WesternEye - May 2011 - Issue 8

WesternEye w w w. we s te r n eye . n e t

T H E ‘P R O P S’ C H A R I T Y

UWE’s Issue U W E StudentVVoice E -R S No. U 8 S- May 2011 B R I S T O L

VARSITY

VS.

The South West’s biggest inter-university clash >> 20

SERIES 2011

uWE TO CHARGE

maximum fEES OF £9,000 > Will fee increases deter some students? > UWE puts in place restructured bursary system to help less affluent cope with fee hike

esternEye has evidence that UWE is almost certainly going to raise its tuition fees to the maximum £9,000 a year threshold from 2012/13 onwards.

The fees will apply to all full-time UK and EU students and UWE intends to increase incrementally year upon year in line with inflation.

Putting the price tag of a three year degree at a sizeable £27,000, the cost of higher education in the UK is now comparable with that of the United States.

The new maximum fee cap has raised questions over whether students from less affluent backgrounds will be put off going to university.

Despite the massive leap in the base cost of education at UWE, measures are apparently being taken to ensure that students from “Low Participation Neighbourhoods” are not marginalised by the rise.

Government guidelines state that universities must funnel £1 in every £9 taken in fees back into funding for low-participation, or ‘priority’, groups.

This equates to £1000 in support for a less affluent student, for each one who pays the full amount.

Groups being specifically targeted for greater inclusion by UWE include:

Students from Black and Minority Ethnic groups; disabled students; students from groups that are underrepresented in the professions (law, medicine etc).

A bursary system will still exist at

UWE to assist less well off students, allocated on a sliding scale of individual requirement as it is now.

Although, according to the UWE website, exact figures have not been released yet, WesternEye has seen evidence that students will receive up to £1000 in their first year, plus up to £2000 in vouchers which can

be exchanged for accommodation, laptops and other ancillaries. Second and third year students will receive an additional £1000 each year.

It has been suggested that UWE has “used bursaries as marketing tools” in the past, as a way of attracting students from less affluent backgrounds.

Despite the significant rise in tuition fees, it seems as if more people than ever, from a more diverse socio-economic backgrounds will be attending English universities.

Or does it?

The number of people that will be able to pay their fees up front can only be smaller than the number that were able to pay the previous fee of £3,250 per year. This means one thing; greater front-end borrowing from the state.

An article in The Guardian on 20th April stated that “The Treasury is faced with a funding black hole because the initial cost of students’ fees is borne by the government.”

This figure is exacerbated by the predicted loan default rate of 30%, meaning that just under a third of fee loans will never be recovered by the state.

Given that the Treasury’s coffers are infamously depleted at the moment, the impact of an elevated level of student borrowing could only be offset in a finite number of ways.

Continued on page 4...

Inside WesternEye

How the M32 divided two previously friendly neighbourhoods News >> 6

The College: a free education centre open to all opens in Bedminster Life >> 9

Sam Butler newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

W

“

UWE’s high level of inclusion for UK students may yet be marred by a national reduction in university places

Degree Show previews galore, plus much more coolness >> back cover

The face of UWESU? > SU President misses NUS leadership vote where “the stakes could not be higher” due to loss of documents

> Colin Offler refutes allegations of binge drinking and “conduct unbecoming of a delegate” Full story page 3

The ‘voice of the silent majority’ speaks out against the actions of the previously occupying students Comment >> 14

Activities President Terry Atkinson speaks out about his year working for YOU, the Students’ Union Features >> 15

2

News & Politics

THE

ISSUE

IN STATS

10,000

The amount, in pounds, that has been cut from the WesternEye budget for next year

NEWS >> 2

26,500

The amount, in pounds, that a year’s tuition in Medicine costs an international student in years three to six at Oxford

NEWS >> 4

145

The percentage increase in applicants for language courses at UWE that are being cut

COMMENT >> 11

60

The millilitres of water that the fatal dose of Sodium pentotbarbital is dissolved in at Dignitas

FEATURES >> 14

19

The goal difference between UWE and Bristol Ice Hockey teams, in UWE’s favour

SPORT >> 23

WesternEye 16.05.2011

The end of WesternEye, as I know it...

P

eople often ask me: who the hell are you and what are you doing with my newspaper? Well, after a year on the job, let me tell you a little bit about what we have been trying to achieve at WesternEye this year, our successes and failures, and a little bit about the future.

First things first, the good stuff: it’s been a great year for WesternEye, and that is mainly due to the tireless efforts of the editorial team and all our great writers. Massive thanks have to go out to every person mentioned in the black box below this (not the one with streakers in), everyone who has strung more than two words together to incite, berate, chastise or celebrate anything that has been going on at UWE, or contributed their spellbinding artwork. Also, any one of you who has been curious enough to pick up one of these newssheets that we sweat blood over each month, I salute you.

We’ve had a record number of contributors, a great response from students and (some) staff alike, displayed more student artwork than ever before, kept Westworld going, launched a new website, been threatened with disciplinary and physical violence, broke some exclusive stories, and generally done our damnedest to keep you guys up to date and hold the University, your Union and your officers, and anyone else to account. And much more besides...

Our hard fought independence has been both a curse and a blessing.

I’m not sure the Students’ Union

has particularly enjoyed it, but press freedom is something that MUST be defended. It’s not perfect, and I wouldn’t say that we are yet fully independent, but it’s a good start. As soon as we started trying to criticise the SU in any way for its actions, I have endured (and in some cases had to adhere to) efforts to suppress or censor information. It would be a lie to say otherwise, but as long as the Union is paying the bills the WesternEye editor will be under the cosh. Many people are calling for more accountability within the organisation, including some of next year’s Sabbatical officers, so let us hope that things will be changing for the better.

I have to say a massive thank you to Dr. Lee Salter, UWE’s head of journalism. Without his diligent and unpaid efforts we wouldn’t have our independence, an editorial board, or a good

resource of journalistic knowledge. It is still a mystery to me why Dr. Salter was dismissed from the WesternEye editorial board by UWESU’s Board of Trustees, without informing any of the other members or following its own due process, but hey ho, that’s how ‘transparency’ sometimes works nowadays.

Some bad news: times are tight everywhere, and as such WesternEye’s budget has been slashed. Again.

There will only enough cash to produce five issues next year, and not enough money to employ a full time editor.

The job will be split over a number of students, working part time. It seems a real shame after all the hard work that this has to happen, and I am not completely convinced that this new plan will function that effectively (it takes A LOT of time to do this job, believe me), but there we have it.

I wish whoever takes over the very

Fastforward

...people running around without their clothes on.

Check out the Varsity Sport section >> 20

Video

UWE’s Student Voice <<

Editor George Rowe george2.rowe@uwe.ac.uk

Sport Editor Jake Procter

News and Politics Editor Sam Butler Sub Editors John Howell, Jake Martin

WestWorld Editor Sean Guest Creative Director James Somerfield Sub-Editor Alice Palmer Brown Illustrator Alex Green

Features Editor Yuliya Yegorova Sub Editor Mike Whiting

>> 1 >> 7 >> 10 >> 14 >> 17 << 32 News & Politics

WesternEye Debate Editor Henry Stoneley Sub Editor Vicki Ward

George Rowe, Editor, 2010-11

Some, but by no means all, of the esteemed, tireless and downright attractive WesternEye team, and myself

It wouldn’t be Varsity without...

Life Editor Ashleigh Searle Sub Editor Christina Smith

best of luck, and I will always be available to offer any counsel they may desire.

My advice to you is: if you care about this paper, about people being accountable for their actions, about the student body being informed about issues that have a direct bearing on their time at this university, then you need to stand up for it. Write to the SU, telling them that you think an independent student newspaper is vital to your Union.

Less issues means less people involved, less critique, and more incidents going unreported.

Damn the man, save the Eye.

Photography Editor Ellie Kynaston Broadcasting Lulu Vallano Online Editor Alec Herron

SU & Life

Debate

For advertising info please contact :

BAM on 0845 1300 667 or hello@ bamuk.com

Features

Sport

Westworld

WesternEye is published by University of the West of England Students’ Union, 4th Floor F Block, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol. BS16 1QY. Some elements of this newspaper are distributed under a Creative Commons License; please get in contact for more details. WesternEye is printed

by Mortons Ltd, Lincolnshire. We believe in making WesternEye as accessible as possible. You can access this publication in PDF format at www.westerneye.net. If you require a different format please get in touch with the Editor (below).

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent that of UWESU. We are all human, and sometimes we make mistakes; any problems please contact the Editor at editor@westerneye.net.

News & Politics 3

WesternEye 16.05.2011

A presidential faux-pas > UWESU President fails to fulfil campaign promises allegedly after a drunken night out at the NUS Conference > Other delegates brand Colin Offler’s behaviour as “embarrassing on a national scale” Sam Butler newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

U

WESU President Colin Offler missed crucial votes at the NUS Conference in April, where he was delegation leader, after losing his delegate voting card. Fellow delegates allege that this was due to his “excessive alcohol consumption” the night before.

The stakes at this year’s conference were described by NUS president, Aaron Porter, as “Having never been higher.”

The loss of Colin’s voting card affected his right to vote during the all-important second day of the conference, as NUS Conference rules stipulate that “If you lose your wristband or voting card you will not be able to get a replacement for four conference hours (the time that conference is debating policy)”; presumably this to prevent non-delegates from being able to use ‘duplicated’ voting cards.

The most important of the missed votes were held to determine: who will make up the new leadership of the NUS, motions to support student strike action, and whether the BNP can canvass on university property.

Given that Colin campaigned to be elected as a delegate to the conference to “ensure a strong leader is elected for the challenging year ahead” it seems disappointing that he was unable to take part in the actual vote.

Colin mitigated his failure to take part in the votes and therefore fulfil his election promises, by stating to WesternEye “I do this on a daily basis in my capacity as SRC President. I believe our values have been kept at the heart of NUS campaigning plans.

Further to this I have taken plenty of ideas back with me for what I’d like to lobby NUS to campaign for.”

“I am content that a high percentage of the policy passed nationally does reflect the interests of our student body here at UWE. “As a UWESU delegate I believe I had positive influence over the majority of policy which guides the NUS.” Colin also stated how he continued to engage with debates on the NUS Conference floor, despite being unable to take part in the voting process.

Fellow delegate, Fraser Nesbitt, told WesternEye that the loss of Colin’s delegate card was most probably due to his “excessive” drinking the night prior to the second day of the conference.

“They were selling three triple shots for a fiver in the bar after the first day of the conference. I saw Colin order this in one pint glass and drink it” Fraser said.

These allegations were corroborated by fellow delegate, Paddy Besiris, and another who wishes to remain anonymous.

“At about five AM we all wandered back to the hotel, Colin was doing

it under his own steam; he wasn’t paralytic, but was pretty worse for wear” said Paddy.

Colin refutes this entire accusation and claims that his drinking was neither excessive, nor contributed to the loss of his delegate card.

“I believe many people will have walked out of somewhere and forgotten their jacket, or left shopping on the bus at some point in their lives. It’s an easy enough mistake to make.”

Unfortunately, this was not quite as trivial as leaving your jacket in a club or shopping on the bus. This incident meant that Colin was, according to fellow delegates Fraser Nesbitt and Paddy Besiris “Unable to satisfactorily effect his role as an elected delegate and representative of UWESU members” Colin said: “It is important to note that both Fraser and Paddy have spoken out against me personally on numerous occasions and are therefore. I will be seeking feedback from other delegates regarding these accusations.”

“

I would agree that it is regretful that I lost my delegate card, however it was not intentional and for my efforts could not be resolved

The cost of sending the eight delegates was borne by UWESU, including flights and £35 spending money, while the hotel was funded by the NUS. During the evening’s course, Colin is alleged to have taken off his shirt and danced in the bar, something that Fraser labelled “Behaviour unbecoming of a lead delegate and representative of the University at a national event.”

“This is true enough” said Colin.

“I was on the dance floor, fellow delegates and I took off our shirts.

However I do not believe that my behaviour was unbecoming of a delegate as this was a social setting, not [the] conference floor.”

When asked if he felt that he had let down Union members who had voted for him, not only in the delegate election but also the Union election, Colin replied “I would agree that it is regretful that I lost my delegate card, however

it was not intentional and for my efforts could not be resolved.”

Colin was also quick to play down the significance of his role as UWESU lead delegate “I was not voted to attend as delegate leader; I became delegate leader having attained the most votes. The role of lead delegate does not give me any additional powers, it means that I was responsible for organising transport, accommodation, ensuring next of kin details are given to the Union, arranging briefing and debriefing meetings.”

The NUS National Conference 2011 Delegate Leaders Briefing corroborates Colin’s description of his role, with one small distinction: “Delegate leaders have important roles before and at National Conference, all based around supporting the peers from their institution to have the best possible experience” The conference ended over a month ago, and UWESU has yet to publish its account of our delegation.

When it was suggested that Colin had been unforthcoming about events at the Conference he stated that: “I organised a debrief for all delegates and also circulated the official NUS conference review to all delegates. I was not approached by WesternEye to provide any report regarding conference until this article.”

Given that all other seven delegates would have been aware of what went on at the Conference, having been present, it is unclear as to why the other 30,000 students being represented by the delegation were left in the dark for over a month.

Additionally, UWESU has its own portal for communicating SU news and events, its website and associated emailing infrastructure, none of which mentioned gave a post-conference account of events in any guise.

Colin stated during interview that “I will be posting the NUS conference review on the UWESU website shortly.”

Whether this will include an explanation as to why he was unable to fulfil his role in its entirety remains to be seen.

Fraser and Paddy suggest that this incident is symptomatic of the larger issue of a lack of accountability within UWESU. Aside from being what they described as “embarrassing on a national scale” they feel it reflects a climate of irresponsibility and triviality in student politics at UWE. The concern over accountability and trivialisation is something that was also echoed by UWESU Vice President Community and Welfare Elect, Louise Goux-Wirth.

“I think there is a lack of accountability within UWESU. This is something that I really want to work on when I start my position” said Louise.

This may be reflected in the UWESU President’s closing statement in his response to the allegations

Colin‘s 2011 SU re-election poster WesternEye put to him.

Far from being concerned that this was, at the very least, how his behaviour had been perceived by some of his peers, he took WesternEye’s questions as a personal attack.

“Once again individuals’ allegations targeting myself have been blown out of proportion by WesternEye rather than considering the bigger debate. This is not the first time the WesternEye has chosen to publish an unconstructive story

“

I think there is a lack of accountability within UWESU. This is something that I really want to work on when I start my position

about my leadership rather than my extensive dedication to the student movement.”

WesternEye editor, George Rowe, said in response to this accusation:

“We have similar accounts of Colin’s conduct at the NUS Conference from three separate delegates. We had a duty to put these allegations to Colin, which was done, but more importantly, a responsibility to UWESU members to discuss them publically.”

“Far from blowing this out of proportion, it seems we have been left to be the only measure of accountability to the wider student body once again. I feel that this is the bigger debate that needs to happen as soon as possible, so this Union can move forward next year.”

“I look forward to working more constructively in the new academic year with WesternEye” said Colin.

The interpretation of the events at the NUS Conference may be in dispute to a degree, what is indisputable is that at least a handful of those within UWESU feel that there are improvements to be made in how it functions.

While it should be acknowledged that students are young and therefore more prone to errors of judgement and impulsive, it should also be noted that an understanding of the significance of being a member of the SU leadership is crucial.

The example set by high-profile members of the student body, such as the SU President, will ultimately be reflected in the conduct and attitudes of its members.

4

News & Politics

WesternEye 16.05.2011

Tuition fees: the long hard road ahead > UWE claims that the new tuition fees of £9,000 may actually help widen participation through more funding for bursaries and vouchers for less well off students ...continued from front cover Increasing the national debt through borrowing until the system becomes more economically viable, or decreasing the number of university places, as suggested by the Labour opposition in The Guardian on 19th April.

“Ed Miliband, the leader of the Labour party, warned that at least 10% of university places for undergraduates would have to be cut to fund the coalition’s ‘unravelling’ tuition fee reforms. This is the equivalent of removing 36,000 fulltime places each year.”

This paints a slightly less rosy picture than some would have the fee hike naysayers believe.

Yet another way to side-step the public spending issue, as suggested

by Universities minister, David Willetts, would be to allow those who can afford to, to simply buy their place at university. Much in the same way that international students do.

Given that the non-subsidised annual fee for international students can be anything up to £26,500 (Oxford medical degree, years three to six), the wealthy will be able to simply buy their way into a more prestigious institution and by association a higher

bracket of earning upon graduation.

Is this the face of an evolving level of social inclusion and mobility that we have heard so much about of late?

Mr Willetts has alleged that more people paying full and unsubsidised fees would mean a greater surplus of cash to aid those from a less affluent background to go to university.

“

An unseemly scramble by most English universities to raise annual tuition fees to the maximum level permitted by the state

Indeed, postgraduate courses have long had the option to accept privately funded students onto PhDs,

who would otherwise have failed to qualify for state-sponsored research.

Accusations of ‘cash-forqualifications’ have been met with suggestions that the applicant must still complete his or her body of work to a certain standard.

But if others are unable to afford even an attempt at this, does this not equate to poorer students being held to more rigorous academic standards before their studies have even begun?

Whether Mr Willetts higher education economic model will translate to a reality is a subject of some contention and therefore a model that his Liberal Democrat colleagues will take some convincing of.

