparations have paid off.
by George Davalle waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
“We lost Varsity last year for the first time and it hurt!” he explained. “We will be back this year
determined to set the records straight.” After recently being knocked out of qualifiers for national finals, the team managed to pull through in the playoffs. “We turned it from a low to a
high!” said Walker. Swansea did well following their playoff success, going on to defeat a number of the top teams who had originally knocked them out. Cardiff have been the consistently stronger sailors this year, and as a result, on paper, Swansea will enter this year’s contest as the underdogs. “We have analysed our weaknesses and are working on them,” explains Walker. “Training is on target, but the next few weeks are going to be crucial.” Having just hosted a “Swansea Spartan” event, the team are in the right frame of mind and are sure to put up a good battle against Cardiff. Members of both teams on the day will be keeping their fingers crossed for good conditions. The sailing takes place from 10am at Cardiff Bay on the morning of 9 April.
by David Beale
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
MEN’S hockey first team captain Jonny Cardy is confident of victory in this year’s Varsity match against Cardiff, citing the performances in this season’s league matches as reason for optimism. ‘We are going into the game looking to win,” Cardy insisted. “We drew with them at home and only lost 2-1 away to them in the league, so we expect a close game. But we are confident we can win”. Swansea may be underdogs, but Cardy thinks this might actually help their chances. “This season we have played and won matches that arguably we had no right to win; for instance Exeter 2nds won the league winning every match, except for when they came here to Swansea and we beat them 3-1. “Therefore we know we have the standard of game that can beat Cardiff, we just have to be able to take that type of performance into Varsity”. Swansea will be looking to avenge last year’s defeat, where a ruthless Cardiff ran out 9-2 winners on the day. However, it should be a closer game this time around. “This season has prepared us very well, “ explained Cardy. “We’ve played in the same BUCS league as them for the first time in so many years, which means week in week out we have had to play at a standard which is extremely high.” Club captain Puv Samra also thinks that playing at the same level should make the game an even contest. “The fact that we are now regularly playing teams of Cardiff’s standard has greatly helped.” Cardy thinks the higher quality league has improved the team as a whole from last year. “The main thing that has changed is that we have had to increase our ability to do the basics right. “We found out very quickly that if you don’t take care of the ball then the opposition are easily good enough to punish you. “This year we usually don’t have the ball as much as the other team, therefore we have to be very good at defending as a team and attacking as a team”. Samra also thinks the squad has improved from last year. “The added boost of the return of captain Cardy from injury will only add to the strength of the team as we aim to avenge last years defeat. “Since last year we’ve been able to keep the core of the squad together and the addition of new fresher’s and existing members stepping up to the plate has really helped.” The match takes place at 3.30pm on 9 April at Sophia Gardens.
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Tae Kwon Do
Swansea prepared for Varsity battle HAVING increased the number of tournaments they participate in from three to eight this year, Swansea University Tae Kwon Do club are fighting fit ahead of their Varsity meet with Cardiff. The club have consistently brought medals home from competitions this seasons and
by Laura Fiteni waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
saw many of its newer members promoted to a higher belt. Club captain Sam Mason is delighted with the progress the club have made throughout the academic year.
“We’ve achieved a lot of success at various tournaments throughout the year this year. “As a result of the increased competition we have become a lot more competition-ready and focused for Varsity than we were in 2013. “Varsity holds the most
READY FOR ACTION: Captain Sam Mason believes his Tae Kwon Do team are fully prepared for Varsity this year.
competition for us so everything has been geared towards it. We’re training as much as possible to secure victory on the day”. As both the Swansea and Cardiff committees start to organise individual matches within the sparring categories and divisions, Cardiff captain Jonathan Beer admitted to being cautious about the strength of the Swansea side. Having met at previous competitions throughout the year, the sides have been anxiously eyeing each other. The Cardiff captain said that the pressure was on Cardiff to match last year’s performance. However, Mason insisted that his Swansea side will remain foucsed and motivated. “We have a score to settle at Swansea. There’s no stronger motivation than the loss last year”. Having jointly purchased a new trophy this year, SUTKD are focusing on bringing the trophy home and making Swansea the first engraving on the new centrepiece. The clash takes place at 11am in the UWIC Sports centre Dojo in Sophia Gardens.
Varsity itinerary Monday 7th April Boxing – Oceana, Swansea - 7.00pm Weds 9th April Sailing - Cardiff Bay - 10.00am Badminton - Main Hall - 9.00am Tae Kwon Do – Dojo - 11.00am Netball - Main Hall - 11.00am Ladies Basketball - Main Hall -12.30am Men’s Fencing - Upper Hall -1.30pm Ladies Fencing - Upper Hall - 3.00pm Men’s Squash - Squash courts - 1.30pm Ladies Squash - Squash courts - 1.30pm Men’s Basketball - Main Hall - 2.00pm Men’s Volleyball - Main Hall - 3.30pm Women’s Volleyball - Main Hall -3.30pm Men’s Football - WIS - Main Pitch - 12.00pm Ladies Football - WIS - Main Pitch - 2.30pm Ladies Hockey - Hockey Astro -2.00pm Men’s Hockey - Hockey Astro -3.30pm Ladies Rugby - Pontcanna Pitch 1 - 1.00pm Freshers Rugby - Pontcanna Pitch 1 - 2.30pm IMG Football - Pontcanna Pitch 2 - 1.00pm Ladies Lacrosse - Pontcanna Pitch 3 - 12.30pm Men’s Lacrosse - Pontcanna Pitch 3 - 2.30pm Ultimate Frisbee - Pontcanna Pitch 4 - 11am American Football - Pontcanna Pitch 4 12.30pm Golf - Vale of Glamorgan - 10.00am Tennis - Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club - 12.00pm Swimming - Cardiff International Pool -12.00pm Canoe Polo – CIWW - 1.00pm Welsh Varsity Match (Rugby) - Millennium Stadium - 19.30pm
Boxing
Boxers ready for this year’s Oceana showdown ON the evening of 7 April Swansea University Amateur Boxing Club take on Cardiff at Swansea’s Oceana nightclub. Doors to the clash open at 7:30pm and entrance is free to all holders of a Varsity rugby
by Mansoor Nadhar waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
match ticket. Swansea University ABC has witnessed quite a few changes this year with the founder
and former head coach Aveon Perryman departing and the club’s venue changing. However, the club has stayed strong, growing in both members and notoriety despite these setbacks.
PULL NO PUNCHES: After the success of last year’s event, Swansea ABC are ready to do the job this time around.
Stepping up to the challenge of head coach was last year’s Varsity participant Alex Ruddy. As in any sport, an athlete’s success depends upon the team that supports him, and boxing is no different. The bond and camaraderie forged between the members, is quite literally one of blood and sweat. With this year’s team motivating each other day by day, fear is the last thing which will deny them their glory. “SUABC has had a difficult year,” Ruddy explained. “We have overcome problem after problem, yet the team is still displaying the heart, determination and true grit that go hand-in-hand with the sport of boxing. “ The highpoint for the club was a Wales v England Universities match in December, ending in a Welsh University win and putting both Swansea and Cardiff on the map. Now, however, the time has come to face Cardiff in the Welsh Varsity showdown. “Cardiff currently holds the trophy but we have no intentions of letting them keep it,” insists
Ruddy. “The effort and heart my fighters are showing fills me with pride every session.” Ruddy also suggested that one of the evening’s highlights will surely be the bout between 19-year-old Kieran Ryan and Cardiff’s Edgar Weaver. “Kieran’s winning performance at last year’s Varsity was seen as the fight of the night and he has shown incredible commitment in preparing for his next Varsity bout, though Edgar is a fierce fighter who will push Kieran’s skills to the limit,” Ruddy explained. Nine Swansea fighters have been training hard, showing immense determination, perseverance and heart. For many this is their first bout, and it is the thought of winning for Swansea Uni that drives them to push their limits. Whatever happens on the night, these fighters will have proven their determination, resilience and spirit in preparation for the bouts. This promises to be a night to remember, so get down to Oceana at 7:30 pm to cheer on these combatants and give them the back-up they deserve.
