The Bucks Student: Edition 110

Your Varsity captains have been selected and are PUMPED

My goodness, what a lot we have coming up in the month of March! From democracy, to sport, to employability, it’s all kicking off and we have all of the details in this edition of The Bucks Student.

First and foremost, we have the elections, where you have your say as to who will fearlessly lead the Students’ union into 2024 and represent your voice. I’d encourage you all to vote in this, as well as take some time to read manifestos, as the successful candidates can really have an impact on your student experience. Looking beyond your student experience, toward your graduate experience, we have our week long STRIVE festival on the horizon too. Not to be overshadowed by Varsity that will round off your March with a bang!

If you’re interested in anything to do with the newspaper - be it designing it, writing it, managing it or just creating the sudokus, drop an email to editor@ thebucksstudent.com or any of the Sabbs and we’ll take it from there.

For all advertising and media enquiries please contact the Students’ Union Communications and Marketing department.

Simon McDowellsimon.mcdowell@bnu.ac.uk

Oli Gunsonoli.gunson@bnu.ac.uk

Nellie Hughesnellie.hughes@bnu.ac.uk

Articles in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students’ Union but are that of the specific author. View this edition online at bucksstudentsunion.org/media/ newspaperarchive

© 2023 Bucks Students’ Union

SABBATICAL EDITORS update from your

We have an exciting few weeks coming up and we don’t want you to miss out on any of it.

Nominations in the #BSUElections closed on Friday and your candidates have been announced, they’ll be campaigning soon and voting will open on Monday 6 March

Our next Union Council is just around the corner and will play host to the #BSUElections hustings for your next Sabbatical Officers. You can join us on Thursday 2 March in S3.01 to catch up on everything we have coming up and to meet your Sabbatical Candidates.

Brandon and Emily have taken to Tik Tok to expand Monthly Monday Meals, so do keep an eye out for those! They are still rolling the meals out every month, you can sign up to for free on the What’s On Page!

Charlotte has recently launched the new Windsor House Safe Space. The SU want to make sure you always have a safe place to go. So we have partnered with the University Accommodation Service to turn Windsor House Reception into a 24/7 safe space. There you will find a blanket, a place to charge your phone, snacks, water and support service leaflets. Whether its 3pm or 3am, you always have a safe place to be.

Jess has been busy planning Varsity, you can watch this year’s hype video on Bucks Students TV (Our You Tube Channel)! Varsity 2023 is going to be the best one yet… So make sure you grab your tickets while they’re available – You can get them from the What’s On Page! AU dinner planning has also been a hot topic in Jess’ Calendar so don’t forget to purchase your tickets but also nominate your AU Winners for this year!

As always if you need anything, even if it’s just a friendly chat, please don’t hesitate to come and see us. Our offices have an open door policy so please don’t feel like you have to wait at reception if you want to speak to any of us! All four of us have loved speaking to students this year and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings!

In light of the UCU strikes that have occurred over the course of February, we are wanting to find out if you have been affected by any of the striking that has gone on at BNU which may have led to the missing of lectures, cancelled seminars and withheld grades.

If this has affected you in any way or you think may affect you, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with your Representation Team using the surepresentation@ bucks.ac.uk email.

Brandon Tester VPEW (HW)

Charlotte Leighton-Woods President

Jess Bradbury VPSI

Emily Crawshaw VPEW (Uxb & Ayls)

By Katie Smith

Money saving tips

Keep yourself warm:

• Keep your hands and feet warm! We lose heat through our feet so if these are warm the rest of us will be too. Socks, slippers, inexpensive foot warmers will all make a difference.

• Use a hot water bottle. Boil the kettle but before you fill the bottle put a little cold water in it as boiling water will cause the rubber to perish.

• Have a quick hot shower when you’re up as it will help to regulate your body temperature and help you to feel warm.

• Layer up your clothes; vests, thermals, gym wear, t-shirts, hoodies… the layers trap the warmth keeping you cosy. Don’t be afraid to wear your Christmas jumpers!

• Heat yourself from the inside out – hot drinks, soups, meals consumed regularly keep you thawed.

• Minimise drafts by using draft excluders, if you don’t have one you can use bunched up towels.

• Keep moving! Don’t sit in one place too long, move about, do some chores or a workout to warm up.

• Use blankets when sitting or in bed, layering these helps trap the warmth much like layering clothing.

• Move furniture away from radiators to allow the warmth to circulate. You can put tin foil behind radiators to reflect heat back into the room and stop it being lost through the wall.

• Curtains – open up during the day to make use of the sun’s rays but close them at night for another layer of insulation against the windows. If you have radiators under windows, make sure the curtain is not hanging over the radiator preventing the warmth to enter the room.

Stop the mould and damp:

• Try and extract any moisture you create ASAP by using extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Boil the kettle under the fan if you can.

• Use trickle vents at the top of the windows if you have them rather than open the windows for ventilation.

