WesternEye Issue 05

WesternEye Issue 005 pages 12—19

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B r i s t o l’ s b a c k b o n e

Bristol’s Backbone

Introduction Anna-May Richards features@westerneye.net

there's an army of people behind the inhibition-free parties, carnivals, sounds, market stalls, 24/7 shops and brothels. As well as all of the city’s iconic musicians and artists whose voices can be heard more readily, there are the other people, who are an essential part

of Bristol's culture – and they have more to contribute. Who are the people putting the Blackthorn in the pubs, protecting the streets, adjusting the music, and putting graffiti on Bristol’s walls? It's time to hear from the voices which keep this city ticking over and think about those who make it what it is. Those who have so much to say, but do not usually have the platform to do so. It's time to hear from Bristol's Backbone.

Makala and Baylea from Knowle West Media Centre humanity has created a new reality. An open-source world where information, education, and knowledge are available to everyone with access to a computer. Whilst it might seem reasonable to assume this is a small portion of the world's population - especially when one consider the ‘pity’ Westerners are regularly encouraged to engage with in regards to economically developing countries – initiatives like Hole-in-the-Wall are ever increasing the percentage of the world’s population which can learn from community driven sites like Wikipedia. You may not be able to reference it in your essay, but it's certainty a good starting point for a basic overview of a concept you may not have come across before.

A bit like asking your nan about the 60's: everyone has their own perspective, it is always subject to change and it is important to explore further understandings.

On the back of this digital future, education secretary Michael Gove has introduced mandatory lessons in coding for secondary schools.

Potentially this could provide the basis for the employment of a generation. Potentially it could alienate a mass of young people before they understand what empathy and consequence mean. Political education aside, digital technologies have the potential to open up a world of communication within communities, and develop creativity where before scarce resources could have restricted that capacity. Successful petitions by Avaaz.org and revolution-orientated event organisations in Egypt are evidence of this.

Most of us will associate data with mundane, boring processes, and creativity with interesting

thoughts and personalities, but data is essential to understanding and experiencing everyday life.

For example, Leonardo Da Vinci brought the two together with his Vitruvian Man. Bristol based arts charity, Knowle West Media Centre (kwmc), reconciles aesthetics and statistics with the Data Patchwork project. Playing on the paradoxes found in life 'when you fuse two things you wouldn't expect together' Makala Campbell and Baylea Hart detail the project that is now entering its second phase. kwmc often focuses the initial stages of any project in this southern area of the city; 'because of the way Bristol was built and grown, it's centre and where all its investment is tends to be in the North, its just a geographical thing, so obviously as Bristol's expanded,and it's grown out to the South- historically this neighbourhood was for slum clearance, so all that history and background of where the skills main investments have been, - aside from all the other assets found in the area - is why we're keen to stay where we are.

Then our successes, and whatever works well, can be replicated elsewhere; share the learning'. One of the endeavours Digital Projects Producer Makala Campbell is in the process of developing, with the assistance of her team of eight Junior Digital Producers, uses interactive tools to collect information about local preferences and lifestyle choices which can then be represented visually.

To resolve theoretical issues on a wider scale it is important to hone in on the nitty-gritty practical aspects. 'It started out as a city wide 'dash-board', and looked at

The living living room knowle west media centre

all the Council's priorities for all power to those being surveyed neighborhoods- so, health and asking 'is there anything missing – well-being; travel, it was about how do you want to word it?'

The digital world has repeatvery specific topics and what information could you share within edly proven that collaboration can those topics, so people knew what be key to success for individual and was happening in the city, as well group projects. The Junior Digital as more locally. We said- lets get a Producers at kwmc brought skills level deeper and see what are the in animation, coding, journalism issues in this community. So we and illustration to share with one spoke to groups that are already another and an open mind to learndoing regeneration, and other ing new ones. All are aged 18—24 things in the neighbourhood. and were recruited through the What we've done is led by what's Creative Employment Programme, happening in Knowle West's which supports young people into community right now. So it might their first job in the creative indushave looked very different if we'd try. On a wider scale, KWMC has 'collaborated with the University done it a year ago. ' Something we can all agree on of the West of England in an effort is the media's tendency to exas- to establish viable routes for young perate social tensions through people into the creative industry and sensationalism and misinterpreta- identify barriers to employment.'

