thewaterfront
Free Issue 219 29 October 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
INSIDE
the official student newspaper of swansea university NEWS
Local hero honoured by university page 3
FEATURES
The day a Beatle popped in
SPORT
Sending off costs seconds
page 15
page 29
HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS HIT BY VOMITING BUG NOROVIRUS
Three hospital wards shut to stop rapid spread of highly contagious disease by Jon May
front@swansea-union.co.uk HUNDREDS of Swansea students have contracted the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus. Three wards at Morriston Hospital also had to be closed because of a suspected outbreak of the virus. Mahaboob Basha, international officer, living in on-campus accommodation, was struck down by the illness. He said: “It was terrible. I haven’t eaten solid food in so long. I’ve lost 6kg from it.” Basha said many other international students had been affected: “Many people thought it was food poisoning at first, but when the NHS issued the warning, all the symptoms matched. “International students can be quite stressed moving to a new country and can be easily struck down by it.” International students are reminded that the on-campus doctors and all medicines are free of charge. Norovirus presents as a stomach bug, with projectile vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus is highly contagious and students are advised they must take time off to recover properly and to prevent infecting others. Nicola Williams, assistant director of nursing at the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board
said: “Even if your symptoms have stopped, don’t be tempted to pop to the shops, attend social functions, visit a relative, go back to work/ school, or have friends or extended family visit you before the 48 hours are up. You could still pass the virus to other people during this time.” Norovirus affects people of all ages, but is a concern for those students who already have underlying health problems, such as diabetes.
Rehydration Charlotte Britton, Welfare Officer said: “Norovirus is pretty unpleasant, so if you think you might have it, remember to stay hydrated and to avoid contact with other people, as it can really easily be spread. If you are worried, you can call the doctors out of hours, or alternatively ring NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47. “To reduce the risk of getting rather ill, wash your hands a lot, and properly. In between your fingers and everything!” People are advised to stock up on oral rehydration solutions (available without prescription from chemists) at home if a housemate becomes ill as this will reduce the recovery time. A university spokesperson said there is a support system for those who become ill: “The university recognises
RECOVERED: Mahaboob Basha. that students’ study and preparation for assessment may on occasion be affected by a range of factors, including extenuating personal or health circumstances. Students are advised to keep their personal tutors informed of any personal or health circumstances that may affect their studies. Students are also advised to submit a special circumstances application to their college.” The virus kills around 80 people per year in the UK and there is no known cure. Antibiotics and other medicines should be avoided unless recommended by a doctor.
WARNING: Notices go up around campus alerting students to Norovirus.
Help prevent spread of the disease 1. Careful hand washing is the most important prevention measure. Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and warm water and dry afterwards. Do not share towels. 2. Use gloves when handling soiled articles from ill people. Wash soiled clothing and bed linen on ‘hot cycle’. 3. If looking after someone with an upset stomach, carefully disinfect toilet seats, flush handles, wash-
hand basin taps and toilet door handles daily and after use. 4. Maintain good personal hygiene and hygienic preparation and serving of food. 5. If you have an upset stomach, don’t return to school or work until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours. Illness can still be spread within 48 hours since the last symptom.
www.360swansea.co.uk
02 I NEWS
thewaterfront 29. 10.12
thewaterfront Third floor, Students’Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: thewaterfrontSU 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 Front & Website
Jon May front@swansea-union.co.uk Features
Samantha Booth waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk Sport
Craig Hadley, Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk Music
Alex Gibbs waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk Film
Saul Masters waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk Showtime
Catrin Lewis waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk Listings
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Alex Ward
Hollywood actor honoured by Swansea University by Lauren Phillips
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk FIILM star and actor Michael Sheen has been awarded an honorary degree by Swansea University. The Port Talbot-born actor received the award whilst attending the US launch of the Richard Burton Diaries in New York on Tuesday, October 16. Swansea University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies presented the award to the actor who has starred in such acclaimed films as Frost Nixon, Damned United, The Queen and Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. Prof Davies said: “These awards are conferred on individuals in recognition of outstanding achievement and contribution to the university or region. Michael Sheen has achieved extraordinary success internationally. But he has never forgotten his roots and has found many ways to give something back to our part of the world.”
Passion Over Easter 2011, Sheen provided a huge boost to his home town by acting out the part of Jesus in The Passion; a theatrical project that took place in Port Talbot over three days and with the help of 1,000 local people. On receiving the award, Sheen said: “I’m thrilled to receive this honorary degree, particularly as it comes from Swansea, the city that I grew up closest to. I am proud to be still involved with so many groups and organisations in the West Glamorgan area and so to be
by Gemma Parry
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
Fashion
POTENTIAL students are being deterred from going into higher education by debt and cost worries, according to a new survey. The survey, conducted by the Sutton Trust, suggests that 36% of students from single parent households say that they are unlikely to go into higher education because of costs. These figures contrast drastically with the 13% of students from homes with two parents who say that they are also unlikely to go to university. The National Union of Students (NUS)
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honoured by Swansea University in this way is especially meaningful to me.” Just across the bay from Swansea University, Port Talbot is renowned for producing celebrated actors, including Sir Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton.
The Richard Burton Diaries were donated to Swansea University by his wife Sally. They form part of the Richard Burton Collection in the Richard Burton Archives in the University’s Library. •Richard Burton diaries launched page ?
Poorer students put off going to uni
waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk
Cat Harris, Fran Lloyd
HONOURED: Actor Michael Sheen (left) with Swansea University Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B. Davies.
said the study supported concerns that the government’s decision to increase the cap on undergraduate tuition fees in England to £9,000 is deterring potential students. Liam Burns, NUS president said: “The student funding arrangements are hideously complicated, so I am hardly surprised that those from less affluent backgrounds are concerned. “Hanging a price tag of tens of thousands of pounds around a student’s neck before they even open a prospectus is going to be far from helpful in making sure the poorest students pick the right university.” Zahid Raja, Swansea University
students’ union education officer said, “It’s an absolute no brainer that as fees have risen, so have the numbers of people that put a price on their education. “On our door step are communities whose children live below the bread line. Universities, including ours, must now look beyond league tables and focus on the work they do locally in order to create opportunities.” Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Durham or Bristol are seen as more expensive by 63% of students. More than half of the student population believes that these universities are attended by those from wealthy backgrounds.
Would you like to write for The Waterfront? WOULD you like to learn valuable journalistic skills and increase your employability by volunteering for The Waterfront? We are looking for people to write about news, sport and features. If you are interested, write to editor@ swansea-union.co.uk.
“ Working for the Waterfront has been an experience that is both rewarding and challenging. Since joining, my writing style has improved in leaps and bounds and I have met fantastic people who are driven by the same things that I am. “ Gemma Parry, news editor
“I have found working for The Waterfront to be a great experience over the last two years. Honestly though, I’ve never laughed so much as when I’m in the office. There’s lots of journalism-related banter to get involved with.” Sam Booth, features editor
Students back NUS demo by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University students’ union has voted to take part in the NUS demo 2012. In the recent student forum, students opted to take part in the demonstration, by 54 votes to 38. The subject was the most closely contested motion, with several students speaking in favour of it, one student expressing their concern and one speaking against it. The demonstration, which is named “#demo2012: Educate, Employ, Empower”, will take place on Wednesday, November 21. The NUS website says: “We need your help to show the government how angry we are at their betrayals and broken promises.” The march will take place in London from Temple tube station to Kennington. Zahid Raja, Swansea University students’ union education officer said: “The debate was set out stating that there would be zero financial implications on the students’ union which is significant in order to maintain the current levels of investment in improving your university experience. “ “I’d like to use this opportunity to thank UCU for funding a coach so those who would like to take part, can do so together. “ Swansea Metropolitan University students have voted not to take part in the demo.
Postgraduate open day by James Rawlings
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University will be hosting a Postgraduate Open Day to provide information for those looking to carry on to a higher degree scheme on Wednesday, 14 November between 1-5pm. Staff from the Admissions Office, Money Advice and Support Office, International Development Office and Careers and Employability Service will all be available to offer their expert advice. There will also be an opportunity to meet current postgraduate students. To book a place at the Postgraduate Open Day visit www.swansea.ac.uk/ postgraduate/opendays
Disclaimer The Waterfront thanks everyone who contributed to this issue. Content does not necessarily refelect the views of the Students’ Union. When an opnion is expressed, it is the view of the journalist writing the article, unless otherwise stated.
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NEWS I 03
Students “drink each other’s sick” in forbidden initiation ceremonies by Chris Flynn
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University sports officer Imogen Stanley has ruled out an investigation of anonymous claims that sports teams have been involved in forbidden initiation ceremonies. New members signing up to teams have traditionally been encouraged to take part in initiations as a rite of passage. Initiations are currently banned by the students’ union and teams must agree not to hold them, but reports have emerged that they are still taking place. One intramural football team member, who asked to remain anonymous, explained what happened at his team’s initiation: “We had to down a can of beer, then a bottle of wine, then throw up into a bucket, swap buckets then drink each other’s sick, then do press ups, as many as we can, then arm wrestles, the losers in each had to suck a fart out of each other’s arses. We were all drunk by the time we had to do the more revolting things.” When asked about why students
agreed to take part, our source told us it was about “community, team spirit and all that”. Eye witness reports described members of the Swansea men’s football team being dressed as butchers carrying “imitation meat cleavers covered in tin foil”, as they made their way to the initiation ceremony in Singleton Park. Speaking to the Waterfront, an anonymous source said: “I was told they had to drink a litre of alcohol before being sick and peeing in a bucket. The contents of the bucket were thrown down a slide and they had to roll in it.” Another source said that members of the women’s rugby team who
were involved in an initiation had to consume “a shot of Aftershock through a tampon”. Initiations were the subject of national news in 2006, when an Exeter student died whilst out on a night out as part of a golf initiation ceremony. Swansea University sports teams have to sign an agreement not to carry out initiation ceremonies. Imogen Stanley, the students’ union sports officer, said: “The students’ union asks all club committees to sign an agreement at the start of each academic year that ensures they will not participate in any activities which would make new or existing members feel uncomfortable or excluded from the club. If this agreement is broken then it is passed on to the university. “If the students’ union is made aware of any such activity [initiations], appropriate action will be taken. “As no complaint has been lodged with the students’ union no investigation will be taking place. “If any students would like to make a complaint they can do so in person or in writing to any of the full time officers or the students’ union general manager.”
Sporting scholars are named
EXCELLENCE: Dave Smith, a Paralympic medallist in Boccia, pictured above with head of sports and exercise science, Professor Gareth Stratton. by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University students compete at the very highest level - many have gone on to play professional sport, or represent their country in the Olympics or Paralympics. Each year the university offers scholarships for outstanding students in their sporting activity. This year’s winners include Dave Smith, a Paralympic medallist in Boccia).
The others are Adam Mallett (Swimming), Amie Richards (Hockey), Hannah McCarthy (Swimming), Alys Thomas (Swimming), Gemma Almond (Paralympian, Swimming), Libby Mitchell (Swimming), Anna McAteer (Shooting), Alice Palmer (Badminton), Reuben Tucker (Rugby), Jamie Kaijaks (Rugby), Philip Nicholl (Karate), Jon Barley (Rugby), Lisa Jones (Judo) and Gwen Spurlock (Surfing), •For more information see Swansea University’s facebook page.
Owain Harries, head of intramural football, said: “All team captains have denied that any ‘initiation’ nights took place. The league fully condemns this sort of activity and believes it has no place in university sport. If strong evidence suggests that such a night took place, the teams responsible will be removed from the league with immediate effect.” A university spokesperson said: “The Student Charter, which is drawn up by the university and the students’ union and which we expect all students to follow, states that as a student, you will: “Behave in a responsible manner in the local community and avoid activities likely to bring the university into disrepute.” Last year’s president of the nowdisbanded Athletics Union, Dan RyanLowes, said: “We had no reported incidents and I was not aware of any. We had no complaints and nothing was visible to the rest of the student body or to me or the exec. So far as we were aware… out of sight, out of mind.” •Have you been involved in an initiation ceremony? Contact waterfrontci@swansea-union. co.uk
Week of Work scheme to boost employability by Catrin Lewis
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE university is pioneering a new ‘Week of Work’ initiative designed to help boost students’ employability. Taking place during employability week – 21st-27th January – students will be given the opportunity to take a week’s work experience with leading local companies invited by the Swansea University Employability Academy. Students’ union education officer, Zahid Raja, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students and local businesses alike. Students will gain a fantastic new experience and exposure to a field of work that the university has sourced. “The experience will be reflective and the university has assured us that whilst students won’t be paid for this, travel and lunch expenses shall be reimbursed.” With students constantly being reminded that a degree is no longer enough in the world of work, this initiative is part of the university’s attempts to boost its employability rate and is recognised on the Swansea Employability Award, which every student is encouraged to complete.
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NEWS I 05
Tills ring out at new Fulton House supermarket by Jon May
front@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS have praised the new £1.25m Fulton House redevelopment. This includes the new supermarket Costcutter, a clothes shop Fulton Outfitters and a new coffee shop; Blas. Costcutter has a much bigger range of goods than the old Spar and now features a “Bake & Take”, selling hot pasties and sausage rolls and a wall of alcohol featuring some of the stronger booze; Special Brew lager (9% abv) and K Cider (8.4% abv) for the more alcohol resistant students, Moet Champagne
(a mere £37) for students looking to celebrate, as well as the usual beers, ciders, wines and spirits. The shop, which has been compared to looking like the Co-operative Food shops with its black and green branding, turned over £2,000 in the first two hours of trading and had reached £4,000 before lunchtime. Vegetarians and vegans were delighted to hear that the new shop is stocking three types of tofu as part of 28 lines of vegan foods. Ruthie Oldham, General Secretary said: “[It is] such an improvement from the old supermarket; both in location and stock! As a veggie, I’ll miss Niche
BLAS: The newest campus coffee shop.
