02 I NEWS
thewaterfront 03. 03. 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 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
Bleddyn Carter (01792) 602496
Tragic loss of graduate killed in car crash by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk TRIBUTES have poured in for Swansea University graduate and trainee maths teacher Oliver Davies, who was killed in a car collision on the way to work on February 11. Oliver, who was from Cardiff, graduated from Swansea University last year at 21 years old with a BA in Maths. He was on a work placement at Dean Academy in Lydney as part of the PDGC course he was currently studying. He was driving to the school alone when his car collided with another vehicle on the A48 at Stroat in the Forest of Dean. “He had settled in extremely well at the school and loved his work. We don’t know how or why he has this tragic accident. He was driving alone and was killed instantly,” his mother Trudy said. “Ollie was someone with a real zest for life. There were never enough hours in the day for him. He had this way of reaching out to people. He would have been a very good teacher.” A keen runner, Ollie, as he was known to his friends, was a committed member of the Athletics and Cross Country Team during his time at university. Current members and members of the Swansea Trotters - the university’s alumni club for ex-members of the Athletics, Cross Country and Triathlon, teams have expressed their sadness at his loss. Vice president of the Trotters, Richard Mann said: “Oliver was a dedicated member of the Athletics & Cross Country team, joining the club during his second year of university. He was a regular face at training, socials and would always compete for the university whenever possible. “It was a pleasure to know such a genuine and kind person who will be deeply missed by his friends in the Swansea Trotters and the current university athletics team.“
Below, Oliver Davies. Left, at the centre of his beloved Trotters team.
These tributes were also paid by friends: “Oliver was the kind of guy that would always leave you feeling cheerful after you’d spoken to him. It could because he’d said something completely ridiculous or just because his laid back and jolly demeanour had rubbed off on you.” “Joining the Swansea Uni athletics team is one of the best things I’ve ever done and Oliver is one of the reasons I love being a trotter so much!” “Oli had a genuine kind soul. He always put others before himself. An underdog with pure determination! A true Welsh gentleman and honest friend.” “I’ll always remember how welcoming he was when I first joined the running club, and how he would always go out of his way to approach me and start a conversation. A warm and welcoming heart I won’t forget and will certainly miss.” This year’s 360 Marina 5K race, organised by the Swansea Trotters as their main annual reunion event, will be held in memory of Oliver. Richard Mann said: “We will be holding a minute’s silence before the race as sign of respect and opportunity to remember a
fellow graduate, teammate and friend. “Anyone wanting to join us for the minute’s silence, it will be held at 360 Watersports Centre at 11am on Saturday 14th of March.” An inquest into Oliver’s death was opened and adjourned at Gloucester Coroner’s Court on February 16 however Gloucestershire Police confirmed it is carrying out an on-going investigation into the collision. Three occupants of the other car involved in the collision remain in hospital. In a tribute, the whole family said: “You were our star, our sun, our moon, our everything.” Hundreds of people were expected at his funeral, being held at the church on February 26. Friends were asked not to wear funeral clothes but to wear orange and blue, Ollie’s favourite colours.
Meningitis claims student’s life by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE Waterfront has learned that a first year media and communications student, Oluwagbotemi Braithwaite, died from meningitis in December just before the end of the first semester. Swansea University refused to release any information about the death at the time but it has since been confirmed by a member of her family that Miss Braithwaite passed away in her sleep due to the meningitis infection. Miss Braithwaite was found in her room by flatmates at 11am on 11 December at Fresh Student Living St David’s Accommodation, New Cut Road, Swansea. Police were contacted upon discovery of her body as all Miss Braithwaite’s flatmates except one had returned home to their families.
A friend of Temi, as she was known to her friends, said: “She was very funny and lovely to be around. I remember going to a Rick Ross concert with her in Lagos and a New Year’s Eve party where we were taking photographs of the performers. She was always smiling and joyful.”
A Swansea University spokeswoman said: “All house/flat mates were contacted by Wellbeing and offered support but we also advise generally that if anyone is suffering from bereavement and needs support then they can contact Wellbeing or access help externally via the information on their resources page.” Miss Braithwaite was not known to have any pre-existing health conditions nor was she reported to be experiencing any symptoms of being ill. Miss Braithwaite had not contacted Student Welfare services. In the light of her death, students are questioning why the university hasn’t released any information to students about the dangers and symptoms of meningitis on this occasion. Warnings were issued after a student became ill with meningitis last October advising students about how to diagnose symptoms and how to treat potential cases.
Student found badly injured by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk A 22 year old student was critically ill in hospital after being found seriously injured. The man was seen leaving Swansea University library at 11pm on Tuesday, February 17. He was found on The Strand in the city centre by a passer by at 6.30am the following morning. Police say they do not know how the student came by his injuries and they are asking anyone with information to come forward. The student, who lives in the Brynmill area, is described as being white, 6ft 2in tall, and of an athletic build. He was wearing a navy jacket, a grey Superdry t-shirt, blue chinos and blue Nike trainers. Call South Wales Police in Swansea on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 1500059978.
Rugby players investigated REPORTS of bad behaviour on a night out by members of Swansea University rugby teams are being investigated by the students’ union. Eye witnesses reported seeing around 100 students on a pub crawl around Brynmill, which later resulted in an incident that could lead to disciplinary action. Charlotte Peters, sports oficer, said: “Whenever Sport Swansea receive a complaint or report we take them very seriously. Unfortunately I cannot really release details currently as it would not be fair on any party involved, but we will be following the appropriate and proper disciplinary procedures.”
Black Students Forum March 5 THERE will be a Black Students’ Forum on Thursday, 5 March. Organisers say: “Come along to discuss the attainment gap between black and ethnic minority students and white studies at Swansea University. Voice your opinions or just come to listen to what others have to say about the important issue facing ethnic minority students. “There will be Swansea students who attended the NUS Black Students Conference in Wales in attendance to give some feedback on the conference and issues facing black students throughout Wales. Black voices matter, so make sure your voice is heard!” The forum is from 12noon - 1pm in the Nelson Mandela Suite.
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NEWS I 03
Staff and students march on SoM building bySophie Wiggins
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk STAFF and students got together to demand action over problems in the university’s School of Management during a recent rally and march outside Fulton House. The event, organised by the University and Colleges Union, attracted a sizeable turn out. The students’ union and university have already received hundreds of complaints and a 1000 name petition calling for action over the abrasive management style of the school’s dean, Prof Nigel Piercy, and his son pro-dean Niall Piercy. A recent leaked document from the management team describes some dissenting staff as a ‘cancer that must now be removed’. While Nigel Piercy’s response the 1000 name petition was to say: “Haters goin to hate, potatoes goin to potate, we’re doin great.” Anne Paess, a 26 year old Economics PhD student who took part in the rally, said: “I am one of the ‘toxic’ ones. The reply we got to our complaints was about potatoes. This shows how our complaints are not being taken seriously. We are being washed down the drain and that is why this is important. I am not a potato, I deserve respect.” The UCU told us: “The march was organized due to significant issues that have arisen in the School of Management over the last 16 months. Our members in the school have raised concerns about how they have been treated. We are one university and Swansea University policies and procedures apply to all the university’s colleges
PROTESTORS: PhD student Anne Paess and (right) staff and students march on the School of Management building. Photos by Sophie Wiggins. and activities without exception.” A staff member who wished to remain anonymous said: “If the university would talk to us, we would not need to resort to things like this.” Tom Lake, a 25-year-old PHD student in the College of Engineering also took part in the rally. He said: “Although the bulk of events in the School of Management affect the students, it is
Did you like the Chillout Zone?
Students enjoying last year’s Summer Ball. by a Waterfront reporter
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE students’ union wants your opinion of its alcohol-free Chillout Zone at last year’s Summer Ball, with a view to improving it for this year. The zone was created by the SU’s Alcohol Impact Pilot project and Swansea University Residential Services working together. The aim was to cater for people that do not drink alcohol and also to encourage students to drink responsibly. On Mental Wellbeing and Health Day recently, the SU had an Alcohol Impact stand in JC’s to find out what students thought, and these are a few of the things they said: “Needs to be more apart from the main area, needs to be more closed off as lots of people
still drinking in there”. “Too drunk to go in” “Great area to sit in. We were able to have a chat and hear each other but we could still hear the music. “ “It was good to be with people who just wanted to take some time out and then go back into the main areas later. ” Did you check out the Summer Ball 2014 Chillout Zone? What did you think about it? Please tell us how you think we can improve it. The most unique feedback will get FREE ENTRY to Student Union Summer Ball 2015. Please e-mail sabrinabegum@swansea-union. co.uk with your feedback; you will receive an e-mail confirmation if you are the winner. Deadline for the competition is 17 March. Please note only Swansea University students who are 18 and over can enter.
starting to affect the university as a whole. It is being noticed by the outside community, what the university needs to realize is that people across the university want this matter resolved.” Two first year international relations and modern history students also took part in the rally as representatives of the Marxists Society. One of them, Gareth Lynn, told us: “We are here to support the cause against the School of
Management and we have a series of demands for the students’ union.” A student who wished to remain anonymous told us: “I am disgusted that this has been left to go on for as long as it has. Students should be the number one priority in all universities.” During the protest security guards were positioned outside the School of Management building.
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NEWS I 05
Students’ union full-time officer election results
Robiu clinches education role
AJ is your new president elect
by Hilary Webb
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
by Jacques Kenedi
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk AJING Jipur, better known to many on campus simply as AJ, has been elected to become next year’s students’ union president. Reacting to the news of his victory he told us: “I feel quite good. It has been a really hectic and fun week. Above all I would like to congratulate all the competitors, they’ve all done incredible campaigns and I wish them the best of luck.” When asked what his immediate plans were he answered: “I’m just looking forward to a good night’s sleep!” AJ, pictured above right, was elected on 37% of the vote, or 881 total votes.,
compared to Steph Dalton’s 19.5% (462 votes), Harry Forrester’s 19% (451 votes), Chris Walburn’s 14% (333 votes) and Caleb Severn’s 9%. Re-Open Nominations received 37 votes, for 1.5%. The president has been elected on a platform that would create an express bus service between our two campuses, bettering the lighting in Singleton Park and the opening of a Bay Campus office, amongst other things. AJ thus becomes the first black and African president of our students’ union. Ajing is the current international officer and has served on a variety of society committees since he has been in Swansea, from the Afro-Caribbean Society to UNICEF, serving as president for the latter this year.
ROBIU Salisu has been elected as Education officer for Swansea University’s Students’ Union for the academic year 2015/16. The final year history student won by a landslide with 1781 votes, beating 481 votes to reopen nominations. Robiu’s manifesto included getting rid of exams on Saturdays, ensuring there is a free transport scheme between Singleton and Bay campus and a plan of positive action for the School of Management. “Overwhelmed with emotions” after receiving the news, Robiu said he was feeling “very, very, very tired but very excited” and wished to thank his “campaign manager Naib, he’s been fantastic, my family and my friends, a group of
friends I call brothers”. Robiu said the highlight of his campaign was the “costume for Rob the builder, I think it was just amazing… I remember walking through the mall with my inflatable hammer and all my friends saying ‘can he fix
it? Hashtag yes he can!’ Robiu also said that “perhaps he could have spoken to the people campaigning to reopen nominations; maybe I should have addressed their concerns”.