The idea smacks of doors opening to the affluent and privileged, yet may well hold the answers to the question of how to fund poorer students.

Harvard University in the United States charges a whopping $38,000 (£23,000) per year, yet uses some of its surplus to offer generous bursaries and scholarships to its less wealthy applicants.

The new salary threshold and rate of loan repayment for English universities, of 9% of anything earned over £21,000, is an improvement on

Cash for kudos? Will people be able to buy their way into university? the previous rate set by Labour at the time of the last fee rise. But has done little to stem the tide of criticism of what was labelled by The Economist as an “Unseemly scramble by most English universities to raise annual tuition fees to the maximum level permitted by the state.”

If claims by Mr Miliband regarding a

reduction in places are to be believed, then one could surmise that it will be students from lower performing schools and colleges, in less affluent areas that are squeezed out first.

UWE’s high level of inclusion for UK students may yet be marred by a national reduction in university places.

New UWE Chancellor Smart cards > Former NHS Executive to succeed R.Hon Baroness Butler-Sloss Newsdesk newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

S

ir Ian Carruthers OBE is to be the new Chancellor of UWE. Sir Ian is currently Chief Executive of the South West Strategic Health Authority. His career in the NHS spans over 40 years.

He received a Knighthood in the 2003 New Year’s Honours List, for services to the NHS and in 2006 he took over as Interim Chief Executive of the NHS, amongst the largest organisations in the world, having 1.3 million employees and a budget in excess of £100 billion.

“

It is a great honour and a privilege to become the Chancellor of the University of the West of England

Speaking about his new role Sir Ian said, “It is a great honour and a privilege to become the Chancellor of the University of the West of England.

I strongly believe in putting students first so that their experience is the best it can be.

I am a great supporter of the widening participation agenda and partnership working between the education, private, voluntary and public sectors so that everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential.

We are in a period of great change and it is an unsettling time for us all.

However, this offers opportunities as well as challenges for both students and staff. I am delighted to be joining UWE and look forward to contributing to its continued success.”

Sir Ian has been the lead author on several papers on reviewing and improving the NHS and is a world expert in healthcare delivery and reform.

He was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by UWE in 2009 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to health and well being in the South West.

The current Chancellor, the Right Honourable the Baroness ButlerSloss GBE PC, has been Chancellor since 1993, providing outstanding service to the University as an ambassador and advocate.

Sir Ian Carruthers will be installed as the new Chancellor at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences award ceremony on Monday 18 July 2011.

Sir Ian Carruthers OBE (left) and UWE Vice-Chancellor, Steve West

> New three-in-one smart cards to be available from September John Howell newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

U

WE is set to release a brand new three-three-in-one smart card for its members.

UWESU voted to lobby the University for a move to amalgamate several current cards under motion two at the UWESU 2010 AGM. The card is intended to cut the amount of materials used by consolidating a number of existing cards as well as making savings “by removing the duplication of cards”.

The smart card will act as a form of ID, as well as a UWE library card and U-Link travel card. The card can also be used for security access control.

Student Union President Colin Offler said, “The consolidation of multiple applications onto one card will have a direct link into improving the student experience”.

“By April 2012, the one card will be used to load money onto via UWE web portals and used to access multiple services; including: UWE restaurants, retail shops, parking, and even photocopying.”

It is hoped the card will speed up transaction times, eliminate long queues, and help students keep their information onto one card.

However, the card has come under scrutiny from some students. When asked what they thought about the new smart card, 22 year old

journalism student Gemma Kirk said “It sounds like a logical step forward in terms of technology, but what happens if you lose your card?, somebody has access to all your information in one place.”

The new cards are expected to be available for the upcoming term in September 2011.

Have you got a story?

You should have got in touch sooner!

This is the last issue of the year, after which WesternEye will not be continuing in its current structure due to MORE funding cuts

News & Politics 5

WesternEye 16.05.2011

All ‘fine’ and dandy?

> Facebook group ‘UWE Frenchay campus ripped me off’ is filled with comments by disgruntled student village residents, who claim that they have been stung with unreasonable and arbitrary fines newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

I

n the past week a Facebook page has been set up for students to complain about allegedly unreasonable and spurious fines imposed on Frenchay student village residents.

To those whom have seen, ‘liked’ or even commented on this page it does seem at first that their criticisms hold merit. The fines that UWE have allegedly imposed, on occasion, do seem excessive, if not at times a little unfair.

Most students’ complaints are by and large grounded in the fact that they believe UWE has just created such charges and fines out of thin air.

One student claims that UWE charges “£10 per bag of rubbish removed” before wryly adding “screw a degree; I’m becoming a bin man for that money”.

If this is the case, then perhaps this would not a bad career move given the 50% unemployment rate of graduates.

Other student’s complaints pertain to allegations about staff in the village “Security (staff) just barging in without ringing the door bell” which seems to be a common complaint that contrasts directly with the UWE accommodation services’ terms and conditions.

These state that “The University will normally give at least 24 hours notice’ however does state that ‘immediate access is to be given in the event of an emergency or to carry out inspections required by health & safety legislation.”

In cases such as fire detectors being covered for smokers, this does seem like a worthy intrusion, with the £50 fine also a sensible penalty considering the risks involved.

But other fines such as £150 for a broken table leg and £463 for the replacement of the sofas that are included within the campus accommodation must be a casually crafted figure?

Or perhaps, UWE accommodation services has just become so fatigued with the constant replacement of such items after students drunken exploits that they decided to jack up the cost and pass it on to the end user.

When asked to comment on the page and associated criticisms, Accommodation Services stated that

“

The campus alone is pricey enough, between £3,945 and £5,556 a year, and no doubt it is set to rise again next year

they would only be willing to comment on “individual cases with express permission from any third parties”.

The Student Warden Team declined to comment.

To those that complain, it must be noted as clearly states in the contracts that are signed at the beginning of the tenancy that students are liable “To pay to the University on demand

Newsdesk’s world round up Uganda - After international criticism, proponents of an anti-gay bill before Uganda’s parliament have removed a punitive clause that called for hanging people who have consensual homosexual sex.

However, they were expected to push ahead with the measure, which criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality.

The bill was to be debated Wednesday, the last day of the current parliament, but was dropped from the agenda. There were reports it might be debated Friday in an special session.

If not, the bill can be reintroduced when the new parliament convenes.

In January, gay activist David Kato was slain after a Ugandan newspaper, Rolling Stone, published names and photographs of gays under the headline “Hang them!”

Germany - ohn Demjanjuk, the former Nazi death camp guard, has been found guilty of almost 30,000 counts of accessory to murder and been jailed for five years.

The judge in the court in Munich said he was convinced that Ukrainian-born Demjanjuk was a guard at the Sobibor death camp “and that as a guard he took part in the murder of at least 28,000 people.”

Demjanjuk sat in a wheelchair before the judges as they announced their verdict, but showed no reaction.

The court sentenced him to five years in prison. It was not immediately how much credit he would get for time already served.

Demjanjuk’s defense has said it would appeal a conviction.

a fair proportion of the reasonable costs and expenses properly incurred by the University in repairing or remedying any loss or damage caused to the Room or the Building or the contents where the University is unable to identify those who have caused the loss or damage.”

Clearly UWE’s idea of proportion in this case means ‘all’ otherwise implying that the £463 sofas previously mentioned, which one student describes as being “like the chairs you sit on waiting for the dentist”, actually cost more than said figure.

Sofa-gate aside, an important aspect of note within this Facebook page is students complaints surrounding the issue of blame, some calling it unfair as they were in “9-5 lectures”,” working at a homeless shelter” or “curing cancer”. But even here UWE accommodation services has its bare bones covered as can be seen in the former statement.

As previously mentioned, student concerns have been made clear about the campus staff and the allegations of entering rooms without notice are commented on by one student.

“I am sick of them just barging in when they feel like it. What’s wrong with knocking?” They then go on to say “and when the light went in my bathroom it took over a month for them to replace it, but when they found out I had a bought an extended internet cable to reach into the kitchen they sent someone round within 20 minutes”.

Another student claimed on the Facebook page “(I’m) gonna get fined for the dents in the bathroom door that the clumsy maintenance people made. Typical.”

Other comments criticised the allegedly overbearing security measures in the student village, such as “(they have) more CCTV and security guards than Heathrow after 9/11... those dangerous, dangerous

fresher’s.”

Such allegations, however unproven have gained somewhat of a following with well over 400 people ‘liking’ this page with presumably many more to come.

By most students standards UWE does seem to be an establishment with high costs. The campus alone is pricey enough, between £3,945 and £5,556 a year, rates that are no doubt set to rise again next year.

Combine that with the cost of living in Bristol, books, fees and the

inevitable fines from the library; the price of university does seem a little daunting. Are such fines, which some claim are arbitrary and excessive, really going to help matters?

The lesson for residents to be learned from this? Treat UWE accommodation like you would your own home. If that means urinating in the bin and defecating in the fridge then be prepared stump up and pay the fines.

Don’t forget, you agreed to it.

Britain - Omnipresent, junkie rock star Pete Doherty will not face criminal prosecution over the death of a partygoer, Mark Blanco, in a fall from a balcony.

Relatives of Blanco, 30, reacted with fury to news from the Crown Prosecution Service that there was insufficient evidence to bring any charges over his death in 2006.

The family, which has vowed to launch private proceedings, was told by prosecutors that it could not be established that a criminal act had taken place.

Blanco, was involved in a confrontation with Doherty, the star’s minder Johnny Jeannevol and Paul Roundhill at a party shortly before his death, investigations showed.

The family, which claimed to have evidence that Blanco was unlawfully killed, launched a campaign after two police reports and an inquest failed to establish what triggered his fall from a balcony in east London.

Pakistan - Five people have been killed after a US drone fired two missiles into a vehicle in Pakistan’s North Waziristan.

“A US drone fired two missiles on a militants’ vehicle in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan,” one Pakistani security official told the news agency AFP. “Five militants were killed.”

Another local official confirmed the strike and the toll, saying: “The target was a pick-up van.”

Intelligence reports from the area said the dead included “foreigners” - a term normally used for Afghan Taliban, Uzbek fighters or al-Qaeda.

A similar strike killed four people near Angoor Adda village in the neighbouring district of South Waziristan, and eight suspected fighters were reported killed by US missiles in North Waziristan in another attack.

North Waziristan, a stronghold of al-Qaeda and the Taliban, has been subject to frequent attacks.

Europe - The International Monetary Fund has warned that the eurozone debt crisis could spread across the region unless European countries step up efforts to fix their banks.

The IMF said that the debt crisis in Greece, Portugal and Ireland could hit the wider eurozone by hitting bank lending and delivering a confidence shock, despite the rescue packages that are already in place.

“Restoring fiscal health, squarely addressing weak banks, and implementing structural reforms to restore competitiveness are key.”

It is also concerned about Britain’s economy. The UK faces “considerable short-term uncertainty, as growth turned flat in late 2010 - taking out temporary weather-related effects - and fiscal consolidation accelerates,” said the IMF.

Photo: UWESU (Flickr)

Toby Cryne

UWE student village at Frenchay campus

6

News & Politics

WesternEye 16.05.2011

M32: A tale of two cities

Photo: Adam Clark

> This issue’s news feature gives a compelling account of how one of Bristol’s arterial roads has created social division and conflict between two previously united neighbourhoods

Adam Clark newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

B

attle your way through the gleaming, polished thoroughfares of Cabot Circus on a Saturday afternoon and you’ll see few indicators that Bristol has only recently untangled itself from recession.

Thousands of shoppers pour in and out of the designer stores and boutiques, their arms laden with pricey purchases and takeaway coffee, their attire suitably labelled and their faces content. Yet a few hundred metres beyond this towering tribute to retail therapy lies the deprived ward of Easton, butting up against Cabot Circus’ glitzy environs like discarded rubbish washing up on a paradisiacal beach.

There is a distinct dichotomy between these two areas, starkly highlighting the divide between Bristol’s poor and everybody else.

This situation is far from ideal, but is not even the most pressing divide in the city. Just along from here, Newfoundland Way’s traffic-heavy lanes melt into the beginning of the M32. Opened in the 1970s as a main artery leading into Bristol’s consumer centre, the M32 has been an invaluable addition to Bristol’s commercial prosperity, yet its construction and subsequent heavy use has cut through the formerly united districts of Easton and St Pauls.

The motorway has had a significant impact upon the relationship

between the two areas that flank it, and it is young people in particular who have suffered the most from this dissection. In recent years, several youths have been killed or injured in violence that has erupted between groups from either side of the M32, brutally highlighting how a young person’s life can be affected by the physical environment and surroundings in which they grow up.

Militarised urban spaces Hen Wilkinson is the director at Community Resolve, a group from Easton that aims to solve conflict between young people. Wilkinson has witnessed firsthand the motorway’s socially damaging impact since its construction in 1975. “The M32 has been a great big barrier between the two communities,” she says. “It drove this line between the two areas.

Before the motorway was built people used to walk between Easton and St Pauls; there were roads that joined up the areas and that community was one community.”

Community Resolve first started working with young people affected by the divide a decade ago after a particularly violent clash involving a group of youngsters from Easton and a group from St Pauls. An altercation on Gatton Road in St Werburghs turned violent, leaving two young people hospitalised and continuing the trend among youths to identify themselves along divisional boundaries.

This wasn’t the first incident of

fighting, and it hasn’t been the last.

“At least three young people have been stabbed and killed in these areas, related in some way to the tensions between the communities,” explains Wilkinson. “It’s not just those extreme cases either – young people from both sides are reluctant to move into the territory on the other side.”

“

The M32 creates a mental divide as well as a physical barrier to those wanting to cross from one area to the other The M32 creates a mental divide as well as a physical barrier to those wanting to cross from one area to the other. As a result of its positioning, the motorway created rival territories and distinct borders and separation. The walls of the pedestrian underpass at

junction 3 of the M32 are branded with the tag ‘BS5’ – the territorial markings of a group of young people from Easton named after the postcode they inhabit. ‘BS5’ are in opposition with a rival group from St Pauls called the ‘Bloods’. In July last year, a fight broke out between two groups of youths on Stapleton Road in Easton, resulting in the stabbing death of 18-year-old Abdirasak Mohamoud.

Sue O’Donnell is a councillor in Easton and believes that the media misunderstands the impact the M32 has had on the areas around it. “The media portrayed the murder of Abdi as a ‘turf war’, as the Bloods vs. BS5” she says. “But the ultimate facts are that somebody killed somebody else.

It’s easy to blame young people, easy to say that they’re responsible, but you’ve got to look at the physical surroundings that these young people are growing up in.” O’Donnell’s ward extends to the boundary of the M32 and she believes that, despite the M32’s unmoveable presence, there are ways to work around it. “I’m sure it wasn’t the council’s intention to create a boundary, but they didn’t look at the unintended consequences. There are ways to find access routes that do not decimate an existing community or divide it.”

The residents of Easton and St Pauls are not apathetic about this issue afflicting their community, and with the help of Community Resolve are actively tackling the problems head-on. The My New Friends project was set up to address the conflict between young people in Easton and St Pauls, seeking innovative ways

to repair the relationship between the communities either side of the motorway. The project has brought together year six pupils from Cabot and Millpond primary schools, which are situated either side of the M32.

The pupils, teamed into groups of four, have been out and about in their respective areas, taking photographs of their physical surroundings.

The idea of the project was to build relationships between these two distinct– yet hardly dissimilar – groups of young people. The project enabled them to become accustomed to both St Pauls and Easton, hopefully reducing the potential for hostility outside the school environment.

When the project was completed, the two schools put on a joint exhibition to celebrate the children’s success. Ria, a participant in the project, remarked: “Making new friends from Millpond is like finding an extinct flower. I’m sad that I can’t continue with the project because I miss my friends from Millpond. I hope someday that the wars between St Pauls and Easton can stop and we can become one big community and, most of all, friends.”

Innocent words they may be, but few could argue with the sentiment.

If these projects and community schemes can help bridge this divide both emotionally and physically, then there is hope that the new generations of St Pauls and Easton will soon be coming together for benevolent reasons, rather than malevolent ones.

Students’ Union & Presidential prose Gamers unite! > World’s best interesting games designers bring some interesting games to Bristol’s Interesting Games Festival. As well they might Christina Smith life@westerneye.net

T

his year’s Interesting Games Festival (igfest) brings games from the world’s leading street games designers to the UK. It is the first time such a high profile line-up will participate together in what might just be the biggest ever street games festival in the world.

Out and Play, Seek n’ Spell, the award winning GPS word game from design company Retronyms and the zombie chase game 2.8 Hours Later from Bristol’s own games company SlingShot. 2.8 Hours Later will also be headlining the festival and will be running from 9pm on Thursday 26th, Friday 27th and Saturday 28th.

Players can expect both hi-tech and lo-fi igfest fun, with games that make you run, make you think and make

Literally no idea what is going on here. Tron pong, or something. igfest takes place over the end of May bank holiday weekend on Sat 28th and Sun 29th of May, 1pm-11pm. The festival is playing a significant part in the growth in pervasive games – location-based games using technology to augment the experience of games played in the real world.

As more and more people use Smartphones – iPhone, Android and other phones that use GPS and connect to the internet – new kinds of location-based play are possible.

