Worc Hard Play Hard Issue 4

#4

April2018

WSU

Brought to you by Sophie Glenny and Worcester Students’ Union

WORC HARD HARD WORC PLAY HARD PLAY HARD

vs UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER

UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE

EDITORIAL Hello there, I am Sophie Glenny, your Vice President Student Activities I’m very pleased to present you with the fourth issue of ‘Worc Hard Play Hard’. This is Worcester Students’ Union’s very own magazine that aims to highlight all the amazing achievements of our students. The title of the magazine was chosen by students with the idea that they can show off all their incredible stories.

Articles within the issue are written by students, chronicling their achievements in many different aspects of their lives such as sport, societies, volunteering, as Course Reps, Institute Reps, at Partner Colleges and much more.

This magazine will have a focus on Varsity 2018.

‘What is Varsity all about?’ I can hear many of you asking. Well, Varsity is a very exciting period for many of our students. It‘s a period of time that seriously puts our clubs to the test. A number of sports clubs set out to take on Worcester’s rivals, the University of Gloucestershire, at their sport. It’s an intense couple of weeks, but a really great way for all students to engage with being a Worcester student. Whether that means playing, spectating, officiating, coaching or even just sporting some Worcester merchandise, every little helps! So with that said, good luck to everyone in Varsity and PLEASE bring home that trophy!

Two more exciting words from me: Celebration Week.

This is made up of our Colours Ball, where we celebrate sporting achievements of both individual students and whole clubs from the past year and the Union Awards, which focuses on both individuals and groups from Societies, Volunteering and Academic Representation (Course and Institute Reps). The Union Awards also celebrate outstanding staff as nominated in the Union Awards: Students' Choice. Tickets are now available on our website or at the Students’ Union Welcome Desk.

Please keep sending in any news you have about your successes over the year. Show them off, be proud because we definitely are!

CONTENTS

09-13

SOCIETIES 10 FIlm Society 11 Debate Society 12 Loco Show Co.

18-23

SPORTS 19 20-21 22 23

Fencing Netball Handball Dance

FEATURES

04-07 Varsity

13 Worcester News Placement 14-17 Elections 24 25 26 26 27 27

LGBT History Month Volunteering Week Mature Students’ Food Drive Race Day Comedy Night Celebration Week

VARSITY 2018 UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER

Two hundred athletes.

Fifty hours of action.

Twenty-six fixtures in twenty-one sports. And only one #TeamWorc.

Varsity 2018 is here.

We're ready, are you?

UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE

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SIGNING THE VARSITY PLEDGE On Monday 12th March, Worcester Students’ Union and the Varsity captains travelled down to Gloucestershire Students’ Union to sign the Varsity Pledge for 2018. The Varsity Pledge is a symbol to show that both Unions are working together to make sure Varsity is a friendly, welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable event for both players and supporters. On arrival at Gloucester, all 33 Varsity captains took their turn to walk up to the Pledge with the opposing captain and sign both Worcester‘s and Gloucestershire’s version of the Pledge. This is done to show that all captains will be incorporating these values into their event and spreading positivity around Varsity 2018. So, come on #TeamWorc, let’s win that trophy back and become Varsity Champions 2018!

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VA R S I T Y

UNI

UNIV

ERSITY OF WORCESTE

VERS

ITY OF GLOUCESTERSH

2018

R

IRE

VARSITY MEN’S RUGBY TODD STEPHENS

Being a Varsity captain is an absolute honour.

To be given the chance to lead UWSRFC on the 25th is something I will always cherish. Men’s Rugby have had a good season to date. The 2nd team (Tahs) are in a battle for promotion and I wish them all the best for it. The 1st team are set to finish mid table in the Midlands. As a whole, Men’s Rugby are preparing extremely well for Varsity. Our head coach, Lewis Arnold, has put into action a 6-week training programme which has been carefully planned with extreme precision so the boys can achieve great results. Leading into Varsity, every single one of our 65 members are in with a chance of playing. Men’s Rugby are brimming with excitement to play this fixture and hopefully this is the year Worcester regains the Varsity trophy! So, on behalf of Men’s Rugby, we wish all sports teams the best of luck! Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 25th April. #TeamWorc

LADIES HOCKEY LUCY TOLLADAY

Varisty is an opportunity to positively represent the university and demonstrate our improvements this season. It’s an event which unifies not only our team, but relationships between clubs as we support each other.

