Pugwash News - Issue 11

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pugwash news

Issue 11 Wednesday 05.03.08 upsu.net/news

Portsmouth’s official student newspaper

Inside...

photo: Kevin Wilkins

Frewen library is “best new building” photo: Tom Worman

Jacob Leverett

The One World Fashion Show, March 1st See all the photos of the night at upsu.net/galleries

News

Train Company pledges improvements First Great Western (FGW), who run services from Portsmouth to Cardiff, have agreed that significant extra investment is required to satisfy the needs of customers. The investment will include the recruitment of drivers and guards, to ease staff shortages and also an extra five trains will be leased to service Portsmouth stations, giving a capacity increase of about 40%. More Train Less Strain, a rail passenger pressure group, has said “The £29 m to be spent by FGW in an attempt to cling on to the franchise represents a significant victory for passenger power”.

Reviews

It’s becoming less relevant that you’re Queer and more and more relevant that you are part of society

Tegan and Sara Interview Read more on page 11

The University of Portsmouth Library recently received the title of Best New Building 2007 by The Portsmouth Society. The society recognises design work within the city. The specially-designed £11m building, designed by architects Penoyre and Prasad, was opened in 2007 by author PD James. The building, which has integrated the older existing Frewen Library with a new building, integrates design, practicality and technology. The three floored building has also been commended in the past for its dedication to environmental credentials. The University has a tradition of commissioning well-designed buildings in the local community, with the Student’s Union recognised as Best New Building in 2003. Roger James, the secretary of the Portsmouth Soci-

ety, said the award was unanimously awarded, adding: “It is clear that a great deal of thought went into the building’s every need”. John Craven, the University Vice Chancellor said “We are delighted that the Portsmouth Society selected the library for this award. We are very proud of the new structure, which reflects the changing nature of [Portsmouth’s] students’ approaches to learning. It’s a comprehensive centre for study, learning and research for staff and students in the 21st century”. The building integrates old and new space, its green architectural credentials and its wireless and internet technologies. The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, University representatives, the architects, and members of the Portsmouth Society unveiled the commemorative plaque within the library building.

Employment

Pages 7 to 10

News Anti War Demonstration, St Patrick’s Day, Initiation debate, Union Council Pages 2 to 3

Features Bank Charges, Crufts, censorship, drink spiking, Societies Takeover, literary column Pages 4 to 6

Reviews Tegan and Sara, Los Campesinos!, The Kooks, Mystery Jets, Blood Red Shoes Pages 11 to 12

Pugwash News

Are you being paid?

... and are you paying too much?

Want to write for us?

Are you currently working parttime? Are you aware that an employer must pay you at least the National Minimum wage? The three levels of minimum wage from 1st October 2007 are 22+ years £5.52 per hour, 18-21 years - £4.60 per hour, and under 18s - £3.40 per hour. Most employers pay at least the national minimum wage, but if you’re not sure or have any questions, check your pay slip as your hourly pay rate will be written there.

Employers are required to take Income Tax on all your pay unless they have received a P45 or P46 from you. If you do not have a P45 from your previous employer, complete a P46 and give to your employer who will pass this on to their Payroll Department. Your employer should be able to give you a P46 but if not, collect one from the Job Shop or download one from www.hmrc.gov.uk. You can find out how to claim back income tax on the JobShop website.

Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays is the Union’s student newspaper. If you have something to shout about, from burning issues to match reports, comment to features, or you want to photograph, design or help lay up, get in touch!

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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Inbox

News

What’s happening at the Union?

Portsmouth students demonstrate against war Luke Simmonds

photo: Luke Simmonds

University students have gathered alongside local residents outside the Eldon building to protest about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and called for British troops to return home. The protesters marched down Winston Churchill Avenue two weeks ago, towards University House where they gathered for a rally, holding placards and banners delivering their message. One protester informed the crowd that similar events have happened in the past; in previous years, students had entered University House to protest about the war. University Security were keeping a watchful eye on the demonstrators, along with police officers. A former student addressed the crowd and addressed her speech to Professor John Craven, the University Vice Chancellor: “The University would not come out against the war and I think one of reasons they gave was they didn’t want to upset any Iraqi students who defended the occupation, who wanted to be liberated. Now I wonder in the five years that the war has been going on if Professor Craven has ever been thanked or even been approached by an Iraqi student. I don’t think so somehow” The University of Portsmouth issued the following statement: “The University has no institutional

position on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It supports the right to the peaceful expression of views on this and other matters of national importance”. Ben Norman, Student Activities and Development Officer stated “Whilst the University is unable to take a political stance, the Students’ Union encourages and supports active debate over issues such as the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. Personally I support and applaud the students and hope that their efforts succeed in raising awareness of this key issue.” The march moved on past the Union and the University Library to a military recruitment office where the protesters attached their banners to the fence outside and chanted. The march passed off without incident, with the police chatting and joking with the protesters, even finding something in common with one of the officers present, who was on the police march in London recently over pay and conditions. S t u d e n t s f r o m Po r t s m o u t h intend to join a larger national protest in London on the 15th March, organised by the Stop the War Coalition, a national anti-war movement. A previous march saw two million people march through the streets of the capital showing their opposition to the war.

Pugwash news & Purple Wednesdays

Time Wasting

“Small Print”

Contact Us

Editorial Team

Contributors

Produced fortnightly by the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union (UPSU).

To get in touch with the Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays team, please visit upsu.net/newsdesk, email us at newsdesk@upsu.net, call us via the Union’s Media & Publications Officer at 023 9284 3657, or visit us at The Student Centre, Portsmouth Students’ Union, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2EF.

Editors

Thanks for this issue go to:

Editor: Laura Patricia News Editor: Jacob Leverett Design Editor: Tom Worman Features Editor: Steph Hall Sports Editors: Peppa Barnett & Marisa May Reviews Editor: Tallie Kane Web Editor: Luke Simmonds

Errors & omissions: while we take every care to verify our content, we may occasionally make mistakes. Please contact us using the details above to report any inaccuracies or mistakes.

Sub Editors

Vicky Baillie, Luke Thomas Betts, Ed Butterfield, Matthew Calmus, Harriet Rose Chandler, Ben Endley, Ewan Eyre, Gemma Gale, Aimee Hyatt, Peter Hooley, Kat King, Robb Knott, Tiffany Lee, Jenny Leggott, Jane McCallion, Ben Norman, Alex Ouzounoglou, Jamie Payner, Saskia Pearlstone, Ben Noot, David Taylor, Aimee Todd, Sammy Trindor, Tom Vincent, Steve Walton and Tom West.

Printed by Quotemeprint - www. quotemeprint.com, 0845 130 0667, and now printed on 100% recycled paper. Pugwash News & Purple Wednesdays bears no allegiance to any political party and discriminates against no-one. Back issues and electronic copies of Pugwash News are available free from: upsu.net/news/pugwash/archive

Design: Peter Allsop, Andy Donohoe & Kev Wilkins Features: Matt Blackall, Nicholas Prangnell

Also, anyone we’ve forgotten!

Mini Sudoku

For the answer, look online at: upsu.net/p/2779


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

News

Fortnight’s Politics

St. Patrick’s day move

Crime fighting map proposed

Jacob Leverett

Peter Hooley

Luke Simmonds

If you’re like me and the annual celebration of all things Irish is something that you revere and look forward to each year, you may have been troubled by the gentle whispers in the wind about St Patrick’s Day not being on the 17th March in 2008. So is it true? Or is it just the usual wind-up born of the same people who convince new bar staff that Guinness comes in two barrels, one for the black stuff and one for the white stuff? Sadly, I have to say that it is true. Apparently, Saint Paddy, old Arthur Guinness and his Dublin boys just aren’t powerful enough to stop the Pope and the Irish Catholic church. Why did they do this? Easter comes earlier in the year than normal in 2008, because its position in the year is based around lunar cycles. For the week prior to good Friday, Catholics must enter into the commemoration of the passion of Christ, and on that

The recent “disturbing” robbery on University of Portsmouth students in Elm Grove underlines the fact that, unfortunately, students can be victims of crime. At a recent Union Council meeting held on 21st February, The President of UPSU, Elle Gray stated in her report to the council that: “We are working on setting up a map of incidents involving students to see if there are any ‘hot spots’ that need extra attention.” A map will not only show students which areas of the city have a higher rate of crime against students. It will also help the police know where to increase patrols and reduce crime to make Portsmouth a safer place for students. The President also informed those present that a specific fence will be taken down on Winston Churchill Avenue to reduce incidents of crime in that particular

Prince Harry in Afghanistan: According to a report by the Ministry of Defence, Prince Harry has already spent ten weeks in Afghanistan. Prince Harry was deployed to the region as an officer in the Household Cavalry. The news was under a media blackout and has only just become common knowledge after the news was released by a foreign-based website. The Prince has since returned to the UK. Job Centre overhaul: Private businesses and charities are to be offered cash incentives to aid the long-term unemployed back into work. The system, announced by Work Secretary James Purnell, includes plans to offer incentives to companies for getting people into work for at least six months, with further incentives planned in the future for increasing it to 18 months. Two protests in same week: Protestors opposed to the expansion of Heathrow have managed to breach security at both Heathrow airport and the roof of the Houses of Parliament. The protestors in both cases maneuvered past security to unfurl banners, stating their opposition to plans to increase the number of planes using the London airport. 88% of the country “want a referendum on the EU”, poll claims: An unofficial poll carried out by the I Want A Referendum campaign (IWAR) has claimed that 80% of the country want a referendum on whether to have a greater involvement in the EU. A referendum would mean asking every person eligible to vote in the UK if they think a new EU treaty would be a good idea or not.

area, notorious for mugging. She added: “ I asked for a student representative on the Safer Portsmouth Partnership and we will now have a place.” C o u n c i l l o r G e r a l d Ve r n o n Jackson, the Leader of Portsmouth City Council was part of a meeting, which included Elle Gray and the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor John Craven on a number of issues including crime. Cllr Vernon-Jackson told Pugwash News “ I would like to do whatever we possibly can to help reduce violence against anyone in Portsmouth, but it seems to me we need a special strategy to help protect students.” Student Activities and Development Officer, Ben Norman, added “The Union sees the welfare of students in the wider community as a top priority, we will be working with the University and the local council to ensure that students are safe to enjoy living in Portsmouth”.