The UK has seen a massive surge in creativity as designers invent apps and games using technology to increase people’s enjoyment of playing together.

...or here. Biohazard bulldog?

These new types of social experiences will be on show during both of the festival days as Bristol’s streets are transformed into giant game boards and theatrical locations.

One example is the golf game Gigaputt, from New York designers Gigantic Mechanic, which turns the streets into a golf course where players use their phones as a golf club and GPS to see where the ball lands.

The 2011 festival line-up also includes Neo Cowgirl Cowhunt from the legendary New York outfit Come

you laugh. This year will feature a Tech Pavilion where festival goers can explore the latest Smartphone technologies and play a variety of location-based games.

Bristol is well known as a leading hub for technology and innovation. igfest brings together the perfect combination of games designers, technology companies and game players to test and develop new games. The festival also provides the perfect bank holiday weekend for anyone interested in games and getting to know Bristol.

Simon Evans, co-Producer of igfest and partner in games company SlingShot says, “We’re delighted that so many designers are bringing games to igfest this year, a sign that location-based games are getting better and better and the UK is the place people want to have their work shown.”

Mike Bennett, Place Making Director at Bristol City Council says, “Bristol is a perfect setting for the Interesting Games Festival – it’s small enough to get around in a weekend, but large enough to have lots of hidden venues and surprises to explore. We’re excited that igfest is getting bigger and better, and attracting designers and players from across the world.”

To find out more go to www.igfest. org. Tickets can be purchased online from the Watershed: http://www. watershed.co.uk/exhibits/2918/ and cost £15 for 2 days or £10 for 1 day.

Tickets for 2.8 Hours Later cost £20 and give players free access to both festival days.

Life

Colin Offler SRC President

It’s that time of year again where every Facebook status refers to stress, exams or dissertations!

Best of luck and I hope they’ve all run smoothly.

It’s also that time of year where we look to say goodbye to old friends as people disappear into a harsh job market after years of university life.

To everyone leaving I wish you all the best and hope you take with you invaluablememoriesofyourtimeatUWE. We’re also saying goodbye to Terry, Nadia and Gail! So much of whose

hard work many will never see nor fully appreciate. I want to take this opportunity to thank them all for their support this year.

This coming year I step up to the responsibilities of Students’ Union President in a tough year for our Students’ Union, for our members and for students across the country. The change in Higher Education funding and cuts from central Government leave us with much to fight for. UWE and UWESU share one value which I will strive to defend this coming year. Fair access and widening participation are at the heart of our values and these values must be enhanced in a time where

the Government have attacked Higher Education with prospective students now facing triple the tuition fees we are paying as current students.

It’s crucial that we don’t lose sight of what we hope to achieve here at UWE too. It’s our duty as Presidents of the Students’ Union to amplify your voice and demand better. Better academic standards, better learning spaces, better support for sports, societies and communities, better transport provision, better technologies, greater employability prospects and support for students when you need it most. Enjoy summer, relax, and I look forward to welcoming you back for another huge UWE year.

Gail Wilson SRC Vice President

and make your feedback clear when completing surveys.

As part of the new constitution we have 2 vacancies for student trustees on the UWESU Board of Trustees. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the direction and strategy of the Union and gain CV skills while making sure that the student voice is at the heart of the Union’s decision making.

It’s a voluntary position and full training and support will be given, applications close on the 6th April.

Finally congratulations to Olly Reid (VP Education elect) and Terri Hammond (Education Officer elect) on their successful election to their roles, I look forward to working with them through handover and wish them all the best for 2011/12.

Nadia Harding Sports President

My new venture this year was Body Beautiful where I found a genuine love of Zumba and met some fantastic girls. It was great to see so many ladies getting involved!

Another highlight of the year has to be Varsity day - it was great to have everyone competing on the same day.

I got to meet Martin Keown and to my horror I ended up calling him Martin Kiev! Not sure I’m ever going to live that one down.

Finally I took part in UWEBares where I beat Colin Offler in a strictly come dancing competition to which he made this face!

Thank you everyone for this opportunity, I wish you all the best in the future and I plan to name one of my children ‘gonads’ just to remind myself of my time at UWE!!!

Hello UWE! We are coming up to one of the most stressful times for a lot of students (you can run but you can’t hide) as assessment deadlines and exams are rapidly approaching. Don’t try and write your dissertation in a night, it really isn’t the best option. If you have never taken exams in the ECC before make sure you check out the guidance online, including the studentmade video, to give you an idea of what to expect.

One of the big projects I have been working on this year with the University is online submission and return for assignments through

This is my last article ever after being Sports President for 2 years ! My last 2 years have been an extreme learning curve, and working at time has been also pretty surreal.

Working in the fast paced environment of the Students’ Union, has been a fantastic opportunity.

Being elected by students to represent them and work for them is a fantastic experience and trying to equally distribute your time between 42 clubs is definitely a challenge. The last 2 years I have achieved so much and met some amazing people who have such

Blackboard. A pilot for the system is now live featuring a range of modules across the University which some students may be involved with. If you are on one of the modules involved in the project or know someone who is then it would be really useful to hear any feedback on the system and how it is working.

I have also been continuing to work on raising issues around assessment feedback; the University has produced a range of posters detailing what you should expect from your assessments which are being displayed in the foyer of Bolland Library; worth checking out.

If you feel what you are receiving falls short of this entitlement remember you can raise this with your programme leader, through your student rep

passion for their sport, so in this final report I have talked about the current project but also what to use this time to say thank you and goodbye.

I started off as a member of UWE Canoe and as Sports President I ended up taking a whack at Climbing, Sailing, Trampolining, Kickboxing, Badminton, Snowsports, Surf, Cricket, Lacrosse, and Basketball!

I began this year trying out my moves at Kickboxing and then went on an extremely memorable trip with the Surf club to Portugal last month where I became an expert in body boarding and mastered the art of ‘wiping-out!’ I don’t think I have ever heard the word M.I.N.E used so much in my entire life and also fell for it every single time!

Nonbelievers’ club

> Is there any need for an atheist or secular society at our University?

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hy start an Atheist, Humanist or Secularist Society?

Setting up a nonbeliever society can be a great way to meet like-minded people who want to be good without God. The form this takes depends entirely on what you find interesting and what matters to you. You could promote science and critical thinking; represent non-believing students at your Student Union or Multi-faith Forum or even campaign on Humanist and Secularist issues. Starting from the simple assumption that God probably

doesn’t exist, this opens up a whole range of topics to discuss and debate including science, philosophy, history, politics, and religion.

The National Federation of Atheist, Humanist and Student Secular Societies (AHS) is an umbrella organisation for all nonreligious student societies in institutes of higher education in the UK and Republic of Ireland. It seeks “A thriving atheist, humanist or secular student society in every institute of Higher Education in the UK, networked together, with a shared voice in public

life, whose members can contribute to and be part of the wider national and international movement”. They can help you find speakers for your society, provide resources such as discussion topics and connect you to other societies through your Regional Development Officer.

If you think you would be interested in starting a society, please contact Michael Paynter or the AHS Head of Membership at membership@ ahsstudents.org.uk to see what help they can provide. JP

GO ON OUR WEBSITE. NOW. IT’S REALLY GOOD.

www.westerneye.net honest. it’s got pictures and everything.

half page ad.indd 1

21/2/11 12:29:34

SU & Life 9

WesternEye 16.05.2011

The College of knowledge

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> WesternEye interviews the man bringing free education to Bedminster, Alex Harvest Patrick Sharkey life@westerneye.net

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seemingly, and until recently, derelict building has begun to spring new intellectual life. The College is a grass-roots education centre for the exploration of an organic and self-evolving cause to share knowledge, wisdom and skills.

Though somewhat anarchic, there is an administrative body which concerns itself with the daily running and tries to uphold an ethos of freedom within sensible parameters. Anyone can come and give their expertise and anyone can come to listen or learn. The list of features includes: Kung fu/martial arts (Shaolin), yoga/ meditation, knitting, Philosophy as a way of life and; Nature and Nurture: Exploring Humanities Essence.

The Director of the College is Alex Harvest. To get a better idea of this new and evolutionary institution WesternEye asked him a few questions about the inspiration behind and the direction of his ideological love child.

Where did you get the idea to do this?

I spent the better part of 20 years working in and being educated by a variety of state educational institutions and wondering why they were not more fun and inspiring places to be. It seemed that in general, neither the teachers, or the students, or even the buildings for that matter, were having much fun, which seemed like a missed opportunity for all concerned. While I did my best to maintain enthusiasm during my time in these institutions, I came to realise

The entrance to The College that perhaps the odds were weighed against me. I think learning should definitely contain a challenging element, but I have never understood why work and education have to be a difficult or punishing experience for anyone, being that we are all born as curious, vibrant, knowledge seeking creatures. So perhaps the idea was born from my frustrations at working in these institutions and a feeling that the whole educational process had become unnecessarily burdened by bureaucracy and endless examinations.

It is my understanding that humans have been learning from and teaching each other since we first appeared on the planet; my aim was to create a safe space where this process is able to happen in a spontaneous and natural fashion, with the minimum necessary formalised structures.

How did the opportunity come about?

I had the great good fortune to meet the Invisible Circus and Artspace Lifespace team in March 2009.

These two Bristol based companies had been collaborating to fill empty and abandoned buildings with circus, theatre, music and art for some years, and had developed a reputation for being able to take on and effectively manage large scale projects.

The Homes and Communities Agency, who are essentially the landlords of the College site, were put in touch with Artspace by the wonderful Ruth Essex who works for Bristol’s Neighbourhood Arts team.

Ruth had played a key role in helping to establish Artspace and the Invisible Circus in Bristol, including helping to set up the Bridewell Island project in the centre of town, which gave birth to the epic Carny Ville productions.

I started working with Artspace in September 2009 as part of their events team, and became steadily more involved over the next year.

When the College was presented to Artspace as a possible new site, I was in the right place at the right time, and with not a little trepidation, offered my services as the project manager. The Artspace team have been kind enough to let me and the College team run with it.

What is your inherent philosophy towards this process?

I think human beings are capable and highly intelligent creatures that, given the right opportunity, space, time and support are able to do astonishing and wonderful things.

For many of us, space and time are hard to come by for economic or

For many of us, space and time are hard to come by for economic or social reasons

social reasons. Many people spend 40 hours a week working to secure only a little space that they call their own, often doing jobs that they do not even enjoy. This seems to me a terrible waste of potential energy that could be spent doing much more productive, creative and socially useful things. At Artspace we are in the fortunate position of being able to make space available to people, that would otherwise be sitting empty and abandoned.

Our working processes are collaborative and self-organising; encouraging self-initiated learning and non-hierarchical structures.

Everything we do here is up for discussion, and up for being challenged! Rather than having a fixed idea of what exactly this College should do, or how exactly it should function, we are attempting to allow

it to become the best College it can possible be.

Where would you like to see it go?

I hope that we are able to nurture the development of a strong creative learning community, and over the next year or two fill this building with colour, creativity, passion, learning and laughter; whilst in the process becoming a living demonstration that given the right conditions humans are able to come together happily and create wonderful things. One of our key goals is to create working transferable systems that allow the project to continue long after we have left the building.

Do you have any advice for those who would want to do something similar?

I have been well advised that it is good practice never to give anyone advice. With this in mind I would say, go for it! And please let us know if we can be of any help.

Although still in its early days as of yet, this seems to be a move towards a different way of learning and a way in which people are able to freely exercise their own expertise and learn what they see fit for themselves.

Still, because it is zygotic as of yet, it needs support. It can only grow with the help of the city and the people in it. If you have ever wanted to teach, or learn in this kind of environment, or simply just chill with a group of lovely and interesting people, this is the place. There will be another open day soon, but in the meantime, to keep posted on what is happening go to Facebook and search for ‘The College’. Alternatively, visit the website at www.artspacecollege.com.

Neurobonkers: The intriguing case of Chuck Close > Ever have a problem recognising faces? You, too, could be a sufferer of Prosopagnosia

www.neurobonkers.com

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n doing some research on prosopagnosia, a psychological condition which distorts the perception of faces, I stumbled across the fascinating and inspiring case of Chuck Close, a man more famous for his spell-binding art than his prosopagnosia. Prosopagnosia doesn’t actually affect the ability to see in any way but rather the ability to recognise faces in the normal, uniquely human way.

The current consensus in the literature is that we can remember such an extraordinarily large number of faces because we use a vector based mathematical model called the “Face Space model”. According to this model we remember faces by what makes them specifically different from the average face rather than having a photographic memory for faces as a whole. This explanation has been used to generate the powerful face recognition algorithms we are beginning to see employed in intelligent CCTV systems.

For some however, the part of the brain (the “fusiform face area”) that handles this information is damaged.

This can cause an individual who is intelligent and able in every sense of the word fail to be able to distinguish

their closest friends and family. This became common knowledge for many after the famous “case of the man who mistook his wife for a hat”

by Neuroscientist Oliver Sacks. Oliver Sacks has only recently with his book “Inside The Mind’s Eye” declared himself to suffer from a milder case of prosopagnosia.

Until now I’ve read much on prosopagnosia but been quite unable to remotely grasp how it must feel. It’s been described as being like a human trying to distinguish sheep based on their facial features, something simply incomprehensible in the same way as human faces. Taking a look at Chuck Close’s artwork, however, gives us a window into how it must feel. Chuck draws faces by taking a photograph and then dividing it into pixels and painstakingly copying the shading from the pixels on to huge canvases. The effect of this is somewhat amazing. If you stand directly in front of the canvas it is almost impossible to discern anything apart from a seemingly random blur of colour. It is only when one steps back that the amazingly intricate features of the human face become apparent.

I found the following Chuck Close piece on an art blog that gives a wonderful description of the piece yet remains starkly oblivious to the

‘Lukas’ by Chuck Close, oil on canvas

Photo: Premshee Pillai (CC)

Neurobonkers

mental condition that enabled it…

“I cannot even imagine the creativity, design sense and fabric knowledge needed to construct this spectacular rug/portrait out of silk and linen. It is an amazing experience to stand in front of it and back up little by little until the montage of colours becomes a face full of character.”

Upon understanding exactly how this work came to be makes the piece just that bit more beautiful.

I find humbling to be able to take a glimpse out of the eyes of someone with this condition. At the same time it is strangely awe-inspiring, in a way that compels the viewer to want to explore their consciousness that bit further (than perhaps is, technically, legally allowed). Until now I thought the art work of individuals with synaesthesia was likely to be the most (naturally) psychologically influenced art to provoke that effect, but that discussion is for another day.

If you think you might have prosopagnosia you can participate in current research virtually in an online test with the prosopagnosia research centre here: http://www.faceblind. org/facetests/ff/ff_intro.php

Debate Battle of Trafalgar: round two Comment &

> April 26 saw the second round of anti-cuts protests (or riots) in London. Both sides have received their share of negative and positive press on the issue. Here, one protester shares his personal account...

Paddy Besiris comment@ westerneye.net he morning of April 26 2011 began with an early start for many across Bristol, with between 40 and 50 coaches heading to the capital for what would be the second largest protest this country has ever seen. Up to 500,000 people took to the streets to oppose the Government’s plans to decimate the public services industry and the welfare state with cuts.

From far and wide people came, Edinburgh, Jersey, Plymouth and many in between. So many students from UWE came to the protest that we had to secure ourselves a coach as UWESU (after promising to mobilise for this protest) failed to do so. This can only be seen as an oversight on the part of our dear leader.

After the wonderful turnout for the NUS demonstration that the UWESU helped to build, it was expected that our Students’ Union would have been keen to help, but alas there were clearly more important things to be doing; streaking at a varsity competition perhaps?

We arrived in London with our intentions explicit: to send this government a message. As we moved closer to parliament more and more people were joining us, there was a real sense of carnival in the air. Only as we crossed Parliament Bridge did we realise the sheer size of the protest, the back of the march could not even be seen.

On the march there were unionists, public sector workers, students, men, women, young, old, all together fighting the Government’s plans.

I’m sure many of you will be aware of the ‘violence’ that occurred on the march; well I’d like to give you my perspective on this. I will start by saying I do not profess to be correct on everything that happened throughout the day; however I will give an honest assessment of what I saw.

After completing the march route we received word that UK Uncut were taking direct actions on Oxford Street and Piccadilly. As we made our way down Oxford Street we saw Topshop had been splattered with paint and that it now had riot officers guarding the entrances. The same was true of other shops like Boots and Vodaphone.

Chants of “Who’s streets? Our streets” echoed around Oxford Circus as numbers swelled shortly before UK Uncut announced the secret destination for their protest.

At 3pm we moved; it was still unknown to us we were marching to the luxury department store Fortnum and Mason’s. Personally, I had never heard of this shop before

Photo: Vertigogen (CC)

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The petrifying South Wales Anarchists (“a network of autonomous collectives who are against all forms of bigotry”) joined in on the march but perhaps that shows what class I’m from. As UK Uncut entered the building I was one of the first with them. Shoppers in Fortnum’s seemed completely unaware of what was happening outside, but maybe that just shows what class they’re from.

It was a strange feeling inside this luxury department store. I witnessed no damage caused to displays or products. I came across a father with two young children that appeared to be quite bewildered by what was happening.