• When running a bath, put a couple of inches of cold water in first, then add the hot, which will reduce the steam created.

• Close the bathroom door when bathing or showering, dry yourself in the bathroom, then close the door and let the extractor run for 5 minutes.

• If you are air drying your clothes, time your washing so this is happening at the warmest part of the day.

• When cooking, keep lids on saucepans to reduce the moisture released.

• Report any leaks to your landlord, including blocked guttering which causes water to run down the exterior walls.

• If you spot any mould, take a photo to send to the landlord, then remove it as soon as possible to prevent the spread.

Useful links, including help on financial issues from our Advice Centre: bucksstudentsunion.org/support/advice/ moneyproblems

savethestudent.org/bills-utilities/energy-rebatehelp.html

moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/heat-thehuman-not-the-home-save-energy

It’s still cold, energy bills are expensive – the advice is to heat the person not the home, so how do we avoid damp and prevent mould forming?

FESTIVAL 2023

STRIVE is Bucks Students’ Union’s annual Skills and Employability Festival and this year we are back and bigger than ever !

STRIVE will be a week-long event jam packed with skills workshops like Resilience and Mental Health Awareness as well as alumni Q&As , talks from industry professionals , and industry panels . Come along to the events for a chance to win some swag bag spot prizes and gain some useful skills to carry with you into the big wide world of your career !

STRIVE culminates on Friday 24 March with our mega Employer Showcase and Networking Event ! Come along to meet employers across different sectors and flex those networking muscles (there may even be some employment opportunities available) – if that’s not enough to get you there, did we mention the free food and drink?

Just a taste of what’s to come…

SoftCat, Sabeti Wain Aerospace, Action for Children, and Active in the Community Sports Marketing will be in attendance at the Employer Showcase…

Mental Health Awareness and Resilience in the Workplace will be running throughout the week…

The BNU Careers Team will be running various CV and Interview skills workshop throughout the week…

STRIVE is running March 20-24, keep an eye out on bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson for more information

We can’t wait to see you there!

By Jess Hughes

Maybe milk?

For all the month of March we will be running our Green Campaign Maybe Milk? Jack James our Green Ambassador would like you all to try alternative milk in your drinks. Your Sabbs will be in buying alternative milk drinks in a challenge to change how they buy their morning Brew.

All our cafes and bars offer alternative milk, all for the same price as standard dairy. A few years ago, you would have been charged more when heading out for your coffee to choose a milk alternative.

We offer soya, almond and oat milk in Beats, Pulse, Basin and the Lounge for the same price as standard milk. Soya milk is nutritionally probably the closest to cow’s milk, with a similar clean flavour. An excellent source of quality vegetable protein, soya milk was originally a by-product of making tofu. Most brands are further fortified with added vitamins and minerals.

Choosing a dairy free alternative instead of standard cow’s milk, can still give you all the nutrients the body needs, in comparison: One cup of whole cow’s milk contains 146 calories, 8g protein, 8g fat, and 276 mg calcium.

Soya milk (1 cup) contains 11 calories, 8g protein, 5g fat, but 450mg of calcium.

Almond milk (1 cup) contains 30 calories, 1g protein, 3g fat, 450mg calcium.

Oat Milk (1 cup) contains 130 calories, 4g protein, 5g fat, 270mg calcium

A single glass of dairy milk results in almost three times as much greenhouse gas emissions and nine times more land use than the equivalent glass of plant-based milk.

Why not give it a try? It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment while still having your favourite morning drink.

When you buy your alternative dairy drink if you post a picture with #SUmaybemilk? And tag Bucks Students’ Union you will be in with the chance to win 5 free hot drinks every week in March.

fighting fast fashion by shopping preloved

Fast fashion has a significant environmental impact. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the industry is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined.

Buying preloved or pre-used will not only save you money but will also lower our carbon footprint.

During green week we will be having our Amazing Janet from the Students’ Union repairing and repurposing your jewellery, bring your jewellery to the Students’ Union foyer Tuesday 28 February noon–2pm. We will also be opening Bucks New Usage for you to come and experience everything we have to offer for your student housing.

To finish off the week we will be hosting a preloved –vintage pop up shop in the venue on Friday 3 March

Come along and grab a bargain and do your bit to save the planet at the same time.

Fast fashion can be defined as cheap, trendy clothing that samples ideas from the catwalk or celebrity culture and turns them into garments in high street stores at breakneck speed to meet consumer demand.

By Ellie Lee

Officer updates

Art, Design & Performance

Hello I’m Ellie, the School Officer for Art, Design & Performance.

At the end of the last academic year we celebrated outstanding results in the Guardian University Guide, with additionally seeing an expansion in courses, collaborations and industry based experience for students in the school.

