WesternEye Oct 2011

WesternEye w w w. we s t e r n ey e . n e t

UWE’S STUDENT VOICE - Issue No. 1 - October 2011 Including

UWE stadium to go above and beyond expectations

Photo: Bristish Naturism/Steve Betts. (CC)

WESTWORLD

Life & SU: Going 'au naturel' is the key to feeling comfortable in your own skin >>pg17

Jamie Anderson >20,000 seater stadium set to not only provide entertainment but a vast array of opportunities as well >Local football team to support UWE in making the stadium a reality Bristol Rovers Football Club and the University of the West of England are to join forces with ambitious plans for a purpose built state-of-theart stadium. The plans enable both Bristol Rovers and UWE to develop their high aspirations of becoming ‘dominant forces’ in the South West.

The Stadium, to be named the ‘UWE Stadium’, is managed by Gleeds, an international management and construction consultancy, who have recently been appointed

by UWE and Bristol Rovers Football Club to oversee the exciting project.

The 70 acre area, adjacent to Frenchay Campus, will play host to the 20,000 all-seater community stadium and will be capable of holding fixtures at international level. In addition to this, the stadium will also be used to hold major concerts and events. There will be teaching rooms,

Inside WesternEye

a gym, and facilities to accommodate for interns and the wider community.

The land, bought from Hewlett Packard in October 2008, was originally obtained with the aim of expanding the existing Frenchay Campus from 80 acres to an estimated 150 acres in order to accommodate greater teaching facilities from Fishponds and Bower Ashton.

The overall scheme is thought to be in the region of £60 million, a significant investment for quality facilities by both parties. Bristol Rovers are to sell their current ‘Memorial Stadium’ to Sainsbury’s to assist with the finance of the new project.

“It’s what the club have been striving towards for many years”, says elated Bristol Rovers’ Chairman, Nick Higgs.

Gleeds have subdued fears from local residents regarding the expect-

ed high volume of traffic congestion, as well as possible noise pollution from other events. The stadium is strategically located with excellent transport facilities, including the A4174, Abbey Wood and Parkway train stations as well as various bus services. The transport links will allow volumes of fans to be evenly distributed. The stadium will be a bowl design, which will minimise the impact to the local skyline, and reduce light and noise pollution.

The audacious plans have gained acknowledgment from all areas of the sporting world including Sir Steve Redgrave who toured the site whilst meeting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve West, student representatives and Bristol Rovers’ chairman Nick Higgs.

“UWE welcomes this exciting strategic agreement which will bring tremendous benefits to the University, students and the local community” comments Professor Steve West.

“The development would bring much needed employment opportunities to our region as the Stadium is constructed as well as ongoing employ-

WesternEye speaks to Rizzle Prepare to bare all: the naked Kicks, Kissy Sell Out and Mantruth on naturism chester Orchestra LIFE >> 16

ENTERTAINMENT >> 12

Arts, Culture, Music & Film Supplement

ment as the Stadium operates.”

Five time Olympic gold medallist and rowing legend, Sir Steve Redgrave was introduced to the exciting plans as he visited UWE’s Centre for Sport recently. The ground breaking project will make UWE the first and only university campus with a 20,000 seater stadium, a facility that Sir Steve Redgrave believes is “extremely positive and may help encourage the next generation of British sports stars.”

“I am delighted to have been invited to meet the team involved with what I’m sure will be a superb sporting venue”, says Sir Steve. “It is fantastic that, by pooling their resources, UWE & Bristol Rovers will allow students at the university to have access to the same state-of-the-art facilities as professional sportsmen and women.”

Construction on the site will begin mid-2012 and as plans continue to develop and progress, Terry Langdon, Director of Gleeds, has promised to deliver “above and beyond” the expectations of Bristol Rovers and the University.

The death penalty: is it fair?

Philip Mansell discusses the controversial execution of Troy Davis DEBATE >> 6

Success for young designer Sam Hudson Product Design graduate Will Drake has been short-listed for the national UK heat of the James Dyson Award. This international student design award runs in 18 countries. It is run by the James Dyson Foundation as part of its mission to encourage the next generation of design engineers to challenge, invent, and to be creative. Will’s entry to the competition is a device which uses PVC air bags that fill up simultaneously to create a wave of pressure across the hand, creating compression and massage, which are both beneficial for arthritis. The product also utilizes an infra-red heat pad to give deep, penetrative warmth into the joints to aid movement.

Cont. page 4.

Sleep Trauma: Laura Dale discusses what really causes those night time nasties

UWE sport continues to strive towards greatness despite financial difficulties

FEATURES >> 10

SPORT >> 20

2

News & Politics

WesternEye Oct 2011

Editors’ column For those of you who are new to the paper then let us tell you a little bit about what your student paper can do for you. WesternEye is the independent UWE students’ newspaper - a medium in which students can voice their opinions, display their achievements and gain an insight to all happenings within the university, Bristol and the big wide world!

The paper is written by you and written for you, so do not hesitate to approach us about

KEY News & Politics

SU & Life Debate

Rebecca Day & Sam Hudson

getting involved – we’re hoping for as much contribution as possible this year! If you have anything which you feel will be valuable to our readership, from news that you would like to report on, debates you would like to discuss, events to review to even a little recipe that you’ve mustered up, then we’d love for you to get in touch!

WesternEye is always on the hunt for young, enthusiastic writers and photographers who

want to get their work published, and to become part of this passionate team – it will look fantastic on the CV you know!

This is set to be another successful and eventful year for the student paper, so make sure that you keep up to date by grabbing a copy for yourself (and your friends) from our many distribution locations across campus.

If you would like to join our mailing list to receive information on upcoming story offers or

contact us regarding your own creative ideas then please get in touch through our email address: admin@westerneye.net

THE EDITORS.

UWE graduate sets sights high to follow dream

Features

Ben Brown

Entertainment

newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

>Extreme altitudes, treacherous conditions and reduced oxygen levels. The remarkable lengths a student is prepared to go to achieve her lifetime ambition

Sport

For advertising info please contact :

BAM on 0845 1300 667 or hello@ bamuk.com

A University of the West of England graduate is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime as she prepares to jet off to Nepal to tackle the world’s highest mountain peak.

Mollie Hughes, 21, will become the youngest British female ever to reach the summit of the colossal Mount Everest, should she reach her goal in the spring of next year.

Mount Everest, in the Himalayan mountain range, stands at a whopping 8850 metres (29,029 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point on Earth. The first successful assent was in 1953, and the current youngest British woman to reach the top is Bonita Norris, aged 22, who completed the climb in 2010.

Mollie stated on her website (www. molliehughes.co.uk) that climbing Mount Everest has always been a long term ambition.

UWE’s Student Voice <<

News and Politics Editor Toby Cryne newsandpolitics@westerneye.net Comment and Debate Editor Sarah Adams comment@westerneye.net Features Editor Laura Dale features@westerneye.net Life Editor Charlotte Barnes lifeandsu@westerneye.net

however the real challenge comes from altitude sickness, weather and wind. This makes it one of the toughest physical challenges in the world. Mollie will have to be on the mountain for almost two months to acclimatise to the extreme altitude, treacherous conditions and reduced oxygen levels.

As well as personal pride, Hughes will also be doing this to raise money for her chosen charity, ActionAid. She wants to raise awareness about the incredible work the charity does to combat third world poverty. Mollie is tremendously well travelled and therefore feels very strongly about this issue, as she has witnessed extreme poverty first-hand.

“Climbing Mount Everest is not only a personal challenge for myself but one that could help make a difference to other people through

raising awareness of the extent of poverty faced by many millions of people across the globe”, Mollie tells WesternEye. Hughes is currently looking for sponsors to enable her to climb next year. Details on how to support the 21-year-old in achieving her dream are on her website.

Miss Hughes, a former UWE netball player, went on her first climbing expedition at the tender age of just 17, when she reached the summit of Mount Kenya. Since then she has climbed some of the world’s highest peaks in the Himalayas, the Andes, the High Atlas and East Africa. Mount Everest will certainly be a far tougher challenge and will not only put her in the record books, but will also make her dream come true, having her feel she’s on top of the world – literally!

News editor’s round up: The world in news

WesternEye Editor Rebecca Day Assistant Editor Sam Hudson admin@westerneye.net

“My inspiration for wanting to conquer Everest comes largely from my dissertation project during my last year at UWE”, says Mollie. “I interviewed seven high altitude climbers who had summated Everest.

Through meeting them and assessing their psychological experiences on Everest, I realised it was a mountain I definitely wanted to experience for myself.”

Miss Hughes is currently undergoing an intense training regime with UWE’s sports expert, Steve Lock, to ensure she is at the peak of physical fitness. Her training has also included the assent of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, last July; and Ama Dablam, another mountain in the Himalayas, which will be completed in November and December of this year.

There are no substantial, technical climbing challenges on Mollie’s route;

WestWorld Editor Jenny Pearce westworld@westerneye.net Sub Editor Ed Sharp

Entertainment Editor Emma Wood entertainment@westerneye.net Sports Editor Jamie Anderson sport@westerneye.net Creative Directors Holly Catford www.catford.com Jack Franklin www.iamjackfranklin.co.uk

Toby Cryne Thailand: Worst flooding in 50 years has so far caused deaths of up to 400 people and rice export – of which Thailand is the world’s largest – is to decrease by 20%.

India/UK/Canada: 100 year-old British national of Indian origin, Mr Fauja Singh of Ilford, East London, completes Toronto Waterfront marathon in eight hours, 25 minutes and 16 seconds making him the world’s oldest marathon runner.

France: Francois Hollande elected candidate of the French Socialist Party is to face Nicolas Sarkozy in the 2012 presidential election.

USA/UK: British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon, 33, of Buckinghamshire dies in tragic crash at the Las Vegas Indy 300 race – the first death in the circuit’s 40 year history.

WesternEye is published by University of the West of England Students’ Union, 5th 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 Editors at admin@westerneye.net

Burma: New Law passed by President allowing workers to form unions and go on strike, a liberty that has been withheld since 1962.

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News & Politics 3

WesternEye Oct 2011

Just a month of black history?

> The idea that Black History can be condensed into a single month is a topic of heated debate. WesternEye examines this issue and reports on how UWE is celebrating Black History Month regardless

Aminah Jagne newsandpolitics@westerneye.net The month of October in the UK is home to a nationwide event known as Black History Month. The event, originally titled ‘Negro History Week’ was established by the AfricanAmerican scholar, Dr Carter G Woodson in 1926 in order to counter the fact that African-American contributors “Were overlooked, ignored and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and of the teachers who use them”.

Therefore, Woodson devised an event that would educate both Americans and African-Americans about black history, culture and heritage.

After naturally progressing to the UK BHM, it gained a national profile in 1997 and has continued to develop and grow; now showcasing over 6000 events held nationwide every year.

To commend Black History Month, UWE has been holding weekly showings of films encapsulating the history of Black British culture at St Matthias.

Such films as ‘Fire in Babylon’, ‘Pressure’ and ‘The People’s Account’ have been showing in the campus’ bar over recent weeks.

The final showing, ‘Burning an Illusion’, was screened this week and explored a woman’s desire for middle class respectability and security through marriage.

UWE will also be hosting a display on Black History Month until the 31 October which can be viewed in the main corridor of S Block at Frenchay campus.

Furthermore, UWE joined forces with the University of Bristol this week to host the Love Music Hate Racism event at Start the Bus, which took place on the 25 October. Love Music Hate Racism is a network of gigs and nights that take place country-wide and year round.

It is a well known, unfortunate reality that a core measure of Bristol’s history can be linked to the harrowing portion of African history that was slavery.

As slaves became an increasingly valuable commodity in the 17th century, pressure from The Society of Merchant Ventures in Bristol resulted in permission being granted by the government for ports around the UK to have a ‘share in the African trade’.

The first slave ship named the ‘Beginning’ sailed from Bristol in 1698, travelling to the coast of Africa and then onto Jamaica, where the transported slaves were sold.

Bristol’s ideal trading position and pre-established port enabled the city to become increasingly wealthy from its involvement in slave trade, with over 2000 ships having sailed from the city to Africa, the Caribbean and America, over the century.

By the mid-1700s, Bristol was residence to many successful slave traders and plantation owners including John Pinney, whose self-built home is now open to the public (a six-storey example of Bristol’s profit from the trade) as part of the Bristol

city Museum and Art Gallery.

Another display of Bristol’s history with the slave trade can be seen in the Theatre Royal which benefited greatly from successful shipping merchants’ financial input, most of whom had significantly improved their personal fortunes through businesses embroiled in slave trade.

Perhaps the most obvious reminder of the city’s involvement however is the often overlooked street names of the popular student areas such as ‘Whiteladies Road’ and ‘Blackboy Hill’.

Consequently, there are numerous stories regarding individual slaves to be found in Bristol; one such story is that of Dinah Black, a slave that was captured on the African coast in 1687. After five years living as a slave in Bristol, it was suddenly decided by her master, without warning, she was to be sold on.

She stated in an online source: “He told me that he wanted to ship me out to the West Indies to work on the plantation. I cried when I heard what he had done. I cried and ran away. I hid at the top of the house, but when the men found me, they dragged me out. I fought the men and screamed for help. The people

“

For me, Black History Month is about recognising and celebrating black cultures and the contribution they make to our community, economy and society.

- Stephen Presence

in the street seemed upset for me.

One lady said my tears fell down my face like rain. She was upset, but like all nice people, she didn’t want to interfere, so I was put on a ship and bound for Jamaica.”

Aided by Quakers and after significant struggle, Dinah Black successfully managed to sue her mistress for her right to freedom and to remain in the country.

The after-effects of the Bristol slave trade remained evident for decades and even in 2011 there are copious examples that suggest race relations within the city were and unfortunately still are, rather turbulent.

In the 1950s and 60s, whilst racial discrimination was still legal in Britain, men and women who moved from the Caribbean to the many cities in the UK, struggled to find appropriate housing with landlords often abusing their position and charging extortionate rates for badly maintained or unsafe housing.

In 1963 a publicly owned company named the ‘Bristol Omnibus Company’ refused to hire black driv-

ers and conductors, which sparked a civil rights campaign including a boycott of the buses. This lasted for four months until finally altering its regulations.

It is believed that the aforementioned incident influenced the passing of the Race Relations Act in 1976 deeming racial discrimination unlawful in public places.

In an effort to acknowledge Bristol’s benefit from the slave trade and to commemorate those who suffered for the city, Pero’s Bridge, a footbridge connecting Millennium and Queen Square was opened in 1999, named after a slave who belonged to John Pinney.

BHM, for all the good it seems to raise, does however have its critics. One of which is actor Morgan Freeman. “You’re gonna relegate my history to a month?” he stated. “I don’t want a Black History Month.

Black history is American history. [In order to get rid of racism] stop talking about it. I’m going to stop calling you a white man and I’m going to ask you to stop calling me a black man.” This view was held by many.

Conflicting views can also be found within UWE itself.

“From a practical point of view, it may be good to condense the celebration and memory of shared black history into a month”, states Vince Evans Gutierrez, a current third year studying International Relation. “But realistically, I think it can be done all the time by everybody.”

“I interpret Black History Month as a month to single out the black community”, comments Holly Pacium, A UWE alumni student. “It’s great to make everyone aware of all the significant changes that have been made within society because of important black figures, but after learning about it year after year, I thought, ‘Why does this only happen once a year?’”

“If we want to stamp out segregation, why single out one month dedicated to this history of the Black man?” continues Holly. “I think the point would be made a lot clearer if we got rid of Black History Month all together and learned about this all year round and incorporated it into all the rest of the school curriculum.”

“For me, Black History Month is about recognising and celebrating black cultures and the contribution they make to our community, economy and society”, says Stephen Presence, a current lecturer and PhD student in Film Studies at St Matthias. “This is hugely important when racism is still so rife in British society.”

Regardless of the conflicting views surrounding BHM, UWE has still done their utmost to ensure Black History Month is still celebrated and will continue to do so until the end of the month.

Further information and event listings for BHM events in Bristol can be found at http://www.bristol. gov.uk/page/black-history-month

UWE languages say adiós Nicola Moore

newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

>Two years after the scrapping of undergraduate recruitment in various language degrees, the UWE Languages Programme has been terminated Closure of the programme has caused heated debate within the student populous, with many students still asking why the closure, which allegedly could force up to 50 people into the unemployment market, was allowed and indeed necessary.

According to sources, the ULP (University Languages Programme) was forced into closure due to the lack of student interest and take up, when the decision was made to close the department in 2009.

The lack of interest caused the ULP to be deemed by the University as financially infeasible – a decision that was also hotly contested by the UCU during the strike action earlier this year.

In protest to the decision, a Facebook group named ‘Save UWE Languages’ was set up in order to connect those concerned, giving them the ability to present information concerning protests, and to provide staff and students with a voice to air their views regarding the closure.

The Facebook page highlights the sheer frustration of its various members, expressing the views that the closure was merely down to poor management of the programme.

