city of fear one victim’s ordeal
informer the
November 2011 informer.cumbria.ac.uk The UoC’s Essential Student Newspaper
pages 3,4,5
NEWS pages 6,7
FEATURES SHOWS & WHAT’S ON pages 10,11
FASHION &BEAUTY page 12
SPORT
Hello and welcome to The Informer. Previous readers will be able to tell that we have revamped the design of the publication to bring it into the 21st Century. This issue looks at the recent spate of sex attacks in the city. We speak to a female student who was sexually assaulted in Freshers Week. Her identity is not revealed and she did not report her ordeal to the police. We would stress to anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to report what happened to Cumbria Constabulary. This edition also looks into student complaints against Yellow Doors Lets, a company that The UoC’s Student Union used to advertise heavily on its website. We look into these complaints and tell you what you need to know. Famous UoC alumni and Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton was in Carlisle raising money for BBC Children in Need and she had help from The Informer. Sarah Wright and I participated a bake sale with all proceeds going towards the charity. We were rewarded with Blue Peter badges! There is much more in the publication to feast your eyes on. From the Brampton Road shop controversy to what women think of moustaches. Call for writers! If you fancy contributing towards The Informer, we are looking for people to join our team. If you feel you have what it takes, please get in touch with us and maybe you can be part of our next edition. Kind Regards Steven Ramshay The Editor
From left: Cake designer Tarek Malouf, Helen Skelton, Steven Ramshay in The Lanes.
Contributors
pages 8,9
editorial Editor Steven Ramshay Production Danielle Knowles Gary Nicholson Photography Lea Hanson Justine Skowronek
Reporters Harry Barker Matthew Gibbs Andy Hamilton Sam Harker Jonny Irving Tim Jennings Rosina Kermani Kate King Tom Little Helen Parton Steven Ramshay Samantha Ridley Jack Stride Paul Warner Sarah Wright
Email The Informer at: ramshay@hotmail.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @informeronline Website: informer.cumbria.ac.uk
Abi’s fundraising eruption A UoC student is swapping the Cumbrian fells for active volcanoes in Guatemala as she raises money for charity. Abi Clarke, originally from Warrington but now living in Carlisle, is doing the charity challenge aptly named TRIDENT (The Devil’s Pitchfork) in the Central American country while staying there for her UoC placement. Second year Social Work student Abi, 33, is travelling to Guatemala in January to take part in a 70 day work placement with a charity called Education for the Children Foundation (EFTC) which helps poor families educate their children. Abi commented: “I’m doing a three peaks challenge, but not as we know it! I will be climbing three volcanoes, two of them are still active, and two of them are between 3700 and 4000 metres high which means there is altitude to contend with too!” As well as working with the charity in their classrooms, Abi is taking part in the gruelling and dangerous weekend challenge to help raise money to educate some of the countries poorest children. “I love walking out on the fells in Cumbria and I enjoy a good physical challenge so when I was asked to take part in the event I jumped at
the chance to do something so amazing whilst raising money for EFTC.” The fundraisers will cover the once in a lifetime challenge in three days and will carry everything they need along with them, from tents to food and water while trekking up the volcanoes, all situated near the town of Antigua. Abi has already received donations from Dalston based Mallinson Fabrication Ltd and more donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/Abi-Clarke. Tom Little
Abi Clarke
My sex attack ordeal A UoC student has revealed that she was the victim of a serious sexual assault on a night out during Freshers Week – at a time when police were investigating two alleged sex attacks in Carlisle. The girl, who we will refer to as Anna to protect her identity, has told The Informer of her ordeal at the hands of two men in a club, while hundreds of people were dancing and drinking just a few feet away. The first-year student had moved to Carlisle the week before to start her studies. Like so many other students, she was out with a group of friends for a night of partying at a major Freshers Week’ event. Late that night Anna lost contact with the friends from her course and found herself alone on the dance floor. That’s when her ordeal began. Anna said: “Two guys came up to me. They said they were in the army. The dance floor was busy and these two men were dancing closer and closer to me.” It was then that Anna started to realise that something was wrong. “I felt I was losing control of the situation, one of the men was behind me and the other was in front. They both decided to put their hands all over me, I felt trapped.” “They started to grope me in inappropriate places; both of them had their hands up my dress.” Anna tried to free herself, but the men held on to her, refusing to let her escape. Suddenly Anna saw one of her male coursemates, nearby: “I shouted to him and he came over and pulled me away. The two men disappeared.” Anna did not report what had happened to security or police. “At the time I just thought it wasn’t a big deal. It wasn’t until the next day when I actually realised what had happened, that I had been assaulted.” Friends advised her to go to the police, but Anna was unsure.
City assaults: police say one case still open Two women questioned over wasting police time
“I know what happened, but I felt like I couldn’t prove anything.” In the end she decided against it. The experience has left a lasting effect on Anna. A struggle to deal with trust is just one of the consequences of her ordeal. “I feel safe in numbers, but on my own at night I am scared, I don’t go anywhere on my own. I haven’t been out much since; I don’t think I am at a stage to trust people to stay with me on a night out.” Helen Parton Steven Ramshay
The recent spate of sex attacks in Carlisle has led to feelings of fear and insecurity for women of all ages across the city. Four alleged attacks have been reported to police over the past two months. Detectives who were investigating a rape that was alleged to have occurred in an alley close to the old cinema on Bartons Place on Monday 19th September, have reported the 19 year old victim from Carlisle for perverting the course of justice and wasting police time. Also detectives investigating an allegation of rape at Town Dyke Orchard car park on Saturday 1st October arrested an 18 year old woman from Carlisle on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She has been placed on police bail while enquiries continue. Following a detailed investigation by Carlisle CID, 50 year old Mark Thomas Jackson of St James Rd, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to the charge of rape in connection with an incident on Empire Road on Saturday 15th
October where a 16 year old local girl was attacked. He is due to appear in Carlisle Crown Court for sentencing on Friday 2 December 2011. An investigation is still ongoing into an alleged incident that happened on Knowe Road. Between 2:30am and 3am on Sunday 18th September a woman in her 30s was walking home alone when she was grabbed by a male, who dragged her up a lane and assaulted her. Inspector Mark Gilroy, who is in charge of policing in the city centre, said: “It is important that people take care of themselves and their friends during and after a night out. Never walk home alone, and always look out for your friends. If you want to go home early, ensure you save enough money to take a licensed taxi, or ask your friends to walk you home before they continue with their night.” Anyone who has any information about the alleged attacks should contact Carlisle CID on 0845 33 00 247. Steven Ramshay
Defend yourself with Taekwondo
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Cumbrian students are being encouraged to take up self defence classes following the recent series of sex attacks in the city. Classes are available at many sports centres, including the Trinity Leisure Centre in Carlisle, where Taekwondo instructor Alistair Vera promotes a fun atmosphere to learn in. Alistair said: “In the past I have taught selfdefence in schools and I feel it should be part of the curriculum.” Self-defence classes are suitable for both males and females and are offered to anyone above the age of 4½ years old. The classes are gender mixed as it has been said that the best practise is through learning in a close to reallife situation. Alistair said: “Self-defence classes are a brilliant option for students to learn how to be safe and I encourage them all the way. All you need is determination.”
