The Ustinovian, Easter 2015

THE EASTER 2015 ISSUE

The Ustinovian

Spring at Ustinov. (Photo: Martin Sherman)

The Debate Over Sky Sports, 6

Summer Events Calendar, 15

Small Interiors, Big Designs, 22

MASTHEAD Editor Rebecca Bouveng Deputy Editor and Layout & Design Michael Baker Section Editors Social: Alice Chadwick Projects: Siobhan Harper Features: Chris Kerr Clubs & Societies: Jillian Maguire Off the Hill: Yashodhara Trivedi Contributors Sherihan Al-Akhras, Cesare Aloisi, Valentina Amuso, Jonathan Brown, Victoria Burnham, Marie Conger, Amelia Eichengreen, Cameron Fairweather, Robert Fisher, Lucy Gardner, Amirul Haqueem Abd Ghani, Jason Haynes, Cat Hirst, Marc Owen Jones, Stefan Kemp, Anna Kranz, Mika Laiho, José Luis Mateos, Prof. Glenn McGregor, Bridget McMahon, Libby Metz, Kyle Murray, Steph Orswell, Jesper L. Pedersen, Holly Flynn-Piercy, Kirstyn Raitz, Miriah Reynolds, Ariadne Schulz, Maggie Scollan, Anna Serke, Martin Sherman, Andrew Titchmarsh, Daisy Walker, Eddy Walter Photos/Images Michael Baker, Victoria Burnham, Amelia Eichengreen, geograph.org.uk, Siobhan Harper, Stefan Kemp, Anna Kranz, Mika Laiho, Bridget McMahon, Libby Metz, Kirstyn Raitz, Maggie Scollan, Mahmoud Shalabi, Martin Sherman, Newcastle Pride, Salsa Dance Society, Samantha Tipper-Booth, Aman Subzwari, Brian D. Taylor, Ustinov Men’s Football Club, Ustinov Women’s Football Club, Ustinov Jazz Band, Durham University Voices

Contents Editor’s Letter.............................................................................................. 3 Principal’s Letter......................................................................................... 3 GCR President Drops Mic........................................................................ 4 GCR Treasurer Drops Mic, Too............................................................... 5 Point Vs Counterpoint: Sky Sports At Ustinov ..................................... 6 Ustinovians Raise Funds for Nepal Crisis............................................... 7 GCR Ecology Representative’s Report..................................................... 8 GCR Welfare Officer’s Report................................................................... 8 Feeling The Warmth of Keenan House.................................................... 9 The GCR—What Is It, Really?................................................................ 10 First Annual Clubs & Societies Formal................................................. 12 Summer Preview...................................................................................... 13 What’s On In Durham?............................................................................ 15 What’s Next For Our Ustinovians? ........................................................ 17 An Interview With Debut Novelist Lauren Owen............................... 18 Fisher House Is Stage For General Election Debate ........................... 19 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Moving To Ustinov..................... 20 Behind Closed Doors...Ustinovians Design Interiors......................... 22 50th Anniversary Programme................................................................ 24 Touring Near And Far............................................................................. 26 Ustinov Travel Award: New Orleans...................................................... 28 Norman Richardson Postgraduate Research Award............................ 29 Café Politique............................................................................................ 31 Ustinov Seminar....................................................................................... 30 Ustinov Volunteering............................................................................... 30 Race, Crime & Justice.............................................................................. 32 Café des Arts............................................................................................. 33 Ustinov Intercultural Forum (UIF)........................................................ 34 Ustinov Cricket Club............................................................................... 36 Singing With Durham University Voices.............................................. 39 Ustinov’s Annual Conference I............................................................... 39 #YourUstinov Instagram Competition Finalists.................................. 40

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

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Editor’s Letter

Principal’s Letter

We have at last arrived at the 50th Anniversary celebrations and the College is a frenzy of activity. Meetings are held each night to put the final touches to a magnificent fortnight of events. Wherever you are, we hope you will join us at some point in the celebrations. Even if you cannot be here in person, we have invested (thanks to generous alumni donations) in professional video equipment, and our media team will be sharing many events online.

Ustinovians, hello there. I trust that all goes well with you.

Rebecca Bouveng

Thanks to our hard-working editorial team, this issue of The Ustinovian is richer than ever. We offer a comprehensive events guide for all Ustinovians who will spend the summer in Durham, and tips on holiday destinations near and far, from Wensleydale to Chernobyl. Travel award winners tell us of their journeys; current students share the ‘10 things’ they wish they had known before getting here.

We offer an inspiring interview with a young author and Ustinovian, and in ‘What’s Next’ you find that Ustinovians have a broad spectrum of plans for the future. Then we transform into an interior design magazine, as we visit the quarters of current livers-in for design tips that are stylish and innovative, and extremely practical for those seeking to make an ensuite room cosy on a student budget.