NUJ guidelines become a part of UPSU Media The Union Council Chair

Photo: Kaptain Kobold, flickr

week, Catholics are not allowed to pray to their saints and must focus their thoughts on Jesus himself. So to avoid any impropriety, they moved St. Patrick’s Day outside of the week, to the Saturday before. What does it mean at the Union? Well, we thought that as 17th March is outside of term time, we’d have St Patrick’s night on Friday 14th and celebrate on the Saturday as well. After all it’s England vs. Ireland. We hope you’ll join us and make it a great few days, regardless of when, how and why it was meant to be! What’s on? upsu.net/sociallife

The first Union Council of the new semester commenced with the election for the position of Union Council Chair. The previous Chair stood for re-election unopposed, and as a result will be the chairperson of Union Council for the remainder of the academic year. Each Sabbatical officer gave their reports; Elle Gray noted that Portsmouth Students’ Union was aiming to become a Hate Crime Reporting Centre. Ben Norman also reported on yet another successful V.I.P event - the OAP Valentine’s Lunch - which was attended by 60 people. Three motions had been submitted to Union Council, but two were withdrawn shortly before the day

leaving the motion on journalism guidelines. This motion was submitted to Union Council by Ben Norman, and aims to ensure the Union’s media outlets kept to the guidelines laid out by the National Union of Journalists, and to ensure student media can operate independently of its parent organisation - the Union - to ensure unbiased reporting on stories in the student interest. Each point of the motion was described by Ben Norman to ensure no stone was left unturned and, after a brief discussion, the motion was passed unanimously by Union Council. It was in my opinion a very successful Union Council attended by a near record number of members - all that is needed now is for this to continue in the upcoming months.

Temperatures in 1a waterfall Estonia have turned into a stunning block of solid ice sculptures.

Plymouth University 2 students are experimenting to see if they can teach “baby” robots how to talk.

Robbers in Australia 3 have been accused of “failing robber school”

after they targeted a bar hosting a biker’s meeting.

Students from Fife have slaved 4 for three months over competition entries... carved statues out of pure lard fat!

The technology 5 used to track stock in supermarkets is being

employed by scientists to tag bees so their lifestyles can be observed.

The government 6 have expressed concerns that primary

“pupils’ personal reading diets” (ie children’s magazines and lightweight fiction) are leading to the demise of the ability to write correct English.

“Pugwash” isn’t an 7“pigwash” official word; but is!

News

Just for fun

University initiation ceremonies cited in Exeter student death inquest

This is not a lolcat...

Jacob Leverett

In the inquest of an Exeter university student who died in November 2006, the coroner has declared that the 18yr old student lost his life as a result of alcohol poisoning. The coroner’s report was given on the 26th February 2007 to the inquest in Exeter. The student, originally from Hampshire, had joined Exeter Uni’s Golf Club at a fancy dress social event. Gavin Britton, the first-year Accountancy and Finance undergraduate was taking part in the University’s Golf Club’s initiations, for which the team were play-

ing pub golf on the night that he died. University golf team member Alexander McGregor told the inquest “Everyone knew what was going on. No-one was pressurised into going along,”. Dr Earland, the coroner said: “I am satisfied Gavin voluntarily drank the alcohol that killed him and had done so on previous occasions.” As a result of the death, the Exeter Guild, the equivalent of a Student Union, urged committee members in 2006 to be responsible. Plans at the time included, according to Expose (the publication of Exeter Guild), “a strict range of

penalties” being put in place; it also claimed that “club captains will be withdrawn from their courses and fined £500 if they are found not to have taken responsibility for their team”. According to the British Universities Sports Association (BUSA), “Conducted correctly, inductions and rites of passage can serve as important tools for creating tradition that can, in a number of situations, promote bonding, membership, unity, collaborative teambuilding, and an added sense of individual and group responsibility.” Initiations were described

within a Southampton Union’s Union Council motion, who have banned them, as “any act whether physical, mental, emotional, or psychological, which subjects another person, voluntarily or involuntarily, to anything that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass, or intimidate him/her, or which may in any fashion compromise [a person’s] inherent dignity as a person”. Have you been involved in an initiation ceremony? Do you think it’s a good or bad thing? Contact comment@upsu. net in confidence.

image: www.xkcd.com


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Features

Idiot’s Guide to... Crufts Laura Patricia Editor

It is the highlight of my sad little year; the one weekend where I get to indulge in my ultimate nerdiness, sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the winners to be announced. No, I’m not talking about the X-Factor final; I’m talking about Crufts, the world’s biggest and most prestigious dog show. But before you yawn at the mention of the words “dog show” and head off to read the reviews page, stop a while and I will try to explain this marvel to you. Firstly to clarify, while the very heart of Crufts lies in the Best in Show final on Sunday night, and all the pedigree showing leading up to that, there is a lot more to the show then snobs running around with blue blood poodles. There are many other events and

competitions going on at the same time which are fun and sometimes even heart-warming. And mutts and crossbreeds are more than welcome! The highlights of these extras are agility, flyball, heelwork to music, dog team displays, obedience and the Friends for Life Competition. All of these events get a good deal of BBC coverage, so tune in and check them out! But the highlight of Crufts (for me at least) is the actual dog showing. The purebreds are judged against their breed standard, which is a document outlining what an ideal perfect specimen of that breed would look like. They are also judged on presentation, movement and character where possible. The 190 breeds recognised by the Kennel Club are sorted into seven different groups: Terrier, Hound, Gundog, Working, Pastoral, Utility and Toy. The showing is conducted over four days, with certain groups

allocated to each day. This is done simply because of the numbers of dogs that enter every year – it would be impossible to judge over 25,000 dogs on one day! To someone unfamiliar with the whole process, you might wonder how they whittle that big a number down to just one Champion. So, let’s assume we own a Labrador and want him to win at Crufts. Well first he has to qualify, which means he has to have won specific prizes at certain different shows over the year. I won’t go into details, but we’ll just pretend he did. Then he has to show up on Gundog day (since the Labrador Retriever falls into the Gundog group), and beat all the other male Labradors to become Best Dog of his breed. Then he goes up against the top female Labrador (yes, that’s right, Best Bitch), and has to beat her to become Best of Breed. He then goes into the main ring that evening with all the other Best of Breed winners from the Gundog group, to be judged for Best of Group. Once our amazing Labrador has won Best in Group, he gets a few days off to prepare for the Best in Show final on Sunday night. Here, the seven group winners go against each other for the title. So, our Labrador is being judged next to a Terrier, a Hound, a Toy dog etc. The winner out of these seven is Best in Show at Crufts. This might all sound a little dull but trust me, once you get into it Crufts is fun to watch. And with the BBC television coverage (starting on the 6th March at 8pm), there are plenty of human interest angles and different snippets to get you hooked. So, check it out and maybe this time next year you’ll be like me, dancing for joy because Crufts starts tomorrow! P.s. look out for Rodney the Poodle and former UoP student Ben Fogle as presenter! For more information visit: www. crufts.org.uk If anyone wants to write next issue’s Idiot’s Guide, please email: features@upsu.net

Bank charges, pt 3

photo: DavidDMuir at flickr.com

Alex Harries explains what you can do to reclaim money if you have been messed around by your bank. “It’s estimated that thousands of bank customers have issued legal papers against their banks - one of the last steps in claiming back bank charges - and out of those cases, very few make it to court. Of those that do, there has been only one which resulted in the bank being exonerated, and analysis of that particular ruling suggests that it may have been more accident than an implication that the banks’ charging system is fair and justified. A key issue here is whether the penalisation of people clearly already in financial trouble is excessive: can anyone argue the system isn’t currently unfair? Of course it’s reasonable to accept that a fair charge, to cover the real cost to banks of dealing with overdrawn accounts, would be widely welcomed, but there is simply no way the banks can justify penalising the few for the benefit of the many. The banks have darkly predicted that, if their penalty charging system is found to be unfair, as the OFT are claiming in court, then the days of “free” banking will rapidly come to an end, with banks charging customers to hold an account with them. The free banking argument holds

Flaming success at the OAP Valentine’s Lunch Sacrificing my Sunday morning lie-in is always risky. My mood and physical capabilities are unpredictable and allocating me with any responsibility is verging on dangerous. That’s why putting me in charge of a group of senior citizens for a VIP lunch could only lead to disaster. Arriving at the Union at 9am (a venue I had never before seen in daylight or sobriety) is a new experience in itself. This is entirely new territory, and I’m terrified. The guests pour in, helping

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little water with those opposing the banks’ views though: in an interview with the BBC, John Fingleton, OFT Chief Exec, said “We don’t have free banking. At the moment customers pay for banking through surprises and through stealth.” I for one would be happy to pay my bank an account fee per month - maybe £10, for example - or even to forgo the meagre annual interest on my account in return for knowing that, if a payment bounces or I run out of money, I won’t have to pay the bank upwards of £50 each time, but a more reasonable £2 or even £5 charge. If the charges are judged to be unfair, billions of pounds could be liable for repayment. At the end of the day, the banks have long known their charging system can’t be justified: this is the widely accepted reason why, until now, almost none of the many thousands of claims have made it to court, with banks choosing to settle out of court instead. The consumers living on low incomes who have made such an easy target for the massive penalty charges imposed by banks have finally had enough, and the banks have now been called to task. Now all we can do is watch and wait, and hope that some common sense prevails.”

themselves to a glass of sherry on the door. The addition of alcohol to this confusing equation does not bode well. The guests are seated and I try to get the conversation going. We talk about Portsmouth “in their day’” and the pretty table decorations (candles amid dry leaves - an arsonist’s dream). I always thought it was a bit of a stereotype, but seeing that room light up as the sheets were handed out I can wholeheartedly confirm: old people like bingo. One of the ladies asks me to take over and, five numbers later, she’s won.