The Data Patchwork projtion of facts. The Data Patchwork project is addressing this by shar- ect has three phases. First, the ing open data that is relevant to the development of questions for an community. For instance, crime interactive survey covering issues and security were identified as a including safety, shopping, health prominent concern for residents and lifestyle; second, the making of Knowle West, but by visualis- of interactive installation 'The ing local crime statistics, Data Living Living Room'; and thirdly, Patchwork will reveal the more the creation of accessible live data comforting reality of a drop in feeds and animations to visualize crime levels. 'It's all about talking the results of the survey.

The Living Living Room constito local people, finding out what the important issues are, finding tutes eight carefully constructed out what groups in the neighbour- cardboard furniture items includhood are already trying to achieve, ing a grandfather clock, bookcase, so we can look at what questions and window frame. Participants need to be asked to support their can respond to the survey queswork. There was a lot of frustra- tions by moving objects, like tion we were hearing from the choosing a book or interacting police and Neighbourhood Forum with the clocks minute hand. 'We where crime levels were decreasing wanted something that people but peoples perception was that would talk about, because it's a they were increasing'. The ques- survey that isn't SurveyMonkey, tion that exposes this fallacy is very I can’t imagine that someone pleasantly presented with a scale of would do a traditional survey and cats and dogs. The project returns go, “oh wow I've just answered

Western Eye 03.14 – Issue 05

this really interesting survey you must do it”, so the hope is that once we reach a certain amount of people with our own promotion, that other people will want share that information'. The online Information Station that Baylea and her colleagues develop will include animations to show the live data that is collected.

To pilot the concept of animated live data, kwmc's Digital Producers created a live weather widget pulling data from Yahoo. With information like this they can then develop software that suggests activities and events in Knowle West based not only on the date but also the weather forecast, so people are able to see where is good to go in that moment. 'The information station will be showing live data, the point is that the project won''t finish, it'll continually change'.

Makala sees Bristol as a city that is rich in creativity. She's been working at Knowle West Media Centre for 'years and I'm always learning, I find this creative environment is more flexible around enabling individuals to go on that journey. I think it's through learning and exploration that interesting things happen and that's why often some of our projects will be quite vague at the beginning, so we've got this rough idea, but its all about working with people in the community to figure out how that idea needs to be shaped.' She views Gove's plans with mixed feelings; 'it's good that they're teaching coding in schools now but at the same time, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses., I would hate to think that there are people out there who would struggle and be judged because of that. It should be something that you get a little taste of and then take it as an option, you know when you get to that position in senior school.

Having said that there are kids who can do it at like 8 or 9!'

These are the projects that stimulate creative and personal growth in Bristol. Completed in 2008, the building that houses KWMC's ethos of supporting ‘regeneration, education, and social action through the arts and technology’ reflects exactly that.

Ceiling to floor windows invite in light and visitors, the walls are built with straw bail panels, rainwater collects on the roof for use indoors and reactive lighting stops energy going to waste. The architects even used some aspects of the previous building in an effort to cushion any environmental impact. This organisation is progressive in it's social, environmental and economic attitude. © ‘The Living Living Room’ will be touring five areas in Knowle West from the 1st of March until the 14th. © More information can be found at kwmc.org.uk/ cardboardcreations & datapatchwork.co.uk

Western Eye 03.14 — Issue 05

mu s i c & e n t e r ta i n m e n t

Oscars 2014: Who Will Win?

everybody has nothing but nice things to say about her. She was the clear winner last year, but this year I think the award has to go to Lupita Nyong’o, how could it not? If ‘12 Years a Slave’ walk away with only one award, it has to be Nyong’o’s performance. It’s been one of the most haunting cinematic performances I’ve seen in an age, and if she doesn’t win I’ll be outraged.

S: Lawrence’s competition in this category is tough with Roberts and Hawkins, who were both incredible in ‘August: Osage County’ and ‘Blue Jasmine’ respectively. Hawkins particularly has proven herself to be successful in so many diverse roles and to such a high standard.

But, I think the dark horse goes to Lupita Nyong’o in ‘12 Years a Slave.’