Alys is societies and services officer shocked and overwhelmed with her win. Winning with 928 waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk votes, Alys was very closely ALYS Chapman, a biosciences followed by Deonte Jam who student, has been voted to be recieved 879 votes. She said the Officer for Societies and she didn’t have a strict team Services for the academic year to help her with her campaign, pulling in friends to help them 2015/16. Her manifesto included when they could. Alys said: ‘I had a lot of friends ensuring that all societies are well facilitated across both to do a lot of work so it wasn’t the Singleton Campus and just me. We weren’t really a the new Bay Campus opening team but Caleb did a lot for next year, renovating the me, as did Tash. Chloe helped union website to give instant me out a lot, and so did Becky.’ When asked how she felt after and clear information as well as providing accessable and her win or if she had anything flexible society space with she wanted to say Alys said: ‘I appropriate transport where wasn’t prepared to win at all so necessary. Alys looked very it’s all a little bit aaah..’
by Zoe Stabler
Lloyd to be your next welfare officer Felix wins sports job by Chloe Mills
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk FELIX Mmeka has been elected as sports officer for Swansea University’s Students’ Union for the upcoming academic year. The civil engineering student won by a close margin, obtaining a total of 978 votes, while runner up Joshua Guy obtained 883. Commenting on his campaign, Felix said that “it was one of the hardest things he’s ever done in my life,” and that he would like to thank “God, his parents, his friends and his campaign team for being amazingly supportive”. Felix said his main priority is to ensure that “each and every single student of
Swansea has a reason to play sport”. In line with his manifesto, Felix said he wanted to focus on bringing diversity in sports to Swansea, such as by setting up multi-national sports tournaments e.g. Swansea University Six Nations and Swansea University World Cup, and including disability sports within Sports Swansea. Other highlights from his manifesto include establishing a free shuttle bus for sports teams between Singleton and the new Bay Campus and maintaining affordable sports memberships and team costs. When asked what he would be doing to celebrate, Felix said that all he wanted was “a weekend to himself”.
by Francesca Hobson
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk LLOYD Harris has been elected as welfare officer for 2015/16. Lloyd won with a massive 863 votes, with Keji Ajewole coming in second with 613 and Verity Williams landing an impressive 401. Lloyd is dedicated to concentrating on increasing awareness of the services the university has to offer for students’ wellbeing. He wants to break the stigma around mental health and establish online forums for international students. Lloyd wants to make sure there is a student-focused information pack for accommodation and to have a secure bus route to the Bay Campus. Lloyd will endeavour to make
sure there is a strong working relationship between students and their personal tutors and to make sure the risks of alcohol are made clear with added Tea and Toast areas following union alcohol events. When asked which of his manifesto points Lloyd would enforce first he said: “I would focus on my ‘Support’ point first and make sure that instead of implementing new things first off, which I have many ideas for, I would utilise the services that are already available as I want to enhance the great work that’s already going on.” He said: “I’m so shocked with the result, I cannot describe how I’m feeling, I’m so incredibly happy.” Fellow Welfare candidate Verity Williams said: “I’m so happy with all the people I’ve met while campaigning, it was fantastic to work with so many people.
“Lloyd is a fantastic guy and will do an amazing job.”
NEWS I 07
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Student’s amazing success with pet app is no shaggy dog story! by Sophie Wiggins waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
A SWANSEA graduate has become an internet sensation through creating the pet photo sharing app Fuzmo. Elliot Thomas, a Business and ICT graduate from Swansea Metropolition University in 2013, created Fuzmo with his business partner Jack Morris. They raised the cash for the Swansea-based venture through online crowd funding which saw them raising £50,450 in only 11 days. Fuzmo already has 20,00 members and an amazing three million followers on Instagram. Its purpose is to create a place where animal lovers across the world can interact and share with each other. Elliot told us: “Fuzmo was born from our Instagram accounts where one of our co-founders, Jack, started posting pictures of cute animals. The account is @ Insta_Animal, and with this account achieving great success and us getting thousands of requests to post other people’s pet pictures, we realised that people wanted this type of app so we decided to create a place where pet picture enthusiasts could share their own images while getting involved in our like-minded community.” He added: “We have faced many challenges, money was the biggest issue in the early days however we were very fortunate enough to gain a lot of traction
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA: Cute pets like this one are set to make Elliot Thomas a business success. when we first launched our website and this led us to crowd funding platform Seedrs where we were lucky enough to raise £55,450.” Fuzmo’s offices are in Wind street Swansea and the company currently employs two Swansea University graduates Andrew Ryan and Michael Dec. Micheal Dec, who studied Mathmetics at Swansea University, said : “Fuzmo literally emanates enthusiam and a friendly atmosphere. We have designed graphics and pursued business
And it’s a thumbs up from us Thumbs up from the exchange students, from left, Alli Sitton, Taj Shah, Rebecca Sehnert and Dani Cao. by Jacques Kenedi
waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THEY say everything is big in Texas, which is 33 times the size of Wales. But when it comes to a big adventure, it’s Swansea that fits the bill for four students who have just arrived here from Texas A&M University to study as exchange students in engineering. The Aggies (as A&M students are known) are also making the most of the opportunities that the exchange offers outside the classroom. One of the students, Alli Sitton, of Houston, told us: “An exchange like this is the chance of a lifetime – I’ve been to the UK before but never to Wales. The people here are really nice, plus I’ll get the chance to travel to places like Germany and Italy. “ The students already have positive comments about their stay. Dani Cao, of Dallas, said: “I like the fact that you see lots of people out and about and everything is easily accessible –
plus I love the cute little shops! It’s so great to experience something different.” Coming from the small town of Sulphur Spring, Texas, Rebecca Sehnert reflected on some of the differences between College Station and Swansea and concluded: “Already I’ve learned so much, just by being in a different country. I loved Mumbles, especially Oystermouth Castle, which was the first castle I’d ever seen!” But it’s not all about sightseeing for Houstonian Taj Shah, a football fan who is hoping to get the opportunity to visit the Liberty Stadium for a Swans’ game. The student exchange scheme sees students from medical, chemical and environmental engineering at Swansea spend their autumn term studying in Texas, with Aggies coming to Swansea in the spring. This is part of a larger and partnership between Swansea and Texas, which also includes research collaboration, knowledge transfer, sharing of infrastructure and the exchange of academic staff.
opportunities, fixed codes and even contrbuited to some open source projects.” Elliot said: “Fuzmo has grown much quicker than we anticipated however we are thrilled to see it doing so well.” “My advice to students is just go for it, I don’t think many things have gone to plan for us however thats part of the journey, learning at each hurdle is not only important but amazing. There is a lot of support for new businesses, especially in Wales.”
Societies aim to sell food by Laura Fiteni waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk
A MOTION was passed at the January Student Forum for Swansea University’s Students’ Union to allow student societies to sell food and drink. A total of 23 students voted of whom 20 people were for allowing the sale of food and drink whilst three were against it. None of the people who attended at the forum abstained. Societies have been forbidden from selling food and drink for over ten years due to health and safety restrictions. Societies and Services officer Jerry Isokariari said: “I will do my best to get this passed by the university but it will be very difficult to get the university to agree due to health and safety reasons. “It would be very difficult to regulate the sales to comply with food hygiene and safety regulations as we couldn’t provide someone to supervise the preparation and cooking of consumable products to ensure that it is being handled in a safe environment.” The plan would also put societies in direct competition catering services on campus.
thewaterfront 03. 03. 15
08 I NEWS
WELSH Dadlau rhwng Plaid Cymru a’r Blaid werdd by Lewys Aron welsheditor@swansea-union.co.uk
YN 1992 datganwyd un o ganlyniadau mwyaf annisgwyl a thrawiadol etholiad cyffredinol y flwyddyn honno yng Ngheredigion wrth i Cynog Dafis o Blaid Cymru ennill mwyafrif o dros 3,000 o bleidleisiau. Yr hyn sy’n nodweddiadol yw’r ffaith na wnaeth y Blaid Werdd sefyll ymgeisydd yn ei erbyn. Yn hytrach, cefnogodd y Blaid Werdd a’i hymgyrchwyr lleol ymgyrch Cynog Dafis yn frwd ac yn agored. Ond na welwn y fath cydweithredu rhwng y Blaid werdd a Phlaid Cymru heddiw gyda dirywiad amlwg mewn perthynas y ddwy blaid a’i gilydd. n ddiweddar mae arweinydd y blaid werdd yng Nghymru wedi cyhuddo Plaid Cymru o ‘fwlio’ ei phlaid a’i hymgeiswyr. Daw’r cyhuddiad bod Leanne Wood, arweinydd Plaid Cymru, wedi gofyn i ymgeisydd y Blaid werdd ar gyfer etholaeth Ceredigion i beidio â sefyll yn erbyn ymgeisydd ei phlaid hi yno, sef Mike Parker. Er bod Leanne yn gwrthod y cyhuddiad. Mae Plaid Cymru bellach wedi annog ei haelodau/cefnogwyr sy’n byw yn Lloegr i bleidleisio dros y blaid Werdd. Ond, gyda’r blaid werdd yn sefyll ymgeiswyr yng Nghymru yn ogystal â Lloegr nad ydynt wedi argymell i’w haelodau yng Nghymru pleidleisio dros Blaid Cymru.
Mae’r picedi wedi’u hosod felly ac mae’r ddwy blaid wrthi’n ymosod ar ei gilydd yn lle canolbwyntio ar gydweithio yn effeithiol fel y maent wedi yn y gorffennol. Beth yw farn aelodau’r pleidiau felly? Dywedodd Ashley J Walking sy’n fyfyriwr ym Mhrifysgol Abertawe a hefyd yn ymgeisydd dros y blaid werdd ar gyfer etholaeth Gorllewin Abertawe: “Mae rhaid i ni fod yn bragmatig wrth i ni geisio disodli’r agwedd yrfaol sydd i wleidyddiaeth heddiw gydag un sydd o fudd i drigolion Cymru. “Mae wedi bod yn ffynhonnell dadlau brwd bod Plaid Cymru wedi annog ei phleidleiswyr yn Lloegr i bleidleisio drosom ond nad ydym wedi gallu annog ein cefnogwyr yng Nghymru i bleidleisio drostyn nhw. “Y rheswm dros hyn yw nad oes parti i’r chwith yn Lloegr sy’n cyfateb a’r Blaid werdd ond rydym yn cyfateb i Blaid Cymru yng Nghymru. Mae’n rhaid i mi nodi bod Plaid Cymru wedi gwrthod cydweithredu â ni ar lefel lleol yma yn Abertawe megis yn isetholiad Uplands. “Mae dewis clir gan bleidleiswyr rhwng Plaid Cymru a’r Gwyrddion a’r pleidiau sy’n cefnogi llymder pellach, h.y. LibLabConUKIP. Rwyf yn derbyn felly bod hi’n rhesymol ein bod ni yn ystyried peidio â sefyll yn erbyn Plaid Cymru pryd mae ganddynt gyfle uchel o gael ei hethol. Ond, nad yw’n rhesymol i ddisgwyl i ni wrthod yr
Er rwy’n gyflym i nodi bod y Blaid werdd o blaid datganoli bellach i Gymru. Yr hyn sydd angen nawr yw i ni edrych ymlaen at gydweithio cymaint ag sy’n bosib yn etholiadau cynulliad 2016 er mwyn sicrhau’r canlyniad gorau posib. Dywedodd Rhydian Ellis Fitter, cefnogwr Plaid Cymru: “Budd hi o fudd i bawb cael gymaint o Aelodau seneddol gwrth llymder yn San Steffan ag sy’n bosib. Rwy’n gwybod bod fy ffrindiau yn y Blaid Werdd yn cytuno. Bydd Plaid Cymru yn trechu’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol yng Ngheredigion ond rwyf dal i deimlo y bydd cydweithrediad rhyngom ni a’r Blaid yn gam ymlaen. Roedd partneriaeth 1992 yn un eithriadol o bositif a hoffwn weld dealltwriaeth o’r fath o’r newydd. Yn ystod isetholiad uplands rhedais i ac Ashley ymgyrch a oedd yn rhydd o fwlio.””
Barn yr awdur
Ashley J Ŵakeling - Green party candidate for Swansea West and Swansea University student hawl i ymgeiswyr sefyll ar ôl iddynt gael eu dewis mewn etholiad lle mae nifer mawr o bobl am bleidleisio dros y blaid werdd. “Mae yna wahaniaethau sylweddol rhwng ein polisi ni a pholisi Plaid Cymru. Er enghraifft, mae Plaid
Cymru yn cefnogi pŵer niwclear a’r hawl i hela llwynogod, polisïau mae’r blaid werdd yn erbyn. Mae hefyd yn bwysig nodi bod llawer o’r rheiny sy’n pleidleisio dros y Blaid Werdd wedi cael digon o rethreg Plaid Cymru sydd o blaid annibyniaeth.
