STUDENTS are being warned to beware internet hook up sites after a Waterfront investigation found that a website intended for students was being targeted by older men. A Waterfront investigator who signed up to the site shagatuni. com was bombarded by frightening messages from older men. One invited her to attend a gangbang, with transport and accommodation provided and a £500 wage at the end “for the party girl”. Becky Grimes, welfare officer,
STRENGTH WORK: A member of the Pole Fitness Society in training.
said: “Websites promoting casual sex can be dangerous, and can put both men and women in vulnerable positions. The most important question is whether or not you really know who you are talking to on the internet,and whether it’s worth putting yourself at risk of serious danger. “As well as this, if you are going to use these websites, practising safe sex is vital due to not knowing anything about your potential new sexual partner’s sexual history.” •See our full report on page 17
DEAN WON’T LET STAFF ‘TANTRUMS’ STOP HIM by Chris Flynn & Josh Lovell
waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk THE dean of the new School of Management is unrepentant over controversial changes that have angered both staff and students. Prof Nigel Piercy (pictured) says the reforms brought in by himself and his deputy (and son), Prof Niall Piercy, will improve results and help grow the reputation of the school. But teaching staff say the changes have been made without any consultation and that the atmosphere in the school is now “toxic”. Seven staff have handed in their notice since the changes were introduced. In an interview with The Waterfront, Prof Nigel Piercy said there had been “a few tantrums along the way” but that the reforms were necessary because the school had “a lot of catching up to do”.
“We are not doing what we should do to be part of the global scholarly community, either in terms of teaching and global research,” he said. “We need a situation where a graduate sits in front of a potential employer and the employer has heard of the school and knows what it stands for. We want our graduates to stand out from the crowd. “So what we’ve done is we’ve put in seminars and tutorials on all programmes without option, as they have largely disappeared. There is a much bigger emphasis this year on small group teaching and more contact hours. “There is a guarantee that these seminars will be taught by Swansea staff, not by PHD students, that’s a promise to the students.” But some students are unhappy, complaining that they weren’t consulted on the changes made over the summer.
Economics students claim that the changes have devalued their degree with the shortening of the dissertation to a few thousand word essay. One economics student, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “On this dissertation module, they’ve kind of told us funding had been cut for it, so we don’t have a dissertation tutor anymore. There’s just someone
who we see as a group of 20 every five weeks at most? Doesn’t really give us much of a chance to get anything from it. “Also, I went to the open day economics talk with my cousin, and they’ve cut down the economics courses offered. There used to be financial economics, economics BSc, economics BA etc and now they’ve just got economics BSc and PPE. “People are quite concerned whether they are trying to push economics out of the department; which would be odd considering economics is one of the things the university isn’t actually too bad at.” Mr Piercy said: “There was a fair amount of discussion mainly at an informal level with student groups. When you read the things people have said, it is chilling. And many of the things we have done hone in very specifically on those comments. “ Turn to page 2
We meet Gary Numan page 23
Fairy tale desserts
page 26
Photo hunting in London
page 32
page 29
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 03
In need of a beverage? Try cafe where you pay by the minute It’s currently open from 10am-3pm but if it proves a success, opening hours will be extended.
by Chloe Mills
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk YET another addition to the university’s assortment of eateries, 19:20 is Swansea University’s newest café - but with an interesting twist. Customers do not pay per drink but instead by time: 3p a minute for unlimited tea and coffee. This works out to a surprisingly cheap £1.80 an hour. “The concept was inspired by a similar cafe in London,” said 19:20 worker Joe Venencia. “It’s a great place to do work or just catch up with mates.” Located in the former Xtreme Lounge on the first floor of the Union House (opposite the main entrance to Divas), the quirky café has Wi-Fi, ample plugs and comfortable seating. However the biggest attraction has to be the cheap price, which the union hopes will appeal to the student budget. Societies and services officer Jerry Isokariari said: “It’s a really good idea
Chloe’s verdict
Societies and services officer Jerry Isokariari and Welfare Officer Joel Gascoyne at the opening of 19:20 Cafe. and we want to see how it works out. We are the first students’ union to do anything like this. It’s a sociable and non-rowdy environment where people can chill out.” Joe emphasised that 19:20 is a non-alcoholic space, another prong in the university’s attack against the prevalent binge-drinking student
culture. “The university hopes 19:20 will appeal especially to international students who may not drink alcohol,” he said. The café does of course welcome everyone, and students can now enjoy a more unique place to pass the time between lectures.
FRIENDS: Richard Cowie and (inset) Tim Woollcott. The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Byron Lewis presents the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Christine Watson, manager of Discovery, surrounded by volunteers and trustees.
Discovery gets highest honour by Zoe Stabler
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A STUDENT group at Swansea University has been awarded the highest prize that can be given to a charity – the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Each year about 300 students volunteer for Discovery across 25 projects helping older people, children and adults with disabilities, the homeless, people with mental health issues, refugees and asylum seekers. They also take part in practical environmental projects such as gardening and decorating, running a food co-op and cleaning up the beach. In all, about 2,000 people have benefited from Discovery’s work over the past 12 months. Discovery also has a summer programme in Zambia, the Swansea-Siavonga Partnership,
during which students and professionals from both places work together to improve education and health and tackle poverty. Discovery’s manager Christine Watson said: “Discovery is an inspiring organisation that seems to motivate all those who invest in it. I have especially enjoyed working with students from Swansea University over the past 20 years, building on their ideas and enthusiasm as they donate their free time to benefit disadvantaged people here in Swansea and - over the past four years - village women and children living in poverty in Siavonga.” The Discovery charity was established in 1966. Last year it recorded 3,910 volunteer hours in the service of the people of Swansea. For more information about Discovery go to www.swansea.ac.uk/discovery
WITH a quirky retro vibe, 19:20 exemplifies the shabby chic trend and seems something straight out of Pinterest. Almost as if a vintage café popped up in a warehouse overnight, 19:20 has novelty - and the great value is nothing to shake your head at either. The café has a pleasant, quiet environment in which to do work or hang out, and provides a TV, books to swap and newspapers to keep you entertained during the inevitable boring moments. Hopefully the union can source a proper coffee machine and do away with the instant stuff - the tea and biscuits however are perfect, the china cups and saucers adorable, and at the price you pay, I suppose I can deal with the Douwe Egberts. I’ll definitely be returning and you should all check it out too.
Entrepreneurial student events by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IfEL) at Swansea University is organising events to promote entrepreneurship during Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), which will run from 17-21 November. The week will involve offering students plenty of advice on how to be more entrepreneurial and providing support to those interested in starting up their own business. Events on the first day, Monday 17 November are: •Scalextric Business Challenge; 10am-4pm; Café West - Motor racing based business challenge involving fantasy race teams •School of Management Challenge Launch; 10am-noon; Wallace - Launch of student business challenge •College of Arts and Humanities – Enterprise Poster; 1pm-4pm; Café West Poster competition On Tuesday, 18 November Sir Terry Matthews will launch a competition where students are given the opportunity to spend time with him in Canada to see how he does business. That’s in Cafe West from 1pm. For more information about events on other days, check out Twitter @ EntzSwanseaUni and https://www. facebook.com/EntzSwanseaUni
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NEWS I 05
ITV2 Freshers show episode one airs... here’s what we thought by Charlie Trotman waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
RECENTLY ITV2 filmed at Swansea Univeristy for a show called ‘Freshers.’ Many students were sceptical about the filming so here is my take on the first episode: Sex, booze and beans on toast; That was my initial impression of ITV2’s Freshers. The show which depicts students setting off for their first year of uni, where the grades don’t count and so it would surely be rude not to prink (‘pre drink’). From its initial trailer, featuring car alarms, outraged parents and a club soundtrack, I didn’t have high expectations for this show as a positive portrayal of Swansea University students. If you’ve seen Skins or The Inbetweeners, you might feel you’ve already done your revision. Signs about the filming began cropping up around the university in September, just as students were beginning to sign up for their university societies. It could be
The Swansea University students’ being filmed for Freshers’ argued that Freshers puts all students into one society by not showing any students who were less enthralled with drinking games. We were introduced to Michael, a physics student who, when not splitting atoms, is stacking shelves at the supermarket to raise the cash to fund his studies. Michael shows what Freshers offers beyond the Onesies. The show also has some beautiful shots of Swansea University which is bound to attract students to our seaside town.
Even the students that do have a more than a few beers in the shared kitchen eventually show themselves to have a heart. Rugby mad James cares more about his mates’ lack of ID than to carry on drinking down Wind Street, while homesick Amelia eventually finds her way after a few nights out. The students gradually lose their inhibitions and open up, not just down to drink, but also due to a cocktail of nervousness and insecurity that any Swansea student
Zombie Apocalypse hits campus
Students’ Union President Ceinwein Cloney getting prepared for SU-TV’s first short film. by Sophie Wiggins waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk
SU-TV, the students’ union television station, is venturing into their first short film after having a successful first year. The name of the film is going to be undisclosed until the film is finished, however we can tell you it is a short film about a Zombie apocalypse at Swansea University that has been in post prpduction for several month now. Its really exciting to be doing this for the first time, we have a dedicated commitiee and fantastic members and supporters pulling it all together.Shoreline Theatre are acting in the film in collaboration with SU-TV, including Alex Barbosa and Eleri Perkins. Photography Society is also going to take photos of the process so expect a lot of scary photos soon. We also have some Gower College students assisting us with the zombie make up. Set in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, the film follows five friends studying at Swansea
University, and their anger at still having to study in the middle of an epidemic. Although we don’t want to give the story away we can reveal that some of Swansea University’s students’ union full time officers will be taking part in the film and that there’s a twist at the end. We have all the fake blood and props and cast and crew ready. Filming starts on Wednesday November 3 and continues on Sunday, November 9 when we will be releasing fake blood stained students around the university. Just to give you a taster to the kind of short film we will be doing here are a few lines from the script. “The world is a cruel place. These streets are nothing; all we have are the memories of what once was. I don’t know how I feel anymore, or if we can even call this a world anymore. World stands for the bearer of life, the body which sustains humanity and its life forms. Is this living? The world is a cruel place.” If you would like to get involved there’s still time. Please email manager@su-tv.co.uk.
who’s ever stood in a nightclub queue will recognize. Here are what some other Swansea university students think of the first episode. Hilary Webb: “The show was much tamer than I expected, but maybe that’s just because it was the first episode. Honestly it made us look a little lame and awkward, no one sits in Tooters and we know how to pour a beer correctly!” Craig Hadley: James is probably my favourite so far, top marks for trying his luck with Ceinwen on his first day and for looking after his housemates when they forgot their ID. Laura Fiteni: It was a little tamer than I was expecting to be honest I thought it was going to be scandalous! Some comments such as the dude who said its normal to see naked people on the side of the street were a bit outrageous though. I’ve never seen any naked people casually chilling thank God! Michael Legg: I think it was interesting to see it from an outside perspective as opposed to going through it myself.
What would you change? by Andrea Thomas
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA Students’ Union has launched a campaign called “If You Could Change One Thing”, which seeks to find out what students would change about the university. The aim of the campaign is to prove to students that, through the union, they can make a difference and initiate change. Some of the responses so far include requests for water fountains around the campus and better provision for cyclists on campus. Although these aren’t massive changes they have already been discussed and the water fountain issue, in particular, is being addressed with the Estates department to make this change a reality. The union is working with various university departments to make sure student suggestions are heard. •Students still have the opportunity to get involved in the campaign via the union website and there will also be an “If You Could Change One Thing” forum taking place on Tuesday 4th November at 1pm in the Hive.