A sensational and tortured performance, played with such strength, think. I thoroughly feel like ‘12 brutal drama and is in the best exceptional as Jasmine, a wonder- she deserves this win. Also, would Years a Slave’ should win, it’s position for the win considering fully flawed individual, and this the Oscar’s permit Lawrence to win two years in a row? been met with both fan and criti- it has exceptional performances, should be paid tribute to. cinematography, J: I’m inclined to agree with cal acclaim, but ‘Gravity’ has that directorship, typical Oscar winner feel about rather than just one or the other. Sophie on this one, not only is Best Animated Feature Film Blanchett the bookies’ favou- Nominees: ‘Frozen,’ ‘The Croods,’ it. It’s got big names, it’s got great rite to win, she’s also the one ‘Despicable Me 2,’ ‘Ernest and cinematography, it’s got an origi- Actor in a Leading Role nal, if not out there, plot. Should Nominees: Christian Bale who deserves it. The category is Celestine’ and ‘The Wind Rises.’ it win? Perhaps not, but it’s ‘American My favourite category.

Hustle,’ Chiwetel chock full with fantastic actresses, J: certainly a contender.

Ejiofor ‘12 Years a Slave’, Bruce including Miss Adams. Her lead- ‘Despicable Me 2’ was good, but Sophie: It’ll be between the big Dern ‘Nebraska’, Matthew ing role in ‘American Hustle’ has nowhere near as good as its predehitters which is a shame because McConaughey ‘Dallas Buyers generally been well received, cessor. The clear winner has to be a film like Her is so original in Club’ and Leonardo DiCaprio earning her place among the ‘Frozen,’ it’s been an Internet and nominees, but can she snag the box office hit. It deals with anxiety its concept. I feel ‘American ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’

Hustle’ may be too vague in its J: I know McConaughey is the golden statue from more deserv- in a way most animations don’t, it genre, that there is no particular rumoured favourite, but come ing hands? Probably not. Despite has a deliciously deceiving villain appeal to it generally. ‘12 Years on. The guy has wasted his entire being a close battle between and its characters are incredibly a Slave,’ a classic, moving and career on mediocre rom-coms for Blanchett and Adams, it’s clear relatable. Plus a few catchy tunes and a charming romance, how years and finally participated in who the winner will be. could you not love this film! a critically decent film, but does S: I didn’t rate ‘The Croods’ too he deserve an Oscar on his first Best Actor in a Supporting Role go? My opinion is no. I’m cast- Nominees: Barkhad Abdi much, so the winner is probably ing my vote towards Leonardo ‘Captain Phillips,’ Bradley Cooper going to be ‘Frozen’. It’s another DiCaprio, because aside from ‘American Hustle,’ Michael example of Disney mixing tradibeing a phenomenally talented Fassbender ‘12 Years a Slave,’ Jonah tional story lines, but with and popular actor, did you see Hill ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and original characters and a new outlook on it. I think it’s a straight how tightly he was holding that Jared Leto ‘Dallas Buyers Club.’

Golden Globe? The guy surely J: I’m going to say it’s a close call winner. Shame. ‘Despicable Me 2’ deserves this. between Jared Leto and Michael was also exceptional, though not S: McCoughaney does make a Fassbender. Who should win? as good as its predecessor. This complete transformation for Fassbender hands down, his may let it down. his role in ‘Dallas Buyers Club,’ performance (the whole film which is impressive considering really) was phenomenal. Who will Best Directing his cv of poor films. However, win? Probably Leto. It’s his first Nominees: David O. Russell I do have to assert my personal Academy Award nomination and ‘American Hustle,’ Alfonso belief that Chiwetel Ejiofor as wasn’t even nominated for the Cuarón ‘Gravity,’ Alexander Payne Solomon Northup in ‘12 Years a BAFTA, which in my book means ‘Nebraska,’ Steve McQueen ’12 Slave’ is the most worthy. It is he’s probably going to win.

Years a Slave’ and Martin Scorsese beautifully executed, and would S: I cannot be certain who will win; ‘The Wolf of Wall Street.’ boost morale for his fellow Fassbender, Hill, Cooper and S: This category is probably the Brits. It’s unlikely Dern or Bale Leto all deliver fantastic perfor- most competitive of all at this will have a look-in despite their mances and the newcomer of the year’s Academy Awards. It could go impressive performances. group, Barkhad Abdi in ‘Captain to any of the big five but Cuarón is Phillips’ was terrific. However, looking like the one poised to win, Actress in a Leading Role would the Oscar’s really give him although McQueen could easily Nominees: Amy Adams ‘American the award first time around? I take him by surprise and win, as Hustle,’ Judi Dench ‘Philomena,’ hope so, though Leto was very could Russell… I can’t call it.