Mae tactegau’r Blaid werdd yma yn ymylu ar abswrdiaeth. Nid oes gobaith caneri ganddynt ennill Ceredigion. Mae polisïau’r ddwy blaid tu fewn i drwch flewyn o’i gilydd (ac eithrio polisi niwclear dryslyd PlaidCymru) . Mae’r ddwy blaid yn erbyn toriadau pellach a dylid felly uno er mwyn cael yr effaith mwyaf posib. Mae Syriza yng ngwlad Groeg wedi dangos y pŵer o glymblaid/grŵp ymbarél gwrthlymder.
ENGLISH The Greens and The Party of Wales fall out by Lewys Aron welsheditor@swansea-union.co.uk
A ROW breaks out between the Greens and The Party of Wales. In the general election of 1992 one of the most shocking and unexpected announcements came from Ceredigion. Cynog Dafis, a schoolteacher representing Plaid Cymru, won by a majority of 3,000. The Green Party didn’t stand a candidate in the seat that year; conversely they decided to openly and enthusiastically support the Plaid Cymru candidate, thus contributing to his historic victory. But, the relationship between the two parties has come under enormous strain lately with a row breaking out between the two leaders. The Green Party leader in Wales recently accused The Party of Wales of bullying her party and candidates. She accused Leanne Wood, the leader of Plaid Cymru, of asking the Green candidate in Ceredigion not to stand against her party’s candidate, Mike Parker. Leanne denies her accusation. Plaid Cymru has urged party members and supporters in England to vote for the Green Party. But, with the Green Party standing candidates in Wales as well as England, they are unable to return the favour. The lines are drawn then and both parties are at it attacking each other instead of co-working effectively as they have done in the past. So, what are the party members’ opinions? Ashley J Walking, a Swansea University student and The Green Party candidate for Swansea West, said: “We have to take a pragmatic attitude to dismantle the current careerist political landscape to one that will work for the
population of Wales. It has been the cause of much controversy recently that despite Plaid Cymru encouraging their voters in England to vote Green, that Wales Green Party has not repaid the favour. This is due to very differing circumstances between the countries, with no large alternative party of the left in England. However, we have found that Plaid are not willing to co-operate with the Greens, refusing joint tickets and endorsements for council by-elections here in Swansea. The alternative of both Plaid and Green is the ConLabLibUKIP sliding scale of austerity and it is therefore I do accept that it may be the case that the Greens should have considered standing aside where Plaid Cymru incumbents are elected and where they have a great chance of election. However, to stand down a candidate who has
been selected in a constituency where there are people that wish to vote Green, would be an incredible path of injustice. There are vast and poignant differences between Green and Plaid policy, such as Plaid being in favour of both fox-hunting and nuclear power, although it’s important to note that the Green Party does support further progressive devolution for Wales. Many Green voters are also tired of the pro independence rhetoric of Plaid Cymru. I would suggest that we look towards the Welsh Assembly elections to co-opt with one another for the best possible outcome in 2016.” Rhydian Ellis Fitter, Chair of Swansea University Plaid Cymru society said: “It would benefit everyone to have as many anti-austerity MPs returned to Westminster as possible and I know that my friends in the Green party agree. In Ceredigion, Plaid will beat the Liberal Democrats but I do feel that working with the Greens there would be a great step forward. The partnership in 1992 was incredibly positive and I would like to see a new understanding between the Party of Wales and the Greens. During the Uplands byelection campaign Ashley and myself had a good campaign that was completely free of bullying.”
The author’s opinion The Green Party’s tactics in Ceredigion seem absurd. They have no chance of winning the seat. The two parties’ policies appear identical with the only exception being Plaid Cymru’s confusing policy on nuclear power. Both parties are against austerity so they should work together to maximise their chances. Syriza in Greece have shown the power of an anti-austerity coalition.
Rhydian Ellis Fitter - Plaid Cymru Society president and Swansea University student.
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... and you thought Breaking Bad was good
front!
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societies 33
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features 12-13
L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a students
with hilary webb
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features Photo from goodladworkshop.com
Can you learn how to be a good lad? L
AD Culture has become a more and more present topic on the minds of university students over the last few years, writes Hilary Webb. Usually it gets a pretty bad reputation as it’s affiliated with derogatory attitudes towards women and sex, though it does encompass more. A group of students and graduates at Oxford University are trying to change Lad Culture’s reputation for the better, by redefining it entirely. Good Lad Workshop is a organisation which runs workshops exclusively for men to discuss sexual harassment, consent, masculinity and peer pressure among other things with the goal to “empower men to deal with complex gender situations and become agents of positive change within their social circles”, according to their mission statement. So far they have run workshops with over 250 men from various sports teams, faculty, societies and business schools at Oxford University. Writing in the Telegraph, Theo Merz critiqued Good Lad’s scheme, questioning why “discussions like these always have to be in a language that would make Gwyneth Paltro cringe?” Good Lad hopes to change the face of Lad Culture by cultivating what they call ‘Positive Masculinity’, part of the language Merz was mocking. When I pointed out to Good Lad spokesperson Dave Llewellyn that this scheme seemed like something that a stereotypical lad might avoid and mock, he agreed that “the most difficult thing for any initiative such as Good Lad is to get guys into the room”. Using an example of sports teams, to show how they have successfully done this, he said they “approach the captain of a team and talk to them about the importance of engaging in discussions
relating to gender and masculinity, and how it is a great opportunity for their team to be proactive. The captain is then tasked with bringing their team along to a workshop”. ‘Positive Masculinity’ is part of Good Lad theory, and hopes to encourage men to change the way they make decisions. The theory is that if guys can create their own positive male self-image, that it will help them to make decisions that result in the best outcomes for women, other men and themselves. Though Good Lad are now branching out into senior schools and workplaces Dave Llewellyn insists that universities are still essential in the redefinition of Lad Culture. He said that since it is so “easy to fall into laddish type behaviours to try to impress your peers” when you move to university, and so it is essential that we are “breaking down this social norm and showing guys that they don’t have to neglect their identity as a good man to gain social capital.” Part of the reason Good Lad is now targeting senior schools however, is because they are well aware that many of the ideas that start Lad Culture are formed long before university. So why are these workshops just for men? Does segregating the sexes for this discussion only exclude women further; surely women should be invited to be part of this conversation? Good Lad have a solution to this also. While the workshops remain exclusively male only their website states that women’s input is sought out at every level of Good Lad, and they organise their workshops based on consultations with women’s groups and organisations within the gender field. Co-president of Swansea University’s Feminist society, Lily Hidson, called the scheme a ‘step in the
right direction’ but also said that it’s “important that the workshops are open to people regardless of their gender or sexuality” and that the name Good Lad “runs the risk of appearing patronising”. Lily Hidson added that “the issue of lad culture has been proven by NUS research to be most prevalent in universities, particularly sports teams, and therefore, if these workshops are proven beneficial, it would be great to see these workshops available to all students studying at university”. Whether Good Lad Workshop or similar initiatives will become widespread in UK universities is still unclear. Though Good Lad’s language might need some tweaking, it’s fantastic to see young men starting to engage in discussions about gender inequality, as its negative consequence influence all genders.
Photo from goodladworkshop.com
front row
Sink presents: DJ EZ Sin City, Saturday, 7 March
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Sin Presents: Silent Disco Sin City, Friday 13 March
careers 34
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relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
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varsity 20 - 21
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fashion 16-17
w ith Ben R ees
front row 15
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Friday the 13th of March sees a long awaited return of the Silent Disco to Sin City. The party will return with four sets of DJs battling it out to be crowned the winner overall, as you decide by choosing the channel you like the most throughout the night. With music from Sin Savers, Sink, Monsters of Rock and Throwback, expect a mixed bag of some of Sin City’s biggest anthems all night! Tickets are available from sincityclub.co.uk and Swansea-union.co.uk
DJ EZ. On Saturday 7 March, Sink welcomes the UK Garage legend, DJ EZ. Already this year EZ has played an 8-hour uncut set at The Qube Project in London, and joined a huge garage line-up at Skream’s XOYO residency. This year he’s set to take over the festival scene, with scheduled appearances including Fabric Live, Parklife Festival, Annie Mac’s Brand New Lost & Found Festival, We Are FSTVL, Love Saves the Day, Hideout and Outlook Festival! Tickets are set to go quickly, and are available from both sincityclub. co.uk and as usual from swansea-union.co.uk
182: Blink Tribute Sin City, Friday, 6 March
Play On Wednesdays: MTV Tour featuring Varski and ReWire Fiction, Wednesday 11 March
Wednesday this year has become everyone’s favourite night it seems, with queues of students eagerly waiting outside both Idols and Fiction throughout the night. This one sees MTV bring DJ ReWire and MC Varski host the main room in Fiction to top off the night.
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Sin City brings an awesome tribute to Blink 182 to the venue on 6 March. With everything from ‘What’s My Age Again’ to ‘All the Small Things’ being Swansea favourites, this one will definitely be worth a bit of nostalgia and some Friday night fun. Tickets are available from sincityclub.co.uk and Swanseaunion.co.uk
•If you’d like to feature your event in the What’s On Guide, please send an email to waterfrontfrontrow@swansea-union.co.uk.
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Howl Poetry Night
Mozarts, Thursday 12 March Howl is a well attended open mic night which includes performing poetry, prose, short fiction and verse at Mozarts in Uplands. Entry is free. Arrive before 9pm to get a performing slot. The name of the event is taken from famous beat poet Allan Ginsberg’s controversial work ‘Howl’ which was published in 1955. The night features all kinds of verse as well as special guests.
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careers 34
societies 33
relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
music 25
culture 24
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varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
with Joshua vaughan
front row 15
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features 12-13
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
film
Caught in a tangled web of intrigue Media giant Sony has come under great scrutiny within a matter of months, for a catalogue of hacking scandals, a draggedout debacle over controversial comedy The Interview and, now, their inability to effectively plan out a hit movie franchise, writes Joshua Vaughan.
A
lthough many had high hopes for director Marc Webb and star Andrew Garfield’s interpretation of the web-slinging superhero SpiderMan, the series had, officially, become tangled in its messy web of plot-holes and rushed, under-prepared marketing. Although both films in the series (The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2) made a substantial profit, and garnered respectable reviews from critics, the series seemed to plummet before it got going. A Gift Or A Curse?
The confusion of villains in the second film, which featured an underused Rhino character, a well-established Green Goblin and a convincing Electro (played by Jamie Foxx), was reminiscent of the downfall of earlier instalment, Spider-Man 3 (2007). One would have thought that Sony should have learned their lesson over the fatal risk of villain confusion at this point. They did not. The fact that the end credits scene in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 featured a trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) rather than a sneak reveal for its own franchise proved that the franchise lacked the direction it deserved. The illtimed movie reveal for Sony’s proposed Sinister Six movie made many wonder when Sony would admit their losses. It took a few months to do so, but now that they have, they have given themselves the tools for success. Freedom, Responsibility... Although Sony still exclusively owns the rights to the character of SpiderMan, and has full financial and creative control over the character, the new deal
reached with Marvel allows the hero to appear in both the well-established Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and in his own newly-created cinematic universe. Although many will be disappointed that the story will restart once again, and that Andrew Garfield will make way for another actor to portray the character of Spider-Man, it became apparent that under the new deal, due to the events which have taken place in each of the cinematic worlds, there was no way around the lack of continuity in the two franchises. Up, Up and Away The statement both Sony and Marvel announced reads, “Sony Pictures Entertainment brings Marvel Studios into the amazing world of SpiderMan”. The wording is clever, and allows both Sony and Marvel to express their creative freedoms both individually and collectively. It is understood that Spider-Man will most likely appear in a Marvel film in the near future (most likely in the anticipated Captain America: Civil War) and then will appear in his own standalone film on July 28, 2017, according to the Sony and Marvel statement. Also, the deal allows characters from the already established MCU into the new Spider-Man world. The crossover possibilities are limitless for now, yet as the storyline becomes more and more cluttered with characters, plot-lines and anticipation, it would be interesting to see how often crossovers take place. One thing is for certain – if you enjoy superhero movies, the rejoicing starts now.
