thewaterfront t h e o f f i c i a l s t u d e n t n e w s p a p e r o f s w a n s e a u n i ve r s i t y
Quidditch Society gets off to a flying start! SWANSEA University has a brand-new society. The Quidditch Society is an off-shoot of the massively popular Hogwarts Society. But what exactly is Quidditch? Shannon Heal, president of the Quidditch Society, told us: “Quidditch in the simplest description is like what would happen if you mixed rugby and basketball together ... with a broom between your legs ... whilst also playing a game of hide and seek. “ Intrigued? Read more on page 27.
HERO STUDENTS SAVE GIRL FROM ASSAULT by Natasha Marsh
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk TWO Swansea University students have been praised for intervening in an assault on an 18-year-old female student on Wind Street. Swansea Magistrates Court heard how the victim had been out with friends during the early hours of November 13 last year and decided to make her way home alone, whilst heavily under the influence of alcohol. Andrew Smith, for the prosecution, said the complainant only had a vague recollection of what happened after she left Jack Murphy’s bar. Law student Danny Clissold, 23, described what happened that night: “Well I saw her when I was outside Revs, she was really drunk and alone, so I kept an eye on her, then I saw a guy start to talk to her and thought
Danny Clissold (left) and Jac Weekley: praised by magistrate. she’d found a friend. But I heard her say ‘no I want to go home’ so I looked again, and saw the man leading her down an alley way, not aggressively but she was too drunk to get away. I saw that the other lad (Jac Weekley) saw what happened too, and asked if he thought it looked dodgy, he said yeah it did, so we decided to check. As
we walked after them down the alley I asked if she was okay, the man answered yes she’s fine, I said ‘I wasn’t asking you’. The girl then seemed to mouth ‘help me’, at which point me and the other guy told her to come with us. We lied to the man, saying we knew her from the university, so that he would let her go.”
CCTV showed how 28-year-old Mohammed Rofiq-Ul Alam, of Monmouth, first blocked the woman from leaving using his arm, but then decided to let her go. The two students escorted her to door staff of Revolution, who radioed for police. The chairwoman of the bench, Jan Langton, had nothing but praise for the students, saying: “What you did that night was very brave – thank you for going to help.” Alam, a restaurant manager, admitted guilt to one count of common assault at Swansea Magistrates’ Court. His solicitor, Steve Harrett said the only motivation of the accused was to help the woman find a taxi. Sentencing was adjourned for reports. Danny’s advice to students on a night out is to “keep your friends close when you’ve had too much [drink], make sure you don’t end up alone and incapable of finding a way home.”
Free Issue 249 16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
INSIDE
FEATURES
Writer Rebecca is in line for £30,000 literary prize page 13 NEWS
24 students are competing for your votes in SU elections
pages 6, 7 &8
SPORT
Sailing through to finals page 31
02 I NEWS
thewaterfront 16. 02. 15
thewaterfront Third floor, Students’Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: thewaterfrontSU facebook: the waterfront swansea Editor Kay Byrne editor@swansea-union.co.uk News
Laura Fiteni waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Features
Hilary Webb waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk Sport
Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk Welsh
Laura Fiteni waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Music
Liam Turner waterfrontmusic@swansea-union.co.uk Film
Joshua Vaughan waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk
More students than ever are coming to Swansea by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THIS year Swansea University welcomed more home, EU and international students to the university than previous years with almost 6,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling for the 2014/15 academic year. Ahead of arrivals weeks, 3,700 fresher packs were made to hand out to eager first year students as they arrived at the university, in comparison to the 3000 packs prepared ahead of the 2013/2014 academic year. Home undergraduate applications to Swansea University went up by 25% for the 2014/15 year and 23% for the previous year – a rise significantly above the UK and Welsh average in the last two years. A spokesperson for the university said: “This reflects a number of factors, including our wonderful location, the excellent teaching at Swansea University, and our commitment to providing the best possible student experience. “Last year’s National Student Survey
(NSS) results show overall satisfaction levels had risen to 89%, and Swansea was also named University of the Year in the What Uni Student Choice Awards.” When asked whether entry grades has been lowered in a compromise that would compensate for the decline in applications following the 2012 tuition fee increase, a spokeswoman said: “There was no overall decrease in entry grades for 2014/15, and there was an increase in entry grades in
some areas.” With the new £450m Bay Campus scheduled to open to students this September, it’s clear that Swansea University has no plans to slow down. Currently boasting a combined figure of 16,800 undergraduate and postgraduate students, student numbers will continue to grow as the new campus attracts a host of fresh faces.
Faith Week hailed a huge success
Culture
Emma James waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk What’s On
Ben Rees waterfrontfrontrow@swansea-union.co.uk Societies
Sophie Wiggins waterfrontsocieties@swansea-union.co.uk Fashion
Nanette Turkson & Crystal Rose waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk Food
Sophie Berman
waterfrontfood@swansea-union.co.uk Games
Declan Murphy
waterfrontgames@swansea-union.co.uk Relationships
Sophie Wiggins waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union. co.uk Website
Andy Pover waterfrontweb@swansea-union.co.uk Advertising
Annie Cottam (01792) 602496
AS ONE: Representatives of many of the faiths and organisations present for Swansea Faith Week. by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk FOURTEEN different faith groups and organisations came together on campus last week for the biggest and best Faith Week yet. Visitors thronged the event marquee outside Fulton House and around 700800 local schoolchildren also attended workshops at the marquee. A theological lecture ‘Was Jesus a Revolutionary’?’ by Prof Terry Eagleton
was held during the week and another highlight was the Interfaith Dinner in Fulton Refectory. A Faith in Action event at the Sports Village was very well attended and raised money for St David’s Medical Foundation towards diabetes research. The faiths represented were Baha’i, Buddhism, Swansea University Chaplaincy, Mormons, Falun Gong, Islamic Society, Swansea University Jewish community, Swansea University Mosque, Paganism, Peace Mala, Quakerism, Sikhism, Spiritualism, and Youniverse Explorer.
Professor Iwan Davies, pro-vice chancellor for Internationalisation and External Affairs, said: “With a staff and student body representing more than 100 countries from all over the world, the campus is a true arena for debate. “Faith Week provides a basi for campus reflection and an awareness of the need for peaceful co-existence in our interconnected world. “The week provides an opportunity to meet and learn from the entire spectrum of faith, including non-faith activity,” he added.
Friendship is a two-way street A TALK by masters student Rhys Jenkins on friendship and living on the autism spectrum inspired a good discussion, writes Laura Fiteni. Inspired by personal experience and at times the hardships faced when making friends himself, Rhys delivered his talk “Friendship is a two way street” to an audience of around 70 students, staff and members of the public at the Grove Building earlier this month. “The message of the talk was that the process of friendship for anyone provides responsibility for both parties even if the responsibility is greater on a person who happens to be on the autism spectrum,” said Rhys. Rhys aims to change not only the general public’s view of autism but also those who know and can identify with autism themselves. “Friendship can be different for someone on the spectrum compared to someone without autism. How friendship could affect your physical health and how friendship can be seen as a two way street were a few of the things discussed.” A big part of what inspired the talk was Rhys’ personal experiences whilst making friends – especially at university. He said: “I have been through many things when it comes to making friends. I look at the world in a complex and complicated way which can easily mystify others, for example I can take offence to something others would not take any offence to. “There have been those who have been unable to see past my differences and as a result do not value me fully as a friend. I’ve come across various hurdles such as finding the confidence to go and talk to someone to trying to interpret what people’s actions mean. “These hurdles though can be encountered by anyone - not just people on the spectrum. The most important thing to learn from these experiences is that you have to be prepared for anything when at university.” Feedback from attendees on the evening of the talk showed the event to be an enjoyable and informative experience and has encouraged Rhys to continue to work to change attitudes towards autism. “One woman at the talk tweeted that the talk was amazing and said it made her year! I’m hoping to put a video of highlights of the talk online for others to view and it’s my hope it reaches a wide audience,” Rhys said. Karen Marshall said of the event: “It was so great to see so many wonderful young people at Rhys’ talk, as well as professionals and parents of children with autism. There must have been about 70 people there. Well done to all involved for trying to make the world a happier place last night.”
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 03
Complaints against former president upheld this decision (which would have been his right).” The disciplinary committee was chaired by Mr Julian Smith, who is independently appointed by Swansea University’s governing council as chair of the Swansea University Students’ Union audit committee. Zahid Raja was elected to the fulltime officer position of president in 2013 after serving a one-year term as education officer.
by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS who complained about the behaviour of former Swansea University Students’ Union president Zahid Raja have had their complaints upheld. Raja was suspended from his role on full pay without prejudice last April pending an independent investigation into the complaints. A qualified solicitor and workplace mediator was commissioned by the students’ union trustee board to interview all complainants. A formal disciplinary hearing then took place on 10 December last year, which Raja declined to attend. Students who logged concerns have now received letters telling them that the investigator’s report “concluded that, on balance, the bulk of the complaints were justified – including financial irregularity, undue exercise of presidential influence, intimidation and harassment.” The report concluded: “None of the (9) complainants or witnesses felt that Mr Raja should remain in his
No confidence SUSPENDED: Zahid Raja. role as president of the union. All felt that his actions and behaviour were incompatible with this role and the evidence taken as a whole tends to support this view.” The letter goes on to say: “Had the report been available, and this hearing taken place (which unfortunately was materially impossible) during his term of office, the committee concluded that Mr Raja should have been summarily dismissed from his role of president. Mr Raja has not appealed
His suspension came after students launched a petition calling for a vote of no confidence in him. One of the complainants against Raja said: “It’s disappointing that it has taken so long for Raja to finally be held to account. Students tried to vote him out and he launched a bullying campaign against anyone who didn’t do it his way. This report is little comfort to those people who suffered day-after-day for nearly nine months before he was finally suspended.” Zahid Raja had not responded to a request for a response at the time of going to press.