COSTCUTTER: Josh Hayman and Charlotte Britton give new shop the thumbs up.
WALL OF BOOZE: Beers from around the world, at near-Tesco prices.
but pleased to see lots of the products (such as tofu) are still available” A whole section of international cuisine will help replace the Niche shop, combining specialised food with more mainstream consumer groceries. But not all students thought the shop was a positive move. Amy Drawbridge, Station Manager of Xtreme Radio said: “Some of the items have gotten more expensive. Echo Falls wine is now over £6/bottle!” Echo Falls is now currently on promotion for £3.99 in the supermarket. As part of the redevelopment of Fulton House, the new clothes shop
Online outrage sparked after drinks price hikes by Chris Flynn
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk ANGER over price rises in JC’s have manifested in a Facebook page showing public indignation. The page was created at the end of September in protest at the increase of prices in the students’ union bar. All beer prices have increased, including Carlsberg, which has gone up by ten per cent on last year’s price. Some of the posts on the Facebook page included: “Chug not Chomp!” and “£2.70 a pint, you’re having a laugh!!” Jonathan Collier, a second year zoology student, labelled the price rise as ‘horrendous’. Mr Collier said: “We’re students and must have the most expensive SU bar in the country. “Why are the bare essentials at university becoming so expensive?” The page states that its mission is to lower the ‘exorbitant’ prices in the campus bar. Chris Melvin, an engineering doctorate student who has been at Swansea University for six years, said: “It’s been a bit of a price hike, but at the end of the day prices have gone up across the board. “It does feel like a jump this year, but all money raised does go into the Students’ Union.” The page, whose owner remains a mystery, goes on to say: “Why pay £5.20 for a burger and chips, when you can burn a few calories by walking to Le Cafe and get one for £3.50.” Societies and services officer of the Students’ Union, Josh Hayman, said: “I’m disappointed at
the rumours being voiced in the group. “We continue to consistently offer the best value for students in our bars and venues, with all money being invested back in to student experience. “Prices are reviewed yearly in line with the national budget and we keep our margins as low as possible to ensure fair prices.” JC’s is still one of the cheapest Students’ Unions bar according to research done by Matthew Hurst, the Students’ Unions Student Representation & Campaigns Co-ordinator. Mr Hurst’s research is based on Universities with “a similar set up, main campus, similar student cohort, similar mission group standing” and found that Swansea is still one of the least expensive.
EATS: The Facebook page claims the food is the reason for the higher drinks prices.
Fulton Outfitters was given a grand opening with Societies and Services Officer, Josh Hayman, making the first purchase. Speaking of his delight at the new venture, he said: “Out of all the Students’ Unions I’ve visited I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m very proud to see this open.” The “Shabby Chic” decor gives a relaxed and homely feel, whilst the reasonably priced clothes (£15.99 for a hoodie) look well-made and substantial. The clothes on sale are all ethically manufactured and WRAP certified and a limited range of clothes are also
described as “Earth Positive”. Blas, the newest coffee shop on campus (bringing the total to eight) is situated where Niche used to be. Offering a range of hot and cold drinks costing significantly less than the JC’s counterparts, it could lead to a price war between the university and the students’ union. Blas also offers simple meals such as paninis and noodles.
HAPPY SHOPPERS: Buying jumpers.
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Facebook students confessions page is condemned by university and SU by Samantha Booth
Start date still awaited on park lighting by Rahul Vashisht
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS who post lurid stories on a facebook page called Swansea Uni Confessions have been warned that they could be jeopardizing their future employment prospects. The page encourages students to write “your most disgusting, hilarious, embarrassing confessions from Swansea University”. But it has been roundly condemned in a joint statement from registrar Raymond Ciborowski and Tom Upton, students’ union president. “University regulations clearly state that it is a disciplinary offence to engage in behaviour which could bring the university into disrepute – this includes social media activity.” The page, which has received over 2,000 likes since it was founded in early October, promises anonymity. But the joint statement warns that students could be unmasked. “Students are sharing personal information (including explicit content) with an anonymous page administrator, who has no accountability. There is no evidence
NEWS I 07
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA STUDENTS CONFESS: The confessions page has already had 2,107 likes on the social networking site facebook, but it has been condemned in a statement from registrar Raymond Ciborowski. that the page administrator is even a fellow student. As a result, participants’ personal details could potentially be made publicly available – for viewing by fellow students, staff, public, press, potential employers, etc.” Similar facebook pages have surfaced in the past month at universities across the UK, causing widespread controversy. At Exeter, the university put pressure on the page creator, who remained anonymous, to close the page.
The statement also reminds students that “irresponsible use of social media can damage their future employment prospects”. “We have received complaints from students and alumni about the potential damage this page could do to their own employability, as a result of damage to the university’s reputation. “Companies are increasingly searching for information on job applicants and the organisations they are connected to – already 30%
New voting system at student forum is successful
ONLINE VOTING: Students take part in the first student forum of the year by voting online. by Adam Shirley
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University students took part in the first student forum of the academic year with the new voting system in place. The system allows students to vote on proposed changes on the students’ union website in a 24 hour period after the forum has ended. The outcome of the forum has seen students voting to stop lectures taking place after 5pm, which has been an issue for hundreds of students on campus this academic year. The motion, which was proposed by Swansea University students’ union education officer,
Zahid Raja, passed with a landslide victory of 407 votes to 10. Further motions to keep Wednesday afternoons free for sporting activities and to ensure that the students’ union holds paperless forums in the future also passed with an overall majority. The motion that was proposed to decide whether Swansea University would support the NUS demonstration passed with 54 votes to 38, making it the most closely contested motion. Another motion passed was to make Zahid a ‘Super Education Officer’, and made it compulsory for him to wear a super hero costume at least twice a week. This motion passed with 72 to 33 votes.
of UK HR Directors use social media to recruit candidates, and 22% check candidates’ online activity.” Students have defended their freedom of speech but the statement warns: “The Internet and social media are governed by laws relating to defamation and public order, and as a result, there is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech.” •Read what students think about the Swansea Uni Confessions on page 14.
EFFORTS to install better lighting and improved drainage in Singleton Park have seen little progress since initially being suggested last year. Improved lighting was originally pushed for last year by former Women’s Officer Eleri Jones, who said it was vital to ensure the safety of students when walking through the park at night. Singleton Park has been the scene of crimes in the past – last year a woman was grabbed around the throat in the early hours of the morning. Swansea University student Dale Bray said: “It’s proven that street lights reduce crime. Any situation that can improve an area where there’s proven to be crime can’t be a bad thing.” Becky Warrilow, the Swansea University Students’ Union Women’s Officer said: “In regards to the progress of the lighting in Singleton Park; the appropriate lighting scheme has been chosen and we are now finalizing the last details.” “We should have a start date on the project soon.”
08 I NEWS
thewaterfront 29.10.12
Erasmus Mundus students threatened by shortfall in European funding by Mikel Rotaetxe
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA Erasmus Mundus students in danger of losing their exchange funding have been thrown a lifeline by the university. The European Council recently announced the Erasmus programme, which provides funding for postgraduate study, did not have enough money to pay all the grants EU students applied for this year. According to Dennis Abbot, European Council spokesman, by the end of September, only seven out of ten students received the economic aid the programme should have provided, as its budget had a “worrying shortfall” of 90 million euros deficit (£73 million). As as result it is estimated that 81,000 out of 270,000 Erasmus students are not sure to get the support that the Erasmus scheme entitles them to. Alain Lamssoure, a member of the European parliament (MEP) said, “The European social fund is bankrupt and some social welfare schemes such as Erasmus need additional
contributions from states in order to hold on this year.” “Commission needs extra £73 million from EU states. Otherwise, there may be a decreasing of the grants offered, or they might provide less economic support”. Swansea University Eramus students, however, are in less danger than others in the UK. The International Development Office at Swansea University has said that Erasmus students will receive the economic support they need to study abroad. “Swansea University is committed to promoting student mobility. A range of opportunities are currently available, with new opportunities being developed on an ongoing basis. “While the Erasmus tuition fee waiver has been abolished in Wales, Swansea University remains committed, and therefore has pledged to not charge tuition fees to students on the Erasmus program this year or next.” Nevertheless, like all the universities across Europe, Swansea has not yet received information about the Erasmus grant for next academic year. Emanuel Alfranseder, International
NUS and parttime officer election results by Jon May
front@swansea-union.co.uk ELECTIONS for students’ union part time officers and NUS delegates took place last week. Over 600 people voted online in the elections for represenatatives for freshers, postgraduates, students with caring responsibilites and the new split roles of ethics and environment. The elected candidates are listed below. Full results can be viewed at www.waterfrontonline.co.uk or on the students’ union noticeboard.
WORRIED: Erasmus student Maria Otamendi (right) fears funding will be cut. Erasmus Student Network (ESN) president, told The Waterfront: “Member states must agree in order to ensure Erasmus’s future. I am optimistic though. Even if the economic situation is critical, Commission wanted to increase by 70% the education funding in the years coming. I’d suggest students to keep applying for it.” More than 2.5 million students have flown the nest since Erasmus program began 25 years ago. Swansea student
. pen wO No
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Maria Otamendi is one of them. She said: “I am really worried. My home university in Spain told me I will get my grant, but if EU doesn’t invest more on education, lots of students may have problems in the future, and that makes me sick”.
Ground-breaking research recognized by Samantha Booth
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University Materials Engineering students and staff have been involved with the launch of an internationally acclaimed pilot manufacturing facility in Baglan Energy Park. The ‘globally significant’ research aims to turn everyday buildings into power stations. Specially coated steel and glass will be incorporated into buildings, so that the fabric of a building itself will generate, store and release electricity. UK Business Secretary, Vince Cable MP, and Wales’ First Minister, Carwyn Jones, started the first production line for the materials at the park last week. Materials Engineering doctorate student, Chris Melvin, is involved with the project: “The pilot line launched yesterday will give us, the Swansea university postgraduate research engineers, a fantastic chance to see our work developed from the lab to large-scale manufacturing.” This project is expected to establish Swansea University as a world leader for research and development. You can out more about the project (‘SPECIFIC’) at www.specific.eu.com
NUS UK Conference Delegates x5 Elected: Zahid Raja (120), Charlotte Britton (89), Imogen Stanley (81.29), Keryn Jalli (61.1) Becki Warrillow (60.1) Excluded: RON (4.9), Chris Flynn (33.83), Kehinde Adedoyin (46.36), Gemma Parry (47.15) NUS Wales Conference Delegates x3 Elected: Keryn Jalli (108), Kimberley Jones (102), Gemma Parry (80), Chris Flynn (96.96) Excluded: RON (12) Environment Officer Elected: Simon Wilde (247) Excluded: Tamsin Page (119), Geetanjali Kaushik (102), RON (8) Ethics Officer Elected: Robert Abrams (231) Excluded: Kehinde Adedoyin (118), Maite Bauado Encinas (100), RON (15) Students With Caring Responsibilites Elected: Laura McKeever (253) Excluded: Simon Crabtree (107), RON (12) Freshers Officer Elected: Robiu Salisu (64) Excluded: Christopher Walburn (21), RON (1) Postgraduate Officer Elected: Charlotte Eve Davies (71) Excluded: RON (6)
9am - 6pm, Monday to Friday
Ground Floor, Fulton House BIG NAMES: Vince Cable and Carwyn Jones (right)
The total number of valid votes cast in all elections was 665, the highest yet for these October elections. Congratulations to all those elected.
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NEWS I 09
Richard Burton Diaries strengthen Swansea’s reputation in the USA by Rhys Buckney
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University’s reputation has been strengthened in the USA with the launch of the Richard Burton diaries in New York and Los Angeles. The handwritten diaries, which Burton began in 1939 and ended just before his death in 1984, were donated to Swansea University by Burton’s wife Sally. Burton, who was famous for his hard-drinking, jet-set lifestyle with Liz Taylor, was born in Pontrhydyfen, near Port Talbot. The diaries, edited for publication by Swansea University’s Professor Chris Williams, provide a fascinating glimpse into the actor’s private life.
The Richard Burton Centre for the Study of Wales, has painstakingly edited more than 450,000 words penned by Burton. The resulting 704-page diaries publication is being published this month by Yale University Press. The recognition comes just weeks after Swansea University’s improvements were recognised in the Sunday Times University Guide, and the green light was given for the new multi-million pound Fabian Way
campus on Swansea Bay. Swansea University’s links with the US, however, go further than this with the university collaborating with several American Institutions including the Texas A and M and Rice University. Swansea University also enjoys excellent student exchange programmes with over 20 partner
universities across the United States. Professor Williams said: “Active international links are critical in making Swansea the strong research-intensive university it is and creating the outstanding career and life-enhancing opportunities enjoyed by our students.”
