FREE
APRIL 2018
ISSUE 279
SUMMER BALL
DJ EZ • LETHAL B • KELLI-LEIGH + MORE...
CONTENTS 06
17
26
News
features
MUSIC
Summer Ball line up revealed Taliesin's ÂŁ2m makeover
How my skin shattered my self confidence
Interview: Reggie Snow Live review: Fickle Friends
10
Culture A peek inside the Dylan Thomas theatre
12
18
travel Belgium at a glance Travel hacks: Picking the perfect hostel Solo travel - it isn't as scary as you think
28
STudy abroad Pre year abroad nerves Making the most of your year abroad
22
30
True crime
Photostory
The Clydach murders
Perception. What do you see?
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24
33
SPORT
Liberation
FILM
Taekwondo take the South league
Another closure of an LGBT+ venue
Netflix binge: Black Mirror Moonstruck
WELLBEING Five reasons why you need more sleep Can sport inprove your mental health?
Editor
Features
Rachel Sanders waterfronteditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
Emily Williams waterfrontfeatures@swanseastudentmedia.com
Deputy editors
Film
Emily Maybanks & Kassy Fox waterfrontdeputyeditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
Becky Elms waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
photo EDITORS
Liberation
Hamish Lawson & Oluwaseyitan Oluwatosin waterfrontphoto@swanseastudentmedia.com
Zoya Chisti waterfrontliberation@swanseastudentmedia.com
DESIGN & ARTWORK
Music
Iain Fisher & Emily Maybanks waterfrontdesign@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sarah Harris waterfrontmusic@swanseastudentmedia.com
ProoFreading
Sport
Maddy Young proofreader@swanseastudentmedia.com
Greg Stone & Lulu Thornton waterfrontsport@swanseastudentmedia.com
News
study abroad
Megan Thomas waterfrontnews@swanseastudentmedia.com
Bronwen Beard waterfrontstudyabroad@swanseastudentmedia.com
Creative writing
travel
Emily Maybanks waterfrontcreativewriting@swanseastudentmedia.com
Meryl Hanmer waterfronttravel@swanseastudentmedia.com
Culture
wellbeing
Carys Svendsen waterfrontculture@swanseastudentmedia.com
Olivia Rogers waterfrontwellbeingl@swanseastudentmedia.com
CYMRAEG
Varsity additional content
Alex Nethell waterfrontcymraeg@swanseastudentmedia.com
Lois Williams
Fashion
Student Media Coordinator
Gwen Miles waterfrontfashion@swanseastudentmedia.com
Iain Fisher iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk
Waterfront is a free print and online publication from Swansea Student Media and the Students’ Union.
HELLO FROM YOUR DEPUTY EDITOR
Hello! Spring may have finally arrived in Swansea after – what feels like – an extensive winter. Hopefully, we all had an Easter break that was relaxing and/or productive!
Emily Maybanks Welcome to April’s edition of Waterfront. Of course, April means Varsity! This year, Varsity is happening here in Swansea. We have some interesting Varsity articles in this month’s Waterfront. Another exciting aspect of this edition is the Summer Ball line-up! Now, we’re not too far away from the end of this academic year (and summer, and warmer weather…)! So, find some time to chill out and read April’s Waterfront. To finish this with a bit of amusement – one of the quotes on my ‘punch today in the face’ 2018 calendar (which is intended to be sarcastic and witty), and makes me laugh is: “everything happens for a reason. Sometimes the reason is that you are stupid and make bad choices.” We’ve all been there, right? Happy reading!
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
SUMMER BALL DJ EZ
This year's Summer Ball is set to be the biggest yet, with a HUUUGE line up, including the legendary DJ EZ, breakthrough vocalist Kelli-Leigh, grime OG Lethal B and multi talented singer-songwriter (plus actor and writer) Kate Nash. With more acts to be annouced and a whole host of other bands, DJs and entertainers, along with the worlds largest bouncy castle and free funfair rides, this years event is one not to be missed!!
Whether it's his impeccably curated Pure Garage compilations, his fifteen year stint on KISS FM UK, the now infamous BOILER ROOM sets and most recently his non-stop 24hr charity set for Cancer Research UK, DJ EZ has established himself as the go-to tastemaker of garage music, not to mention his incredible skills behind the decks, scratching, cutting and blending with an array of skills clocked up after innumerable man hours behind turntables. Making a name for himself on pirate radio from the age of 15, EZ quickly
built a reputation with his quick mix style and on point selections. In 1999 he was added to the DJ roster at KISS FM UK where he presented a number of shows and picked up many awards along the way. Not content with playing live and on the airwaves, his PURE GARAGE compilation series spanning 13 volumes has sold over 2 million copies and counting, not to mention his highly acclaimed contribution to the prestigious FABRICLIVE series. Swansea, get ready to be blown away by the man like DJ EZ!!!
NEWS // MEGAN THOMAS
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LETHAL B
KELLI-LEIGH
Emerging in 2002 as part of More Fire Crew (OI! - one of the most highest-charting grime singles to be released), Lethal B has seen continuing success, releasing anthems like POW (Forward) GO HARD and FESTER SKANK to name but a few. In recent years his clothing line DENCH, with cousin and footballer Emmanuel Frimpong has seen huge success, even roping in namesake and national treasure Dame Judy Dench (James Bond's M) to spit a few bars.
Dubbed by Radio 1's Danny Howard as the "voice of UK dance music", Kelli-Leigh is a star on the rise. With projects and collaborations with James Hype (More Than Friends), Duke Dumont (I Got You) and tours with Adele and Jessie J, Kelli-Leigh is ready to step out on her own. With her latest single "Do you Wanna Be Loved Like This?" tipped to do big things, Kelli-Leigh is one to watch.
+ MORE... A FURTHER HEADLINE ACT TO BE REVEALED SEVEN HOURS OF LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT THE WORLDS LARGEST BOUNCY CASTLE 6 THEMED ARENAS • 5,000 PEOPLE DJS FROM SINK •HUSTLE • TOOTERS • SIN • RISE • XTREME RADIO
TICKETS: FATSOMA.COM/SWANSEASU
NEWS // MEGAN THOMAS
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The introduction of more study space has been welcomed by students
TALIESIN'S £2M MAKEOVER by Megan Thomas
Work to update the inside of the Taliesin building has finally been completed. Starting at the beginning of the year, the construction has created a brand new study space for Swansea students. The area replaces the John Smith bookshop, popular for package deals on books for certain lecture courses, and the Oriel Williams Art Gallery, especially popular with residents for highlighting local talent. The study zone boasts new seating areas and plenty of plugs to give students vital extra space during deadline season.
The space itself is full of light and extremely comfortable, yet there have been many students concerned whether or not it was worth losing the bookshop and art gallery, not to mention the hefty £2 million price tag. The closure of the Oriel Williams Art Gallery prompted a fierce response from angry residents. The “Friends of Oriel Ceri Williams Gallery” held a series of protests outside the Taliesin building in an attempt to save the gallery before it was eventually closed to make room for the new area. The closure of the on-campus John Smith Bookshop has also caused controversy within the student body. The bookshop has sites on universities like the University of Birmingham and the University
of Chester, yet the Swansea shop was closed before the remodelling began. Many students miss services like the ability to sell back their old books to the shop. The John Smith bookshop is still available online. A source that wishes to not be identified was shocked at the cost, suggesting that the space was not worth the price. Many saying that, whilst the space is attractive, it is not worth that much investment. Some students suggested that improving the facilities already in the library would be a better use of money. The facilities are attractive and there’s no denying that more space to study is always welcome; whether this would be better as a temporary area during exam season or a permanent zone is up to debate.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
The theatre is loated in the Marina, close to the statue of Dylan Thomas
A peek inside the Dylan Thomas Theatre Way back in September, I wrote a cultural guide of Swansea and mentioned the Dylan Thomas Theatre. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until February that I was able to visit the theatre itself and see The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov. After finally going, I realised that I wanted to share the theatre with Waterfront readers and once again, I present a sneak peek into culture spots in Swansea.
by Carys Svendsen
First of all, I just want to say this outright: if you’re thinking of the building in the marina by the Sainsbury’s, I have news for you- that’s not the Dylan Thomas Theatre. I thought the same when I was invited to a performance of The Cherry Orchard and I thought it was a good idea to check the venue first, as to which there was an amused receptionist redirecting me to the theatre itself, whilst I was standing in the Dylan Thomas Centre. Home to the Swansea Little Theatre, The Dylan Thomas Theatre is almost next to the Waterfront Museum, opposite The Pump House (a very cool looking restaurant) and still situated in the marina. Google
Maps may confuse you, something that I found out on the night of a performance as I was walking behind the marina, but stick with it- you’ll get there. Just look for a building on the corner which is clearly labelled as ‘The Dylan Thomas Theatre’. You literally can’t miss it once you know it’s there, but, if you’re anything like me, you’ll miss it when you try to find it the first time too! Once you enter the doors, you enter a large area full of tables and chairs. To your left is the box office, and if y ou walk in an almost straight line from the doors, you’ll find the bar. At the left of the bar, you’ll find the doors to your seat as well as an up-close view of the stage. Inside,
CULTURE // CARYS SVENDSEN
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Dylan Thomas Theatre Box Office
The Ladykillers
Son Of Man
Rumpelstiltskin
you’ll get the feeling that the theatre is a pocket-sized Taliesin, and that’s what I love about it. It’s got fairly old seating with a little bit of leg room (strategic positioning is required, but there is a little more room than Taliesin seating) and, once you take your seat, make sure to have a look at your surroundings. The building was offered by Swansea Council to the theatre company in 1979, was opened to the public in 1983, and the heritage of the building is evident all around you. It’s a building filled with wonder as well as a strong sense of community spirit. The Swansea Little Theatre (SLT) revolves around the local drama community due to its members being entirely community members
"The Dylan Thomas link isn’t just through its name either. Dylan Thomas himself was a member of the Company in the 1930s" in all aspects of the theatre itself, including directing to technical work, and even to premises management, the theatre company is a part of the heart of Swansea’s community. The Dylan Thomas link isn’t just
through its name either. Dylan Thomas himself was a member of the Company in the 1930s and his daughter, Aeronwy Thomas Ellis was an active member and president of SLT. Their current president is Huw Dylan Ellis, the grandson of Dylan Thomas. The theatre itself has housed a Thomas for nearly 3 generations- an impressive feat. So, if you ever find yourself looking for a new theatre venue, then I highly recommend spending an evening at the Dylan Thomas Theatre. Although the prices aren’t as cheap as Taliesin, the atmosphere is unique and welcoming and worth checking out either for a performance or just to visit the venue itself.