Varsity has always been a game which we look forward to and at the beginning of this season we outlined winning as one of our goals. We’ve been very close to winning the past two years and for many third year students, it has been considered THE most important game to date.

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C A P TA I N S It also allows our competitive nature to keep momentum going once league games have finished. In preparation for Varsity we are working as hard as ever! Despite the BUCS season being over, we have been sticking to our rigid schedule, which includes three lots of 7am fitness, two skills sessions, one theory and one team bonding per week. The girls are visualising the win and relishing the challenge of this year’s big game!

AMERICAN FOOTBALL ROSS STEPHENSON

The Royals have had a much more successful year than previously, having two wins this season and some close defeats. We had great fun recently playing against former Royals Alumni and raising money for the Lily Mae Foundation.

The whole team is taking up the challenge to win Varsity through an intensive training regime. We have added additional training on Sunday’s and Monday’s, not to mention all the individual work in between the training sessions. It’s safe to say everyone is rising to the challenge and looking to end the season on a high.

What does Varsity mean to me? Varsity is the pinnacle of three years of American football.

After the bitter loss of last year I want nothing more than to leave on a high with a great group of teammates and friends surrounding me. It’s far more than just “a game of football”.

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The next few pages are dedicated to recognising the hard work and achievements of societies here at Worcester.

From charity fundraising to community work to putting on grand musicals, it has certainly been a busy second semester for these students.

#TeamWorc

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FILM SOCIETY AWARDS NIGHT

by Emma Tully Treasurer of Film and Disney and Pixar Societies The last couple of months have been mad with awards season, from the Oscars all the way to the Razzies. Since we’re a Film Society, we thought we ought to organise something and join in with the glitzy celebrations here in Worcester!

The SU of course has Colours Ball and the Union Awards in May, which are very popular but also very formal. Instead, we thought we’d host an informal awards night and raise some money for RAG at the same time.

As the event was for all societies, we teamed up with the Film Making lot so we could share the workload. We had representatives from Loco Show Co., Disney and Pixar, Worcester Worldwide, Psychology and of course Film and Film Making, all dressed up in their smartest outfits and smiling for the paparazzi.

There were also another four award categories which had been chosen by members of all participating societies.

Disney were awarded ‘Friendliest Society’, Tuesday Jones was awarded ‘Best Drippy Lala’, (we still have no idea what that means!), I was given an award for ‘Best Listener’ and we decided to pass the Golden Duck for Best Photographer to our photographer for the night, Naveen Phantoms.

Through ticket sales we managed to raise £16, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and took up the opportunity to have some society photos taken and mingle with each other. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of societies and improve relations whilst raising some money for RAG, and that’s exactly what we did!

There were five award categories: The Joker; The Quirky Award; Friendliest Drunk; Best Dance Move and Funniest Event. They were won by Dana Archer (Film), Tuesday Jones (Disney and Film), Ana Maria Iscru (Film Making and Worcester Worldwide), Leeza Hardy and Loco’s Lip Sync Battle took home the Golden Duck for Funniest Event.

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DEBATE SOCIETY

by Ivan Steblyuk

The University of Worcester has officially been represented at the House of Lords and recorded on a live broadcast. The Royal Commonwealth Society hosts a grand annual event with around 200 participants from across the world allowed to sit on the famous red benches.

They invited three people to attend from the University; Nikki R-W, Oliver Baker and myself. The topic of discussion was “What are the challenges for international relations in the 21st Century?”. The brief asked all participants to keep the twohour debate constructive, but it was definitely a heated topic. Each participant had 90 seconds to put an argument forward. Everyone had the opportunity to defend one of three positions: 1. The UK should aim to work closely with the Commonwealth, European countries, the EU and global partners to achieve common regional aims.

