FREE
MAY 2019
ISSUE 288
SU AWARDS 2019 GWOBRWYON UM 2019 18.30 | 31.05.19 Refectory, Fulton House Y Ffreutur, TÅ· Fulton
swansea-union.co.uk/SUAwards
MUSIC Summer Ball Line Up Balley Records The Amazons: Live Review
features Study Guilt
Tech Google Stadia The Top 5 Indie Games of 2019
Film Howards End
creative writing The Lights Are On A Poem From The Soul
Sport Swansea University Kickboxing
photography Varsity 2019
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FILM
Joshua O'Mahoney
Alex Udraufski-Osborne
waterfronteditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
SUB EDITOR
MUSIC
Caitlin Jones
Fin Hardie & Joshua O'Mahoney
waterfrontsubeditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontmusic@swanseastudentmedia.com
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
SPORT
Charlotte Husbands
Jessica Hayden
waterfrontphoto@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontsport@swanseastudentmedia.com
DESIGN & ARTWORK
TECH
Iain Fisher
Leah Slowinski
waterfrontdesign@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfronttech@swanseastudentmedia.com
PROOFREADING
WELLBEING
Caitlin Jones & Kathryn Hayne
Olivia Rogers
proofreader@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontwellbeing@swansea-union.co.uk
FEATURES
STUDENT MEDIA COORDINATOR
Canisha Chakadya
Iain Fisher
waterfrontfeatures@swanseastudentmedia.com
iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk
THIS MONTH'S CONTRIBUTORS Joshua O'Mahoney • Erin Allwood • Alex McDougall • Shannon McDonald • Leah Slowinski • Carlos Tseng Catrin Lawrence • B.Bates • Will Ashwood • Charlotte Husbands • John-Mark Strickland
WATERFRONT IS A FREE PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLICATION FROM SWANSEA STUDENT MEDIA AND YOUR STUDENTS’ UNION. SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
Joshua O'Mahoney Editor-in-chief What’s up everyone? Welcome to the last issue of the Waterfront for this academic year! Welsh Varsity was brilliant this year as it always is. In spite of the loss, our competitors can hold their heads high and know they did us all proud. A special mention, however, goes out to the Men’s Rugby team who had little to no preparation and were without much of the first team when they played. It may have been a resounding loss in the end, but they were brave enough to go out into that stadium and professional enough to not give up right until the final whistle. Exams and assignments are all slowly coming to an end now and we enter the best part of the year. To those of you who are still working hard, good luck! Just know that it will all be worth it when you can finally exit that exam hall or submit to Turnitin for the last time. Whether you’re finishing your first year at university, or you’re graduating soon and stepping out into the scary world of adulthood, let us celebrate the culmination of all the hard work. The sun is out, the assignments and exams are done, go out and enjoy yourselves! Josh
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BY JOSHUA O'MAHONEY
We’ve got a stellar line-up for Summer Ball this year with some of the biggest artists in the country coming to join us for one last celebration. Scottish sensation Lewis Capaldi, stars of the mockumentary series People Just Do Nothing, Kurupt FM, Belgian drum and bass legend Netsky, and last but certainly not least, West Sussex band The Feeling, will all be taking to the stage along with many others (and we’re also seeing the return of the fun fair as well).
What a 2019 it’s been so far for Lewis Capaldi. Four back-toback sold out tours throughout the course of his young career, and now a number one single in “Someone You Loved”. Nobody could ask for a faster rise to stardom than this brilliant Scot. Expect to be laughing out loud when he comes on stage but crying when he starts singing. It’s a wonder that someone so incredibly funny can write such emotional music, and be ready for some performances of songs from his newly released debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.
MUSIC FIN HARDIE & JOSHUA O'MAHONEY
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You’d be forgiven for thinking that Netsky is really old, but he’s only 30! That is just a testament to how incredible he has been over the last ten years, as he’s been ever present as one of the best producers in the world. Having collaborated with the likes of David Guetta, Macklemore and Lil Wayne, we welcome him to our little town and hope that we can create a worthy atmosphere!
Who would’ve thought? The stars of the mockumentary series People Just Do Nothing, Kurupt FM, have been appearing at events all over the country, and now they’re coming to Swansea to show us their skills with Garage and Drum and Bass. Veterans of Glastonbury and Reading, you can expect quite a show from this very talented group.
I know there will be a few people out there questioning whether or not they know who The Feeling are, but I can guarantee you now that you definitely do. “Fill my Little World” was one of the biggest songs in the UK back in 2005, along with “Sewn” the following year. In reality, The Feeling are low-key probably the biggest act we’ve got performing this year, so let’s show them the respect they deserve!