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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WIth OLIVIA ROSENTHALL
music
The first song I ever played was ‘C’est La Vie’ T
HE UNDIVIDED, a name you should remember for future years, writes Tim Morizet, is an upcoming band from South Wales, formed in 2009. Tim got to chat with Joe (guitar & vocals), Lew (guitar), Rhyd (drums) and Craig (bass) in Newport ahead of the release of their new album “The New Day”which they have been working on since 2013.
JOE: Bewitched! Bewitched, the girl band! That was the first song I ever played: ‘C’est la vie’. I played the cello before and the guitar. I wasn’t very good straight away, so I quit. Then, as my success with female persuasion was poor, I decided to have another try, and after a while I got pretty okay and it gets me out of the house. I like wide open spaces.
TIM: Let’s start with an easy question, if you were a ghost for one day, who would you haunt?
TIM: How important would you say is social media for a band that tries to have a break through?
RHYD: How is that easy? CRAIG: I could kind of see a way of using it to my advantage. I’d like to haunt my boss for a day to find out what he is looking for in an employee and Derek Acorah, just for the fact that he hosted ‘Most Haunted’, just to prove him right. Or I’d haunt Casper, he needs a friend anyway. TIM: Your song ‘The New Day’ got some radio plays across the UK and ‘Worlds Apart’ was aired on BBC Radio Wales. Do you remember that feeling when you heard yourself for the first time on radio? LEW: We didn’t know; we’d locked ourselves away in some hole in west Wales. When we were coming back, we’d been cut off from phones and radio for about two days. After the radio show, messages on our phones came through saying: ‘Oh well done for last night guys!’ and we were all like: ‘What happened?’ TIM: How did you get interested in music and making a band?
JOE: It’s incredibly important, now more than ever. I’ve been in bands since 2001 and it was a completely different game, because if people wanted to hear your music they’d have to come to a show, and there was no other way to get your music out there. Its been such a massive change in the last five years, the MySpace generation changing to Facebook, YouTube and ITunes. TIM: Where do you get your inspiration for new songs and how does the recording process work? RHYD: It generally comes in with the bad bones of a song, like a chord progression and we sort of jam along until there’s a structure in a song. If it doesn’t work we try something else until we’re happy with it. JOE: Every song we write is a progression, as we’re a band built on progression. If you’re not expanding or moving forwards musically, it’s kind of pointless doing music.
TIM: How would you describe the Welsh music scene and your place in it? CRAIG: The Welsh music scene is very vibrant. So many bands started here in Newport and Cardiff. I think it sort of goes in dips like a lot of things, and a lot of genres out of the Welsh music scene seems to have done well. I remember I read something like when Funeral for a Friend was starting that they couldn’t get a show because they sounded like Stereophonics, and that Britpop sound was huge at the time. Yeah, it’s like a roller-coaster, very vibrant all the time. TIM: Where do you see yourself in three years? CRAIG: Continuously paying rent and trying to break even, and still be able to pay for the shows. If I can do that, that would be cool.
Read the full interview at www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
A different kindof festival fix
Manchester Orchestra
It’s that time of the year when we’ve already worn our fingers out by clicking refresh on the Glastonbury website, and to those that weren’t able to get tickets, the festival season is looking a bit dry writes Olivia Rosenthall. Have no fear, as below are a list of smaller festivals that are still just as good as the bigger, if not pricier ones! 1. Love Saves The Day Where: Castle Park, Bristol When: 24th – 25th May Line Up: Annie Mac, Nina Kraviz, Eton Messy, Jamie XX and plenty more Price: £39.50 for the Saturday/£35 for the Sunday (weekend passes have sold out – but Ebay is your friend at a time in need) What to expect: Having sold out last year, Team Love aims to bring you a weekend full of boozing, dance-off stages and some brilliant local talent. 2. Lovebox Festival Where: Victoria Park, London When: 18th – 19th July Line Up: Chase and Status, M.I.A, Bonobo, Moderat, Bondax and plenty more Price: £77.95 for Friday and Saturday passes What to expect: Aside from the fantastic line up, around the site are glitter makeover parlours, Voga classes (Vogue + Yoga), magicians and a party at the bearded kitten manor. 3. Brownstock Festival Where: Brown Farm, Essex
Reviews COPE (ALBUM)
When: 29th – 31st August Line Up: Dizzee Rascal, Razorlight, The Feeling, Jack Beats and Goldie Lookin’ Chain, plus more to be announced! Price: £75.95 What to expect: Brownstock has been creeping up the festival spectrum, initially started by the Browns of Brown Farm. Expect a themed dress code, organic meat from the family farm and lots of rides. 4. Festival Number 6 Where: Portmeirion, Wales When: 5th – 7th September Line Up: Beck, London Grammar, Bonobo, Temples and East India Youth are just a handful of acts Price: £175 for an adult weekend ticket What to expect: Festival Number 6 claims to be a “different kind of festival”, also going on at this magical place are book readings, film screenings and art trails through the woods.
Manchester Orchestra promise that Cope, their fourth album, is “an unrelenting and unapologetically heavy 38 minutes of rock” writes James Rawlings. This is a promise that they completely deliver on, the album starts and finishes with the same energy without a lull in between. In this momentum, however, it falls short as none of the songs really stand above the noise. The album lacks the sensitivity and vulnerability that was present in their earlier records. It comes across as a more mature album, reflective of ten years spent at the heart of American indie rock. As the band have aged though, the album has lost its raw emotional nerve and fragility which made their sound special. Reminiscent of Biffy Clyro’s and Brand New’s heavier stuff, this is a definite for fans of alt-rock.
Got an album or single you’d like to review? Want to interview bands? Send an email to waterfrontmusic@swanseaunion.co.uk
travel
Five reasons to visit Dublin W
ANT to go away for the weekend? Why not consider Dublin? I spent a few days there and not surprisingly loved it. These are five reasons why I would recommend you to go. First, travelling to Dublin is a lot cheaper than you might think. From Cardiff or Bristol you can book return flights for surely less than £50 (given that you take care of it in advance of course). It is definitively an opportunity not to miss. Those who already went to Ireland know that Irish people are very friendly. Dubliners make no exceptions. If you are travelling alone, you can easily meet people and maybe even get to make new friends. Dubliners also know how to party. If you like partying too, Temple Bar at night is the place for you. Third reason is the music. The city vibrates to the sound of music. Wherever you are, walking the streets or having a drink in a pub you listen to people playing music, not all with talent but with heart for sure. The food and the drinks are lovely. If you like beer, you’ll be served. If you are more a tea person you can still enjoy a nice cup in Bewley’s Café. As for the food, it is good, very good but fatty so don’t be scared to put on some weight. Last but certainly not least, there are many things to do and see in Dublin. The city offers a variety of museums and historical sites. I warmly recommend you to visit the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson museum (instructive and tasteful). You must also go to Trinity College and visit its old library. If you like shopping you need to go to Grafton and Henry streets or to St Stephen’s green shopping centre. If the weather is fine, what I particularly enjoy is simply strolling in the Antique quarter or walking in the park. Phoenix Park, my personal favorite, is one of the biggest parks in Europe.
Benedicte Le Coz, a French exchange student, sampled the delights of Dublin.