Film Reviews Fifty Shades of Grey
SHAZAM!: The new deal between Sony and Marvel has rescued the Spiderman franchise for future generations to enjoy.
Whiplash By Natasha Marsh
Fifty Shades of Grey, the book by EL James, left me fuming. It is the 21st Century and the book basically glorified domestic abuse and did not show the true world of BDSM. It was with great trepidation that I went to see the film directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, yet I was pleasantly surprised. The film has lost all the cheesy inner thoughts of Anna (Dakota Johnson) and instead the character gained a sense of humour, thanks to a brilliant actress that I had never heard of but hope to see again. However the lead man Christian Grey played by a baby-faced Jamie Dornan, seemed to lose his dark edge and abusive nature. The most surprising part of the film was that they had obviously done their research compared to the author of the book. The BDSM was tame and only got aggressive when asked for by the submissive (Anna); the dominant (Christian) eased her into the world instead of throwing her in the deep end. The film would have worked just as well without the sex scenes as the dialogue and story are strong enough.
By Alex Roden
It’s not that often a truly great music film appears on our screens but the short, intense trailer for ‘Whiplash’ was sufficient enough for me to find out if we were going to be lucky enough to get one. Brought to us by both writer and director Damien Chazelle, in what is only his second film I might add, we are invited into a prestigious music conservatory where 19-year-old jazz drummer Miles Teller (Project X) discovers the pains and rewards of performing at the highest level. Pushed and pushed by brutal instructor JK Simmons (Spider-Man) who possesses no boundaries when trying to find absolute perfection in a student’s performance, we are presented with an unbelievably gripping music lesson and an enthralling depiction of jazz drumming; far, far away from the likes of Keith Moon and Dave Grohl, whose music the majority of our ears are more accustomed to. Teller gives the performance of his emerging career but it is certainly Simmons that steals it. He has won the Oscar, the BAFTA and the Golden Globe awards for Best Supporting Actor and his performance is truly staggering. His combination of profanity, energy and sheer brutality captivates you and will certainly draw a laugh every now and again. Whiplash is truly superb and will no doubt will leave you with sweaty palms and, for some of you, a head-ache.
Would you like to review a film? if so, get in touch on waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk
careers 34
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relationships 25
rtravel 29
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culture 24
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varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
with Sophie Berman
front row 15
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food
Appetizing alternatives during Lent Lent is the perfect excuse to take a break from your favourite food or drink. However, 40 days and 40 nights without chocolate, carbs or alcohol can be very challenging. Surveys estimate that nearly all of us get cravings for things that we cannot have so here are some substitutes to keep us going until Lent ends on 2 April and mass consumption of Easter eggs begins, writes Sophie Berman.
Chocolate
Chocolate is the top choice when it comes to giving something up for Lent. To satisfy a sweet tooth, have a go at baking these simple and surprisingly healthy flapjacks. This recipe makes 12. Ingredients: 200g x unsalted butter 200g x brown sugar 200g x honey 400g x porridge oats 50g x nuts/dried fruit chopped Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 2. Add the butter, sugar and honey to a saucepan and heat, stirring occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Then add the oats, nuts and fruit and mix well. 3. Grease or line a cake tin and transfer the oat mix into it, spreading to about 2cm thick. Using the back of a spoon, smooth the surface. Put the flapjack in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly golden. Leave to cool, then turn the flapjack out of the tin and cut it into slices.
Alcohol
Alcohol is also popular as a Lenten sacrifice. Giving up drinking for a period of time has huge health benefits including giving you more energy, improved digestion, better skin and weight loss. This refreshing Mojito mocktail, featuring lime and mint, won’t leave you with a sore head in the morning. The recipe below makes two Mojito mocktails. Ingredients: Mint leaves 2 x limes 2 x cans of ginger ale or sprite 2 teaspoons sugar Crushed ice Method: 1. Break the mint leaves into glasses using your hands. 2. Add slices of lime and a teaspoon of sugar to each glass . 3. Mash all the ingredients with a fork or spoon to bring out the flavour. 4. Squeeze some lime into each glass and add lots of crushed ice. 5. Fill the glass with your choice of ginger ale or sprite.
HEALTHIER OPTION: Hand-baked flapjack makes a tasty alternative to chocolate.
Chips
Whilst fried potato is of course incredibly delicious, chips from your local takeaway can contain as many as 1000 calories per portion. These sweet potato chips are super tasty and only 200 calories per portion. Allow for one medium sized sweet potato per person. Ingredients: 1 x sweet potato, olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs (rosemary, cayenne pepper, cumin, paprika or curry powder)
SPRING DETOX: Cut down on alcohol by opting for a refreshing Mojito mocktail (left), whilst baked sweet potato (above) offers all the flavour of chips, but without the fattening carbs. Have you got a recipe you’d like to share? Email editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C 2. Peel the sweet potato and slice into chip shaped pieces. Ensure that they are all of a similar size so that they cook evenly. 3. Put the chips into a foil-lined baking dish and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and your preferred herbs. Arrange the chips in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to allow them to crisp. 4. Bake for 15 minutes before removing them from the oven and turning the chips over. 5. Bake for a further 10-15 minutes, until crisp on both sides.
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w it h EM MA JAM ES
culture
An intoxicating Breaking Bad spinoff Student offers at the Taliesin The Taliesin Arts Centre on campus offers a limited number of tickets at £3 for all of their live shows. Live streams from various London and other theatres are priced at £5 for students. All cinema tickets are £5.30 for students. Take your student ID to get the discount.
LIVE PERFORMANCE / LIVE STREAM
Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman and Michael McKean as Chuck in the first episode of Better Call Saul. Photograph: Ursula Coyote/AMC
F
OR the first time in a long while, here’s a television spin-off guilty of being just as addictive as its parent, writes Charlie Trotman. Better Call Saul starts as bleak as some of the darkest moments of Breaking Bad. Thankfully, the rest of the show is rose tinted, taking place when Saul (Bob Odenkirk) went by James “Jimmy” McGill, and was a struggling, sweating lawyer defending the meth heads against all odds, making cocktails in his coffee cup and trying to get his big break. If this doesn’t sound like the most thrilling or original concept for a show,
remember that Breaking Bad was about the highs and lows of a drug-peddling chemistry teacher, which led to me paying more attention to Walter White than I did to my lecturers. A Breaking Bad society would have cropped up within the university if we could have only torn ourselves away from the screen. In the first episode, Saul encounters two insurance fraudsters who throw themselves in front of cash for money. As a natural ambulance chaser, Saul helps them pull off a scam on an elderly Mexican lady who has more than salsa on her carpets due to a certain drug
Oscar winning film
dealer of a son… Watching Saul, the criminal lawyer, proves to be just as arresting and has me handcuffed to Netflix waiting for them to dole out the next hit. It’s got more imaginative shots than you had during Freshers’ week and just as many colourful characters as a proper night out. It’s the perfect sun-soaked antidote to the cold weather that has us reaching for the remote more than ever around this time of year. Episodes are released on Netflix every Tuesday.
Jane Phillips photography award After graduating from Swansea Metropolitan University last year, Aneta Kempa won the Jane Phillips Award, writes Emma James. Kempa’s award-winning photography will be on display between the 17 February and 29 March in the Mission Gallery, located in the Maritime Quarter, Swansea. Her photography focusses on the themes of memories and time, through the representation of her grandmother and her struggles with dementia.
‘2Faced Dance’ returns to Swansea Watch the incredibly talented 2015 Academy Award winning Eddie Redmayne and his co-star Felicity Jones take us on a wonderful journey of the love between Stephen Hawkins and his first wife, Jane Wilde, writes Emma James. After watching Redmayne’s performance, and the raw emotion this film brings to life, it is clear to see why it has been so popular. This extraordinary film will be shown at 5pm and again at 7:45pm on 16 March in the Taliesin Arts Centre, based on campus. Tickets are £5.50 for all students. Visit www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk for more details
Tamsin Fitzgerald, award winning choreographer, along with Eddie Kay’s ‘2Faced Dance’ return to Swansea University’s Taliesin Arts Centre with their new showcase ‘Dreaming in Code’ on 19 March at 7:30pm. Tickets are £5 for all Swansea University students.
Sunday 8 March 7pm RSC Live Screening - Loves Labours Won Wednesday 11 March 7.30pm ENO Screening – La Traviata Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 March 7.30pm Macbeth – by Tara Arts – a contemporary Asian take on the Shakespeare tragedy Sunday 15 March 7pm National Theatre Live Screening - Behind the Beautiful Forevers - based on the book by Katherine Boo Tuesday 17 March 7.15pm ROH Screening – Swan Lake CINEMA Monday 9 March 2001: A Space Odyssey (U) Tuesday 10 March The Homesman (15) Monday 16 March 5pm Theory of Everything (12A)
Writers wanted 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: water frontculture@swanseaunion.co.uk
careers 34
societies 33
relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
music 25
culture 24
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varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
with LIAM TURNER
front row 15
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features 12-13
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
music
A chat with US indie-rockers Augustines R OB Allen from indie-rock band The Augustines gave a few minutes of his time to talk to the Waterfront’s Niamh Ollerton. Here’s what he had to say. Niamh: Rob I have to say that I love Cruel City! The video itself is set in London isn’t it? Rob: Yeah, a lot of the shots you see are actually from my life in London. For example, the house is my childhood home and the taxi driver in the video is my Dad, he’s a legend. With filming in London we wanted to show how hard it can be to live in a big expensive city. Niamh: How does this album differ from the last? Rob: It’s just been a natural progression from the first record. With the first record there was heavy subject matter, but with this, the energy is hopeful and we are moving into a new part of our lives. Niamh: What are your inspirations? Rob: All sorts of music! World/Dance/Pop. We learn from each other and life itself. We are always learning as we get older. Niamh: You’ve just recently come off of the Festival Circuit, how did you all find Leeds/ Reading?” Rob: Reading and Leeds were good crack. We also did a gig in Germany to about 15,000 people and another in Holland. Looking out in Holland we could just see a
Tigers Jaw Charmer
sea of people of around 30/40,000. Niamh: Do you have any rituals before you go on stage? Rob: We just give each other a hug and have fun, we aren’t really ritual people. We just go out and enjoy it. Niamh: I read that the band advertised Project Horn, what was the outcome of that? Rob: Project Horn enabled us to give an opportunity to a competent horn player who hasn’t had a chance because musicians can’t always get breaks. The winner of the competition was John Panos from New York, who’s been playing the trumpet since he was 6 years
Album Reviews Fall Out Boy
old. He’s touring with us now and is a really talented musician. Niamh: Who has been your favourite group to tour with? Rob: It’s been great working with different bands, but I’d have to say the Skulls and the Maccabees. The Maccabees are lovely, great boys. Niamh: Is there anything you can’t go on tour without? Rob: Definitely deodorant and a kindle or laptop. Niamh: As you are so good on the drums, I was wondering if you have any other talents or party tricks? Rob: The Running Man, or the moon walk maybe? I should probably try and learn one. Niamh: If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be? Rob: That’s a good one, I got asked this the other day actually. It depends what mood you are in. Kurt Cobain definitely. Niamh: Finally Rob, what advice would you give to students to succeed in the music industry? Rob: Work hard, it never comes easy, but keep believing. It is never what you think it will be so you need to keep that in mind. But be patient and you’ll get there.