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THE NEW ADVENTURE HAS LANDED
29/10/2014 10:54
08 I NEWS
thewaterfront 3.11.14
WELSH Pryderion yn codi wrth geisio
llenwi rôl y Swyddog Cymraeg by Emma James
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk WRTH i blwyddyn addysgol newydd dechrau yn Prifysgol Abertawe, mae nifer yn cwestiynu pam nad ydy’r rôl y swyddog Cymraeg cael ei gyflawni. Dros y ddwy mlynedd ddiwethaf, nid oedd unrhyw myfyrwyr y brifysgol wedi rhedeg yn yr etholiad i geisio cymryd dros y rôl. Dywedodd y cyn swyddog Gymraeg Lewys Arôn: “Mae’r ffaith nad oedd unigolyn wedi rhedeg yn y ddwy etholiad diwethaf yn rheswm glir dros ddiwygio’r swyddogaeth.” Gan fod y swydd mor bwysig, bydd mwy o hyder ymysg unigolion i ymgeisio dros y rôl os oedd y swydd yn amser llawn. Pwysleisiodd Lewys: “Rwyf wedi datgan yn glir yr angen i gyflwyno’r rôl o swyddog iaith fel swyddog llawn amser yn enwedig ystyried ein hymrwymiadau i’r gyfraith a’r siartr iaith.” Mae’r rôl y swyddog Gymraeg o fewn y prifysgol yn un bwysig iawn oherwydd mae’n rhaid iddyn nhw sicrhau fod cyfartaledd ymysg y myfyrwyr sydd yn siarad Cymraeg gyda’r rhai sydd yn siarad Saesneg. Yn ei gyfnod yn y swydd, wnaeth Lewys Arôn cyflawni nifer o bethau gan gynnwys newid logo y brifysgol o
Cymru am byth. Image: Sarah Joy ‘SU’ i ‘U’ er mwyn dangos cyfartaledd rhwng y ddwy iaith. Felly, mae’r ‘U’ nawr yn sefyll dros ‘union’ yn Saesneg ac ‘undeb’ yn y Gymraeg. Ychwanegodd Mr Arôn: “Bues i hefyd yn gwario llawer iawn o fy amser yn helpu trefnu yr Eisteddfod Rhynggolegol a oedd yn llwyddiant esgubol.” Wrth ystyried y faint o waith sydd yn rhaid gwneud yn y swydd, does dim syndod fod rhai yn awgrymu y ddylai fod yn swydd llawn amser. Nid oes rhaid i’r swyddog Gymraeg siarad y iaith Cymraeg yn ardderchog,
dim ond fod brwdfrydedd ganddo nhw i hybu y iaith. Awgrymodd Mr Arôn: “Nid eich sgiliau iaith sy’n bwysig, yn hytrach eich brwdfrydedd tuag at sicrhau chwarae teg i’r iaith sy’n bwysig.” “Byddwn yn awyddus iawn i siaradwr ail iaith ymgeisio ar gyfer y swyddogaeth. Yn sicr, mae’n rhesymol i ofyn bod myfyrwyr sy’n ymgeisio am y swydd gyda’r gallu i gyfarthrebu yn sylfaenol yn y Gymraeg.” Nid diffyg diddordeb yn y swydd yw’r rheswm nad ydy’r myfyrwyr yn neidio at y gyfle i gymryd dros y swydd.
Dywedodd Laura Fisher, myfyrwyr trydydd blwyddyn sydd yn astudio yr iaith Gymraeg: “Credaf fod rôl y swyddog Gymraeg yn arwyddocaol er mwyn hyrwyddo defnydd o’r iaith.” “Efallai nad yw unrhyw un wedi trio am y swydd oherwydd diffyg hyder ymysg myfyrwyr Cymraeg, neu gall pwysau gwaith academaidd fod yn rheswm arall.” Mae nifer yn dadlau nad ydy undeb y prifysgol yn wneud unrhywbeth i hysbysebu’r swydd ac dyna yw y rheswm pam nad oes llawer o bobl yn ymgeisio i fod yn y swyddog Cymraeg. Dywedodd Lewys Arôn, 21 mlwydd oed: “Dydw i ddim yn credu fod yr undeb yn gwneud digon i hybu’r etholiadau” sydd yn dewis pwy sydd yn cymryd y swydd rhan amser. Gwthiodd y pwynt fod diffyg diddordeb gan yr undeb i ymgysylltu gyda’r myfyrwyr sydd yn siarad Cymraeg , nid y ffaith bod diffyg diddordeb gan y myfyrwyr. Wnaeth Miss Fisher, 20, cytuno gyda Lewys gan ddweud: “Efallai byddai’n syniad i hysbysebu’r swydd yn fwy effeithiol i sicrhau bod myfyrwyr Cymraeg yn ymwybodol ohoni.” Os hoffech wybod mwy am y swyddogaeth o Swyddog Materion Cymraeg neu os mae ganddoch unrhyw sylw ynglŷn a’r mater e-bostiwch: waterfrontnews@ swansea-union.co.uk
ENGLISH Why have we failed to fill
the role of Welsh Affairs Officer? by Emma James
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk AS the new academic year unrolls at Swansea University, questions have been raised about why the role of the Welsh Officer has failed to be filled as the union waits to receive one application for the position of Welsh Officer in the last two years. Previous Welsh Officer, Lewys Arôn said: “The fact that no-one has run for the position in the past two elections makes the case of amending the position even more compelling.” Many students have stressed that the role should be a full time job because holds such an important role within the university. Lewys said: “I’ve made it clear that we need to introduce a full-time Welsh language officer position especially considering our legal obligations to comply with the Welsh language Charter.” The Welsh Affairs officer role is very important within the university because one of its objectives is to
Lewys Arôn, former Welsh Affairs Officer. ensure that there is equality between the Welsh and English speakers. During Lewys’office, his commitment led to many achievements including changing the university’s logo from ‘SU’ to ‘U’ in order to have equality between the two languages. The ‘U’ now stands for ‘union’ in English and ‘undeb’ in Welsh. Lewys added: “I also spent much of my own time helping organise the inter-collegiate Eisteddfod which was
a resounding success.” By taking into consideration the amount of work fulfilling this role demands, it’s no surprise that some are suggesting making it a full time job. The individual that takes over the role of Welsh officer does not need to have excellent Welsh language skills. They do, however, need to make sure that they have enough enthusiasm to promote the language. Lewys said: “It is not language skills that are important, it is the individual’s enthusiasm to ensure the language gets the time it deserves .” “I would be very happy for a second language speaker to apply for the role as long as they are enthusiastic. Of course, it is reasonable to ask that the candidate has the ability to communicate to a reasonable degree in Welsh.” It is not the fact that there is a lack of interest in the role that has prevented individuals from jumping at the chance to take the job. Laura Fisher, studying Welsh language in her third year said: “I
believe the role of the Welsh officer is of significance as it promotes the use of the Welsh language.” “Perhaps no-one has applied for the job because there is a lack of confidence among the Welsh students, or another reason could possibly be the academic pressures the students have on them already.” Lewys Arôn, 21 years old, said: “I don’t believe the union does enough to promote the elections which decide which candidate will take over the part time role. He pushed the point that there is a lack of interest by the union itself rather than a disinterest among the students. Miss Fisher, 20, agreed with Mr Arôn by saying: “Perhaps it would be an idea to promote the role more effectively to ensure that more students know [about the role].” If you would like to know anymore about the Welsh Affairs Officer or have any views you would like to share reagrding this issue please email waterfrontnews@swanseaunion.co.uk
Debaters off to a good start by Sophie Wiggins
waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University Debating Society are having a lot of exciting events this term. On October 18 the society went to Bath Novices tournament with three teams. All three Swansea University debating teams came into the top ten and one team made it to the final. Despite coming fourth in the final over all this is an impressive achievement for a team that has not debated at a university level before. The team was Josh Taylor, an MSC in Computer Science student and Rhys Jones, a first year Geography student. The speakers tab at the tournament also had success for Swansea University when Tara Murphy first year Philosophy, Politics and Economics student came 3rd. The society also hosted the Welsh National Novice competition on November 1st which is the largest novice tournament in Wales. It was an event exclusive to new debaters to give them a chance to debate without being intimidated by those more experienced. The team that participated consisted of, Aberyswyth, Cardiff and USW University and we will give you the results in the next issues of The Waterfront. The society are also planning to compete in three more competitions this term. These include competitions at Bristol, the Welsh Nationals and Birmingham. Swansea University Debating Society president Georgia Turner said: “Basically in this term we are going to more competitions than we have than the whole of last year (2013-2014) and we are off to a flying start! I am very proud of all our novice debaters this year, both those who have already gone to Bath Novices and those who plan on representing Swansea at the Welsh Novice Tournament. “I am ecstatic to have such high quality debaters representing both our society and union. I cannot wait to see what else the year will bring.” Bath Novices 2014: Top Ten Team: Rhys Jones & Josh Taylor (4th) - broke to final Bethan Nankivell & Marcus Lea (7th) Tara Murphy & Rowan McDonald (8th) Top Ten Speakers: Tara Murphy : 3rd Rhys Jones : 8th
Tara Murphy, who came third in the Bath Novice tournament.
NEWS I 09
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Society puts photography skills in the frame THIS week we are showcasing the work of the Photographic Society. “We are a large, friendly and creative group of students who run a wide range of fun and educational photography experiences,” said president Sam Pendlebury. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner or have years of experience – we cater for all photographers. We have a very wide range of equipment that can be used during any of our sessions and is even available to be lent out to our members. “We meet up roughly once a week for all sorts of different activities, lessons and socials. During the year we will cover macro photography, long-exposure, light painting, landscape, portraiture and more, all the while teaching our members how to use different cameras to their full potential. We also have a dark room that
our members have access to and we will be running a session on film photography this term. We have lots of fun socials (organised by our fantastic social secretary Kah Wai Chiew) including: beach barbecues, nights out, meals, visits to other beautiful parts of Wales, and even trips to London. “Our competitions manager Tom Fairchild runs a variety of competitions throughout the year that our society members can participate in for the chance to win fantastic prizes and opportunities to showcase their photographs.” For any questions on the current competition running email: swanseaphotocomp@gmail.com. If you have any queries or questions regarding the society please contact the president (Samantha Pendlebury) or Secretary (Tisha West) on photography@ swansea-union.co.uk
Photo by Gary Kam, from a light painting session.
A photo taken by current president, Sam Pendlebury, of some of the Photographic Society members on a trip to London last year. They are (from the bottom up) Ellie Hall, Chris Monkhouse, Tom Fairchild and Sarah Smith.
A photo of Sam Pendlebury that was taken by Mayyamin Alabri on a session on how to take portrait photographs.
A photo taken on our trip to London, by last year’s president Emily Peters, of a girl feeding a pigeon sitting on the edge of a fountain.
A photo taken by Emily Peters in a session teaching people how to take “freeze frame” shots.
A photo of previous member Tamsin Page, demonstrating the ability to outline a person with light.
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Just another day in Swansea >> 23
Image: Gretchen Kessler
3 November 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
societies 25
careers 24
relationships 23
creative 22
film 21
music 19
culture 18
fashion 16-17
front row 15
features 12-13
L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a s t u d e n t s
front!
3 November 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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with hilary webb
features
Local heroes: Swansea University Charlotte Barnfather and Niamh Ollerton commemorate Remembrance Day by taking a look at Swansea University’s role in World War Two and memorial events.