Lecturer’s film gets its premiere
Long Arm Film crew working with the cast of High Tide. Photo by D.R Photography. by Natasha Marsh
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk FORMER Swansea University lecturer Jimmy Hay along with James Gillingham will premiere their long awaited debut film High Tide on February 27 at the Taliesin. Long Arm Films, in conjunction with Bob and Co, will be hosting an exclusive event; up to 300 people, including the film’s star Melanie Walters (Gavin and Stacey) will be in attendance alongside the rest of the cast, crew and their families. The Bristolian quartet Circes Diner, who feature in the film, will also be playing. Jimmy said: “I’m very excited, it is amazing. I went to Swansea and then became a lecturer in Film Studies there as well, and now my film is going to premiere in Swansea. It feels very fitting.” Yaz Weston, a third Year Media Studies
student, was the first Assistant Director on High Tide. She said: “I am more than excited to watch High Tide as a finished product. All the cast and crew worked incredibly hard, I had the time of my life working on the [film] and on the sets. To be able to watch a film I was involved in on the big screen makes me feel very proud … the premiere is going to be a fantastic night and a great excuse to get all glammed up. I can’t wait.” The film will be released to the public in March, and you can view the trailer and find out more by going to this webpage www.longarmfilms. co.uk/trailer High Tide centres around one 24-hour period when Bethan (Melanie Walters) tries to mend the broken relationship with her teenage son Josh (Samuel Davies). Taking him out of school she drives him to the Gower coastline where the pair finally talk openly to each other, and are free from the distractions of life.
Don’t turn to the internet when you are feeling down by Catrin Menzies
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk EXCESSIVE internet use is something we as students, are likely to have been guilty of at some stage in our lives - most likely as a form of distraction from exam revision or writing an essay. However, research has found that extensive use could be having a negative impact on our lives. Research into excessive internet use has been carried out by Swansea University Psychology Professor Phil Reed and student Emma Reay. A series of tests found that internet addiction was associated with longstanding depression, as well as a decrease in mood following high internet use, which results in further internet use in an attempt to lift low moods. The research found that “students who were using the internet excessively had a reduced motivation to study,” said Professor Reed. He added that negative moods due to excessive internet use could be likened to “people coming off illegal drugs like ecstasy”. So does this mean trawling Google
Scholar for journals counts towards excessive use? Not necessarily; results from a previous study which traced Facebook users for six months “found that the more they (study participants) used Facebook, the more they subsequently became depressed”. One second year Geography student said: “Facebook and other social networks create a false sense of reality and has the potential to make you become anti-social.” However, a second year Sports Science student disagreed: “I don’t find that it puts me in a bad mood, I just get a bit detached from what’s happening around me and don’t really pay full attention, and don’t realise the time.” Can you sympathise with this? For myself, online shopping can certainly put me in a negative mood, especially being on a student budget! So, If you’re struggling to get your work done in time for a deadline or lacking in motivation, avoiding distraction from excessive internet use and its potential to put you in a negative mood may be the key to beating those deadlines and staying motivated.
waterfrontonline.co.uk
NEWS I 05
Bay Campus leisure facilities are unveiled by a Waterfront reporter waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
STUDENTS are being given a preview of the brilliant new facilities they’ll be able to enjoy as the opening of the Bay Campus in September edges ever closer. Alongside state of the art teaching facilities, students studying and visiting the Bay Campus will be spoilt for choice whether they’re dining, playing sports or making the most of the beach side location. Food, drink and shops Catering at the Bay Campus will be provided with choice in mind, and with six catering outlets the needs of a diverse student and staff population will certainly be met. The main Dining Hall will feature a food court with an array of choices and will seat up to at least 250 people. A boutique café- bar in the residential street will provide a relaxed environment for drinks and light food, and there will be further outlets in Engineering Central, Management, the Library and the Great Hall. Vending provision across the campus will also supply a 24 hour option. The campus will also feature a supermarket (of similar size to Costcutter in Fulton House) and a Santander bank branch. Regular farmers markets, pop-up street food stalls and student retail start-ups are expected to be featured providing new and interesting options for students on a regular basis. The Dining Hall and Great Hall will provide
excellent venues for events, and the Great Hall gallery will have a sophisticated food and drink menu that will make it an ideal place to take visiting parents and friends to show off the sea views. Sports and recreation There will be a new sports hall, gym, and outdoor sports area at the Bay Campus. The two room gym will feature both cardio and free weights areas, as well as a dedicated changing facility. The full height sports hall will have space for four badminton courts and will host sports such as five-a-side-football, netball and martial arts. Unigym membership will cover access to facilities across both campuses for students studying and visiting both locations. The new campus will really utilise the outdoor Top: An artist’s impression of the sports hall. Below: The shopping area by night. environment and will include a multi-use games area that will be suitable for sports such as football and hockey. Further sports and recreation facilities are currently being scoped including beach volleyball courts, table tennis tables, pétanque terrain, and green gym facilities. The Department for Sports and Recreation has had discussions with organisations including the RNLI and is currently planning the beach to be suitable for watersports and other activities. It is exploring ways to maximise enjoyment of the Crymlyn Burrows Site of Special Scientific Interest through nature trails and other projects. For more information on the Bay Campus visit the dedicated web pages at www. swansea.ac.uk/campus-development
University in talks to build sea sciences centre on beachfront How the current Civic Centre site could look after it has been redeveloped. by Hilary Webb waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University is in talks with the city council on developing a major seafront aquarium and sea sciences centre on the site of the present Civic Centre. The move is part of a wider regeneration of the city centre which will involve the redevelopment of the seafront council offices site and St David’s shopping centre. More than 140 specialist developers and agents have been invited to Swansea to see a vision of the city centre’s future. The university has expressed an interest in developing a “hydro hub” and “iconic” sealife attraction on the site of the Civic Centre. Though still in the early stages of discussion, the ‘hub’ would be part of a wider development of the Civic Centre which may include ‘landmark tourist developments and high quality public spaces’ according to Swansea Council Leader,
Rob Stewart. Since the revival of the Civic Centre is not to be funded by the council, alternative ‘funding sources’ including the university are being considered. Cllr Stewart said: “An aquarium is certainly an idea that’s worth looking into because it would help make the most of Swansea’s stunning seaside location and boost a tourism industry that’s already worth more than £360 million to the Swansea Bay.” The council are now ‘asking leading developers to work with us on our early ideas to see what can be delivered in future’. Whether the university’s large Marine Biology department would benefit from a hydro hub or an aquarium has not yet been disclosed. Commenting on the prospect that it may benefit students, second year Marine Biology student Jack Gourlay said: “It could offer lots of placement opportunities for students, good research facilities as well as another tourist attraction.”
08 I NEWS
thewaterfront 16. 02. 15
ELECTION CANDIDATES - VOTE 24 - 27 FEB SPORT Hari MCLOUGHLIN I’m a bubbly, outgoing final year Spanish student with a huge passion for sports, health and nutrition. I’d love to have the role of Sports Officer so I could listen to what the students want, and put it into action. My main aim is to encourage sports as being fun, social and healthy, as well as being competitive. I would make sure that the new Swansea Bay Campus is connected with the main campus to give everyone the opportunity to join a sports club, meet new people and discover what university life is really about.
SPORT Joshua GUY •Increase sport participation across the university through Intermural competitions. •Establish a transport link between the Bay Campus and Sports Village, giving all students the opportunity to participate in sport, despite their location. •Promote female sport across Swansea University. •Facilitate additional club sponsorship opportunities in addition to bars and restaurants, to increase club funding. •To organise fortnightly coaching workshops for clubs without permanent coaches, to develop overall sporting performance. •Raise the profile of Swansea University Sport by improving the university BUCS league standing from 27th to 17th for 2015/16.
SPORT Holly JANES •Increase promotion of sporting events and achievements •Sports Swansea newsletter •Encourage inter sport-society cohesion, using the skills of societies such as St. John Links and Photography Society •Introduce a Sports Swansea Sports Day •Cohesive fresher experience over the two campuses particularly during freshers fayre and joining sports teams •Provide affordable and healthy catering across both campuses •Lobby the university to increase training facilities ensuring all are fit for purpose •Ensure students involvement in sports regardless of location •Make accessibility of sports a priority on Bay Campus
SPORT Nick BOWSHER 1. Elevate smaller sports and try and get them the support they deserve. 2. Work harder to improve the conditions and facilities in which we play our sports. Such as making sure of more trained physio’s during matches or competitions 3. Working closely with all committees within the university to make sure each club gets the resources they need. 4. Creating a fair environment to compete for all students at Swansea. 5. Carrying on the good work that others have done before me by continuing to support our bigger clubs. 6. Getting all the coaches and instructors first aid trained.
NEWS I 09
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Let’s break stigma of mental health by a Waterfront reporter waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
STUDENT Mental Health Day is taking place on Wednesday, 18 February and the theme of this year’s event is reducing the stigma around mental health problems. Sian Challenger, manager of the Student Wellbeing Centre, said: “Last year alongside the students’ union, we signed the Time to Change Pledge, a declaration of commitment to changing attitudes around mental health issues. “This was an important step forward but this year we want to host a proactive day of awareness raising, wellbeing activities, fundraising and even a barn dance! “Services like ours are centred on having a professional understanding of mental health issues. Part of the barrier for us to extend greater understanding and reduce stigma across the university is that people are often reluctant to talk about mental health issues in an open way. “Wellbeing Services want our contribution to reducing stigma to be demonstrated by involving students and staff in the day. So all are welcome to take part and we really need your support.” All activities are based in rooms in Fulton House. • Wellbeing Interactive Stand - 10am-3.30pm – front of Fulton House • Mindfulness meditation – 10-11am – Mandela Suite • Seminar: Mental Health & Substance Misuse – ‘Drugs, Uppers, Downers, Round & Rounders & Mental Health – 11-12noon – Marino Room • Yoga – 12noon-1pm – Marino Room
• Time to Pause Workshop: An informal workshop using practical exercises to reflect on where you are at and where you’d like to be – 1.30-3pm and 3.15 -4.45 – Mandela Suite. • Barn Dance – 2.15-5.30pm – Café West. This year the day will support the local mental health based charity POBL http://www.pobl.org.uk/ Said Sian: “They have agreed that in exchange for the money we raise, they will offer staff and students mental health training at nil cost. So, the more money we raise, the more training and support we get back, the more we achieve in reducing stigma.”
In order to book your place on any workshop or activity, please contact Wellbeing on ext 5592 or 01792 295592 or email wellbeing@swansea.ac.uk “Please let us achieve something together as an organisation instead departments and students doing things separately. Mental health is an issue which is a part of who we all are and one which fluctuates throughout our lives. “The more we talk about it together perhaps someone right next you who may be struggling with their health may find the courage to talk, staff or student, “ said Sian.