Carl Barat and The Jackals Let It Reign
American Beauty/American Psycho
With a four year gap from their previous album, indie pop punk outfit Tigers Jaw returned in 2014 with their latest effort Charmer, the last album before the departure of co-lead vocalist Adam McIlwee, drummer Pat Brier and bassist Dennis Mishko, writes Morgan Davies. The band – known for their angstdriven lyrics and catchy punk riffs – seem to have toned down in this release, notably paying homage to The Smiths with three way vocal harmonies between McIlwee, Ben Walsh and Brianna Collins, making the overall mood of the album somewhat melancholy. The opening track ‘Cool’ returns to the band’s roots with a catchy chorus that’s sure to leave you whistling it all day. Unfortunately, a few tracks like ‘I Envy Your Apathy’ and ‘Teen Rocket’ don’t contribute much to the album with the mundane chord progressions and forgettable lyrics. The almost six minute closing track ‘What Would You Do’ brings the album full circle and acts as the band’s coming-of-age transition through its slow tempo and almost desperate undertone lingering throughout the song, ending on a direct address to the listener. Overall, this album is an enjoyable mix of toned down indie rock and energy fuelled pop punk, promising a fulfilling listen.
American beauty/American Psycho is the sixth full-length LP from Chicago-based rockers Fall Out Boy. It’s the quartet’s latest release since 2013’s Save Rock and Roll, and in many ways can be regarded as ‘part 2’ of its pop-centric predecessor, writes Liam Turner. Just like the band’s previous release, mainstream sensibilities pervade every inch of this new record: innocuous beats and leadsinger Stump’s airwave-friendly melodies are present throughout, which, despite giving the album a cohesive sound, don’t exactly render it as particularly edgy or groundbreaking - at times, it even becomes difficult to discern whether it’s a FOB record that’s playing or the latest Maroon 5 release. Yes, guitars are present, but they have been so diluted and suppressed that they may as well not be there at all; they only seem to function as a reminder to listeners that FOB are actually supposed to be a ‘rock band’. Despite patently adhering to a mainstream audience though, the album is not devoid of enjoyable tracks. Take the reminiscent ‘Favourite Record’ and the anthemic ‘Immortals’, for example. They’re two arguably quite different songs, though both utilize a formula which allows for a rather pleasurable listening experience - something which does actually pop up from time to time on this record. Fall Out Boy’s pop-punk beginnings are hastily approaching the distant past, but at least Wentz and crew can still produce a somewhat enjoyable record - even if only a vestigial flicker remains of their harderrocking glory days.
Famed Libertine Carl Barat returns with his new band, The Jackals, with an album that doesn’t appear to do a whole lot wrong, writes Liam Turner. Firstly, the tone. It’s one that very much evokes a sound that’s not entirely unlike The Libertines’: you’ll find nods to punk, garage, and indie. Of course, compared to The Libertines’ records, this one sounds more polished. It’s as if someone has gone through it with a fine-tooth comb that’s been coated in tar: it’s been thought out, but there is just enough of that rock-n-roll rawness present to keep the purists happy. In regards to the guitars on this thing, they’re gorgeous; they’re thick and meaty and, thankfully, not hidden away by any means. Take the mid-tempo ‘March of the Idle’, for example. It opens with a full, brazen chord-sequence that seamlessly leads into a perfectly-pitched guitar solo. We also have ‘The Gears’, a short, anarchic tune which is unapologetically punk: it’s fast, it’s raw and it’s over before you know it - of course, as a good punk song should be. Despite this record being sonically pleasing, one of the few criticisms that can be given is the fact that it doesn’t really say anything particularly meaningful. Barat’s raw vocals sing the words just fine, but they just don’t pack that big of a punch - clichés also pop up from time to time. Aside from this, though, this album is certainly worth a listen, and should definitely be heard by those who are fans of Carl’s previous work.
careers 34
societies 33
relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
music 25
culture 24
food 23
varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
with DECLAN MURPHY
front row 15
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features 12-13
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
games
Overwatch – one to watch, or overrated rehash? O verwatch is a new FPS (First Person Shooter) and a new IP announced by Blizzard, but is it good content or a rehash of other studios’ games? asks Declan Murphy. On the surface, Overwatch can be summarised as an arcade-style FPS, which doesn’t take itself too seriously. Each game mode requires an objective to be fulfilled but never just a death match, something Blizzard seems to have carried over from its Heroes of the Storm MOBA. Each game mode must have multiple aims which go beyond the whole “this guy is bad, this guy must die” objective that already fills the FPS market, something most fans have come to know and hate. That seems to be a bit of a half-truth with Overwatch. Yes, it tries to push itself away from the average scene of FPS’s like CoD and Halo with its ethos and mechanics, but by trying to make it seem like a unique product in the market it contradicts itself by pushing heavily into the waters of other games to some degree, primarily Team Fortress 2. TF2, developed by Valve, is a free to play game which is similar in many ways to what Blizzard has made. The class system in Overwatch, although
featuring three more classes (12) than TF2 (9), offers innovation for some of the mechanics and skills department whilst also ripping others directly from TF2. The Engineer class from TF2 is clearly depicted by two classes in Overwatch, Symmetra and Torbjorn. Even the design of the game modes seems to borrow heavily from TF2. However, in places a difference between the games can be seen. Hanzo offers a good bit of innovation, with the ability to bounce projectiles of walls and place sensors which detect enemies though cover. Most heroes do seem to offer a skill minimum which is unique to them when compared to other games on the market. For instance Mercy, the games Medic, can fly and Symmetra offers a shield to spice up her class. The map design also features a good bit of innovation in the form of built-up areas. Maps can be traversed a lot more freely in Overwatch due to the ability of certain classes to fly and scale walls. The aesthetic of the game is its best feature in my opinion. The colourful world of 2070 Earth is certainly unique, even if it does look a little bit like Disney’s Big Hero 6. Each hero/class also has its own appearance that sets itself apart
COLOURFUL FUTURE: Overwatch is set up in a fantastical version of 2070 Earth. from the rest. Two examples would be Tracer and Winston. Winston is pretty awesome. Being a talking, intellectual gorilla is pretty unique, at least in the gaming industry. Tracer is also pretty cool. The best way to describe her would be if you took a Victorian maid straight out of Buckingham Palace in 1850, gave her the technology to warp space and time and a pair of those hideous gaming glasses things. London is also featured as a map in the game complete with red buses, red telephone
boxes and holographic Big Ben, called King’s Row. Overall the game, to me at least, doesn’t seem that great an investment on Blizzard’s part. Although it looks like it could be fun, it doesn’t bring enough to the table for it to make me fixate on it for a while. I do, however, think it is different enough from Team Fortress 2. Given its advancement on its counterpart’s mechanics, Overwatch defines itself as the better game in every measurable league.
Let’s Play gaming footage has Nintendo rattled Y ouTube has been a massively growing site in the last few years, becoming a lot of gaming enthusiasts’ main source of online video entertainment, writes Sunil Bajaj. One of the biggest markets on YouTube has been the Let’s Play genre which involves gamers, either individually or as part of an ensemble, filming footage of themselves playing games, typically with commentary, then uploading it to the website. In the last few years in particular this has become a huge platform for people to get recognised within the gaming industry. Individuals such as Felix Kjellberg (known by most as his online personality of Pewdiepie), who is the most subscribed person on the video -sharing website, have made a multi-
million-pound career from Let’s Plays. Most developers encourage these videos as those who typically upload them have millions of subscribers who have an invested interest in watching whatever game they decide to play. On paper this seems like a win-win situation. The developer earns positive publicity for their game. The YouTuber who uploaded the footage gets ad revenue and increased notoriety from the video’s popularity, whilst the viewer gets an entertaining video and a platform to see games in action which they might be interested in buying. However, Nintendo’s appeal doesn’t eclipse that of other developers. Nintendo in the past hit YouTubers with action, taking one hundred per cent of the money generated for
HIGH EARNER: Minecraft has been a massive hit on Let’s Play.
themselves. There was a huge outcry from Nintendo’s community for doing this and a boycott of their games being uploaded erupted on YouTube. Months later YouTube reversed this decision and YouTubers were once again allowed to receive their ad revenue for uploading their games. However, this was until two weeks ago where Nintendo introduced a revised revenue sharing system with YouTubers that would allow them to take fifty per cent of the revenue from the YouTube videos. A reason for the sudden reversal of this policy from Nintendo is the overwhelming popularity of new titles Super Smash Bros Wii U and Mario Kart 8. These games make extremely entertaining content for YouTube as people’s personalities flourish under the competitive nature of these titles. Other developers such as Microsoft and Sony do have rules and regulations revolving around the Let’s Play genre. However they are a lot less stringent than Nintendo’s. For example, Microsoft has rules that prohibit Hacking and Pornography in their gameplay footage uploaded to YouTube; however the revenue from adverts remains comfortably with the individual who uploaded the video. The way Nintendo intends for its new system to work is that Let’s Players must get their individual videos and channels approved by Nintendo’s service; then all proceeds go straight to Nintendo after the video
has been cleared, which could take up to three business days. Then, after all this red tape, if the video is successful the Let’s Player won’t be compensated for three further months. Also, the split in this agreement would only see the individual get between thirty to forty per cent of the total money made. One of the Let’s Play games that has been most successful has been the groundbreaking sandbox game, Minecraft. Recently the indie developer of Minecraft, Mojang was purchased at the end of 2014 by Microsoft in an acquisition that cost $2.5 billion dollars. The presence of this game on YouTube is likely a factor in the several billion dollar price tag. Therefore Nintendo applying these restrictions to this market could be harming its company value and market dominance. So it’s quite subjective where to stand on this news story. Nintendo as a business has the right to protect any of its assets as it has spent thousands of hours and millions of pounds developing its popular titles. Therefore you could argue that they are entitled to a cut of the Let’s Play videos. Another argument presents itself that the free advertisement of their games on YouTube is invaluable in terms of publicity and the increased likelihood of sales. As a fan of Nintendo and an even bigger fan of Let’s Plays I don’t think the size of the slice of cake that Nintendo is offering is acceptable.
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
28
Express yourself
creative showcase
Daddy, don’t go by Natasha Marsh I
once was wild and free, now I am tamed and kept. I listen, despondent, as she answers the door. Another knife is about to be stabbed into her. I am to blame, again. “Does Leith live here?” The voice is so achingly familiar. I wanted to hear that voice again. I regret that now. “No.” One simple word spoken in response, yet filled with hatred. Hatred aimed at me, rightfully so. The door slamming sends vibrations through my soul. Memories come flooding back. A sixties guy. Travel and work had lured me to great places. I had covered the world with a fresh, awestruck gaze. Now here I stand looking out of the window into my past in all its Technicolor glory, as dejected it walks out the gates. The past took me to places I had never been before. Drugs, sex and rock and roll were my mantra. There it goes, heels clonking down the pathway, the rainbow fading in its wake. Leaving me with the greys and blacks. I have a choice to make; do I fight for what I have or what I once had? I hear the lyrics to Working My Way Back to You/ Forgive Me Girl blasting from upstairs in April’s room, can’t help laughing at the irony. A typical teenage girl. The light of my life, just like her mother. Do I put on my jeans and loose fitting shirt? Let my moustache grow and the air back in? Or do I stay here, wearing my oversized black uniform trousers and my constricting tie. I keep all my screams inside. Her fury storms back in. Face bruised
I’m Natasha Marsh, a 3rd year Media Studies student. I have loved writing since I was small, I also love to act, sing terribly, and chat until I make people’s ears bleed. Hope you enjoy this edited version of a story I created for a second year module. from un-shed tears. Mask firmly taking the place of the woman I love. The cracks only noticeable to someone who knows her well, someone like me. I ask the question I already know the answer to. “Who was that?” “Some American woman.” “Canadian.” “Pardon?” “She’s Canadian. They get really temperamental about the difference.” Her eyes blink rapidly, her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Why do I do it? Why do I always have to be right? Especially when I’ve been so wrong? I see the tears glisten. They are not ready to jump to their death. They’ll save it for when I’m gone. I can’t help my past.
