Exeposé Welcome Issue 2011 by Exeposé

Inside: Official Events Guide 2011

Your complete guide to what’s going on during Welcome Week; including amended Sport times

Exeposé

Events Guide Pull-Out pages 15-18

Welcome Week 2011 • Issue 582 • www.exepose.com • Twitter: @Exepose

Photo: Henry White

Free

Forum Project delayed

Hannah Brewer Senior Reporter

THE completion of the Forum Project has been delayed until the spring of 2012. The £48 million investment was initially expected to be completed by December this year, and the principal reason for this unexpected delay is the complexity of the unique roof structure.

“The main contractors are confident they will be able to complete the Forum Project to this revised schedule ” Duncan Sandes, Communications Officer

Closing time for Lukes The halls of residence on St Luke’s campus have been closed temporarily due to lack of demand for catered accommodation

Hannah Sweet News Editor

THE catered halls of residence on St Luke’s campus have been closed temporarily due to lack of demand. There were just 40 applications for the 190 catered rooms this year; with the majority of students studying at St Luke’s choosing to stay in ensuite self -catered accommodation. Those students affected by the closures will be offered a choice of alternative accommodation for the year based on their preferences and finances. Jilly Court, Deputy Director of

Campus Services, said the decision was made “with great regret”. She continued: “We are aware that the needs of our students changes on a yearly basis and this year we have seen a preference in self-catered accommodation. The decision to close the catered hall will be reviewed for next year.” The University is arranging for those staff employed within the residences, kitchen and catering teams at St Luke’s to take alternative positions within the University where possible. James Fox, VP Participation and Campuses, commented: “It is very

disappointing that the University has decided to close South Cloisters and College House as these halls provided a real sense of community on St Luke’s. With no students living directly on the campus then it is likely that part of what made St Luke’s so special will be lost.” Sam Grace, St Luke’s Forum Officer, told Exeposé: “Initially I was devastated by the news – as the Guild was not consulted prior to the decision; the thought that there would be no first year presence on campus this year was incomprehensible.” He continued: “However after the shock wore off, I was inspired by the

spirited defiance by Lukies past and present to not allow this decision by the University to undermine what it is to be a Lukie.” Grace went on to focus on the positive outcomes of the situation, saying: “Hopefully, this will allow self-catered halls such as Rowancroft and James Owen Court to be fully integrated with St Luke’s and no longer over looked.” Fox added: “The Guild is working hard to try and mitigate against the negative effects that these closures may have.” He encourages any students affected by the closure or with strong feelings about the issue to contact him.

The on-going construction work has already delivered a number of new facilities, with more scheduled to be open for campus users by January 2012. Those already completed include the new University reception and Great Hall Piazza, three refurbished floors of the main library, new student radio facilities, new main kitchen and support facilities in Devonshire House, the Research Commons in the Old Library, and new Biosciences greenhouses, among others. Yet student dissatisfaction has been evident throughout the building and refurbishment process. Jemma Holloway, a third year Physics student, said: “Most of the students that have had their study, travel and general convenience disrupted will have left before the refurbishment really takes effect.” Duncan Sandes spoke on behalf of the Forum Project Team when he said: Continued on page 2

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Comment

P 6-7

Lifestyle

P 12-13

Exeposé’s Comment and Lifestyle writers share their own experiences of Welcome Week, and offer guidance on how to have a great first week in Exeter

Music

P 20 Music interview songstress Lucy Rose about her new single and her experiences touring with Bombay Bicycle Club

Screen P 23

Screen writers recap and review nine of the most popular films out over Summer

Editors Ellie Busby & Henry White editors@exepose.com

Deputy Editors Rosie Scudder & Ellie Bothwell depeds@exepose.com

News Editors Joe Johnston & Hannah Sweet news@exepose.com

Features Editors Clare Mullins & Sam Lambert features@exepose.com

Lifestyle Editors Cyan Turan & Zoe Dickens lifestyle@exepose.com

Music Editors Andy Smith & Amy Weller music@exepose.com

Books Editors Tom Payne & Esmeralda Castrillo books@exepose.com

Screen Editors Tori Brazier & Luke Graham screen@exepose.com

Arts Editors Zoe Bulaitis & Laura Stevens arts@exepose.com

Video Games Editors Jess Leung & Alex Hawksworth-Brookes games@exepose.com

Sports Editors Rachel Bayne & Andy Williams sport@exepose.com

Photography Hannah Walker photography@exepose.com

Advertising Stuart Smith S.C.G.Smith@exeter.ac.uk (01392) 722432 The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher. Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.

WELCOME Week 2011

News

Exeposé

Aaron Porter fights for students

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Joe Johnston & Hannah Sweet - news@exepose.com

Student sentenced for attempted robbery with plastic gun Alex Wynick

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER student Rimas Julius Taminskas has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for attempting to rob the Pack Horse Stores on St David’s Hill with a fake gun. Taminskas, 20, was struggling to pay off his debts of about £1,600 that had mounted after he lost his job at McDonalds. The Economics and Politics student bought the replica gun online, spray painted it black and tried to take money from the family-owned store whilst wearing a hat, gloves and sunglasses on the evening of 3 June. The owner’s wife, Teri Frier, ensured Taminskas left empty handed by hitting him over the head with a tin of spaghetti. Taminskas, who was acting alone, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possessing an imitation firearm and was sentenced by Exeter Crown Court on 30 June. Frier described the incident as: “A cruel and calculated act of a coward. He was a talented and privileged indi-

vidual, it’s not like he didn’t have options, what made him turn to crime?”

“He was a talented and privileged individual, it’s not like he didn’t have options”

Teri Frier, store owner’s wife She continued: “I no longer feel safe in my shop; small businesses are on the front line at risk of crime. I will never hire a young person again; I don’t want any more young employees put through that. “Personally I feel that, whilst three years was a reasonable sentence, he’s unlikely to actually spend more than 12 months in prison. He shouldn’t be offered the luxury of studying in the UK again.” Elliot Chick, a third year Physics student, said: “Honestly I find it a bit depressing that someone our age and in the same situation as us thought he had to resort to robbery. But he has to live with his decision and face the consequences.”

‘Green Flag’ award despite building works Continued from page 1 “We believe that the current Capital Development Programme, and projects such as the Forum, will strengthen Exeter’s reputation in the long-term. However we realise the building work can be challenging at times and wish to thank you for your patience. “We also recognise that students, in their final year especially, will be disappointed not to be able to enjoy the full benefits of the fully-open Forum for term two. “The University is assured by Sir Robert McAlpine (the main contractors) that they are confident they will be able to complete the Forum Project to this revised schedule.” Despite the construction work on campus, this August Exeter became one of only four UK universities to be

Photo: Hannah Walker

awarded a Green Flag, ranking it among the best parks and green spaces in the country.

“We are very proud to receive this external recognition of the quality of our grounds”

Iain Park, Director of Grounds Iain Park, University of Exeter Director of Grounds, said: “We are very proud to receive this external recognition of the quality of our grounds. The Streatham Campus is an asset to the city of Exeter, and is valued by local people as well our students and staff. The award reflects the hard work that our dedicated staff put in to maintaining the University grounds to the highest standard.”

Two inmates attempted to break out of Exeter Prison with a Hollywood-inspired plan

Shawshank-style escape from Exeter Stuart Still

PRISON staff at Exeter Prison have thwarted a Shawshank-style escape plot by two inmates. The attempted escapees, who used papier-mâché bricks to disguise their Hollywood-inspired plan, had their bid exposed after a routine patrol discovered brick dust on the outside of the building. The category B jail houses prisoners who do not need the highest conditions of security but for whom escape must be made very difficult. The unidentified prisoners had nearly reached daylight through the 50 inch thick prison walls before they

were discovered. It is thought that they had made their own tools to dig the hole. The prisoners have since been moved to two separate prisons, with all cells in Exeter Prison having been checked over for similar escape bids. Nicola Watts, a second year English and Film student, commented: “Being an aficionado of the 1994 Shawshank Redemption, I was both amused and interested by this story. Yet the reality of the potential danger of these escapees on Exeter means that their exposure comes with a slight sense of relief.” The prisoners, who would have still had a 20 foot wall topped with razor wire to overcome, have since been charged with attempting to escape lawful custody.

Exeposé WELCOME Week

News

Universityclimbs tables Point Exe cuts costs to attract students Lucy Cryle THE University of Exeter has regained its status as a top ten university in both The Sunday Times University Guide and The Times Higher Education’s annual UK university league table, known as the ‘table of tables’. In The Sunday Times’ guide Exeter has climbed eight places from 17th to 9th, while in The Times Higher Education’s table Exeter is now ranked tenth of 116 institutions, which places it in the top one per cent of universities worldwide. The Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ combines the rankings published by The Guardian, The Times Good University Guide and The Complete University Guide to provide an overall league position for higher education institutions in the UK. Exeter rose in each of the three rankings in order to reach its current position. This year Exeter has also been named runner-up in The Sunday Times ‘University of the Year Award’. The University has been shortlisted for this award four times now – more than any

other university. David Allen, The University of Exeter Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive, thanked staff and students for their work in helping the university achieve

“It is extremely pleasing to see our reputation keeping pace with our growth” David Allen, Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive

its top ten status. He said: “[As] we expand our world-class research by recruiting new teaching staff and academics, it is extremely pleasing to see our reputation keeping pace with our growth.” A third year History student commented: “Hopefully becoming a top ten university will improve job prospects for Exeter students - and give me the edge over other applicants for graduate jobs!”

Photo: Hannah Walker

Simon Dewhurst EXETER students are being offered a £30 saving on weekly rent if they choose to stay in Point Exe. The initiative set up by Spectrum Housing Group applies to those taking a tenancy for an ensuite cluster bedroom in a shared flat. The rent charged previously was £123.20 a week, but this has been decreased to just £90. This follows recent news that Exeter is the second most expensive university for student rents. The scheme is designed to reduce pressure on private properties and reward students at a time when they may be struggling to afford accommodation. Prior to this offer, Spectrum Housing Group were running a cashback scheme, offering students £1000 to put towards anything they choose. However, this new scheme results in an even greater saving of nearly £1500 over the course of a year. Both offers are available to students who had already booked into Point Exe before they were introduced. Since the schemes were first announced in August there has been increased demand, with all the studio apartments now reserved. Jitinder Takhar, Group Director of Development at Spectrum explained: “We feel that it’s important to support students and to thank them for supporting us by staying at our scheme. We’re piloting the initiatives at Point Exe and if they are well received we’ll look to

3D Chocolate printer created

Point Exe have reduced rents by over 20 per cent to attract more students

roll them out to other schemes in the area.’’ Geoff Pringle, Director of Corporate Services at the University of Exeter said: “The Point Exe offers demonstrate the dynamic market that exists within student accommodation in the Photo: EPSRC

City this year.” He added: “My advice to any student who is still looking for a room is to contact the University Accommodation Office who are best placed to offer students advice and information on rooms that are still available.”

Exeter student rents second highest in Britain

Sophie Broom

Laura Roberts

THIS Summer University of Exeter researchers unveiled a printer that produces personalised 3D chocolate. The prototype machine, produced in conjunction with Brunel University and software developer Delcam, has already garnered interest from several retailers keen to offer their customers tailored confectionery.

A RECENT study has shown that Exeter is the second most expensive town for student accommodation in Britain. The rent of student accommodation across Britain in general is at a record high, having risen by three per cent from last year. The average weekly rent for a room in London is £108.03, closely followed by Exeter at £94.61. Upon hearing of these statistics Rachel Jeffery, a second-year student, commented: “All my friends were so surprised about how much I paid for accommodation last year. My loan didn’t cover it.” Rory Cunningham, Community Liaison Officer, said: “Students tend to favour properties closer to campus, which, of course, can have an impact on price.” Some students however, are not put off by the high price of living in Exeter. Francis Bull is among them: “The city itself was the major thing that attracted me to applying here; the cost is just something that comes with it.”

“It’s nice to know Exeter has a few tricks up its sleeve” Damian Redburn, a third year Physics student

Ink or plastic is traditionally used in 3D printing, in a process where a three-dimensional object is created by building up successive layers of material. The use of chocolate as a printing material was not easy for researchers as it requires specific heating and cooling cycles as well as precise chocolate flow rates for the 3D printing process. A previous attempt to develop similar ‘food-printers’ by scientists at

This prototype could pave the way for personalised 3D chocolate in the near future

Cornell University in 2010 relied on liquefied food as ink in their machine, but the production of an operating prototype at Exeter is the first development to really pave the way for manufacturing flawless edible 3D objects. Dr Liang Hao, lead scientist on the project, was keen to point out the commercial implications of the printer. Dr Hao said: “What makes this technology special is that users will be able to design and make their own

products. In the long term it could be developed to help consumers customdesign many products from different materials but we’ve started with chocolate as it is readily available, low cost and non-hazardous.” There appears to be a mixed response about the machine from students, many of whom expressed their opinions on a YouTube video posted by the university explaining the function of the 3D printer.

One student commented: “This is why I love my university”, whilst another said: “So that’s what they are using the students’ tuition money for? To invent a chocolate printer?” However, Damian Redburn, a third year Physics student, said that although he and other physics students had not been made aware of the project it was “nice to know Exeter has a few tricks up its sleeve; it is a fun project and I’m sure it will be quite profitable.”

WELCOME week 2011

News

Photo: Sarah Harding

National Student News

“The UK fees system is deeply discriminatory”

Phil Shiner, of Public Interest Lawyers

However the Scottish Government defends its system. Mike Russell, Scottish Education Secretary, said: “We cannot allow Scotland to no longer be the best option and instead be known as the cheap option - we also must protect places for Scottish students.” Despite having their tuition fees paid for them, many Scottish students are unhappy about cuts to higher education funding. Glasgow University students have only just ended what turned into a seven month sit-in protest against course cuts.

‘Boomerang kids’ MORE than a quarter of recent graduates will be living back with their parents, according to research by Mintel, a global market intelligence company. Mintel found that economic reasons have had the greatest influence over graduates’ living arrangements. Of the 27 per cent of graduate students who return to their family home to rely on parents, over 40 per cent go back to save money, 23 per cent move back after a relationship break up, and 13 per cent simply for ‘home comforts’. It is thought that poor job prospects and the rising cost of living are largely to blame for this generation of ‘boomerang kids’.

Welcome Week app launched Rebecca Lodder

Scottish tuition fee system “discriminatory” THE University of Edinburgh and St. Andrews University have announced plans to charge undergraduates from England, Wales and Northern Ireland £36,000 for a 4-year degree. This would make them the most expensive places to study in the UK. Students who live in Scotland will continue to receive free higher education, and students from EU states outside of the UK will be entitled to free tuition under EU law. EU students must be charged the same as home students in each country. This means that they can go free in Scotland yet must pay the same price as home students in the rest of the UK. Leading human rights lawyer, Phil Shiner, of Public Interest Lawyers, said that the fees system in the UK is “deeply discriminatory.” He even goes as far as to claim that it breaks human rights and equality laws.

Exeposé

Sarah Harding at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro after a challenging but rewarding climb

Student climbs Kilimanjaro for Charity

Matthieu Perry

DURING the summer, Exeter University student Sarah Harding climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Cancer Research UK. The climb was in memory of her grandfather, Rex Harding, who had suffered from cancer and passed away last year due to the illness. She has raised over £1,200 in donations so far. Harding, who has been studying English and Education with German

for three years, completed the climb with a group of 20 other British university students, three guides and over 50 porters. The trek to the summit lasted six days.

“I felt an amazing sense of achievement” Sarah Harding, Exeter student

The group tackled the ‘whiskey’ route, the second most difficult path to the peak. On the way to the top,

Sarah endured difficulties such as altitude sickness but in the end said that it was worth it for both the view and her grandfather. She explained that the memory of her grandfather had given her strength: “I felt an amazing sense of achievement, and I knew Grandad was with me and would be proud.” Before attempting Kilimanjaro, Sarah had previously trained by hiking in Britain, in locations such as Swinley Forest and the Devil’s Punchbowl in Hindhead, both in Surrey.

Researchers to use Hubble telescope for exoplanet research programme Tom Payne Books Editor AN international team of scientists, led by the University of Exeter, will use NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope to research the atmospheric conditions of planets outside of our solar system, known as exoplanets. The project will involve 200 hours’ use of the Hubble Telescope, and it is hoped that the resulting data will tell us more than ever before about the mysterious conditions existing in the strato-

“The project is one of the biggest exoplanet research programmes ever” Dr David Sing, lead researcher

spheres of these planets. It is also hoped that the data will help to prepare for future searches for life on exoplanets.

Photo: NASA, ESA, IRTF, A. Sánchez-Lavega and R. Hueso

EUTCO success at Edinburgh Fringe

EXETER University Theatre Company (EUTCO) has won rave reviews for its production of Motortown at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August. The show received two five-star reviews and three four-star reviews, with the actors attracting attention from a major casting director. The show follows the journey of Danny, a soldier back from the war in Iraq, played by James Dartford. See Arts review on page 26

“It makes me feel extrememly proud to be part of Physics at Exeter”

Diversity celebration in Lemon Grove

Lewis Ireland, a second year Physics student

Large programmes on the Hubble Space Telescope have typically produced data sets with a lasting and important legacy. Lead researcher Dr David Sing of the University of Exeter has called the research programme a “major coup” for the University, and one that will represent “one of the biggest exoplanet research programmes ever.” Lewis Ireland, a second year Phys-

EXETER University has released a new ‘Welcome Week’ application for smartphones to make sure that new students get the most out of their first week at the University. The ExeterWW App is easy to download and the registration process allows students to create their own individual profile. Liz Murphy, Head of Student Support commented: “The app is designed to make settling into the University as easy as possible for new students. It allows us to feed important information and any last minute changes through to students on a regular basis and is designed to ensure they get the most out of the 400 available events taking place over the three campuses.” Harry McCarthy, first year English and French student, commented: “PreFreshers planning couldn’t have been made any easier by this app; thanks to the easy-to-use Events Calendar, the only stress I’m facing is which of the many activities to pick!” VP Participation and Campuses, James Fox, said: “The University has provided a great resource for students which will make the Guild more accessible. It’s great that students have a new way of finding out what’s going on around our campuses.”

Could there be life on exoplanets?

ics student, said: “The astrophysics group are tackling some of modern astronomy’s most significant questions, and it makes me feel extremely proud to be part of Physics at Exeter.” The research team will begin its observations in October 2011, and collected data will be analysed over the next two years.

ON 8 October Exeter University will hold a festival to celebrate diversity as part of Black History Month. The event is being organised by Sophie Odgers-Roe, Racial Equality Representative, to celebrate diversity among both the student and local community. There will be drumming, art and dance workshops as well as performances by student societies. Also confirmed in the line-up are a world beats DJ, hip hop rapper and a reggae band. The event is free and will run from 11am to 5.30pm in the Lemon Grove.

Comment E xeposé T E S he

xeter

tudent

Newspaper

Now you’re here

Congratulations on getting into the University of Exeter and welcome to your new home for the next few years. As you’ll soon realise, Exeter is a vibrant and exciting university where there’s something for everyone. Although the campus still has a large building site in the middle, this will soon be gone. Your year will be fortunate enough to benefit from the new Forum when it opens later this academic year. Exeter has already risen in the league tables, and these developments will hopefully further the University’s national and global reputation. As you study here, you will come to realise and understand the truly unique elements that make up this university. The beautiful surroundings, friendly atmosphere and a small, close-knit community, both on campus and in the city, make Exeter one of the best places to study. With thousands of graduates looking for full-time employment, the current climate for students is less favourable than ever. However, this does mean there has never been a better time to get involved in extra-curricular activities. If you take a look in our Events Guide pullout (p15-18), there is an enormous range

of societies and sports to get involved with in Exeter, so we recommend you try out some taster sessions during your first week here. Exeposé is your free fortnightly, student-run, independent newspaper, which you can find around campus during term time. It aims to represent the entire student community, and cannot function without the support and input of Exeter students. If you’re interested in writing for our review sections, becoming a Sports or News reporter, writing in-depth analysis for Features, or simply sharing your views and opinions in Comment and Lifestyle, come along to our Meet and Greet sessions in the week, which you can find in our Events Guide. If you want to join, come and find our stand at the Activities Fair. Or you can also sign up for Exeposé, and any society, online now. Simply go the Guild website at www. exeterguild.org/societies. In the meantime, remember to make the most of your first week at Exeter. Chat to people in your halls and taster sessions, look out for the Welcome Team, who are wearing bright pink t-shirts, as they will help you with any queries, and most importantly, have lots of fun!

Disclaimer

This Welcome Week edition of Exeposé was sent to press on Friday 16th September. Whilst all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of its content, please be aware that any changes in circumstance between this date and Welcome Week cannot be reflected in this newspaper. Thanks to all those who helped proof this issue: Imogen Crookes, Jess Leung, Calum Baker, Mike Evans, Olli Wittle, Alex HawksworthBrookes, Zoe Bulaitis, Richard Graham, Joy Taylor, Rachel Bayne, Hannah Sweet

WELCOME week 2011 Exeposé

Editors: Ellie Busby & Henry White Deputy Editors: Ellie Bothwell & Rosie Scudder editors@exepose.com

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Welcome to Exeter

Nick Davis

Guild President

YOU have made it, congratulations, nice one, well done, good for you and all that malarkey. This is what you have been thinking about, what you have been dreaming of, since when? The start of the summer, possibly college, probably high school, maybe even before that? You have arrived upon the hallowed grounds of one of the best universities in the UK, possibly even the world and there is one question staring you in the face. What do I do now? Knock on your neighbour’s door? Go and grab a drink at the newly refurbished RAM? (This is always advisable and one of

my favourite pastimes). Join a society? Get down to your reading right away? Maybe sleep with someone? (the most notorious myth in the history of University education; if every rumour you had heard were true, we would all be alcohol-fuelled nymphomaniacs right?). The thing to remember is stay calm; there are a million opportunities for you to take advantage of at the University of Exeter and a vast proportion of those opportunities are offered by the Students’ Guild. But with the best will in the world, it would be impossible to do them all. It is true that your time at university flies by faster than you could have ever imagined - ask any graduate about their first day and I can assure you they could recount it as if it were yesterday; ask them about the following few months and I imagine the clarity would falter somewhat. All I am trying to say, in this roundabout and rambling way, is that your

time here at the University of Exeter is precious; don’t let it pass you by. Fill your time with the things you enjoy, but more importantly fill it with things you never imagined you could enjoy, things that you have never tried before.