Celebration Station:

Ellie Lee School Officer Art, Design & Performance

At the beginning of this academic year I have had the privilege of welcoming the School’s cohort of 42 Student Reps for 22/23. Last semester, the School held two Programme Committee Meetings (PCMs) which were insightful and beneficial in sharing both positive practice and improvements, which were actioned successfully creating a better experience for students on every course in the School.

Some of the School’s key outcomes from the PCMs included:

• Accessibility of Creative Passports for our Art & Design Courses

• Industry Days for Performance & Dance Courses

• Fixed the study conditions of the Red Shed such as printing & heating

• Representation improved for our Aylesbury Apprenticeship Engineering Students

• Accessibility to technical resources and course materials for the School

We have celebrated two consecutive months and 3 winners of Student Rep of the Month from Art, Design and Performance in the Students’ Union’s Celebration Station, which highlighted the recognition of the work contributed by Student Reps to the student voice. Congratulations to Davide, Renee and Tamzyn for your achievements!

We have also celebrated multiple Reps from the School achieving their Bronze and Silver Awards in the Rep Recognition Scheme.

Upcoming:

Upcoming in March, we will be holding our Semester Two Programme Committee Meetings (PCMs) where the Student Reps of the Art, Design and Performance school continue to strive to make an impact and support the student voice.

I look forward to continuing to celebrate the school’s successes, working alongside the student voice, wider School Team & Students’ Union Representation to make sure the University experience is the best it can be!

Officer updates

By Peter Ashiagbor

Officer updates

Business & Law

From my last article in December, I mentioned that I had been in talks with Sarah Williams, The Head of School for Business and Law, to create a space for Business and Law students to engage in productive social activities. Over the past few weeks, I have been working with the Employability Ambassador, Sruthi Subhash, to make that happen.

Now, the Business and Law school has its own society, the Business and Law society. The Business and Law society aims to be a space where students can converge to debate on corporate world trends, build networks, develop professionally and personally, and have additional academic belonging. To achieve this, there would be a range of activities planned and hosted by its members, the Students’ Union and the University. These would include healthy debates, internal competitions, guest talks, frequent reading referral, and anything plannable within our means. To join, please head to bucksstudentsunion.org to register. Please feel free to email us at peter.ashiagbor@bnu.ac.uk or sruthi.subhash@bnu.ac.uk if you have any relating questions or feedback.

Again from my last article, I mentioned that I am working with Sruthi Subhash on an event for students to host engaging sessions that would develop your individual professional and personal skills. Currently, we have had meetings with Sarah Williams to discuss the nature of the different events. Potential events include Stress interviews, Branding Games, The Business Quiz, Dress for Success/ Networking, The Pitch, a treasure hunt, and professional skills sessions. The Management Fest is scheduled to happen in the week commencing 24 April. If you have any ideas on what you would like to see, please email us at peter. ashiagbor@bnu.ac.uk or sruthi. subhash@bnu.ac.uk

You can email me on peter. ashiagbor@bnu.ac.uk if you would like to mention anything at all regarding my tasks. Alternatively, please contact surepresentation@ bnu.ac.uk with any concerns.

Peter Ashiagbor School Officer Business & Law

By Malikhai Samworth

Officer updates

Part-time and commuting

Hi all its Malikhai (also known as Syrup) your Part-Time and Commuting Officer!

Executive Officer

Part-time and Commuting Students

This term I have been working on the process of setting up two campaigns, the first is a campaign on refunds for part-time and commuting students whose lectures get cancelled without satisfactory notice and the other being a campaign for discounted hotels in the High Wycombe area for big events held by the Students’ Union. This term I would like to focus on the campaigns as seen above with my main goal being sending out a survey gathering information about part-time and commuting students experiences with travel and childcare expenses

If you would to keep in touch with me and receive updates on what I have planned for the rest of this year, you can contact me via my email suparttimecommutingofficer@ bnu.ac.uk

You can also join the Part-Time and Commuting WhatsApp group through emailing your student ID to the Students’ Union Representation team at surepresentation@bnu. ac.uk

Malikhai

Officer

By Hamood Jaffrey

BAME students and Mature students

Hamood Jaffery Executive Officer

Over the first term, I reviewed the scholarship/ bursary schemes offered by the University and found that unfortunately, there are no scholarship/bursaries for international students and no Hardship funds. I then proposed to the University that they implement new schemes for scholarships and bursaries and the Hardship funds which should cover Home/ EU/Tier 4 (international, non-EU) students, with the help of the Students’ Union and the Sabbatical Officers. Having said that, it has not been an easy thing to achieve because there are different departments that oversee the scholarships and bursaries across the University, and a different department manages the BNU Hardship funds. But I assure you that I certainly will try my best to make it work and have been in continuous follow-ups with the University about the progress of this idea.

As soon as I get any good news, all the students will of course be informed.