I wait for her to come back so that she can claim her prize, but someone else shouts ‘bingo!’ and her hamper of gifts is gone. I return to my waitressing duties, but the evil fates that hijacked this event decided it could be worse and took things up a notch. I glance across the room to see the table decorations in flames as predicted. But the worst part? Not one of the ladies at the table has noticed. To add to my sheer humiliation, it was all caught on camera. Somewhere out there is footage of me staring, pointing, and doing nothing as four elderly women, who I

was supposed to be responsible for, sit oblivious to the impending incineration and a more experienced volunteer steps in to save the day. Nobody was charged with any counts of arson, but I still see the connection between crime and volunteering. It’s deeper than the fact that neither pay; both have unpredictably awkward consequences. One does look considerably better on your CV though. Thanks have to go to VIP for organising this event again this year, and we hope everybody enjoyed themselves!


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Features

An Englishman in Spain Tom West

Tom West, a foreign exchange student at the University of Portsmouth, updates us on his adventures in Granada.

When I was younger I used to live in a little town on the east coast of Spain called Javea. Having only visited Spain for holidays since I left in 1995, time has made me forget some of the things that now seem ‘strange’ about living there full-time. One of these was the fact that emajor supermarkets don’t sell -newspapers or magazines; you ,have to go to a newsagent’s kiosk tto buy them. The first time I went tshopping, I spent twenty minutes hschlepping my basket around looking for the TV guides, eventuyally giving up and asking one of the h‘charming’ sales assistants for some nhelp. t Yes, you’ve guessed it; the curse -of the foreign invader struck again. IFor some reason, my mind churned oout the word telediario for TV hguide, with the thought process 2going something like this: ‘Hmm. sTele + diario... Tele + daily... Ah! f‘Daily telly’ – must mean TV guide.’ -Now, those of you who speak Spanish will know why that triggered a smore than confused reaction from gthe sales assistant. For those of you swho don’t, I’ll explain myself: that ,was the equivalent of asking the ypoor man for this week’s copy of tthe ITV News, since that word acotually means ‘news bulletin’. As this poor guy’s face slowly contorted winto a physical expression of pure nbewilderment, it dawned on me ywhat I’d asked him for. Oh, how I ewished for some sort of Godzillasesque monster attack to draw attention away from my amazing dlinguistic cock-up, but I needn’t nhave worried. He said to me, “I’m ever so sorry, I don’t think we have that. Do you want me to go and ask someone else?” I’ve never been so

happy for another person’s stupidity in all my life, and told him it didn’t matter as I scuttled off to the tills. I did eventually get one though. I had to ask a newsagent for “one of those magazines that tells you what’s on TV” – that got me a funny look, let me tell you.

Now, those of you who speak Spanish will know why that triggered a more than confused reaction from the sales assistant

Apart from being surprised by things I once considered the height of normality; I am also preparing the flat for the arrival of my first flatmate, my friend Ali, and our first houseguests. Four of them. Eek. A load of our female friends are arriving the same day and haven’t sorted out accommodation yet, so we’re opening our doors and letting them crash with us for a few days whilst they look for something. I’m not worried about them being too noisy, mainly because they all know I’ll suffocate them in their sleep if they start, but I would like one of the neighbours to see me ushering five girls into our flat just so I could whisper something like ‘special offer’ at them, giving myself just enough time to clock the look on their face before shutting the door! All I have to do is find space for them all to sleep. Bizarrely, none of them want to share the double bed with me! God knows why!

Information un-censorship

The truth about drink spiking Steph Hall & Jane McCallion

Whether home or away, this is an issue that will not disappear. Not only does it involve the use of date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, but other hallucinogenic substances and even alcohol can be used to spike drinks as one female student recently discovered. A few months ago, I found her collapsed in the toilets of an establishment, claiming her drink had been spiked. She was incoherent and extremely unsteady and it took myself and two members of security to get her outside. She said she started to feel dizzy late in the night and had suffered memory loss. Although she was taken to hospital they did not conduct tests for drugs. When she went back home she was still not feeling herself, so she went to her local doctors. Here, they discovered she was suffering from the side effects of Rohypnol, which include losing consciousness, breathing problems and spells of blacking out. However it was too late to know for sure since it quickly leaves your system. Two days later, she experienced hallucinations, and together this could have been a result of any hallucinogenic mixed with Rohypnol. Another student experienced the effects of having her drink spiked whilst on her year abroad and gives us her insight. “I will freely admit that I wasn’t on my guard at all, which may seem silly as I was in a new place with a group of people, most of whom I had only recently met, so I didn’t feel the need to take care. Bad move. After the pub closed we went onto another bar and then a nightclub. By the time we arrived at the club we were all fairly drunk, but by no means wasted. Even so I decided to lay off the alcohol for a bit and switch to orange juice. After a couple of drinks, I went off to the toilet, but as I was about to go back to my friends my legs went

from under me. I shouted for someone to help me and that’s the last thing I really remember. Concerned by my disappearance, one of my friends came to find me. She was confronted by me collapsed in heap in the corner screaming and shouting incoherently. Some of the other women in there were trying to help me, trying to calm me down. I was paranoid and hallucinating, so other people’s attempts to help we were often aggressively resisted.

I was in a new place with a group of people ... so I didn’t feel the need to take care. Bad move

After an hour or so I had calmed down enough for us to leave and had stopped complaining about things coming out of the walls, although I did try to climb a wall outside to get away from some hallucinatory creature. I was lucky that I was with good friends who didn’t freak out themselves, although it still isn’t known who put what in my drink or why. I guess the moral of the story is not to be paranoid, but to at least be wary especially in new surroundings.” To avoid being a victim, never leave your drink unattended, even with friends. Always buy your own drinks or accompany anyone else that is buying them if you do not know them that well. Try and stick to drinking from a bottle as it is harder to drop a drug inside. If you feel even slightly ill from a couple of drinks, seek a trusted friend or member of management – never go anywhere alone. For further information visit the Roofie Foundation’s website: roofie.com

Societies’ Takeover Jenny Leggot

On 23rd February the Union played host to a massive night of societybased fun and frolics. A dedicated team of representatives from many different societies had been planning this event since November. The passion that these individuals had provided an amazing atmosphere on the night itself. Big Band kicked off the evenings’ events in Lux, where the female soloists blew away the audience’s minds with their beautiful voices, followed by the Takeover Quiz. Its enigmatic hosts did a sterling job of keeping the contestants under control! Next, we had various performances, but the best one was undoubtedly the dance collaboration project by Breakdancing, Street Salsa and Latino Dance Cocktail. A feisty feast of dance filled with spice and attitude erupted in Lux to rapturous applause and an openmouthed audience. Three amazing bands, including our very own School of Rock, then entertained the crowds before DJ Viking Tom from the M.I.G society rounded off the evening with a set featuring the best in cheesy goodness. CO2 was transformed into a den of DJing delights. A large camouflage net was sprinkled with glowsticks and erected over the seating area where people could listen to the amazing DJs from Nu-Music, Drum and Bass Society, Unsigned Talent, Pure FM and Breakdancing. Down in Via Lattea, a more chilled out atmosphere could be found with acoustic music from various individuals, plus a couple of rappers from the Christian Union. The debate sessions also cranked up the heat in Function Room 1, with several political societies battling it out over a variety of topics. All in all it was an awesome night. Thanks to everyone who made it possible, especially Ben Norman and Steve Baker for putting up with all of the Takeover team – now just bring on the Carnival!