Self-defence classes are a brilliant option for students to learn how to be safe and I encourage them all the way.
Not only are self-defence classes fun, but they keep you healthy, fit, and most of all, safe. Carlisle PC Gaynor Lawson told us she is in favour of students attending at least one self-defence class, as the skills you learn would be useful if you are ever in a difficult situation. The standard rate for selfdefence classes at the Trinity Leisure Centre is £27 per month or £128 per year and on joining you receive a free Taekwondo suit. For more information go to www.carlisleleisure.com
Rosina Kermani
Rosina Kermani practising Taekwondo
news | informer
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Students slam Yellow Door Lets Some University of Cumbria Students have slammed Yellow Door Lets, the Lancasterbased student accommodation company, over alleged housing problems. Yellow Doors have advertised heavily in The Scene and at the Lancaster campus welcome week events for many years, giving them a strong position in the local lettings market. But one student representative has gone so far as to suggest that if standards don’t improve the Students’ Union should disassociate itself from the company. On October 4, at the UCSU Better Union Meeting, Rob George, a student trustee, asked: “Why do we give so much credence to Yellow Doors? I’ve never heard a good thing said about them. “They seem to contribute more to student misery than anything else on this campus; I hear nothing but bad things from people.” He added: “They’re massive because we make them massive. Don’t let them on campus, tell them to sod off, then they’ll start improving things for our students.
two months before their kitchen was restored. “We had a fridge and a really dirty microwave; they didn’t provide us with a kettle or a toaster or anything like that.” With walls being knocked down, it left the flat with a door that couldn’t be locked meaning anyone could have just walked in, she said, and there was no communication from Yellow Doors as to when the problems would be sorted. Yellow Door Lets is run by former Lancaster University and Sheffield University students Colin Elderton and Carole Scott, who established the company in 1983. All the houses are easily recognisable in Lancaster’s streets by their bright yellow front doors. Since The Informer got in contact with Yellow Doors for a statement regarding Amie’s complaint, Colin Elderton personally delivered a 37 inch led Samsung TV to her house for their inconvenience.
Yellow Door Lets advertising
Caked in success
Martin Dodd, Student Executive Officer, had the brainwave of the world record attempt. The Student Union suggested the theme of saints and sinners fancy dress, so Martin outlined the idea to the Record’s Office in London. They then researched similar
Blue Peter star gets cooking in Carlisle for BBC Children in Need Blue Peter presenter and former UoC journalism student Helen Skelton returned to Carlisle to help raise money for BBC’s Children in Need through a bake sale. Helen held a bake-off in The Lanes Shopping Centre on the 2nd November as part of the climax to the 2011 Blue Peter Appeal. Helen, 28, took on her fellow Blue Peter host Barney Harwood as the pair held rival bake-offs in their hometowns. Helen was the winner out of the two presenters raising £980.66 compared to Barney’s £559.51. All of the money raised will go to Children in Need. She was able to call on local retailers and schools in her quest for victory. She even had The Informer’s very own Steven Ramshay and Sarah Wright to call upon as extra pairs of hands. Helen, who has previously raised money for Sport Relief by kayaking the entire length of the River Amazon, spoke of her desire to beat her co-presenter: “I know this is for Children in Need but I was so determined to win, as I wouldn’t have heard the end of it off Barney if he was to raise more money. The money raised
DISPARITY
Liam Walker UCSU Representation Sabbatical said: “We need to see the issues first and collect some data. I also know students in the past who really enjoyed their Later, talking to the Informer, George Yellow Door Lets experience so there seems claimed: “I’ve spoken to students who have to be a disparity in some properties and/or had to live with mould on the walls, damp in student expectations.” the rooms, dodgy fittings that are never fixed “If there were major concerns raised despite notice. by students, then we would first work “Someone signed a contract and was given with Yellow Door Lets to improve the a date to move in, they moved in [before summer] and the house was dirty,” he claimed. accommodation. Shutting the door on them may jeopardise the student experience further. “Three months later when they came back to If issues weren’t acted on then we would have move in to start uni, the house was still dirty to make a decision from there.” and rubbish from the previous tenants was Asked to respond to student complaints, still in the back yard.” Yellow Door Lets said: “With almost 30 years’ He also said that if Yellow Doors did not of experience in student lettings in Lancaster improve their service then there was a good we have built up an excellent reputation and chance that the SU would tell them “sod off”. without a doubt always put the needs of our However the SU pointed out that, although he is a student trustee, George has no mandate tenants first. “With almost 80 houses in Lancaster it is to speak for the Union and his comments do inevitable that there will be the occasional not reflect Union policy. problem, as long as students communicate In one Yellow Doors household student the issues with us we sort the problems out as tenants say they had their kitchen knocked soon as possible.” down soon after moving in over the summer. Tenant Amie Godward, 19, who studies Drama, said: ‘It’s been very depressing. It’s actually Andy Hamilton made me very miserable.” Amie said she and her flatmates had to wait STUDENT COMPLAINTS
can really change the lives of so many young children; everyone needs to donate what they can.” Cakes were made by local schools and retailers helped out too, Pizza Express donated 50 freshly baked pizzas whilst Millie’s Cookies donated freshly baked products and also a year’s supply of cookies voucher, which was auctioned off and raised £45. All proceeds went to the BBC Children in Need charity. BBC’s Children in Need TV marathon will take place on Friday, November 18. Steven Ramshay
Children in Need Bake Off in The Lanes
University aims to tick the right boxes Bid to improve marking standards The UoC is piloting an anonymous marking scheme as part of its campaign to improve feedback and assessment. The issue is closely linked with the anonymous marking scheme that the SU has recently engaged with. The Students’ Union is currently looking at getting the 25-day turnaround period from submitting work to hearing feedback reduced to 20 days. In some instances, students have claimed they are waiting up to five weeks to hear back about a piece of work.