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BAR
[TOKENS]
FOOD
SPEED
16.06.19 • #SSB19 SWANSEASUMMERBALL.COM
FO OD
SA C ST CIT RE AG Y D E
WALTZER
BENCH
SACRED CITY
BAR
[BOTTLES]
SIZZLER
BA
[SP IRITR S]
D O FO
FOOD
FOOD
ENTRANCE
FOOD
STAGES
VIP
AR
BARS
[SP IRIT S]
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BA
MAYAN MEADOW
B
[DR A
UG HT]
FUNFAIR RIDES
FOOD
MAYAN MEADOW STAGE
WC
DODGEMS
3 for 2
FunFair Q-Jump
3 for 2
at The Gin Garden SSB19
at SSB19
at The Pint Bar SSB19
Before 1600
Before 1600
Before 1600
Tooters Entry £1
3 for 2
Bermuda Entry £1
Before 2300
at The Bomb Bar SSB19 Before 1600
Before 0000
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Balley Records: The Home of Modern Punk BY ERIN ALLWOOD
Founded by Idles manager Mark Bent and Idles vocalist Joe Talbot, Balley Records is revolutionary as the home of hardcore punk bands due to being founded by one of the leading names in modern day punk. Three punk bands make up Balley; Crows, Heavy Lungs, and Lice. Bristol band Lice were first signed by Balley in 2015 after forming at Bristol University, quickly becoming one of the more prominent names in hardcore punk due to the release of their Nutmilk demos. One track, ‘Little John Waynes’, may be considered the epitome of modern hardcore punk, with lead singer Alistair shrieking his vocals and pushing his voice to the limit to create a husky, strained tone which carries out a defining punk asset: unconventionality. Unconventionality is one of the leading tropes in punk, with Heavy
Lungs defining themselves through raucous waves of energy transcribed through not only their music, but by lyricist Danny Nedalko. Nedalko’s powerful voice not only intimidates but offers a solitude for punk fans who have not found a band who convey the classic punk genre throughout their modern music, and Heavy Lungs do just that. The release of EP ‘Abstract Thoughts’ in 2018 highlights strong comparisons between them and Idles, making it unquestionable that they were signed to Balley because of their defining originality yet home in Punk. Crows debuted their single ‘Pray’ in 2015 and earlier this year released debut album ‘Silver Tongues’. They are another strong band where heavy punk is continued and honoured through their writing. Album ‘Silver Tongues’
creates a thundering atmosphere of industrialism, not heard since the classic 1980s punk that has clearly inspired such heaviness that is given approval by the former punks of the classics we compare to. The energy in punk is unlike no other. An article in the NME once read ‘caring about people is way more punk than moshing’, and I couldn’t agree more with the statement. Punk isn’t what it used to be; dangerous, scary, intimidating. We have bands like Idles, Slaves, and Heavy Lungs to thank for that. Not only have they created a scene where punk fans can rejoice, but they have developed a genre so perfectly where they can still play the heavy music they love while creating a safe atmosphere for all. Without a doubt, that’s the future of modern punk.
MUSIC FIN HARDIE & JOSHUA O'MAHONEY
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LIVE Review: The AMAZONS BY ALEX MCDOUGALL
11th February, Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach. I walk inside out of the cold night to be greeted by a small, intimate venue known for its legendary indie rock shows. I arrive an hour before the Amazons are due to perform, and treat myself to a pint of IPA - £9! Ridiculous really, Cardiff. Despite this early set back, I have high expectations for the night. The Amazons have been around since 2014, with their 2017 debut album propelling them into the spotlight, and NME, the independent, and BBC radio 1 naming them as a band to listen to in 2017. Now just 2 years later, The Waterfront are echoing the same ideas. The Amazons are a dying breed of young artists. You truly love the music they are making, despite them not revelling in the same commercial success as other indie rockers who
pedal out repetitive, depressing shit (The 1975). They produce great songs that need to been seen live to really experience them. When listening to their work you are often hit by a heavy bass, similar to peak Arctic Monkeys, or the mesmerising lyrics of fellow underrated rockers Sundara Karma. Your body is hit by their music from the first song to the last - it’s a full-on show. Judging by the number and variety of people in the small venue, The Amazon’s popularity within Wales is high. Their upcoming album was written while staying in Three Cliffs bay last summer, and their leading man Matt Thomson was born in Wales. The band were clearly ecstatic to be in the capital, yelling mid-way through their set that this was the rowdiest Monday of their current tour. This atmosphere was amplified by the quick transitions between the first few songs, keeping the
heavy bassline throughout, and having a dazzling array of lights pumping behind them. The first couple of songs played were from their only album, fan favourites Ultraviolet and Little something. After the first 20 minutes the band moved onto songs from their upcoming album, including recently released single Mother, which was met with great appreciation from the eager crowd. As the night went on and the drinks were flowing, the crowd became increasingly rowdy, and lost their shit when Junk Food Forever came on with a couple of over-appreciative fans hanging from the roof of the venue. As Monday nights go, this was one of the most entertaining I have ever had. If you are a fan of indie alternative rock and heavy mosh pits, The Amazons are a band I would wholeheartedly recommend.
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ISSUE 288 MAY 2019
WELLBEING OLIVIA ROGERS
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STUDY GUILT
Exams are one of the most stressful times of year and the pressure to perform is at it's highest; leading to lack of self-care, over working and sleep deprivation. It’s easy to feel a sense of guilt when missing a day of study or making promises of completing a task but instead ending up procrastinating or doing tasks last minute.