“

On the march there were unionists, public sector workers, students, men, women, young, old, all together fighting the Government’s plans

Taking a moment to explain what was happening, I then continued leafleting the members of the public in the store. When I returned to this family I was surprised and happy to see the smallest child perched on her father shoulders holding a UK Uncut banner. Leaving Fortnum’s listening to the crowd sing “they’ve got Easter eggs for £40 pounds” was an experience; they really did have

Easter eggs for £40.

I was lucky enough to leave before the police decided to arrest everybody. Reports have suggested that the police asked protesters to leave, and assured them that they would not be detained for a peaceful protest, and when they complied they were then arrested. I’ll leave you to form your own opinion on that.

For the next few hours we rejoined the main march along Piccadilly before heading to Trafalgar square where many people had planned to occupy for a night. We arrived at Nelson’s Column to find a street party in full swing; drummers, rappers, small fires and tents dotted everywhere, Reports suggested that there were a ‘few hundred’ people in Trafalgar, although I didn’t conduct a head count the place was rammed, you couldn’t move for people from every walk of life. One protester told me that he was here to “make sure that this unelected bunch of rich boys didn’t get away with the biggest robbery this country had ever seen”.

At around 10pm, as those in Trafalgar began to let their hair down with some dubstep backed up by the drummers, screams of “Pigs! Pigs!” echoed across the site. A small number of police (known as a snatch squad) had slowly walked through Trafalgar and attempted to arrest a protester.

With this everything changed, the music stopped and the atmosphere evaporated, the young man’s friends tried frantically to pull him away from the police, the batons came out, they rained down blows onto anyone they could reach, the police were quickly surrounded and pushed back by the sheer numbers of people there. Some protesters took fences that had been left around the area and began to, as one young man screamed “kettle the police”. Once they were surrounded the police

panicked, they had clearly not anticipated a reaction like this from what was a very peaceful crowd.

Or had they? As within under a minute a police helicopter was circling above and hundreds of riot police from the TSG (territorial support group) were streaming down the stairs of the national gallery.

Truncheon and shield met with head and limb. And the blood of the protesters, who minutes before had been perfectly peaceful, was now flowing under Nelson’s Column.

I cannot express to you the sheer

“

I cannot express to you the sheer terror of watching a wall of shields mercilessly beating all in its path

terror of watching a wall of shields mercilessly beating all in its path regardless of whether protesters were sat on the floor with their hands above their heads. Several protesters took to their knees and bowed to the police but they received a beating for their troubles.

As the number of police continued to rise, some protesters decided to run, fearful of the brutality of the

police. I myself witnessed a police officer break his truncheon in half over a protesters skull, the noise was so deafening that for a moment it seemed everybody stopped as they heard the impact. I believe it is important to ask the question what is the difference between ‘reasonable force’ and ‘attempted murder’? As we have recently seen with the case of Ian Tomlinson there doesn’t seem to be a great deal where the Met are concerned.

As the police began to encircle the remaining protesters I made my escape. I made my way through the streets, in any direction that was away from the police and their batons, as after the last exchange I had taken a truncheon hit to the crotch and to say the least I was in some distress.

As I made my way out of Trafalgar I witnessed something that will haunt me for the rest of my life, a protester was unconscious on the floor, his blood flowing over the pavement. Over him stood a police officer covered in blood splatter his truncheon still drawn, he was now having a chat with a colleague over the protester whose head was gushing blood all over the pavement.

Having never seen so much blood before I was somewhat taken aback.

Moving away quickly, myself and a few others made our way to Hyde Park where we spent the night sitting around camp fires chatting with other people that had been on the protest. In all it was a strange day, one I won’t forget. Particularly for the sheer contempt several police officers showed for the life of protesters.

I hope this article does not deter people from protesting, as it is your right. And if we do not use our rights we will eventually lose them.

Debate 11

WesternEye 16.05.2011

The joy of democracy

> Following on from the previous article, not all of the student body are happy with the actions of the group of activist students involved in protesting and occupying UWE buildings...

Democracy in action? pays for them.

A. Nonymous comment@ westerneye.net his year has been quite a tumultuous one, I’m sure you’ll agree. Amongst all of the student angst of courses, deadlines and fees, the last thing we wanted was to be occupied. The last thing we wanted was for our lecturers to go on strike. The last thing we wanted was for a group of thirty or so students to self-appoint themselves bastions of so-called hope and to try and defend our education. Sorry, did we think our education needed saving?

Unfortunately for us, all this happened in a short space of time.

Where once we relaxed and watched football on a Saturday was suddenly invaded by a rather noisy group, led by the purple hoodie wearing one, proclaiming an occupation. Sorry, I think I’ve just missed a goal there!

I think the proviso here is that we live in a democracy, so we’re allowed to protest, flyer and lobby. So under occupation rules, do we live in a democracy? And really, does anyone care? Here are a few occupation myths that surely need debunking that have littered these pages in previous months: At an AGM how do you best get our message across? Previous AGMs have been civil affairs with only a few people walking out. One sits and votes and respects the rules.

In an occupation AGM, individuals

Photo: Kodak Agfa (CC)

T

are heckled by the occupation if a point isn’t seemingly as good as their point, and then they tell you to give up. When an occupier speaks you are heckled to be deathly silent.

That’s hardly democracy.

How do you get your ideas across?

Usually it’s by talking to people.

Under occupationist democracy, seemingly it’s flyposting all over the University and oh gosh don’t take any of the posters down otherwise you’ll be physically intimidated for not agreeing. That’s hardly democracy.

Is anyone to the right of a full-

on socialist to blame for literally everything? Apparently they are, say the occupation. Unfortunately for them it was the previous Labour government in 2003 who proposed the £3000 fees we have now. So that’s a no then.

Are the less economically secure going to suffer as a result of fees going up? According to the occupation, yes. According to the rational, no. It will be the middle-class that suffer the most: too economically stable to receive grants and bursaries but not Bristol University enough so that Daddy

Are we represented by Colin Offler? A common concern banded about. According to the occupation, very much no. In fact to such an extent they will appear in Colin’s office, and on these prior pages, with gaffer tape across their mouths and waste his time. Apparently they’re not being listened to by the Students’ Union. Colin has been elected, twice, using normal (not occupation) democracy, to represent 30,000 students. The 30 who shout the loudest do not automatically become the ones to represent over the others.

Finally, can the word ‘solidarity’ be used for everything? Not usually. According to Lech Walesa, sometimes, mostly to name trade unions. In occupation democracy, for everything. ‘What are you having for lunch Dave?’ , ‘Don’t know; maybe a free-range, organic, hand-reared lentil sandwich on home-made rye bread.’ ‘Wow. In solidarity, I will have the same.’ ‘Which Ulink are you getting Tom?’ ‘The U5.’ ‘Excellent, I shall get the same in solidarity. Even though it goes nowhere near my house.’

And didn’t we all notice when it all went quiet as soon as the loans came out. The government has done something that the occupation agree with. But we can’t admit that though can we? I wonder what it’s being spent on? Chalk and cider perhaps....?

This article was of course not

“

The last thing we wanted was for a group of thirty or so students to self-appoint themselves bastions of socalled hope and to try and defend our education

meant to cause offence, although is allowed to probably be published under normal democracy (but of course not occupation democracy as it may slightly disagree with some things they have said) and is aimed to balance out the pro-left bias that has plagued the WesternEye for the past several months.

Yours in solidarity, The silent majority who want to get on with their studies and not have politics shouted in their faces.

An open letter to the VC...

Alex Williams comment@ westerneye.net

D

ear Steve West and senior management,

I will get to the point by first expressing the thoughts of every language student and member of staff I have spoken to on the issue: please, please, please reconsider your decision to abolish the ULP programmes and MA in Translation, which incidentally has a 145% growth rate in applicants.

It is increasingly a concern among both students and staff that the University management doesn’t seem to be communicating well, or even attempting to communicate its decisions, and its reasoning behind them.

Another worrying element of the saga is that the Students’ Union, an organisation which has the sole purpose of representing the interests of students, has kept rather quiet

“

I’m writing this letter to say it isn’t too late to pause, discuss and include us in this process

over the issue.

As I understand, the University is investing heavily over the next ten years on its infrastructure and on site buildings, including a proposed ‘iconic building’. It seems to me, there is little point in having an impressive campus when the University itself is resting on shaky

Photo: William Arthur Fine Stationary (CC)

> A concerned language student writes openly to the Vice-Chancellor and senior management about the decision to completely cut language courses at UWE

academic foundations.

We understand that the University is looking to excel in the ‘creative industries’, and we understand the logic behind this as it is currently the fastest growing and one of the most profitable sectors in the UK. However, this shouldn’t have to be at the total cost of the language

department.

This University has a duty of care to students and staff which, at the moment, doesn’t feel like it is being pursued at all. Management really doesn’t grasp just how upset the staff are about the decision and the way it has been taken.

Furthermore, not once in this

‘consultation process’ have we as language students been consulted. We weren’t asked for any suggestions, and as I can gather, neither were the staff. This seems completely autocratic and out of step with how we want our University to be managed. This is not by any means a personal attack and is not aimed at any one individual. That said, the members of staff who I have spoken to have taken this very personally and feel they’ve been treated badly by their employer.

I’m essentially writing this letter to say it isn’t too late to pause, discuss and include us in this process. We are happy to meet with senior management to properly discuss alternatives or compromises which could see fewer people badly affected by the decisions made regarding UWE languages.

If you are reading this letter and would like to show your support for UWE languages, then please sign our online petition at http://tiny.cc/ SaveULP and help us save what we can of our vital University Language Programme.

12 Debate

WesternEye 16.05.2011

Cameron & immigration

> That a Conservative Prime Minister holds an anti-immigration stance does not come as a surprise to many, but the way David Cameron conducted himself in a speech in mid-April was deplorable at best comment@ westerneye.net

T

he content of David Cameron’s speech about immigration wasn’t new - the Conservatives have always run on anti-immigration sentiment. A particularly disingenuous aspect of today’s speech is that in a cynical PR ploy designed to foil claims of racism, Cameron this week stoked an inconsequential debate about Oxford University’s black student intake.

Oxford’s black student intake, whilst important for a very tiny minority, does nothing to address the major issues of equality and social mobility that Conservative policies are doing everything to derail. We are not all in this time of austerity together. Some people are exempth - Cameron, who installed his stylist and personal trainer on the government payroll before backtracking, and royalty on whom £100m weddings are lavished are certainly not on planet Austerity.

It’s rather convenient that when

drastic fiscal cuts are curtailing social mobility and draining the hopes of working people, David Cameron pulls out the immigration card. Immigrants are a small minority of the population, and include many of the hardest working people in the country.

Immigrants carry out many of the most menial jobs that British people won’t do, as well as being part of the highest earning professions that maintain Britain’s economic status. Britain’s post-War revival and social welfare system were built on the backbone of immigrant labour.

Immigrant cleaners, scientists, doctors, nurses - all making vital contributions to our society - are singled out for blame. What about Cameron’s job-slashing, mobilitystopping, outright elitist policies?

Blaming immigrants demonstrates a lack of ideas and using black students who want to go to Oxford as a foil smacks of desperation. Fortunately, the British electorate knows a diversionary tactic when it sees one, and Cameron’s thin veneer is apparent to all

The PM meets Ban-Ki Moon; draconian immigration policy was probably not on the agenda

Photo: The Prime Minister’s Office (CC)

Nyasha Madavo

The magic of the cup lives on

>It is the oldest club football competition in the world, with more participants than any other domestic competition, yet many feel that the FA Cup is past its best, with top sides regularly fielding weakened sides or blooding young players comment@ westerneye.net

T

he FA Cup is a British institution, when a football fan thinks about it a wave of nostalgia floods through their brain. Famous memories have been cemented into the minds of every supporter, no matter what level of the football pyramid their team are based, and as every season comes and goes, more of these defining memories from the competition are created and make their way into the history of English sport.

Gerrard and Cantona’s sensational last gasp wonder strikes in the 1996 and 2006 finals, Giggs’s goal of the decade against Arsenal, Non-League Exeter holding Man United to a draw at Old Trafford in 2005.

These are just four examples of the hundreds of events which will be etched into the memory of many a fan. Even cup narratives that most of us were not around for, such as the ‘Matthews Final’ in 1953, are passed on through generations as if they were a family heirloom.

The debate centering around the importance of the cup was triggered in 2000 when winners

of the previous season, Man United, decided to not enter the competition. Although some may have seen this as the beginning of a downward spiral, it instead gave evidence to show that the football community still held the prestigious tournament in high regard, and were disgusted that British football’s most famous club would just dismiss it in order to play a few money spinning matches against second-rate Australian and Mexican sides in the Brazilian sun.

Since then, the new century has illustrated that the cup is still as popular as ever. In 2010 the highest average attendance was recorded on third round weekend since 1980. On top of this, remarkable cup upsets continue to defy the form book and general rules of ability, with Premiership side Newcastle going down to recently promoted League Two team Stevenage. Even Man United, enemies of the cup 10 years ago, have unintentionally given the competition some propulsion in the last two seasons, by being victims of a cup upset to Leeds in 2010, and by contesting a close match with Non-League Crawley Town this season.

Even those not born in England are aware of the importance of the cup to and its ability to capture

the public’s imagination. Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti explained how he was given the briefing about the cup’s prestige as soon as he arrived in the country: ‘The first thing that the club said to me is that the FA Cup is not the Italian Cup, the club want to win this competition, just like the Premier League or the Champions League.

It’s the same. We want to do the best.’ he said.

So then, there is no doubt that supporters of the 759 teams which entered the FA Cup this season will have experiences to look back on, which will evoke fond memories of this period in their lives. This is what makes the FA Cup a timeless competition, and one which manifests itself into the identity of football in this country. So as Sepp Blatter and his gang of ageing FIFA cronies attempt to do anything ‘legitimately’ possible to alter the sport for financial gain, the Football Association Challenge Cup will remain intact and will never lose its magic.

Past it, or still as relevant as ever? The debate continues

Photo: Jim Moran (CC)

Paul Hill

Comments expressed in these pages do not necessarily represent the views of WesternEye

Debate 13

WesternEye 16.05.2011

Blasphemy resolutions under the guise of respect > Why one student thinks we shouldn’t be fooled by the Organisation of Islamic Conference’s pious deception Oscar Clarke comment@ westerneye.net

I

n August 1990 the Organisation of Islamic Conference - which has a permanent delegation to the United Nations and represents 57 member states - adopted its response to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam. This barbarous piece of legislation, introduced a year after Ayatollah Khomeini had offered money to anyone who could murder Salman Rushdie, proclaimed in Article 10: “Islam is the religion of unspoiled nature. It is prohibited to exercise any form of compulsion on man or to exploit his poverty or ignorance in order to convert him to another religion or to atheism”.

An all too rare (and not even particularly subtle) admission, you might agree, of the two main weapons employed by religions against their followers - their poverty and ignorance. The penultimate Article (24) states, “all rights and freedoms stipulated in this declaration are subject to Islamic Sharia,” giving way to Article 25, which concludes, “the Islamic Sharia is the only source of reference for the explanation or clarification of any of the articles of this declaration”. You couldn’t ask for a more lucid explanation.

The stance of the Organisation of Islamic Conference on human rights is Sharia - God’s law. Now forgive me if I condescend, but democrats understand law to be created by humans for humans (society). If you award your laws divine provenance you no longer need to satisfy the people with an explanation - God’s law is the definitive totalitarian decree, “the worst of all tyranny,” as Tom Paine put it. Ivan Karamazov had it the wrong way about when he said anything is permissible without God. Using its considerable lobbying power, the OIC began to make efforts to see its own version of human rights realised by UN legislation. In 1999, on behalf of the OIC, Pakistan brought a resolution entitled “Defamation of Islam” before the UN Commission on Human Rights - what is now called the UN Human Rights Council (currently and notably constituted of a hefty proportion of human rights abusers: China; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Cuba…).

The OIC, clearly only concerned

by Islamic interests, saw this first resolution adopted, but had to settle for a name change; as to include all religions, it became the “defamation of religions” resolution. This first victory obviously encouraged them, and they’ve continued to hassle the UN with similar resolutions since. For instance, one passed by the HRC in 2008, part of which was phrased in the following: “Respect of religions and their protection from contempt is an essential element conductive for the exercise by all of the right to

“

What can we say for Pakistan, which has fronted so many of the OIC’s advances?

The OIC has consistently made efforts to see its own version of human rights realised by the UN freedom of thought, conscience and religion.”

I disagree. Who else asks us to respect their beliefs? Astrologers?

Flat Earth Society Members? No. If they did, they know what our response would be. Believe what you like; say what you like, but don’t demand my respect for it.

In March 2009, “Defamation of Religion” was officially condemned by the HRC as a human rights violation, after another resolution Pakistan had brought forward. Exactly a year later, it was Pakistan again who promulgated a resolution entitled “combating the defamation of religion;” predictably, Islam was the only religion mentioned in the text which sought to condemn Islamophobic behaviour - and this resolution was passed. (An aside on Islamophobia - Salman Rushdie was one of 12 writers to put his name to a statement which repudiated this contemptible post 9/11 phrase, as “a wretched concept that confuses criticism of Islam as a religion and stigmatisation of those who believe in it”. As the Islamic penalty for apostasy is death, moreover, the fear felt by those brought up in the religion, in states where this is enforced, can hardly be termed irrational.)