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Lorri Millar, the Academic Sabbatical for the SU said: “It’s scary how many students are coming back to us saying it’s taking far too long to hear back from their lecturers on their last piece of work.” In many institutions, when work is submitted lecturers are getting back to the students with feedback sessions within 15 days. Many students are also against written feedback, preferring face to face communication instead. From this academic year, the university is starting anonymous marking pilots on selected courses to see if it is successful. If results are positive, anonymous marking may be applied to other courses in the future.
Anonymous marking has been campaigned for by the National Union of Students since 1999, with UCSU’ marking campaign called ‘Mark My Words, Not My Name’. Ben Wohl, the Communications and Research Coordinator for the Students’ Union explained: “Anonymous marking is a project we are really trying to push forward because it’s necessary for the students.” Anonymous marking will also protect members of staff against any accusations from unsatisfied students. The SU admits it will not be possible for all assessments to be marked anonymously as there will be areas of courses, such as practical assessments and dissertation, where the student’s identity is clearly known.
Anonymous marking is being tested over three faculties: Health and Well-being, Education and ABS (Arts, Business and Science). 20% of written assignments are going to be anonymously marked and the evaluation of the pilot runs will be conducted with the students and staff. Lorri Millar is hopeful for the anonymous marking scheme: “Students with the premonition that they are being unfairly marked know that the Student Union is campaigning the best it can for that to change. I hope it will be successful.” Sarah Wright
Shop’s future looking bleak The future of the Brampton Road shop is in serious doubt, as two of its staff members have been made redundant, despite the shops’ existence still being under consultation. After the Universities Facilities Management and LISS put together a review into the shop, issues had been raised by staff, students and the Student Union. The proposals would see the current shop closed and services distributed to the library and specialist goods being sold by technicians. They agreed to a consultation period in order to collect data and student views about the shop, which ends on the 26th November. Head of Facilities Management Stephen Bloye said: “With the re-opening of the Brampton Road library the University decided to review how we sold the range of products we do at Brampton Road, given the Library on other sites already sell a number of similar items to these sold in the Brampton Road shop. The Library is open for longer hours than the shop so can have whatever it sells available to students for longer periods of time.” He also confirmed that the shop was losing money, adding: “Once the proposal was approved by the Senior Management Team the shop staff were made aware first and then a three month consultation period started. Discussions have taken place with staff and students as part of this consultation and the SU are leading on gathering feedback from students.” Fiona Powley is the Associate Dean of the Brampton Road Campus, she said: “I want the best student experience. Discussions are also in place to ensure that students will not be in any way disadvantaged by the changes.” Shop assistants Diane Comrie and Susan Waugh have both been made redundant by the University of Cumbria. Supervisor Ann Nugent is unhappy with the situation: “The shop provides a service; we pride ourselves on delivering a good service. We are not happy being in a cupboard, we have had to move three times in a year. Of course we are disappointed.” She believed the shop was essential to the students at Brampton Road and on other arts courses: “Prices are very reasonable. It’s all on site and materials are all available. We have specific materials that are course specific. Items such as foam boards and layout pads can’t be bought anywhere else.” The Students’ Union have led the campaign to get students views heard, Student Life Sabbatical Rachel Garlick has been in charge: “We want the best for the students; if the shop will help then that’s what we need to do. Hopefully with the consultation it will work out in students favour. Our hope is the shop won’t go.” The SU has conducted a survey to gather students’ views, with it being made clear there is a demand for the shop. It reveals that over 50% of respondents use the shop a few times per week and that 2/3 of respondents expect to use the shop a few times per week in the coming year. Plus that more than 40% don’t think items being sold by technicians and other services will work. One Contemporary Applied Art student Kat Grimoldby, 21, said: “I’m not impressed at all; there are no other art shops in Carlisle. It’s not practical to close it.”
Jonny Irving
University bid to cut tuition fees The UoC is to submit a formal bid to lower the tuition fees for the next academic year from £8,400 to £7,500. The UoC was set to charge £8,400 in tuition fees from the next academic year in line with government funding reforms when MPs agreed to triple tuition fees last December. The UoC is now one of 27 universities from around the country that are bidding to lower the costs for tuition fees to £7,500 or less. Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike said: “The University’s current position is that the student experience remains at the forefront of all the University’s planning and budgeting. Consultation with the Students’ Union continues to form a major part of the discussion around the fee structure.” The UoC has assessed its average net fee, looking at its bursaries and scholarships in line with the published government guidelines, which may help with recruiting students. If the UoC was successful and won the bid to cut the tuition fee charges to £7,500 or less, it would then be given the chance to bid for a share of 20,000 extra funded student places that the government is making available to those institutions for keeping their fees low. Liam Walker, the Representation Sabbatical of the UoC Students’ Union explained: “We are pleased to see the University of Cumbria
making changes to make Higher Education a more achievable and attainable goal for students from across the regions dispersed population.” The Office of Fair Access is to assess each of the revised cases and universities are expected to know if their bid has been successful by the 30th November. The problem with this is that when many Universities are potentially changing what they charge for tuition fees, a lot of students are unfairly being left in the middle of it all and unsure of where to apply for the next academic year. Liam added: “This is a step in the right direction and with these new fee proposals is able to offer a sensible, high quality option for students considering Higher Education for September 2012.” This sudden bid comes about less than three months before the university application deadline for 2012. With thousands of students already applied to university, they may now find their fees may be altered. While there are more than a third of English universities that are set to charge £9,000 as of 2012, there are approximately three-fifths of universities that will charge the £9,000 for at least one undergraduate course.
Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike
Sarah Wright
Library chaos over The long running saga of the Brampton Road campus library has finally come to an end after new facilities were installed at the start of this academic year
William Coombs using the new Library facilities at Brampton Road
How The Informer reported on the Library closure
This comes after two years of no facilities at the campus. The decision by the University of Cumbria enraged students who had enrolled with the promise of an on-site library. The old library became the graphics design studio. Margaret Weaver, Head of Learning Information and Student Service (LISS) at the UoC told of how long the new facilities plan has been in motion: “Plans to reintegrate the library at Brampton Road have been in hand for some time. To minimise the impact of the building work on students the University waited until the summer period before commencing the project.” The University tried different methods in an attempt to appease the situation. However results from the National Student Survey showed that students based at the Brampton Road campus pointed out that the services were not good enough.
Claire Daniel, Learning Centres Manager North for LISS explained: “It has been clear from student and staff feedback how much the library was valued at Brampton Road. Following ongoing stakeholder consultation it became clear that what everyone wanted was a specialist arts library at Brampton Road and so this is what the University has worked to provide.” The new facilities include a self-service check in/out machine, this and just the presence of a library on the campus has been widely appreciated. Claire added: “Given the positive response from students and staff who have been in and used the library, LISS certainly feels it was the right decision to make this significant investment in the student learning provision at Brampton Road.” Steven Ramshay
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New mountains to conquer A University of Cumbria Student who has overcome prostate cancer is now planning to raise awareness and money for The Prostate Cancer Charity by making a wildlife documentary in Romania.