Drinking habits under the spotlight STUDENTS’ alcohol consumption will come under the spotlight at another event being held on Wednesday to mark Mental Health & Wellbeing Day. The event will promote the students’ union’s Alcohol Impact Pilot Project at from 2-4pm in both JCs Bar and the library. “Alcohol Impact is a pilot project run by the National Union of Students that seeks to create a social norm of responsible alcohol consumption by students to improve students’ health, university experience and reduce crime and disorder on campus,”
said Sabrina Begum, projects organiser. “At the vent in JCs, students’ union staff will discuss all the activities that have already taken place as a result of the pilot project including the Safer Taxi scheme, 1920’s (cafe) which is a non-alcoholic space from 10am3pm, non-alcoholic spaces in our larger events and what are future plans are,” said Sabrina. “We will also have a list of nonalcoholic activities coming up organised by various societies which we will be promoting. This will also be a great opportunity for students to feedback on what
we are doing that’s great and what we need to improve on. “The students’ union will be working closely with SANDS Cymru which is a charity based in Swansea who are committed to reducing the harm that alcohol use can cause. They will have a stand to raise awareness of why students choose to drink alcohol and what the alternatives can be. They will have measuring cups to demonstrate what is binge drinking and beer goggles. They will be providing information on ways to drink responsibly and the benefits of doing so in the longterm.”
Nurse Hannah aims high by Niamh Ollerton waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA nursing student Hannah Scott, from Fishguard was selected to represent Wales at the annual international InterShoot airgun competition in the Netherlands at The Hague. Hannah, who studies at the College of Human and Health Sciences at St David’s Park Campus in Carmarthen, has been confident with a gun for quite some time. She said: “I started shooting when I was around 10 when I started doing tetrathlon which involves shooting, swimming, running and horse riding. “From taking part in this, I got asked if I wanted to take up shooting to a higher level. I trained and competed for both Wales and GBR junior squads until the age of 16.” Hannah suffered a shoulder injury which shattered her dreams of making the Commonwealth Games. She took up the sport again only 12 months ago as a coach and was then convinced to compete again. Senior Lecturer Heulwen MorganSamuel said: “Hannah is a clear example of how diverse our nursing students are. She is tenacious in achieving her best both in academia and hobbies.”
front!
Who is going to win an Oscar? >> page 18
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
fashion 16-17
11
front row 15
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
features 12-13
L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a students
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
fashion 16-17
13
front row 15
features 12-13
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Newcomer Rebecca is one to watch as she is longlisted for world’s richest short story prize C
REATIVE writing student Rebecca John has been longlisted for the world’s richest (£30,000) short story prize. Rebecca, from Carmarthen, is going up against writers from four continents in the Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award with her story The Glove Maker’s Numbers. Her debut short story collection Clown’s Shoes will be released through Parthian later this year. Natasha Marsh had the honour of Interviewing Rebecca, who is currently studying for her MA in Creative Writing at Swansea University, whilst also juggling three jobs. What is the earliest memory you have of writing a story? I was around ten years old the first time I attempted to write – attempted being the most important word in that sentence. I had just read Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights and, completely absorbed by it, I immediately started scribbling out my own, largely imitative, version of Lyra’s story. It was awful, of course. But I was so excited by the process, so enthused by the idea that I too could create a girl as powerful and vital as Lyra, that I decided there and then to be a writer. […] writing that confident young character was a sort of freedom for a girl as shy as I was, and perhaps some part of writing still represents that freedom for me. You elected to study English at Swansea University, why did you feel this was the best place to nurture your talent? […] I read about the creative writing department there and it seemed a very encouraging place to be. I asked if I could transfer onto the English with Creative Writing degree and I loved it. It was a little intimidating at first, showing my writing to the other students and professional writers, but it was as encouraging as I had expected. The staff were enthusiastic and the other students so supportive. That’s why I decided to stay on for the MA. Do you favour the traditional pen and paper or computer to write, and why? As much as I hate to admit it, I always write straight onto the screen. Generally, I’m something of a technophobe: I think we use
technology too much, I think we rely on it too much. And since I’m pretty incapable with it – and no, I still don’t know what an app is or does – I don’t often want to make use of it. When I’m writing, though, it’s important for me not to see the words in my own hand. Typed, it is easier for me to discern if they’re good or bad. I do always keep a notebook in my handbag, so that I can jot down ideas or descriptions as they occur to me. I’m never happy with them, though, until they’ve been transcribed onto the screen.
What inspired the short stories in Clown’s Shoes and how long did it take you to write? […] ‘English Lessons’, was written at my friend Eunkyung’s request, when she demanded a character who shared her name! ‘Her Last Show’ was inspired by a docudrama I saw about Lorna Luft’s childhood. ‘Magic Tricks’ by a friend’s description of how her parents met. […] There are plenty of abandoned stories strewn about my computer. The ones which remain in Clown’s Shoes are simply my favourites.
How often/ have you woken up in the middle of the night with an idea and not been able to rest until it has been written down? When ideas come to me during the night – and they do, but not too frequently – they tend to come in the form of dreams, fully fledged, ready to be written down. I don’t wake in the early hours needing to scribble down vague ideas. When I dream a story, I wake in the morning with it fully realised. Then, I am able to write it down at my leisure. It doesn’t drift away, lose its clarity. These are always the easiest stories to write. ‘The Dog Track’, which was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2013, was one such story. It came to me complete, I wrote it in an afternoon, and there was hardly any editing involved. That story, of all of them, was probably the easiest to write, and it remains one of my favourites.
How do you handle the rejections of publishers and the publishing process as a whole? By trying again, I suppose, and letting the little successes make up for the hundreds of rejections. There really is a lot of rejection, but it’s not personal. Sometimes the story doesn’t suit, and that’s okay. I just get mildly offended, delete the rejection email or throw the rejection letter in the bin, then stubbornly send the story to someone else. I’ve had stories do well in a third, fourth, fifth competition, which only goes to prove how subjective acceptance is. It’s about finding the right match, I suppose.
What was it like having your work broadcast on BBC Radio 4? Amazing! I was doing some temp work in a factory when I received the call from Jeremy Osborne at Sweet Talk Productions (who recorded ‘The Dog Track’) to tell me my story had been selected for broadcast on BBC Radio 4. At the time, I was miserable. I hated the work. That lunchtime phone call was the biggest acknowledgement of my writing to date, and I was so excited that I was probably completely unprofessional on the phone. In fact, I even failed to invoice Jeremy for the story, because I couldn’t quite believe I was being paid for it. He had to ring me to remind me [ …] How did you celebrate your win in 2011 of the Jones Prize from Grievous Jones Press? I don’t know that I did celebrate it really. I was in the university library when I opened the email
Longlisted: Rebecca John. which said I’d won so I couldn’t make any noise about it! I’m one of those people who never wins anything, so to be named ‘The Winner’ was a big enough shock in itself. […] I can’t even remember now what I spent the prize money on! Being a student at the time, it was probably something practical like petrol or a weekly shop. Let’s pretend though, shall we, that it was something glamorous? A first edition of a favourite book, maybe. Yes, let’s say that! What would you and your family say your best achievement has been? Ooh, I’m not sure. My family have always been proud of my academic bent. I am the only member of my family to have attended university, and I think, for my parents at least, my holding a degree and a masters degree from Swansea is something they’re happy to boast about! When ‘The Dog Track’ was broadcast on BBC Radio 4, though, was probably the moment when they started to believe that my writing wasn’t a total waste of time. They would never admit to it but, not being readers or writers themselves, I think the approval of an institution like the BBC would have been the first of my writing achievements that they could really relate to.
What’s it like working with Parthian Publishers? It’s been a new and exciting experience to work with Parthian. It’s odd, having my writing considered as a product, to be packaged and marketed and sold. It’s odd too to discuss the characters in my stories with my editor, Susie Wild, as though they are real human beings. I get slightly embarrassed by it, by being taken so seriously. I feel like a teenager, putting on a suit for my first ever job interview, full of nerves and ambition and hopefulness. But I imagine that’s just the way you should feel when your first book is getting published, and I’m enjoying it. •Clown’s Shoes will be made available in John Smiths on campus so make sure to read this amazing collection by one of our own. •You can read all 19 Sunday Times EFG Short Story Award longlisted stories on The Sunday Times website at www.thesundaytimes. co.uk/sto/public/stefg/
Extract from Rebecca John’s The Dog Track THE dogs spring open and snap shut like hinged puppets as they hurtle round the track, chasing the white rabbits of they own freezing breaths. Above, the sky is black as nightmares. The men at the trackside, they roar so loud it grows distant-like, muted, and I listen for the rushing sound that must be coming from them galloping dogs, but I can’t find it. My ears is too full. Perhaps this is what drowning feels like. I told them, at the hospital, that he likes coming to the dogs. He might do. I don’t know. I did find the ticket crumpled in his coat pocket and, when I straightened it out, saw them words, looking like undiscovered hieroglyphs they’d been rubbed so much. That’s why I’ve come – to find if there’s anything worth discovering. And to pretend: to say to strangers, ‘my husband’s usually here himself but he’s unwell,’ and see if they believe me.
So far, I haven’t found anyone to talk to. They’re a cleft-faced lot at the dog track; the skin on they cheeks and foreheads cracked in the shapes of so much disappointment. Here, they betting on a way out. The dogs shoot past like a cluster of comets and I lean forward over the rail, watching they arched bodies pull tight, then stretch out, burning; watching them tails of sand they kick up. I’ve chose trap six, but I can’t see him from here. Under the thousand-watt bulbs, only they spines is visible; the curved white lines like nails on the end of ten fingers. Or like they bone’s showing through they thin, flat hair. I want to shout with them punters, so I open my mouth and go, “Six! Six!” There’s no need to find better words. No one’s listening.
Photo courtesy of Craig Morey on Flickr.
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
16
w it h na ne t t e t u r k s o n & C Rysta l r o se
fashion
The season of co-ordinates
Spring is set to be the season of the two-piece. They are everywhere! From the catwalk to the high street, everyone is wearing them and I am going to show you the best places to get them! The co-ordinate first came into fashion a few seasons ago but only a few collections were around. That was the warm up, this season the co-ord is the real thing, writes Crystal Rose. I am in love with this clothing collection, ranging from tops with trousers, skirts or skorts there is a Two-Pee for everyone!