2. The UK should aim to be a global leader.

3. The UK should keep the affairs of other countries at a distance and focus on its own problems.

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The Chamber Event included an insider’s tour of Parliament. We were shown around the halls and given a condensed history lesson. The society had an opportunity to meet with The Rt Hon. Lord Fowler who chaired and introduced the event. We were then given a lunch in their historical dining room which was covered from floor to ceiling in paintings and tapestries. It was a feast fit for the Lords! All groups were then led into the main chamber for the fierce debate.

At five o’clock the first motion won with a decisive victory. It was an exciting day.

Oliver summarised “…that if you really apply yourself to something and do well, you never know where you might end up.”

LOCO SHOW CO GREASE

Last semester Loco Show Co., the Musical Theatre Society here at the University, successfully performed a December pantomime, ‘Winter Wonderland’. We journeyed with Alice and her little sister, Emilia through the weirdness of Wonderland with a lot of fake snow, light up trees, and fragile toadstools. Throughout our shows there were a lot of nerves and problem solving, but there was also a lot of excitement and celebration. After months of rehearsing, everyone was thrilled to show off to our audiences all the energy we had put in over the preceding weeks. We were happy to end the semester with a quirky Cheshire Cat and an absolutely Mad Hatter.

Now, after revelling in our wonderful Winter Wonderland, we are ready to begin rehearsing again with a musical.

This semester, Loco Show Co. are preparing to perform the musical many have seen and even more have sung along to - ‘Grease’!

It all kicked off with the auditions at the beginning of February. Since then we have been working hard four days a week and have already had a few full run-through’s of the show. Members have been learning lines, dances, and songs that will be familiar to anyone who has seen the musical before.

Although everyone has been putting in their time and effort to make this production happen, we have also managed to enjoy our hours spent in rehearsals. Now, all that is needed is to enjoy the last two months before we can delightedly open the doors for all to come and laugh with us. In December we created a bizarre world in the form of Wonderland and in May we will have created a different, but equally bizarre world with Grease. On May 26th and 27th, the drama studio doors will open to the world of Rydell High School.

by Charys Potter

Tickets here: https://www.worcsu.com/sports_activities/societies/LOCO/

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WORCESTER NEWS PLACEMENT

by Rhianna Levi

Hello, everyone! I have always been very passionate about volunteering and gaining work experience in a variety of areas. The latest volunteering adventure that I embarked on has involved gaining work experience with Worcester News. As I write this article, I am on my second day of my placement week, and it is honestly such an interesting place to be in!

I am a current BA Hons English Literature student, so as you can most likely gather, I love getting stuck into activities that involve reading and writing. In the short period of time that I’ve been there, I have learnt the skills needed to write a great newspaper article and have had countless opportunities to write for the newspaper. All the staff members have been so lovely and welcoming towards me, which always makes a great difference when you enter a new environment for the first time. Shadowing a reporter on outside office activities has also been something that I’ve found extremely informative and beneficial to my understanding of how reporters organise their time and search for stories. It’s not just about sitting in an office; being a reporter involved a large amount of walking outside too!

Another great experience that I get to participate in is a write up of a case study/article which will be published by Worcester News. As a mental health ambassador and the creator of the University’s new mental health society, I’m focusing my project on students’ mental health and why it is so important that students have access to a range of support tools during their time at University.

Volunteering is a great factor of University life, as you can build up your CV with new and developed skills, whilst meeting new people and seeing what careers you would like to consider after graduation. What I have found with a large amount of volunteering opportunities is that they are very flexible and you can do as much or as little time as possible. A bonus is that you can help others along the way and make strong friendships. If you are interested in doing some volunteering, contact the Students’ Union or the career service. They are always extremely helpful when looking for new opportunities to engage in.

If you want to learn more about volunteering through the Students’ Union, visit www.worcsu.com/volunteer.

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ELECTIONS 13 candidates, 2000 rubber ducks, 1844 voters and 3 new Sabbatical Officers. Our full time Officer Elections dominated the first two weeks of March and you came out and voted in your droves. Here’s what went down in these record breaking elections‌

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Every year, three students are elected to run, shape and change the Union as Full Time Officers. This year, 13 candidates stood for the positions of President, Vice President Education and Vice President Student Activities.