One query that is often raised by students and staff, questions how UWE can not afford to keep languages open, when the University is set to charge the full amount in tuition fees next year, and accommodation fees are constantly being increased (allegedly making £3 million last year). Not forgetting the money spent on the new Frenchay ‘Super Campus’.

A prominent voice within this debate has been that of Benoit Dutilleul, a student who alongside other members of the student population formed a campaign before the summer break.

“A petition had in fact been drawn up for the students to sign”, Benoit informs the WesternEye. “It outlines the reasons of why they feel that the closure of the Languages Department is unjust.”

As many students have been aware in recent times, the ability to learn a language is an invaluable resource that is highly commended within the job market.

And until recently, for as little as £50, students were able to learn languages, ranging from Spanish to Japanese.

“By closing the Languages Department, UWE will inevitably continue travelling along the path towards being a second-rate and narrowminded university”, states Benoit.

With increasing global problems concerning the economy and varying social difficulties, languages are a crucial aspect of education.

“It helps nations and their citizens to enable communication, foster mutual tolerance, and seek inclusive solutions”, comments Benoit.

Many international and Erasmus students arrive at UWE year upon year to improve their language skills and take part in the British culture.

According to sources such students feel that dropping the programme in this instance would be “incredibly ethnocentric and narrow-minded.”

A source stated that after negotiations in the past, UWE offered the Languages Department the opportunity to create a business case in order to keep the programme open.

However after this was received, the decision to cut the programme was made regardless.

“The opportunity to learn a language during university life is a great thing, as such it was disappointing to see languages closed”, states SU President, Colin Offler.

“The decision to close languages was made before my time, however I am aware that the decision was made due to lack of student interest and the cost implications of keeping languages open.”

Unfortunately it seems that as this decision has long past, students have little choice but to live with the changes that have been implemented and should they want to study a language whilst at university, they will have to seek out the aid of a private tutor or native speaker, a cost that will inevitably put most off the idea all together.

One must ask, how much longer are the students going to be forced to pay higher fees for less education?

4

News & Politics

WesternEye Oct 2011

A worthy investment?

UWE Product Design graduate shortlisted for major award

Claire Martin

> UWE Product Design graduate shortlisted for major award.

>Rise in tuition fees for the next academic year influences and affects prospective student’s decision to come to UWE >Gap year plans put on hold to avoid the rise in tuition fees

newsandpolitics@westerneye.net The day of A-Level results is tense and nerve-wracking at the best of times, with this year being no exception. Unlike the years prior to it, this academic term has become synonymous with the ‘last chance saloon’ phenomenon that has culminated in a mad rush to achieve target grades in order to avoid paying the immense £9000 fee that looms before next years’ university students.

In previous years, taking a year out to either retake A-Levels, gain more work experience or even travel the world has been a common pursuit.

However, unlike the former years, this year proved to be somewhat of a frantic scramble for university places as prospective students battled amongst themselves with the intention of avoiding the fee rise.

Some may hold the opinion that the steep rise is worthwhile, steering universities towards the old fashioned elitist establishments that they were meant to be.

However, this opinion does not take into account the fact that intelligence does not equate to wealth and it could be argued that in this century, surely everybody should be given the same opportunities regardless of wealth?

According to the government, students from families with a lower household income are set to receive a larger proportion of financial help in the form of grants than they have received previously. However, it appears that the students whose family income falls just short of the payment bracket are set upon with the biggest conundrum, receiving little financial help from either the state or their families through no fault of their own. It could therefore be argued that the steep rise in tuition fees that some universities are implementing is perhaps an unfair disadvantage to such students who intend to embark on a university course next year.

Whilst in 2010, gap years were commonplace, this year they seem few and far between with the pressure to attain a university place being at its pinnacle with an estimated

583,501 candidates that were said to have applied for higher education.

Furthermore, the estimated total of those set to be disappointed due to lack of places has been met with a ballpark figure of around 180,000.

So what is left in store for the young people who did not achieve a place?

“I’m going to try and get on an apprentice scheme”, says Rosie Younger, 18. “Its so much more competitive now than it was but I know I’ve just got to give it my best shot. I was devastated when I didn’t get into university, but neither of my parents went and they’ve both managed to have successful careers.”

Indeed, students currently studying for their GCSEs and A-Levels are also considering other options.

WesternEye caught up with Sophie Grundy, 16, who is now looking into more practical internships and apprenticeships rather than the costly Sociology Business degree that she was planning on taking.

“It’s just not worth the cost”, states Sophie. “I really wanted to go to university, not just for the degree but for the life experience that it provides, but I really don’t want to spend my whole life in debt. My sister went to university and loved every minute, but she is still in a lot of debt, and I don’t want that to be me for even longer.”

Furthermore, many mature students have decided that it is essential to attend university this year, rather than putting it on the back burner.

“I wanted to take another year out to save more money”, states Robert Davis, 26. “I decided to go to university last year when I sought a change of career and decided to work for two years to save up. However, the fees rising meant that I would be working even longer in a job I disliked to save up, thus I’m here now, and will end up with a loan!”

As can be seen by the aforementioned comments, the rise has certainly changed many prospective students’ plans.

However, while some people have clearly made drastic changes to

their future plans due to the rise in tuition fees, others are still planning on attending university despite the increase.

Evidently, the increase in fees has been dramatic. According to the government however, students will have less to pay back at a time with the amount to be paid back also suspended until their income is greater.

It seems then that some people still regard university as a good investment into their future and it also stands to be argued that a new government in the coming years could very well change everything again, this is however, rather unlikely. For many students who have always dreamed of going to university, the increase in fees is merely an obstacle but not necessarily a compulsory dead end.

In addition to this it appears that some students will inevitably take a gap year regardless, continuing on the path to higher education next year in accordance with the government’s plans.

Despite the fee increase, some students are still determined to go about their route to a degree in the same way, and for some students, a year out in work experience or getting the necessary qualifications to get into university is still on the horizon. While many people forgot the idea of a gap year as soon as the new fees were introduced, others have seemingly decided to tolerate the impending fee rise with hope that the government won’t be too harsh about the pay back in the long term, which it argues is actually fairer and more manageable.

Whilst, undoubtedly, many people have been affected by this, there are clearly lots of other options for students. Apprenticeships and internships are commonplace and have been a growing popular decision for students this year, while some students are still continuing with their original plans. It has certainly been a fraught year for students and it is clearly evident that everybody on a university course at UWE and elsewhere, has done well to get in despite such a competitive environment.

Responding to the global call

>Bristol residents unite to vent their anger and frustration towards the current economic crisis

Benoit Dutilleul Responding to the global callout of the Spanish ‘indignados’ movement alongside the expanding occupations in the US, including the infamous ‘Occupy Wall Street’, and to coincide with the arrival of marches from all around Europe in Brussels, approximately 150 people converged upon College Green to kick-off ‘Occupy Bristol’ on Saturday 15 October.

The occupation known as ‘Occupy Bristol’ became one of 951 other cities in 82 countries to take part in the global, historical action.

The occupation lasted throughout the night containing approximately 400 people camping until Sunday

morning, following suit with the London occupation whose constituents have stated that they will stay at the site until Christmas.

At approximately noon on College Green in Bristol, a small group placed a banner in the middle of the square with the slogan ‘It’s not a recession, it’s a robbery’.

The crowd, which gradually amplified over time in the calm, sunny atmosphere contained citizens from both within and around Bristol and was represented by all age groups, creeds and colours.

Over the course of the afternoon, many people took to the microphone and spoke through the aptly titled ‘people’s mic’.

One young lady spoke of many issues that angered her, highlighting the absurdity of NHS cuts whilst the UK wages war in Afghanistan.

At around 2pm, one young man spoke to the masses, reminding participants that the occupation was in solidarity with movements and occupations around the world, especially those in the US and Spain.

The aforementioned occupier suggested that people speak out to explain their personal reasons for attendance, stating that he was twenty-four years old, unemployed and currently residing with his parents. He told the audience that he has not one, but two degrees and is angry at the education system because he believes to have been “lied

...continued from front cover “I started with the problem of ‘improving the quality of life for arthritis sufferers and after a lot of hard work and research the product slowly emerged”, says Will Drake.

The design brief was simply to ‘design something that solves a problem.’ However, Will’s inspiration was driven by witnessing the everyday struggles of his friend’s father who suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Paraffin wax bath

“Seeing a friend’s father really struggle with everyday life, I had no idea which direction the project would take me”, explains Will. “I was shocked at how difficult everyday tasks can be for arthritis sufferers and how we take these for granted.”

Many would agree that Will’s success is a fine example of how UWE students have achieved great feats when the correct effort and support is utilized. Will speaks out to aspiring young designers who are seeking triumph with their own products.

The unique focus of Will’s product was to improve the experience of getting up every morning with a desirable product that a sufferer wouldn’t hesitate to use, unlike the many stigmatizing, unattractive disability products that he came across during his research.

“Your friends will be out all the time and you will be stuck in the studios late. But stick at it and it will be worth it in the end”, says Will. “Just think how sweeter that pint will be when you hand in your project and you get a First. Time management is so important, and something I struggle with”.

Will’s research also took him to the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, where his product really began to take shape.

“They helped me through the whole process”, states Will. “As well as validating the product, they uncovered a number of insights which influenced the final function of the product such as the movement and direction of the massage.”

“The tutors at UWE have also been brilliant and it’s a testament to the standard of teaching I have received from the UWE Product Design Department. I would not have achieved it without the help of Drew Batchelor, Kurt Gauss and all the other lecturers and technicians who helped in my final year. The next and most important step for me now is to try and get the concept to market and that will be the real challenge.”

to by university in order to sign up”.

His anger surely augmented by his current status.

Across the proceedings and with the aid of the ‘people’s mic’ many people took to the stage to say a few words to the masses and to air their views.

Citizens both young and old spoke of their anger and criticism towards bankers, political parties (especially the Con-Dem government), cuts and wars.

Asking to support forthcoming strikes and struggles in the work-

“Have another activity to take your mind off work. Designers never stop thinking about work, and your mind needs a rest”, advises Will. “A lot of people told me to give up rugby in my final year but I stuck at it as I was desperate to make the first team and play at Varsity. I think having that kind of ‘motivated distraction’ kept me going. I was very lucky to see Jonathan Ive (Head of Design at Apple) and he kept saying ‘God is in the detail’, this is so true - refine your idea the best you can.”

Will is currently working freelance for a Bristol student who has received a grant to develop a sex education board game, and is now in talks with an investor from London who has shown interest in developing the hand massager project further.

place, many citizens encouraged each other to speak and to talk to each other, discussing pressing issues and debating solutions.

The occupation was deemed by those involved to be a great success with participants showing solidarity with other cities across the UK and around the world. Such action encourages the hope that further occupations and strikes will not only heighten their cause but also show the governments of the world that things do need to change

News & Politics 5

WesternEye Oct 2011

Exercising injustice

Toby Cryne newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

>Freshers unable to opt out of gym membership results in questions being raised as to where their money is going For many students, staff and neighbours of the university, the UWE Centre for Sport is an invaluable resource at their disposal.

This multi-million pound facility, built in 2006, has proved to be a priceless expenditure of the university’s funds. So much so that is has been chosen as a 2012 Paralympics training facility.

Since its foundation in 2006, new students or ‘freshers’ to the masses, have had the option to become automatic members of the CFS, paying the cost of yearly membership within the fees of their accommodation. This has created a membership that is more manageable to most students than that of an independent gym, whose joining fees can range often range between £15 and £50.

The CFS surely is a no brainer then, isn’t it?

In previous years new students had the option to become members of the CFS upon application for accommodation, an option which many students chose.

For those that were either uninterested in gym membership or for those whom reside within the city and study elsewhere however, membership of the CFS - often deemed a little pointless and wasteful of fi-

nances - was not chosen.

“The decision to remove students’ right to opt out of something that they do not (necessarily) want is appalling and unjust”, Colin Offler, the UWESU President, tells WesternEye. “There is no doubt in my mind that the decision was taken only to satisfy the university and the Centre for Sport cash flow need.”

This opinion, one that is a popular held view amongst students, argues that this purely financially-based decision seems only to benefit the university as a business and not as a student orientated organisation.

“It’s absolutely preposterous!” states Hami Dodangeh, a third year student at UWE. “The change is purely a scheme to make loads of money through hidden costs. What do they care? It will be clueless first years that will be affected.”

“Students are paying for their accommodation and the facilities and services are inclusive of it”, argues Alex Isaacs, Head of Sport at the CFS. “Services such as the U-link bus, Resnet (Internet), sports membership and the library service are available to all students in UWE accommodation as part of an inclusive rent fee.”

Surely then, with an increase in the number of members of the CFS,

such a profit should allow them to afford refurbishment of equipment where necessary, increase in quality of the facilities and also the number of staff at the CFS? Unfortunately, such a scenario is only a pipedream.

“The CFS has not profited from this arrangement,” states Mr Isaccs, “there has been no increase in its overall income.” This proposal then must surely anger and frustrate students who are at the receiving end of this financial blow?

If then, this new found income is not benefitting students at the CFS then where exactly is it going?

“Every development needs to be supported by a sustainable business case to warrant central university investment”, says Mr Isaacs. If his latter statement is to be believed, this would not only indicate that students have no choice in paying for an additional ‘service’ that many do not need or want, but also have no choice in where this money goes.

“At the end of the day, you are at university to study”, comments an anonymous student in response to the argument. “The bus service helps you get to lectures, the library helps you do your work, as does the Resnet Internet service.”

“We are not at university to go to

Moving St Matthias doesn’t seem like such an ACE idea after all

the gym and as such, this should not be a compulsory extra but an optional one for those that wish to do it.”

It has been reported to WesternEye that elected representatives within the SU have aired many students’ apprehensions to the SU Executive Committee in accordance to the new changes. As a direct result, the SU has decided to return to this issue in the forthcoming year, believing that the issue should be revisited at a later date.

In discussions with the university last year, the SU strongly lobbied against the proposals calling them ‘the biggest injustice within the wider issue of student choice’. This resulted in an eventual settling for a compromise with the directors, lowering the price rate of the compulsory gym memberships.

This negotiation was a disappointing loss for the student voice, who must arguably feel that the ever rising cost of life at UWE is unnecessary and that it only seems to benefit the business and marketing potential of what is at best a second rate university, sitting comfortably midtable in The Times’ results list year upon year.

The worrying precedent that this change sets is alarming to say the least. The cost of university life

seems only to be increasing under the Con-Dem government, with both the tuition fee rise and the general cost of living being to blame.

With this in mind, has UWE gone a step too far in its quest to fund the ever expanding Frenchay ‘Super Campus’, which will of course lead to increased revenue for the business in the years to come? Is it unfair that students are going to be increasing their financial strains even more this time around? And not to mention in the years to come when the fees inevitably rise?

At its current standing, the issue is still ongoing with the SU still standing firmly against the changes that have been implemented. Although a resolution that will satisfy both the students and the businessmen that run the university is unlikely, it is more important than ever for students to raise their voices against the changes that affect them.

WesternEye will be following this issue with a watchful eye and will be reporting any advances to students when they happen. For now, students that are concerned should contact the elected representatives of the SU to voice their concerns.

Aminah Jagne newsandpolitics@westerneye.net

>University students in confusion as to when St Matthias is going to become a part of the almighty Frenchay ‘Super Campus’ Since the announcement of the closure of St Matthias campus back in 2005 there has been a barrage of contradictory information, a general back and forth and a number of thoroughly confused and quite frankly, frustrated students.

“Many students are opposed to the move”, comments SU President Colin Offler. “They have been angered by the University’s lack of communication and general disarray.”

“Unfortunately, the move is out of our hands as the decision has been made by UWE”, states Colin. “However, the SU will focus their efforts on ensuring that when students move here they have the best facilities possible.”

Any undergraduate who started at UWE in September 2009 and was situated on the St Matthias campus would have (or should have) been told that they would spend the final year of their degree on the Frenchay ‘Super Campus’ - a bitter pill to swallow, having been drawn in by the tranquil, academic Hogwardian environment that St Matthias provides.

In July 2010, UWE announced that the project timeframe was to be extended, adding that the date of the final closure of St Matthias will be September 2012.

Last month, students were then being fluttered with rumours and trickles of information with the common view being that the campus will remain open until at least 2013.

However, a quick scour of the Inter-

net paints a very different picture.

The UWE website and project page still proclaim the move date being in September 2012, whilst Wikipedia declares a 2013 move with the project’s Facebook page affirming that 2012 is definitely a no-go.

Firstly, the St Matthias and Media Practice relocation project (SMMP) has been incorporated and renamed, becoming the Art, Creative Industries and Education (ACE) Redevelopment Project.

Following the replacement of SMMP

by ACE, a new project board, team and set of subgroups have been formed for the project.

With this in mind, a number of arrangements have been made to improve St Matthias both now and in the future, including new classroom furniture, replacement of the heating system and even new specialist equipment for some subjects.