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with saul masters
film
What to expect from Days of Future Past W
ITH the exception of two films revolving around the character of Wolverine, it has been almost a decade since the original X-Men trilogy came to a disappointing close with The Last Stand, writes Luke Maxwell-Libby. This year’s hotly anticipated Days Of Future Past acts as a sequel to both The Last Stand and 2011’s X-Men: First Class, an origins story which centred around younger incarnations of Charles Xavier and Eric Lensherr (aka Magneto). Played in the TV series First Class by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender respectively, these two super-powered mutants form part of an ensemble cast which includes older versions of themselves played by veteran actors Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan respectively. With returning performances from the majority of the original X-Men cast including Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry, this latest Marvel blockbuster does as the name suggests and takes place in two different time periods: the 1980s and a post-apocalyptic version of the present day. Based on the original comic book story by Chris Claremont, the future is one of a mutant apartheid enforced by Sentinels, giant robots specifically designed to hunt down and capture mutants, who are then kept in concentration camps. The mutant issue being what it is in the Marvel universe, the topic of segregation and prejudice is one that has often cut deep with
American audiences and it will be interesting to see how Bryan Singer handles the subject matter in this latest outing. The studio’s choice of director is cause for hope, given Singer’s successful work on the first two X-Men films, the second of which went so far as to weave the issue of homophobia into the subtext of one the film’s characters. Directorial input has often been make-or-break for the X-Men franchise, with Marvel famously dropping Matthew Vaughan for director of The Last Stand in favour of Brett Ratner, who apparently did his utmost to kill the series. Vaughan’s work in First Class has breathed new life into it since, however, and despite the two somewhat mediocre Wolverine spin-offs, the series looks set to take off again. Yet despite the ensemble cast, emphasis appears to have been made to place Hugh Jackman at the centre of the action once again. One hopes that he isn’t relied upon to solely drive the plot, because the casting for Days Of Future Past certainly has potential, not just from Jennifer Lawrence (because apparently we just can’t get enough of her), but also from Game Of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage, who plays the villainous Bolivar Trask and French actor Omar Sy, cast as vengeful time-traveller Bishop. Regardless of X-Men’s past (fans are still bitter about Deadpool), under Singer’s direction and with a strong cast, the future of mutants in film is looking a little brighter at last.
Film News: Avengers: Age of Ultron set photos revealed/ Bradley Cooper for Indiana Jones remake? / Scarface remake gets a director
Get ready to hide under the covers! I
N Freudian psychology, they say the best way to deal with your fears is to talk about them and confront them, writes Alex McKenzie. I thought, therefore, that I would take this approach to the next level by writing about a serious issue that has plagued me since I was young, and then publish it in the Waterfront. Yes, I am writing about my fear of Godzilla. I can remember the noises vividly: the thunderous stomp of his feet, the piercing shriek of his roar, all accompanied by the ominous soundtrack that kept the tension cranked in every scene. Then there were the images of huge crowds of people fleeing in terror from Godzilla, their screams emphasising the puny nature of man against an unstoppable force of nature. Even as a six-year-old, however, you could imagine my intense disappointment when Roland Emmerich’s 1998 ‘reimagining’ dropped into cinemas. It was not a project the director particularly felt any loyalty to, and you could tell. Gone was the Japanese original’s subtext, where its title character stood as a metaphor for the nuclear atrocities the country had suffered in World War II. Instead we were presented with a misunderstood dinosaur and its offspring, velociraptor-like creatures that were obviously included to ride the recent success of Jurassic Park: The Lost World. Purists were dismayed, knowing that the very essence of what made Godzilla unique had been ripped away. Disheartened and disillusioned, the fans crept back into the shadows, hoping that
maybe one day the iconic lizard would be given the film he deserved by Hollywood. Enter Gareth Edwards, a British director whose sole directing experience prior to Godzilla was a film somewhat appropriately entitled Monsters. Filmed on a tiny budget with his friends, despite its title, it was acclaimed for its portrayal of a human relationship in a world where creatures roam a postapocalyptic landscape. It was this that got him the job on 2014’s Godzilla - a decision that was met with a degree of disbelief from the online community. It was a massive risk placing an unproven director on such a huge project. While Monsters had had a self-raised budget of $500,000, Godzilla was to cost $150 million. However, unlike Emmerich’s sanitised American version of over 15 years before, Edwards was keen to strip Godzilla back to its Japanese origins. The first surprising element of the trailer was its tone: for a summer blockbuster, Edwards’ film looks dark - there are shots of children tormented by an off-screen threat, highlighting the gritty realism that the film is obviously aiming for. Just as surprising is the strong cast that has been assembled for what is essentially a monster movie. Bryan Cranston’s first acting role since completing Breaking Bad is a huge coup. If Heisenberg is afraid, then we should be too! These are just a few reasons as to why Godzilla is shaping up to be a darker twist on your usual summer blockbuster fare, and also a return to form for a cinematic icon whose impact is still felt in my nightmares.
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7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Our top ten films to keep your eye on this year D
ESPITE the likes of Star Wars VII and Avengers: Age of Ultron hitting our cinemas in 2015, along with Jurassic World, Terminator: Genesis, Ant-Man and Mission: Impossible 5, we should not ignore what 2014 also has to offer, writes Saul Masters. Here are ten films you should keep your eye on in the coming months. 1. Enemy Jake Gyllenhaal teams up with his Prisoners director, Denis Villeneuve, for Enemy, the story of Adam Bell (Gyllenhaal) a lecturer whose life is transformed when he finds his exact double, Anthony St. Claire (also Gyllenhaal), in a film. Soon enough Adam starts questioning his identity and who he is. If the trailer is anything to go by, Villeneuve has instilled a real sense of dread and foreboding that echoes Rian Johnson’s Brick. Lately Gyllenhaal has been stepping back from blockbusters and it really seems to be paying off. 2. Locke If you have ever wanted to watch a film with just Tom Hardy in his car for an hour and a half than Locke is the film for you. This ambitious undertaking by director/writer Stephen Knight and Hardy seems to have paid off in a film that centres on a character driving home. His whole life soon turns upside down when one mistake comes back to haunt him. It truly sounds like an interesting film in a industry that seems to be making pretty much the same films again and again but I don’t know what is riskier, making a film that just stars a man in his car or Tom Hardy’s Welsh accent. 3. Cavalry John Michael McDonagh and Brendan Gleeson reteam, after 2011’s The Guard, in the black comedy, Cavalry. Gleeson stars as Father James Lavelle, a good priest intent on making the world a better place, the only problem is everyone in his village seems to have the exact opposite desire. One day during confession one of the inhabitants threatens to kill Father James and the forces of darkness begin to make themselves apparent. With a cast made up of the likes of Chris O’Dowd and Dylan Moran, hopefully McDonagh and Gleeson will bring the same black humour that made The Guard such a success. 4. Sabotage David Ayer, the man who brought you Training Day and End of Watch, returns with Sabotage, starring everyone’s favourite exgoverner, Arnold Schwarznegger. Schwarznegger plays John “Breacher” Wharton the commander of an elite DEA squad made up of the likes of Sam Worthington, Joe Manganiello and Josh Holloway. After Breacher and his team successfully bust a drugs cartel, members of his squad soon start to get picked off and, with no-one left to trust, Schwarznegger is soon left looking at his own team for the culprits. 5. Joe Nicholas Cage and a beard is probably enough to get you to part with your hard-earned cash to see Joe, but this isn’t your typical Cage flick. Cage stars as Joe, a hard-working tree poisoner (yeah that’s a real job) who takes on teenager Gary Jones. Gary’s home life soon starts to bring out the worse in Joe. Although Joe comes from the same director that brought you the likes of Pineapple Express and The Sitter, don’t expect Joe to feature much comedy. David Gordon Green has brought his all to his adaptation of Larry Brown’s 1991 novel.
