Vision Issue 232

THE UK’S MOST AWARDED STUDENT NEWSPAPER

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

Issue 232

vision@yusu.org

WHERE IS CAMPUS HORSE? -PAGE 9-

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Spotlight THE JOY FORMIDABLE

MERCURY PRIZE NOMINEE SAM LEE 20 Questions

TORN

Photo: Vivan Jayant

Features GILES COREN

> CAMPUS EVENTS COLLISION CAUSES OVER A THOUSAND POUNDS WORTH OF LOSS > DERWENT AND VANBRUGH CHAIRS FURIOUS AT LACK OF COMMUNICATION - PAGE 5 NEWS

COMMENT

INANIMATE CARBON ROD RACISM IS A PROBLEM AT UNIVERSITY TO HIT CAMPUS PG 13 PG 4

FEATURES

EQUALITY FOR FEMALE BISHOPS PG 18

LIFESTYLE

SPRING HIT LIST: WORLD TRAVELLER PG 19

FILM

WHAT’S NEXT FOR MARVEL? and CLOUD ATLAS SCENE PULLOUT

2

YORK VISION

NEWS

FORTY-TUDE

Tuesday March 12, 2013

BY OSCAR PEARSON UNIVERSITY RADIO York’s Tom Edwards and Will Chalk sensationally presented a mammoth 40-hour show last weekend in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.

They raised over £1,500 from more than 85 individual donations, and a substatial crowd gathered in the main studio to witness the two presenters draw the longest programme in the station’s history to a close.

They thanked all their contributors; including bands, their tech team (which successfully ensured the show went out on BBC Radio York twice throughout the weekend), and everyone at MacMillan.

Will Chalk said the beginnings of their show (7am, Friday) seemed like “a whole world ago” while station manager Tom Edwards, who couldn’t even remember what day it was when the 40 hours were up, told Vision of his delight.

He said: “It was such a great moment when we went live to thousands of people on BBC Radio York. For our listenership to go from around 70 to thousands in a matter of seconds was amazing.”

Sleeping will no doubt come naturally to the two students this week - they’ll even be able to do it with their eyes closed. You can still donate to MacMillan, and listen to highlights of the show, by visiting the website: www.ury.org.uk.

YOURWEEK

Photo: Joanna Barrow

?

Good Week for... Those involved with the recent production God of Carnage, which has been selected to perform at The National Student Drama Festival!

Bad Week for... Costcutter, who recently stocked sandwiches with an acknowledged typo on the sell by date.

1.23 26%

Average number of days first year students go out a week, according to a recent survey.

Percentage of students who voted “I’ll vote for the important ones, just as long as they don’t bother me in nightclubs” on our website poll asking whether you were planning on voting in upcoming YUSU Elections.

Got an opinion? Get involved at www.yorkvision.co.uk

YORKVISION

The UK’s most awarded student publication Editors: Sarah Cattle Georgina Strapp

Deputy Editors: Jo Barrow Dave Washington

Online Editors: Jack Bradshaw Alex Finnis

Managing Director: Oliver Todd

Scene Editors: Niamh Connolly Zena Jarjis

Photo Editors: Oona Venermo Jack Western

News Editors: Agnes Chambre Oscar Pearson

Features Editors: Zoe Biles Philip Watson

Sports Editors: James Scott Michael Thurloway

Deputy News: Tom Armston-Clarke Tom Davies

Deputy Features: Joe Cooper George Hesselgren

Deputy Sports: Caitlin Graham Al Riddell

Comment Editors: Milo Boyd Patrick Greenfield

Lifestyle Editors: Poppy Danby Francesca Martin

Chief Sub-Editors: Rebecca Cowper Mike Dunnett-Stone

Deputy Comment: Olivia Head Olympia Shipley

Deputy Lifestyle: Abigail Dickinson Dom Mckinnon-Green

Advertising Editors: Francesca Martin James Scott

Scene Editorial list in pullout Opinions expressed in York Vision are not necessarily those of the Editors, senior editorial team, membership or advertisers. Every effort is made to ensure all articles are as factually correct as possible at the time of going to press, given the information available.

Copyright Vision Newspapers, 2013.

Printed by Mortons of Horncastle.

YORK VISION

NEWS

3

THEY’VE SE-MESSED UP THIS ONE!

Tuesday March 12, 2013

BY OSCAR PEARSON

THE UNIVERSITY’S plans to adopt a semester-based system have taken a giant leap forward.

By the start of the 2015 academic year, the University aims to have moved from the current three block terms set-up to a year split into two blocks: semesters.

These would be focused around 12-week teaching blocks, with assessment either straight after each block, or following breaks for Christmas and Easter.

YUSU say they are discussing proposals for a number of reasons, including how the late finish relative to other universities hampers students’ summer employment prospects. The unequal length of teaching periods means a difference between student workloads in different terms and different programmes and the difficulty in maintaining student engagement after Easter for the four week teaching period.

Weeks 8-10 activities in Summer Term are poorly attended and not provided in all departments.

What happens ultimately depends on the results of the consultation period students currently, and perhaps unknowingly, find themselves in.

YUSU has run focus groups with students, conducted surveys on key issues and carried out an impact analysis to highlight potential issues. All information will soon be drawn together to provide official student response to semesterisation.

Supporters of the move say the proposed changes would make it easier for students wishing to visit York from abroad, as semesters are used internationally. They are also used by some other UK institutions, with a variety of interpretations, including the Scottish universities and a number of members of the Russell Group.

They would argue that one of the problems with the current model is that we finish very late compared to other institutions, creating a number of problems, especially for students looking for summer work or internships.

The proposed changes are simple; the extended Christmas vacation allows more time for marking and by reducing Easter to a long weekend, it won’t impact on teaching. A big summer break would ensure students

have the time and opportunities to increase their employability.

However, there have been heavy objections to the plans, with no break between teaching and exams a particular concern amongst students. The year would start much earlier and may interfere with conferencing.

Other probl e m s high-

with the Students’ Union: “I find it frustrating that the issue of semesteration seems to have progressed very far without prior open consultation with students, whose lives it will directly affect. More pressingly, it is shocking that this year’s freshers have not been made aware of the concept, which if it were to pass the Senate soon, could affect

their f i n a l years. They deserved more information about such a drastic change to their university life and teaching experience upon application and certainly upon acceptance of a place at this University, so they could make an informed decision. Personally, I would not have chosen this University if it ran on the current proposed se-

mesterised timetable, and think that it is the students’ right to be included in this major change.”

Kallum Taylor told Vision: “I’m yet to be convinced about a move to semesterisation, although I’m definitely openminded. Following the assembly we held, focus groups and the more sporadic views and feedback we’ve had from students, there appears to be a catalogue of concerns/problems with such a huge change.

“I’d encourage more students to keep getting in touch with us about their views whether or not they as individuals will be here, about whether we should we change systems. We will always have international students, religious students who want certain holidays respected, and masses of students who depend on student finance loans; will we be able to shape loans around 2 terms?

The questions and concerns need answering sufficiently before we take this step, otherwise it will be a huge overhaul just for the sake of huge overhaul.”

Academic Officer Graeme Osborne welcomes students’ thoughts and opinions, and advises anyone with concerns or thoughts to email him or to visit in the Student Centre. A full look at the University’s proposals can be found online at: www. yusu.org.

See the diagram for the current set-up in comparison to the Semester-based academic year: the straight black lines illustrate the quarters of the year (September, October, November in the first, and onwards). It demonstrates how the assessment period would come directly after the end of term under the proposed changes.

dent feedback.

Both proposals include longer terms and shorter vacations.

If you are feeling tired after 10 weeks of teaching, then think that even with the semester in three blocks, the Autumn term will still total 12 weeks of teaching.

The Department of English have already made their decision, but they sought feedback from the students via blogs, email and a drop-in discussion group. In their last Board of Studies meeting, the Department voted overwhelmingly against proposals of semesterisation.

Having seen this department work towards feedback, there should be high criticism for those departments who did not

involve their students in such discussions. We do not know how their students feel about changes to their own degree.

If approved, it is planned that semesterisation will be implemented in all year-groups by the 2015/2016 academic year, meaning that current first-years and those taking longer degrees will be heavily affected – the structure of their degree will change entirely.

Academic Officer Graeme Osborn did say that once a proposal had been finalised, this would then be put to all students through a referendum.

Nevertheless, the fact that many students have not been able to speak about it in relation to their course structure is disappointing.

Term Time Holidays Assessment

lighted by current students include how the Easter break could potentially be just a bank-holiday weekend in the middle of the second semester. 12 weeks is a long time to be taught with no break or assessment, and may not suit everyone.

Anmoli Sodha, chair of Derwent College, told of her anger

OLYMPIA SHIPLEY Have no doubt, semesterisation proposals will affect you.

The Academic Assembly is continuing to search for student feedback to keep them in the decision making, but is that enough?

The proposals to change both suggest a move to two semesters of 15 weeks. One suggests these semesters be divided into three blocks, while the other simply keeps them as two full 15 week blocks, with no break between teaching and exams. The changes they offer are far too drastic not to go ahead without full stu-

COLLEGE 9 IS FINE

BY AGNES CHAMBRE THE UNIVERSITY has announced that the development of College 9 will begin in as little as nine weeks. The proposal for the college went through the city council with only one abstention. This college should now be up and running in 2014.

YUSU have explained that they are now in full support of the Heslington East venture, despite Vision reporting last year that they had “serious concerns.” The University and YUSU have come to a compromise that asserts that there will be a new student centre up and running, no later than 2015, to make the campus more inhabitable.

Kallum Taylor, YUSU President explained that when he was battling for the welfare of the Hes East students, he suggested that members of the University spent a month on the campus and then saw whether or not it was liveable.

The student centre will ideally be a combination of the Information Centre, Market Square and YourSpace.

Kallum explained to Vision: “We’re very pleased that we finally have a commitment from the University which acknowledges and addresses the lack of student social space and service provision on a growing Heslington East.

“It would be bogus, if not an insult to

“YUSU WILL BE AT THE HEART OF PLANNING” Hes East students to not to have this with College 9 on the way, and this was a key condition of our support.

“2015 at the latest is something to work with, and now we’re going to stop arguing the toss over it and actually crack on with it. YUSU will be at the heart of the planning and we look forward to kicking off plans with the working group and involving students as much as possible in them.”

After the announcement that Heslington East will become more densely populated and that there is a hopeful prospect of a centre, students are now feeling much more positive about the extra part of the University.

Freya Sydney-Smith, a second year

“PROMISE OF POPULATION” History student explained that she now felt that the other campus could be becoming part of the University, rather than it feeling like two completely separate campuses.

“With the news of the student centre as well as the promise of more of a population over in Heslington East, I predict that it will stop feeling like there are two campuses and more like one whole university. There will be a reason to go over there apart from using it as merely a pathway to the gym.”

4 NEWS

YORK VISION

Tuesday March 12, 2013

STUDENT SUPPORT COULD SEE TAYLOR VOTE CARBON ROD FOR NUS PRESIDENT

INANIMATE YUSU DEMOCRACY

BY OSCAR PEARSON

IN JUST OVER three weeks’ time YUSU delegates will vote for their preferred candidate to become the next President of the National Union of Students.

Elected representatives Kallum Taylor, Ben Dilks, Bob Hughes, Graeme Osborn and Megan Ollerhead will be in YourSpace this Thursday evening (14th March) looking for students’ advice and opinions on which candidate should receive official YUSU backing.

However, York students will not be able to force the delegates to vote in any particular way, and their votes will not even be made public.

A motion has been sent to YUSU suggesting the Union officially backs the Inanimate Carbon Rod for NUS President.

It claims that the NUS alienates regular students, with those in York feeling “especially detached from the national union.”

It suggests: “Backing the ‘cylinder of very few words’ for President would duly acknowledge the concerns of York students, encourage necessary debate on NUS democracy and produce stronger sets of candidates in future elections.”

YUSU President Kallum Taylor has said: “If students do want me to vote for the Carbon Rod, then I will.” However, he initially stated that he did “not intend” to vote that way.

“As much as I find it slightly amusing, I don’t intend to vote on behalf of YUSU for the Inanimate Carbon Rod’ to be NUS President,” he had said.

“The National Union of Stu-

BY GEORGINA STRAPP THE NUMBER of official complaints from disgruntled Langwith students to the accommodation office has now reached 364, and they are still coming in. With two weeks of rent demanded as compensation to all those who have complained, the cost will amount to close to £100000 being requested.

The campaign for compensation for students headed by campaigns officers Symone Thompson and Tim Monk as well as Chair Sam Maguire has also demanded “an apology for all our students who have been affected by the problems. This is both a reasonable and deserved outcome.”

The complaints forms state “inadequate heating” as a main complaint. Heating issues have been reported by Vision since November. Other complaints include reports of water leaks in the brand new accommodation and dissatisfaction with the lack of

dents has enough problems already; both in terms of how it operates and its wider credibility amongst students, and I really don’t think this would help things. I’ll be voting for the candidate who can put the NUS back on its feet and unite the various factions within to then move the issues surrounding students and tiertary education further up national agenda.”

BIG SOCIAL MEDIA PUSH FOR CARBON ROD Taylor now intends to vote on behalf of York’s students however, which could mean he is forced to go against his own personal views and vore for the rod.

Outgoing Union Chair Nick Hall said it is vital that students take Thursday’s “fantastic opportunity” to make their views heard.

He told Vision: “In previous years, we held formal discussions at Assemblies about NUS candidates, but it took nearly eight hours of students’ lives and this week’s event will be quicker and more effective.”

He went on to say that he hopes students are represented fairly: “If I was a delegate, I would vote for the Inanimate Carbon Rod if I knew that is what York students want. There has been a big social media push in its favour and often behind those less serious candidates’ policies, there are very serious undertones.

“I hope that delegates take the views of students into account when casting their ballots. If students don’t feel like they are being represented properly here, there are plenty of ways to hold the del-

egate leader to account.”

Samuel Gaus, a student officer at University College London, is acting on behalf of the rod on this year’s NUS presidential ballot.

Inspiration came from a 1994 episode of The Simpsons, where an inanimate carbon rod becomes ‘worker of the week’ at a nuclear power plant.

A number of students feel misrepresented by the current NUS. Andrew Tindall, an Aberystwyth student who helped start the Rod’s campaign, told The Guardian it arose out of the frustration of seeing “candidates with all the usual affiliations launching bland campaigns that offer nothing but another rehash of the same empty slogans and promises we see

every year.

“What started as a joke quickly snowballed into a campaign with actual reach, a hilarious amount of supporters, and a real purpose,” he said.

Gaus will be standing against three other candidates – Toni Pearce, Vicki Baars and Peter Smallwood.

And fellow candidate Toni Pearce is at ease with her competition: “There’s a proud tradition of humour and satire in student politics, and in fact I often think that we take ourselves too seriously in the student movement.”

The vote on who will replace Liam Burns as NUS President will take place at the NUS annual conference, starting on April 8.

LANGWITH LANGUISH

facilities such as a shop on their isolated part of campus.

Students making complaints have been told in a mass email from the accommodation office that “Due to the number of complaints we have received regarding the same issues of heating and the delay in having a Cash Point installed at Heslington East, your complaint will be referred directly to the Compensation Panel for a decision on whether any compensation should be paid.”

They were also told that this process “may take some time”.

Langwith Chair Sam Maguire is determined but realistic about how long it may be for students to get a response telling Vision that “As long as the compensation decision is made before the end of the academic year then we will be ok with that.”

Langwith First-year Andy Lister tells Vision ‘I think our JCRC have been very good in helping make all the complaints heard

[with the distribution of forms and launching of the campaign] and that the college responded possibly a bit slower than some of us would have liked” Maguire was though pleased with the response from YUSU “YUSU have backed the campaign from the beginning providing both guidance and support for the campaign.

“We thank them for this support and it is great to see the union doing all they can for our students.”

Bob Hughes, Welfare Officer stated early on his support for the campaign, “We will be following this up with the University to ensure that students get what they are paying for, and we will support Langwith JCRC in fighting for their members” Forms are still being distributed throughout Langwith en masse, with Maguire claiming that “we will ensure anyone who was affected gets a complaint form filled in and money back.”

ALEX FINNIS

To state the obvious, YUSU is the Students’ Union. It is not the Sabbatical Officers’ Union, it is not Kallum Taylor’s Union, it is all of ours.

Kallum might be the President, but if the student voice says it wants the Inanimate Carbon Rod as NUS President and he goes against them then he is doing his job wrong.

The NUS as an organisation is certainly not to every student’s taste - if their being heckled offstage at the national demo did not highlight this then the rod’s popularity during this year’s campaign certainly has.

It is clear that many feel misrepresented by a union that is out of touch with its electorate, and the rod means that this year, students have the opportunity to voice this.

To vote for the rod is not to waste a vote but to send out the message that none of the other candidates are good enough and that a more significant change is required.

It is like voting for RON in the YUSU elections but with more of a message behind it – that an inanimate rod is better than a crop of self-involved politicians.

If our students say they want the rod and Kallum goes with them then it is something he should feel proud of, not humiliated by. He would be standing up for the views of the students he represents, and going against his own views to do this would be even more commendable.

YORK VISION

NEWS

Tuesday March 12, 2013

5

TIMETABLING CLASH ANGERS COLLEGE CHAIRS AND LOSES MONEY

YUSU/COLLEGE EVENTS CLASH

er than go to both as I know many would have liked to. There should A SCHEDULING catastrophe be a system in place which preon Saturday night between vents these double bookings from three hugely popular campus happening, as all events were events has left JCRCs fuming cleared through YUSU. “It’s not only our colleges that across campus.

Derwent’s ABC-D, Vanbrugh’s will be making a loss, it’s also Frat Party Volume and the YO1 Commercial Services who have event DubLounge in the Court- had to pay for door safety and our yard were left in direct compe- late license.”

Joshua Treacy was equally tition with each other due to a furious: “For events such as Voltimetabling oversight by YUSU. The two college events were ume, we usually anticipate that left reeling as students flocked a large proportion of tickets are to DubLounge away from their sold on the evening. Last night, usual haunts in V-Bar and D-Bar. however, we were in direct comJoshua Treacy, Vanbrugh Chair, petition with DubLounge. They and Anmoli Sodha, Derwent drew away a large amount of our Chair, are fuming at the disor- audience, causing Commerical ganization that resulted in their Services to close the bar early, at events being attended by barely 12.30am.

“As a showcase for the YO1 one fifth of their expected turnfestival, they were able to put on out. an event that was cheaper, with proceeds going towards Amnesty International, and with a wide selection of acts. As a JCRC, there Between the two college was no way we could ever comevents, they lost over £1000 of po- pete.

“The DubLounge looked like tential revenue. Both Chairs felt that they couldn’t compete with a great event, but unfortunately YUSU’s prices that were avail- the timing of it, which was not made apparent to us unable at the vastly popular Dubtil we were well into the Lounge. To add insult to injury, organisation process, Derwent College is home to the caused us to make Courtyard which meant a loss at what could that the two comhave been one of our best peting events Which two media BNOC’s Volumes yet, and we will were withcontemplated a foursome with be speaking to YUSU in earshot men dressed as women? about this issue in the of each other. near future.”

Both Chairs Felicity Hill, a Vanbrugh Enhave pointed towards tertainment Rep, in charge of the lack of communication organizing the event explained: from YUSU, who would have been aware of the clash as the “The thing that upsets me the most is that we took over the role source of the problems.

Sodha told Vision how she felt in January and we had an incredbetrayed: “I find it frustrating ibly successful first Volume.

“We put so much effort into that my Ents have planned this event and had it booked in for this. We want to do something five weeks, yet we had to find out for our college and when we can’t about a competing event held in even get our own college to go to our events because of YUSU, our own college via Facebook.

“I only found out about Van- despite knowing that we had an brugh’s event because it hap- event, well it’s incredibly dispened to come up in conversation heartening.”

DubLounge saw a very high with Josh.

“This actually restricted op- turnout, due to the extensive portunities for the students, as music selection and wide rangthey had to choose between two ing advertisements, causing the good events in their college rath- event to be a huge success. How-

BY AGGIE CHAMBRE

WE COULDN’T COMPETE

JO BARROW AS A former ‘Ents Rep, I can testify to the difficulty of running college events. It doesn’t help that we’re competing against a plethora of YUSU club nights and an influx of student led nights, but since Saturday’s debacle, it seems that we now even have to compete with each other.

The teams behind the likes of Club D and Volume work incredibly hard to provide a fun, valuefor-money night in the heart of their colleges, and they are often the defining feature of what individuates one college from the other. York’s collegiate system is often derided for being subOxbridge in its pretensions, but in my experience, the work put in by the JCRCs has contributed hugely to my enjoyment of my time at university so far.

This is why I am furious at the lack of support being given by YUSU to the colleges. Left, right

Students enjoying DubLounge at The Courtyard ever, students expressed their people attending that event who concerns to Vision. would otherwise have attending One second-year English stu- the college events.” dent commented: “I always really YUSU President Kallum Tayenjoy the college events, and me lor explained the organisational and my friends were all really oversight: “Clearly there was a torn about where to go. However, major lack of communication DubLounge was cheaper and it early in the day between the was a more unique night. three event hosts. This will not “It was absolutely packed happen again. We must do everyand had a wicked vibe so seems thing we can to ensure that JCRC like everyone took this into ac- on campus events don’t take on count, but it was a real shame even more challenges then they to miss out on ABC-D. Hopefully already face, and that we can this won’t happen again so that avoid similar clashes of events in I don’t have to make the difficult the calendar.” choice.”

Taylor has since adapted his Matt Winstanley, the College stance on whether the lack of communication actually caused an issue: “The DubLounge event was publicised across campus and social media, so everyone knew it was happening. It’s worth stating though, that havEvents Coordinator Officer was ing spoken to our bar manager unaware of the clash until a week from that night, over 70 per cent before: “The DubLounge event of the attendees were off-campus was not clearly made known to students and external members. the college events team, some“There was not a massively thing which simply requires a pivotal clash in audiences here. procedure to inform them, i.e. Better communication is obvimyself as College Events Coordi- ously required; although it would nator, to be made aware of events be unfair to pin the blame solely of campus, which I have already on the Courtyard event; there are implemented today.” other factors too.

However he did go on to say: “There are over 4,000 freshers “The DubLounge event attracts a on campus who regularly tell us certain crowd of people who are that they want choice from onunlikely to attend a commercial campus events, so there should college event, naturally this does be plenty of scope for everyone to not mean that there were not be satisfied.”