I wouldn’t want to. I miss those days. I miss listening to Pass the Dutchie whilst breathing in the grass and disappearing into my darkly beautiful fantasies. I hate this claustrophobic city. Claustrophobic life, no matter who you are or where you come from, you come here and you get trapped. I could run. Escape. Leave all the responsibility behind me. Return to the East End of London, my home and carry on, or after fixing yet another mess I could go back to the woman I love. Our family. Well, hers. No ours. Grow old and live my youth through them. Like Terrance and Daniel. Those boys. Only a week ago I caught them sitting on the garage roof gazing into the French windows opposite. Their eyes were transfixed. Our neighbour Mrs Cerian Richards, the busty blonde. Right there on the carpet, bonking her new bit on the side. I would have told them off. I should have told them off. Instead I watched as well. We never have sex like that anymore. Complete abandon, that animalistic passion. My thoughts became foggy. My mind drifted back to those acrobatic days. Until I heard the bang that is. Terrance had fallen off the garage. His comical shock fuelled my hysterics. It was like seeing myself all those years ago. The garbage cans had softened his blow, but echoed his humiliation. There stumbling out of the house like a bullet from a gun was the guy. Trousers around his ankles. He was a clown. His climatic final act had us all suitably entertained. I was his insatiable
audience. That was it. I was gone. No use to anyone. Situations never change. I should have run to Terrance, I should have seen if he was okay. Instead my laughs travelled miles and my age with it. Marlene was not impressed. How is she so mature, especially when she never had a childhood? Shouldn’t she have laughed with us? Joined in on the fun? No, bless her, she stood there hands on her hips demanding silence and order. I look at her now. The pain that I cause her etched in the premature creases around her eyes. Her voice has faded and her argument leaves me numb. She leaves me. I realise how much it hurts to be left with no explanation. I’m left to wallow in my self pity. The kids are upstairs occupied with their teddies, toy cars and Lego. I stare at the picture in front of me. Me, Marlene, and the kids. Drawn in glorious colour and vibrancy, with that innocence only a child can convey. My second most important girl, painting us as only she can. If only she could see inside of me, to the battle waging its war. Tears drop. Their attack smudges the lines of the smiles. Blurring the dream ahead with the sorrow of the now. I close my eyes and see clearly the blobs representing her happy family. Us. United. A team. Unstoppable. The tears create a slash straight down the middle and I scramble to the cabinet. I must try to fix it before it is unfixable. Placing the two ends together I stick it down. It’s not as beautiful as before. I’ve destroyed its beauty. Now only a crack shows for all the hard work. A crack I can’t help hope won’t get bigger.
Have you got a story, poem or photo you’d like to share? Email editor@swansea-union.co.uk
Poetry by Charlie Trotman 1. E
Addled Essence
She sits between a coloured future
You could drive a saint to swear A drunk to drink A king to a guillotine A model to mink
And a greying past Essence of cocaine Etched within her geisha face Different worlds colliding As she corrupts you with her soft hand Passing out from sofa to sofa Dates of dread, love and substance My mind forever altered In the season of the bright lights We shall be complete again
You could help me out I swear But instead you scratch out my name With lies and ink I wanted a pint in halves But it was bitter Early morning memories Flushed right down the shitter I’d go outside if it wasn’t raining Draining liquor and complaining Maiming my brain for a casual thrill Which is lost with the wind and the wine and the will. I crawl in my life But I walk in my dreams Through wards Hallways Bottles and scenes
Charlie Trotman is a student of Marketing, Communications and PR with a background in commercial filmmaking. He says: “Poetry helps me interpret the world. Language is wonderful cartharsis for all those feelings and moods we find ourselves in. Like walking aimlessly in the sun, getting the best seat in a restaurant or suddenly finding yourself struck by somebody. Poetry can put magic in our voices.”
This page is showcasing the creativity of Swansea University students. From short stories to photographs, and poetry to cartoons, if you would like to see your work in print, please write to editor@swansea-union.co.uk
careers 34
societies 33
relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
music 25
culture 24
food 23
varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
STUDENT JOURNEYS
front row 15
29
features 12-13
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
travel
Budapest: A tale of two cities
CITY OF OPPOSITES: (Above) The Chain Bridge and Royal Palace from the Pest side; and (inset) George raises a glass at Opus Jazz Club, in downtown Budapest. By George Sariak, Level 2 BA Hons International Relations and Modern History.
A
fter the arduous first day of travel that accompanies all trips; the coach to the airport, the wait, the flight, the wait, the airport transfer and finally checking-in, I was delighted to experience first-hand why Budapest is now one of the most desirable destinations in Europe. Cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest has been credited with more and more alluring titles such as Europe’s greatest winter break, one of the best budget breaks, the greatest spa break and, from my own experience, the best break for students. So why all the recent hype? Have George Ezra’s hit single Budapest and the nine times Oscar nominated Grand Budapest Hotel really been the source of this popularity surge? City of Culture After having emerged from behind the iron curtain, Budapest has stated its own unique identity loudly enough to take its rightful place on the European stage. Budapest is a piece of art in itself, “a city invented out of other cities”. Walking around, you can see that it
is a mosaic that has taken pieces from across Eastern and Western Europe to create an astonishing blend of beauty and mystery. It is truly A Tale of Two Cities, as the two cities of Buda and Pest came together in 1873 to create the city we know today; you can sense the yin and yang partnership from the two different yet balanced areas on either side of the Danube. Hustle and Bustle As soon as we arrive we take to the streets. Walking around the flat and cosmopolitan Pest it’s evident this is where it all happens. It’s a jumble of lively coffee shops, restaurants, jazz clubs, ruin bars and nightclubs complimented by the city’s plentiful history. Passing the enormous St Stephen’s Basilica on the way to the dividing line of the Danube, you can already see the colossal Buda Castle. We walked over the famous Chain Bridge that marks the journey back in time to Buda, before climbing the gentle hills of the historic Buda to the colossal Royal Palace that resides allpowerful and all-seeing at the top of Castle Hill; it is the iconic medieval and baroque spectacle that symbolizes
Hungary. Back over to downtown Pest, the Budapest nightlife takes shape and the Ruin Pubs are the place to go and which form the bulk of the city’s nightlife scene. Ruin Pubs originated as “pop-up” drinking spots in (you guessed it) ruins around the city after the fall of communism. We arrive at Szimpla Kert, the oldest and most famous of all the city’s ruin pubs. It’s like an exceptionally well-organized abandoned house party where there are hundreds of rooms filled with bizarre objects from old cars and bath tubs to chandeliers. Gothic grandeur The next day we decideed to relax at the famous Széchenyi Baths, a relic of the Ottoman Empire that boasts an array of enclosed and open-air pools of euphoric thermal spring water. There I unfortunately lost miserably on the most famous chess board of all time that rests on a ledge extending in to the bath. Nearby we wandered through the beautiful yet unnerving Vajdahunyad Castle that epitomizes the setting of much Hungarian influenced gothic literature. Later we walked the bank of the Danube to the Westminster inspired Hungarian Houses of Parliament, passing the beautifully melancholic
sculpture of Shoes on the Danube on the way. The next day we visited Buda’s remnants of the Habsburg Empire in the distinct yellow buildings and charming cobbled streets resembling Montmartre in Paris or the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona as an area almost untouched by time. Walking along castle hill we approached the spectacular neo-gothic Matthias Church that stands tall behind the fairy-tale like Fisherman’s Bastion which is like a two-storey stretched balcony that winds around the hill side, from where you can overlook the entirety of Pest below. Budapest is the holiday for students. A Post Office study compared 25 leading cities on numerous costs and found Budapest to be the cheapest. Not to mention how inexpensive it is for Ryanair flights and even the accommodation at £6 per night at most hostels. It is a city where a Pauper can live like a Prince (or a Princess). For any group who are looking for a break where you can eat out, buy rounds without the risk of bankruptcy and see an impressive feat of culture and history this should be at the top of your list.
careers 34
societies 33
relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
music 25
culture 24
food 23
varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
with SOPHIE WIGGINS
front row 15
31
features 12-13
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
relationships
Blind Date
When Huzefa met Roberta Huzefa, a 20-year-old Chemical Engineering student met Roberta Roberta Attuquayefio, a 19-year-old Media Communications student at JC’s.
Huzefa on Roberta 1)What were your first impressions? She was a nice person, and very friendly straight away. 2)How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after? I felt awkward but there was no need to be as it was fine.
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, A few of my friends have started socially taking drugs on a night out. I’m concerned for them but don’t want to upset them or have them take it the wrong way,what should I do?
3)Any striking conversation points? Talk about my design project about my photo bioreactor, it was nice she was interested. We also discussed the countries we have visited and it was very interesting. 4)Any awkward moments or silences? Yes many times, I think we were both nervous. 6)If you were to be married and have babies with the other, what would you want your baby to inherit? My beard growth as it is impeccable and her big eyes. 7)Any potential for a kiss? Unfortunately no as I had to rush off to finish a project. 9)Would you introduce them to your parents? Not quite there yet. 10)Generally how did you think that date went? Not as great as I would expect because I had work.
Kate By the sounds of it Kate, you are not ‘in love with the CoCo’, and neither are we, but we do love the song. The best advice we can give you is to say to them that you are not happy with what they’re doing, but it’s a free world and they can do what they want, as long as they don’t involve you in their drugcapades. If they take this badly, just knock them out and move on. Drugs are not cool in any shape or form, however there are some pretty banging songs about the activities surrounding drug taking. But at the end of the day, do what you want….just be careful and know your limits. Dear Faye and Shannon, Hooked up with a girl about a week ago, but I’m a little worried that I’ve caught an STI from her. What advice can you give me regarding this situation? Matt Firstly you are silly, as you didn’t wrap that willy! We’re sorry to say this, but you need to talk to a doctor, rather than us right now. Someone who is qualified will be able to offer much more informed advice. All we can say is that we hope it was worth it, and you should probably inform the girl that gave it to you. For future reference, condoms aren’t that expensive and protect both of you.
Roberta on Huzefa 1 1) What were your first impressions? Well I thought he was cute, he had a good dress sense 2) How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after? At first I was a little nervous because I’ve never had a blind date before but after I felt it went well and I’d probably do it again. 3) Any striking conversation points? We had similar future plans and he was quite funny, we never really had bad conversations. 4) Any awkward moments or silences? There were no awkward moments or silences, I felt very comfortable. 6) If you were to be married and have babies with the other, what would you want your baby to inherit? If we ever were to be married I’d like our baby to inherit his sense of humour and personality. 7) Any potential for a kiss? I don’t know, maybe. 9) Would you introduce them to your parents? I don’t know, probably as a friend at first, he seems like a nice guy, that my parents would love. 10) Generally how did you think that date went? I think it went well.
(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)
If you are interested in featuring in the blind date, email your name, age , course and level to waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union.co.uk
careers 34
societies 33
relationships 25
rtravel 29
creative 28
games 27
music 25
culture 24
food 23
varsity 20 - 21
film 19
eurovision 18
fashion 16-17
with sophie Wiggins
front row 15
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
features 12-13
33
societies
Hogwarts enjoy Potter studio tour N
OT many societies normally host events during the month of January, what with the stressful time of exams, but one society put in that effort and managed to organise not only several casual meetings but also a trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour. This society is Hogwarts Society and because of this Hogwarts is Society of the Month for January. The society’s Yule Ball in December was such a hit but they missed out on the title by a thin thread. They persevered though, and put on a fantastic trip to London Warner Bros Studio Tour with over 70 people attending. Not only that, but they also hosted several Quidditch training sessions. Of course now Quidditch has its own dedicated society as of this year. Leah Roberts, president of the society, told us: “I think it went really well, everyone seemed to have a great time. Despite the early start! “It was nice to have a day out after exams, it definitely helped to de-stress everyone. My favourite part was seeing the castle in the snow, that bit gets me every time I go.” Ciaran Williams, a member of the society, commented on the trip: “Well let’s just say you grow up as child with something that is a part of your life. Then to actually see how they made a part of your childhood... To know happiness is to look back at what made you happy and find it again.” Beth Macdonald, a final year Media Studies student who is not a part of the society but wanted to go
Students enjoying the Warner Brothers studio tour organised by the Hogwarts Society.
anyway, said: “It was a lot of fun and everyone is grateful for the society for organising it.” If you think your society deserves £50, then apply for February society of the month. Or if you are a member of a society that you think is doing a fantastic job, nominate them yourself! Just email societies@swansea-union.co.uk with your application and the winner will be announced in the next edition of The Waterfront. Don’t forget, this month societies need to promote the #Feedback4Swansea campaign if they want to win, so get sharing!