6. Dinosaur 13 Documentaries have had something of a renaissance in the last few years and this year’s Dinosaur 13 could be the next Blackfish or The Imposter. The documentary follows the law suit over Sue, the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton ever found, with everyone from the US Government to Native American tribes claiming a right over the 65 million year old dinosaur. The film took Sundance by storm last year and should get more than a limited release. 7. 22 Jump Street Who would have thought a comedy starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, directed by the guys who did Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and based on a 80s television show, would be the funniest film of its year? 21 Jump Street saw Hill and Tatum go back to school but its sequel, the ingeniously titled 22 Jump Street, sees the hapless duo attend college. With the joke this time around being that nothing has changed, expect some hilarious events to unfold, such as Tatum smashing through campus with a car in the shape of a football helmet as they attempt to catch the bad guys. 8. The Rover Australian director David Michod amazed many with his subtle but powerful debut crime thriller Animal Kingdom back in 2010. Finally he is back with The Rover, which stars Guy Pearce as Eric, a man who is attempting to survive in an apocalyptic world. Yet he is forced to fight for everything that he loves when a gang steals his most precious possessions. On the way he picks up gang member Reynolds, played by Robert Pattinson. The film looks set to be one of the stand out films of this year and hopefully surpasses Michod’s last efforts. 9. The Boxtrolls With no Pixar film this year, animation company Laika’s The Boxtrolls could be the closest we get to some excellent original animation. The Boxtrolls are a group of cave-dwelling trash collectors, who adopt Eggs, a human orphan and raise him as one of their own. But when evil exterminator, Archibald Snatcher wants to eradicate the trolls, it’s up to Eggs to lead the nocturnal critters out of their caves. With the likes of Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Richard Ayode, Ben Kingsley and Toni Collette lending their voices, the film is in no way short of talent. No doubt Laika will be able to produce another animation that is as enjoyable for the kids as it is for their parents just like they did with ParaNorman and Coraline. 10. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes The last time we saw Caesar and his simian buddies they were swinging off through a forest in San Francisco, but in Cloverfield, director Matt Reeves’s sequel, we jumped ten years into the future to discover the devastating effect of the virus that wipes out nearly the whole human race. Caesar and his genetically evolved apes have to face off Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman as the humans who attempt to keep the peace with the apes. Let’s hope Reeves can replicate Rupert Wyatt’s formula for pulling off a prequel to one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood history. And one to avoid... Jupiter Ascending The Wachowskis (the directors behind the Matrix trilogy) return this summer with a shambles of a sci-fi film, which sees Mila Kunis’ cleaner-cum-Queen of the universe team up with Channing Tatum wearing elf ears as they take on the most powerful beings in the universe. Don’t hold your breath for this one.
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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w it h na ne t t e t u r ks o n
fashion
Success at Swansea’s first ever student fashion show! S
WANSEA may not be the first place that comes to mind when discussion turns to fashion, design and innovation, but on Thursday 20th March creativity and glamour was brought to city centre in the form of the Swansea university charity fashion show - “AN EVENING IN PARIS”, writes Nanette Turkson. As the name suggests, the show was centred on incorporating the innate chicness of French fashion with vintage garments. The outcome was an evening full of excitement and stylish outfits being sashayed and strutted down the runway by the student models. The fashion show was in aid of Asthma UK and was undoubtedly a success. Through the sale of tickets to both the show and the after party that took place at Sin City, sponsorship from various local companies and retailers, plus the sale of raffle tickets on the night, the event raised more than £1000 for the charity. The venue, a performance room within the Grand Theatre, reached its full capacity, and tickets to the event sold out in a number days. Set against a Parisian-style backdrop, and with impressive ballet and opera performances in between the runway segments, the show personified fun sophistication. Those in attendance were also quick to comment on the evening, PPE student BILAL MIR said: “It was my first fashion show but I was really impressed and I enjoyed myself. Initially a few of the students looked a little nervous coming down the runway, but as the show progressed they all came in to their stride!”
Waterfront fashion contributor JENNIFER MUSEKAMP said: “I thought the charity fashion show was such a great idea and I don’t necessarily have a favourite part or look of the night. I think the most important aspect is the idea itself, that it combined fashion with a good cause and that so many highstreet fashion stores, as well as beauty brands like Topshop and Benefit Cosmetics, got involved. The fashion industry can be so much more than just looks and superficiality and this event has shown what is possible. I was very impressed with it!” The show featured both male and female fashion, and the styling of the show was categorised in to seven trends “Prep and Varsity” , “Art and Sk8er”, “Formal wear”, “Parisian and Grunge” , with the baroque prints, vibrant colours and clear vintage influence on the the male and female styling of the “Art” trend undeniably stealing the show for me. The hard work and dedication of all of the members of the committee in putting the show together paid off in the final result of the show, and it was a great achievement of which all those involved should be extremely proud. This was the first event of its kind organised by students at the university, but it has set the way for what hopefully goes on to become a eagerly anticipated event and annual feature in the Swansea schedule!
The show’s co-directors, Lawrence Porter and Lowri Evans.
A very special thank you, is extended to the girls on The Waterfront Fashion contributors team for attending the event with me, CRYSTAL ROSE, EMILY PUMFORD, JENNIFER MUSEKAMP and LIL JAMES-CROOK and also to CEIDIOG PUBLIC RELATIONS for the photo opportunity that took place prior to the event, and the high street brands they managed to get on board for the show.
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The lowdown... Waterfront fashion contributor Lil-James Crook interviews committee members Lawrence Porter and Lowri Evans following the show, to find out their views on the end result and the process that led up to the big finale!
Q) Why did you want to create and take part in the Swansea University Fashion Show? LOWRI: Lawrence wanted to do the event for charity. It was a great idea and something different for the uni. As President of the Fashion Society I saw a market for students who want to work in the industry - it’s a great experience and good to connect with local retailers. Edinburgh’s show is inspiring and I would love for it to be as big. LAWRENCE: I wanted to create the show to give support to a charity that is very close to my heart, Asthma UK and combine this support with one of my passions, that being fashion. It also had not been done before and I thought it would be something new.
Q) How did you plan and produce the show? LOWRI: Lawrence and I put together a committee and it was all about sending hundreds of emails and reaching out. The support and response was amazing. LAWRENCE: Initially I reached out in order to receive financial support in order to make sure the show could take place, this support came from an arts foundation in Bristol called the Gane Trust. After this I booked the Grand Theatre as the venue and Rebecca and I got in contact with Asthma UK in order to make this an official Asthma UK event. This is when the Fashion Society became involved and Lowri joined me, after this point the show began to take its mould. Lowri and the committee really brought the show to life and it grew to something I only dreamed it would be.
Scenes from the fashion show. Photo credits: Emily Peters from Swansea University Photography Society.
Q) How did you feel about the outcome of the show and the money raised?
Q) What was your favourite part about the planning process?
LOWRI: I honesty never expected it to be as big as it was. It was incredible. Stephen Fry tweeting about it, national magazine coverage and such amazing brands with the raffle and goodie bags for the show. We raised awareness for an amazing charity. That’s what it was all about and it was extremely successful.
LOWRI: For me it was making the contacts. At one point I was emailing David and Victoria Beckham’s first assistant - it was so exciting!
LAWRENCE: The emotion at the end of the show was pretty raw, we had done it, it was a beautiful occasion I think everyone saw how important it was to us all. Even now I am just
LAWRENCE: I absolutely loved the styling but watching everything come together on the last few days was very special for Lowri, Rebecca and myself. After months of planning our creation was coming to life it was simply incredible.
Q) Any last words/comments?
Q) What were your favourite looks and clothes from the show? LOWRI: I loved them all. The formal wear was amazing but for me it was the Parisian/ feminine look - it was so beautiful and well accessorised. LAWRENCE: Well I loved the Art look but I am biased because that’s my style, the Parisian style and the grunge look were also good looks. The looks really captured the modern student style and that is exactly what we wanted, keep an eye out for the official website coming in the next few weeks which will have all the looks on it and details on where you can buy the clothes from for yourself!!