BETTER COMMUNICATION IS REQUIRED

and centre, the rights and privileges of JCRCs are being eroded by top-down university and YUSU policies. However, both still continue to benefit from the positive press that our supposedly collegiate university provides.

Of course it was just a mistake by the YUSU Events CoOrdinator, whoever that may be, and it would be ridiculous of me to cast aspersions against the motivations of whoever allowed this heinous clash to happen, but this kind of carelessness could have dire consequences for future college plans. College events have

fallen by the wayside.

Club D and Volume are teetering above the precipice, one badly attended event, no matter how well it was put together, could set off a calamitous chain reaction that will ultimately end up with the only campus events being the horrendous rugby ‘pre-lash’ on a Wednesday night. So, by all means, support YUSU events, just spare a thought for your friendly college event, and of the students who give up a hell of a lot of free time, just so that you can get pissed within stumbling distance of your home.

SHOCKOLATE

BY SARAH CATTLE

THE UNIVERSITY of York recently came 18th place in the Student Beans hosted University Chocolate Eating League 2013.

Despite studying in York, the original home of Nestlé and Rowntree, as well as a host to popular tourist attractions such as York’s Chocolate Story, it would appear York students aren’t making the most of York’s chocolate heritage.

Other leagues on the website include a Kebab Eating League, where York came 63rd, as well as a disappointing 65th in the Nando’s Eating League.

One second year English student commented: “It seems ridiculous to care as much as I do, but it seems that York is slipping in all of the important league tables. First sex, now chocolate and kebabs. Do we have anything left apart from bicycle safety?”

Another third year Biology student stated, “I find this ridiculous, how on earth do they measure this? I was angry enough at the lack of sex at this university but now we can’t even blame it on the fact that we are all too fat because we are eating too much chocolate? Truly bizarre, I wish I had got into Oxford now!”

ALUMN-HI

BY OSCAR PEARSON

THE UNIVERSITY hopes students will make use of the 90,000 alumni worldwide and dynamic alumni association, with over 70 regularly active groups dotted in places such as London, New York, Beijing and Auckland.

The purpose of the groups is, firstly, to provide York’s graduates with ongoing opportunities to capitalise on the alumni network, in order to boost their social and professional networks. And secondly, graduates are given various opportunities to connect with the University through continued education, access to the Careers Service, attending events on campus such as the public lecture series, or simply by keeping up to date with the University.

Liz Smith, Careers Director, hopes students find the range of campus networking events helpful, such as Professional Connect, in addition to the Alumni Mentoring Scheme, the internship bureaux and Graduate Profiles.

She told Vision: “Careers at York work closely with the Alumni Engagement, the Students’ Union and the GSA. The shared ambition is that every student on campus will find an opportunity to take advantage of the powerful alumni network to boost their employment prospects. There are thousands of graduates in a range of sectors who want to help, and programmes at the University to facilitate connections.

Getting ahead has never been easier; students just need to be pro-active to exploit these opportunities.”

6 NEWS

YORK VISION

Tuesday March 12, 2013

CONSERV-A-TIPPLE

BY TOM ARMSTON-CLARKE LABOUR MINISTER Grahame Morris has condemned the infamous Hagueathon, an event which the York Tories host twice a year.

May 4th will see participants attempt to drink 14 pints - or alternatively 10 large glasses of wine - in honour of the Foreign Secretary.

Morris has claimed that this event, despite being in place for a number of years, is setting a “bad example” when the country is currently battling a binge drinking crisis.

The event is named after the Foreign Secretary, William Jefferson Hague, who in an interview once claimed that he could easily consume 14 pints of beer in one night.

While Health Minister Anne Milton is calling for action, there does seem to be a call for sorting out the problem with binge drinking. However Dan Hawkridge, York Tories Chair denied that the two were linked. He said: “Drinking is absolutely not encouraged and very few people actually attempt the drinking challenge.

“The Hagueathon is a long standing event, we’ve had it for at

BY JO BARROW STUDENTS ACROSS campus have reacted with dismay to the news that Wentworth E Block, in Vanbrugh, is scheduled to be demolished next year.

Wentworth E Block is one of the few blocks on campus still to provide standard self catered accommodation, charging under £100 a week. Concerns have been raised about the motivations behind the University’s decision to knock the building down.

Katharine Tabor, former block rep for Wentworth E told Vision: “I think this action shows a total disregard for students needs.

The University would rather simply knock down lower rent band accommodation, rather than revamping it with minimal costs, in order to force future students to pay extortionate amounts for higher rent band blocks. For residents 2011/12, Wentworth E was a grubby haven, and I’m sure many will be saddened to hear this news.”

A compensation claim led

by Katharine Tabor highlighted problems such as locks that were damaged, and rendered ineffective for an entire term, problems of damp in a third of rooms, and a light that hung only by an electrical cord for two days. The only claim that was recognised by the University was the corridor that

least 12 years, and it is always a very successful event. We’ve had members from all different political parties, including Labour, Lib Dems and Greens. It attracts numerous alumni which really improve our society’s family-style atmosphere.”

One second-year Philosophy student, stated: “I can understand why members of parliament cant be seen to be endorsing this, within our current society, it is important for those in power to be setting a good example.

“However, I don’t think this should have any impact of the event itself. Students make the decision to drink to honour William Hague, anyway, its just an excuse to get as drunk as they normally do anyway.”

In a GQ interview in 2009, Hague actually endorsed his contribution to the English language: “I get students writing to tell me about having a Hagueathon: they are trying to drink 14 pints, or have a three-legged one where two of them drink seven pints.

“That is my contribution to the English language. Margaret Thatcher contributed ‘Thatcherism’, all I’ve contributed is the name of a drinking contest.”

WENT-WORTHLESS

was segregated by sex had to share wash facilities, which was a problem for those who had specifically chosen this corridor to avoid this issue.

Wentworth E block has only been part of Vanbrugh college for a year, and will be renamed Eric D Block for the last year it remains on campus. It was formerly part of Wentworth college, and before that it was joined with Langwith as G Block. It has been speculated that E block has been passed from college to college due to its unpopularity with students, a shortterm solution that has created many complications for respective JCRCs. It has emerged that after a year of being part of Vanbrugh, moves have only recently been made to acknowledge E Block’s existence in the constitution, with Vanbrugh Chair Joshua Treacy formally passing the motion in a Week 9 open meeting.

YUSU President Kallum Taylor has expressed his support for the move, and commented: “It’s about time the University started to redevelop Heslington West. The last thing we want to have here is a tale of two campuses.

“Annual facelifts and fixes here and there will no longer suffice, some blocks on the campus are a bit of an embarrassment.

The fact that they have ‘character’ or that they enhance ‘community spirit’ through a less homely ex-

Photo: Jack Western

perience shouldn’t be a selling point, or even a point of comfort for the University - so its good that they’re finally recognising this.

“Wentworth E will be the first of many of the older blocks to go, in place of modern and attractive student halls and academic build-

ings. I’m sure that the memories enjoyed by its residents past and present will be held in warm regard despite this.”

YORK VISION

NEWS

Tuesday March 12, 2013

YUSU UNHAPPY AFTER NEWS THAT CAFE BARISTA WILL CLOSE

BY ALEX FINNIS

YUSU LEFT STEAMING MAD

YUSU HAVE hit back at the University after it was announced that Café Barista, which operates from the Alcuin Senior Common Room, will be closed down from the beginning of next term.

The University did not consult YUSU over the decision, and Union President Kallum Taylor has vowed to fight for the future of the Café.

YUSU also have support from some very senior members of University management, as even they are outraged by the lack of consultation.

“I promise students that this one isn’t done with yet,” said Taylor. “There has been zero consultation about it and many students - and staff - particularly in and around Health Sciences value and depend on it.

“We’ve been doing tours of the

“ZERO CONSULTATION” Health Sciences department and the Barista Cafe - and there’s a pretty shocking level of surprise/ upset at the plans to close it down.

“The irony of it is that we were just about to start pushing for improvements to Barista. Instead of closing something which is struggling, Commercial Services should listen to students over how it can be improved. The range of food is poor in there, and the lack

of card payment/ n e a r b y cash machine closes the door to further potential or passing trade.

“Its opening hours focus on the 10 week term structure, even though Health Sciences students and staff have a completely different programme to this, and work/ study over what most undergrads see as the holidays.

“Also, there’s barely any cosmetic appeal to the place; combined with needed improvements Which former college chair had so elsewhere, they could really make much sex inplace his office he recomit an attractive tothat relax and refresh too. mended burning the sofa?

“We want to help University Commercial Services improve their cafe and maybe listening to students wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, to improve the service and also to help their business plan.

“I seriously hope, no, expect, that we can start some decent consultation and plan for the future, because we’ve got some pretty good ideas. There are a lot of improvements that can be made to service provision and ‘space’ in general over there.”

Taylor told Vision that YUSU are planning to hold consultation sessions with Health Sciences students, as well as other “wider stake holders” on Campus North, including members of Alcuin College, in the “very near future.”

Café Barista is currently one of three staffed services on Campus North, and serves coffee and cold drinks as well as a range of sandwiches, rolls and snacks.

Tweets of the Week Rose Troup Buchanan @rose_catb

1 Mar

Kallum just walked into the room. Clasically awful outfit #yusuelections Third Year Humanities Student

Michael Thurloway @thrifty1992

3 Mar

The problem with aeroplane jokes is that they tend to go over people’s heads #hereallweek Third Year History Student

Mike Anstey @Mike4nstey

6 Mar

Cass Brown @CassandraaBrown

8 Mar

Dear supervisor, thanks for your concern, I don’t hv a drinking problem. I just play a game- “Take A Drink Every Time Your Degree Annoys You.” YUSU International Students Officer

Running out of ways to stop myself falling asleep in this seminar #linguisticsneverstoppedbeingboring York Sport President Elect 2013-14

Tom C Edwards @TomCEdwards

9 Mar

Good morning anyone who is up at this godforsaken hour! We are entering our 24th hour of our 40 hour show in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

URY Station Manager

Kallum Taylor @yusuprez

11 Mar

Now then, week 10! Let’s bang our heads together team. How should @YorkUniSU do democracy and ‘speak’ with you? Let’s make the change. #YuSAY YUSU President

The decision for its closure is largely down to the popularity of the new library café. A University spokesperson told Vision: “There has been no overall increase in trade on Campus North over the past year. However, increasingly we have seen business shift from Cafe Barista to the very popular Library Cafe.

“In response to this, from next term we will offer a vending service only in the Alcuin Senior Common Room. Staff will be redeployed and there will be no redundancies as a consequence of this.

At the same time, we intend to make improvements to B Henry’s before the start of the next academic year to enhance the service in Alcuin College.”

Students do not appear satisfied with these changes however.

A first-year nursing student commented: “I can’t believe they’ve closed it down without even talking to the students about it. I use Cafe Barista all the time as it’s nice and the most convenient for me. Somehow we’re paying higher fees but getting fewer amenities, it’s a joke.”

BIO BUILDING

BY DAVE WASHINGTON

THE UNIVERSITY of York has revealed futher details on plans to construct new buildings for the Biomedical Science and Natural Sciences departments.

The £7.5 million investment will allow the University to increase its number of students in these departments, whilst other institutions are reducing their number of places.

The new buildings will facilitate the introduction of two new degree programmes, one in Biomedical Sciences which will be launched in 2014, and the second relating to Natural Sciences in 2015. The courses will initially have 40 places each, with probable entry requirements of AAB+, and the potential of that number increasing in the future.

Second-year Biology student Tom Merriman was delighted by the plans, and told Vision: “Any expansion in course variety is great, provided they ensure the quality of degree remains just as high in each course offered. I’m especially excited about the inclusion of natural sciences.’

University of York Registrar David Duncan told Vision that the

move represents “the best prospects for high quality expansion of provision in the sciences, and in the case of Biomedical Sciences scope for the development of an area of research strength in Biology and HYMS.” On the Biomedical Sciences Programme, Duncan remarked that the course would “address a perceived demand nationally and internationally for high quality graduates in the field,” and “support further expansion of existing research in biomedical sciences, an area which is a national and international strategic priority for research funding.”

The move comes at a time when demand for biology courses is on the increase at the University, with home applications up 12% this year, and overseas applications up 27%.

Meanwhile the Natural Sciences course, which will see the number of places raise to 60 after two years, “represents a further opportunity to attract additional high quality science students to the University, responding to an increase in take-up of a number of science disciplines at A-level in recent years,” according to Duncan.

7

Vision's Milo Boyd rounds up the highlights of national student news

student press

WHILE LOOKING at newspapers from across the country, there seem to be romantic encounters making headlines.

It has been reported that Bristol University has seen a “Kiss In” protest. Organised by the LGBTQ society, over 40 couples were seen handing out flyers, proposing to their respective partners and embracing under showers of confetti.

The event was considered a great success both in encouraging confidence and pride within the gay community, as well as offering support for the recent Gay Marriage bill.

In a slightly darker incident, Bristol students have been targeted as responsible for an 80% rise in supermarket scanner thefts.

Commenting on the allegations, The Community Beat Manager for the University of Bristol, Nick Boyce, remarked that ‘the Clifton Downs Sainsbury’s is the worst affected in the whole country along with one other store in Bath.’ He continued to note his ‘surprise’ at the affair considering the “relatively affluent” status of students in the area.

Leeds University students have continued their success in the coveted “burglary hot spot” tables. Areas including Bramley, Gamble Hill and Swinnow boast 34.8 claims per 100,000 police enquiries, the most in the country.

Truly a concrete jungle in comparison to the gentle York scene, the high prices of inner city housing force students to the more dangerous outlets; the most popular student zones separated from the University by recent winner of “area most likely to be raped in”, Hyde Park.

At the complete other end of the spectrum, Oxford University student and member of the Bullingdon club Orme Alexander Clark has been charged with lighting a firework in The Bridge nightclub. Despite little to no harm being caused and the connection to the infamous club being at best tenuous, the incident evidently highlights the shameful behaviour of society’s elite who continue to resist the en vogue effects of the now triple dip recession.

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cambridge Universities have been embroiled in a sad show of matriarchal regression. During a debate concerning the centralisation of religion, two female members from Edinburgh and Cambridge were met with cat-calls, comments on their physical appearances and a shout of “frigid bitch”.

Durham and Exeter have recently played a rugby match.

Despite “unstoppable” rolling mauls, “guile” and an “impressive backline”, the game was considered unimportant in “the grand scheme of things” and saw the boys troop quietly back to the changing rooms following the final whistle.

8 NEWS

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

WE CHALLENGE YOU TO SORT THE FACTS FROM FICTION IN...

50 YEARS OF YORK

BY JO BARROW

that make up York’s colourful history. But can you guess which are true and which are false? (Answers at the bottom)

Every campus has its own folklore. 50 years after York first opened its doors, Vision takes a look at the myths, legends and bizarre truths

2

6

Goodricke College once paid £600 to fly a David Hasselhoff impersonator from Ireland to appear at their elections result night!

In 2001 the RSPB brought in a pair of Ruddy Shelducks to campus and released them onto the lake. The female promptly flew off, and the male remained to become the first campus duck to have his own Facebook page, fondly referred to as Trevor - or Fit Duck.

1

During a particularly cold winter, the ice was sufficiently thick for a mini to be driven out onto it and over the fountain (which wasn’t working at the time). Rumour has it that the ice wasn’t thick enough and the mini fell through the ice and remains there til this day.

5

3

An inflatable sex doll and a Hoover have been elected onto the Goodricke JCRC.

The Sisters of Mercy made their live debut in Alcuin dining room, on February 16th 1981.

4

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra considers Central Hall one of the two worst venues they have played in.

8

Vanbrugh Paradise wasn’t always an ironic name...

7

York used to hold the record for the greatest number of people to stand on a postbox.

9

10

The old SU building used to be called the ``Vaseline Building’’, named after the well-known petroleum jelly product. This was voted through a UGM by members of the Athletics Union

11

13

The Library was originally built without regard for the weight of the books.

There used to be stepping stones beneath PX001, when the lake went right up to the side of the building

12

Vanbrugh Xblock was going to be called D-block, until they realised it would be abbreviated to V/D block.

15

If you took all the covered walkways and joined them end to end, you could walk to the Minster under cover.

14

17

18

Six students did a sponsored streak in 1979 as part of RAG. Starting at King’s Square they made it down the shambles and into a getaway car before being promptly arrested by the police.

The GoodrickeWentworth bridge cannot be destroyed by students bouncing up and down on it. The fact that it is still standing is testimony to that.

They are all true except for 1, 13 and 15.

19

The lake was contaminated in 1974 by a ``mock battle of Trafalgar’’ involving lots of soot, oil and paint bombs. Large numbers of fish died, and the lake had to be dredged. RAG paid the costs to the University

You can get kicked out of university for killing a duck, but not for killing another student (you can return after the end of your prison sentence.)

A winning act in the 1993 RAG Lack of Talent contest was to drink a pint of lake water and throw up. The contest was so close that it was decided by two people having a naked swimming race across the lake. A winning act from a previous year featured someone defecating on stage in time to eating a Mars Bar which led a Provost to insist that future acts be done in better taste.

16

A pair of scissors was painted in the middle of university road as part of the Alcuin Separatist movement in the 90s.

YORK VISION

NEWS

Tuesday March 12, 2013

9

INCREASED CONCERNS FOR HORSE WELFARE IN YORK

WAN-NEIGH-BE?

BY SARAH CATTLE SPECULATIONS ON campus concerning the apparent disappearance of fondly nicknamed ‘Campus Horse’, which was previously tethered on the grassy area opposite Wentworth roundabout, have increased.

The mysterious disappearance comes in light of reports on the delay of a proposed new protocol by York Councillors to deal with the problem of tethered horses on roadside verges in the area. Recent RSPCA figures also show that fears of horse welfare are reported 18 times a week on average in the region.

When asked about the welfare of ‘Campus Horse’ last year, a spokesman for the University told Vision: “We have asked the owner to move the horse tethered on the grassed area next to University Road to a more suitable location,” which appears to have taken a year to happen.

The RSPCA do not recommend the tethering of horses for long periods of time. One second year Philosophy student commented: “Who is this imposter? And how long this one will it be tethered on the roadside?”

When contacted, Tesco denied any knowledge of the whereabouts of ‘Campus Horse’.

Photo: Jack Western

UN-BEER-LIEVABLE!

BY CHARLES WAIN STUDENTS AND bartenders alike are outraged at the new plans for minimum alcohol prices.

The proposal plans to bring up the price to 45 pence per unit of alcohol and are currently being debated in government.

This new proposal is to try and curb the trend of people drinking to excess, specifically the drinking of very cheap supermarket and off-licence booze.

DISCRIMINATORY This has not gone down well with students. A History first year, James Gibson, commented: “These new measures are a disgrace and will discriminate against the poorest in society.”

This comes after Vision reported that first-year students are going out less than third-year students due to the bump in fees.

Ian Loftus, the manager of the House of Trembling Madness stated: “A media campaign

on drink problems would be far price. more effective than printing on Bob Hughes, YUSU Welfare bottles.

Officer, commented on the mat“Britain is famous for pro- ter: “Although I think that setting ducing some of the finest drinks minimum prices on units can in the world and we need to con- help reduce some of the dangers tinue to advertise and do sponsor- of overly cheap drinks, I also feel ship deals in order to export these that focusing on raising the pricproducts.” es of units sometimes ignores the Home Secretary Theresa May wider issues of drinking culture wants the price of cheap alcohol and the attitudes surto be increased, and the proposrounding alcohol.” al is currently being discussed The increase by ministers. With these in price aims to plans Ms. May lower the amount being hopes that the drunk at ‘pre-drinks’ Which sports personality had sex by raising the prices of 45 pence per on the city walls? unit price will strong cheap alcohol, deter binge drinksuch as three litre bottles ers who are costing of cider, bottles of vodka, British taxpayers £21 billion and cheap wine and lager. The a year. results would mean a bottle The Alcohol Health Alliof three litre cider containing ance wants hard hitting health 22.5 units, currently costing £3.75, warnings, similar to those found would rocket in price to £10.13. on cigarette packets to be brand- Similarly, a standard 70cl bottle ed on alcoholic products. Not only of vodka would not be able to rethis, but they and other activists tail for anything less than £11.70. are calling for bans on alcohol ad- The minimum price of a bottle of vertising, restrictions of times at 12.5% wine would be set at £4.41, which alcohol can be traded and rendering the three for £10 offers to further increase the minimum obsolete.

NOT DROPPING LIKE FLIES

BY DIANA RIGG

FIGURES HAVE shown that the student drop-out rate has remained the same at the University of York but has increased nationally.

In 2008/9 four per cent of students withdrew from the University, while in 2009/10 the amount of students dropping out decreased to three per cent. There was an increase of four per cent from 2010/11, a figure which has remained the same for 2011/12 and for the current academic year so far. However, nationally there has been a rise of 13 per cent in university drop-out rates, with an increase of 31,755 students from 28,210 in 2011.

SENSE OF DESPERATION The National Union of Students (NUS) have conducted a survey that has revealed that 42 per cent of students have considered dropping out of university, with financial worries being the main reason cited. The NUS President Liam Burns has stated that young

people currently have a strong “sense of desperation” about their futures.

Many universities in Britain have experienced a huge dropout rate of students including the University of Bolton, which holds the worst drop-out rate with 21.4 per cent of students quitting university after a year. The drop-out rates have risen to almost a third at the University of the Highlands in Scotland, and it has been estimated that in some universities more than one in seven students have dropped out.

In Wales figures show that the drop-out rate has raised to nine per cent from 7.4 per cent in 2009/10.

The Higher Education Wales Chair John Hughes has stated that the economic downturn is a reason for the increase. By comparison, Cambridge and St Andrews have the lowest drop-out rates in 2012 with just 1.4 per cent of students leaving university. The University and College Union (UCU) have warned that the drop-out rates will continue to rapidly increase over the upcoming years due to the recent £9000 maximum tuition fees increase.

10ADVERTISEMENT

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

YORK VISION

THE UK’S MOST AWARDED STUDENT NEWSPAPER IS RECRUITING

NEW WRITERS COME AND JOIN OUR TEAM!

Vision: News, Comment, Features, Lifestyle, Sport Scene: Music, Stage, Film, TV, Books, Tech

Whatever section interests you, email: vision@yusu.org

YORK VISION

COMMENT

Tuesday March 12, 2013

COMMENT

11

www.yorkvision.co.uk/comment comment@yorkvision.co.uk

THE BIG OPINIONS

JONI ROOME CIRCULATION MAGAZINE EDITOR

I don’t care about house. I don’t hate it, I can respect other people’s choices, but for me a repetitive and minimal genre doesn’t cut it for personal listening. On the other hand, it is a genre very well suited to the club setting and whatever else may come with such a combination.