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SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
REASONS WHY YOU NEED MORE SLEEP Life can be incredibly stressful sometimes, especially for students. We’re subjected to what feels like an endless cycle of presentations, projects, and deadlines. This is enough to turn the most ardent worker into a sleep deprived, coffee addled wreck. But this shouldn’t be the case; too many late nights cramming before essay deadlines, and practising presentations has quite the opposite effect when you’re planning on having a productive day. In fact, missing out on sleep does far more harm than good when it comes to our mental and physical wellbeing. So here are a few reasons why you’d do well to surrender to that early night and catch a few more z’s.
WELLBEING // OLIVIA ROGERS
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SLEEP IS YOUR BRAIN’S NATURAL CHARGER
YOU MAY LIVE LONGER
During the day, our brain accumulates toxins that target the part of our brain called the hippocampus – the area responsible for storing new memory. In 2000, a study was executed where both sleep deprived, and well rested individuals were shown a set of images and asked to memorise them. The sleep deprived individuals showed significantly less activity in the hippocampus, and subsequently struggled to retain the same information as those who had given their brains a chance to re-charge. This is an issue if you’re a student who plans on packing all of your revision into the night before your exam, as you’ll likely find yourself struggling to remember even the most basic things!
Okay – this one’s for everybody, not just students. But who doesn’t want to live to a ripe old age and get to voice the “Back in my day…” spiel! Many experts have proven time and time again that poor sleeping habits lead to increased chances of developing major health issues, such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, and heart disease; to name a few. By getting just 8 hours of sleep or more per night, you can help to reduce these chances.
SLEEP BOOSTS YOUR IMMUNE FUNCTION It’s a fact of life that when we’re feeling good physically, our mental and emotional states also see improvement. Lack of sleep has been found to lead to impairment of our immune systems. Researchers have found that individuals who sleep less than 7 hours per night are almost three times more likely to catch the common cold than those sleeping 8 hours or more. With this in mind, I’m sure that it won’t take much to convince you that there’s nothing worse that suffering a stuffy nose in the middle of an exam, going red in the face as you turn heads blowing into a soggy tissue.
POOR SLEEP AFFECTS YOUR DIET People getting inadequate amounts of sleep tend to eat more. This is not just because there are more hours available in the day for you to binge eat, but studies have also found that frequent late nights and early mornings tend to increase your preferences for high-calorie foods. Something that you may live to regret at the end of exam season.
LACK OF SLEEP HAS BEEN LINKED TO LOW MOOD With an increased awareness of mental health issues in today’s society, it is important that we gather all of the information we can on the subject and make sure that we take care of our own wellbeing. Poor sleep has been known to cause irritability, hostility and feelings of sadness. In a recent study, researches discovered that lack a of sleep can
actually desensitize us to feelings of achievement. Participants in the study who were experiencing sleep issues did not report feelings of accomplishment or success after achieving a goal, whereas those who were getting enough sleep reported that they experienced feelings of positivity after reaching their achievements. Although insufficient amounts of sleep cannot cause depression, it has been recognized as a contributing factor. With this last point in mind, it is important that we ask why we may be suffering from a lack of sleep. Is it simply the stresses of student life, or something deeper? Around 90% of individuals suffering from depression have reported experiencing issues with their quality of sleep. The onset of depression normally occurs between the ages of 18-25; detrimental figures for students. If you think that you may be experiencing feelings of depression, you are not alone, there are plenty of services put in place in place to help ease your symptoms, including helplines, self-help groups, and counselling. Don’t suffer in silence and visit the university’s Student Wellbeing Centre located in Singleton Campus for more information.
LINKS TO MENTAL HEALTH CONTACTS SU Advice & Support Centre Call: 01792 295 821 Email: advice@swansea-union.co.uk Website: swansea-union.co.uk/ support/advicesupportcentre Samaritans Call: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org Swansea University Wellbeing Centre Website: swansea.ac.uk/wellbeing
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
Can sport improve your mental health? by Olivia Rogers With Varsity fast approaching, I caught up with four members of Swansea Badminton Club to see whether students at Swansea University felt sports provided them with an outlet to reduce their stress and anxiety.
Why do you choose to participate in sport? Saskia: "It’s something I’ve always done and was keen to continue it at University." Jit Hin Tam: "Because I have done it since I was a child and find it very stimulating." Becky Jo: "Because I have always been a sporty person, it’s a productive outlet as it gives me a sense of achievement." Anonymous: "Because it gets me out of the house which then encourages me to socialise."
Do you feel that exercise affects your mental health in a positive way? Saskia: "Yes, I find Badminton is for me - something to focus on and I feel part of a community, which is good - especially at University as it can be quite a lonely place at times."
Jit Hin Tam: "Yes because I feel relaxed when I play badminton, it’s an area where I can forget about demanding workloads." Becky Jo: "Definitely - I have been known to have arguments with friends in the past and not address my issues, as I am the type of person to bottle emotions; I find it easier to release these emotions in a competitive way." Anonymous: "Yes, because if I am having a bad day it lifts me up because it makes me feel like I have achieved something."
What would you say to people who may be hesitant to join a sports team at university due to self-esteem/anxiety? Saskia: "You should always give it a go; everyone is nice and there really is no judgement, everybody just wants everyone to have a good time."
Jit Hin Tam: "It’s a good chance to meet new people and make good friends." Becky Jo: "There are social options, it doesn’t have to be competitive. Having fun is the main reason - it’s not all about winning. It is also an excuse to get out of your comfort zone in a place where you can be yourself and meet fantastic people." Anonymous: "I have anxiety now, and I find by partaking in a sport it increases your self-esteem. It may be daunting at first, but it gets you out. So, if you don’t like clubbing, joining a sports team can help you with making friends who may then encourage you to go out."
Find Swansea Badminton Club online: Twitter: goo.gl/5RYRGi Facebook: goo.gl/vqQtsE
SPORT // LULU THORNTON & GREG STONE
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TAEKWONDO TAKE THE SOUTH LEAGUE! Swansea University Taekwondo club take the lead at the British University Taekwondo league
by Niraj Wadher Swansea University played host to the British University Taekwondo South League Day 2 on Saturday 17th February, inviting University of Bristol, De Montfort University, University of Worcester, University of Leicester and Loughborough University to the Sports Hall to see who would be take the top position this year. The competition followed a league format in which the university teams were matched up with opponents of a similar weight, height and belt rank. They then went head-to-head with each other to see who won the most fights and so won the match. Each win is given three points, a draw one point and a loss no points. The South League Day 2 saw the conclusion of the matches following on from the first day in Leicester. Swansea’s twelve-strong team is all inclusive – involving students from all types of taekwondo and a range of experience levels. Amongst its members are also students that have achieved national champion status through the club and others who have competed nationally and internationally through their home clubs. Under the coaching of Niraj Wadher (II Degree) and Liam Rossiter (III Degree), the club have managed to obtain a record number of medals this year and went into the South Day 2 with three wins and one loss making the last two matches crucial.
Swansea winning against University of Bristol
Swansea Uni Taekwondo is an all-inclusive club Swansea were up second and faced the monumental task of beating University of Bristol – a team known for its exceptional fighting ability. Led by team captain Aaron Bryant, the club presented Swansea with a challenge. All of the fights were very close, one going into an extra thirty second tie-breaker and two, for the first time in BUTL history, culminating in a golden point situation where the winner is decided by the first to score. After twelve bouts, the score stood at 10 – 2 to Swansea, a victory that would have to wait to be celebrated as the team had to face University of Worcester straight away. After a series of close clashes, the result was a draw 3 – 3 against Worcester. This took the team to thirteen points overall in the league – a winning point tally. Tournament manager Sam Tudor summarised the day and spoke about his future hopes for the club: “I am very pleased with the results. The standard of competition is developing throughout the club which
really reflects the true commitment and dedication our members have put in throughout the year, which I hope we maintain in future competitions.” The university team intend to compete in the final against Manchester Metropolitan University on Saturday 17th March in Loughborough. At this event, they are also looking to put forward several members to try out for the first ever National Student Taekwondo Squad which will eventually go on to represent the university and the UK at competitions in Europe and Asia. This club, which started out with only a few members, has grown to become a sporting powerhouse, raking in the medals and performing well on the national stage. We intend to keep growing - watch this space! Follow Swansea University Taekwondo on social media @SwanseaUniTKD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with what they are doing!
FEATURES // EMILY WILLIAMS
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Photo: shutterstock
How my skin shattered my self-confidence After reading a report by the British Skin Foundation stating that around 20% of people who suffer with acne have thought of suicide, I decided to piece together this article about my own personal battle with acne and self-esteem.
by Olivia Rogers My skin has and always will be a major insecurity of mine. I was one of the many teenagers whose life was affected by their skin. Most common between the ages fourteen to seventeen, most young adults will have suffered acne at some point in their life. My skin problems started when I was about 14, but at that time, strangely enough, I didn’t care about how my skin looked. I was at that innocent age when I thought people wouldn’t even notice or care that I had bad skin. It was when I was at the end of my fifth year at secondary school that I began to develop a complex surrounding my skin. I remember the moment vividly; I was sat with my friends getting ready to go out and I saw their clear ‘perfect’ skin and I felt awful about myself, I felt disgusting and worthless. From that moment I was determined to clear my skin. The most awful thing about my skin was firstly that it was genetic; my father and both sisters had suffered with acne but what was most annoying was the fact that my skin problems were mainly a result of hormonal fluctuations. This meant that no matter how many ‘miracle’ products I used (and trust me there was a lot), I would still wake up most mornings with some sort of eruption of zits on my chin, and for
anyone who has suffered with acne this is very disheartening, especially after blowing £30 on skin products. My battle with my skin has been a long one, and when I had decided to tackle my skin problems five years ago, it was very hard not seeing improvement, but I thought at least I could assure myself that I was trying. My determination to clear my skin turned into an unhealthy obsession extremely quickly; I would smother my face in strong benzoyl peroxide solution to the point where it would leave my face with red dry patches for weeks; I would aggressively exfoliate in the hope that I might not wake up to a spot covered face. There were the days where my skin made me too anxious to leave the house. And when I was at university, I would be embarrassed to go into the communal area for fear that my housemates would deem me ‘unattractive’. I put this anxiety down to the people who were close to me (who in fairness were only trying to help) commenting on my skin; I believed ‘If my family think I have bad skin then what about those who don’t have to love me.’ This was the attitude
I had carried around with me from the age of sixteen until the end of my first year at university. The British Skin Foundation survey states that over 50% of acne sufferers have suffered verbal abuse from family and friends. My skin only started to get better when I decided to go on the contraceptive pill - within a few weeks I no longer had breakouts as frequently. People noticed; a few close family friends of mine commented on my skin almost immediately, which boosted my self-confidence. Of course, I still have days when I’m insecure about myself - that’s just part of being human. But I don’t wake up every morning worrying about what my skin will look like, and after nearly five years, it’s a massive relief. If there’s a lesson I can take from my experience it is to be resilient and to not let insecurities dictate my life. For more information on the British Skin Foundation survey go to: www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/ *I went on the pill as it works for me; I am not in any way promoting it as a sole solution for acne sufferers*
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
The Grand Place and Maison du Roi, one of Europe finest historic squares
BELGIUM At a glance by Meryl Hanmer
Bearing the scars of centuries worth of wars, battles and invasions, Belgium is a place of pilgrimage for all those looking to understand, remember and mourn such events. This country demonstrates great sensitivity when it comes to honouring fallen soldiers and places heavy importance on keeping their stories of bravery and courage alive.