Cultured “Richard Burton was, and remains, a global name and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak internationally about his personal diaries, which reveal the deeply cultured, widely-read, intellectual man he was,” says Professor Williams. Over the last four years, Mr Williams, Professor of Welsh History and director of the Research Institute for Arts and Diaries: Published this month. Prof Chris Williams (right) being interviewed live on NBC television. Humanities (RIAH), which is home to SMU-PGCE-Wfront-hpage_SMU-PGCE-SWEP-hpage-17sep 19/09/2012 17:39 Page 1
Students’ union caucuses taking place by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE Students’ Union is running five caucuses for the NUS Wales Liberation. They will be sending four delegates for each of the liberation groups, one of which will be the elected officer; the other three positions will be elected by those who self define into each of the caucuses. Only students who self define as LGBT+, female, Welsh, black (BME), or to have a disability may either run to be elected or to vote at the caucuses. The dates of the caucuses are: Monday 29th October - LGBT Caucus Tuesday 30th October - Students with Disabilities Caucus Wednesday 31st October - Black Students Caucus Thursday 1st November - Women’s Caucus Friday 2nd November - Welsh Affairs Caucus They will all be held in Dining Room A between 12-3pm on these dates. For more information, please contact any of the Students’ Union officers, both full and part time, or Matt Hurst on:matthewhurst@swansea-union. co.uk
PGCE / TAR 2013 T WHAOUR Y ARE S AFTER ? N PLA UATING D H GRA FYDDWCD A EU BETH’N EI WN CHI AR ÔL ? DDIO GRA
THOUGHT ABOUT TRAINING TO TEACH?
YDYCH CHI WEDI YSTYRIED CAEL EICH HYFFORDDI I ADDYSGU?
PGCE SECONDARY VACANCIES FOR SEPTEMBER 2013
LLEOEDD GWAG TAR UWCHRADD AR GYFER MEDI 2013
In your final year and about to graduate or maybe you’re uncertain about your future and looking for a change in career? If you hold, or about to hold, a degree or equivalent qualification in any of the subjects below why not study for a PGCE in secondary school teaching and gain qualified teacher status. Teaching is a rewarding profession which can offer great career prospects and competitive rates of pay. Vacancies exist in the following one-year PGCE Secondary programmes for September 2013 ● ART AND DESIGN ● BIOLOGY ● BUSINESS STUDIES ● CHEMISTRY ● CYMRAEG ● DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ● ENGLISH ● GEOGRAPHY ● HISTORY ● ICT ● MATHEMATICS ● MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH/FRENCH WITH GERMAN/FRENCH WITH SPANISH/GERMAN WITH FRENCH ● PHYSICS ● RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ● SCIENCE 11-16
Ydych chi yn eich blwyddyn olaf ac ar fin graddio neu efallai eich bod yn ansicr am eich dyfodol ac yn dymuno newid eich gyrfa? Os oes gennych chi radd, neu os ydych chi ar fin cael gradd neu gymhwyster cyfwerth mewn unrhyw rai o’r pynciau isod, pam na wnewch chi astudio TAR mewn addysg ysgol uwchradd a chael statws athro cymwysedig. Mae addysgu’n broffesiwn boddhaus a all cynnig rhagolygon gyrfa grêt a chyfraddau tâl cystadleuol. Mae lleoedd gwag ar gael yn y rhaglenni TAR Uwchradd un flwyddyn a ganlyn ar gyfer mis Medi 2013 ● CELF A DYLUNIO ● BIOLEG ● ASTUDIAETHAU BUSNES ● CEMEG ● CYMRAEG ● DYLUNIO A THECHNOLEG ● SAESNEG ● DAEARYDDIAETH ● HANES ● TGCH ● MATHEMATEG ● IEITHOEDD TRAMOR MODERN: FFRANGEG/FFRANGEG GYDAG ALMAENEG/FFRANGEG GYDA SBAENEG/ALMAENEG GYDA FFRANGEG ● FFISEG ● ADDYSG GREFYDDOL ● GWYDDONIAETH 11-16
Financial Support and Incentives*
Cymorth Ariannol a Chymhellion*
Eligible Welsh and non-UK EU domiciled students are entitled to a non-means- tested and non-repayable grant of £5,535 to cover fees above £3,465. Students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the cost of fees and may be entitled to a student loan for maintenance that won’t have to be paid back until you are earning over £21,000 per annum. Incentive Grants of between £3,000 and £15,000 are also available depending on the subject and final degree classification. Apply now through GTTR at www.gttr.ac.uk or contact kim.wills@smu.ac.uk for further details.
www.smu.ac.uk
*subject to final confirmation
Mae gan fyfyrwyr o Gymru a rhai o du allan i’r DU sy’n byw yn yr UE hawl i grant nad yw’n seiliedig ar brawf modd o £5,535 i dalu am ffioedd dros £3,465. Gall myfyrwyr wneud cais am Fenthyciad Ffioedd Dysgu i dalu am gost ffioedd a gallant fod yn gymwys i gael benthyciad i fyfyrwyr am gynhaliaeth na fydd rhaid ei ad-dalu nes y byddwch yn ennill dros £21,000 y flwyddyn. Hefyd, mae Grantiau Cymhelliant o rwng £3,000 a £15,000 ar gael yn amodol ar y pwnc a’r dosbarth gradd terfynol. Gwnewch gais nawr trwy GTTR yn www.gttr.ac.uk neu cysylltwch â kim.wills@smu.ac.uk am ragor o fanylion.
www.smu.ac.uk
*yn amodol ar gadarnhad terfynol
PGCE SECONDARY INFORMATION MORNING
BORE GWYBODAETH TAR UWCHRADD
THE SWANSEA SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, TOWNHILL CAMPUS If you would like to attend, please register YOUR place by contacting Kim Wills on 01792 481202 or email kim.wills@smu.ac.uk
YSGOL ADDYSG ABERTAWE, CAMPWS TOWNHILL Os hoffech ddod i hwn, cofrestrwch drwy gysylltu â Kim Wills ar 01792 481202 neu anfonwch e-bost i kim.wills@smu.ac.uk
THURSDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2012
DYDD IAU 8 TACHWEDD 2012
: tt n
front!
Photo by Soffie Hicks
Students rush to confess all
Fresh Meat gets a 1st in comedy
How to create a silence in Sin City
In agony? Ask Aunt Catrin
A year in Normandy, France
>> 14
>> 19
>> 15
>> 23
>> 25
societies 26
travel 25
relationships 23
games 22
film 21
music 20
showtime 19
front row 18
11
fashion 16-17
29 October 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
features 14 - 15
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
societies 26
travel 25
relationships 23
games 22
film 21
music 20
showtime 19
front row 18
fashion 16-17
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features 14 - 15
29 October 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
front
contents features 14 >> Students rush to confess all, but university wants to call a halt
fashion 16 >> Cosy coats and accessories to keep you warm this winter
front row 18 >> Your guide to what’s on in the next two weeks
showtime 19 >> Does the X-Factor need a dose of its own medicine? Plus, 50 shades of pornography and why Fresh Meat gets a 1st in comedy
music 20 >> How to create a silence in Sin City, plus we interview Hadouken!
film 21 >> More brain, less brawn, please. Reviews of Taken 2, Sinister and Ruby Sparks
games 22 >> Reviewed: Dishonored and X-Com: Enemy Unknown
relationships 23 >> Dear Aunt Catrin; Blind Date when Ina met Chris
travel 25 >> One student’s year in Normandy
societies 26 >> History Society in action, plus spotlight on the Islamic Society
I love flux!
Swansea University Students’ Union’s indie night in Divas, Tuesday nights.
c o n f e s s i n g yo u r d e e p e s t, d a r k e s t s e c r e t s ?
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features
Confessions of a pigeon fancier ... or something more sinister? Students are rushing to tell all on the Swansea Uni facebook confessions page, but will their words come back to haunt them? Samantha Booth writes on the reactions to the page and the bigger implications for the future.
C
ONFESSIONS, confessions, confessions. Everyone has dirty little secrets, and some people have decided to share them. By now, if you haven’t heard or seen the facebook page, use the GIYF (Google is your friend) advice and browse the Swansea Uni Confessions facebook page. The page is a platform made for Swansea University students to anonymously submit stories about themselves or friends, usually to air their dirty laundry, and has more than 2,000 likes. The pages description reads: “Private message us your most disgusting, hilarious, embarrassing confessions from Swansea University! It will be posted ANONYMOUSLY on our page. So don’t be shy, let’s just have a laugh.” During early October, confession pages were set up at universities across the UK. The pages have seen a similar rise in popularity as the university meme facebook trend earlier this year. The stories tell tales of drunk blunders, sexual fiascos and student pranks. Many of the stories published have been explicit and sexually related, causing controversy and divided opinions. Third year Politics and Social Policy student, Rob Abrams, has said that the page is demeaning for women students reading the stories: “Swansea Uni Confessions has mostly been publishing stories that have included demeaning remarks about female students and has in that way contributed to some of the most negative aspects of ‘lad culture’. “I think it proves to us how much more respect so many male students on campus need to learn for women. Personally, I’m disgusted by a lot of the things posted on the page.” NUS vice-president, Toni Pearce, comments similarly on lads’ websites that argue that their misogyny is meant in good humour: “The casual trivialization of these despicable insults normalises dismissive attitudes towards women and perpetuates the idea that anyone who complains about sexual violence is humourless.”. The disclaimer on the page states: “This page is in no way shape or form related or aimed to harm the reputation of Swansea University, its faculty, its pupils or any affiliated bodies.” In mid-October, the Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at Swansea University, Mr Raymond Ciborowski, sent out an email in regards to “facebook pages featuring the university”. The email stated that students of Swansea University are “expected to observe the University’s Regulations in respect of [your] conduct both, on, and away from, campus.” In addition, the email said the “use of social media that is deemed to be offensive (including racial comments) indecent,
Amy Drawbridge Third year Economics
“I think it’s quite disturbing. These things are actually happening at uni and some of it is really offensive, especially if the targets themselves read it.”
Jacques Tsiantar Second year English Literature
“Eventually we’ll descend so low into villainy and drunkenness we’ll never be able to claw ourselves back out, but for now, you can at least have a chuckle.”
Will Brealey Second year English Literature
“Some of them are hilarious, but a lot just seem too disturbing to not be contrived, even in Swansea!”
Hannah Davies Second year Geography
“I don’t really read them but I think most of them are made up for attention and things people think other people will find funny.”
Mike O’Reilly Second year Material Science and Engineering “If banter is what you’re looking for then that’s the page to look at...if it’s not, don’t!”
and/or which brings the university’s reputation into disrepute, will be treated very seriously and referred under the university’s Disciplinary Procedures.” “In addition to these disciplinary consequences, you should remember that irresponsible use of social media can have a detrimental effect on your future employment prospects. 30 % of HR Directors now use social media to recruit candidates, and 22% check candidates’ online activity. Companies are increasingly searching for information on job applicants.” Since then, Mr Ciborowski and students’ union president, Tom Upton, have issued a joint a statement on the Swansea Uni Confessions page: “We are seriously concerned about the nature and content of the page, on several fronts. Students are sharing personal information (including explicit content) with an anonymous page administrator, who has no accountability. “There is no evidence that the page administrator is even a fellow student. “University regulations clearly state that it is a disciplinary offence to engage in behaviour which could bring the university into disrepute – this includes social media activity.” Some students have raised concerns that the criticisms on the page do have larger implications on the freedom of speech. But the joint statement said: “The internet and social media are governed by laws relating to defamation and public order, and as a result, there is no such thing as absolute freedom of speech.” Josh Osbourne, second year Business Management student, says that if people have a problem with the page’s posts, then they should not look at it: “I think everyone enjoys it. That’s why most universities have them. This argument is quite futile, it’s like porn... if you don’t like it, don’t look at it.” Tom Giffard, third year History and Politics student, said: “This discussion [on freedom of speech] goes on, regardless of whether it’s on facebook or in the street. It doesn’t (or at least I hope) have an effect on most student’s lives and safety. Unfortunately, some crude people exist in the world, but we can’t ban free speech. “ The argument stands that the posts are a reflection of the individuals themselves rather than the image of the university. Do the attacks on pages such as these have bigger implications on free speech? Should students become aware of how much they are posting online? Should they consider the implications of their posts to a wider audience? These pages will have consequences which may set a precedent on how institutions will deal with copy-cat pages in the future.
“On the second morning of freshers I woke up next to this bird. Upon further inspection I noticed it was an actual bird. A pigeon to be precise. Turns out I tried to save this pigeon from certain death on the streets of Swansea and had taken it home to love and care for it. After cleaning up all the shit it had left in my room I released it back into the wild from my window, I neglected to notice that the builders on the scaffolding next door were watching me, crying with laughter. Next time, I’ll be sure to bring back a human at least...”
Don’t worry... you can open your eyes to these confessions!
societies 26
travel 25
relationships 23
games 22
film 21
music 20
showtime 19
front row 18
fashion 16-17
The day a Beatle popped into the SU bar F
OR as long as I can remember I was never going to be a Swansea University student. Wind Street, the Gower, Mumbles – these are names that I have grown up with as, that’s right, you guessed it, my father Chris did three years at the university. For years I have been listening to his endless yet seemingly happy tales of the Mumbles run and the time Paul McCartney popped into the students’ union coffee bar and played a gig with his new band Wings, circa 1972. It seemed to me that the academic side of his time at the university was leisurely at best with only a three hour exam at the end of each year. “So what degree did you get”, I would ask him. “History honours”, he would reply, “it taught me everything I needed to know about how to think about the subject”, as he looked up from his latest autobiography of Stalin. “A Third, wasn’t it”, I would say. “I think you will find it was known as a gentlemen’s degree in those days,” he would reply. So after completing my first very happy and enjoyable year at the university, it suddenly struck me how very different my university experience was to that of my father’s. In his time, Wind Street was the ‘the Street of Shame’ , as he puts it, as this was where all the banks were located. This was a place where a student could extend his overdraft, and as we all know, I’m sure, Wind Street is now a place of a very different kind of shame, a place where a student can squander his overdraft. This change came as a surprise to my father, but an amusing surprise nonetheless. Dad always made it clear how his generation had grown up with a bucket and spade at the seaside and so therefore was drawn instinctively to the Gower. In my first year I was surprised by the number of people who didn’t know about the Gower and the fabulous, almost deserted, beaches.