I’d choose a Bangers & Mash over Kuda any day of the week; but I still think ‘Rude Boy’ by Rihanna is a better song than Julio Bashmore’s ‘Au Seve’. What surprises me is the number of club nights that have sprung up, and even more so, the number of people attending. There is absolutely nothing wrong with going to a house night and not knowing a single song, but the amount of money being poured into ‘New House Night 56’ is worrying. I’m all for student run nights and appreciating less Radio 1 selected music, but the “I-love-house” bandwagon is surely heading into a brick wall. Hopefully this means that the York-based nights will have to compete with each other and force the best night to stand tall.

OLIVIA HEAD THE FACE OF BANGERS AND MASH

Rather than call it an ‘invasion’, I think a more apt word would be recolonisation. House used to be huge in York, we’ve got Freakin which has been running for 15 years. All that is happening is that house is being restored to its rightful place. If the Aborigines took back Australia, would you call that an invasion? No, you wouldn’t, you’d call it justice, and that’s what’s happening with house music in York; it is reclaiming the sound systems, the clubs, the city, that it created. People who aren’t enjoying it need to turn around; modernity has arrived and is waiting to be embraced. I actually think that, give it 5-10 years, house music will even have infiltrated the likes of Willow. I mean, my friend told me that the Kuda DJ dropped ‘Oh Baby’ by Julie Bashmore… who could have imagined that Julie Bashmore would be playing in Kuda a year ago? No one, and not only because Kuda didn’t exist, but because no one knew who Julie Bashmore was then. I’m telling you, the future’s here, so get used to it or get out.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YORK’S HOUSE MUSIC REVOLUTION?

TOM BEETHAM LACROSSE SOCIAL SECRETARY

The main impact of house music on my life has not been a profound realisation of the path to musical perfection. Instead, it has merely drawn many of my old chums to its edgy and vintage events, and away from the proven grounds of a good old Ziggy’s Wednesdays. I have since joined the crowd and been to a York house night; a place in which brands are visibly frowned upon and everybody who classes themselves as ‘someone’ can be found in a flat-cap discussing to a woollen-hat-sporting girl how many pills his mate has taken. As someone better-used to cries of “down it fresher”, and measuring my level of intoxication in Kryptonites, this was a novel mode of interaction. Discerning snobbery aside, I by no means had a bad time. The DJs were actual DJs and not just running an iTunes playlist and the bass was enough to rattle my internal organs. Regardless, I did find myself yearning for the easy sing-alongs, Taylor Swift and the camaraderie that comes with less obviously cool music.

STEVEN ROWAN JERAM SECOND YEAR STUDENT

House music started in the 1980s and has continued to grow and develop throughout its relatively small tenure as a genre. On first listening one could be forgiven for thinking house music was boring in its repetitive and minimalist nature. But the constant underlying beat will soon get under your skin and refuse to let you sit still. At first glance the music all seems the same, but whilst the beat is often identical, the artistry of the build is intricately formed for maximum thrill when it drops. The only stipulation to house music is that it has a 4/4 beat making house arguably one of the most versatile genres today and diverging into many strands; Jazz House, Deep House, Micro House, to name but a few.

I therefore welcome the resurgence of house nights in York brought to us by Milli Vanilli and Insomnia, and am yet to be disappointed. Ladies and gentlemen, house music is here and is here to stay; I challenge you to not pump your fist in the air for three hours straight.

#KONY2012 REVISITED

A YEAR ON, THE VILIFICATION OF INVISIBLE CHILDREN AND JASON RUSSELL HAS PROVEN UNFOUNDED

PATRICK GREENFIELD

T

his time last year, whilst nestled in a cast iron bed somewhere in Halifax College, the words ‘NOTHING IS MORE POWERFUL THAN AN IDEA’ stretched across my laptop screen and I spent the next 29 minutes and 58 seconds in a transfixed silence. Following a touching introduction to Jason Russell’s son Gavin, I was transported to war-torn Uganda to meet Jacob Achaye, a 12-year-old refugee fleeing the Lord’s Resistance Army after the brutal murder of his brother. Watching Jacob explain why he would rather die than continue to live in squalor awoke a burning teenage naivety I did not know I possessed. It was time to catch Joseph Kony, try him for crimes against humanity, and bring justice to a troubled part of Eastern Africa. Moreover, I could be part of the victory. By donating $10 a month, sharing the video on my Facebook page, and writing a letter to my MP, I could help a generation change the world. Ten days later, after relentless coverage of Kony2012, a naked Jason Russell was detained by San Diego police in a state of extreme psychosis and my thoughts returned to the complexities of a Thursday night in Tokyo.

Certainly, the viral success of Kony2012 was unimaginable. In March 2012, Invisible Children sourced every single red T-shirt in the entire US and still could not cope with the demand for their ‘action kits’. Millions watched the video, supported the cause and Kony has since become a household name.

Nonetheless, Invisible Children and Jason Russell also received fierce criticism for apparent embezzlement, self-indulgence

Sadly, many people still believe Invisible Children to be a parasitic, fraudulent organization that secretly furthers the ideology of a Christian cult racked by white guilt. and “white industrial saviour complex.”

Bloggers around the world were quick to point out that Invisible Children only spent 37.14% of their annual budge on projects in Central Africa in 2011; a fact the charity were unable to justify as their website crashed due to the unanticipated demand.

The same instantaneous democracy that propelled Kony2012 across Twitter feeds around the world turned on the movement.

Everyone had an opinion. Notwithstanding the fact that Joseph Kony remains in hiding somewhere in the dense

rainforests of Central Africa, the ramblings of a Canadian teenager of Ugandan heritage became an important factor in determining the validity of the Invisible Children’s claims about East African politics. YouTuber slubogo insightfully commented: “It has, like, millions and millions of views and it’s about Uganda and Kony. So, I asked my mum and my mum laughs and goes: ‘he died, like, 5 years ago.’ Why are we talking about this?”

A year later it is now apparent that slubogo, along with many others, helped define a misinformed debate with catastrophic consequences. Sadly, many people still believe Invisible Children to be a parasitic, fraudulent organization that secretly furthers the ideology of a Christian cult racked by white guilt. It is time to set the records straight.

Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, recently asserted that Invisible Children is actually outperforming most charities on their database in terms of how it allocates its expenses. In 2012, the organisation spent over 80% of its budget on programmes and service provision - hardly the basis of promising pyramid scheme. As for the white guilt, it is an easy, crude accusation. Sure, a small group of evangelical Californian dudes fighting for change thousands of miles away has a touch of the Victorian missionary about it. But after a quick look at the work Invisible Children does, it is hard to fault their ethos. Jacob Achaye, the little boy from the video, is well on his way to becoming

a certified lawyer. The organisation has rebuilt villages, furnished schools and established an effective early warning system for militia attacks in large parts of Central and Eastern Africa. Even so, Joseph Kony is still at large, a fact the majority forgot after Jason Russell’s schizophrenic breakdown appeared on the internet.

This begs the question; would we even be talking about Joseph Kony and the LRA if Invisible Children had published a reasoned video explaining the complexities of the conflict? Has our addiction to simplistic twenty-four hour news really become so severe that we cannot see beyond black and white scenarios? Although it remains true that the charity oversimplified the conflict, few could have handled the reality of guerrilla warfare in the region. Comfortable Western consumers who speak comfortable words, sit in comfortable chairs, and eat comfortable food are simply not disposed to endure stories of forced drug addiction, cannibalism and sadistic massacres. Can we blame Invisible Children for exploiting our apparent soft spot for smiling black faces and a sob story?

Believe whatever lie you deem conceivable about Invisible Children and Kony2012. But on the day a defiant Jason Russell announces Joseph Kony’s capture to the world, I doubt those who misrepresented, scandalised and speculated about an honest drive for justice will read beyond shallow Twitter headlines and comprehend the shame they should feel.

12 COMMENT

THE VOICE OF

YORK VISION Vision says...

T

en days on from this year’s YUSU Elections, there is controversy surrounding another set of elections, this time the NUS Elections, and it’s seemingly undemocratic manner.

The notion that students are not being represented by their NUS delegates is an issue angering students, as they feel that their views are being ignored.

On a different note the current mystery on campus surrounds the fate of the much famed campus horse. The University’s treasured animal has disappeared, to be replaced by two new horses. What has happened to our poor animal? Let’s just hope that it hasn’t suffered the same fate of the poor hamster who was fried by a University of York student in September, resulting in the culprit last week being banned from keeping animals for eight years, due to the despicable act.

Yet it’s so easy to focus on all of the negatives, and forget all of the brilliant ongoings on campus. Biology is being expanded, money raised for charity and York students being nominated for prestigious awards. All in all there are plenty of positives to take, as we close in on the Easter holidays.

Thumbs up to...

U

RY presenters Tom Edwards and Will Chalk, who embarked upon a mammoth 40-hour non-stop radio broadcast, in order to raise money for the MacMillan Cancer Support.

Through their fantastic efforts they have managed to raise over £1500 for charity, a fabulous achievement. The money will go to a fantastic cause, and on the back of RAG’s recent efforts, this once more demonstrates the fantastic ability of this institution in raising money for valuable causes.

To have the determination and passion to broadcast live for 40 hours is a credit to the duo. The rest of the technical staff also did a fantastic job, and without their efforts over the duration of the show, the duo would have been unable to produce such quality content and raise such a significant amount for a worthy charity.

Thumbs down to...

Y

USU for not putting student views as their top priority. Despite holding a consultation on the matter, our elected representatives at the NUS elections do not have any obligation to follow student opinion, nor do they have to disclose who they voted for. It seems paradoxical that elections intending to widen youth participation in politics are dealt with in such an underhand manner. Furthermore, their lack of communication with the student led JCRCs has led to disappointment all round. If college club nights continue to fail to break even, it could lead to the disintegration of college spirit.

YORK VISION

Tuesday March 12, 2013

SHOULD CAMPUS BARS BE RUN FOR PROFIT?

MARK GIBBARD

S

ubsidising bars on campus makes sense because there is more to university than a degree. The social aspects of university life are some of the most important interactions people take part in, and for many equate to the transition between their teen and adult persona.

Subsidising campus bars would display the University’s commitment to this socialisation, by providing an economically viable option for the cashstrapped student. Rather than leaving students to their own devices, the University would show that it takes social development seriously, by catering to those who wish to do so in a bar environment.

Since the tuition fee increase a policy of subsidised bars makes even more sense. Many students are suffering from a reduction of expendable income, as they are devoting more money to their course. If the University bars were subsidised then this would increase social access to those who aren’t able to spend at will. This would show true University provision for those from less wealthy backgrounds - the social opportunities that can be found in campus bars should be available to all.

Furthermore, with the cost of university now at £9,000 it is

YES

only reasonable for students to demand more for their money.

This includes the capacity for a student to have an affordable night, without having to resort to some of the seedier taverns in town. This should be a part of the University’s attitude towards facilities provision, rather than turning a blind eye to alcoholic socialising, the University should provide suitably priced arenas for this.

I see no difference between offering cheap sports facilities and offering cheap social facilities.

This would be a mature approach to encouraging student socialising on campus.

The subsidising of campus bars would also act as a selling point for the University, which arguably loses many potential applicants due to the reputation of York’s nightlife. If the campus bars were subsidised and offered an acceptable alternative to town then this may encourage a wider variety of people to apply to York. It would also encourage current students to utilise the campus more, which would result in a more enjoyable student experience. The money paid for university is not just for a degree, it is for the whole package.

The University should be run for the students, and not for greater profit.

AGNES CHAMBRE

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NO

here is that one fortnight in a lifetime, where one can douse themselves in neon face paint, chant their college songs and end up in the flatmates bed covered in someone else’s vomit. Freshers week. In this two week abstinence from life, new students are swamped with encouragement to ‘have the time of your life’ in events both organised and sponsored by the university. Obviously university is a time for fun as well as academics, but in this instance the fun should be initiated by students rather than encouraged by the university.

We should revel in the freedom of being independent and having a student loan. Whilst we can spend that problematically free-seeming money on whatever we choose, we are fundamentally at university to learn, and as such the money being spent by our establishment should prioritise welfare, employability and research, rather then supplementing cheap boozing.

The University of York should encourage their students to settle down, spend time in the library and join societies. By pumping funds into subsidising alcohol, financial stimulation that could be used for more fruitful endeavours is frittered away on bleary-eyed debauch-

ery. If the University wants to spend money on something to make our three years here more rounded, then it should be societies. Sports, media and drama are all worthwhile reasons not to be concentrating on your degree.

There is nothing, and should be nothing called “Drinksoc”; a way to while away the hours at the University’s and your liver’s expense.

Now that students have been coerced into paying £9,000 fees for their six hours of contact a week, there needs to be more than an education to reel in the prospective students and to make us feel like the experience is worth our money. Should this be experience predominantly consist of booze filled nights out? Definitely not. Why should the prospective liver and coronary diseases be subsidized by someone else? That hangover and walk of shame should be self induced affairs and not blamable on“50p shots at V bar.”

If the University is going to subsidise something in the catering industry then it should be the library café or cafeterias in colleges. If those paninis didn’t cost £3.10, perhaps I could legitimately spend more time in the vicinity of the library rather than sitting in V Bar nursing a £1.50 diet coke and vodka.

UKIP, YOU LOSE THE RECENT RISE OF STUDENT SUPPORT FOR UKIP IS A SHORT-LIVED PHENOMENON

LOUIS BOYD

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xciting news for British politics: UKIP are very nearly a political party to be taken seriously. They had a good byelection in Eastleigh last week securing 28% of the vote and barging the Tories into third place. Some analysts have heralded this as the beginning of the end for the Conservatives, which it is not. Some argue that UKIP might be positioning themselves to divide the perennially Conservative-voting right at the next general election, which it may be.

Nigel Farage will not be the next Prime Minister, and ultimately (if anyone) Labour will be responsible for the destabilisation of the Conservatives in 2015. The rise of UKIP is, however, a phenomenon worth closer inspection, specifically in light of their growing popularity amongst students.

Some of you, like me, may indulge in the occasional browse through the aggressively over-informed webpages of The Student Room (TSR). If so you will be aware of its recent saturation with UKIP-related posts.

The varied threads of discussion popping up on the site’s homepage, speak of the broad scope of student-response to the party’s recently-found limelight.

Across the country opinion is apparently polarised, from the bewildered and questioning that ask, “Why is there more support for UKIP?” to the more rambunctiously revolu-

tionary who cry “UKIP on the rise!”.

We must, of course, approach the opinions expressed on TSR with circumspection. Whilst it may be relatively free of the insouciant trolling that plagues other online communities, it still gives voice to the like of ‘AnythingButChardonnay’ who, supporting one of UKIP’s more controversial manifesto pledges, opines that the Human Rights Act is “a sick and expensive joke.”

However, in spite of the forum’s shortcomings (yes, I think I am claiming that enabling free speech is sometimes a shortcoming,) this e-hubbub does go to prove that UKIP’s ascension has, to at least some extent, touched a yellow and purple nerve amongst Britain’s students.

Nigel Farage will not be the next Prime Minister Since his re-election to their leadership in 2010, Nigel Farage has stressed the importance to UKIP of engaging the youth vote, specifically targeting students, and expanding their youth-wing, Young Independence.

In part, this must be an attempt to counterbalance the dominance amongst the party’s pre-existing membership of, what The Guardian describes as, “older people with fewer qualifications.” But in Farage’s proselytizing, there is a hint of something more rebellious; an attempt to engage the politically-disaffected young. UKIP is entrenched in

a protracted rebranding exercise, hoping to boost its credentials as the radical outsider opposing the insipid, neologising blanditude of the mainstream parties.

Vive la revolu...wait no, not that; that smacks of cultural euro-centrism. You get the point though; UKIP is carting out dynamic, revolutionary rhetoric, yet, their studentfocused policies are remarkably familiar.

UKIP is targeting the student vote on the basis of their compelling promise to: “End the 50% university target for school leavers, scrap tuition fees and reintroduce student grants.” But, just in case you needed reminding, in 2010 the Lib Dems promised to: “Phase out university tuition fees within six years [and] scrap targets of 50% of people going to university.” The only distinction is that the Lib Dems were ultimately in a position to enact this promise before reneging on it.

It is unrealistic to expect UKIP to approach any comparable position in the foreseeable future, and why would we vote on the basis of a policy that is borrowed, near verbatim, and has already proven untenable in coalition government?

As a political entity UKIP is founded on, and acts, through divisive strategies, polarising forums of debate from The Student Room to the European Parliament. If their studentfocused policies don’t stand up to scrutiny, I fear their popularity amongst students is based on shallower reasoning.

The one point of agreement in all of TSR’s UKIP posts, from Farage’s sincerest supporters, to his most vociferous detractors, is that he can talk convincingly. Surely, that can’t be all UKIP has to offer?

YORK VISION

COMMENT

Tuesday March 12, 2013

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AGE IS BUT A NUMBER DAVE WASHINGTON

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Patrick Greenfield

THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER

RACISM REMAINS A VERY REAL PROBLEM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK

ASIYA ELGADY

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am black. Now don’t fret, that isn’t the precursor to an Angela Davis tone article, but please don’t misunderstand that either, I am still pretty angry about the state of race relations at this university and at large. However, it is just a point I felt worth mentioning because undoubtedly some of you will deign it necessary to know my ‘ethnicity’, ‘race’, ‘colour’ (or whatever else you want to call it) throughout this article.

Arguably that is one of the many faces of the problem with race relations (cue exasperated sigh at what is expected to follow). Recently we had an incident of the use of an archaic racist term in a public lecture, by a lecturer, and the comments have not stopped since. Moving away from the incident itself, it was the student response that followed which took centre stage.

Based on this reaction, I would like to make the point to you all that the fight is not over. This university’s last recorded statistical break down (available from the Planning Office) shows that 82% of applications to York were from declaring non-BME (Black and Minority Ethnic) students and 10% were from declaring BME students. This translates into our current student population breaking down to 82% in the former and 10% in the latter. So it’s safe to say that there are not many BME students at York. The significance of this is in the ‘calm down, move

on’ reaction to the lecturer’s comments, and the message that sends to the BME population of our university as well as prospective BME students. The very fact that people think the use of the word “nigger” is anything but abhorrent in any context is deeply worrying, because it speaks of a wider sense of passiveness towards racism. Such racism punctuates our daily lives in social and institutional formats to such a large extent that I cannot put it into words, at least not in this article. Attempting to ‘contextualise’ the use of this term is trying to hide a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and it won’t work.

The very fact that people think the use of the word “nigger” is anything but abhorrent in any context is deeply worrying Let me put this bluntly, we are not there yet. This term is still used with discriminatory, malicious and harmful intent, therefore trying to explain-away all of those characteristics as ‘subversive humorous’ and ‘dealing with racism’ is, in fact, making light of a serious contemporary situation, not just across the world but on our doorsteps. Take, for example, Stephen Lawrence who on April 22, 1993 was beaten and killed because he was black. The fact that he died hearing that word is lost on so many people, and its appropriation into popular culture is frankly repellent; a sentiment which Dean Atta put so poignantly in his renowned poem ‘I am nobody’s nigger.’

Look it up – I promise it’s something inspirational. But perhaps there are some people who would still argue that we have come a long way since his death.

Would it surprise you then to know that Atta’s poem marked the trial and sentencing of Lawrence’s killers, over 15 years after his death? Would it surprise you to also know that it was his mother, Doreen Lawrence, and her tireless campaigning which brought about the inquiry that produced the MacPherson Report? This report in 1999 found the Metropolitan Police to be institutionally racist, pinning that as the main reason for the mishandling of the case. Sadly this report only put into writing what many BME people already knew from experience. But again, perhaps we’ve moved on from all of this, right?

Wrong. In October of last year Mauro Demetrio recorded PC Alex MacFarlane making a barrage of racist, malicious and criminal comments towards him after he had been arrested. The recording was picked up by national media, and the officer in question was tried over his conduct. For those of you who think I’m ‘being too sensitive’ when I use the term racist, perhaps you ought to know that MacFarlane’s comments to Demetrio included such things as, “the problem with you is that you will always be a nigger.”

But then that was a different context.

Okay, well then how about the ‘bring a fit Jew’ themed social at Oxford University in 2008? That was ‘just a joke’ too, right?

So the next time you want to get on your cyber soap-box about the appropriateness of racist language in a ‘humorous context’ I suggest you pick up a book and learn something. Or ask your friendly Racial Equality Officer.

hen you think of a typical student, a retired 65-year-old is not the first image that springs to mind. Yet, following a report outlining the necessity of an educated older workforce, Education Minister David Willets is trying to persuade more over 60s to attend universities, thus raising the question: should we be encouraging the experienced and aged minds of society to take the places at our universities normally reserved for school leavers? Some will argue that the university system should serve to train and educate young, prospective professionals in our society, and that making valuable resources available to the elder members of our population would simply be a waste.

However, it is time to return to the old clichéd adage; age is but a number. In the case of attending university, age should be irrelevant. Everyone is entitled to receive a thorough education, and if a 65 year old has the qualifications to enter one of our high quality institutions, then they are just as worthy of the treasured place as a ‘typical’ student.

Age should not be a decisive factor when it comes to university application, and everyone must have the same opportunity to enjoy the fruits of our current education system.

Nowadays we take higher education for granted, with the majority of intelligent youngsters receiving the opportunity to realise their potential by attending one of the many fine institutions in the United Kingdom. We forget that only 50 years ago, the young did not enjoy such academic luxuries, and university education was a privilege reserved for the minority rather than the majority. After years of hard-earned progress, it is only fair that older generations have the same opportunities we enjoy when it comes to higher education, regardless of whether they choose to take them.

After years of hardearned progress, it is only fair that older generations have the same opportunities we enjoy Many of us view the completion of a degree as a chore, and a ‘means to an end’ ritual in obtaining a qualification; but it does not have to be a ceremonial inconvenience. Completing a degree can be a way of enriching one’s knowledge of an area one feels passionate about, developing new and desired skills and focusing the mind in an academic discipline. 50 years ago people may not have had the opportunity for such self-improvement in their youth, but that does not mean that they should be dissuaded from partaking in higher education in 2013. Instead, the older members of our community should be encouraged to make the most of university courses if that is what they desire, rather than wiling their days away watching ITV 1.