“Your time at the University of Exeter is precious; don’t let it pass you by”

These next few years are the ones that you will doubtlessly look back on as the best of your life. So make a friend, make two if you fancy it; the key is to be brave and smile. Join a society - Exeter has over 150 fantastic societies catering to every taste. Play for a sports club - we have a fantastic Athletics Union so get involved. Do some charity work, join RAG even if only for the free pizza. But whilst doing all this, don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.

The new RAM: a bar to be proud of Andy Smith

Music Editor

The last time the RAM was refurbished most of the new students starting at the University of Exeter this year wouldn’t have even been born. When the student bar is older than the Freshers, you know it’s time for a make-over. Having worked at the Guild Bars since May of my first year at the University, I knew all too well the RAM’s lively old taps and it’s notquite-shuttable shutters, and grew to love the quirks of faulty alarms that didn’t turn off and the uncooperative Jukebox in the corner. However, even those who loved it knew that it was time for a change.

“The atmosphere of the old RAM is still there, but it’s been given a new breath of life”

With the last refurbishment in 1993, The RAM was made to be a more welcoming place than your runof-the-mill Student Union Bar, going for the appearance and atmosphere of a good old-fashioned pub. When

I first heard about the refurbishment, my immediate worry was that the RAM we’ve all come to know and love (albeit sticky, Strongbow and Fosters-covered love) would be transformed into a tacky, trendy-chic, black-and-white-edges student bar, trying to punch way above its weight. Today, when I stepped into the new RAM for lunch all previous fears were dispelled in an instant. The relocation of the bar to the far end of the space has opened up the floor for plenty of new seating, giving space for a new pool area and raised sofas. The set-up has changed as well, with the food now being ordered at the bar, prepared to order, and brought out to the table. This

spells a welcome end to the stale food of the heated sneeze-guard, and we will no longer have to settle for hours-old lasagne which has been dried out to within an inch of its cheesy life. The atmosphere of the old RAM is still there; it is very much still a pub, with wooden railings, barstools around tall tables and fantastically comfortable sofas, but it feels like it’s been given a new breath of life. While the RAM has changed, it has undoubtedly changed for the better, with a new food service, new drinks on tap and more than just a new lick of paint. The RAM is now truly a student bar to be proud of.

Photo: Jess Leung

Exeposé WELCOME week

Comment

Freshers’ Week: the highs and lows

Exeter students advise how to make the most of the first week Amelie Doublet

Freshers’ Week: an exciting and yet somewhat daunting experience. Like every other student before you, you go into it full of hopes and expectations, dreams and good resolutions. You’ve been through the Facebook groups, forums, websites. You’ve carefully sorted through the overwhelming amount of information. You have your week all planned out: skydiving on Monday, surfing on Tuesday... Well, at least that’s how the theory goes. In practice, if your week is anything like mine was, it will be more of a surreal blur in which making breakfast is an abstract concept, waking up at noon an accomplishment, and managing to stumble to town a downright miracle. The truth is, Fresher’s Week is a lot of fun, but it is also a challenge: newly gained independence and peer pressure can be very risky. ‘So’, you ask, ‘how can I have fun and keep a hint of dignity?’ This is essentially a question of impeccable self discipline but there are some silly mistakes not to make. Don’t take too much cash on you, for starters – a 20 pound note largely covers entrance,

drinks, and a kebab (because, yes, if dinner is at five, you will be starving by 2 am). Although it may be frustrating at the time, it is a great method if you know that you have a difficult time controlling how much alcohol you drink. Stay with people you know. Exeter is a generally safe city, but this does not mean that walking home on your own from a night out is risk-free. Especially as during this first hectic week it is very easy to lose yourself.

“You’re here to start one of the most important years of your life ”

Past a certain point, alcohol does nothing to improve your ability to socialise. During Freshers’ Week, you are getting to know the people that you will live with 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the next three years. And let’s face it; you are not going to make lifelong friends if you can’t remember the evenings you spent with them. You are here to have fun but also to start what will be one of the most important years of your life. Bear this in mind and you will have a brilliant Freshers’ Week!

Rebecca Lodder

The most important thing to remember is do not let it overwhelm you. It’s going to seem at some points like you’ll never have time to do anything let alone cope with moving to a new place and making new friends. Try to slow it down and remember that once you’ve got past Freshers’ Week, you’ll have tonnes of time on your hands to really think about the societies most important to you and the ones that will help you unwind. Last year, I signed up to as many mailing lists as possible so I could sort through the days on which they have their meetings and socials. However, there is no point in joining three or four societies if they all meet on a Monday as you won’t be able to get fully involved! You can join societies whenever you want to so don’t feel like the Activities Fair is your only chance. Also, try and join at least one society that has nothing to do with your course. It’s great to mingle with those of similar minds in a degree specific group, but meeting people with the same hobbies as you is just as worthwhile. It’s also a great way to break up your week by doing something completely different.

Jake Griffiths-Birnie

Overwhelming, exhausting and fun, are three words I would use to describe my Freshers’ Week two years ago.

“Broadening horizons is what university is all about, and when better to start than in the first week?”

Alas, a rather hazy recollection of actual events remains, yet two things stand out from the unrelenting barrage of “What are you studying?” and “Are you going to Rococos tonight?” I will never forget the RAG fundraising trip to Liverpool. It involved a Friday night Lemmy, nine hour coach trip to Liverpool, a day of charity bucket-shaking, followed by a coach back to Exeter for Saturday night Lemmy. Things started to go a bit sour when I was sick all over myself on the first coach journey, but it was nonetheless a great opportunity to make friends. (N.B. Liverpool is cold in October and school-boy shorts are

not appropriate attire). Another legacy which remains from that chaotic week is my affiliation with and love for Soul Choir. The taster session was energizing and fun, acting as a great mid-week pick-me-up for a lagging, slightly hungover first-year. To think that I almost couldn’t bring myself to audition is both scary and a huge personal lesson. Being part of Soul Choir has made my university experience what it is, from the amazing people I’ve met to the fantastic performing opportunities.

“Overwhelming, exhausting and fun are three words to describe my Freshers’ Week” Pushing oneself to overcome nerves, increase confidence and broaden horizons is surely what university is all about, and when better to start than in the first week?

A different perspective: Welcome Team volunteers discuss their experiences Azalia Lawrence

Welcome to Exeter! If you’re anything like me, these will be some of the best years of your life. Freshers’ Week is epic: being introduced to new flatmates and the events, people and places that will quickly become home. For me, the following two years have only kept up that amazing first impression, and I’m actually convinced (despite all the hours I’ll surely spend in the library) that my third year will be the best. You might be wondering why I want to spend my last Freshers’ Week volunteering most of my waking time, and more importantly, why I’d want to do it all sober! Honestly, I won’t be losing out at all. Although there was obviously an amazing team atmosphere, what first attracted me to the Welcome Team was the will to make sure others had the same great experience of their first week. On top of that we go to the events, get free food, an amazing endof-week social, and we make so many new friends, on and off the team. It’s also rewarding to see my Freshers sign up this year. However, the best part, without a doubt, is seeing so many new students happy and excited to get to university. And when someone approaches you in Arena in week three and lets you know how much they appreciated your help moving them in, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. Unmissable.

William Carter

“But I’m not a Fresher! I don’t need help!” The most common response to a simple request made by myself and my fellow Team members last year. It would appear that anyone other than a Fresher is completely immune to the effects of a car running them over... To First Years, I like to think we were a welcoming presence and, to everyone else, I hope we at least prevented you from an unwelcome meeting with a car windscreen, if nothing more.

“One of my fellow Team members saved someone’s life” In my opinion, the Welcome Team forms a vital part of the smooth and successful running of Welcome Week. We are there to act as a reassuring presence to parents leaving their children for the first time. We are there to help the Police, door staff, bar managers and the National Health Service. We are there to help, to advise on the best person or people to speak to and to ensure new and present students are as happy and safe as possible. You may not agree with the Welcome Team - you may not like that we occasionally ask you to do something fairly reasonable - but, for all of our sake’s, please keep those thoughts to yourself. We are volunteers, but we do

not volunteer to be told that we serve no purpose. If you are so confident that you know what you are doing why not put yourself forward to be a Team member next year? See life from the other side of the coin: volunteer for eighty

hours over ten days and do your bit to try and help. In 2009, one of my fellow Team members saved someone’s life. That is why we do what we do. You may not like it, but please don’t knock it.

“The Welcome Team forms a vital part of the smooth and successful running of Welcome Week ”

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An education in profit: How to deal with rising costs

Marie Notermans, on what the UK can learn from the Chilean reaction to education cuts

LAST month saw A-Level students battle it out over the last of the ‘cheap’ university places in the UK. This year, each place in clearing was being chased by an estimated four applicants, with the unsuccessful having to wait until next year to reapply and face the new £9,000 fees. The anti-fee protests of November and December last year have calmed into apparent acceptance of the heavily student-funded system heralded by the raising of the tuition fee cap. This is undeniably because the influence of the protests

on the outcome of the decision to allow universities to charge higher fees was so limited. Little reaction was seen as institution after institution confirmed their intentions to charge the full £9,000, almost unopposed by government reviews of access provision. Students are also paying a higher price for higher education in Chile. Elected five months before the 2010 UK General Election, billionaire tycoon President Sebastian Piñera announced plans earlier this year to devolve state

financial involvement in the 25 formerly public universities. The institutions were already deliberately underfunded by the government, meaning that tuition fees were more or less equal at the public and 50-odd private universities around the country. The latest decision has meant that those 25 institutions must become private institutions, and charge their students more to maintain the higher standard of education they offer. There is no Student Loans Company in Chile to cover tuition fees. Instead, the parents of those Chilean students who achieve a university place must obtain funding for the annual fees of around £2,700 from private banks. Paulina Madariaga Cuneo, school teacher and Primary Education Co-ordinator at San Alberto Hurtado Foundation School in Santiago is concerned how she will afford her daughter’s university fees next year. “As I work, my daughter is not entitled to scholarships, so I will be obliged to borrow from a bank to finance her education. The big problem is interest rates are four per cent.” This makes funding a university education comparable with buying a house in Chile. Student-led demonstrations in the country have become a fixture in national newspapers and have regularly been covered in the international media since May, when dissatisfaction with the educational system flared up for the first time since 2006. Pressure has mounted on the government to change their educational policies as students have launched a variety of demonstrations, from ordi-

nary street protests, to a “cacerlazo”, a form of protest where pots and pans are banged together. This had not been seen in the country since General Pinochet’s dictatorship. President Piñera has publicly called for the protests to stop, with no effect. Teacher and former Ministry of Education policy advisor Max Moder described what he saw of the protests at the beginning of August as “the students mobilising peacefully” whilst “it was the police who lashed out and caused violence.” Despite claims from the government that they remain strong in the face of the demonstrations, there are suggestions that many schools will not run to the end of the school year in December. This would cause problems for the next academic year, which combined with several other crises faced by the President, could lead the government to bring back state funding for higher education. What brings the situation of the two countries together is a shared moral conundrum: should education aim to generate profit? President Piñera has been quoted as referring to higher education as a “consumer good”, and arguing that “profit in education is the compensation for hard work”. Conservative MP David Willets referred to students as “a burden on the taxpayer that had to be tackled”, as universities were allowed to charge the maximum possible for their courses. On the other hand, the ultimate goal for higher education must be to nurture the most academically and vocationally talented members of society to maxim-

What triggered the London Riots?

ise the global potential for development. This requires an equal chance for all to apply for a course appropriate to them, regardless of social status, and without being priced out of the market. Although the Chilean system is arguably more at risk of this than the British one, £9,000 fees are a huge deterrent for those without financial security. Now more than ever, students are realising that a degree is no guarantee of a graduate salary, or indeed, any salary at all.

“This makes funding a university education comparable with buying a house in Chile” However, if in these times of austerity the governments of either country cannot commit to funding higher education, the far more severe threat is the institutions themselves are put at risk of closure, shutting off opportunities for future generations. The current high fees are not desirable, whether loaned by a bank or the government, but the situation must be preferable to the large-scale reduction of higher education. Higher fees should absolutely be seen as a temporary fix: longer term, putting a price on a university education could cause more damage to a society than the money saved can remedy. For this reason, despite the perception of little immediate effect, students of both countries would be ill-advised not to continue to voice their dissatisfaction.

We shouldn’t write off the riots as simple opportunism, argues Tom Payne, Books Editor IF commentators say the August 2011 London riots came as a surprise, it’s probably safe to say that they weren’t looking hard enough. Since the coalition adopted the reins of power in May 2010, the country has borne witness to numerous student protests, occupations of dozens of university buildings, several strikes and a half-million-strong trade union march. Against a background of brutal cuts and oppressive austerity measures, the riots that erupted in early August are the latest reaction to a sense of government irresponsibility. While I don’t for one moment suggest that all the rioters were so politically astute, it is nonetheless remarkable to think that they were capable of mobilising hundreds of ordinary young people, and this is a fact which

should not be taken lightly. The media have been quick to blame the unrest on organised groups of thugs. Numerous gang affiliations exist in the areas surrounding Tottenham, and it is not uncommon to hear of gang members protecting housing estates like fortresses against the police and rival gangs. However, there is a significant amount of evidence to say this was not the case. Hundreds partook in looting and vandalism, but gangs only contain some 30 members at most – participation was clearly much more extensive. It’s possible to read the media’s response as an attempt to distance and ignore the more serious cultural, social and economic problems that exist in London. It’s important to first consider the immediate context behind the summer’s

social unrest. The fatal shooting of Mark Duggan, on Thursday 4 August, where despite initial reports only police bullets were fired, typifies the deeply rooted mistrust between the Metropolitan Police and Londoners, especially those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. Specific areas are singled out for patrol and as-yet innocent individuals are monitored and subject to daily searches. Paul Lewis, a journalist for The Guardian, tweeted from Tottenham on 7 August: “I’m surprised how many local people know of (and criticise) the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission).” When we look at the figures for deaths in police custody (333 since 1998, and not a single police officer convicted), it’s easy to see how the IPCC

are seen by many as protecting the police, rather than the people. These events come on top of a growing sense that the division between the entitled and the dispossessed has been endorsed by the actions of the coalition. The latest generation of young people have emerged with an acute awareness of the injustices prevalent in modern British society, a fact that has been ignored, or at least underestimated, by the government. The youth of Britain have borne witness to the destruction of our once world-class education system and have seen millions of pounds poured into a vacuum of unknown depth while the bankers that caused it walk away with huge salaries and bonuses. They’ve had EMA withdrawn; have been required to pay even more for uni-

versity tuition; and have fewer job opportunities than any generation since records began in 1992. What’s more, today’s youth have seen their elected representatives in both British Houses steal public money through fraudulent expense claims. It’s easy to put the riots down to mindless opportunism, but there has to be something to suggest that it’s okay to burn down your own neighbourhood – and in this case, it’s the sense that the government is fundamentally wrong. If you believe that you live in a broken and corrupt society then anarchy seems not only acceptable, but also a curious requirement. Why expect youths to behave responsibly, when the government itself has continually shown its lack of moral backbone and integrity?

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What is there to learn from the Norwegian massacre? Free speech, however abhorrent the views expressed, is imperative to society, writes Hannah Rogers

IT is an irony worth noting that, when first reported, Anders Breivik’s attack on Oslo’s city centre was believed to be the work of Islamic fundamentalists. The same contempt for life and property was immediately in evidence, and, as the motivation of the Norwegian gunman emerged, the same arrogant assumption of absolute moral authority. The ugliness of what happened in Norway only becomes more apparent as one tries to make sense of it. Though it is accurate to attribute these murders to the incoherent hatred of a deluded individual, society owes itself an honest and unflinching examination of the disaster. To refuse to analyse Breivik’s motives further – in an attempt to minimise the harm done by his radicalised ideology – would risk driving many legitimate anxieties underground, to erupt later on in another act of cruelty.

No one but Breivik can, or should, take responsibility for his decision to become a killer. However, his reactionary zeal did not spring up in isolation.

“He thinks it is winning, overpowering his strain of sectarianism”

We are in danger of a more general and widespread descent into extremism and when society faces radicalisation there is always a reflexive impulse, privately as well as publicly, to suppress opinion and avoid discussion, lest it cause hurt or inflame already volatile situations. But if we give in to that impulse, then it is worth asking how much violence, intolerance, injustice and outrage can be absorbed by the collective

unconscious before we begin to see the effects. On the day of the attack, Breivik released his ‘Manifesto’, detailing the motivation behind the murders he was about to commit. In the 1500 page document, titled ‘2083 – A European Declaration of Independence’, he professes his aim to defend Europe from the violent influence of Islamic extremism, but Breivik’s words and actions reveal that his real desire is to destroy the moderate, democratic traditions which have long characterised European society. Breivik only hates Islamic extremism because he thinks it is winning, overpowering his own strain of sectarianism. He does not, in principle or practice, oppose any of the arguments or strategies employed by religious fundamentalists. His mentality is completely compatible with the brutality, xenopho-

bia, misogyny, superstition, irrationality and totalitarian impulses of many other fundamentalist movements. Breivik’s nationalism and religious extremism are, in fact, just two manifestations of the same fascist inclination. Breivik wrote that he expected, and indeed hoped, that his manifesto would be censored and suppressed by, what he calls, the ‘Cultural Marxists’ of the ‘MSM’ (Mainstream Media), and that this would provoke a retaliation from fellow nationalists and Christian fundamentalists in the West. This, in turn, is meant to polarise our society and accelerate the collapse of liberal (in the original sense of ‘liberty-loving’) Europe. Breivik cites ‘Political Correctness’ as emasculating European culture, to the point where expressing legitimate concerns about some of the effects of current European policies on, for example, immigration – concerns such as urban overcrowding, cultural divisions, and the ghettoisation of minorities – is tantamount to declaring oneself a racist. Breivik is a reactionary, a xenophobe, an egoist, and a murderer: he is not the sort of person to whom we should relinquish the sole right to voice these concerns. Breivik deliberately, or perhaps only stupidly, conflates issues of race and religion when talking about Islam. Terms like ‘Islamophobic’ reflect the prevalence of this confused belief that dislike of religious principles or practices necessarily implies hatred and fear of an entire people or population. This, in turn, can make one reluctant to criticise where criticism is often only right and proper.

The banking revolution continues What’s to stop it happening all over again, asks Tom Goodsir IT’S been well over a year now since Metro Bank started its ‘revolution’ against everyday retail banks. This, probably history’s most passive revolt, has seen little more than few high street branches cropping up, since we emerged from the financial storm in 2010, in arrogantly London-centric locations. Metro proclaimed itself the messiah of the banking world offering innovative new products such as savings accounts and mortgages, guaranteeing satisfaction by eliminating ‘stupid banking rules’ and promising to ‘surprise and delight every customer’. Unfortunately, I’ve been too distracted by the prospect of finding a ‘surprise’ in my safety deposit box from a bank to open an account with Metro, but one has to admire the thought. A lot of talk from both the City and Westminster lately has been about serious bank reform (if not revolution) and we need it fast if we’re to avoid the events of the downturn repeating themselves. As it stands, the UK banking sector has five major players: RBS Group (84 per cent taxpayer owned), Lloyds (43 per cent taxpayer owned), Barclays, HSBC and Standard Chartered. Anything else (Natwest, Halifax, First Direct) is just a

derivative of one of the top five. All of these banks are associated with investment banks and, though this is not the time or place to explain the nuances of the finance world, it is largely agreed that speculators within these institutions abused this relationship in the period leading up to the financial crisis. Ordinary savers’ money was used by these banks to buy things like Michael Jackson tickets and Royal Wedding memorabilia. Only when someone twigged that more money could be made selling the banknotes as rocket fuel did the government decide that enough was enough and stepped in to bail them out. If retail banking has any future it must be one that is not determined by speculators. To have an efficient banking system is fundamental to a civilised society and a smart retail bank wouldn’t let the investment boys (and girls) anywhere near their funds. The leading market retail bank in 2012 will be the one that can prove to customers that their money is being used safely and responsibly. But why should they? As customers, we’ve proven we’re ignorant and uninformed as consumers and we’re offering no incentive for them to get better; we

still hold our savings in these banks. The executives have proven they’re talented at extracting cash from loss making organisations and as they’re the most publicly hated stratum of society already, they’ve got no reason to do anything about it. If you were offered a couple of million to drink Starbucks and play with the fates of up and coming African currencies, you’d probably do it without a thought. Indeed, if you could make

a quick million on the quiet or charge your mate a £30 unauthorised overdraft fee every time he borrows a fiver, you’d jump at the chance (and so would I). This is the nature of the society we have developed. The motivation of these banks, the motivation of the individuals who run them and the individuals who invest in them is profit. Ignorant market idealism is a bad hangover from the ‘80s and it’s a fabulous way of justifying our actions to our own consciences. Whether you’re breaking glass in Peckham or you’re chinking glass in the City, a naive reading of a bit of Adam Smith is the basis of the ‘morally acceptable’ rationale for your actions. Personal gain is the pinnacle of achievement in our society at whatever cost it may come. Of course, this is all very well for some people: manufacturers, insurers, retailers and hedge fund managers all function better under their own steam than if they are controlled, but our retail banks are just too important to expose to the sort of risk they were put under by their own employees. We need our high street banks and whether you’ve got a couple of mortgages and a pile of savings or just a whacking overdraft and a

It is not a crime to dislike, or to repudiate, somebody else’s ideas. There are instances, such as with Breivik’s squalid and flagrant racism, when it is both necessary and moral to do so. This has nothing to do with fearing people of a different complexion, or with a yearning for everybody to speak, dress and think alike. It is unfailingly self-defeating to censor ideas because someone finds them – or even might find them – repellent or provocative; only by hearing and understanding someone’s views can we argue with and discredit them. This is, obviously, different to ‘respecting’ or promoting all opinions equally. I am glad that, when I last checked, Breivik’s manifesto was still available to read online. Not only does this undermine his central argument, that our democratic society has no real tolerance for criticism, but you can also witness for yourself the contorted and contradictory reasoning which we are invited to swallow. The only glimpse of redemption offered by a tragedy such as the Norwegian massacre is the opportunity for self-examination. We must not apathetically, or timidly, yield criticism of liberal policies and institutions to political or religious zealots. Our civilisation – with its hard-won traditions of free speech, free enquiry, freedom of religion, criticism of religion, plurality, tolerance, and democracy – is worth defending and reforming on its own merits, not because a racist murder encourages us to feel victimised, and to compensate for this with cults of superiority.

free railcard, believe me that without it you’d be absolutely stuffed.