The negativity bias is a psychological concept in which humans give more weight to a bad experience (or memory) than to a good one. This phenomenon is integrated as a caveman instinct, the brain overlooks achievements and focuses on what hasn’t been done. To combat guilt, it's important to redefine what it means to be successful. Success should not be working every possible moment, it shouldn’t just be studying and it certainly is not about achieving 100% efficiency – even super computers can’t achieve that. Success should be about moving forwards and making progress towards a goal, even if it is small, working hard and continuing, despite hard times and it should mean knowing your limits. Universities provide access to 24/7 libraries, coffee stations and vending machines giving the option to study all night continuously. If you happen to fall asleep on a desk there are energy drinks and power bars available to keep you going. Not only this but if classmates opt to do an ‘all-nighter’ in the library there is an almost obligated pull to stay, leaving early brings back that guilty feeling and thoughts of well-being are tossed. Looking after
Image: Shutterstock
BY SHANNON MCDONALD
the physical and mental welfare stops becoming a priority. “Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” – Dalai Lama. A healthy mind doesn’t necessarily mean doing precarious maths sums or training for the ‘Brain Olympics’ it means maintaining a mental clarity and keeping active. The balance of work, rest and play is key. Having fun isn’t easy when there is a weight on your shoulders but fun doesn’t necessarily mean going out to a nightclub or staying up all night binge watching Netflix. It can be a planned rest in between studies, planning a trip to a café or visiting a friend at their house for an hour or two. Setting aside a few moments a day to relax and focus on something else other than studying is important and this includes setting limits on study time.
Eating well not only pumps endorphins into your bloodstream making you feel happy but it also helps to prolong life and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Water is one of the most important parts of any diet when studying. The brain is made up of 73% water but does not have a permanent store for the water to stay so needs a constant supply. The cells function a lot better and is known to remove that ‘foggy’ feeling felt when trying to study. More water means a better hormone regulation, less toxins and increased concentration leading to better grades. Healthy eating is good too. It’s not necessary to orchestrate a diet plan but making healthier choices when ordering food, actively choosing food rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish, sunflower seeds and nuts will help to improve memory, concentration and relieve depression and aid a healthy mind and body.
ISSUE 288 MAY 2019
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GOOGLE STEPS INTO CONSOLE GAMING With hundreds of millions of people watching gaming content on YouTube every single day, will Google really be able to make this platform a clear winner in a very different market? BY LEAH SLOWINSKI
Launching in the later months of 2019 in the UK, Google has created a console that boasts many new features to console gaming, such as: higher quality streaming rates, a quicker boot up and the ability to launch games from most android devices, such as phones and even TVs. The user can jump straight into 1080p game play from any device using this console. Firstly, how much will you own as a player? Well, if you’re used to purchasing physical copies of your games and not using services like Steam, this may seem like a bit of a jump into the unknown. The difference is between buying and licensing a game. When you buy it in disc form, it’s yours – forever. However, when we buy games online, we are buying the license to use it, when these licenses change; they can affect our games. Showing us how tenuous these purchases can be. I will be very interested to see how Google combats this, giving players a better sense of security with each purchase. Secondly, how easy will this be to play in reality? Most gamers know how frustrating it is to be playing your favourite game in an online capacity and suddenly your team is further ahead than you thought, or you can’t loot that item. Lag – the one word that physically makes me recoil. The dreaded delay in game that could cost you everything. How will Google combat the difficulty of streaming high-end games online? According to Google, the Stadia controller connects directly to Google servers, meaning that it works separately from any other hardware. Hopefully, offering a cure all to the cursed lag and allowing players to enjoy
their games even in peak times. In demonstrations of the Stadia, boot up times are non-existent. Players press a button and hey presto, there is game play. It’s genuinely amazing to see. They also unveiled a completely different format, merging YouTube and gaming once and for all. When watching a video on YouTube (their example was Assassin’s Creed) you will be able to press a button to purchase and play that
content in as quick as five whole seconds. Other consoles as of yet, do not have this capability. This gaming platform is not limited to console form and I am excited to see what game developers could do without restriction and what worlds we could open with this innovation. Will this new platform create a different experience for gamers? Google seem to think so. I can’t wait to see it for myself.
TECH LEAH SLOWINSKI
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THE TOP 5 INDIE GAMES OF 2019 BY LEAH SLOWINSKI
Celeste
Developed and Published by the amazingly named Matt Makes Games Inc, this pixelated single player adventure has you defeating inner demons. The plot revolves around a relevant and emotional story about the pressures of modern life. The graphical style is engaging, with the player having to execute precise button presses to jump across platforms. The soundtrack is atmospheric and the game play reminiscent of Super Meat Boy and I Wanna Be the Boshy. It’s definitely worth the purchase, as it’s such an unusual play. Available now on all platforms in 2019.
Phoenix Point
Created by the makers of X-Com, Phoenix Point is a strategy based game with turn based squad level tactical combat. This fast paced and action packed game has realistic ballistics simulation, engaging boss battles and a world based strategy layer. You will explore a virus infested Earth, defending and defeating as you play the game. Available on PC/MAC/ XBOX ONE in September.