Top £17.99 Top £14 Top £20
Skirt £25 Miss Selfridge
Trousers £20.50
Shorts £14.99
Asos SALE
Newlook Belle Heart Green Grid Check Co-ord
Cut Out Rib Co-ord Blurred Abstract Print Co-ord
These three co-ords show the array of varieties available for this on-trend collection. Style it up for a night out with the Rib Co-ord and show off some shoulder in a subtle manner. Make it more casual for the day time with a short co-ord which is perfect for the spring in the warming weather. I’m spoilt for choice with all the possible co-ords. Be sure to choose a co-ord to add to you wardrobe to ensure you are on trend with the upcoming season.
S
hoes, shoes and more shoes The selection of shoes available ensures that everyone is spoilt for choice, so I am going to attempt to make this decision easier for you. I am going to choose shoes for a few occasions and showcase them just for you, writes Crystal Rose.
These women’s converse white all star ox v mono trainers are perfect for the everyday basic shoe. The mono white allows for no clashes to happen and to ensure your outfit is on top form everyday. £45
The women’s Nike pale pink roshe run trainers can be used at the gym to show off the brighter side of you or worn with a casual jeans and t-shirt to bring the outfit to life. Grab them now at Schuh as they are on sale! Now £44.99 was £72
The perfect open toed women’s Schuh natural hot date high heels. These will be perfect for a Wind Street Wednesday or a weekend night on the town! Dress with a simple LBD or jumpsuit to ensure for a perfectly sleek, gorgeous look. £60
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
18
with Joshua vaughan
film
Who’s hotly tipped for Oscar success? 2
015 movie fans, it’s officially Oscar season. It’s that time of year where we celebrate our silicon Gods who make more money than they know how to spend, writes Joshua Vaughan. Even though this is a small truth, it seems apparent that the average filmfan is still winning to pay through the nose each year to see our idols on the big screen (that’s supply and demand for you!) They’re the best in the world; they make us cry, laugh, scream and cheer, and what better way to celebrate them than by analysing the ceremony taking place on February 22? Actor in a Leading Role Potentially the most difficult category to choose from this year is that of Actor in a Leading Role, which includes breathtaking performances from some incredible names in Hollywood. These names include Steve Carell for his performance in Foxcatcher, Bradley Cooper in American Sniper, Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game, Michael Keaton, for his performance in Birdman and Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything. Up-and-coming star Eddie Redmayne appeared to be the frontrunner for this category, which has now fallen to a toss-up between Redmayne, Keaton and the outsider Bradley Cooper for the award. Expect odds to swing between the three until the big day. Actress in a Leading Role 2014 documented some amazing performances from those selected for the category of Actress in a Leading Role, which is only affirmed when one attempts to categorise one performance above another. The leading ladies include Marion Cotillard for her role
in Two Days, One Night, Felicity Jones in The Theory of Everything, Julianne Moore in her film Still Alice, Rosamund Pike from the amazing Gone Girl, and Reese Witherspoon from her movie Wild. It seems that the odds fluctuated fairly often on this one, but it seems to be coming down to favourite Julianne Moore and Rosamund Pike for the award. Actor in a Supporting Role Actor in a Supporting Role often does not get the credit it deserves. It sometimes has the ability to feature deserving stars such as the late Heath Ledger for his inspired performance in The Dark Knight, yet most in Hollywood discredit the award. This was made apparent as Andy Serkis was initially tipped to be entered for his role in The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes as the CGI ape Caesar, as many saw his chances of winning as limited due to the computerised skin of his character, hence his chances of winning the Supporting Role being greater. This, however, was disallowed as he was clearly the lead actor of the movie, as should be apparent to any who saw the appraised sequel. Nevertheless, this year’s Actor in a Supporting Role award features some of the greatest names in Hollywood, who may not get as much screen-time as their leading counterparts, but put in the performances which are just as gripping. The nominees include Robert Duvall for his performance in The Judge, Ethan Hawke in the ambitious movie Boyhood, Edward Norton in Boyhood, Mark Ruffalo in Foxcatcher and J.K. Simmons for his role in Whiplash. Many tip J.K. Simmons as the frontrunner, and
LEAD: Eddie Redmayne as Professor Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything. it is unlikely that the award may be in any of the other nominee’s hands. If it is so, expect it to be in a major upset. Actress in a Supporting Role Actress in a Supporting Role features some of the greatest names in Hollywood in 2014, from the experienced to the newcomer, so it is no surprise that the variety in this role has many in Hollywood guessing. The nominees include Patricia Arquette for her role in Boyhood, Laura Dern in Wild, Keira Knightly for her role in The Imitation Game, Emma Stone in Birdman and Meryl Streep from Into The Woods. Arquette and Stone appear to be the leaders in this one, which is the first nomination for both actresses. Best Picture Finally, Best Picture is arguably the most anticipated category year in and
year out, and usually capitulates the top film of the year. It has come under scrutiny lately for only recommending arty-type films, and disregarding in genres such as action or horror, yet it would be hard to disagree with the nominations for 2014. The nominations include American Sniper (directed by Clint Eastwood), Birdman (directed by Alejandro G. Inarittu), Boyhood (directed by Richard Linklater), The Grand Budapest Hotel (directed by Wes Anderson), The Imitation Game (directed by Nora Grossman), Selma (directed by Christian Colson), The Theory of Everything (directed by Tim Bevan) and Whiplash (directed by Jason Blum). Boyhood and Birdman seem to be the favourites for the award, yet due to the strength of the category, once again, prepare for anything!
LABOUR OF LOVE: Filmed in real-time, Richard Linklater’s time-lapse drama ‘Boyhood’ tracks the growth of a young boy from childhood through to the onset of adulthood.
TOUCHING : Julianne Moore puts in a moving performance as Alzheimers sufferer Alice Howland in her film Still Alice. Would you like to review a film? if so, get in touch on waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk
Film Reviews Ex Machina
By Charlie Trotman
Ex Machina is the classical ‘Frankenstein’ story brought back to life with a shiny new exoskeleton. From the very beginning, we are swept into an eccentric billionaire’s luxury compound. Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) has been assigned to determine whether his CEO’s android is truly conscious. Rather than some clunky dalek, he’s introduced to Ava (Alicia Vikander) a beautiful mannequin-like figure with a heart of steel. Despite the concept, the strength of the film relies on it being essentially about humanity. The film focuses on each of Ava’s traits that make her seem more flesh and bone than any of the human characters in the film. Caleb’s boss Nathan (Oscar Issac) seems to be entirely fuelled by alcohol and Domhnall Gleeson has no real emotion programmed into his features. He spends a lot of time staring awkwardly at Issac, like that one flatmate in halls you never got on with. Alicia Vikander as Ava on the other hand is believably fragile; clad in chain mail, she slinks like a goldfish trapped in a bowl. Her animated body could have limited Vikander but it has the effect of highlighting her distinctive facial features. Even when she dresses up, she still manages to look more machine than human. As a result, the plot only begins to rust when it focuses too much on explaining the science behind Ava, rather than the real question of her emotions. From which galaxy would you have to be from to care about the nuts and bolts, in a film where scientists drink neat Vodka and dance to a club soundtrack? Speaking of the soundtrack, the film is already powered by a pulsing electronic drone that makes it particularly hard-going when the actors themselves drone over the top of it. Overall, it would have been far more interesting to examine what exactly Nathan wishes to achieve with the project. A lot of the time, the actors look visibly withdrawn and, as a result, we do not learn anything particularly distinctive about the characters themselves. Granted, Caleb is out of his comfort zone, but it wouldn’t hurt to raise the odd eyebrow. Ex Machima left me feeling there was more to be solved, like the progress bar hadn’t fully loaded on the mystery.
SOUL FOOD: James Brown biopic Get on Up.
Get on Up
By Charlie Trotman
The recent seasonal onslaught of biopics seems to be upon us, from Otter Benedict Cumberbatch in ‘The Imitation Game’ to the mole faced Timothy Spall in Mr.Turner. It seems just as fictional zombies come around in October. Biopics are in this November. ‘Get On Up’ establishes the legend that is James Brown, from his initial upbringing in the divided, highly prejudiced 1950’s America through to the glamour which led to high speed chases, hair curlers and cocaine. For most people, James Brown was was already a exaggerated figure, the childhood scenes particularly stood out, establishing how Brown was influenced particularly by the religious preachers of his youth. The amazing fact that Blues Brother Dan Aykroyd is the only cast member that had actually worked with the real Mr Brown, this is very fitting to the cartoonish aspects of the film, only in the movies could such an unlikely pairing seem so authentic. This film, with original recordings of the music of James Brown, delivers a certain level of soul, but I couldn’t help feeling that the biggest criticism you could give the film is that, like the songs, it’s mimed. Despite the darker shades of domestic violence, the film never really gets into the true funk of Brown. It’s got a plastic soul, like walking into a Frankie and Bennies and hearing the hits of the era of the man himself.
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
also gives a convincing performance as Dave’s wife Nancy, but again sees very little screen time. Reading rave reviews lauding Foxcatcher a five-star movie, I approached this film with much excitement. However, the film failed to captivate, felt too long and (despite good performances) left me no closer to understanding the true natures of either Mark Schultz or John du Pont; du Pont’s psyche remains ambiguous and a major plot point in the relationship between Mark and du Pont remains mysterious and completely unexplained. Foxcatcher disappointingly lacks direction under Bennett Miller (Moneyball and Capote), who appears to have remained undecided which character he wanted to focus the film on – leaving the film slow, cold and confused. I wouldn’t recommend this film unless you are dead-set on seeing Carell and Tatum’s turns in more serious roles.
The Interview
By Charlie Trotman
‘2014’s most talked about film is a bromance cocktail dressed in dictator chic.’