“a good night out would actually only take you to the student ‘disco’ on the 2nd floor of Fulton House“
“My housemate decided to get a new puppy which she kept in our student house (much to our annoyance). One day one of my other housemates picked the pup up after it had taken a dump and ended up with a lump of poo on his shirt. To remedy the situation he went in the cutlery drawer and used a house fork to scrape it off, wiped the fork with a kitchen towel and placed it back. In my disgust when I had my dog to stay in the Xmas term I used his favourite cake tin everyday as the dog’s food bowl.”
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29 October 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
The 1970s generation seemed to be more aware of them. This could be because there was more student housing out that way and towards Mumbles, unlike the tight cluster of student housing found around Brynmill and the Uplands today. Another memory dad liked to share was the time when his large group of friends spent all night on one of the beaches and then clapped as the sun came up over the horizon. His idea of fun seems totally bizarre to me but, hey, it was a different time. It would seem strange to a lot of students now not to be able to leave the university campus and head to the town for a merry night out, however in the 70s everything was a lot more localised and a good night out would actually only take you to the student disco on the 2nd floor of Fulton House for films and ‘discos’. Then, so long as it wasn’t raining too hard, around the corner to the local curry house where the meals were hot as hell and the waiters were, in my dad’s own words, “smoking suspiciously strong cheroots”. No need to tell you these fine establishments have since shut.
HARRY MORRISON treads in the footsteps of his dad Chris... 40 years later
Above, Harry Morrison and his dad Chris, who went to Swansea University in the 1970s. Left, Dad ponders the merits of a late night curry...
S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 3 w i t h c at h a rris a n d f r a n l l o y d
fashion
Autumn/Winter
Women
The best of cosy coats
I
T’S that time of year when everyone seems to be getting back to normal and in a routine after a long summer break and a crazy freshers’ fortnight. Getting over summer and freshers can be quite hard as is having to come to terms with knuckling down. My cure - retail therapy! The air is starting to bite, some days you can see your own breath and shop windows become alive with Christmas trees, Santa Clauses and sparkling decorations. Whether or not it is too early to even discuss Christmas, we cannot deny that winter is coming. With the dark nights drawing in and the colder weather looming, there is only one thing we need and that is a winter coat. I get excited about winter clothing, I much prefer to layer up a look when it’s cold than to just wear something because it keeps you cool in the summer heat. I think where a lot of people go wrong with Topshop Fur coats is that they are so blasé with it. If you think Coat- £98 about it, buying a winter coat is a big deal as it is probably what all your friends will ever see you wearing. Don’t blend in with a coat - make a statement! The coats on the catwalks this year are so exciting, full of bright colours, prints, fur accents, embellishments, tailoring, high necks, lots of details and drama. A lot of people go for black and plain coats as it goes with everything - this is not the right attitude. Black is arguably very classy and if it’s the right shape can look amazing, but a bright coat will still work.
Zara Leopard Print £99.99
Asda Mac - £29
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Men
A
FTER a frankly appalling summer, winter has already begun to sink its teeth in. So as the days grow darker and colder, it’s time to start thinking about buying a coat. If you’re unsure where to start, I have compiled together some of the best looking, affordable jackets that this year has to offer to keep you looking good and ahead of the cold, as well some tips on how to wear them. You will also find out a few answers about what guys in Swansea will be wearing this winter. This year is all about the return of classics such as the parka and duffle coat. Cosy and practical, parka jackets look great thrown on top of a patterned jumper and light pair of jeans, although they can be worn for just about any occasion paired with the right outfit. Fur in particular has made a huge comeback this year, and will feature in many stores as part of their winter collection. If fur isn’t your thing, longer and smarter trench or wool coats are fantastic alternatives. Although slightly more expensive, they will create a more chic and grown-up look and protect you from those bitterly cold days for many years to come. Aim for popular colours like red, grey, green, beige and blue, and remember that these jackets are versatile and often plain, so try to vary your look by adding extras like a scarf or hoodie. These jackets also look great with a shirt and tie for those smarter occasions. Online retailer ASOS has some great offers that won’t break the bank. Here are a few responses from guys who were asked what they will be wearing this winter:
For those on a budget and already have a winter coat, opt for a chunky detailed belt with Cara Delevigne lots of studding, embellishments and drama - it will completely change the look and make it bang on trend. I love super model of the moment Cara Delevigne and her look on the catwalk. For those who are still looking, worry not - I have a large selection from the high street. But don’t wait too long before making the right decision as these are guaranteed to fly out of the shops… New Look Hooded Parka £89.99
“I absolutely love my Barbour. It looks really authentic and has a wax coating which keeps me really warm.” Barbour jackets look fantastic and last forever, making them an Selected ideal investment for this winter. If you are struggling to afford one Tribeca Trench new, you can pick them up on ebay.co.uk for far less. Plus, many Coat Asos Barbour jackets look better once they have been worn-in. £90 “I don’t like wearing coats because they feel too heavy and constricting.” Why not go for something like a gilet? They are incredibly warm but feel much lighter than a heavy coat. They come in loads of different styles and go with just about anything. Hopefully this has given you a few ideas about jackets to wear this winter. Remember to keep it simple and shop around, there is a jacket to suit every style.
By Andrew Timlett
Miss Sefridge Pink Rock and Roll Fur Coat £85
Gilet Republic £42
Classic Duffle Coat £174.99
Khaki pattern lined fur trim Parka £95 Topman
Wool blend grey smart funnel coat - Burton £80
Accessories with a BANG Mittens - H&M - £7.99
Aztec Neon Beanie Topshop £14
Portobello Regular Stripe Earmuffs - Accessorize £16
Cable Pom Pom Scarf - Topshop £16
Knitted Pom Trapper Hat Topshop £16
ASOS People Tree Hedgehog Mittens £20
Superdry Fairisle Beanie - £19.99
Seasonal Shoes from Office Jess Waymark looks at Office’s new Autumn collection.
Shocker Wedge £75
Serpentine £80
T’S time to get some new party shoes, girls and boys! With Halloween around the corner, and plenty more wintry nights out, Office has launched some gorgeous designs that will see you through past midnight and way into the morning. Wedges dominate this season for the girls, coming in lots of colours and Poste, Giovanni Monk £105 patterns. The collection doesn’t disappoint in the texture department, featuring lots of on-trend velvet in shades of bright purple and olive green, as well as pretty lace. ‘Shocker’ are perfect for upcoming Halloween parties, Poste, covered with deep black velvet and decorated with silver detailing on the Barnaby back. If you want some shoes that are real head-turners, the ‘Serpentine’ Brogue £110 heels could be for you, if you’re not one of the faint-hearted...or those with poor balance like me! For the boys’ collection, there’s a country gentlemen feel, with brogues taking the spotlight. The ‘Ashley’ and ‘Corbett’ are classic evening styles that every guy needs, so are worth the investment. In contrast, Office have revived the 1940s in their ‘Hush’ brogue, with the design resembling men’s dance shoes of that decade. Brogue boots are also key this season, either in a classic chelsea boot style or patent lace-ups. With so many styles this season, which will you choose?
Starlight Stud £85
ATM, Rose Brogue Boot £99.99 Poste, Domonic Brogue £120
Poste, Marco Brogue £115
Get Involved!
Statement wedge £70
Scrumptious £70
Statement wedge £55
Missoni Knitted Chenille Zig Zag Scarf Net-a-porter £95
ATM, Hush Fring Monk £69.99
I
Step To The Beat £60
societies 26
Lion Print Tassle Scarf - Miss Selfridge £22
With Bonfire Night approaching, you need to stay safe and warm whilst watching fireworks and twirling sparklers, so here are all the hats, scarves and gloves you’ll need for 5th November and to see you through winter.
ASOS Lambswool Mix Fairisle Mittens £12
travel 25
relationships 23
games 22
film 21
music 20
showtime 19
front row 18
fashion 16-17
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29 October 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
World Class Wedge £80
We are looking for a brand new team of writers to join us at Waterfront Fashion to bring the latest style to the students of Swansea. If you are an enthusiastic writer/fashionista, get in touch with Cat and Fran at waterfrontfashion@ swansea-union.co.uk We are looking for features on student fashion, events, latest trends, shopping, hair and beauty, men’s fashions, and any other ideas you could bring to the newspaper! Get involved with Swansea University whilst boosting your CV, and doing what Swansea students do best; getting drunk at Fashion Writers’ Socials! We can’t wait hear from you all!
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W H AT ’ s O N W I T H O L I V I A R O S E N T H A L L
front row
Do Not Go Gentle Festival
Uplands, Saturday 3 - Sunday 4 November Student weekend ticket £15 (with NUS/ISIC ID card)
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As Dylan Thomas once said: ‘To begin at the beginning...’ The Do Not Go Gentle Festival is doing just that. As possibly the start of many festivals to come, the celebration of Swansea’s legendary poet is taking place in well-known venues scattered across Uplands. Featuring a magical cluster of poetry, music, friendly faces and of course, alcohol, this is a literary festival not to be missed. Kicking off on Saturday with acts such as Rachel Trezise, Peter Bruntell and Swansea’s favourites “The Attic People”, DNGG will take you from Noah’s Yard to St James Church Hall for poetry workshops and local produce provided by the market. Then grab a coffee and a bite to eat for the hangover at The Chattery and visit the former home of Dylan Thomas on the Sunday, the fun never ends. Don’t forget to check out rising acts such as Greta Issac, described by NME as “a young woman who is wise with her years rather than beyond them” and notorious storyteller Ray Roughler-Jones, who can both be caught at Mozarts on the Saturday. If you’re interested in poetry, music and let’s face it, booze, you’ll be in your element this weekend. You can also see the university’s own poetry society performing at Mozarts on both nights, so theoretically you have no reason not to go... For more info head to: www.dontgogentlefestival.com Tickets are available through: Derricks Music, 221 Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3BQ www.derricksmusic.co.uk
Greta Issac at Mozarts 8:30-9pm on Saturday 3 November
Halloween “Freak Show” Oceana, Wednesday 31 October Ticket prices £2.25 online
2
Halloween Freak Show, Oceana’s attempt at Halloween, promises to be full of ‘fake blood, fangs, devil ears’ as well as ‘flesh eating zombies’ and other skin crawlingly bad Halloween related decorations. It should be noted that ‘Nightmare on Wind St’ is the same night and I’m not saying it will be better but it probably will be better.
Charly Bunker
Grimm Tales
Taliesin Arts Centre Friday 2 November Student prices £6 per ticket
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This new adaptation of the traditional Grimm’s Fairy tales by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy transports you into some of the original Grimm Tales – Hansel and Gretel and the original Cinderella – and some that you may not be so familiar with. The cast have been praised for their versatility and energy, enchanting and amusing the audience throughout the play. Both young and old alike have enjoyed watching the spectacle of excitement, fright and the fantastical put on by internationally accaimed Theatre Iolo.
Becca Hopkins
Broadway+Atlantis+We Are Defiant Sin City, Saturday 3 Novemeber Tickets £6
4
On the 3rd of November, Sin welcomes Broadway, Atlantis and We Are Defiant for a night of metalcore action. Headlining act Broadway’s sound has pop punk styling similar to You Me at Six, while also retaining a heavier undercurrent that will surely see some mosh pits commence. Atlantis and We Are Defiant provide support for the show, with both acts bringing a mix of melodic and screamed vocals that are influenced by bands such as Funeral for a Friend and Alexisonfire. It’ll most likely be loud, and it will be sweaty. See you in the pit!
Alex McKenzie
Sink presents: Jakwob
Sin City, Saturday 10 November Entry £3 with NUS card/£5 without
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A big name and a big talent on the electronic scene, Jakwob is set to bring his unique style to Sin City. While dubstep has recently been unfairly labelled as brash and noisy due to the likes of Skrillex, Jakwob has set about creating a more subtle, tranquil take on the genre. By incorporating elements of drum and bass and live instruments, he creates a more ambient soundscape that will make for incredible viewing live. Make sure you attend what will most likely be a mind-blowing set on the 10th of November, and then stick around at Sink afterwards!
Alex McKenzie
On the road
Taliesin Arts Centre Monday 12 November Student prices £5 per ticket
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Walter Salle’s adaption of Jack Kerouac’s 1957 Beat novel ‘On the Road’ comes to the Taliesin on the 15th November for one day only and features an array of blockbusting actors such as Kirsten Dunst, Tom Sturridge, Viggo Mortensen and Kristen Stewart. ‘On the Road’ tells the autobiographical tale of Kerouac’s travels across America through the characters of Sal Paradise (Sam Riley) and Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund) and depicts the wild escapades the pair experience across the state. Paradise and Moriarty embody the Beat generation through their spontaneous poetry and appreciation of the nature that surrounds them as well as enjoying the drink, drugs and women that seemingly followed Beat writers from place to place. It has to be questioned as to whether or not the descriptive, lyrical beauty that can be found in the novel will translate well to screen or if it will merely fall anticlimactically flat. Many question if the spirit of the Beat writers can actually be accurately captured. However ‘On the Road’ should provide audiences with a thought provoking and entertaining portrayal of Kerouac’s characters in his 50s road trip odyssey. Charly Bunker
showtime
The X-Factor – has it lost it? N
OT content with punishing with me a disgusting cold, the universe seems happy to make me suffer even more with this year’s X-Factor, writes Catrin Lewis.