Sabb corners

Wikileaks back online after Kat King & Alex Harries US judge reverses order Matt Blackall

A recently-passed injunction by a US court against website Wikileaks, which publishes leaked Government documents, has been retracted and the website reinstated in an unusual legal climb-down. The site has been a thorn in the side of governments, including Britain, USA and China, as it has published documents that it believes should be in the public domain. These include the Rules of Engagement for Iraq, Guantanamo Camp Delta Standard Operating Procedures and also, briefing memos from meetings

dealing with the collapse of Northern Rock. The injunction - a restriction on the actions of the website - could be viewed as an attack on Freedom of Speech and Information, and activists in America are describing this as another example of the blatant attack to people’s liberties and the move towards a more fascist Government. The injunction was later removed, as the judge in charge of the case felt the restriction wasn’t “constitutionally appropriate”. Wikileaks is now back online. More: wikileaks.org

Kat, Student Support Officer

Hey everyone. If you didn’t know already, the sabbatical elections are fast approaching, with Candidates Question Time, going on this week, with campaigning starting on 10th March. There are twelve candidates this year, and twice the amount of people have applied for my position than last year, so a great improvement. Although there are still two positions uncontested, make sure you vote! I can’t stress this strongly enough. This is your opportunity to help shape the way your Union is run for the next year! Voting takes

place from 12th-14th March and polling stations can be found in university buildings as well as the library and The Union. Back to my job. The next Union campaign is Bullying Sucks, which aims to highlight and tackle the problem of bullying in higher education, as a huge 64% of students say that are , or have been bullied! Look out for all the info and the video that we’ll be making, coming soon. I hope everything is going well for all you guys; don’t get too stressed looking for a house. There are always plenty, so don’t settle for one that should be knocked down

Remember if you have any problems just drop me an e-mail or pop into see any of us Sabbs. Alex, Media & Publications Officer

Hola! And welcome to the world’s shortest Sabb corner ever! If you’ve ever wondered who the hell the Sabbs are and what we do, check out the centre pages of the newspaper to find out more about the elections process. It might seem boring, but as a student, it’s your right and duty to make sure next year’s Sabb team are awesome!


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Features

Tiffany Lee

Like many students who have suffered the transition from cosy halls to the harsh reality of student houses this winter, I had my first encounter with the horror that is a mouse infestation. First, it was phantom scratches coming from the kitchen cupboards. Then came and final straw; the flicker of a tail sweeping along my bedroom floor. After a long period of sleepless nights, where my imagination conjured images of giant mice with piercing yellow fangs materialising from behind my desk and nibbling me to death, I decided something had to be done. I had developed an irrational fear of my own bedroom based on that one experience, so I took brutal action and gave my overgrown, cavernous room a complete make over. Only by revamping my entire bedroom could I settle my thoughts and convince myself that there wasn’t a mouse colony living amongst my furniture. As I rearranged my wardrobe, promoting the summer dresses and flip flops from the back shelf into my new carefully designed window display, I thought about the endless amount of limp poetry that highlights the significance of growth in spring. Perhaps this had been my inspiration, other than the horrific mouse nightmares. Perhaps subconsciously the season of new birth and growth was encouraging me to reboot. Admittedly, the spring clean was slightly overdue, as some of the items I found lurking under my bed had practically become fossilised with dust. However, my obsessive compulsive half an hour seemed to have positive repercussions amongst my female friends. Over a rushed lunch last week we had began discussing spring cleaning and soon the conversation steered away from polishing and dusting and we began discussing new beginnings. It seemed that two of my dearest friends found themselves in relationship limbo: that lengthy period after the end of a relationship where you are unable to progress out of a state of mourn-

ing. They both felt incomplete, as if their lives were lacking that other person to lean on. So, I took out my metaphorical Mr. Muscle and rubber gloves and hoped that I could help. I remember my time spent in limbo very well. I had been in a seven month relationship where every aspect of my life was controlled by another person. So when this phase comes to an abrupt end, there is little to do but reassess your life. My first step, after the obligatory crying to my mum, was to go shopping. As vain and shallow as it seems, the death of the relationship had encouraged an intense desire to create a brand new identity for myself. The second step was to take a visit to my hairdresser and order a brighter, more frivolous look, and those extra blonde highlights made me feel empowered. Not only did this award me great self confidence in this hard time, but feeling good about myself also allowed me to stick a finger up at the idiot who had repressed these desires in the first place. My girlfriends were not satisfied with this advice, as if they had expected me to spout out a fool proof formula for getting over a relationship. Well, to their disappointment, I had to admit that no such strategy exists. However, I did divulge the key advice I had been given during my two rebellious years of being single after my makeover failed to replace what was missing in my life. No matter how many boys I kissed, shots I downed, or false lashes I applied, I would never be happy until I stopped trying. The key to being single and enjoying yourself is not about going out and pulling and embarking on a trashy lifestyle, but to be able to say that you are content in being alone with yourself. Perhaps my preaching hadn’t imposed any life changing ideas upon them, but I could see from their responses that perhaps my words had run a duster through their minds, and eradicated some negative thoughts. Although, they both then went out ‘on the pull’ that night, so what do I know?

To Burn or Not To Burn? Tallie Kane

Imagine the author that you can’t get enough of has an unfinished, unpublished book that their very own son calls their ‘most brilliant novel’. Then imagine that this author has died and this manuscript has been stored away from the public eye for over 30 years, much to the annoyance and anticipation of scholars and fans alike. Now imagine if it was ordered to be destroyed, never to see the light of day, the literary genius never to be turned under the eyes of an avid reader. One of the biggest questions in the literary world has been revived thanks to the news of the existence of an unseen work by Vladimir Nabokov, author of Lolita and Pale Fire, kept hidden in a Swiss Vault by his son Dmitri. I had only heard a little bit about The Original of Laura and as a self-confessed Nabokovian I was utterly ashamed that I had not looked into it earlier. Properly and obsessively. It has naturally become literary folklore, with only fragments of the story revealed piece by piece through rumours and speculation, claiming to be from the rare few that have read the index cards that Nabokov famously used to construct his novels. The problem lies within the wishes that Nabokov had made

near the time of his death that were discovered tucked away within the original cards, concerning the future of his incomplete novel. The orders were simple. Destroy The Original of Laura after his death. His son was ordered to burn the story of Phillip Wild, a man who gradually erases himself through a series of meditations, a story that delves into notions of death and what follows a person once life is over. But what happens when the life of the author is over before the novel is? So, should we respect the dying wishes of an author and exterminate his last, though unfinished work, that his son describes as the ‘most concentrated distillation’ of his father’s genius? Or should we let it out into the open? One of Kafka’s greatest works Metamorphosis was almost destroyed by his good friend Max Brod, which would have rendered his genius unseen, as well as others such as Virgils’ Aenied which have proved invaluable contributions to the literary world. Some were not so lucky; although the doomed poems were saved, most of Emily Dickinson’s letters were destroyed by orders given to her sister, Lavinia, that may have shed some new light on the poet’s shrouded and elusive existence. But is it fair for The Original of

Laura to be estimated as his ‘finest work’, when there is such a rich back catalogue of literary treasures from the work already published? Is the mystery surviving the missing manuscript surrounding its existence spurning their opinion on? Perhaps it is the fact that we cannot see it, aroused by speculation, that then writes a silent chapter in its heavily guard pages. Inside I’m screaming ‘Yes! Publish it!’ but the writer, possibly the more sensible of the two, is upholding the fact that I would never want to read the half-finished script of a finished masterpiece when the person was alive, never mind dead. The fact that it will never be finished only leads me to be dissuaded from turning it into one of my ‘Must do within lifespan’ items. It may prove valuable to scholars of Nabokov’s work, it might even give insight into his already fascinating mind, but one must think of the reader. Nabokov ultimately was an author. It could turn out to be a huge loss to literature, as Metamorphosis had an appointment with the shredder but narrowly missed it, to success. What is Dmitri to do? Some say that ‘it is out of respect that he should disobey his father’s wish’, whilst author Sir Tom Stoppard claims simply, ‘since he didn’t want me to read it, I won’t.’ What do you think?

photo: Bewdlerian @ flickr.com

Spring Cleaning

Society Spotlight

Editorials

Pure FM: a great way into a radio career

Editor

Student Aimee Hyatt explains why her time with Portsmouth’s student radio station has been a great career boost Aimee Hyatt

“Throughout my school exams, it was difficult for me to make a decision about what career I wanted to choose. One day, almost out of the blue, I decided I wanted to go into broadcast journalism. Ever since that day I have fallen in love with radio; listening to it, working on it, and being behind the scenes of it. Changing my original course choice from Broadcast Journalism to Media Studies made me realise just how many other amazing opportunities there are out there in the world of media. It was the best

choice I could have made. However, my passion for radio is still there. It started by listening to late night radio shows and finding hilarity in the pranks and stunts that the DJ’s used to pull. This went hand in hand with playing good music and appealing to a varied audience. One late night DJ that truly had an influence on me was Steve Penk on Capital FM, who I consider to be a legend among radio presenters. I then did work experience on a temporary radio station called Regatta Radio Broadcasting, which covers the races from the Royal Regatta. This then led to joining Pure

FM which has been one of the best experiences of my university life so far. I have a real sense of freedom along with a great group of people who are always happy to help when something goes wrong! Sitting behind the decks every week in the studio makes me feel more and more confident in my passion for radio. If you want to get involved with radio get in touch with Pure FM, it’s a great starting point, an experience and it looks good on your CV!” If you want to get involved in radio, go to: www.purefm.com

Laura Patricia

Well, another fortnight, another edition of Pugwash News! This is the last one between now and Easter, so we won’t be back in this office for a month once this reaches your hands. How will we be spending that month? Well, I personally will be popping up to Scotland to see the family, feeding my Crufts obsession and trying to figure out how to move myself easily into my new flat without car or van or shopping trolley! The rest of the team, I am sure, will be spending

it searching for, writing and editing articles for Pugwash News! (And I’m sure they’ll all volunteer to help me move too...) This issue has come together rather well, though I do say it myself, and possibly a bit prematurely. As we stand now, half-five Sunday, it looks good, and I think we have some interesting articles and some hard hitting news. Fingers crossed it all stays that way! While I’m here, don’t forget, in case you haven’t been nagged enough all ready, to vote in the UPSU elections, 12th-14th March! And have a happy Easter holidays!