T
HE build up to Remembrance service at the Welsh National War Day, when we don our Memorial in Cardiff. poppies to remember fallen As this is a special year in the soldiers, is always a special and memory of the World Wars, we emotional time of year. are marking our own university’s This year, the centenary of the involvement. Preliminary measures outbreak of World War One, is even were taken to train students during more special. World War Two; a unit of the Lord On Tuesday 11th November and Defense Volunteers – later known Remembrance Sunday the country as the Home Guard – was set up will fall silent to honour those who at the college. An Air Training gave their lives for the freedom we Squadron, too, was established enjoy today. under the professional control of At Swansea University this year’s Wing Commander W.C. Mitchell. remembrance commemoration By 1942 it became a requirement will be attended by hundreds of that most male students of students at 11am on the Fulton military age had to belong to one House Lawn. The university will organisation. hold a minute’s silence, paying After the February Blitz, the respect to our fallen servicemen university Dawn Magazine, in May and women. 1941 wrote It is organised of one man’s Students’ bravery brought bravery: “Mr. by the Royal British Legion to life in university’s Dawn Harry Holland and the was injured Magazine in 1941 Students’ during the Feb Union to ensure that people will “blitz” when an incendiary bomb remember those who died in which he was tackling exploded.” World War One and later conflicts. At home and on active duty, Once the ceremony has ended, the students of Swansea were the Universities Royal Navy Unit persevering and protecting. (URNU) will be marching to the war It was not only students who left memorial by the beach and laying for war but also faculty members: a wreath. “Leave of absence for the duration For the URNU, the only navy unit of the war” was the official note of its kind in Wales, the period on several members of the staff. around Remembrance Day is a Luckily, no members of staff very busy one. The Navy Unit will at Swansea University died in be attending parades both in World War Two, yet not all went Bridgend and Aberystwyth. back to teaching after they had Sammi Munson, head of the witnessed the horrors of the war. URNU, said: “We are the only naval Unfortunately there was representatives in attendance and loss of life within the ranks usually lead the parade.” of Swansea alumni, some of A credit to Swansea University, whom died on active service. A these students will also be commemoration plaque in Fulton attending another parade in a House will honour their memory.
The URNU march in last year’s Remembrance Day events.
The Cenotaph, Swansea
Professor Edward George ‘Taffy’ Bowen, the Swansea graduate who changed the game for radar technology in WW2
T
HE physics department at Swansea University was just the beginning for many students who have gone on to achieve great international success. One of them was Edward George Bowen who graduated from Swansea in 1930 and who played an incredibly important role in the development of radar. Bowen was part of the first team to use radar in order to detect aircraft. He then continued his research and developed airborne radar systems, which could detect ships, submarines and aircraft. Through his work, he played a major role in World War Two defending Britain from air and naval attacks; he had a huge direct impact on the outcome of the Battle of the Atlantic. For all his success and achievements Bowen was awarded with an OBE in 1941 and was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1975. To this day Bowen is regarded as one of the greatest physicians of the 20th century and Swansea University is proud to have been part of his academic career and the beginning of his Professor Edward George Bowen 1911 - 1991. great success.
students in two World Wars Y
OU may have noticed, as you’ve walked through Fulton House, that there is a metal plaque, roughly a metre square, fixed to the wall opposite the supermarket, writes Professor Rhys Williams. This lists the names of the 28 people who were students of Swansea University (University College of Wales Swansea, as it was then) and who were killed in World War II. The plaque used to be on the wall opposite – a wall now replaced by the glass side of the supermarket. It was taken down during the Fulton House renovations, kept safe in the Richard Burton University Archives and has recently been re-sited where it now hangs. It will be re-dedicated, in memory of these 28 people, in a ceremony to take place during the morning of Remembrance Day, Tuesday, 11th November. I have a personal interest in this plaque since the second name that’s listed Reginald O Clee - was my father’s best friend in school. Even though Reg went missing, presumed drowned, almost exactly four years before I was born, I grew up hearing about him as his name was often mentioned. My dad, Ronald (who also studied for his degree at Swansea), and he went to Gowerton Grammar School. Reg’s father was the headmaster of Pontlliw Junior School at the time and there is a stainedglass window there in memory of him and three former pupils of the school all of whom died in World War II. Reg joined the RAF straight after
achieving his University of Wales degree in 1940. He got his “wings” in July, 1942 (see picture) and later became a pilot of the innovative Mosquito aircraft. He and his aircraft – HK 436 - went down in the Mediterranean, some miles north of Corsica, on 27th July, 1944. The body of his navigator, Flight Officer WH Hoskins, was recovered but his was never found. Of the other 27 people named on the plaque, a further six spent the war flying, either in the RAF or the Fleet Air Arm. Of these, four – Lewis Jones, Sealand Jones, Lynn Peters and Andrew Sims – were killed in flying accidents, rather than in combat. Being trained as a flyer or simply just flying, even without the presence of the enemy, must have been a hazardous experience at that time. One of the 28, Peter Griffiths, was killed by a “flying bomb” – the V1 missile, first of the “Revenge weapons” – in London in 1944. Arthur Hooper died in a prisoner of war camp in the Far East. Ieuan Morgan, perhaps most poignantly of all, was killed a matter of weeks before the war ended in 1945. The ages at death of these 28 people range from 19 to 35 years. Most were in their 20s. The university records
Reg Clee, one of the soliders remembered on the plaque. suggest that 10 of them joined up before completing their degrees. Whatever you think of wars, and of the World War II in particular, it’s desperately sad that these people were caught up in that conflict and died at ages very similar to those of most of the people walking along that corridor today.
Remembering the fallen: the roll of honour
Rhys Williams next to the War Memorial in Fulton House, located opposite CostCutter. THE re-dedication ceremony of the memorial plaque will be conducted by the University Chaplain, Rev Nigel John, in the west corridor of Fulton Houseat 10.45am on Remembrance Day, 11 November. Those who died were: William Clayton (entered college in 1929) - killed on active service with RAF, June 9th 1942; Reginald Owen Clee (1937) - killed on active service with
RAF; David Ivor Evans (1935) deceased (active service); Merfyn Daniel Evans (1929) - killed on active service with the RAF, June 9th 1942; Peter Griffiths (1941) - killed in London by flying bomb 1944; William Leonard Henley (1941) - killed on active service February, 1945; Arthur William Gilbert Hooper (1931) - died while
POW with Japanese; Desmond Jenner (1940) killed on active service, 1943; Lewis Wyndham Jones (1939) - killed on active service with RAF (flying accident, May 15th 1943); Sealand David Jones (1934) killed in flying accident - RAF, March 1942; Ernest Philip Lewis (1933) - shot and died at Danzig, August 8th 1944; Ieuan Anthony Morgan (1939) - killed on active service May 17th 1945; Dillwyn Lloyd Nicholas (1931) - killed on active service, September 9th 1942; John Mortimer O’Sullivan (1941) - killed whilst on flying duties on active service; Lynn Haydn Peters (1939) - died as a result of a flying accident – Fleet Air Arm – May 31st 1943; Jacob Phillips (1934) - killed in action, July 1943; William John Richards (1933) - killed in action 1940; Andrew Edward Sims (1941) -
killed in a flying accident; Samuel Arthur Raymond Tanner (1929) - killed on active service; Emrys Thomas (1937) – deceased; Herbert William Thomas (1935) - gunner anti-aircraft battery - killed in a raid at Plymouth; William David Ronald Walters (1937) - killed in action July, 1943; Thomas Henry Wheel (1934) - killed in action 16th September 1944; Arthur Whitten-Brown (1939) – deceased; Donald George Williams (1939) - killed as a result of an accident 1945 while on active service; John Dillwyn Williams (1927) - killed through enemy action August 1944; Leonard Williams (1936) - killed on active service in Army 23rd July 1944; Sam Woodrow (1940) – killed, enemy action 19th February 1941.
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Magical, mystical evening It was a chilly evening in October that members of the Swansea University Hogwarts Society gathered together to celebrate all things magical and mystical in honour of a ghost, writes Mo Comfort. They were inspired by Sir Nicholas De Mimsy Porpington’s (Nearly Headless Nick to those who don’t know) Deathday Party. The night was filled with games inspired by childhood and those traditionally played at Halloween, with competitive apple bobbing and musical statues featuring in the line-up with a prize of house points for best statue going to a joint statue performed by a Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff duo. There was also the variant party game of Pin The Nose On The Voldemort, which ended in some rather interesting positions for a nose. However the most important part of the evening was the annual Hogwarts Society’s Triwizard Tournament. The Goblet of Fire stood in the centre of the room where people could place their names if they believed themselves to be worthy enough to take on the Tasks we will set them. Name upon name piled into the Goblet throughout the evening and each and every person has been on tenterhooks for the past two weeks as the committee have been deliberating. At the time of writing the champions are not known so I cannot unfortunately put any names to print but from the names we have had it looks as though this year’s Triwizard Tournament is going to be closely fought between very, very strong champions. One of the other responsibilities of being picked as champion, on top of the three obligatory tasks, is that we request the champions learn how to dance a Viennese Waltz routine (choreographed by the Dance Society’s Ballroom and Latin teacher) to perform a champion’s waltz at our annual Yule Ball. Last year our Yule Ball played host to many with an evening of food and entertainment, courtesy of Dance, Shoreline and Live Music societies as well as the special guests visiting from Cardiff’s Harry Potter Society. This year we hope our Yule Ball on Friday 12 December is going to be bigger and better with contributions from more societies and even more universities. The Deathday Party is the start of this. The Triwizard Tasks gain the champions points towards their particular house as did the few games at the Deathday Party. One of the games that was absolutely fantastic to watch was the mummification game. It is played thus; split people into groups and then pick one person from each group, then give the groups an equal amount of toilet roll and then let the wrapping commence. The first house to completely wrap their person won points for their house, and on this occasion it was the Ravenclaws and I have a sneaking suspicion that their champion was quite heavily involved in this game, and what a champion he will be.
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The Lighthouse Project Present: Mark Jenkyns Sin City, 8 November
Sin City, 15 November
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Shogun Audio head honcho and BBC Radio 1 & 1Extra DJ Friction is Sink Swansea’s next guest. He’ll be joined by P.Money – the South London-bred Grime and Dubstep MC. Tickets are £5 in advance from www.swansea-union.co.uk.
P.Money (above) and Friction (below).
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Hot on the heels of their latest show, the Lighthouse Project return with another member of Jamie Jones and Lee Foss’ Hot Creations crew – Mark Jenkyns. If their sell-out show with fellow crew member Patrick Topping is anything to go by, this one is sure to be another big night for House music at Sin City. Hailing from the North East, former steel engineer Jenkyns’ first Ibiza season back in 2003 took him from the mill all the way to the dance floors he so regularly fills today. A purveyor of his own sound and a keen remixer, Jenkyns’ deep, rolling basslines resonate alongside infectious vocal lines. With releases on both Hot Creations and Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels imprint, it’s safe to say that Jenkyns has made his mark on the modern scene. Notable remixes include an edit of a Him Self Her track – the LHP’s very first guests at Sin City. A visit to Jenkyns’ soundcloud is highly recommended in anticipation of the show. Advanced tickets are available at £6, definitely advisable as it’ll be more on the door. Grab yours now from Sin City’s brand new website: www.sincityclub.co.uk
Sink Swansea Presents: Friction & P.Money
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Mark Jenkyns is at Sin City.
Beer Pong Society & Tight Tuesday Divas, Tuesday nights
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Divas is the home of both the Beer Pong Society and a newly launched night on campus – Tight Tuesday. Every Tuesday from 7pm the Beer Pong Society host games until the opening of Tight Tuesday, which starts at 9pm. Both combine to give you even more selection on a Tuesday night, proving that a Tuesday is no longer the quietest night of the week. Beer Pong’s weekly meets are the perfect chance to hone your skills before entering one of the society’s monthly competitions. Tight Tuesdays is campus’ only Hip-Hop, R&B and Urban night with party music from across the spectrum. Expect the best Hip-Hop & R&B from the 90s and 00s, as well as the addition of genres like Dancehall, Reggae, Bashment and Garage. Societies and groups interested in holding socials and parties should drop a message on the Night’s Facebook page – facebook. com/TATSwansea You can also find a selection of their favourite tunes on Spotify. Just search Tight Tuesday’s Tight Tunes.