Belgium is home to no less than thirteen UNESCO World Heritage sites, with medieval towns rich in enviable architecture, bustling cities ripe with culture and countryside primed for the keen adventurer. This small country has always been a haven for art, for centuries acting as a crucible for European paintings, and to this day is the dawn of modern popular culture such as fashion and the famous comic strips. Although small in size, Belgium is a
country divided by distinct cultural contrasts. The medieval towns of the Flemish-speaking Flanders region in the north seduce more and more visitors each year with their peaceful market squares and step-gables houses that line the enchanting canals. Head south however into the French-speaking Wallonia region and you seamlessly move into a land that is profoundly rural boasting caves, castles and wooded hills all calling to be explored.
TRAVEL // MERYL HANMER
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Brussels Despite the cultural contrasts filtering through the rest of Belgium, Brussels is a city where all world cultures intertwine with one another. As both the capital of Belgium and the administrative capital of the European Union it is undeniable that Brussels is multicultural through to its roots. The cityscape shifts from majestic to rundown from street to street making a simple stroll through the Brussels pathways rather quirky. In one fine swoop, you can swing from the majestic central hub of the Grand Place, to the 1960’s concrete developments and on to the dominating glass of the EU district. A city of contrast if ever there was one! No other city across the continent can boast as many fast, reliable and direct rail links to other major Western European destinations as can Brussels. With strong links to Paris, Amsterdam, The Hague, Cologne, Frankfurt and many more, Brussels is ideally located for multiple city/country day trips. Discounting other Belgian cities, my personal favourite destinations for day trips from Brussels are Lille (in the north of France, southwest of Brussels), Aachen (small German town that sits closely on the Germany, Netherlands and Belgian border) and Luxembourg City (situated southeast of Brussels in the small landlocked country of Luxembourg).
Antwerp Located in the Northern ‘Flanders’ region is Belgium’s second largest city and biggest port. With its history dating back to the middle ages, Antwerp is famed for its diamond district which houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. With numerous places to admire the work of superstar painter, Pieter Paul Rubens Antwerp draws the attention of art lovers from across
Grote Markt in Antwerp the globe. Despite severe bombing during World War II Antwerp has still retained its medieval heart with its Grote Markt, riverside fortress and magnificent cathedral.
Bruges With cobbled streets, entrancing canals, a medieval market square and soaring towers, Bruges is one of the more picturesque towns, not only in Belgium but in the entire European continent. The historic churches and charmin g houses make this quaint but popular town immensely photogenic. To capture the most perfect panoramic pictures, a climb up the 83metres high tower on the market square is an absolute must. A spring visit is highly recommended to experience Bruges at its best, every year the town leaves visitors in awe as they view the carpet of daffodils that alluringly line the tranquil courtyards.
Ghent Famed amongst citizens as Belgium’s best-kept secret, there is a unanimous love for the north-western port city of Ghent. With fabulous canal-side architecture and a wealth of quirky
bars, it remains a great surprise that tourists are scarce. A prominent citystate in the middle ages, today Ghent is a predominantly university town and cultural hub for those wishing to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of the larger Belgian cities. An absolute must-see on a visit to this old city is the 12th-century Gravensteen castle which sits along the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers.
Belgian beer Known worldwide for its luscious chocolate and mouth-watering waffles, Belgium serves up a remarkable range of edible delicacies; however, there is more to this land than just the food. With the greatest diversity of original beer styles on the planet, none can deny that this country has an unrivalled brewing heritage. Perfectly marrying modern innovation with delicate respect for tradition, Belgian beer is hailed as the most expertly sublime. Five beers that consistently rank amongst the countries favourites are: Westmalle Triple, De Ranks XX bitter, Rodenbach Grand Cru, St Bernardus Wit and Boon Oude Gueuze.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
TRAVEL HACKS: Picking the perfect hostel
Illustration: Shutterstock
Although the thought of staying in a dorm room with complete strangers is a daunting prospect for many, (it certainly was for me the first time I did it) hostels are now without a doubt my favourite places to stay when travelling.
by Meryl Hanmer Whether travelling alone or in a group, hostels give you the opportunity to meet lots of new people, enjoy a social environment and of course, save money. However, choosing the right hostel can potentially make or break your whole trip experience; it’s important to get it right. Knowing what to look for is imperative. It goes without saying that every traveller will want to save money and therefore try and find the cheapest possible place, but sometimes the savings of a cheaper stay are simply not worth it. Through a lot of trial and error, I have now learnt what is and what isn’t worth the savings when it comes to choosing where to stay. Security, cleanliness, location and a good atmosphere are my top priorities when trying to pick the perfect hostel.
Security
Top of the list for me is always security; I ensure that wherever I stay has a locker in the dorm room. It is essential that the locker is big enough for me to safely store away my backpack; I never stay anywhere without big enough lockers.
Location
Ideally, I aim to find a hostel that is within a twenty to thirtyminute walk of the town/city centre. Some city transport systems can be difficult to navigate so I always prefer to walk to where
I’m going. Additionally, if you plan on going on pub crawls or nights out, it is much safer to not have to travel far late at night.
Atmosphere
Many hostels offer communal dinners, themed games nights or pub crawls to help people to get to know each other and ultimately have a good time. Generally, I prefer to stay in a hostel with its own bar so that if I don’t necessarily want to go out I can still socialise without having to leave the hostel at all. Also, hostel bars are typically cheaper to drink in.
Cleanliness
It goes without saying, no one wants to stay somewhere that is dirty. If I read in the reviews that a place is particularly lax when it comes to basic cleanliness, then I simply won’t stay there.
So when trying to pick a hostel to stay in, try and work out what your priorities are for a perfect stay and what is or what isn’t worth the savings for you.
TRAVEL // MERYL HANMER
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by Meryl Hanmer
Illustration: Shutterstock
Whilst I understand the desire to share treasured moments abroad with friends, there is an equally compelling case why solo travel makes the acquisition of precious memories even more special. Travelling alone is now easier and safer than ever, due to the interest in this sector skyrocketing; the travel industry now heavily caters to the needs of the solo traveller. Solo Travel offers a level of self-empowerment, destination inspiration and personal independence that travelling in a group never could. Throughout my travelling career, I have journeyed across the continent in groups of varying size, ranging from two to more than twenty, and whilst I adored the opportunity to spend time with friends in new places, solo travel is still my absolute favourite way to experience somewhere new.
SOLO TRAVEL
IT ISN’T AS SCARY AS YOU THINK! It makes planning simpler
I hear so many stories of arguments amongst groups of friends arising from the complications of organising when and where to travel. But when organising a trip for yourself, if you have dates that suit you perfectly to go somewhere, that is when you go, if there is a place that you want to go to, that is where you go!
You become the master of your itinerary
Most often you get only one chance to go travelling to lots of places and therefore it is imperative that you have the chance to do everything that you want to. When travelling in a group, you need to make compromises because it’s unlikely that everyone
will want to do the same activities all the time. However, when you’re on your own, you make all the decisions!
It’s easier to meet people
As a solo traveller, you often find yourself becoming more open and approachable when it comes to interacting with new people. It is too easy in a group to ignore all other people around and become blind to prospective new friends who hold the potential to make your trip even more fun and interesting.
You become more immersed in the destination
When travelling in a group it is all too easy to become overly engrossed in group antics or dramas and become
oblivious to what goes on around. On your own you have nothing to distract you from the goings on of the place that surrounds you.
Providing you stay smart and avoid making silly decisions, there is no reason why travelling alone should be any less safe than travelling in a group. Through my solo journeys, I have formed the most amazing friendships and forged forever precious memories. Despite being an understandably daunting prospect, solo travel is certainly worth the challenge.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
The home of Mandy Power on Kelvin Road Clydach, where the crime took place
The Clydach murders A miscarriage of justice? Welcome to the True Crime section where we will explore the mysteries of unsolved crime within the Welsh area as well as delving deeper into more famous cases of the United Kingdom, such as Jack the Ripper and other cases intriguing the minds of many. We hope to grasp your curiosity and carry you along in these mysterious cases. So without further ado let’s dive into our first case.
by Becky Barnfather
At a home on Kelvin Road, Clydach, Swansea, a heinous crime took place. It was the worst crime that can be committed. Murder. On the night of the 26th June 1999, a murder that eradicated three generations of the same family, took place. It would claim national headlines as investigations went underway. First things first, let’s see what happened. What Happened? On that night, the ‘unknown suspect’ would break into the home of Mandy Power and use a heavy pole to bludgeon to death Doris Dawson, Mandy’s mother. She was struck multiple times in the head and face, after which the killer remained in the
house, waiting. Just before midnight Mandy Power and her two daughters, Katie and Emily, returned to the house. There they were leapt upon by the killer and too, were bludgeoned to death where a cover up fire was then set. The body of one girl was found on the landing whereas the other, despite the fire, was found in the girls’ bedroom frozen in a cowering position. When the flames didn’t take, three more fires were set around the house before the suspect fled the scene. A man was seen walking briskly from the road by Nicola Williams, driving home from work. She provided an e-fit to the police - keep this in mind it will be important later. The following morning, the crime
TRUE CRIME // BECKY BARNFATHER
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scene was being attended to by several emergency services. The first senior officer on the scene was Inspector Stuart Lewis who was mysteriously found to be on lone patrol that night. Word of the crime quickly spread around the community with word reaching Alison Lewis; the lesbian lover of Mandy Power and wife of Sergeant Stephen Lewis, the identical twin of Stuart Lewis. Then the investigation began making National headlines... The Suspects Here are the suspects we will look at, as did the police: Alison Lewis: The lesbian lover of victim Mandy Power Stuart Lewis: First senior officer on the scene, identical twin of Stephen Lewis and matches the e-fit (I said it would become important) Stephen Lewis: Husband (now divorced) of Alison Lewis, matches the e-fit and was named by an informant as threatening Power because of the gay affair with his wife. David “Dai” Morris: Previously had a casual, sexual relationship with Power. Theories There are four possible theories that we will consider, some more intriguing than others… The Theory of David Morris. This particular theory is the one that police and investigators most believed, resulting in Morris being arrested and later convicted. So, if he was convicted, why is it a theory rather than the truth? Because many, including myself, believe he may be innocent but let’s see what they thought: Morris held a casual relationship with Power. It was an on-again-offagain sexual relationship which continued even after she began a relationship with Alison. Leading up to the night of the murders, he attempted to initiate sex with Power but she rejected him. The night of the
The brutal attack claimed the lives of Mandy Power (pictured left), her mother Doris and her two young daughters, Katie and Emily.