Cate Blanchett ‘Blue Jasmine,’ convincing in his ‘Dallas Buyers J: It has to be Cuarón doesn’t Sandra Bullock ‘Gravity’ and Meryl Club’ role… this should be an it, if there’s one thing all critinteresting one. ics have agreed on it was his Streep ‘August: Osage County.’ outstanding directorial perforS: Blanchett as the titular charmance with ‘Gravity.’ Yes, the acter in Woody Allen’s rebirth Best Actress in a Supporting Role ‘Blue Jasmine’ is a dead cert for Nominees: Sally Hawkins ‘Blue category is a strong one with big the win this year, hands down. Jasmine,’ Jennifer Lawrence names, but none of them hold a You do have to feel for Adams, ‘American Hustle,’ Lupita Nyong’o candle to Cuarón surely? being nominated five times and ’12 Years a Slave,’ Julia Roberts © If you disagree with any winning nothing, but unfortu- ‘August: Osage County’ and June of our predictions, or have nately, she is just defeated by Squibb ‘Nebraska.’ ideas about the other categobetter competition. With Streep, J: I have to confess myself as a little ries let us know by tweeting Bullock and Dame Judi Dench bit in love with Jennifer Lawrence, @WesternEyeMusic. all in the running, Adams will over the past 3 years she has quickly © music@westerneye.net be highly unlikely. Blanchett was become an internet sensation and

Get your glad rags on, the red carpet awaits!

Jayde smyth & sophie seddon music@westerneye.net

the awards season is coming to a close and everyone’s eyes turn to the season’s biggest party: The 86th Academy Awards. Western Eye editors Jayde Smyth and Sophie Seddon predict this year’s winners.

Best Picture

Nominees: ‘American Hustle’, ‘Nebraska’, ‘Captain Phillips’, ‘Philomena’, ‘Dallas Buyers Club’, ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Gravity’, ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ and ‘Her.’ Jayde: The biggest category and the most difficult to choose I

Oscar travis kaya

13

14

Battle of the Bands Returns Musical uwe students battle it out as the competition is back for another year, but what is it exactly? alicia wensley

music@westerneye.net

instruments will be tuned and vocals warmed up all over the University of the West of England as Battle of the Bands returns for another year.

Contestants will be performing and competing against each other to get first place in the competition that spans from the heats in February, through to the final on April 4. The competitions will close at Frenchay Campus, with heats also taking place at Glenside, St Matthias and Bower Ashton.

Battle of the Bands, organised by uwe Live Music Society and uwe Students’ Union has been successfully running for six years.

Ali Maxwell, Live Music Society’s Treasurer and main organiser for this year’s event says: ‘‘We’re showcasing the best of uwe’s extensive musical talent.’’

He adds: ‘‘I’m looking forward to seeing the mixture of talent that uwe’s got to show – the best

Western Eye 03.14 – Issue 05

mu s i c & e n t e r ta i n m e n t

of the talent the student body from all campuses has to offer.’’

It kicked off at Frenchay Campus on February 18 at 7pm in Red Bar. Four acts were trying to win over the three judges and the audience.

The St Matt’s heat took place only a couple of days later at the Students’ Union bar at 8pm on February 20.

It will be the last time Battle of the Bands will visit St Matt’s due to the upcoming campus closure.

In all heats, each act will perform a 20 minute set followed by a short break. Judges and audience alike will have the time to decide and vote on their favourite.

After the voting is done, judges will offer their comments and reveal their decision. Following this the audience vote will be announced.

Ali Maxwell explains: ‘‘The judges are popular and familiar faces from each campus.’’

In the heats, the three judges have 25% of the vote each while the audience has the remaining 25%. Glenside’s visit from Battle of the Bands took place on February

25. Four bands, which Ali Maxwell describes as ‘an eclectic mix’, will play for their space in the Final. The winner of each heat automatically goes through to the grand finale.

The ‘singer/songwriter’ acoustic heat on February 27 is the last in the competition was hosted at the Bower Ashton campus from 4.30pm in the Students’ Union bar.

While each heat’s winner gets a place in the final, it is not the end of the road for other contestants. Acts that placed second will get another chance as they can compete in the Elimination round on March 14. The Elimination round will be part of what looks set to be a memorable day for uwe students, as the round begins after the uwesu Election results are revealed. The winner of the elimination round will secure a place in the Final.