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Elections Special

www.upsu.net/elections

Elections are nearly here! Welcome to the third and final* elections special edition Over the next four pages you can find out a bit about each of the candidates running in this year’s elections, why they want you to vote for them, and when and where you can vote.

What’s all this about then?

The UPSU elections are held each year to select the six students or former students who will be acting as representatives of the student body at the students’ union for the next year.

Pages 8 & 9

Page 10

A quick introduction to each of the candidates

It’s easy and quick to vote - find out where and when you can have your say!

Who’s running?

Got one of these?

* Unless we do another one next issue to introduce the election winners!

Where & when to vote

Then make sure you vote in one of these:


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Elections Special

upsu.net/elections

UPSU

S N O I T ELEC Who 2008

President

is running? Andrew Machin

Meet the people who want your vote. To find out more about the candidates on this page, visit... www.upsu.net/elections

Ben Norman

What do you see as the Primary Role of the Students’ Union President to be? Portsmouth’s 20,000 students’ representation is paramount! This must be democratic and fair. University has its own community through being involved with different clubs, societies and events. I feel that with all of these we offer the best student experience possible. I’m the highest level contact with the University. What do you see as the main purpose of the Students Union? To allow students to participate in clubs, societies, events and to facilitate anything and everything they’re interested in doing. This should also happen alongside their knowledge that the Union is providing them with a safe environment, a sense of ownership, and that their voice is being heard. What role does NUS play in Student Unions? We are, on payment of a fee, members of the National Union of Students. This enables us great support throughout the year on any issues concerning the University or students. Although people have a split view on the NUS I believe it is better to be affiliated. Strength in numbers! Why do you want to be President? Since being in office, I have come to realise what great potential the Union has and the amount of brilliant students that are committed to its causes. I have a good understanding already and would love to lead a team in striving to make the Union even more successful.

What do you see as the primary role of the Students’ Union President to be? The President acts to defend, develop and drive the Union forward, whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare of the staff and the organisation as a whole. The role is not simply about leadership; it requires diplomacy, the ability to empower staff and students to ensure that they reach their true potential. What do you see as the main purpose for the Students’ Union? A true Students’ Union acts to represent the student body both to the university and to the wider community, it holds the university to account in order to advance education, it strives to be a real, relevant and positive force to student life. I can make this vision a reality.

Read the rest of Andrew’s questions and answers, his manifesto, and watch his video, at www.upsu.net/elections

Read the rest of Ben’s questions and answers, his manifesto, and watch his video, at www.upsu.net/elections

What role does NUS play in Students’ Unions? The National Union of Students provides vital sabbatical, staff and student training throughout the year, it promotes solidarity between students’ unions, offers vital support to ensure the survival of Unions and also represents millions of students in order to promote, defend and extend student rights at a national level. Why do you want to be President? This is a time of change for the Students’ Union; it is time for the Union to move forward with clear vision and just cause. For this to happen it is crucial you have the right President working for you. I believe that I can be that President.


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Elections Special

Media & Publications Tom Worman What experience have you gained so far in Media? I am an internationally published photographer and own a successful design company. For the past 3 years I have been the Unions photographer and this year I have become the Pugwash News Design editor and a UPSU WebEditor, whilst also working on video and graphic design projects for the Union.

Education & Representation Matthew Pritchard What qualities do you have which would aid you in the role of Education and Representation?? I have been at University for 5 years and I feel I have experienced so much of what University has to offer and the challenges it can present. I think this gives me a very firm base and also means I can use experiences when helping students with their issues.

Steve Topazio

As the Edu,cation and Representation

Officer you will be responsible for course reps. What ideas do you have that will enhance this structure? Raising the awareness is vitally important to ensure all students know who their course representatives are. A practical step towards achieving this is raising the profile through branding similar to Sports, RAG and VIP. Training can be improved through the effective use of the executive committee and train the trainer.

Mark Fairall If you could invent a course what would it be and why? Students’ Rights. I strongly believe that many students all over the country are getting a raw deal and their lack of life experience is being taken advantage of. This course would cover aspects including: finance, education, equality and housing.

Student Activities & Development Carl Jackson This position becomes much easier with student participation. How do you plan on getting students involved in your ideas? The best way to get students involved is by listening to them. Advice and ideas from this year’s committee’s will only lead to improvements for next year and I’ll continue to build upon the

upsu.net/elections

recent Sabbs success, in which keeps me in constant contact with societies to ensure their representation.

Ella Lawson What do you envisage the role of SADO to be? To continue to build on the success Diana and Ben have achieved. To continue to increase the profile of societies, to develop and encourage them and increase participation levels. Publicising the volunteering opportunities we offer and providing more of them.

Jenny Leggott Why is volunteering important and why should students get involved? University life isn’t just about the lectures or the academic work; there is so much more to gain from the student experience. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people whilst discovering hidden qualities about yourself. It boosts your CV, and most important of all, benefits the wider community.

Student Support Catherine Bird What do you think are the most important issues that you would have to fight for as the Student Support Officer?

All students are individual and will have unique problems related to them. No problem is more important than the other. Any problem a student has, needs to be sorted with just as much passion and attention as the next one.

Sarah Blatchford Why should students vote for you as their student support officer? Because I honestly believe I’m the best person for the job! This year I’ve been involved in campaigns for free Education and for an Islamic Prayer Room, I’m a dedicated committee member of RAG, and have plenty of experience of Union Council and almost all other aspects of the Union.

Andrea Bowie What do you envisage the role of Student Support Officer to be? They should be there and actually in the consciousness of the people they are meant to be helping, a real person as apposed to a defaced photo in the student planner and able to help in day-to-day life and making sure students some how get involved with their union.

Peter Henry What would be your main agenda item at the Union’s AGM? My main agenda item at the AGM will be the reuniting of the Athletic Union and the societies as they have become not only

separated but rivals within the union. I believe that this reuniting will not only make for better working relationships but make the Union stronger!

Sports Simon Leach To be a great sports officer you need to be... Fair, passionate, straight talking, confident, supportive, open to change, positive, dedicated, thick skinned, democratic, bloody crazy, out-going, a peoples’ person, good at networking, an opportunist, forward thinking, isn’t afraid of change and not afraid of a few grey hairs

Like what you’ve read here? Turn over the page to find out when and where you can vote. You can also find out everything you could possibly need to know about the elections on our elections mini-site at... www.upsu.net/elections


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Elections Special

www.upsu.net/elections

Voting: how, when and where How to vote... You only need your University campus card on you to vote, and there are eight locations across campus where you can place your vote, between 9am on Wednesday 12th March and 1pm on Friday 14th March. Remember, elections have been

Where and when to vote... won in previous years by only one or two votes, so every vote truly does count! The “small print�: please note that there are very strict controls in place to prevent multiple voting, and steps will be taken against students who attempt to breach this rule.


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Reviews

Album of the Fortnight Goldfrapp Seventh Tree Rating: Ben Noot

Coming in almost three years after their last album, Supernature, Goldfrapp’s fourth album will seem a major departure for those who only know the band for their electro-glam offerings like Strict Machine. However those who have delved deeper into the bands back catalogue will recognise that this album is closer to their earlier work on Felt Mountain. Opener “Clown’s” starts off with an acoustic intro and Alison Goldfrapp singing ever so sweetly, the song sets the

tone for the rest of the album with strings coming in later, it’s slow and chilled out. Single A&E which hit number 10 in the charts is beautiful and it’s refreshing to hear something other than Rhianna or Leona Lewis being played on daytime radio. Little Bird is a standout track on the album, building up till three minutes in when it starts to climax with so many interesting sounds. Goldfrapp have been together for nearly a decade and although some fans of the dirty electro that were Super Nature and Black Cherry they should not fear this album, just think of it as the post coital cigarette. Not that this album is devoid of music that you’d want to loose yourself in with somebody or not, its just more subtle and perfect for rainy days in bed or days spent rolling around the beach.

Singles Mystery Jets - Young Love Rating: Ed Butterfield Taking the form of a more innocent version of ‘The Teenagers’ boy/girl interplay in ‘Homecoming’, Mystery Jets’ new single ‘Young Love’ sees guitarist/ vocalist William Rees and the sublime Laura Marling seperately mulling over a romantic rendezvous the previous night - ‘one night of love, nothing more nothing less/ one night of love to put my head in a mess’ . Moving away from their usual quirky, flaneur-themed, ladabout-town tales of transvestites, prostitutes and running away from home, this is a wholly more mature, subtle and romantic affair, which sees soft, lofi guitars reverbing pleasantly against the heart-melting tones of Ms Marling and her sighs of ‘one night of love has left my heart in mess’; and if she can’t convince you of the power of romance, no-one can.

Benga and Coki - Night Rating: Tom Vincent

This tune has been floating around for a while now, now it’s got the long awaited but perhaps unnecessary general release. ‘Night’ is undisputably the most well known dubstep tune out there since Skream released Midnight Request Line back in 2005. Forgiving the

ill-fitting format, this really is a fantastic dub, Benga and Coki are supreme masters of the genre and its no surprise that this is a real heavy gem of a tune with an undeniable groove that wedges itself somewhere deep inside your brain and refuses to leave. Personally, I’d be inclined to hold on for Benga’s forthcoming LP but if you’re looking for a cheap and easy entree to the genre, you could do a lot worse than this single.