“Ignorant market idealism is a bad hangover from the ‘80s”

Reform won’t come through Metro putting up pictures of men with white teeth on tacky websites, and it won’t come through Lloyds opening a bit longer and telling their staff to smile. It will come through important people in expensive suits deciding that our retail banks are too important to be exposed to the risks of capitalism. Fundamental change is needed from the top down before we can even start rearranging the rubble of the retail banks. History has witnessed monumental screw ups from the left before and now it’s the turn of the right to put its tail between its legs; what we need is a synthesis, we need to start talking sense and, instead of belligerently pursuing political goals, we need to start looking after the things that we really need in our society; banks included.

welcome week 2011 Exeposé

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An uncertain future for the King of the Jungle Joe Treddenick on the fate of the world’s lion population

FEARED as monsters and revered as deities, lions have been celebrated throughout the ages for their strength and courage. However, the King of the Jungle is now facing a much less vibrant future. Once roaming the vastness of Asia and much of Africa, half of the entire lion population now exists in only one country, Tanzania, with smaller viable populations scattered around Sub-Saharan Africa and 200 individuals in India. They have been eliminated everywhere else. Latest estimates suggest a 95 per cent population decline over the last 40-50 years. Reasons behind this dramatic decline include indiscriminate killing, reduction of their prey base, and habitat loss. Undoubtedly, the primary reason behind this staggering reduction in numbers is contact with man. Far from being revered as a deity, it was classified as vermin by the early European colonialists in Africa, and in some African countries it officially still is.

“There is an urgent need to develop a more cohesive solution that considers both sides”

With such a label it has been hunted with zeal over the last century, disappearing as quickly as it was encountered (a problem exacerbated by a

burgeoning demand for exotic fur and trophies in the early 20th century). However, even in the 21st century there remains the serious problem of retaliatory and pre-emptive killing by farmers who believe that their livestock is at risk. Following the Western practice of removing predators rather than living with them, poisoning is still a leading cause of local lion population collapse; the reason being, instead of targeting one problem individual, a poisoned carcass scavenged by lions can wipe out an entire pride. This increasingly reduces the gene pool, which in turn leads to an increased threat of inbreeding and its associated complications. This threat has been compounded more recently by the re-introduction and ill management of trophy hunting for large males. It has been argued that the development of National Parks keep such destructive activities in check. Yet there is at present a risk of creating a green wash effect with regard to our perception of wildlife in Africa. The creation of National Parks, although without doubt of fundamental importance to the survival of the lion as well as countless other species, cannot be the whole solution if the root of the problem (human-lion conflict) is not addressed outside their fences. The world famous Serengeti National Park, and surrounding areas along the border between Kenya and Tanzania, provide an example. A series of well-documented local situations

suggest that lions, once abundant in the region, are facing severely increased human pressure, to the extent that we are now in imminent danger of losing them outside the Parks completely.

“Even in the 21st century there remains the serious problem of preemptive killing by farmers who believe livestock is at risk” The Parks themselves may have even caused part of the problem. Poor land use and the development of fencing have reduced natural prey numbers in the region. In addition, ever-growing populations, the accompanying development of a cash economy and increased politicisation have also taken a considerable toll. It is easy to also point the guilty finger at the poacher or protective farmer. But many locals live in extreme poverty and, given the choice between providing for a family or not, there is simply no contest. There is an urgent need therefore to develop a more cohesive solution that considers both sides. Financial incentives and jobs should be provided for people living alongside lions. This approach is beginning to be developed as more control of tourism is

being given to local people. If we continue to invest in making lions and all wildlife profitable for local communities, we bind local people and wildlife together in a positive way, ensuring the prosperity of both. However, it is important to distinguish between eco-tourism that has a positive impact on conservation and eco-tourism that doesn’t. For instance, capitaslising on an endangered animal doesn’t stop poaching. A far more insidious method is presenting a veneer of conservation that still leads to the exploitation of animals. Breeding programmes, recently initiated in some parts of Africa, advertise close-up encounters and interactions with lions. This is done with the intention of re-introducing the lions back into the wild when they reach adulthood.

“Latest estimates suggest a 95 per cent population decline over the last 40-50 years”

However, the results of such practices are potentially disastrous for the lions themselves. Human-imprinting (where lions become associated with people) means that they are more likely to approach settlements, increasing the probability of being shot or poisoned. You can help the development of

Photos: Sam Lambert

positive conservation initiatives by donating money or volunteering. However, before parting with your hard-earned cash, find out where exactly it’s going and make sure you’re contributing to a legitimate conservation effort. This can be done by looking to see whether your programme is endorsed by well-known charities, such as the WWF, WSPA and the Born Free foundation.

KEY STATISTICS The state of the population of African lions: 1900 – up to 1 million 1980 – 100,000 2007 – as few as 25,000 The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, which lists all rare species of animals, classes the African lion as ‘Vulnerable’. The African lion ‘faces a high risk of extinction’. Apart from African lions, one very small population of Asian lions survives in India’s Gir Forest. The Asiatic lion (population 350) is listed as ‘Endangered’ and ‘faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future’. Source: Born Free, a charity that has two sanctuaries in South Africa for lions res-

cued from zoos, circuses and other captive facilities.

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welcome week 2011

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Freshen up for the formals

Hayley Dewsbery, Reiss employee and Exeter student, on how to dress for an occasion DO you know what to look for in the perfect suit? With celebrations like balls and interviews occurring throughout the year, now is the time to learn. According to Archives of Sexual Behaviour: “Women are more attracted to men whose shoulders measure 1.6 times the size of their waist. When women look at men’s torsos, the V shape is victorious”. So, to emphasise this triangular upper body, choose sloped pockets to shape and highlight a more ‘waisted’ figure. Hopeful Freshers, take note. There are three main styles of suit; The Modern British suit style that highlights the waisted triangular shape, the Italian suit which gives a soft, drape structure or the American suit, which consists of a sack jacket and more of a box shape. When trying on suits you might notice that the arm holes are quite high and therefore feel tighter, this is synonymous with bespoke clothing. However, this tight feel is intentional and should not be considered a bad fit. It gives the wearer a better degree of movement as it holds the jacket in place on the body and keeps it smooth around the neck and across the chest. It will also prevent the jacket from rising up when seated. Now, which material? If a suit contains a percentage of mohair, this is good for preventing creases (so ideal if you need to travel frequently or commute to work). Mohair also makes a suit very

durable. If you are purchasing a wool suit, you should check the label to ensure it is between a super 110 wool and a super 130 (this term explains how finely the yarn has been woven, the higher the number- the finer the fabric).

“There are three types of lapel: notched, peaked and shawl. Peaked are for occasions or eveningwear”

The fit? Your jacket sleeve should rest where the hand starts to break away from the wrist (it is easier to see if you turn your thumb out into a right angle). This measurement is the tell tale sign of a poorly fitting suit. The correct sleeve length should show off one cm of shirt cuff underneath, so always try on suits with a shirt that contrasts in colour. The lapels? Slimmer lapels are a more modern feature on suits, however if you purchase them too slim you may risk the suit not being a timeless piece. This style can usually be found at TOPMAN, as it is a fashion orientated suit and therefore more affordable. Other stores follow a Saville Row tailoring style and find a balance between classic and fashion style suits. Lapels should start quite high up the jacket: this length-

ens the wearer because it creates more distance between the lapel and button. There are three types of lapel: notched, peaked and shawl. Shawl lapels are now usually found on dinner jackets. Peaked lapels are usually for occasions or eveningwear, compared to notch lapels. They give a dressier look than a business suit. Now for the tiny details…Suits with three buttons are designed for men over 6ft, as the buttons on the jacket reach higher up the chest. However, two buttoned suits are most popular and tend to look best with the top button fastened and the bottom button left loose to look more relaxed. So try to remember that, firstly, suits should always look proportional and the shoulders should not look too narrow. Secondly, the higher the armholes, the fuller the chest looks. Thirdly, a more ‘waisted’ shape to the garment flatters the wearer’s silhouette. Try looking for a gap of daylight coming through between the arm and the body of the suit, then you can see the shape of the jacket for yourself and notice the slimming effect of the waist. Once you have found your ideal style, fabric and fit, try to choose a suit that will drift seamlessly from day to evening. British brands such as Reiss and Ted Baker are ideal for flattering English suits. Happy hunting!

University life across the Atlantic

Amy Dicketts compares the start of her year abroad in America to her Freshers’ week in Exeter IMAGINE if you can, a Freshers’ week where alcohol is illegal. This is not George Orwell’s 1984. This is the United States of America. I cannot imagine my first week at Exeter without a different fancy dress in a different club each night. I can’t imagine how awkward it would have been to meet people sober and in the cold light of day. In a dark space fuelled by alcohol any introduction is acceptable.

“Within hours I was running for my immigrant life ” When alcohol isn’t involved you have to actually make conversation that isn’t based around how drunk you were/are/will be. This is the reality I faced coming to study in New Mexico. Having had a “real” Freshers’ week in Exeter last year, it was a shock to the

system to see on my events calendar ‘Movie Night’, ‘90’s Disco’ and ‘Olympiad’. The Olympiad it turned out was a sober version of ‘Battle of the Halls’, which consisted of tug-of-war, wheelbarrow races and other such wholesome events. It also involved a lot of American-style chanting, shouting and general school spirit, something that made every international student at the event die a little inside. However, when I got past my British exterior I found a true Yank inside. Soon I was abusing the other teams with the best of them. It wasn’t quite the same as being covered in whipped cream in Rococo’s, but I started to come round to the American team-spirit way of life. However, like any true fresher I found myself in need of a dark room and loud music. I braved the 90’s disco for all of five minutes in which I relived my past as a thirteen-year-old

and realised if I didn’t have a drink soon I’d probably be on the next plane home. With this in mind I went to my first all-American red-cup-using beerpong-playing house party.

“It wasn’t quite the same as being covered in whipped cream” Within two hours I was running for my immigrant life away from the police, who had just shown up at the house party. As I was being chased through the dodgiest back streets New Mexico had to offer, dying of laughter with my equally underage friends, I couldn’t help but start to love the life of the American fresher. Read more about Amy’s adventures in America later this term in Exeposé.

Exeposé welcome week

“What happened when... I was a fresher”

FOR this special Welcome Week issue of Exeposé Zoe and Cyan, my lovely editors here in the Lifestyle section, wanted me to write something ‘Fresher related’. It made sense therefore to write about my Freshers’ Week (the parts of it I can remember) and how my friends and I defined being Freshers. Maybe you’ll learn something. Maybe you’ll just laugh at my ineptitude. Hopefully both.

“You just need to remember four questions: What’s your name? Where are you from? What are you studying? What halls are you in?”

Even before you arrive in Exeter someone somewhere has got your details and you are invited to join all sorts of Facebook groups; halls of residence groups, subject groups, nightclub groups and so on. There are always around 15 ‘official’ Exeter Freshers [insert year here] groups to join. No one ever asks how Arena nightclub found out who was going to Exeter. I can only assume UCAS had something to do with it. These groups, of course, serve a vital function; you can Facebook stalk all the people who will be on your course and living in your halls. I added and was added by a handful of people also taking Psychology. I can safely say I have spoken to barely any of them in my entire two years here. In one instance I became Facebook friends with a girl who by sheer coincidence I

How to...

Lifestyle’s columnist, Dan Orton, reminisces on his first week at Exeter ended up standing behind in the queue for Rococo’s on my first night in Exeter Just as I began to introduce myself with a “Hi…Tori isn’t it? I’m Dan. Isn’t this weird- we have each other on Facebook…”, she said to one of her companions: “Yeah I don’t get all that adding people on Facebook thing before you arrive at uni; it’s a bit strange if you ask me.” Well that certainly shut me up, I can tell you. It wasn’t until over a year later when the two of us ended up on the same field trip that I finally introduced myself properly. We’re friends now of course. She even follows me on Twitter. Following swiftly on from all the Facebook-ing comes the fun of actually meeting people in the flesh. You arrive in what will be your new home for a year with people you don’t know and you think to yourself: “Surely this can’t work! I don’t know these people; I can’t even find some of them on Facebook! How the Hell will I survive!?” Quite easily as it happens. You just need to remember these four questions: What’s your name? Where are you from originally? What are you studying? What halls are you in? The first three are crucial for communication with your new house/flat/roommates whilst that last one is for all those interesting people you meet on various nights out. And boy will you meet a lot of interesting people (and that’s just in Freshers’ Week alone!). Naturally you will take down everyone’s phone numbers and in many cases will wonder who the Hell those numbers belong to the next day. Chances are you will never see half the interesting people again. Don’t worry, you’ll meet new ones. You may even take them home (hence why you need

“That lamppost over there was the inspiration for Albus Dumbledore”

Just remember you can’t do everything or you’ll end up like me, signing up with dozens of societies and spending near to £100 at the Activities Fair, only to discover that several of them had their weekly meetings at the same time. You don’t get refunds either. Finally, I couldn’t write a column for you Freshers without telling you to look out for all the (mostly dubious) links the University has to J.K. Rowling and the world of Potter. Not a week goes by without someone saying something like, “And that lamppost over there was the inspiration for Albus Dumbledore.” Now don’t bother with the rest of the paper, get yourself down to the pub, I might see you there. You can tell me if you’ve seen that lamppost.

Your problems solved…

Uncle Matthieu and Aunty Amelia are here to help

Dear Lifestyle, I’m really looking forward to coming to Exeter this year but I’m a little bit worried about Freshers’ Week. I really don’t know what to expect and if other people’s stories are to go by then I’m unsure I’ll fit in. Do you have any advice on how best to go about it if you’re shy? I know that a lot happens during this week and I’m also very conscious of making the best of it and not missing out on any activities. What should I make sure that I do during Freshers’ and how do I combat my shyness?

Amelia Nashe FIRSTLY, remember (and I know this might seem obvious) that you’re all in the same boat. The majority of people going to uni as Freshers feel nervous about fitting in and making friends. And, to abuse a proverb, people in the same boats tend to stick together. So, while the week will probably be fairly wild and exhausting (though probably not as crazy as you’ve heard), you won’t be in it alone. Thanks to your flatmates, you will fall naturally into a group of people almost as soon as you move in. I’m not by any means saying you will immediately become best mates, but I strongly advise making the effort to hang out with them whenever possible. Equally importantly, make sure you check out the events guide and note down some things you would be interested in. Activity taster sessions are particularly great if you’re shy, as they instantly give you something to talk about to those there and you’re more likely to find friends amongst people with the same interests as you.

Matthieu Perry I UNDERSTAND that moving away from home for the first time to go to a university where you hardly know anyone can seem like a very scary and daunting task but don’t worry. Everyone else in your year is facing the same issue as you, I promise you will find settling into university life a lot easier than you think. The first thing you should do is get to know the people you are living with as they are obviously the people you will spend a lot of time around. After that, find people who you think you might have things in common with. Try going to society events and socials, nights out and finding people who are on your course. If you don’t get on well with one group of people, you’re bound to find another which you have more in common with. Finally, don’t let stories you’ve heard from other people put you off. Most people find Freshers’ Week fun and will have many happy memories of it long after they have left university. Photo: Henry White

Go clubbing in Exeter

Helen Carrington discusses nights out on the town

ARENA is the biggest club off campus and its themed nights are definitely not to be missed. The sports night at Timepiece on a Wednesday tends to be seething and messy, whilst Friday night has a slight indie inclination which is pretty good. I was advised never to set foot inside EX4, and as soon as I entered, it quickly became apparent why. It’s somehow less acceptable to frequent Rococo’s after Freshers year, but that doesn’t stop it being incredibly fun, yet incredibly messy, on a Thursday. They run great themed nights for first years, including the ‘Battle of the Halls’ and the ubiquitous ‘Money Drop’. Mosaic is undeniably popular, and right next door to Rococo’s, but to be honest I’m in no hurry to return. The first floor features primary school disco classics, while the top floor hosts a dubstep-themed rugby scrum.

to ask what halls they are in). I wouldn’t know anything about that though; I had a girlfriend back home at the time. Not that my luck would’ve been any different if I were single of course. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking with it. Besides from all the clubbing and fornicating with strangers, another big aspect of Freshers’ Week is the daily showcase of everything the Guild has to offer. There are a ridiculous amount of societies to join; creative ones, political ones, subject based ones. You name it, Exeter’s Students’ Guild probably has it and you can sample each one every day during the week.

Lifestyle

The only (somewhat questionable) silver lining is the disturbingly high number of middle aged men hanging round the bars eager to buy Jägerbombs for your entire flat. The Cavern is a great venue when searching for something other than your average chart pop (believe me, you will tire of hearing the Baywatch theme song and ‘Buck Rogers’). The newly refurbished Lemon Grove, with Monday, Wednesday and Saturday student nights, hopes to compete with the other popular nightclubs in town. One bit of personal advice: if staggering home at the end of a long night doesn’t appeal, make friends with a friendly taxi driver, then shamelessly beg him to give your entire flat free lifts home. If you play your cards right he might even give you money for chips too.

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Events Guide 2011

Exeposé welcome week

Your complete guide to what’s going on during Welcome Week KEY

Sports/Outdoor activities Media

Volunteering Faith

Arts/Music

University/Guild Info Recreation/Subject

MONDAY 8AM

8:30: Morning Prayer, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel

9AM

9-10: ECU Prayer Meeting, Chaplaincy Rooms 9-5: Documentation Checks, UniCard Collection Peter Chalk Centre PCC 1&2

10AM

10-12: Men’s Cricket Taster Indoor cricket nets, Cricket Centre 10-2: RAG Freshen Up RAG Office, Cornwall House 10-5: Information Fair Lower Exam Hall (LEH) International Welcome Lounge Queen’s Building MR1&2 Undergraduate Welcome Talks Great Hall (compulsory) 1030-12: Labour Students Brunch Boston Tea Party, 84, Queen Street Men’s Tennis BUCS Trials Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre

11AM

11-1: Men’s Football Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 11-3: Community Action Bouncy Castle Fun Amory Building Lawn

12PM

12-2: Ram BBQ The Ram, Devonshire House BBQ Lunch University Chapel Piazza Rugby League Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park St Luke’s ECU Meet and Greet Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s Ultimate Frisby Taster Grass area next to Business School 1230-2: Women’s BUCS Tennis Team Trials Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre

1PM

1-145: Erasmus Intoduction Peter Chalk Centre, Newman A 1-2: ECU “Isn’t Christianity exclusive and arrogant?” Junior Common Room, Devonshire House

Powerkite Trip Sign up Lemon Grove, Cornwall House Study Abroad Introduction Queen’s Building, LT1 Wakeboard Trip Sign Up Lemon Grove, Cornwall House 1-3: Women’s Hockey Taster/Trials Water-Based Astro, Sports Park Netball Taster Session Streatham Sports Hall Rugby League Taster Session Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 1-5: Philosophy Society Meet/Mingle The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 130-4: NOOMA Football The MUGA Pitch, Sports Park

2PM

2-3: Meddle in the Media M&D Room, Devonshire House International Campus Tour Queen’s Building, MR1&2 2-4: ECU International Globe Cafe Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Voice Lunch The Ram Bar, Devonshire House XTV: Writing Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House Netball Taster Streatham Sports Hall

3PM

3-430: Athletics Meet and Greet Exeter Arena, Meet at St Lukes quad or Streatham Sports Park at 230 3-5: ECU; St David’s Meet and Greet The Imperial, New North Road International Escorted Shopping Trip Meet at Peter Chalk Centre (£1.50 bus fare)

4PM

4-5: International Library Tour Main Library Entrance 4-530: Come and Sing with Choral Soc Meet: Outside Peter Chalk 4-6: Men’s Hockey Taster and Trials Water-based astro, Streatham 415-6: Brass Ensemble Come & Play Meet: Outside Peter Chalk 430-530: Meditation Taster Session Queen’s Building MR3

5PM

5-6: BodySoc Aerobics Taster Session Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Dance Society: Jazz Dance Hope Hall Dining Room 5-7: Women’s Basketball Taster Session Streatham Sports Hall 5-8: Rugby Football Club Q&A Walkabout (upstairs), Fore St 515-7: Exeter Halls BBQ Lopes Hall, Lopes Lawn 530-8: Spa Night Queen’s Building, Queen’s Cafe

6PM

6-7: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Chaplaincy 6-9: Birks Grange Halls Welcome The Boot Bar, Birks Grange Exeter Halls Welcome Badger Bar, Hope Hall Holland Hall Welcome The Clog Bar, Holland Hall 6-10: SciFi Anonymous Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House 630-930: ClincSoc; Meet and Greet The Imperial, New North Road

7PM

7 to late: Gender Equality Society Meet the Feminists Meet: Stocker Road entrance, 7pm 730-930: MethAng Monday Chaplaincy Rooms 730-11: Safari-theme Meet & Greet Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s

8PM

8-1130: Campus Bands at Timepiece Timepice Bar, 6, Little Castle St 8-12: Meet Your Welcome Team The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 8-2: Welcome Party Lemon Grove, Cornwall House 8-late: Folk Society Scratch-band Workshop Knightley Seminar Room RAG Pub Quiz in The Ram The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 830-late: Exeter Halls Committee Social Badger Bar, Hope Hall 8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 The University’s confidential and anonymous student-run listening and information service

9PM

9-2: Amnesty International Lemon Grove Lemon Grove, Cornwall House 930 to late: RAG Battle of the Halls Timepice Bar, 6, Little Castle St

TUESDAY 8AM

8:30: Morning Prayer, Mary Harris Memorial Chapel Morning Prayer, St. Luke’s Chapel

9AM

9-10: ECU Prayer Meeting, Chaplaincy Rooms 9-5: Colleges Day College venues, compulsory attendance Documentation Checks, UniCard Collection Peter Chalk Centre PCC 1&2

10AM

10-3: Free Stuff to Give Away Lower Exam Hall, Great Hall 10-5: International Welcome Lounge Queen’s Building MR1&2