I am currently planning to start a Mental Health and Wellbeing campaign, with the introduction of a few tools that could be used for better management of health and wellbeing. Furthermore, it will also involve different tools and methods of managing anxiety, depression, and management of personal strength and weaknesses. Dates to be shared as soon as the necessary preparations are done. I am also planning to host an Iftar dinner during Ramadan and of course not only Muslims, but everyone is welcome

I would also love to hear from my group of students about different ideas for campaigns or for anything (events, any other campaign, course related ideas and if any improvement is needed).

Very soon, I will conduct my next network session and I urge you all to please come along and share your ideas with me so I can help you! And I would love to meet you all!

For final year students who are graduating this year (2023), please do not hesitate to get in touch for any queries or concerns you may have, and I would be more than happy to help you and if it is something I cannot do it for you, I will certainly point you in the right direction. Should you wish to contact me, firstly, do not hesitate, I am here for you. If anyone would like to know what plans I have or what things I am working on or just to share your ideas or to take part in any campaign or want to run any campaign, feel free to contact sumatureofficer@bnu.ac.uk. Additionally, you can contact the Students’ Union at surepresentation@bnu.ac.uk for any other enquiries.

Lastly, but not least, I request all the students, International, Home, and EU, whoever identifies as a BAME or mature student, do join the WhatsApp groups as it is easy to directly answer you on WhatsApp. You can join the group by emailing your student ID, phone number, and which group you would like to be added to to surepresentation@bnu.ac.uk

Hey BNU it’s me Hamood Jaffery, your Exec Officer for Mature and BAME students. I am in my final year of BSc (Hons) Cyber Security.

#BSUElections

It’s time to reveal your candidates...

The nominations have closed and we’re just putting the final touches in place ahead of the 2023 #BSUelections to decide your student leaders and sabbs for 2023/24

For now, we can reveal who will be running to lead your union. Not only your 2023-24 Sabbatical Officer candidates, but also the candidates running to be your Executive Officers, Student Trustees, and ambassadors. (The candidates below are in alphabetical order.)

Students’ Union President

• Brandon Tester

• Charlotte Leighton-Woods

• Hamood Jaffery

• Reanne David

Vice President Achievement and Belonging

• Akanksha Kale

• Jess Bradbury

• Phoenix Broxton

Vice President Education and Welfare (High Wycombe)

• Ellie Lee

• Hassan Nisar

• Sruthi Kurumozhiyil Subhash

Vice President Education and Welfare (Uxbridge and Aylesbury)

• Amy Pile

We are also hosting elections for our Executive Officer, Student Trustee, and ambassador roles where we see students take the lead on areas within the union that are important to them, whether that be student communities, setting direction for the union, or raising awareness of local and charitable areas.

BAME Students’ Executive Officer

• Jacob Hosanee

International Students’ Executive Officer

• Dhanya Sairaj

LGBTQ+ Students’ Executive Officer

• Jay Aster L-J Ramsden

Mature Students’ Executive Officer

• Sam Adams

Part-Time and Commuting Students’ Executive Officer

• Malikhai Samworth

Students with Disabilities’ Executive Officer

• Kate Gordon

• Jacob Hosanee

Women Students’ Executive Officer

• Bianca-Georgiana Epuras

• Daisy Davis

• Jorja Fulford

• Liv Ross

There are currently no candidates standing for the Postgraduate Students’ Executive Officer role. Nominations for this role will be re-opened in September in a by-election.

By Lucy Ryan

Student Trustee

• Bianca-Georgiana Epuras

• Christopher Ntoni

• Jacob Afedi

• Jacob Hosanee

• Lucy Holmes

• Ratu Nailatikau

• Rita Ekokotu-Odigie

Fairtrade Ambassador

• Bianca-Georgiana Epuras

RAG Ambassador

• Bianca-Georgiana Epuras

• Dee Whyte

• Dipak Kandel

• Emma Snooks

• Euan Abrar Mcginness

• Jorja Fulford

• Marissa Leyden

Green Ambassador

• Bianca-Georgiana Epuras

• Emma Snooks

• Lucy Holmes

There are currently no candidates standing for the One Can Trust Ambassador role. Nominations for this role will be re-opened in September in a by-election.

VOTING OPENS

MONDAY 6 MARCH

With so many candidates across different elections, it’s important to vote for who will best represent your interests. To hear more from our Sabbatical Officer candidates, join us at our Union Council Hustings on Thursday 2 March from 5–7pm in S3.01 or via Microsoft Teams. For all other positions, you can read the candidate manifestos at bucksstudentsunion.org/elections

Have your say on who leads your Students’ Union when voting opens on Monday 6 March and keep up to date with our social media channels for the inside scoop on the candidates and the election.