Certainly, in an increasingly competitive job market, it is becoming more and more important to possess the necessary academic qualifications, and by partaking in university study, over 50s are boosting their future prospects of attaining the desired employment. You may not see these over 50s spending their nights partying in clubs and enjoying the normal exorbitances of the student lifestyle. Indeed, it may seem downright weird if someone old enough to be your grandparent sits down next to you in a lecture, but spare them a thought; they have just as much of a right to attend university as you and I.

14 COMMENT

YORK VISION

UNION ENGLISH LITERATURE’S DEMISE BOOZE

Tuesday March 12, 2013

THE STUDY OF FICTION IS INCREASINGLY A GAME OF SKILL

ROHAN BANERJEE

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t doesn’t take a genius to realise that students like to drink. They will have a pint in the day or at night, between lectures, and yes they will drink during that famous rite of passage known as Freshers’. I mean, can you honestly remember the last time you went to a party all alone, in a strange place and perhaps an alien city, facing lots of new people, without a little Dutch courage to help you on your way?

Yet, according to “a group of experts,” “a recent study” and my mum, the university experience has been reduced to one big amoral haze in which memories and virginities are lost, ditches are fallen into and questionable kebabs are consumed cautiously at the roadside.

But while the statistics concerning drinking in universities or the number of directly related accidents that are caused might be alarmingly thin, the message is quite clear: booze is bad and student unions are actively promoting an unhealthy culture of excess.

I aim to prove why this is really not the case.

Admittedly from the public health perspective, alcohol doesn’t do itself any favours – high doses can cause intoxication, stupor, coma and in some bizarre circumstances, the enjoyment of house music; but in lower levels, its effects may actually be benign. As a social lubricant, alcohol channels creativity, improves confidence and provides a much needed release from those stressful six hours a week. It is possible after all, for a student to get drunk without getting smashed, though my mum will never believe it.

In any case, unions definitely don’t promote excess and these images, (usually found off campus) of beer-guzzling teenagers endorsing 2-for-1 discount deals, do the student population a great injustice.

The Huffington Post reported last year that 37% of a nationwide sample of (only) 2,027 students, drank at hazardous drinking levels of 51 or more units per week for men, and 36 or more units for women, but the fact that hardly anyone goes to campus bars shows that most will be doing so away from their SU. In reality, the income that student unions make from drink has declined so much that they are now changing bars into coffee and juice venues (that’s essentially what The Courtyard is anyway,) with unions actually being lauded by support groups for their responsible drinking policies. Gone are the days of free shots on entry, and in are the alcohol awareness leaflets that cover the bar tops and litter the floor.

That said, if people are going to drink exceptional amounts of alcohol, surely there is no safer place to do it than within one’s unions? After all, how many bars out there will stop serving kaylied students when they’ve had four too many, offer them transport home and stay with them until such transport arrives? Tommy Fong just doesn’t care.

Yes, binge drinking is an issue that affects students, but it is also part of a much wider, national crisis that does not originate in student communities, and certainly not one consolidated by unions. All the same, I think that alcohol does have a necessary role to play at university, if only to provide icebreakers and anecdotes, or to cope with meeting someone who does Maths.

POPPY DANBY

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elen Fulton, the head of English and related literature at the University of York, has recently been quoted in The Daily Mail expressing concerns about the future of the subject and the way that it is being taught. Fulton claims that current methods of teaching English literature put a greater emphasis on skills rather than knowledge, to the extent that, “even those with 3 As at A-level including English can’t put books in historical context.”

Such fear for the future of English literature is something which goes beyond the confines of York. This month an article was published in The Telegraph illustrating the frustration of a private tutor, who agreed with Professor Fulton concerning both the inability of students to view texts in perspective, and the bias felt towards contemporary American Authors over the traditional greats on the basis of comprehension.

Fulton makes it clear that she is aware of “the impending death of narrative,” but could this reluctance to maintain the importance of English literature mark the demise of the subject as we know it?

With the rise of short, computerised texts and video games, people are beginning to see ‘literature’ in a different light.

The interactive nature of these mediums

allows us to alter the traditional narrative structure, and as such lessens the necessity of being consumed in the author’s written world.

These forms of entertainment, through their accessibility, have slowly been usurping the power of the book and as a result, students are less willing to stretch themselves in the understanding of the traditional literary greats; never mind more

We no longer want to unmask the hidden wonders of Shakespeare or ... Chaucer or Joyce modern works.

Obviously, we cannot change developments in technology, but this doesn’t mean that we should not strive to deliver an informative education that does not bow down to the pressures of modern life.

By glorifying the use of skills and not of knowledge, we are doing just this.

The emphasis on skills in the teaching of English literature cannot be deemed as an out and out bad thing; the perceived irrelevancy of an academic subject in the jobs market rendering the correct skills a priceless commodity. Regardless, the stress on skills offers students a skewed percep-

tion of what literature actually is.

Instead of being something of great cultural value, literature to modern day students is increasingly becoming a game of spot the metaphor. It’s no wonder therefore that students have come to believe that simpler texts are better works of literature, just because the similes and pathetic fallacy that they’ve been trained to sniff out come to the fore more easily. We no longer want to unmask the hidden wonders of Shakespeare or break through the seemingly opaque troupes of Chaucer or Joyce.

Modern mentality states that if the exam tick boxes aren’t obviously present, then it clearly isn’t of note. Ironically, education is making us lazy.

So what should be done? Instead of encouraging the redundancy of literature for the sake of beauty and pleasure, education should seek to bring back the magic of the works themselves. Students should be taught not only to analyse texts, but also understand where they fit into the bigger picture and (maybe most importantly) refuse to see literature as a task.

Reading will never be the pinnacle of entertainment that it once was as it blurs into the background of the digital age, but education should not be a catalyst in this fall from the forefront. Teaching often falls back on the canon of English literature, an undeniably valuable resource, but also one which renders students unwilling to push themselves into anything unknown.

We need to value our cultural heritage past and present and be proud of it, before English Literature becomes extinct.

DON’T TAKE THE PIOUS

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH STILL HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN AN INCREASINGLY SECULAR WORLD

CAITLIN O’KELLY

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n an era when only 18% of people in Britain are actually practicing members of a religious community, it’s no wonder that conclave and the prospect of a new pope seem to hold little excitement, or even interest, for huge swathes of the population in our country.

While Christianity still holds firm as the biggest religion in the UK at 59%, the last 10 years have seen a steady decrease in organised faith. Britain’s secularisation is just one example of a global trend. While some people are converting later in life, they are too few in number to stop the gap left by the disillusioned young members of more socially conservative religions like the Catholic Church.

As a ‘cradle Catholic’ myself, I’ve been through many periods of doubt, and been forced into many conversations with socalled ‘militant atheists’ trying to convert me to godlessness. Being religious in the UK is increasingly less common, less popular and less understood. But does this mean that the leaders of the church, and the work it does, cease to have value?

During his papacy Benedict XVI endured blows to the integrity of the Catholic Church, including a storm of accusations concerning sexual abuse and misconduct that continues to this day. The recent revelations about Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Brit-

ain’s most senior Roman Catholic cleric, is a poignant example.

While the pious have remained generally stalwart in their faith, and properly so, many young people have understandingly turned away from a religious organisation that, at least in popular discourse, embodies corruption, sexism and homophobia.

Benedict XVI has not been a progressive leader. His educational and working backgrounds are in theology, and his tenure has been seen as very conservative, and designed for a return to the traditional morals of the Church in the face of growing secularisation. However, it seems the winds of change are coming.

Despite the recent turmoil, the Catholic Church is still a great force for good in the world Amongst the Papabili (those most likely to become Pope) are cardinals who have called for an end to celibacy, and the use of contraception to prevent the spread of HIV. While these may be seen as only small steps in the grand scheme of modernisation, they show the church to be more than the static entity it’s often considered. I personally am still waiting for female ordination, though papal infallibility seems to rule this out completely.

There are still many discussions to be had about the evolution of the church, and its continuing role in defining the life choices of believers, all of which will be led by whoever is elected into the office of St. Peter in the coming days.

In their role as a teacher and interpreter of the faith, the new pope’s stance on hundreds of issues will be felt the world over. Despite growing secularisation in Europe, there is no way to minimise the influence of such authority.

Yes, the Catholic Church may need to modernise, and yes the numbers of practicing Catholics is shrinking, but the value and importance of the Church and the Papacy is not. Despite the recent turmoil, the Catholic Church is still a great force for good in the world; something often overlooked. It is actually the largest non-state provider of education and medicine globally and frequently acts as a champion of the oppressed, one of the most famous examples being Oscar Romero of El Salvador.

While the next ‘Bishop of Rome’ will not receive the same reverence the office once had, he will still be an extremely significant figure as the spiritual leader of over one billion people, about 1/7th of the global population. Few others can claim such numbers, and certainly not with the same levels of faith and devotion.

While practicing Catholics are becoming less common in Europe, Catholicism is on the rise elsewhere. The Church may be operating under the strains of scandal and lost faith, but as the largest and fastest growing Christian church in the world, its relevancy and power is undeniable.

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FEATURES

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

FEATURES

www.yorkvision.co.uk/features features@yorkvision.co.uk

BLOWING IT ALL IN SOUTH AMERICA As The Guardian reports a record low of heroin and crack cocaine users in the UK, AGNES CHAMBRE and JO BARROW discuss a growing and disturbing trend of young people going abroad for their Class A kicks...

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round 18,160 students deferred their entry into university this year. Some of these students will plan on travelling and South America is now often seen as a prime destination as more and more students straight out of school are taking time out.

South America is becoming ever more popular as time goes by. The beauty, the language and the diversity are incomparable to other places. These soon-to-be students are on their first adventure away from home and often they don’t care where they go as long as they’re free to do as they wish.

Those that went to South America may have indulged in the local delicacies. In Venice, you take a Gondolier. In Paris, you wear a beret. And as I discovered in my five-month journey across South America, there, tourists take cocaine. I was shocked to see the effects this drug had on the people around me; one friend in hospital; one friend with a gun to his head, one, unable to complete her Uni degree because of her drug habit.

For some “gap year” students this is not the “trip of a lifetime” but the last trip of a lifetime.

“When you say Columbia, I think Cocaine.” This seems to be the established response for most people. Drug trafficking there has never been a secret. However over the past few years it has partly managed to lose its dangerous and sordid reputation. This is due to, at a certain extent at least, the disbanding and imprisonment of the Medellin and Cali cartels. These brutal drug gangs ran the country before, scaring off tourists.

After they were dispelled, tourists slowly began to trickle back. Now

culture. “The only risk is wanting to stay,” is an ironically drug-laced slogan. The addictive nature of cocaine means leaving, letting go, or stopping sometimes stops being an option.

Approximately 23,000 British passport holders visited Columbia in 2010. There are 53 Hostels for Bogotá available on Hostelworld. com alone, the site that commonly caters for the young traveller, with scores for “fun” and “safety.” Yet, the British Home Office “continue to advise against all but essential travel to some other areas of Columbia” in part due to the “active illegal drugs trade.” The teenagers, who months ago were sitting their A-Levels, stumble into this country and discover that contrary to their expectations, there is no disguising the drug trade. Having experienced many of the different types of hostels in Bogotá, it shocked me that even the ones positively discriminating against cocaine, “Consuming cocaine means no less than to have somebody’s blood on one’s hands....We are not interested in having a certain reputation among travellers,”(Casa Vienna) had travellers snorting it on their dorm beds.

Columbia is known for its drug trafficking. The cartels made sure of that in the 60s. What is slightly less advertised is the similar corrupting temperament towards this narcotic throughout the rest of the continent. In fact Bolivian drug trafficking rose around 20% in 2010. From the party hostels, “Loki” and “Millhouse” to the “gringo” trail from the bottom to the top, cocaine flows for tourists in infinite quantities. All you need to do in Buenos Aires is ask any

In Mexico alone, the drug war has claimed more than 50,000 lives in the last six years the official Colombia Travel Guide states “Colombia: the only risk is wanting to stay.” The government wants tourists to feel safe. And it’s working: when students on Gap Years travel the South American Continent, their travel plans will now include Colombia.

However, Columbia isn’t all smiles just yet. It is still known as a coke capital despite the successful attempts to project a cleaner image. This does bring in more tourists, but ironically they aren’t always into keeping it clean. It is not hard to get stuck into the still cheap and easily accessible drugs, therefore perpetuating the drug

taxi driver. In La Paz, the all-night cocaine bar provides entertainment for any Gap Year students interested.

“Is anywhere still even open?”

I chanced hearing from a Sloaney blonde clad in an alpaca jumper.

It was a Tuesday night in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia and I was about to discover that the infamous “Route 36” was not just a myth but a real life underground (or not so underground) cocaine bar in the middle of the city. This bar, surreptitiously advertised through ‘gringo’ word of mouth around South America, in fact has its own website. The site describes

Cocaine is a popular drug among middle-class Gap Year travellers. the bar next to a beautiful picture of the salt flats, comparing the two; both are “essential to visit.”

The website encourages travellers to “seek the wise council of those already there” to see if the police are currently “tolerating tourists’ use or cracking down.” Even if the police are “cracking down,” the standard bribe to keep the drug would be paying the police 50 Boliviano’s (equivalent to £5.)

The police themselves are pretty ineffective given that tourists are throwing money at the drug problem for their own gain. A Bolivian waitress at Route 36 confided that supposedly the “police were paid off ” to stay away from the bar.

I was incredulous at the ease with which cocaine was readily available. Eye contact for merely a second longer than ordinary with a stranger could result with a gram exchanging hands. The accessibility has no reflection on the lack of danger involved however.

The irrational transactions made with drug dealers can and does lead to problems. Cusco, Peru was an example of this. When Alexander, a 19-year-old student picked up from two different men on consecutive nights, it all seemed fine until he felt a gun to his head.

On my journey, I found that because the drug is so consistently around, formerly dearly clung onto morals become very negotiable. Cocaine seems to provide a carte blanche for otherwise ethically impeccable young

people (who are just popping into the country in between charitable endeavours) to disregard the provenance and impact of the powder they are inhaling. They might squeal at the thought of non-organic, non-Fairtrade foods, but they will happily pay for the product that is the cause of vicious and bloody wars throughout Central and South America. In Mexico alone, the drug war has claimed more than 50,000 lives in the last six years. How it is possible for someone to be moved to tears by a Children in Need appeal but not by the hideous truth behind the manufacture and distribution of this short-lived stimulant?

I noticed people started thinking they were invincible: taking drugs with friends is the same idea as when no one has done the work for a seminar, surely not everyone will fail? If everyone snorts the drug, surely not everyone will reap the consequences? However I watched a fellow backpacker on the roof of Loki hostel overdose. It was the morning but he had been going all night. He started foaming at the mouth, collapsed and was rushed to hospital. That wasn’t what scared me, what scared me was that two nights later he was buying more. I wonder how much the price of drugs affects our common sense: surely, if you wanted to take cocaine, you’d take it in a country where you knew the judiciary system, the healthcare system and where you were

surrounded by people you trust.

However, its cheap price abroad seems to negate all of these salient points.

The combination of cost and ease makes the drug a popular leisure activity among the travellers.

The moreish quality of the white powder is both short and longterm issue. This leads directly and fervently to a full-blown addiction, in “Talk to Frank’s” wise words the “powerful craving can develop because cocaine can change the way your brain works.” You only have to browse the internet for seconds to view the stupendous health implications of touching cocaine; the chest pain, lung trauma, depression, and potential overdose. The health and addictive implications shouldn’t be taken lightly and especially when you are away and exposed for six months.

The beauty of a year out is to begin managing your own life, to have freedom. The 48 hour bus journeys, the tent at the top of a mountain, and the unnecessary piercing. They are all part of the experience. It is an experience difficult to ruin or resent but spending the next two years in an English rehab, a Columbian crack-den, or a Peruvian morgue might do the trick. The rise of the “Gap Yah,” signalled by the ubiquitous “alpaca jumper,” is resulting in teenagers on a quest to find themselves, and instead they are finding a class A drug.

16 FEATURES

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

AN INTERVIEW W

TOM ARMSTON-CLARKE chats to Giles Core

Giles Coren is a columnist for The Times, as well as a food critic, novelist and television presenter. He is notorious for expressing controversial opinions in both his column and on television and he recently was Highly Commended in the ‘Best of Humour’ category at The Press Awards 2012 organised by the Society of Editors.

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s soon as I saw Coren's tweet, “Call me at 4.30, I can give you half an hour”, I suddenly felt nervous as sin. This was the man who had made me want to start writing. Everything about his style enticed me, and I was going to speak to him. Albeit on the phone.

As I dialled the number he messaged me and it started to ring, part of me hoped he wouldn’t pick up. Not for me changing my mind about the interview, but rather because I was just scared of coming across as a fool and wasting his time. My nervousness it seems, was unfounded. He is accommodating and earnest, not at all as one would imagine the acerbic Coren in his Times columns.

Coren reminisces on his early childhood memories of meals, both out and in the house with his family.

The way he speaks of his father is one of great respect and adoration. We discuss to what extent he felt he had a point to prove with his father, to establish himself independently, yet still gain the respect of the man he so greatly admired.

In a rather self-deprecating way he responds with “I had a point to prove but I did not prove it”. Some, however, would disagree with this.

Coren is the author of numerous successful books, on topics ranging from dining advice to anger management.

It was obvious from the early moments in the interview that Coren is a very intelligent man, with a great amount of literary knowledge. Twenty or so names of obscure authors roll off his tongue, as he tells me of what he read growing up. I later Google said authors and, as it turns out, Coren's literary tastes are justified.

Like many writers, Coren has a very romanticized idea of what it was to be a writer in his youth, with a view to the prevailing themes of the 1920s; namely drinking and womanising.

She’s just a bourgeois-sanctimoniouslefty-winger and you have to put up with her childish, puerile, 1970s politics.

To begin the interview I ask him the stock question of whether he always had wanted to be a writer, “I knew I was never going to be anything else", he says, “I started off writing poems, and wanted to be a poet and then wanted to be a novelist but like most journalists just kind of fell into this.” Coren speaks mainly of his father, Alan Coren, who himself was a household name in his heyday, writing for The Times, Tatler and The Daily Mail, as well being editor of Punch magazine for nine years.

He made the decision to not follow in the footsteps of his father directly but to veer off and become a great novelist- or at least that was the idea. Coren explains that he wanted to prove himself to be more than his father.

In his book, How to Eat Out,

He tells me: “I did write a novel and it was perfectly OK, but it became obvious that that kind of celebrity and power and wealth is not actually available to writers”.

We talk about so-called 'top' writers currently; Ian McEwan, Julian Barnes and Howard Jacobson, who while being great novelists, do not possess the great wealth, power or influence that the 'great' writers of 1920s America possessed.

On the topic of earning money through writing, Coren moves onto the household name that is J.K. Rowling. From the mere intonation of her name, it is quite apparent what Coren thinks of her; in his book Anger Management for Beginners, he unsurprisingly describes the vastly popular Harry Potter series as “literate shite”, and that he would rather run a chain of burger restaurants than write like her.

In 2011, Coren participated in a Radio 4 show called I’ve Never Seen Star Wars. A show, that, in his own words, attracts “celebrities, and if they can’t get celebrities they get people like me” to try something they have never done before.

At the time, Coren had never read a Harry Potter book, and so was induced to give Harry a chance.

“I read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Arse or whatever it's called, and it was alright” he says, in a tone of reluctant concession.

His rather imaginative reworking of the title suggests differently.

It was around this time that his daughter was born, and he explains how this made him, for the briefest of moments, feel just ever so slightly benevolent towards to the world, and thus he gave Harry a shot. Coren, not one to mince his words, goes on to say that he would be happy if his daughter read Harry Potter up to the age of seven, but anyone who reads it after the age of nine “is a bit retarded.” While he does concede that Harry Potter can get younger children into reading, he concludes that “if they are still reading it at nine then they are probably lost.”

But Coren explains that what angers him about the Harry Potter series is that, essentially, Harry is a sort of force taking over the world.

“It was when university people, you know clever, smart people, were reading Harry Potter and claiming it was rather good, when it really isn’t, it's terrible, terrible shite” that made him disillusioned with the whole franchise.

He is even less impressed with the author herself than he is of the book and its (undeserving) status as a literary phenomenon.“She's just a bourgeois-sanctimoniouslefty-winger and you have to put up with her childish, puerile, 1970s politics."

From J.K. we move back to Hemingway, or so I thought when I brought to his attention a quote that he supposedly said. The quote in question: “write drunk, edit sober.” Coren believed it was a different author, but we agreed to disagree. For a moment, that is; perhaps it is not a surprise that Coren was not satisfied with this compromise and looked it up while we were on the phone, and it appeared that we both were wrong.

The quote actually came about from a novelist called Peter De Vries, who wrote a novel in 1964 in

Giles Coren @gilescoren

Feb 27

Wish we had slacker gun laws so there was a chance some disaffected ex emplyee might go into Camden Parking Solutions and mow them all down Collapse

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An example of one of Coren’s many controversial Tweets

Giles Coren is a writer, food crit which the protagonist, apparently based on Bob Dylan, says: “Sometimes I write drunk and revise sober, and sometimes I write sober and revise drunk.”

Asking Coren what his thoughts are on drinking and writing, he reveals: “I used to drink and smoke, I actually smoked a pipe. My father smoked and wrote but died of lung cancer at 69 and he probably could have written better for longer if he hadn’t died.”

Coren wrote a fantastic article in GQ a few months ago, in which he recalls his drinking in his youth.

He remarks: “For me, a cold glass of premium lager is not a refreshing sharpener but a gateway drug. I have never swallowed a mouthful of beer without thinking: ‘Ah yes, now, lets get a couple of bottles of decent claret, then cocktails, a gram or two of quality biff and find some unfussy Doris in from the provinces to molest in the toilets.” Since that somewhat hyperbolised stage, he admits he calmed down with drinking as he got older - almost took a full U-turn, one could say.

He adds: “You can have the odd idea and if you’re an unimagina-

tive man, a mundane alcohol brings you out of yourself and allows your brain to fly, but if you are imaginative your mind should be like that anyway.

“I drink in order to hang out with other people because other people are stupid and I'm too smart to hang around with them, so I have a couple of beers and I become like

I’m too smart to han so I have a couple of like a f*cking footba great time with a f*cking football fan and I have a great time with my thick mates but the next day, your brain, which if you’re a writer is your great tool, which you should be in control of like Usain Bolt is in control of his thighs, becomes slow and sluggish and like that of your milkman's brain.”