Swansea Hitch Society: My journey THIS article is about a special time in my life, a period that began the day I joined the Hitch Society in January 2013 I believe, writes Farai Taneka. Ryan Patmore was one of the Hitch Reps that year; I mention him because it was his guidance and availability that was key in encouraging me to stay in the Hitch Society. So, who or what is the Hitch Society and what do they do? The Hitch Society is an extension of a larger family of charity organisations operating under The Link Community Development Organization (aka Link Africa) based in Edinburgh, Scotland and Chicago, USA. The society is not limited to Swansea University – there are 20 universities participating. During my training last summer in Edinburgh I was in the company of some 15 adventurous individuals, each representing a different university in the UK. Link Africa, established in 1989 by Cambridge students, has grown to become Link Community Development International, a vibrant, innovative development agency delivering education improvement programs in five countries in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa, and Uganda. Our goal is to provide financial aid to children in need of a better quality education. The funds we raise are used to build schools and to ensure consistent provision of essential educational literature. Of course, this has never been an easy task; it involves taking on quite a bit of responsibility, being patient, and trusting that people genuinely want to help and put in work for a good cause. And the rewards for students are numerous. Last year I got to embark on an incredible hitchhiking journey from the UK to Croatia. I got to meet, make friends, and travel with two French students
Farai Taneka and his Hitch group in 2014. from Warwick University – to Split, Croatia. It took us ten days to reach our destination, and on the way we passed through France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Hungary. I couldn’t possibly state my favourite location because I learned so much about many cultures in every place – although if I had to, I’d pick Budapest – the nightlife was out of this world! Other benefits for students include learning a new language (I’ve been addicted to French ever since my Hitch), taking charge in unfamiliar territory, team work, time management, the list goes on. And it’s not
just about the things you can put in your CV, this is life! You have this mind-blowing, eye-opening experience that stays with you for the rest of your life. And this is why I’ve become a Representative of the Hitch Society today – so I can guide fellow students wishing to have a wholesome university experience. I want to give back, and to be part of something that’s greater than myself. The Hitch Society is not a fundraising gimmick; it’s a way of life, a symbol of hope for a better world, and the most beautiful thing about it is every student can be part of this amazing legacy.
3 March 2015 waterfrontonline.co.uk
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with JO davies
careers
My tips for starting your own business at university S
TARTING a business whilst at uni is an unenviable task in many ways. It means sacrificing social time for work and sometimes missing out on the so-called joys of university. So, first things first, pick something you love to do and turn it into your business. Secondly, uni is a time for learning so understand that running a business is always going to be a learning curve. My start in business was a string-lights idea which already existed as a concept in Europe, which brings about my third tip; don’t worry if your idea isn’t exactly your idea. If you are passionate and willing to work hard enough on your business to make it work then you will succeed no matter how original, or unoriginal, the concept may be. My fourth tip would have to be; don’t be afraid to share your ideas. I got my first break in business when I pitched my string-lights business to Big Ideas Wales, a government-run initiative to find the next generation of young entrepreneurs, and I was accepted onto the scheme. Thus to my fifth tip in business - take all the opportunities afforded to you and make the most of every single one, become a yes man (or woman) when it comes to starting out and learn by failing fast. It was through this Big Ideas programme that I first failed fast and as a result I decided not to continue
PETER Allan, a final-year student, started his company PA-PR when he was in his second year and is now helping to bring Wales’ largest student-run fashion show to Swansea on Tuesday 10 March at the Swansea Grand Theatre. Here are just a few of his tips on starting up whilst at uni and how to manage it... with the lights idea. I didn’t have real passion for it and I chose instead to set up an entertainments company, with which I work in various areas including music management and events that I absolutely love. This has lead me to working on the upcoming WNDRLAND Fashion Show 2015, set to be the largest student-run fashion show to ever hit
Wales and also TEDx Swansea, which will hopefully continue as an annual event in Swansea for years to come. I wouldn’t say I’ve got to where I want to be in business by any stretch of the imagination but I’ve been fortunate enough to give myself a headstart during my time at uni and I definitely want to take this forward into the next stage in my life. Another tip I would give to anyone wanting to get ahead in business is to never stop learning and that means reading a book a week or staying up-todate with the happenings around the world by subscribing to blogs or specific newsfeeds that you’re interested in. It’s these kind of things that shape you, inform you and keep you and therefore your business relevant. It really helps to be interesting and the best way to do this is by being interested. My last tip; keep good company. I’ve surrounded myself with like-minded people who also run businesses or have those ambitions and have been lucky enough to become good friends with almost all of these individuals. So find these people and stick to them, you never know how useful they can be. I couldn’t end the article without a plug, so please check out the fashion show and like us on www.facebook. com/WNDRLAND and if you would like to be involved drop me a message.
My Week of Work by Andrea Thomas Employability week (the week after January exams), in the past, meant a week where I could go back home and catch up on sleep after a stressful and draining exam period (and I’m sure many of you have taken a similar approach), writes Andrea Thomas. However, this year, I decided to use the week much more productively and for what it is intended for, to increase my employability. I applied for a Week Of Work (WOW) placement and was selected for a placement with the Money Advice and Support Office (MASO) to help with their promotion of National Student Money Week and to produce student video tutorials to promote their services and offer advice. As I had requested for a marketing placement, this was perfect and I was keen to start. I was introduced to new design and video creating software which I had fun using to create various posters and short videos. MASO gave me a lot of free reign, with regards to the designing process, which I loved as I
was really able to use my creative flare to construct appropriate and useful promotional materials. The whole week went seamlessly and flew by as I really enjoyed the work I was doing and was learning lots along the way. Working with the other MASO team members was a great experience as they were all welcoming and willing to offer assistance and I really felt like an appreciated and valued member
of the team. It was great to learn more about just what MASO do and support their promotion of Nation Student Money Week, especially. I would definitely recommend it to other students, especially final years, as it is a great way to boost your employability, whether you have lots of work experience or not, and make the most of employability week, instead of just sleeping the days away. I’m really glad I participated in the WOW scheme and hope to be put forward for a SPIN (Swansea Paid Internship Network) placement over summer so I get more work experience and get paid… just great! •For more information on SPIN or other career/employability related schemes go to the careers desk in the library or visit https://myuni.swan.ac.uk/ work-placements. •To get up-to-date information on all the services the Money Advice and Support Office offer, you can follow them by searching @SwanseaUniMASO
Try these online career planning tools “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain. Visit https://myuni.swan.ac.uk/ careers/interactive-resources/ to access a range of interactive resources to help you with career planning and decision making. You can access these tools once you’ve logged into MyUni, and all our students and staff can use them FREE OF CHARGE. Three of these resources that we strongly recommend are:Abintegro Careers Learning Portal The resources that Abintegro provides include self-development tools, assessments and practice tests which give immediate feedback to help you gain insights into things like: •Your skills •Your temperament, personality type and personal resilience •What motivates you and the kind of work place culture that would suit you •Potential career options and where to find job vacancies •The recruitment process – CVs, covering letters, applications, interviews and selection tests. Profiling for Success This online service provides the following assessments with feedback by email: •Learning styles assessment •Personality Type Dynamics Indicator •Aptitude Tests - verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning •Values Based indicator of Motivation. Values are the key to understanding people’s energy and motivation. Explore people’s values and you can unlock the “what, where, when and why” of people’s actions. •Career Interests Inventory (CII). This uses interests, skills and work styles as a starting point. Prospects Planner – what job would suit me? Prospects Planner asks a series of questions, analyses your choices and generates a personalised online report. The report identifies your key skills and motivations, and produces a list of potential occupations with links to detailed job profiles in the Graduate Prospects database for you to explore and research further. Incidentally, the full range of job profiles in their database can be accessed at www.prospects.ac.uk/ types_of_jobs.htm. Also, visit http:// plannedhappenstance.com/index. html for ideas on transforming unplanned events into opportunities.
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SPORT I 37
Team spirit shines through Cheerleading
by Niamh Ollerton waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University Sirens recently competed in the Future Cheer University Nationals at the LG Arena in Birmingham, with some of the squad enjoying their first taste of competition. The event took place on the 13th and 14th of February, but the Sirens remain unsure of the final ranking as the level 3 all girl division videos need to be re-watched for scorings. However it must be said that the Sirens gave it all they had and threw themselves into the competition, and will be hopeful of a high score after an energetic and taxing competition.
Captain Emily Wilson said of the event, “It was a tough competition as Future Cheer are strict when it comes to athlete bobbles, which is when flyers shake during stunts. “We were up against big universities such as Birmingham, Southampton and Portsmouth just to name a few.” Secretary Emily Abrahams was able to show how much fun the competition really was for the team. “We all had a great weekend, it was a really good first competition experience for our Freshers,” said Abrahams. The competition has brought the team closer together and enables them to work well in a unit under the extra pressure of a competition.
“We encountered injuries from one of our flyers in the week prior to competing and this caused stress for the team.” “We will be happy wherever we place, hopefully top 10!” The Sirens have another competition approaching which will be in Telford. “We have one more competition coming up which is BCA. We have one main squad competing at all girl level 3 and then three group stunts competing at all girl levels 2,3 and 4 (highest level is 6),” said Wilson, although she admits the team’s sights are firmly set on arguably the biggest event of the year. “We cannot wait for Varsity! It is probably the best student event of the year and we love the fact that we get to perform on the day! The atmosphere is always so good which makes it so much fun to perform.” The Sirens are looking forward to having Varsity on home turf, with Wilson saying: “we are excited to have it in Swansea this year as well.” The Sirens worked well as a team during the national competition, and obviously have the team spirit to go out cheering and pumping up the crowds as a good cheer team should and are setting their sights on success in the future.
Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate frisbee battle to the end at Liverpool nationals by Sophie Wiggins waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
ON the weekend of the 14th and 15th February Swansea University Ultimate Frisbee went to the mixed nationals in Liverpool. The team got off to a slow start on Saturday, ending up in a three way tie for 10th at the end of the first day despite starting as 7th seed. The team won against Durham and Oxford, however, and proceeded to play some very carefully calculated tactics, losing only in sudden death against top seeds Edinburgh. Swansea were then seeded 11th at the end of Saturday. The team had a challenging game against Stirling, where they were two points behind but valiantly brought it to a level and secured a final point for the victory. By shutting down the teams handler movement, they managed to force a mistake in the endzone and turned over the disc. Players Jack Bailey and Andy Partridge had a fantastic field break side hammer between them, leading Swansea to victory. Cle Beck’s height and catching ability also gave the
team a huge advantage. Herefordshire gave Swansea a difficult game, but the team then managed another win against Oxford . Despite the best efforts of the players over the weekend, this left Swansea in 11th place at the end of the tournament weekend. Melanie Paul said, “The weekend proved to be one of development, as a team and as individuals. “Considering we were a team that had never played together before, by the end of the tournament we were so efficient together. “Everyone set themselves personal goals for each match and this really helped us to progress as individuals and collectively as a team.” Swansea Ultimate are excited for mixed outdoors and are now training for Varsity.