By November last year, the OIC had completed the metamorphosis of the resolution; what started as the “defamation of Islam”, had become the “vilification of religions”. As this was now being brought before the General Assembly they buttered up their rhetoric, adding the ridiculous terms Judeophobia and Christianophobia to their proposal - and the General Assembly bought

it hook, line, and sinker, voting to adopt the resolution. (Interesting to see Venezuela was one of those to vote in favour of the resolution.

Unsurprising, of course, as Chavez is so cosy with the Iranian Mullahs that they even erected a statue of Bolivar in Tehran.)

What can we say for Pakistan, which has fronted so many of the OIC’s advances? This is the same Pakistan where Salman Rushdie effigies were burning as the Iranian dictator put a bounty on his head.

It was in Pakistan, though not exclusively in Pakistan, that the Danish embassy was bombed after the Jyllands-Posten ‘controversy’ -

the world’s most ghastly cities, where suicide murderers strike routinely; Pakistan’s liberal and democratic forces are being intimidated as Afghanistan’s once were. Taseer’s killer was showered with rose petals as he entered court exclaiming himself a “slave of the prophet”, while the country’s president was too frightened to attend his friend and ally’s funeral.

The law itself is a relic of Gen. Mohammad Zia ul-Haq’s military dictatorship. Successive attempts to scrap it have failed though, because the Islamists who terrorise the streets won’t budge an inch.

Our mistake could be ceding an

OIC member states a violation of diplomatic immunity one would think the UN might take seriously; yet the international community reserved its opprobrium for Denmark! To Shame! This January, it was in Pakistan that the politician Salmaan Taseer was murdered by his own bodyguard for expressing opposition to the blasphemy law which Christian mother of five, Asia Bibi, was not long ago sentenced to death for breaking.

Islamabad has become one of

inch in the first place; the UN need only look to Pakistan to see how what is ostensibly a democracy can be shamed by totalitarian ideology. Human rights in Islam is an oxymoron. What’s more, the OIC’s blasphemy law is an inane answer to a question solved a long time ago in America: the same Amendment that guarantees free speech assures the freedom of religion.

Features Personal autonomy vs. the sanctioning of ‘murder’

The right to control your life

> The debate on assisted suicide/euthanasia continues, but with more high profile supporters with persuasive arguments in the past year, could we finally see this controversial decision passed?

Michael Whiting

With euthanasia still being illegal in the UK, some terminally ill citizens are forced to take desperate measures

features@westerneye.net n the 28th April 2011 the bodies of Don and Iris Flounders were found at their home in Australia, both having committed suicide. According to The Telegraph, they had travelled to Mexico in 2008 to buy the drug they need for a controlled death. Mr Flounders, 81, who suffered from mesothelioma and his wife, 88, who was unable to live without him, recorded a message to that was played out on YouTube on the 3rd May. Their message tells of their desire to die with Mr. Flounders, commenting that “When I was diagnosed… I knew that I would want to have the choice at the end as to how and when I die”.

This heartbreaking story highlights the tragic central debate over assisted suicide. More and more support is coming from high profile celebrity figures; could we finally see this controversial proposition passed?

Sir Terry Pratchett, the popular author of The Discworld Series, is currently starring in a documentary about assisted suicide that shows the final moments of a terminally ill man as he travels to a Swiss suicide clinic. Pratchett commented that “everybody possessed of a debilitating and incurable disease should be allowed to pick the hour of their death”.

Having been diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s disease in 2008 himself, Pratchett told The Guardian that he wanted to know more about assisted suicide as he travelled to the Dignitas clinic. “ I wanted to know more about Dignitas in case I ever wanted to go there myself.” Euthanasia was also the subject of Pratchett’s Richard Dimbleby lecture in February 2010, of which he said: “I have reached the ­conclusion that a person may make a decision to die because the balance of their mind is level, realistic, pragmatic, stoic and sharp. And that is why I dislike the term ‘assisted suicide’ applied to the carefully thought-out and weighed-up process of having one’s life ended by gentle medical means.”

Pratchett is not the only high profile supporter of euthanasia, as actor Sir Patrick Stewart has also revealed himself as an avid supporter. Stewart told the Sunday times that it “should be a right” and that “Should the time come for me... I would like there to be a choice I might make about how I die”.

Both Sir Patrick and Sir Terry are also patrons of Dignity in Dying, which campaigns for a change in the law on assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.

While some celebrities seem to show their support, how do normal individuals and students feel about this high profile debate?

After conducting research with twenty UWE students, all

Assisted suicide at Dignitas Assisted suicide at Dignitas takes place using the drug Sodium Pentobarbital (NaP), considered by many to be the most humane method of euthanasia. It is the same drug that is commonly used to put animals to sleep.

The Dignitas member who wishes to commit suicide can administer the drug in a number of ways, depending on their state of bodily ability.

If the member can swallow unaided, the dissolved medication will be taken as a drink in approximately 60 ml of water.

If a stomach tube is in place through the nose or in the form of a tube through the abdomen, or if the member has a pre-existing intravenous drip, and if the member, unaided, is able to press the plunger of a syringe filled with the medication and attached to that tube or drip, then the medication will be administered this way.

If the member has a stomach tube or intravenous drip but is not able, unaided, to use a syringe to administer the medication then DIGNITAS can provide an easy-to-handle remote control which they can activate with a small movement (e.g. a finger, toe or jaw) to start the attached pump.

If an artificial breathing device is being used, the member must also activate the so-called ‘power terminator’ which will independently interrupt the power supply soon after they take the medication and shut down the artificial breathing device.

“

I have reached the c­ onclusion that a person may make a decision to die because the balance of their mind is level, realistic, pragmatic, stoic and sharp

based at different campuses and studying different subjects, there was a mixed response of whether euthanasia should be legalised. Second year Philosophy student Joshua Villar agreed that it should be passed, stating that “the right to die is important to validate the right to life”. History student Meg Pickup said that while she agrees, she believes it is “not a snap decision” and “there should be vigorous testing over time and professional analysis before anything is decided.”

There were also those asked that rejected the passing of euthanasia. Criminology student Scott Druce disagreed, stating that “Once someone has died, it’s difficult to distinguish whether they have asked to die, or if they have been killed”. Second year Physiotherapy student, Kieran Parker, also disagreed saying that “we should be using our medical knowledge to preserve and lengthen life, not shorten it”

Photo: Epsos.de (CC)

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While there seems to be support for the idea that people who are terminally ill should be able end their misery, what about the other side of the argument? Assisted suicide can be seen as murder and if the patient is unable to respond, this awful decision will rest in the hands of a doctor and the person’s medical proxy, usually a close relative.

A Daily Mail article by Steve Doughty suggests that suicide drugs could be purchased by the sick or disabled at local chemists in time. According to a report prepared for the pressure group Living And Dying Well, set up last year to canvass debate over the risks of assisted dying, there is caution expressed that the passing of assisted suicide into legality could lead to ‘doctor shopping’, where people would be able to speak to a number of doctors about acquiring these euthanasia drugs for use outside of the purview of the law: “There is no reason why, if assisted dying were ever to be legalised, lethal drugs could not be prescribed by a physician, nurse or pharmacist (for these latter, as well as doctors, can legally prescribe), acting outside the parameters of health care”.

While the idea of individuals going to the doctors to buy suicide drugs seems completely absurd, especially when suggested by the Daily Mail, this could certainly become a possibility. Assisted suicide organisation Exit want to make the practice easier, especially for those who are elderly. Having helped 257 people die last year, the organisation stated that they hoped to rid the “unnecessary hurdles placed in the way of the aged who are of a sound mind and wish to die”.

The organization also commented that their membership increased by 4,000 last year as a response to moves by both local and national authorities for tighter controls over assisted suicide services.

Like any long decision about politics or religion, in this author’s mind, the Assisted Suicide debate will continue into the future without any major decision. If euthanasia is made legal in the UK then there is still more testing and analysis to be done. The decision to end one’s suffering, especially someone close to you, is possibly the most important of all.

The legalisation of it needs to be treated as such.

Features 15

WesternEye 16.05.2011

Activities President gives a candid interview about his time in office

So, how was it for you?

“

> Terry Atkinson was in charge of all things under the rather general bracket of ‘activities’ for UWESU in 2010/11.

After an exciting year, WesternEye had Terry in for a few cups of tea and a rather interesting chat... editor@westerneye.net

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ow would you describe your year working for UWESU? Well, that is a tough one. Honestly? Stressful, emotional, in places unforgiving but also in some places fun.

What was the main purpose of your role?

To be the figurehead of all things Activities related e.g., Societies, volunteering, to an EXTENT events, media etc. .... and the small matter of being a trustee of the organisation.

What were the major challenges of your role?

Strolling in on the 21st June 2010 and automatically expecting to know what the hell I was doing.

Sometimes it was a bit of a joke; trying to keep a straight face when I saw an ‘Anarchists United and Constructed Flag’ during the London March. I really wanted to go up to them to point out the irony, but they were afraid to show their faces and they looked ‘Scary’ and they might of ..I dunno...tried to steal my gran’s pension...!, However, the biggest challenge was during the occupation of Core24. Someone in that group, and honestly I don’t know who, had the nerve to scream “Terry, you’re scum!” at the top of their lungs across the courtyard. I thought ‘how dare you’; I spent a lot of time talking and visiting those students throughout the time they spent there, trying to do my best. But as my role progressed along the year it became very apparent that a lot of people need to grow up and realise that though you can’t always get what you specifically want in life, but it doesn’t mean you have to be a dick about it. Apart from that, I had great fun with the majority of the occupation crowd.

have seen several Sabbaticals come and go, and a few stick with me for good reasons. However, it does seem to be used in some cases as a personal platform to achieve your own agenda, be it financial or political.

I am NOT a politician. Perhaps you need to be in this role.

...we do a hell of a lot each day improving experiences of students who are scared, alone or just feeling isolated that cannot be published

Do you feel that the SU Presidents are really completely in charge of the organisation? If this is the case, why do you think the non-elected SU staff members salaries are so much higher than the elected officers?

Let’s be honest, would you feel comfortable if a newly elected teenager was given the keys to a multi million pound charity but not having any experience in driving it before?

No. That would be crazy. As a President you take what the students want and try and fit it into the organisation and the University. You need experienced staff to help you adjust and fulfil your obligation (within reason). Those staff need a wage, that is the reality of the world. People need money to live, this seems to shoot over some people’s heads! Salaries have to remain competitive to keep the staff that are experienced in this field. Sabbs come and go after a year or two. Staff on the whole remain. For £18263.00 it’s a hell of a learning curve.

To be honest, with everything I attend weekly and lunch in the SU, it’s not a lot to live on. First bus drivers get more than me and have to clean up less crap!

All images by UWESU

Interview by George Rowe

What were the major successes of your year?

A record number of societies, none of whom who are in debt. The Activities Awards was great, but mainly just helping people. It’s the things that you can’t record or write down because its someone’s personal life you are dealing with. Those areas that I have helped in mean the most to me. Helping someone seek help or advice, or just generally listening. People trusting me to help them: that is what I consider a success.

Would you describe the current President set-up as effective?

Do you think the new five President Structure is better?

Oh god I hope so. It needs simplifying. Currently the Activities President role includes areas that were just shoved in the remit because it didn’t fit well in any of the others. The role splitting into two next year essentially means that there will be more time to get things done that will be beneficial to the Students’ Union, and less time stuck behind a desk being a bureaucrat.

Do you think the SU is a transparent, democratic organisation?

If so, why? If not, why not?

I think it could do a lot more to show it is transparent. At every Activities Council I informed the attendees of all things to do with the financial side etc to them. I think other Sabbs in the future should do that too. The more you communicate to the membership the less ‘behind closed doors’ you will look, and be.

As for democratic, yes as much as it can be, the elections are run democratically to the point where the most people lose the will to live and keeps the economy ticking over with cigarette sales, but if your face fits or you have a lot of mates voting for you it kind of loses its democratic look, if you see what I mean. I’m not ashamed to say my popularity throughout my time working at the SU bars and as a DJ probably got me elected. God bless Democracy! Your manifesto may be amazing, however I feel the student body is so apathetic now, they don’t even read them. I hope I am wrong.

Do you feel that UWE students are well represented by their elected officers?

In some areas yes, in others no. It is actually a very hard job to do, I just want to stress that point. It doesn’t stop especially in the Sports and Activities centre. People always want to see you and while that is happening you have another meeting to attend to discuss the colour of the sky; ultimately no one agrees and in the end after hours of chatting finally decide it is blue (with a hint of purple). Whilst a student at UWE I

Active man:

(from top) Terry receiving a ‘thank you’ present at Activities Awards from future VP Societies and Communications Safi Henderson, Terry’s fresh faced election image, at ‘The Big Debate’ with Vice-Chancellor Steve West

Have you ever felt pressured by members of SU staff, other Presidents or the University to make certain decisions?

Yes. Do you think that it is right that sports and societies committees are essentially blackmailed into attending e.g.

Activities Council and AGM (they can have their budgets docked for non-attendance)?

There are reasons for doing this ‘blackmailing’ as you guys have so delicately put it.

The difference between committee members and Student Reps’ is that committee members of Clubs and Societies have a Duty of Care to their members. Health and safety, budgets, things like that. You sign up to be a committee member you must FULLY understand your obligation and what it entails. It is like being a Sabb; you get elected, it’s YOUR choice to do this and it’s YOUR job to do what’s best for them. We have to ‘Blackmail’ in order to get people to turn up. We have 47 Societies/networks, and each of them has a committee of a minimum of 3 and each of those committees have to look after a couple of thousand students. If you don’t come to hear all the relevant info, you can’t do your job. It is purely laziness in regards to non-attendance or lack of communication that makes us have to do this. Grow up, essentially: if you tick all the boxes, turn up, you’re going to have a great year and it will look so good on you CV. Also Student Rep’s get paid to attend meetings, our lot don’t...is that fair?

What do you think the Union does well?

Gives grumpy old men like me a job! No, in all seriousness and I think you, the ‘WesternEye’, need to absorb this, we do a hell of a lot each day improving experiences of students who are scared, alone or just feeling isolated that cannot be published. Our members achieve such great things in the name of charity and sport that hardly gets a look in.

We have 47 fantastic Societies and Networks each of them achieving something each week. Perhaps we need to get that out there more to show it’s not all doom and gloom, there are positives that I am genuinely going to miss. We also have a great working relationship with the Vice-Chancellor; his predecessor was a nightmare so if you disagree with what I am saying have a look at the archives.

What do you think the Union needs to do better?

Communicate to its members, not take itself so seriously and take the time to engage with students (engage, TALK to, not try and seduce...) Get to know them; a face to face conversation is so much better than another bloody student survey. Everyone is different, that is true, but all of us have one thing in common and that is we are at university to better our lives. Let’s face it, university is a business now, we are consumers; this is the way of things now, the Union need to make sure the customer is getting what they are paying for.

I think that is definitely possible.

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Bristol & UWE U W E

Sport

T H E ‘P R O P S’ C H A R I T Y

V E R S U S

B R I S T O L

VARSITY SERIES 2011

Mens’ football: Ken Oni shines as UWE win epic battle Tennis: 6-6

Ben Brown

sport@westerneye.net

O

n a warm spring evening Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium was rocking as the UWE fans witnessed a comeback of epic proportions.

UWE’s resilience and spirit shone through as they emerged as 2011 varsity football champions. Ken Oni lead from the front in a man of the match performance, but the whole team deserve a huge congratulations for the character they showed to bring the game back from 3-1 down to 3-3, before winning 4-3 on penalties.

UWE didn’t let Bristol’s second minute goal dash away their hopes as Sean Downing scored from what looked like an impossible angle ten minutes later. The old adage of being at your most vulnerable just after scoring was proved as 5 minutes later UWE gave away a cheap free kick on the edge of the area. Jason Lewis pulled off an excellent save but was helpless with the rebound, as the Bristol striker hammered the ball into the roof of the net from point blank range. But UWE showed character by pressing hard and dominated much of the first half until Bristol scored a curling shot from a free kick that David Beckham would have been proud of.

UWE had a mountain to climb, and that mountain would have been a whole lot steeper if Sean Downing

hadn’t grabbed his second with a looping header over the helpless Bristol goalkeeper.

With UWE trailing at the interval of an energetic end-to-end game, they knew they had to fight hard in the second half. They were piling on the pressure, leaving Bristol on the back foot for much of the game. They also kept things tight at the back as the solid back four restricted Bristol to a series of ambitious long shots. A superb counter attack on the hour mark allowed Ken Oni through on goal. His shot was deflected and looped over the goalkeeper. Oni was first to react as he ran to tap the ball in to an open net, only to be left with the tightest of angles and see his shot come off the post and out for a goal kick.

The pressure was really mounting on the University of Bristol as UWE had chance after chance, each one going agonizingly wide. All the hard work payed off in the seventieth minute as a dangerous ball in from a corner fell kindly to Ken Oni, who made no mistake this time as he tapped in the equaliser. The Bristol fans were silenced, and the UWE end was electric as they taunted the opposition with the chant: “3-1 and you f**ked it up!” This goal spurred both teams on as the Bristol goalkeeper was forced to pull off an acrobatic save in the seventy-sixth minute to deny a fourth UWE goal from what was a

fantastic header from the penalty spot. Bristol however, were still being limited to long shots by UWE’s rocksolid defence.