In last year’s Final, Diamond Junkies were crowned the 2013 winners, with bands The Rupees and Crinkle Cuts close runnersup.

Tom Renhard, current

Vice-President Community and Welfare, organised Battle of the Bands last year when he was Live Music Society’s Vice President.

Talking of last year’s competition he says: ‘‘The judges were that torn we ended up putting two acts from the Elimination heat through to the final for a jampacked six act final! ‘‘It was an amazing experience and the calibre of the acts was really good, with really well attended heats and everyone having a good time.’’

He adds: ‘‘All I am expecting this year is for some good quality acts performing and for everyone attending to have a good time. ‘‘As the former Vice President of the Live Music Society, I understand how much work is required to get this event to run well and I know this year’s Live Music Society Committee have worked really hard to make this event happen, so I can only picture good things coming from it.

‘‘I’ll be looking forward to seeing what the offering this year is and I can’t wait to compere some of the heats!’’

This year’s Final is on April 4 and starts at 8pm on the Frenchay Campus, and coincides with Last Orders at the Escape and Red Students’ Union bars. There will be cash prizes for the winner and second place, and other prizes are to be revealed. Four judges, who are made up of Students’ Union Presidents and special guests from the local music industry, along with the audience will decide the winner of Battle of the Bands 2014.

Coverage of the competition will be available on uwe’s Hub Radio, Hub Xtra and Western Eye Online.

Ali Maxwell says: ‘‘Following the success and excitement of last year, uwe’s Battle of the Bands competition is back with the coveted first prize to be hotly contested again.’’

UWE live music society daniel minty

12 Years a Slave review McQueen delivers both a shocking and powerful portrayal of slavery that will stand the test of time Tom Whitton

music@westerneye.net

once a common and accepted method of acquiring cheap labour, the concept of slavery is now looked back on with shame and regret. The atrocities associated with the kidnapping of free individuals and loss of identity have left a mark on Western civilisation that can never be erased and bringing such a sensitive topic to cinema requires a great deal of attention and respect. In his most recent directorial role Steve McQueen reminds viewers what humanity is capable of in this powerful portrayal of life as a slave.

Based on 19th century memoirs of the same name, the story follows Solomon Northup’s transition from life as a well respected carpenter to his loss of freedom as a Southern labourer.

After two weeks travelling as a musician Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) finds himself kidnapped by the men he had journeyed with.

Waking up in chains, he realises the hardships ahead of him as he loses his name and identity.

Sold as ‘Platt,’ Northup is bought by plantation owner William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch); a sympathetic slave owner who recognises their humanity.

After problems arise Northup is transferred and becomes property of Edward Epps (Michael Fassbender); a psychotic ‘slave breaker’ with uncontrollable rage.

This is where Northup spends the majority of his slave years and once relationships are established a more authentic understanding of slavery becomes apparent as Northup begins to accept this new role forced upon him.

We witness the numerous

tribulations faced by slaves as they are confronted by prejudice in many forms. The relationship between slave and owner emphasises the dominance held by the southern white slavers that do with their property as they please.

Religion is a dominant theme throughout the film used to unify the slaves but also criticised as a tool to justify slavery at the time.

The differentiation of the two sides is staggering as a culture clash emerges always ending with the same victor. The exposure of day to day life on a plantation provides an extended emotional weighting as we begin to realise just how long people were subjected to this inhumane treatment.

The cinematography implemented by McQueen is utilised to create the sense of alienation and anxiety felt by the slaves taken from their homes. In one

particular scene Northup is left strung to a tree with only the length of his toes saving him from suffocation. We watch a number of slaves continue their work around him during this lengthy scene but they are unable to interfere fearing punishment.

It’s moments like these that drive home the indignity of this existence. The film is unable to hold back when presenting us with the horrors slaves were forced to contend with because its true impact would never be realised.

This authenticity is preserved due to the sets and scenery that is undeniably Louisiana. The songs sung by slaves conjure sadness but also hope as we see them unify as one. This sense of togetherness offers a brief moment of respite in a film shrouded by isolation and abuse.

The heart-rending rendition of ‘Roll Jordon Roll’ conjures emotions Northup had never felt as he recognises the importance of his cultural background and finds himself. Hanz Zimmer’s exceptional score must also be

credited for evoking the correct responses during the moments where words won’t suffice.