A UoC Student who has overcome prostate cancer is now planning to raise awareness and money for The Prostate Cancer Charity by making a wildlife documentary in Romania. Wildlife and Media student Daniel Sencier will be travelling to the Carpathian Mountains in Romania along with fellow students Paul Mitchell, Ashley Howe, Robert Brumfitt and Ryan Deal to make a wildlife documentary as part of their degree. Daniel, who is a keen campaigner for prostate cancer awareness, sees this as an opportunity to further promote awareness on a national and international scale. Awareness of the disease is practically none existent in Romania and Daniel hopes to use this opportunity to change that. The group also plan to give the proceeds earned from the sale of the wildlife documentary to The Prostate Cancer Charity. Daniel was diagnosed with prostate cancer the same day as he was accepted to study a degree in Wildlife and Media at the University of Cumbria. With this diagnosis, Daniel was faced with the difficult decision of whether to start his course or delay it. “I thought well what if I don’t go for it, I’ll be sat at home after November for nearly a year with nothing to do just sitting there feeling sorry for myself, so I thought well I’ll go for it, I’ll do the year.” Daniel, who is set to turn sixty next month was diagnosed with prostate cancer on the 18th June 2010. His diagnosis came as a shock, as he hadn’t suffered from any symptoms and was only diagnosed due to having a routine blood screening test. Daniel was to receive treatment for his
prostate cancer at the Cumberland Infirmary. However, after long periods of what Daniel saw as the hospital taking little or no action towards his treatment, he decided he had no choice but to refer himself to Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, where he was operated on within three weeks. Daniel wrote about the treatment he received from the Cumberland Infirmary on his online blog. Daniel started the blog as a place to record his thoughts and feelings; the blog had enabled Daniel’s family and friends to keep up with his progress. The blog entries about his treatment at the Cumberland Infirmary prompted an unexpected letter from the hospital’s lawyers, stating they were monitoring his blog and if he wrote anything that was factually incorrect they would take legal action. This sparked Daniel to organise a protest outside the hospital on the 4th July of this year. The national press picked up on the story and Daniel appeared on The BBC’s ‘One Show.’ Since his campaign, Daniel says the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust has improved the way it deals with cancer patients. One of the key factors in Daniel’s successful fight against prostate Cancer was his mental attitude: “I knew that if I didn’t stay positive, if I went the other way, I think I would have just given up and I think if you give up, you can die. When something like that happens to you, it changes your whole perspective on life”.
Samantha Ridley
Jack cleans up with new business venture A third year Business Management student has set up his own laundry supplies business to help fund his university education. Jack Foster, 20, set up ‘Cumbrian Laundry Supplies Direct’ in September with help from two of his friends, Andy Pattinson and Justin Chamley. Cumbrian Laundry Supplies Direct currently supplies cleaning products for both business and domestic use such as carpet cleaners, polishes, bleaches, floor cleaners and disinfectants. Jack is over the moon with the success of the business making a good profit of £600 so far. He said: “The early success of the company has been my greatest achievement so far, along with receiving some excellent feedback from our customers, which is really motivational.” On running a business alongside studying, Jack said: “It is difficult and I haven’t slept much since the business officially started trading at the start of September. The work load at University is intense at the moment with it being my final year, so I have a hard time trying to make time for both studying and running the business.” The business currently trades to several launderettes in Carlisle and has started to branch out to West Cumbria.
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The idea for the business came when Jack was introduced to the owner of a large independent supplier in the North East. The team went for a meeting with them and they agreed to open their own franchise back in Carlisle. The team have shown their commitment to the project by investing their own money into it. Jack added: “I definitely think studying Business management has helped me be successful, especially with the knowledge I have gained from my entrepreneurial and marketing modules. I also believe that running my own business has helped my studying, gaining hands on experience of what it is like to actually manage a business.” After graduating, Jack hopes to work on the business full time and he is eager to expand into Scotland. He hopes to get local students interested in his products so he offer them cheap laundry supplies as he knows how costly washing detergents can be on a student budget. More details can be found at cumbrianlaundreysuppliesdirect.co.uk Kate King
Daniel with The One Show’s production team
Peter Thompson: Dynamic Radio
“ ” We are targeting students and young people but anyone can listen
Graduate to launch student radio station
Having just graduated Peter Thompson was very clear about what he wanted to do and he is very nearly there. Peter, 22, gained a degree from the University of Cumbria in Film and TV and has now set about creating Dynamic Radio. The online radio station is almost up and running, and is aiming for Dynamic to be an ‘unofficial’ student radio. To fund Dynamic Radio, Peter got a grant from o2’s Think Big Scheme and is also looking for local businesses to advertise. Peter said: “We are targeting students and young people but anyone can listen. We contacted the Student Union and they were interested in sponsoring it as an official student radio but they couldn’t afford it at the time.” The station in its current form has been running for year but Peter started small online radio stations a few years ago called PT/AM and Rise Against Media. Once he graduated, Peter decided to expand and try to make it a more professional outlet. “We wanted to come out as a proper student radio so we had to re-brand it.” said Peter.