UWE had another chance ten minutes from time which was deflected

“

they taunted the opposition with the chant: ‘3-1, and you f**ked it up!’

wide, before they found themselves through again outnumbering the Bristol defence three to one. The two other players were not used and instead the UWE midfielder’s shot went inches wide of the top right hand corner. Five minutes from time UWE played liquid football to set up a shot from the edge of the 18-yard box which produced a fine save from Bristol’s goalkeeper. Bristol began to edge back into the game in the dying minutes as a series of consecutive corners eventually lead to a header from four yards going narrowly wide of the far post. With only seconds remaining, the game looked like heading into a penalty shootout,

before UWE’s number seven timed his last ditch slide tackle badly and gave Bristol a stone wall penalty. UWE could have no arguments. UWE’s chances of staying in the match rested entirely on Jason Lewis’s shoulders and he could not have dreamt a better outcome. He pulled a fabulous save right out of the top draw to deny the penalty taker a winning goal, as well as blocking the rebound shot. A third shot came in which was blocked by the UWE defender as the final whistle blew.

Just as everyone thought that this game could not get any tenser, the penalty shootout began. Bristol opened with a goal, putting the pressure on UWE straight away, especially as Tom Cookman saw his low penalty well saved. Bristol scored their second before Sean Downing added to his two goals with a well taken penalty. Jason Lewis pulled off a stunning save to deny Bristol a third, which left him in a lot of pain.

However after on-the-field treatment, he bravely stepped up to brilliantly save Bristol’s fourth penalty. UWE had discovered a weakness in the Bristol goalkeeper as Ken Oni, Stefan Chubb and Will Pugh all went to the goalkeeper’s right to complete the comeback and give the University of the West of England a memorable victory.

Womens’ football: UWE start strong but lose out

Ben Brown

sport@westerneye.net UWE’s Women were very unfortunate to narrowly lose to the University of Bristol in the 2011 Varsity football match. They played a well organised, cautious game only to end up on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat at the Memorial Stadium.

The first quarter of an hour was dominated by UWE possession-wise as they made a far stronger start to the match than their city rivals. It took 23 minutes before Bristol could get anywhere near the well defended UWE goal as an offside flag denied them what would have otherwise been the goal of the season. UWE

also had a goal disallowed half an hour into the game as the assistant referee gave a dubious offside decision to cancel out the UWE strikers superb burst of pace and tidy finish. This came right after UWE had an excellent chance to go ahead, but the shot was unfortunately straight into the grateful hands of Bristol’s goalkeeper.

Four minutes before half-time UWE had another fantastic chance which was nearly turned into to the Bristol defender’s own net, before she managed to recover and clear off her own goal line. UWE were the better team until Bristol were awarded a penalty kick for a poorly timed tackle in the penalty area. Danielle Pearson dived low to her left hand side to pull

off an outstanding save. Not only did she save it, but she managed to hold it, and launch a UWE attack. Bristol ended the first half on top as their attacking pressure was rewarded with a goal right on half-time, as a close range header from a corner sent UWE into the changing rooms feeling shellshocked.

The confidence that goal gave Bristol was clear from the way they conducted themselves in the second forty-five minutes. They dominated the entire second half and made it almost impossible for UWE to get back into the game. Their well rehearsed set pieces and fizzing long shots put UWE under intense pressure as Bristol created a number of chances.

Bristol were winning everything in

the middle of the park and a header from a UWE goal kick put Bristol’s Aleisha Hazard through on goal in the seventy-second minute.

Although the UWE goalkeeper produced a first-rate point blank save, she was helpless with the rebound and Bristol scored what proved to be the winner. Bristol then sat back to see out the victory, leaving UWE with nothing but one long range efforts hit straight at the goalkeeper to take out of the second half. UWE started the game superbly and looked by far the best team from the off.

However, they were extremely unfortunate to concede at the worst possible time which caused them to struggle psychologically in the second half.

Beatrice Scott

sport@westerneye.net

T

his year’s tennis varsity series came in the form of 4 mixed doubles, 4 men’s singles and 4 women’s singles. The day began with the mixed doubles and unfortunately got off to a poor start, going 3-1 down with Ben Calnan and Katie Bevan winning the only doubles. Next came the singles, which UWE faired much better in, with Ben West and George Tripp both winning their matches, Georgie Darley had a long 3 set match eventually coming out on top and winning the only singles match for the girls on the day. Unfortunately Beatrice Scott and Emma Thompson were both unsuccessful in their singles with the Bristol Uni girls just playing that little bit better.

At this point UWE were just 5-4 down overall and after Ben Calnan claiming a comfortable win and Dan Mock coming through a tough match on top, UWE were in the lead for the first time that day 6-5 with Katie Bevan left to finish. Bevan had won the first set by the time everyone surrounded the court to watch and after a close second set, she just lost it so it was down to a third set tie-break. The tiebreak was very tense, going on serve for each point until eventually the girl from Bristol Uni managed to break Bevan’s serve to take the lead and finally win the match, resulting in a draw overall 6 matches each.

UWE Men’s team had a really good day with all of them winning their singles matches, a great end to a great season for the team and overall it was a really good result for UWE Tennis, seeing as we were playing the Bristol Men’s and Women’s 1st teams who are both in the division above the UWE Men’s and Women’s 1st teams in the BUCS leagues.

18 Sport

U W E

T H E ‘P R O P S’ C H A R I T Y

V E R S U S

B R I S WesternEye T O L 16.05.2011

VARSITY

S Ebut R Inarrowly E S 2lose 0 1out1 to league champs Rugby: UWE fight hard Toby Prior

sport@westerneye.net s the sun slowly set beneath the city’s skyline and kickoff drew nearer, the atmosphere in the packed east stand became increasingly more electric by the minute. Expectations were high amongst the supporters, but for those who had been following the 1st XV’s debut season in the premier division, there was perhaps less cause for optimism.

Having been promoted to BUCS Premier South last season, the team had geared up to square off against the big boys of the university rugby circuit, including home and away fixtures against Bath, Bristol and UWIC. As the new boys on the block, it was never going to be easy for UWE and despite the acquisition of Bristol RFC academy stars Mike Wilcox, who captained the England u18 team in 2009, Liam Wilkinson, an England u18 back row forward and Marco Mama who played 4 first team games for Bristol last season in the British and Irish Cup, through the newly introduced scholarship scheme offered to the Bristol rugby academy, the premier division debutantes failed to adjust to the pace and rapidly sank to the bottom of the table. By the time they had stabilised their performances it was too late to avoid relegation.

Amongst the many disappointments were two heavy defeats to arch rivals Bristol University, making this year’s varsity fixture seem something of a thankless task for UWE. But it hadn’t all been doom and gloom; a season in the trenches, if nothing else, hardens your resolve. And there is no better way of testing your progress as a team than playing some of the best sides in the country week after week. And towards the end of the season, narrow and gritty defeats against Hartpury and Swansea showed how much the side had improved. They had one last chance to salvage their season by throwing everything they had at Bristol in the varsity fixture.

With kick-off imminent, a battle hardened UWE team took the field, captained by long term servant to UWE rugby, Matt Humphries. A physically imposing and confident Bristol side stood opposite and it was clear they

Photo: Chris Hedges

A

UWE fought hard and gave a great performance after what has been a tough season would have to start well to have a good chance of winning the game.

The Bristol fly half got proceedings started with a lofted kick deep into UWE territory. The opening exchanges were frantic and physical, with UWE showing signs of early nerves, conceding a couple of early knock-ons.

Bristol had been winning the contact in the first few phases and managed to put together the first real chance of the match, exploiting an overlap on UWE’s blindside. But good cover tackling and poor execution by Bristol resulted in a lineout on UWE’s 22 metre line. It wasn’t long before Bristol were on the attack again, but this time through their huge set of forwards. The rolling maul was their weapon of choice and it gradually took its toll on an increasingly desperate UWE defence. Nervous UWE supporters were on the edges of their seats as Bristol’s highly effective maul rolled ever closer to the UWE line. Big tackles around the fringes from UWE’s back row were not enough to prevent the inevitable and Bristol touched down to go 5-0 up early on. A missed conversion meant UWE could take the lead with one score and the

UWE squash round-up James Ryan

sport@westerneye.net

H

aving securing the most BUCS points out of all the sports at UWE last year, squash is growing and trying to make its place in UWE history!

In any sport there is the potential for greatness, to leave a mark in history that future athletes and spectators will come to respect and admire. Having started my UWE Squash escapades four years ago, when the club was still in its infancy, the level of development is truly admirable.

The 2010/11 season has seen the

introduction of a men’s third team and continuous progression of women’s squash, with the first ladies team introduced in the previous season.

This level of development continues with both men’s and ladies teams now receiving world class coaching from Hadrian Stiff (previous world no. 50) and James Snell (world no.

94). Team members are coached to improve skills, undertake intense strength and conditioning training to push both individuals and UWE Squash to the pinnacle of their capabilities.

Year-on-year the level of individual talent that graces the UWE squash courts is remarkable and is growing

team set about launching an attack from the restart. Tension mounted as UWE managed to get themselves some good field position and retain possession of the ball in Bristol’s half.

Finally the opportunity came when wing Spencer Sutherland and fullback Glen Lewis linked well at speed, but the opportunity went begging as the ball was knocked on. UWE remained in the Bristol half long enough to force a penalty and managed to claw back 3 points through the boot of scrum half Jack Conway, taking the score to 5-3 with 20 minutes gone.

Bristol’s experience then took hold and they showed why they had been so dominant in the division over the course of the season. Maintaining a prolonged spell of possession in UWE’s half, they strung together phase after phase, putting UWE on the back foot and eventually running in another try and earning a kicked penalty before UWE managed to regain possession.

The missed conversion by Bristol kept the score within sight for UWE but it was clear they needed to fill the gaps and start putting some points on the board if they were to prevent the

opposition from running away with the game. UWE’s chance came when some good tactical kicking by fly half Alex Jeavons lead to a lineout 5 metres out from Bristol’s try line. Both the players and the crowd sensed the importance of this opportunity, and UWE RFC did not disappoint. A clever one-two exchange between Bristol Academy star, Marco Mama, and hooker Alistair Widdop resulted in a try in the corner for UWE. The crowd erupted and the atmosphere lifted dramatically. UWE were back in the game. The score at half time: 13-10.

One can only imagine what was said in the UWE changing rooms during the break, but judging by the way in which UWE started the second half it must have been something along the lines of, “You want it? Go f*cking get it!”

UWE attacks had Bristol reeling on several occasions, bulldozing carries from UWE’s forwards and centre Ryan Edwards left the Bristol defences shell shocked and struggling to maintain its organisation. UWE continued to batter Bristol’s defence repeatedly in the following few phases, earning a kickable penalty, only to have it drift

continuously with the expansion of the club. It is clear to see the wealth of ability we have, with Mohamed El Shorbagy (world no. 9), Lucas Serme (world no. 181), and Mike Harris (world no.289). Between them they took first, second and third positions respectively at the BUCS individual championship in the A group! With also Konrad Tyma (world no.382) competing well in the B group.

The teams missed out on silver ware this year but weren’t without success. The men’s first team finished in a hard fought and commendable second place in the BUCS 1A division, whilst the men’s second and third teams and ladies team all had some good results in their respective divisions.

Next season it is planned to utilise the talents of our top players to give more strength and depth throughout the squad. However there must be continuous training and development not for just our competitive teams but to the social side of the club. We must ensure we keep growing, so why not come see us at fresher’s fair or take part in our give it ago week!

This year we will be holding a club championships open to all paid members! There will be two tournaments for male and female players of all abilities. A bit of fun and ‘healthy’ competition with some individual aspirations of glory.

Trophies and plaques will be awarded for the winner. If you’re interested see our Facebook page for information,

agonisingly wide of the posts. But UWE were determined not to come away from the Bristol red zone empty handed. The combination of quick ball and hard running led to UWE crashing over the Bristol try line and taking the lead for the first time 13-15.

Bristol re-grouped and did well in containing UWE’s efforts following the try and eventually earned themselves a kickable penalty after a break from inside their own half. Easily slotted by their fly half, they regained the lead 1615. UWE stuck at the task admirably, fronting up to everything Bristol threw at them and attacking with real physicality, skill and width. But just as it had in the first half, Bristol’s rolling maul came back to haunt UWE. Punishing tired legs and yielding another try for Bristol taking the score to 21-15.

Rugby is one of those sports where it’s possible to win ugly; the dark areas of the game, when used effectively, can dictate the outcome for those who control them. And Bristol, sensing a close finish, did just that. A UWE side running on adrenaline were being increasingly riled up by cheap shots and Bristol slowing the ball down. Inevitably, the situation boiled over and both teams engaged in a brawl that lasted nearly 5 minutes. The supporters, incensed by a skirmish clearly started by Bristol, roared their support for their team. But the outcome was unavoidable. Two players from both teams were yellow carded; killing momentum in the UWE attack and allowing Bristol too see out the remainder of the game without conceding. Final score: Bristol 21, UWE 15.

Coming within 6 points of a team who had been so dominant in the BUCS table all season was a real achievement for UWE. The supporters left the stadium, proud of their side’s performance and in the knowledge that if a couple of decisions had gone the other way, it could have been a very different result. With the experienced gained over the course of a very difficult season for UWE, they will surely come back into the fray next year better prepared and fight hard for promotion into the premier division once again.

We’ll get ‘em next year!

easy to find: “UWE squash club”.

Special mentions for Alex Kingsley (President) and Mike Harris (Secretary) – their dedication has enabled UWE Squash to make huge strides forward. The club has now evolved to become an established and significant part of the UWE sporting calendar and has the talent, ambition, and determination to become one of the best squash universities in the country. UWE Squash is moving beyond individual and team triumphs, it is establishing a presence and history through social and team development, which will undoubtedly lead to the ‘trophycabinet’ success it truly deserves.

So hopefully we will see you all at fresher’s fair to sign up!

T H E ‘P R O P S’ C H A R I T Y

V E R S U S

B R I S T O L Sport 19

S EBristol R I 17-2 ES Ice Hockey: UWE crush

2 0Netball: 1 1 1sts win! Others don’t

WesternEye 16.05.2011

U W E

VARSITY

Jacob Morris

No bad blood between the teams after a mass brawl and drubbing

sport@westerneye.net

sport@westerneye.net

O

ver 400 students packed out the stands at Bristol ice rink to support their University in the long awaited clash of the 30th March.

It certainly turned out to be one of the most entertaining matches of the season. After finishing 1st in the Division 2 Southern Conference, winning all-but-one of their games, the Bristol Lions were able to relax and enjoy the end of season confrontation by giving the crowd a show to remember.

And what a show it was! During the 2 hour scrimmage there were more body checks than at airport security during rush hour (body checks = a tackle to another player with the shoulder or torso). Over 20 goals were scored, a bench clearance from Bristol led to an all-out brawl on the ice, and a surprise female streaker showed off her skating skills - amongst other things!

Although UWE were tipped as the favourites for this varsity, it was Bristol who opened up the score board with 2 goals in quick succession in the first 10 minutes of the game, scored by Gareth Reid and David Lunn respectively. The second period saw UWE (and Bath Spa) step up their game and start playing some offensive hockey, resulting in a rapid deterioration of the Bristol side. Goals were soon flying in from UWE and it became hard to keep track of who scored what, though one thing is certain: the majority of goals came from James Callum and Bjorn Nostberg. The score line rapidly climbed into double figures, and while Bristol kept pushing forward – causing nervous cries from the crowd as the puck came within inches of the goal line or ricocheted off the pads of goaltender Richard Feist; the UWE defence kept their cool and managed to divert the danger away from the defensive zone. With the

Emma Henderson

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constant stream of UWE goals and an increasingly frustrated Bristol team it was almost inevitable that tempers would reach boiling point...

In ice hockey, it is not uncommon for players to defend their goalie from an attacking player using an ‘appropriate’ level of force. So when Bristol centre David Lunn blasted into the goalie’s crease, it wasn’t long before UWE defenseman Michael Fraser hustled his opponent out of the danger zone.

Unsettled by the roughing, Lunn swung at the Fraser and the fists started to fly. A split second passed before all 10 players on the ice got in on the action and turned this 1-on-1 into a fighting frenzy. The brawl didn’t stop growing there; however, as the Bristol bench couldn’t resist the lure of the fight and jumped onto the ice to help out their fellow teammates.

The crowd had a perfect view as players battled it out up against the Plexiglas behind the UWE goal, while the goaltenders Matt Hollingsworth and Richard Feist exchanged blows at centre ice. When the fighting eventually subsided, there were smiles and handshakes all round, with both sides enjoying the brief confrontation and respecting their opponents’ resolve.

Of course, no varsity would be complete without a mildly intoxicated fan interrupting the play to show off their bare essentials; when it’s a female streaking, it becomes that little bit more special. It takes a Spartan level of courage for a girl with limited skating ability to slip on a pair of hire skates, strip (pretty much) to the bone then slide onto the ice during an all-male hockey match in front of 400 fans. The crowd went crazy for the lacrosse player who glided across the ice, waving to fans, before taking a little tumble as her speed got the better of her (thankfully, no injuries were sustained). The pictures say it all: Josephine Wall, we salute you.