Sink Presents: B.Traits & Jakwob Wind Street, Wednesdays
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Another Wednesday of sport is followed by another Play On session. As usual we head to Swansea’s famous Wind Street, to celebrate the day’s victories and commiserate the day’s losses as the Green and White army. Get a wristband from your team’s social secretaries for entry into Snow Lodge, Peppermint, Idols and Fiction, or alternatively grab one from the door at Peppermint. Platinum band holders must also go to Peppermint to pick up the wristband for the night.
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fashion
Everyone’s Wearing... Ripped Jeans The ripped jean is storming this season’s fashion statement, writes Crystal Rose. Retail brands everywhere are releasing their own take on the trendy boyfriend jeans. Wear them with a crop top or crop knitted jumper and paired with converse or brown boots to create a wintry seasonal look. Topshop, River Island, Asos and Very’s version on the ripped jean are the ones that I am in love with. Personally, after having bought a pair from River Island, I just can’t stop wearing them! Grab yourself some and fold up your old skinny jeans in the drawer and try something new. You won’t regret it!
Best Buy Boots Boots are an essential part of any wardrobe – whether they’re high-heeled, flat, ankle or knee high, we all have our favourites. However, they can sometimes make a sizeable dent in our bank accounts. Not any more! You can get some amazing boots, whatever your style, on the high street for prices less than you would spend on an average Wednesday night. Or, if you are one of the lucky ones who has money left to spend, then there are some gorgeous pairs out there that are worth every penny. Here are a few of the best buys out at the moment for those on a budget as well as those of you who fancy a splurge, writes Vicky Atlay.
TOPSHOP’S BURGUNDY ANNEX CHELSEA BOOTS, £62 From Kate Moss to Alexa Chung, the classic Chelsea boot is in every fashionista’s wardrobe. This season, why not try Topshop’s patterned burgundy Chelsea boots, for a new twist on an old favourite?
These boots are perfect with your woolly jumpers this winter but would still look great with your denim jacket next spring – the perfect investment!
Pair these with skinny jeans or a shift dress, it doesn’t really matter because at only £18 these boots are the ultimate bargain.
PRIMARK’S BLACK SLOUCHY HEELED BOOTS, £18
Perfect for taking any daytime look into night time and the embellished heel can brighten up those dark winter nights.
NEW LOOK’S BLACK EMBELLISHED HEELED BOOTS, £39.99
OFFICE’S BROWN BROGUE ANKLE BOOTS, £72
NAKED 3 PALETTE DUPE Hi readers, I’m Joanne Griffiths, this is my first article for the Waterfront newspaper so I thought that for my first contribution to the magazine I would talk about something very on trend right now; Urban Decay Naked Palettes. I was lucky enough to have had both Naked and Naked 2 by Urban Decay and I love all the tones of these two Palettes, which are mainly neutral, nude and shimmery colours. I wear either of these palettes daily and find that they are great for mix and matching, and will complement any outfit. However, the Naked 3 pallette is something I have never considered purchasing since I wasn’t overly keen on the mainly pink-based colours it has to offer, but on finding a dupe in the local Superdrug with a price tag of only £4 (and only £3.60 with an NUS card) I just had to treat myself to it! The pallete is called Redemption Palette Iconic 3’ and is by Superdrug’s own brand, Revolution. It is the ‘perfect mix of pearl, shimmer and matte shades’ as advertised on the website and I completely agree. I found the pigment of this palette to be strong and didn’t find that the colours creased at all, so I imagine if you used this product with an eyelid primer it would last all day with little sign of wear. This definitely means it can compete with the authentic Naked palettes on quality and with the authentic palettes being priced at £37 I think we can all scrimp a little on quality for a £33 price difference! As you can see from the photos of both the dupe (on the right) and authentic palette (top left) these two palettes contain the same basic colours with the only noticeable difference being the packaging of each product and the quality of the brush included.
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for £5 By Jessica Summers
Rent, new stationery, society fees, nights out – we’re all strapped for cash, and barely surviving on Tesco Value beans on toast, but this shouldn’t mean that we can’t treat ourselves now and then. Below are my five for £5. Five good quality products that will not only make you look amazing, they won’t leave you searching down the sofa for spare change!
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Maybelline Brow Drama Sculping Mascara, £4.99 Boots
Want your eyebrows to look like Cara Delevingne’s without the excessive price tag? This Maybelline brow mascara has a small ball brush that leaves no streaks and clumps, making your eyebrows look natural, yet defined.
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Collection 2000 Volume Sensation Lipstick, £2.99 Boots
Wearing red lipstick is the ultimate way to make a statement this autumn. By keeping your skin flawless, applying minimal eye make-up, and a dash of Collection 2000’s ‘Cherry Pop’, you’ll be overwhelmed by the amount of compliments you’ll receive. This lipstick has moisturising qualities too, so the bitter Swansea wind won’t dry out your lips (result!).
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Barry M Gelly High Shine Nail Paint, £3.99 Boots
Every girl loves nail varnish, especially Barry M’s affordable nail varnish collection. ‘Mustard’ is the experimental colour to try and love this season.
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Collection 2000 Eyeliner in Black, £2.99 Superdrug
The pink tones in this palette are perfect for all skin tones and especially suited to the upcoming winter and paler skin that this season brings. So I hope that for such a small price tag you can all treat yourself to one of these dupes before everyone gets word of them and they fly off the shelves as quickly as they are stocked. At such a low price tag you can afford to experiment and be brave with them and in addition would make a cheap little Christmas prezzie for secret Santa and stocking fillers too.
Looking forward to seeing you and your dolled up eyes around campus this autumn and winter. Joanne Griffiths
Would you like to write about fashion? We are looking for contributors to join our team, so please get in touch at waterfrontfashion@swanseaunion.co.uk
Perfect for everyday use or for creating the cat eye flick, this Collection 2000 eyeliner is excellent value for money, and an amazing, and more importantly, inexpensive product for just £2.99. This product has been a must-have in my make-up for years.
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Barry M Showgirl Extra Volumising Mascara, £4.99 Boots
Barry M’s Showgirl mascara is the ultimate product to buy and use to create the desired false-lash effect. Ideal for nights out with the girls, the large thick applicator brush makes this product quick and easy to apply. So whether you want a new lipstick, or just fancy trying a different shade of nail varnish, rest assured, you can spoil yourself this week without breaking the bank.
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culture
Outstanding performance brings man/monster to startling life T
HIS Halloween an extraordinary performance was shown at The Taliesin Arts Centre. The National Theatre Live production of Frankenstein was brought back to the big screens for the second year running due to high audience demands and outstanding reviews, writes Lowri Jones. Frankenstein was first performed at The National Theatre of London in 2011 and has since been brought to cinemas all over the country for the last three years. The play was directed by Academy Award Winner Johnny Boyle (Trainspotting, Olympic 2012 Opening Ceremony) and performed by actors Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek: Into Darkness, Sherlock) and Danny Lee
Miller (Trainspotting, Elementary) who alternate the roles of Frankenstein and the Creature. Danny Boyle’s production begins with the crucial beginning of the birth of the creature; an event that Mary Shelley is rather vague in her novel, Danny Boyle sets the stage as a pulsing, reverberating womb where the creature is inside throbbing to be born. Once the creature bursts through the womb you watch mesmerised as he attempts to take his first steps and his fascination of his surroundings. The biggest strength of this production is through the incredible talents of its actors, Danny Lee Miller as the monster gives a powerful, menacing presence
of a creature that has been unjustly abandoned by his creator. Benedict Cumberbatch’s creature on the other hand causes the audience to empathise with the monster through his eloquent speech and his desire for acceptance in a world that has harshly cast him out. On the whole Cumberbatch is perhaps better suited for the role of the creature, his performance is simply extraordinary and is more closely related to the creature that Mary Shelley may have imagined when writing Frankenstein. The transformation of the creature from stumbling, feeble infant to a dominant, articulate man is astounding through Cumberbatch’s physical and spoken performance.
Review: Jazzart’s Biko’s Quest THE ‘Biko’s Quest’ performance by the Jazzart Dance Theatre was beyond words. It was a truly fantastic and, quite possibly, the most original performance I have ever seen, writes Emma James. This show was the finale of the Afrovibes Festival which celebrated 20 years of Democracy in South Africa. The performance showed, through the movement of dance, the life and death of Stephen Biko, who was killed in police custody during the apartheid period in South Africa. Not only did they reflect on Biko’s life and death but also what he stood for and what he died fighting for. As an activist against apartheid he had strong beliefs of liberation and black emancipation. This portrayal and remembrance of Biko’s principles was done wonderfully by interpreting violence through the medium of dance and singing, while narrated by a school girl. The fact that the play was narrated by a school girl was a clever choice, showing that they were learning about their past and Biko’s key life moments rather than
The Taliesin Arts Centre on campus offers a limited number of tickets at £3 for all of their live shows. Live streams from various London and other theatres are priced at £5 for students. All cinema tickets are £5.30 for students. Take your student ID to get the discount. LIVE Friday 7 November 7.30pm Dios Menguante (Shrinking God) – a Barcelona dance company Tuesday 18 November 4.30pm Number 5 Cwmdonkin Drive by Dr Liz Wride - a free event FILM Monday 3 November Joe (15) Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Gary Poulter Tuesday 4 November Deaux Jours, Une Nuit / Two Days One Night (15) Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione, Pili Groyne
pointing a finger to blame anyone for his death. You could feel the change in atmosphere within the room through the musical changes throughout the play, and by the various ways they moved on stage. It created a very emotional ambience. We were very lucky to have had them
perform for one night only, not just in Swansea but in the Taliesin, as the show has proved to be very popular indeed. Not only was the performance great, but the atmosphere before the show within the Taliesin was extraordinary. They went above and beyond to create the ‘festival’ vibe for the audience to enjoy.
Firework display at St Helens SWANSEA’S firework display is back and better than ever, writes Emma James. Over the past few years, students of Swansea have enjoyed gathering at St Helens Ground to watch a fantastic firework display. This year on Wednesday, 5 November, Heart FM Radio will be entertaining the crowds with their lively music to get
Student offers at the Taliesin
everyone in the spirit of the night. Bars and Melody, this years Britain’s Got Talent finalists, will be headlining the event. Gates open at 5:30pm and the display will begin at 6pm. Tickets are £5. For more information visit: Swansea.gov.uk
Wednesday 5 / Thursday 6 November Before I Go to Sleep (15) Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong, Anne-Marie Duff Monday 10 November Finding Vivian Maier (12A) Documentary Tuesday 11 November A Night at the Cinema 1914 (U) British Film Institute archive film
Writers wanted
Fireworks at St Helens. Photo credit: Chris Jobling.