“I’ve not been told anything!” states Kelly Stephens, a second year student currently studying on the campus. “I was told on my first ever visit here - before I was accepted - that we would only get to study here [St Matthias] for one year. That was the last piece of information I was given from a staff member.”

“I am annoyed, I think it’s very disorganised, they should be keeping us in the loop seeing as it will directly affect us.”

At present, project officials are currently awaiting a decision from the board of governors which is due in December, and following that, a further update will be released.

However it must be noted that in

the recent ACE update that was released to Student Ambassadors, the following statement was made: “The timescale for this development is still to be finalised, but is likely to be 2015”. It must also be noted that in this time, various improvements are ongoing or at least in the planning stage at both St Matthias and Bower Ashton, which is also set to move in 2015.

It seems then that students’ main grievances lie in the lack of communication received with the location of the campus obviously directly affecting living and travel arrangements. “[I’ve heard] nothing official, which makes it really difficult to know what to do or what to expect for the society”, says Marianne Stone, the current President of the Drama society, and also a third year Drama student. “Will we have rooms to actually run the society in a place that is just heaving with people? I’ve spoken to a lot of people in lower years as well and they’re all worrying about whether they’re going to have the right facilities.”

“One of my manifesto pledges during the election to my part-time voluntary position as Campus Officer was to ensure clear voices for the closure issue”, explains Daniel Hinchey. “Students, as I gather, overwhelmingly do not support the project. There is never enough information on this topic I find, or more plainly, a sheer lack of it.

Propaganda and misinformation plague students’ knowledge of the matter as well, and I certainly want

to fix this.”

At present, it seems that there is a hierarchy within the project which means that although there are actually a number of people who are eager to keep students updated regularly, they too are required to await further news themselves.

Additionally, measures to improve the state of St Matthias and the availability of facilities on Frenchay are starting to manifest following concerns from students.

In the meantime however, it may well prove dangerous to anticipate any rapid progress with baited breath.

For further information, contact Daniel Hinchey at StMattsCampusOfficer@gmail.com

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY? Get in touch with WesternEye

Comment &

Debate

The death penalty: is it fair? >Philip Mansell discusses the controversial execution case of Troy Davis Philip Mansell comment@westerneye.net n 21st September the State of Georgia executed Troy Davis by lethal injection for a murder which is believed he committed in July 1989. This decision was highly controversial, given that there was considerable doubt over the legitimacy of the case against Davis.

The incident in question occurred when an off duty police officer, Mark MacPhail, came to the aid of a homeless man who was being beaten outside a Burger King in Savannah, Georgia. It is alleged that Davis was the attacker and that he shot and killed MacPhail, following his intervention.

Police have since never found the gun used and no conclusive DNA evidence has been produced. Also, seven of the nine witnesses who identified Davis as the killer later altered or recanted their previous statements.

Troy Davis, executed at the age of 42, still protested his innocence even in his last words, pleading with those listening to “look deeper into this case and to finally find the

truth”.

Prominent world figures such as Desmond Tutu, Pope Benedict XVI and former US president Jimmy Carter signed a plea for clemency, which was rejected.

Capital punishment is always a contentious issue, but when it is used in such a controversial case the furore surrounding it is only heightened.

The case begs the ever pertinent question: why does such a developed and ‘civilized’ country such as the United States of America still make of use capital punishment in this modern age? Does such a country, who’s seemingly endless crusade to democratise and westernise lesser developed nations not render itself hypocritical when you learn that 34 of the USA’s states still enforce

capital punishment, primarily for acts of homicide?

Even those who support capital punishment must question the legitimacy of the Davis’ case. This week, Marcus Ray Johnson was due to be executed in the same prison as Davis, but was granted clemency as new DNA evidence had come to light.

Many feel that this case is

remarkably similar to the Davis’ one. Johnson has been convicted with the 1994 murder of Angela Sizemore, but again great doubt remains regarding the strength of the evidence.

Many campaigners have asked why Davis was not granted clemency, given the similarities between the cases.

Some believe the death sentence is the most effective way of maintaining law and order, whereas others consider it an inhumane violation of our human rights. The UN universal declaration for Human Rights states that ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’. It also says that ‘Everyone has the right to life.’

The arguments surrounding capital punishment are endless and given that it has a large number of both supporters and detractors, it is hard to see this debate ending soon. Whether it is right or wrong, convictions need to be unquestionably assured before the death penalty is used. In the action taken against Troy Davis this does not seem to have been the case.

Can we beat the bullies?

>With the rise in teenage suicides, is there anything that can really be done to abolish bullying?

Ellie Waugh comment@westerneye.net e’ve all either experienced or witnessed bullying at some level, leaving us feeling like there is no solution. In recent years teen suicides have gradually become more common, to the point where it is now valued to be the third most likely way young people lose their lives.

More often than not, many of these tragic and unnecessary deaths are as a result of bullying.

But with bullying being an everlasting factor in society; is it really possible to stop, and therefore effectively prevent, the death of the victims?

The past year has seen many teenage tragedies, most recently being 14-year-old Jamey Rodemeyer.

On the 18th September, Rodemeyer killed himself after being ruthlessly

bullied and harassed both at school, and online, because of his sexuality.

Before committing suicide, an option encouraged by his tormentors, Rodemeyer Tweeted his idol, Lady Gaga: ‘bye mother monster, thank you for all you have done, paws up forever’.

After hearing of his death Lady Gaga used her status, as one of the most influential celebrities, in an attempt to get an anti-bullying law passed while continuing to support the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community. The case is also being investigated by police and could possibly result in the harassers being charged.

However, whether legal action is enough to deter bullies is still yet to be seen. Take for instance, 18-yearold Tyler Clementi’s tormentors, who were charged with a five-year maximum sentence after the teen killed himself last September.

Despite this, the example made of them has yet to shock other bullies

enough to stop.

Many people use this as a point against a law being brought into place, arguing that bullying is a way of life and a law wouldn’t cease the issue but instead make it spiral out of control.

Others believe it’s the only way to stop more teenagers feeling like suicide is their only option.

Less radical ways of terminating teen suicides have taken the form of charities and campaigns such as, ‘The Trevor Project’, featuring celebrities and political figures, like President Obama, telling sufferers of homophobic bullying that “it gets better”. Although it is probable that this has helped a lot of sufferers, it hasn’t yet been as successful as hoped in decreasing the number of deaths.

Croydon, London has even banned physical contact between students in order to prevent fighting.

Despite this, the most violent cases of bullying that lead to suicide seem to be all in the mental infliction of pain rather than the physical, so it may not be as effective as thought by teachers.

Also, events like anti-bullying weeks within schools show attempts to suppress bullying within the education system. The Quest Academy secondary school in

Overall, teen suicides due to bullying are becoming a huge problem worldwide and it appears the only way to stop the final outcome of suicide is to prevent

A true lady: The iconic singer pays a tribute to her young fan through Twitter

the initial problem of bullying. As much as a difficult measure it may seem, we have to be optimistic and look towards a future that sees a subsequent crack-down in bullying - whether it’s from improved law enforcements or own personal influence in the prevention of such tormenting behaviour.

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

Debate 7

WesternEye Oct 2011

My pet hates… literally

>Asad Raja discusses his reasons behind why his pet hate is literally a dislike towards the furry creatures themselves Asad Raja

comment@westerneye.net s a nation we clearly love pets, owning 27 million cute animals across the UK. Well, I’m proud to provide a voice for the voiceless, fighting against the grain to express why a puppy will be the last present on my Christmas list this year.

What is it about pets that bring out the nurturing instinct in Homo sapiens? Is it their big, doting eyes, wet noses or hairy bodies? Surely not! Could it be the constant attention that is required, which can relate similarly to raising a child, albeit minus the hairiness? Or is it their dependence on us which brings out our inner God? Or could it simply be that some of us just love animals?

Personally, I have never been able to understand why people bother with pets. Let us examine the issue hypothetically, shall we? All the time and effort spent on feeding, walking and playing with them and what do we get in return? A wag of the tail from our canine friend, as if it will suddenly fall off and shrivel to its demise from lack of exercise. And as for the feline species, they just casually stroll off into the night and don’t return again until they have an overflowing bowl of Whiskers. Pets!

More like pests really.

I got my first stray Alsatian a few months shy of my 6th birthday. I had

a fondness of foxes back then and when I discovered Robin Hood being broadcasted on terrestrial waves with the protagonist played by a fox, my joy knew no bound. It would therefore come as no surprise that I named my new ‘best friend’ Foxy.

Perhaps this was the reason he ran away from home! The gates were left open one day, and he escaped, leaving his young master crying. Such unfaithfulness put me off dogs.

After a couple of years, I adopted a stray cat to fill the void. What can I say? I was a sucker for the homeless. Like most new relationships, the first week was painful.

I had to get used to the constant mood swings, unrequited attention, the fleas, and its bald patches! The strain proved too much and I was forced to give it up. Fortunately, my friend only too gladly took the selfish feline off me.

So, what is the truth I discovered about pets? They require selfless attention. The kind I reserve for only a handful of people in my life. Since proving futile in managing my own life, as well as an animal’s, I’ve realised owning a pet just isn’t for me.

The opposite sex will only too gladly say this was down to my inadequacies of being a primal male and not being able to multi-task! But I believe those who can strike the balance between the two, truly deserve the selfish demeanour of pets. They are only animals after all!

Take a walk on the slow side

Dawdling, shuffling, crawling. Call it what you will, but the lazy walkers in the world are very, very slowly making Jason Vowles go insane.

Jason Vowles

comment@westerneye.net pet hate, or pet peeve, is a terminal condition in which, once infected, you will never rid yourself of its symptoms. This is caused when something completely ridiculous happens on a regular or occasional basis which annoys you to the point of reaction. Sometimes our reactions can be a little, well, ridiculous too.

I’m referring to one specific pet hate, which many of you may be familiar with. Slow people. The sort that suddenly stop in front of you, frozen in time. Alternatively, just as annoying, the people who bounce back and forth like tennis balls, as though agility is the only means to them because that’s the only way to travel… apparently.

There are many varieties of slow- walkers. Some plod with Blackberries and iPhones glued to their faces with only peripheral vision to aid them. Others are completely able bodied, young individuals, who were obviously a slug in a past life. Slithering and sliming their way in front of you, at a top speed of zero miles per hour, giving you no escape due to the walls of passing shoppers on either side.

Then we have statues. People who love musical statues so much that

they only need the staccato musical beat of hundreds of people stampeding toward them, and the low bass interlude of growling and heavy breathing, to play in public.

I shall begin my episodic rant.

After a typically swift journey on the U5, I departed onto the pavement.

No, wait, I tell a lie. After a delayed journey I was blockaded by people who were so shocked by sun light and the touch of air that they froze, leaving me no choice but to become a towering 20 stone prop that plays for England and to simply batter my way through. This rarely works.

On arriving at Tesco, Broadmead, grabbing a basket, I noticed the vegetable isle was narrow due to a large man, with a basket of his own, at the end. My eyes narrowed and I squared my shoulders, “Not today Kimosabe!”

We were on a collision course, with only inches to squeeze past each other. Then, he begins to tennis ball me, bouncing back and forth from the iceberg lettuces to the apples.

This was intense as I quickly morphed into Tim Henman. I knew I was going to lose - if only I was Nadal I thought!

It was when our baskets collided that I saw a look of utter shock and bewilderment in his eyes. “Mate, you’re in a crowded supermarket.

The power of social networking > A way of simply staying in touch or a tool providing power to the people?

Liam Corcoran comment@westerneye.net ver the last decade, social networking has exploded and become a huge part of our lives.

Nobody could have predicted its impact or what has been achieved.

Similarly, nobody can predict its future, undoubtedly becoming a foundation to our internet experiences.

Social networking has changed us, in both good and bad ways. Our world today looks completely different because of sites like Facebook, Twitter and even Google+. But these life changing technological shifts don’t just happen on a small scale.

Twitter especially, has brought about changes that have had a visible impact on how the world works.

It’s a new way of sharing information and gives the ordinary person power they never had before. The problem is that people don’t always use that power in the right way. Don’t get me wrong, most

of the time it is for good. But if used for bad, can go bad in a big way.

Giving so much power to so many people; it’s inevitable.

Take Ryan Giggs for example.

Grabbing headlines for months, it reached the point where it wasn’t about what he had done, but about freedom of information versus the super injunction. Everyone knew who had taken out the injunction but nobody was meant to. This was the first time everyday people had the chance to express public interest, a privilege the press don’t have due to their career being at risk. However, everybody on Twitter thought they were untouchable, and it introduced serious change.

The riots are another such example. This was a time when power was used to cause chaos throughout the country, which is a massive contrast to the way it was used in Egypt. For the Egyptian people, it was used as a way to overthrow a corrupt dictatorship and spread information to the rest of the world, when access to the country was banned. It’s such a stark contrast between people wanting

an improved standard of living, and some people in the UK wanting a new pair of Nike trainers.

In some ways, it has so much power that people often take what is said on the sites as the gospel truth. For instance, back in July, Fox News’ Twitter feed was hacked and messages were posted about Obama being assassinated. This spread like wildfire across the internet with thousands re-tweeting.

I know it’s a news site, and it should be trusted, but it shows how quickly we can now spread information and how much is believed at face value.

No one looks for the facts anymore.

So, where does it all go next?

What’s the next big change? Well, nobody really knows, but one thing is for certain, it will continue to put more power into the hands of the everyday person. Although it’s used for good a lot of the time, some people will always abuse that power.

But we can’t stop it now; social networking is a change that cannot be undone.

Man up.”

This will always be my pet hate, but unlike a pet I will not love it. I will revere every time I walk into a crowded Cabot Circus, knowing in amongst them, hiding, and waiting for me, will be a great big dirty slug.

“

Sometimes our reactions can be a little, well, ridiculous too.

“

Social networking has changed us.

8

WesternEye Oct 2011

Debate 9

WesternEye Oct 2011

Money makes the world go round

>The UK’s drab weather and recession have possibly led to our most depressed generation in decades, now after the October Indian summer, will the economy ever give us a few sunny money spells?

Dan Kiddle comment@westerneye.net hese have been worrying times across the financial sector as confidence slips dramatically and another recession dip seems all but inevitable. The news has become a mixture of bleak forecasts when, instead of talking about the state of the economy, newsreaders have mostly sought refuge in the old stalwart of British conversation; weather. Being an entertaining and merry topic, we need not talk about the dreary prospects of another global recession. I thought I’d take some time away from the sunshine to discuss the global economy and what it means for the UK, without the distractions of an ice cream van.

No matter how much our opinions may differ, I’m sure we can all agree on our frustration with a global economy that has recently shown misgivings like never before. Having already ravaged our university with stringent cuts and restructure, recession based austerity has affected all walks of life. The problems lie in an interdependent Capitalist model, where the control continues to elude governments. It has reached the point where they have lost the ability to affect markets

and emotions have been spreading on a global scale, affecting both trade and economical confidence.

Sometimes known as ‘deindividuation’ – the loosening of social norms in groups – it has placed the fate of nations in the hands of governments, transnational corporations, market traders and global agencies, which were initially all put in place to help stabilise the markets.

In line with history, Greece is at the epicentre of political issues. If Plato were descending the proverbial Piraeus today, he would probably find a pitched battle between a disaffected youth and the police.

So much for the wisdom of the philosopher kings - clearly they weren’t briefed in running a globalised economy (either that or the concept is fundamentally flawed). In the news, some key figures have been trying to calm the public by attempting to get Greece back in order. This has been done by suggesting continued austerity measures on an already beleaguered country, resulting in large scale pessimism in the middle and working classes. The bonds that hold their society together are breaking and if Greece defaults as expected, its ongoing membership of the Euro will be called into question, setting a dangerous precedent for the collapse of the currency.

A collapse of the Euro was unimaginable, but is now looking more like a possibility. This would escalate into a global depression, inevitably leading to more unemployment for graduates. In the Euro-zone, succession would initially cost around €10,000 per person, with the years following adding further costs of around half that annually. Global bank UBS also points out that there would be a massive devaluation of currencies and a fall in trade volume of around 50 percent. Even for Germany, the EU’s leading economy, the banking sector would be at risk of collapsing, causing a complete loss of export competitiveness. When we see Angela Merkel running to the aid of Greece, it’s not a hugely generous gesture, but a necessary contingency measure to keep the Euro afloat. This means more immediate austerity for Greece, which the International Monetary Fund demands if it is to continue to help the Greek government.

Often we hear about meetings in Greece that frequently occur with social unrest, mainly in Athens. As this crisis continues to deepen, we will become familiarised with the head of IMF. The role of the IMF is based on Keynesian economics (the circular flow of money) and is always concerned with the

US against each other

banking and private sectors. Their analysis is that austerity measures lead to a balancing of the books.

However, many of the radical analyses show that where the IMF has been involved, poverty has increased and that the IMF is not interested in reducing poverty but in imposing the western principles of the Keynesian school onto its client countries. The political PG rated analysis says that this isn’t ‘particularly democratic’. However, I’m sure the people of Greece could express their opinions using stronger terminology than I can.