LOWRI: I would like to say thank you to Lawrence for asking me to co-direct the show. The committee for being amazing and achieving brilliant results. Also for the support of all the students who attended, modeled, helped etc so many people gave up their time for free and it really was incredible. We cannot thank everyone enough. The Committee: Hannah Jones, Rebecca Sirett, Charlie Wright, Charlotte Collinwood, Uche Lloyd, Peter Allan. LAWRENCE: I would like to personally thank Lowri for being so super and making sure that the show we imagined was exactly the show we created, my girlfriend Rebecca Sirett for being so brave & courageous, the committee who really brought the project into being, they were brilliant throughout. Finally thank you to all those who helped with the show the people backstage, the models, the DJ’s, it was quite the show! Make sure it keeps going next year, let’s make Swansea the place for student fashion!
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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with Hilary Webb
food
Une Végétarienne à Paris! A
S my boyfriend is doing his year abroad in Paris, I’ve been afforded a few excuses to hop over and visit that great city throughout the year. In Paris plant-based diets are still a rarity to say the least and so I was a little dubious of the prospect of eating out and being stuck with a salade verte like the many other times I have visited France. When you examine the menus of most Parisian restaurants, you are met with the sinking realisation that there is quite little to offer in the way of vegetarian food. I thought of ordering onion soup, as I really wanted to try some authentic French cuisine, but it is more than likely that most restaurants use meat stock for soup, so I gave that a miss. Many cheeses that are served as meatreplacements are not vegetarian, either. Asking if this is the case is somewhat out of the question, as the idea of what ‘vegetarian’ let alone ‘vegan’ means still remains a mystery to many the inhabitants of Paris; I saw ‘fish and chips’ being labelled as vegetarian in Disneyland of all places! Having said that, most restaurants do have plates of sautéed vegetables to offer…well, no, it doesn’t sound worth paying €12-15 to me, either. On that note, I’m obviously a student and, as such, have a bit of a budget here. Something that has between a 500 and 1000 percent mark-up for something that requires very little effort to cook therefore seems like something that I’ll avoid. Don’t worry, though, you will be rewarded if you look in the right places! I only wish that I had a bigger budget and could have gone to more places. The place that I would rate highest of all is My Kitch’n (24 rue Brochant, 17e). It’s an organic, vegan restaurant in quite an unassuming market. Unfortunately, as France would have it, it sits opposite a meat counter and I can only begin to imagine the back-and-forth that they must have. Other than that it is wonderful. I ordered a simple butternut, fennel, carrot, cabbage and potato soup for €4.50. Warm, satisfying and full of deep, bold flavours despite its simplicity – it was probably the best soup I’ve ever had. My boyfriend ordered a veggie burger, wrapped in lettuce rather than bread, for €12.50. Comprised of kidney beans, green lentils, carrot, flax seeds, red onion and served with gorgeously seasoned wedges with fresh guacamole it was definitely the most flavoursome and nutritious burger either of us had ever encountered and it solidified my belief that an omnivore’s version of a veggie burger just fails in comparison to how most vegans make them. We ordered a key lime pie to share between us for €3.50 and, surprise
Hannah Etienne explores just how vegetarians and vegans can survive in Paris, a city that is starting to embrace meatfree lifestyles. surprise, it was incredible. It had a lovely coconut flavour which worked very nicely with the zingy lime and the shredded coconut and dates gave a great texture to the base. All in all, delicious. If you go to Paris, go here, Vegan or no! Another place to try is East Side Burger (60 Boulevard Voltaire, 11e). Right outside a métro station, you can grab and go or eat in. They have four choices of burger for €6.60, as well as €4 hot dogs, plus the choice of vegan or dairy cheese. Having not had a hot dog for more than 5 years I was really pleased by how much flavour and how much of a “meaty” texture it offered (then again, how much meat is in an ordinary hot dog anyway). The burgers were also satisfying, although perhaps not packed with as much flavour and nutrition as that of My Kitch’n as I’m not a tofu kind of person. They also offer vegan quiches, nuggets and do a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free desserts. Chocolate cake is one of them. The cake itself was a bit dry, but it had delicious icing. The cheesecake has no complaints, not that cheesecakes ever do, but it wasn’t noteworthy. I came back the next day and saw that there was an Oreo cheesecake on offer, so they do vary. On a quick note, if you want a delicious cheesecake, visit Les Café des Chats (16 Rue Michel le Comte, 3e), who offer wonderful feline friends to accompany your food. If, at any point, you happen across Disneyland, I’d advise bringing a packed lunch if you don’t want to pay ridiculous prices for a poor selection of bland food from people who think that cod and salmon are vegetarian. Even for veggie burger standards, Planet Hollywood’s was absolutely flavourless affair comprised mostly of mashed potato and it cost a whopping €16. If, like me, falafel is what you desire, then you have plenty of options. You could head to the Jewish Quarter where it is plentiful and delicious, or Maoz in Saint-Michel. Most places serve delicious pittas stuffed with freshly made falafel for €5-7. Although, as I mentioned earlier, for something that I could make for myself so cheaply I am wary to pay quite so much for it. Other food for on-the-go is, of course, crepes and, as one might expect, there are no shortage of these, either! Prices range between €2-7 depending on what toppings you like. Similarly to most cities, pizza, too, is everywhere.
Finally Hannah finds a delicious vegetarian meal at My Kitch’n. If it’s big you want, then head to the pizzeria in Mont Orgeuil. We saw a guy walk out of it with a box as big as the one Walter White had in Breaking Bad and we couldn’t not buy one ourselves. At €24 for a Napoli, it’s pricey, but a very good, huge, pizza and amiable Italian staff make up for it. It’s a thin crust pizza made up of only 6 slices but each slice was bigger than my head and totally delicious. The pizza box alone served as a bit of a trophy. I was fortunate enough to be able to have a kitchen to use during my stay. For me, this is the way to go in Paris as eating out all the time can get very expensive and taking advantage of the range of deliciously plump and fresh fruit and vegetables available in France is a must. Because of this, we went to Un Monde Vegan (64 Rue Notre Dame de Nazareth, 3e), France’s first vegan
supermarket! It’s a small but impressive store for Paris and welcome in terms of its content: plenty of vegan comfortfoods like faux-meat, cheeses, toiletries and confectionary. Perfect if you’re looking for something to go in your baguette. Although not a vegan shop, La Grande Epicerie de Paris (38, rue de Sèvres, 7e) is an impressive department store, with the bottom floor dedicated to luxury, international and deli foods. There are quite a few veggie choices in the deli here as well as a huge range of chocolates, breads – items you’d take home as gifts – but it is very expensive and upmarket (I paid €2.80 for 3 falafels). Overall, Paris somewhat cannot compare to cities like London and Berlin for it’s vegetarian offerings. It may seem to thrust its carnivorous diet in your face, but don’t fear, a look on happycow.