Candidates also ‘took over’ WSU social media channels and spent the remainder of their days tirelessly campaigning on campus and delivering lecture shout outs.

WSU provided real-time voting statistics throughout the election. Overall, a record number of 1844 students voted, with a total number of 5109 votes cast.

The voting period culminated with a “Rubber Ducky Results Night” where your next Full Time Officers were announced. Lucy ‘Don’t be Hesitant, vote Lucy for President’ Conn is your new President, Euan ‘T2’ Morrison is your new VPE, and Harrison ‘Put your vote on my vote now’ Jarrett is your new VPSA.

Voting opened on Tuesday 6th March.

Buzzing with activity, the voting period saw candidates and their campaign teams engage with students, encouraging everyone not to “duck out” of democracy.

Our two Question Time Events, which took place in The Hive and in The Hangar, provided an opportunity for students to ask candidates questions about their manifestos.

by Jodie Stilgoe Student Voice Assistant

LUCY CONN SU PRESIDENT

Hometown?

Worcester, however my birthplace was Rochester, Kent. My family and I moved to Worcester in 2014.

want, from great nights out to day-time events. Let’s create socialising spaces throughout the day and events which every student can get behind, ultimately to have some fun!

Hidden talent?

Singing power ballads and attempting to Promotion – Let’s celebrate ourselves as play guitar. students and our every success. From academic accomplishments to the Key points from your manifesto? events of our societies and the fixtures Engagement – All students deserve to be of our sports clubs, let’s boost our heard, so let’s make sure every student Worcester University community spirit! can easily engage with their Students’ Union. Students should know what the What you’re looking forward to most SU can do for them, to make their univer- about your year in office? sity experience amazing and put their Meeting students and hearing about input and thoughts into the forefront of their university experiences. I truly believe engagement with the SU can the work undertaken. transform your time at university and Entertainment – Fantastic memories are I’m looking forward to being in a made at university, the entertainment on position where we as a team can activeoffer needs to represent what students ly change things and make every voice matter.

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HARRISON JARRETT

VP STUDENT ACTIVITIES Hometown?

Birmingham

Increase social media coverage of BUCS fixtures and Societies throughout the calendar year promoting ‘TeamWorcTV’.

Hidden talent?

Does being an ex-celebrity on ‘Ibizaweek- Promote more recreational activities to ender’ count? engage a wider audience participation in sport.

Key points from your manifesto?

Increase student feedback and input What you’re looking forward to most through use of suggestion boxes and about your year in office?

Looking forward to implementing new drop-in sessions. positive changes in the SU, further Ensure all societies are able to work improving the profile of all Societies alongside the SU in order to raise their and Clubs AND creating a #TeamWorc profile and run charity events. wall for everyone to see.

EUAN MORRISON

VP EDUCATION

Improve our communication in a way that ensures the key messages get across at the right times.

Hometown?

Aberdeen Hidden talent?

I can drink six pints of milk in one go.

Key points from your manifesto?

Rolling out the new Academic Representation framework and implementing the agreed changes.

Improved recognition of the extra-curricular activities that students partake in and continue to push for a bigger careers fair that caters for a wider range of students.

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What you’re looking forward to most about your year in office?

I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the changes that we have been working on this year being implemented. I think some of these are the important early steps of our long term aims that will really benefit Worcester students so its exciting to be able to see that through. I've also really enjoyed representing you all this year so to have the opportunity to continue in the role is something I am very grateful for!

THANK YOU...

If someone had told me when I first arrived at the University of Worcester in 2013, that 3 years later I would be elected as the Students’ Union President, I wouldn't have believed them. I went to University to study BSc Psychology at the age of 18, being the only person in my family ever to have done so. I didn't know what to expect but I knew I wanted to make the most out of my experience. I joined the dance society in my first week, went to as many events as I could and thoroughly enjoyed colour co-ordinating my notes from lectures.