The final whistle of the dramatic grudge match was hailed by a deafening cheer from the UWE crowd, as the winning team celebrated centre ice; the final score standing at 17-2 to UWE. Both Bristol and UWE (and Bath Spa) would like to thank the fans for making their 2nd varsity match an awesome experience, and without doubt a match to remember for years to come.

Become a fan of the Bristol Lions by joining their Facebook page and get information about up and coming fixtures and results.

his year Varsity on 30th March was slightly different, as proceeds went to charity, which was a great idea.

During the series, members from the charity came to watch the matches, and it was brilliant to see everyone enjoying the occasion together.

All four teams had scheduled varsity matches at Coombe Dingle Sports ground, Bristol, however this did not all go to plan due to the unreliable Bristolean weather! Matches were due to start from 1.30pm, but with just over an hour to go, three of the four matches were rescheduled to be at the Centre for Sport. The first team struggled to convince Bristol to change venues, as it would have been held at UWE for a third consecutive year, yet in the end all was resolved and the match was played at the Centre for Sport.

The second team played first with a very tight, fast paced match. Each quarter was almost neck and neck, creating a very tight atmosphere both on and off court. One player came off with an ankle injury too, only adding to the tension and determination to win.

Unfortunately UWE lost within a matter of a few goals which was a great shame as they played so well throughout the tough game. The third team played next and had a lot to look forward to, and hopefully make it the first win for UWE for the day. The thirds played well and put in all their efforts as usual, and worked together as a strong team, yet unfortunately Bristol stepped up and won the match.

UWE Netball’s newcomers, the fourths, were next in line to play. It was their first Varsity match and hoping for a win as their season had almost been unbeaten! By this time, the UWE crowd had swelled and were offering great support. The game was neck and neck the whole way, with each team edging one goal ahead of the other. The first quarter ended with Bristol in the lead by one goal, still with everything to play

UWE runners-up in epic BUCS waterpolo final

Sam Bailey

sport@westerneye.net

T

he UWE water polo squad made the 200 mile round trip to Walsall looking to complete their ‘rags to riches’ campaign to become BUCS Champions of Division 3. Having already exceeded all expectations this season with some fantastic team performances, it was just Edinburgh 2nds who stood in the way of completion of their Cinderella story.

UWE had some good early possession as Bogdan Oleinik continued his undefeated status in the swim offs, however it was Edinburgh who went ahead on the counter attack. And it was soon 2-0 after another swift piece of counter attacking play from a period of UWE possession. Importantly UWE were next on the scoresheet with a quickfire

double to make it 2-2 and it was clear at this point that it was going to be a close game. The play evened out but it was Edinburgh who were proving most clinical at this stage and made it 3-2 followed by another goal from a man up situation to secure a 4-2 lead after the first quarter.

UWE knew they were still very much in this game, but defensively Edinburgh were proving very strong and the opposition goalkeeper was on fine form, denying UWE on several occasions in the second quarter.

UWE were finding it difficult to break through and again it was Edinburgh who struck first to make it 5-2. A breakaway goal from both teams wrapped up a tentative second quarter with the scoreline at 6-3 to the opposition. The third quarter followed a similar pattern, with UWE enjoying large periods of possession, but Edinburgh continued to frustrate them defensively and only conceded

Still smiling after their “devastating defeat” a solitary goal. UWE were also proving how strong they were at the back but conceded twice from man down situations after some ill discipline.

The score was 8-4 going into the final quarter, but UWE would refuse to lay down in what proved to be an epic

finale. An early penalty was converted

by Luke Simpson bringing the score back to 8-5. UWE looked fitter and stronger in the water and Max Vale outmuscled the defence to tee up Simpson for a clinical finish in the pit. UWE seemed to have exploited

for. Following this quarter, UWE carried on fighting with still only a gap of one goal. However, in the last quarter of the game, Bristol drew away from the fourth team with a mere three goal win right in the final minutes of the game, which was, as ever, nail bitingly tense.

The team gave it their all, but sadly lost out to Bristol. This game puts every faith in the fourth team to strive to do better next year, and certainly make it a win for their second Varsity match!

Eventually, after waiting, compromising and being on the phone half the day the first team managed to

get Bristol first team over to UWE after all. This worked out much better for us as we already had umpires, crowds and courts set up at UWE ready to go! The game started, as usual fast and furious with constant goals being scored by both teams. The firsts played extremely well and with the last game of the day, beat Bristol and had the first win of the 2011 series for UWE. At the last whistle the team jumped up with excitement as many of the crowd did as it was a well deserved win.

The day ended with a “proper good UWENC night out” along with UWE Football Rangers, ending up at Platform 1 with many celebrations going on in to the night.

Overall, UWE Netball has had a very successful year in matches, social events and the general running of the club as a whole. I’d like to say a special thank you to all the committee members this year for all their hard work and commitment to the club, and what fun it has been! We can safely say we look forward to another successful and fun year of UWENC in 2011/12.

a weakening Edinburgh defence as Vale and Simpson combined in almost identical fashion on two more occasions and UWE had amazingly turned the game around. UWE looked to have the upper hand but agonisingly failed to capitalise on a man up situation.

Edinburgh countered hard, catching UWE off guard and forced the defence into conceding a penalty with a minute left to go. Sam Bailey in goal guessed the right way but saw his fingertip stop crash into the net off the post. Time was now the enemy and another good stop from the Edinburgh keeper late on confirmed the result.

It was a devastating 9-8 defeat in an epic final. UWE were inconsolable runners-up, but after an excellent season will come again next year when they will step up to Division 2.

Hip Shape and Bristol Fashion

13

Photos - Max Harris

12

Hip Shape and Bristol Fashion

HIP SHAPE AND BRISTOL FASHION

By Jenny Pearce

Everyone knows that money is tight these days. So what must it be like for those wanting to start up a new business? And what if your business is in fashion, an industry dominated by high-street giants such as Primark and H&M? Sadly, it often results in companies taking shortcuts when it comes to being ethical. But Louise Halswell, aged 25 and 2010’s winner of Student Entrepreneur of the Year, tries her hardest to make her company as ethical as possible during the current climate, whilst creating unique clothing that encourages her customers to be adventurous and fun with their style.

I was lucky enough to intern at Fuud, the company run by Louise, an ex-UWE Fine Art student. When she got a break in her Stokes Croft studio from frantically juggling making orders with trying to teach a newbie, we had a chance to discuss her business, her hopes for the future and her advice for other budding entrepreneurs …

You have accomplished a lot for a 25 year old. What are you most proud of?

Starting up my own business and also winning Student Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010, because there is so much competition these days that it is a hard road to choose to go it alone.

Your clothes are so individual and exciting. What is it that inspires you?

Really just being as creative as I can and doing something people haven’t seen before. I try to come up with items that no one else would think of doing.

Your clothes are certainly fresh. The studio is like an Aladdin’s cave of amazing clothing! How would you describe your style?

My style has lots of influences. I love the 80s and using as much colour as possible. I just like having fun with my style and creating statement looks. I like coming up with new and innovative ideas and I also love Japanese fashion - it’s just so fun!

You studied in Bristol and now your studio is here too.

What would you say is the Bristol ‘look’?

The Bristol ‘look’ is an eclectic mix and match of different styles to make one outfit; a mix of DIY, high street and charity shops. It’s very individual.

Please give me some extra style tips! What will you be wearing this summer?

As much colour as I can possibly fit on my body and my onesies made from recycled bedspreads, as they are perfect for festivals.

So, what are your hopes for the future?

In the short term, I would love to get the business to a self sustaining point. In the long run, I want to create a successful brand of cool, alternative street wear and encourage more people to be adventurous with their style. As far as the textiles industry is concerned, it’s very hard to start up a business and keep it 100% ethical with the likes of Primark and Topshop making prices unbeatable. I also want to be able to use only ethically sourced and made materials. The way that fabrics are dyed is destroying our environment and there are too many people working in poor conditions to make them too. At the moment, I recycle all my scraps, I use factories as little as possible and only ones in London, and I have recycled ranges that use a majority of recycled fabrics.

And finally, the question for all those readers out there that fancy a pop at making it themselves; what advice would you give to anyone who would like to start their own business?

Be prepared to work obscenely hard and sacrifice a lot. Be very versatile and perseverance will get you there in the end.

Fuud, a brand consisting of unique and exciting street and festival wear such as versatile hoods, onesies and jumpsuits made from recycled materials, can be found at www.fuudhoods.com and on ASOS marketplace.

The Comedy of Errors

REVIEW: The Comedy of Errors At the Tobacco Factory.

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By Lucia Dobson-Smith

Richard Neale in particular gave an outstanding performance, and probably achieved the most laughs with his energetic portrayal of Dromio of Syracuse.

– THE COMEDY OF ERRORS is arguably among Shakespeare’s greatest comedies. A quintessential confused identity farce, believed to be the Bard’s first comedy, The Comedy of Errors last month received a fine treatment at the hands of Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (SATTF) director Andrew Hilton.

The plot follows the fortunes of two sets of identical twins, one set bought to grow up alongside the other set and serve them as slaves. The twins are separated shortly after birth by a shipwreck; one twin from each set is carried off towards Ephesus, with their mother in tow. Meanwhile, the second twin from each set is carried off towards Syracuse, with father in tow. Raised in separate countries and in ignorance of eachother, hilarity ensues when the twins are once again brought onto common ground in Ephesus. To add to the confusion the twins share both looks and names with their kindred.

Finding actors to play as identical twins must have been something of a challenge, but slave twins Dromio of Syracuse (Richard Neale) and Dromio of Ephesus (Gareth Kennerly) were made to look remarkably similar, at times allowing the audience to experience in the identity confusion firsthand.

Richard Neale in particular gave an outstanding performance, and probably achieved the most laughs with his energetic portrayal of Dromio of Syracuse.

Although a little slow to get moving, with a lengthy exposition by the father, Egeon (David Collins) explaining how his family became separated, the play swiftly gathers pace and the cast manage almost perfect comic timing throughout, without overdoing the slapstick element.

Dorothea Myer-Bennet gives a feisty and formidable interpretation of the commitment-obsessed Adriana, with SATTF regular Ffion Jolly playing her bookish younger sister, Luciana. Myer-Bennet also demonstrates frightening powers of elocution in her furiously paced petition to the Duke (Paul Currier) as the play moves towards its climax.

SATTF once again provide a wonderfully intimate in-theround experience and with sparse sets and scant props, the company truly allow the humour of the play to speak for itself.

The confusion, witty jibes, and fast paced action often provoke uproarious laughter from the audience, particularly in the second half of the play.

Harriet de Winton provides a subdued Edwardian wardrobe for the cast which works well with the toned down sets, and is in contrast to the often garish costume style commonly used in The Comedy of Errors.

With laughs aplenty, the show is a forerunner of many of Shakespeare’s comedies by also retaining a more serious element. The final scenes of the play which see father, mother,

and both sets of twins reunited are particularly moving.

The play transcends the superficiality of many light comedies and is ultimately a tale of finding true identity, family and togetherness. The slave twins have the last exit, which they take, side by side having finally found their brother and their equal.

With a thoroughly enjoyable take on Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, SATTF proves, yet again, that Shakespeare’s works can be accessible, thought-provoking and fun too.

The Comedy of Errors follows the acclaimed Richard II as the second instalment in the company’s annual two-part Shakespeare season. The show achieved a sell-out run at the Tobacco Factory Theatre between the 24th of March and the 30th of April, before moving on to the Exeter Northcott Theatre where it played a successful run until the 14th of May.

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Outside the Law Review Reviewed by Jack Dowell

Outside the Law / The Bronze Medal

TheBronze BronzeMedal Medal The

By Hattie Barnes

OUTSIDE THE LAW is a historical epic that documents the formation of the National Liberation Front during Algeria’s fight for independence from French rule. Director Rachid Bouchareb, a man of dual French-Algerian nationality, attempts to resurrect the ghosts of France’s colonial past whilst associating with contemporary post-colonial themes and issues.

The film follows the lives of three brothers as they each take varying paths offered to them by colonialism. Said moves to the slums of Paris with their mother in search of making his fortune through promoting boxers and prostitutes alike, Messaoud enlists into the French army to fight in Indochina and Abdelkader is an intellectual who becomes radicalized against the French government during eight years of imprisonment and begins to organise the National Liberation Front. Despite their differences, all three become embroiled in a fight for their independence, a fight which highlights the personal price of revolution.

Although Bouchareb does attempt to tackle the racial and cultural boundaries that faced the colonised, the way in which he attempts to do so leaves a gaping hole of moral justice. As the brothers settle into life in the slums of Paris, the film adopts the mise-en-scene of a generic mafia film as pork-pie hats, heavily-lapelled coats and machine guns dominate the screen.

There is even a scene where the leader of a rival political party is strangled from behind whilst he’s eating spaghetti Bolognese. The action quickly descends into a conventional police-attempt-to-catch-the-rebels plot with shoot-outs galore, which only help to mask the politics in order for the predictable narrative to absorb the viewer’s attention.

However, Bouchareb was successful in dragging out the skeletons from the French colonial closet as its debut screening at Cannes last summer was received by a thousand protesters and riot police. Recent uprisings across North Africa and the Middle East have given modern relevance to the issues raised

by Bouchareb in Outside the Law. The scenes of peaceful protest following the immediate end of World War II at the films beginning are reminiscent of those seen throughout Tunis, Algiers and Cairo earlier this year.

Although colonialism in its most potent sense, with countries gaining all economic and political power has ended, elements of it still remain. The U.S heavily subsidises most of the military operations, governmental buildings and judicial systems across North Africa, thus being able to have a hand in the decision making which shapes their political policies and agendas. With this in mind it is difficult to consider whether the formerly colonised nations of North Africa have ever truly gained independence. Colonialism is still driving problems through the world, but in this age it’s sat in the backseat as opposed to directly behind the wheel.

Outside the Law will be screened at the Watershed until May 19th.

MANY BANDS have interesting back-stories, funny ways of meeting and things like that, but The Bronze Medal have a uniquely interesting one: they formed in the autumn of 2009 after two of the foursome (Hillier and Southwell) embarked on a back-packing trip through Southern Europe and Scandinavia, funded, in part, by their busking.

They describe themselves as ‘a four-piece dynamically driven, indie-rock-band from Bristol’ and are comprised of Chris Hillier (vocals/guitar/piano), Robin Southwell (vocals/ guitar/piano), Mike Barnett (bass/vocals) and Rory O’Gorman (drums/percussion/vocals).

Despite being a young band, they have played many a soldout performance across the UK, including sets at festivals, such as Bristol’s Dot to Dot and the Wychwood Festival. They have also played a variety of high-profile supporting sets for bands such as Chapel Club, Anberlin and Brother.

Having formed, rather unconventionally, by playing to whoever would listen to them in crowded foreign tourist traps, the band quickly mastered the art of charming their listeners and their music balances beautifully their poignant lyrics and harmonies with a post-rock rawness of production that, whilst loud, manages to remain rooted in alternative-folk music.

In December 2010 the group recorded their studio debut with the critically acclaimed British producer Richard Formby, who previously produced Wild Beasts and Mogwai. Formby had described the band’s demos as “simply beautiful” and this recording session resulted in four finished tracks: one of these being Milk, which is to be released as their debut single.

The time spent in the studio also saw the boys refine their sound, as they experimented with the whole nature of the recording process, an experience that is bound to prove itself invaluable in the long-term future of the band and their development as musicians.

This year they have garnered much industry interest and after a recent performance at the London venue Monto, Water Rats described the band and their performance as “Powerful, tender and uplifting…Beautifully crafted songs, interesting arrangements and intense throughout. A band not to miss.”

After their performance at last years Harbourside Festival here in Bristol, Venue Magazine described the band as “sublimely powerful and stirringly delicate in equal measure, a stunning performance”.

They are releasing their debut single Milk with East City Records on the 20th June and their Bristol single launch party is being held at Park Street’s The Cooler on the 17th of June.

In July the band will be spending some time writing and recording in France with James Sanger. This summer is set to be a very busy one for them; between writing, recording and a touring schedule that sees them travelling across the Country and Europe for much of the rest of this year. The band will be playing fourteen dates across June and July, including four (confirmed) local dates in Bath, Bristol and Cardiff.

17th June - Bristol Single Launch PartyThe Cooler.

18th June - Bath TBC 29th June - Undertone Cardiff 1st July - Louisiana Bristol You can keep up-to-date with the band through their Facebook, tumblr, and myspace pages. They have also uploaded a variety of demos to these, which are well worth a listen. Robin and Chris have also performed two tracks, Rabbit Hole and a cover of Frightened Rabbit’s track Backwards Walk for Squatter’s Den, that were filmed whilst out and about in Bristol and are available via Youtube.

Photography - The Bronze Medal ©

Festival Preview

Where: Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset When: 8th & 9th July Line up: Sub Focus, Tinie Tempah, Nero, Labrinth, Modestep, Ms Dynamite, Redlight, Dirtyphonics, Flux Pavilion and many more.

Where: Secret location within 1 hour of London When: 11th – 14th August Line up: Gogol Bordello, Goldie Lookin Chain, The King Blues, Ms Dynamite, Toddla T ft. Serocee and many more.