He is currently based in the Atlas Works building in Denton Holme where he is putting the finishing touches to a small studio. Peter has several presenters ready to go with a mixture of current students, ex-students and friends as part of his team. Peter explained: “We want to do a bit of everything but at the moment it’s just music and talking. We have got someone who is interested in doing a political debate show which will be a good way for students to get their opinions out.” If the project is successful then Peter would like to take it FM or digital. Dynamic Radio is hoping to be launched before Christmas. Jonny Irving
Tom Burrows is hoping to lead the way
He’s done well considering… An industrious UoC graduate has re-launched a project which he started last year called Consider This Cumbria, an e-magazine and website
Helen Skelton: awarded with an honorary fellowship
Golden girl bags a fellowship TV personality Helen Skelton has been given an honorary award by the University of Cumbria The Blue Peter presenter who studied journalism in Carlisle when the Brampton Road campus was the Cumbria Institute of the Arts is among five people who have been awarded the honour this year. The Appleby born star said of her award: “I’m obviously very proud to have received the fellowship. I loved studying and living in Cumbria and now that I am away, I really appreciate how much the county means to me. To receive a fellowship from the university is very special indeed.” Helen had previously worked for local radio station CFM and Border Television before joining BBC Radio Cumbria in 2005 as the breakfast show presenter. She then got a job as reporter and occasional presenter on Newsround before becoming the 33rd presenter of Blue Peter in 2008. She also presents Countryfile. Helen has raised massive amounts of money for charity and became the second woman ever to finish the gruelling Namibian Ultra Marathon and she kayaked the entire length of
the Amazon for Sport Relief. The ceremonies will take place at Carlisle Cathedral on 22 and 24 November. The fellowship is awarded to a person who matches criteria set by the university which include: A significant contribution to, and/or a strong connection with the vision and mission of the UoC. A significant achievement contributing to the character and strength of Cumbria and beyond. Achievement that makes the person or organisation an inspiring role model. A major contribution to charitable or voluntary activity. Notable distinction in an area that is related to an
activity undertaken within the university. Timeliness – an award being made at a time that is particularly appropriate for the recipient or the university. Other names that will collect the honorary degree are: Sir James Cropper KCVO, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria who was CEO of Cropper Paper Mills in Stavely, Kendal. Broadcaster Harry King is to collect a fellowship, as well as Jill Ward who was involved in a project with students who have learning disabilities. Jeffrey Fardon is to receive posthumous award for the same project. Steven Ramshay
Tom Burrows, 23, from the West Midlands, graduated this year with a first class degree in Journalism. Without the perfect job, Tom has launched himself into a number of areas to keep busy. He accepted a role as an assistant teacher at the UoC, helping Journalism students with online and multimedia work. Tom also does freelance journalism, writing for the Guardian and the BBC, and has decided to re-launch the project which he started last year. Tom explained where the project came from: “We looked at what we had learned in the last three years and it seemed like a good idea to do an e-magazine and a website.” The project targets the areas mainstream media fails to and with the success of the first
edition, Tom is now working on the next stage for Consider This Cumbria. Tom said: “We are planning a new magazine for the new year. It’s the only one of its kind in Cumbria.” He is hoping for the project to lead the way in local journalism: “We are doing some things that the national newspapers do but maybe haven’t caught onto the local papers, such as live text feeds and live video.” By selling advertising to local businesses and being involved with different networking groups, Tom and his team hope to make some money from the project. If successful, he hopes to expand Consider This Cumbria to being a much bigger project. Jonny Irving
Knitty Galore An enterprising UoC student is using her knitting skills to earn some extra cash to help fund her university studies. Jenny Sewell, 23, is studying for a masters degree in physiotherapy but has knitted since the age of four, and she is now selling her homemade knits via her ‘Knitty Galore’ Facebook page. Jenny, originally from Whitley Bay, said: “I decided to start making things for a few extra pennies whilst I’m a student. On my page people can make requests, and share patterns. I also teach people how to knit.” Knitting is not only a money earner for Jenny, as it also provides relief from her Trichotillomania, which is the urge to subconsciously pull out ones hair. Jenny said knitting has saved her from the problem by keeping her hands busy.
Jenny can make an intriguing range of knitted products from jumpers to ‘mug hugs’, which are knitted mug warmers that she can rattle off in just a couple of hours. She first started knitting when her great grandmother taught her to knit clothes for her dolls at the age of four, and her favourite knit has been her striped jumper as it was her first big project. Knitted jumpers are one of the big trends this season and Jenny responded to knitting critics by saying: “People who think knitting is for old people should stop being so silly and stereotypical, if you have patience knitting is so rewarding.” To request a knitted product from Jenny or learn how to knit yourself find her ‘Knitty Galore’ Facebook page. Tom Little
features | informer
7
REVIEWS Dance:Episode Episode is piece of art that makes the brain come alive and brings out the detective and sociologist that we have inside ourselves. This contemporary dance production explored the lives of three people who had pleaded guilty to a crime, which the viewer and society would accept as the truth. The viewer never actually
Steven Ramshay
finds out which crime was committed and this is for the audience to judge. Jessica Knox, Kirsten Newell and Jennifer Payne played the part of the guilty women and had dancers which showed the traumatic struggles with the pressures, stresses and circumstances which lead them to breakdown and into
their psychotic episode. After this we begin to realise the reasoning behind these guilty women. The piece was choreographed by Louisa Cameron and she explained how the idea came about: “You often hear about terrible psychotic events in the press, where a person has lost the plot and committed a crime. The crime itself is
terrible but I tried to show through this piece that there are reasons why even the most normal people can suddenly flip.” The piece was as enthralling for the mind as it was for the eye and was brought to life by the differences in the backing music and movements of the dancers. Rating 9/10
Photograph of one of the scenes from contemporary dance piece: Episode Justine Skowronek
CoD: Modern Warfare 3
Football Manager 2012
Work Consume Die! Frankie Boyle Frankie Boyle’s second book, Work, Consume, Die! is a mixture of comedy and pessimism. Between the more conventional chapters the book also includes a bizarre first person narrative from Boyle. The book is anything but boring, but risqué material makes it an acquired taste that will amuse many but horrify many more. Frankie Boyle’s humour can be boiled down to being cruel abuse, which works really well with the right target but falls flat when its not. Rating: 7/10 Andy Hamilton
8
informer | reviews
Sports Interactive are back and better than ever with the latest edition of their management simulation. Every year the series seems to baffle fans by bettering the previous edition and this year is no different. With a cleaner and more simple interface, the game looks more refined and maintains its complexity. This maintains its position as the most realistic management game on the shelves. It has been suitably adapted to suit the more casual gamer who in past years may have felt left behind. Rating: 9/10 Harry Barker
One of the most highly anticipated games of the year, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 has finally arrived and certainly lives up to the hype. Various cut-scenes and familiar characters early on in the game remind us of where the story left us at the end of Modern Warfare 2. The game takes us through several different countries including America, Russia, England, Germany and the Czech Republic. Familiar landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Stock Exchange make appearances throughout and add an extra level of excitement to the game. This game definitely delivers and very highly recommended if you have enjoyed the previous installments from the Call of Duty franchise. Rating: 8/10 Paul Warner
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Theatre:Little Women
Carlisle is only good if you’re into smaller bands
Second Year Performing Arts students staged a lively and dramatic musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. The series of three shows were performed before a full house from the 10th to the 12th November at Stanwix Arts Studio Theatre, and showcased the talent and dedicated hard work of the cast and crew. The students produced the show entirely themselves,
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Music:Ch ase & Status As Carlisle’s Sands Centre gets ready for the headline act of the year, Chase and Status on November 16th, it seems many local students remain unsatisfied by this solitary booking. For new students and the residents of Carlisle, it may seem like a bit of a flash in the pan as they struggle to find many more big mainstream listings at venues such as this. Louisa Cameron, a Performing Arts student at the UoC said: “Carlisle isn’t exactly the greatest place when it comes to live music on a big scale; however there are some smaller acts that get a chance to shine due to this.” Although Two Door Cinema Club are set to appear for a DJ set at Club Concrete three days after the Chase and Status gig, the latter remain
just one of three charting acts in 2011 to be performing live in Carlisle if you exclude BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend event back in May. This may be a worry for students, with Newcastle seeming to be an unpractical but necessary solution with venues such as the O2 Academy and the Metro Radio Arena churning out top acts on a daily basis. A spokesperson for The Sands Centre said: “We look to get around three to four large pop or rock acts a year.” The Sands Centre maintains their desire to fulfil their status as a multi-functional venue and therefore only book the big acts where there is availability in the diary.