Managing director of IMF, Christine Lagarde states “You first have a period [after making cuts] where growth takes a hit and goes negative.” What about the people who have no prospects at the time of the austerity? Her message is that “It takes courage.’’ Well, it’s like an apology I suppose, and the IMF have a job on proving its legitimacy to the Greeks. Although nobody voted for these people, their impact exceeds the influence of most developed countries.

To their credit, the world’s leaders and transnational organisations have begun to place focus where it is needed. Their plan of action centres on boosting Europe’s banks and

trying to prevent problems in Greece spreading to other countries. They hope to have this plan-to-make-aplan by November, but they will need to iron out their financial situation before any major decisions are put in place. After years of idiotic speculative economics, we must now scrutinise those running the economy much, much more. I am sure I’m not the only one that wants to get a job when I finish university. Well, unless the main players start making a difference, the outlook is pretty depressing regarding employability.

We have enjoyed our Indian summer but as we look towards the future, the winter might become fairly turbulent. The austerity and speed in which these plans are being implemented is an unhealthy obsession that our government has, and it is beginning to hurt. Economists are starting to apportion some of the blame for this renewed crisis to those policies. In spite of this, politicians are beginning to look rather trivial and insignificant, proving what has to change if we are to avert this crisis. The hope comes from the conviction of Europeans to stay in the Euro-zone. They shouldn’t let go of the Euro lightly.

>American politics may seem daunting to many of us, so Rikki Du Heaume has decided to shed some light on the US Primary Races and how it could potentially have a dramatic influence over the rest of the world.

Rikki Du Heaume

comment@westerneye.net n just over a year from now, the most powerful man or woman in the free world will have been elected President of the United States. But before this person can even consider new furniture for the Oval Office, they must convince their party that they are worthy of being a candidate. At present, the obvious choice for the Democratic Caucus’ nomination looks to be Barrack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Whilst the Republican’s competition is really becoming a three horse race between Rick Perry, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney, Tea Party favourite Michelle Bachman appears to be trailing behind.

All candidates are collating massive war chests and using every trick in their political arsenals to gain ground over their opponents.

Take Perry for example, his new campaign advert wouldn’t look out of place on a cinema screen. But whilst most of us can’t vote on who gets the Caucus/GOP vote, these candidate’s actions will have an effect on the world, and ultimately us.

In the past, the economy has experienced the biggest shift during the primaries and this year is proving no different. After the summer recess, Obama called a joint session of congress and announced his

“

In the past, the economy has experienced the biggest shift during the primaries and this year is proving no different

$44 billion (over £28.2 billion) jobs plan - for those of us who watched this speech, it was not received well by either parties. As a consequence of this, a head to head between Perry and Romney, over job creation in

Texas, took place. This was felt all the way to Wall Street, and when the tone fell, so did the markets.

However, the primaries can also have a positive effect on the economy. When Michelle Bachman is seen wearing Louis Vuitton or Hillary Clinton is spotted driving a Ford, the women of the world want to be wearing Vuitton and driving a Fiesta, thus creating jobs and stimulating the market.

If we need proof of how much the outcome of this race across the pond will affect us, we need only look at the recent relationship between a certain large eared Prime Minister and a trigger-happy President. The man in Washington declared a ‘War on Terror’ and our PM followed suite, not only sending men and women to the Middle East, but sending the price of oil and other commodities soaring.

You may have decided that after Bush or Carter for our elder readers, that the office of President is nothing more than a formality and that it represents nothing more than war, but I’d urge you to pay more interest in the race to Washington D.C. Will we see Perry dominating the

steps of Capitol Hill after being sworn in following his promises of economic stability, a reduction of troops in Afghanistan and fences around predominant US/Mexico border cities? Or possibly Obama, who will serve a second term on a platform of health reform and social security improvement? Either way,

the result will ultimately have an impact on you and probably a very large aspect of your working life. So, even if it means sporadically watching the proceedings on TV, or having an election night drink (or seven) next November – remember, this 9 til 5 job affects more than just the USA.

Ready for round two? Obama will be fighting to keep his role through his second election

Features Bristol Fashion Week

>Rebecca Day goes behind the scenes at this season’s Bristol Fashion Week to investigate on what the must-have items are for this Autumn/Winter...

Rebecca Day admin@westerneye.net ashion, I’d say, predominates quite largely in the life of a student. Who can officially say that they can literally reach into their wardrobe (or under their bed) and throw on the first thing that comes to hand? If you’re agreeing, then I have the greatest respect for you. Students are constantly wanting to be in the know about the latest trends, and what’s going to get their fellow friends swooning over their outfits or have them literally reaching for the sick bucket. Personally, I think if you want to parade around campus in a pink frilly tutu, then who is there to stop you? Certainly not the Fashion Police!

Because of my sheer interest in fashion, I decided to go behind the scenes at this season’s Bristol Fashion Week at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, to find out what will be the must-have items for this Autumn/Winter. If you have been in awe over the recent trends fashioned at the prestigious London and Milan Fashion Weeks, then Mark Heyes is the man to offer you that affordable, alternative option. If you’re wondering who Mark Heyes is, then you most certainly haven’t watched Lorraine on ITV! He’s crowned as one of Britain’s most trusted stylist and has worked with the likes of Lady Gaga and other inspirational celebrities. He has performed miracles on women who have been seeking a transformation and has really turned their lives around for the better. When meeting with the man himself, his clear kindness and eye for fashion soon became apparent.

He kindly propped open his laptop and showed me through an awe-inspiring slide show of what I was going to be seeing during the fashion show. The way he’d found cheaper alternatives of designer outfits from Givenchy, Chloe and Chanel, was simply astonishing and just goes to show that you don’t need to splash out big time to look like you’ve just stepped off the catwalk. “It looks just like Dolce & Gabbana, but with a zero knocked off the price tag!” exclaims Mark.

“

It looks just like Dolce & Gabbana, but with a zero knocked off the price tag!

- Mark Heyes Not only did Mark give me a fantastic insight as to what to expect in the show, but he also gave me some valuable tips that I just had to share in this feature.

“Combining bright colours with deeper shades is definitely in-fitting with this season”, says Mark. “This is absolutely ideal for students who have splashed out this summer on brightly coloured items of clothing – now they can just take those bright, summery items down a notch with mixing in a few neutral shades here and there.”

Looking back, fashion has always played quite an influential part in my life. Do you remember those brightly coloured trainers and the tracksuit bottoms with poppers down the side? Of course you do and no doubt that’s probably a moment in your life you’d rather forget. But I love looking back on the photographs of me dressed in those horrific outfits and remembering how cool I felt at the time. You never know, with fashion repeating itself so consistently, they may even come back in again at some point!

The fashion world has most certainly taken a step back in time, bringing forth trends such as ‘Mod Squad’ and the ‘Outrageous 80’s’. You’ve no doubt had that conversation with your

parents when they claim that they literally had the exact same item of clothing ‘back in the day’! Well yes, they most probably did and what better way to save money than taking that trip up into the attic and discovering their old hidden gems. Charity and vintage shops are also the prime places to pick up items that reflect the latest trends - fur coats and tweed jackets are literally dominating the coat rails as well as the catwalks at the moment. “Coloured tights will be huge this Autumn/Winter, as well as the Peter Pan collar”, says Mark “and saffron is definitely going to be the ‘in’ colour this season.”

The 12th Bristol Fashion Show was an array of models of all different ages and sizes - it was a relief to see a show which didn’t just consist of just young, size zero models. “This show is all about making fashion accessible to everyone”, says Mark. Mark Heyes combined the pieces put forward from retailers at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway to promote glamorous trends from ‘Countryside Heritage’ to ‘LA Glam’, and ‘Fetish Chic’ to ‘Masculine Tailoring’. There were fashions from the likes of H&M, French Connection, River Island, and (now don’t go screwing your nose up) Marks and Spencer. The models paraded down the catwalk against backdrops of intriguing beauty – one in particular was scene five, where teal and turquoise items of clothing were fashioned against a beautiful peacockinspired background. Teals are a great way to warm up the skin tone”, explains Mark (great advice for me considering I have the palest complexion!).

“

If you want to get somewhere in life, you need to be prepared to work your bloody arse off!

- Mark Heyes

The male models (and what they were wearing of course) also featured hugely throughout. Scene (?) saw Republic establishing a ‘street’ vibe, bringing forth the chequered shirts and wintry boots. I’m afraid to say it’s time to put those espadrilles and flip flops to the back of the wardrobe boys, as the Desert and Military boot are making a significant comeback this season. Teaming them up with a pair of chinos or brightly coloured jeans is most definitely the look to be pulling off this Autumn/Winter. Sleek suits made of shiny fabrics also appears to be the ‘in’ look for this season – ideal for any Christmas parties or functions which are looming ahead.

Accompanying Mark on the show was prestigious hair stylist Andrew Barton. “It’s time to get back out those heated rollers, because the beehive is back!” He also went on to explain how it’s all about “shocking hair colours” this season. That’s right! The pink hair flashes are indeed, making a comeback...

Christina Aguilera style!

Whilst meeting with Mark backstage, he also shed some light on getting into the fashion industry and I asked him whether he had any good advice to offer students who were looking at taking that particular career path.

“It was all just down to pure luck”, explains Mark. “No one knew what a stylist was when I was 18, so there was hardly any competition out there to become one.”

The fashion guru himself attended the Glasgow School of Art and worked at several Scottish news papers. Mark then moved to London, where he landed a job working for Channel 4 on the show ‘She’s Got to Have it’.

“If you want to get somewhere in life, you need to be prepared to work your bloody arse off!” says Mark Heyes “and you have to be prepared to work for free.” He also expressed his infuriation on how national publications can’t function without work experience or voluntary help from students.

“It absolutely sickens me!” exclaims Mark, “sometimes though, it’s all about just swallowing your pride and getting on with it.”

Mark Heyes did an absolutely fabulous job at finding alternative look-a-like items from the high street, to make following catwalk trends more accessible to the people of Bristol, and his insight into the fashion industry was truly remarkable, as well as inspiring. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway offers a range of high street and designer shops but there’s always the option of finding similar, and more unique items in one of Bristol’s many charity or vintage shops that lace its independent streets.

I think Bristol is a fantastic place to express yourself, and what better way to do it than going all out this season on the latest trends. Who cares if you look like you’ve just stepped out of the changing room of Ann Summers, or just strolled off the set of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? No one does - Bristol’s all about being unique! So go on, get on your glad rags and hit the streets in true ‘Bristol Fashion’ style!

Features 11

WesternEye Oct 2011

Can you walk the walk, or do you talk the talk?

A walking nightmare

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>Sleep trauma is a common problem in youths that is usually outgrown. But what really causes those night time nasties?

Laura Dale features@westerneye.net

t some point in their lives, most people have been known to sleep talk. I, for one, have been known to wake myself up with occasional outburst!

Back when I was six or seven years old, my sister and I decided that we temporarily liked each other and decided to share a room. It wasn’t until a week or two later that we’d regressed back to our usual pattern of yelling and fighting, but this time she was a heck of a lot more brutal. It turns out that I’d been talking in my sleep and revealing all of my deepest and darkest secrets, which she thought would be hilarious to use against me! Not quite so impressed, I moved out soon after.

But sleep talking is just a small part of what is medically known as sleep traumas. Some people go on to experience different levels of sleep trauma; from the innocent and common snore, to a rather more dangerous version of walking, or

“

Sleep traumas, specifically sleep walking, are caused by over tiredness, anxiety and are heightened by alcohol or drugs. the even more risqué affliction of having sexomnia – the act of performing sexual acts while still asleep! (A good excuse for all you randy freshers out there, perhaps?) It all sounds quite funny and definitely makes for a good story, but sleep traumas aren’t called traumas for nothing. They scare the bejesus out of you!

In December last year I had reached the familiar stage of typical student life where I’d run out of money. My little trick was, instead of living like a hermit and never going out, I’d resort to going on nights out in my car and just not drinking. It was on one of those nights that I had my first ever encounter with sleep walking.

After being chucked out of Thekla at closing time, I’d arrived home at around 3am and was so pooped that I didn’t bother getting changed before bed. I just cleaned my teeth and collapsed in a heap. The next morning I woke up with a sore arm.

Strange, I thought, until I looked down and found that I’d been lying on a phone. But it wasn’t my phone, but a Samsung I’ve never seen before! And whilst moving around the bed looking for more stray items, I realised my bra was missing! Not only that, but I then looked down to discover that somehow, my top had turned inside out! Very odd…

I went into the living room where my housemate greeted me with a particularly evil look. Seeing as she is the happiest person I’ve ever met, I asked her what was up.

“You!” She told me. “You were sooooo bloody loud last night! You were banging around for about an hour at 5am.

How drunk did you get? Where’s your car?”

As far as I knew, I’d gone to bed at 3am and hadn’t budged all night!

That afternoon my other housemate confronted me, accusing me of going into her room and messing it up while she’d been at work. Again I protested and insisted that I’d been in bed by 3am and was stone cold sober.

It wasn’t until she came back into the living room with my bra in her hand, exclaiming that her spare phone was missing from her chest of drawers. The drawers of which had been removed and placed around the room with her clothes thrown all over the place.

For most sleepwalkers, they’re found hovering in doorways or walking slowly around the house, arms outstretched and

unable to talk. Kind of like a zombie. Instead, we figured that I’d reached a whole new level of sleep walking where I’d walked around, wandering from room to room, slamming doors (which explained the loud bangs) and into Chantal’s room where I’d proceeded to attempt to get changed (in the process of which I had removed my bra and top, removed the drawers, laid them our on the floor to find something to wear, decided there was nothing suitable and so gotten dressed again, leaving the room a complete state!)

A doctor later told me that a cause of sleepwalking is due to the subconscious failing to switch off. Maybe my subconscious knew that I hadn’t changed into my PJ’s and decided to do something about it? As for the phone, I have no idea. But it was in fact Chantal’s spare!

Two months later I was on a ski holiday with my family where my sleepwalking escapades totaled up to three nights on the trot. My antics consisted of moving furniture, talking to my mum for a good 10-15 minutes and convincing her that I was awake (twice), talking to my friends with a gormless look on my face (but still making sense), made beds, tidied and even had a shower.

Every morning at breakfast we’d have a good laugh at me.

That was until the third night where I had woken up in the shower. Yup. I’d stripped off, climbed into the bath, turned the shower on, lathered myself up and ta-da! I’d woken up, not knowing where I was, sending myself into a panic attack, resulting in my mum comforting me for an hour before I was able to calm down and eventually fall asleep. Funny, that at 22-years-old, you’re never too old to need your mum!

The holiday sleepwalking really scared me and because of it I found myself afraid of going to sleep in case it happened again. I was getting behind on work because I was so tired and couldn’t concentrate. I ended up having to go to the doctors who informed me that I had reached the highest levels of sleep walking and that it was a very dangerous stage. I was referred to a sleep clinic at Frenchay Hospital, where the specialist told me that it was actually my own fault!

Sleep traumas, specifically sleep walking, are caused by over tiredness, anxiety and are heightened by alcohol or drugs. He put it down to my irregular hours at work (where I often didn’t finish until 6am), combined with pulling all-nighters in the library, suffering with insomnia, stress and anxiety and the loss of a family member. With all this happening within a couple of months – I’d completely worn myself out. I was sentenced to bed at 11pm, plenty of sleep and cutting down on alcohol.

I was in serious danger of waking up naked, outside and chatting to some stranger!

Looking back on my antics, a pattern had started to emerge.

I seemed to like changing clothes, talking to people and was literally capable of just about anything. Did I mention that I was caught in the act trying to leave the house to go for a drive? Dangerous or what?! I was in serious danger of waking up naked, outside and chatting to some stranger! Not my idea of fun!

Needless to say, I followed the doctors’ advice and within a month, had developed the sleeping pattern of a lazy teenager with my sleepwalking limiting itself to throwing my shoes around my room. To this day, I haven’t done it since - touch wood!

The start of university can be a daunting, yet exciting prospect for anyone. Freshers is can be a physically and financially draining time and the thought of having to do work again after a long, relaxing summer can be particularly stressful. The combination of anxiety, stress and over-tiredness may well be taking its toll on you already, as well as feeling you’ve consumed enough alcohol to see you through until the end of university.

So take a leaf out of my book and be sure to not burn the candle at both ends. Just think, that nightmare of strolling through your uni halls butt naked and sound asleep could well become a reality!

>Treatment Some people mistakenly believe that a sleepwalker should not be awakened. It is not dangerous to awaken a sleepwalker, although it is common for the person to be confused or disoriented for a short time when they wake up.

Another misconception is that a person cannot be injured while sleepwalking. Sleepwalkers are commonly injured when they trip and lose their balance.

Most people don’t need any specific treatment for sleepwalking.

Safety measures may be needed to prevent injury. This may include moving objects such as electrical cords or furniture to reduce the chances of tripping and falling. You may need to block off stairways with a gate.

In some cases, short-acting tranquilizers have been helpful in reducing sleepwalking episodes.