One place I really enjoyed visiting with my friends was the Students' Union. Quizzing and Karaoke are two of my favourite things so when we realised they were weekly events held in the SU, we were quite the regulars! I looked for as many ways to spend my time there as possible, whether that was through my society, volunteering or paid employment. I started working in the Union as a cleaner in my first year, followed by working behind the bar which was known then as 'The Pear Tree'. It was through all the time spent here that I began to understand how much the Union actually does to support and represent students. When I was in my final year, I opened an email saying I had received a recommendation to run for the position of President. It was because of this that I put myself completely out of my comfort zone and went for it! I ran against three other candidates and was successful in getting elected.

I started the role in June 2016, with a clear agenda on mental health, employability and city campus. However, you quickly learn there is so much more to the role than your manifesto aims and running campaigns for students. You become a trustee for the Union, a governor for the University as well as sitting on every University committee that has decision-making powers! You do get to realise though how much the University truly values the student voice. A few months into my term of office, I knew I had so much more I wanted to do, which led me to re-running for the role, in which I was successfully re-elected. I had the pleasure of working with two really great teams during my presidency. I have truly enjoyed every single minute of this experience and would really encourage anybody who wants to make a difference to go for it. The experience and skills I have gained from this role have really set me up for life and I will be leaving Worcester as a confident person with much higher expectations of myself and what I am capable of doing.

University is about so much more than your degree, if it wasn't for these two additional years I would not feel as fully prepared and ready for the 'real world' as I do now. It is so important to get involved and Worcester is a place that individuals really are able to make a difference. So put yourself out there and seize the opportunities! Thank you Worcester for an incredible 5 years.

Jade xx

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We all know how much sport is a part of student life here at the University of Worcester, and these next few pages demonstrate just that. From the success of our BUCS teams this season, to reaching cup finals, these are just a few examples of the ‘Worc Hard, Play Hard’ attitude here at Worcester Students’ Union.

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FENCING Only in its second year as a club, the University of Worcester Fencing team made it to the finals of the Midlands Conference Cup this season. This year, being the first year to put forward a team, meant there was little pressure on performance and instead more of a desire to find out how we would fair against six other universities within the competition.

After successfully making it through to the semi-finals by beating Nottingham Trent 130 v 116, a sudden realisation dawned: “We were through to the finals!”

On Wednesday 7th March our team gathered at the Arena to await the competitors - Lincoln University. With only three members in our team: Epeeist Maarja Konrad; Sabreist Alexandra Davis and myself trained as a Foilest, it was rather overwhelming to see Lincoln arrive with substantially more in their team.

However, we are fencers and we’d come to put up a fight.

The competition began with Foil. We did well at this stage, but we were not at our best and came into the second match of Sabre several points down. We started to claw back the points during Sabre, with Alex showing us all why she deserved her Bronze in the individual BUCS Sabre competition earlier in the year.

by Rachel Maltby @uow_fencing_club Rather weary from the nine bouts per match we went in to the final match, Epee. Here we managed to keep the points coming but with very strong opponents, the match was won by Lincoln with an overall score of 120 v 91.

Although not an overall win in the Cup, it certainly felt like a win to the girls on our team. There was a huge sense of pride that we had proved our club as able and hard-working and one that could come up with impressive results in matches. It’s all onwards and upwards as we move into next year, with the hope to produce a bigger team and compete in even more matches.

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NETBALL

One of the targets for the University of Worcester Netball Club 2017/18 season was to develop the provision of coaches for all five of the University of Worcester Netball teams. This was an important target for the netball committee, so that all players who joined the club had a positive experience of netball and the chance to improve their skills and understanding of the game.

We were able to sign up three fantastic new coaches for the season. Sarah Szabo looked after the 3rd and 4th teams. Previous UWNetball club member and graduate Jemma Showler looked after the 5th team. Current UWNetballer and master’s student, Thea Thompson has led the 2nd team and our Director of Netball, Louisa Walker has coached the 1st team. Here is a roundup of our new coaches experiences working with UWNetball teams this season:

Louisa Walker 1st Team Coach It has been a great year of development for the UWNetball 1st Team.

The addition of fresher and basketballer, Grace Brownell, Hucclecote player, Thea Thompson and the return of Hayley Rudd into the squad has really strengthened the team. This helped the 1st team win a record three matches in the Northern Premier BUCS League and the team spirit and ethos between all members has been much improved.