Afterparty
Available on PC/ MAC. Produced and written by Night School Studio, this vivid game relies on its electric storytelling. This game’s atmosphere is unusual and will leave you wanting more. You and your deceased friend will descend into the depths of hell, to drink with demons. Each decision in this game, has a meaningful impact on the plot. Your mission is to escape and ultimately defeat Satan himself (in a drinking contest.) What more could you want?
Ooblets
Developed by Glumberland for release in 2019 this game boasts: bright colours, vivid scenery and an adorable musical backdrop to die for. Ooblets is a farming simulator mixed with Animal Crossing, Pokemon and Harvest Moon. This game is beautifully designed and has a rich variety of different characters for players to meet. If you are into delightful and happy games, this is for you. Available on PC/ XBOX One in 2019.
Psychonauts 2
Created by Double Fine Productions, Psychonauts 2 sees you exploring the minds of others as a newly appointed Psychonaut. A sequel to the beloved Psychonauts, players can expect a wider range of psychic powers and intense story telling. This stunningly rich game has been directed by the legendary Tim Schafer and looks to be a much slicker version of the original, with improved graphics and musical score. Available on all platforms.
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Helen (Helena Bonham Carter), Margaret (Emma Thompson) and Henry (Anthony Hopkins)
Howards End The UltimatePeriod Drama BY CARLOS TSENG
It’s hard to find a film that is both eloquent and insightful in its search for meaning and nourishment, but Howards End also finds an exemplary balance between sensitivity and pleasure. Remaining faithful to E.M. Forster’s novel, James Ivory 1992 adaptation of this literary classic is a deep exploration into society and the struggle for human connection between social classes. Margaret (Emma Thompson) and Helen (Helena Bonham Carter) Schlegel are two half-German, middle class sisters living in Edwardian Britain. When Margaret befriends the
frail Ruth Wilcox (Vanessa Redgrave), the mother of Helen’s former love interest, the two ladies find themselves often discussing the Wilcox country home: Howards End. In their talks, Margaret also confides in Ruth the council’s plan to demolish her London home, Wickham Place. Later on, Helen accidentally takes the wrong umbrella at a Beethoven recital, leading to an unexpected acquaintance with the pitiable insurance clerk Leonard Bast (Samuel West). The Schlegel sisters sympathise with Leonard who yearns for a better living for himself and his disreputable partner, Jacky (Nicola Duffett). Following a critically acclaimed television adaptation of Howards End last year, it seems appropriate to re-
examine the sociological implications of public hierarchies that Forster brought to light in his classic novel. When Ruth’s family negate her final wish to leave Howards End to the Schlegals, the lines of morality start to blur and we feel the plot beginning to spin momentously. In the meantime, Ruth’s widower Henry Wilcox (Anthony Hopkins) has a chance encounter with the Schlegel girls and advises them to tell Leonard to quit his job. Inevitably, the affairs get more complicated when Henry finds himself marrying Margaret despite concerns raised by her sister about the ethics of the Wilcox’s. What is immediately striking about Howards End is the gorgeous cinematography by Tony Pierce-
FILM ALEXANDER UDRAUFSKI-OSBOURNE
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Margaret (Emma Thompson), Leonard (Samuel West), Helen (Helena Bonham Carter)
Roberts, where we see the bluebells light up in the dark, giving viewers that chance to admire the English countryside. Similarly, Richard Robbins’ score imitates the omniscient nature of Forster’s narration in his novel. Each of the characters somehow connect with each other and the focal point of these various ties is Margaret. In her Academy Award winning performance, Emma Thompson brings to life the complexities and obscure naivety of Margaret Schlegel who must find reconciliation between the deep-rooted politics of society and her innate passion for her loved ones. It’s a mighty contrast to Hopkins’ snobby Henry Wilcox, who cannot bring himself to admit his errors and later on it is his son Charles (James Wilby) who must atone for his father’s sins. Of course, it’s too easy to name the Wilcox’s as the villains of the film. They too are victims of social constructs and blind to the injustices of the world they live in. In a pre-World War I Britain, the Schlegel’s presence aroused tensions and anxieties around British nationalism and identity. This
Ruth (Vanessa Redgrave) and Margaret (Emma Thompson)
was a time of change in Britain as the country veered towards urbanisation and modernity, so there is a huge struggle to find harmony between different ideologies. Howards End was the third Forster novel adapted by Merchant-Ivory Productions and marked the pinnacle of the partnership between director James Ivory, producer Ismail Merchant and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. The luscious British period dramas like The Remains of the Day (1993) and A Room with a View (1985) continue
to define the Merchant-Ivory legacy today. The tragic ending of Howards End never ceases to confound the senses, no matter how many times I’ve seen it. The senselessness of everything is exposed and Forster’s epitaph: ‘Only Connect’ seems more relevant today than ever. The film is anchored by the masterclass performances along with Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s Academy Award winning screenplay. In this way, Howards End is truly a magnificent piece of cinema.