38 I SPORT
thewaterfront 03.03.15
American Football
League champs Titans reach playoffs byNiall Claire Cuddihy by Griffiths
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
IT has been another season to remember for the University’s American Football team, who have secured playoff football for the second consecutive season after winning the South West Conference title with a 7-1 record. It is only the second time in the Swansea Titans’ sixyear existence that the side has reached the post-season playoffs, and this year there is even more to play for. For the 2014-15 season the BUCS American Football League format underwent some changes, most notably in the playoff stages. From this season onwards, the winners of the playoffs will progress into one of two Premier Leagues, Premier North and Premier South, depending on the team’s location. In these Premier divisions the teams will play each other home and away, as opposed to the single
fixtures that occur in the Tier One leagues. In light of this new format, club captain and starting quarterback Simon George will be hoping for a repeat of last year’s heroics, as they take on Kingston Cougars in the semi-final. “For me, nothing but promotion is good enough from these playoffs,” said George. “Kingston will be tough opposition, with raw talent on both sides of the ball. “However we have a great team that can match up against any in the UK, and we will give them a tough game.” Despite some of the seemingly convincing results, it has been a tough season for the Titans, with the offensive captain Callum Barnard lamenting the offense’s inability to “truly kill off a team”, despite the side racking up an impressive 225 points. “As an offense overall we haven’t reached the potential that we have as a
group,” said Barnard. “There have been a numbers of games where we have gone a score or two up but have been unable to get that third score to really kill off a team.” Despite this apparent lack of “killer instinct” on offense, there have been several key players that have helped get the Titans to where they currently stand. Last year’s Rookie of the Year, the versatile Jacob Amadi, proved to be a popular choice among the captains after turning out a string of solid performances at both running back on offense and linebacker on defense. Barnard also reserved special praise for full-back Josh Hughes and rookie Jordan Vaughan at right tackle, who has caught the offensive captain’s eye since joining this season. The experienced Titans defense has also played an integral part this season, conceding only 45 points as well as recording four
“shutouts”, games where the side have conceded zero points. Defensive captain Adam Salter continued his ongoing partnership with George Downs-Wheeler, as the two recorded the most tackles in the year for the second season running. Other notable performers on defense include Rhodri Jones-Pritchard, Dave Prince, Dave Ponting and Joe Cotterill, who has weighed in with three interceptions in his rookie year. Looking back at the campaign so far, all three captains seemed in agreement that two matches have stood out as highlights: the 41-0 demolition of the UWE Bullets, a side tipped as major contenders for promotion and the lastgasp 14-7 win against bitter rivals Cardiff Cobras, a win that confirmed the Titans as South West champions. The latter, however, is a win that George admits he “won’t remember too fondly” if his side don’t get the job done in the playoffs.
Swansea Titans regular season results 2014/15 2 nd N ovember 2014 TITANS 28 - 0 Plymouth Blitz W 16 th N ovember 2014 Bath Spa Bulldogs 0 - 57 TITANS W 30 th N ovember 2014 Glos Gladiators 0 - 36 TITANS W 7 th D ecember 2014 Cardiff Cobras 7 - 14 TITANS W 25 th J anuary 2015 TITANS 22 - 26 Bristol Barracuda L 8 th F ebruary 2015 TITANS 41 - 0 UWE Bullets W 15 th F ebruary 2015 TITANS 26 - 13 Exeter Demons W 22 nd F ebruary 2015 TITANS 1 - 0 Falmouth Tridents (walkover)
Skeleton success for ex-wide receiver byNed Claire Cuddihy by Bristow
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
South West Conference final 2014/15 standings 1. Swansea (7&1) 14pts 2. Cardiff
(6&1) 12pts
3. Exeter
(6&2) 12pts
4. UWE
(5&3) 10pts
5. Plymouth (4&4) 8pts 6. Bristol 7. Glos
(4&4) 8pts (2&6) 4pts
8. Bath Spa (1&6) 2pts 9. Falmouth (0&8) 0pts
SWANSEA graduate and formers Titans treasurer Marcus Wyatt has beaten off competition from over 1000 applicants to earn a place in Team GB’s celebrated Skeleton Bobsleigh Talent Squad. In what’s been billed as a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ style sporting contest, Wyatt completed four phases of assessment to emerge as one of eight athletes deemed to possess Olympic medalwinning potential. The Power2Podium programme, renowned as the springboard that launched the career of household name Lizzie Yarnold in 2008, is run by UK Sport, English Institute of Sport (EIS) and British Skeleton, and began in March 2014. Four stages of intense assessment – including physical tests, memory recall, psychological testing and sport specific training on a push track – saw hundreds of competitors fall, before the final eight were whisked away to Lillehammer, Norway for a first taste of action on the ice.
Honiton-born Wyatt, who enjoyed three years of Swansea Titans success during his time in South-West Wales – including last season’s BUCS Challenge Trophy triumph – was joined in Scandinavia by a sailor, badminton player, two footballers and three track and field athletes. “I first heard about Power2Podium when watching Lizzie Yarnold win gold in the Sochi winter Olympics,” says Marcus. “During the coverage they mentioned about the process where people could apply for trials if they thought their sporting background could transfer well to skeleton.” Yarnold’s success was clearly an inspiration to many, as over 1000 athletes applied for the chance to follow in her footsteps. “The different phases [of assessment] were very tough,” admits Marcus. “The physical testing mainly looked at whether you fitted the profile of current athletes based on sprint times, leg strength and other measurables. “The later stages included more specific skeleton training
The Power2Podium assessment process included dry push-track sessions.
and a two week trip to Norway to find out if you had potential as a slider and whether you could operate in the difficult conditions of a winter sport environment.” During the process Marcus was thankful for his American football past, calling on aspects of his Titans career to help push him through the gruelling programme and towards the final eight. “To come from a successful program with great coaching really helped me a lot as a person and an athlete. “The Titans were a massive part of my university life where I made a lot of good friends over my three years. Even at
the moment whilst away I always follow their progress and try to see them when possible. “Phase one of the trials started in mid April 2014 – just before I finished my degree – but I never expected to make it all the way.” But make it he has, and Marcus is loving life on the track. “My personal highlight is probably the same as everyone else on the talent squad, and that is sliding for the first time. “There is nothing quite like the first time you go down a track, the mix of excitement, fear and adrenaline is amazing.”
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SPORT I 39
Athletics
Athletics club enjoys successful nationals by Will Humphrey
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
SWANSEA University Athletics Club travelled to Sheffield earlier this month to compete in the BUCS indoor nationals. First year student Owen Stepney managed to reach the final of the 1500m while Sam Ige and Karl Williams reached the semi-finals of
their respected events. In the entire of the indoor national’s competition nine students from the university represented Swansea at the event. Stepney had this to say about his hopes and expectations for his first time competing at the nationals: “I was unsure of what to expect but was hopeful of making the semi-
final stage.” It was the atmosphere at the event which assisted Owen in pushing himself further while his was competing in the 1500m: “The atmosphere at the event was outstanding and there was a huge buzz around the arena. The crowd was excellent and definitely spurred me onwards!”
PHOTO: @SUATHLETICSCLUB/TWITTER Victoria Harding secured BUCS points for Swansea University in the pole vault event final with a jump of 3.2 metres.
During the semi-finals of the event Stepney ran a personal best which was something prior to the event, he didn’t think he would achieve: “Running a personal best in the semi-final was also a bit of a surprise given the tactical circumstances and multiple races in one day.” In terms of the future Owen is looking forward to the summer season and hopefully achieving more success while representing the university: “Overall it was a great weekend and everybody is looking forward to the summer season.” The club captain Callum Rea was impressed by the overall team efforts and achievements over the course of the weekend despite knowing that the team would not be considered a favourite for overall winners: “We went in with the aim of personal bests and a few finalists, but as a small university team we knew we can’t contend for the title”. Despite injuries to some of the clubs athletes leading up to the national’s event, Rea felt the team counteracted this and performed well under the national spotlight: “With injuries and last minute changes to be considered too I
have to say that it went as well as could be hoped”. Rea felt there were four stand out performances of the weekend coming from; Owen Stepney, Karl Williams, Sam Ige, however Callum felt Victoria’s performance was a massive for her and the club. “If I had to choose one though, BUCS points were won by Victoria which technically makes her performance the outstanding one from the team, finishing eighth in the pole vault final.” Callum suffered from an Achilles injury and took some time off during the Christmas holidays in order to assist him in arriving at nationals in the best possible shape, “Despite having had to take weeks out over the Chris’s holidays due to an Achilles injury. I arrived at BUCS in PB form for the sixty.” Callum achieved a personal best of ten centimetres in the high jump event and narrowly missed out on a place in the final: “I did get a ten centimetre personal best in the high jump, only narrowly missing out on a place in the final on count back.” Like Owen, Callum is excited about the summer season and achieving more success for the athletics club.
Four new sports bidding to take part in Varsity by Laura Fiteni
waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk
THIS year as Varsity is set to be held on home soil for the first time in years, four new sports are asking to be considered as trial sports in the competition that is set to be the pinnacle of the sporting year. The SU Kickboxing, Archery, Athletics and Mountaineering clubs have submitted their forms to Sport Swansea detailing their application to represent Swansea University on 22 April when Swansea will face off against Cardiff in the annual Varsity competition. In previous years, similar issues have prevented these sports taking part with timing and communication emerging as a recurring theme. “In previous years, the captains of both clubs have failed to reach agreement over the event. A lack of organisation, readiness and clashes with other events has contributed to this,” said Kickboxing captain Martin Lee. “I’ve been in the club for three years now and I think that this year’s team is the strongest we’ve ever had. Both teams seem very up for the challenge so now seems as good a time as any.” However for the Swansea Archery Club it was lack of competition from their Cardiff rivals than lack of communication which had prevented them from previously getting involved. “Our club has always had a great relationship with several archers from
Cardiff University but for many years the university has never had an actual archery team despite individuals competing in the big national competitions such as BUCS. “This is the first year that Cardiff University’s Athletic Union have a team to represent them at a varsity tournament so fingers crossed it will be a great competition, ” said Captain Dave Jenner. However in the lead up there are plenty more arrangements to be made including dates, locations and rules. In all three disciplines choosing a format for the competition which gives equal footing both sides appeared to be the most difficult of negotiations. Whilst Kickboxing focus on finalising team match ups based on weight, height and experience, Athletics club Captain Mark Darch is proposing is a new format which “will involve strategy to be used as it is a team race instead of a 1 on 1 race.” However reaching a conclusion is proving harder for the Archery team considering the numerous different rounds and competition styles to choose from. Since it was confirmed that would be permitted to compete at trial sports in this year’s Varsity all teams have stepped up their training. “We’ve increased the number of fitness and sparring classes available and now offer a fight team class for those wishing to compete in which we focus on the technical aspects of
sparring, tactics and ringside mind-set,” said Martin. “We also have a pre-varsity warm up with Aberystwyth as part of many upcoming competitions.” The club captains were also quick to point out that the number of competitions they will have attended in time for the big day will have increased also. All trial sports are doing their best to ascertain the longevity of their Varsity fixtures and of course to bring a victory home to Swansea. When asked if they have a fighting chance at winning, Archery captain Dave said: “Looking at results from other competitions, it’s going to be a close call. I like to think that all of the time and effort we’ve put in will pay off but I suppose only time will tell.” “I think we have an excellent chance. The team’s looking sharp at the moment and everyone’s working hard. We’ve already had 6 members of the club qualify for the W.O.M.A.A. world championships,” Martin said. However one thing that’s certain is what it means to each of the captains to give their sports the opportunity to compete at Varsity and leave such a contribution as their lasting legacy to their club. Mark said: “It would be great to experience the atmosphere on and around the sports village. It will be a bit deal for the Athletics club as we do not compete in the BUCS leagues we do not have many dates in the year to aim
Kickboxing heating up the competition in time for Varsity. for but this will give us that.” “Varsity has always been one of my favourite events in the student calendar.. It will be an amazing experience to compete in such an event and I just hope we do the green and white army proud” , said Dave. Martin said: “It would mean a lot for me and my team to get the chance to
compete in varsity. Although there isn’t an ongoing rivalry between the Swansea and Cardiff kickboxing clubs, there is a strong rivalry on the whole and to be a part of that energy would be great. “On a personal level, it would be awesome to leave this behind as my contribution to the club for the future.”