The Kooks Always Where I Need To Be Rating: Ed Butterfield

Floppy-fringed indie kids The Kooks have clearly realised they were onto a good thing with their previous releases, if new single ‘Always Where I Need To Be’ is anything to go by. Clappy choruses, ‘do-do-do’ refrains and a bouncy, hook-filled structure make for a catchy little number. This is obviously not a song, or a band, which feels brave enough to venture from this doppelganger indie-pop zeitgeist which has so dominated Radio One playlists in recent times. In fact, what is so painfully clear in this song is that it has been so plainly manufactured for just such a crowd, something which also has the unfortunate consequence of meaning that Johnny Borrell was actually right about them, and that’s just something that doesn’t bear thinking about.

Interviews Steven Ansell - Blood Red Shoes Ben Noot

Do you think it’s easier to just be the two of you in the band? It’s different, certain things are easier, certain things a lot fucking harder. We found it easier to write music, it’s very quick. It’s easier to make decisions and figure out what things you do and don’t want to do. You’ve played over 200 shows now: do you still feel how you did after the first gig? I feel like I can play drums and sing better! And Laura is just like another person; at heart she’s a really shy person. Quite quiet, so being in a band is kind of an odd thing for her. She’s like another person now though she gets out and crowd surfs and rocks out with the audience. You say that you say some dumb stuff, are you ever worried that as the band gets bigger what you say will be twisted by the media? I’ll tell you what really scares me, that someone will listen to anything that we say, and think that we know what we’re talking about because our opinion upon anything

Tegan and Sara Tallie Kane For those of you who don’t know Canadian twins Tegan and Sara, start lending your ears to their alt-pop musings, turning between their fingers more complex notions of heartbreak and the absurd than is seen in the Indie ocean of the UK. I caught up with Tegan Quinn before their first Headline show of their UK Tour, and talked to her about songwriting, being a pillar of the queer music community and musical maturity.

After a two month break from touring, the girls are already packed with upcoming projects. “We’re thinking about releasing all the demos from this record because there’s so many we recorded and so much of the new record sounds like the demos that we thought it would be really cool to release them, so we’re thinking about doing it as a box set. I have a side-project with this guy Hunter Bergen from AFI, and I actually just did this project with this writer who’s just putting out his new book, but rather than doing an audio version of it he’s created a soundtrack for it and I wrote a song for it, I’ve never done that before, like never written for someone else.” Tegan and Sara are already a driving force in music in the States and Canada, often unknown over here except for their die-hard fanbase that are gradually getting larger by the second, “I mean for us it’s like we’re really excited about

is no more valid than anyone else’s. However, I will never ever put my music on an advert. I don’t care I don’t give a shit music is the most important thing in my life. From the age of 8 I’ve just wanted to make music and be in a band for me that’s priceless you make music because you feel something, not to sell a fucking mobile phone.

How do you feel about downloading? I get this a lot, I don’t care. I care about certain elements in regards to the album. In principal I don’t have a problem with it I couldn’t give a shit if people pay for our music or not. I don’t begrudge people downloading for free, I do it. The only thing with the album is that I know people have it in the wrong order and everyone’s got one without the artwork and lyrics: Laura does every bit of artwork, and that’s part of what we present as a record. If it came with that and in order I’d be less pissed off. Would you do a Radiohead? I’m excited about the future, I look forward to the time when you don’t need a record company, when a band can record when they have a good week write four songs, then make some artwork and get it out there. Our album is coming out seven months after we made it, you write the songs before so those songs are a year and a half old. We’re already writing our next album and the first one hasn’t even come out yet.

Pure FM Show of the Week What: The Power Hour with Joel & Tallie Who: Joel Growney, Tallie Kane When: Tuesday 4-5pm

it, it sorta feels like ‘Finally!’ I mean for some people they think its our first or second time over. I think that had we blown up on the first record people would have been ‘Oh they’re teenagers, they’re not credible’ but now we’re twenty-seven we’ve proven that we’re the ‘musical geniuses’ behind the project, there’s no strings y’know?” There is an obvious difference between the girls’ style of writing - hardened fans will notice the difference, which Tegan herself finds is invaluable; “If she was writing the same songs that I was writing it would be like a children’s pop band or something, It’s good that we have a little bit of depth. She writes the depth. I write the heartbreak.” Those who do know Tegan and Sara will notice that their sexuality has played alongside their fame, deemed as pillars of the Queer community; “I think we’ve always been really comfortable with it, certainly through our evolution musically we’ve also had an evolution personally in terms of our confidence. We obviously care less and less about being cool and care more and more about being honest and sincere and good. So I think in terms of sexuality I think we’re very aware of the fact that just like others before us we are clearing a path for the next generation. It’s becoming less relevant that you’re Queer and more and more relevant that you are part of society, a musician, and that it’s normal.” Full interview online at: upsu.net/p/3147

Description: Banter, Awkward yet satisfying comedy, ‘Dear Deirdre’ section and a whole host of musical oddities

For fans of: A slightly wrong Popworld, with neither the attractiveness nor dress sense of Alexa and Alex

Every week we’ll be showing a chart of the Top 5 artists that the members of our Last.fm group have been listening to, if you want your music scrobbled, log in and add the Pugwash chart.

Go to upsu.net/lastfm

1

Radiohead

2

Hot Chip

3

Bloc Party

4

Foals

5

Arctic Monkeys


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Pugwash News Wednesday 5th March 2008

Reviews

Gigs

Los Campesinos! photo: Andy Donohoe

Tegan and Sara 22/2/08 at Brighton Concord 2 Rating:

The support act ‘Northern State’ were, to say the least, extremely bizarre. Imagine three women who must have had a joint age of just over 100, rapping feminist slogans over cleverly executed hiphop beats. It worked, to an extent, even if I wasn’t as enthusiastic about their performance as the four die-hard fans in the front. I guess Northern State are an acquired taste. Tegan and Sara are one of those bands that live off of their own selfdeprecation. They apologetically step onto the stage, wave silently and launch into ‘Hop a Plane’, from their newest release to come out this month ‘The Con’. The energy is effortless and consistent, weaving from track to track with their trademark between-song banter with the crowd that emphasises their utter dedication to their committed UK fan-base. From playing tracks from their most recent record, Tegan and Sara break into their ten-year back catalogue, belting out the most stunning offerings from albums ‘So Jealous’ and ‘If It Was You’, with a tenderness that is rooted in nostalgia and the crowd’s reaction, which, excepting the odd heckler offering marriage to one, or both of the twins, never breaks faith. Although there is no sign of any new material from the girls, remaining strictly within alreadyrecorded tracks, we can’t ever assume the girls are finished if this performance is anything to go by - unrelentless enthusiasm and pure unadulterated energy.

Tegan and Sara photo: Tallie Kane

Los Campesinos! photo: Andy Donohoe

Tallie Kane

Tegan and Sara photo: Tallie Kane

Fancy getting your voice heard? Want to write a review for Pugwash News? Send your reviews to: reviews@upsu.net

Los Campesinos! 23/02/08 at the Wedgewood Rooms Rating: Ewan Eyre

Tipped as one of the many bands to look out for in 2008, Los Campesinos! were set to provide the Wedgewood Rooms with a fun insight into their take on indie-pop on the last date of their UK tour. Instead, they somewhat disappointed. Despite the beautiful sounds coming from the violin, everything just seemed a bit too sketchy and out of sync; there was a strong feeling of tiredness from their music. It seemed as if the band really did not want to be there, and this came across even before the lead singers on-stage asthma attack! With their new album selling well, and with their reputation of performing enjoyable music, it came as a bit of a surprise to see that the crowd were just not involved. The lead singer himself said during the band’s set that it felt like a “practice” rather than a show. Not the best way to persuade people that their money and Saturday night had been spent well. After having listened to them for many months now, maybe it was just my high expectations that made the overall performance come across as a disappointment but their music just did not have the same effect live as it does recorded. I was left wanting so much more from their last night of touring the UK.


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Purple Wednesday Wednesday 5th March 2008

Sports

Trampolining Competition Marisa May

It was another early start for us as we headed to Bath for yet another trampoline competition. This was the most attended one so far, with ten people entered! With this being my first time driving a mini-bus, I was a little nervous with it being quite far away. We got there safely after struggling up a monster hill to get to the University of Bath’s sports centre. We were the first team there as we arrived half an hour early. Slowly the hall started filling up and about five other universities turned up. The atmosphere was friendly and exciting. First to bounce were the Intermediate men and women. This was the biggest category, with over 40 people competing. From Portsmouth there were four competing, Ellie Brodin-Thornhill, Suzanne Cox, Adele Penning and Josh Naden. For a couple of them it was

their first competition, there were a few hiccups but every one did amazing. Josh even managed to bag 2nd place. Next up were the Experienced women. Three of our finest competed, Amanda Follansbee, Amy Manning and myself. This category was tough, as many of the girls were very good. Amanda came in 3rd, which was well deserved. In the Elite category Lorna Kyan, Matt Green and Al Macrae competed. The standard of the Elite was extremely high with some of the competitors managing to make difficult moves easy. We were even surprised by a double straight back somersault and a Randy (a front somersault with 2 ½ twist in it). The last event (only known at Bath competitions) was the Synchronised Russian Roulette. Everybody who wants to participate puts their name down and are paired up at random. They have to then

execute a routine (to the ability of the least experienced person) at the same time on adjacent trampolines. This proved very comical, as there were some very odd pairings. A few people couldn’t even manage to bounce in time let alone do a routine together. One Novice was even paired with an Elite! This event was a lot of fun and everyone ended up in fits of laughter at the end of every routine. Waiting for the awards to be handed out, we decided it would be a good idea to try some acrobatics. We managed a three person high human pyramid and a couple of flying angels! Driving home, back down the beast of a hill, caused a slight tail back as I did it at 15mph (I was afraid of turning the mini-bus over on the S bends). Eventually we all got back home alive but very tired. Well done everyone who participated, you all did amazing!