We have been fantastically supported as a performance team by Hannah Crowther and Marc Scriven and want to thank them for all they have contributed to the team. We now hope to take this teamwork into Varsity and Playoff matches and finish the season strong!

Thea Thompson 2nd Team Coach I have enjoyed taking the 2nd team for the second part of their season.

They are a hard working bunch, with most of them representing the 1st team at some point. They have not been in an easy league and faced some very strong competition from some very big universities. However, I have seen their attitudes change to become more positive and they have put out some really good performances. They should be proud of their progression this season.

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Jemma Showler 5th Team Coach Coaching the 5th team this year has been a very enjoyable experience. I have seen these girls grow from strength to strength on court as they have continued to learn new skills and gain valuable experience against some top teams in the Cup. The season has thankfully had many more ups than downs and the girls have come back after losses, training even harder for their next matches, with the willingness to succeed. We managed to get to the last eight in the cup and placed 3rd in our league. Overall, the girls and I have had a fun and exciting season!

Sarah Szabo 3rd and 4th Team Coach I have loved coaching the 3rd and 4th teams this year, and learned a lot at the same time! Being new to University coaching, I joined some pre-season sessions and was immediately impressed by the professional environment and strong club identity and ethos. The players have been extremely dedicated, not only challenging me as a coach, but also challenging each other. I have seen leadership skills and confidence develop, great team bonding through socials and away trips, and fantastic support across the five teams. It has been a pleasure to be a part of it! @uw_netball @UWNetball For more information on coaching or playing for UWNetball Club please contact l.walker@worc.ac.uk

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HANDBALL

This year the University of Worcester Handball Club introduced its first ever women’s team. The team is made up of a diverse group of ladies who began the year as a mixture of non-experienced and experienced handball players who have come together to represent the University in a range of competitive friendlies and competitions throughout the year.

In February they exceeded all expectations by coming 2nd in their University Championship regional group. This meant that they had qualified for the Cup stage the highest bracket in the competition.

They achieved this by beating local University teams such as Loughborough (2), Nottingham Trent and Birmingham (1).

On the 10th March they stepped up their game again when they travelled to Gillingham in search of the Cup. Here they faced tough opposition from Loughborough (1), Dundee, Leeds Beckett, Kent (1) and Bath

University. Throughout the day they continued to shock everyone who doubted them with some outstanding results such as their 8:7 win against Dundee. There were even some 1st time goal scorers for the club, such as Lucy Keeney who scored a top corner goal with a shot out of nowhere. Despite these courageous efforts, the Worcester ladies fell short of a semi-final place because of goal difference. However, they still hold their heads up high as they achieved much more than expected and are already beginning preparation for the 2018-2019 University Championship. They don’t want to just qualify for the Cup but instead bring it home to Worcester!

by Dave Gent

@universityofworcester handball @worcunihandball

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DANCE

by Liam Turner (Chair)

This year we attended the Go Hard or Go Home University Championships on the 17th March and came home with seven trophies in total! They were:

1st Contempora 1st Jazz 3rd Baet 3rd Tap 2nd Wildcard Best Team Spir Dancer of e day Megan Scrivens The team were a massive support to one another and came together to prove, once again, that we have become a stronger family this year than ever before. The club contains a wonderful range of talented individuals who have connected over our individual love for dance. I personally want to thank every committee member, captain and club member for their determination and persistence within the club to allow our family to grow as well as succeed. @uoworcester_saints @UoWdance

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LGBT HISTORY MONTH

by Jordanne Wozencroft

LGBT History Month helps us recognise the strides we have made as a community and as a society. When we look back just 10 years, same-sex marriage wasn’t an option for us, but it was finally legalised in 2014. This important month also gives us an opportunity to honour the ones that got us this far, and celebrate our diversity.

Part of my role as LGBT Officer is to represent LGBT+ students at our university and to make sure they feel included in the Students’ Union. I’m responsible for raising awareness of LGBT issues through campaigns and events and LGBT History Month was my main project this year. It definitely wouldn’t have been a success without the LGBT Society.