I am one of these people who has to be reminded that the show is on and persuaded to watch, not one with the app on my phone; this is a bizarre concept in itself. What is the point of a ‘tap to clap’ function? Are people incapable of shouting at the TV now? It’s okay – you may have forgotten how to form words, but you can jab your thumbs into your phone screen to celebrate someone’s performance! Quite frankly, I’m surprised anyone who has this app even HAS thumbs to begin with.
“a very small amount of talent and the guts to flaunt yourself in front of every camera ” Okay, I’m sorry. I admit, I’m only a bit jealous because my mum never let me watch these things as a kid so I never had anything to talk about in the playground at school for six months of the year. This year’s line-up of judges remains as much a symbol of what having a very small amount of talent and the guts to flaunt yourself in front of every camera can do for your career. Okay, so Gary Barlow wrote a couple of good songs once upon a time, but he also gave us ‘It Only Takes a Minute’: yeah, it only takes a minute to realise how lyrically challenged you really are and tire of your “eh, by gum” attitude to anything that doesn’t suit you. Cheer up, Gary, where’s the cheeky
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Fresh Meat gets a 1st in comedy FOLLOWING the success of the Inbetweeners, Fresh Meat emerged last year with its debut series, cementing Channel 4’s reputation as one of the finest producers of contemporary comedy, writes Elliot Holman. Following the fortunes of freshers forced to live in a dilapidated offcampus house, having applied too late for halls, series one was a laughout-loud, delightfully cringeworthy and occasionally moving spectacle.
chappy from those M&S adverts gone? Luckily, Louis’ glazed look that resembles a toddler in a toy shop with the doll he wants just slightly out of reach tends to cheer me up, along with Nicole Scherzinger’s all-American comments, occasionally involving the word ‘spunky’, causing teenagers across the land to crease up laughing.
“it’s rumoured that she’ll have a badger set on her head next Saturday” Tulisa is the real spectacle of the four, with more changes in hair style than a customer in a wig shop, and dresses more suited to Odyssey than live TV. Of course, I know what you’re all thinking about. Tulisa is also famed for appearing in her own short film, but we’re over that now, especially after she appeared on about five different chat shows to announce as much.
The real delights – or not – are the participants themselves. These include Rylan, a man for whom there are not enough hair styling products or sparkles in the world, James who appears to have stolen Deidre from Coronation Street’s glasses, and Ella whose hair is getting more bizarre each week – it’s rumoured that she’ll have a badger set on her head next Saturday, and a full basket of fruit on the Sunday. I have a theory, however. The bigger and crazier the hair, the more talent in the person below the barnet. We all know what will happen. Soon enough we’ll get to December and the X-Factor winner will take the Christmas number one despite the efforts of facebook. X-Factor has lost its... Well, X-Factor, and I’m getting sick of it. Can we please go back to the heyday of Saturday night television with drag queens and old men with cuddly toys and speed boats for contestants who live in Birmingham?
Fifty Shades of Pornography? WHY is it that when you walk into your local book shop there is now a whole section dedicated to books with the sticker “if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, you’ll love this”? Since when did porn - or should I say ‘hot romance novels’ become so readily available?
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protective and always seems to want to ‘take her hard and fast’.
majority of them said they hated it; they preferred watching something rather than reading it. The opposite was true Would you call this pornography? I would: it has explicit content which one of my female friends: many of them could find on the internet in video form, longed for a Christian Grey-type who would eventually open up and become but you wouldn’t walk in to WHSmiths the knight in shining armour that every to find a whole shelf dedicated to that. girl was dreaming of. Is this possible in It seems the famous Christian Grey of E L “...experiencing a fantasy in your reality, or just a fantasy? James’ novel, Fifty Shades of Grey, is the own company and actually letting catalyst for this trend. First published The books also provide a fantasy that someone spank you are two very women can enjoy without actually in 2011, the Fifty Shades trilogy has different things” sparked controversy surrounding its having to succumb to anything: genre, writing style and explicit scenes. experiencing a fantasy in your own So why is reading porn more acceptable company and actually letting someone The submissive/dominating relationship than watching it? Is it because you spank you are two very different things. within the book makes something that use your imagination, or because the should be very private, very public. I books don’t have obvious pornographic If you’ve no idea what I am talking am slowly working my way through the covers? Who knows, but it is clear that it about, I suggest visiting a bookshop; I shelf at WHSmiths, and from the ones I is becoming acceptable, maybe almost guarantee you will find at least one of have read it is not always about BDSM. these novels somewhere with a ‘special expected, to have read Fifty Shades of offer’ sign; I just wouldn’t suggest taking Grey. However, the main male characters one to your lectures. in each of the books all have similar When asking some of my male friends qualities: brooding, distant, overly By Emma Mackenzie what they thought of the book, the
Comedian Jack Whitehall’s hilariously annoying posh toff, JP, produced some of the finest, most quotable one liners of any TV comedy last year and may have been the highlight of the series - but only just. Creepy Howard, originator of the uber meal that is blinner, because he hasn’t time for “this multiple meal bullshit” delighted with his sheer strangeness, whilst Welsh girl Josie’s woefully awkward sex talk was nothing short of toe-curling. Binge-drinking, drug-taking Vod consistently taking advantage of pushover Oregon’s eagerness to please, was also brilliant to watch whilst Inbetweeners’ Joe Thomas’ s shy, virginal Kingsley was not to be missed.
The second series kicks off as the housemates go through another awkward, uncomfortable and hilarious portrayal of uni life. Already a few episodes in, the housemates are this time around faced with the problem of a middle aged and emotionless foreign student, Sabine, whose relentless determination to rent the house’s spare room poses an issue after the students promise it to JP’s fellow toff friend, Giles. JP also struggles with his sexuality after it emerges he and Giles’ adolescent ‘power showers’ may have been more than a teenage phase. With Kingsley’s return as a borderline hippy and Howard adding to his already burgeoning serial killeresque character profile with a job at an abattoir, the second series looks set to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. Fresh Meat is on Channel 4 at 10pm on Tuesdays.
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Going for the record - with alex gibbs
music
How to create a silence in Sin City
I
Covering the wonderful ‘Rebellion (lies)’ by Arcade Fire had managed to once again create a standstill amongst the audience! However, Benjamin managed to slow the naturally elated, euphoric beat of Arcade Fire’s hit single to an elusive melody, reducing the power of the lyrics into an almost lullaby-like state, which was incredible to hear live.
T is extremely rare when complete silence fills Swansea’s Sin City on a Friday night, yet it happened during the sublime performance of a certain acoustic marvel named Benjamin Francis Leftwich, writes Jodie O’Connell. On the fifth day of Benjamin’s UK tour, Sin City saw him take to the stage, where he performed songs from debut album ‘The Last Smoke Before the Snow Storm’. The gig obviously sold out, meaning Sin City was teeming with Benjamin’s fans, yet the singer-songwriter from York managed to calm the crowd with flawless acoustic melodies, accompanied by his famously intimate yet haunting voice. In fact, the crowd were not calmed but silenced during the beautiful track ‘Stole You Away’. The song’s opening acoustic seemed unrecognisable to most of his fans, on account of it not being one of
the most prominent songs on his album and as it differs from his renowned chordpicking style. A distinguished note pattern echoes throughout ‘Stole You Away’, and once Benjamin had fused this with his illustrious chord sequences, an almost
breathtaking atmosphere had formed. When Benjamin started singing with that distinct ‘raspy’ yet soulful voice the whole crowd was silenced, sending Sin City into a state of sublimity; something that I never thought possible in such a venue!
The atmosphere throughout Benjamin’s performance was stunning and the crowd was so utterly captivated by his music that when he left, an encore was demanded. He returned to play one of his most popular tracks ‘Atlas Hands’ and had fans singing their hearts out. To hear the power of Benjamin’s music live and to meet the man at the end of such a remarkable performance left me speechless! All I can say is this is one artist with extraordinary talent!
Pre-order on iTunes Leftwich’s ‘In The Open’ EP, due to be released on 19th November 2012, featuring 4 brand-new tracks. You won’t regret it!
SPOTLIGHT: Bastille
By Alex Ward
YOU wouldn’t have thought that a band that included a ‘City High’ cover in their live set would have sounded at all Indie... yet this is precisely what Bastille has done. Stripping back from the synthetic beats and quick rapping, Bastille creates soaring, yet melancholy soundscapes that drip with reverberating tones. First single ‘Bad Blood’ would be classified as a rarity, establishing its tone as reflective yet sorrowful; unveiling some extremely haunting vocal lines. Relate them to any other alternative band’s first musical offering; Bastille simply do not compare.‘Overjoyed’provides a tempo solely in the latter half of the song, letting a simple drum beat aid Dan Smith’s powerful lyricism. Smith’s voice
is reminiscent of Chris Martin’s (Coldplay). Bastille’s second single ‘Flaws’ is a musical journey in its own right. Originally posted as a snippet in one of Martin Sheen’s films, ‘Flaws’ possesses pop hooks that outshine even the most popular of Indie bands. Smith’s vocals soar throughout the track, motivating each listener to see the positive. The song’s core is based upon flaws that are intrinsic to humanity, creating an uplifting atmosphere. By shunning high tempos whilst crafting a sound that combines soundscapes with dark lyrics; Bastille have entered themselves into an entirely new territory. Where they are going is uncertain, yet I’m confident others will follow.
Do you think a band or genre should be featured? E-mail us at waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk
Hadouken! : From punk-rockers to club ravers E ARLIER this month, we got the opportunity to chat with Hadouken!’s frontman James Smith prior to them performing at Sin City, Alex Gibbs reports. WF You guys formed in 2006, would you say you’ve developed as a band? JAMES Massively, it’s just that natural thing that you kind of go through like evolution; you constantly want to innovate and find what kind of niche the band is best at... We’ve moved into a more natural dance area, so it’s kind of a lot more electronic now, but we still retain that sort of punk-rock element. WF Who would you say are your musical inspirations? JAMES We take a lot of influence from bands like Rage Against The Machine, The Prodigy, System of A Down, and then everything from the modern like Pendulum, Bloc Party, and new acts originally from the dub-step world like Kill the Noise and Skrillex. WF Your band member Daniel Rice has
the nickname ‘Pilau’, any reasons? JAMES It’s just a school nickname and because there were quite a few Dans where we kind of moved in together and he got that kind of nickname from his school, so it stuck. WF You’ve recently released single ‘Bad Signal’ and are planning to release an album in 2013. What we can expect? JAMES It’s quite aggressive; it’s got a lot of dance elements to it. There’s a track called ‘Parasite’, which people can find on YouTube. Beyond that, people can just come down to the shows if they want to hear. WF It must be incredible to work with ‘Ministry Of Sound’? JAMES Yeah they’ve got a lot of really amazing history of dance music and I’m personally really into the history of rave and it was really cool to be finally signed to a label that I listened to since I was really young. WF Have you ever performed in Swansea? JAMES We’ve been to Swansea Sin City a
James Smith.
Photo: Katie Blench
few times; I think it’s a really good venue. WF Do you do any sort of ritual before you go out on stage? JAMES Get drunk really.
WF How would you describe your crowd? JAMES We’re really happy with the way our crowd reacts a lot of the time because they get very much into it, the kind of music we make, we want people to get involved, jump up and down and get in mosh pits. WF What is the oddest gift you’ve received from a fan? JAMES When we go out to Japan, they have a gifting culture, and you get funny little things, but they know we’re into video games so we get these kind of Mario trinkets, letters in perfectly written English alphabetic letters, it’s really cute actually. WF What is your favourite baked potato filling? JAMES Probably... I’m a sucker for baked beans and tuna myself. WF Where do you hope to see yourselves in three years time? JAMES It would be very nice for us to be still playing shows, creating music and getting more people down to the shows.
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film
Reviews: Taken 2, Sinister, Ruby Sparks By Jordan Bradley
Taken 2
LIAM Neeson (pictured, right) returns to cinema screens in Taken 2, the tense but unimaginative sequel to the 2008 hit Taken. Neeson returns as the formidable Bryan Mills, a retired CIA agent who rescued his kidnapped daughter from Albanian human traffickers. After leaving a bloody trail behind him, their return to a ‘normal’ life is cut short by a vengeful father of one of Bryan’s previous victims. The pace and creeping danger keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering when the inevitable will happen and eventually a double kidnapping takes place, however the tables have turned this time because Bryan and his ex-wife Lenore’s lives are in jeopardy while their traumatised daughter is their only hope of rescue. Epic but typical fight scenes, car chases and shootouts ensue throughout, however a few well placed comedy elements are present that were missing from the constantly dramatic prequel. The only downsides are that Taken 2 has a very similar pace and narrative to Taken but still manages to deliver a tense, fast-paced action packed plot but with more dynamic character relations between the family trio. If you are a fan of Taken or action thrillers in general, Taken 2 will not disappoint as a film in itself but as a sequel it is nothing we have not seen before.