The Sands Centre
Upcoming Events: November 19th - Two Door Cinema Club (DJ set) – doors at 10pm, £6 for students. Every Tuesday - Teapot Tuesday - free entry with a mug. Every Thursday - Faux Fur’sday, free entry wearing faux-fur.
Located next to Hardwicke Circus and 5 minutes from the city centre, The Sands Centre offers a variety of different events for anyone. Besides being a concert venue, it offers a sports and leisure centre open for the public. Upcoming Events: November 16th - Chase & Status live – SOLD OUT November 19th - Lee Nelson – Doors at 8pm, £22.50 November 20th – Macbeth, by the Icarus Theatre Collective – Doors at 7.30, £16.50 November 24th - Omid Djalli Doors at 8pm, £19.00 November 26th - Dave Gorman – Doors at 8pm, £21.00
Every Friday - Price on door. Every Saturday - Price on door.
The Mikado 19th – 21st November 7.30pm Each Night Matinee on Sat 21st 3pm Where: Stanwix Arts Theatre Admission Price: Adults: £8 Concessions/Students: £6 Members Card: £4 Mikado is a comedy opera about how love can conquer the strictest rules.
A year before the action of this opera begins, Nanki-Poo, son of the Mikado of Japan, fled his father’s imperial court to escape marriage with Katisha, a blood thirsty young woman.
A small live orchestra of students accompanied the show, and Charlotte Bowman choreographed the dancing. Musician Ali Cameron, 19, said: “I think audiences can find it hard to watch a period piece, but the music was written only five years ago, which makes it feel more contemporary.” Tim Jennings
Disguised as a travelling musician, he met and fell in love with Yum-Yum, the young ward of Ko-Ko, a cheap tailor in the town of Titipu in despair. Yum-Yum however is being forced into a marriage she does not want. The performance tells the story of the struggles they overcome to be together. Will they or won’t they make it? Very much a Romeo and Juliet type of story.
Opera:The Mikado
December 12th-31st - Cinderella – call for times, prices from £13.50
Steven Ramshay
CHASE & STATUS PLAY THE SANDS CENTRE
By Harry Barker
Club Concrete Club Concrete, located on Lowther Street is a 5 minute walk from the city centre. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and bank holiday Sundays. Concrete offers 2-4-1 drink until midnight every night and various drinks deals throughout the week. Whether you’re into indie or r&b, you’re guaranteed a great night!
and actress Rosie Traynor, 19, said: “It’s been a lot of hard work but so much fun. As well as performing, we all had several technical jobs backstage, so it involved a lot of running around.” The musical told the story of four sisters as they journey through womanhood, and the attempts of the protagonist Jo (played by Tash Holt and Katie Riley), to defy the constraints expected of Victorian women.
WHAT’S ON
The Brickyard
Next door to the Melting Pot is The Brickyard offering live rock and indie music. With a 320-person capacity, The Brickyard introduces new and upcoming bands to Carlisle with previous names including Kate Nash and Foals.
The Melting Pot
The Melting Pot, on Fisher Street near the Castle Grounds, offers various events throughout the week and covers all tastes of music.
Office Bar
Office Bar can be found on the main road running through Botchergate, opposite Lloyds bar. They offer DJ nights and have live bands every Friday and Sunday.
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
November 26th - The Selecter – 8pm, £12.50
November 19th - Friendly Fires (DJ Set) – 11pm, £10
Upcoming Events:
November 4th - Havok – 8pm, £7
December 3rd - Goodgreef’s 11th Birthday – 10pm, £10
Every Friday - Live band night!
December 10th - Neville Staple – 8pm, £14
December 7th - Winter Ball – Doors 8pm, £10 + free drink
Every Sunday - Acoustic night!
what’s on | informer
9
Pedicure virus scare sounds a little fishy Experts rubbish recent claims
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Fish pedicure and HIV experts have both rubbished claims that the treatment can easily spread the disease, claiming tanks would have to be red with infected blood to pose a risk. Recent reports by the Daily Mail sparked the fear, however, a recent statement from the Heath Protection Agency has asserted that fish pedicure spas in which Garra Rufa fish nibble dead skin from customers’ feet may present a risk of HIV transmission, although that risk is incredibly tiny. Lisa Power, Policy director of the Terrance Higgins Trust says: “The risk of HIV being transmitted through a fish pedicure is so small as to be almost impossible. HIV is a fragile virus once it is outside the body; it cannot be passed on via animal or insect bites.” “For transmission to occur two successive clients would need open wounds on their feet and there would have to be huge amounts of infected blood in the water.”
I’ve had a fish pedi and I loved it, I haven’t really thought about the claims that they can give you HIV
“The reality is, in this country, too many people are contracting HIV because they aren’t using condoms, not because they’re going for fish pedicures.” Emily Doolin, 20, said: “I’ve had a fish pedi and I loved it, it felt like little bubbles on the bottom of my feet. I haven’t really thought about the claims that they can give you HIV, I’d have to have a look at more evidence and claims.” Lee Askew, 22 said: “From a male perspective they’re good. I had one in Cyprus, personally I didn’t feel a massive difference but as for HIV my feet were checked for open cuts so I doubt you could catch it, but I might be proven wrong.” The treatment involves the person placing their feet in a tank of warm water which has dozens of toothless Garra Rufa fish in. The fish gently nibble away at dry and dead skin to give an end result of soft, healthy feet. Megan Grey from Mu Fish Spa in Carlisle said: “At Mu Fish Spa, the safety and wellbeing of both our customers and fish is our top
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priority operating under strict health and safety guidelines. Our tanks have a specially designed filtration system which sterilises the water up to 16 times an hour and UV systems which ensure no diseases can live in the water.” “Daily water changes take place in each of our tanks to ensure a clean, safe environment for both our customers and fish. Every customer is required to complete a full health questionnaire and anyone with cuts or open sores on their feet or hands are not allowed to take the treatment. In addition, the Garra Rufa fish used in our tanks do not have teeth and therefore cannot pierce the skin.” Despite the claims that you can catch HIV from the fish spas it is clear from the people I have spoken to that the risk is very small. Sam Harker
Tache on for Movember It’s the month of the moustache Men are encouraged to ‘grow a mo’ to raise awareness for men’s health and to raise money for the top male charities, specifically prostrate cancer. From November 1st thousands of men all over the world begin their makeover to sport a ‘mo’. Fortunately other fundraising options are available if you are unwilling, unable or female, to show your support. ‘Mo Parties’ are scattered around the country and Carlisle is lucky enough to be hosting two this year at Fresher’s favourite Walkabout, and Cumbria’s only dedicated alternative venue, Club Rock. On Friday November 25th from 8:00pm, Club
Rock is offering live bands, raffles and prizes for Man and Lady of Movember. Event organiser, James Fell says: “Lash Out wit’yo Stache Out is sponsored by The Gentry barbers, Marshall Aplification, The Prostate Cancer Charity, and many more well known brands.” Shoe brand TOMS is also teaming up with Movember to help support the men’s health charities, as well as providing shoes for Children in Need.