Coren explains that booze is a facilitator of fun and games and

YORK VISION

FEATURES

Tuesday March 12, 2013

17

WITH GILES COREN

en about reading, Rowling and re-tweeting...

him then burn it? Or do I f**k him, then kill him then burn it?” Coren explains how this was done in his 'early days' of Twitter when he only had around 25,000 followers, which has now rocketed to 130,000. “It never really occurred to me that people were watching or looking, I thought it was just like making a comment to your mates down the pub, but it got back to me and there are always people who get too offended and take them too seriously.”

He then proceeds to tell me that he tried to reason with his neighbours as they were understandably very upset and frustrated with his comment. “I have a few more followers now on Twitter and will be more careful about what I write, but the problem is that there is no filter or editor, and sometimes that is what I need”.

He characterises himself as the type of guy who says what he thinks, and what he thinks is funny, to himself at least. The upshot of this, apparently, is that it may offend people who are “uptight or arseholes or both who are scared of their own faeces.”

We discuss the ever-present danger of causing offence on Twitter and the like, especially through casual racism. He agrees that if someone is tweeting something racist, especially directed at someone, then they should be arrested just like if they said it in the street.

He tells me: “There are a certain group of words that are inappropriate [and] these are often sexist or racist”. When I ask whether it is going a little bit far, and maybe is a bit 1984-esque, to arrest someone for their Twitter interactions, Coren wryly says: “No. I think we

tic and columnist for The Times you only get drunk “to get courage to f*ck women. You can be no more a drunk pilot than you can a drunk writer," he tells me. With the exception of the pilot that Denzel Washington plays in The Flight I think he makes a valid point.

Moving on from drinking I broach the concept of Giles Coren as an angry man. In his previously

ng around with them, f beers and I become all fan and I have a my thick mates mentioned Anger Management for Beginners he lists everything he hates, ranging from vegetarians, fat people and ringtones, to sex.

I ask him if he still is as angry as he is portrayed in the book, and he speaks of how he is a less angry man but not due to ‘getting it off his chest’ as I suggested but due to therapy. “I was kind of egging that particular pudding as people were

interested in it, so I was playing up a little bit.”

I ask Giles if he was currently writing another book, or had any plans for future literary projects.

He tells me that he was writing a novel, but then got bored. “It is quite good and quite funny and I might finish it one day.” It is about a B-list celebrity who almost ruined his career over something he posted on Twitter. Coren also started writing a very different style of book to anything he has written before, in the form of a “non-fiction novelesque biography” of an old English teacher of his, “who was brought down for kiddy fiddling”.

It is funny, actually, that Coren mentions Twitter as I was intending to ask him about his infamous and decidedly controversial escapades on the social networking site.

One of Coren's tweets did cause a bit of a storm when The Daily Mail chose to be horrified about it.

The tweet in question is regarding his next door neighbour's decision to buy their 12-year-old son a drum kit. He tweeted: “Next door have bought their 12-year-old son a drum kit. For fuck's sake! Do I kill

should live in a police state and nobody should think anything apart from me. But no seriously I think its absolutely fine as it is.”

Being a prominent food critic on top of everything else, I ask Coren about his history with restaurant reviewing and whether he finds it difficult to ‘switch off ’ from his 'work mode' if he ever goes out for a meal with family or friends. To my

file”.

In a very damning, black-andwhite kind of way, Coren tells me that it is just luck that gets one a job in journalism as a writer or critic, commenting: “It has got nothing to with talent or ability, I was just a really boring hack for about ten years before this.”

His wife also has a food blog and has written for The Guardian in

The next day I just write about what I can remember, what stuck in my head essentially, and back in the days when I drank a lot, it wasn’t very much surprise he speaks of how there is not an on and an off really when it comes to his work and pleasure of eating out.

“I tend not to go out that often to eat unless I am reviewing it and if I'm not reviewing it, I choose somewhere good.” He explains how he rarely finds himself eating out at a bad place when it's not for work anymore, a slight perk of having eaten out a vast amount of times at a vast amount of places.

“Even when I am reviewing, I don’t really switch on. I don’t take notes, I don’t ask questions, I don’t look at the menu particularly...The next day I just write about what I can remember, what stuck in my head essentially, and back in the days when I drank a lot, it wasn’t very much.” Coren, however, does not advocate his style to young journalists. “I spent years being a reporter and features writer and just filing the stuff I was told to

the past, which becomes the talking point as I ask whether he mocks her for writing for a paper rather in opposition to The Times, for which he writes. And whether she ever gets nervous cooking for him.

She apparently has openly admitted that she isn’t a very good cook but Coren assures me that she never gets nervous when cooking for him. He then asks her to cook right now, (she is present at this point) to which she responds “No, never.”

Despite his contempt for The Guardian (referring to it as "lefty crap with 1970s politics"- much like J.K. Rowling apparently), he respects his wife for her writing and would love it if she decided to write even more. I leave Coren to cook dinner for his wife and his daughter, who have just arrived home, pretty much bang on thirty minutes after the interview started - a man of his word.

Coren with his wife Esther and their daughter, Kitty

18 FEATURES

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

Equality for Female Bishops John Applegate exclusively reveals to SHAUN RICHARDSON why he thinks women should be ordained as bishops...

T

he Venerable Doctor John Applegate was Archdeacon of Bolton from 2002 to 2008 and, during 2009, he was shortlisted for the post of Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway. He is now the Principal for the All Saints Centre for Mission and Ministry, which trains men and women to become ministers in the Church of England.

Dr Applegate voted in November 2012 on whether women bishops should be accepted into the Church of England – a vote that failed to allow reform to be made.

In an interview with Shaun Richardson, Dr Applegate discussed what he thinks about women bishops and considered what lies ahead.

Public opinion polls suggestthat between 70% and 80% of England’s lay population support allowing women bishops into the

ministry, the first people to announce the resurrection of Jesus to his disciples, were women.

Also, it is very clear from the New Testament that women had quite a lot of roles in leadership within the Church that disappeared for all sorts of reasons. I think that it is time to rediscover those roles.”

In order for a measure to be implemented by a vote in the General Synod, it must have a twothirds majority in all three of the Houses –bishops, clergy and laity.

In the 2012 women bishops vote, it was only the House of Laity that fell short of the two-thirds majority, and even then by only six votes.

Dr Applegate believes that the general view in the General Synod is in favour of the measure, and he remains positive that women bishops will eventually be accepted by the Church of England.

He told me: “I’m not sure that

People are seeing the Church trying to help minorities feel that they still have a place within the church Church of England. Although the measure is not without its opponents. Dr Applegate strongly supports proposals to allow women bishops into the Church of England, and he voted in favour of the change in 2012. I began by asking him why he has this opinion.

“There are several arguments against women bishops that I don’t find convincing. One particularly important argument in favour is that we talk in the Church about bishops having an apostolic ministry and the first apostolic

it does reflect the general view.

By a simple majority, the vote would have been carried. Women bishops are already accepted in a number of Anglican Churches across the world and there will be another attempt to allow them in the Church of England at the General Synod in July in York.”

In 2003 the Episcopal Church of Scotland, a branch of the Anglican Church, agreed to have women bishops. However, a decade later they have still not elected a female bishop, despite women

The Venerable Doctor John Applegate

being nominated as candidates.

Could this suggest that opposition to female bishops will never be extinguished? Even if the General Synod does implement the measure, will the fire of the critics prevent them from being elected?

Dr Applegate does not think so, remaining firm that only a minority are against women bishops.

“I think that there are a number of people who still feel very uncertain about having women bishops, particularly those who are traditionalist Catholics and Conservative Evangelicals in the Church of England. However, there are a whole range of people in the middle ground of the Church of England, who I think are ready to accept women bishops.”

Between 2007 and 2008, weekly attendance in the Church of England fell by 15,000, continuing the trend of annual decline that began in 2003. I asked Dr Applegate whether he thinks the rejection of women bishops could further alienate the Church of England from society. While he regrets the outcome of last year’s vote, he believes that it has ensured that an agreement can be reached that is supported by all members of society.

“One of things that the Church has been trying hard to do is to protect the rights and interests of the minorities who are opposed to the ordination of women bishops so that they can still be part of the Church and not have to leave. I think that a positive side of this is that people are seeing the Church trying to help minorities feel that they still have a place in the Church.

“I wouldn’t want a Church that gave people their marching orders and forced them to the point of leaving. I don’t think that people have understood what the General Synod has been trying to do. A number of people have opposed, not the principle of women bishops, but the legislation, which they didn’t feel gave enough protection. Myself, I thought that there was sufficient protection and I would like to have seen the measure passed. We must find a better way at being clear about the protection that exists for people who are opposed to women bishops.”

In response to suggestions that individual dioceses should decide independently whether to accept female bishops, Dr Applegate is critical. He is certain that any decision, which is made in the future regarding the ordination of women bishops, should be adopted by the whole Church.

“There’s a difficult balance in the Church of England about who decides what but I don’t think that we should be in a position where dioceses opt in or out of having women bishops. Two dioceses voted against the measure and all of the other dioceses voted for it.

Australia already has female bishops There will be some dioceses, who would never want to have a woman bishop but there will be people within those dioceses who would welcome a woman bishop. We have to work hard in the Church of England to get the right sort of balance. Myself, I think that women bishops should be available to every diocese.”

The historical context, Dr Applegate suggests, is important for the debate, with opposition to female bishops more a reflection of past society than contemporary opinion.

He added: “The Church was born in a very patriarchal society where men did lots of things.

However, it’s really interesting in that context that women also exer-

hall should be permitted to step on the delicate matters of the Church. Should Cameron and his cronies seek legislation to enforce the acceptance of women bishops, or should they go back to cutting budgets? Should they take matters of ecclesiastical law into their own hands, or stick to putting beef back into burgers?

“The way that the Church of England is set up is that any legislation passed by the General Synod must go to Parliament and to the Crown. That is part of it being an established Church. However, I don’t think that the politicians should be interfering. They should keep to the process that is clearly set out in law, rather than trying to make threats about it,

It is very clear from the New Testament that women had quite a lot of roles in leadership within the church that disappeared cised leadership. But once we get into the 4th century, particularly in the West where Christianity became an official recognised religion, it was likely that men would be in positions of leadership and that seems to have continued.

“Also, there is a view, which developed early in the life of the Church that, because Jesus and his disciples were all men, then those who publicly lead and represent the Church ought to be men.

However, for centuries, it has been very clear that women have led mission and service. We need to recover that initial insight of women in leadership, proclaiming the Gospel and particularly the resurrection, which is part of the role of a bishop.”

Political opinion on the right and the left widely supports the ordination of women bishops, with both the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition verbally endorsing the measure.

However, it is debatable that those that walk the corridors of White-

which I don’t think is very helpful at all.”

Finally, I asked Dr Applegate whether the debate around women bishops really has any relevance today. Is it necessary in an increasingly secular society, where technology, work and leisure seem to replace religion in people’s lives?

“I think that it is significant and I hope that what might come out of the debate in July is that people see that the Church is really trying to do the right thing but is also not treating loyal Anglicans badly.

“As I say, my view is very clear, that we would benefit from having women bishops and there is nothing in scripture that goes against this, but I do think that we have to be full of care, kind and loving to people who disagree with that view. The issue is how we sort that out. If the Church could be seen to be doing this well, then I think it would be a good example for modern society on how majorities respect minorities.”

YORK VISION

LIFESTYLE

Tuesday March 12, 2013

19

PAGE 20 - LA DOLCE PIZZA PAGE 21 - TELL TALE TATTOOS PAGE 22 - KEALEY’S CAMPUS CONFESSIONS PAGE 23 - THE NEW RULES OF DATING PAGE 24 - SPRING PRODUCTIVITY PLAN Polyester top, £22 by Topshop

Francesca Martin treks through spring’s boldest look...

The colour and opulence of Morocco has translated into some of SS13’s most beautiful clothes. From paisley prints and elaborate coin embroideries to striking ethnic embellishment pieces, this mood offers rich pickings.

Cotton jacket, £42 by ASOS

Isabel Marant leads the way with the beaded quilted jacket, studded cropped jeans and barely there mini dresses, with sexily undone peasant tops knotted at the midriff. Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane updated the rock’n’roll aesthetic this season with 1970s lace-front blouses, wide brimmed hats, and a dose of nude and beige tooled suede.

Add one statement piece to your wardrobe, such as the embroidered quilted jacket and don’t be scared of layering patterns.

Polyester-mix trousers, £45 by Asos

Polyester skirt, £28 by Topshop

Cotton sweat, £42 by Topshop Fabric slipper, £29 by Zara

Metal Necklace, £18 Leather boots, £60 by River Island

Suede bag, £48 by Urban Outfitters

Leather belt, £29.99 by Mango

IsabelMarant

Leather clutch, £29.99 by Zara

20 LIFESTYLE

YORK VISION

Recipe for Perfection

Poppy Danby and Sarah Cattle mix up some home-made beauty masks...

Tuesday March 12, 2013

Face

Hair

Fresh face masks are an absolute godsend when your skin is in desperate need of an intensive treatment. If you find you make too much for your liking, pop the mixture into a little pot and refrigerate for use in the near future.

If your hair is feeling in need of some TLC, forget hairdressers and expensive treatments; there is plenty you can do at home with the help of our homemade hair-masks, all using kitchen-ready items.

1 tbsp oats 1 tbsp natural yogurt 1 tsp honey

For all skin types: - Mix together the oats and natural yogurt in a small bowl.

- Heat up the teaspoon for the honey (dip it in boiling water for ten seconds).

- Stir the honey, using this spoon, into the mixture.

- Apply mixture to face using fingers.

- Leave on for ten minutes and rinse with warm water.

For dry hair in need of moisture: - Beat the egg white until frothy before adding in the yoghurt and mayonnaise.

- Massage the mixture in to wet hair and cover with a shower cap.

- Leave for 30 minutes.

- Rinse with cold water

For oily skin:

To stop split ends:

- Wash the strawberries thoroughly and mash with a fork.

- Mix the mashed strawberries and the natural yogurt in a small bowl.

- Apply to face using fingers.

- Leave on for fifteen minutes and rinse with cold water.

4-6 strawberries 1 tbsp natural yogurt

2 tablespoons of honey 1 tablespoon of vinegar 1 tablespoon of almond oil

1 egg white 1/4 cup of organic yoghurt 1/4 cup of mayonnaise

- Mix ingredients well.

- Apply to wet hair concentrating on the ends and leave for 30 minutes.

- Rinse with hot water.

LA DOLCE PIZZA Dom McKinnon-Green reviews the Italian restaurants York has to offer...

I

n our time here at York, at some stage we will probably want somebody apart from ourselves, our friends, or Mr Oki/ Efe/Deniz to cook for us (despite Mr Oki’s apparently fantastic rendition of One Pound Fish). The easy option for many is to go to the likes of Nando’s, Wagamama, Prezzo. These restaurants are very nice (particularly Nando’s), but let’s be serious here. York is absolutely full of fantastic restaurants, nearly all of which you can get for the price of the chain restaurants, if not cheaper. Heck, York was voted fifth best location for eating in Europe in 2011 behind the likes of Florence, Paris and Rome, and the best in the entire UK by Trip Advisor.

So we are not trifling here, we are truly blessed with some quality here in our little city. So I’d like to run the rule over two of York’s prized possessions: Totò’s and Il Paradiso. I have heard glowing reviews of both, and being a highly organised individual, I ended up eating at both restaurants in the same day. From these visits I hoped to establish both whether the restaurants measure up to your Ask, Zizzi or Prezzo – and then how they compare to each other.

First on the, er, menu was Il Paradiso del Cibo. This restaurant on Walmgate is, to put it bluntly, delightfully Italian. It was also placed in the top ten budget restaurants in York in 2009 by The Guardian, so its casual atmosphere is nothing to be sniffed at. My companion, Fred (man-date central), and I were greeted warmly and

bantered with the staff about how both our non-smoker fathers only seem to know the Italian word for ashtray. It’s ‘portacenere’, for those who may have wondered.

Service was absurdly rapid, even for a reasonably empty Monday afternoon. But what struck us above all was the food. Truly hearty homemade cooking, reflecting both the delicacy of flavour and the sense of passion and love that we have come to expect from Italian cuisine. My lasagne was like a big warm hug, and Fred’s pizza was light, the ingredients fresh, and authentic in abundance. I really hate hyperbole in writing about food, but this really was genuinely lovely. One point that may polarise opinion is the bustle of the place: while the busy atmosphere and constant movement of staff and friends endeared us to the res-

taurant, it points to more of a casual (and delicious) lunch than a more formal dinner or date setting. It’d also be great for an informal birthday meal or party. By way of price, the lunch/dinner menu (12:00 pm 3:00 pm, 7:00 - 8:30pm) costs £6.95 for a pizza or pasta and a drink, which is just great for student types like us.

Onwards to Totò’s. Named after a famous Italian comedian and actor, this restaurant sits on the corner of Fawcett Street, barely fifty yards from the Barbican. The place has authenticity and rustic charm in spades; from the ice cream counter to the open-brick walls, it takes actual effort to remember that you are actually sat in the middle of Yorkshire. Onto the food: for starters we had mozzarella sticks, which arrived in what felt like seconds and came

with a garlic and tomato dip that whetted our appetites beautifully; then pizza every bit as great as we had hoped it would be.

One of Totò’s strengths is its comparative formality; it feels like somewhere you could very happily bring your parents or a date to. In fact, I have done both – my mother still raves about the tomato and garlic bread to this day, claiming it’s the best she’s eaten since she lived in Italy.

Price wise, on Sundays and Mondays pizzas are all £4.95, so this is your best bet for a very cheap and very tasty meal in a lovely little restaurant that can’t help but put a smile on your face. Comparing the two, I personally lean slightly towards Totò’s.

That is not to say that Il Paradiso isn’t really good as well, and I have friends whose choice differs from mine. I think the difference is truly down to what you’re looking for. If you feel like an immersive experience of an Italian café, and the chattiness and amicability it brings, then Il Paradiso is your place. If you’d prefer a quieter affair that really puts you deep in the romanticism and culture, then head to Totò’s. Or, go to both and decide for yourselves. I struggle to fault the food, the service, and the price.

Both places are family-owned and cook with passion and freshness. So whenever you feel like a pizza or pasta, please consider the real deal over the likes of chain restaurants. Because not only do they taste better, but they also cost less, and I promise that you will not regret it. Grazie Mille.

LIFESTYLE

YORK VISION

Tuesday March 12, 2013

21

BREADY STEADY COOK Bored of the same old fillings? Sarah Cattle upgrades your lunchtime baps...

SUNDAY ROAST BAGUETTE Why it’s great: A roast dinner (minus the potatoes) in every mouthful, this flavourful fusion uses up the best of Sunday’s leftovers.

CURRY CIABATTA Why it’s great: Craving a curry but don’t fancy ordering in? This is healthier, cheaper and equally tasty using everyday ingredients.

TUNA SALAD OPEN-TOP Why it’s great: This colourful open sandwich is very good for you, with the combination of healthy fat (avocado), protein (tuna) and vegetables.

NEW YORK PASTRAMI BAGEL Why it’s great: No need to travel stateside for this original New York lunchtime staple. This tasty combo certainly has a kick to it.

INDULGENT CROISSANT Why it’s great: Croissants aren’t the healthiest of breads, but make great make-shift sandwiches. Cut it in half and stuff it full of your favourite fillings.

You’ll need: - Roast beef - Horseradish sauce - Stuffing (Paxo) - Fresh lettuce - Freshly ground pepper Bread: One fresh baguette Tip: Switch roast beef and horse radish sauce for other tasty combinations such as turkey and cranberry, or roast gammon and apple sauce.

You’ll need: - Cubed roast chicken - Several halved grapes - Diced spring onion - One diced Granny Smith Apple - Tbsp of light mayonnaise - Juice of a lime - 2 teaspoons of curry paste Bread: One small ciabatta Tip: If you’re peanuts for peanuts, add half a handful in for some extra protein and a nutty texture.

You’ll need: - Canned tuna - One tbsp of finely chopped carrot, celery and red onion.

- One tbsp of mayonnaise - Half an avocado - One sliced tomato, watercress Bread: One slice of toasted rye bread Tip: Layer lettuce, the tomato slices, the tuna mix, avocado and watercress on top of the toasted rye.

You’ll need: - Chopped gherkin - Handful of watercress - Several slices of pastrami - Slathering of Dijon mustard - Slathering of mayonnaise - Chopped capers - Chopped parsley Bread: One plain bagel, halved Tip: Use an onion and herb bagel for extra flavour, or a seeded bagel for extra texture.

You’ll need: - A few slices of brie, camembert, or gruyére cheese - Fig or mango jam - A couple of crispy bacon rashers - Spinach (optional) Bread: One croissant, halved Tip: If you fancy making a toastie out of your Indulgent Croissant, grill until the cheese has melted and slather on your jam of choice afterwards. Delicious.

Tell-Tale Tats

Jo Barrow takes a look at what your latest ink says about you...

T

Tribal Sleeve

his is the Ed Hardy of tattoos. You’ll often see them on big, beefy men in tank tops with chains around their neck. They’ll swagger around with barely pent up aggression, and gloriously sport a spiky mess of bold black lines across their shoulders and upper arms.

No-one really knows where they come from, and they certainly don’t mean anything. Getting a Tribal tattoo is essentially a tragic confession that you saw that all your friends had cool tattoos and you just decided to jump on the bandwagon and mark your body indelibly with what is, essentially, a meaningless doodle. Avoid at all costs, unless you want your inability to think for yourself branded for all to see.

O

Kanji

therwise known as Japanese calligraphy, they are often rightly derided as not actually meaning what the wearer thinks they do, but this is not their greatest offence. The worst thing about kanji is that, by getting one, you’re essentially begging every person who ever notices it on your body to ask you what it means, and you’ll be describing your faux eastern spirituality to everyone you ever meet for the rest of your life.

That is, until you actually bump into someone from Japan and they laughingly reveal to you that your beautiful calligraphy doesn’t mean Truth, but actually ‘Horse.’ A true, and rather embarrassing story it must be said.

S

Pretty Things

tars, hearts, butterflies, flowers; honestly, I don’t even think this one needs explaining. All of these motifs are so commonly found that it’s incomprehensible to me that, in an attempt to assert your individuality by getting a defining tattoo, you would instead join the legions of indistinguishable girls (usually) who picked something off the wall in the tattoo-parlour.

Often found on hipbones, ankles, nape of the neck or feet, they will last forever as an emblem of your generic poor choice.