Ejiofor’s performance is sensational and authentic, conveying the intensity of a life altering event. His facial expressions become central to conveying contrasting emotions that tell a story in itself; the subtle actions of a man suppressing anger speaks volumes. Fassbender’s performance as hard-hitting Edward Epps compliments Ejiofor as their characters’ conflicts bring out each other’s strengths. Cumberbatch’s brief but convincing performance as the well respected slave owner William Ford is fantastic.

Simply put this film is a must see, not only for its immense quality as a cinematic production but also for the story and history it portrays. With a run time of over 2 ½ hours the film is able to take you to a world left behind and is an experience that will remain with you long after the end credits have rolled.

UWE

Motto: Light Liberty Learning Established: 1992 – University Status, 1970 – Bristol Polytechnic Students: 29,760 Colours: White, red and black Website: uwe.ac.uk

about

BRISTOL

Each year over a thousand students from the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England go head to head over a series of sporting events, organised by the Students’ Unions of both Universities. Our aim is to enable students to compete in their chosen sport against their closest

rivals whilst promoting both universities extracurricular activities on offer to the city of Bristol, in the name of fun, rivalry and friendship whilst fundraising money for local charity. In the last two years the event has raised nearly £20,000 for local charities & each Union.

Motto: Vim promovet insitam “[Learning] promotes one’s innate power” Established: 1876 Students: 18,770 Colours: Bristol Reds Website: bristol.ac.uk

history

The series dates back to 1995 when the University of Bristol first challenged the University of the West of England to a boat race in the Bristol Docks. One member of the crowd lining the dockside that day was Billy Cotton, he was so impressed he approached the two Students’ Unions about staging a Rugby Union fixture for Oxfam. A year later saw the inaugural Varsity Rugby Match at the Memorial Stadium. Reputedly in 1997 saw the inaugural Football Varsity, this event has had a number of homes including Ashton Gate and more recently the Memorial Stadium. Varsity Day was born on 26th March 2003 as the brain child of Lucy Walker [ubu au Chair] and a member of uwesu staff and hosted in its entirety at Coombe Dingle, the old sports hall, uwe’s St.Matts gym, ubu pool, various

meeting rooms and both Role Playing societies hunkered down at a city centre Laser Quest!?

This was the first time so many participants from each University had the unique opportunity to compete against one another on the same day, with 19 sports and societies competing. In the same year came the University of the West of England found the first series sponsor in the name of Bristol & West. The Series thanks in main to the University of Bristol secured Lloyds tsb as the Varsity Series Sponsors between 2004-2006 inclusive.

The event then went without a title sponsor for 6 years until 2012 when Ernst & Young sponsored the event. During this time, the event developed to include American Football and Ice Hockey, impressive; but more

so when you know that for 364 days a year athletes representing their respective Universities are part of the same team in joint clubs hosted within uwesu.

Bristol Bullets American Football Club ceased to exist in 2006 and uwe Bullets and Bristol Barracuda were born. Bristol Lions Ice Hockey Club sadly came to an end when Bristol’s only Ice Rink closed in 2012. Two decades after its inception the Varsity Series, has its own website; spans over six months, includes over 1.500 athletes in over 80 teams participating in over 20 sports from both institutions. It is without question one of the biggest multi-sporting events in the South West. A sellout Fight Night in ubu’s Anson Rooms; an new event introduced to the Varsity calendar in 2012.

tHe Varsity cHarities Charity is at the very heart of the series, last year the Varsity series successfully raised £9,000 for Inspirational Friends, whereby two uwe students competed in the 2013 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge to raise money for Myton Hospice and Jo’s

Cervical Cancer Trust in aid of their friend who was also a uwe boat club member – Eleanor Ellis, who sadly lost her battle with cervical cancer in May 2012.

The two charities selected for this year’s Varsity Series are Creative Youth Network

including those who are financially deprived or have experienced abuse, and those who live with a disability. We get them involved, thinking, doing, creating… discovering their potential.

We aim high: we work with world class artists and high quality youth workers to inspire, challenge, encourage and support.

The arts on offer include

dancing, graffiti, circus skills, DJing, animation, film making, drama, photography, sculpture, live music sessions and more.

Creative Youth Network is about making friends, speaking up, joining in, taking the lead, realising your talent and finding your voice. Discovering yourself through a creative process.