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In the broken elevator. Tom pressed the alarm five minutes ago. The shock-second, when the elevator shuddered, is over. He did the automatic; pressed the alarm, talked through the metal holes. Help is on the way. Another man who entered on the seventh floor is normal. He won’t talk, as he hasn’t been spoken to. He won’t cry, as nothing is wrong; help is on the way. Please stay calm. But he smiles. Since the elevator broke, he smiles. He is not normal anymore. “We’ll be here a while.” “We will.” the seventh-floor man touches a wall. “Got anyone you can call?” “Not anymore.” Tom calls his wife. Everyone’s home apart from him. They’re having dinner. “I’m won’t be back anytime soon. I’m stuck in the elevator.” “Oh, God.” “I’ve gotten help.” “I’d be climbing through the roof, Tom.” “It’s too dangerous. Cables. Let the fire department come get me. Love you.” He finishes the call and sends her a text. There’s a weirdo behind me feeling up the walls. The seventh-floor man looks around and nods. Tom will be polite. “So. What’s your name?” “Jim. Bit bare in here. Minimalist.” “It’s an elevator.” “I don’t mind that. It’s like a room, isn’t it? Hanging in time and space…” Without meaning. Tom talked through the holes. “The hell’s taking you so long?” “Let them take their time. They’ve got more important things to do.” “We’re trapped.” “You feel trapped. But I’m fine. I’m free.” Tom’s wife hates small spaces. Was there an opposite? “I like micro living. You reminded me when you were talking to yours just now, of my wife. Wanted shit all over the walls and floor. She’d have it on the ceiling if she could.”
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“You can only go so far. Like, a bed.” Jim takes off his coat, sits and blankets himself. “Bed.” “What about your wife?” “Sod her. Thinking of divorce, anyway. Moving into a bachelor’s pad. And look what I’ve found.” “People use this lift every day. You can’t live here.” “Got fired today. Could be a fresh start. Taking people up and down, pressing the buttons for them. You won’t believe how little those buttons get cleaned.” Tom stays standing. Soon he will be free. His family won’t believe him when he tells them. The man who treated an elevator like prime real estate. Jim takes out his phone. “The callout to Saxon Building was a prank call. Hope you didn’t waste your time.” “What the hell?” Tom jumps him, reaches for the phone. Jim finds his and throws. A smash behind them. A smash in Tom’s face. Blood in his mouth and glass in his eyes. Screaming makes it worse. “You’re right. They won’t let me live here.” “I don’t want to live here!” “If they let you out, they’ll want to let me out.” There’s a panel in the ceiling. Tom gets up. Bloody, kaleidoscope-eyes on Jim. He pushes the panel up. Jim leaps into him. They clang to the floor. Tom punches Jim aside and hauls his upper half out the elevator. Jim grabs his legs. He’s pulling too hard. Tom tries a cable. It burns across his hands. Jim’s pulling too hard and Tom sinks back. He stretches for a cable with both arms. Tom falls at a bad angle for his neck. Crack. Ow. Nasty way to die. Jim needs to push him back out. No good having a dead body in your home. Smells. Unhygienic. What would the police say? Nothing. They’d need a warrant. You can’t break into homes these days. A man’s castle. His castle. The lights are on and he is home. The elevator shudders.
CREATIVE WRITING RHYS SWAINSTON
A Poem from the Soul By B. Bates
I was once told Poetry comes from the soul. Told, It flows out of you So, I listened. Listened to my soul, To what she had to say. But she remained Quiet. So, this is not, A poem from the soul But rather, A poem from the spaces Between the silences.
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SPORT JESSICA HAYDEN
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Swansea Univeristy Kickboxing BY WILL ASHWOOD
On the 23rd of March, Swansea University Kickboxing took part in the University Kickboxing Championship in Leeds, a huge event with almost 249 fighters present from a total of 18 British Universities. Each fight in the University Kickboxing Championship consists of two-and-a-half-minute rounds with a thirty-second break between each round. The winner is decided by a vote from three judges who score points based on punches (1 point), body kicks (2 points) and head kicks (3 points). If the judges call a draw, then a minute extra round is called, and the winner of that round goes on to win the fight. On the 23rd of March, Swansea University Kickboxing took part in the University Kickboxing Championship in Leeds, a huge event with almost 249 fighters present from a total of 18 British Universities. Each fight in the University Kickboxing Championship consists of two-and-ahalf-minute rounds with a thirty-second break between each round. The winner is decided by a vote from three judges who score points based on punches (1 point), body kicks (2 points) and head kicks (3 points). If the judges call a draw, then a minute extra round is called, and the winner of that round goes on to win the fight. Six of the best fighters from the club fought in five different categories. In the men’s beginner light-middleweight category, club member ‘Dom’ represented Swansea. This is only Dom’s second competition and despite losing, he showed his skill and determination throughout his fight and continued the pace into his third extra round after two exhausting first rounds. Dom has shown real improvement since his first competition on the 10th of March –
“As club captain, I am very proud of everyone who fought as it takes serious guts to compete against an opponent whose only goal is to punch and kick you for 3 minutes” showing us all that hard work is the key to improvement. In the men’s beginner middleweight category, we had Kester. Kester won both of his qualifying fights and went on to win in the grand finals, making him the University Kickboxing Champion of his category! We are all incredibly proud of Kester for his victory. He really stood out in all three of his fights, not just because he won all three fights but because of skill, dedication and perseverance in what was a very tiring day for him. In the ladies’ beginner middleweight category, club member Ellie took part in her first competition. In a vicious fight, Ellie sadly lost in a controversial result despite dominating her first two round and even the extra third round. For her first fight, Ellie showed real potential and confidence in herself. In the ladies’ Intermediate middleweight category, club member Patricia represented the Swans. Unfortunately, Patricia was injured in
her first round when her shin collided with her opponents’ knee causing her to be withdrawn from the fight. This was a very upsetting outcome as she was in the lead due to a series of perfect kicks. Had she had not been injured we are certain she would have won her fight – a fact that is even more annoying as her opponent was from Cardiff and later won her category. Thankfully, it was not a serious injury and she is already feeling much better. In the men’s intermediate middleweight category, Rhys and I took to the stage. Rhys was first and competed against a very experienced opponent. Despite being on the backfoot, Rhys still managed to put up a strong fight, landing some very beautiful head kicks on his opponent. Next, I went up against another strong opponent. Unfortunately I lost, with 2-1 decision from the judges. In both of my rounds, I went punchfor-punch with my opponent and the fight quickly descended into an all-out brawl – which I have been told was very entertaining to watch. As club captain, I am very proud of everyone who fought as it takes serious guts to compete against an opponent whose only goal is to punch and kick you for 3 minutes. Again, well done to Kester for his victory and I hope to see the club return next year and claim another trophy (or two – the more the better).