Ultimate frisbee update Sublime Ultimate continue to pull in the points where it counts 1sts: Steve Walton

Sublime’s first game was against Mohawks Second (although they had Gash and Felix), which we lost, but came away with some things to work on for the rest of the day. This was our first game together as a First team and everyone showed what could be for regionals. The second game was against Skunks, which we won, coming back from 7-4 down, to win by two points. The team looked a little shaky after the loss against Mohawks, but came together at the end for some amazing layout D’s and grabs, with the scores coming naturally at the end of some great flow and cuts from everyone. Our last game was against Mohawks First, which we lost nar-

rowly by two points. This game was close all the way through with some great flow and excellent D’s. Unfortunately we had a few drops and there were a lot of breaks, which resulted in the game ending in their favour. 2nds: Gemma Gale

After Mohawks eventually turned up, we played against a very strong Second team, with the edition of Bob, Gash and Felix. We got off to a slow start, learning which plays worked for us and which didn’t. As the game went on there was some great grabs from Gary and Rhodri, which resulted in the last point of the game wins. The second game was against

Mohawks First, although they only had seven players we knew this was going to be a really tough match and that they would be very clever with their Ds as always. Unfortunately this D caused us to make a lot of throw-aways, however we had found a play that worked for us, with some great flow and great hucks from Ainsworth and Alex. Our last match was against Chichester. We used our newly found offensive skills to trade points, working out who worked well together in different positions. With some great forces to stop hucks and some D’s in the endzone, we unfortunately let them go two points in front allowing them to win. However this game gave us things to think about to practice at the weekend.

Women’s Basketball

Basketball team victorious against Exeter University of Portsmouth Women’s Basketball team beat Exeter University 86 – 32, in the first round of the playoffs to win the Women’s Shield. Portsmouth fought fiercely and got off to a strong start in the first ten minute quarter, scoring 23 and keeping Exeter without a coach to 5. Portsmouth were looking more energetic and fired up than Exeter and took full advantage of it, stealing the ball and scoring again and again off the fast break, with Jade Richmond being a huge contributor to the defence for Portsmouth. Portsmouth slowed down Exeter’s athletic team and was playing

tough man-to-man defence, forcing Exeter to take low-percentage shots. The 2nd quarter saw Exeter come back out more confident after a quick turn around between quarters. Exeter needed to step up their game and put pressure on Portsmouth offence as Megan Stroud and Franziska Keich worked hard inside as the post players to dominate Exeter, with Annika Lohneiss scoring a three pointer in the last second, leaving the score at half time 42-18. After half time both teams were back on the Court, with Portsmouth leading by 24 points, Exeter switched to a zone, giving Portsmouth the opportunity to run

one of their offences, resulting in a succession of successful jump shots. Portsmouth switched to a full court zone, getting some early steals from Exeter’s inbound resulting in the score at the end of the 3rd quarter being 66-26. In the last quarter Portsmouth were playing a full court zone and pressuring the ball hard, resulting in some quick baskets, and some turnovers. The game ended with Annika Lohneiss scoring a three pointer in the last second, final score 86-32. The Women’s Basketball team will be playing against Royal Holloway at home next Wednesday

Fresher’s Points Of View Aimee Todd Polo Club

Since I joined the Polo Club in October 2007 I have had a wicked time and have met some amazing people. Unlike most of the Fresher’s in the club I managed to battle my way onto the B team; which led to my unbelievable time at the Winter National Championships in Bristol. The Championships were probably one of the best for day socials of my life including the playing part, of course. Our team won against Cambridge who had their own ponies, proving money doesn’t mean everything! I lived up to expectation of being a Fresher by locking my team out of the chalet we hired, ending with the chalet having to be broken into. Aside from my various antics, the club is only small but attending huge events with Universities from all round the country and we are holding our own as a small Vicky Baillie Women’s Rugby

During Fresher’s Fayre I found the rugby girls friendly and enthusiastic. Shortly after joining, the club arranged a small social to enable everyone to meet. All the existing members were welcoming and able to put all the new members at ease. They asked questions about previous experience with rugby, but were quick to reassure any member that if they didn’t have experience it would not hinder them. On the

fish in deep waters. I feel the Polo Club is well worth its money and I wouldn’t change it for another club.

first training session anyone inexperienced in rugby was given appropriate training and any advice to help ensure they were confident. I feel the woman’s rugby society was wonderful in meeting and integrating new members, they were supportive and ensured that everyone felt part of the team. As a new member I would not hesitate to talk to a member of the society about any concerns. This is a fantastic society which provides a positive contribution to the University of Portsmouth.


14

Purple Wednesday Wednesday 5th March 2008

Sports

Sporto Challenge IVE T A N R ALTE s for inee nom w ere : F . T T.O. uestrian the Eq , an d m B T ea TEAM m i w S THE

T he U nion will be showing UE Champions League F A and 6 N ations games on the big screen in the Waterhole.

2 0 0 8 elections place your , v ote : March 12th - 14th!

T he Club isS kydi v e teaming up with to organise RAG charity skydi a ing e vthe 26 v ent on th April .

T he W oman ’s B as k etball T eam will be playing against Royal Hollowa y home W ednesdaat 12th March y

Chichester..

WHO?!

.

Team of the Fortnight

Player of the Fortnight

Men’s Lacrosse Portsmouth vs. Exeter

Liam Small Swimming

Men’s Lacrosse Firsts secured the league title with a 13-3 away win at Exeter on Saturday. In doing so they have also guaranteed themselves a place in Western Division 1 next season. Their league record currently stands at played 12, won 12. The team are also in the finals of the ‘Flags’ and ‘West & Midlands’ cups, to be played later this month. However, their most widely acknowledged achievement to date is a place in the BUSA national Semi Finals vs. Edinburgh, technically ranking them as one of the top four University sides in Great Britain.

Not only did Liam swim his own events at the recent BUSA Long Course Championships in Sheffield, but when a fellow team member had to pull out of his events due to injury, Liam stepped up to the blocks to swim his team mate's swims too, even though this meant lining up next to Bath’s international swimmer; Chris Cozens. Next up for Liam will be participating in the BUSA Team Championships in March. Visit the Sports News online at: upsu.net/news/newsroom/8/508/

Every fortnight we pit two of our sportos against each of the in a fast paced Q&A session to see who’s cooler. Oh, and they have to draw a donkey too... Decide for yourself.

League Table Top 5 Sportos

Score

Marisa May

19

Peppa Barnett

18

Andrew Machin

17

Andy Watson

17

James Pepper

16

Luke Thomas Betts Swimming, Water Polo

Alex Ouzounoglou Football

What level do you play at? The highest at everything of course...

What level do you play at? 4th team, and Greece U21’s (yeah right)

Have you ever…

Have you ever…

Been on tour? Fuck yeah, its the only reason I stay at uni Kissed a person of the same sex? Does Cannon count? Won any silverware for the University? Tour cup last year, we got silver... out of two teams mind you! Slept outside? Fresher year, can’t remember her name, Penny something, haha Played Touch Cup? Sadly, worst game ever Been naked in public? Constantly, Carnage after parties = naked as standard. Been asked to leave the Union? Been banned for three months so yup. Missed a lecture to play sports / to do soco stuff? I went to seven lectures all last term Do you have a MIDAS (mini bus) license? It took four times to get a normal one so doubt it. How many times have you been “gotcha’d”? Ask Peppa, bi’atch... Is Snakebite your choice of beverage at the union? No just the VKs How many societies / clubs have you represented at uni? (1 point for each club) Swimming and water polo

Been on tour? Twice.... Getting the hatrick this year! Kissed a person of the same sex? I have yes... Comfortable with my sexuality Won any silverware for the University? Won a runners up medal for the SESSA cup last year... Not bad Slept outside? Many times Played Touch Cup? I’m in football not hockey Been naked in public? Yes. It’s what I do. People are becoming used to it. Bit like ‘oh right Ouzo’s naked again...’ Been asked to leave the Union? Never been asked to leave the Union... More like man handled and thrown out kicking and screaming Missed a lecture to play sports / to do soco stuff? Yep. Lectures are well over rated... Do you have a midas (mini bus) license?

Now draw us a donkey...

Score: 15

No... But come on, having one doesn’t make you any cooler, does it!?

How many times have you been “gotcha’d”? None Is Snakebite your choice of beverage at the Union? Didn’t know they served anything else! How many societies / clubs have you represented at uni? (1 point for each club) Football. Yeah, one basically. Now draw us a donkey...

Score: 15


15

Purple Wednesday Wednesday 5th March 2008

Sports

On the Spot

Behind the scenes with...

THE HOCKEY COMMITTEE Want to see your club committee team here? Email: sportnews@upsu.net

What is your nickname? Sammy “Magic” Trinder Which Club or Society are you in? Surf Club How old are you? 21 :( Where are you from? Oxford First Portsmouth curry? Gate, left without paying! (Hope Rufus doesn’t read this...) Favourite Movie? Anchorman What puts a smile on your face? Wednesday nights!