killings, fuelled by alcohol and after an argument, he left the New Inn pub at 9pm but continued to drink something that tended to make him more violent. It is then alleged that he headed in the direction of Kelvin Road to carry out what a jury will later call an ‘orgy of savagery’. In breaking into the home, he would find only disabled grandmother, Doris, inside. Using a heavy pole, he beats her to death in her own bed then, horrifyingly, he waits within the house. Just before midnight, Mandy and her two daughters returned home where they were killed in an identical fashion. Mandy ripped David’s gold chain necklace from his neck during the attack and would be found on the scene later. Afterwards, he set a fire to cover up his crime, when it didn’t take he lit three more around the house before he fled the scene. A history of violence, minor robberies, his gold chain on the scene and sexual history with Mandy would lead to his first conviction in Swansea Crown Court in 2002 and given four life sentences. A secondary trial also found him guilty and his appeals
since then, still to this day claiming his innocence, have not succeeded. A new appeal is in progress and could be acted upon in the year of 2018. Intrigued? You can find more theories and even some unbelievable case notes online in Waterfront on Swansea Student Media. There will be more to see and more detail that will likely leave you in shock at how this may have actually been a miscarriage of justice made by those working on the case. Still crave to know more? A book has been written called ‘The Clydach Murders a Miscarriage of Justice’ by John Morris - no relation to David Morris. In the book he goes into greater detail of the case and why he too believes that convicted suspect David Morris is innocent. So, if your curiosity is getting the better of you, it is definitely worth a read. Can You Solve It? Have some theories of your own? Feel free to send them to us at our email waterfrontcrime@ swanseastudentmedia.com
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
Photo: harriscontractfurniture.co.uk
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
Following the closure of OMG Swansea's once thriving scene now has only one gay venue, The King's, also on High street
by Samuel Mann
When I arrived in Swansea in 2016 I was excited to experience the LGBTQ+ scene. So, when attending my first LGBT+ society event I was quick to ask what LGBTQ+ venues existed in Swansea. Turns out the “scene” was one pub and one club. Well, a few months later and the one club (OMG) had closed their doors. In recent years, a series of other LGBTQ+ venues have also closed; Talk of the Town, Champers, The Lockup, even Swansea Pride has ceased to exist. But why are these venues closing, and is there a way to resurrect the Swansea LGBTQ+ night scene?
Another closure of an LGBTQ+ venue, but why? My experiences in OMG itself are few and far between. The handful of times that I did attend, it was quiet with overpriced drinks and trashy music. So, after two or three double overpriced vodkas my friends and I would normally decide to head into a bar further into Wind Street, which was often playing the same music, had cheaper drinks, and was a LOT busier
(though the distinct lack of a drag queen was clearly disappointing). Interestingly though, when OMG did close, a lot of my friends that had refused to frequent the venue or, like myself, rarely went, were bitterly disappointed by the closure. I shared their disappointment. Not because I desperately wanted one more night to spin around the sweaty poles or get stuck to the carpeted floor but because it was yet another LGBTQ+ venue gone, and it left a big hole in Swansea’s once thriving LGBTQ+ scene. Leaving
Swansea with a resounding zero LGBTQ+ clubs, and just one pub. However, this doesn’t seem to be an issue only affecting Swansea. Indeed, the Urban Laboratory at UCL recently reported that nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ venues in London had closed since 2006 and LGBTQ+ venues in many other cities are suffering the same fate. But, why? Part of the issue seems to be economic based. One of the most commonly cited reasons for the closures have been rent hikes. But
LIBERATION // ZOYA CHISHTI
it seems that in general LGBTQ+ venues are closing quicker than non-LGBTQ+ focussed venues. So, could demand be the real issue? As I mentioned above, it was rare to see OMG busy (and I personally never did), while other Swansea night spots regularly hit capacity, attracting a varied crowd of both heterosexual and non-heterosexual students. Is this therefore a sign that as society grows closer towards an acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, assimilation itself prevents the need for LGBTQ+ specific venues, as these venues subsequently attract smaller crowds? The lack of use of these spaces paired with the recent economic instability makes it seem plausible that these spaces are closing as the economic crisis hits these spaces hardest. Looking back at the birth of LGBTQ+ venues, they were spaces created that allowed individuals to be open and free, express their gender and sexual identity. To meet others that were in the same position as them. To allow them to escape their oppressive society. Their attendees were made to feel like they were a part of something bigger; queer spaces grew activists, and these went on to break the barriers in society that we now enjoy. Most LGBTQ+ persons know of the Stonewall riot and the “pits and perverts” fundraiser (LGBTQ+ fundraiser for the welsh miners which features in the film, “Pride”); these and other forms of activism were born from LGBTQ+ venues. It was the subculture and the underground comradery that helped to fuel what was a significant shift in society and allows us to live in a now more open and accepting society. It therefore seems saddening that once bustling venues, with growing and vibrant communities and subcultures are disappearing, but if this is due to a lack of necessity, then the dying LGBTQ+ scene seems understandable. However, referring to society as “accepting” of the
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LGBTQ+ community is questionable. Not only do LGBTQ+ people still face stigmatization from heterosexual society but LGBTQ+ people face it from within their own community. A quick flick through Grindr or Tinder paints a harrowing tale; you will find numerous profiles that contain openly biphobic, transphobic, weight shaming, racist, and misogynistic comments. These comments are a clear reflection of the way that LGBTQ+ culture exists, and it’s disappointing to see that the community itself is splitting. LGBTQ+ venues have historically been male focussed, and as a result their clientele follows suit. Yet, it is this individuals that are least likely to face stigmatization from within and outside the LGBTQ+ community. It is those that do not face stigmatization that presumably frequent non-
"Looking back at the birth of LGBTQ+ venues, they were spaces created that allowed individuals to be open and free, express their gender and sexual identity. To meet others that were in the same position as them." LGBTQ+ venues most, thus the venues themselves are focussed on a clientele that is most likely to frequent their competitors, yet those individuals that are stigmatized from within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community have little option when it comes to safe spaces where they can freely enjoy their evening. Is the closing of LGBTQ+ venues a reflection of the inability for these venues to once again offer what the rest of society cannot? It seems (to
me) that LGBTQ+ venues in general offer very little different to their heterosexual focussed competitors. However, in London this is becoming less of the case, many London niche venues have recently opened that are not focussed on cis males; clubs that have been created as safe spaces for people that are queer, non-cis, trans, or people of colour, for example, are thriving, regularly pulling large crowds that are attracted to the ability to go to a night spot where their smaller community exists (and thrives). This is unsurprising considering that the UCL Urban Laboratory report highlighted that there is a lack of nightspots serving women, trans, and queer, and intersex people of colour (QTIPOC) and that the LGBTQ+ community most values spaces where “diverse gender identities and sexualities are affirmed, accepted, and respected”, it seems that to succeed diversity is key. In Wales it seems that nearly all LGBTQ+ venues are cis male focussed. Maybe this is where Swansea can find its voice, offering a safe space where gender and sexual identity diversity is championed, a night spot that is not cis male focussed, but truly diverse. A night stop that truly reflects the diversity of Swansea. Whether this is the answer to the demise of the Swansea LGBT+ scene is yet to be known, but it seems clear (in my opinion at least) that a safe space is still needed for some under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, and it is our responsibility to provide that. It would be beautiful to see the Swansea LGBTQ+ scene rebirth as a modern and diverse scene, which genuinely caters for LGBTQ+ people, and everyone that comes under that umbrella, rather than just cis males.
Samuel Mann is a 2nd Year PhD Student in Economics (Researching Sexual Orientation and Economic Wellbeing) and LGBT+ Open Place officer for 2018/19
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
Interview: Rejjie Snow In a music scene dominated by the likes of Drake, Migos, DJ Khaled and 2 Chainz, it is extremely rare to hear something truly original and fresh, especially from artists outside of the US. Hip-hop and R&B have reached an unspoken rule that artists outside of the US don't really make it in this extremely competitive genre; with Giggs and Skepta not really breaking through, even with help from Drake.
by Will Barnston
That is until now. In a rare occurrence, 24-year-old Irish rapper, Rejjie Snow. The catalyst to his career was his 2013 'Rejovich' EP, which featured a guest spot by recent Brit Award winner Loyle Carner. Since then, Rejjie has produced an array of career building singles, including an appearance from Joey Bada$$ last year on his 'PURPLE TUESDAY' single. As much of a fan I am of Rejjie Snow's older music, 'Dear Annie' is a step in the right direction for him as an artist. Overall, the debut album is around 60-minutes, and it's so good that I could listen to another 60-minutes of it. Rejjie's music channels his main influences, closely compared to Tyler the Creator and N.E.R.D due to his dark, baritonevoice adopting a hybrid of hip-hop/ skate-punk aesthetic. In other words, it's just a wonderfully different breath of fresh air on the exhausted, mainstream R&B/Hip-hop genre. 'Dear Annie' is a treat for anyone that really appreciates a different style of music. It's extremely hard to pinpoint what genre this album actually is, which makes it a whole lot more interesting to listen to. The
What do you think about the positive feedback you've been getting about your debut album 'Dear Annie'? album is very split with emotion. One moment, I'm feeling elevated listening to the upbeat 80s-like vibes of LMFAO, Mon Amour, Spaceships and Egyptian Luvr, then I'm feeling sadness over failed romances in The Rain, 23, Oh No! and Greatness which is unheard of in a world of mumbled rap and hip-hop. He rhymes over jazz beats accompanied with 80s soul jams and an electric piano (with no autotune in sight). Personally, I think this album will be the break that Rejjie Snow needed. I cannot compare him with any other artist as he essentially has his own genre. If you're looking for someone new to listen to, especially in the current exhausted music scene, I can't recommend Rejjie Snow's 'Dear Annie' enough. He will take you on a trip, making you experience memories with him as if you were there. I fortunately managed to get a phone interview with Rejjie before his show in Bristol on the 9th March.