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SAS promises ‘Awards for tidy students’ Students who get out the dustpan and brush at the end of this academic year could be in line for a reward, say Student Accommodation Services (SAS). They’ll be handing out amazon vouchers worth £2,500 to students who leave their houses in good condition when they vacate at the end of the term. SAS manager Steve Daniels said:“We have decided to run such a competition again as each year we have a large number of students that leave their properties in an excellent condition and we have those that do not. Therefore we feel it is only right to reward students who do so and hopefully act as an incentive for those students that may not otherwise do so, to leave their property in a good condition. We feel that this will also have a much better impact on the private sector and local residents and reduce some of the negativity that surrounds the student population as a whole – when the reality is that it is only a small proportion of students that have complaints made against them”.
All SAS Properties are automatically entered into the competition and they have been sent a full departure pack detailing exactly what they should do prior to leaving notably the cleaning requirements. There are 6 prizes of £300.00 amazon vouchers, 3 prizes of £200.00 vouchers and 1 prize of £100.00 amazon vouchers. Winners will be announced within 4 weeks of the end of tenancies. Steve went on to state:“We run competitions most terms – even if the students don’t know anything about them! Last term for example we surprised 3 houses when we turned up with some easter eggs and amazon vouchers. They didn’t know anything about the competition but had been awarded 1st- 3rd place as nominated by SAS staff for the way they had been looking after the property all term and not just when inspections were taking place”
Sophie who is living in the house that won 1st prize comments:“The prizes up for grabs are a great incentive to keep the house tidy and clean throughout the year. We also found that a tidy house equals a tidy mind. It was nice to be acknowledged and rewarded for our cleanliness. Thank you to SAS for being responsive and helpful landlords and, thank you to the maintenance staff for always being friendly and efficient”
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If you are still looking for accommodation for 2019-2020, SAS do have a handful of properties still available. They can be contacted on 01792 295328, email sas@swansea.ac.uk or pop into their office in ground of Penmaen Residence, Singleton Campus Monday to Friday 9.00am-4.00pm. You can also browse online via www.saslettings.co.uk
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
CAPTURING A SNIPPET OF VARSITY
ISSUE 288 MAY 2019
◀ A fantastic Mens Lacrosse game with an amazing win of 14-8
Words & photography by Charlotte Husbands
Varsity was an exciting, eventful and energetic day for both competitors and spectators. It was a day of triumphs and losses with the upper hand being in Cardiff’s court, resulting in an overall score of 17-29 to our opposing side. Throughout our victories and losses, the Swansea crowd were ever supportive, continuing in their many (and few) to scream and holler, showing their support until the very last try. I wish I could have seen every event of Varsity, but unfortunately, that wasn’t an option, and some Swansea spectators saw even fewer, with individual events being ticketed throughout the day. The sports I did witness, however, showed Swansea fight against Cardiff with everything they had; even with a replacement team in the men’s rugby, we never gave up. It was a heartbreaking defeat on many levels this year, but it was also my final year as a Swansea student, and I am incredibly proud of all the sportsmen who took part in this fantastic day. If you wish to contribute to the Swansea University Photography Section, or even just show us some of your Varsity photos, please contact us, at waterfrontphotography@ swanseastudentmedia.com.
◀ Cardiff wins Women's Hockey, with a 2-1 loss for Swansea.
◀ Cardiff win the Mens Squash, 4-1.
PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLOTTE HUSBANDS
25 ◀ Cardiff win the Womens Basketball with a score of 97-31
▶ Congratulations to the Archery Team for winning 9-2 against Cardiff.
◀ Swansea win the Kickboxing!