By Luke Walker
Do I even need to tell you what this film is about? Critics have generally had trouble getting past the film’s multitude of one-liners, leading to the strengths of the film fading into the background. Yes, it features a Tiger like in The Hangover and yes, there are fart jokes. But the film is actually a fun bromance comedy with a surprising amount of depth. James Franco is surprisingly camp as Skylark, outing Eminem as gay one minute and necking his less cocksure buddy Seth Rogen the next. Skylark’s naivety helps to gloss over the ridiculousness of the premise, which doesn’t seem so far fetched when you consider that The Great Leader once entertained The Harlem Globetrotters as a ‘superfan’. Kim Jong-Un is depicted as a Margarita sipping, Katy Perry loving brat, who copes with the insecurity of trying to live up to his father’s legacy by driving around in a tank…and has hardly helped his reputation in attempting to censor this film. Maybe if more people could see the sensitive man behind the dictator chic, we’d all be a lot more sympathetic towards him. Instead, Jong-Un has proved himself to be just as much of a little girl as he’s shown in this film – a man who can’t provide for his own people, but can arrange a cardboard supermarket and a fat kid to fool outsiders. As a result of his insecurity, millions are now clamouring to see the film, and in-turn being educated on the brutality of the North Korean dictatorship. If this had been a serious ‘art’ film with black-and-white scenes and subtitles, nobody would really be paying attention to the ridiculousness of the regime, something which comes across at the very beginning of the film as a vehicle for much of its humour. I suggest you ignore the opinion pieces and watch this explosive comedy as if you were Kim Jong-Un, as uninformed as possible to its content, therefore totally willing to laugh along with Franco and Rogen at the regime’s expense. If only Kim had the sense to object to Adam Sandler films, which are far more offensive and corrupting to society than this movie. He’s probably too busy mainlining Sex and the City to notice and that’s surely one of his worst war crimes.
Foxcatcher tells the true story of Olympic wrestling champion Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and his relationship with philanthropist wrestling coach, John du Pont (Steve Carell). Carell puts in a very good performance as the unstable Coach du Pont, a multimillionaire loner and Tatum is good as Schultz, in what is easily his best career performance by far. Mark Ruffalo arguably stands out as Mark’s brother Dave Schultz (also an Olympic wrestling champion), although it would have been nice to see Ruffalo featured more heavily in the film. Sienna Miller
CONTROVERSY: The Interview depicts dictator Kim Jong-Un as a Margarita-sipping, Katy Perry loving brat.
FIGHTING FORM: Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and John du Pont (Steve Carell), in Foxcatcher.
Foxcatcher
HEART OF STEEL: Alicia Vikander as the a beautiful mannequinlike android Ava.
fashion 16-17
19
front row 15
features 12-13
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
Would you like to review a film? if so, get in touch on waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
fashion 16-17
with Sophie Berman
front row 15
21
features 12-13
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
food
Spice it up with authentic Italian dish If spring can’t come quickly enough, you can still bring a little Italian sunshine into your life with this creamy, spiced risotto, which is perfect for using up bits and bobs from the fridge, writes Sophie Berman.
Chicken, chorizo, courgette and roasted tomato risotto The best thing about risotto is that you can virtually use any ingredients you wish and it is perfect for using up items you have in the fridge. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, the most important thing to remember is to continually stir the risotto to ensure you achieve the desired creamy texture of the dish. The ingredients listed below will prepare enough risotto for two servings. Ingredients: 1 x ring of chorizo (available at Tesco) 1 x chicken breast 200g risotto rice 1 x glass of white wine (optional) 1 x courgette 10 x cherry tomatoes 1 x red onion 2 x garlic cloves Chicken stock Butter Fresh or dried rosemary Olive oil Balsamic vinegar
3.
4.
Method: Preheat the oven to 180°C. 1.
2.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Wash the cherry tomatoes and place them in a roasting dish. Season to your taste and pour over some olive oil. Add a table spoon of balsamic vinegar and some rosemary. Once the oven is hot enough, put the cherry tomatoes in and roast for 20 minutes. Slice the garlic and chop the red onion. Add these to a frying pan with olive oil and some more rosemary (chopped if using fresh). Allow these to simmer for five
5.
6.
7. 8.
minutes or until soft. Slice the chorizo and chop the chicken and add these to the pan. Continue to cook for five minutes. Once the chicken has started to cook and the chorizo is releasing oil, add the risotto rice. If using white wine, pour a glass into the pan and leave to simmer. Make up the chicken stock according to the packet’s instructions and slowly add ladles at a time to the pan, continually stirring and ensuring that the rice has absorbed all the liquid before adding another ladle of stock. Slice the courgette and push it under the risotto to ensure it cooks through. Continue to stir and add the rest of the stock. At this stage, the tomatoes should be done and you can add these and their juices to the pan, mixing them into the risotto. Once the rice is cooked, add a knob of butter to the dish to enhance its creaminess. Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan and a handful of rocket.
BURSTING WITH FLAVOUR: Risotto cooked with chicken and chorizo.
Italian restaurants in Swansea
If you are a lover of Italian food but don’t fancy cooking it yourself, there are a number of Italian options available to you… Castellamare, Mumbles With beautiful views overlooking the Mumbles lighthouse, this traditional Italian restaurant is well worth the trip. Dishes are freshly prepared and whilst the main menu is pricey, there is a lunchtime menu available (a starter and a main course for £9.95). Mamma Mia, Swansea city centre This restaurant in the town centre is slightly more reasonably priced and offers an extensive menu using authentic Italian ingredients. The calamari starter is particularly good, as is the lasagna main. Mamma Mia also offers a lunch menu; two courses for £10.95 or three courses for £13.95. You can add a glass of imported Italian wine to your lunchtime meal for only £2.50. Gallinis Brasserie, Swansea Marina Set in a wonderful location in the SA1 Marina, Gallinis has a loyal client base and is popular with players of Swansea City FC and Ospreys RFC. Gallinis do not serve pizzas and instead focus on their pasta and meat dishes. Gallinis lunchtime menu is £7.50 for one course or £9.95 for two courses.
Have you got a recipe you’d like to share? Email editor@swansea-union.co.uk
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
22
w it h EM MA JAM ES
culture
In celebration of LGBT History Month I
N celebration of LGBT History Month, the Taliesin will be screening the wonderful film, Pride at 2pm, Wednesday, 18 February, writes Emma James. A true story of a group of activists, marching at the Gay Pride in London, that raise money for the families who were suffering as a result of the miners’ strikes during the summer of 1984 (under Thatcher’s period as prime minister). The film explores the humiliation the National Union of Miners faced after finding out gay and lesbian activists began supporting them. The activists decide to ignore the union and gave their support directly to the miners. This is a story that shows the unlikely friendships that are formed between the miners in Wales and the Gay Pride activists who discover that they can succeed when they work collectively. Starring in this film are Bill Nighy, Menna Trussler and Imelda Staunton. Students and staff at Swansea University will be pleased to know that there is no fee to see this film on this occasion. Book and collect your free tickets at the box office, within the Taliesin. Students are advised to take their student identification when collecting tickets.
Student offers at the Taliesin
Above, Pride (15), in celebration of LGBT History Month. For more information visit www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
Tara Arts Theatre presents Macbeth A live production of Macbeth will be performed in the Taliesin, over the course of three nights, writes Emma James. Beginning on Thursday the 12th and ending on Saturday the 14th of March, this production has been created and perfected by Tara Arts Theatre along with the Queen’s Hall Arts and Black Theatre. Macbeth is known for being one of Shakespeare’s most tragic plays that will have the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. This play shows how the ambition of gaining and keeping power can lead to the worst possible outcomes of paranoia and guilt. Staying true to the original story, Macbeth’s lies, murders and schemes will continue. However, the Tara Arts Production team have offered a new, modern outlook to the play, as the Macbeth family and the three witches are Asian.
The witches will be portrayed by Hirjas, who are known as transgendered people within Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. Students are likely to be familiar with some of the cast as Macbeth will be portrayed by Silent Witness star Robert Mountford and Lady Macbeth will be played by Shaheen Khan (Bend it Like Beckham). With an Indian movement twist, this production of Macbeth will be great entertainment and will live up to the great masterpiece that Shakespeare himself created. Tickets are only £5 for all Swansea University students, however, at a limited number, the Taliesin are giving away some tickets at a cost of only £3.
Students who are fans of horror films may be interested in viewing The Babadook which will be shown in the Taliesin on February 16, writes Emma James. A frightening tale of a lady, Amelia, who finds it difficult to raise her son after the death of her husband. Samuel, her son, dreams of a monster that he is sure will kill them both. Later, a book named The Babadook appears in their home and six-year-old Samuel is absolutely sure that the monster in the book is the monster he sees in his dreams. Amelia soon notices a menacing existence around her, her son and their house and she soon realises that her son may have been right. If you are interested in a good horror film, this is something to add to your must see list.
Writers wanted
LIVE PERFORMANCE / LIVE STREAM Wednesday 11 February 7pm RSC Live Screening - Love’s Labour’s Lost Thursday 12 February 1pm & 7.30pm The Muddy Choir – a story of three boys serving in World War 1 Wednesday 18 February 7pm National Theatre Live Screening - Treasure Island
For more information visit ww.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
A must-see film for all horror fans
Taliesin’s screening of The Babadook on February 16.
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.
Tickets are £5.50 and the showing begins at 7:30pm.