Are you interested in writing? The culture page is looking for all sorts of writers, whether you want to review a book or performance, or even advertise an upcoming event. To send work or to find out more contact: emma.james1994@googlemail. com
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music
Gender quotas and Nordic nations EUROVISION
U
NLIKE most of the other countries taking part in the Eurovision, there is a lack of transparency in the UK surrounding the choice of song, writes Mo Comfort. We have absolutely no idea of the decision process the BBC go through and they tell the British public absolutely nothing in the run up to the contest. We don’t know whether it is going to be an internal selection or the BBC returning to the more common choice across the continent of a national final. I always feel hard done by when a country internally selects their entry (and by this I mean the national broadcaster picking an entry behind closed doors) rather than asking the public to vote for it. There are things that suggest the BBC might be returning to a national final format for they have for the first time in many years asked for the public to send in songs for consideration, as well as this they are asking record companies and most definitely consulting BBC Introducing again. BBC Introducing is the platform that
Swedish presenter Sanna Nielsen. Photo credit: Per Kristiansen
UK contestant Molly Smitten-Downes. Photo credit: Nicky Johnston
discovered last year’s British entrant Molly Smitten-Downes who performed “Children of the Universe” on the stage in Copenhagen. Her performance might not have been as strong as hoped and in my opinion her live performance on the night was the weakest she had ever done it. It was still good to see the BBC trying something different, because their old (emphasis on the old) method of sending someone trying to relight their dwindling career didn’t work out too well with Englebert Humperdink and Bonnie Tyler. Molly has recently released a new single and in the summer she performed
at Glastonbury Festival. I don’t see Mr Humperdink doing that any time soon. One country that has found a remarkable amount of success out of their long running national final Melodifestivalen is the Nordic nation of Sweden. A month ago I mentioned Ace Wilder’s “Busy Doin’ Nothin’” as a standout song from Melodifestivalen 2014 but that barely scrapes the surface. There’s the heart-breaking ballad “Bröder” (meaning Brother) by Linus Svenning or the joyous, upbeat “Aleo” by Mahan Moin, but the one song that beat all of these and eventually represented Sweden was Sanna Nielsen’s “Undo”, a fantastically strong power ballad that
Allo Darlin’
We Come from the Same Place
‘We Come from The Same Place’, the third album by the Anglo-Aussie band Allo Darlin’ is a sentimental collection of shorter songs, all anecdotal in nature, writes Lili Thompson. The album can be considered a pop album which collaborates with indie folk, making interesting use of instruments such as a ukulele and a lap steel guitar. It functions as pleasant background music to accompany a productive working environment or relaxed atmosphere. On the other hand it is strong enough to capture the attention of the listener at points by a stand out lyric or striking guitar riff. The sentimental flavour of the album means that a listener may be touched by the album, or lose interest, depending on their own character. Therefore, the album may only appeal to listeners who already enjoy music of this genre. Stand out tracks include the first track on the album, ‘Heartbeat’, which has a certain resemblance to ‘Heartbeat’ by legend Buddy Holly, deliberate or not. Another notable tracks include ‘History Lessons’ for its use of first and second-tense narration, a theme which is consistent throughout the album, and ‘Half Heart Necklace’ for the introductory bass line. The rumbling bass lines of Bill Botting fail to disappoint throughout the album. One unavoidable criticism of the album is that the songs all have a similarity. Some may consider this as repetitive; however the lack of variety may not be an issue if the listener connects with the feeling of the album. What cannot be denied is that this album is candid, well produced and deserves listeners who appreciate this style.
Reviews
you can really belt out. I mention this particular curiosity because this was Sanna Nielsen’s seventh attempt to represent her nation and she is in fact returning to the competition for an eighth time, but this coming year she will be one of the two presenters of the show along with comedian Robin Paulsson. The Swedes have this year implemented a rule which dictates that at least 50% of the entries performed at Melodifestivalen must have been written by women to combat the music industry being so male dominated. This sounds fantastic on paper but when another Nordic nation tried to do this there was a bit of an uproar. Not long after Sweden announced their gender quota, Iceland announced one of their very own for their national final Söngvakepnni Sjónvarpsins, but it was not particularly well received. This isn’t because Icelandic people are particularly misogynistic but in fact the opposite. The Icelandic representative in 2012 Greta Salomé spoke out saying that this rule would merely highlight the fact that women are less respected; if you have a rule it suggests they need that rule in place to be noticed. After all this competition is about best song, not best song written by a woman or a man.
Gerard Way Hesitant Alien
Going solo never guarantees success. It’s a venture that can either elevate the artist to new heights of profound popularity, or simply leave them to become background noise in a world that is so saturated with sonic ambitions, writes Liam Turner. Nevertheless, former My Chemical Romance emomessiah Gerard Way has released his first body of solo material, ‘Hesitant Alien’ - an album that certainly doesn’t feel hesitant in its delivery. Upon first listen it soon becomes clear that Way doesn’t really care if his solo career takes off or not: the record overtly makes it known that he has created this album because he has a genuine love and passion for music. However, this visceral love of artistic creation doesn’t necessarily equate to universal listening pleasure. Take the track ‘Juarez’ for example. It’s a song that centres around pervading, anarchic guitars and vocals that are equally as unstable. The tune will in no doubt appeal to those who have a penchant for the heavier side of punk, but not so much to those hoping for something a little more accessible. The following track, ‘Drugstore Perfume’, though, is exactly that. It’s a slow, gleeful number that actually reminds one of an anthemic Bowie number - don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself humming along. The two tracks highlighted above perfectly denote what the album is like as a whole: there are some songs you will like and some you probably won’t. Despite the polarising nature of some of the tracks, though, Way definitely deserves praise for producing a solid body work that harks back to the early days of punk, indie and britpop. The announcement of a follow-up would certainly not be unwelcome.
film
The lowest of the low L
OUIS Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) lives in a world where local news stations have a budget, based on blood, for independent cameramen to film crime scenes before the police get there. They edit the footage to present the most grisly story and thus gain the highest viewing figures. The closer Bloom gets to the violence, the further away he gets from his already fractured sense of humanity. Amongst the bleeding bodies and crashed cars, he’s the biggest wreck in the film. Beginning as an amateur, he sets up his shots just as eloquently as the cinematographer in the opening scenes of the film, Nightcrawler is a refreshing break from the recent sludge of horror films. The rolling news coverage is much more ghoulish than anything on offer at the moment and as a result far more terrifying. What is admirable about this film is that it allows you to question how much of what we call “news” is not in fact just another form of entertainment, without beating you over the head with buzzwords and catchphrases. The film itself entertains you in a far more subtle way, with the supporting roles from Riz Ahmed as Bloom’s down-and-out lackey and
Jake Gyllenhaal stars in Nightcrawler. Rene Russo as a Margarita-sipping TV exec, providing you with an escape from the intensity of the film’s central character. While it might pay for the sensationalist news companies of the film the highest to present the most gruesome story, it turns out the best stories are still in the cinemas. With fewer showings of Nightcrawler compared to that of more mainstream releases such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, make this the film to see this October. By Charlie Trotman
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How to get into the film industry The film industry has an attraction for many students. While there is no right or wrong way to get into the film industry, most of us need all the help we can get to make our dreams come true, writes Haley Charpentier. One way to make connections and get experience is through film festivals. Bath Film festival will open November 13. In addition to independent film showings there will be a lecture “How to get into the Film Industry” on Friday November 14. Admittance is £5. The lecture will be given by Nik Powell from the National Film and Television school. For more information visit the festival website., www.bathfilmfestival.org.uk/. Spaces are limited so students should book tickets online. For filmmakers there is the International Film Festival of Wales. The festival is over for this year, but student films will be accepted starting with early bird entries from January. Film submissions must be under 50 minutes long. To be eligible as a student film either the producer or the director must be a student. Screenplays, music videos and animation pieces can also be submitted. The prices for entry start at £15. You can access more information by visiting the festival website, https://filmfreeway.com/festival/ InternationalFilmFestivalofWales
Film Reviews Annabelle
By Joshua Vaughan
I had high hopes for this seemingly terrifying movie from the getgo. With each trailer that I saw, I became more and more excited to see Annabelle on the big screen. The premise of the film looked great; how could it fail to live up to my expectations as a horror fan? Well, I’ll tell you how it failed. The plot follows a young couple, Mia and John Form (played by Annabelle Wallis and Ward Horton, respectively) attempting to raise their daughter Lea, despite the presence of a possessed doll, Annabelle, terrorising them and threatening the life of their baby. The movie that should’ve been the prequel to The Conjuring turned out to be a total disappointment. The thrills were few and far between, and the acting was abysmal (even for a group of no-name actors). Although the doll looks pretty damn creepy, it had hardly any screen time! What’s worse, when it did finally appear, the twists were predictable and melodramatic. The script seemed sloppy, and consisted of recycled horror movie clichés. Eventually, what was meant to be a horror, turned out to be a comedy. It wound up leading me to laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. Only one or two scenes in the entire movie proved to be anything remotely scary, forcing me to question why I stayed until the end. The only thing scary about Annabelle, as it turned out, was the admission fee.
The Fault in our Stars
By Natasha Marsh
The book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green to me is a poignant, controversial and thoughtprovoking look at how a life can go on when living with cancer. I was sceptical at first that the film would do it justice and carry the same weight. I can honestly say though that it is equally as good, bringing home that we should take pleasure in life until we ultimately leave others to carry on the next chapter of a never ending story. Shailene Woodley (also in Divergent) as Hazel made me laugh one minute and cry the next, but I loved her as she showed the same strength and cynicism displayed in the book. Augustus/ Gus (Ansel Elgort) again is well acted, both cocky and vulnerable, he gives the film life whilst it being about death. The scene in Anne Frank’s House is definitely a tear jerker, as is the Romeo and Juliet romance (except this time the thing in the way of the lovers is unstoppable and within them). All I can say is watch this movie with a box of tissues and you’ll leave it with two new friends whose stories will live with you and make you cherish life.
Would you like to review a film? if so, get in touch on waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk
3 November 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
22
E XPRESS YO U R S ELF!