Every week we will be bring you an insight into the people behind your University of Portsmouth sports teams. The committees are the life blood of your sport so we want to give you a bit more information about who they are and what they do. This issue we bring you the hockey team. Adam White President Is one of the most dedicated students of the hockey degree and will be graduating with honours in about 2 years. Rubs moisturiser between his (pert) buttocks to prevent chafage during a match.

Fiona Walker Vice President Has received more injuries off the pitch, than on. Culminating in the moment she lampooned herself on top of a toilet door at the Hockey Christmas Dinner 07 and had to go to hospital. Likes sending e-mails. A lot.

Elaina Sperring Club Captain Is chief liaison officer, currently strengthening inter-club relations with Rugby. Facebook inbox spammer.

What wipes it off? Dissertation :( Most embarrassing moment? Getting turned down by Goose, thanks son! Best chat up line? Bet I can’t touch your willy for a pound... money well spent! Favourite uni memory? Surf nationals ‘07, bring on ‘08 :D How quickly can you down a pint? Not that fast, it’s quality not quantity Favourite dressing-up theme? UV rave What’s your best joke? Where does a bee wee? At the BP station! What three questions would you ask if you went on a blind date? 1) Are you single? 2) Are you gay? 3) Do you work? Tip of the week: Look both ways before you cross the road

Neil Guess Club Captain Chief Ginger

Seth Simmons Amazing Boy Social Sec ‘Refreshes’ Freshers with his own supplies. One of the greatest connoisseurs of BeeDogs in the South west.

Andrea Bowie Amazing Girl Social Sec Believes herself to be in the football team as she plays in goal. She doesn’t really understand. Likes people.

Ski & Snowboard Club photo: www.pompeysnow.co.uk

The Pompey Snow Riders have been more active in the 2007-2008 season than ever before . With the club growing in number for the fifth successive year, now punching through the 350 member milestone, the club and its members have a lot to report on. The very active committee prepared the members for the coming year by organising 'The Extreme Sports Night', which was the first time a sports club has organised an event in the Students’ Union. With two fine bands taking to the stage, support from one of Portsmouth’s local DJs, and with the main act, Erb ‘N’ Dub and his MC, the 900+ strong crowd left the venue at 2pm so stoked the majority, if not all, were asking when the next will be. In the build up to the December 2007 tour, the clubs social secs managed to squeeze in four amazing pub crawls, including a hilarious Halloween event and a Traffic Light night of mischief. In early December, the Safari pub crawl rocked up to a packed Union as the club managed to round up some members who fancied learning some new moves for the 2007 Inter Club Charity Dance Off. Due to their hard efforts, weekly rehearsals, and a dance routine which included the Cadbury Ape drumming to Phil Collins, the club just missed out on first place, finishing second. Well done boys and girls... and apes! ‘07 saw UPSSC organise the biggest, and arguably the best tour in the club’s and UoP history. Sold out at 240, people who didn’t make it onto the list to Val Thorens actually organised their own transport as they did not want to miss this trip.

The committee and the tour reps were outstanding and we'd like to thank every member as well, since the behaviour of the Pompey Riders was spot on, despite the inevitable drunken banter on the brilliantly organised social nights, and many stories which we won't repeat here! Slope conditions were perfect; crisp, white snow, with some fresh powder and although a few injuries did occur sadly, most people enjoyed the best snow conditions VT has experienced in a decade. The DVD will be available to everyone in due course, and will be better than Star Wars. The club have the most successful snowboard team in the last five years of any UK uni, as they were crowned national champions twice and finished in the top three overall. This season was due to put a lot of pressure on the guys. The ski team, after the introduction of more racing talent, had huge hopes of qualifying along with their boarder team mates. After four race meetings in the regionals, we can proudly say the boarders qualified in pure style, and the skiers broke into the top 10, in seventh place; the best result in nine years, but are yet to hear their fate for the nationals. The snowboard and ski teams and club captains are all very proud of each racer, and are confident we can bring the cups home once more. A big thank you to every member, as this is year has been huge so far. For more info, social updates and more trips to MK snow dome, check out www.pompeysnow.co.uk

Gotchas

Separated at Birth

Bringing the banter back...

In trawling through the internet looking at photos of celebs, we noticed the long lost twin of Amazing Hockey Boy Social Sec (Seth Simmons) and Spencer Pratt from the Hills!

BMX girl has been receiving anonymous love notes Rugby Max’s housemates have been setting up secret surveillance equipment to watch his late night antics First Team Hockey Fresher played, got red carded and is banned for the rest of the season The inflatable parrot popped, but after a quick trip to the first aid room and some shiny blue tape, that parrot was back to the dance floor! Kissballer Farrah smashed his window during playtime with a netballer Hockey Anna knows Elvis definitely isn’t dead! Tim Bell likes big girls! Richard Hayward got a two for one offer on his lipo with his old boy! Cheerleader Fresh would rather have a threesome with two other girls than with two guys Katie Ellis sold herself for tickets to Ascot Swim Team’s Alice wants some random man love, mask will be provided Luke is improving his netball skills

Left: Spencer Pratt

Right: Seth Simmons

Think your team mate looks like a celebrity, stitch them up and send a photo of your them and their famous counterpart to: sportnews@upsu.net


By the UPSU Sports Officer

Last Wednesday saw Pompey record their first ever Varsity win against the University of Chichester. On a beautiful sunny afternoon 13 fixtures were fiercely contested. The rules were simple; the first University to reach seven wins were victorious. The day didn’t start that well for the home team. Losses were sustained at Women’s rugby, Men’s football feconds and Women’s football firsts. The day took a turn for the worst when Men’s frisbee lost, meaning Pompey were up against it! At last, heroes emerged; Men’s rugby thrashed their opponents and Women’s frisbee did the business also. The activity at Langstone came to a close with Men’s football first team – this, for me, was the tie of the day. Traditionally Pompey has quite a relaxed attitude towards Chichester, with them absolutely hating us with a passion. I think they suffer from small institute syndrome! However that being said, our football guys were really up for the fight which was a pleasure to see at Varsity level. This game was one of the most intense games of football

I’ve seen at Uni. There was one red card (naughty Kosta!), but in truth should have been four or five, not to mention the copious amount of yellows! Unfortunately we lost the game 1-0 to a goal that didn’t even cross the line, but hey ho, you live and learn. This put us 5-2 down overall with only the indoor sports left to play. News of a further loss, this time Women’s badminton, began to filter through. This meant we were 6-2 down with 5 to play - I thought we were down and out as did everyone else! Not so! Up popped Men’s badminton, Mixed volleyball, Men’s basketball and Men’s tennis, all with wins making the score 6-6 with one to play – bowling! Who would have thought, eh? Our hopes rested on who knocked down the most skittles! We waited tensely for the result, which turned out to be a thumping 16-0 victory, resulting in our first Varsity win ever; what a way to do it! Chichester who!? What a win, to come back from 6-2 down to win 7-6 was an absolute dream, I for one thought we dead and buried, silly Darby! Bring on next year and we will stuff em again! A truly beautiful day to be a Pompey sporto! Well done guys

EE

Team Portsmouth victorious in Varsity

FR

PURPLE WEDNESDAYS

Issue 11 Wednesday 05.03.08 upsu.net/news

Banter Inside...

with Sam Trinder

Above: Varsity in action (photos by some guy with a camera...) Below: Underwater Water Marathon photos by the Diving Club

Charities

Diving

Write for PWs

RAG Skydive

PUD’s Divathon 2008

PWs needs your club news!

Want to skydive for free? And raise money for charity? RAG is teaming up with The UoP Skydive Club to organise a charity skydiving event on the 26th April to mark the start of RAG week, and if you raise enough money you can skydive for free! We're offering the option of doing either a tandem skydive, where you will be securely strapped to an instructor before exiting the aircraft at around 13,000ft, or a solo static line course, where after a full day's training you'll make your first solo jump from 3,500ft. The minimum amount you need

Portsmouth University’s largest diving club ‘PUD’ took the plunge on Saturday to raise hundreds of pounds for charity with an underwater marathon, or divathon as it has since been named! 16 members of PUD undertook the task of completing the 26.4 miles which took just short of three hours (however it may have been slightly quicker if Bruce hadn’t decided to play octopush half way through!) Everyone completed a minimum of one mile but Mark Shaw decided to complete a massive 2.8 miles of swimming to help us meet the target. A total of just over £400 was

... and features, and photos, and socials, and anything else you want to tell us about your club! It’s easy to get a mention in PWs - just e-mail everything to sportnews@ upsu.net, visit www.upsu.net/newsdesk, or come in to the Sabb Office at the Union and have a chat with us any time!

to raise in sponsorship to skydive for free is £250. The money raised from the event will be going to this year's RAG charities. We're holding a meeting in Function Room 1 at the Union on Tuesday 11th March at 6:30pm, where we will explain more about the charities and skydive, and your questions will be answered. To sign up to the RAG Skydive please email rag@skydiveport.co.uk, telling us which skydive you wish to do and if you require transport. For more information visit: skydiveport.co.uk/rag

raised for RAG and the RNLI, with Kelvin Lamb raising the most amount of sponsorship money of £125, so congratulations. A massive thank you must go out to Triton Scuba on Highland Road that made the event possible and also thanks to India Smith who took all the photos! If you fancy trying scuba diving then why not come a long for a free trial dive. To book your place, email: mem_t@hotmail.com


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