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: waterfrontculture@swansea-union.co.uk
CINEMA Monday 16 February Diplomatie/Diplomacy (12A) Tuesday 17 February My Old Lady (12A) 5pm Thursday 19 February The Babadook (15) Friday 20 February The Imitation Game (12A) 5pm & 7.30pm Monday 23 February The Hobbit – Battle of the Five Armies 3D (12A) GALLERY Fri 20th February – Wed 1 April Warren Heaton
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
fashion 16-17
with LIAM TURNER
front row 15
23
features 12-13
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
music
Lily Allen @ the O2 Brixton Academy F
OLLOWING her 2013 comeback to the music industry, Lily Allen announced her SHEEZUS UK tour in August 2014. It would consist of eight gigs in November and December 2014, winding up at Brixton academy on December 12. I was fortunate enough to rush back home to London at the very end of term to see Sheezus herself at the sold-out Brixton gig, writes Hilary Webb. Once I got over the extortionate London prices for beer and spent an embarrassing amount of money on Lily Allen merchandise I headed into the beautiful venue at O2’s Brixton academy that’s been the venue for the likes of The Smiths, Sex Pistols and The Clash in the past. The gig was disappointingly slow to start, the support act finished and it was 45 minutes until Lily Allen graced the stage – but boy when she did, the wait was worth it. Known for being a controversial figure in the public eye, Allen didn’t disappoint when she arrived on stage in a manger on her own nativity set. She later tweeted a photo of her climbing
out of the manger with the hashstag “#littlebabySHEEZUS”. Naturally, climbing out of the manger she opened the concert with the song SHEEZUS and completely rocked it, it was the start of an amazing set. Being a fan of all of Allen’s music it was great to see and hear her perform a range of songs both from her newest album SHEEZUS and her older albums Alright, Still and It’s not me, it’s you. The highlights for me being The Fear, Fuck You and Hard Out Here. Fuck You was particularly spectacular when she invited two guys from the audience up on the stage to sing with her amidst an entire crowd of people thrusting their middle fingers into the air. As a tribute to a school teacher who encouraged her to sing when she was a child Allen had the teacher’s children’s choir support her on the stage for her cover of Keane’s Somewhere Only We Know; that rose to success in John Lewis’ 2013 Christmas ad campaign. True to Allen’s style it was quite humorous, perhaps shocking, that she followed the sweet performance with
The Augustines @ The Globe, Cardiff
Fuck You – but her fans wouldn’t really expect anything else from the mother of two. Allen’s music has never been everyone’s taste, but in my opinion
Music Reviews
Mark Ronson
Foo Fighters
Uptown Special is music producer Mark Ronson’s fourth album, a retro trend following a collection of tracks that flaunt an impressive guest list, including the legendary Stevie Wonder, deep south gospel singer Keyone Starr and Kevin Parker, front man of the psychedelic Tame Impala, writes Lili Thompson. ‘Uptown Funk’ is the heart and soul of the album because of its number one chart dominance. This track refuses to age because of the amalgamation of funk packed all into a pop song. Ronson is close to genius by collaborating with global superstar Bruno Mars, who is often described as the 21st century’s answer to flamboyant stars like Prince and Michael Jackson. The fun nature of the song also fits with the effortlessly cool music video. ‘Summer Breaking’ brings an unlikely collaboration together of Ronson and Kevin Parker, whose vocals also feature on ‘Daffodils’. The vocals of the long haired, often bare-foot singer of neopsychedelic band Tame Impala glide along with the guiding bassline and introduces a psychedelic twist to lounge-jazz. ‘Feel Right’ could be a homage to James Brown because of its style being similar to Brown’s classics like ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ or ‘The Payback’. Ronson’s track is complete by the sung-rapped vocals of Mystikal, which are catchy, uplifting and slightly maniacal, just how James Brown would have wanted. ‘I Can’t Lose’ sounds like an eighties anthem reminiscent of ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’ by Jocelyn Brown because of the talented vocals of the previously undiscovered deep south gospel singer Keyonne Starr. This track shows that Ronson is talented at uncovering bare talent and creating a superstar, just like he did with Lily Allen and the late Amy Winehouse. Ronson’s fourth studio album is an infectious answer to the retro trend which is cruising through the charts at the moment. He manages to incorporate decades of music and genre together, but ensuring that his sound remains fresh and marketable to the chart listening audience.
Sonic Highways (Album)
For those of you that haven’t heard of The Augustines, they are an American Indie rock band that is made up of Billy McCarthy – vocals/guitar, Eric Sanderson - bass, vocals/keys and Rob Allen on drums, writes Niamh Ollerton. Billy and Eric are both American and Rob is English, but moved to the States 12 years ago. I had the pleasure of going to see this incredibly talented band, and I have to say it was the best gig that I have ever been to. The energy they put across to the crowd and their obvious passion for what they do couldn’t be missed. The group clearly love what they do, and were in their element, having banter with the crowd. In between songs they would chat to the crowd, tell them stories, and make the crowd laugh. As the venue was quite intimate, this worked really well. The crowd didn’t want the gig to end, and the encore lasted for around 40 minutes. The Augustines actually came off stage and moved through the crowd, playing their instruments as they went. They went up in to the higher tiers over the balcony, and even got on top of the bar to play their instruments and sing. It was a great ending to an amazing gig, and really made the crowd go wild.
since her career began back in the early 2000s, her voice and musical creativity has grown and grown, meaning that us lucky folk in the audience got to witness a flawless, hilarious and entertaining performance. She closed the concert with one of her most loved songs, Who’d Have Known, that had the entire audience waving torches and singing along. Despite being a sold-out London concert it was an incredibly intimate gig, with the audience as well as Allen making it as amazing as it was. Fashion wise Allen didn’t disappoint arriving in custom House of Holland and keeping all three of her outfits incredibly sparkly and festive. I feel extra fortunate as I accidentally found myself a couple of metres away from Allen’s friend, fashion designer, and my own personal fashion hero Henry Holland – and I went full fangirl! Having been a fan of Lily Allen since her debut I feel privileged to have finally seen her live at an amazing, final and festive end to her SHEEZUS tour – I can only hope that one day I’ll be able to see the URL BADMAN singer live again.
Sonic Highways is arguably the most anticipated album of 2014, and with that comes high expectations for the veteran Seattle rockers. Recorded in eight different cities across the United States, and with a television series to help promote the album, Dave Grohl and co. try to offer insight into the history of American music, writes Daniel Coleman. And to an extent Sonic Highways does give the listener a taste of the different influences this record has been created upon. “What Did I Do? / God As My Witness” offers a chord progression reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd, while “Something From Nothing” throws a Stevie Wonder inspired keyboard piece in the later verses. Despite the different influences, as well as the multiple guest appearances on the record, this remains a stable Foo Fighters album, offering exciting riffs, ferocious drumming and Dave’s recognisable and honest vocals, produced by long-time friend Butch Vig. “Congregation” showcases the Foo Fighters here at their best, with its fast paced riffs, crunchy melodic playing from the three-guitar attack and even offering a nice breakdown before launching itself into the climax as Grohl shouts “Open your eyes, step into the lights”. Unfortunately, the record never truly throws itself into its own concept, vaguely mentioning the cities it was recorded in and the band never goes too far out of their comfort zone. But while they never hit full stride in this album this remains a solid Foo Fighters record, ending with an emotional and touching climax in “I am a River”.
Uptown Special (Album)
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
24
with SOPHIE WIGGINS
relationships
Blind Date
When Dinga met Kimberley Dinga Banda, a 20-year-old Physics student, met Kimberley McCooke, a 22-year-old Maths and Spanish student at JC’s.
Kimberley on Dinga 1) What were your first impressions? He turned up with a some friends. They were really nice but it was a little intimidating.
Ask our Agony Aunts Shannon Jones, a second year American studies student, and Faye Vlietstra, a second year criminology student, are The Waterfront’s agony aunts.
Dear Faye and Shannon, When I go out I tend to get drunk and end up hooking up with the same guy because he buys me drinks. I have no feelings at all, but he’s becoming attached, is it bad to keep using him in this way? Sarah Sarah, it sounds to us that you’ve hit the jackpot with this one. In our eyes we don’t see this as a bad thing. As long as you keep making it clear that you’re not interested then you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re just so irresistible he clearly can’t help himself. Keep on getting those free drinks, and remember that you don’t owe him anything just because he’s bought you a drink. You’re a strong, independent woman who knows how to work the situation to her advantage. We salute you.
Dear Shannon and Faye, This guy has said that he’s falling in love with me, but we’ve only seen each other three times. On top of this he sent me a picture of his sex toy collection. What the hell do I do?! Amy It appears to us that you’ve found yourself your very own Christian Grey minus the Christian Grey. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID!!!! This guy is clearly troubled, and you don’t need that in your life…unless you’re into that, then you go girl. With regards to the falling in love issue, nip it in the bud, before it nips you in butt. Better his feelings are hurt now, than two months down the line and you’re locked in his sex dungeon wishing you’d had the balls to tell him to back off.
2) How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after? I was kind of nervous. I didn’t know what to expect didn’t know anything about him other than he was younger than me. After I felt better, he was actually nice. 3) Any striking conversation points? His drinking habits. I know I wouldn’t be able to keep up. 4) Any awkward moments or silences? None actually, which was good. 5) Did you wonder why they weren’t in a relationship at any point? No, I didn’t actually. But now thinking about it, I am. 6) If you were to be married and have babies with the other, what would you want your baby to inherit? His talkativeness and my ability to listen. 7) Would you introduce them to your parents? As a friend 8) Generally how did you think that date went? I think it went well. 9) Would you like to meet again? As a friend, sure.
Dinga on Kimberley 1) What were your first impressions? She is late and not blind. Do not take “Blind date” literally. 2) How did you feel about taking part in a blind date? It’s pretty much a gamble every time, like Russian Roulette just without the gun and you make new friends who don’t wanna shoot you. 3) Any striking conversation points? I kinda hogged the conversation so most of it was interesting. 4) Any awkward moments or silences? I don’t think I stopped talking, she seemed nervous. 5) Did you wonder why they weren’t in a relationship at any point? Nope, I was more interested in her dancing. 6) If you were to be married and have babies with the other, what would you want your baby to inherit? This is all happening a bit fast…. 7) Would you introduce them to your parents? I wouldn’t introduce me to my parents
(Please note aunts Faye and Shannon, although knowledgeable, are not qualified to be giving real advice and so all responses are intended to be more amusing than serious. The Waterfront recognises that occasionally they can’t even do that so please take all answers with a pinch of a salt and refer to proper grown up professionals for real advice)
8) Generally how did you think that date went? Very “How I Met Your Mother” -esque 9) Would you like to meet again? Blind date, would you like to meet again?
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
fashion 16-17
with DECLAN MURPHY
front row 15
25
features 12-13
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
games
eSports’ big prizes could turn the tables F
ROM betting to competitions, eSports is one of the fastest growing entertainment markets. Boasting some of the biggest prizes in any branch of competitive sport. But why is it still shunned? asks Declan Murphy. Maybe I should explain what eSports is first. eSports is essentially competitive Player vs. Player (PvP) gaming. What I mean by that is you are fighting another single or team of humans in an effort to reach a certain goal; before they do or achieve more of said goal than the other team or individual does in an allotted time. If you stomp on Goomba (The annoyed little brown mushrooms in Mario games) that isn’t PvP. PvP would be something more like killing a dude on CoD or Champion on League. eSports has grown hugely over the last few years. Multiple sites are now set up where viewers can browse through channels and channels of eSports competitions; a prime example being Twitch. But still the world doesn’t really acknowledge its presence as anything but a sad imitation. What’s more it is forced to sit on the side lines of the world stage while other sports are given more attention than any eSport division going. Well, at least in this country, more on that later. Having spawned many different divisions throughout gaming, any game with an online heavy scene is more than likely represented in an eSports light. Citing two examples, Call of Duty and League, you can clearly see an eSports scene in the game’s community by simply going on Twitch.tv and looking at the ‘Most Watched Game’ section.