Ref U.S. National Library of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/ PMH0001811/)

Entertainment Music Film and Television

Allstars Recap Sam Hudson

entertainment@westerneye.net All Stars is a renowned event among students, which has always provided UWE Freshers with a catalogue of big-name acts, such as Bombay Bicycle Club, Professor Green and Pendulum. This year’s event was set to be another massive night until disaster struck at the last minute when headliners Chase and Status pulled out due to sickness. Despite the disappointing news, the SU team swiftly found a replacement and continued to plan what was to be a very successful night.

“I thought the night was a huge success, personally I was very disappointed about Chase and Status backing out but the other acts really made up for it”, comments Alex Wyatt, UWE Student and Hub Radio Station Manager. “Rizzle Kicks set the standard incredibly high after their performance but unfortunately, by the time The View and Kissy Sellout played, many of the students were too drunk to fully appreciate the performances.”

This isn’t the first time that the act has suffered sickness problems, as their tour was halted earlier this

year due to Saul ‘Chase’ Milton falling seriously ill with suspected swine flu. This, however, turned out to be a viral infection and acute tonsillitis. The London duo did, however, officially apologise through their Twitter and MySpace accounts, and assured everyone that they would be back on the scene as soon as possible.

Despite a collection of disappointed students bickering about selling their tickets after the Chase and Status withdrawal announcement, the turn out for this year’s All Stars was more than plenty. This

was clearly evidenced by the countless rows of screaming and dancing students attempting to get closer to their favourite acts.

“I’m not sure why people were complaining. Chase and Status’ reason to pull out was completely out of anyone’s hands, never mind the SU’s”, says Will Lucus, UWE Student and IT Support Assistant.

“I personally know they worked very hard to find replacements and the people who attended should be thankful to have such a dedicated team working on their behalf. Without them, there wouldn’t have been

a Freshers’ Week in the first place.”

All Stars’ main stage wasn’t the only source of entertainment that night. Frenchay Campus had transformed into some sort of super club; with stages set up in all major bars along with drinks tents, BBQs and acoustic acts situated in The Hub. “The cover band stage was surprisingly entertaining with particular regards to the Beyoncé tribute act, who was stunningly talented”, exclaims Emma Wood, a third year UWE student. “I personally would have liked to have seen more UWE

based bands at the event, but saying this there was plenty of entertainment across the campus that night to keep everybody entertained.”

The SU team can certainly sit back and appreciate that Allstars 2011 was a mission well accomplished. The event appears to grow in popularity each year, presenting bigger and better live acts. Who knows what surprises 2012 Allstars will have in store!

Backstage @ All Stars... >WesternEye speaks to Rizzle Kicks So guys, you have a new album on the way?

shouting ‘Rizzle Kicks’ which was great.

“Yes we do! It comes out on Halloween, the 31 October and it’s called ‘Stereo Typical’, Two Words!”

You recently worked with Fatboy Slim for one of the tracks on your upcoming album, what was it like working with him?

Does this mean a new upcoming tour then?

“Yeah, we are going on tour with Professor Green this year which should be buzzing, all the dates are booked in and then next year in February we will be going on our own headlining tour!”

So you played Leeds festival recently, how was that?

“Leeds was bloody awesome! We were watching Ed Sheeran but unfortunately we had to rush off to our stage, though when we arrived there were just a load of people there just

“Well, Fatboy Slim is just the don isn’t he? It started with an A & R meeting and they asked who our dream list of people to work with would be, so we said, Kanye West, Fatboy Slim etc. and then the week after we were sat in a hotel and Norman just walked in and we were like “Whoa, you’re like the biggest DJ in the world!” and to get a co-sign from him was just awesome. So yeah, we worked with him and we’ve made a tune with him called ‘Mama Do the Hump’. Working with him was great; you could really sense the years of partying that had gone on in that studio.”

> Kissy Sell Out chats to WesternEye about his early career aspirations and memorable gigs…

How did you get into music?

“I always thought that I was going to be an artist or a graphic designer for a living. My music career sort of took off completely by accident because what I was actually trying to do was simply boost content for my record label and sell ‘real’ people’s music. But what was ironic was that the music that I had of people from my university and town didn’t sell a single unit, but the Kissy Sell Out stuff just took off and suddenly all these DJs all over the world were playing it. I never had any confidence in my own music hence the ironic name Kissy Sell Out. I would have liked to be an expressive painter if I’m honest with you, but my mum always said that I wouldn’t make any money at all and wouldn’t even be able to afford my own house or anything like that. I am also completely

fascinated with science and obsessed with space, I’ve read every book that there is to read about it.

Some of the things people have discovered about space can affect your whole life. So I kinda wish that I’d gone into science really.”

So, tell us about one of your favorite gigs?

“One of the best gigs that I’ve ever been to was actually when I saw Babyshambles at Colchester Universi-

ty around five or six years ago and it was just the atmosphere. Everyone was thinking Pete Doherty wasn’t going to show up, so everyone just started chanting and there was a lot of bonding going on between the crowd. They ended up coming on about 45 minutes late but by that time the crowd were so rowdy, but obviously still wanted a good time.

When they come out, everyone went crazy and started throwing beer in the air. I remember I went with this girl to that gig and afterwards, I was so covered in beer that she wouldn’t touch me. I didn’t care because I was having such a good time. Oddly, I’m not even a Babyshambles fan, but I would still rate that as one of the best gigs that I’ve ever been to.

I think that was also the part of my life when the electro scene was kind of blowing up on the underground in the UK.”

Entertainment 13

WesternEye Oct 2011

MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA @ O2 ACADEMY

TV Review: Fresh Meat

Katy Huke

Larrissa Huggard

entertainment@westerneye.net

entertainment@westerneye.net

Initially people may be rather wary of what to expect from Manchester Orchestra as their name does generate some preconceptions. Are they a string quartet from Old Trafford? However, anybody fortunate enough to witness their show would quickly learn that they are not from Manchester but from Atlanta, Georgia. Nor are they an orchestra, but a group of exceptionally talented musicians, who produce indie music with a distinctive rock twist.

Sometimes, the frustration with new bands is that you always feel that they could be incredible, if only the front man or woman had a more powerful voice, a voice which will stop you in your tracks and scream star quality. Not so for Manchester Orchestra, as front man Andy Hall has the ability to encapsulate every emotion the lyrics entail through his powerful voice.

He doesn’t engage with the audience all that much in between songs, however when he does, he comes across as humble and witty.

Essentially, he doesn’t need to be a showman. The band’s music demands your attention. Their sound sits somewhere between the gentle lyrics of Death Cab for Cutie, and the edgy rock element of Brand New.

It is clear to see why this band has supported such acts as Kings of Leon, Biffy Clyro and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. They are the definition of everything cool, and if they produce more catchy songs, like ‘I’ve Got Friends’, their fan base is sure to widen even further.

>WesternEye speaks to lead singer Andy Hall So, it’s the first night of your tour tonight, any mixed feelings?

Well I feel great, I feel really excited, I’ve got a lot of anticipation about what’s next and this is our eleventh time back here in the UK so yeah, it’s taken a long time for us to get to this cool reward! I mean you put in the time and play the shows and our band has never had a record here or had a magazine really bigging us up or anything like that, so yeah this is awesome.

And this is also your first headlining tour in the UK? Well that’s what the press say, but it’s definitely not our first headlining tour. We’ve done so many headlining tours but they have always been in front of about 100 or 200 people. Then it started to grow to 300 and this time of course

a lot more. We were actually here in April, right before our record came out. We played two London shows and a Manchester show.

I also like Karl Pilkington, he’s also from Manchester and is a legend everywhere, and I’ve been listing to all his stuff for like the last seven years.

Any UK gigs that you have particularly enjoyed performing at?

We played Leedsfest and Reading twice over the last five years. We had a really good Reading the second time and a really good Leeds the first time, which kind of evens out but every time we play Manchester, it’s pretty cool. They kind of take a home-made liking to us.

Any beginnings of a fourth album in the works?

Well, we are constantly writing, but for us we usually wait once our record’s been released. We feel like we need to give it a minute before we can start writing again and that usually starts during the summer.

So why the name Manchester Orchestra when you guys are clearly not from Manchester?

Well I started the band when I was 16. I was listening to a lot of The Smiths and a bit of Morrissey and I knew they started in Manchester.

Any words of wisdom for aspiring musicians?

I don’t think I know enough yet, I’m still a young writer myself trying to make it work, you know? I feel like where we’ve gotten has taken a lot of really hard work, and dedication to make sure what you release is better and more potent than before.

Fresh Meat is the new channel 4 comedy devised from the brains of Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong, creators of the award winning Peep Show. With this in mind, it’s natural to hold high expectations of this university fresher-based show, which is about six students too late to apply for halls and consequently thrown into a house share together.

The characters portray the standard clichéd personalities expected of a student comedy, making the show far more realistic than anticipated. Jack Whitehall plays public schoolboy JP, who hoped to have got into a ‘proper’ university and does this brilliantly. Unfortunately he acts this part so well that the other characters can seem boring in comparison. Joe Thomas (aka Simon from The Inbetweeners) also stars in the show playing the sexually inexperi-

enced Kingsley, and despite having his hair flat instead of gelled up, sadly makes Fresh Meat appear to be a spin-off for the poor lad.

Speaking from experience, I can say that this is a pretty accurate depiction of the ‘moving into halls’ experience, as the characters are diverse and would not form a typical friendship group in the ‘real world’.

Unfamiliar face Greg McHugh takes the role of Howard, the eccentric nutter of the group, who actually has some innovative money saving ideas that should definitely be taken into consideration during the awkward period when loans are awaited.

Like a light hearted Skins, Fresh Meat is easy watching and is a good way to distract yourself from your own university life. A drawback is the laugh-at-them rather than withthem humour, which after an hour can be quite draining and not particularly challenging. This makes it good for a hangover or if you find yourself incapable of intelligent thought after a long day of learning and bettering yourself.

Film Review: Drive

Jack Cullis

entertainment@westerneye.net Drive is a visceral experience.

Its characters behave as such and the moments caught are ephemeral and fleeting - moments that are explosions of our primal desires, and those that stem from our very surroundings. These are stitched into what is, thankfully, a fairly straightforward story.

It is often said that there are only seven archetypal stories. This film describes the one where boy meets girl, girl is in danger, and boy comes to the rescue. In this case, his stallion is his car, the boy is a driver, and his name is ‘Driver’. This is the meagre information delivered to us and nothing more on the subject is learnt.

It is a fairytale trimmed of beginnings and endings; there is no explanation of why the princess needs rescuing and what comes of the knight’s rescue. Instead, we open on that horseback and gallop until all is well in the kingdom. Very literally, it goes right to the death of the film. An everlasting tale as old as

time, the film is sparse in its detail of characters and timeframe.

In this way, it reminds me more of Brick and The Big Lebowski – stories of circumstance and their conclusion – than Magnolia, stubbornly refusing to go into further detail of its world. This is a story about gut feeling and trying to hold onto the very thing we cannot preserve, the passing moments of life itself. Living moments that are happening right now, rendering context irrelevant.

Credit to the writer for the work he did not do – allowing his people to not talk. They look, they feel. The film is an opera of these looks. Gut feeling drives the characters, and it drives the film. You look into the characters’ eyes and you feel with them.

DRIVE [2011] Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn Written by: Hossein Amini Featuring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston

14 Entertainment

WesternEye Oct 2011

The launch of the mighty In:Motion series

Mini Reviews

Sam Hudson

Emma Wood

entertainment@westerneye.net

entertainment@westerneye.net

Music Hot this Month Kasabian – Velociraptor

Friday 7 October saw the launch of Bristol’s underground music season In:Motion, kicking off the weekend with Hospitality, a sold out event that had luring intrusive acts such as High Contrast, Camo & Krooked and Danny Byrd for what was set to be an immense occasion.

Anyone who is unaware of Motion should know that no Bristol club supplies such a consistent set of outstanding nights throughout the year. Some of its most prestigious are Shit The Bed, Run and of course, Hospitality. Many who hold reservations about attending such events due to Bristol’s strictly drum and bass and dubstep reputation, must not be so naive. Motion also supplies music of all genres to suit any Bristol raver’s need, including hip-hop, funk and dance music.

“We have refurbished the entire venue, expanded the dance floors

and DJ booths to cope with the high demand of tickets for this year’s launch” says Livi Dawson, who’s a part of In:Motion Press. “Motion is bigger and better than it has ever been.”

“Hospitality is an endurance feat, feeling more Bestival than Bunker” comments Emma Wood on her experience of the launch. “Forget heels and nice shoes, it’s all about getting into a sweaty mess and raving to incredible music until the early hours.”

“Camo & Krooked did not disappoint, providing plunging drops at every opportunity eliciting audible groans from an ecstatic crowd. The pace was unforgiving throughout the entire set, and the response was ever enthusiastic. High Contrast were surprisingly monotonous, but this did nothing to dull the frenetic movement. Danny Byrd provided yet

another triumphant set, filled with the same bursting energy characteristic of the night.”

Before many people had risen from the pandemonium of Friday night, the club had transformed yet again. A new crowd had gathered outside Motion’s doors ready and willing to be the customers of chaos to yet another manic night headlined by the all-mighty Fake Blood.

Anyone fortunate enough to have witnessed the mayhem at Motion this month may agree that no other city can compare their efforts to Bristol’s predominant club scene. The In:Motion series runs right through until new years eve, putting on two major events every weekend. For full details and listings check out the official page at: www.bristolinmotion.com.

Velociraptor! is an album that is difficult to pigeon hole. With Kasabian employing an array of synths, jarring guitars, heavy drums, delicate strings, bombastic horns and atmospheric soundscapes, the resulting sound is extremely varied.

Expertly walking the tightrope between musical integrity and mainstream accessibility, this album is a triumph for the contemporary indie-rock genre.

Top Track: Man of Simple Pleasures

Film Hot this Month Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

This remake of the seventies BBC drama, and enactment of Le Carre’s novel is the critics choice of the moment. Retired George Smiley returns to M16 to root out a Soviet agent operating within its ranks.

Described as an intelligent Bond film, this is one to catch on the big screen while you can.

Every home should own When Harry Met Sally

Everyone should hear Jurassic 5 – Jurassic 5 Released back in 1998, this hiphop LP has survived the ravages of time, sounding as visionary and original now as it did then. Genius production and eloquent rhymes combine to produce one of the greatest albums of the 90s. Daring and intelligent, this LP is not to be overlooked.

Top Track: Concrete Schoolyard

Emerging talent

We all have friends of the opposite sex, and are constantly faced with the question: Can men and women ever just be friends? This film explores all aspects of this in a way that’s both witty and touching.

Both genders need to watch this film, even if only for the café scene.

Off the Beaten Track

Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites EP

The Royal Tenenbaums

Your parents are guaranteed to call this “noise”, but there is only one word that truly describes this EP: Filth. Skrillex makes Chase & Status’s ‘No More Idols’ sound like a collection of lullabies, and is certainly not for the faint hearted. With grimy, intense drops - this is electro best served loud.

Top Track: Scatta

Director Wes Anderson’s eccentric portrayal of this dysfunctional family houses possibly the funniest character in modern cinema: Royal Tenenbaums. Paradoxically irreverent and caring, Royal has some brilliant one liners that will not only make you laugh, but subtly weave themselves into your everyday life – much like Royal himself.

15

WesternEye Oct 2011

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Dos & don'ts of fresherhood

Life

UWE SU & The Presidents Colin Offler:

Students’ Union Presiden

Nicol Caplin life@westerneye.net

Some of the finest advice for life as a first year, from a fourth year University should be an amazing time for everyone, but sometimes the highs can also coincide with the lows. Whether it’s homesickness, friends, exams or the work load is proving difficult, the most important thing to DO is talk to someone about it. Student advisers are found in every faculty and offer free appointments at reception. Whatever it is, get it sorted.

DO keep a form of ID on you at all times. You may be far away from home, so make sure you pop in a local, term-time ICE (In case of emergency) contact into your phone as well, just in case. Share this info with whoever lives at your home-home, and this will ease anyone’s fears about your safety. It shows you are taking responsibility for yourself - nice one!

DON’T be badgered by charity campaigners. Don’t get me wrong, charity is a beautiful thing, but there is a difference in being made aware of a cause and donating off your own back, and being cornered into a direct debit scheme that you can’t afford. Don’t be afraid to say no to these people (politely).

DON’T jump into bed with your new house mates. I get it! You’re both new in the city, young free and single and no longer have parents knocking about downstairs, but in reality, you probably won’t get married in second year. To avoid making home life awkward for the both of you, have a good think about the consequences, and if you do end up together, do it safely.

DON’T forget to stock up on multivitamins, those value ready meals and takeaways aren’t going to do wonders for your health now are they?

DO make sure that you always have enough taxi money to get home.

DON’T do drugs. They are dangerous and can make you do really really stupid things.

DO embrace your NUS discount card, but think carefully about your potential purchases.