You could have had anything, something new, original and unique, but no, you settled for the normal stars, flowers or whatever.

W

Wings

hat are you really trying to say here? That you’re a fallen angel?

You’re flighty? You’re so hopelessly trapped by humanity’s inability to evolve the power of flight, that you have to try and speed the process along by drawing a blueprint of what natural selection failed to provide us with?

Massive back tattoos of wings represent a smorgasbord of flimsy symbolisms, whether it’s an affinity to ‘purity’ or ‘nature’, but all most people read from them is that wings are purely practical appendages. There’s a tragic contradiction in having an object representing movement and upwards trajectory inked statically to your back forever.

22 LIFESTYLE History of Art must be seen as a subject for both sexes.

Kealey's...

I

YORK VISION

Co

s n o i s nfes

’m not a very brave columnist.

A couple of Vision editions ago I wrote a column about the Willow ‘Cubical of All Knowledge on All Men’, (the conference venue for any discussions of men), and was condemned as a sexist by an ignobly anonymous online comment.

This dude or dudess may never know how many dangerously selfabsorbed conversations and restless nights this inspired, as I can’t track him/ her down via his/ her IP address and plead not to be found guilty as an objectifier of men.

“It’s unsettling,” I told my long suffering friend, “of course if I had written what I wrote about women it wouldn’t be acceptable... but it was about men.”

“Well,” he sighed, fighting off the urge to point out my own insignificance, “that’s because we’ve been swilling around in a patriarchy for however many millions of years, and we men don’t have an entrenched and damaging stereotype to fight in order to attain basic levels of equality.”

“Ah.” I sighed, “Yeah. I should have thought of that.” “On the other hand,” my friend added, “Mr/Ms anonymous had a point.”

And so it is with a bowed head and sweaty palms that I would like to apologetically breach another gender inspired topic.

It’s the University of York’s History of Art department. As a member of this department, I can confidently say HoA is just great.

Who doesn’t like a good visual fondle with a painting? Fabulous.

However, for my year group alone, scattered amongst its 70 odd lady students is a depressing total of 11 male undergraduate students. 11!

Odd, isn’t it? Clearly art isn’t innately feminine. Consider the number of male professors, or the “grand tour” lads who 100 years ago went leaping from the Colleseum to the Parthenon in order to become well educated purveyors of Westminster. Or the artists themselves who were historically, as Gombrich will tell you, all men.

Last year however, I studied the laddish Joshua Reynolds under the tutelage of the not-so-laddish Mark Hallett, surrounded exclusively by women. And I don’t have an answer for you. After pointing my finger and screaming, “AAAH, THIS IS WRONG,” I’m helpless, at sea in a world of hair, skirts and theoretical discussions of Foucault. But someone somewhere might want to give this a head scratch and tackle why it is that HoA is the go to subject for the, “Lol, you rubbish person” joke. In the past, I’ve had a chortle at my own expense, but today I feel the whisper of sexism rumbling on from kitchen to lecture hall. So I’d like to point both these things out, in the hope that a few of you lads will bow your heads, wipe down your sweaty palms, and plunge yourselves apologetically into the world of art.

BLIND DATE Sean Bossick, first year Politics student from Derwent

Tuesday March 12, 2013

Fiona Mackenzie, first year Psychology student from Vanbrugh

Hopes and fears before the blind date?

Hoped to have an enjoyable time and feared she would be an uggo girl.

Hoped it wouldn’t be someone really awkward or weird. Feared it would be like the last couple.

What did you chat about?

We chatted about everything really - university, hobbies, friends, family and funny stories.

Things we tried to steal, I stole the table.

Their best and worst feature?

Her eyes that shone like two stars from heaven. Not too much to talk about.

Easy to talk to, so no awkward silences. He’s not that into sport, other than shooting and golfing.

Tell us something interesting that you found out about your blind date?

She got accepted into Hogwarts but rejected it for being too mainstream.

He becomes a kleptomaniac after a night out.

How would you describe them in three words?

Cute, blonde and short.

Nice, funny and intellectual.

On a scale of one to scrummy, how scrummy was the food?

The pie was not actually a pie. But it was scrummilicious.

Scrummy as can be. I had a really nice chicken and bacon salad.

Do you think they wear dirty underwear or go commando if they run out of clean ones?

Commando, the cheeky minx.

Definitely dirty underwear.

Will you be seeing them again?

Hopefully!

Maybe. He is really nice and I’m sure he would be a great catch, but he’s not really my type.

Brave enough to let the Vision Cupid find your soul mate? Email lifestyle@yorkvision. co.uk

Blind Date is kindly sponsored by

The Rose & Crown Pub and Restaurant

on Lawrence Street.

YORK VISION

LIFESTYLE

Tuesday March 12, 2013

23

The New Rules Zena Jarjis plays along with the real rules of love...

I

n 1995, Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schnieder wrote a self-help book entitled The Rules, a set of dating rules designed to help single women ‘capture the heart of Mr. Right’. The basic idea behind it is that, in order to attract men, women must be ‘Creatures Unlike Any Other’: elusive, mysterious, and, above all, hard to get.

Fein and Schnieder recently decided that, because of our increasing dependence on social networking and texting, The Rules needed updating. The follow up to The Rules, tentatively titled The New Rules, was released a few weeks ago and includes most of the original rules but with new additions, like ‘don’t text him back immediately’, ‘write fewer words than he does’ and ‘never double text’.

When The Rules was first released, it generated a lot of controversy. It was accused of being anti-feminist and outdated. A lot of critics thought that it encouraged women to play games with men and pointed out the fact that one of the authors was divorced and the other had never married.

Alex Witchel, writing for the New York Times, accused Fein and Schnieder of trying to “legislate human behaviour.” One second year student at York feels similarly, arguing that “women should be allowed to make the first move too!”

Nevertheless, The Rules was enormously successful, selling two million copies in 27 languages and spawning six follow-up books, including The New Rules. The Rules were allegedly tried by Blake Lively and Beyonce on Leonardo DiCaprio and Jay Z respectively. In response to accusations that The Rules are anti-feminist, Fein says that: “We are feminists, but men and women are biologically different. We say go ahead and run a marathon and buy a condo and start a new business, just don’t chase guys. It’s not good or bad, it just doesn’t work.”

Another second year student, who disagrees with The Rules, believes that it is essentially telling girls to not have a personality. Certain rules, like “ignore him on weekends,” “don’t reveal too much about yourself ” and “don’t talk too much” seem quite restrictive. How are two people supposed to get to know each other if one of them refuses to speak in an attempt to be a creature of mystery? Rules like this seem to be telling girls that if they want a guy to like them, they have to conceal massive parts of their personality for no real reason.

However, Fein argues that the different rules are about self-esteem and self-respect, and this intent can certainly be seen in certain rules, such as “don’t lose your

friends because you’re so obsessed with a guy,” “don’t date indefinitely without commitment,” and “don’t answer texts or calls after 10pm asking for a last minute date.”

The idea behind the latter rule is that if a man contacts a woman late at night, he expects her to be constantly available and the woman will never get the stable relationship she wants, just a series of booty calls and drunken hook ups.

ever be taken seriously,” while others have been taken in and have resolved to be less available and more mysterious. While I like to think that society has evolved enough to enable women to make the first move, any rule book which teaches girls to have confidence and self-respect can’t be that oppressive. Perhaps The Rules shouldn’t be followed to the letter but taken with a pinch of salt.

The Rules also teach girls how to deal with rejection and how to not let their lives revolve around guys. Being a ‘Creature Unlike Any Other’, is not just about ignoring guys until they fancy you. It’s “about confidence and self-esteem no matter what else is going on in your life. It’s about dating with dignity and not being desperate.”

The Rules attempts to teach women to not be “anxious or jealous or negative or cynical,” and to “believe in love, even after a bad breakup.” If the books really do succeed in empowering women and raising their self-esteem, can they really be as bad as critics claim?

I still haven’t personally decided whether or not I believe in The Rules. My friends are divided on the issue; some fiercely oppose the idea that women should do nothing and wait to be approached by men, one commenting that “the book should never,

Fake-all Attraction Tom Armston-Clarke gives a cheeky step by step guide to making people think you’re attractive...

I don’t get girls, in both senses of the phrase. After my disasters in the library and History of Art lecture, I took some time to rethink my dire situation concerning relationships and finding love. The reason getting into a relationship is so difficult is because men and women see things differently. But have no fear! The solution is simple: you just have to make yourself SEEM attractive. Here is a definitive step by step guide to getting that goal, that girl, that justice.

3) Cut Your Hair

1) Lift weights

2) Accentuate your physique

From research it appears that girls are still in a primitive state of mind, and are under the impression that they need a big strong man to protect them from wild animals. So, join the gym and lift weights.

Wear clothes that make you look cooler and bigger than you actually are. Tight T-shirts and V-Necks are advised, showing that you’re a real man and providing a little appetiser of what’s to come.

6) The club tactics

5) Lie, lie, lie...

4) Pre-Drink

Grind on girls. If they don’t respond - fear not, pretend it was an accident and find your next target.

Assert your masculinity by shoving smaller looking guys out the way for ‘looking at you funny’.

When you meet girls, lie to them. Claim to be the rugby captain, pretend you’ve worked with orphans in Somalia, or say you’ve climbed Kilimanjaro for Cancer research. They’ll love that, just don’t get caught.

We all know girls love guys with confidence, and what gives guys confidence? Alcohol and cocaine.

But since the latter is illegal and expensive, stick to alcohol, and pre-drinking.

7) Play to your strengths

8) Exploit every opportunity

9) To text or not to text?

If you have bad chat, do not worry. You don’t have to make conversation during nights like Ziggy’s Wednesdays, you can get by with chanting your own name/your college name/UYFC, this works a treat.

If you want to secure the deal, get the DJ to give you a shout out’; something along the lines of “Shout out to Davey, Top Lad, we love you.” Girls will hear this and think you are popular and cool.

If you don’t manage to secure the deal that night, but do get her number, it gets tricky at this point. To text or not to text, that is the question. Let’s just hope the previous tips have worked their magic.

Cut your hair, you know you need it. Why not get short back and sides like every other douchebag in The Only Way Is Essex? The girls love them, so they’re bound to love you.

24 LIFESTYLE

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

Productivity Plan Rachel Thompson shows us six ways to have a super-charged spring...

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hether you’re suffering from over exerting yourself in January or dying by deadlines, here are six ways to regain your energy and get yourself back on track, ready to embrace spring. Traditionally, I am a sceptic when it comes to the ‘simple tips’ that are meant to work wonders, but have stumbled upon certain steps that can only be achieved through perseverance. They are by no means a quick fix, rather a guide showing you which areas need addressing.

1

Feel motivated for the day Recent studies have shown that we spend the majority of our time (98% in fact) dwelling on the past, or contemplating the future. This leaves only 2% of the day to think about and enjoy the now. Fretting about what has been, or fearing what is to come is not only draining, but clearly a complete waste of time. Take a daily chore, for example having a shower, and as you do so only let your mind think about what you are doing there and then. Taking these few minutes to switch off will help you feel rejuvenated.

4

Get nutty about nuts Who doesn’t love snacking? Nuts are brilliant in helping you overcome the mid-afternoon fatigue, and are full of vitamins, magnesium and omega-3.

All of these nutrients will help your brain to function and let you recharge. If you haven’t tried salted cashew nuts or roasted almonds, then quite simply: you have not lived. To make it even better the choice goes on from there, if you like nuts then you’re sorted. Look for the green ‘healthy food’ section in Costcutter, (not a promotion just an observation).

2

Have A Positive Mental Attitude A positive mental attitude can never be overrated. Focusing on the bad in our life rather than the good is pessimistic, and isn’t proportionally accurate. There are invariably far more good things going on than bad, we just have a tendency to focus on the negative elements rather than all of the positives in our life. Instead of thinking about the ‘when’ and ‘then’, which are impossible to truly determine, think about the now.

Don’t be happy tomorrow when you could be happy today.

5

Live for today not tomorrow Now this is rather hypocritical as I am a self confessed future fretter, but I have decided that I will start to write down three things that I ‘have’ to do for the next day, instead of storing them in my head. By getting them down on paper I can address them the next day, but in the mean time can be satisfied that there is nothing I can do now. By enjoying the present whilst you can, you’ll get the most out of life, and then you’ll have the opportunity to worry about the future when it arises.

3

Soak up those exercise endorphins We all know it and now we need to take advantage of it; exercise is the best way to energise you. We spend roughly 80% of our week on our bums - whether it be in bed, sitting to work, commuting, sitting to eat, watching TV or socialising. Therefore exercise is a necessity to keep us healthy and active. Find an exercise you can enjoy and aim to do it two or three times a week. Sports, dancing or simply walking are all excellent exercises, building up your fitness and allowing you to socialise and relieve any stress.

6

Be realistic There is a very small chance we can be perfect in every area of our life, Beyoncé is merely an anomaly. Instead of exhausting yourself trying to maintain perfection in all life areas, just focus on one or two that need to take priority; whether it be health, work, family, money or friends. By rotating which is most important, no area will be neglected and you’ll be far more efficient.

For example, next week is my aunt’s 50th and then my parents’ anniversary, so this month my focus is on family and money.

York Experience Jess Nelson susses out the most productive ways to spend your Easter holidays in York...

I

f studying for a degree and becoming a ‘grown-up’ wasn’t scary enough, when thoughts turn to your ideal job after university, things can get pretty terrifying. Time after time, we are wisely told that work experience is the key, but sometimes it simply isn’t that easy to find. If you are staying in York this Easter holidays and looking to gain some work experience, we’ve done some of the legwork to kick off your search.

Firstly, it is important to make the most of the Careers service which already exists at the University. You can visit their office on campus, drop them an email or use the Interactive Careers Service, to search for opportunities where you can narrow your search to a specific field of interest, area and type of work depending on what you are looking for. You can also look at Job Search (jobsearch.direct.gov.uk). This is probably the most comprehensive job vacancy site on the web, and you can again narrow your search to a specific location and hours of work to find the right opportunity for you, which you’ll both enjoy and benefit from.

However, you may not be able to find any directly relevant work experience, so why not look for something a little more fun?

Volunteering looks great on your CV and,

although it won’t bring in the pennies immediately, it can pay off in the long term.

There are plenty of local charities who are in constant need of volunteers in and around York. Do It (www.do-it.org.uk) is a website aimed at 16-25 year olds and lists a variety of local volunteer opportunities, from becoming a ‘buddy’ for disabled children to dog walking.

You can also look for more specific volunteering experience, for example, if you are considering a career in the Arts and Heritage sector, why not volunteer for The National Trust? They have a variety of opportunities advertised on their website which are different and interesting.

The best opportunity I came across is definitely the ‘Visitor Experience Volunteer’ at Goddards, where you can spend the day in the house of Mr Terry (of Chocolate Orange fame) telling stories about chocolate.

Finally, if you want to not only do something different, but be paid for it, consider becoming a Ghost Walk Tour Guide. For example, Abbot Tours are looking for a variety of guides, translators, leaflet distributors and general helpers. You can even be an official ‘jumper-outer’ – surely ideal for any pranksters out there. You can

find the information regarding applying on the Interactive Careers Service, but all they ask for is an application via email and a ‘fun’ photo. It’s certainly an opportunity which will stand out on your CV and provide a talking point, whilst demonstrating various transferable skills and showing undoubted personality.

So York this Easter could be the time and place to gain that key work experience your CV is craving – but remember, don’t limit yourself too much. Yes, it would be perfect to work for that one company’s department you’re dreaming to be employed by after you graduate, but sometimes it just isn’t possible.

Any form of work experience will develop and improve your skills set and add to your CV if you present it well, so keep an open mind and there will be something out there for you. If a Ghost Walk Tour Guide can be shown to demonstrate skills of adaptability, confidence and communication, alongside providing a fun way to earn some cash, then any work experience is valuable.

SPORT

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

sport

www.yorkvision.co.uk/sport sport@yorkvision.co.uk

THE FINAL SAY

WE’VE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD

BY DAVE WASHINGTON

YORK’S SUCCESS in this year’s BUCS cup competitions is yet another sign of the progression that has been made in the past twelve months. Sport at the University is constantly developing and evolving for the better, as our teams seem to have stepped up to a new level as they go in search of cup success.

The highlight of the year has to be the men’s futsal team’s progression through to the National semi-finals. To be ranked amongst the top four university sides in the country is a phenomenal achievement, especially when you consider that York is in no means renowned as a leading sporting institution.

Tom Day’s team have performed admirably, showing skill, desire and determination; three attributes which have been widely apparent throughout York teams this year. A trip to Brighton will undoubtedly be a testing affair, but there really is no reason why they can’t go all the way in the tournament. Regardless of what happens however, they’ve been a credit to the University.

Of course the cynics will argue that futsal is only a minority sport which no-one cares about, and the fact that some of our star footballers can beat people who just fancy a kick about is no real achievement.

Well all I can say, is that these self-confessed critics clearly have no idea about the sport, and should take their time watching the team in action, rather than lamenting their fabulous success.

In truth it doesn’t matter what sport we are successful in, they all count. People didn’t discount Peter Wilson’s Olympic gold because it was in a lesser known sport such as shooting or our Olympic equestrian success, so why should a different approach be attributed to university sport.

Indeed it is not only York’s futsal

NEPOTISM AND cliques are rife within university sports teams. York is no different in regards to this. There is not an easy way of escaping them. There is, however, a way of stopping them ruining the integrity of our teams.

First years starting to play for a team at university are immediately at a disadvantage. They’re competing for a place in the squad with those who have been playing together and socialising for at least a year, and the person that decides who plays and who doesn’t is in that crowd. You are either in the ‘clique’ or you’re not, and first years have little choice but to throw themselves

ROMANS VS. BARBARIANS

BY MICHAEL THURLOWAY

Photo: Jack Western

players who have excelled; our women’s footballers, men’s squash side and both lacrosse teams have all reached their respective Northern BUCS finals. In addition to that the women’s fencers finished second in the Northern Premier Division, before getting knocked out in the quarter-finals of the National BUCS cup by Cardiff.

The women’s football 1sts, who progressed through to the final after much controversy, have undoubtedly had a season to remember. With promotion sealed, lifting the cup trophy by defeating a Manchester team, who have won the division two above them, would be an incredible feat. In la-

crosse York have excelled with both teams flying high in their respective divisions, and they have managed to extend such fine form into the cup competitions, whilst the men’s squash team have a highly anticipated pre-Roses clash with Lancaster.

In fact it is often these cup successes which grab the headlines and the media attention, leading us to forget about all of the week-to-week matches which occur as our teams battle it out to secure their survival or attain promotion. For York the sporting progression has been widely evident this year, and the success in cup competitions is quite simply the icing on the cake.

A CLOSED SHOP

BY TOM ARMSTON-CLARKE

25

into this world or face being ostracised.

The team therefore is affected not just by ability, but whether you are in the ‘in’ crowd. Socials appear to hold great weight in the decision-making. If you socialise with the team, and end up in Ziggy’s without fail every Wednesday, then this will swing in your favour come selection for the next match.

This is by no means the captain’s fault, who is under a great deal of pressure by his or her peers to pick them. It may be their housemates, coursemates or just friends. But are 19 or 20 year olds mature enough to drop a housemate because they just haven’t quite cut the mustard of late, or to give a fresher who doesn’t come fan-

cy-dressed up to Ziggy’s a chance?

This is why we need sports coaches, for every sport. It will be their impartial decision as to who plays, as they have no motive to choose one over another. Bringing in sports coaching and more funding for sports should help to raise standards, and hopefully put York sport in the limelight. The issue however, inevitably comes down to funding. York University should be lauded for investing money in sport, as shown by the long term investment in the Sports Centre on Heslington East. However they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal, and must continue to strive for sporting excellence. Where the money will come from is anyone’s guess.

SHOULD THE University be represented at Roses by the best college sports teams, or by a barbarians team consisting of the best players from the college sports leagues?

Traditionally, barbarians teams have been selected for football at Roses. This provides an opportunity for players who don’t play for the university teams in their sports, whether it be because they’ve never tried, or because they were deemed not good enough. They can represent their university with the same pride that they do for their college every week.

But this year, it will be different. There are plans for a knockout tournament for college football in week one next term. The winner will earn the opportunity to represent the university at Roses. A similar tournament might occur for rugby.

This will presumably come as a disappointment to Wentworth, newly crowned champions of college football this term.

They will have to win the tournament next term to have the chance to compete at Roses.

In netball, the winners of college leagues have traditionally found themselves representing the university at Roses. However it is hoped that the new tournaments will ignite peoples interest in the weeks leading up to Roses. If brought in, it could become a major event in future years.

This begs the question why a single college side competing at Roses is better than having a barbarians team. Many college football players also play university football, at various levels. The majority, though, play only for their college. Having a barbarians team at Roses gives them something to achieve, on an individual basis.

But then it could be argued that this devalues the relationship between college and university sport. If college sport is to provide a feeder system for university sport, then college football players who are picked for the York barbarians side should in truth be playing, or at least trying out, for UYAFC. There is a great spirit within college football. Teams are often made up of good friends, and the players know each other well, on and off the field. Giving teams the chance to win the right to represent the University at Roses as a college, therefore, is the way forward.

26 SPORT YES/NO: GRAND SLAM GLORY

VISION DEBATES WHETHER IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR ENGLISH RUGBY TO WIN THE GRAND SLAM THIS YEAR...

DAVE WASHINGTON

YES

IT’S STUPID not to want to win the Grand Slam. The idea that winning would potentially be a bad thing as it would lead to England peaking too early, is frankly ridiculous.

Of course some people will say that things can only go downhill from here, but it is a well-known fact that success breeds confidence, which will in turn help to boost performances enabling England to rack up further victories, and enter the 2015 World Cup in the best possible shape. Winning the Grand Slam this year would be a massive boost for everyone, and send out a signal of intent.

We talked earlier about success breeding confidence, and the same applies in reverse. A couple of defeats can quickly shatter the team’s morale and send the team into a downward spiral, therefore victory next week is a crucial step for this England side to progress to the next level.

So it would be unfounded to argue that it would be a good thing for England to fail to achieve the Grand Slam. The positive impact of the Grand Slam would be a colossal boost for all involved and a source of great pride, whereas defeat against Wales could well bring the team back down to earth with devastating implications for the future.

JAMES SCOTT

NO

WHEN I first heard Lewis Moody’s comments that it would be better if England didn’t win the Grand Slam this year, I thought he was mad; but on reflection he has a good point.