It's really reassuring, quite overwhelming and a lot more than I expected. I'm really grateful for the response, and shocked that people are actually listening to the music, it's a really good feeling.
One of my favourite tracks on the album is '23'... So out of all the 20 songs you've made, which ones are you most proud of? That one too, 23 as well. I was trying to make something sound like it happened naturally, and the end product I was just really happy with.
You recorded the album in a few places, like LA, London and Paris, but where was the place you felt you were most inspired in producing and writing this album? Ummm... I really enjoyed working in Paris. Yeah, there’s a really good
MUSIC // SARAH HARRIS
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Fickle Friends
The Globe, Cardiff, 26/02/18 grind out there. I think that city is the true destination of love.
So you grew up in Dublin's Northside, which apparently had no music scene at all. Was this an issue in starting your career in music or did it inspire you more? It inspired me more just to make something out of myself. It definitely inspired me for the most parts, but obviously there were ups and downs with that. There were times where I didn't really want to face that but it did make me want to do something different, and make the kind of music I’m interested in.
Your tour starts tonight in Bristol (9th March), how are you feeling going in to your tour? Do you get nervous before you go on stage? I do get nervous for the most parts... I think the more I think about it, the more nervous I get, but as long as there's people out there just proper having a good night, I'll end up having a good night.
Lastly, Rejjie, you've obviously collaborated with big names, like Loyle Carner and Joey Bada$$ in the past, but who is on your collab wish list? Andre 3000 without a doubt. Imagine...
Artist: Rejjie Snow Album: Dear Annie Rating: 9/10
by Erin Allwood When I first heard Fickle Friends, I was amazed by how captivated I could be by something so joyful, given as I had previously devoted myself solely to the solemnness of Joy Division and The Smiths. However, something about Fickle Friends made me want to bin all of my black clothing and move to a tropical island. 80s inspired yet effortlessly modern, they lit up the dark and dingy Globe theatre in Cardiff with their bright pink lights and exotic palm trees, transporting us, the audience, to a world consisting only of fun. The opening song was ‘Say No More’, and the screams at the playing of the first couple notes was enough to send the room into a frenzy. ‘Brooklyn’ was next, a song that really solidified the view that they are a unit, and that it is difficult to focus purely on Natti, the lead singer, as every member of the band is completely passionate about their music. This does not make Natti any less of a frontwoman, as her confidence oozes, making the audience more confident in themselves to have fun and not care. This is why, at a Fickle Friends gig, it entirely impossible to hate any song that she sings. A song that really stands out from the gig as a whole is ‘Hard to Be Myself’, where Natti tells the
crows how it is ‘a song for social awkwardness’. It was an extremely relatable experience for a teenage audience, and a gesture for people to no longer feel alone, as they are in an environment with people who share the same issues. The encore consisted of the songs everyone was panicking that they had not sung yet, which was ‘Hello Hello’ and ‘Swim’. Another thing that perfected this gig was the ability they had to sound identical to how they sound on the radio, yet there was improvisation and prolonged instrumental, which only added to the craziness and passion. ‘Swim’ was a moment of complete awe for the band; Natti tried to teach everyone the chorus, but everyone sung it back to her after hearing only the first note. And with that, everyone’s voices filled the small venue for the whole song. The mix of popular songs with new ones from their album was perfect, as the crazy moments of energy were broken up with fresh, new sounds for us to focus on and to learn to love. By attending a Fickle Friends gig, you are guaranteed to have fun, regardless of whether it is your scene or not. The ability they have to liven up a room is spectacular, and I really can’t wait to see what they come up with after this.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
PRE-YEAR ABROAD NERVES And how to calm them
No matter how confident a person you are or how well prepared you feel, there will always be that niggling voice of doubt in the back of your mind, “what if it all goes horribly wrong?” Unfortunately, this is an inevitable feeling that almost everyone goes through. Personally, I went through an emotional rollercoaster in the build-up to my departure, one moment bursting with excitement and the next anxiety would surge through me. From worries about not making friends and homesickness to high expectation and handling the mountain of necessary paperwork, the whole prospect can seem more daunting than exciting but fortunately, from my experience I found more than a few ways to help settle my nerves and calm the anxiety.
by Meryl Hanmer
Join Facebook groups
Illustration: Shutterstock
Nowadays, Facebook is everywhere and therefore it offers the perfect opportunity to pre-make friends before you arrive. By joining Erasmus/ international student groups for your city you can meet like-minded people with whom you can establish a connection. Making friends before you go helps to alleviate that dreaded loneliness in your first few days/ weeks before you meet other people.
Ask for help At Swansea University, we are lucky with our GoGlobal team that they are forthcoming with both information and help when it comes to planning. They can assist you in knowing what documents you need to take with and what you need to prepare in advance.
Prepare your parents Before I left for my year abroad I spent a great deal of time ‘preparing my parents’ for my departure by training them on social media. I set them up with a Facebook page, Skype account and email addresses. I found that doing this calmed both my nerves and theirs as it meant all my communication was now free and easy.
Manage your expectations
Start as early as possible
Embarking on a year abroad offers endless opportunities for cultural immersion, language improvement and diverse new friends. Everyone expects this year to be 100% perfect, but the truth is it simply won’t be. There will be plenty of moments of loneliness and homesickness, however this is completely normal and to be expected. I assure that for every one low moment, there will be ten more high moments.
Make the most of your summer holidays by using the time to settle into your new ‘home away from home’. Most people arrive only a week before they officially start their year abroad courses, but I can assure you that adjusting to a new city, culture and language takes longer than just seven days. Arriving as early as possible will give you the best chance at a comfortable and confident immersion.
STUDY ABROAD // BRONWEN BEARD
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LANGUAGE STUDENTS
Making the most of your year abroad Embarking on your year abroad is both daunting and exhilarating in equal measures. It is without doubt the most exhilarating fifteen months of my life as I hopped from city to city, country to country and yet was also the most stressful, struggling with a lost passport and terrorist attacks! For language students, the year abroad is not simply a chance to party abroad, but an essential element in language mastery. From ‘helpful’ locals who want to speak English, to falling into the trap of making too many British friends, sometimes it can be hard to find opportunities to speak your target language. After spending fifteen months abroad myself and doing three different Erasmus programmes in Paris, Valencia and Brussels these are my tips on how to fully benefit from your time abroad.
by Meryl Hanmer Do a placement that involves the target language Although it may sound obvious, I know far too many who spent their year abroad working in English speaking jobs. When trying to improve your language proficiency you need to take every opportunity to speak the target language and reject any chance to speak your native tongue. Working / studying in the target language helps ensure maximum immersion in the language.
Avoid the ‘Erasmus’ crowd As an international student, it is all too easy to spend all your time with the ‘international crowd’. Although it is important to have a few friends who are in the same boat as you being away
from home so that you can offer each other support when you’re struggling, it is imperative to make friends with native speakers with whom you are forced to speak the target language.
classes and beach parties. All of which gave me the perfect chance to meet other people with whom I could converse socially in my target language whilst experiencing local culture.
Flat share with native students
Above all else, be proactive!
Typically, you are going to see your flat mates at some point each day and so by ensuring the lingua franca is your target language you are ensuring at least some conversation practice every day. It is in everyday living situations that you find your language is most tested, but in my experience, it’s the quickest way to see improvement.
As a native English speaker, it is far too easy to fall into the trap of only speaking English, especially when so many people are eager to practice with you. From my experience, there are two ways to handle this: first, either straight out say ‘please can we not speak English, I am here to learn the local language’, or come to the compromise of splitting time between English and your target language so that you both have the chance to learn and practice.
Join local activities In Spain, I was inundated with opportunities of salsa classes, cooking
PERCEPTION
We all see our own stories. We hear the words we know our souls long for us to accept. This is what I see. What do YOU see
by Natasha Mawera
What if we could see the creator's shadow in the sky? What do you see?
The tranquility to see. The peace that flows through this body like a never ending river has fought pain and judgement brutally to live in this temple. What do you see?
The tunnel is not always directly leading us to the light. Sometimes, it leads us from one cage to another. What do you see?
Strong, fierce and bold. Mama Africa lives here. What do you see?
I think we are craving to see. To have vision that isn't defined solely by biology. Vision that fires up mind, body and soul. Vision that allows us to percieve true, constant beauty and love. What do you see? Watch a rose shrivel up and die. Remove and scatter the petals. Can you not see thateven death cannot consume true beauty? What do you see?
Isn't it wonderful when the earth hears and reflects the emotions you try to conceal from the world you know will never care? You can block the people out. It's ok. The nature hears you. What do you see? Watch the sun burn these building you saturate the earth with. How else do you expect Mother Nature to retaliate when you consstantly pierce her breast with metal and silence her with concrete slabs. What do you see?
What Thisifbalcony we could likecontain our minds, it? can either be a prison Take or extension our serving, ofour ourportion freedom. of the sunset and pour it into What ourdo glasses you see? and drink it What do you see?
What if we could contain it? Take our serving, our portion of the sunset and pour it into our glasses and drink it. What do you see?
FILM // BECKY ELMS
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by Alex Udraufski-Osborne The Students' Union elections signal the end of the academic year. That means deadlines, exams, and, ultimately, stress—which all sounds daunting and, frankly, unwanted. However, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. There is always an escape. One way to escape is through the beloved-by-students, Netflix (nicely stolen borrowed from a friend and/or relative that pays the bill every month). No TV license required and unlimited binge watching whenever you want. Glorious. One of the tougher things with Netflix is choosing what to watch. This series aims to help you decide on just that, what to binge watch. This month, if you haven’t already, be prepared to binge watch, Black Mirror. This month, we will be delving into the strange, but not-to-distant world of, Black Mirror. Created by Charlie Brooker, Netflix houses all four of the mind-bending, craziness. What’s best is that its anthology style means that you can dive into episode, of any season, in any order you want at any time. Talk about living life by your own rules. Each episode tackles a different ‘problem’ that the writers (which there are too many to name here) believe is prominent in today’s modern living. These range from absolute, in your face attempts to parody them, to more subtle efforts to do so. The show is called Black Mirror for a reason. Firstly, because it’s a cool sounding name. Secondly, because it’s a reference to the reflection you see on a device when you turn it off
– i.e. an actual black mirror. Many of the episodes centre around humans and our fascination/relationship with technology and, often, this is put under scrutiny in the episode. Black Mirror has featured a plethora of different actors including - but not limited to – stars both prominent on the big and small screens. Jesse Plemons (Paul, Fargo), Cristin Milioti (How I met your mother), Jimmi Simpson (Westworld, Breakout Kings). The list goes on. Have I sold it to you? Black Mirror is one of the ‘must watch’ shows of our time, and it’s all available right now on our favourite provider, Netflix.