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With Atoke
culture 14-15
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7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Day I found out what lies beyond Swansea O
NE of the best things about doing a Masters in Creative Writing at Swansea Uni is the teaching staff. It was one of the decisive elements for me with regards coming for the course and so far I have had no regrets. So it was with great joy that I received the information that one of my tutors was having a production of one of his plays done in Pembrokeshire – and we were invited. Awesome. As part of the Dramaturgy module, we were expected to see as many plays as possible, to enable us to broaden our perception of dramatic writing and production. Going to see this play up in Pembrokeshire was like being in Fun School, and this brought out the 16 year old in me. Arrangements had been made for us to spend the night at the Druidstone Hotel. We were getting a neat deal for a night in a cottage up at the hotel, and we rescheduled our Monday plans to allow us spend a luxuriously lazy day up in the countryside. Now, as an international student, the extent of my sights and sounds of Wales was just Swansea and Cardiff. There was the occasional stare at the map in wonderment at the idea of places like Bangor, but for me, Swansea a pretty good estimation of Wales. How terribly myopic. That Sunday, together with three other lovely ladies, I went on my first adventure outside my Swansea cocoon. I had planned that I was going to have my earphones plugged in my ear and I’d spend the two and half hour ride peering at my Kindle. I mean, what exciting thing could hold my attention for the length of the ride? From coach ride experiences, I knew watching the unending stretch of black tar with white markings was no productive use of time. However, the ride to Pembrokeshire was different because as we drove further away from the city, the beauty of the countryside hit me. I wanted to know more. The clear blue skies met the lush green fields in the horizon in a sprawling display of colour. It felt like nature was showing off and there was no better evidence of it as there were long stretches of fields with lambs grazing and sheep adding light speckles of white against landscape. It was indeed a
DELIGHTFUL: Pembrokeshire. good day to be out there, and it opened my eyes to how limited one can be if one does not go out there. With school and other lifestyle adjustments, it’s extremely hard to take time out to see beyond the university community and city. However, the entire experience of being so far away is lost if one doesn’t explore beyond one’s oyster. I chided myself with these words as the fields rolled on both sides of the roads. When we got to the little town of Haverfordwest, I asked if we could do this more often. But we had only just started. We looped through the narrow windy roads of the town as we tried to navigate ourselves through Little Haven, and Broad Haven to get to our hotel. I had been told that the Druidstone was a hotel by the sea but nothing prepared me for the immense beauty of the Irish sea. I soaked in the sights of the towering grass and moss covered hills. Beside the
hills were sharp crags and cliffs against which the force of the winds and the tide of the sea created a beautiful contrast of the ephemeral and the solid. Because right there, standing by the edge of the cliff, the waves, sand and skies transported me beyond the physical. There are no accurate words to describe the way the bluish green tones of the beach juxtaposed against the brown and grey of the cliffs. I wanted to be as close to the sea as possible. This was nothing like Swansea... it was like being let into an intricate Welsh secret. I wanted to be there forever. That Sunday night, as I watch the talented Welsh actor, Richard Elfyn, work his magic on the stage at the Druidstone, my heart yearned for the possibilities for creativity. It was creativity that could only be birthed by being in a place so wonderfully kissed by nature. At 7am the following morning, I slipped into my running shoes and
headed for the beach. Walking along the trail, I imagined the people who had walked this path before me. I wondered about their lives, and their dreams. I wondered if they looked out in the sea and felt its powerful allure. I wondered if they told their children that the highland cows were special to them. I wondered if the farm hands that cared for the ponies looked into the beautiful skies and dreamed of a brighter future. I wondered if they realized how totally blessed they were to experience the ‘Pembrokeshire Delight’. After that trip, I came to the conclusion that it would be remiss of me to end my time as an international student at Swansea University without exploring more parts of Wales. My trip to Pembrokeshire was an eye opener. It said to me that I could find beauty, peace and joy in the simple things. The Pembrokeshire Delight was a perfect amalgam of these simple things.
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. 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.
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7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
relationships
Blind Date When James didn’t meet anyone
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 am stressing about exams and feel I may have taken a little too much on. I have not only started a new relationship and just love being around him but also I’ve become addicted to Breaking Bad!! So close to exams I don’t know why I started it, not only do I have to do a crazy amount of exams, but I also have my dissertation due in. And not only am I spending less time revising but I am also neglecting my new boyfriend Brian. Help me girls I don’t know how to organise my time! Love Jessie Dear Jessie, We think the most important thing is obviously to focus on your studies, and making sure that you structure your time enough to enjoy yourself in your last few months at uni. So we suggest that you make yourself a daily plan to make sure that you get your work done, perhaps treat uni as a 9 to 5 job. Then in the evenings enjoy your free time, perhaps limiting yourself to two episodes a day. We know how tough this is as we have both had the Breaking Bad bug! But you need to restrict yourself. Also in terms of neglecting Brian, we think if he is important to you, you should be putting time aside. In terms of work we think he will understand as he is more than likely in the same boat. Anyway, structure your time, and make time for having fun and enjoying your last few months and if you care for Brian… don’t neglect him. Soon the work will be over and you can enjoy your time together. Good luck. Love Laura and Mel
James Rawlings, a level three English Literature and American Studies student, was supposed to meet a blonde second year student in JC’sthis weekend. Unfortunately, she didn’t turn up. But he still answered the questions.
James on ... What were your first impressions? Well I didn’t get a great chance to form an impression. I guess that she wasn’t very punctual? This is something I’ve realised that I value. How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after? Before I was a bit nervous, afterwards I was embarrassed. Do I really need to write this up? Any striking conversation points? … no. Any awkward silences? Yeah, about twenty minutes of staring at my phone. If you were married and have babies, what would you want your children to inherit? Her punctuality. Any potential for a kiss? Why are all the questions the same as other interviews? Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person? Well we both like The Arctic Monkeys and paninis on Facebook, so at least a four at this point? Would you introduce her to your parents? Well I would but she probably wouldn’t turn up. Would you like to meet again? I’ve been hurt too many times before. I’d rather stay at home and listen to Adele.
Dear Laura and Mel, I’m in a bit a predicament, as relations with one of my flatmates have taken a turn for the worse. He constantly bullies and twists what I say and belittles me. Tbh he’s a bit of an arrogant prat. My housemates feel much the same, but do not stick up for me as say they ‘don’t want drama!’ However I don’t think they realise how much this is affecting me. I really want to enjoy my last term with my flat, but while bullyboy taunts me, I feel my time in the flat would only be detrimental to my happiness, what options are available for me? Please help! Carol Hi Carol, First of all, let us say bullying is never okay. Anybody that makes you feel inadequate or uncomfortable needs to know how they are making you feel. We would suggest discussing it with him in a neutral environment. If he still does not see your point of view and is not happy to change his behaviour then you have to put your happiness first. It also may be an option for your housemates to give him an outside perspective of how he has spoken to you. There are always options, welfare wardens can always be intermediaries and then take further action if necessary, so do not let this get you down. Best of luck, we wish you all the best. Laura and Mel
If you are interested in having a blind date, email your name, age, course and level to waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union.co.uk
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careers
7 April 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Use your vacation to plan your career T
HE Easter and Summer vacations are coming up fast, writes Jo Davies. So, depending on the stage you’re at, it’s a great time to be thinking about what you want to do after graduation or ways to make the most of the vacation periods and boost your employability. If you’re considering a year out or a trip abroad, make sure you plan it well ahead, since organising all the logistics can take longer than you expect. Visit www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/ jobsvolunteeringoppor tunities/ timeout-gapyear/ for ideas and resources.
Key links on our website
Jobs and volunteering: www. swansea.ac.uk/careers/ jobsvolunteeringopportunities/ Work experience: www.swansea. ac.uk/careers/workexperience/
Help for students and graduates:
Careers and employability services are available to our alumni as well as to current students. And after you’ve graduated and left Swansea you can still get in touch by telephone or email. Our services include: • Informal one-to-one appointments with Careers Advisers and mock interview sessions • Email guidance for both students and graduates: www. swansea.ac.uk/careers/advicebyemail/ • Access to information
resources on our website at www. swansea.ac.uk/careers and under the My Future tab on Blackboard, together with paper-based resources at our helpdesk in the library. • An annual programme of events: www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/ whatson/ • The Swansea Employability Award (SEA) https://sea.swan.ac.uk/ • Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities, including our WoW and SPIN programmes: www. swansea.ac.uk/work-placements/ • Advice on postgraduate study and funding www.swansea.ac.uk/ careers/postgraduatestudyresearch/ Find out how to book appointments at www.swansea.ac.uk/careers/ appointments-with-advisers/.