Just because a huge poster screams 20% off with your card, doesn’t mean you need it. A pair of shoes that cost £40, would be £32 in such a sale. Would you still buy them if that was full price?

DO try that sport you’ve been toying with since Freshers’ Fair.

University is one of the best and most effective ways to get into a new sport, as most organisations offer student discounts for clubs. It is also a brilliant way to make some great, lifelong friends outside of halls and lectures. Who knows, you might even get to compete at a varsity match!

DO try and get a decent amount of sleep. The odd late night is an almost inevitable part of student life. Even if you’re not out partying, your housemates might be, and they won’t return quietly! Also avoid naps in the early evening, your body clock will fully resent you and you’ll end up watching rubbish YouTube videos all night as a result - oh, and missing lectures too!

Speaking of lectures, DO attend regularly - it’s all very tempting to do a no-show if you know it’s up on Blackboard or if someone else is grabbing notes, but skimming over a PowerPoint or trying to make sense of someone else’s notes is not active learning. You just can’t engage properly in the subject, so go!

Come exams you’ll thank me.

I’m Colin Offler – the Students’ Union President at UWE. I’m a fourth year student, studying Education Studies. I’m going back to my course to finish up in my 5th year. I play Ice Hockey for the UWE/Bristol Lions, and can proudly say we were crowned Division Two National Champions last year!

I occasionally teach Flair with the Bar School Society and I’ve been a member of the Disability Awareness Network since its creation. It’s a real privilege to have been re-elected as Students’ Union President this year because the Students’ Union is all about improving students’ lives.

Safiyyah Henderson: Societies & Communications Vice-President

My role in the SU is to manage the societies: I allocate their budgets and help them to manage them. I’m also here to direct and help support societies in any fundraising events that they carry out. I’m also making a conscious effort this year to attend society meetings and see how they’re getting on.

In regards to the communications side of my role, I work closely with

Louise Goux-Wirth: Community and Welfare Vice-President

Hello to you all and I hope that you have had a very good Freshers’ and a smooth start to the academic year. I’m Louise, your Vice President Community and Welfare, and I work to represent you on issues of student welfare, community engagement, housing, equality and diversity. The last four months have been one rollercoaster journey, but so many exciting things have been happening: a lot of trainings, meetings and planning for the year ahead.

I work very closely with the Networks within UWESU, some of which were formally known as Societies last year. I’m extremely proud of all

Olly Reid:

Education Vice-President

My main goal for this year is to provide UWE students with the education they demand and deserve. In order to do this, I need to know what the students require and I believe now is the perfect time for UWE students to take some ownership of their own education.

As well as my continuous engagement with students to get a wide range of opinions, Student Reps are also an excellent source of course-

The work that Vice Presidents, the Executive Committee and I do on a daily basis have a common goal in enhancing the student experience - student life isn’t always all roses and cupcakes I’m afraid!

One of my key priorities for the year includes lobbying UWE for a new, fitfor-purpose, SU building. In addition to this, through UWE’s future funding changes, I’ll be defending access to higher education for disadvantaged students and the support they get when they are here. Furthermore, I’ll be ensuring that the work of the executive committee is informed, supported by student engagement and is successful in making the lives of students better during their time at UWE. It’s sometimes tough to gauge how elected officers strive the Media Department, focusing on constructing ways to raise awareness around the services of the SU. My role also entails working closely with RAG (Raise and Give) to raise money for four local charities, so being creative in the events field and helping with fundraising falls under my role. This year I want to help RAG raise money for charity, help societies reach their full potential and increase their budgets through fundraising, whilst helping to make students more aware of the brilliant services the SU has to offer.

I think high quality support and a their hard work, and the commitment shown already from the committees. It’s definitely going to be a good year! If you want to find out more, make sure you get in touch.

I successfully ran my first campaign, which was on Mental Health Awareness Day, where I worked with a brilliant organisation called “Time to Change”, which works hard to end mental health discrimination.

Student mental health and wellbeing is such an important issue, as it’s important that you have the best student experience as possible.

While being at university is about learning to be independent, it’s important to remember the amount of support that is available.

We’ve worked hard on an amazing free gig for Black History Month : Love Music Hate Racism gig, hap-

to achieve these things, and often, it’s the heated debates with UWE’s decision-making boards that make the difference.

If you want to hear more about what your elected officers have been doing for you then check out our updates via the website: http://www. uwesu.org/representation/presidents/

wide range of opportunities is what’s important to students, in addition to this, they want to be met by a welcoming SU that genuinely has their best interests at heart - which is what we provide here at UWE.

pening on the 25th October, Start the Bus, Bristol. Definitely an event not to miss, so make sure you bring all your flatmates along.

This year UWE Students’ Union has seen quite a change in how it represents you. But remember you make the Students’ Union, through your involvement in sports, societies, networks, student reps, and so much more. So leave your mark, and get involved.

related feedback. An improvement of communication between the University and its students is currently being addressed within the SU. Feedback collected from last year shows that a high proportion of students believe they are given the chance to put their problems and ideas forward, but a small amount feel that anything is being done about it. Over the coming weeks, ‘Education Information’ will show ways that UWE is continually improving its education thanks to the feedback collected by student reps

and other sources. Join Olly Reid Vp Education UWESU on Facebook and make your voice heard. It's your education, your voice.

Your Campus Officers Bower Ashton Campus Officer Hello WesternEye readers!

I’ve been asked to take a moment to introduce myself to you all. My name’s Sarah and I am the Campus Officer for the wonderful campus that is Bower Ashton and I feel very lucky to be so!

So far this year has been madbusy, we’ve had a really great Freshers’ Week and everyone’s settled back into the swing of things now.

The highlight of my week was definitely our circus themed welcome party and seeing a lady shoot sparks from her pants! It was an

Catherine Reeve: Frenchay Campus Officer

Due to being a second year, I really want to ensure that first year students are getting the most out of their student experience at UWE. This year I want to stretch myself by supporting a vast range of events, whether this being sporting, environmental, charitable or campaigning to name but a few. My main priority for the year is to strengthen the sense of community within the stu-

Daniel Hinchey:

St Matthias’ Campus Officer I am a second year History student with a shed load of passion for the oldest campus at UWE. I like to get involved in many things from a dash of drama to involvement in the History Society. I also volunteer at the Food Cycle scheme (making tasty meals for the community out of quality foods).

In the forthcoming year I want to help influence the SU and UWE to be even more sustainable, with the aim of specifically making St Matt’s more green and cycle-friendly. To

Rachel Kent:

Hartpury Campus Officer The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of long hours and hard work. As Campus Officer, I look forward to expressing the views of Hartpury students and working alongside the executive committee at UWE. I feel one of my most important goals this year is to improve the role as Campus Officer. By promotion and encouragement we can increase the sustainability of the Campus Officer role and create active involvement with the SU.

eventful week to say the least and having the opportunity to meet lots of new people has been amazing.

At the moment I’m trying to settle into the role and begin working alongside various groups of students to campaign for the things that currently matter to us; whether this being issues to do with our campus, specific courses or even UWE in general – but watch this space, there will be more to come on this later. I’m also working hard to help put in place some of the changes we need to make to our campus as a whole - I promise to keep students updated as best as I can! dent village by working with the hall reps system. For more information on hall reps, please follow this link; www.uwesu.org/representation/ hall-reps.

I also want to work with you! It's my role to ensure that the views of Frenchay students are represented to the SU, so please don't hesitate in contacting me with any ideas you may have and wish to investigate further. If I don’t know the answer to your question, I can find the person who does.

I’m looking forward to this year very this end, I have helped to shape this year’s Sustainability Week at St Matt’s. There is going to be plenty of activities around UWE that all environmentally-conscious students will enjoy!

One of my main objectives is to ensure that the Relocation Project allows effective student consultation where students aren't just listened to, but where UWE is actively encouraged to embed student feedback as well. To help give information, I shall try and be in the St Matt’s SU Office every Tuesday 12-3 to communicate with students over this issue. I also think communication can be improved at St Matts, Because of the mileage, Bristol can feel like light-years away for students at Hartpury. This year, I hope to see the relationship between UWE and our campus become stronger, with UWE events being promoted across Hartpury, making them more accessible to students.

A newly established social committee is proving to be helpful to myself and the bar staff at Legends - hopefully this is a trend we can set for future years to come.

Most importantly, I'm passionate about students feeling that they have a voice at Hartpury. I

Movember

Move over November, Movember is taking centre stage to promote awareness about men's health.

Gentlemen of UWE, it is almost that time of year again where you have to banish your shaver and vanity, and (attempt to) grow that moustache to its full potential – and we're thinking Freddy Mercury style!

Movember is a month purely dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health and raising vital funds in support of prostate cancer, and other cancers which effect men’s lives. For the whole 30 days of November, men – in the form of walking, talking billboards – will be required to fashion their finely

>The naked truth on naturism and how it can really have you feeling at one with nature

It’s going to be a hectic year for art students in these ‘testing times’ but I have a lot of faith. As a team, we can all have a great year and pull off some brilliant degree shows!

BowerCampusOfficer@gmail.com

much and think that a lot of exciting stuff is going to happen, so please join us and get involved with UWESU! FrenchayCampusOfficer@gmail.com

and will do all I can to help through email, posters and the like. Without a doubt however, another one of my priorities has to be maintaining the happiness and well-being of Boris the campus cat.StMattsCampusOfficer@gmail.com

am always looking for input from students, so feel free to drop me an email – this is your student union, make your voice heard!

HartpuryCampusOfficer@gmail.com

Rebecca Day

groomed moustaches, and partake in public communication to raise awareness about the often ignored topics surrounding men’s health.

Mo Bros (the name given to these fine and selfless specimens) will have to register on the 1 November at www.movember.com to acclaim their responsibility of supporting the charity. The charity isn’t just requiring the support of men, but women as well, so Mo Sistas unite and stand alongside the men in your lives to support their Mo-growing efforts.

This global movement, originally created in Melbourne, Australia, continues to work to change estab-

lished attitudes men have about their health and to educate them on the health risks they face.

To thank Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, a series of Gala Partés are then thrown at the end of Movember to celebrate their efforts – And what better place to toast commendable moustaches than at Boca Bar in Bristol on the 26 November.

So get your wax and best trimming scissors at the ready (your moustache is probably going to need it) and produce an astounding tosh that speaks volumes for men's health.

Rose Berry life@westerneye.net Ever wondered what it’s like to live a day in someone else’s shoes?

What if they’re not wearing shoes?

What if they’re not wearing anything? To some, experiencing a day in the life of a naturist would be a daunting experience and one that expects you to confront your body issues. However, for many people out there it is an exhilarating experience - one that allows a group of people, who are of all different walks of life, to unite and share the enjoyment and freedom that comes from being completely naked.

‘Naturism’, also known as ‘nudism’ was introduced by Charles Crawford in 1891. Initially starting off with only two people, it has gone on to become a popular activity and has been involved in a lot of recent discussion. In August, Cherry Healey presented a programme on Channel 4 entitled ‘Cherry’s Body Dilemmas’ where she discussed her own body issues and met a naturist, who in the past suffered too, but made the conscious decision to change the way she saw her body. Naturism has even captured the interest of some of our very own students here at UWE… Jesse Groppi, a second year student studying Drama and Creative Writing, decided that after becoming a naturist just over a year ago, she wanted to see who else at UWE shared her same interest and wanted to seek out those who had considered it, but hadn’t quite had the courage to come forward. After first promoting her society at the Freshers’ Fair, Jesse was pleased to see how many people were keen to join.

With British Naturism (www.bn.org. uk) being a leading society in the UK, Jesse is hoping they will be of some assistance to her society, promoting an engagement with what an explored and developed way of living it has become.

“The best days of my life are spent in the nude,” says Jesse, who has high hopes for her society.

Plans are also underway to organise a trip to Alton Towers where Jesse in fact had her first naturist experience. She has also considered the idea of going around to schools to do talks on body image. “People

Photo: Bristish Naturism/Steve Betts. (CC)

Sarah Hickie:

Prepare to bare all

don’t realise the damage we cause to our mental health through body issues,” explains Jesse. A nudist disco in the Red Bar at UWE, may well be on the cards too.

So, what made Groppi decide to become a naturist? It was something she had thought about for a while and, after discussing it with other people, she realised how many closeted naturists there are out there. “Maybe someone you know is already a naturist, you just don’t know it yet,” suggests Jesse.

“There’s an incredible and indescribable boost of confidence you gain from it,” emphasises Jesse.

“You are able to be in an environment whereby you don’t feel others are judging you, giving you the opportunity to feel comfortable in your own skin.”

Whilst Groppi wants people to join, she is aware that it is not something newcomers adjust to immediately. “You have to start off in a way that you feel is most comfortable,” advises Jesse.

To give you an insight into naturism, Jesse and her partner will be featuring on a Channel 4 programme in the near future, though the name of the show is still yet to be decided.

If becoming a naturist appeals to you, and it’s something you’d like to hear more about, then you can email Jesse at jagroppi@gmail.com.

Go on, be brave and show nature what you’re really made of!

Superior Condoms Don’t be a fool and cover your tool – it could potentially win you a trip to Ibiza. The University Condom Challenge is officially on to find out who is the most sexually safe university in the whole of the UK. From purchasing condoms from Superior Condoms (www.superiorcondoms. com), students will be helping UWE on their way to the top of

the Safe Sex League. Not only will students be able to access a whole range of the best, branded condoms, but a holiday for two to Ibiza is also up for grabs!

Visit the Facebook page ‘University Condom Challenge’ to keep up-to-date on tips and advice on how to stay safe.

18 SU & Life

WesternEye Oct 2011

Raise and give Fran Hibbert

life@westerneye.net Raise and Give is a society dedicated to raising money for charities of the University’s choice. Although this is an ongoing society the big finale is in February where a week of events, partying and meeting new people will occur. The opportunity of helping local charities, meeting new people, improving your CV or simply having fun makes this an event for all students.

Already this year’s plans have begun to be put into place: events ranging from Speed Dating to Bar Crawls, and Comedy events to Cabaret nights - there is definitely something for everyone. For the first

> RAG leads the way when it comes to raising money for charity time ever, UWE students have been given the opportunity to participate in the Childreach International Challenge which consists of climbing either Mount Kilimanjaro or Machu Pichu next summer. The basic requirements are to fundraise £2450, which covers travel and challenge costs, whilst fifty per cent goes to the charity. Further information is available on the UWESU website. If the challenge of climbing a mountain appears too much, do not miss out on the other great events the RAG team are organising for you.

Although the society represents activity and entertainment, the

UWE gets street chic

cause behind RAG week must not be forgotten. The four main charities this academic year will focus on are Bristol and South Gloucestershire People First, County Air Ambulance Trust, Vassal Centre Trust and the Jessie May Trust. All of these charities are based in the local area and help a vast array of people – from promoting equal rights for people with disabilities and those in need of emergency services, to caring for children with life threatening conditions. With the current economic troubles many are hesitant to help these charities – that’s why RAG are doing their bit to ensure even the smallest donation can count. There are also several events you guys

can get involved in without any serious commitment, the first of which is ‘Woolly Hat Day’ on the 4th of November. The objective of the day is in the name – simply wear a woolly hat all day, get some sponsors and the proceeds shall go to helping the homeless. You can also go online to their website (www.mungos.org) and get yourself your very own hat worn by a range of celebrities! Another challenge for the lads – maybe the odd female – is Movember, where participants resist shaving their face for the month.

The aims of RAG week are to continue our triumphant efforts to raise money for these deserving charities, to get fresh new ideas regard-

ing fundraisers and events, and to get as many students to donate and participate as possible. The RAG committee would love your help, so if you’d like to participate in any of the events contact the team through the UWESU website (www.uwesu. org/activities/rag/events) or join their Facebook page.

If you take anything away from this article let it be the importance of the University’s RAG charity and the support it’s requiring for upcoming events. Short arms and long pockets? That’s no excuse. Just sacrificing that one bar of chocolate could make all the difference!

Rebecca Figgures life@westerneye.net We all know how fierce rivalry can be – especially when it comes to which university has the most fashionable students. This month, UWE will be facing their local rivals, the University of Bristol in an online style-off on local fashion website, MyStreetChic.com.

Students from both universities are being featured on the site and visitors have the opportunity to vote for their favourite look. So far, it‘s looking good for us stylish UWEgoers currently monopolising the top spot of the leader board (not that we‘re at all surprised). However, the battle is still commencing through social networking sites and MyStreetChic.com, with the results set to be announced at the end of this month. The student who receives the most votes will get £50 to spend at Merc Clothing, as well as an exclusive MyStreetChic.com beauty goody bag.

“The two universities have a history of friendly rivalry, so we’re hoping they’ll be pulling out all the stops to show us who has the best style”, comments Gina Dyer, Editor of MyStreetChic.com.

Representing UWE is MyStreetChic.com fashion ambassador Hannah Wood, who is in her first year studying Graphic Design. During Freshers’ Week Hannah took to UWE campuses on a ‘glam spy’ mission to discover the hottest new looks.