11AM

11-1145: Outdoor Quaker Worship Mary Harris Memorial Chapel Piazza 11-12: Rowing, Meet/Greet/Q&A Meet: Lemon Grove, Cornwall House 11-1: Women’s Rugby Football Club Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Art Society Cake Decorating Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 11-3: CA Bouncy Castle Fun Amory Building, Lawn 1130: Mass followed by a free lunch Catholic Chaplaincy 1130-4: Hispanic Society: Mexmouth St. David’s Station, Exmouth Beach & The Mexican, 17-19 The Parade, Exmouth

2-4: ECU Meet and Greet, Birks and Moberly Moberly Hall, Common Room Exeter Entrepreneurs Meet/Greet Café Ritazza, Cornwall House Lit Soc Tea & Cakes Peter Chalk Centre Razz My Berries- Meet the Editors M & D Room, Devonshire House XTV Drama in a Week: Acting Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House 2-5: Squash Taster Squash Courts, Streatham Sports Centre 2-6: Russian Society Tour and Sports Meet: Café Ritazza, Cornwall House 245-5: Portuguese Society Picnic Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre

12PM

3PM

1PM

4PM

12-2: Ram BBQ The Ram, Devonshire House BBQ Lunch University Chapel Piazza Surfing trip to Polzeath Sign Up Devonshire House foyer Ultimate Frisbee Taster Session Meet at Arabic Centre 12-4: RAG: Meet the RAG Committee The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 12-5: Joint Languages Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 1230-110: ‘Stress-busting’ Meditation Session Washington Singer, Room 028 1245-2: Ploughman’s Lunch St. Luke’s Chapel 1-230: NOOMA Project Pizza Party Café Ritazza, Cornwall House 1-2: ECU “Isn’t the Bible unreliable and outdated?” Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Exeter Halls Committee Speed Mating Hope Hall, Dining Room 1-3: Women’s Cricket Taster Cricket Centre, Sports Park Men’s Football Taster/Trials Duckes Meadow, EX2 4SN Ladies Lacrosse Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Volleyball Taster Streatham Sports Hall 1-330: English Society Meet/Mingle The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 1-4: Windsurfing, Meet the club Meet: outside Peter Chalk Centre 1-5: Archaeology Society BBQ Laver Building

2PM

2-3: Exeter Model United Nations Welcome to Model United Nations Queen’s Building, LT1 Exeter University Theatre Company Auditions & Acting Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House Mind Your Head Society Walk Meet: Peter Chalk Centre Entrance

3-4: Exeposé Meet the Editors: News, Feature, Lifestyle, Comment and Photography Sections M & D Room, Devonshire House BodySoc Cardio Combat Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Kung Fu Society Taster Hope Hall, Dining Room 3-5: ECU International Globe Cafe Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House Water Polo Taster Cornwall House outside pool Cheerleading and Gymnastics Taster Streatham Sports Hall Men’s Lacrosse Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 4-5: Free Devon Cream Teas Catholic Chaplaincy 4-6: ExeTech Sound and Lighting- the Basics M & D Room, Devonshire House Shotgun Theatre Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

5PM

5-6: BodySoc Pilates Taster Session Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Dance Society Ballet Hope Hall 5-7: American Football Taster/Intro Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Men’s Basketball Open Session Streatham Sports Hall 5-8: Folk Society Ceilidh/ Barn Dance Lemon Grove, Cornwall House

6PM

6-8: Karate Shotokan Taster Studio 1, Streatham Sports Centre Golf Driving Range Session Clifton Hill Driving Range 6-830: Campus Cinema M & D Room, Devonshire House 6-9: Birks Grange Halls Social The Boot Bar, Birks Grange Exeter Halls Social Badger Bar, Hope Hall Holland Hall Social The Clog Bar, Holland Hall

6-late: Art Society Human Canvas Social Meet: Queen’s Building, Queen’s Art Studio 615-l0: Japanese Society Wagamamas Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre 630-830: Sub Aqua Taster St. Luke’s Swimmig Pool 645-730: ECU St Luke’s and Rowancroft Meet and Greet St. Luke’s Arches

7PM

7-730: ECU Holland Hall Meet/ Greet Holland Hall, Quad 7-830: Fencing Fun Taster Streatham Sports Hall Classics Society Pub Quiz Long Lounge, Devonshire House 7-930: Labour Students Society Film Amory Building 7-11: Live music in Cross-Keys Cross-Keys, St. Lukes 7-late: ClincSoc Rubik’s Cube Themed Social Arena Nightclub, Summerland Street Kite-surf, Water-ski and Wakeboard Meet and Greet The Imperial, New North Road Speleology- Meet the Club The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Mathsoc Pirate Treasure Hunt The Ram Bar, Devonshire House RAG presents CA: Ninja Pub Crawl Meet at The Ram end up in Mosaic Club 710-730: ECU Mardon Meet/ Greet Mardon Hall, front steps 730: Catholicism Why? Taster Catholic Chapliancy 730-9: ECU: Central Streatham Court, A 730-10: Climbing Taster Traverse Wall, Streatham Sports Park 730-late: GeogSoc: GeoGraffiti The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

8PM

8-9: Tennis Cardio Taster Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre 8-10: Dancesport Latin and Ballroom Dancing Taster Sports Hall, Streatham Campus 8-11: Chess Society Meet/Greet The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Poker Society Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 8-late: Philosophy Society Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 The University’s confidential and anonymous student-run listening/information service

9PM

9-11: Voice Pub Quiz Long Lounge, Devonshire House 930-1130: Campus Cinema M & D Room, Devonshire House 9-late: Debating Society Mass Debating T-Shirt Club Night Amber Rooms, 161 Sidwell Street

welcome week 2011

WEDNESDAY

8AM

8:30: Morning Prayer Mary Harris Memorial Chapel Morning Prayer St. Luke’s Chapel

9AM

9-10: ECU Prayer Meeting, Chaplaincy Rooms 9-1030: Archery Taster Streatham Sports Hall 9-5: Documentation Checks, UniCard Collection Peter Chalk Centre PCC 1&2 Surfing trip to Polzeath & BBQ Meeting place arranged at sign up (Tuesday) Kite-surf, Water-ski and Wakeboard Wakeboard trip Meeting place arranged at sign up (Monday) 930-1030: English Language Support Peter Chalk Centre, Newman A 950-530: Climbing Haytor, Dartmoor Meet at North Park Rd Bus Stop

10AM

10-5: International Welcome Lounge Queen’s Building MR1&2 10-12: Men’s Cricket Indoor Nets Taster Cricket Centre, Sports Park 1030-12: Jiu Jitsu Taster Streatham Sports Centre 1045-1130: Guild Advice Unit: MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Peter Chalk Centre

11AM

11-1230: Study Skills support for International Students Peter Chalk Centre, Newman A 11-1: Voice: Drop Ins with Voice Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House 11-2: Gilbert & Sullivan Society: Afternoon Tea with G&S Northcott Theatre, Stage 11-4: Green Society: Plant your own window box Grass near bus stop on Rennes Drive 1150-530: Climbing Haytor, Dartmoor Meet at North Park Rd bus stop

12PM

12-1245: Guild Advice Unit: MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Peter Chalk Centre 12-1: Campus Cinema Poster Sale Junior Common Room, Devonshire House XTV: Meet the Shows M & D Room, Devonshire House 12-2: Bagel Brunch Mary Harris Memorial Chapel Ram BBQ The Ram, Devonshire House Men’s Basketball Open Session Streatham Sports Hall Bike Road Taster Ride Meet at car park next to INTO building Ultimate Frisbee Taster Lopes Lawn, Lopes Hall Oxfam Society Picnic and Food Justice Campaign Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House

Meet Victor the Voice Bear Stocker Road 12-3: Students’ Guild Volunteering Fair Great Hall 12-4: RAG Scavenger Hunt RAG Office, Cornwall House 12-5: Riding Taster and Stable Tour Meet: Sports Centre Car Park 12-6: Exeter European Law Society: The Ram and Beach Party The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 1230-2: Change Ringing Society: Handbell Ringing Harrison Building, 171 1240-4: Golf 9-Hole Taster Meet: Streatham Sports Car Park

1PM

1-145: African Drumming Taster Session 1 Knightley Seminar Room 1-2: Clarinet Choir Taster Knightley Seminar Room ECU: “If God is good, why so much suffering?” Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Rowing Meet/Greet Q&A Session Lemon Grove, Cornwall House 1-3: Rugby League Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Men’s Football Taster/Trials Duckes Meadows, EX2 4SN Women’s Hockey taster/Trials Water-based Astro, Streatham 1-4: Amnesty Int. Society Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Meet X Media Online Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House 1-5: Expedition Society (ExSoc) Double Locks Walk Meet outside University Main Library entrance 130-3: Men’s BUCS Tennis Trials Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre Tips for living in the UK Peter Chalk Centre, Newman A 130-4: Athletics Taster Meet: St Luke’s Quad, Streatham Sports Park Cheerleading and Gymnastics Advanced Gym Taster St Luke’s, Cross Keys 145-3: NOOMA Project Ladies Coffee ‘n’ Cupcakes Meet: Coffeexpress, Devonshire House 150-530: Climbing Haytor, Dartmoor Meet at North Park Rd bus stop

2PM

2-245: Guild Advice Unit: MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Peter Chalk Centre 2-3: “Come and Play” with Exeter University Flute Choir Knightley, Seminar Room 2-4: Art Society Life-Drawing Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House Bike MTB Taster Ride Meet at car park next to INTO Building Netball Taster Streatham Sports Hall ECU Exeter Halls Meet/Greet Lopes Hall, Common Room Advanced Gym Taster Exeter Gym Club Exeter Entrepreneurs Society Meet/ Greet Café Ritazza, Cornwall House

Soul Choir Taster M & D Room, Devonshire House Theatre With Teeth Taster Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House Xpression FM Radio Taster Xpression Studio, Devonshire House 215-5: MethAng Prayer and Pub Meet: Peter Chalk Centre 230-4: Swimming Taster Cornwall House Heated Outdoor Pool

3PM

3-4: BodySoc Aerobics Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Kung Fu Society Taster Hope Hall, Dining Room 3-430: ECU International Globe Cafe: campus tour Cornwall House 3-5: French Soc conversational French Long Lounge, Devonshire House Lacrosse Mixed Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Ultimate Frisbee taster St Luke’s Quad 3-6: Rifle Taster Meet: Cornwall House, swimming pool entrance 330-5: Exeter Halls Campus Tour Meet: Lopes Common Room Women’s BUCS Tennis Trials Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre 330-530: Trampoline Taster St Luke’s Lower Gym

4PM

4-5: Beats and Bass Society DJ Workshop Kay House, Duryard International Library Tour Meet: Outside Main Library entrance More Free Devon Cream Teas Catholic Chaplaincy Rowing Meet The Club/BBQ Meet: Outdoor Tennis Centre 4-530: Polo Meet and Greet The Lemon Grove 4-6: Shotgun Theatre Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House Women’s Basketball Taster Streatham Sports Hall Men’s Hockey Taster/Trials Water-based Astro, Streatham XTV Drama in a Week: Filming Workshop Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House 430-630: ExeTech Theatre Tour Meet: Northcott Theatre foyer Exeter University Theatre Company: How to produce a EUTCo play Northcott Theatre

5PM

5: Choral Evensong Mary Harris Memorial Chapel 5-6: Dance Society Street/Hiphop dance Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 5-7: American Football Taster/Intro Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 530-late: Cheerleading and Gymnastics Society Cheerleading Social Meet: The Ram Bar, Streatham; CrossKeys Bar, St Luke’s

Exeposé

6PM

6: Jewish New Year Service Meet: Outside Peter Chalk 6-7: Korfball Taster Streatham Sports Hall 6-830: Exeter Creative Writing Society Welcome Week Session Queen’s Building, LT1 6-9: Birks Grange Halls Social The Boot Bar, Birks Grange Exeter Halls Social Badger Bar, Hope Hall Holland Hall Social The Clog Bar, Holland Hall St Luke’s Halls Social Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s 6-10: Science Fiction and Fantasy Society Film Screening Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House 6-late: Triathlon Meet and Greet BBQ 17, Queens Crescent, Exeter 630-8: Socialist Students Society Socialist Students welcome meeting Queen’s Building, D 630-9: Change Ringing Society Change Ringing Taster Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre 645-11: Crealy World of Adventures Coaches from Peter Chalk Centre

7PM

7-9: Capoeira Society Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House NOOMA Project NOOMA Central Long Lounge, Devonshire House Taekwondo Taster Streatham Sports Hall XTV Comedy Night M & D Room, Devonshire house 7-10: Turkish Society Meeting Café Ritazza, Cornwall House 7-late: Exeter St John Links Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Latin American Society ¡Viva Chile! Taste the nation Mama Stone’s, 1, Mary Arches St 730-9: Gender Equality Society Your Feminist Manifesta Café Ritazza, Cornwall House Meditation Society Tai Chi Taster Queen’s Building, MR3 730-10: English Country Dancing and Social Evening Great Hall 730-late: A Capella Society Musical Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

8PM

8-12: Out Of Doors Society Welcome The Ram Bar, Devonshire 8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 The University’s confidential and anonymous student-run listening/information 830-late: Exeter Halls Committee White T-Shirt Social Hole in the Wall, Little Castle St

9PM

930-late: RAG: School Daze Lemon Grove, Cornwall House

Exeposé welcome week

THURSDAY 8AM

830: Morning Prayer Mary Harris Memorial Chapel

9AM

9-10: ECU Prayer Meeting Chaplaincy Rooms 9-5: Colleges’ Day College venues, compulsory attendance Documentation Checks and UniCard collection Peter Chalk Centre, PCC1&2

10AM

10-12: Archery Taster Streatham Sports Hall 10-2: RAG Charity Fair Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 10-5: International Welcome Lounge Queen’s Building, MR 1&2 1050-12: Athletics Social Run Streatham Sports Park

11AM

11-1145: Quaker Outdoor Worship St Luke’s Quad 11-12: Athletics Run Along the River Meet: Streatham Sports Hall at 1050 11-1: Art Society: Paint a Mural/Mosaic Making Workshop Queen’s Building, Queen’s Art Studio Politics Society Meet and Greet Coffeexpress, Devonshire House Table Tennis Play & Meet Streatham Sports Hall WRFC Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 11-1230: Come and Play Northcott Theatre, stage 1130-4: Community Action go to Exmouth Beach Meet: Outside Amory Building

12PM

12-1: Film Studies Society Introduction M & D Room, Devonshire House Discover The Works The Works, Devonshire House 12-2: BBQ Lunch University Chapel Piazza Meet the Chaplains St Luke’s North Cloister Ram BBQ The Ram, Devonshire House Voice Jelly Handout Stocker Road Xpression FM News Taster Session Xpression Studio, Devonshire House Ultimate Frisbee Taster Streatham Sports Hall 12-7: BodySoc Picnic Meet: Streatham Court main entrance 1230-430: Windsurfing BBQ Beach Party at Exmouth Meet: Peter Chalk Centre

1PM

1-2: Concert Band- Come and Play Northcott Theatre ECU: “Hasn’t science made God irrelevant?” M&D Room, Devonshire House ECU: “Is Christianity exclusive and arrogant?” Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s Pole Dancing Taster Studio 2, Streatham Sports Park

Tennis Cardio Taster Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre 1-3: Women’s Cricket Taster St Luke’s Quad Ladies Lacrosse Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park ECU JOC and Northernhay Meet and Greet The Old Firehouse, New North Road Footlights Musical Society Taster Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House Italian Society Taster Queen’s Building, Queen’s Cafe 1-530: Exeter Challenge Cross-Keys, St Luke’s 145-3: NOOMA Project Football The MUGA Pitch, Sports Park

2PM

2-3: Meddle in the Media M & D Room, Devonshire house Exeter University Theatre Company Directing Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House 2-4: Chamber Orchestra Come and Play: Symphony Orchestra Northcott Theatre ECU Lafrowda Meet/Greet Meet: Cornwall House reception Exeter Entrepreneurs Society Meet and Greet Café Ritazza, Cornwall House Exeter Halls Committee Spa Lopes Hall, Common Room Knit Soc Knitting Taster The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Symphony Orchestra: Come and Play with Cream Teas Northcott Theatre Badminton Taster Streatham Sports Hall 2-5: Squash Taster Squash Courts, Streatham 230-4: Swimming Taster St Luke’s Swimming Pool

3PM

3-4: Exeposé Meet the Editors: Review Sections M & D Room, Devonshire House Chamber Orchestra EUSO & EUCO joint cream tea social Northcott Theatre Exeter Finance and Investment Society Welcome Chat Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Kung Fu Society Taster Hope Hall, Dining Room 3-430: A Capella Society Come and Sing Knightley, Seminar Room 3-5: Exeter Halls Committee: Exeter Halls Ultimate Frisbee Lopes Hall, Lopes Lawn Ultimate Frisbee Taster Hope Hall, Hope Lawn Men’s Lacrosse Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Water Polo Taster Cornwall House Outdoor Pool Exeter Model United Nations Crisis Game M & D Room, Devonshire House Snowsports Meet Up The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 3-6: History Society Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Rifle Taster Meet: Cornwall House, Swimming Pool entrance

4PM

4-5: BodySoc Zumba Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Chamber Orchestra Come and Play: Chamber Orchestra Northcott Theatre More Free Devon Cream Teas Catholic Chaplaincy 4-530: Mind Your Head Society: Know Your Services M & D Room, Devonshire House 4-6: Men’s Basketball Open Session Streatham Sports Hall Theology Society Meet and Greet The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 430-6: World Music Choir Knightley, Seminar Room

5PM

5-6: Dance Society Contemporary dance Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 5-late: Scouts And Guides, Exeter (SAGE) with D of E SAGE Exeter Monopoly Challenge Meet: The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 530-7: Eucharist and Supper St Luke’s Chapel

6PM

6-730: Multi Faith International Reception Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street 6-8: Women’s Basketball Taster Streatham Sports Hall RFC Freshers’ Session Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Unicef On Campus Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 6-830: Campus Cinema M & D Room, Devonshire House 6-9: Exeter Halls Social Badger Bar, Hope Hall Birks Grange Halls Social The Boot Bar, Birks Grange Holland Hall Social The Clog Bar, Holland Hall 630-730: ECU Holland Meet and Greet Holland Hall, Common Room 630-830: Sub Aqua Taster St Luke’s Swimming Pool

7PM

7-10: Labour Students Society Amory Building 7-11: St Luke’s Ents presents: Rubix Cube Meet & Greet Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s 7-late: Dancing on Ice; Ice-Disco at the Plymouth Pavillions (£7) Coaches from Peter Chalk @ 7pm Portuguese Society Cops and Robbers Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Climbing Meet and Greet The Ram Bar, Devonshire House French Society & Language Societies Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House LitSoc Literary Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 730-late: Folk Society: Folk Music Session The Jolly Porter Catholic Mass Catholic Chaplaincy

BioSoc White T-Shirt Bar Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Exeter Model UN Social The Imperial, New North Road Jewish Society Rosh Hashanah Pub Crawl Meet: The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Russian Society Red and White Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

8PM

8-930: Chocolate Society Quiz Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 8-10: ECU Globe Cafe: Magic Show Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House 8-11: Discover the Green Society The Ram Bar, Devonshire House RAG Acoustic and Cocktails Mama Stones, 1 Mary Arches St 8-late: Archaeology Society Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House EUTCo Social John Gandys Bar, Gandy Street History Society Welcome Social Walkabout, 99-101 Fore St Japanese Society Catch-a-Ninja pub crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Ram Jam The Ram, Devonshire House 8-10: Dancesport Salsa Taster Sports Hall, Streatham Campus 8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 University’s confidential and anonymous student-run listening and information service 830-11: Catholic Society Cocktail and open mic night Catholic Chaplaincy

9PM

9-1130: Campus Cinema M & D Room, Devonshire House 930-late: Jewish New Year Service Meet: outside Peter Chalk Centre International Society Summer’s Not Over Timepiece, 6 Little Castle Street 10-late: Exeter Halls does Thursday Meet: Lopes Hall

FRIDAY 8AM

830: Morning Prayer Mary Harris Memorial Chapel

9AM

9-10: ECU Prayer Meeting Chaplaincy Rooms 9-2: UniCard Collection Peter Chalk Centre, PCC2 9-330: Documentation Checks Peter Chalk Centre, PCC1&2 930: Jewish New Year Service (2nd Day) Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre 930-1130: Table Tennis Play and Meet Sports Hall, Streatham 930-5: Police Registration for International Students Peter Chalk Centre 1, Hall 1. Your Visa will state if you need to register. Bring Passport, 2 passport photos and £34 cash

10AM

10-12: Triathalon Fun Team Race Meet: Sports Park Reception Men’s Cricket Indoor Nets Taster Cricket Centre, Sports Park 10-330: St John Links Taster Outside Amory Building 10-4: Sailing Day; sailing with tuition Meet: Sports Park Car Park International Welcome Lounge Queen’s Building, MR1&2 RAG hits St Luke’s St Luke’s Quad 1030-12: Questions and Answers for International Students Queen’s Building, MR1&2 1030-2: Athletics Training on the Beach Meet: Streatham Sports Park at 10

11AM

11-12: Voice Information Session Queen’s Building, LT1 11-1: Ultimate Frisbee Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 11-3: Community Action at St Luke’s Activities Fair St Luke’s Quad RAG Chill-out zone and Patio Picnic RAG Patio, Cornwall House Xpression FM OB on the Patio RAG Patio, Cornwall House 1130-1215: Guild Advice Unit MONEY, MONEY, MONEY Peter Chalk, Newman A 1130-1: Fencing Fun Taster Streatham Sports Hall

12PM

12-1: Information on working during your studies for International Students Queen’s Building, LT1 12-2: RAM BBQ The Ram, Devonshire House BBQ Lunch University Chapel Piazza Cheerleading and Gymnastics Beginners Gym Taster St Luke’s Lower Gym Voice Hug Day Stocker Road XTV Presenter Workshop Pippa Langston Room, Cornwall House 12-3: Students’ Guild Mini Activites Fair Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s 12-5: Conservative Future Tory Skirmish Paintballing Meet: outside Café Ritazza, Cornwall House GeogSoc Beach Trip Meet: St David’s Station

1PM

1-2: ECU “Why would I matter to a distant God?” Queen’s Building, Queen’s Drive Lawn 1-3: Footlights Musical Society Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Rugby League Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Badminton Taster Streatham Sports Hall Women’s Cricket Taster Cricket Centre, Sports Park Men’s Football Taster/Trials Duckes Meadow, EX2 4SN