Things to think about from your first year and beyond • Get ahead of the game and find out the lead times and deadlines that you need to build into your plans, especially where relevant experience is essential in order to make successful applications for professional training/ postgraduate study required for certain career paths. Many graduate placements/ internships and jobs are advertised up to a year ahead, and closing dates may often be early in the autumn term, although some have deadlines in the spring term or later. Placement/ internship programmes are often part of
employers’ main recruitment selection processes, so they really increase your chances of getting a job with the same employer after graduation. • Other valuable ways to gain experience in different employment sectors include paid part-time work, work shadowing and voluntary work, or perhaps a course to learn new IT skills. • Register for the Swansea Employability Award (SEA) https:// sea.swan.ac.uk/ so that all the work which you put into gaining skills and experience will be recorded in your Higher Education Achievement Award. • Take part in our Week of Work (WoW) and Swansea Paid Internship Network (SPIN) programmes: www. swansea.ac.uk/work-placements/. • A creative approach – networking to find jobs, placements and internships: For various reasons most jobs are not advertised – e.g. employers may already have readymade talent pools comprising speculative applications they’ve received or candidates who have already undertaken a vacation internship with them. Therefore, it’s well worth cultivating your network of contacts for information, and making sure you target your own speculative applications as effectively as possible. Social media are increasingly part of the landscape of our lives, so make the most of them in your search for the right niche. See our page on networking ideas at www.swansea. ac.uk/careers/jobhuntingskills/
networking/. • Research different types of jobs and employers – Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies, and organisations in both the private and public sectors – many employability skills are transferable across different sectors. • Attend our Careers events which include employers’ presentations, Employability workshops and our Careers Fair. • Keep your CV up to date.
Students doing a year abroad
Continue researching employers, increasing your commercial awareness and understanding of the job market. Keeping a reflective diary of your year abroad is a great way to generate lots of evidence to use in future applications.
In your final year
Keep going with all the great things you’ve been doing in your first, second and intercalary years. Even if you’ve missed deadlines early in the year for larger recruiters’ structured graduate intake programmes, many employers, particularly SMEs (Small and Medium size Enterprises), recruit all year round as and when a new post arises, so watch out for these, and also speculatively target companies that interest you – think networking! Remember, the Careers and Employability Team are part of your network too, so come and talk to us if
WoWee, that’s a good idea! OWING to continued, exciting developments within the SPIN and WoW Work Placement Programmes, a new sub-brand, ‘WoWee’, has been created, writes Lucy Williams. WoWee is an acronym of ‘Week of Work plus extra experience’. This new sub-brand and concept was initially coined by Dan Forman, a lecturer in Biosciences at Swansea University, who has collaborated in a highly effective manner with the SPIN and WoW programmes. Dan has a keen interest in cross-discipline working and collaborated with the placement officers co-ordinating the WoW programme in January to provide highly beneficial placements to students from outside of his department (as well as those within). For example, an Ancient History student researched historical mammalian carnivore populations in Wales. This enabled Dan to bring in new skill-sets to enrich his own department’s projects as well as enhancing the employability of the students selected. Students’ horizons were broadened and they realised that their skills and competencies can be applied to great use outside of the ‘standard’ roles assumed by many on their degree courses following graduation. Moreover, confidence was built as students could bring their own specialised skill-sets to different types of projects. Said Dan: “Supporting students to think and work across subject matter is essential if we are to begin
to successfully tackle emerging challenges in what is now a global society. Working with students from non-biology backgrounds has also permitted myself insight into different ways of thinking and access to data and its interpretation in novel ways will also assist my research. I’d like to thank Swansea Ecology Research Team who were the host research group.” Economics Student Jamie Grimshaw said: “The WoW scheme is a fantastic opportunity for any student to get some relevant work experience under their belt. For me a research placement was perfect, not only because I was looking at Dr Dan Forman and students working with the BBC to highlight postgrad study but because it conservation problems facing British animals. gave me a chance to apply the skills I’ve learnt during my degree experience has been hugely rewarding and has given in a completely new direction. As an economics me plenty to talk about in my personal statement, if student I wasn’t sure what to expect at the bioscience you’re thinking about applying - Go for it!” department but Dr Forman was a brilliant supervisor •If you think you’ve developed a WoWee, please get and I’ve really enjoyed the work I’ve done there in touch with Lucy or Chris on workplacements@ over the past few months. My WoW (and WoWee) swansea.ac.uk.
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SPORT I 37
38 I SPORT
thewaterfront 7. 4.14
Golf
claim Successful charity day raises nearly £1000 Titans BUCS Trophy for Lymphona and Leukaemia Fund
SWANSEA TITANS 38 - 12 RHUL BEARS
MONEY RAISERS: Swansea University students raised £963 for charity in a fantastic effort in late March. A GROUP of six Swansea University golfers recently hosted a charity golf day at Pennard Golf Club to raise money for The Lymphoma & Leukaemia Fund (Wales). 22 golfers took part in the white tee stable-ford competition which
by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
took place on Sunday 23 March. The winner of the event was Rob Grounds, a current student at Swansea University. Oliver Hadden, who was one
of the six hosts of the day, was delighted with the outcome of the event. “It is a fantastic charity and a great organisation to raise money for. “As well as the golf competition we also held a charity raffle up at
Pennard at the end of the day. “We had been selling tickets in Fulton House and around the university, and had prizes donated to us for the raffle. The prizes, from various companies, included a twocourse buffet function room for 50 people from the Grape and Olive restaurant, gym memberships and personal training sessions from TheGym Swansea and a spa day for two at LC2. “The money we raised for the charity was a combination of raffle ticket sales, entry fees to the charity golf day and from an online fundraiser we set up for those who were either unable to play in the golf event or could not buy any raffle tickets. “The total we raised was as staggering £963.07, and all of that money is going to LLF, which we feel will really help those suffering from blood disease. “Our thanks go to Sean Pearson and Mike Bennett out of the pro shop at Pennard.”
Tae Kwon Do
Impressive medal haul for Tae Kwon Do club in recent Cardiff tournament
SUCCESS: The Tae Kwon Do added to what has already been a very successful year with a fresh collection of medals in Cardiff. SWANSEA University Tae Kwon Do returned home from a tournament in Cardiff last Saturday evening exhausted but exhilarated with a fresh haul of medals. Hosted by 5th Degree Black belt Mr Kevin McCabe of Cardiff Martial
by Laura Fiteni waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
Arts at Channel View Leisure Centre, thirteen Swansea competitors set off with their sights set on a place on the podium. Their third tournament of the
year, in total they achieved thirteen medals; four golds, five silvers and four bronze. Although previously doing well at tournaments in Cheltenham and Leicester, more medals were achieved in Cardiff than at any other competition this year.