Sport is all about momentum but momentum is a fickle mistress, England’s current momentum could easily be turned on them in the future.

By winning the Grand Slam now, England have as good as put a target on their back for the next two years as one of the big favourites for the tournament. The resulting increased pressure could wear them down, and potentially turn their momentum against them.

The Rugby World Cup is by far the premier tournament in World Rugby, and it should be this and this alone that the England management should be preparing for. Wales have won the Grand Slam three times since 2005, yet it hasn’t helped them with that elusive World Cup. It’s no coincidence that under World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward’s management, we only won the Grand Slam in the same year we won the World Cup. Woodward had been building the team up to a crescendo for that tournament to perfection.

YORK VISION

SPOTLIGHT: FLOORBALL

Tuesday March 12, 2013

PATRICK GREENFIELD MAKES THE TRIP TO THE TENT TO SAMPLE THE DELIGHTS OF FLOORBALL

FLOORBALL, ALONG with kendo, aikido and bourgeois-free rowing, are all sports I did not know existed before university.

In order to sample this little-known pastime enjoyed by smug Nordic men relaxing on paternity leave, I enlisted the help of my housemate Phil; a Halifax College footballer renowned for his insistence on making up for what he lacks in skill, with indiscriminate aggression.

Maciej Rys, head of the University of York Floorball Club, welcomed us warmly by thoroughly explaining the rules of this slick, free flowing game. Floorball is like indoor ice hockey without the ice and the subzero conditions although, if you are reading Mr Cantor CBE, the glacial ‘tent’ in York Sport Centre could do with some heating.

Enjoy Val D’Isere and don’t forget to reply to the missed calls from The Belgravia Centre.

The first hour was spent practicing passing, shooting and defending amongst our small but highly skilled group. Vaclav Viki Volf, who I can only describe as the Czech Lionel Messi of floorball, oozed class and left many feeling like Tony Blair’s publicist when he spends the evening begging newspaper editors to let him write one more article justifying the Iraq War. Sadly, Phil did not take well to such a passive sport and began eyeballing weaker members of the group. Indeed, several failed attempts on goal threatened to push him over the edge, but an aptly timed break gave him time to regain control of his demons and snort the rest of his Prozac prescription.

In contrast to Phil, I impressively progressed into real game scenarios, dancing my way across the lime green floor, burying half chances and bringing less able members of the team into play. Phil, often deliberately misinterpreting commands from his teammates, struggled to keep up with play and on the walk home, loudly lamented the consequences of his festive overindulgence.

However, Maciej, who was supportive and professional throughout, politely ignored these indiscretions and made sure everyone enjoyed the session. Joking aside, floorball is incredibly fun and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to try something new.

BY TOM DAVIES

Photo: Jack Western

The final hour was spent playing a frantic game in which Phil disgraced himself repeatedly. Upon deciding that the only female participant reminded him of an exgirlfriend, Phil proceeded to aggressively man mark his opponent, while attempting to explain the future benefits of ‘just being friends.’

The final hour affirmed my newfound belief that I had at last found my sport. At the end, a dazed member of the University of York Boxing Club explained that my unquestionable talent distracted him during the sparring session taking place next to the game. Running between both goals with my stick in hand, its curved head elegantly ex-

ecuting chips, drives and infinite dribbles, I had become lost in floorball, at one with the game and the universe. It was like an outer body experience. Unfortunately, Maciej ended the session ended early due to Phil’s repeated attempts to sell the Rhino horn he acquired on his latest trip to Beijing to the opposing goalkeeper.

In conclusion, I would urge you all to go to the ‘tent’ at York Sport Centre next Saturday at 3pm, even if it is freezing. As a society currently maintained by a few diehard floorball enthusiasts, who are both welcoming and patient, the University of York Floorball Club is a club with lots of potential. You will not regret it!

of defence. It is not a responsibility I would like on my shoulders, and it is one they bear admirably.

At the coal face the problem is approaching pandemic. In youth and amateur football a ref ’s armband is the equivalent of a target on your back. Current estimates suggest that nationally there are over 300 attacks on match officials per year. Perhaps the most famous incident of late was the vicious assault on referee Clive Stewart during a Swansea youth game, leaving the 62-year-old requiring ten stitches after being punched in the face by the father of one of the players.

This begs the question of why anyone would actually want to be a football referee.

There is an old adage of referees as power obsessives with a Napoleon complex, desperate to have some involvement in a sport they lacked the talent to play. There is probably an element of truth in this, but only for a few, not most referees. For most it is simply a love of the game, and an opportunity to be involved at a higher level than they could have played it.

There are no easy solutions to this ugly side of football, but sometimes it might be a good thing for all those who truly enjoy the sport to take a minute to tip their hats

to some of the forgotten heroes of the game, those crazy referees.

UNSUNG HEROES

THE SIGHT of Rio Ferdinand giving referee Cuneyt Cakir a sarcastic clap after his sending off of teammate Nani, during the team’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, is nothing new.

Anyone who has had any involvement in the sport at any level knows that refereeing is a thankless job. On the terraces we know what they call them, it begins with a W and it’s not particularly flattering.

Refereeing is a perfect example of a Catch 22. The men in black are in the unenviable position of being damned if they do and damned if they don’t, accused of bias by both sides, given little credit for a right decision and crucified by players, supporters and commentators for a wrong one.

The nature of football makes it all the worse for its referees. Heated, tribal and unpredictable, minor decisions often have a larger impact on the result than they would in rugby or cricket. As a referee, your decision on a penalty or an offside can make or break the hopes and dreams of a team and its supporters. With the seemingly never ending debate about the use of more technology in making these calls, the eyes of the referee are more often than not the last line

SPORT

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

BIG INTERVIEW: ALISTAIR BROWNLEE THE TIPSTER

27

DAVE WASHINGTON SPEAKS TO OLYMPIC TRIATHLON GOLD MEDALLIST AND YORKSHIRE NATIVE ALISTAIR BROWNLEE

LONDON 2012 gripped the globe, as the whole world witnessed a series of incredible sporting achievements by some of the planet’s greatest athletes. Millions of viewers watched in awe as Alistair Brownlee surged to victory in the men’s triathlon, embracing the crowds as he walked across the finish line triumphantly holding the British flag.

His mesmerising success, in a race where he demonstrated sheer determination to pull ahead and hold off the challenge of, Spaniard Javier Gomez, was one of the many highlights of London 2012.

Indeed 2012 was an incredible year for Alistair, which he described as “short but very sweet,” before adding: “It was strange, I did have one goal for 2012 and that was the Olympics, and I achieved that which was fantastic, but also in terms of the season, it was a very short season, as I only did two races. So that was strange really, since you’re often used to doing up to ten.” Unusual it may have been, but it was undoubtedly successful, as Alistair triumphed on the greatest stage on earth to win Britain’s first ever Olympic medal in the triathlon, accompanied by his younger brother Jonathan who finished third, despite incurring a 15 second time penalty.

When I asked Alistair how it was to compete with and against Jonathan, 22, he replied: “It’s good, I think we’re used to it now. By now it’s just the kind of thing that we do. There’s the positive aspect of training together which is really important, and that’s beneficial for both of us.” Indeed the two brothers are at the pinnacle of the sport, and 2012 was a fabulous year for Jonathan as well, who added the 2012 World Triathlon Championship Series title to his Olympic bronze medal.

When you consider how much Alistair has already achieved in his short career, it is astonishing to think that he’s only 24. To win an Olympic gold, be two times World Triathlon Champion and back-to-back European Champion is an incredible feat. In addition to that the Dewsbury born lad, who lives in Leeds, was also awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for his services to triathlon. All of this at only 24; to be so successful by such a young age is beyond most people’s wildest dreams.

This success didn’t just magically occur, it is earned through hard work and dedication to the sport. Regarding his preparations for races Alistair told me: “We train all the time, we don’t prepare particularly for one race at a time. In a tough week’s training it might be 30-35 hours of training, and that’s made up of probably six and seven hours of swimming, between fifteen and eighteen hours of biking and about eight to eleven hours of running. It’s a lot, but it’s kind of what you know. It sounds stupid, but I’ve done a lot of it and I’m used to it.”

After the Olympics, in October, Alistair suffered with Appendicitis and had his appendix removed. On the topic he remarked: “It came completely out of the blue, and was quite nasty, but I’m fine now. By the time I’d had that and been on holiday and done a lot of commercial stuff, it was fantastic to get back to normal training and the normal routine.” It’s such commitment and passion which makes Alistair such an exceptional athlete, and only by putting in the long hours of training can he attain his successes on the global stage.

Triathlon is by no means the most high profile of sports, and when I enquired as to why Alistair took up triathlon he replied: “I’m not really sure to be honest, I get asked this so much, but basically I enjoyed swimming and my mum was a swimmer so she

OUT OF RETIREMENT, BRINGING YOU THE BEST TIPS FROM HIS SAGA CRUISE

sure thing ENGLAND TO WIN THE TEST SERIES AGAINST NEW ZEALAND

took me swimming. My dad was into running so I went to the running club, and I was swimming competitively and running in school and local competitions. Then when I was about nine years old I decided to give triathlon a go, it seemed something fun to do, and I had an uncle (Simon Hearnshaw) who did it so that probably led to it a little bit. It was just one of those things that I had a crack at and it went from there.”

After that it all developed from there for Alistair, and he added: “Competitively it started right there and then really. I didn’t just join a club since there were hardly any clubs in those days, especially not for youngsters, so it was just about entering an event.

I entered an event in Nottingham when I was nine years old and that was it, I just did more and more from there.”

Indeed fifteen years ago when Alistair was first taking up triathlon, the sport was very much a minority one. When we talked about how his and his brother’s successes have helped to raise the profile of the sport he modestly said: “Hopefully it will have an effect. I think triathlon is only a minority sport, and four years ago I think it’d be fair to say that most people probably didn’t know what it was, and I believe that now most people do know about it, so that’s probably the biggest effect. If people know what it is, then it’s more likely that people are going to have a go at it, so that can only help the sport’s development.” Undoubtedly Alistair’s successes not only at London 2012, but also in the past years, have helped to boost the popularity of triathlon, and the 24-year-old will serve as an inspiration and role model for the next generation, who seek to follow in their footsteps.

Overall London 2012 was an enormous success, and when we talked about whether the Olympics served to ‘inspire a generation’, Alistair commented: “Yeah, I think it did. It’s everyone from kids to whomever.

I’ve had youngsters and 70-year-olds come up to me in the streets and say its fantastic what you did and it was great to watch, thanks so much. That’s been one of the most brilliant things about it really, as I think it has inspired people whether it be to go out and do a race, cycle to work or enter a 10km run or anything. I think it has definitely had an effect.”

The magical moments of Alistair’s triathlon victory will live long in people’s memories, and his success will surely see more people pursue an interest in the sport. He advises prospective triathletes to “just give it a go.” He added: “It’s not a mad sport, for mad, eccentric people, anyone can give it a

go.” Triathlon is clearly a physically testing event, and when I asked which of the three disciplines is the most challenging he replied: “Mentally the swimming is the hardest, just because it is very tough on the mind and quite mind numbing as you’re just swimming up and down all the time.

I find running actually nice as it’s outside and quite inspiring so that’s what I really enjoy. So swimming is definitely toughest in the head. You tend to always win the race on the run, you can lose it on the swim and the bike. You can win it on the bike a bit as well, but the run is always the crucial point of the race.”

As well as being an incredible athlete, Alistair is an intelligent young man, who was offered a place at Girton College, Cambridge, to study Medicine in 2006. After eight weeks however he dropped out to concentrate on triathlon, and moved to study a sports sciences degree at Leeds, which was more suitable for his training. On the move he told me: “Looking back on it now, it’s easy to say that was the right decision.

At the time it was obviously a very difficult decision, but I’m glad I made it now. It was really that it was just about making the decision that I wanted to do what I love doing which is sport and the triathlon, and I’m lucky enough that I did that and it paid off for me.”

2012 may have been an incredible year, but Alistair is now concentrating on 2013.

Regarding his plans for 2013 he remarked: “Hopefully to carry on the success. Obviously the World Series is very important for me, so there’s that first and foremost, and then after that I’ve qualified for the Commonwealth Games next year which is great, because I’ve never competed in the Commonwealths before.”

Of course the long term goal is Rio 2016, and he added about the next Olympics: “I’m really excited about that. The Olympics is fantastic and that’s the big thing for me, so I’m definitely looking forward to Rio.” So great is his love for the sport that, for now nothing else really figures in his career plans. “Triathlon is my passion and I’ll enjoy some more of the Olympics, and I’m looking forward to a fairly long career hopefully.”

With the natural talent that he possesses and his evident love and dedication to the sport, a long and fruitful career will surely lie ahead, as Alistair goes in search of further medals to add to his ever-growing collection. Along with Jonathan, the ‘Brownlee Brothers’ could well dominate triathlon for years to come.

After the salvage operation of the first test, where the Three Lions had Alistair Cook and Nick Compton to thank for avoiding an embarrassing defeat to the Black Caps, currently a dismal eighth out of nine test teams in the ICC World Rankings, this tipster is still sure that England will emerge victorious after Wellington and Auckland.

Andy Flower will guard the players against complacency. Cook’s men also needed time to grow accustomed to the conditions, a common occurrence of touring sides in test match cricket - only once on the last 13 tours have England won the opening test.

In the forthcoming two matches, the class of the world’s second best side will show, provided the go into the games with the correct mindset.

TIPSTER'S ODDS:

2/7

long shot

LEWIS HAMILTON TO WIN THE FORMULA ONE DRIVERS TITLE

After bursting onto the scene in 2007, missing out on the title by just one point, before winning the championship the following year, Lewis Hamilton’s subsequent career has been relatively modest by his high standards. After stagnation with McLaren, the Brit has joined Mercedes, who were responsible for the car which Jenson Button won the championship with in 2009. The unpredictability of Mercedes has been evident over the past couple of seasons, with blistering starts followed by mechanical problems. This pattern has continued into practice for the current season. The Mercedes has demonstrated outright speed over one lap, and strong pace in longer runs, but it still need to iron out further problems. Vettel is still odds on to win, but don’t rule out a Hamilton triumph.

TIPSTER'S ODDS:

19/2

absolute madness EDGAR DAVIDS TO LEAD BARNET TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE

Barnet, who play in the shadow of Arsenal and Spurs in North London, have one of the smallest fan-bases in the Football League, and constantly hover around the trap door of League Two. So heads were turned when Edgar Davids became playermanager at Underhill. The Juventus and Holland legend, has worked his magic, pulling the Bees clear of the drop zone, while playing some of the best football ever seen at the club. With league football looking more secure for next season, coinciding with a move to a new stadium, this pundit can see Barnet rise up through the leagues with the bespectacled maestro at the helm all the way. Eventually, they will pass Arsenal along the way, as the Gooners finally boycott the Wenger regime in favour of some pretty football that actually wins matches.

TIPSTER'S ODDS:

1000/1

28 SPORT

YORK VISION

Tuesday March 12, 2013

SECOND CHANCE

UP FOR THE DOUBLE

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: YORK 1STS v MANCHESTER 1STS

MEN’S LACROSSE: YORK 1STS v LIVERPOOL 1STS

BY AL RIDDELL

BY JAMES SCOTT

“WE’VE GOT our eyes set on bringing home the trophy,” club president Meg Phillips told Vision, after hearing from BUCS that York women’s football 1sts had progressed to the final of the Northern Conference Cup. The women in black and gold scraped through to the final in peculiar circumstances. They originally lost a tight semifinal 1-0 to UCLAN and, despite being unlucky not to get a result, it seemed the cup dream was over for another year.

However, after discovering that their opponents fielded an ineligible player, York appealed the result and UCLAN were disqualified from the competition.

A player identified as ‘Molly’ scored the winning goal for UCLAN, but subsequent digging discovered that the real Molly was in fact bedridden with appendicitis at the time of the match. A player known as ‘Steph’ had in fact scored the winning goal.

A successful appeal was submitted to BUCS by President Phillips, 1st team captain Vicky Decamp and YUSU Sports & Societies Development Coordinator Jasmine Scott. UYWAFC will take to the field tomorrow for a massive challenge, taking on Division 2A leaders Manchester 1sts. York, however, will not be too overawed by the situation; eight points clear at the summit of Division 4B and on a winning streak.

York have beaten Sheffield 2nds, Leeds Met 2nds and Hull 1sts to get this far; whilst Manchester have overpowered Edge Hill 2nds, Keele 1sts, Liverpool 1sts and Bolton

THE MEN’S lacrosse team go into their cup final against Liverpool in fantastic form. They were crowned league champions on Saturday, after beating second place Durham 2nds twice in the last week.

York are unbeaten in both league and cup this season, and crushed Chester 1sts 23-1 in the semi-final. They will go into the fixture sky high on confidence. Recent results show the team hitting their peak at just the right time of the season. The team is playing with a real togetherness and unity, in both attack and defence, with the new intake of first years now fully integrated into the side.

They meet a Liverpool side who are in a similar vein of

BUCS NORTHERN CONFERENCE CUP FINALS: PREVIEWS

Photo: Jack Western

1sts.

Speaking of the big game, which sees the girls have a chance to win the trophy for the first time in UYWAFC’s 17-year history, Decamp told Vision: “Obviously we would have liked to have gone through without the controversy, but in my eyes the way we played in the semi- final we thoroughly deserved to win that match.” Decamp also underlined her optimism for the tie, though her side aren’t expected to overcome their opponents: “There’s no hiding from the fact that we are the underdogs, but I’ve every confidence in our squad.”

“It’s going to be a fantastic game!”

form, having also gone unbeaten this season, promising an enticingly unpredictable and close-fought encounter, as the sides haven’t played each other this season.

Captain William Chun is proud of the way his team has developed this season, and told Vision: “Throughout this season we have grown so much as a team. We never got complacent and we always looked for a way to improve as a team. I think this is the reason we have gotten so strong as the season progressed and the reason we are able to reach the cup final.

“We haven’t played Liverpool this season. We know they are a very strong team with international players, so it will be a very close game. I am certain that if we continue to play as we are, we will come out with the result we deserve.”

GOING FOR GLORY WOMEN’S LACROSSE: YORK 1STS v DURHAM 3RDS

BY TOM ARMSTON-CLARKE TOMORROW, YORK women’s lacrosse 1sts take on Durham 3rds in the final of the BUCS Northern Conference cup.

They are in a great position to bring home silverware, after a victory this weekend over Leeds 2nds wasn’t enough to make them Northern 2B champions.

York’s journey to the final has been convincing, beating Liverpool, Manchester Met and Northumbria with ease in the last three rounds. York have had a fantastic season.

Durham 3rds are York’s opponents in the final. Like York, they have only lost one match this year. It was they who York leapfrogged to go top of the league, by the slender margin of goal difference. Durham demolished Keele with little stress in their quarter-final, but then came against a strong Liverpool John Moores side in the semi-final, winning by only four goals in a

close 8-4 victory.

The two teams have come together once this season in the league, with York coming out on top. York travelled to Durham and came home with three points in a very close 8-7 finish.

With only one loss this season, to Northumbria 1sts, York will be confident going into this final. It is, however, certain to be a very close match, with York missing the vital Sacha Greane, who is injured with a broken finger. In addition, Hattie Whillans is currently nursing a twisted ankle, but is hoping to have recovered in time for the match. Notorious goal scorer Katie Barrett will be looking to add to her seasonal goal tally, following her fantastic performance against Northumbria in the semi-final.

Women’s Captain Alex Whitehand told Vision: “The girls have put in some strong performances this season and it would be nice to be able to prove it.”

Photo: Oona Venermo

Photo: Jack Western

FINISH ON A HIGH MEN’S SQUASH: YORK 1STS v LANCASTER 1STS

BY OSCAR PEARSON

YORK TRAVEL to Preston tomorrow for undoubtedly the biggest game in the club’s recent history. They meet arch-rivals Lancaster in a mammoth Northern Conference Cup final clash, with the sides all set to serve up a cracker.

York will be matched by their strong opponents, though, who finished in a solid third place in the Northern 2A League table this campaign, the division above their opponents. And it may take York a little time to get into the swing of things, as in previous matches they have started sloppily. But the players will certainly find their stroke and if they do fall behind, it will be all about how they rally back.

Once again, York agonisingly missed out on promotion with their last game of the campaign ending in a luckless 3-2 defeat to Sheffield Hallam last week. But no pity will be shown by Lancaster tomorrow: after all, love means nothing in squash.

Third-year captain David Potter told Vision: “It’s so, so disappointing to finish second [in the league], but we’re looking forward to Lancaster when hopefully we’ll

pick up some silverware. The team have all been brilliant, and I’m really proud of the effort everyone has put in this season. It will be my last game for the club tomorrow so we are desperate for that victory.”

Top seed Ed ‘The Cannon’ Shannon made a racket after a frustrating performance ended in defeat last Wednesday, but tomorrow he has the opportunity to redeem himself and score big in what would be, if York were to triumph, a truly ace result.

York have seen off Hull, Durham and Leeds Met to reach the final, but to place Lancaster in a similar category ability-wise would be really missing the point. Lancaster have secured top-three finishes in all but one of their last nine Northern 2A league campaigns, and will go into tomorrow’s contest as strong favourites.

So will York be able to rise to the challenge and claim victory in this winnertakes-all Roses rehearsal? Can Ed Shannon, Sam West-Moorland, Miles Knight, David Potter and John Holden complete a sensational cup-run in style? Who will be crowned Northern Conference Cup Champions 2013? 3-2 York: you heard it here first.

SPORT

YORK VISION

Tuesday March 12, 2013

GOING OUT WITH A SPLASH TWO WINS OUT OF THREE IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YORK, AS UNBEATEN DUNDEE PROGRESS TO BUCS SHIELD FINAL

29

PROMOTION COMMOTIONS

BY OSCAR PEARSON

BY JAMES SCOTT

DUNDEE FLOATED past York and into the BUCS water polo Shield North final, in an enthralling competition at the York Sport Village. Memories of Roses came flooding back as the hosts received some fantastic backing from an engrossed crowd, that witnessed Dundee, Manchester, Edinburgh and York compete in a round-robin contest, with the victor advancing to the final.

York got off to a superb start as they convincingly overcame Manchester by seven goals to nil, with goalkeeper Chris Snowdon excelling between the sticks. The hosts also fended off a stiff Edinburgh challenge but were unable to find a way past Dundee, who won all three games on Sunday evening.