Beginners Golf Streatham Sports Park Meet: Water-based Astro 1-6: Snooker Club: Pool Tournament Rileys Pool & Snooker Club, Sidwell Street 130-4: Catholic Society, Let’s Burn Off the Scones Day Catholic Chaplaincy 155-5: Extunes Music Facilities Tour & Taster Session Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre

2PM

2-3: MONEY, MONEY, MONEY for International Students Peter Chalk Centre, Newman A Exeter University Theatre Company Improvisational Comedy Directing Workshop Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House 2-4: Business and Economics Society, BE Soc Netball Tennis Courts, Tennis Centre ECU St Luke’s and Rowancroft Meet/Greet St. Luke’s Quad Exeter Halls Committee Acoustic Gig Badger Bar, Hope Hall Soul Choir Taster M & D Room, Devonshire House University Singers, Come and Sing Knightley XTV Drama in a Week: Editing Workshop XMedia Office 2-5: Cheerleading and Gymnastics Society, Cheerleading Taster St. Luke’s Sports Hall, Lower Gym 2-6: Maths Society Quiz The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 215-5: Walking Tour of Historic Exeter Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre 230: Tashlich Millennium Bridge, Bonhay Road

3PM

3-4: Kung Fu Society Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Women’s Football Taster Sand Astro, Sports Park 3-5: Volleyball Taster Streatham Sports Hall 3-530: CSSA A Taste Of China The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 3-6: WRFC Mixed Touch Tournament Rubber Crumb, Sports Park Rugby League Mixed Touch Tournament Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 3-8: Game Society Games Evening Freddie Mercury Room, Cornwall House

4PM

4-5: Concert Band- Come and Play with Exeter University Concert Band Kay House, Duryard The LAST Devon Cream Tea Catholic Chaplaincy

welcome week 2011

4-530: Choral Society Come and Sing Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre

5PM

5-6: BodySoc Balance Taster Session Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 5-7: Trampoline Taster St Luke’s Gym Men’s Basketball Open Session Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 530-730: Proper Pancakes South Street Baptist Church

6PM

6-645: Prayer and Praise Catholic Chapliancy 6-7: Dance Society Tap Dance Junior Common Room, Devonshire House 6-8: RFC Freshers’ Taster Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 6-9: Birks Grange Halls Social The Boot Bar, Birks Grange Exeter Halls Social Badger Bar, Hope Hall Holland Hall Social The Clog Bar, Holland Hall 6-late: Exeter Entrepreneurs Society John Gandys Bar, Gandy Street 630-10: NOOMA’s International Welcome Meet: Cornwall House

7PM

7-8: Dancesport Latin and Ballroom Dancing Showcase Hope Hall 7-830: Jiu Jitsu Taster Streatham Sports Centre 7-9: Karate Shotokan Taster Cricket Centre, Sports Park 7-10: Jazz Orchestra Let’s Jam Port Royal Juke Box, Weirfeld Path 730-830: Latin Mass Catholic Chaplaincy 730-9: Debating Society Friday: The Big Debate Amory Building, Parker Moot Room 730-1030: St Luke’s Ents Presents: Live Hypnotic Show Cross-Keys Bar, St Luke’s 745-late: BESOC Social Timepiece Bar, 6 Little Castle St

8PM

8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 University’s confidential support/listening service by students, for students 8-10: Table Tennis BUCS Team Trials Sports Centre, Studios 1&2 8-late: Exeter Halls Pub Crawl Badger Bar, Hope Hall Latin American Society The ExMex Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House Ramaoke The Ram, Devonshire House 830-10: Korfball Taster Streatham Sports Hall 830-late: CF True Blue Pub Crawl The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

Surf Meet and Greet The Ram Bar, Devonshire House XTV White T Shirt Social The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

9PM

9-2: Standout Lemon Grove, Cornwall House 930-late: RAG RLL The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

SATURDAY

8AM

845-2: Jurassic Coast Cruise, Exmouth Meet: Bus Stop, Rennes Drive (£7)

10AM

10-12: Archery Taster Streatham Sports Centre, Studio 1 10-2: Netball BUCS Trials Streatham Sports Hall 10-6: Guided Main Library Tours Every 30mins from the Main Entrance 1015-430: ECU Beach Trip Stocker Road Entrance; St Luke’s, The Arches 1015-6: Japanese Society Beach Trip Peter Chalk Centre 1030-530: Out of Doors Society Dartmoor Walk Meet: Washington Singer Entrance, £5

11AM

11: Guided Research Commoms Tours Sign up at Research Commons Desk 11-430: Portuguese Society Beach Party Meet: Peter Chalk Centre 11-7: Expedition Society Coastal Walk Meet: Main Library Front Entrance 1130-6: Amnesty Beach Trip Cornwall House

12PM

12-4: Tennis Club Day Exeter Indoor Tennis Centre 12-5: Squash Freshers’ Tournament Squash Courts, Streatham Sports Centre 1230-5: Snowsports BBQ/Skiing The Ram Bar, Devonshire House

1PM

1-3: Footlights Musical Society Taster Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Bike Social Ride Meet: Car Park next to INTO Building 1-4: Community Action Football Tournament Rubber Crumb, Sports Park 1-5: MethAng Trip to the Quay Meet: Outside Peter Chalk Centre

2PM

2: Guided Research Commons Tours Maximum 10 people per tour; please sign up at the Research Commons Desk 2-3: Pole Dancing Taster Streatham Sports Park, Studio 2

2-4: Theatre With Teeth Workshop Junior Common Room, Devonshire House Badminton Taster Streatham Sports Hall RFC Trials Duckes Meadow, EX2 4SN Sub Aqua Taster Cornwall House outdoor swimming pool 245-6: Climbing Indoors Meet: outside the Main Library, Stocker Road

7PM

7-9: XTV Drama in a Week: The Showing M & D Room, Devonshire House 7-late: Kite-surf, Water-ski and Wakeboard Meet the Club at Walkabout, Fore St.

8PM

8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 University’s confidential support/listening service by students, for students 8: Clay Pigeon Shooting Meet and Greet The Old Firehouse 8-late: Traffic Light BOP Cross-Keys, St.Luke’s 8-2: The Lemon Grove Lemon Grove, Cornwall House

SUNDAY

10AM- 4PM

ACTIVITIES FAIR Sign up to various societies and sports located at stands all over campus, including Queen’s Building, Devonshire House, Peter Chalk Centre, the Sports Hall and Harrison Building

10AM

10-1230: ECU Church Search Stocker Road Entrance; St. Luke’s, The Arches 10-430: Guided Main Library Tours Every 30mins from the Main Entrance 1030-130: Student Welcome Service and Ploughman’s Lunch Heavitree United Reformed Church

11AM

11: Student Welcome Service and cooked lunch South Street Baptist Church Welcome Week Communion and Buffet Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street Korean Language Service Mint Methodist Church Centre, Fore Street Guided Research Commoms Tours Sign up at Research Commons Desk 1130-1230: Mass at the Catholic Chaplaincy Free minibus from Peter Chalk Centre at 11.15

Exeposé

2PM

Guided Research Commoms Tours Sign up at Research Commons Desk

5PM

530-830: ECU Church Search Stocker Road Entrance; St.Luke’s, The Arches

6PM

6-830: Campus Cinema M & D Room, Devonshire House

7PM

7-8: Xpression FM Members’ Meeting Coffeexpress, Devonshire House 730-9: St. Luke’s Ents presents: Cross-Keys Pub Quiz Cross-Keys, St. Luke’s

8PM

8-11: Xpression FM Open Mic Night The Ram Bar, Devonshire House 8-8: Voice: Voice is open 01392 27 5284 University’s confidential support/listening service by students, for students

9PM

9-1130: Campus Cinema M & D Room, Devonshire House

MONDAY 7PM

7-late: Campaign Army: Campaigns Launch 2011 Queen’s Building, LT2

media events Monday:

2-3: Meddle In the Media 2-4: XTV Writing Workshop

Tuesday:

2-4: Razz My Berries- Meet the Editors XTV Drama in a Week: Acting Workshop 3-4: Exeposé Meet the Editors: News Sections

Wednesday:

12-1: XTV Meet The Shows 1-4: Meet X Media Online 2-4: Xpression FM Radio Taster 4-5: XTV Drama in a Week Filming Workshop 7-9: XTV Comedy Night

Thursday

12-1: Xpression FM News Taster Session 2-3: Meddle In The Media 3-4: Exeposé Meet the Editors: Review Sections

Friday:

11-3: Xpression FM Outside Broadcast on the Patio 12-2: XTV Presenter Workshop 2-4: XTV: Drama in a Week Editing Workshop 830-late: XTV White T Shirt Social

events news tickets societies

welcome week 2011 Exeposé

Music

Join the Exeposé Music Facebook group Follow us on Twitter @ExeposeMusic

Andy Smith & Amy Weller - music@exepose.com

Upcoming Interview 27/9 - Cloud Control, Cavern

A Rose by any other name...

29/9 - Luke Leighfield Andy Smith, Music Editor, and Ben Murphie chat to acoustic songstress Lucy Rose and Jose Vanders, Cavern 30/9 - Doorly, Drumsound & Basslinesmith and The Nextmen, Lemon Grove 1/10 - The Black Umfolosi 5, Exeter Corn Exchange 2/10 - ExTunes Live, The Old Firehouse 6/10 - Cara Dillon, Exeter Phoenix 7/10 - Black Brides, Lemon Grove

Veil

8/10 - Bastille, Cavern 9/10 - Ben Howard, Exeter Phoenix

Featured Event 2/10 - Wolfgang with S.C.U.M and Niki And The Dove, Exeter Phoenix Wolfgang’s music is stylish,

soulful and magnetising, having received great critical ac-

claim for his debut album, Suego Faults. This is set to be an

exciting and electrifying performance as part of the NME Radar Tour.

AS we sat in the dark leather comfort of the Cargo bar waiting for Lucy Rose to finish an interview with another pair of young music writers outside, we was unsure what to expect from the fresh-faced songstress. Her music, which is mainly discoverable through a collection of live sessions and acoustic performances on YouTube, with no album yet recorded and just one single, is acoustic folk which often has a tinge of sadness at its melody-ripe edges. Simple but effective chord progressions with gently rippling riffs over the top seem to convey a sense of nostalgia on tracks such as ‘First’ and ‘Night Bus’, whereas there is a funkier, more energetic feel to others, such as the new single, ‘Middle of the Bed’. This diversity of style is reflected in Lucy Rose’s description of her music – “It’s so difficult because you just feel like you’re pigeon-holing yourself into a category which you don’t want to do... it’s sort of got a little bit of everything in it: cinematic, acoustic, folky. But it has a bit of a beat to it, a lot of the songs

have a bit of a groove to them.” A relatively new face on the now somewhat disbanded ‘London Folk Scene’, Lucy Rose had been wanting to release a single for some time, saying “The amount of people who have been coming and supporting over all these years and been asking for CDs, and I’ve been having to say ‘no’, I feel like I’m not filling in my part of giving them the music if they’re coming to watch it, so it’s really nice that I actually have something they can take home and listen to.” With her single comes a notoriety that she has been aiming for for some time. Having written songs and played guitar since her early teenage years, she has seen the amount of work it takes to be at all heard in such an industry. Three of her friends formed the support for the gig, Lucy asserting, “I pretty much insisted on having just my friends, because they are brilliant musical support, and you should help each other out as much as you can, because the music we’re all trying to do is difficult,

you know?” Lucy Rose’s performance was quietly fantastic, her soft vocals retaining a sincerity that can often be lost in this kind of music, complemented by a set-list that flowed and always left the audience in excited anticipation for the next song. A significant factor in this was how undoubtedly tight her band were, who are actually all friends of Lucy’s that she’s been playing with for some time: “I think it’s helped that they’re all close friends of mine, and because before they even started playing music with me we were all good friends. That makes it a lot easier, makes you enjoy a lot more when you know you’ve got all your friends around you playing music with you, the vibes are nicer.” As her music is gaining popularity and praise, Lucy Rose has been playing the festival circuit this summer, both with her band, and with indie moguls Bombay Bicycle Club, who she collaborated on for their acoustic album Flaws and their latest release ‘A Different Kind of Fix’. Lucy admits

she was “a fan to start with”, smiling at the memory, “So as soon as they asked me if I wanted to sing with them, it was a definite yes. Then it just naturally happened over the last two years, from the odd gig every few months, to the second album, to doing a full tour with them and supporting them, it just feels like a natural progression.” Lucy Rose’s music has a certain quality to it that seems to be lacking in other artists’ releases. With her songwriting talent she makes the listener really feel what she’s singing, and her music may often cause a twinge of fond nostalgia. It is evident that she has a great belief in friendship, and the importance of companionship in making good music. Having been somewhat unsure of how the interview would go, we soon found that this is one artist who has the people she needs with her, and with them she will go far. Lucy Rose’s single ‘Middle Of The Bed’ is out now.

Exeposé welcome week

Music

Exeter venue guide

Amy Weller and Andy Smith, Music Editors, give a run-down of Exeter’s top music venues Photo: Hannah Walker

The Old Firehouse

The Phoenix Arts Centre

Cavern

Where? New North Road, off Longbrook Street What? Mostly acoustic, hosting chilled out open mic nights, but has the occasional gig from jazz, rock and ska bands. When? Friday and Saturday nights live music from up-and-coming bands; Sunday nights - Extunes Live: a handful of student acts and artists playing into the night. Verdict: 8/10 It has a great atmosphere, generally really good music, and is the perfect way to have a chilled out evening. Drinks aren’t expensive and neither is the food (seriously delish pizza served until late). Firehouse is usually packed out so get there early if you want decent seats! Bit of a cultural landmark too as rumour has it this was the pub which inspired J.K Rowling’s Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter. Fact (kind of).

Where? Gandy Street, off the High Street What? A great venue providing space for some truly diverse musical talents, as well as hosting various film and art events. When? No regular club nights, but keep an eye on our listings to see which acts will be playing here over the upcoming year or check out their website. This is probably Exeter’s most popular venue for touring bands and artists, so it’s very much worth keeping in mind. Verdict: 7/10 Occasionally the Phoenix hosts some big names; last year Johnny Flynn, Frightened Rabbit and Camo & Krooked all played some brilliant gigs here and The Guillemots will be playing a gig in November. The tickets are reasonably priced but book in advance. However, the bar isn’t cheap.

Where? Gandy Street What? Possibly the best venue for more alternative music ranging from indie to hip hop, which owing to its cavernous interior provides intimate gig space which, if you’re lucky, offers the possibility of meeting the artists once they’ve performed. Great drink prices and has a café open 11am - 5pm. When? Best night to go to is every other Saturday for their INDIE CLUB (£4 entry, free before 11pm) playing the best of alternative classics from MGMT to The Cure. Keep an eye on their gig listings as they host some of the best gigs in Exeter featuring hot up and coming acts. Last year Darwin Deez, Akala and Fenech Solar played here. Verdict: 9/10 Cheap, great live acts and DJs, brilliant location for a night out.

Bowling Green

Exeter Corn Exchange

Lemon Grove / The Ram

Mama Stones

Where? Blackboy Road (up past Sidwell Street) What? Friendly local pub, with a nice student-friendly atmosphere, where you can play board games with your pint. Now hosting gigs for the first time, there will be a variety of genres, from funk to folk, and acoustic to A’ Capella When? Weekly performance nights, showcasing a variety of different bands, artists and local talent, starting on the 4th October 2011. Verdict: 7/10 Difficult to really know as this is a new night, but the organisers are very ‘connected’, so it seems set to have a quality selection of local acts performing at each event. Expect to see lots of new additions to the Exeter music scene.

Where? George Street (off the bottom of the High Street) What? This Council-run venue hosts many acts from theatre to comedy, but occassionally features very good touring artists. Past performers have included the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and The Amateur Transplants. When? The venue is only open performance nights, so it would be worth checking their website for listings, but generally there are a few different performances on every month. Verdict: 6/10 Not a huge amount of shows on, but they do get good quality acts in occassionally. However, they do host a number of tribute bands, which always serves for a good night out.

Where? Cornwall House (Lemon Grove) and Devonshire House (The Ram) What? The Student Guild Bars are the best place for entertainment on campus. The Lemon Grove regularly hosts touring bands of all genres, and has previously seen Bowling for Soup, Frank Turner and We Are Scientists perform. The Ram hosts acoustic nights weekly, as well as Karaoke nights. When? The Lemon Grove have regular club nights every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, as well as frequent gigs. The Ram host the Xpression FM Open Mic night on a Sunday evening, Ram Jam every Thursday night, and Karaoke every Friday. Verdict: 9/10 Cheap drinks, cheap food, and great student-friendly atmosphere in the newly refurbished Guild Bars.

Where? Mary Arches Street (near Roccoco’s) What? Hosts live music nights which showcase artists of all genres especially soul and acoustic performances. Most performances are by local bands, but they do sometimes host soul, funk and jazz names from across the country, including soul sensation Joss Stone, the daughter of the owner. When? You can catch the house band, fronted by Hannah Berney, most weeks, and there are monthly acoustic nights hosted by Rosie & Tim. Verdict: 9/10 Cool vibes with a relaxed atmosphere, and really friendly and helpful bartenders, it’s the perfect place to see some genuine musical talent. And it’s a bar/Mexican restaurant!

Album review Young Pilgrim Charlie Simpson FROM a school boy singing about hot teachers and triple-breasted women in Busted, to providing the dark and stunning vocals in post-hardcore band Fightstar, Charlie Simpson is a name that has been lurking around the music industry for a while now. Never the one to settle for a single genre, he now returns to shows off his adaptable voice as a solo artist in his debut album, Young Pilgrim. Young Pilgrim is not exactly what you would expect from either a Busted or a Fightstar veteran. As a great fan of the latter, I was expecting his large leap into the singer-songwriter world to be a

disappointment. How wrong I was. From the moment his first track and debut single, ‘Down, Down, Down’ started playing I was hooked. Nothing can prepare you for the extent

of his talent – his vocals, lyrics and instrumentation are perfectly composed. Choosing to go down the acoustic route was certainly a good decision for Simpson as it brings out the soothing

tones of his voice so well. The album is roughly split into two sections. The first part includes tracks such as ‘Parachutes,’ ‘All At Once’ and ‘Suburbs’ which are upbeat and prove to be a brilliant, feel-good soundtrack to summer. Towards the end of the album the songs are generally slower and ambient. Tracks such as ‘Sundown’ and ‘Riverbanks’ highlight the purity of Charlie Simpson’s voice and act like a sweet lullaby. A romantic harmony of choir-like backing vocals and a delicate blend of instruments run through Young Pilgrim, allowing the album to deliver an ethereal quality that really reflects the artist’s musical talent. All his tracks are lyrically profound and well written. Young Pilgrim is clearly not a half-hearted attempt to

break into the music industry as a solo artist. Instead it is testimony to months of hard work and careful craftsmanship blending together to create a beautiful example of music – something which sets Charlie Simpson apart from many other singer-songwriters. It is incredibly difficult to find anything to criticize about this album. Acoustic music always risks being lacklustre and dull, though Young Pilgrim avoids this and is instead a magnificent masterpiece. It seems that Charlie Simpson has finally shaken off the “Charlie from Busted” days and has earned respect as a talented musician in his own right. JESS LEUNG, VIDEO GAMES EDITOR

Screen

welcome week 2011 Exeposé

Join the Exeposé Screen Facebook group Follow us on Twitter @ExeposeScreen

Tori Brazier & Luke Graham - screen@exepose.com

NEWSREEL

DEAR Freshers, MA students, international students and all other newcomers, welcome to Exeter! As this is a special issue of Exeposé just for you folk, the Screen Section is a little different this week, and so we will take the time to introduce you to the different parts of the section. Newsreel (this bit) normally contains little snippets of new or utterly bizarre screen-related information, which we enjoy sharing with you, such as ‘OMG, Eddie Murphy’s hosting the 2012 Oscars- never saw that one coming!’ Our other regular features include ‘Films to see before you graduate’ (below), ‘What I’ve been watching’, new TV and film release reviews, many other one-off articles, and our competitions with Odeon and Picturehouse to win cinema tickets. These will all return with vengeance in our next issue. All are written by students, and we’d love to hear from any one of you who may be interested in contributing to this section. Please do email us (vkb201 and lg271), join the group on Facebook, follow us on Twitter (@ExeposeScreen), drop in at the office in Cornwall House, or come along to any Exeposé-related activities this week! Finally, here is our first EXCLUSIVE celebrity tweet, which is from Downton Abbey’s Dan Stevens (Matthew Crawley), who tells Exeposé readers, and Exeposé readers only, of the just-premiered series two to “Hold on to your tin hats, ladies and gentlemen, it’s going to be a bumpy ride...!”

Lights, camera and all the action in Exeter Luke Graham, Screen Editor, shares his moneysaving tips for film fans

ALONGSIDE stereotypes of binge drinking, reading and poor hygiene, students are also known for watching lots of films. It’s sociable and relaxing when you’ve finished “studying”, but films can really drain your wallet. After two years of experience though, I’ve picked up a few tricks for saving money...

Cinema

DVDs are great, but nothing beats the cinema, and it can be cheaper than you think in Exeter, where there are Odeon, Vue and Picturehouse cinemas. Most people have heard of ‘Orange Wednesdays’ which means you can buy 2-for-1 tickets; this is available at all three cinemas. Odeon is generally cheapest, and it’s

worth getting a loyalty card so you can save points and see films for free. You can save even more money at the Picturehouse on Bartholomew Street West. It hosts the E4 Slackers Club (look it up online), which shows a film for free each month, so sign up to that. Even better the Picturehouse has a Student night on Mondays, with half price tickets and 2-for-1 drinks. The Picturehouse membership card is also worth considering. It costs £21, but gives you three free tickets over the year and a big discount on tickets, food and drink. However, the cheapest way to visit the cinema in Exeter is with the University’s very own Campus Cinema, located in the M&D room of Devonshire house. If you can wait a month or two after a film is released, Campus Cinema usually shows it, and tickets cost as little as £1.50 - a bargain.