Rep of the Month

Anybody can submit a nomination for Rep of the Month, from students on the course to course teams and Heads of School by submitting a nomination on the Students’ Union website: bucksstudentsunion.org/yourvoice/ repofthemonth

For the second month in a row we are thrilled to announce that we have not one but two winners for January’s Rep of the Month. These Student Reps have demonstrated the importance and value of collaborating when raising feedback of issues that relate to multiple courses to enhance the student experience. They have utilised working with the wider Union team to support promoting a positive experience for all of the students that they represent. Congratulations to Renee Summers (L5, Acting: Film, TV and Stage) and Tamzyn Regan (L5, Performing Arts) for being this month’s winners.

Staff Celebration

Staff Celebration is an opportunity for us to celebrate members of staff who have gone above and beyond, inspired their students, and deserve recognition for their work. The criteria for Staff Celebration mirrors the criteria for the three Excellence in Learning and Teaching Awards.

We’re pleased to announce that we have two winners for this month’s Staff Celebration. Congratulations firstly to Christina Ebanks, Senior Lecturer and School Director of Education for the School of Nursing and Midwifery for being one of our January Staff Celebration Winners! Christina was nominated for the following reason:

“Christina knows how to bring out the best in her students. She supports them to grow as individuals within their field. Be champions of change. She understands their learning styles and makes learning interesting, challenging and forward thinking. She knows her subject from a knowledgeable and practical perspective. She has good communication skills and works with a team who know and understand the students’ life experiences.”

A massive congratulations also to Amsale Wamburu, Adult Nursing Senior Lecturer for the School of Nursing and Midwifery for being one of our January Staff Celebration Winners!

“Amsale is the definition of calmness and brings out the most in you as a student. She explains clearly and makes you want to learn more and think outside the box. She encourages students to develop their knowledge more and makes you bring practical into theory which develops the evidencebased practice which is all about nursing.”

If you are interested in submitting a staff member for a Staff celebration, you can view the full criteria and submit a nomination at bucksstudentsunion.org/ yourvoice/staffcelebration

Renee Summers L5, Acting: Film, TV and Stage

Tamzyn Regan L5, Performing Arts

PAPPED! IN THE VENUE

Events calendar | Monday 27 February – Sunday 5 March

The Venue and The Lounge at Bucks Students’ Union are open seven nights a week. If you don’t see an event listed below, check online nearer the time; bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson

Sat

Have an idea for an event, want to arrange a takeover, or feedback for our events team? You can get in contact with the team by dropping an email to; events@bucks.ac.uk

As the days get longer and the nights get lounder...

We’re looking forward to all the amazing events we have in store this spring. Take your pick of any of our colourful club nights, free food frenzies, or daring drinks deals, to get the best out of your Bucks student experience.

You know what they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! We know how much you love a night out, but who said you had to spend a fortune to have a good time? With our new Broke Monday club night, we’ve got all your favourite DJs, drinks and bangers at our lowest ever cost. Take note, we’re here for you every other Monday! So, whether you’re partying away the blues, or lighting up the dance floor, start your week off the right way at Wycombe’s best Venue!

Don’t forget our beloved Frat House either! Frat is ready and waiting every Wednesday with all new society and club takeovers kicking the night up a notch. If a wild Pre’s is more your vibe, TFIF is guaranteed as the best place to start your night out. We’ve got all the best drinks deals and Friday freebies ready and waiting.

Are you having a laugh? Well don’t worry, you will be, as our monthly Bucks Comedy Club makes a return! Join headliner Stephen Bailey and special guests: Joe Wells and Abigail Carter Simpson, for a hilarious night of comedy gold this Monday 20 March

Playfully sarcastic, Stephen Bailey is immediately captivating on stage, supporting some of the biggest names in the industry such as Katherine Ryan, Jason Manford and Sarah Millican. As a proud northern, working class, gay man, Bailey’s quick-witted gossipy humour has landed him as one of the most desired comedians on the circuit. With credits including Live at the Apollo, Would I Lie to You, and Comedy Central, this rising star is guaranteed to make any audience chuckle.

Or maybe you fancy a more energetic night? You heard the buzz, now get ready for the bang, Drag is back and better than ever! Join our resident host, Luna Cortez, as she welcomes all new talent to the venue, with Dany Dahlia and Anna Drew serving up a storm. Whether you’re a he, a she, or they, we’ve got a space for everyone and everyone is welcome at our Cabaret. Come and kiki with the queens and live, laugh, love your Saturday 25 March away!

To see everything we’ve got planned, head on over to our What’s On page at bucksstudentsunion.org/whatson

You know what they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

By Tegan Arnott, Maya Jones

RAG Week roundup

RAG week 2.0 began on Monday 30 January – Saturday 4 February and loads of you helped us out and got involved. We are raising money for the two charities you voted for in September; Buckinghamshire Mind and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Here’s a bit more about each charity:

Buckinghamshire mind

Like all local Minds, Buckinghamshire mind receives no funding from national Mind. Therefore, they rely on donations and community fundraising, which underpin all vital mental health services. This support makes an incredible difference, ensuring we can be here to support our community’s mental health needs now and in the future.