UWE’S CHARITY

uwe's chosen charity for the Varsity Series this year is the Creative Youth Network.

The Creative Youth Network's mission is to inspire every young person to do more than they ever thought possible.

We encourage young people to challenge the barriers they face by engaging with the arts. Young people from all backgrounds,

who encourage young people to challenge the barriers they face by engaging with the arts and Off The Record, a Bristol based charity who focus on the mental health and well-being of children and young people aged between 11—25.

BRISTOL’S CHARITY

Bristol’s chosen charity for the Varsity Series this year is the Off the Record charity.

Off the record are a registered charity and company working across Bristol and the surrounding area. Off the record’s concern and work is focused on mental health and the emotional wellbeing of children and young people aged 11—25.

Off the Record, think about mental health in a similar way to physical health. Mental health is about how we feel, think and behave.

We offer a range of therapeutic services, training, research and consultancy, as well as participatory campaigns alongside local young people.

uwe

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Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Indoor Tennis Centre

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Grass

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Grass

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Grass

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Grass

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Grass

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Grass

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Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 2

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 2

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 2

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 1

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 1

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 1

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Astro 1

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

University of Bristol Centre for Sport

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Varsity Day timetaBle anD scoresHeet uob

wins:

1st

2nd

2nd

1st

1st

1st

5th

4th

3rd

2nd

1st

1st

1st

2nd

1st

Mixed

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

1st

1st

1st

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Tennis Men

Tennis Women

Tennis Men

Football Women

Volleyball Women

Volleyball Men

Netball

Netball

Netball

Netball

Netball

Cricket Women

Cricket Men

Futsal Men

Futsal Men

Trampoline

Squash Men

Squash Men

Squash Men

Squash Men

Squash Women

Waterpolo Men

Waterpolo Women

Swimming Gala

Wargames/Trading Cards

Poker

Pole Fitness

Bar School/Cocktail Society

Chess

Scrabble

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

Mixed

1st

1st

1st

4th

3rd

2nd

1st

Mixed

1st

2nd

1st

1st

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

1st

1st

1st

2nd

2nd

1st

pm

pm

eve

pm

eve

pm

18:00:00

to

12:00:00

available

Courts

16:00:00

14:30:00

13:00:00

11:30:00

10:00:00

17:00:00

15:45:00

14:30:00

13:15:00

12:00:00

11:00:00

10:00:00

18:00:00

12:00:00

12:00:00

12:00:00

uob:

Total: uwe:

UWESU Sports & Activities (4th Floor F Block, UWE Frenchay)

UWESU Sports & Activities (4th Floor F Block, UWE Frenchay)

UWESU RED Bar

UWESU RED Bar

UWESU RED Bar

UWESU RED Bar

UBU Swimming Pool

UBU Swimming Pool

UBU Swimming Pool

Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

Redland Lawn Tennis & Squash Club

Centre for Sport, uwe Frenchay Campus – Court Two

Centre for Sport, uwe Frenchay Campus – Court Two

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court Two

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court Two

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court Two

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

Centre for Sport, UWE Frenchay Campus – Court One

SGS (Filton wise)

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Indoor Tennis Centre

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Indoor Tennis Centre

Coombe Dingle Sports Complex – Indoor Tennis Centre

Varsity Riding 2014

Varsity Rugby

21st March / Summerhouse Equestrian Centre / FREE

31st March / Memorial Stadium / £5

uwe Riding and uob Riding Club Present The Very First Riding Varsity!

The event comprises of both Dressage and Show Jumping, with 6 teams competing it is sure to very exciting!

Dressage requires the most detailed partnership between horse and rider. Riders have seven minutes to build this

In the 6 years that Varsity Rugby match was co-ordinated by Oxfam from its inception in 1996, the event raised over £50,000 and for the first 10 years of its life the event was co-ordinated and held in February. In 2003 the event was co-ordinated in its entirety by both Students’ Unions for the first time with one of the largest Varsity attendances to date with over 3,500 spectators from both universities and the local community. The event has always been held at the Memorial Stadium with the exception of 1 year where it was held at Clifton rfc in 2001, and the one year that the event was postponed due to

partnership before performing a dressage routine. This is judged on the accuracy, effectiveness of aids and the harmony between horse and rider.