creative showcase
This week The Waterfront is launching a new page showcasing the creativity of Swansea University students. From short stories to photographs, and poetry to cartoons, if you would like to see your work in print, please write to editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Trouble in paradise I’D lolled along in the cicada heat while making languid progress, zig zagging the goat-steep drop past golden-domed St Nicholas Church. This was my ritual, a reward after the morning’s teaching. My eyes and my mind would linger stoically on the distant but sharp outline of Byzantine monasteries terraced into the hillsides on saintly Tinos and I’d regret saying no to a student’s invitation for a weekend there in her mother’s mother’s cottage. I quickened my pace a little: through narrow lanes glancing in awe at the courtyard mosaics I might glimpse if a gate was ajar and ceiling murals if the shutters were unclosed. I knew doing this would deepen my feeling of wellness in what had become a retreat for me after the big city stresses. The amble flattened out to that lovely Mediterranean vista of open sea in splashes of ultramarine and turquoise, where summering goddesses marinated on the jetties harbouring luxury yachts. They should be ashamed to exhibit such conspicuous wealth here on a working island, I felt, with their shipyard so painfully ‘downsizing’ with every EU directive. In the non-touristy part of town, you saw skilled welders, still wearing in despair and hope their redundant overalls, congregate en masse, play backgammon and drink one bitter coffee every four or so slow hours. At this time, and far into the visionless future, Athens and Greece are synonymous with anxiety and worry and the Eurozone crisis. Across the braille bay there were storm waves pummelling the headland and this made me think that Europe’s cartography had to be re-made and done urgently. Soon I’d leave the island for Athens and its amputated limbs, torn torsos, begging beggarly faces and outstretched hands sprawling on grubby pavements downtown. A statistic for Brussels and Berlin, but I’d seen during the previous year the fear gripping friends, colleagues and metrousers that tomorrow it would be them doing the imploring – or should I say us - for I wouldn’t leave like the tourists. By Michael Jenkins, MA Creative Writing 2014
Moscow, flatlining Y
OU could call it my own Cold War. Day after day my thermometer taunts me with a reading that’s always the same: Minus 22. It clings, like a parasite, to the concrete exterior of my flat, needling me through the kitchen window. Minus 22: the bad news temperature. Bad – evil, some might say – for its cruel, hair’s breadth proximity to Minus 23: the good news temperature. At Minus 23 your brain starts to zing. Cross that threshold and you’ll paint like Mozart, run like Shakespeare, bake cakes like Cezanne and write plays in the manner of Usain Bolt. Or so I’ve been told. Go grab a piece of it. Tell me I’m wrong. I once sat in my kitchen for 24 hours, eyeballing the mercury through the window (confident I’d catch sight of some sneaky rise or fall). Not a flicker… not a pulse… nothing. Minus 22. All day long. My neighbours all have the same thermometer as me. They were screwed into our walls some time around 1970. I suspect they were the product of one of those Planned Economy cities not famous for quality control. A Thermometer City where they made thermometers and nothing else. At times I’ve wondered if we’re all stuck on some default factory setting: Outlook Gloomy. I can’t disclose my sources but there’ve been occasions when I’ve known for a fact it’s been Minus 30 (if not colder). The Moscow River has frozen from shore to shore. A guy walked across it to the office. His wife phoned him to say it was safe. More than once I’ve abandoned my duties and raced home (stopping trains, flagging down taxis) convinced my cheating gauge is ebbing and flowing like crazy behind
Giles Rees is a mature student on the Creative Writing MA course. He has been a newspaper journalist, has taught English in Russia and has driven a black cab for a living. my back. I’ve bumped old ladies aside in the doorway, sent cats flying on the stairs of my block. Yet, when I’ve reached my kitchen window, the story has always been the same: Minus 22 (as if set not in liquid, but stone). I’ve begun to wonder if the thing has ears, if it hears my door keys in the locks. I’ve taken to turning them softly. I slip off my boots in the hall. Sometimes I pass the kitchen door and make a feint for the bedroom or bathroom, only to cut right back. I have considered climbing the front of our building. Our flats are grey and so is the snow. Apart from car engines the only sound is the cawing of crows. In winter it can feel like we’re on the Moon. One day, quite recently, sunshine got through. On the pavement I met an old lady in black. She’d set down her shopping to raise her face to the sun. Her eyes were closed and she was smiling and whispering. The sky was a brilliant blue and shafts of sunshine poured between our blocks. My thermometer, of course, was having none of it. “It’s Minus 22,” it glowered. “Don’t go getting any ideas.”
Every day in Wales
GRETCHEN Kessler is an international student hailing from Loveland, Ohio, USA. She studies Film and Theatre at Ohio University, which counts Swansea University as one of its many sister schools abroad. She’s a keen photographer and her friends and family (mostly her mom) had asked if she would keep any sort of blog during her stay in Wales, where she is studying for one year. Inspired, she began “A Wale A Day,” a dual Instagram/Tumblr “blog” where she takes one photo, every day, of whatever catches her eye. Something unusual, something funny, something wildly different from America - it’s a year-long study of life and living in Wales. Gretchen also works for ClubCam, a nightlife and events company that covers the bustling nightlife of Swansea and Wind Street. Look for her on a Wednesday night! This photo is one of a series showing Gretchen’s fascination with our everchanging skies and weather. A Wale A Day: an international student’s study of life and living in Wales, one photo at a time. Follow the Journey: Instagram: @a.wale.a.day; Tumblr: awaleaday.tumblr.com
societies 25
careers 24
relationships 23
creative 22
film 21
music 19
culture 18
fashion 16-17
front row 15
23
features 12-13
3 November 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
relationships
Blind Date When Faye met Daniel
Faye Vlietstre, a 19-year-old crimonology student, met Daniel Coleman, a 23-year-old Media and Communications student, at Pub on the Pond.
Faye on Daniel
What were your first impressions? He seemed like a genuine nice guy who’d be easy to talk to. How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after? Before the blind date I was quite nervous. After that I felt that I’d probably made a tit out of myself, however I was no longer nervous, just drunk.
Shannon jones, a second year American studies student, and Faye Vlietstre, a second year criminology student, are The Waterfront’s new agony aunts.
Ask our Agony Aunts Dear Shannon and Faye, Recently a friend told me he is in love with me. I don’t feel the same way, what should I do? Miranda Wow, that seems like one awkward situation. As you already know you don’t feel the same way about him the best thing to do would be to be honest and let him know sooner rather than later that the feelings aren’t reciprocated. He may be crushed, but it’s better than leading him on. By resolving it quickly hopefully you’ll be able to keep the friendship, but give him time to get over it. We know that some guys can be sensitive about this so if he hasn’t told anyone try and keep it between you two.
Dear Shannon and Faye, I’ve recently become very homesick, I don’t know if this is normal and I don’t want to bring it up with others in case they think I can’t handle university? Sam Firstly, it’s completely normal to feel homesick. You’re definitely not the only one feeling that way. People generally feel more homesick after fresher’s fortnight anyway as the excitement dies down, and the reality of lectures and studying sinks in. Don’t feel like you can’t talk to your friends, they may be feeling the same way and even if they’re not they can offer you support. Many students go home, some even go every weekend, so don’t keep yourself at uni to prove a point. We aim to go home about once a month, and on the plus side you get your washing done and free food. But if you feel you need extra support there is counselling available on campus
Any striking conversation points? We had quite a bit in common, but I was really impressed with his Lord of the Rings knowledge. Any awkward moments or silences? Not really, the only thing I found awkward was getting his name wrong when we met. Ooh and when he asked me about my previous relationships, not a good idea when I’ve had a drink. If you were to be married and have babies with the other, what would you want your baby to inherit? His music taste and my tolerance for alcohol. Any potential for a kiss? We hugged goodbye, but I would’ve given him a smooch, he was nice. Out of ten, what be your compatibility score with the other person? I’d say 7/8...unless he says lower, then I’d consider changing mine. Would you like to meet again? If I saw him I wouldn’t avoid him. Unless he’s given horrible answers... then I’ll definitely hunt him down.
Daniel on Faye What were your first impressions? I thought she was nice and friendly, we had a pretty funny first exchange that made it comfortable in which she thought my name was Dominic. How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after? Going into it I was slightly nervous as I haven’t done it before but thought it was fun. Afterwards I felt it went alright for at least meeting new people Any striking conversation points? We found out we had pretty similar tastes in terms of films which was pretty cool, and we had fun chatting about the blind date setup Any awkward moments or silences? We had one small moment of silence but nothing too bad If you were to be married and have babies with the other, what would you want your baby to inherit? I would probably want it to have her social skills, she seemed pretty good at that. Maybe not my lack of common sense. Any potential for a kiss? I wouldn’t think so, we were fine chatting along
(Aunts Shannon and Faye, although knowledgeable, are unqualified to give real advice and so all responses are intended to be more amusing than serious. The Waterfront recognises that occasionally they can’t even manage that, so please take all letters with a pinch of salt and refer to proper, grown-up professionals for real advice.)
Out of ten, what be your compatibility score with the other person? It would be a good 7/10 I thought she was a nice girl, and was friendly and fun. Would you like to meet again? I wouldn’t mind meeting again as friends!
3 November 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
24
with Jo davies
careers
Fast track your way to job success T
HE Careers Fair on October 10 was a great success, but there are lots more opportunities to increase your employability, writes Jo Davies. At the Careers Fair around 1,600 students turned out to meet over 50 employers from the private, public and third sectors. Comments from students included ‘cracking event!’ and ‘friendly and helpful’, whilst employers described it as an excellent opportunity to engage with students and support them with applications. Students were invited to apply for opportunities when they met employers at the fair. For instance, a Computer Science student has just applied for an IT job and a Civil Engineering student has applied for sponsorship to undertake a series of placements with a well-known company in this field. Careers and Employability Events Our programme of talks and workshops is a really great, practical way to learn more about developing your employability and explore the graduate job market. Visit our ‘What’s on?’ page at myuni.swan.ac.uk/careers/whats,on/. Online booking You need to book online to attend most of our events described below, and events open for booking about a week in advance. However, there are a few exceptions, such as our informal ‘Employer in the Foyer’ days. Full details of all our forthcoming events are available through our online booking system at http://swansea. prospects.ac.uk/index.html where you can register, view information on upcoming talks and workshops and book to attend. Details of venues will be
opportunities. The presenters are often recent graduates, and you will have the chance to ask them about their experiences and how they got into employment sectors that interest you. As well as giving talks, organisations also come and have a stand in the foyer of the LIC for a day so that you can just drop in and have a chat when it suits you. Applications advice It’s never too early to start thinking about making applications. Here are a few useful links to help you check out recruitment schemes and deadlines:
BRIGHT FUTURES: Students investigate their options at the October careers fair. given on booking. Careers lunch-time workshops Find out how to develop your employability skills at these workshops covering vital topics like writing CVs and making effective applications, getting into teaching, interview techniques, assessment centres, finding jobs, what employers look for in applicants, commercial awareness and personal branding. They take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you can download Careers Advisers’ Workshops 2014-15 at myuni.swan.ac.uk/careers/ whats,on/ to get an overview of the whole programme, but book online as described above. Work experience talks and masterclasses You can find information on our WoW, SPIN and Santander work placement
programmes at myuni.swan.ac.uk/ work-placements/. To help you make the most of these placements, our Work Experience Coordinators offer talks and master-classes, and you can find these included in our programme when you log in at http://swansea.prospects. ac.uk/index.html. Our Work Placement Team met all the employers who attended the Careers Fair on 10 October, and the majority expressed an interest in working with us to arrange placements, so this will give an added boost to our work experience programmes in the future. Employers’ talks and Employer in the Foyer events We arrange for employers and professional organisations to run skills sessions and give talks about their particular career and work experience
• Our jobs page: myuni.swan.ac.uk/ careers/job,hunting/ • Graduate Prospects: www.prospects. ac.uk/jobs_and_work_experience.htm • TARGETjobs: targetjobs.co.uk/ graduate-schemes Many deadlines are much sooner than you might think – for example: • Application deadlines for Civil Service Fast Stream Graduate Programmes vary, but some are very early in November. Check out the various programmes/ deadlines at www.gov.uk/faststream. • If you’re interested in teacher training, you can start applying for 2015 courses from the end of October 2014 – the exact date will be confirmed very soon, so look out for this on the UCAS website at www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works. Remember, the early bird catches the worm! Keep an eye on our online booking system at http://swansea.prospects. ac.uk/index.html because new events will be added as the year goes on.