“UWE students know we are the best dressed in Bristol” says Hannah, “the key trick for us is knowing how to mix vintage and high street pieces for a ‘laid-back cool’ style.”

With the ballot deadline looming, MyStreetChic.com has a tough fight on their hands. But who will be crowned the most stylish university of Bristol? Visit www.mystreetchic. com/freshers to cast your votes and support UWE on its way to victory.

Student Style Spotting >>Bristol is renowned for its quirky and alternative dress sense, so Rebecca Figgures hits the streets in hope to find some stylish UWE showstoppers…

>> Laura Maloney, 20,Torquay

>>Melodie Balsamo, 20, London

>>Dan Kennedy, 20, Bristol

>>Andy Martin, 21, Bournemouth

2nd year Psychology student Playsuit – charity shop Bow – her Nan’s Shoes – Primark Jacket – St Nicholas’s Market Bag – Vintage at Motel

3rd year History student Skirt – Urban Renewal at Urban Outfitters Jumper – Topshop Shoes – Primark

1st year Journalism and Media Culture Studies student Shoes – charity shop Trousers – Reiss Shirt – charity shop Jumper – Ralf Lauren

3rd year Fashion student Shoes – Reebok Classics Jeans – Primark Hoodie – a friends Shirt – Ease the Squeeze at Brick Lane Market Coat – Vintage at Motel

SU & Life 19

WesternEye Oct 2011

Everyone needs a name for their bosoms >CoppaFeel! names boobs in aid of breast cancer awareness Tasha Beech life@westerneye.net Battling hard in the fight against Breast Cancer is CoppaFeel! - a UK based charity which encourages young women to check their breasts regularly for abnormalities.

The charity was founded by Kristin Hallenga who herself was misdiagnosed twice for Breast Cancer.

When she was finally diagnosed, the cancer was found to have already spread to her lower back.

Other than focusing primarily on getting better, Kristin decided to set up CoppaFeel! to ensure other young women do not find themselves in a similar position. The charity was founded in April 2009 and became an official charity the following October.

CoppaFeel! aims to hit home the importance of boob checking – especially for women between the ages of 18 and 30. It doesn’t just conform to the over forties rule we

try to impose on it. As well as informing young women about breast cancer, CoppaFeel!’s active campaigns strive to instil confidence in young women who wish to seek professional advice when concerns arise. The ultimate goal of CoppaFeel! is to reduce the incidence of late detection or misdiagnosed breast cancer.

Together with her ‘Boob Team’, Kristin travels the length and breadth of the UK encouraging young people to get to know their boobs. She decided it was time to flick the switch on breast cancer awareness and bring it to the forefront of young people’s attention. It is only too often that they are the ones dismissed by breast cancer campaigning. CoppaFeel!’s ask is simple, and that’s to get to know your breasts better. The sooner you do this, the sooner you’ll notice any changes - early detection is the key to successfully beating breast cancer.

This term, CoppaFeel! are taking their ‘Hello Boobs’ campaign to 15 universities across the UK - UWE being one of them. Dedicated student ‘Boob Teams’ have been recruited at each campus, and they’ll be encouraging fellow students to become at one with their bosoms by naming them. Once named, students are required to sign up to CoppaFeel!’s SMS reminder service. A free message is sent to their phone once a month reminding them to check their breasts. To set up your free reminder, text BOOB14 and your boob name to 70300.

UWE ‘Boob Team’ members will be on Frenchay Campus over the next few weeks with details of an up-coming UV Rave night and other activities you can get involved in to raise awareness.

For more information about the ‘Hello Boobs’ campaign at UWE, contact Tasha at tashabeech@hotmail.com and be sure to visit coppafeel.org. The breast time to CoppaFeel! is now.

LOOK for nipple discharge

LOOK for swelling in your armpit or around collar bone

FEEL for lumps and thickening

FEEL constant pain in your breast or armpit

LOOK for changes in skin texture eg. puckering/ dimpling

LOOK for a change in size and shape

LOOK for nipple inversion and changes in direction

LOOK for a rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area

Going the distance

> Some relationships can prove difficult at the best of times, never mind trying to maintain a long distance one Charlotte Barnes life@westerneye.net

There has always been, and probably will always be, a massive split of opinions about whether long distance relationships work or not. People like to believe that their relationship is strong enough to stand the test of time, or in this case, distance.

But sometimes it isn't anything to do with the relationship but rather the people involved in it.

It seems that there are two sides to this argument, and, in the interest of fairness, I’m going to be as unbiased (as a girl who’s had a failed long-distance relationship) can be! I believe

that an effective, long distance relationship should consist of regular communication, whether it be texts, phone calls or through social networking sites.

The stipulation is that this communication has to be sincere and coherent – and arguments don’t count I’m afraid! Also, be prepared to travel - it will never work if neither of you has the time or inclination to jump on a train and travel the 100 miles to see each other. It’s an obvious step but you’d be surprised how many people forget it. If you keep putting the effort in then it may well work out: you’ll both be reunited and things will return to the romantic perfection that you had before – although, I’m not willing to guarantee this.

The other side of the coin, the one that I’m more familiar with, is the side that tells you to steer clear of long-distance relationships. They can often result in one feeling slightly irrational and mildly crazy – I know this from personal experience! To maintain such a relationship takes a lot of time and patience. The difficulty arises when you’re thrown into the situation at university

where someone comes into your life who ticks all the boxes – the “same location” box is one your current partner just can’t measure up to. It’s not about temptation or loyalty, but sometimes it’s hard not to find someone else, particularly when you’re meeting new and interesting people every day.

This isn't a persuasive article for you to go out and dump your girlfriends or boyfriends – just think of this as more of a warning sign: long distance relationships can work, providing you’re prepared to go the distance...

Photo: Premshee Pillai (CC)

When I upped and left for university some of my closest friends stressed the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance, romantic relationship - a difficulty that I didn’t fully comprehend until I moved to Bristol, and then became single. As thousands of like-minded freshers start to settle into their new humble abodes, the hairline cracks in a relationship back home may be starting to appear - although there might be some of you that are managing just fine so far.

Long may that continue!

The Student Chef You’ll be making: A Tuna and Tomato Pasta Bake!

You’ll be needing: Dried pasta - we'd recommend wholemeal as a healthier option!

400g tin of chopped tomatoes Tbsp Tomato Puree Tin of tuna 200g tin of sweetcorn A pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning Half tbsp of dried herbs (oregano and basil works best!)

2 x packets of prawn cocktails crisps Cheese – as much or as little as you like Step 1: Begin cooking your pasta in boiling water, adding a little pinch of salt.

Step 2: While your pasta cooks, it makes sense to start grating the cheese and draining the tuna and sweetcorn - this way you won’t be rushing around at the last minute!

Step 3: In a separate pan, add your tin of chopped tomatoes, tuna and sweetcorn, as well as a tbsp of tomato puree. Add in the herbs and leave to simmer.

Step 4: Once your pasta and sauce is cooked, combine the two by pouring them into a baking dish. Scatter the crisps over the top of the pasta, with a generous handful of cheese to finish off.

Step 5: Place in the oven for about 10 – 15 minutes to bake.

Step 6: Finally, serve up and ENJOY! Serves 2

20 Sport

WesternEye Oct 2011

Sport Fixtures Upcoming sports fixtures for Oct - Nov 2011 26/10/2011 Key Home matches marked with - H Away matches marked with - A

02/11/2011

Badminton Womens 1st Mens 2nd Mens 1st

Badminton H H H

13:00 16:30 14:30

Basketball Mens 1st Womens 1st

>For full information on these matches then please visit the official UWE sports fixture page through www.bucs.org.uk

H H

16:00 13:30

Womens 1st Mens 1st

H H H H H

14:00 TBC 14:00 14:00 14:00

Mens 1st Womens 1st

H H H A H A

17:00 12:30 TBC 14:00 15:30 TBC

H A

14:00 TBC

Lacrosse Mens 1st Womens 1st

Netball Womens Womens Womens Womens

4th 3rd 2nd 1st

H A A H

15:30 TBC TBC 17:30

Rugby League Mens 1st

H

14:00

H H A

TBC 14:00 TBC

H A H A

15:30 TBC 13:30 TBC

Rugby Union Mens 1st Womens 1st Mens 2nd

Squash Mens 1st Womens 1st Mens 3rd Mens 2nd

H

TBC

Tennis Mens 1st Womens 1st Mens 2nd

A A

TBC TBC

H H

13:00 13:00

A A A A A

TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC

H H A A A H A

12:30 15:30 TBC TBC TBC 14.00 TBC

Womens 1st Mens 1st

H A

14:00 TBC

A A A A

TBC TBC TBC TBC

H

14:00

H H H

14:30 14:00 14:30

A A H A

TBC TBC 15:30 TBC

A

TBC

H H H

TBC 13:00 13:00

Netball Womens Womens Womens Womens

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

H H A

13:00 TBC TBC

Mens 1st Womens 1st Mens 2nd

Table Tennis Mens 1st

Mens 2nd Mens 4th Mens 3rd

A A H

TBC TBC 14:00

Mens 1st Womens 1st Womens 3rd Womens 2nd Mens 2nd

H H H A H

15:30 17:00 12:30 TBC 14:00

A

TBC

Lacrosse Netball Womens Womens Womens Womens

1st 4th 2nd 3rd

H A A A

14:00 TBC TBC TBC

A

TBC

Rugby League Rugby Union Womens 1st

H

14:00

Mens 1st Womens 1st

A A

TBC TBC

TBC 16:30 14:30

A H

TBC 13:30

A A

TBC TBC

A H A A A

TBC 14:00 TBC TBC TBC

H A A H A A A

14:00 TBC TBC 15:30 TBC TBC 14:00

A H

TBC 14:00

A A A A

TBC TBC TBC TBC

H A H

14:30 14:30 TBC

H H A A

13:30 15:30 TBC TBC

H

15:30

H H A

13:00 13:00 TBC

Basketball Mens 1st Womens 1st

Fencing Womens 1st Mens 1st

Hockey

A H H

Football Womens 1st Mens 4th Mens 3rd Mens 2nd Mens 1st

Hockey Womens 2nd Mens 2nd Mens 4th Mens 3rd Womens 1st Mens 1st Womens 3rd

Lacrosse Womens 1st Mens 1st

Netball Womens Womens Womens Womens

1st 4th 3rd 2nd

Mens 2nd Mens 2nd Womens 1st

Squash Womens 1st Mens 1st Mens 3rd Mens 2nd

Table Tennis Mens 1st

Tennis

Tennis Mens 1st Mens 2nd Womens 1st

TBC

Mens 1st Mens 2nd Womens 1st

Rugby Union

Squash Mens 2nd Mens 3rd Womens 1st Mens 1st

A

Squash

Rugby League Mens 1st

TBC

Football

Mens 1st

Lacrosse

Badminton A

Fencing

Womens 1st

Hockey Womens 3rd Womens 2nd Mens 1st Mens 2nd Mens 3rd Mens 4th Womens 1st

Mens 1st

Womens 1st

Rugby Union

Table Tennis Mens 1st

TBC TBC TBC

Football Mens 1st Mens 2nd Mens 3rd Mens 4th Womens 1st

16/11/2011

Badminton A A A

Fencing

Hockey Womens 1st Mens 3rd Mens 4th Mens 2nd Mens 1st Womens 2nd

Mens 2nd Mens 1st Womens 1st

Basketball

Football Womens 1st Mens 4th Mens 3rd Mens 2nd Mens 1st

09/11/2011

Womens 1st Mens 2nd Mens 1st

Sport 21

WesternEye Oct 2011

WesternEye tries: UWE Jitsu club

UWE in a league of its own

Rebecca Day

Sam Brayshaw

admin@westerneye.net

sport@westerneye.net

>Whether it’s night or day, women can often feel threatened when > New UWE rugby league team gets off to a they go out alone, or in small groups. But UWE’s Jitsu club knows all winning start the tricks in the book when it comes to defending yourself Having practiced Taekwondo for a good part of my life, I felt intrigued to find out what other forms of martial arts there are that place emphasis on learning self-defense. It just so happened that UWE Jitsu club were holding a women’s only class to encourage ladies of UWE to partake in a sport which often conveys a macho stereotype. So I decided to go along!

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art originating from Japan, and is renowned for its grappling, throwing and striking techniques. After watching a YouTube clip of people slamming their opponents to the ground, I felt pretty scared!

Instructor, Lorna Young, who fashioned an impressive brown belt, has been practicing the martial art for eight years now. The former UWE student got dragged along to a class by a housemate, and has done the sport ever since. “I just want to get these women over that initial barrier of feeling intimidated”, says Lorna.

“The main aim is to build their confidence in class, as well as out on the streets.”

The first encounter I had was being attacked by a plastic bottle (this would obviously resemble a glass bottle if the situation occurred on the streets). I had to quickly glide out the way, assuring my opponents arm was firmly in my grasp, whilst I confiscated the bottle from their hand. The toughest part I found was breaking my fall – I had to position my body in a way that allowed me fall sideways, slamming my hand to the floor and making a rather loud bang.

“

Throughout the session, a fun and friendly vibe was evident.

“It’s not about the size of your opponent”, states Lorna, “it’s all about the technique you use to take them down!” She reflected on how she was put up against a huge bloke with dread-locks in her first ever session and she took him down in a flash.

Throughout the session, a fun and friendly vibe was evident. The girls were learning each other’s names and laughing over any mistakes which they’d made. I managed to speak to a few of the clubs new – and existing –participants.

“I’ve never done Jiu Jitsu before, so I’m just going to see how it goes”, says Lily Forward, who’s studying Mechanical Engineering at UWE. “I just thought it would be less intimidating without having any men here at first.”

“I thought I’d try something different than the standard sports”, says Rachel Wilkinson, who has been a member of UWE Jiu Jitsu for three years now, “it has most definitely built my confidence.”

“The sole reason for doing it was for self-defense”, comments Amy Gardiner, who studies Marketing.

“But it actually turned out to be a really good work out as well.”

Whether taking up Jiu Jitsu is to improve self-confidence, to learn self-defense or to just meet new people, you’ll be sure to be leaving with a few tricks up your sleeve – you’ll certainly know more ways to protect yourself than just a swift kick to the goolies anyway!

For more information on how to get involved contact UWEjitsu@hotmail.co.uk. The first session is free and is open to all students.

For the first time in its history, UWE has entered both rugby union and league teams in regional competitions. The brand new team kicked off the season with a bang by entering and finishing joint first in the South Western Regional Rugby League Tournament. The competition was fierce with a host of well established teams involving sides from Exeter, Gloucester, Brunel and Filton.

Chris Blithe, UWE’s captain, commented that despite the perceived difficulties of starting a league team in an area predominantly known for the games ‘other code’, the turnout for trials was “really encouraging”, with over 50 players ranging from all levels of experience. It seems that the national league’s new slogan of “Try It!” is truly catching on.

The team was whittled down to 18 for the tournament and the captain believes that “with the standard of players in the squad, the team should win promotion within the next few years.” The captain’s views were reflected in the team’s performance with UWE winning three of their four games.

“

Victory over teams who have been playing at a high level for years is a fantastic start.

Victory over teams, who have been playing at a high level for years, is a fantastic start and will give the team a huge boost ahead of the season. The team’s coach and Workington Town player, Joe Mcenna, will undoubtedly be pleased considering most of his players have converted from rugby union to play in the first rugby league games of their lives.

The team will compete in both the South West Bucks league and the Merritt league this season, with games being played on Saturday and Wednesday afternoons. This gives plenty of opportunity for all

“

with the standard of players in the squad, the team should win promotion within the next few years.

- Chris Blythe

players to get involved.

The tournament itself was set up in conjunction with professional league club Leeds Rhinos. The Rhinos representative, Tom Williams, told WesternEye that their aim is to “Use the encouraging response to promote the sport alongside higher education to young people in the country.” In his opinion “Young lads who play the sport don’t often look at higher education as an option to further themselves. But with schemes like this, we’re definitely heading in the right direction.”

Also present at Filton College was a scout from the Rhinos looking to tap up the southwest for future talent. A clear statement to all the players, that this was a genuine opportunity to progress in the sport if they have the talent. It seems the north south divide in the game may be smaller than many think.

Harlequins in recent years have become the south’s largest and most impressive figurehead in the sport and it is thought that they will be the first of many clubs taking the game nationwide. Perhaps league may be challenging union’s dominance of the south in the years to come.

Report on your team: sport@westerneye.net

22 Sport

WesternEye Oct 2011

Commitment, not finance, is the key to building on last season’s success >UWE sport continues to strive towards greatness despite financial difficulties Matt Barrett sport@westerneye.net Last season saw the University of the West of England break into the top 30 of the ‘British Universities and Colleges Sport’ overall standings. A great achievement for a university which has faced budget cuts, and is one of the smaller establishments in the national competition.

The BUCS is the national governing body for university sport in the United Kingdom. It runs the BUCS Overall Championship which is a league table where points are accumulated based upon success in different sports. UWE first entered the league in 2004 and has since made huge strides in being a success in the competition.