DVDs

In your new accommodation, you could use your high-speed internet connection to download or stream films from websites like The Pirate Bay or Megavideo, but that’s technically stealing. There are other ways though! Nearly every student has stacks of DVDs on their shelves, so you could borrow instead. Films are a good way to socialise: stick one on in the kitchen for people to watch while they’re cooking and eating, invite course-mates and new friends round to watch films. Everyone has their own opinion, so start conversations about your favourite films with your new acquaintances. Eventually, you’ll want to buy something new and venture into town. HMV near Princesshay Square sells DVDs from as little as £3. They have deals when you buy multiple DVDs, so bring a film fan friend and split the cost. CEX in Guildhall shopping centre has cheap, pre-owned DVDs. Keep your eyes open for obscure, hidden shops in Exeter too; they may have the film you’ve been dying to see.

Calum Baker advises new students on how to get involved in film at Exeter

EXETER, not being endowed with its own specialist film production department, nevertheless has a great deal of opportunities for the discerning amateur (wannabe pro) film-maker – both onand off-campus. XTV, the University’s student-run TV station, is usually a good start. The station can be found online at xmedia. ex.ac.uk, housing an archive of various types of show, from factual to comedy to drama. Anyone can get involved, and pursue any avenues they so please: presenting, acting, writing, directing, crew, or just plain ol’ stressful producing. The station welcomes as many original ideas for series, sitcoms, short films, music videos, non-fiction shows & documentaries, and is looking to increase its accessibility this year with a number of in-house projects seeking to hire new blood – not to mention top-notch training & support to those who feel less confident. The station has often been an effective stepping-stone for those looking to crack into media (along with Exeposé, Xpression and XMO of course), with many of its productions winning (surprisingly prestigious) National Student Television Awards and several members going on to good industry jobs. To get involved, simply check out any XTV events and workshops going on during Freshers’ Week in our Events Guide. Of course, while XTV is very useful for supporting productions and exhibiting the finished products on their website and upcoming YouTube channel, there are plenty of ways to introduce your film-making self to the world; if you own a high-enough quality camera and enough kit to get the effect you want, why not edit the thing yourself and submit it to some competitions? Even if you don’t own editing software, there

Films to see before you graduate: Lost in Translation (2003)

Director: Sofia Coppola Cast: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi (15) 104mins

RIGHT from the opening shot of Lost in Translation - a close-up of Scarlett Johansson’s peachy behind - director Coppola doesn’t stick to conventions for her second feature film. And thank God for that. It’s a loosely autobiographical film for Coppola, which perhaps gives the film its poignant quality. Johansson plays the character of Charlotte who is stuck in a loveless marriage with a ca-

reer-obsessed husband, mirroring Coppola’s failed marriage to fellow director Spike Jonze. Coppola’s original screenplay is thus insightful and personal and was duly awarded both the Golden Globe and Academy Award.

“Much of the film’s emotion lies in Murray’s despondent expressions” Johansson conveys the frustration and boredom of Charlotte effortlessly and she is matched by Bill Murray’s brilliant performance as Bob Harris, an ageing actor tired of his fame and

obligations. The film follows the two characters lost in the bustling city life of Tokyo but more importantly disoriented and bewildered with their own lives. It’s only natural therefore that the two dissatisfied characters befriend one another and begin a journey of companionship that forms the narrative of the film. Coppola’s direction is restrained and subtle. Despite their intimacy, there are no large clichéd romantic declarations between Bob and Charlotte. In fact, much of the film’s emotion lies not in the dialogue but in Murray’s despondent expressions or what is evoked by Tokyo’s futuristic metropolis and the alternative soundtrack.

The film was pioneering in other ways, launching Johansson’s career as a serious actress and enabling Coppola to become only the third woman nominated for a Directing Academy Award. One could argue that Coppola’s gift is from her father, director of The Godfather, but this is perhaps too simplistic. Coppola undoubtedly established her own unique style with this film but more importantly infused it with the personal experience which makes all her films so heartfelt.

FRANCESCA DE MUNNICH LANGFORD

is a film-editing suite in Thornlea, the Drama department building opposite the Imperial (you’ll find out what the Impy is this week, I’m sure). There are a great deal of festivals on, in and around Exeter if you’d rather not travel further afield to show your film. The deadline for this year’s Two Short Nights festival, at cultural hub The Phoenix, has passed, but there’s always the opportunity to spend the year making something and submitting it in time for September 2012. Speaking of festivals, what of those who just want to work behind the scenes? You don’t care whether people see your “Art”! You just want to get involved, somehow, in the world of film! Well, there are volunteering opportunities at such festivals – check out The Phoenix for regular events, as well as February’s large-scale Animated Exeter. There’s also, of course, the Bill Douglas Centre, one of the largest collections of archived cinematic material in the country (over 50,000 items and 18,000 film books). BDC is on campus and houses very welcoming staff, who are always happy to chat to those interested in getting involved. Much like XTV. Please don’t knock the shameless plugs. You know those festivals I mentioned that you can enter independently without having anything to do with XTV? Well, XTV constantly source upcoming opportunities nationwide and promote them to their members. So at the very least, take a look at their Facebook group.

Exeposé welcome week

Screen

Screen reviews the hottest Summer films

The Tree of Life Final Harry Potter Senna Director: Terrence Malick and the Deathly Director: Asif Kapadia Destination 5 (12A) 139mins (12A) 106mins Steven Quale Hallows: Part 2 WHETHER you’re a Formula 1 fan THE Tree of Life isn’t like other Director: (15) 92mins

Director: David Yates (12A) 130mins

DESPITE the pace of the action, Harry Potter’s central trio maintained the tense and emotional atmosphere of the story, overthrowing any qualms audiences might have had with their acting abilities. They held their own against a parade of British stars, though the expert performances of Helena BonhamCarter and Alan Rickman stole the show. The only small flaw was that, despite the repetition of the line “You have your mother’s eyes, Harry”, and the film’s extensive budget, not even the actresses playing Lily Potter had the same colour eyes as each other, let alone Harry! However, this did not detract from the brilliance of the film, which outshone the rest of the series as a classic finale. Smashing box office records and stunning audiences with its epic battle scenes, this was the on-screen highlight of the summer.

BONNIE STEPHENSMITH

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Director: Michael Bay (12A) 157mins

SHAMELESSLY longwinded, bloated and unfocused, Transformers: Dark of the Moon succeeds in only one way: rivalling the pitiful lows of its predecessor. The plot and its predictable twists are barely worth mentioning whilst the characters, human and robotic, are bland and annoying.

or not, this documentary biopic of the Brazilian F1 driver, Ayrton Senna, is one of the most gripping and emotionally engaging film experiences of this past summer. It is also perhaps the most poignant and heart rending story too. For those unfamiliar with Senna’s exploits in the 1990s, the film uses archival footage together with moving narrative contributions from those close to the driver to chronicle his rise to stardom, his rivalry with Frenchman Alain Prost, and his final date with destiny in San Marino in 1994.

“One of the most gripping and emotionally engaging films of the summer”

TOM BOND

As is the case with the use of ballet in Black Swan, the documentary of Senna’s life uses the backdrop of Formula 1 to tell an intensely human story of a man who lived and died. pushing boundaries.

I KNEW exactly what I was going to get here: over-the-top gore, and moments so nasty you could practically hear the armrests being torn from the cinema seats. Final Destination 5 is an exciting return to form. The deaths are imaginative, and this film plays with tension and misleading the viewer. What lets this film down though is the laughable quality of the acting. The protagonist is generally unconvincing, with some strange facial expressions also reflected by the leading lady. While die-hard fans of the Final Destination series will enjoy this for the characters’ hilariously unlikely fates, as well as the clever twist at the climax, first-time viewers of the FD films should be cautiousit’s what it says on the tin: a film in which innocent people die in complicatedly horrific ways for no particular reason.

ANDY SMITH, MUSIC EDITOR

PATRICK TAYLOR

Director: Pedro Almodóvar (15) 117mins

THE director Pedro Almodóvar sets his scene, as usual, in his homeland of Spain. A masterful Antonio Banderas plays Ledgard, a plastic surgeon obsessively seeking revenge for the rape of his daughter. Although some have drawn parallels with Frankenstein, this film is more artistic thriller than horror and thrives on a slow–building tension throughout.

“Revelations along the way will have you questioning the themes of sexuality and identity” The dramatic revelations along the way will have you questioning themes of imprisonment, sexuality and identity, and the beautiful cinematography will linger in your mind long after the film’s conclusion.

FRANCESCA DE MUNNICH LANGFORD

Captain America: The First Avenger

Cowboys & Aliens Director: Jon Favreau (12A) 118mins

Director: Joe Johnston (12A) 124mins

Performances range from decent (Shia LaBeouf) to irrelevant and irritating (John Malkovich). The storyline acts as little more than a vehicle for a series of CGI sequences. This is doubly frustrating as the narrative takes so long to develop that by the time anything happens you’re long past caring. When the effects do finally appear they are vastly underwhelming, and prove unable to salvage the film; an atrocious, money-focussed abomination. I’d sooner throw this film on a scrapheap than let it grace the most desperate of bargain buckets.

AVENGERS assemble! For me, the best bit of Captain America was the post-credits reveal of the Avengers trailer. That’s not to say it’s a bad film, in fact it’s pretty damn awesome, just that I’m a massive nerd. Captain America is a decent entry, but I think the weakest Avengers film. Again, not a bad film, it is just in the same company as the fantastic Iron Man movies and Thor, which I felt were more relatable to a wider audience. It was a decent big budget movie with some decent set pieces but it lacked the atmosphere of the other Marvel Studios films.

ALEX HAWKSWORTH-BROOKES, VIDEO GAMES EDITOR

JAMES SMITH

“It is an atrocious, money-focussed abomination”

films. It belongs not on the same screen as the latest blockbuster, or even indie film, but in an art gallery. It is also hard to judge like a normal film because its format is so different. Probably only ten per cent of the film contains conventional scenes- those seconds of film that span a narrative and have things like dialogue. The rest is Terrence Malick’s camera wandering voyeuristically around his childhood neighbourhood or flashing up vaguely connected footage of a branch swaying in the wind. Despite this, the raw emotion that Malick conjures is overwhelming, taking the audience through grief, love, loneliness and so many other emotions. It may be a more challenging film than most but it’s also infinitely more rewarding.

The Skin I Live In

Bridesmaids Director: Paul Feig (15) 125mins

I WAS surprised that Bridesmaids manages to achieve the impossible – it’s a rom-com that’s actually funny. The main character is sympathetic and hilarious, and the accompanying characters are suitably bizarre but believable.

The film unfortunately relies on gross-out comedy – I’m sure you’ve seen the advert and know all about THAT bit – but the rest of the audience seemed to enjoy it. This is one of the few films I’ve seen that had the whole cinema laughing all the way through, and the atmosphere was great. Do watch it; it’s far better than the trailer makes it look.

HANNAH PETRIE

COWBOYS & Aliens is the newest film from director Jon Favreau (Iron Man), starring strongman Daniel Craig in the lead, and with grizzled veteran Harrison Ford and prospering starlet Olivia Wilde in supporting roles. I had a lot of fun – the action scenes were exciting with reasonable blood shown, the CGI alien and scenery effects looked great, and the performances from the entire cast were convincing. The only negatives were a couple of minor plot holes and Sam Rockwell’s talent being confined to such a small role. Nonetheless, these didn’t detract significantly from my enjoyment of the movie and I would recommend it not just to sci-fi and western fans, but to anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained.

JACK CRYER

Books

welcome week 2011

Exeposé

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Esmeralda Castrillo & Tom Payne - books@exepose.com

Superhumans: comics in the wake of 9/11

Following the 10th Anniversary of the attacks, Tom Payne, Books Editor, explores how Marvel comics responded to 9/11

feATURE

Inspiring the imagination: Katharine Bardsley explores Philip Pullman’s unique take on children’s literature

I WAS recently privileged enough to be in the company of one of the world’s best selling children’s authors. I listened attentively as Philip Pullman engaged a group of avid listeners in a discussion about writing and reading children’s stories and literature. Stories, he told us, are the stuff of books, the retelling of memories and escapism to other worlds: the art of storytelling lies in the communication of descriptive words, conveying the imagined world of one person to another. For Philip Pullman, to commit this world to paper requires essential ability in creative writing and thinking, something that cannot necessarily be taught. He begins: “Can you teach creative writing? I’m not sure you can.”

What is so special and unique about writing creatively that means it cannot be taught? This particular question was a running theme throughout: there are many things measurable and quantifiable by academic examinations from a very early age, but sheer creative talent is hard to pin down. For Pullman, creative writing is a talent and an art; like music and fine art, it requires the inherent skill and ability, honed to perfection. The role of educators is to nurture the budding talent in the best way possible, encouraging and valuing story telling from a young age, leading to a lifetime of both appreciating and creating the written word.

“Creative writing requires some things that cannot necessarily be taught”

Writing literature for children, for Pullman, is in some ways a visual art. “You want the reader to think, to consider, and to see. Most of all, above all, to see.” Pullman discloses the obvious, but the so oft’ elusive, secret ingredient to writing great stories, by

IS there a novel that defines 9/11? The attacks undoubtedly shook our world and the way we think about it, and reactions have reverberated in fiction in the decade ever since. When the Twin Towers collapsed, Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones soared to the top bestseller lists, signifying a widespread and renewed interest in trauma and suffering. Nostradamus also regained popularity, as people began to think about the end of the world. Books such as Joseph O’Neill’s Netherland and Don DeLillo’s Falling Man have tried to directly connect with issues of cultural conflict and tension in New York in the years following the attacks. But novels rarely represent the most cohesive and monolithic way of embodying and responding to such events. Perhaps the ones which captured the initial reaction of the people of New York and America were not through novels at all, but through the series of comics that Marvel released in the months following the attacks. The first, Heroes, was published in December 2001 and sought to reunite traditional comic book icons old and new. Spider-man, the Silver Surfer and Captain America were represented alongside the protagonists of 9/11 to serve as a unique and lasting tribute to the firemen, police officers and rescue workers. By blurring the lines between human and superhuman, Heroes helped to promote the

idea that the real heroes of American life had been with them all along. The second book, A Moment of Silence, published in February 2002, represents perhaps the most pertinent and appropriate reaction to 9/11. By focusing on simple images and promoting wordlessness, Marvel helped to discredit discourse and discussion about 9/11 in general. 9/11 was turned into a series of images, and the feelings those images evoked, rather than an occasion for debate and argument. The attacks became associated with the superiority of deeds over words, action over speech. Further still, many of the writers and artists who contributed to both books transgressed their own professional boundaries in order to write for Marvel. Copywright strictures and contractual obligations did little to hinder the development of these books - imbued within these works was the sense that these contributors were all working towards a good cause, and that this was no occasion for a singular author to push forward his or her own agenda.

telling us that writing good fiction is in the visual detail; in creating the imagined world with enough detail to inspire, but enough room to imagine.

fairy stories is usually Disneyfied or parodied – our post modern approach to literature means that only the retelling or interpretation remains and the skeleton is lost, and the bare bones of the plot remain for the retelling. This begs the question: what is the pur-

“Writing literature for children, for Pullman, is in some ways a visual art”

Enhancing the reader’s visual world with aural imaginings is often easier, as speech can be stated rather than evoked. Dialogue is therefore easier to write than description and is a more accurate representation of the world we live in. Communicating that ‘the world’ is straightforward: by recording the words spoken or thought by the characters exactly as imagined by the writer lends an air of authenticity and reality, and an immediacy in understanding for the reader. Today, he argued, a large proportion of children’s access to folk and

“Marvel helped to discredit discourse and discussion about 9/11 in general”

Perhaps what was most appropriate was the choice of characters used. Captain America was first invented as Marvel’s super weapon against

Nazi Germany in 1941, the year in which America entered the Second World War. And the Hulk would only unleash his powers if he was made angry. By marrying these icons, Marvel created an appropriate relationship between anger and justified violence. And so the Marvel comics became not only a moment for reflection, but also a vehicle for promoting and justifying the War on Terror.

“The Marvel comics were not an occasion for an author to push forward an agenda”

Marvel’s tributes to 9/11 are cultural milestones, and some of the most unexpected and surprising mediums to successfully navigate, embody and appropriate 9/11 in all its multifaceted complexity. In its representation of heroic firemen, police officers and rescue workers alongside well-recognised and iconic fictional superheroes, it signified and expressed a profound point of change, a move from the ‘fictive’ to ‘real’, from an age of naivety to one of responsibility. The humans responsible for saving the lives of scores of people became just as important as the fictional heroes summoned from Marvel’s past. It proved, as Rudolph Giuliani declared in the introduction to A Moment of Silence that: “The real heroes in American life have been with us all along.” pose of children’s literature? Is it to provide an experience for just the telling, or is it about the whole of a text, what came before it, and its creation? Using his adaptation and translation of the Brothers Grimm fairytales as a working example, Pullman demonstrated the art of telling and retelling, constructing effective patterns and repetitions in a story to the highest effect. “Stories can be told in a few words, using repetition, decoration and rhymes to add colour and richness.” Stating little in folk literature allows the imagination to run riot. Patterns in words and speech lend structure and flesh to the blunt words of the mere bones of the plot. Repeated refrains, such as those employed by the Brothers Grimm serve this exact purpose, and also retain their rhythm and motif even through translation. By returning to the fundamental ways of storytelling, Pullman broke down the ‘Disneyfication’ and commercialisation of recycled folk and children’s literature, showing that creating stories to be shared is a way of making sense of the world around us and exploring it in new and interesting ways.

Exeposé welcome week

feature

Calum Baker says that no author is ‘famous for the wrong book’ WHEN I was about 16, I bought T.S. Eliot’s Complete Poems and Plays in a Borders sale. The first poem (‘Prufrock’, natch) still stands as my all-time favourite. The later ones… took some gettinginto. Is it really the case that, as argued in The Guardian recently, the most popular works are, we were told so snobbishly by John Self, usually not as great as the more obscure works? Are they hell. The key problem here seems obvious: that this is a matter of subjectivity. Many snorted indignantly at Self’s aloof assertion that masterwork Catch-22 is not the best in Joseph Heller’s canon; but those snorting were doing themselves as much a personality-disservice as the author of the initial contentions. Much more reasonable and reliable, I think, is the argument that certain authors’ best-known works are simply not perfect encapsulations of their career. Here’s a simple example: Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange. Few would be foolish enough to claim there are more iconic novels (perhaps “better”, but again this is irrelevant) in Burgess’ canon. However, to compare it to literally anything else the man wrote proves… confusing, to say the least. So misrepresentative of Burgess’ usual style was Orange that he actually sought to dismiss it as ‘knocked off for money in three weeks’. Yet this, such a radical stylistic departure for Burgess, is almost irrefutably the one he is best known for – which some would say is a literary crime. A more interesting example would be Hunter S. Thompson, author of… you guessed it: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Again, it would be foolish and petty to decry this as ‘crap’ compared to his other writings, but the fact remains that

it is simply under-representative of his achievements. Thompson, for the most part, was an intelligent political writer; embellishing everything with his characteristic wild hallucinations, his more complete works were propelled by a need to report and uncover essential truths. Las Vegas bears some elements of this, in its insistence to uncover ‘the heart of the American Dream’, but in both reputation –and even the text itself – this, the true Thompsonian theme, is hidden beneath the druggy shenanigans to the point that protagonist Raoul Duke has become mythologised as Thompson himself. Is this wrong? No! Thompson literally spent his time reporting on serious matters whilst completely high, soused and tripping. It is, however, in many ways a factual inaccuracy to equate the Thompson of Las Vegas with that of his other weird, novelistic reports; not to mention many articulate – if slurred – media appearances setting the tone for much commentary on contemporary America. It is this mis-association that initially stumped me when working through Eliot’s work. To be introduced with the introverted sublimity of ‘Prufrock’ and find yourself struggling with the heavilyallusive ‘Waste Land’ is a disorientating experience. ‘What happened to him?!’ – a question that could be asked by anyone moving from, say, Ian McEwan’s nearepic romance Atonement to his earlier Gothic incest-horror The Cement Garden; or even from Twelfth Night to Hamlet. The fact is, no author is ‘famous for the wrong book’ on any level that can be realistically substantiated. Many simply develop, or take odd stylistic turns, and produce famous works that underrepresent themselves and their wider portfolio. It is logically impossible for any single work to be the ‘right’ one. No one should be allowed to say, as Self so authoritatively does, that Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go is just ‘worse’ than obscure preference The Unconsoled. That said, he’s right: A Handful of Dust IS better than Brideshead Revisited.

ReviEW Embassytown

China Miéville Pan Macmillan ISBN: 0230750761

THIS is a peculiar book, a science fiction novel fascinated with the workings of language and metaphor. As such it may appeal to many people who wouldn’t normally consider sciencefiction, if they are prepared to brush up on their linguistics terminology. Embassytown is a human settlement on an alien planet where the native species can only speak the truth. This hardly sounds revolutionary but Miéville investigates how language relates to the real world and what words can do in ways that unsettle assumptions about speech. Certainly the problems of talking to aliens are all too often neatly avoided in science fiction, but Miéville is hardly your average genre fiction writer. The book starts out with a complex interweaving of the protagonist, Avice, dealing with disaster in the city of Embassytown and her past growing up there and briefly leaving. Then Miéville simplifies the plot out and continues with a rather uninspiring plucky team of ad-

ReviEW

Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother

Xinran

Chatto & Windus ISBN: 0701184027

WRITING this book review, I have similar reservations as Xinran at the possibility (and probability) of not doing this subject justice. The emotion involved in the relationship between mother and child in China is one which can only ever be partially understood by a Westerner. China is a country rooted in patriarchal tradition where only men are valued and a woman is recognised only as a vessel to beget male heirs. Exacerbated by the One Child Policy

venturers on a mission to save the world narrative, which is a bit of a let down. The development of the world beyond Embassytown is fascinating, even if it doesn’t get much elaboration in the book and is soon ignored. Miéville dreams up social norms and technology for future humankind that can seem incomprehensible. His aliens are even weirder. The aliens, at least, show development and depth throughout the novel; humans on the other hand are poorly characterised, particularly the protagonist. So much effort has been put into the ideas that the people have come out a little half finished.