Careers talks and events to look out for this month DAY
DATE
Thursday
06/11/2014
10.00
16.30
DETAILS
ORGANISATION
Employer in the Foyer
PwC www.pwc.co.uk/careers/student/
Thursday
06/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Employer’s talk
PwC
Tuesday
11/11/2014
16.00
18.00
Skills session – Final Year International Students ONLY
ISAS (International Student Services) www.swansea.ac.uk/isas/
Tuesday
11/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Employer’s skills talk
John Lewis Partnership http://jlpjobs.com/graduates/
Thursday
13/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Skills session
Teach First www.teachfirst.org.uk/
Tuesday
18/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Employer’s skills talk
Enterprise Rent-a-Car www.enterprisealive.co.uk
Thursday
20/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Skills talk
CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) www.cilex.org.uk/
Tuesday
25/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Talk on a career as a Notary Public
Michael Lightowler LLB, Notary Public www.notaryservices. co.uk/
Tuesday
25/11/2014
10.00
16.30
Employer in the Foyer
Americamp – summer camps www.americamp.co.uk/
Tuesday
25/11/2014
17.00
18.00
Talk
Americamp
Thursday
27/11/2014
16.00
18.00
Skills session – open to all International Students
ISAS (International Student Services) www.swansea.ac.uk/isas/
societies 25
careers 24
relationships 23
creative 22
film 21
music 19
culture 18
fashion 16-17
with sophie Wiggins
front row 15
25
features 12-13
3 November 2014 waterfrontonline.co.uk
societies
Students strut their stuff on the dance floor in aid of Parkinson’s UK W
OULD you like to watch some fantastic dancing? Then head down to Wind Street on Novermber 10 for the Dance Society’s Strictly Showcase. The annual event involves a selection of sports captains and SU officers who have volunteered to learn, rehearse and perform a short two minute routine to be scored by four judges. The audience also has the opportunity to vote for their favourite competitor. These votes, combined with the judges’, will determine the winner. This year there are eight contestants, dancing in eight different styles including, Ballet, Salsa, Bollywood, Commercial, Irish, Hiphop, Jazz and Contemporary .There are four contestants from the SU; Sports Officer Charlotte Peters, Education Officer Ilana Cohen, Societies and Services Officer Jerry Isokariari and President of the SU, Ceinwen Cloney. The other four contestants are representing various sports clubs - Beth Pollock from football, Oli Shea from Hockey, Gareth Thomas from Rugby League and Jonathan Gould from American Football. Each contestant will be paired up with a teacher and will then have two weeks to learn the basics of their assigned style and put together a routine to showcase what they have learnt. Every year a charity is chosen to benefit from the
nursing and even peer support from people living with Parkinson’s or their family. As well as their quality of life work, Parkinson’s UK also undertake research into the disease in the hope of finding better treatments or even someday a cure. The Dance Society will be selling tickets in classes which will be £6 each with £3 going to Parkinson’s and £3 going to covering the cost of the event. Tickets can be bought from committee members or alternatively send an e-mail to dance@swanseaunion.co.uk and tickets can be organised through there. This will be an amazing event with lots of laughs, some fantastic and not-so-fantastic dancing, a great chance to meet new people and raise money for a brilliant charity.
The judges at last year’s event. funds raised by the event. This year the charity that has been chosen is Parkinson’s UK. This charity provides a huge range of vital support to sufferers of Parkinson’s and their families, with everything from emotional support workers, specialised Parkinson’s
Spotlight on Save the Children Society
A
NEW society has been set up this academic year called Save the Children Society. The charity is dedicated to raising money for children all around the world. It was set up by third year English Literature student Tori Evans and master accountancy and finance student Glyn Williams. The charitable society has already hosted a variety of fundraising activities within its first month, including a JC’s pub quiz and a cake sale. The bake sale raised over £100. The society also did a ‘Stand up to Ebola’ campaign due to the recent Ebola outbreak. President Tori Evans said: “I love children‘s charities, I think its very important to raise money for them. Save the Children was a society in 2008 so I wanted to bring it back. I really love the work they do, they do some amazing things in the UK.” The society meet up every Monday at 6pm in Seminar Room 1 to discuss new fundraising ideas, socialise and mark progress. In its first month the society has raised over £200 and they have plenty more activities planned for the future, including a raffle at the Great Gatsby party and a Christmas jumper day. New member Chloe Hutchinson said: “Save the Children is a wonderful society which holds a number of fundraising activities for worthy causes that help children both around the UK and the world. It is an enjoyable and highly rewarding society.” President Tori Evans added: “Fundraising is supposed to be fun and Save the Children Society go out of their way to make sure their events are interesting.” If you would like more information please email Savethechildrensociety@swansea-union.co.uk or buy membership online on the student union website.
Strictly Showcase is on 10 November at Peppermint Fiction MyU. Doors open 7pm and entry is £6.
Societies Events •1st November - Debating Society Welsh Novice Tournament | all day | Fulton House •3rd November - Geography/ Geology Student vs Lecturer Quiz & charity raffle (for Jeremy Suter) | 7:30pm | JC’s •History Poppy Appeal | all week | Tesco and Sainsbury’s 4th November - Student Forum | 1pm | The Hive •5th November - Shoreline | Diva’s | Dunno the time :P •6th November - Hogwarts Film Night | 7pm | Lecture Room C •Engineering and Sports Science lecture “Buildings as Power Stations” | 6pm | Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering (ZC2E) •9th November - Marine Biology Rock Pooling | 1:30pm | Bracelet Bay •9th November- SU-TV| Short Zombie Film| Swansea Univeristy
Above: Glyn Willaims with the Save the Children bear. Right: Save the Children bake sale cake.
•12th November - Ancient Studies trip to British Museum (to have a tour of artefacts not on display) | all day | British Museum, London •15th November - Pagan Society Festival of Lights | all day | Fulton House Dining Rooms •17th November-GymGym | Welsh Learners Quiz| JC’s TBC
waterfrontonline.co.uk
BUCS FORTNIGHT...
BUCS
information correct as of 30th October 2014
F eatured result : Women’s Rugby Cardiff 2 - 8 Swansea
SPORT I 27
Current position: 29th (605.5pts)
21 victories 4 draws 21 losses
PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Hattrick hero Sophie Feboul chases the ball during SULHC’s 12-0 cup win over Cardiff. The team faces Winchester in the next round. (Photo: Sophie Wiggins)
28 I SPORT
thewaterfront 03.11.14
Women’s Hockey
Huge win sends Swansea through to next round bySophie Claire Wiggins Cuddihy by
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA 12 - 0 CARDIFF Wednesday 29th October
LAST Wednesday saw the women’s hockey 1st team take on Cardiff medics 2nds in a cup game on the astroturf pitches. With the first game of the season resulting in a subpar Swansea narrowly, the team were determined to bring their game back this week. This was shown straight away as in the first ten minutes of the game Swansea scored 3 times, from players Number 6, Number 94 and Number 27. Swansea dominated strong possession against Cardiff for the majority of the game as they kept scoring point after point against them. The team kept up their defence in order to make sure it was difficult for the opposing team to score. This included co-ordinated defences and long shots. From the start of the game Swansea worked well as a team throughout - this was
reflected at half time when the score was 7-0 to the hosts. The team continued to push forward in the second half and continued to present a tough challenge to Cardiff throughout the rest of the game. Despite some impressive goalkeeping from the Cardiff ‘keeper, Swansea kept getting past them. Cardiff did fight back with countless attempts but they were unable to score a single point.
Within the last few minutes of the game there was a foul which gave Cardiff a penalty shoot. Cardiff missed and didn’t score any points. The outcome of the game was 12-0 to Swansea.
Josie Hassall, the captain of the Women’s Hockey 1st team, said: “The girls played really well. We had a slow start last week and this season but we’ve picked it up. “After scoring the first point
right at the start of the game the team worked together and it all clicked with a fantastic result.” The players of the match voted by team were Sophie Feboul and Brianna.”
western conference cup
Swansea have been drawn against Winchester 1sts in the next round of the cup. The tie is away at Winchester, and will be played on the 12th of November. Winchester compete in Western Division 4A and are currently second, while Swansea 1sts ply their trade in Western Division 2B. Swansea 2nd and 3rd team have also qualified for the last 32 of the cup, and will face trips to Bristol 3rds and Cardiff 2nds respectively.
PHOTO: SOPHIE WIGGINS
Swansea dominated the match, shutting their opponents out for a confidence-boosting cruise through to the last 32 of the cup.
Intramural football: Ashleigh Road round up RESULTS
Sunday 19th october LEAGUE
Ajax Treesdown 4 - 6 Ladzio Pitches & Bitches 1 - 2 Swansea Medics Golden Showers 1 - 0 St Helens Athletic Hangover 96 2 - 0 SUMFC 7s History 0 - 3 Crayola Kents FC 3 - 5 Sully Sports Photosinthesis 3 - 4 SPR SUMFC 6s 3 - 1 Avengers Team Armadillo 3 - 1 Team Sloth
Sunday 26th october LEAGUE
Photosinthesis 2 - 2 Swansea Medics Ladzio 3 - 4 SUMFC 7s Sully Sports P - P St Helens Athletic Team Sloth 6 - 0 Avengers SPR 2 - 3 Crayola Team Armadillo 0 - 0 History Kents FC 1 - 6 SUMFC 6s Ajax Treesdown 5 - 3 Golden Showers Pitches & Bitches 2 - 3 Hangover 96
ROUND UP
KIND South West Wales weather has seen all but one fixture go ahead this fortnight. Crayola and Hangover 96 have started brightly, and occupy first and second place respectively, each with 100% records so far. Both have succeeded with tight defences, with Crayola keeping a clean sheet against History in a 3-0 win and Hangover keeping out the 7s during a 2-0 triumph. Medics and Armadillo lead the chasing pack, and the latter will be ruing a missed opportunity after being held to a nerve-wracking 0-0 draw by a dangerous History side. Medics have recovered from their opening day defeat in style, but had to battle hard to gain a draw against Photosinthesis after falling 2-0 behind in the first half. Many would have expected Sloth, the 6s, Sully Sports and the 7s to occupy the top four spots at this point in the season, but all have slipped up and instead make up the chasing pack. Sloth looked unstoppable in their opening two fixtures, but were beaten by a clinical Armadillo side before regaining form with a 6-0 thumping of Avengers. The two uni sides will be aiming for consistency heading into
the winter fixtures, as both have struggled thus far. The 7s lost to Hangover before scraping a win against lowly Ladzio, and will need to put together a string of wins in order to be in contention come spring. SPR staged an incredible comeback to beat Photosinthesis a few weeks back, and followed the win up with a valiant performance against league leaders Crayola. Ajax have made a slow start, while History will be satisfied with their early performances, but will believe they should have claimed all three points against Armadillo. After an opening day victory, Pitches & Bitches have endured narrow losses to top half sides, while Ladzio will also be looking forward to facing some of the lower-placed sides. Golden Showers and Kents FC have a win apiece - both over St Helens - but could be struggling come the end of the season, while Photosinthesis will be hoping that their 2-2 draw with Medics is a sign of improvement. St Helens and Avengers make up the bottom two, neither having recorded a single point. St Helens, however, have conceded the least out of the bottom seven clubs.