S04:E01 - USS Callister For further discussion, you can contact me on Twitter @TheAlex_Osbo. Or tune in to Xtreme Radio at swanseastudentmedia.com every Tuesday at 6pm to hear me and my co-hosts on Spoiler Alert, where we discuss everything related.
FILM // BECKY ELMS
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M
NSTRUCK by Carlos Tseng
It’s hard to believe that Norman Jewison’s Moonstruck is now 30 years old. In 2018, the film is still a delight to watch. It’s funny, energetic and the warmth radiated by the cast has not been replicated by any film since. There may be better known romantic comedies, but I highly recommend Moonstruck not just for the laughs but because it is richly endearing.
The film opens by introducing us to Loretta Castorini (Cher), a widowed bookeeper who is proposed to by Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello). We find out that Loretta and her family are very superstitious, believing that her husband died due to “bad luck” as the wedding and marriage did not follow traditional conventions. Loretta, therefore, forces Johnny to go down on his knees and give her his pinkie ring to avoid more “bad luck”. Before leaving to visit his sick mother in Sicily, Johnny tells Loretta to contact his estranged brother Ronny (Nicholas Cage) and invite him to the wedding. Unbeknownst to her however, she begins to fall in love with the hot-tempered Ronny who blames Johnny for losing his hand and fiancée some years earlier. When Ronny later also invites Loretta to a performance of La Boheme, her own family secrets also come to light. Although the Castorini family believe in following traditional conventions in order to avoid “bad luck”, it would seem that it is the unconventionality of Moonstruck which has led audiences to continue returning to it some 30 years later. Originally titled ‘The Bride and the Wolf’, Norman Jewison changed the title believing that the title sounded too much like a horror film. Indeed, the new title Moonstruck was more appropriate as all the characters talk about the moon to some extent. One of my favourite moments is when Loretta’s Aunt Rita (Julie Bavasso), tells her husband Raymond (Louis Guss) that
when he stands by their moonlit bedroom window he looks 25 years old, to which he gushes and begins to cuddle Rita in bed. Nicholas Cage may not be recognised as the best actor in recent times, but here, as the baker with one hand, it’s not hard to see why he ends up getting the girl. Olympia Dukakis is also brilliant as Loretta’s straightfaced mother, Rose. She questions man’s nature when she realizes her husband, Cosmo (Vincent Gardenia) is having an affair. Dukakis also ended up winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role. But the star of Moonstruck really is Cher who brought home the Oscar for Best Actress as the Italian widow who falls in love with her fiancée’s younger brother. Who can forget the scene where she slaps Cage and says the iconic line: “SNAP OUT OF IT”? Cher brings her audience to Brooklyn and captures our hearts with her brilliant comic timing and charisma. Her ability to bring Loretta Castorini to life is truly enchanting. I don’t know why Moonstruck is not more popular, it is an endearing romantic comedy. The charming nature of Norman Jewison’s film has earned it the #8 spot on the American Film Institute’s Top 10 Romantic Comedy films. It’s hard to find a film like Moonstruck nowadays so I very much recommend you give this a viewing if you haven’t already seen it. And, if you don’t like it… Blame it on the moon.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
Interview: Women's Rugby by Emily Maybanks
In 2017 they beat Cardiff at the famous Millennium Stadium, for the first time ever. This year, they are hoping to do the same on home turf. Ahead of the most eagerly anticipated sporting event of our academic year, I caught up with Sioned Young, President of SUWRFC.
Varsity 2017: Making history winning the first ever Women's fixture at the Principality Stadium
How would you say Women’s Rugby has developed in Varsity over the past few years? For the last few years we have been building upon our success and club structure to make sure that we can be the best team we can be. Our previous Head Coach, Siwan Lillicrap, stepped down so she could take on her role as Head of Rugby at the University. Although this was a change, I think that it has helped us enormously. Siwan understands exactly what we need and works tirelessly to ensure that we, and all other rugby clubs at the university, get the best of everything. Nick Edwards, who is the Director of Rugby for the Swansea Whites Women’s RFC, became our Head Coach. His methodical approach to training has improved our playing structure and his encouragement to enjoy ourselves ensures that we go out and give it our all every game. This showed when we beat Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium at last year’s
Varsity match, for the first time ever! Last year was also the first time that we had a second team entered into a BUCS league. Their focus is mostly to teach rugby to beginners and develop their skills so that they are confident enough to play. They have gone from strength to strength and ended their season on a 75-0 victory against Winchester. Our second team is vital to our success because almost everyone who plays for both teams only started playing at university level. Lots of players have started in the 2XV and have played games for
the 1XV, which has been vital to us as we had a lot of injuries this year.
How does it feel to be playing in Swansea this year? Playing this year has been an amazing experience. The 1XV are BUCS League champions with a chance of being promoted to the Premier League and BUCS Trophy champions. Every single player in the squad has had to step up and take responsibility on the pitch. This means that instead of there
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Mental health and well-being is increasingly important and talked about. Would you say that being part of the Rugby team (or any sports team) has a positive impact on your mental health? If so, how?
Being part of a team can contribute to positive mental health being one or two leaders in a game, we have a whole team who are ready to step into that role. Having sustained quite a few injuries this year, we might not have done as well if we didn't have this quality.
of Varsity champions for the second year in a row. We can't wait to show everyone how far we have come over the last few years and step on that pitch to bring home the victory for the Green and White Army.
What can spectators and supporters expect watching the Women’s Rugby at Varsity?
Is there anything you are anxious about?
Spectators can expect what any rugby match can offer. Hard hits, great game play and a squad of 23 amazing women acting as one unit.
How have you been preparing for Varsity? In a way we have been preparing for Varsity all year because our intense training schedule doesn't need to change for us to get the best out of our players. There will be a training camp over the Easter break and lots of team bonding sessions to bring our rugby family closer than ever.
What are you most excited about for this year’s Varsity competition? We are very excited to be on home turf and be playing to win the title
Playing against Cardiff is always a very nerve wracking experience because of the pressure we put on ourselves to win. They are the only team we haven't beaten this year, but we are ready to show them that we work harder, train better and deserve it more than them.
What has been the highlight for the Women’s Rugby team so far this year? The highlights this year definitely have to be our League decider match against Cardiff Met 2XV and our Trophy final match against Leeds 1XV. These were hard matches where both teams were well matched but our consistency of play and attitude helped us keep our heads up when things didn't go our way. It also helped us to enjoy the matches and play our best.
Being part of a team, part of a sporting family can have an amazing impact on your mental health. It's not just about getting the exercise that you need but it's also about the support system that comes with that team. Rugby especially can be dangerous if you go in without being able to trust everyone else on your team, we all know that we will do our best to protect each other and this is true for life off the pitch as well. Having to commit to training means people will notice if you aren't there and will find out if you are okay, which is great if all you need is for a person to reach out to you.
What would you say to female students who would like to try out rugby but are anxious about taking that first step? If you think that you are not strong, big, tough, fast, good enough to play rugby then you are wrong. Most of those qualities come from training and encouragement. We won't throw you head first into a game without teaching you the skills you need to stay safe and be confident. If you have never played before then our 2XV is the best place to learn because most of them have been or are in the same boat as you. I have never met a more enthusiastic and nicer group of girls (and coaches) who couldn't do enough to make sure that you are getting what you want out of rugby.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
Understanding: The Swansea Titans by Meryl Hanmer
Photo: Katie Stepek
The Swansea University American football team, ‘The Titans’ are a force to be reckoned with on the field, year after year out performing their toughest rivals. In recent weeks, their training regimes have been rigorous, their commitment undeniable and with Varsity fast approaching their confidence is unwavering.
The game essentials:
• Two teams of eleven players each on the field • The game is made up of four 12 minute quarters • Three time-outs are permitted per half for each team • Half time is 15 minutes long • There is a 15 minute sudden-death overtime should the scores be tied
After joining the Titans in 2014 as a linebacker, Tom Mann has risen through the ranks to become this year’s club president. When asked to give his score predictions for the 2018 Varsity match he had this to say, “We’re all very much looking forward to finishing off the season on a big win with the Swansea crowd behind us! Last year’s score was 40-7 (Swansea win), so this year we’ll try to beat that, so we will go with a strong 47-0 prediction.” The Waterfront paper is certainly ready to report such a strong and assured post-game score! All fingers crossed for our Swansea Titans! Although many of us are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to support our American football team on the 25th April, how many actually understand the game rules and purposes? For those who don’t here is a quick “idiots guide” to understanding the game.
The games ultimate purpose is to move the ball into the opposition’s ‘end zone’. This is achieved either by running with the ball or throwing it downfield to a team-mate.
Player positions
Despite there being only eleven players on the field at any one time, the entire American football team is actually made up of around 50 players. The offence – these are the teams attacking players who aim to move the ball down field and ultimately score touchdowns. Typically, a centre ‘snaps’ the ball back between his legs to the quarter-back who then can either run with the ball, hand it to a running back or pass it to one of his receivers. The defence – their role is to prevent the other team from scoring. They attempt to tackle or ‘sack’ the quarterback before he throws the balls, intercept passes or cause a ‘fumble’ by knocking the ball from the ball-carriers grasp.
Downs
Through the game the offence needs to move the ball forward in chunks of
at least 10 yards and they have four chances, or ‘downs’ to gain this required yardage. When the ball has advanced the full 10 yards, they are granted an additional set of downs. If the team fails to move forward this distance within four downs, they surrender possession.
Game scoring
A touchdown = six points – a touchdown is scored when a team crosses into the opponent’s end zone with the ball, or catches the ball while in the end zone. This can be scored from anywhere on the field and on any down. A field goal = three points – this is achieved when a player kicks the ball through the posts, or ‘uprights’. An extra point = 1 or 2 points – immediately following a touch down the ball is placed on the opponent’s two-yard line and then the offense has two options. First, to kick the ball through the uprights to secure one point (called the point after touchdown, PAT) or the second option is to once again take the ball into the end zone to secure two points.