RAG Week 2.0

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

We train dogs to alert deaf people to important and lifesaving sounds they would otherwise miss- such as the smoke alarm, alarm clock and even a baby crying. Being aware of these- thanks to a hearing dog- makes a difference to deaf peoples lives and can save them.

MT kicked us off with Busking for RAG, this happened across beats and the SU Foyer and lots of people came along to watch. On Tuesday we brought back the handcuff challenge. Groups of two handcuffed themselves together and went around High Wycombe collecting money for our Charities. This was a big success as many people got involved and helped us raise a lot of money. Wednesday was our biggest event across the week as it was our second takeover. This time round we had a sports day theme, we had lots of games including egg and spoon race, three legged race and a dance competition! Lots of clubs and societies came to get involved and overall was a success. Later that night netball also had face painting for RAG. Netball then ran their second event on Friday which was a Truth or Dare booth. Our final event was pies and pints all day on the Saturday for the six nations, lots of people came out to watch and support their rugby team. Across RAG Week 2.0 we raised a total of £759.08, which is an amazing amount of money for these charities.

Tegan and Maya Your 2022/23 RAG Ambassadors

By Kelly Wiles

Volunteering

It’s been quite the busy first term at the Students’ Union, between Freshers fair to winning sporting matches, we have been ensuring students get involved to give back to the community with volunteering. Students have been clearing the old orchard at Booker common, packing and wrapping hampers and visiting residents for Ryeview Manor care home, packing and picking parcels for One Can trust, litter picking on the rye and replanting Trees at Lindengate.

Our Rugby team made over £70 taking pictures for RAG, and over 30 students braved the cold for the Big Sleep Out for Wycombe Homeless connection all while fundraising over £2224

All this being said, would like to shout out our amazing Students to all of BNU.

Silver Volunteering Award:

Arbaaz Patwari

Italia-Cardai Coote

Chloe Hayes

Matthew Christie

Tom Benton

Tom Byfield

Emily Butler

Dipak Kandel

Raffy Pantaleon

Ratu Nailatikau

Marissa Layden

Gold Volunteering Award: Elliot West

Jack James

Leo Juster

Platinum Volunteering Award:

Tegan Arnott

Debra Norris

Tim Cunningham

Eleanor Lee

Patrick Fillingham

By Jess Bradbury

Da da da da...

With Varsity lurking around the corner it’s that time of the year again to wear your bucks pride on your sleeve and support your fellow teammates to secure the trophy where it belongs!

Over the past few weeks your sports teams and societies have worked their hardest to provide a winning result we can all get behind. Ranging from our unbeaten netball and football teams, to the tenacious cheer squad and the incredible voices of Musical Theatre, a sense of camaraderie falls upon BNU. With a joint goal in sight to raise that trophy among a sea of red Bucks supporters, is there anything we can’t do?

Towards the build up to varsity our student union have spent countless hours planning to give us an opportunity to dominate Roehampton. Crafting banners, Chanting songs, and face paint is one of the many ways you can come support your peers at varsity.

The combination of skilled athletes, intense competition, and emotional investment in the outcome of the game is a thrilling experience for all. Through the emotional triumphs and disappointments experiencing varsity it is a day in your diary you wouldn’t want to miss out on for sure!

Now we think it’s time you met you Varsity Captains for 2023!

Sophie Sobo

3rd Year Commercial Pilot Student

Sport: Netball 1’s (Vice Captain)

Favorite Varsity Memory?

After my own team getting the win, cheering and supporting others to succeed throughout the day! What are you looking forward to this year?

I cannot wait for the buzzing atmosphere and for not only Netball but Bucks to bring home the win once again!

Ratu

2nd Year Accounting and Finance

Sport: Rugby (Treasurer)

Favorite Varsity Memory?

Being chosen for the starting lineup in my first year and having the opportunity to give it everything I had in my first ever varsity game.

What are you looking forward to this year?

This year, I’m excited to cheer on my peers and represent the Bucks spirit in Roehampton!

Don’t forget to follow our Instagram dedicated to varsity @bucksvarsity - tag us in your varsity build up photos and use the hashtag #bucksruvarsity

However, Most importantly don’t forget to buy your tickets for the big day! Your ticket will include entry to the Sunday 26 of March Fixtures and Wednesday 29 March Fixtures, as well as a food token, t-shirt and entry to the trophy ceremony! Buy your ticket here bucksstudentsunion.org/ents/event/8214

VAR S I T Y ‘23

Officer, we had a fantastic weekend. But what is Student Pride exactly and what happened at the different events?

National Student Pride is a weekend long event, usually held at the University of Westminster. Unlike other pride events such as the London Pride Parade, National Student Pride “celebrate LGBT+ identities through conversation, and by connecting you to employers who can support you throughout your working life.” as stated in their Essential Information page. Throughout the weekend, performers and speakers from all walks of life share their experiences at a variety of panels. Overall, whether you do just the Saturday event or go to the full weekend, you’ll have an amazing time.