These latest results have sparked fresh competition between Swansea club members who battle it out on the Swansea University Hall of Fame. Each gold, silver and bronze ranking is worth a number of points which are calculated in a table to see who is the ultimate competitor. Committee members are currently leading the way, with captain Sam Mason in the lead with treasurer Matt Evans and vicecaptain Laura Fiteni in joint second. As a young, upcoming squad and with fresh faces joining the team every year, for many competitors it was their first time performing in a competitive environment. Yellow-Stripe Chris Dyer said, “I was nervous but I knew what I was doing and in the end all of the training and coaching was worth it.” The club are using their recent success as motivation during training as they look to continue their winning streak in more upcoming tournaments.
by Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA Titans brushed aside Royal Holloway Bears to claim a brilliant BUCS American Football Challenge Trophy win in Leeds. The Titans waltzed to the final with three resounding victories, and went into the match as favourites. The match started in explosive fashion. The Titans won the toss and scored early on in the first quarter. After just two plays, long runs from Marcus Wyatt and Jacob Amadi culminated in the latter touching down. Captain Simon George duly converted to make it 8-0. Refusing to sit back and defend their lead, the Titans added another touchdown before the end of the quarter. A swift power run play sent Amadi into the end zone for his second touchdown of the match. George converted once more, making the score 16-0 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter began in the same mould as the first, as some extravagant trick play helped Wyatt add the third Titans touchdown.. A conversion left the score at 24-0. The Bears looked to fight back in the second half, but a pick by Rhodri Jones-Pritchard prevented them. Swansea returned to the front foot, with more power running and a third Amadi touchdown. The conversion was missed with the score at a comfortable 30-0. Royal Holloway refused to lie down and came back at the Titans once more, before some great defensive work by George DownsWheeler and the influential Amadi to see out the third quarter. The spirited Bears finally got on the scoresheet at the start of the fourth quarter, but failed to convert. With the game now out of sight, Amadi scored his fourth touchdown and brushed himself off to convert, bringing the score to 38-6. While the Bears scored with the last play of the game, the final score was a dominant 38-12 victory for the Titans. Amadi picked up the Gridiron TV MVP award, with George named the BUCS MVP. George commended the hard work of the club throughout the year, adding that he was pleased with the manner of victory. “I wanted a comprehensive victory. No one has been able to stop our offense all year, and we were confident that was not going to change.” “This needs to be the start for the Titans. We can improve in every aspect. After not making the Championship this season, the next step must come on the field. “The Titans need to compete for the Championship title next year. I want the American Football team to be a flagship for the university, as at places like Birmingham and Stirling.”
waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 39
Football
SWANSEA INTRAMURAL FOOTBALL SUMFC 7ths reclaim title ON the final day of the Swansea University intramural season, the 7ths held their nerve to pip Team Sloth to the title. Starting the day in pole position one point ahead of Sloth, the university side faced the difficult task of beating Fulton Wanderers and getting their hands on the trophy. A confident 2-0 victory against the fourth-placed Wanderers showed their title credentials, and ensured a second league win in three years, after missing out to Ajax Treesdown last time around. The side owe a lot to their defence, who conceded the fewest goals in the league. Since late November, the 7ths’ goal was breached just four times in twelve matches. Sloth settled for second, and can count 2013/14 as a successful campaign after winning the intramural knockout cup last month along with the pre-season shield. Alex Marenghi’s side only failed to win three of their 18 games, but league losses to both the university sides handed the 7ths the title.
by Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
A late surge from Crayola FC saw them finish in third place, ahead of Josh Price’s Fulton in their inaugural season. The newcomers had led for much of the season before losing steam as the campaign drew a close. University 6ths will look to improve next season after a cup final loss and a relatively low finish. They have now gone three seasons without silverware, and will be out to amend this in the coming season. Golden Showers enjoyed a comfortable top table finish, as well as Clinical Finishers and last year’s champions Ajax Treesdown. After being the only side to defeat the 7ths in the league this season, Armadillo will be looking to carry their recent form into the start of next season and push further up the table with the help of some new recruits. Photosinthesis struggled to maintain early season form, eventually finishing in the bottom half of the table. Despite reaching the semi-finals of the cup, the side could struggle for numbers next year with many players moving on. Many of this year’s new sides struggled. Ladzio, Pitches & Bitches
CHAMPIONS: GeorgeThomas (front, far left) and his 7ths team clinched the title with a final day victory over FultonWanderers. and St Helen’s Athletic all finished in the bottom half, and it remains to be seen whether all three will compete next season. Pitches & Bitches have become renowned for their team spirit with a brilliant turn out at the end of season awards. Real Engineers and Crackwell, also newcomers, made up the league’s bottom two. Engineers failed to
win all season, while Crackwell gained their first win in final few weeks before putting in a spirited performance against the 6ths. With all matches concluded on time, league chairman Dan Newberry will now turn his attention to this week’s crucual Varsity encounter with Cardiff’s intramural select XI. The representative team has been
working hard throughout the season, with warm up matches against intramural and uni representative sides alike. A full preview of the match is available in this issue’s Varsity pullout. Intramural football will return to Swansea in September under the chairmanship of the current referee’s officer, Adam Osmond.
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Issue 240
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 !
7 April 2014
Two trophies in a week sees SURL complete historic treble
Inside This Issue Varsity
All the big day build-up
p17-p24 Golf
Charity day a success
HISTORY MAKERS: Swansea University’s rugby league side have secured a clean sweep of BUCS Western 2A, the Anglo-Welsh plate, and the Western Conference Cup. SWANSEA University Rugby League’s regular season came to a superb climax on 26 March with victory in the Western Conference Cup final. The boys faced a strong Exeter team who, like Swansea, had finished the season top of their league. However, due to the physicality of the Swansea pack the game was over before half-time as Swansea raced into 24-0 lead courtesy of tries from Scott Morris, James Smith, Bryn Reynolds and Gareth Thomas, with George Smith kicking all the conversions. A brief lapse in concentration saw Exeter score just before half time to put the half-time score 24-4. The second half was much more open as Exeter fought their way back into the contest with two quick tries.
Selected Results
26 March
by Ellie Caddick waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
Despite this threat Swansea continued to play their free flowing attacking rugby, and after a strong run down the left wing Scott Morris scored again in the corner. The big second-rower then completed his outstanding performance with a hat-trick of tries in the last 20 minutes, leaving his personal points total greater than that of the whole Exeter team. The visitors managed to score two late tries but they could not rally enough to deprive Swansea of the Cup that their performance deserved. After the victory captain James Smith said, “It has been a long hard season but ending with the League,
Cup and Varsity treble makes all the long hours worthwhile. “The boys performed tremendously today and the victory was well deserved, as captain I couldn’t have asked for more.” As a result of the victory a number of the squad have been asked to train with the South Wales Scorpions, with all having the possibility of full time contracts. The success in the cup final was the second major victory of the week for the Warpigs. Victory at St Helen’s against the University of Bath in the inaugural Anglo-Welsh Plate fixture saw Swansea ease their way to victory. Despite the horrendous weather conditions Swansea maintained their tactics of passing rugby and it
Selected Varsity Fixtures Ultimate Frisbee
Ladies Hockey
Mixed Golf (Cup Final)
Men’s Football
Freshers Rugby
Men’s Tennis (Cup Final)
American Football
Men’s Lacrosse
Women’s Football (League)
Ladies Basketball
Men’s Rugby Union
Men’s Rugby League (Cup Final)
SWANSEA 1st 42 - 18 EXETER 2nd
SWANSEA 1st 4 - 2 EXETER 4th CARDIFF 1st 8 - 4 SWANSEA 1st
PONTCANNA - PITCH 4, 11pm WIS - MAIN PITCH, 12 pm PONTCANNA - PITCH 4, 12:30pm
GLOUCESTER 1st 0 - 4 SWANSEA 1st MAIN HALL, 12:30 pm
WIS - HOCKEY ASTRO, 2 pm PONTCANNA - PITCH 1, 2:30pm PONTCANNA - PITCH 3, 2:30pm MILLENNIUM STADIUM, 7:30pm
paid off with a strong 44-14 victory. Man of the match went to Callum Williamson who came off the bench with the instant impact of a try, also putting in a very aggressive defensive display preventing Bath’s big forwards from making an impact. With these two victories the Rugby League club has demonstrated its development over the season and hope to continue their success into next season. Two squad players, Sean Pattimore and Callum Williamson, have been selected for the Great Britain student squad which will tour Ghana in the summer. Club president, Joseph Cozens, said, “We wish the boys good luck on their excursion and look forward to seeing them lead Swansea University Rugby League next year.”
p38 Tae Kwon Do
Tournament medal haul
p38
CURRENT BUCS 2014 1 2 3 4 5
Loughborough Durham Birmingham Bath Nottingham
26 Southampton 27 Swansea 28 Bournemouth
4017 3068 2743.5 2620 2495 1026.5 1003 899