“Miéville is hardly your average genre fiction writer”

Miéville’s characteristic style of science-fiction ignores questions of whether the future technology is even vaguely within the realms of reality or borders on fantasy. While he doesn’t make the reader worry about understanding the science, you must be prepared to use a dictionary occasionally to keep up with his expansive vocabulary. Compared to some of his other novels, though, he (introduced in 1978 and still currently in effect) the consequence was mass slaughter and abandonment of baby girls. There is a misconception that these problems are decades behind us: well they’re not, it’s still happening. China is a pit of emotional crisis and dead baby girls. On a winter morning in 1990 with temperatures hitting -10˚C, Xinran rode her bicycle down a local street on her way to work. She came across a group of women standing, gossiping round an outside public toilet (there was one toilet per 100 residents at the time) and riding over saw a baby girl, struggling to breathe, dumped in the toilet. In 1992, Xinran met a Chinese mother working as a dish-washer in her friend’s restaurant. The woman tried to kill herself with cleaning flu-

Ernest Hemingway (1929)

ERNEST Hemingway holds the title of alpha male of the writing world, with his life as a war-hero, huntsman and globetrotter arguably proving more interesting to most people than his books. His legendary writing style is hailed as a natural extension of his personality with its renowned simplicity, economy and bluntness. With this in mind you may expect his writing to flourish in such a macho setting as the arena of war, but it is elsewhere that he is most powerful. A Farewell to Arms is loosely based on Hemingway’s own experiences as an ambulance driver in Italy in World War I as the protagonist Frederic Henry flits between periods of

warfare and recuperation. Parallel to this runs the account of his romance with Catherine Barkley, a nurse that he falls in love with whilst recovering from a mortar wound.

“His writing style is hailed as a natural extension of his personality with its renowned simplicity”

By all accounts, their relationship is tempestuous and passionate, and the scenes of warfare are brutal and gruesome, but rather than revel in the possibilities for exploitation of the sensational side of war, Hemingway does the opposite. Instead of the theoretical glory of war, Frederic and his companions in

the army and ambulance corps experience its harsh reality as a futile and tragic waste of life. Despite the book’s emotionally charged subject matter of war, love and death, Hemingway sticks unwaveringly to his simple, factual style, taken from his days as a cub reporter at The Kansas City Star. The result is a jarring, tragic coldness in Frederic’s character as he is subjected to the nightmares of the world around him and reacts with the weary, dead movements of a man who has suffered too many blows to care anymore.

“Hemingway sticks unwaveringly to his simple style”

His style only breaks for one paragraph of the novel but this sud-

has turned the oddness of his writing down to a level that is enjoyable and informative, rather than infuriating. But Embassytown is, in many ways, far too obscure most of the time. Miéville sketches out all manner of alien things in just enough detail to really get your imagination working yet frequently there isn’t enough detail and you are left confused. Miéville throws new terms, species, and ideas at his audience without much, if any, attempt at an explanation which is both frustrating and exciting. Halfway through the novel the ideas seem to fizzle out and you lose that sense of wonder at exploring a new world. Those new elements that are added towards the end are painstakingly explained in long passages of expositionary dialogue – and this is unsurprisingly a pain to read. Ultimately, it is an occasionally underwhelming book filled with startlingly inventive ideas that has something genuinely new to offer to the science-fiction genre. It is a shame that, having presented so many interesting concepts, Miéville ignores them in favour of overworking the issue of language because Embassytown really inspires your imagination. SARA PRICE ids multiple times. She later confessed to Xinran that her first born was a baby girl; after the birth she had been left in the room with her and a pail of water, it was her duty to drown the child, and that’s what she did. There are many readers who have put this book down because it is so heart wrenching: truly a biography of raw emotional wreckage. If, like me, you’ve read Chinese literature before and know the history, then the facts themselves aren’t shocking, but the stories are still choking and traumatic. All of them stories from and about real women who are still crying at night because they are an unknown mother to a lost child. Charlie MARCHANT

in exeter

Epilogue . . . reviews of essential literary classics

A Farewell to Arms

Books

Photo: Hannah Walker

den rush of unrestrained emotion is so chilling in contrast to everything else that the effect is heart-stopping. The writing is also unexpectedly funny, with the countless deadpan one-liners drawing wry smiles. Even so, this normally feels like gallows humour with the spectre of war always hanging over Frederic and Catherine as they try and build a life for themselves amongst the chaos of a world in turmoil. Every action is performed with full awareness of the fragility of their existence and the vigour of two people who know every second could be their last together. Here, Hemingway triumphs, creating a beautifully tragic relationship that powers this stunning novel. ToM BOND

BOOK Cycle is the only shop where you actually get to decide the price of the books you buy. A registered charity, Book Cycle works by receiving unwanted books through donation. Half of whatever you choose to spend on a book is sent to developing countries, and the rest goes towards planting trees in Britain. Lovely. Book Cycle is located at 7 West Street

welcome week 2011 Exeposé

Arts

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Zoe Bulaitis & Laura Stevens - arts@exepose.com

Zoe Bulaitis and Laura Stevens, Arts Editors, reveal the top ten art hot-spots in Exeter

1) Spacex – A free entry art gallery off Fore Street, which offers many multi-media exhibitions. Worth the walk to have an artistic escape from the student bubble. 2) Exeter Cathedral

– At the heart of Exeter city it boasts many examples of medieval art. A scenic grassy area surrounds the building, which is perfect for sunbathing and picnics.

3) Phoenix Theatre - Attracts a high calibre selection of comedy and theatre productions. Found down charming Gandy Street. 4) Phoenix Gallery – A larger art gallery with more space for bigger (and arguably better) exhibitions. 5) Bikeshed Theatre – A subterranean theatre with a cosy, intimate atmosphere. Cheap student tickets and a bar by the audience, which is always a bonus!

A cut above the rest at the Edinburgh Fringe festival

Exeposé Arts chat to Exeter student comedy troupe Simply the Jest on performing at the Fringe

Exeposé: How was the Simply the Jest company created? STJ: A group of us realised there was a gap at the University for a sketch comedy group so after several lists of puns, Simply the Jest was created! Several Exeter performances and an Edinburgh Fringe later and here we are. Exeposé: What has been the best thing about being at the Fringe? STJ: The atmosphere. There are so many shows, events and venues that pop up just for the festival and it creates a real buzz around the city. You can walk down the street and pass Matthew Horne, Tim Vine and Christine Hamilton all in one go. It’s a fantastic feeling to know that your show forms a part of that overall festival experience.

6) Exeter Corn Exchange – “We just sing Destiny’s Supported by the council and thus able to score some big names in the world of comedy and music.

7) Northcott Theatre – Our own theatre on campus! It hosts many high quality productions and a wide range of performances for the diverse student population. 8) Make Art – A studio shop where you can get creative without getting glue or paint all over your new student accommodation! 9) RAMM – Short for Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Closed until Christmas but this museum has had some serious renovation going on so watch this space! 10) Sculpture Walk – Art on Streatham Campus for free. Some amazing sculptures including pieces by Barbara Hepworth and Peter RandallPage. We’ll be at the ‘Meet the Editors’ on Thursday of Welcome Week in the M&D room from 3-4pm and at the Activities Fair on Sunday. We are the two blondes in hideously bright fuchsia tops at the Exeposé stand so come and say hello!

Child in Yorkshire accents and that’ll be enough”

Exeposé: What is the funniest joke you have heard whilst in Edinburgh? STJ: We heard a great one-liner from stand-up Alan Sharp - “I was in a band which we called The Prevention, because we hoped people would say that we were better than The Cure.”

EUTCO’s Motortown @ Zoo Roxy 5 -29 August HAVING performed a small stint in Exeter, EUTCO took an exceptional piece of theatre to the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“My skin crawled as a result of their natural portayals of the bleak plotline”

The play follows Danny; an ex-soldier on home turf. It exposes the emotional torment and mental digression of a man isolated by an alien life outside of warfare. An incredibly raw, and controversial take on the devastating effects of war.

Exeposé: How do you come up with your material? STJ: We normally meet and improvise scenes from scratch. From there, the ones we particularly liked from a rehearsal session are taken away and written up into fully formed sketches. Occasionally someone has an idea for

a sketch that they’ll write and present to the rest of the group. But sometimes we’ll just sing along to a Destiny’s Child song in Yorkshire accents and that’ll be enough.

The cast as a whole performed fantastically, creating a harrowing piece of theatre whilst mastering the few comedic moments with ease. Most noticeably, James Dartford and Tom Chapman were sublime as estranged brothers (Danny and Lee respectively). They provided such depth to their characters with excellent chemistry, that even in the less ‘dramatic’ scenes, I was moved by the sincerity of their capabilities as actors. In such a powerful play by Simon Stephens, Dartford rose to the challenge of becoming Danny and excelled as a powerful lead, drawing the audience into the complexity

of his character. It is no easy feat to instill both sympathy and fear in an audience, but the emotional intensity on the stage was infectious. My skin crawled as a result of their natural and believable portrayals of the bleak plotline, which is a physical testament to the quality of the acting. There were

Exeposé: Have you got one piece of advice for students wanting to experiment

in comedy? STJ: One thing we would say is to be brave: get out there and perform your material wherever you can. If people don’t laugh, find out why and don’t just decide that they ‘didn’t get it’. You should rewrite and rehearse your jokes until they work. moments of shear vulnerability, notably of actress Mia Hatfield as Jade in which I had a lump in my throat watching the brutality.

“It is no easy feat to instil both sympathy and fear in an audience, but the emotion was infectious” This was without a doubt one of the best low-key, high intensity performances at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, and with excellent direction, Motortown was near perfection.

CHARLOTTE MONK-CHIPMAN

Exeposé welcome week

Arts

Flying the flag for international art

After a summer of travel and adventure, Exeter students share their encounters with art from the four corners of the earth

Location: Montpellier, France Reporter: Tom Bond

Location: Ngong Ping Village, Hong Kong Reporter: Jessica Leung

Location: Florence, Italy Reporter: Pollyanna Cotterill

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Location: Bristol, Britain Brazil Reporter: Kalkidan Reporter: Jack Flanagan Legesse

BRASSAÏ may be famous for his photographic series Paris de Nuit, but the Montpellier exhibition instead featured the results of a trip to New York and New Orleans in 1957.

LEGEND tells how the Shaolin monks discovered a sacred document, Yijin Jing within the walls of their temple. It contained many exercises to challenge ones physical health through breathing and mental willpower, commonly known as Kung Fu. I was intrigued to see this art for myself so set off to see them perform in Hong Kong’s greatest tourist trap; Ngong Ping Village. The performance was a showcase of some of their youngest recruits and I was sceptical at how small they looked. How wrong I was! Along with flips and handstands (reminiscent of floor gymnastics) they also had mock weapons to ‘fight’ with. A particular highlight was when two very small looking monks dangled from a well by only their feet. They proceeded to hoist themselves up and down to transfer water from inside the well into a bucket at the top using only their body strength. The performance was awe-inspiring to say the least.

WHILE waiting in the Accademia’s sixhour queue you begin to wonder - will it have been worth the wait and the steep admission cost? When you finally lay eyes on Michelangelo’s famous David, you can only conclude the answer to be a resounding yes.

AMAZONIAN art reflects the slashand-burn lifestyle of the tribes who live there. Creating mobile and temporary art using ceramics and wood, the Amazonians invoke animistic motifs to describe their world. The mythologies and legends created by the Amerindian tribe are shown through ghoulish monkey facades and iridescent blues and reds from the tail feathers of tropical birds. These intense colours scream ferocity, titillation and vibrancy. Body modification is another notorious mode of ‘arte de Amazonas’. We are all acquainted with explicitly violent photos of tribesmen skewered to horrific excess. Perhaps a sexual display of prowess, perhaps the unique madness accrued from a lifetime of jungle narcotics. Of special interest is what the Spanish called ¨Big Ears¨: the Incan fashion of extending their lobes with discs of wood.

“Every frame was bursting with life and continuing unaware of the viewer” Rather than his atmospheric and delicate photography from Paris, these images smile enthusiastically out at you. The modernity of the two ‘new’ locations he visited speaks volumes about the change in style between America and his adopted French homeland. Perhaps it was because of the false idea of expecting the past to be in black and white, but it felt strange and refreshing to see such unabashed, haphazard colour consuming every inch of these American landscapes. The sensation that every frame was bursting with life giving the impression that the story behind every picture was continuing, unaware of the viewer allowing them to share in the moment for just a second.

“Hong Kong’s greatest tourist trap” The Shaolin performance was such a great way to get a taste of ancient China and I urge you to go see them the next time they tour!

“Once you’ve seen David nothing else compares”

The size of the sculpture creates the initial shock; you are sharing a room with a seventeen-foot marble giant. I thought to myself, no artist would want their work hung in a gallery alongside this masterpiece. Once you’ve seen David nothing else compares. The light cascading down from above emphasises the intricacy of the sculpture. As you approach, ridges of muscles and ribs become visible on David’s body – an exact mirror to those on the body of a living man. The complexity of the sculpture is in the relationship between his anticipation of Goliath (seen in his tense facial expression) and his classically relaxed contrapposto stance. Overall, David always has and remains to be regarded by art scholars and tourists alike as the epitome of masculinity.

“An infinitely creative people” Amazonian art presents the primal atmosphere of the Amazon. Their art provides a testimony to an infinitely creative people.

THEATRE review Much Ado About Nothing @ Wyndham’s Theatre 1 June - 3 September WHILST the rest of London was torching buildings and stealing LCD TV’s, I was sitting comfortably in Wyndham’s theatre, Leicester Square watching the genuis of Shakespeare unfold. Set in 1980’s Gibraltar, complete with synthesizers, cocktails and clean-cut naval uniforms, the party atmosphere was infectious and the perfect setting for a play full of promiscuity, mistaken identity and double entendre. Tennant’s training at the RSC has made him a truly versatile and polished actor whilst he continues to paradoxically retain a certain rough-around-the-

edges charm. Both aspects came across in spades as Tennant played the roguish Benedick. He clearly relished his grand entrance - featuring a golf buggy, can

‘IT’S not me. It’s just my lines’ I repeated to myself as their hungry eyes dissected me. I was in, what they called, the ‘short pose circle’ (but you try holding yourself completely still for 15 minutes!).

“An image of sensation as beads of sweat were transferred to strokes on paper” ‘Is this exhibitionism?’ I asked myself as I perched on the stool. I was surprised to find that most of the eyes did not once meet mine. I was an object. They saw only a form and set about capturing the fleeting shapes onto solid tangible canvas. They were creating a beauty of a sort: something that may last forever, or at least longer than myself. After several long minutes passed and the strenuous effort to sit still had left my back soaked with marble sized sweat beads, I realised, ‘No, this isn’t as attractive as exhibitionism’. While I sat in front of the artists my life was being spent before them. The beads of sweat were transferred to strokes on paper. An image of sensation that would last longer than the time for which I sat.

art attack of cheap beer and Scottish flag - and his masked ball getup of purple lace and a mini skirt.

“The strong willed Beatrice is the part Tate was born to play”

Tate was also a revelation: my expectations of a solid, and most likely, hilarious performance on her part were completely exceeded by both her physical comedy and also the heart wrenching moments of Beatrice’s despair - occasionally even upstaging Tennant. It appears that the strong-willed witty Beatrice was a part Tate was born to play, moving effortlessly through her soliloquies and verbal tennis-matches with remarkable skill. Shakespeare writes overprotective fathers well and Leonato is no exception,

played wonderfully by Jonathan Coy. West-End newcomer Sarah MacRae gave an acceptable performance as Hero, coming into her own in the second half, but still slightly disappointing amongst such theatrical heavyweights. Aside from the poster-pair, true talent was found in Claudio (Tom Bateman) who managed to achieve the impossible and avoid the pretty-boy stereotype his role attracts. One of Shakespeare’s two-dimensional characters was changed into one whose grief and inner torture was truly believable. The story itself is not the most complex of Shakespeare’s creations, but this play does host some of the best characters, funniest tricks, and nail-biting mixups. The wit was delivered as razor sharp as Shakespeare intended and the humour was enthusiastically received by the audience. ALEX WYNICK

Your views on Jackson Pollock’s Summertime: Number 9A: Will Roberts: “It’s a load of Pollocks!” Henry White: “It reminds me of word verification things you sometimes have to do on websites.” Calum Baker: “One of the few Pollock paintings that actually resembles its title.” Richard Graham: “It is so iconic it prevents a personal response.”

Video Games Alex Hawksworth-Brookes & Jessica Leung - games@exepose.com

welcome week 2011

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Does gaming damage your university life? Too damaged to reveal their true identity; Anonymous says yes, whilst Lizzy Quinlan disagrees

yes

DURING the recent exam period I yearned for a little distraction so I went for a walk in the countryside, gambled a little bit in a casino and spent the night with a prostitute. Except two-thirds of that took place in Fallout: New Vegas, and I ended up not revising for an exam just days away. Revision was soon a secondary concern to a lovely, dystopian wasteland. Yet this wasn’t something new, as video games have, for so long, been a relative bane on my university experience. Yes, video games have ruined my life (at university). Upon joining the University of Exeter I remember ticking a number of boxes designed to group similar-interested students together in their halls. As I recall they were pretty general, with ‘sports’, ‘music’ and ‘nights out’ being the probable options to help categorise oneself. Annoyingly though, I don’t remember being able to tick ‘active Steam account’ or ‘decent gamer score’. And it showed. My new flatmates would rush out on an evening to Rococos, Timepiece or whatever, whilst I would mic up for some good ol’ fashioned FPS fun with friends now scattered across the country. Simply put, the only Arena I was interested in was the game mode, so it wasn’t an ideal first week. In fact, one evening when my would-be chums returned from a night out and knocked on

my door, I feigned sleep - all the while tapping away at a keyboard lit by monitor light, desperate to avoid the typical drunken ‘you should have been there’ that happened all too often, and desperate to get just one more kill. Of course, if I’m looking for further negatives there’s the financial ruin, the inevitable RSI, and the DIY laser surgery that years of peering against a monitor has caused me. And whilst it may seem as if I have only myself to blame, it’s only because games made me this way really. Video games have ruined my life and I love them for it.

AH YES, the old “video-games-ruinyour-life” cliché. A horse that’s not only dead, but completely decomposed, the

PHOTO: JESSICA LEUNG

post-funeral nibbles long digested, the altar boy on his third divorce, the gravesite currently the subject of a Time Team special… but, OK, sure. You’re still going to insist on flogging it? I’ll bite. Firstly…“video games disrupt studying”. Oh, do they? Hadn’t realised they were sentient. Come on, let’s not descend even further into Daily Mail sponsored blame culture – Bioware never put a gun to anyone’s head and forced them to game the night before a deadline. Claiming games made you fail your degree just turns you into one of those American women who sue McDonald’s for “making them fat”, and, let’s face it, there’s not much room left on that bandwagon. We’ve all done our fair share of tearfully squinting at a blinking cursor at 3am. But such chronic procrastination is hardly a new phenomenon entirely birthed by the advent of video games – they’re purely an alternative outlet for it. A friend who actually failed their first year actively despises the things; one of the few people I know within sniffing distance of a First is editor of this very section. Self-con-

First or fail? An academic year in gam ing

Alex Hawksworth-Brookes, Video Games Editor, takes a scholarly look at some of the high and low points between September 2010 and June 2011 THIS month will see the arrival of thousands of new students to Exeter, each of them, amongst other things, will have hopes of graduating. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the past academic year’s games and see which passed with honours and which should be forced to retake the year.

First: Mass Effect 2

Technically eligible due to its January 2011 release for PS3, Mass Effect 2 delivered a near-perfect blend of story and action. With over 70 perfect scores, this is a game that sets the bar for the industry. Produce work of a comparable quality at university and you’ll have a PhD before you know it, so long as you can avoid the monotony that was planet scanning. 2.1: Dead Space 2 A perfect sequel in many ways; with more enemies, areas and a better story, Dead Space 2 went beyond the achievements of its predecessor to deliver a terrifying, yet enjoyable experience. The only real failing was tacking on an unnecessary multiplayer; much like attaching a

bibliography full of books that have not only been read, but also aren’t related to the subject. 2.2: Fallout New Vegas

Plagiarism is a dirty word at university, so if Obsidian’s wasteland RPG was an essay it would have some serious explaining to do. Feeling more like a massive expansion to Bethesda Softwork’s Fallout 3, New Vegas was identical in a multitude of ways. Add to that a multitude of bugs and glitches and you have an experience as familiar and frustrating as seeing your student loan burn itself through your pocket. Third: Dragon Age II I’m always willing to overlook a game’s failings if I can detect a genuine attempt at creativity and innovation. Sadly, I could find neither in Bioware’s fantasy sequel, as I carved my way through the same dungeon layout for the fiftieth time. Such repetition is

just sickeningly lazy; it’s like a student seeing their deadline looming and hastily copying their introduction to create a conclusion. Having the same series of rooms for every cave, cellar and lair is both unsubtle and condescending. Even copious amounts of epic narrative, character development and elf-wooing couldn’t make up for this. Fail: Duke Nukem Forever Most students don’t have the luxury of spending 14 years on their essays, but this is exactly how long Duke Nukem Forever spent in development. Delivering a product this late deserves greater punishment than simply capping its score at 40 per cent, especially since the game’s quality was poor at best. If a student spent this long on a piece of work they’d be lucky to find their lecturer still alive, let alone in the same office. Duke Nukem Forever is neither groundbreaking or praiseworthy – it’s embarrassing, like your dad turning up to be your wingman at Arena.

trol, people, self-control. Next up, “games ruin your social life”. Well, even ignoring the fact that they’re often social activities in themselves (Halo, Super Smash Bros. etc), as well as hugely effective first points of contact, this kind of implies you actually have a social life to ruin in the first place. Assuming you’re a functioning adult capable of basic human interaction, you’ll already be well-versed in balancing relationships alongside other hobbies, be they reading, gaming, jazz flute… conversely, if you’re already prone to introversion, one of life’s serial ‘loners’, you won’t be. Just instead of sitting around pretending to read Nietzsche whilst furtively masturbating over Doctor Who companions, you’ll be nose-deep in the dungeons of Azeroth, mashing out typo-ridden streams of abuse at the n00b hordes, furtively masturbating over Final Fantasy characters. To paraphrase Jurassic Park, “LATENT SOCIOPATHY WILL ALWAYS FIND A WAY.” Games don’t ruin lives… gamers do. So, does gaming automatically turn you into an antisocial, underachieving, basement-dwelling nihilist? No, no it doesn’t. Or, perhaps only in the same way that it turns you into a serial killer, i.e. NOT AT ALL, unless such tendencies were already there and your lawyer can’t think of anything better to say.