The weekend starts with the official Launch Party, held at the University of Westminster at the Marylebone campus. The Launch Party opens with drag performances, this year by Cara Melle and Poppycock, which leads into the National Student Pride Awards, a set of awards based on amazing efforts and achievements from Universities and students across the UK. This year’s awards were hosted by Vanity Milan (Drag Race UK and Canada VS the World) and Joe Baggs (Gogglebox and TikTok star). The recipients of these awards do amazing work, from organising aid for LGBTQ+ youths in different countries, to the research into the effects of the other box on forms for gender nonconforming people. This year’s recipients have done excellent work and really earned their awards. To finish the night, Vanity Milan closed the show with an amazing performance. After this, attendees are invited to G-A-Y Heaven in Embankment for a night of cheap drinks.

Saturday is the main event: the Daytime Festival. Throughout the day, attendees can walk around and talk to employers at the careers fair, or venture to one of the three stages to listen to interesting talks or music by amazing LGBTQ+ artists. The event finished up with a lip sync battle between Danny Beard and Tayce, judged by the Traitors.

Overall the day events were amazing. So amazing that in the end we did not go to the night out at G-A-Y Heaven

The weekend ended out with a Bottomless Burlesque Drag Brunch, complete with drag performances from Dolly Trolley and Don One, musical performances by ELLC, and Burlesque performers including Betty Boudoir.

Ben Daly (LGBTQ+ Society Secretary) said this:

“Student Pride was fantastic! At the job fair there were so many opportunities and diversity on what companies showed up. From jobs in computing, to film, to marketing, banking and so much more. Also it was great to meet other students who were also LGBTQ+ and talk to them. On the Sunday there was a drag brunch featuring stunning performances from drag kings and queens.

Overall it was just a fabulous time, and any student who didn’t go last year. I would recommend going to next years one’”

By X

Basketball

After a rough start to the season with a few losses on the road at the beginning of the season, the team have manged to pick up form in recent games.

The start of the season was tough, new faces and a new energy, the team struggled for form with back-to-back losses in our first three games. The team hadn’t fully gelled together yet, and it showed on and off the court. Seeing this we decided to start participating in team activities, through volunteering events that student union made available to us, to improve team chemistry both on and off the court. The team took part in booker common a few hours before our first home game, which was a cup game against the top team in our league. This is where the team picked momentum, bringing home our first win of the season with an exceptional team performance. From this time, the team started to gel together and became a unit that teams feared to play.

With supporting numbers increasing every week, boosting team morale and making bucks a fortress, the team began to rack up wins every week. Beating teams that we had lost to earlier in the season was the mission, showing these teams that we are the best team in the league, regardless of the poor start that we had. Beating each team 1 by 1, knocking all the pawns of the chess table in our climb back up to the top.

We are currently on a 4-game win streak and we plan on continuing our current form, until the very last game of the season.

The team has learnt to play for each other, with an unselfish approach which is what has been emphasised by the Coach. We know what is expected of us, and we have turned into the best defensive team in the league. We always tell ourselves ‘Defence wins games’ and we go out there with that mentality.

Going forward, we have tough stretch of games, where we will have to be at our best and perform to our best ability ensuring that finish the season strong and with big wins.

By Phoenix Broxton (they/them)

BNU Blades

This year has been pretty incredible for Bucks Blades, from our highest joining numbers in a long time to our plans as we advance involving a possible Tourney; nobody can say 22-23 was dull.

Before I try and sell why you should join Blades in September, I want to cover the boring bases of the important information you need to know…

Firstly we train from 7–9pm on Wednesdays in DS2 with the opportunity for extra support between 6 and 7 by some of our instructors and junior instructor team. Secondly, you don’t need previous experience to join Blades. We will teach you everything you need to know, from footwork to attacks to parries and how to keep calm during a fight; we hold your hand through it until you’re confident enough to do it alone. And Thirdly, the only request we have is to wear clothes you can move in easily and shoes with as little of a heel or platform as possible due to the increased risk you put yourself in by training in inappropriate clothing and footwear.

Now that the boring bit is over let me tell you what you can expect from Blades!

During Semester 1, we welcomed an almost entirely fresh cohort to learn how to stick them with the pointy end. Beginning with single-handed swords (or arming swords as it is described in some books), the cohort has learned the at rest position (or cheap trade as we call it since it looks like you’re hanging around on a street corner), En Garde (point of the sword pointing at the throat of their opponent), attacks (two leg hits, two arm hits and two head attacks) and the parries to the six attacks. We have also managed to get the students into a circle of death where they fight each other. The loser chooses the winner’s next opponent allowing the final victor to fight the instructor team. We’ve also had two dress-up days (one for Halloween and one for Christmas) where the students were encouraged to wear costumes to inject a bit of fun around the holidays.