▶ Swansea's Female Squash Team were defeated with a 4-0 loss.
◀ An unfortunate loss for Swansea in the Netball 39-31.
ISSUE 288 MAY 2019
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM ◀ A fantastic Mens Lacrosse game with an amazing win of 14-8
▶ The Men's Varsity, an unfortunate loss of 78-7.
▲ Cardiff win the Tae Kwon Do against Swansea 10-7.
◀ Cardiff win Womens Lacrosse by 11 points with a score of 21-10.
▶ A heartbreaking loss for the Men_s Basketball, with 96-78.
PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLOTTE HUSBANDS
▲ A nail biting Womens Rugby performance, and a fantastic victory!
▶ An amazing performance from the Sirens.
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SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
A GLIMPSE AT VARSITY SPIRIT
ISSUE 288 MAY 2019
◀ Leaping to try and win
Words & photography by John-Mark Strickland
This Varsity was the spot of Cardiff's defence of their Shield and title. The day was graced with beautiful weather and even finer camaraderie. However after a hard fought day from both sides Cardiff came out on top, with a victory over the men’s rugby and the overall. However Swansea picked up a significant win with the women’s rugby and select other sports. Further, the day was showered in both controversy (and alcohol). The former was unexpected as Swansea’s first team played Nottingham Trent the same morning. Consequently, Swansea fielded a different team than the original 23, by playing a mix of University Regional Academy players with up and coming first and second players. Some of which had either played that day against Trent or in the fresher's rugby. It would not be ridiculous, to think it disheartened the day or the teams morale. But if anything Swansea played harder and the fans yelled louder; so throughout the day fans could be heard at every event cheering on their athletes. And no matter what the result was of the game, both sides were gracious with the result. Even if tensions and nerves got to an elevated level, everyone kept cool and the feeling of solidarity between both universities was palpable. All of this combined to make an absolutely thrilling day and one I am sure will not soon be forgotten, due to the intensity of both sides and the unmatched spirit of the crowds.
◀ Swansea tackle Cardiff
PHOTOGRAPHY CHARLOTTE HUSBANDS
▲ Swansea fighting against Cardiff
▶ Battling against Cardiff
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1
T STUDEN S T TICKE FROM £5 ONLY
Credit: Chris Nash
Based on the world-famous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 'The Little Prince' is brought to life using Protein’s award-winning mix of dance, humour and spoken word. Friday 24 May 6.30pm
What's on at Taliesin in May & June? BY TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE
£5 LIVE EVENTS
Friday 7/06 @7.30pm: BETTANY HUGHES - ISTANBUL. SU Centenary Lecture Series. Saturday 8/06 @7.30pm: THE CANTERBURY TALES. Presented by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
BROADCAST EVENTS
£5 ON THE DOOR
Wednesday 5/06 @7pm: Royal Shakespeare Company: THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (As Live 12A). Tuesday 11/06 @7.15pm: Royal Opera House: ROMEO AND JULIET (Ballet) (As Live 12A).
FILMS
£6
WNO: DON PASQUALE
Saturday 18/05 @7.30pm: JOHN ETHERIDGE'S SWEET CHORUS Jazz from John Etheridge, Chris Garrick and Dave Kelbie. Friday 24/05 @6.30pm: THE LITTLE PRINCE. An awardwinning mix of dance, humour and spoken word. Look at the world through one’s heart and reconnect with your inner child. Saturday 1/06 @7.30pm: Welsh National Opera: DON PASQUALE. Set in and around Pasquale’s doner kebab van, it’s the story of an old bachelor’s romantic delusions and the young lovers who outwit him.
ROH: MIXED TRIPLE BILL
Wednesday 17/04 @7pm: Royal Shakespeare Company: AS YOU LIKE IT (As Live 12A). Tuesday 14/05 @7pm: National Theatre Live: ALL MY SONS (As Live 12A). By Arthur Miller. Thursday 16/05 @7.15pm: Royal Opera House: MIXED TRIPLE BILL (Ballet) (As Live 12A). Tuesday 4/06 @7pm: Exhibition on Screen: VAN GOGH & JAPAN.
THE SISTERS BROTHERS
Mon. 13/05 @7.30pm: OLD BOYS (12A) Wed. 15/05 @4.30pm & 7.30pm: THE UPSIDE (12A) Monday 20/05 @7.30pm: A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (18) Tuesday 28/05 @4.30pm & 7.30pm: COLD PURSUIT (15) Mon. 10/06 @7.30pm: THE SISTERS BROTHERS (15) Wed. 12/06 @7.30pm: TOLKIEN more events on www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
SIGN UP FOR A FREE MEMBERSHIP CARD AT THE BOX OFFICE AND SEE YOUR FIRST 3 LIVE EVENTS FOR FREE!