Show Jumping is where attention to detail is shown at its ultimate. Riders must tackle a course of jumps, where one small hiccup could make the difference between winning and losing.

inclement weather.

Bristol over the past few years have full control of the event but uwe Rugby is stronger than it has been and are eager to show what they can do on the pitch. Rugby is at the heart of the Varsity Series and always attracts crowds.

Support your University and Rugby Club as the teams go all out to win the Varsity Trophy (as well as bragging rights for the year).

The match promises to be a great spectacle so make sure you’re there to watch the most attended Varsity match of the series and raise money for this years chosen charities - Creative Youth Network and Off The Record.

Canoe Polo Varsity 3rd May / Harbourside / FREE

Head down to Bristol Harbourside and watch Canoe Polo Varsity!

Canoe Polo (called Kayak Polo in some countries) is a competitive ball sport played on water, between two teams of five players, each in a kayak. The object of the game is to get the ball into the opponent’s goal, the team scoring the most goals in a set time being the winner.

riding uwe students union

Varsity Climbing

Varsity Windsurf

22nd March / The Climbing

29th March / Bowmoor Sailing

Academy / FREE

Club / FREE

The first ever official uwe v uob varsity climbing competition, hosted by The Climbing Academy, Bristol, is here!

Starting at 18:30 Saturday 22nd March, competitors will have to be warmed up, chalked up and ready to climb by 7pm, where they will have 2 hours to attempt 20 different problems graded from 3 to 7b/c (or in other words, pretty simple to pretty damn difficult!)

With only a single attempt at each problem, each team will have to call upon all their strength, balance and cunning to really prove who can pull the hardest!

The event will feature an Individual Championship and Team Championship and the Varsity winner and score will be decided on the Team Championship competition.

Brace yourselves, the first ever Windsurf event in the varsity series history is here!

The event hosted by both UWE and Bristol universities, sees an army of students will take to the waters in a nail biting competition. The day will comprise of a number of heats in each division which include Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, Team races and the much anticipated Alumni races.

Following a brief ‘free sail’ and last chance to polish their skills, competitors will head for the start line for a gruelling race course testing them to their sporting limits! Music will be ensuring a great atmosphere, and race commentary throughout the day, spectators welcome.

Varsity Team Bios

Polo Varsity 10th May / Beaufort Polo Club /£5

rugby uwe students union

Advance Tickets

Varsity Boat Race 26th April / Harbourside / FREE

On Saturday 26th April 2014 Bristol’s floating harbour will once again play host to the annual Varsity Boat Race that pits the University of Bristol against neighbours the University of the West of England. Inaugurated in 1995, the event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, a milestone that promises the biggest and best event yet. The Boat Race is the oldest and most prestigious of the flagship events

of the two universities’ Varsity Series that runs from February and culminates in early May. Raced from Hotwells to the heart of the city, the 1450 metre sprint is always a thrilling showcase of side-by-side boat racing at its best. With a series of races throughout the day, the University of Bristol Boat Club will be trying to wrest the Varsity Challenge Cup from the hands of the current holders, the University of the West of England.

One of the most prestigious events in the Varsity Calendar, Polo is an event not to miss. Rich in History, Polo is the oldest ball sport in the world dating back to 600BC. The event will be filled with action as the players hunt down the ball to score in their goal using a slender mallet. The polo player job is to stay focused, keep at a gallop, carry or pass the ball to a team mate and hopefully score!

Even if you are not a horse lover, Polo is sure to provide plenty of thrills and spills.

polo uwe students union

Varsity Gliding 14th & 15th June / Cotswold Gliding Club / Bristol & Gloucestershire Gliding Club / £TBC

boat race uwe students union

Varsity Fight Night 29th April / Anson Rooms / £10 Adv.

Showcasing new events from Fencing, Tae Kwon-Do, Jitsu, Kickboxing and Muay Thai.

With five trophies to fight for this adrenaline fuelled event hosted by the Anson Rooms shouldn’t be missed.

fight night uwe students union

The events will be held over two days, with Day One being held at uwe’s training ground, Cotswold Gliding Club, and the second day at UoB’s training site, the Bristol and Glocestershire Gliding Club, on Sunday 15th June. We are currently waiting for Bristol Uni to confirm that they can host 15th June.

There will be two simultaneous competitions in order to encourage participation and cater for all levels. These two competitions will be called progression and soaring (flight duration).

Western Eye 03.14 — Issue 05

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