Sinister
By Rachael Wines
FROM the makers of Paranormal Activity and Insidious, October 2012 sees Sinister knife its way into the box office as the latest instalment of the fabulous but terrifying horror/thriller movies us Brits seem to be hooked on. With its explicit shocks and crashing musical stabs, Sinister, starring Ethan Hawke (pictured below) as Ellison Oswalt and Juliet Rylance as Tracy, sees Ellison, a once bestselling author of true-crime books, move into a small town to investigate an unsolved missing person case. Whilst at the new house, having moved his wife and both young children in with him, Ellis discover reels of horrific home videos in the attic of the rented house. This plunges the family into an extremely disturbing situation, with the visual effects of the children allowing for petrifying and heart-thumping horror genre gold! With the revelation of the footage, and realization of the fact that an entire family were previously murdered in their new home, the true-crime novelist appears to have positioned his nearest and dearest in the path of a supernatural entity. With an unpredictable and impulsive ending to the film, Sinister beyond doubt lives up to its title - a film not recommended for the faint hearted! Nightmares follow…
Ruby Sparks
By Saul Masters
SIX years ago two directors, Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, made a small, quiet indie film Little Miss Sunshine. What appeared to be a simple indie film snowballed into the breakthrough film of the year with critics falling in love with the dysfunctional family and managed to win two Oscars. Directing duo Dayton and Faris have returned to our screens with Ruby Sparks, a clever take on the boring and mundane rom-com genre. Ruby Sparks tells the story of Calvin (Paul Dano) an author struggling to recreate the success of his first bestselling novel. After a dream about his perfect woman and an assignment from his psychiatrist, Calvin soon cannot stop himself from writing endlessly on his typewriter. His creation becomes real and Calvin finds his dream woman is soon making meat loaf in his kitchen. The film takes a turn for the bizarre, like an episode mash up of Penny Crayon and The Twilight Zone but directed by Woody Allen. The film’s writer Zoe Kazan plays Ruby Sparks , the woman of Calvin’s dreams, and portrays a romantic and emotional adult whilst still managing to grasp the childlike nature of her character. Delightful.
3D? Go to the bottom of the class! “I THINK audiences get too comfortable and familiar in today’s movies. They believe everything they’re hearing and seeing. I like to shake that up.“ These are the words of director Christopher Nolan, famed for his incredibly intellectual and impressive reimagining of the Batman story that concluded this year. As well as Batman, Nolan can lay claim to be the creator of one of the smartest blockbusters to come out of Hollywood in the last 20 years (Inception), but these types of films are scarce in American cinema. These films are being pushed off our screens by the likes of Michael Bay, a man who lives in a world where everything is flammable and prone to explode at any time. Bay’s recent catalogue of films may be some of the bggest grossing films in the last few years but their IQ levels are incredibly low and the stories lack any substance. It could be argued that because his Transformers franchise has made multi-millions of pounds for Paramount film studios, they are popular and therefore good films.
Popcorn But they are the perfect example of Hollywood’s long tradition of making dull, boring movies that aim to talk down to their audience with popcorn pornography in the form of Megan Fox leaning over any machinery in view and incredibly eye-aching CGI mangled together with quick editing, making it impossible to keep up with the neverending explosions. This tradition has
only been magnified into another dimension in the last few years with the resurgence of 3D cinema, a gimmick that went out of date in the 70s. 3D cinema in my opinion adds absolutely nothing to a film and simply works as a gimmick for the studios to rake in more money from its audience. Every film coming out of America these days has 3D stamped to it and audiences nationwide are being forced to wear ridiculous glasses to watch a dim screen in a conspiracy set up by the studios to make us believe that this somehow makes our cinemagoing experience better. What would make our experience better would be more intelligent films and more daring and dangerous productions. It’s paid off greatly for Nolan and it seems like there may be hope for cinema yet with the likes of Rian Johnson’s Looper and Gareth Edwards’ Monsters, two examples of very clever blockbuster films. Intellectual cinema has been confined to European cinema and independent cinema, take for example Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound Studio which came out in September or Andre Ovredal’s incredibly well made Troll Hunter, two immensely original, intelligent and throught-provoking films. These films deserve more attention than the blockbuster films that lack substance and degrade their audience. Plenty of excitement and without the need to put on a stupid pair of glasses.
By Saul Masters
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FOR GAMERS, BY A GAMER - OLI JONES
games
REVIEW: Dishonored bears no shame G
AME designers these days are too scared for the player to experiment and will put the player into a failure state if they do not conform to some arbitrary mechanic or if the timer hits zero. Dishonored rejects this and the only way you can fail is if your life bar runs dry. This game does not hold you by the hand and demand that you take a specific route under the penalty of a game over screen, in fact, in the first few levels the game reminds you that there is always another way around and encourages you to explore. You play as Corvo Attano, who has been framed for the murder of the Empress. The spymaster, the real perpetrator, is now in charge and you are sentenced to death, only to be saved by “the loyalists” who want to put the rightful heir back on the throne. In other words you are their pet assassin who will get rid of the political roadblocks by the democracy of a knife. Plague The city of Dunwall is bathed in a watercolour style that is in sharp contrast to what is happening around you. While even in the dark slums of the city the place still looks wonderful, you are always being reminded about the devastation of a plague that is fatal but not before turning people into, more or less, walking
could just go the whole ‘stabby-stabby’ approach or take out enemies at range with the crossbow. You could also do some fancy stuff by slowing down time, throwing down a few mines and summoning a swarm of plague rats. Each level in this game is its own little hub for you to explore which is filled with notes that contain the back story but also with runes, with which you can buy your powers, and bone charms to give you effects such as faster sword swings. Cash rewards
corpses called “weepers”. While the game has a reasonable plot, it is the plague back-story, which is found through notes and books, that is worth your time trying to find, as the lore is quite rich. In Dishonored there are no moral choices so in essence you can choose to not kill a single person or kill everyone you meet, the game does not tell you off for doing so, but it will affect what happens in the world. The more you kill, the more chaos you get. The higher the chaos the more things change, such as the guards being more aware of you, more swarms of
plague rats and more weepers. Corvo has access to different gadgets and magic (given to him in a dream world by someone called “The Outsider”... not joking) in order to make his job easier. If you wanted to get into the place called “The Golden Cat” you could simply walk through the front door and have a huge fight with the guards or you could use the teleport spell blink in order to get around everyone. There are more creative ways such as possessing a fish in the adjacent river to swim up the inlet pipe and into the basement. This is also true for combat as you
In addition to the main objective you will also have option objectives which you can choose to do or ignore at your pleasure but they could open up alternate routes, give you cash rewards or even offer to take out your target in a nonlethal manner. This game is a blast to play and due to the many different ways to approach each mission it gives you more than enough reason to play it more than once just to see what will change during the run. If you just run blindly at it and ignore the side missions then the game will take about 6-8 hours to finish, but if you want to see the entirety of what this game has to offer then this will give you a good 15+ hours.
By Callum Brennan
Do you want to put a game in the spotlight? Email waterfrontgames@swansea-union.co.uk
X-COM is a mixture of real time strategic command and turn based combat as you strive to defend Earth from an alien invasion, writes Mathew Jones. With limited resources and a technological deficit, you not only need to prevent panic spreading around the world, but also deal with any abduction missions or UFOs that are detected using your interceptors. If this wasn’t hard enough you also have terror missions, where the aliens commence an all-out attack using some of their toughest and most sinister forces on a major city such as Tokyo or London. Over time, through the research of captured technology and the interrogation of the aliens you manage to detain, you will close the gap in weaponry and ultimately take the fight to the invaders. Firaxis had a lot of expectation with this re-boot of a timeless classic, the much-loved X-Com: UFO Defence. Did Firaxis keep the cut-throat difficulty, the large-scale strategic decisions mixed in with the tension as you watch that slow plasma bolt on its journey towards your men? Well yes and no. With Enemy Unknown you definitely get the feeling that UFO Defence, the old
X-Com: Enemy Unknown
1994 Microprose game, was kept at the forefront of development. However, within the development certain aspects have been removed that made stalwart fans weep with despair. Within the new X-Com you can have only a single base and only a single sky ranger (transport); this base also will never be attacked. This is a serious issue for some players and means that you have very little worry of failing in the game, at normal difficulty it is almost impossible to actually lose the game unless you really try. For those that enjoyed the
original game, Firaxis have included not only the ‘classic’ difficulty, but also ‘iron-man’ mode, where you cannot reload when everything goes wrong and all your soldiers die. The combat is smooth and feels very quick and gives the impression you are playing an action movie. Love them or hate them, the new action shots showing a close up of that one in a million shot through a window to take out the last alien make this new X-Com great. Whether you are new to the series or a veteran, give this a look. 9/10 from me.
New games releases GAMES RELEASED ON 31 OCTOBER Assassin’s Creed III (360/PS3) Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation (PSV) Painkiller: Hell & Damnation (PC) GAMES RELEASED ON 2 NOVEMBER Need For Speed: Most Wanted (360/ PS3/PC/PSV) WWE ‘13 (Wii/360/PS3) Football Manager 2013 (PC) Ratchet & Clank: Q-Force (PS3) Silent Hill: Book Of Memories (PSV) Sports Champions 2 (Move) The Avengers: Battle For Earth (Kinect) ThunderCats (DS) Dragon Ball Z: Budokai HD Collection (360/PS3) 007 Legends (PC) Cabela’s Dangerous Hunts 2013 (Wii/360/PS3/PC) Nike+ Kinect Training (Kinect) Batman: Arkham City - Game Of The Year Edition (360/PS3/PC) GAMES RELEASED ON 6 NOVEMBER Halo 4 (360) GAMES RELEASED ON 9 NOVEMBER LittleBigPlanet Karting (PS3) Spy Hunter (3DS) Hotel Transylvania (3DS) Zumba Fitness: Core (Wii/Kinect) Saints Row: The Third - The Full Package (360/PS3/PC) Mass Effect Trilogy (360/PS3)
relationships
Agony Aunt Dear Aunt Catrin, I have a dilemma. I have a habit of dating a man and sleeping with him and then I go off him and never speak to him again. How do I break the cycle and find a bloke I’ll want to go back to? It’s costing me a ridiculous amount in wine! Laura Dear Laura, There are two main things that pop into my head while reading your dilemma. Firstly, being spoilt for choice isn’t necessarily a terrible thing, and secondly, did you not realise supermarkets have a wide array of special offers on wine? There might be a simple explanation as to why you’re going off these men so quickly: I think we both know that the chase is often the most exciting part of any (potential) relationship. For those not aware, the chase is the period of time where you and the person you’re chasing are not an item, but there is the chance of something occurring between you both. This often includes a ridiculous amount of texting, childish giggling and making sure you’re constantly looking your best in case you should bump into them, despite sods’ law dictating that you will only ever see them when looking like Lindsay Lohan the morning after a good night out. It is during this period that the person you’re chasing has no negative points; it doesn’t matter that they sometimes wear the same pants for two days running or think cereal is a sensible choice for their evening meal (sometimes I just can’t be bothered to cook, okay?!), you are so wrapped up in them that you can only see their positive points. I think this may all be down to your choice of man. Deep down, you know that you’re picking ones that are unsuitable for you, so as soon as the fun bit is over, you chuck them. So Laura, let me put this to you: you need to change your criteria for choosing your next male companion. As my mum once told me, you should always marry first for money, and the second time for love. No, wait… That’s not applicable to this situation. Well, not completely. Mainly, I think you need to slow down, keep calm, and just wait for someone to come along who’s actually right for you. And if not, there’s an abundance of cats on Gumtree just screaming out for a new home. Dear Aunt Catrin, I’ve been seeing this girl for a while, and she recently introduced me to her parents. When she’s not around, her mum is always flirting with me and trying to chat me up. Thing is, her mum is quite fit; she’s like an older version of my girlfriend and it kind of turns me on. I’m afraid that if I tell my girlfriend about it she’ll put a stop to it, but if I don’t I might make a mistake with her mum. What should I do? John Dear John, Oh my. You are in a pickle, aren’t you? In one hand, you have your brain, in your other you have… Well, I think we can all guess what you’ve got going on there, can’t we? The fact that your girlfriend has introduced you to the parents must mean she likes you an awful lot, or at least, I should hope so. I don’t like to introduce my mother to a man until I’ve been able to go to the loo in front of him – the hallmark of any serious relationship. With this in mind, you need to think how she would feel if you were to inform her that her mum’s been hitting on you. I can’t think of many people who would be pleased about it. It would also be wise not to make reference to her mother’s appearance. No one wants to look like their mum, no matter how much a cougar she may be. Now, this is the important thing: you need to tell your girlfriend’s mum to back off a bit. You never know, this could be all one big test for you to see how reliable and devoted you are to their dear daughter, but even if it’s not, you can’t afford to take the risk. What if you’re caught? You could potentially destroy an entire family with one illicit encounter. What if she has something hideous that you give to your girlfriend? That would be one awkward trip to the GUM clinic. Stay strong, John. You can get through this. If nothing else, cling to the knowledge that your girlfriend may still be that attractive in the future.
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Blind Date When Ina met Chris
Ina Pace, a 21-year old English Literature and Classical Civilisation student, and Chris Melvin, a 25-year-old EngD Materials Engineering student, meet in JC’s for the Waterfront blind date.
Ina on Chris What were your first impressions? Chris was warm and appraochable with a good sense of humour. He took it light-heartedly like I did, and acted the ‘gentleman’ by buying me a drink. What do you think of the choice of venue? Good choice of venue at a good time. It wasn’t too noisy so we could hear each other and didn’t have to shout or lean in to make ourselves heard. Any striking conversation points? Found we had quite similar interests, talked about our courses, and what we did in our spare time. He told me about surfing, and I told him about how bad I was at pool. He suggested meeting up again to play it. If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your baby to inherit? Broad-mindedness, brown hair, good sense of humour. Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person? 5/6 for personality? Not sure! Would you introduce him to your parents? Yes - as a friend though. Generally how did you think the date went? It went well. We both said how nice it was to meet new people. It wasn’t awkward, and we made each other laugh, but I don’t think there was sexual chemistry... Would you like to meet again? Yes - drink or game of pool would be nice.