As a society, we organised numerous events throughout February. We hosted a panel discussion with the Debate Society, a chill and chat with Worcester Student Minds and a Lip Sync with Loco Show Co amongst other things. Each Thursday in the SU we had a table of activities and information on gender, sexuality and global LGBT issues. Finally, the society worked with the Hangar to create a rainbow cocktail to raise money for the Albert Kennedy Trust, who help homeless LGBT+ youth. Overall, it was a very engaging month that we hope students enjoyed.

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19th-23rd February marked Student Volunteering Week – a national movement which encourages students to get active and involved within the volunteering community. We held a number of activities throughout the week, including our Puppies Pat & Chat which went down an absolute treat with students and also managed to raise £436.44 for the Guide Dogs Association. Plans to hold another one during Assessment Week are already underway!

Head to worcsu.com/volunteering to view all our current volunteering opportunities or like our volunteering page on Facebook (@WSUVolunteering) for more regular updates.

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VOLUNTEERING WEEK

PUPPIES!

MATURE STUDENTS’

FOOD DRIVE

On 22nd March, Lou Le Page (Mature Students’ Officer) and Robyn Platt (Women’s Officer) held an extraordinarily successful Food and Feminine Hygiene Product Drive in the Hangar. Over 40 large bags of donations from University staff and students were delivered to the Worcester Food Bank, which makes this drive over four times more successful than the Christmas food drive!

The Worcester Food Bank supplies muchneeded items to local families and individuals living in poverty or who are homeless. Whilst food products are much-needed and regularly donated items, period hygiene products, such as pads, tampons, and cleansing wipes, are often overlooked. However, period poverty is extremely prevalent across the UK, and many living in poverty resort to using toilet paper, fabric scraps, or nothing at all. Lou and Robyn would like to thank everyone who donated for their generosity; you have all made a huge difference! If you missed the drive, you can still donate by delivering your items directly to the food bank at: 7 Lowesmoor Wharf Lowesmoor Worcester WR1 2RS

RAG RACE DAY

by Harry Lonsdale (RAG Chair)

The Race Day is a great event to finish off the University year in style, with an action packed day down at Worcester Racecourse. After the first ever Race Day last year, which attracted over 100 students and raised funds for charity, RAG (Raise and Give) wanted to organise the event again. The event is looking to grow year on year with the support of the Students’ Union. It is important to offer great opportunities

and experiences to students at the University of Worcester, making them engage with the community and have fun. Most importantly, though, this event provides the opportunity for RAG to raise over £300 through the event for their nominated Charity of the year ‘The Alzheimer’s Society’. Join us on Thursday 10th May for Worcester Race Day 2018! Tickets will be available via the Students’ Union soon.

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CELEBRATION WEEK Save the date! Celebration Week returns to the University of Worcester Arena this May. The Union Awards celebrate particularly dedicated and committed students, focussing on both individuals and groups from Societies, Volunteering and Academic Representation (StARs and Institute Reps). The Union Awards also celebrate outstanding staff as nominated in the Students' Choice

COMEDY

NIGHT

Live @ The Hangar returns this April. Join Joey Page, Matt Stellingwerf and the Noise Next Door for an evening of entertainment on Thursday 26th May. Tickets cost £5 and can be bought online at worcsu.com, or via the Students’ Union Welcome Desk.

Awards. Colours Ball also celebrates all the sporting achievements of both individual students and whole clubs from the past year.

Tickets are now on sale via the Reach account through the following links: www.worcester-reach.co.uk/product/ COLOURS www.worcester-reach.co.uk/product/ AWARDS www.worcester-reach.co.uk/product/ COLOURSAWARDS All full-time (Home and EU) students who pay tuition fees get £50 accredited to their account. Both Union Award and Colours Ball tickets are £25. If you don’t have any funds on your Reach account, you can purchase tickets from the Welcome Desk or at worcsu.com/ celebrationweek.

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E R B E A S A UC H T A E #R Te a m W o r c #

Worcester Students’ Union Henwick Grove St John’s Worcester, WR2 6AJ www.worcsu.com