RELENTLESS NASS

BOOMTOWN FAIR

Bristol Harbour Festival promises an event to remember, marking its 40th anniversary with a bang. Being 40 (and organised by the council), this is a more cultured, grown up affair boasting ballet and theatrical performances as well as orchestral music. Not to worry if this isn’t your thing however, as more contemporary music acts are also out in force along with some quirky interactive theatre. From the festival’s position on the quayside, you’ll see boats assembling from across Europe and beyond, and a big fireworks display on the Saturday night. Bottom line? There looks to be a lot going on, so it will definitely be worth having a wonder down there if you are in the area! Again, being free there really is no excuse for missing this – and you won’t want to.

This not-for-profit event sprang out of the ashes of the Ashton Court Festival, which showcased local talent and provided a great focal point for the community. Unless you are something of an aficionado on the Bristol music scene, don’t expect to have heard of many of the line up – but don’t let this put you off. There are ¬ incredible bands who call Bristol ‘home’ and this festival provides a great opportunity to hear something new. The Saturday night event, Rave on Avon, runs from 10pm – 3am with wristband access to 10 venues playing music ranging from dubstep to house. Not only that, but the event plays host to cabaret acts, comedy, circus, poetry, street art, dancers and free workshops. As you can see, this festival has a pretty broad appeal, and would be a great way to kick off the academic year before term gets a bit too serious! Or, looking at another way - a great finale to the summer. Whatever your outlook, you are bound to find something you’ll enjoy here.

Where: Bristol Harbour, across to Castle Park When: 29th – 31st July 2011 Line up: live music, dance areas, circus & street theatre, market stalls and fireworks on Saturday night.

Where: Lloyds amphitheatre, Bristol Harbourside and other venues across Bristol When: 23rd – 25th September Line up: TBA

BRISTOL HARBOUR FESTIVAL

BRISFEST

relentlessnass.com

boomtownfair.co.uk

This event puts action sports together with live drum & bass and dubstep. What a combination! The line up looks to be absolutely unforgiving and if you take nothing else with you to this festival, take pro-plus. Adrenaline junkies – this one is for you. World class BMX, inline, FMX and skateboarders take to the purpose built skate parks and arenas, promising breathtaking performances. There are loads of other activities to entertain yourself with including DJ/MC workshops, Zorbing, live graffiti walls, public skate parks and more.

The festival is also incredibly good value for money, only costing £78 for the weekend. All in all a great recipe for an awesome weekend.

Now 5 years old, BoomTown Fair prides itself on creating a festival town year after year, with the stages named after areas of a fictional city (e.g. Old Town, Downtown, Ghetto town, Mayfair Avenue... you get the idea). With a strong emphasis on outlandish fancy dress and embracing the eccentric – it gives the impression of an authentically wacky weekend. It also plays host to cabaret, comedy, anarchist theatre (whatever that is), decidedly offbeat music and on site art. The line up has a much more eclectic mix than many other festivals, which provides a refreshing change. Ticket prices come in at under the £100 price tag, and would be great if your budget is a bit tight.

The location is also kept secret until 1 week before the event, so expect the unexpected and let your inner weird take charge.

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GLASTONBURY

Where: Worthy Farm, Pilton When: 22nd – 26th June 2011 Line up: With Glastonbury, it’s more a question of who ISN’T playing than who is, but some highlights this year include U2, Beyonce, Coldplay, Elbow, Morrissey, Biffy Clyro, The Chemical Brothers, Queens of the Stoneage, DJ Shadow, The Streets, Skream & Benga, Katy B and Mumford and Sons.

After sun-soaked pictures of last year’s 40th anniversary, and the fact that there will be no Glastonbury 2012 – the scrum for tickets this year was particularly savage. With the resale a distant memory, if you don’t have tickets already you almost certainly won’t be going! If you are one of the lucky few, you should expect a weekend to remember. Glastonbury truly is the mother of all festivals, retaining a friendly village atmosphere while having a population the size of Swansea.

The line up has something for everyone – and it’s a guarantee you’ll never be bored. Even if you didn’t see a single band at Glasto, there’s still plenty to keep yourself entertained with.

The stone circle at sunrise is an absolute must, if you can make it that far! Let’s hope the rain stays away for another year, as the legendary Somerset mud-bath is a force to be reckoned with. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

bristolharbourfestival.co.uk

brisfest.co.uk

Festival Preview

STOKES CROFT STREET FEST

Festival Preview

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This Summer's

By Emma Wood

BEACH BREAK LIVE

Where: Stokes Croft, Bristol When: 21st May 2011 Line up: During the day expect market stalls, food, arts and crafts, graffiti, art exhibitions, live music, and street theatre.

At night expect an after party at venues across Stokes Croft, including The Croft, No. 51, Canteen, the Blue Mountain and Attic.

The street festival is still relatively new, only in its second year. Throw caution to the wind and embrace all that is unconventional about Bristol – for free! Stokes Croft is an area characterised by the leftfield - always challenging convention, rejecting corporate ideals, and packed full of creativity. You won’t be surprised to hear this alternative feel is mirrored in the festival’s ethos. With every pub and bar in the area participating and the transformation of the Bear Pit into a venue, you can look forward to a day (and night) when anything can happen. Last year impromptu performances took place throughout, with one band standing on a substation playing to a huge crowd below. This year should prove no exception. The ‘after-party’ is billed to continue all night, and all you need is an £8 wristband to admit you to the fun. A really exciting event, definitely make sure you are free for this one! stokescroftstreetfest.wordpress.com

DOT–TO–DOT

Where: Various venues across Bristol town centre When: 28th May 2011 Line up: Hurts, We Are Scientists, The Naked and Famous, The Joy Formidable, Ed Sheeran, SBTRKT and more.

Where: Pembrey Country Park, South Wales When: 16th – 20th June 2011 Line up: Tinie Tempah, White Lies, Magnetic Man, Zane Lowe, Nero, Example, Katy B, Beardyman, and more.

Think of a lovechild between freshers week and a miniGlastonbury and you have Beachbreak – a festival created specifically for students. If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been? Posters have been plastered across campus since early January. Cleverly timed to coincide with the end of term, this makes an excellent opportunity to let off some steam, dance away the exam stresses/deadlines and chill out with everyone before they scatter off to their hometowns. Fun and friendly atmosphere with activities including zorbing, surfing, kite surfing and landboarding, you can be sure that there will be plenty to keep you entertained. Being hosted in South Wales though, you can only hope the weather holds out… beachbreaklive.co.uk

Think of a lovechild between freshers week and a mini-Glastonbury and you have Beachbreak – a festival created specifically for students.

If you haven’t heard of it, where have you been?

–

WE, THE PEOPLE FESTIVAL

UPFEST

Where: Tobacco Factory, Hen & Chicken and Spotted Cow pubs, Bristol When: 4th – 5th June 2011 Line up: An Urban paint festival, with live music and market stalls.

upfest.co.uk

dottodotfestival.co.uk

In its 4th year, this is an internationally renowned festival celebrating street art. With 250 urban artists set to descend upon this area of Bristol, along with live acts, a kids area and market stalls this looks to be an interesting event – perfect if you fancy something a bit different. Artists are travelling from 17 countries, so you can be sure that the cream of the artistic crop will be in attendance. Beatboxers are also listed on this year’s bill, something that everyone should experience at least once (if only to marvel at how they do it). As if you need more persuasion, 40 DJs are also set to perform. What more could you ask for? The festival is also completely free, so there is absolutely no excuse for missing this!

Founded in 2005, Dot to Dot is a well established one day festival calling at Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester.

Think Camden Crawl and Great Escape and you’re not far off.

With multiple venues across Bristol and wristband access, this looks to be a great event. Every year, the Dot to Dot line up is packed full of bands destined to be ‘the next big thing’ and this year is no exception. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some of these guys in the more intimate venues, as in a couple of months you probably won’t be able to get tickets to see them for love nor money. Be prepared to queue to get into each place however, as they are likely to have strict capacity rules. This minor drawback aside, for many it will mark the end of exams - providing a fantastic excuse to let your hair down to a pretty cool soundtrack.

Where: Bristol Harbourside When: 4th – 5th June 2011 Line up: Chase and Status, The Streets, Sub Focus, Example, Annie Mac, Roots Manuva, Krafty Kutz and many more A newbie festival in its debut year, the organisers are billing it as a celebration of Bristol’s music scene, and its legacy.

And with a line up like that, they have certainly proved they aren’t messing about. With a belting list of dance acts this is guaranteed to be one you’ll remember (or perhaps not, depending on your alcohol consumption!). On a different note, The Streets recently announced that it is the end of the road for them, so this is probably your last opportunity to see them live – definitely not to be missed. Being around the end of term, this is a great final blowout for the academic year and a great way to kick off the summer. wethepeoplefestival.co.uk/

Degree Show Preview - 2011

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JOE WALDRON BA ILLUSTRATION Joe Waldron has accelerated through this degree with a certain sense of modesty that really does not reflect his talent. Concentrating on capturing emotion through the use of characters Joe really is peaking at the right moment. His colour palette ain't too bad either! Joe's most recent book was highly commended by the MacMillan childrens book prize; this was a great achievement as he has only recetly adapted his style towards a younger audience.

MEGAN PARROTT BA DRAWING AND APPLIED ARTS

Megan's work is based upon a brief period of illness whilst travelling in nepal in which she involved visual and olfactory hallucinations. Using various printmaking techniques (etching, screenprinting, lithography) alongside photography and drawing she has attempted to explore and communicate this confusing multi-sensory experience.

CLARE SHORROCK BA ILLUSTRATION Claire Shorrock is interested in editorial and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s illustration, and was recently awarded highly commended in the MacMillan childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book competition as well as winning the Bristol Short Story Prize cover. She intends on living and working in Bristol after graduating.

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

REBECCA HARPER BA DRAWING AND APPLIED ARTS With drawing as a lynch pin, Rebecca's multi disciplinary practice utilises print, photography, installation and performance. Sketchbooks have also been an accessible portable depository: instantaneous recording of observation and holding thoughts is key to her practice.

Within the studio Rebecca have been working in a space named the Shed Head.

The Shed Head , which acts a multi functional space, essentially a diary that converts from being an enclosed private space to a theatrical performative space.

This current work deals with the escapism, distortion and subtle surreality inherent in the transition from childhood to adulthood and vice versa, using the autobiographical alongside my interpretation of social dynamics and the observation of the strangers that surround us.

CLAIRE SUZANN TAYLOR BA GRAPHIC DESIGN Claires work is about how to become an optimist... As apparently she is a very pessimistic person.

Research has shown that pessimistic people are more likely to have bad things happen to them.

Miss Taylor wants to know if it is possible to become an 'optimist' or are you stuck being a certain way. She is currently exploring pessimism in the media , using quotations and facts sourced and then creating weekly responses to this information .

LOUIS LABRON-JOHNSON BA ILLUSTRATION Louis is currently studying Illustration, where he has developed an affinity for narrative-based work based around poetry, script and prose. His meticulously crafted artist's books demonstrate a satisfaction in the tangible, made object, challenging an increasingly digitalized industry.

Louisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work draws on Surrealism, the juxtaposition of word and image, and early 20th Century lithography. After graduating, Louis will continue making limited runs of hand-crafted books, whilst taking commissions for book covers and editorial work. Working hand-in-hand with publishers and writers provides the perfect conceptual framework for Louis to develop his drawings in.

Degree Show Preview - 2011 Degree Show Preview - 2011

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JANET BRANDON BRANDON JANET MA ANIMATION ANIMATION MA Beneath the Factory Floor was inspired by Janet's hobby of nosing around dead industrial zones. She is haunted Beneath the Factory Floor was inspired by Janet's hobby of nosing around dead industrial zones. She is haunted by the pathos and the echoes of human toil contained between layers of peeling paint. by the pathos and the echoes of human toil contained between layers of peeling paint.

Using timelapse photography and around 130 life size paper cutouts in real locations, the film tells the story Using timelapse photography and around 130 life size paper cutouts in real locations, the film tells the story of a seagull and a fox that are drawn to a empty factory. Once inside they find the gateway to another time. of a seagull and a fox that are drawn to a empty factory. Once inside they find the gateway to another time.

GENEVIEVE BROWN BROWN GENEVIEVE MA TEXTILES TEXTILES MA 'Memory Debris â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 'Memory Debris Between Nostalgia Nostalgia and and Legacy' Legacy' Between This Project is an investigation into sentimentality and the This Project is an investigation into sentimentality and the reinterpretation of inherited customs and cultures in the context reinterpretation of inherited customs and cultures in the context of clothing and identity. As a heuristic examination of the haptic of clothing and identity. As a heuristic examination of the haptic and its ability to depict memory, each piece represents the innate and its ability to depict memory, each piece represents the innate value of clothing as material culture. value of clothing as material culture.

Genevieve's work is predominantly within the discipline of Genevieve's work is predominantly within the discipline of printmaking, exhibiting internationally and with a patent pending printmaking, exhibiting internationally and with a patent pending in a hybrid printmaking technique using laser machinery in in a hybrid printmaking technique using laser machinery in conjunction with textile printing. conjunction with textile printing.

Genevieve is a Lecturer in Fashion / Textiles at Swindon College, Genevieve is a Lecturer in Fashion / Textiles at Swindon College, Wiltshire, UK whilst also studying for an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Wiltshire, UK whilst also studying for an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking at UWE, Bristol.

Printmaking at UWE, Bristol.

Genevieve is the Creative Director and Designer of Contemporary Genevieve is the Creative Director and Designer of Contemporary Cravats and was twice invited to participate in Light Up Bristol, Cravats and was twice invited to participate in Light Up Bristol, having work projected 400 ft wide onto the Council House on having work projected 400 ft wide onto the Council House on College Green, Bristol.

College Green, Bristol.

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Degree Show Preview - 2011

BEATRICE BORGHINI MA ANIMATION Beatrice's project is a short animated film. The technique is the traditional hand drawn animation.

Giovannino Guareschi has written the story, he was an Italian writer famous for the creation of the "Don Camillo" saga about war and liberation.

The tranquil little world of an old farm man and his dog is ravaged by a war played with very peculiar rules. Several soldiers fighting for the liberty of the farm man’s country visit him, but they need his help in the name of Liberty.

They need animals and food and they gradually take everything away, even on the day of the "Liberation".The man has no food left, so he ends up eating his only friend…his dog. Beatrice painted all the backgrounds with watercolors andanimated the film with pencil and paper

MARIA BOWERS MA MULTIDISCIPLINARY PRINT MAKING ‘A Chair for Charlie’ by Bristol MA artist Maria Bowers will be on show at the University of the West of England, as part of the final year show for the MA Multi-Disciplinary Print course, from 11th-16th June 2011. The chair explores the idea of heirlooms and printed onto this chair are images and letters from the artist’s family history.

Most people have a story to tell about their childhood and family, and this is my way of telling of mine to my daughter. Covering furniture with family photographs and memorabilia is an on going theme in her work which has previously been exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy.

Degree Show Preview - 2011

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DEGREE SHOW PREVIEW 2011

LUKE ARCHER BA PHOTOGRAPHY Inspired by a 100 year-old camera inherited from his grandfather, Luke traced its lineage back to Bassano, the famous 19th century society portraitist.

The work he has produced as a result examines the notion of inheritance through photographing descendants of the titled elite first captured using this same equipment.

HANA BAUMAN-LYONS - BA 2D FASHION Sensuous: A Journey Through Beauty Hana Bauman-Lyons is a graduate in 2D fashion. Her book â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sensuosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a reflection on the declining importance of beauty and handcraft in the contemporary world of mass production. Providing an alternative viewing of fashion photography.

An experience that is both emotive and tactile, taking the viewer on her personal journey through beauty. The book is designed to encourage the viewer to take their time in looking through it, interacting with it throughout.

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Featured Artist - Thomas Buttery/Joel Bates

Featured Artist - Thomas Buttery & Joel Bates Level 3 - Media Practice Tri Hita Karana is a live-cinema performance told through multi-screen video projection and live-music directly influenced from Balinese culture.

The documentary explores the Balinese philosophy of the Tri Hita Karana and how disregard for this balance has culminated in the loss of cultural values and a sustainable way of living.

Diversifying from traditional documentary with the use of live performance and modern techniques, the piece is a cultural insight and exploration of documentary.

View the trailer here vimeo.com/22965117

From everyone on the Westworld team, we hope you have enjoyed the read and insight into the goings on within the culture of Bristol. Westworld will be back with a new group, aiming to take the foundation of the paper further. If you are interested in being involved contact - westerneye.net

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Contributors Jennifer Lo Jack Dowell Emma Wood Hattie Barnes Matt Smalley Lucia Dobson-Smith Thomas Buttery & Joel Bates Jenny Pearce

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Contact UWE Publications Frenchay Campus Coldharbour Lane Bristol, BS16 1QY www.westerneye.net

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May 2011

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Exploring Arts, Culture, Music & Film within Bristol.

WESTWORLD

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INCLUDING

Jennifer Lo The Comedy of Errors Festival Preview Outside the Law The Bronze Medal Hip Shape and Bristol Fashion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Degree Show Preview This months issue features a indepth look at some of this years emerging talent.

All students featured can be seen at the show.

FEATURED ARTIST

Thomas Buttery & Joel Bates

Front cover: Jennifer Lo jenniferlo1188@hotmail.co.uk Level 3 Photography Jennifer is a third year photography student with a passion for analogue photographs. Using this medium she aims to create images that project a soft and feminine aesthetic throughout her work.