On November 1st they launched a collection of brand new limited edition Movember classics which have the ‘mo’ logo on them and these are available for both men and women. To learn more about Movember, please visit www.movember.com Liz Stocks
What girls think about those hairy handle bars
Getting into the spirit of Movember
Movember is for a brilliant cause, it aims to raise awareness for a male charity which is often neglegted when it comes to fundraising. But we have never gone for a guy with a tache, and although it’s a fun way of raising awareness and money, seeing a guy with a hairy handlebar on his top lip is not an attractive look for me. We decided to find out if we were alone with this view or if other girls shared similar thoughts. Louise Powell, 21, is studying Adventure Media and she says: “I don’t like moustaches. They’re a turn off for me.” Megan Fisher, 19, a Fine Arts student says: “I have a boyfriend and he has stubble so I like that but a full on moustache would be a bit weird. My Dad has a moustache.” Victoria Chadwick, 19, is studying Art of Game Design and she says: “It’s for a laugh and a good cause. Sometimes it might be a turn off but on the whole I’m not really bothered.” Sam Harker
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informer | fashion & beauty
New fag filter could save lives A new cigarette filter has been produced which could potentially cut the risk of lung cancer and heart disease caused by smoking. The UK has approximately 14 million smokers resulting in over 120,000 deaths a year. The shock tactics are there to make you think about what you’re putting your lips around but many students find it difficult to resist a cigarette craving throughout the day. In an ideal world smokers could get the satisfaction from cigarette substitutes as they would the real thing without contracting diseases. New developments such as the Crafe Away Mini Filter may be the answer needed to make smoking less harmful. The clear plastic tip fits onto the filter of a normal cigarette and as you smoke normally the Mini Filter collects harmful products such as tar and nicotine whilst maintaining the satisfying taste and inhale.
When asked to compare the filters to normal smoking, Emma Woodward a BA Performing Arts student couldn’t distinguish a difference stating: “It feels no different smoking through the filter and in fact quite it’s satisfying when you can see it fill up with the black tar”. The product is a step up from smokeless cigarettes which use vapour mist to mimic actual smoke. The NHS Smoke free helpline suggest: “Though the mini filters help cut down on harmful chemicals entering your body, they do not make smoking healthy for you or the people around you. The electric cigarettes on the other hand are for people looking to quit smoking completely and do not produce any harmful toxins.” Each filter lasts between five to ten cigarettes, a pack of ten filters will only set you back about 99p. Jack Stride
Vintage: the new black? Stuart BruceGormley with pieces from his vintage collection
Violent lips to make your pout stand out New craze: temporary polka dot lip transfers
A Carlisle Vintage shop owner is appealing to students to find some unique fashion at his shop Stuart & Co. Stuart Bruce-Gormley opened the shop five months ago and has an ever-increasing following of fashion friendly customers. He now offers 10% discount for students, which is impressive considering how reasonable the prices are to begin with. The vintage shop is based in Currock, only five minutes walk from the Fusehill Street campus. Stuart attended the University of Cumbria’s freshers fair at the start of the year in his bid to attract students. He commented: “Students should come here because they can find something unique and attractive without spending too much.” He also said that at the moment around 5% of customers are students and with vintage
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Forget minx nails, they were the in thing for summer; one of the latest beauty trends to be going down a treat is lip transfers. The transfers are available in various designs such as leopard print; polka dot and red fish net and they are applied to your lips like a temporary tattoo. They are not the easiest of things to apply so it might be better to get them done by a beautician to begin with. They last between four and eight hours though so they are a perfect way to stand out on a night out. Kayleigh McFarland, owner of Envy nails and beauty in Cockermouth does the lip transfers and she says: “You put them on like the old, temporary tattoos you got as a child, measure them on the lips and cut according to how thick or small someone’s mouth is. You then you use water and dab it on top of the transfer with cotton wool and the pattern comes off onto the lips, you have to leave them for five to 10 minutes then just apply a clear gloss. They’re £10 for a pack of three which we buy and we charge £6.99 per application.” Jessie J is one of the celebrities who started the trend after wearing the transfers on the cover of her album Who You Are. Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga are rocking this new look too.