Another example, Dota 2. The game is so well adapted it provides users the interface to make tournaments and then view those games in the game client. Hundreds of tournaments are going on all at any one given time. Just this past year, a Dota 2 tournament boasted a ludicrous $10,923,980 prize pool ($5,028,121 going to the winners Newbee). Universities, or at least the societies within them, have also been getting in on the act. Arrow eSports and NUEL, for Dota 2 and League respectively, have been running tournaments in the
UK in support of the eSports scene in universities throughout the UK. But still, even with that support, it isn’t recognised. Sure, it isn’t a physically intense craft, but it is competitive and, in my opinion, one of the most entertaining competitive scenes to watch. Comparing Snooker, a BUCS endorsed sport, which isn’t physically intense either, to the League of Legends or Dota 2 scene, I know what I’d rather watch. I’m also pretty confident in saying the following of those two games is bigger individually than that of Snooker.
This situation isn’t the same everywhere however. In Korea, the eSports scene is huge. So much so that before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the South Korean football team was visited by Starcraft 2 players in a bid to boost confidence. The following there is crazy! Of course, eSports won’t grow overnight. Nor is it set in stone it will. But it certainly remains a contender to flourish. I’m not saying you have to like it either, but give it a try. Because it’s like the strategicness of Chess… But with explosions. And who doesn’t like explosions?
Seeing war through the victims’ eyes This War of Mine is not your regular Call of Duty with a cup of tea and some biscuits, writes Luigi Olivieri. For the last decade developers have been flooding the shelves with similar war games: keep the first person shooting going, change the background history, improve the multiplayer a bit and the next is ready for shipping. 11 Bit Studios could have continued this chain with their Anomaly franchise, but decided to take a different approach around the topic. This War of Mine puts you in the middle of a besieged city devastated by a civil war, not as a fully equipped military, but living the life of three inhabitants who couldn’t escape and are now bound to survive amongst the bullets and explosions. The streets are guarded by snipers during the day, making it the time to craft essentials, cook and rest in the shelter. The scenario changes when
the sun goes down: the city is free to explore, and that’s when you go scavenge other buildings and resupply. That’s when most of the interactions with other survivors takes place as well. The game has a similar approach on humanity as Papers, Please. You have to take care of your beloved ones, but what do you do when two kids knock your door asking for medicine for their ill mother? A “no” could save a pack of meds, while putting two children alone in the midst of a war. Furthermore, your characters have feelings that flourish along with the story, expressed by their Bios. Some actions may bring them joy and light some fire in their souls, others can depress them to a point where there is no meaning in living in this chaos. That’s what makes This War of Mine so great, the depth in character development and how each element, from the sporadic sound of bullets on
the background to the darker shades and blurred image, contribute to build an atmosphere where you really care about the safety of these people. War games are so much more than relentless killing, and it’s great to see an example of what they can really do.
WRITERS WANTED: Would you like to review a game? Email waterfrontgames@ swansea-union.co.uk with your idea
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
26
with JO davies
careers
Sign up for WoW and SPIN and get real experience W
HAT student placements are available, this year? Placements are relevant to a wide-range of careers goals and are open to students of all colleges and levels: • WoW – Week of Work - Unpaid (with expenses covered) weeks of work experience available over the summer • WoWee – Week of Work with Extra Experience – Paid, long-term placements carried out alongside studies • Santander Universities’ SME Internship Programme – 3-month, paid internships for final-year students (during summer) or graduates within the last 2 years •SPIN – Swansea Paid Internship Network – 4-week, paid internships occurring over the summer or parttime alongside studies The story so far, this academic year…. 109 placements completed by
students, so far: • 103 WoWs during Employability Week, January 2015 • 2 WoWees • 5 Santanders • 2 Part-time SPINs And many more available! So sign up! Added extras… • A free Employability Master Class • A free mock interview • Access to employers from wideranging organisations and industries • International placements (starting summer 2015) • Placements are included on your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) • Your placement contributes to the SEA Award How do I apply? We reopen applications, early March 2015 – dates to be announced shortly, here http://myuni.swan. ac.uk/work-placements and here @
Cassidy Phillips did a Week of Work in history and classics. swanworkplaceme. No need to reapply if you have already applied during the 13/14 and 14/15 academic years.
One simple application process for all programmes. Questions to : workplacements@ swansea.ac.uk
Perfect your CV and interview skills in a lunchtime workshop HERE are the workshops that our careers advisers will be running during the rest of February and March to help you write great CVs, find jobs and prepare for interviews. For any workshops that you would like to attend, go to http://swansea. prospects.ac.uk/index.html to register and book online. Once you have registered and logged in:•Click on “Events Calendar” •Select the date of the event you wish to attend •Select “Book”. I you have any queries about the booking system, please telephone 01792 513266 or call in at the Careers Helpdesk in the central hall on Level 3 of the Library. Thursday 19 February 12.00 – 1.00 What employers want from you at interview. With Rebecca Vaughan. If you are applying for an opportunity with an employer you are more likely to be successful if you know what they
are looking for and can communicate this effectively. Whether you are applying for a part time job, a placement, your first graduate job or a voluntary post, employers will be interested in your skills, attitudes and mind-set as well as your knowledge. Feel you’d like to brush up on your interview technique? In this session our careers advisers will provide you with hints and tips on how to survive job interviews. This workshop will help you tune in to the employers’ perspective and understand how you can evidence their criteria. Thursday 26 February 1.00 – 2.00 Writing an effective CV and covering letter. With Lucy Norman. A practical workshop covering the key points on how to write CVs and covering letters and adapt them to meet the needs of potential employers and industry sectors.
This workshop will be useful if you have not yet written your CV or if you need further help and advice on communicating your educational talents and previous work experience to employers. If you have a current CV you are welcome to bring it to this session, though there may not be time for individual feedback. Tuesday 3 March 12.00 – 1.00 Writing an effective CV and covering letter. With Rebecca Vaughan Thursday 12 March 1.00 – 2.00 Writing an effective CV and covering letter. With Jennie James Tuesday 17 March 2015 12.00 – 1.00 Finding graduate jobs. With Zdravka Kamenova / Rebecca Vaughan Looking for work after graduation and not sure where to look or when to start applying? This workshop will help you
get a clearer picture of timescales, where to look for vacancies and develop a plan. Thursday 23 March 1.00 – 2.00 How do I develop my interview skills? With Gareth Hill. Feel you’d like to brush up on your interview technique? In this session our Careers Advisers will provide you with hints and tips on how to survive job interviews.
Please visit https:// myuni.swan.ac.uk/workplacements/ for more information about WoW, SPIN (Swansea Paid Internship Network) and Santander work placement programmes.
societies 27
careers 26
games 25
relationships 24
music 23
culture 22
food 21
film 18 -19
fashion 16-17
with sophie Wiggins
front row 15
27
features 12-13
16 February 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
societies
Fashion Society Charity Show 2015 IN
2013 Swansea University’s Fashion Society was being run by a small committee of just four girls who had met during the society’s first year of running. Any new society can meet with trouble when trying to find its feet and Fashion was no different. However, when the prospect of a charity fashion show came along the society was propelled into activity. Our membership grew and an incredible show committee was formed. The little experience we had was made up for by the passion we all shared for the event. The show, themed as ‘An Evening in Paris’, was held during March in the Arts Suite of the Swansea Grand Theatre. Proceeds and awareness raised was for Asthma UK, a cause held very dear to all of our hearts. After months of planning, organising, and plenty of ups and downs, the big night eventually arrived. It is safe to say that the show was a resounding success, raising over £4,000 and we are incredibly grateful to all who were involved. It was so successful that plans were taken forward for a show with Debenhams and plans are now underway for our second show; WNDRLAND. We shall once again be using the Swansea Grand Theatre however this year we are back bigger and better in every way imaginable. We shall be transforming the theatre into a psychedelic wonderland for an evening of fashion, dance, music and fun. The evening is an opportunity to
showcase local boutiques, designers, and businesses, with high street names and high-end brands also competing to be a part of the event. We shall be putting on another exciting catwalk show and our incredibly popular raffle will be back with even more amazing prizes. This year we are raising awareness for Shelter Cymru. For any who doesn’t know, this fantastic charity works to help those suffering from homelessness throughout Wales. After the tragic passing of Swansea’s very own Tea Cosy Pete we could not imagine a better cause to support with our show. If you attended last year then you will know that this is not an evening to be missed, and if you were unable to grab one of the limited tickets last time then we know you’ll not take the chance of missing it again. As a committee and society it is hard to keep our excitement in check as plans go ahead and we cannot wait to share this all with you. Take the chance to like our page at: facebook.com/ wndrland in order to stay updated and not miss out on the limited tickets available. We will see you all in Wonderland very soon. Peter Allan, a student who is helping to organise the event, said: “We hope that everyone is ready for the return of the largest student-run catwalk show in Wales! Because we are so excited for Wonderland.”
Students taking part in last year’s Fashion Show.
Quidditch becomes a full-blown society ANOTHER new society has been created from Hogwarts Society, which is the Quidditch Society. The role of Quidditch captain has been running since the Hogwarts Society was founded two and a half years ago. The proposer of the new society Shannon Heal stepped in as captain half way through last year when the previous captain stood down. But what is Quidditch? Shannon Heal, president of the Quidditch Society, told us: “Quidditch in the simplest description is like what would happen if you mixed rugby and basketball together.” “With a broom between your legs. While also playing a game of hide and seek. The only difference being the bludgers are players who throw dodgeballs to knock players out of play. “If you are tagged by a bludger you have to dismount and return to your goalpost before resuming play.” Quidditch got popular quickly with many players turning up regularly to practice, this is why it was decided to apply to be a separate society away from the Hogwarts Society. Trying to regularly run practises, trying to design kit, making hoops and other equipment was a lot to take on as a sub event of a society. Alongside contacting other Quidditch teams about matches it was a lot to take on. A majority of Hogwarts Society members were also interested in being actively involved in the Quidditch team outside of Hogwarts. Creating a separate society seemed to be a perfect decision so that’s what they did. The high demand of design, practices and game organising can now be equally shared out between a committee. The Quidditch Society will be holding their practices
The members of Quidditch Society. on a Sunday at 2pm at Singleton Abbey and the society already have a game lined up against Bristol’s University Quidditch Society. Shannon Heal is very happy Quidditch are now a society. She told us: “As a society we are very excited to expand and we cannot wait to have our first match against the Brizzlepuffs!”