TABLE
information correct as of 30th October 2014
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
1
Crayola FC
4
4
0
0
12
5
7
12
2
Hangover 96
4
4
0
0
10
4
6
12
3
Swansea Medics
5
3
1
1
20
11
9
10
4
Team Armadillo
4
3
1
0
8
3
5
10
5
Team Sloth AFC
4
3
0
1
21
4
17
9
6
SUMFC 6s
4
3
0
1
15
3
12
9
7
Sully Sports FC
4
3
0
1
17
9
8
9
8
SUMFC 7s
4
2
0
2
13
8
5
6
9
Singleton Park Rangers
4
2
0
2
11
14
-3
6
10
Ajax Treesdown
4
2
0
2
14
20
-6
6
11
History FC
3
1
1
1
1
3
-2
4
12
FC Pitches & Bitches
4
1
0
3
7
9
-2
3
13
Ladzio FC
4
1
0
3
10
17
-7
3
14
Golden Showers
5
1
0
4
5
16
-11
3
15
Kents FC
4
1
0
3
7
19
-12
3
16 PhotoSINthesis Grasshoppers
4
0
1
3
7
18
-11
1
17
St Helens Athletic
3
0
0
3
2
6
-4
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18
Avengers FC
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waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 29
Firsts kickstart season with derby win Men’s Football
by Khalid Wagaafe waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA 2 - 0 CARDIFF MET Wednesday 22th October
SWANSEA University men’s football club first team overcame rivals Cardiff Metropolitan firsts 2-0 with an impressive display of togetherness and organisation. Swansea, known for their pass-and-move play, passed the proverbial ‘wet and windy afternoon in Fairwood’ test by adapting to the direct play the conditions and opposition demanded. Having lost 4-0 to Cardiff Met back in January, the first team could be forgiven for their cautious and stuttering start. However captain Jack McKenna’s first half goal settled the home side’s nerves, before lone forward Matt Barnard added a second to secure their first win of the season. After a labouring, possession-deprived start,
Swansea showcased their resilience, carving out the first clear-cut opportunities. Cardiff ’s high pressing and possession dominance yielded several wasted set pieces, before Swansea took advantage of one of their own. A seemingly innocuous free-kick in the second third of the pitch floated in by Jordan Smith caused panic in the Met defence. Attacking midfielder McKenna was on hand to punish the opposition with a vital goal from just inside the penalty area that was emblematic of his leadership credentials. The goal invigorated Swansea, who had audibly been driving each other to maintain organisation and focus. As the hosts’ passing grew more confident in the first half, Met winger Jordan Lamb reminded Swansea of the need for caution. His purposeful, dazzling run infield resulted in a near miss. Swansea were determined
to seize the initiative early in the second half. Combative midfielder - and man of the match Nick Hyden drove a long ball which Smith flicked onto Barnard. The oftenisolated striker maintained his composure one-on-one, slotting the ball into the right-hand corner of the Cardiff goal. Swansea defended their lead bravely, making bold tackles in their 18-yard box and surviving an injury scare. The away side came close to a comeback with two corners cleared off the line, but subsequently grew in frustration, failing to convert the numerous set-piece opportunities delivered by their outstanding central midfielder Elliot Scotcher. At the death, Met striker John Littlemore’s swerving strike seemed destined for goal, but Swansea’s Luke Martin preserved his clean sheet with an acrobatic save at his far post. The 2-0 win followed a 3-2 loss against Hartpury in the
season opener, in which the firsts’ defence was called into question. McKenna explained “after the disappointing result last week, it was all about getting the 3 points in this game. We changed our style of play, focused on the team shape and worked hard.” The two teams’ mirroring 4-2-3-1 formations left the midfield area congested, meaning the decisive factor was defensive solidity. Swansea coach Nick Bowen echoed his captain’s sentiments: “I’m very happy as we worked all week on defence. Keeping the clean sheet means all the preparation has paid off.” This result took Swansea to 2nd in the BUCS Western 1A table, inching closer to the Premier Division South. “Promotion was always our aim before the season,” said Bowen. “I’m delighted to get a win. Cardiff Met are always tough opposition, so it was imperative we get 3 points off our biggest rival after last week’s start.”
Swansea University ‘Making Waves’ with FIFA 15 UNIVERSITY adverts have been featured on EA’s latest instalment of the FIFA game series, as the Liberty Stadium is brought to life on the small screen. All 20 Premier League clubs have had their stadiums replicated in the game, and Swansea City’s virtual Liberty Stadium has its LED perimeter boards emblazoned with the #makingwaves slogan. The game mirrors the university’s sponsorship of the real stadium itself, where its LED adverts are a regular sight during the Swans’ Premier League encounters.
The university tweeted this picture in October
30 I SPORT
thewaterfront 03.11.14
Rugby League
Huge victory maintains unbeaten run by Sophie Wiggins waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA 62 - 12 EXETER Wednesday 22nd October
AFTER an unbeaten BUCS campaign last year, the Swansea University’s Rugby League club have a reputation they plan to uphold and the team are determined to keep their title. Exeter were the visitors to Sketty Lane for the first league match of the season, but it was the champions who ran out victorious with a comfortable victory. With both Exeter and Swansea playing strong on defence throughout the game Swansea had to keep their excellent run of form going, but soon found their stride. The hosts were soon winning at 4 tries to nil, but kept up the intensity despite the increasing points gap. Callum Williamson best demonstrated Swansea’s intent, knocking down three Exeter players and
slamming his way to the line to score what was arguably the try of the match. Both teams kept up their defence as much as possible, but Swansea’s Kieran Cook scored the first try of the BUCS season early on in the game. Swansea were cruising for much of the game, but Exeter did eventually pick up their pace after a disappointing first half. Despite Swansea upholding their strong defence, Exeter were able to get points on the board once Swansea had already all but secured the victory. There was one worrying moment for the home side, however, as Swansea player Alec Wheatley was knocked out towards the end of the match. The injury forced him off the field of play, which only served to fuel his teammates’ determination further. After he had to leave the pitch the players kept on pushing to score, and successfully scored the final
PHOTO: SOPHIE WIGGINS Callum Williamson embarks on a bruising run during Swansea’s comprehensive victory. points of the game shortly “We are very grateful after Wheatley’s departure. that not only do we have The score at the end of the a variety of great players game was 62-12, a huge win already but we also have a for Swansea. lot of new talent from the Reflecting on the action, freshers this year which I club president Williamson feel will definitely help our said, “With an unbeaten performance this season.” season last season we want With BUCS the immediate to uphold it and we are also priority, Williamson has still determined to win the cup had time to look ahead to again this year. next spring and the return “As we are now in a tougher of Varsity to Swansea. league we are under more “We are chuffed Varsity pressure, but it’s pressure is in Swansea this year and we enjoy and appreciate – we are looking forward to we are still unbeaten so far beating Cardiff again, in our this season. own back yard this time!”
History grads nominated for national award SWANSEA graduates Gareth Thomas and Ben Jones have seen their blog, The Football History Boys (TFHB), nominated for Best New Blog in the 2014 Football Blogging Awards (FBAs). The two ex-History students started the blog in February 2012, and have seen it go from strength to strength with a diverse range of fascinating tales from the history of the beautiful game. They will be attending the FBA awards ceremony at the National Football Museum in Manchester this month, and put their success down to the commitment and dedication they have shown since the blog’s inception over two years ago. “We started TFHB during our second year of university; my room became our ‘office’,” recalls Gareth. “We love football and we were used to having debates about it, so began to write some of them down and share them on Facebook and Twitter.”
Netball
Cup exit as slow quarter costs Swansea by Rachel Johnstone waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA 23 - 25 PLYMOUTH Wednesday 29th October
SWANSEA went in to this important cup game against Plymouth 2nds hoping to regain some confidence after losing their first two league games, but fell just short of the mark. With both teams nervous at the prospect of being knocked out of the cup race, the game
play was incredibly tense, and the score close come the end of the first quarter. Having lost the initial coin toss, Swansea had immediately started on the defensive. However, some good interceptions by Swansea defence and some poor passing from the opposition saw both teams end the first quarter with seven points each. The second quarter saw Swansea steam ahead with the score line at 15-10. Some class interceptions by GK Chloe
Swansea had the lead after two quarters, but fell just short during the close encounter.
Jones and GD Katie Schmidt saw Plymouth denied some key shots, and on the other end of the court Swansea’s WA Gemma Bloom made a strong impact on the quarter getting the ball to the shooters. Unfortunately the third quarter brought frustration and despair. Swansea’s lowest scoring quarter lost them their important lead, while they conceded heavily. At 17-21, the team only managed 2 shots while it was clear Plymouth had quickened their pace to great effect. Crucial rebounds were missed at both ends, and overall the team seemed slightly downtrodden by the end of it. However, with the start of the fourth quarter Swansea showed to be energetic and keen to win back points. A silly mistake lost them the ball but the Swansea defence were on a mission and the ball was quickly turned back over leading to a Swansea goal. Drawing level it looked as if Swansea would clinch the game in the dying minutes, however problems in the goal circle combined with a solid Plymouth defence saw
it increasingly hard for the Swansea players to get the ball to their shooters. Sadly, Swansea let the game slip out of their hands at the very end, with the final score ending 23-25 to the visitors. Swansea’s coach Emily Atherton felt that, in terms of the score line representing how the girls played, it was a hard match to call. “It was the best match we’ve played, and it was a shame about the outcome,” said Atherton. “It just didn’t work out on the day.” Swansea captain Grace Woolway, who was a key player scoring the majority of the goals, said, “Everyone wanted the ball all the way through the game.” But in terms of improvement she felt that communication was key, feeling the team needed to be more aware of themselves and speak to each other during the game. It was a tight game from start to finish; it wasn’t necessarily the case that the better team won. In the end, Swansea left it too late to recover from their third quarter mistakes.
How to vote for TFHB in the FBAs on Twitter “We managed to share the blog around a lot; social media was our main source of advertising,” added Ben. “Getting retweets from major journalists like Guillem Balague provided us with a wider audience. “I would put our success down to our commitment to it. I don’t think Gareth or myself ever thought we’d still be writing for TFHB now, but here we are!” The commitment has clearly paid off, as the pair will be seated among fellow bloggers and esteemed guests at the 13th November ceremony presented by Sky Sports News’ Kate Riley. “It’s an incredible honour to be nominated for Best New Blog,” said Gareth. “The FBAs actually represent what we’d love to do. They started off small and are have grown into the football blogging equivalent of the Oscars!” Ben echoed these sentiments, adding: “The award would mean a lot to us, whether it be voted for by the public or the judges. It would feel great to be recognised and respected for our writing.” TFHB has opened up numerous pathways for the pair, who plan to maintain the blog about which they are so passionate. Be sure to check out TFHB on Facebook, Twitter and their website. Visit the FBA website for more information on the ceremony and how to vote.
waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 31
Cricket
Club rocked by death of ‘true gentleman’ Jez by John Fanning waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University Cricket Club are paying to tribute to former captain and talented cricketer Jeremy ‘Jez’ Suter, who tragically died on 12 October after receiving emergency surgery on a previously undiagnosed tumour. Jeremy, who graduated in 2011, was a teacher at Dr Challoner’s Grammar school in Huddersfield. He was well known for being actively involved with all aspects of the cricket team, as he was with all aspects of university life. He became club captain in 2010 and during his tenure he set up the team’s first tour to Leeds. Furthermore, he secured ties with Swansea Cricket Club, who play at St Helens ground, as well as getting the club’s first sponsorship deal from the Patti Raj. An old boys’ match was also established under his captaincy, which allowed old players to return and play against the current side. Following the tragic news, social media was awash with a number of people shocked and saddened. Ben Smith, who played with Jez,
said: “[Jez was] always happy to do coaching and fielding drills with the group, and carried a positive attitude where ever he went that was very infectious. “Not to mention he was an outstanding cricketer both on and off the field. A true gentleman.” The club have organised a number of events in memory of Jez, with a number of the team, new and old, attending the funeral as well as buying a wreath for him. There are also plans to rename the old boy’s trophy after him as well. Oliver Hills, club captain, did not know Jeremy, but talked of the impact he had left on the club. “There was no ego with him, he was a great player but he always had time for his teammates as well as those who weren’t in the team”. Looking forward to this season, Hills is pleased with how training has started. “We had around 100 sign ups at the start of the year, with 50-60 attending the first training, which is higher than expected”. The cricket season is in its early stages with the indoor season set to begin in early November, held in the SWALEC indoor centre in Cardiff which will be useful to get practise in for the outdoor season.
With both the 1st and 2nd XI gaining promotion from their BUCS league last season, the aim for both sides is to stay up. Before the outdoor season gets underway there is the no small matter of their Varsity clash, for which they will be looking to
avenge an eight-run defeat back in April. Despite defeat last time out, Hills was still pleased: “We ran them close, they had some MCCU cricketers as well”. They will hope to go one better this year, especially with it being
the only game this season against Cardiff, who they beat in the BUCS league last year. However, with Varsity falling in early April it will be weather dependent as well as ground dependent as to whether they can get a game in.
Jeremy was heavily involved with the club during his time at university, and his legacy includes the club’s sponsorship and an old boys’ match.