ISSUE 288 MAY 2019
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
An interview with the
Quidditch Society I got the chance to have a Q&A with none other than Alex Sheffield to talk about Southern Wales’ very own Quidditch team, the Swansea Swans. As being team captain, Alex gave us some insight on what it’s like stepping onto the magical sport most commonly known from the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. So, tell me a little bit about Quidditch? Quidditch is a full-contact mixed-gendered sport. The best way to describe it is a combination of dodgeball and rugby. There are a few key elements of play. Quaffle, where you try an get a volleyball through hoops to score points, Bludger play, where there are three Bludgers which are dodgeballs, used to intervene the Quaffle play. Finally, there’s Snitch play which, much like in the Harry Potter series is a play that ends the game. Catching the snitch gets you 30 points, rather than 150 in the books and films. The snitch itself is usually a tennis ball in the back of a sock that hangs out of the snitch runner’s trousers and the Seekers have to get the sock off the snitch runner but they are allowed to wrestle them to stop them from catching the snitch. It usually requires about 16 people to play a full game, lasting around 30 minutes. How or where did it start? I want to say about 15 years ago in the US, it started there with a few people that just wanted to try it out and then it spread across the US and then it made its way across the UK not long after, 11 years perhaps. Now we’re on to the 6th official British Cup, making it a
fully established sport with about 40-50 teams usually heavily university based. Do you know who started it? Was it a university? Yes, it was a university that started it. There’s a full documentary on Netflix about how the Quidditch sport got created called Mudbloods. Quidditch actually started in 2005 at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont, by Xander Manshel and Alex Benepe. Okay, now educate me on this, what are the basics of the game exactly? Well the basics, I’ll start by saying that snitch only comes into effect within 18 minutes of the game so obviously it ends the game. The team composition, on the pitch you will have a Keeper, 3 Chasers, and 2 Beaters. We all wear different coloured headbands for each position. So now, the pitch is a rectangle with 3 hoops at each end. The Quaffle must go through the hoop, while the Beaters compete to get Bludgers so if you get hit by a Bludger you must get off your “broom” and run back to your own hoops to restart. What are the roles for every position? The Keeper, their main job is to take charge of the
SOCIETIES JUAN ROMERO FLORES
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pitch. They call each tactic, basically they’ll be the ones to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing. Chasers pretty much follow the instructions of the Keeper in an attempt to get the Quaffle through the hoop. Now, the Beaters, they can play pretty aggressive other shutting down the attacks quickly or stopping the Bludger or they can be very defensive just trying to stop goals from going in.
What about people with disabilities? Let’s say, someone who’s in a wheelchair or handicapped. At the moment, there isn’t much accommodation, although there are people who tried to develop wheelchair Quidditch and that is something that’s currently being worked on. So, what is your role? I am our team captain. I also play Beater when we’re on the pitch, but occasionally will be a Seeker. As far as responsibilities go, I will organize and plan training sessions which are 2 sessions a week each around 3 hours. I’m also in charge of selecting the squad when competing in tournaments. Are there any similarities or differences when playing this sport compared to how it is done in the books or the movies? Well, obviously biggest difference, we can’t fly! Also, we’re not allowed to use magic on the pitch though you are allowed to carry your wand. I’d say the biggest difference would be the scoring system, so a Quaffle goal is still worth 10 points but catching the Snitch is only worth 30 points rather than 150 points like in books or films, there’s also 3 Bludgers rather than 2.
Image: Mark Hill Imagemaker
Are there any requirements to join? So, Quidditch is completely gender inclusive and we’re fully accepting of all members from different kinds. We have non-student members and we actually had a former member who was “Bi-gender” so we’re fully acceptant of everyone and there’s no sporting experience required either. Fee wise it’s £8 to be on the team and a £20 to compete in tournaments. Do you have any main tournaments? Yes. There’s the Regionals, this year we competed in the Southern Cup which took place in Seven Oaks outside of London as well as a Northern Cup in which we don’t compete in. There’s also the national tournament which is the BQC, British Quidditch Cup around Easter in Newcastle as well as the European games in May including every team across Europe. Have we won anything? Well, earlier this year in October Bath Quidditch club hosted Wessex Cup in which we got 3rd place, being the second time our Swansea team is medalled as well as in a tournament called White Knights hosted in Redding receiving 3rd place. Okay, now the most important question of all, does J.K. Rowling know about this sport? She does. To my knowledge, she’s officially acknowledged Quidditch as a sport to which there is a league that runs in the summer called the Quidditch Premier League and in its first year she congratulated the winning team. Also, the IQA which is the International Quidditch Association have to talk with Warner Bros since there’s obviously an extent to what’s covered by copyright law.
Lastly, how is this viewed would you say in mainstream society? A: Well what I tend to find that most people don’t take it seriously until they give it a try? For example, usually around the time we practice there’s some school kids that will pass and jokingly shout out “Ten points to Gryffindor!” But there’s also been times when somebody will pass by and ask us questions or we’ll receive a message on our Facebook page and somebody will say, “hey do you mind if I just come along and have a look?” So, there are some people who obviously think of us as just a bunch of nerds running around with plastic tubes between our legs but then there are other people who are serious sports players that do play Quidditch as well. Although, most people do think of us as nerds running around in a muddy field. Okay, so anything else you’d like to add? Nothing at the moment, but obviously if people are interested they can find us on Facebook at Swansea Swans and just like our page. We train every Sunday and Wednesday from 2-5 at Singleton Park so come check us out!