Exeposé Video Games asks: “What Will YOU Be Playing in Welcome Week?”

Let us know on Facebook and Twitter

Kate Gray: “Lego Pirates of the Carribean, because now Beyonce’s pregnant, someone has to keep an eye on the booty.” James Smith: “Oblivion until it’s time for Skyrim... then I will realise I’ve failed my degree.” Alistair Moss: “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon 2 and every other game I have because I have no internet at my house and will be fairly bored for the week.” Hugh Blackstaffe: “Left 4 Dead 2 because it’s the only game that the females in my house are excited to play co-op.” Tom Bond: ”Guitar Hero because it’s an easier way to pretend to be Jimi Hendrix than playing a real guitar.” Adam Koziol: “Zenoblade as Freshers’ Week is the only time I will be able to fit in a 100 hour RPG” Dan Dennis: “Super 3D Noah’s Ark, because I want to get a First in Theology!”

Exeposé welcome week

Top 5...

Games to play in Welcome Week

Rock Band

HOURS were spent on this in my neighbour’s room in halls with guitars, drums and, when feeling brave or inebriated, the microphone. It doesn’t matter if you’re one of those prodigies who blows everyone away or a total beginner: there will probably be someone less coordinated than yourself. Better still, test out the prowess of an actual musician on the game, then beat them. Or persuade the one who definitely can’t sing to do so.

Halo: Reach

Within days of starting university, we sounded out anybody nearby who owned an Xbox Live account. There was always a divide between Halo and Call of Duty. In my experience, Halo was superior, almost solely due to the inclu-

review

Deus Ex: Human Revolution: Eidos Montreal, Square Enix; 360/PS3/ PC; 26 Aug 2011 I MIGHT not be the best person to review Eidos Montreal’s new Cyberpunkthemed action-RPG, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, as I recently declared my ‘undying love’ for the franchise’s first title in this paper. I’m worried that my old love will cause me to sneer haughtily upon the new game with its ludicrous designs on my gaming heart. Or perhaps my limitless affection for the first Deus Ex will blind me to the short-comings of the new one, leaving me a wreckage of gibbering fanboyism, destined to slowly and painfully realise my naïve foolishness, like someone watching themselves loot Footlocker on Crimewatch. Or perhaps I’m over-thinking this and should just get on with telling you how good Deus Ex: Human Revolution is. This is a story-driven game. By which I mean that the story doesn’t feel like an excuse to shoot some men. You play as Adam Jensen: a man with robotic arms. And legs. And sunglasses. It is the not-too-distant-future, at a time when the world is split over the emerging biotechnology of ‘augmentation’. Augmentations are advanced prosthetic limbs which can provide their bearers with ‘trasnshuman’ abilities, but come at the cost of enslavement to corporately-produced drugs. This near-future context sets the scene for a compelling story of ethical dilemma and conspiracy. The writing is fantastic: the world and characters feel important, as if they actually matter. The core mechanics are thus: a trusty first-person shooter perspective most of the time, switching into thirdperson for the cover system and closeup takedowns. The former is relatively familiar to gamers and doesn’t jar the immersion or disorientate. The takedown sequences are brilliantly choreo-

graphed and animated, however they can become tiresome on long sessions. They are more disorientating than the cover system because the player loses control of the camera, becoming a mere spectator for 4 or 5 seconds. The gameplay’s core lies in the freedom to choose how to approach your objectives. Jensen has a wealth of tools at his disposal: guns of all shapes and sizes, hacking software, and his own, customisable body. New augmentations are bought and upgraded throughout the game, forcing the player into strategic decisions: ‘Do I want to stealth around, or go in guns blazing?’ The RPG elements of the game are thoughtful and creative. However, shooting doesn’t suffer, and those inclined to click on people’s heads will have a good time.

sion of guns that fire plasma. It may be that one or two players carried the rest of the team when playing co-op, and groan when the others died for the umpteenth time, but nothing is more satisfying than getting a headshot on someone ranked higher than you.

Super Smash Bros.

Can’t decide which Nintendo character is the best? Then find out by beating all the rest senseless. When I brought my original N64 version to uni, a few of us had a non-stop fourteen hour stint, simply because there was nothing to do. It’s the ultimate stress-relieving time-waster: when you’re a student, you’ll learn how important it is to have something you can turn to that has no actual point, but gets rid of anxiety like nothing else.

Pro Evolution Soccer/FIFA

Well, it wouldn’t be a list without a sporting option. I plump for the former,

The world is realised by some inspired art and sound design. The urban landscapes are dense, claustrophobic and vibrant with NPCs. Weapons feel and sound weighty and the Cyberpunkinspired music is haunting, thrilling, but not oppressive. The graphics aren’t all they could be, and can sometimes break the immersion. Even on a gaming PC with all the settings turned up there are some jagged edges and lines slightly too straight to be convincing. But this is inevitably a result of a long development time, and I think the trade-off was worth it. This is a beautiful, thoughtful, creative game. I guess I’m in love.

9/10 William Hayman

but it all comes down to the same thing. The main reason for this inclusion is the range of entertainment that is on offer. These games are good for getting in the mood for a night out – especially with the addition of your own rules and forfeits – a personal favourite of mine is having to write a written apology for a loss of more than ten goals.

Video Games

the finishing line; going from first to last in a heartbeat through getting knocked off the track; and the nightmare that is the Rainbow Road course. David Rees

Mario Kart

It wouldn’t be right to exclude everyone’s favourite plumber. A timeless classic, and one of the great multiplayer games. Its Wii revamp only served to make it better, and it contains three of the most frustrating aspects of any game: getting a blue shell on

Retro

Rayman: Ubisoft; PS1 1 Sept 1995

OVERPOWERING waves of nostalgia drove me to dust down my ancient Playstation, pick up a second-hand copy of Rayman and give one of the most fun, engaging and imaginative games of my childhood another go. I say ‘another’ because it also happens to be one of the most infuriatingly difficult games I’ve ever played, and at the time of writing I have yet to come anywhere near close to finishing it. As an old-school side-scrolling platformer, the premise of the game is simple: You are the limbless protagonist Rayman, and you need to traverse six dangerous worlds to defeat the evil Mr Dark. This adventure involves your standard variety of bottomless pits, floating platforms and wacky enemies, as well as six cages per level from which you must free the world’s hapless inhabitants. This simplicity, alongside the child-friendly graphics and story, might fool you into thinking this is a game for kids. However this couldn’t be further from the truth, with a game of astonishing depth hiding behind the infantile exterior. The fiendishly clever level design, coupled with the spitefully small amount of lives and

NEws ByTES

AFTER a great furore, literally hundreds of letters, and much foot-stomping, News Bytes is back, and better than ever! First of all, welcome to the Video Games section! Whether you’re excited about the most recent of releases or still treasure retro Mega Drive memories, this it the place for you. Regardless of whether you play games as if it was a career, or only ever play Solitaire on your PC to stave off work, we want to hear from you, so send us an email and get in touch! Looking back, there was a severe lack of quality titles over Summer, although a few shone out from amongst the chaff. Our Editors’ Choices include Bastion, From Dust and, of course,

continues that you’re given, makes for a sadistic degree of difficulty that will prove trying for even the most seasoned of gamers.

“There is astonishing depth behind the infantile exterior”

This might be an issue were the game not so enthralling that even at its most difficult it’s impossible to tear yourself away. Sublime artwork and a memorable soundtrack bring each of the game’s six imaginative and characterful worlds to life. This inspired artistry completely captured my imagination as a child, but nostalgia can be a tricky thing. Fortunately, unlike many classics I’ve played recently, the game has barely aged at all. As a result of its simplicity, both in terms of graphics and game mechanics, the game has stood the test of time admirably; so much so that it could have been released yesterday, were it not for the dated menu screens and poor loading times. In short, if you’ve forgotten just how good Rayman was before he started playing around with those ridiculous Rabbids, you absolutely must pick up this brilliant game. Jack D’Arcy Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Despite Summer’s lack of big titles, this Autumn is looking good, with an over-abundance of quality blockbusters on the horizon; Arkham City, Battlefield 3, Rage, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Uncharted 3 and Dark Souls are some of the games that we’re most excited to get our hands on! Blackberry users will be delighted to hear that they can now join the phenomenon that is Angry Birds... almost anyway. Angry Farm is identical in almost every way, except for a slight wording change. The copyright lawyers will never notice. Remember to join our Facebook group and follow us on Twitter. Enjoy your Welcome Week and remember to come to see us at the Squash.

welcome week 2011

Sport

Exeposé

EURFC plan to send Bath down the plughole rugby

Rhys Morgan EURFC Club Captain EXETER University Rugby Football Club is set for the student sporting event of the year, in their annual Varsity Match against Bath. On Wednesday 9th November, over 4,000 students will descend upon Sandy Park, the home of the Exeter Chiefs, to witness the highly anticipated re-match between the two heavyweights of university rugby. This is the one night of the year that promises to cater for all sporting and non-sporting university students. With pre-match and halftime entertainment, transport to and from the ground and entry to the after-party at Timepiece all included in the price, not only are you guaranteed a memorable night, but also excellent value for money. With tickets discounted to just £5 if bought in advance, you don’t have to dig too deep into your pockets in order to attend. The anticipation of the Rugby Varsity is a feeling that engulfs campus in the weeks preceding kick off. Members of the EURFC will be selling tickets from fresher’s week. The tickets will also be available for purchase in advance at the AU office up at the Sports Park, the box office at Cornwall House and at St Luke’s. This huge local derby is set to be

a highly contested affair, as Exeter’s Green Army take on Team Bath, who will be looking to avenge the home and away losses they suffered last season. Still reeling from the embarrassment of a crushing defeat in 2010, Team Bath are out for revenge this year, after the demoralizing 23-13 defeat in last year’s match.

The Exeter first XV have managed to maintain a position as one of the top four teams, year in year out, in the national university standings. This is a testament to the fast paced, free-flowing and highly attractive style of rugby that will be on show at Sandy Park on that Wednesday evening. Even though the standard of rugby

played by Exeter University is of an extremely high standard, there is, of course, room for improvement, and the team and coaching staff will not rest until we reign supreme. That is why EURFC have started this season with a ruthless, determined attitude. Preseason kicked off on August 15th, so by the time varsity kicks off on the 9th

November the squad will have had 12 weeks preparation. This year’s rugby varsity is also in aid of Henry’s Trust. This charity was set up by Henry Fraser, a talented young lad who damaged his spinal cord on holiday, so that one day he may achieve an independent future.

Paint Trophy, but their hopes of a final appearance at Wembley were dashed after a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Brentford. They made a brilliant showing in the last few games of the season, narrowly missing out on a play-off place and unfortunately finishing the season with a depleted squad. Ryan Harley went off to play for Premiership side Swansea, high scorer Cureton is no longer in the squad and unfortunately, Exeter did not make a big signing in the summer transfer window. In the new season, City have made a lack-lustre start, with only one win so far from the opening six matches. They made a better showing in the Carling Cup, where they hosted Premiership giants Liverpool, and gave them a run for their money in August, but eventually lost 3-1 at St James Park. Exeter City’s main problems this season have been injuries to their main strikers and a lack of fluid movement through the midfield. Ryan Harley was an instrumental player for City last season, and it will be hard for the Grecians to rebuild. Undoubtedly though, with their fantastic, young striker Nardiello, City will be a fan’s roller-coaster ride and I have definitely loved every minute of following them.

Even though 2011-12 is unlikely to be a promotion season for the Grecians, with the likes of Sheffield United in League One, it will be a chance for Tisdale to try new players and for students to really get involved and behind the City’s team.

Slow start to season for Grecians Photo: Christopher Lee

FOOTBALL

Rachel Bayne Sports Editor

Exeter City FC, fondly known as the Grecians, are Exeter’s League One football side. Managed by Paul Tisdale, City finished last season comfortably in the middle of League One and with a bit of luck could finish even higher this season. The Grecians play at St James Park, a small ground in the centre of Exeter. They are a team for the fans, owned by the fans, since they broke away from Chairman-control in 2005.

“They made a brilliant showing in the last few games, narrowly missing out on a play-off place”

Exeter City is a proud, old football league team, who have spent 46 seasons in the third-tier of English football, making them the team who has played the most seasons in the third tier, without ever being promoted to the top two English football leagues. Last season, Exeter managed to get to the semi-final of the Johnston’s

“Exeter’s next home match is against Oldham on 1st October, and they play Swindon Town the following week ” The Grecians are also positive about another good run in the Johnston’s Paint Trophy, where they will face Swindon Town in the first week of October. Tickets for Exeter City range from £12-£18 for students, if you’re prepared to stand; it is £12 for students in the Big Bank Stand. Exeter City’s next home match is against Oldham on 1st October, which will be just £5 for all students. They are then set to play Swindon Town in the Johnston Paint Trophy in the following week.

Exeposé welcome week

Andy Williams Sport Editor IF you’re a rugby fan, then as far as universities go, you’ve picked a pretty good one. Exeter is home to Exeter Chiefs, the South West’s finest Rugby Union Club. Chiefs play in the Aviva Premiership (the equivalent of the Premier League in football for those of you not so familiar with rugby) and have just started their second season there, having more than held their own in their debut season. They finished in a very commendable eighth place, ahead of Premiership giants London Wasps and Sale Sharks, and provided several scintillating home performances with wins over the likes of London Wasps and Leicester Tigers.

“Chiefs play in the Aviva Premiership (the equivalent of the Premier League in Football) and have just started their second season there” This season, Chiefs have already started their winning ways, having beaten Leicester Tigers in a thrilling 30-28 victory at the Tigers’ home ground, Welford Road. For those of you that follow rugby, you’ll appre-

ciate the rarity of events like that, truly cementing Exeter’s Premiership pedigree. Whilst that Tigers team may have been hampered by certain players answering their country’s call for the Rugby World Cup, Exeter too have three players out in New Zealand, so keep your eyes peeled for Welsh prop Craig Mitchell, Argentinean Gonzalo Camacho and Samoan Junior Poluleuligaga. Aside from those players who are currently in New Zealand, Chiefs have a sterling crop of crowd favourites, including Chiefs legend and 2010 promotion hero Gareth Steenson. Steenson’s tactical and place kicking helped gain Exeter promotion after Chiefs won both the home and the away leg of the 2010 championship play-off finals against Bristol. As well as seeing Chiefs face up to England’s finest on a weekly basis, Sandy Park (Exeter’s home ground) will host a range of international visitors as Exeter play the likes of Perpignan, Gwent Dragons and Cavalieri Prato in the Amlin Challenge Cup. For those of you who will be reading this on Saturday 25th of September, Exeter will host London Wasps tomorrow, Sunday 26th, so if you fancy seeing Chiefs try and give Wasps a run for their money then head down to Sandy Park. Student tickets start at £14 which you can buy online or on the door, but ring up in the morning just to check. The ground is very easy to get to, just hop on a train at Exeter St Davids, Exeter Central or St James and then get

off a few stops down the line to Digby & Sowton, where the ground is just a short, signposted walk away. If Sunday is a bit too early then worry not, as other first term highlights include home games against Saracens, Gloucester (both of whom Exeter beat last year) and Premiership new boys Worcester.

“If you fancy getting one of these passes then join Exeposé’s mailing list at the Activities Fair and we’ll let you go down and report on the match ”

The past two seasons the University’s own Exeter Chiefs Supporters Club have offered a great afternoon out that includes a ticket, transport, a burger at the ground and then a pint back at The Ram, all for a very student friendly price, so make sure you check them out at the Activities Fair this coming Sunday. Finally, here at Exeposé we get two press passes to each Chief’s home game, with seats in the press area, right on the halfway line. If you fancy getting hold of one of these passes for a game then join our mailing list at the Activities Fair, and once you’ve written a few articles for us, we’ll let you go down and report on the match for us!

Across 1. Wife of Rama (4) 3. Flag (8) 8. Character linking Edward Norton and Eric Bana (4) 9. British Sitcom (4,4) 11. Fool (3) 12. The world’s most visited Art Museum (6) 16. Insect that indulges in sexual cannibalism (7,6) 17. Bodily reflex (6) 18. The last degree (3) 21. Opiate of the masses (8) 23. Curse (4) 24. Russian Grandmother (8) 25. Site of the Taj Mahal (4)

Down 1. Liqueur, commonly fruit flavoured (8) 2. Lucky Charm (8) 4. Collection of stories featuring Baloo, Bagheera and the gang (3,6,4) 5. Nibble (3) 6. Dull pain (4) 7. Sunrise (4) 10. Archaic name for Great Britain (6) 13. Death Personified (6) 14. Upright (8) 15. Death by lack of oxygen (8) 19. Toe-biting sea creature (4) 20. Chocolate biscuit (4) 22. Gossip (slang) (3)

Pub Quiz: Freshers’ Special

1. What is the highest point in Exeter? 2. How many academic colleges are there at Exeter University? 3. What is the name of Exeter’s Chancellor? 4. When is the Forum due for completion? 5. What did J.K. Rowling study whilst at Exeter? 6. Why is The Students’ Guild not called a union? 7. What year did Exeter officially become a university? 8. What is Isca Dumnoniorum the Roman name of? 9. Rougemont Castle (by Timepiece) was built by which famous monarch? 10. The headquarters of which guild can be found on Fore Street, opposite Walkabout?

11. The Grecians is the nickname for which of Exeter’s sports teams? 12. Exeter is on the banks of which river? 13. Exeter University’s security service is better known as what? 14. Which famous comedian grew up in Exeter in the 1920s? 15. The Imperial Pub’s glass house was originally designed for what purpose? 16. Where do the Exeter Chiefs play home matches? 17. Who is the statue of outside the Cathedral? 18. Exeter is twinned with Yaroslavl in which country? 19. 2007 saw the re-opening of which area of the city centre? 20. How many Nazi bombing raids hit Exeter between 1940-1942?

ers. 11. Exeter City Football Club. 12. River Exe. 13. Estate Patrol. 14. Tommy Cooper. 15. An Orangery/plant house. 16. Sandy Park. 17. Richard Hooker. 18. Russia. 19. Princesshay Shopping Centre. 20. Eighteen.

RUGBY

No. 22 by Clare Mullins

Pub Quiz Answers: 1. The Physics Building. 2. Six. 3. Baronness Floella Benjamin. 4. December 2012. 5. French and Classics. 6. Because Exeter was opened by the Queen. 7. 1955. 8. Exeter. 9. William The Conquerer. 10. Guild of Tuckers and Weav-

A guide to the Chiefs

Crossword

Sport

Welcome week 2011 Exeposé

Sport

Join the Exeposé Sport Facebook group Follow us on Twitter @ExeposeSport

Rachel Bayne & Andy Williams - sport@exepose.com

Photo: Henry White

The AU Rachel Bayne Sports Editor

EXETER’S Athletic Union is the organisation responsible for administrating all aspects of sport at the University, from competitive matches to recreational sport. The AU competes in the BUCS’ league, which is a national tournament pitching University teams from across Britain against each other. This year, the final of the BUCS’ tournament will be one of the major test events at the Olympic Stadium. In 2010, Exeter’s AU achieved a brilliant 8th position in the national BUCS league. One of the AU’s members, Rebecca Todd, also came in the top three BUCS volunterers of the year. The AU is hoping for another brilliant year in the national league under the new leadership of Beth Hampson, the first female President of the AU for five years. She has just graduated with a degree in Psychology and has been involved with several AU clubs whilst at Exeter, including netball, athletics and horse riding.

“There is a huge group of inter-mural teams, which along with quirky names and friends, allows students to play sport in a less competitive way”

Gown to reclaim crown? FOOTBALL

Oli Rossiter EUAFC Publicity Officer EXETER University Football Club prepare for one of the most anticipated games of the season. On Wednesday 5th October, EUAFC take on Exeter City FC in the annual Varsity match at St James Park. Last year over 3,000 students flocked to the home of Exeter City FC, where EUAFC smashed the record books with the highest attendance ever recorded at the Varsity match. This season’s game is set to be even bigger, as the students ‘gown’ take on the ‘town’ for local bragging rights. In 2010, EUAFC narrowly missed

out to the professionals, as City claimed a 2-1 victory. Last year’s captain, Tom Watson, scored first against the run of play, capitalising on an error from the Grecians. Kyle Bassett and Tom Nicholls scored for City, but the students never looked fazed.

“Tickets will be available from members of the AU during Freshers’ Week, and in the run up to the Varsity”

This year, EUAFC are full of expectation as they train for an upset for Tisdale’s League One side.

It is not only the high level of sport on show that draws so many to the varsities, the atmosphere is fantastic too. Last year hundreds of vuvuzelas were handed out before the game and the noise levels at St James Park erupted as the teams ran out to a raucous atmosphere. The social atmosphere is simply unbelievable as hundreds of lively students spill into the stands. For any student participating in sport at Exeter, playing in the varsities is the pinnacle of their career. Held before thousands of students, the varsities are an annual affair at an illustrious venue reserved for only the very best players. It is considered the highest honour to represent your University first team and the teams begin training weeks before term starts in preparation for this event.

Nick Peare, First Team Captain said: “It is a privilege to be leading the side out for such a huge event”. He encourages everyone to come and support the University. Tickets will be available to buy from members of the AU around campus over fresher’s week and the days leading up to the Varsity. EUAFC are planning to donate money raised from the Varsity to The Adam Stansfield Trust, a charity set up by Exeter City fans after one of their young footballers died of cancer, plus other local charities. EUAFC will also dedicate money to the memory of Mike Polden, a first year student who tragically died from cardiomyopathy (a rare heart disease).

The AU is made up of 49 different clubs, from football and rugby, to Exeter’s newest sporting clubs: combined cheerleading and gymnastics and the triathlon club. Each club will have weekly training sessions, matches and socials and are a great way of getting involved in University life. There is also a huge group of intra-mural teams, which along with a quirky name and a group of friends, allows students to play sport in a less competitive atmosphere. During Fresher’s week, each club will hold two or more taster sessions. There will also be trials on campus, full details of which will be available in Exeposé’s event guide. Beth Hampson advises everyone to try as much as possible as University is a great chance to try a sport which you have never had the opportunity to play before. Students will get the opportunity to sign up to the clubs at the Activities Fair on the 2nd October and most AU clubs’ fees will also involve membership to the gyms on Streatham and St Luke’s Campus.