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Understanding: Boxing by Meryl Hanmer
Our Swansea boxing club have been determined to achieve victory once again this year, engaging in a demanding training regime. Regularly they not only train with other local clubs and national boxing champions, but also they take advantage of Swansea’s hilly landscape for fitness training. After first being inspired by the 2004 Olympic games, Swansea University’s boxing club president, Ryan Thornhill began his boxing career at the age of just ten years old. Twelve years on Ryan’s passion for the sport still flows strong, in his first year at university, he won a prestigious match representing Wales and since then has progressed to becoming head coach for the university team. Ryan had this to say about the up-coming Varsity competition, “I’m not anxious about anything for these matches, I have helped lead the club to consecutive victory for the past four years. I predict a clean sweep for Varsity, 5-0, although they may sneak the one.”
With the recent boom in popularity for boxing, not only as a sport to take part in but as a spectator sport, there is sure to be a record number of students desperate to watch the Varsity boxing matches in the refectory on Monday 23rd April.
The Varsity scoring system:
The 10-point must system, so named because the judge ‘must’ award ten points to at least one fighter per round and is the most widely used scoring system for more than 60 years. • Judges score on a 10-point scale, the more dominant boxer being awarded 10 points, the other receiving 9 points • If a boxer is knocked down he loses a point, if both are knocked down the knockdowns cancel each other out • A standing eight count, or a protection count, also constitutes a point deduction • If a boxer is entirely dominant throughout the round but doesn’t achieve a knockdown, the judge may still award a score of 10-8 • Should the round be even, both
boxers are awarded 10 points • If the referee deems it necessary, he can take away one or two points for an intentional foul
What are the judges looking for?
Effective aggression – when the aggressor lands his punches whilst avoiding those of his opponent. Ring mastery – a boxer who controls the ring action which enforcing his will and demonstrating his fighting style. Defence – when a boxer is slipping, parrying and blocking punches; good defence symbolises a good fighter. Clean and hard punches – Despite there being numerous punches thrown, most are either blocked or don’t land flush. The judge looks for hard shots which land clean.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
ON TRACK FOR VARSITY Women’s cycling team make their debut by Meryl Hanmer Since coming to Swansea University in the 2016/17 academic year to study sport science, Izzy Whiteley has made it her mission to build a stronger female presence within the university cycling club. In the two years since Izzy has joined us at Swansea, the cycling club has gone from a year on year consistency of only one female member, to now four female road cycling members.
Thanks to a united effort, the club eagerly awaits the debut of its first women’s team at the forthcoming Varsity event. As it stands, the club currently has 51 members in road cycling, only 4 of which are female. While this is an initially shocking and disappointing male-female ratio, it does represent a 400% increase over last year’s female membership.
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Both Izzy (the current women’s captain) and Kacper Gorski (the current men’s captain) attribute the poor female uptake to overall male dominance in the sport. In a statement Izzy defends the club saying, “Cycling is a male dominated sport, the low female membership is a reflection of the sport as a whole, not the club”. In an interview with the Waterfront Izzy stated, “Last year I was the only female member of the club and while I imagine that would be discouraging for other women to be the only one, it wasn’t for me. I’ve always enjoyed cycling and was keen to continue it at university, being the only woman was not going to prevent me from pursuing the sport I love”. When asked how it feels to train alone with the male members she said, “It’s interesting when you are the only girl, the guys have always been very supportive of me in training but obviously, I was eager to get some girls on my side.” In order to try and tackle the issue of low female membership, Izzy saw this years ‘fresher’s fair’ as her chance to show other budding female cyclists that there is a place for women in the club. Also, a women’s cycling page has been established for support and a monthly women’s road ride is organised to encourage team spirit. Additionally, the new title of “women’s cycling captain” was generated to help recognise women’s standing in the club. However, this year’s boost in female membership has been largely accredited to the strong links with the university triathlon club. By joining forces, the two clubs are mutually benefiting for each other; cycling has a boost in club members and triathlon gains from the expertise of more experienced cyclists. This year the women’s cycling team represented their club at the BUCS hill climb competition in November. This is not a normal type of race for these cyclists and so their
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Izzy and the Women's cycling team scores were modest, but they were excited for the challenge and happy to simply get a team together for it. They hope that as membership increases so will their pole placings. Equality in membership is evidently at the forefront of the club’s future goals as the club captain, Kacper Gorski says, “the push for more female participation began two years ago and it’s picking up steam now, hopefully year on year we can grow and maybe achieve some parity in membership”. Next year the women’s team aims to have more consistent participation in the BUCS competitions and hopefully one day replicate the success of the men’s team. Training for the cycling club can be intense with its four weekly sessions; two chaingang practices near bay campus and two road rides. In addition to these set practices members are encouraged to train on their own and the club promotes the use of specialised software
to monitor distance and speed of all rides. “Cycling draws a certain personally type; introverts who enjoy the pain and are willing to push themselves in a ‘pain cave’. It’s a low impact sport that is fun and easy to do but requires a certain mindset”, says Kacper. However, despite the intensity of team training, the clubs main priority is the enjoyment of the sport and for this reason ‘social rides’ are also organised and are set at the pace of the slowest person. Over the past five years, the men’s cycling team have been unfailing in their victories against Cardiff. This year the women’s team look forward to finally having the opportunity to represent their club at the much-anticipated Varsity event. To any women wanting to join Izzy says “the club has always been very supportive and encouraging to me so to anyone who’s interested, join the Facebook group, ask any questions you have and just come along”.
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THE BATTLE OF TWO BROTHERS Swansea vs Cardiff sibling rivalry by Meryl Hanmer From the ages of four and six, both brothers became infatuated with fencing after watching it whilst they were on holiday in France. Upon returning home, the eldest brother, Luke, joined a local fencing club where his talent for the sport was soon discovered. Two years later, when he too was old enough, Euan followed his brother’s footsteps into the sport. Over the past sixteen years, Luke and Euan have dedicated their time, honed their skills and committed their efforts to the sport they both love. Luke was in the four man cadet GB team, winning the under 17 British nationals title and came 47th in the European cadet circuit. Euan has been as equally successful, being selected at age 15 for both the U17 and U20 GB fencing squads, with which he travelled around Europe to France, Poland and Slovakia for world cup competitions. Their success as individual competitors is undeniably impressive but their success working as a team is just as admirable. Training at Crawley Sword club, they have competed together at country level and for three consecutive years they won the regional team competition for South East England. As children, Luke and Euan were forbidden from fencing one another at club so to “avoid the arguments in the car on the way home”. Now as university students however, they
Varsity is the most eagerly anticipated event of the year for our university sports players, all of whom are training hard to prove themselves against our Cardiff rivals. Yet whilst everyone else awaits a battle with unknown rivals, Euan Deamer, Swansea’s fencing captain awaits competition from his own brother who is the lead foilist fencer for Cardiff University. Euan and Luke Deamer are brothers on opposite sides of the fight during this year’s Varsity competition.
Squaring up to Stanley enjoy frequent training sessions together during the holidays, allowing them the opportunity to help the other and learn from the other in equal measures. It was not until they made it onto the university competition circuit that they first competitively fenced each other. Yet despite the pressure of rivalry neither are in any doubt about the strength of their relationship, confidently stating “every time we finish fencing we’re back to being mates”. Both with years of experience, competitive success and inside knowledge of how the other fences, it is sure to be a close match between the Deamer brothers. In a conservative manner, Cardiff’s
captain Luke says “Euan is a stronger fencer, but because I am older and more experienced I used to beat him, but it has always been tight. Since we’ve been at university however, the gap between us has definitely narrowed. We’re both the strongest foilists in our team so let’s see what happens on the day!” However, it is Swansea’s captain Euan who appears more confident of victory, by saying “I know I have the fitness and technique to beat anyone, it’s all about being mentally together and not overthinking it”. Let’s hope that Euan’s confidence is what brings him to triumph over his brother and secure that all important win for Swansea!
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
VARSITY TIPS
FIRST VARSITY? HERE'S SOME ADVICE FROM STUDENTS
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How to wear your Varsity shirt by Gwen Miles
It's an iconic element of the Welsh Varsity, it’s included in the £28.50 package, it's a symbol of solidarity and support, and it's also hugely unflattering: that's right, the bright green GWA T-Shirt. Every year, we wake up on a Wednesday morning in April, and don our varsity shirts as the pre-drinks kick off. The sizes may be dodgy, and the colour is questionable, but I say this is an opportunity to show off your creativity. Here are some tips on how to customise and coordinate your top for the big day:
Sizing
When it comes to clothing, finding the perfect fit is a hard task at the best of times. If you're one of the last to collect your Varsity package, there's a chance the range of t-shirts may be limited. If you're stuck with a bad fit, try rolling the sleeves up, or cutting it into a crop top. On the other hand, if the top is a bit small, wear an oversized flannel shirt or jacket over it, to mask the problem.
Shape
In my time at Swansea, I've seen some really creative customisations that transform the generic, boxy T-Shirt into a unique statement. Most alterations don't require a great deal of skill either: with only a pair of scissors you could change the neckline, trim the sleeves, or add some patterned cut-outs. More adventurous techniques might include tie-dye or sewing.
Outfits
Of course, the whole look depends on how you complete your outfit. We’re hoping for good weather, which normally means shorts - personally, I think the best colours to complement the top are dark denim or white. You’ll probably find yourself being attacked with face paint and glitter at some point - accept it. Make sure to bring a secure bag to keep your essentials safe: a bumbag or backpack will leave your hands free for cheering on the teams. Finish the look with a cap and sunglasses in the hope that the sun comes out. It's the biggest event of the year for some, so relax, enjoy yourself and go with it, embracing whatever accessory is thrown at you, be it a lei or a raincoat.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
ARE WE READY FOR VARSITY? Find out what the captains have to say The most widely anticipated sporting event of the University calendar is fast approaching, but while the rest of us are preparing for a day of supporting and celebrating, our sports teams are training harder and harder. As the day draws closer, training intensifies, competitors are tested and captains challenged; the burning question we all have though, are they ready? by Meryl Hanmer RIFLE: Glen Dighton How have you been preparing for Varsity? Trials for the Varsity team are usually straightforward and now have a good idea of people's average scores from the winter semester competitions. We have been pushing our top shooters with intensive training days and scrutinising everything from the ground up. Anything that you’re anxious about? There is plenty to be anxious about this year! Cardiff has 2 Great British Shooting members, Welsh national team members and attracts world class coaching. With a bit more training and a bit of luck, we could pull this off! What are your score predictions? It's going to be an uphill struggle this year. With our cold-war era, damaged rifles, we made 6th in the UK. This match is going to be close. I predict that we'll win the novice category and put in a decent score of around 1130 out of 1200 with the seniors. Whether we come out on top or not is something we must wait and see.