Chris on Ina What were your first impressions? She seemed nice, we broke the ice by chatting about the fake flower the JC’s guys had put on the table. What do you think of the choice of venue? Felt a bit enclosed in the stalls in JC’s, though it was convenient as she had to go to Choral Practice afterwards. Any striking conversation points? Both of us have done choir in the past and chatted about a wide variety of topics from our courses to childhood TV shows and Disney films. If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your baby to inherit? Her hair, for I am lacking. Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person? Dunno, 6 or 7 maybe? Would you introduce her to your parents? Sure. Generally how did you think the date went? Think it went ok, though I’m not really sure how you gauge these types of things. Would you like to meet again? We joked about meeting up to play pool. Whether pool is as a date or just as friends, we’ll have to see. •If you are interested in featuring in the blind date, email your name, age, course and level to waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk.
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showtime 19
front row 18
fashion 16-17
25
features 14 - 15
29 October 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
travel
A year in Normandy
The marina at Le Havre.
M
Kelly with her flatmates.
OVING to a foreign country can be very daunting! For months before I moved, I was worrying about every little detail; will I fit all my clothes in? What things shall I take? Will I meet anyone? Oh my God, everyone’s going to speak French! I know this last one seems obvious, with studying French and moving to Normandy, but this realisation doesn’t actually hit you until about a week or two before you move. I went to France as part of my degree and chose to go as an English teaching assistant, through the British Council. I was placed in a little town called Lillebonne in Normandy, Northern France. Here I lived from the end of September 2011 to the end of April 2012 with another English assistant from London and a Spanish assistant from Costa Rica (who didn’t speak English). I worked in two schools, one being the Lycée Guillaume le Conquérant in Lillebonne, with students from the ages of 15-18 years old and the other being the college Andre Siegfried in Saint-Romainde-Colbosc, with students from the ages of 11-15 years old. The town consisted of two supermarkets, a school, about 10 bakeries (obviously being in France), 3
What is it like to spend a year in France? KELLY LITTLETON, a 4th year English and French student, has the lowdown.
Kelly Littleton during her year in Normandy.
Rue de Gros Horloge, Rouen.
butchers, 4 cafés, 2 restaurants and a tiny town square with a chemist and a few other shops. To get to Lillebonne from Portsmouth, is a cheap (only £25 per foot passenger on LD lines), five to eight hour crossing on the ferry (depending what time you go and in which direction) and an hour’s bus ride the other side. When I first arrived at 8am in Le Havre, my first impressions, after a long night on the recliner chairs, were not 100% positive. The weather was misty, the port was busy and it was extremely cold! However, luckily for me, one of the teachers I would soon be working with met me from the boat and took me for breakfast to her beautiful French cottage in the countryside with one of those stunning old log fires in the middle of the room. After a cup of coffee, fresh croissants and pain au chocolat I was in a much better mood and went out for a walk around the grounds. There were acres of gorgeous green land, with huge oak trees and chickens wandering around at the bottom of their garden. After spending most of the morning nosing around it
Normandy sunset. was time for lunch. I have honestly never eaten so much in my life! The French generally have a four course meal every Sunday afternoon (and usually a four course meal every evening) accompanied with wine or luckily for me, a few bottles of renowned Normandy cider, made from the abundant local apples. Following our wonderful lunch, the family were kind enough to take me on a little trip to their boat! They had a little sail boat in the docks in Le Havre and they used to love going there to fish on the weekends. By this time, the weather had improved so much, that I had to change into shorts and t-shirt and stick the ...don’t know if you know it....sun cream on.
“I paid €7 for a bog standard, cheap-tasting bottle of beer” The sea was calm and the whole afternoon was peaceful, conversing in English (thankfully) with the odd French word chucked in here or there. “Not bad for the first day in a foreign country” I thought, “I could get used to this!” Before I left for Normandy, everyone said “enjoy your year away, it’ll fly by!” They couldn’t have been more right and in the time I lived away I met loads of friends and did more travelling than I had ever imagined or done before. It’s so easy to travel once you are on mainland Europe. Living in Normandy was a fantastic
The ferry port at Le Havre.
experience. It was definitely a beautiful place to be and luckily for me, the public buses were only €2 to travel in the whole region of Seine-Maritime. However, because it was such a rural area, this did mean that to get to the nearest village was at least 20 minutes, the nearest city took over an hour and there were no pubs or clubs! You were lucky if the local cafés stayed open past 10pm. The dynamic city of Rouen, once described by Victor Hugo as ‘the city of 100 steeples’, was certainly worth the bus ride to see. Surrounded with gothic architecture, French style cottages and the famous cathedral, Rouen is a romantic city and the rive-droit (right side of the river Seine) are lots of sights (including the place where Joan of Arc was burned) and, of course, night life. Unfortunately, because I lived so far away, I didn’t manage to make it to many nights out. However the ones I did go to were jam-packed with student bars, small night clubs and cocktail bars. These are all also found just off of the main shopping street near the cathedral. But beware… alcohol in clubs here is tremendously expensive! I paid €7 for a bog standard, cheap-tasting bottle of beer. Neverthless, if you’re looking for some good old fashioned sightseeing, a bit of a shopping spree, some French cuisine or a messy night out, Rouen is definitely the place for you!
26
E n h a n c e yo u r s t u d e n t e x p e r i e n c e
societies
History Soc joins appeal T
HIS week sees the History Society beginning its collaboration with the Royal British Legion to show its support for the Poppy Appeal in the fortnight before Remembrance Day on Sunday, November 11, writes Alex Ward. The 20 volunteers, including Students’ Union President Tom Upton and Societies and Services Officer Josh Hayman, will be on four hour shifts with local volunteers to help raise awareness and hand out poppies. The History Society has ensured that they have enough volunteers to cover every shift but one in the run-up to Remembrance Day. The emphasis upon working with the public sector is part of a move by the History Society to change its image, showing that they are truly an academic society, focused on building and developing links with the local community.
AS I complete my first edition in charge of the Societies page, I’m struck by just how many of you care about the society that you’re a part of and just how willing you all are to make sure that you further its cause, writes Alex Ward. In this spirit, I want to focus on the individuals – societies are about you, so I feel it’s appropriate to highlight people who really contribute, without expecting a reward for it. In the coming editions, I’m hoping to shed some light on people who make that difference to their society, helping to provide Swansea University with the thriving societies that we are fortunate enough to have. •If you know somebody who puts a huge amount into the society that they’re part of, let us know at waterfrontsocieties@ swansea-union.co.uk
Candle lit procession for girl shot by Taliban
Rebranded President Scarlet Williams said: “This year the History Society has completely rebranded itself; we want to do more workshops, help the Royal British Legion and work with the Historical Association, creating more serious links.” The History Society is conducting its appeal just after David Cameron’s move to spend £50 million on commemorating the First World War. Secretary of the History Society,
Putting people under the spotlight
Volunteers from the History Society are helping the Royal British Legion . Isabel Costello, had mixed views of this, saying that: “It’s brilliant that he’s commemorating it, but there were other wars that were just as hideous as World War One.” The money that the society helps the
RBL to raise will go towards supporting veterans who have been affected through duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, covering the wide variety of injuries suffered – be they physical injuries or mental scars.
AMNESTY International will be conducting a candle lit procession from the Civic Centre in Swansea to Fulton house tonight (Monday, October 29) which will start at 7pm. They aim to show support for Malala Yousafzai, the 14-year-old girls’ education campaigner, who was shot by the Taliban earlier this month.
Want to know more about societies? Check out www.swansea-union.co.uk/activities
society SPOTLIGHT - Islamic Society THE Islamic Society (ISOC) aims to provide a wide variety of activities to students as the Swansea branch of more than 100 ISOC groups in universities UK wide. ISOC welcomes a diverse range of students, not just those of Islamic faith, as they focus on creating a greater integration with the British community and are involved with other university societies to increase the level of community cohesion for Muslim students. The society places great emphasis on its charity work in the local community, something that is especially prevalent just after the celebration of Eid. ISOC will be taking part this week in the “One Charity week” event, where Islamic societies all over the UK raise as much money as possible to help
those in need around the world – last year proceeds helped to provide vocational training to orphans in Kosovo, Niger and Indonesia. As part of their support of Swansea’s local community, the Islamic Society will be taking gifts to children at Morriston Hospital, so that sick children are able to join in the Eid celebrations and to educate the community about Islam. The Muslim community is supported by Swansea University and, as Hassan Hamdoun, President of the Islamic Society (pictured right) said: “We are extremely happy with the support the university have shown us – we want to keep this going by working with the Students’ Union and Student Services.”
Email: ISOC@swansea-union.co.uk
SPORT I 28
waterfrontonline.co.uk Intramural Football
Harries hints at intramural rebranding
Running
Alumni Ryan Larson remembers back to his times with Swansea running club
by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
by Craig Hadley waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
FOLLOWING the Intramural Shield game the head of intramural, Owain Harries, revealed there would be some alterations to the league this season. “The league will be getting a rebrand over the coming few weeks,” he said. “I think the word ‘intramural’ is a bit outdated and no one really knows what it means. “So keep an eye out for some changes over the next few weeks. “The league has been run really well over the last few years, and so there was no need for total overhaul. “But we are hoping to have an increased presence on campus and online. “The league will be also supplying match balls for games.”
ALUMNI Ryan Larson tells us what the university’s running team was like back in his days at Swansea. Larson attended Swansea University as his year abroad choice during his time at Iowa State University. He had his mind set on coming to Swansea University after hearing about their politics and history courses. “I attended Iowa State University which sent, and as far as I know still sends, a fair amount of students to Swansea University for study abroad semesters,” he said. “As part of my undergrad studies I had a lot of interest in European politics and history so that was a big part of drawing me to study in Swansea.” Larson is targeting a career in law, having graduated from Iowa State, and is currently studying at the University of Notre Dame Law School. He had experience of running prior to his time at Swansea University, and felt it was “just
INTRAMURAL: Current league logo
1999: Larson competing at Braids
natural” to do the same once he arrived in Wales. He said: “I did run for Iowa State. Jon Brown [1996 European Cross Country Champion] ran there for a couple of years. “But I was kind of in over my head; I ran some insane workouts but never raced to the level of most of my teammates. “But once I was [at Swansea] it was just natural to run with the running club, and the Swansea Harriers [local running club], as much as possible because of my interest in running,” he added. Welcoming Larson thought the running club provided a welcoming atmosphere throughout his time in Swansea. “There were about 20 to 30 students active in the club at the time. “We went to the pub with the club once a week after our runs. “We also had a big end of the year party that we took a bus to. “There were a handful of foreign students in the club, and all the Welsh and English runners did a really good job of making us feel welcome.” One of the races that remains
bright in Larson’s memory was the Braids Hill race, which is the annual cross country race that takes place in Edinburgh. Swansea frequently sent a large group to the event, and Larson remembers his time in Scotland fondly. “I’m pretty sure we were fourth out of nine scoring teams. I was our second runner in, I think I was 34th in a time of 35:48, for some reason Braids is one of those races that I just remember really well. “With our third and fourth place guys close behind me and our top runner being pretty far ahead somewhere in the top 10 overall.” Larson recalls the team were always up for an adventure back in his day, with one moment in particular that is etched into his memory. “After the Braids race had finished, we snuck into the park surrounding Arthur’s Seat. “That involved climbing at least one fairly impressive wall. “I don’t think we reached the top because whichever way we would take, eventually it led us to a pretty much sheer grass/rock face.” The next Braids Hill race takes place on November 10.
waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 29
Intramural Football
Herring’s penalty save gives Team Sloth victory in intramural shield
SWANSEA 2nd 21-18 HARTPURY 3rd
TEAM SLOTH 1st (p)2-2 SWANSEA 7th Team Sloth win 7-6 on penalties
year, I think we should be competing for both the league and the cup.” The 7ths opened the scoring in the 16th minute, when a free-kick was not dealt with effectively and Ollie James was able to head home the rebound. Soon after, Sloth had great chances to equalise. First Lewys Thomas hit the post, and then a header was cleared off the line. On the half-hour mark however,
they did find their equaliser, Davies heading home a corner to level things up. The 7ths were unlucky not to retake the lead before half time, when James hit the post with a drive across goal. Despite this scare, with the first chance of the second half, Luke Elworthy headed home to put Sloth in the lead for the first time in the game.
However, after chances for both sides, a ball into the Sloth box was intelligently flicked home by Paul Roberts for 2-2. A quiet final half hour meant the game finished this way, and as per the rules of the Shield, it therefore went straight to penalties to be settled. And it was Sloth who triumphed, winning 6-5 after the 7ths eighth penalty was saved by Sam Herring.
Badminton
This year’s club sees massive increase in interest for badminton at Swansea Photo by: Paul Schillaci
by Jodie O’Donnell waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
THE badminton club looks set to become one of the most popular participant sports at Swansea University following an extraordinary number of new members signing up at Freshers’ Fayre. Existing members of the team welcomed new students at the two day Freshers’ event in which they managed to sign up around 170 students. The badminton team setup consists of three men’s teams and three women’s teams, therefore assuring a vast array of students the chance of competitive games in BUCS competitions. However everyone is made to feel welcome in the excellent social training sessions on Friday evenings. The club hires out half of the sports hall every week so that every single member of the club can train and more importantly socialise with the other players, which could be the reason behind the huge popularity and enthusiasm for the sport this year.