And now, looking forward to Semester 2, the cohort is learning hand and a half, or bastard sword, which comes with its own rules for footwork, guards and attacks. They will also be learning sword and a side arm (buckler, dagger or axe) along with doing Bill drill to introduce the skills found in reenactment, which some of the cohorts will be working towards joining in the next few years. But all the skills learned can also be applied to LARP and HEMA, the more sportbased version of the swordwork we do. We can’t wait to see how the guys take to the new skills and the fun and enjoyment they get from sparring with each other.

I hope some of you join us next year and try this out for yourself because it is genuinely one of the best clubs at our SU (yes, I’m biased, but still). Everyone is so welcoming and friendly and wants to support you in learning this niche skill that will impress all your friends when you can fight like Geralt of Rivia or Aragorn.

By Marissa Leyden

Musical Theatre

Keeping up with Bucks MT Society!

Since returning after winter break, Bucks MT have continued to run fun, interactive sessions every Monday night, 7.30–9pm in DS1!

For our first Masterclass of this semester, we were fortunate to be joined by the amazing Akeem Ellis-Hyman! This Musical Theatre Star has performed as Seaweed in Hairspray and more recently, Lola in Kinky Boots, as well as being in the original cast of Motown the Musical! Akeem gracefully taught those attending, the dance performed to ‘Dancing in the Street’ (which is a song originally recorded in 1964 by one of Motown’s best, Martha and the Vandellas), followed by a Q+A!

Bucks MT also made a comeback with our annual performance at busking for RAG! Our performances, that took place in two locations of the High Wycombe campus, were a range of solo’s, duets and group pieces put on by our talented members! We showcased our talents through varying song genres ranging from songs like ‘Six’ from Six the Musical to ‘Man in the Mirror’ by Michael Jackson. We loved raising money for RAG and being able to perform and bring a bit of joy on a Monday lunchtime.

Bucks MT are also super proud of our involvement in volunteering opportunities and hope to partake in many more! Recently, we have been able to gain valuable volunteering hours, when partaking in RAG events for example, busking for RAG and handcuffing for RAG. Moreover, some of our members have broadened our horizons through volunteering for a local theatre company, who’s sessions cater to young adults with Down Syndrome and other disabilities, we absolutely love attending these sessions! We have also taken part in the Smile Campaign and thoroughly enjoyed spreading some positivity to the community!

As for future Bucks MT endeavours, we look forward to continue spreading positivity and running sessions that aim to cater to all of our members (any new members are still welcome to join too ;)). We also have plans to hopefully put on another Masterclass before the end of this semester and also hope for success in our upcoming performance opportunities.

MT Committee attending Theatre Shed

Smile campaign 2023

Handcuffing for RAG

Masterclass with Akeem

By Georgia Reeve

Women’s Hockey

Hockey has been a long-term love of mine, and I have had the pleasure of making it to many more people over the last two years, especially over the last year. It is a family-made sport, and I have the pleasure to be apart of some of the most unique and amazing people at this university. This year we have had an amazing turn over compared to last year with a 62% success rate which is great considering last year we had a 0% success rate let alone even score! It has been an incredible year already and we’re only half way through!

Netball

With only 3 more months till Varsity and as a club we have done some incredible things including volunteering and supporting other clubs. It has been an amazing year filled with laughs and wins! Netball is for everyone we even have an amazing young man who is very passionate about netball as well. Netball is for everyone and there is time to give it a try. We are a tightnit group and are a family like no other! I have loved every moment of being chair of this club and I know the people in this club are also like no other people you have ever met!

By Elliot West

BNU Boxing

It’s been a successful year so far for BNU’s Boxing Society, with significant steps being made towards the upcoming Fight Night event on Saturday 22 April With a fantastic turnout every week at sessions, our members have been put through their paces every Thursday evening by our coach Stuart Scott to prepare them for the big event.

After the incredible successes of last year, the appeal of being involved in Fight Night this year has grown significantly, with over 25 people being provisionally weighed in to be considered for a fight matchup. This has allowed us the opportunity to potentially put on 10 or more fights, including the first ever female matchup on the line-up this year.

Every single member has been putting in the hard work in and out of the Warriors Fight Factory in High Wycombe to prepare.

Every single member has been putting in the hard work in and out of the Warriors Fight Factory in High Wycombe to prepare. Some members have been taking part in extra sessions to prepare themselves for the three rounds they’ll face on Saturday 22 April, putting their technical ability and fitness to the test.

This promises to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the year at Bucks Students Union and is definitely not one to miss! As the road to Fight Night continues, you can follow our progress as a society on Instagram at @bnu_boxing. We hope to formally release the official fight cards just before Easter time, so stay tuned for more updates!

The Bucks Student

Puzzles for your ‘brian’

Word Wheel

Using only the letters in the word wheel, how many 4 letter or above words can you find?

(You must always use the middle letter too!)

Anagrams