To fight the budget of UWESU Sport being cut, the department has put together a new membership price range, which will see some of the prices to join clubs almost double and also the introduction of a new ‘Sports Passport’. This covers students’ insurance, but will also act as a revenue builder for Sport, which

sees the majority of the fee go into the Sports and Activities pot. It is worth noting that the students voted in favour of this approach when it was established that UWESU Sport could make some revenue, and cover the ever growing costs. The costs include the membership to the leagues, the use of facilities and also transport costs to the other universities that compete. In spite of these changes, the university still remains one of the cheapest institutions and compared with our city rivals, the University of Bristol, the prices are still substantially less.

However, confidence still remains that there will be an achievement at least as much as what was done last year in the BUCS. This problem will be one faced by universities all over the country and since UWE is still one of the cheapest ones for sport memberships, it may not have as negative an affect as originally feared.

UWE’s great city rivals, the University of Bristol, have a sports schol-

“

Within UWESU Sport there is a wide belief that the increase in membership prices will in fact lead to a greater commitment from the students.

arship programme in place, which enables talented individuals to take part and represent the university’s different teams. However, success is not always guaranteed (as they will remember from last season’s first team football Varsity game.) Results such as these – and there were plenty last season from across the board of sport – are just reminders that the quality is there, regardless of the fees. It would be extremely naive to say that people are not deterred by the high prices.

Within UWESU Sport there is a wide belief that the increase in membership prices will in fact lead to a greater commitment from the students to specific sports. Whereas in the past, students would sign up for a number of different clubs. Now, due to financial restraint, it is more likely that they will only sign up for the one club, and with the prices being higher, they are more likely to make the most of their sport, which can only help the quality improve.

It is believed that it will definitely improve the commitment of the students to specific sports and with this commitment, the chances of success in the BUCS is high. The pure fact that students are willing to pay these amounts of money to join sports clubs shows a very strong sense of commitment and dedication.

Some feel the cuts are a ‘necessity’ and ‘part of a wider cultural change’ felt by all universities and schools across the country. When the coalition Government came into power in 2010, one of their first announcements was to make large cuts across a range of departments and local authorities, such as Sport England. Facility improvement has been abandoned across the country and so it would be fair to say that UWE are not the only ones putting a revised membership plan in place.

Whilst the budget for sport has been cut nearly every year, the university’s performance in the BUCS has only improved. The 2009-100

A few words from your Sport President

New sports club round-up

Ariana Alexander-Sefre

UWE has introduced a number of new clubs this autumn to add to the large collection of varied sports on offer to students. Firstly, there is the new indoor cricket league, which is linked with the UWE Cricket club and is a part of UWE’s Social Sports Programme. The indoor league is hoping to run an on-going competition involving approximately six teams. Entering the league will cost £25 per person and will run from 7pm on a Friday evening at the Centre for Sport. For more information on this winter’s alternative for cricket enthusiasts visit www.uwe.ac.uk/sport/socialsport.

The new UWE Sub Aqua club has started the term with a splash after giving students the chance to take their first breath underwater with a free try dive this month. Members of UWESAC can get a world-recognised BSAC (British Sub Aqua Club) diving qualification for a fraction of the

Ariana Alexander-Sefre sport@westerneye.net

vpsports@uwe.ac.uk It goes without saying that this year has had to see some huge changes. Having the fat skimmed off the sports budget has done little to boost our confidence, but I have been pleasantly surprised as to how such measures have positively affected our sports people. Reaching into the top 30 in the BUCS league table last year is just a pinch of all the indicators that show UWE students’ sporting talent. Last year’s sporting achievements table glimmers with gold and silver, some of our teams being undefeated champions, consistently improving and setting the standard of university sport in the UK. The moral of this year’s teams reflects no exceptions, with opportunities arising left, right and centre; I can see everyone’s passion and excitement gradually

surfacing as we enter our first round of competitions.

The new prices have certainly been a debate, especially with students going into second or third years who are having difficulties adjusting to the additional costs.

From being a student here for the last two years, I can even admit to now only being able to afford one or two clubs, rather than my previous attempts at joining four or five.

Though it seems like a sacrifice of activity, it is also a sharper insight of the true costs of running and organising high profile sports. This insight has made me far more determined to make the most of sports while at university, as the price of sports externally or even in other universities is significantly higher despite our

price rise.

I can foresee no less than sheer excellence this year along with a steep rise in quality and performance; we are glowing in the limelight of the Olympics and there are so many opportunities to take advantage of. Spirits are pumped up at the Students’ Union and everyone is very excited for the year ahead! I hope that you can get as much out of this year as possible and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoy sports at UWE just as much as I enjoy working with them.

cost of holiday courses. UWESAC is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. This year promises plenty of trips around the UK coast (Cornwall, Devon, and Wales) and even abroad – Egypt’s Red Sea is on the cards for winter 2011.

Fun-packed socials include the infamous ‘booze cruise’ (a pub crawl along the harbour by boat) and a trip to experience a ‘dry dive’ to feel the effects of nitrogen narcosis at deep depths. For info on joining and prices just visit www.uwesac.co.uk.

Finally, there is the new UWE Gliding club. UWEGC is based at Cotswold Gliding Club in Stroud which is one of the UK’s premier gliding organisations – a membership gives you access to all of their facilities. The club will aim to have trips every Wednesday and at the weekends. No prior experience is required – simply join and attend an induction trip. Membership costs £35. For more information visit www.uwegliding.com.

WesternEye Oct 2011

“

Sport 23

The membership prices are well worth it for the amount of training and support you get throughout the year.

- Tom Pearson season saw UWE finish in 36th place out of the 157 institutions that are registered for the BUCS. The 201011 season was, without a doubt, the most successful. With the university finishing 29th – seven places higher than the previous season – this can only be regarded as a huge success.

The main reason for this rise in cost is that in order to compete in the BUCS, you have to pay the price, and with all the financial problems the country is facing, the university can no longer subsidise its sports teams entering into this competition.

“I feel that students that want to participate in sport will still be able to pay the fees, though it may mean not signing up to as many clubs”, states Ariana Sefre, the Sports Vice-President. “This, however, may increase commitment to their chosen sport.”

Ariana recognises one of the challenges she faces is increasing participation in sport in amidst these tough financial times we are all confronted with. She has a number of ideas for making funds available for students and their clubs, such as running events in the Student Union.

The Hockey facilities at UWE are amongst the best and are well renowned for being world class. Last month, it hosted the UWE Hockey trophy. This is an international tour-

nament where the best teams from Britain and Ireland came to compete against each other. The venue has hosted many top class events in the past, and is home to the Hockey West National Performance Centre.

This just goes to show that despite high prices, the students do get chance to enjoy their sports at great facilities. The Hockey club is one of the biggest at the university, boasting of seven teams.

The Rowing club at UWE was the strongest contributor of points to the overall standing of the university last season. They have seen arguably the strongest influx of first years than in any previous seasons. The senior squad are currently in training and are seeming confident of success in the forthcoming season.

Tom Pearson joined the novice squad at the beginning of this year.

“The membership prices are well worth it for the amount of training and support you get throughout the year”, he states. “The standard is second to none, and we as a whole squad are very confident of building on last year’s success.” The club trains almost every day, with gym sessions and rowing. The preparation they put in is first class, and this is reflected in expensive pricing. However, this does not deter prospective

rowers. Most believe that rather than paying the fee, committing to all the training sessions is the difficult part.

Juggling training alongside their studies is a tough ask, but it is something that the rowers realise is necessary to be successful.

Squash was another major success last season and the forthcoming season will see junior national champions taking part in the squad.

Whilst the membership price is one of the cheapest on offer, it still shows quite substantial financial commitment on behalf of the students.

The Rugby team compete at very high levels, playing their trade in the Southern Premier tier, where they face the likes of Bath and Exeter – much larger universities boasting of much greater budgets. If you consider that Bath has unbelievable sporting facilities including a Sports Training Village – which will be used by competitors at the London 2012 Olympics, and it can also count amongst its alumni England international rugby players, Steve Borthwick and Matt Stevens – it is a very tall order for the UWE team. In order to compete with these, the equipment, kit and all other necessities need to be in line with the competition. This makes Rugby the most expensive sport to join.

The aforementioned football team had a season of reasonable success last year. This was topped off by a victory over arch rivals, Bristol, in the Varsity games. The side came from 3-1 down to overcoming the odds with a penalty shoot-out victory.

The target for this season, according to Football President, Ross Wigley, is promotion for all four teams.

“The first team, especially, is really looking to gain promotion seeing as we were so close to it last year.” They finished in second place in the Western tier one. “This year, we have four very strong squads, and although we have lost some senior players, the freshers coming in will be great additions.”

The team are looking strong once again this season with a very good influx of first years. Due to great interest, the trial dates had to be spread over three days in order to have a look at all the quality on display. “The trials were very well organised”, stated Mr Wigley, “perhaps the best run trials in a number of years.”

First year student, Okeoma Okorie commented, “The lads are a very talented bunch and I am obviously delighted to be part of it.” When asked about the membership prices, he replied, “It is a bit steep but it’s football, and it is most definitely worth

it.” This further testifies the idea that the membership prices will not have much impact on the talent available to the university in selecting its sporting teams.

Exciting times lie ahead for UWE Football, as earlier on in the year it was announced that Bristol Rovers – one of the city’s two professional clubs – would be building a new 20,000 seater stadium in the grounds of the Frenchay Campus.

This will give the university team the opportunity to host the Varsity games in their own backyard. This will also be a massive development for the university as a whole, and will bring a great deal of revenue in, whilst also providing around 19,000 square feet of teaching space for UWE. The future for UWESU Sport is not at all bleak in comparison to other sporting institutions across the country, with first years continuing to sign up for all variations of clubs. The aims of the Sports and Activities department is to get as many students involved in healthy sporting activity as possible. With the right mix of inspirational leadership and a group of very committed sportsmen and women, there is more than a good chance that, once again, UWE will climb the standings by the end of the 2011-12 sporting season.

en’s team moving up a league, the boys gaining credibility for their own team and new blood in the form of new president, Will Kerswell. Practice sessions are held at Frenchay astro-turf on Sundays from 5.30pm

until 6.30pm – and the team is recruiting as well! So, if you think you’re hard enough, “which way to the pitch? THADDA WAY!!”

A bright future for UWE Lacrosse Laura Dale sport@westerneye.net

>A tale of how a bunch of friends throwing a ball around grew into a highly established and reward-seizing team of individuals Many of you may have seen the sport of Lacrosse as either that rather brutal looking game with a stick and gum guard – think that jock guy played in American Pie – or something from St Trinian’s. Well you’d be right. It’s a little bit of both!

In March 2010, the team started with six members chucking a ball about. But within just 13 months, the team was officiated and the numbers grew - as well as the talent. A coach was recruited, the team was entered into the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) league and TA-DA, UWE had a new team! And not just any team either.

By the end of the season, not only

were the UWE Women’s Lacrosse side unbeaten, but they’d thrashed their way to top of the league table and won the BUCS cup! Their hard work and talent was rewarded at the UWE Sports Awards where they scooped up UWE’s ‘Best New Club’, ‘Best Team’ and Helena Brett won ‘Best Captain’.

It’s not just a St Trinian’s-esque scene with a bunch of girls smacking each other with sticks, though.

The boys made quite a name for themselves, playing in a Freshers’ tournament as well as taking part in Varsity. Showing that they’re just as much trouble as they’re really worth, the boys success demanded

sponsorship for helmets and sticks (different from the women’s kit – like the American Pie guy, remember?).

Fun and games go hand-in-hand when it comes to Lacrosse and their social events. After an unbeaten season, UWE Lacrosse headed to Spain’s Saloufest. Thirty-five hours of traveling resulted in the consumption of twenty-four crates of beer, boat races, ‘Where’s Wally’ costumes and a whole lot of banter – all adorned with the vital ‘what goes on tour, stays on tour’ philosophy! Oh, and they played a little Lax too.

This year is looking to be even better than the last, with the wom-

Sport

Bristol & UWE

UWE pays Kenya a visit

>Students from UWE embark on a life changing expedition to Kenya to assist in the development of sporting facilities for disadvantaged children Ben Brown sport@westerneye.net Twelve students, four weeks, one goal! This summer, UWE students teamed up with students and staff from Filton College and Bristol University to participate in possibly one of the most exciting projects that UWE has undertaken: a Sports Development Expedition in Kenya.

This was part of the newly formed Bristol-Kenya partnership, where students can change lives and have a fulfilling experience at the same time.

The Sports Development Expedition or SDX was created by the nongovernmental organisation ‘Camps International’. The project, which was the first of its kind in this particular area, has been involved in the developing of sports facilities and coaching of disadvantaged children in one of Kenya’s poorest communities.

As part of the project, the students undertook a variety of tasks including; the creation of two netball courts, a volleyball court, a cricket pitch, a long jump pit and a full sized football pitch at the local school.

The work that the students carried out has given an invaluable leisure resource to the local community, steering many away from the underlying issues with drugs and alcohol.

The children were introduced to proper sports coaching for the first time and were able to develop their talents with the SDX team who developed their skills in netball, volleyball and football, in addition to introducing them to English games of cricket and rounders. They also had the opportunity to try out long jump and learn the triple jump technique.

The project finished with quite a finale. The SDX team organised, advertised and ran a sports festival which was a great success.

Hundreds of people from the local schools and nearby villages were there for the three day tournament.

There was an individual long jump competition, as well as tournaments in 11-a-side football, 7-a-side football, netball and volleyball. It was all

taken very seriously and the competition was intense as the teams battled to be crowned champions and win fantastic prizes of sports kits and equipment – donated by UWE and Camps International.

Simon Weaver, Senior Fitness Instructor and Men’s 1st XV Rugby Coach from UWE, travelled with the group and spoke up about his cultural experience: “Landing in Mombasa and taking the road out of the city and onto one of the only highways in the country gave the group the opportunity to experience real Africa. The varying resemblance of shops, cafes, bars, factories and businesses was a major shock to me.”

Mr Weaver, who was “moved by the honesty, humility and energy the local community people displayed” explained how although the group took on some very unselfish volunteer work, they also got a lot out of

“

The local people were great, very welcoming and friendly even though they have such basic living conditions.

- Nick Randall

wants to see the world from another point of view.”

Nick Randall, 23, a Business graduate from UWE made note of how the trip taught students “to be open-minded” stating that “Material things do not necessarily make you happy.

“The local people were great, very welcoming and friendly even though they have such basic living condi-

English language. This made coaching more of a challenge as demonstrations became even more important. However the enthusiasm of the students drove them to rise to the challenge.

The Bristol-Kenya partnership is called Umoja, which is a Swahili word meaning togetherness and unity. It was set up as a charity that hopes to develop Kenya as a nation and promote cultural, educational, sporting and commercial links with our city. The Kenyan Olympic team

“

The BristolKenya partnership is called Umoja, which is a Swahili word meaning togetherness and unity.

it on a personal level. “I am more grounded and respectful for what we have here but also remember clearly the tremendous spirit and fight many of the local community demonstrate by making an impact and change for the good in the area.

The expedition was an amazing experience for me. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to experience a different way of life, or who

tions. I felt safe in the environment, and although the cold showers (well, buckets) got a little getting used to, they were quite refreshing!”

The twelve students learnt a lot of the language of the Swahili people, and after just a few days they were delivering coaching sessions successfully to non English speaking children. The school kids had varying levels of knowledge in the

will be training here in Bristol in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games, using the sporting facilities at Filton College as a base.

Bob Reeves, Chairman of the Bristol-Kenya Partnership, said: “This was a great opportunity for three institutions from Bristol to work together on a very worthwhile project – a great example of how the institutions should collaborate more closely. They were able to make a real difference and achieved a lot during their time in

Kenya, and the SDX is an important part of the close relationship we are developing with the Bristol-Kenya Partnership.”

The final week of the month was also a fantastic experience for different reasons. The students had the opportunity to spot the big five on game drives and safaris, whilst engaging in some important wildlife conservation tasks, as well as making paper out of elephant dung!

Plans during this week were altered slightly as the Kenyan drought came to a sudden halt and the rainy season came early.

The final few days brightened up considerably and the students had a chance to chill out on what is widely regarded as being in the top five best beaches in the world. Diani Beach overlooks the Indian Ocean and is covered with bright white sand, clear light-blue sea and beautiful palm trees. Never has anyone been more deserving of a refreshing beach cocktail.

The SDX is an ongoing project here at UWE which is currently in the early stages of launch for the 2012 expedition. Any students interested should contact Philip Hicks at phillip.hicks@uwe.ac.uk.

Anybody wanting to know about the trip from the point of view of one of the students who went, contact benjamin3.brown@live.uwe.ac.uk.

Or to find out more about other similar opportunities with Camps International, go to www.campsinternational.co.uk.

To find out more about the Bristol-Kenya partnership, head to www.bristolkenyapartnership.com.