Early red card dents league aspirations by Max Stevens waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
IN this year’s Intramural Shield, last season’s cup winners Team Sloth came out on top in a dramatic penalty shoot-out against league title holders the Uni 7ths side following an even game which finished 2-2. Both sides felt they could have won the game prior to the penalty shoot-out. “It was a horrible way to lose the game as we had chances to win the game in normal time,” said 7ths captain Joshua Stanley. “It was a good performance though considering it’s the first time this year’s side have played together properly. The new boys have slotted in really well, and we’re hoping to retain the title this season and have a good cup run.” Sloth manager Garin Rees felt his side deserved the win after a good performance. “I felt we dominated the game in the first half, and that we deserved the win in the end,” he said. “I’m pleased with how the new boys played and our man of the match was Tom Davies in central midfield. With the great squad we have this
Rugby Union
A FIRST-half red card left Swansea with too much to do as they lost at home to Hartpury College 3rds 21-18. Steve Howorth was sent off in the 38th minute following a stamp which the referee adjudged to have been deliberate, which coach Oscar Savage felt was harsh. “If yellow had been given I don’t think anybody would have argued,” he said. “But in the eyes of the law a stamp is a red card.” Swansea’s passing, something which Savage mentioned they had worked on in training, was much improved as they stormed into a ten-point lead in the opening 15 minutes. The first of those points came via a penalty from Jack Shields which was followed nine minutes later by a try from Ben Doney, which was also converted by Shields, following some good play down the wing by Tayo Adesanya. Hartpury however soon came back into the game with two tries themselves thanks to Will Hewer and Joshua Meadows. Both were converted by the boot of Alex Moore. This left the score 1410 to the visitors at the break. Swansea looked to have got back into the game when Shields scored another penalty early in the second half. But Hartpury were able to make the extra man count and Charlie Hubert found the gap to score another try, again converted by Moore. Swansea continued to battle hard and managed to score an unconverted try through Sean Byrne to take the score to 21-18 in Hartpury’s favour. Swansea could have leveled the match before the final whistle when they were awarded a penalty that narrowly went wide of the posts.
Photo by: DD Manning
BADMINTON BOOST: There has been mass sign-up to the club this year Alice Palmer, who has been a member of the club for three years and takes the position of Women’s captain this year, appeared overwhelmed with the rise in members this year. Palmer said: “I was really shocked with the large amount of people
who signed up this year. “Because over previous years people usually only join if they already play Badminton at a high level so I was happy to see that the club obviously is appealing to everyone.” Men’s first team captain Sam
Gorell echoed Palmer’s words and is confident ahead of the start of the new season. “I feel with all the new members the first team has become a lot stronger, I believe we can win our league and get promoted back to where we should be.”
Savage is defiant following the defeat and believes they can still push for promotion. He added: “It’s a tough ask, we’ve made it hard for ourselves but we’re not ones to shy away from a challenge and the season is far from over.”
SPORT I 30
waterfrontonline.co.uk Sport Swansea
First round of BUCS cup is upon Swansea
Swimming
Swansea’s coach hopeful they can match last year’s fantastic third place
by Craig Hadley waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
THE opening round of the BUCS cup competition finally gets underway on October 31, with the women’s hockey 1sts game the pick of the round. Swansea’s women take on Cardiff Met 3rds who saw off Swansea 2nds last year in the round of 32. Having seen their 2nds team lose on the back of a 4-1 defeat, the 1sts will hope to inflict a defeat on the hard working Met side this time around. Swansea’s netball firsts will look to continue their winning run with a home tie against Exeter 4ths, who are two divisions below them. Meanwhile, the men’s 4th choice football side face a tough away tie to Newport who last year nicked a 1-0 win over Swansea 3rds. With those and many more teams in action, why not head down to Sketty Lane to watch some of the action? Check our facebook page for the matchday schedule so you can find out where you can go to watch the green and white army compete.
Photo by: Kate Steinbach
SUPER SEASON: Some of Swansea’s medallists who contributed to their third place at the BUCS short course championship at Ponds Forge last year by Alex Powell waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWIMMING captain Chris Titterington is hopeful that Swansea can “at least match” last year’s third place finish success at the BUCS Short Course Swimming Championships. Terrific swims from Swansea’s swimming team, including BUCS
record holder Emma Smithurst, propelled Swansea into a very respectable bronze position overall in 2011. Titterington is positive going into this year’s competition. “We are looking to at least match our 3rd places finishes from last year and look to challenge Bath for 2nd position. “We’ve got quite a few new swimmers and this year we will
have one of the biggest teams we’ve ever taken to BUCS.” The event sees the top swimmers from universities all over the UK competing for the title of BUCS Champion. Swansea finished with a total of 189 points last year, with eventual winners Loughborough finishing with an impressive 360 points. The individual medallists from the 2011 event were Smithurst
(who won gold in the 200m and 400m), Ross Douglas (bronze in 400m freestyle), and Adam Mallett (bronze in 200m butterfly). The BUCS short course takes place on November 2-4. Later in November, Swansea alumni Liz Johnson and engineering student Matthew Whorwood will compete at the Nationwide Open Short Course Swimming Championships.
UNI GYM Fitness Suite
5 minute walk from campus 48 cardiovascular stations Variety of resistance machines Extensive selection of free weights Power platforms
Core training and stretching area Full classes and courses programme Great student and staff offers Sessional/termly & annual membership
www.swansea.ac.uk/sport
SPORT I 31
waterfrontonline.co.uk Football
Tennis
Honours even at Sketty
New funding boost for the tennis club by Craig Hadley waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA 1st 1-1 BATH 1st SLIPPED AWAY: Swansea failed to pick up all three points in their season opener following a late penalty given to Bath which tied up the game by Daniel Jenkins waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
A CONFIDENT performance from the Swansea first team was only good enough for a point as champions Bath left it late. Swansea looked to start the season off with a win following a first half goal but were denied by a late penalty equaliser. “We played really well and controlled possession for most of the game,” said striker Sam Rose-
Miles. “I think our downfall was that we got too comfortable and started rushing the play. “I think the team were let down by some poor decisions from the referee, we were all disappointed not to get the three points.” Swansea raced out of the blocks in the first half and took the lead as Rose-Miles rounded the keeper before slotting the ball home neatly. The goalscorer was a constant threat as he drifted off the striker and found himself in space with
the ball far too often as far as Bath were concerned. Bath were limited to a few snap-shots and last-ditch tackles in the first half as Swansea’s impressive defence kept them out comfortably in the first 45 minutes. The second half was a different story as Swansea took their foot off the gas and Bath striker Tom Andrews was played in on the hour mark, only to drag his shot wide. Swansea had some decent spells of possession but looked a little complacent on the ball as Bath
came closer and closer to finding an equaliser. As the clock approached the 85th minute, Bath knocked an innocuous-looking free kick into the box and a bundle of players went down off the ball, the referee pointed straight to the spot. Despite the Swansea appeals, Bath striker Tom Andrews duly dispatched the spot kick and the match finished 1-1. Swansea folllowed this game up with an away win at Brighton.
SWANSEA University’s tennis club’s treasurer, James Fletcher, is hopeful new funding from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) will improve the club in years to come. Having found the Sketty Lane tennis courts inadequate for their needs, they have also formed ties with the Swansea Tennis and Squash Club to allow them use of their courts. “This year we were approached by the LTA about trying to boost participation in the social tennis area of the club. “Our main aim this year was to improve the social side of tennis, and we managed to acquire a grant from them. “The grant is for 6 weeks of free professional tennis training for all of our social members at the Swansea tennis club.”
Netball
Swansea edge out Glamorgan by a point
Photo by: Jessica Langr
SWANSEA 1st 27-26 GLAM 1st by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA’S first-team netballers produced an impressive display to edge out Glamorgan 1sts in a hard-fought game which went right down to the wire. Captain Elen Jones was pleased with Swansea’s ruthlessness in attack, but admitted there are still areas to be worked on for the side. “We’re still settling into the new
season,” she explained. “We lost to Cardiff last week, but we’ve changed format this season and we’re still adjusting. “Today went well for us; I thought our offence outplayed their defence. Having said this, we need to work on our cross-court play, and tighten up our own defence. “Even though the core of our team are returning players, our new players are fitting into the team well at the moment. We’re all so competitive, and I think we’ll
do really well because of that this season.” Swansea started the game at lightning pace, and went 3-0 up inside two minutes. Despite Glamorgan working their way into the game, after the first quarter Swansea led 9-3. Swansea continued to dominate and excellent shooting saw them go 14-up after 20 minutes. However, Glamorgan began to get a foothold in the match and were able to reduce the deficit from 14-5
to 17-14 at half time. The second half was much tighter than the first, and by the end of the third quarter there were still only three points in it, with the score at 23-20. Glamorgan continued to turn the screw in the final quarter, and scored twice in the final three minutes to ensure a nervy finish for the home side. However, Swansea held on for a win that, on balance, was probably deserved.
GAME CHANGER: The LTA logo With the training set to boost the overall abilities of club members, Fletcher also is happy to announce the Swansea tennis club membership discount they have managed to organise. “Myself and Luke Boast [club captain] have set up a partnership with the club to now use their courts instead of the Sketty Lane courts. “In the future the aim is to scrap the courts at Sketty and to use the club’s facilities as the social courts; in return we would manage their courts. “We have also managed to get membership costs there for students down from £70 for the year to £30.” Fletcher is still critical of the funding he has managed to organise, with fees of renting courts still an issue for team members. “At the moment our funding from the AU doesn’t cover team training and transport, and the funding we got from the LTA we spent on social tennis. “Considering both our mens’ teams are pushing for promotion we train very little as we have to pay for courts and transport to and from the indoor tennis centre. “The seconds train three times a week, and the firsts train five times. “So until the issues with courts are sorted out I’m not so sure what will happen.“
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Issue 219
RELAUNCHED VOLLEYBALL CLUB OVERSEEN BY BURKOV
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 !
29 October 2012
Inside This Issue Intramural Football
Curtain raiser ends in penalty shootout
p29 Badminton
Increased popularity boosts badminton club Photo by: Paul Schillaci
DEBUT IS FINALLY HERE: Swansea University’s volleyball club (above) will have their first competitive fixtures this year, including Welsh Varsity 2013 by Finlay Boland waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
LONDON’S Olympic Games captured the hearts and minds of many across the summer, and it seems to have had a substantial effect on participation numbers for volleyball. Club captain Ilya Burkov (pictured top row, centre) has been pleased with the enthusiasm for the sport of volleyball this time around. “We have over 100 people signed up to join the club, making the fight
for places extremely competitive,” she said. “The great organisation from the volleyball club committee has made the abundance of participants at the trials possible.” This is much contrast to last year as due to unforeseen complications they were unable to establish a team before the opening of the BUCS season. The Athletics’ Union (AU) at the time were forced to cancel the club’s membership status within the AU due to their inability to field a team in the league.
Selected Results for Week 2 & 3
But towards the end of the second academic term last year, a monumental effort from willing volleyball enthusiasts made it possible for two friendly matches to be organised, with Cardiff and Aberystwyth. The club now has two teams of 13 players, which has made selection difficult for Burkov. Due to the great interest the club have decided to run open sessions for all members, team or not, to play the game which takes place every Saturday afternoon at the sports hall on Sketty Lane from 2pm.
Burkov added: “This session is open to all, regardless of gender or ability and is seen as a fun way for students to get involved in volleyball.” The session also acts as a test ground for future team players, with people who prove their ability going on to represent Swansea when Burkov believes that they are ready. With the new clubs now fully integrated in to the Sport Swansea organisation, they will be in action at next year’s Welsh Varsity competition.
Upcoming Fixtures for Weeks 4 & 5
Week 2 - October 17
Week 3 - October 24
Week 4 - October 31
Week 5 - November 7
Men’s Badminton
Women’s Netball
Men’s Fencing
Women’s Hockey
Men’s Hockey
Men’s Rugby Union
Women’s Netball
Rugby Union
Men’s Rugby Union
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Squash
Men’s Squash
Women’s Rugby Union
Women’s Football
Men’s Lacrosse
Women’s Volleyball
SWANSEA 2nd 0-8 SWANSEA 1st SWANSEA 1st 3-2 BATH 3rd
SWANSEA 1st 27-26 GLAMORGAN 1st SOUTHAMPTON 1st v SWANSEA 1st SWANSEA 2nd 18-21 HARTPURY 3rd
SWANSEA 4th 25-24 GLAMORGAN 2nd PLYMOUTH 1st 68-61 SWANSEA 1st SWANSEA 1st 30-0 SOUTHAMPTON
GLOUCS 2nd 4-3 SWANSEA 1st
Get the results quicker on our twitter from our featured games of the week.
SWANSEA 1st v EXETER 4th
CARDIFF MET 2nd v SWANSEA 1st SWANSEA 1st v GLAMORGAN 1st
SWANSEA 1st v BOURNEMOUTH 1st CARDIFF 1st v SWANSEA 1st CARDIFF MET 1st v SWANSEA 1st
SOUTHAMPTON v SWANSEA
For the full list of fixtures for these weeks, you can go to our facebook page.
p29 Swimming
Swansea prepare for first major event of the year
Photo by: Kate Steinbach
p30
Latest BUCS Table 1 2 3 4 5
Loughborough Durham Birmingham Exeter Bath
20 Sheffield 21 Swansea 22 Stirling
1499 1334 1285 1237 1054 603 588 582.5