York, who finished as men’s 3B League Champions – the division below that of Dundee – had a great thirst for victory in this epic mix of wrestling, lacrosse, swimming and basketball. And they started well when York’s Lim and Perkens exchanged perfect passes in a flowing move, with Lim’s long-distance shot nestling into the goal.

An excellent breakaway led by Mollener and Lim resulted in a gorgeously chipped effort dropping beautifully into the net, before Marshall powered another into the top corner of Manchester’s goal. York were deep-ending on Snowdon’s vision from the back - it was key in the home side’s attacking threat (despite self-pride reaching new highs as he celebrated his pinpoint passes), while Manchester took their time in any forward movement.

Mollener missed two absolute sitters but looked very dangerous up front, and Cramer turned the goalkeeper to make it four. He grabbed another with a powerful shot, while Schlieder and Lim sealed the win. Manchester’s Zavela had a shot from halfway which troubled Snowdon, but other than that it was a solid opening game from the men in black and gold speedos.

Other teams watched from the edge of the pool, before York then faced Dundee in what ultimately decided the contest.

McGovern slotted in on the break, but York responded to their first goal conceded when Mollener won a penalty. Perkens made no mistake in powering the ball into the top right corner to bring York level. Woodall took a blow to the face before a lovely Clark

THE HIGHLIGHT of a good weekend of BUCS fixtures for York sides was the promotion of the Mens 1sts Rugby team to the Northern Premier League B. An excruciating 12-10 loss to second placed Liverpool on Sunday did not ultimately deny them promotion, and their ascendance to the Premier Division was confirmed on Monday.

Club President Hugh Draycott told Vision: “Obviously we are delighted to have been promoted this year. It’s the best possible reward for all the hard work that we have put in through the season. The team has adapted extremely well to the different challenges that it has had to face. It’s a credit to be part of a team with such strength in all areas. We owe a huge amount to our captain Sam Lord, who has shown tremendous leadership; it has been a huge privilege to play for him.”

In other notable fixtures both lacrosse teams also recorded notable victories, however both teams promotion hopes have been impacted by the vagaries of the BUCS point system.

The men’s 1sts team have been unbeaten all season, and confirmed this status with a hard fought 9-4 win against Durham, in which they failed to hit top gear but nonetheless got the result. Despite this, their promotion hopes are dependent on whether Leeds Met win their playoff match in the Premier Division. If Leeds fail to win, and Liverpool win their two remaining fixtures, then York will play Liverpool in a playoff.

Captain William Chun, delighted with his team’s performance throughout the season, told Vision: “To go from finishing eighth last year to winning the league this year is a fantastic accomplishment; I am really happy with this team”.

The women’s 1sts also secured an excellent 16-4 victory against a strong Leeds 2nds side, to end the season in second place, level on points with Durham and Northumbria.

However, despite having a vastly superior goal difference York came off second best, due to an inferior head to head record against other teams they were tied with.

Photo: Oona Venermo

goal from way out put the Scots back in front.

The crowd really got behind the hosts but goals from Woodall, McGovern and Robertson put the game beyond reach. By the time the third quarter was underway, York looked deflated and showed a noticable decrease in their energy levels.

The two sides began to drift apart as Clark scored before Woodall capitalised on a defensive error to make it 8-1. Ball nudged in a consolation to great cheers from the crowd, before goalkeeper O’Connor went for an audacious effort that came to nothing.

And it was easy to distinguish between both side’s three cheers at the end, in that we couldn’t understand the Scottish ones.

Dundee were crowned champions of the 3A water polo league this season, during which they scored 76 goals over just four games. And to concede just eight in the match, York defended admirably but lacked attacking threat which understandably led to their demise.

Dundee’s victory over York meant they

just needed a draw with a Manchester side that York had comfortably despatched an hour earlier. Their semi-final success was sealed when they raced to a 9-1 lead in what was, in all honesty, a miss-match. Manchester had just two shots on target and lost 122, leaving York with a sinking feeling and the Manchester goalkeeper Evans as sick as the proverbial donkey; the only times he seemed to touch the ball was when he had to pick it out of his net. His side lost all three games, conceding 32 goals in the process.

Two stunning goals from Perkens in York’s final match contributed to a straightforward 9-3 win over Edinburgh; the latter a sublime twist and shot to complete a great afternoon for the driver.

One would understandably assume that being a water polo professional would pay well, but I hear they struggle to keep their heads above water. So it’s back to the degrees now for York after their cup and league campaigns are over, but they can hold their heads high and look forward in anticipation to May’s Roses tournament.

back victorious after winning the intermediate category coxed fours. This follows their successful rowing season so far - the high point winning a BUCS medal.

Speaking to Vision, senior women’s captain Eloisa Cackett said: “I’m extremely proud of coming top three, it is a result that hasn’t been achieved by the women’s squad for years.”

The novice men also turned in an

impressive performance, coming in second with only four seconds between them and the winners. Though incredibly disappointed to not have come out as winners, they will be proud of how well they rowed.

Meanwhile, the novice women had two teams out, and showed signs of the improvement they have made this season.

They finished in third and fifth in the categories they entered.

AN OAR-SOME DAY FOR UYBC

BY TOM ARMSTON-CLARKE

THIS WEEKEND, the University of York Boat Club triumphed at the Yorkshire Head Boat Race. In a terrific day of rowing, York celebrated some great victories.

Over 150 crews participated in the race in two divisions. Both of York’s senior men’s boats won their races, and the senior women’s coxed four also won their category.

York had seven crews racing the 5.1km course downstream on the river Ouse, finishing at Lendal Bridge in the heart of York. It marked a very successful end to the head season, before a number of the crews jet off to Portugal for training in preparation for the regatta season.

The senior men’s squads performed incredibly well on home water in grey and rainy conditions. The men’s 1st VIII won the overall head by a wide margin of 26 seconds. In an impressive double, the men’s 2nd VIII posted the third fastest time of the day, thus winning the intermediate category with grace and composure.

In addition, the senior women also came

Photo: Ed Scobie

Photo: Emilien Tortel

30 SPORT

DERWENT DEFY JAMES

BY DAVE WASHINGTON AND MIKE DUNNETT-STONE

IN THE final college hockey matches of term, Alcuin succumbed to defeats against both Langwith and Goodricke, 6-4 and 7-3 respectively. However, the main game of the day was James vs.

Derwent, as the Black Swans, who had already sealed the league title, looked to end their campaign on a high.

The tight encounter, between two of the strongest colleges this year, ended 0-0, as Derwent resolutely held off the numerous James forays forward, partly due to several crucial goal-line clearances by Simon Varley.

The draw was only the second time that James have failed to win this year, as despite the best efforts of their host of University players, they were unable to breakdown their resilient opponents.

James moved the ball around crisply, using the full width of the pitch as Jambo Talbot and Alex Bond dictated play in the first half from the back. Derwent played some promising hockey as well, with Phil Hammick and Chris Daniel impressing in midfield. However their rare forays into James territory were quickly ended, as their opponents rapidly quelled any danger.

Indeed it was James who were creating the majority of the chances, Chris Butterworth and Ollie McGaw both making threatening runs and passes, to create opportunities for forwards such as Joss Winter and Ashley Collinson.

Derwent, however, demonstrated remarkable determination, as they defended superbly and withstood the James onslaught, which only increased in the second half. James were unable to turn their territorial dominance into goals however, as Varley cleared their best chance off the line with a brilliant stretch to his right to divert the ball to safety, meaning that both teams had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Langwith meanwhile continued their impressive recent run of form with a dramatic win against a strong Alcuin side. Alcuin set up a strong position with a good team goal in the opening few minutes, but in a 10-goal game, this proved to be a slender advantage. Langwith responded with some equally impressive attacking play to take a 2-1 lead, but going into the break they found themselves 3-2 down, having allowed a few sloppy mistakes in defence to prove costly.

The second half was a different story.

Langwith dominated thanks to their attacking style of play, and a willingness to spread the ball wide to exploit the weaker spots in the Alcuin defence. Four second half goals from four different goalscorers earned Langwith a well-deserved win and helped to illustrate the depth of their squad ahead of the college cup next term.

A depleted Alcuin side then later faced a fresh Goodricke t e a m , w h o proved too strong for their opponents, exploiting the numerical advantage to secure a comfortable 7-3 win, ending their season on a high.

Two first half goals put Goodricke in control, before Tara Annison bagged four second half goals, whilst a sublime touch got Alex McDonald on the scoresheet. Alcuin battled hard to the end, and pulled back three late goals, but in truth the result was never in doubt.

YORK VISION Tuesday March 12, 2013

ASKHAM STARS FOR DERWENT

DERWENT ALCUIN

4 2

BY JACK BRADSHAW DERWENT BATTLED back from 2-0 down to claim a memorable 4-2 victory over Alcuin, but it was not enough to win the Spring Term league title.

With an extra man, Alcuin controlled the first half and established a two-goal lead after half an hour with goals from Greg Fearn and Jacob Burge.

Jamie Trant arrived just before half time to make up the Derwent XI, and Mark Askham tapped in to give Derwent hope.

Derwent then proceeded to dominate the second half, as strikes from Alex D’Albertanson, Jamie Trant and a second from Askham gave the team in blue and black all three points.

As Wentworth emerged 4-0 winners over Vanbrugh, the result means Derwent finish in the runners-up spot in the league table, while Alcuin remained second from bottom.

After just two minutes Alcuin took the lead. A long ball forward was flicked neatly

by Graham Kimber into the path of Fearn who took a touch and swept an excellent shot from 20 yards in off the post.

Derwent struggled to break out of their own half at times, and Alcuin continued to create chances. Kimber almost added a second when he was played through on goal, but ‘keeper Ruari Franklin spread himself well to deny the midfielder.

Derwent’s only threat represented tame shots from David Kirk and Ryan Gwinnett, but on 20 minutes they spurned an excellent chance, as Nock failed to convert Kirk’s cutback from six yards.

Alcuin’s superiority was emphasised further as they added a second five minutes later, as Fearn’s inswinging corner was headed in by an unmarked Burge into the centre of the goal as Derwent fell asleep.

Photo: Emilien Tortel

However, in what turned out to be a pivotal moment in the match, Derwent scored against the run of play and against the unfavourable conditions.

Left-back Harry Lambert’s shot from distance was only parried out by Dave Marshall straight to the adventurous rightback Harry Askham, who tapped in.

The goal proved crucial. Just ten minutes in to the second period, Derwent were level. Trant’s shot smashed against the post and after the ball rebounded kindly to D’Albertanson. The winger’s first effort was saved by Marshall, but the second bite at the cherry was a fruitful one, as he sent a rifled effort into the bottom corner.

Derwent threw bodies forward in search of a lead which could have won them the title. A neat move involving Kirk and Nock resulted in D’Albertanson again testing Marshall, who tipped the ball over the bar.

Derwent got their noses in front with 15 minutes left as Trant, receiving a throw-in on the edge of the area, shovelled the ball to Askham who calmly slotted home.

Alcuin attempted to wrest the momentum away from Derwent, sending on Armstrong and Brough for Udy and Kimber, but the alterations made little difference as their opponents pressed for a fourth.

Trant was the man to supply the final strike in controversial circumstances, after Alcuin claimed offside but the referee waved away the appeals.

In the dying moments, it looked for all of the world that Askham was about to bag a remarkable hat-trick after receiving Trant’s unselfish pass, but the youngster miscued horribly from four yards and the chance evaporated.

After the match, captain Kirk said: “It was a good game. The first rate Spartan [Askham] popped up with a couple of goals, but he got a nosebleed at the crucial moment.”

His counterpart Chris Boyd told Vision: “In the first half we were on top and we had quite a lot of chances and took two of them. In the second half, they had a similar amount of chances but took more.”

Langwith keeper Kris Cheshire. Perhaps Goodricke’s best chance came on the half hour mark when a free-for-all in the box, involving multiple players, could have seen the ball go anywhere, but after much fumbling it was finally knocked clear .

Considering their dominance Goodricke must have been frustrated that the scoreline was only 1-0. There was a real feeling that with Langwith now playing downwind and now with 11 men, that the match was still alive as a contest. And so it proved, although Goodricke were still clearly on top in the second half Langwith did have a greater deal of the possession.

However, before Langwith could gain too much confidence, the tie was effectively killed as Young, who had been a constant threat up front all game, brilliantly intercepted a long ball from James Gutteridge and with skill, nerve, and some luck, was able to nudge the ball over Cheshire, who should perhaps have done better.

After this the game opened up with both sides having relatively equal spells of possession. Langwith did present more of an attacking danger, with stand-in keeper Zain Karbani being forced to make some gutsy interceptions.

However despite showing more attacking zeal, Langwith never really looked like scoring despite some promising attacks, and Goodricke were able to play out the final 15 minutes relatively comfortably.

Goodricke captain Joe Mann told Vision that he had mixed feelings: “We were in control, but it should have been more, we really should have been more clinical, but it is still three points.”

Langwith captain, Matt Jones, commmented after the game: “We battled well in the first half with ten men, but we were knackered in the second half and couldn’t make the most of the conditions. We put a few balls through but unfortunately couldn’t get a decent shot on goal all game.”

LANG-WITHOUT A POINT

LANGWITH GOODRICKE

0 2

BY JAMES SCOTT GOODRICKE STROLLED to victory against Langwith in the Heslington East derby. In blustery conditions the men in green totally outplayed Langwith in all areas of the park, particularly in the first half.

It was only a lack of penetration in the box and the difficult conditions, that prevented the match from becoming a rout.

The result leaves Goodricke in fourth place in the table, and Langwith at the foot of the table with no points.

Straight from the off Goodricke took control, taking advantage of having a man advantage over their opponents. Rob Young had a fantastic early chance, but his shot went wide by the narrowest of margins.

With the wind behind them Goodricke had the Langwith half under siege, and inevitably after 18 minutes the pressure told; a quality Dan Gorringe corner being gratefully bundled into the net by Joel Fagan.

The pressure didn’t let up, and indeed the ball barely entered the Goodricke half at all in the first half. Luke Inness and Joe Mann both had excellent chances before half-time but their shots were saved by

Photo: Philip Mourdjis

YORK VISION

WENTWORTH MAKE HISTORY Tuesday March 12, 2013

THE POSTGRADUATES WIN THEIR FIRST EVER COLLEGE FOOTBALL TITLE THANKS TO A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE AGAINST VANBRUGH

WENTWORTH

Martin (16), Green (36), Clinton (71), Parker (81)

VANBRUGH

4

BY MICHAEL THURLOWAY

Wentworth Derwent Vanbrugh Goodricke James Halifax Alcuin Langwith

P 5 5 5 5 4 4 5 5

W 4 4 3 2 2 1 1 0

31

DERWENT DRAWN WITH VANBRUGH

BY MICHAEL THURLOWAY

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WENTWORTH ENDED the term in style at the 3G on Sunday as they thoroughly defeated Vanbrugh, claiming the spring term college football crown. Over the last year or two, the perennial whipping boys of college football have grown into a strong side. This victory completes the journey. Once also-rans, but no more.

It is no fluke. Wentworth have been one of the more consistent teams this year, even more so this term. They recorded four wins out of five, the only dropped points coming courtesy of two wonder-goals by Halifax.

They have also shown themselves adaptable. They may be known as one of the more physical sides in college football, but on Sunday there were few signs of that. They played proper football, passed the ball well and three of the four goals came from flowing moves. The smooth surface of the 3G certainly helped, but Wentworth were more than capable of playing to the conditions.

Vanbrugh, on the other hand, squandered their chance of winning the term’s league. They knew only a win would make them the champions, but their performance must surely have come as a disappointment.

They had little going forward, with striker Elliot Ross uninvolved in most of the game.

The Wentworth defence must be given credit for this. The back four and two holding midfield players snuffed out the Vanbrugh threat whenever it arose. Vanbrugh were restricted to long range efforts, and even those were few and far between. It took until the 87th minute for the first shot on target to be recorded, Phil Taylor’s effort being collected by Wentworth keeper Jon Cook with ease.

While Vanbrugh had little going forward, that cannot be said for Wentworth who proved dangerous both on the counterattack and when in controlled possession of the ball. They scored two fantastic goals, and if anything they could have added more to their final tally of four.

The tone for the game was set in the first few minutes as Wentworth applied the early pressure. They set a high defensive line, which meant that whenever Vanbrugh cleared the ball they soon found themselves once again on the back foot. Vanbrugh attempted to keep hold of possession by passing along the back four, but as soon as the ball moved further forward, the postgraduates invariably regained the ball.

In the 16th minute, the pressure told as

SPORT

Photo: Jack Western

Wentworth made the breakthrough. James Wilson’s goal kick was met by a Wentworth boot in the centre circle, resulting in the ball looping over the defence to set up Tim Martin. Martin kept his composure and slotted the ball past Wilson to make it 1-0.

To say it was one-sided would be unfair to both sides. Vanbrugh did start to have more possession and territory after falling 1-0 behind, and a couple of half-chances, though little of note. But Wentworth smothered them at every turn, and did not give an inch all game. Vanbrugh were not on the top of their game, but Wentworth were never complacent and went for the jugular.

In the 36th minute, their lead was doubled thanks to Dom Green’s header. Credit for the goal must go to Greg Harrison, however. Some neat passing in the Vanbrugh half set up Harrison on the right hand side.

He had plenty of space and time and delivered a terrific cross, on a tee for Green who was lingering in the penalty area. From such close range, there was little Wilson could do to stop the powerful header, though he did get a hand to it. It was not enough, and Wentworth led 2-0.

The only controversial moment came shortly before the interval. Cook came charging out of Wentworth goal to deal with a Vanbrugh move up the right wing. Out of his area, he clearly handled the ball. The referee, who had a generally good game, gave the free kick, but did not send Cook off. This

D 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0

L 0 1 1 3 2 1 4 5

F 20 16 10 11 8 8 5 4

A 5 8 8 11 10 7 16 17

GD 15 8 2 0 -2 1 -11 -13

Pts 13 12 10 6 6 5 3 0

appeared to be a fair decision, considering the position of the handball, and how it appeared to be accidental.

The second half saw Wentworth consolidate their lead, with Vanbrugh continuing to find it difficult to penetrate their defences. An injury to centre back Harry O’Brien forced him off the field. Tom Parish replaced him, but a rejig of formation was required. Vanbrugh appeared to go to three at the back, a necessary change with a win imperative, but one which left them open.

In the 71st minute, this proved the case as Wentworth made it three. Theo Dominion crossed from the left, finding Dave Clinton in the penalty area. Clinton’s first touch set up the ball perfectly; he turned and rifled a shot inside the far post on the volley with his second.

The third goal spelled game over for Vanbrugh, but there was still time for Wentworth to grab a fourth. Dominion’s corner in the 81st minute was cleared, but at the second attempt the substitute found an unmarked Ian Parker in the six yard box. All he had to do was touch it into the net.

And in truth it could have been more.

Martin and Green each had a goal ruled out, for offside and a foul respectively. While Taylor’s speculative effort late on, with the score 4-0, was the only time Vanbrugh made Cook make a save. The 4-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the gulf between the two sides on the day.

Spring term top scorers: 6 - Tim Martin (Wentworth) 4 - Elliot Ross (Vanbrugh) 3 - Dom Green (W) Jamie Trant (Derwent) Alex d’Albertanson (D) Connor Meckin (Halifax) Joe Mann (Goodricke) 2 - Eleven players

VANBRUGH 1STS have been drawn with Derwent 1sts in Group 4 of the College Cup 2013, as they look to defend the title they won last year. While no single group stands out as an undisputed ‘Group of Death,’ Group 4 looks the strongest.

James 2nds have also been drawn in that group, and are likely to find it difficult to reach the cup knock-out against the 1sts teams who finished 2nd and 3rd in this term’s league. Goodricke 2nds, Halifax 3rds and Langwith 3rds make up that group.

Challenging Group 4 for the title of most difficult group is Group 2. Spring term champions Wentworth 1sts and autumn term champions James 1sts will find stiff competition from Vanbrugh 2nds and Derwent 2nds, in what is likely to be an interesting battle for places in the cup. Meanwhile, Alcuin 3rds and Goodricke 3rds complete the line up.

Wentworth may struggle to repeat their recent triumph in the summer, with other sides including their group rivals James, Vanbrugh and Derwent likely to be bolstered by university players. The 3rds teams meanwhile will also be keen to make a run at the plate.

Group 1 sees Halifax 1sts as the standout team, and their progression to the cup knock-out should be straightforward. Langwith 1sts, winless this year in college football, will be challenged by Alcuin 2nds and Wentworth 2nds in what should be an exciting competition for second place. Derwent 3rds and James 3rds, also in Group 1, are amongst the stronger 3rds teams and are also certain to provide a tough contest.

Finally, Group 3 will include Goodricke 1sts and Alcuin 1sts, with Halifax 2nds the most likely challengers for a top-two finish outside of the 1sts teams. Langwith 2nds, Vanbrugh 3rds and Wentworth 3rds complete that group, with Vanbrugh aiming to replicate their giant-killing exploits from last year.

The cup begins in week three of the summer term. Each team will play one match a week until the final round of games in week seven. Weeks eight and nine see the knock-outs: the cup for 1st and 2nd placed teams, the plate for 3rd and 4th place, and the vase for 5th place teams, which will also incorporate the leading fourths teams from this year’s leagues.

Photo: TK Rohit

BIG INTERVIEW: BUCS CUP FINAL ALISTAIR BROWNLEE PREVIEWS

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V

SPOTLIGHT: FLOORBALL

P26

P28

P27

HAPPY OLD MEN

BY MICHAEL THURLOWAY WENTWORTH HAVE won their first ever title in college football, after completing an undefeated term with a 4-0 victory over Vanbrugh on Sunday.

Two goals in each half saw the postgraduates claim the title, as they finished top of the table with four wins and one draw from five matches.

Derwent finished one point behind after four wins and one defeat. Vanbrugh, who would have taken the title themselves had they been victorious against Wentworth, finished third.

Once seen as a team of ‘old’ men in comparison to the more sprightly undergraduate colleges, Wentworth have proven to be a force to be reckoned with this year.

They are no longer the whippingboys of college football, and their methodical dismantling of Vanbrugh was proof, if it was needed, of their meteoric rise.

Full report on page 31

> WENTWORTH ANNIHILATE VANBRUGH TO CLAIM FIRST EVER COLLEGE FOOTBALL TITLE > DERWENT CONFIRM SECOND PLACE WITH VICTORY OVER ALCUIN ON SUNDAY Photo:Jack Western

Issue 232

@YorkVisionSport

Tuesday March 12, 2013

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