Beauty tips: don’t be fooled Sam Harker investigates what’s truth and what’s myth in beauty secrets Spots are something that we get at different times of our life, but they always seem to appear at an inconvenient time and they are not the easiest of things to get rid of. Toothpaste can help to heal spots though as the alcohol helps to dry them out and the peppermint reduces the inflammation. Sophie Cass, 20, a computing student at the university says: “The toothpaste really works and helps the spot to heal a lot quicker. You have to make sure you only put it on the spot though and not the skin around it otherwise it burns.” TRUTH
Late nights and early mornings can leave us with awful bags under our eyes, caused by a build-up of fluid retention but cucumber can help to get rid of these bags by cooling the area which reduces the fluid. Jamie Todd, 19, tried this out and said: “It really works. I’ve had lots of late nights lately and so I had bags under my eyes. I put the cucumber in the fridge first to make it really cold and my eyes weren’t as puffy afterwards.” TRUTH
We all like to chop and change the style of our hair and for many years it has been thought that if we have a regular trim it will help our hair to grow back quicker and thicker. John Barrett, owner of the John Barrett salon in New York says: “Hair grows half an inch per month whether you cut it or not.” Though celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton does say: “Gentle scalp massage will stimulate the blood supply to the hair follicle, bringing it nutrition and helping increase hair growth.” MYTH
clothing bang on trend at the moment he would like to increase that number. The shopkeeper has clearly put a lot of effort into sourcing quality items, which are fashionable at the moment such as body warmers and Fair Isle style knitted cardigans. He also stocks vintage ball gowns and wedding dresses. Stuart, who is also a keen actor, said: “Furs are in at the moment and here you can find an individual piece that no-one else will have. Our customers range from goths with piercings to elegant
On a night out we all want to look glamorous but did you know that applying eye liner to your bottom, inner lid actually makes your eyes look smaller. Danielle Wilkinson, 19, says: “I didn’t realise this until I put it to the test and it’s actually true, my eyes definitely looked bigger when I put my liner on the top rather than the bottom.” TRUTH
...they just
finish your
look off and
have people
ladies and although I buy on trend we have something to suit everyone.” Luxury handmade soaps, massage bars, chocolates and quirky gifts for all occasions are available in the shop, which is on Salisbury Road, Currock. The Stuart & Co Facebook page is updated regularly with new products and developments and the shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30-4.00. Tom Little
Kayleigh says: “They were really popular at Halloween, especially the black and white checks, pink and white dots and red and black leopard print.” “They’re fun and they’re effective and they do last about eight hours, they just finish your look off and have people wondering how you’ve done it. They do patterns, metallic colours, reds, pinks and plums with words on that are quite subtle to the union jacks that Jessie J wears.” The lip transfers are available from: www.violentlips.com www.ASOS.com as well as Envy nails and beauty in Cockermouth.
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wondering
how you’ve
Sam Harker
done it.
Nearly everyone loves chocolate and so the thought of it giving us spots is a slight turn off. Although there is no scientific evidence to prove this, high levels of sugar can elevate hormone levels and over stimulate the skin. Paige Cass, 18, a business student at the university says: “I love chocolate, I eat it all of the time but I don’t eat a lot of other sugary foods and I drink a lot of water.” MYTH
Your eyebrows help to shape your face and it is said that tweezing is better than waxing for around your eyes because the skin is delicate. Make-up artist Damone Roberts says: “Tweezing which involves constant pulling would actually loosen the skin more than the wax, which is one quick pulling motion.” MYTH Sam Harker
fashion & beauty | informer
11
Adam is the Main man
UoC Saints in practice
Non-league football star juggles responsibilities Workington Reds star and university football team manager Adam Main is preparing for a long season of balancing acts. Main, 19, a PE student in Carlisle currently plays semi-professional for the Reds who are in the Blue Square North league. The ex-Blackburn Rovers and Gretna player has already had to deal with some conflicts: ”Sometimes playing for Workington coincides with playing for university; I have to take myself off or not play because I train Tuesday, Thursday and play a game Saturday.” “I don’t want to be doing too much because that [Workington] is my number one priority. Plus it’s hard as a manager to play and coach a team so sometimes you have to take a stand back and give other people a game.” Adam is taking his position in the Workington team very seriously as he sees potential for a career in football: “I would like to make a career out of playing football but it’s hard once you are stuck down in those bottom
leagues, any footballer will tell you the lower down you are the harder it is to get out. In the league I play in there’s not a lot of football being played.” With his role at Workington being his main focus, he aims for the university team to be more of a fun and social team. He isn’t invoking a curfew on the team and encourages the team to bond together: “It’s serious to an extent but the lads can have a laugh before and after the game. But I want them to take it serious for those 90 minutes. We go on team nights out and try to get everyone involved. It should be fun.” The university team has so far had a good start to the season winning two out of the three games. This keeps up the team’s aim to gain successive promotions. Jonny Irving
Cheering for some respect UoC Saints fight to get their sport recognised
UoC football team manager, Adam Main
Investment needed in ‘poor, dated and inferior’ sports facilities
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The UoC Saints cheerleading squad is campaigning to get cheerleading officially recognised as a sport by British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). They believe that if UoC were to take the lead in this campaign, it could greatly increase the status of sport at the university. The Cheerleaders have the backing of 53 other university squads and three national cheerleading bodies: British Cheerleading Association, UK Cheerleading Association, and ScotCheer, as well as other organizations such as BUAF Cheer and Cheer Coach. Siân Lucas, 20 the Saints vice-Captain is leading the campaign: “Cheerleading is becoming more recognised as a sport. Cheerleaders are predominantly weight lifters, with dance and gymnastics also incorporated into routines.” “We are also very athletic, and so this year I have decided to put forward a nationwide argument to get cheerleading added to the official BUCS sports/competitive leagues. A lot of people don’t take us very seriously; we do not just prance about with Pom Poms.”
Siân was confident she would succeed: “I have gathered as much support as I possibly can, and I have done what the people at BUCS have asked by getting the backing of the three National Governing Bodies.” “As a very organized person and I’m really passionate about this, I’m going to follow this through, even if it’s after I’ve graduated. It’s something that really means a lot to us.” Liam Walker, the UCSU’s Representation Sabbatical supports the cause: “I would just like to say I am absolutely fully behind this motion. I want to pay a huge tribute to Siân as she has worked tirelessly over the summer, contacting squads up and down the country.” Andy Hamilton
Damning verdict from union sports officer The Students’ Union is lobbying the university for greater improvement and investment in sports facilities, which have been called ‘poor’ and ‘lagging behind many surrounding high schools and colleges’. With the upcoming rise in tuition fees, SU Reps believe it is important that future students get value for money. Speaking at the UCSU Activities Assembly on Oct 20th, Rob George SU Sport Officer and Student Trustee, proposed setting up an action group, with the aim of sourcing funding from grants or the lottery. Rob said: “They [sports facilities] are poor, dated and inferior to many high schools, let alone colleges. At the college, the students aren’t paying but at UoC they are. We need to improve what we are offering students immediately.” Referring to the Lancaster campus facilities, He added: “On paper we have everything a sports person may need - an artificial pitch, sports hall, grass football pitch, gymnastics
12
informer | sport
With the coalition government sport is of lesser importance
area, gym and human performance labs, but it’s all dated. The gym at Lancaster is tiny, the artificial pitch is Astroturf, not the latest 3G and the football pitch is one of the worst in the area.” “It’s a tough one. The advances in sport provision in recent years were because of the Labour government but with the coalition government, sport is of lesser importance so certain funding streams aren’t present now. I don’t know fully what’s out there which is why it’s important to set up an action group to find out.” “We need serious investment immediately and it needs a concerted effort by determined individuals to push this through to ensure we giving future students good value for money and a memorable university experience.” Liam Walker, Representation Sabbatical said: “It really is too early to say until we hold talks with the University; but we will certainly do our best to lobby for wider sport funding.” Andy Hamilton
What a state: the Lancaster sports facilities