Mo Comfort, a regular attendee to practices, said: “I have really enjoyed seeing Quidditch develop from the small beginning it has had. “It’s nice to see through Shannon’s hard work and dedication it is finally becoming a society in its own right, to get the support it needs to go further.”
Varsity 15 - Swansea Rugby Captain Poster A3.indd 2
27/01/2015 23:23
waterfrontonline.co.uk
BUCS so far...
BUCS
SPORT I 29
Current position: 31st (761.25pts)
information correct as of 12th February 2015 at midday.
F eatured result : Men’s Hockey Swansea 5 - 1 Cardiff Met
348 victories 56 draws 354 losses
30 I SPORT
thewaterfront 16.02.15
Local pro clubs thriving Local Sport
byNed Claire Cuddihy by Bristow
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA City entered 2015 in the face of adversity, with rumours rife that star man Wilfried Bony would depart South West Wales in search of Champions League. And so it turned out; while the big striker was on course to winning the African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, he secured a £28m move to Premier League champions Manchester City, smashing Swansea’s record transfer fee and earning himself a bumper wage in the process. This, as well as having Mr Consistent Ki Sung Yeung away at the Asia Cup captaining South Korea to the final, did not help Swansea’s January form as they collected just two top flight points and exited the FA Cup in the fourth round at the hands of Championship side Blackburn Rovers. After an explosive start to the 2014/15 campaign the
Swans have gone off the boil somewhat since the turn of the year, despite acquiring the services of Jack Cork and Kyle Naughton in the January transfer window. However, there is still good cheer amongst the Jack army despite adverse results apart from a resolute 1-0 victory away at Southampton. Manager and club icon Garry Monk celebrated a year in charge at the Liberty Stadium earlier this month, and the club announced £1.7m annual profits as well as plans to buy the Liberty Stadium from Swansea Council. Manchester United are the next visitors to Swansea, who currently sit 9th in the table. While it will take a mammoth performance to secure a first over double over the world’s second richest club, it would certainly send the Swans well on the way to securing their best ever finish. The Liberty Stadium’s other tenants – the Ospreys
International Rugby
Saint Helens hosts Six Nations rugby opener
– need not be worried by their footballing neighbours’ attempts to buy their shared home. Ospreys backer Robert Davies confirmed that the stadium’s sale would have no effect on the rugby region, who have shared the stadium with City since it opened in 2005. A 50-year shared lease is believed to be in place, meaning the club has at least 40 years of rugby still to be played at the stadium. On the playing side of things, Ospreys are enjoying a fruitful season and – at the time of going to print – sit top of the Guinness PRO12 after 12 rounds of fixtures having lost just three matches to date. Meanwhile, seven Ospreys stars – including Swansea University’s own Alun Wyn Jones – featured in Wales’ Six Nations defeat to England at the Millennium Stadium, and will look to keep their places as Wales push to recover their campaign.
Swansea University men’s rugby first team played a pre-season match at St Helens
HISTORY was made earlier this month when St Helens stadium hosted Wales women’s first Six Nations 2015 match. Wales secured a 13-0 victory over England, beating the world champions for only the second time in their history. Despite missing 14 of their World Cup winning squad, England were nevertheless favourites for the St Helens encounter and Wales’ win will live long in the memory of those present. Swansea University has a strong affinity with St Helens, with many university sporting events taking place at the ground each year.
The intramural knockout cup final has been played there in recent years, while the university men’s first team played a warm up match there last year. Many students living in Bryn Road houses also enjoy a clear view of the pitch from their windows and gardens, offering a free ticket looking over the terraces. Swansea RFC, now coached by former Varsity winning coach Richard Lancaster, play at the 4,500 capacity ground. Six Nations action returns to St Helens in March, when Wales women welcome Ireland to the 142-year-old stadium in round four.
Intramural football: Ashleigh Road round up RESULTS
TABLE
FIXTURES
information correct as of 12th February
Sunday 30th November
Sunday 8th February
Kents FC 2 - 2 Ajax Treesdown
Crayola 0 - 0 Team Armadillo
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
PTS
PhotoSINthesis 1 - 0 St Helens
Golden Showers 3 - 1 Pitches & Bitches
SPR 2 - 2 Hangover 96
History FC 3 - 3 Kents FC
2
Team Sloth
12
9
1
2
52
18
34
28
SPR v Pitches & Bitches
Sully Sports 0 - 2 SUMFC 6s
PhotoSINthesis 0 - 3 Hangover 96
3
Hangover 96
10
8
2
0
29
9
20
26
St Helens v The Avengers
SUMFC 7s 1 - 2 The Avengers
St Helens 1 - 3 Team Sloth
4
SUMFC 7s
11
8
0
3
31
15
16
24
Sully Sports v Golden Showers
Team Armadillo 1 - 3 Pitches & Bitches
SUMFC 6s 4 - 0 Ajax Treesdown
5
Singleton Park Rangers
12
6
2
4
37
33
4
20
SUMFC 7s v Crayola
Team Sloth 4 - 2 Golden Showers
SUMFC 7s 4 - 1 Sully Sports
6
Ajax Treesdown
12
6
1
5
43
41
2
19
Swansea Medics v History FC
Swansea Medics 4 - 0 Ladzio
7
Team Armadillo
10
5
2
3
21
11
10
17
Team Armadillo v Ajax Treesdown
8
Crayola FC
10
5
2
3
22
19
3
17
(CUP)
The Avengers 4 - 3 SPR
11
10
0
1
42
7
35
30
Kents FC v PhotoSINthesis
1
Sunday 1st February
SUMFC 6s
Wednesday 18th February Ladzio v SUMFC 6s
Team Sloth v Hangover 96
Pitches & Bitches 4 - 1 History
Wednesday 11th February
9
Swansea Medics
11
5
1
5
33
31
2
16
Sunday 22nd February
Sully Sports 1 - 2 Ladzio
Ajax Treesdown 1 - 3 Hangover 96
10
The Avengers
10
5
1
4
24
26
-2
16
Ajax Treesdown v Team Sloth
Pitches & Bitches 5- 4 PhotoSINthesis
11
Pitches & Bitches
11
5
0
6
27
24
3
15
Crayola v The Avengers
Kents FC 3 - 0 Golden Showers
12
History FC
11
4
2
5
21
23
-2
14
Pitches & Bitches v Sully Sports
Wednesday 4 February
Ladzio FC 5 - 0 St Helens
13
Ladzio FC
10
4
0
6
23
31
-8
12
Golden Showers v Swansea Medics
Golden Showers 0 - 6 PhotoSINthesis
SPR 2 - 1 History FC
14
Sully Sports
12
3
1
8
28
41
-13
10
Hangover 96 v Ladzio
History FC 3 - 2 Ajax Treesdown
Swansea Medics 1 - 3 SUMFC 7s
15 PhotoSINthesis Grasshoppers 12
3
1
8
23
41
-18
10
History FC v St Helens
St Helens 0 - 9 SPR
Team Armadillo 0 - 2 SUMFC 6s
16
Kents FC
10
2
2
6
16
38
-22
8
Sully Sports 2 - 2 The Avengers
Team Sloth 6 - 0 Crayola
17
Golden Showers
13
2
0
11
12
41
-29
6
18
St Helens Athletic
10
0
0
10
5
40
-35
0
Team Sloth 0 - 3 Swansea Medics
th
Kents FC v SPR PhotoSINthesis v Team Armadillo SUMFC 6s v SUMFC 7s
waterfrontonline.co.uk
SPORT I 31
Swansea sail through to national finals Sailing
by Ned Bristow waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA’S resident sailing club earned their place in this year’s BUCS Team Racing Championship finals after an exceptional performance at the Western qualifiers earlier this month. Three Swansea teams – Green, White and Black – entered a weekend of qualifying races at Chew Valley Sailing Club earlier this month, all hoping to
take one step closer to BUCS glory by fighting off fellow West and Wales universities for a finals berth at April’s championship event. While Swansea Black’s campaign ended prematurely after winning just two of their 14 races, the Whites came much closer and only fell at the final hurdle, missing out on the playoffs by a single victory and finishing with an impressive seven wins from their 14 contests. Swansea Green, however,
The entire squad gave a brilliant account of themselves at the weekend event.
pulled off a stellar performance to win 11 times and finish third in the overall standings. They, along with fellow Western qualifiers Bristol Red, Plymouth Black and Exter Black – as well as contenders from South Central, Midlands, Northern and Scottish qualifying events – will race for the championships when Notts County Sailing Club host the finals in just under two months’ time. Both Swansea White and Green made strong starts to the two-day event, and sat in fourth and fifth position respectively at the end of the first day’s racing. However it was all change during the next 24 hours, as the Greens secured six wins from six on day two while the Whites unfortunately fell away from the leading pack, losing four of their six meets on the final day to see their hopes of qualification dashed. Club president Ben Ashley was delighted with the efforts of the qualifying
Picturesque location: Chew Valley
team, and praised Green’s recovery during a phenomenal second day push. “On the first day Green had a few good wins but lost a couple of races that we really should have easily won, leaving us in a really hard place going into the second day,” admitted Ashley. “We discussed what went wrong on the first day and so raced much better the next day, winning all of our races. “We did race really well, but we have room for improvement before we go to the finals.” Ashley was also quick to pay tribute to the White and Black teams, saying: “I was very impressed with both White and Black, especially
White who just missed out on the playoffs.” As is often the way with university sport, despite the cutthroat nature of the qualifiers - which were contested by 15 teams from six universities - the atmosphere in the camp was friendly and goodnatured. “Since qualifiers is the most important event of the year with everyone competing for those few places, the tension runs high,” disclosed Ashley. “But even though every university was really competitive, there was a good sense of sportsmanship throughout the weekend.” And for Green, there is plenty more where that came from when finals come around – something Ashley is certainly awaiting eagerly. “I am really looking forward to the final now. With some more practice I am sure that we can beat our result from last year and secure some BUCS points.”