CYCLING: Kacper Gorski How have you been preparing for Varsity? Twice a week race training, averaging 24 mph and then another two endurance rides each week. Most riders are aiming to do about 100 mile weeks. Anything that you’re anxious about? We’re racing the new Carmarthen race track on the 18th April, it’s a great facility but we’ve never ridden there before so we will see how the track length affects the event. What are your score predictions? Having won the previous four events we are feeling confident but will still be keeping an eye on certain Cardiff riders, Also, choosing from an eligible batch of forty riders for only fifteen spots is very tough. We’re also fielding for a women’s team for the first time which is a huge step in the right direction.
ARCHERY: Matt Butler How have you been preparing for Varsity? We have been pushed for time prepping for Varsity this year, with so many competitions over the past few weeks. But with those out of the way it is time to start practising some head to heads to give us the best chance of success. Anything that you’re anxious about? I am anxious that we won’t be able to get enough practise in before April. We are shooting a different format at Varsity than to that which we normally shoot, so the more time we put in the better chance we have. What are your score predictions? Hopefully we should be able to come away with a win, though it could be close as some of the archers from Cardiff have been competing very well lately.
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ROWING: Dominic Bright How have you been preparing for Varsity? The four Varsity squads started preparation several weeks ago with intense fitness and selection tests for races. April will see the squads spend a week at training camp to practice the short, explosive format of the side-by-side varsity boat race. In the build-up to the big day, final tactical preparations will be made by each squad hopefully ensuring swift victory on the river Tawe. Anything that you’re anxious about? I’m anxious about defending the title when the slightest mistake by any of the crew members can cost a race. However, I have absolute faith in the squads and the robust training methods used by our fantastic coach, Steven House. What are your score predictions? I fully anticipate us to defend our title
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with an overall victory for Swansea this year. Home water advantage and the knowledge of the river by our coxes gives us a fantastic opportunity to build on last year’s amazing result with a clean sweep of race victories. EQUESTRIAN: Sarah Parry-Wright How have you been preparing for Varsity? We have been training weekly and competing at other universities for the BUCS competitions as well as at our competition yard. Anything that you’re anxious about? I am anxious for everyone to participate fairly, in a sportsmanship manner, have fun and be light hearted. What are your score predictions? Due to the nature of our sport it is very difficult to predict the final scores but I expect that we will beat Cardiff as we have done for the past two years.
FENCING: Euan Deamer How have you been preparing for Varsity? In preparation for Varsity, both myself and Nathan Potter have been going to gym sessions as part of a scholarship programme. In addition, I have been coaching the fencing team, giving lessons on technique etc. Anything that you’re anxious about? Honestly, I am probably a bit anxious about having the expectation of leading from the front in my role as captain. What are your score predictions? My brother is at Cardiff and he will also be fencing in Varsity, it is always close between us. We’ve beaten Cardiff once and they have beaten us once so it should be a close match.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
VARSITY 2017 IN PICTURES
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VARSITY BREAKDOWN THE CUP
THE SHIELD
Historically, Swansea have come out on top when it comes to the Welsh Varsity Cup match. Winning 13, losing 7 and drawing once. With many of their players going on to join semi professional and professional clubs as a result of their performances in the Welsh Varsity. Previous Varsity alumni include Alun Wyn Jones who played for Swansea in 2007, and as you all know, captains the Wales squad...only the best study in Swansea! Here’s a rundown of the past Varsitys. YEAR
VENUE
RESULT
1997
Cardiff Arms Park
Swansea 23 - 11 Cardiff
1998
St. Helens
Swansea 49 - 13 Cardiff
1999
Cardiff Arms Park
Swansea 13 - 7 Cardiff
2000
St. Helens
Swansea 28 - 18 Cardiff
2001
Cardiff Arms Park
Swansea 10 - 10 Cardiff
2002
St. Helens
Cardiff 21 - 3 Swansea
2003
The Brewery Field
Swansea 18 - 12 Cardiff
2004
The Brewery Field
Swansea 25 - 11 Cardiff
2005
The Brewery Field
Swansea 16 - 8 Cardiff
2006
The Brewery Field
Cardiff 15 - 5 Swansea
2007
Cardiff Arms Park
Swansea 18 - 0 Cardiff
2008
Cardiff Arms Park
Cardiff 19 - 9 Swansea
2009
Cardiff Arms Park
Cardiff 9 - 6 Swansea
2010
Liberty Stadium
Swansea 16 - 12 Cardiff
2011
The Millenium Stadium
Swansea 28 - 18 Cardiff
2012
The Millenium Stadium
Cardiff 33 - 33 Swansea
2013
The Millenium Stadium
Swansea 21 - 13 Cardiff
2014
The Millenium Stadium
Swansea 19 - 15 Cardiff
2015
Liberty Stadium
Cardiff 26 - 22 Swansea
2016
Liberty Stadium
Swansea 16 - 10 Cardiff
2017
The Principality Stadium
Cardiff 35 - 15 Swansea
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
It wouldn’t be Varsity without some healthy competition, but 2017’s Varsity saw some drama to say the least, the Welsh Varsity released this statement;
"Following an investigation, it has been discovered that a number of ineligible players were fielded by a Cardiff University team in one of the Varsity Shield competitions. Whilst there is no suggestion that a competitive advantage was being sought, this is not permitted and as a result, the competition has been declared void. This means that Swansea University win the Varsity Shield for the first time in their history with a result of 20-19." Naturally, us here at Swansea were delighted by this news. Possibly more delighted with the ‘scandal’ itself rather than the actual win. Many memes were created thanks to genius. And I’m sure this little mishap will never be mentioned again, and maybe that’s a lie. All in the name of fun of course. But this year, we’re looking to keep the shield here in Swansea, with teams training harder than they ever have in preparation for Varsity. Swansea are hoping for another Shield win, fair and square.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 279 // APRIL 2018
COMPETITIONS PRE WEDS 25TH APRIL EVENT
LOCATION
DATE
TIME
Cycling
Camarthen Velodrome
Weds 18/04/18
12:00
Rowing
River Tawe
Sat 21/04/18
12:00 (dependent on high tide)
Archery
Bay Campus
Sun 22/04/18
10:30
Rifle
Shooting Range
Sun 22/04/18
14:00
Equestrian
Dinefwr
Mon 23/04/18
11:00
Kickboxing
Pavillion
Mon 23/04/18
17:00
Boxing
Refectory
Mon 23/04/18
19:00
SKETTY LANE / SPORTS VILLAGE MAP
Astro 1 Council Pitches
indoor pool
outdoor courts
Infield
sports hall
rugby 1 rugby 2
outdoor track
pavillion
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WEDNESDAY 25TH APRIL COMPETITIONS EVENT
LOCATION
TIME
Triathlon
Maindy Pool & Track
08:00
Athletics
Outdoor Track
09:00
Tae Kwon Do
Pavillion
09:00
Women's Waterpolo
National Pool
09:30
Golf
Pennard
09:30
Badminton
Bay Campus
10:00
Men's Tennis
Outdoor Courts
10:00
Women's Tennis
Outdoor Courts
10:00
Netball
Sports Hall
10:00
Sailing
Tata
10:00
Men's Waterpolo
National Pool
10:30
IMG Football
Sketty Lane - Council Pitch 1
10:30
Women's Hockey
Astro 1
11:00
Women's Ultimate Frisbee
Sketty Lane - Council Pitch 3
11:00
Fresher Rugby
Sketty Lane - Rugby 1
11:00
Men's Squash
Squash Courts
11:00
Men's Lacrosse
Sketty Lane - Council Pitch 2
11:30
Men's Football
Sketty Lane - Track Infield
11:30
Cricket
St Helens
11:30
Women's Volleyball
Bay Campus
12:00
Canoe Polo
National Pool
12:00
Men's Fencing
Pavillion
12:00
American Football
Sketty Lane - Rugby 2
12:00
Men's Ultimate Frisbee
Sketty Lane - Council Pitch 3
12:30
Women's Basketball
Sports Hall
12:30
Men's Hockey
Astro1
13:00
Athletics Relays
Outdoor Track
13:15
Staff Football
Afan Lido FC
13:30
Women's Lacrosse
Sketty Lane - Council Pitch 2
13:30
Women's Rugby
TBC
13:30
Women's Squash
Squash Courts
13:30
Swimming
National Pool
14:00
Women's Football
Sketty Lane - Track Infield
14:00
Men's Basketball
Sports Hall
14:30
Men's Volleyball
Bay Campus
15:00
Staff Netball
LC2
15:00
Women's Fencing
Pavillion
15:00
Men's Rugby
Liberty Stadium
19:00
FAQs
First Varsity? Last Varsity? Here’s the basics everyone needs to know; • When? Wednesday 25th April, 2018. • Where? Most events will be held at Sketty lane or the Liberty Stadium. Some off-campus events will be held on different days at different locations. Check the Varsity timetable on pg.6 for full details. • To get into all the day events of the 25th, you will need your wristband and be wearing your supporters t-shirt. For the game in the Liberty Stadium, you’ll also need your physical paper ticket which you’ll be given in your Varsity package upon collection. Entry will not be permitted without any of the above. • Students are not permitted to take their own alcohol into any of the Varsity venues, but there will be plenty of bars, drinks and food vans available for you to spend your hard earned student loan on.
HELLO FROM YOUR SPORTS OFFICER
WELCOME GREEN & WHITE ARMY On 25th April 2018, over 800 student athletes representing the Green and White army in one of the biggest University Sporting events in the UK, The Welsh Varsity. Our athletes and coaches have worked tirelessly throughout the season to reach this point and so in this issue of Waterfront we celebrate all their hard work.
Gwyn Aled Having previously competed in The Welsh Varsity at Swansea, I personally believe there is no better feeling than playing the sport you love in front of the sea of green supporters, especially when it’s on your home turf. Last year we won the Varsity Shield for the first time ever and that was away in Cardiff. This year we play at home so let’s get behind our teams, show them what the Green and White Army is all about and then together, celebrate another successful year of sport at Swansea
FREE
APRIL 2018
ISSUE 279