Finally, this issue illustrates that our cherished College motto ‘strength in diversity’ becomes a reality only through engagement with difference—difference of opinion, difference in backgrounds, and difference in taste. Whether it is a Facebook thread about the use of GCR funds on a Sky Sports subscription, or a heads-on election debate between Durham’s parliamentary candidates, Ustinov is the place where very different views and strongly held opinions can be voiced and debated: openly, fearlessly and respectfully. Diversitate Valemus.

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Prof. Glenn McGregor

As we approach our celebration of 50 years of postgraduate community at Durham University, I thought it might be a good time to reflect upon some of the things that make a vibrant and harmonious postgraduate community.

For me these are captured in the College’s Vision, Mission, and Values (VMV) statement which can be found on the College website.

Amongst the words that make up the VMV statement are a few I have listed below, ones that capture the sentiments of what we aspire to achieve at Ustinov in terms of a vibrant, rewarding, and harmonious environment in which to live, study and socialise.

My hope is that these aspirations and values will become defining and enduring characteristics of Ustinov, and not only enhance our reputation as a place for postgraduates but become part of our identity as Ustinovians. So I sincerely hope that you will engage with these in your daily lives at Ustinov.

• Collegiality • Exercising the values of respect, trust, responsibility, fairness, integrity, humility, open-mindedness and objectivity Needless to say I would be happy to discuss the above characteristics and values with you so please don’t hesitate to start a conversation when you next see me in College—or, if you are an alumni of Ustinov, to drop me a line via email, describing your experience of the vision and values of the College.

The enduring characteristics are: • Celebrating the strength that arises from diversity • Being a global citizen • Being always willing to grow intellectually and socially The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

A gift from the Ustinov SCR (Photo: Michael Baker)

GCR President Drops Mic

(Photo: Michael Baker)

Marc Owen Jones

Fellow comrades and Ustinovians.

This is the last time I shall be addressing you as President of the GCR. I hope to finish my PhD this year, so my time at Ustinov, sadly, has come to an end. It’s been a wonderful, eventful, and rewarding experience. I want to thank you all for teaching me so much about everything, and for being kind, interesting, and engaging.

I am particularly grateful to those on the GCR committee, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to help you all have an enjoyable time.

I couldn’t have asked to work with a more committed or dedicated group of colleagues, and I know the expe-

GCR NEWS

rience of those who will be staying on will be an invaluable asset to the incoming GCR committee. I hope, too, that the current diversity will continue on the committee. This year, we have had a fifty-fifty split of male and female members, with the majority being international students—aptly reflecting Ustinov’s diversity!

Our achievements this year have been voluminous. We’ve got new couches, drapes, a smart TV for Dryburn, a shed, a redesigned bar wall, an app, a new website, and an ATM for the site (hopefully). We’ve had many incredible events, from Induction Week all the way to the 50th Anniversary celebrations. We’ve also sought to raise awareness about various issues, from alcohol consumption to mental health.

Spending is also back on track, and we have explored a number of ways to raise more money for the GCR. Our eco team has also been working hard to raise awareness about important environmental and consumption concerns. On top of that, constitutional changes mean that information for student-led parties is clearer. We have also become a recognized Charitable Incorporated Organization. This, of course, only skims the surface of what has been a great year.

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Speaking of the GCR, I would encourage everyone to consider running for a position on the GCR committee in July. There are a number of roles, each of which would suit a different skillset, from Welfare Officer, to Social Secretary. It’s immensely rewarding, and a great opportunity to serve and foster Ustinov’s unique, special, and diverse community.

Remember, do not feel intimidated about running, it’s about serving your community, not how much experience you have. It would be great this year to have an LGBT officer, and a larger welfare team.

Although I talk of next year, I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s not forget that the Ball and the BBQ, two of the GCR’s biggest events of the year, are yet to happen. The BBQ is fun for all the family; there’ll be live music, bouncy castles, succulent foodstuffs, crepes, games, and maybe even a Molly (i.e., the cat). The Ball too is set to be fantastic, with an amazing ‘Around the World’ theme, and a buffet of activities, not to mention a delicious threecourse meal. It’ll be a mouth party and an actual party, all rolled into one larger party. Meta.

As if that wasn’t enough, we are also ankle-deep in the 50th Anniversary celebrations—soon to be waist high.

That’s right, we are celebrating 50 years of postgraduate community here at Ustinov, and there will be a number of GCR-led events to enjoy. Hopefully it should be nicely nestled in the period after exams and long before dissertation deadlines. Check the website or app for details!

For those leaving at the end of the year, I really hope you have had a good experience here at Ustinov. For those staying on, good luck with the remainder of your time here. To those about to start, we look forward to your creative juices filling the ventricles of the Ustinov community.

Peace.

The Ustinov Bar wall has lost its red but gained a gallery. (Ustinovian photo) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

GCR Treasurer Drops Mic, Too

(Photo: Siobhan Harper)

Jesper L. Pedersen

As Nelly Furtado once sang, all good things come to an end, and so this is my last treasurer’s report before I step down and let someone else take the reins. It’s been an interesting and challenging year, occasionally a little too time-consuming, but definitely worth all the effort.

It’s been an absolute joy working with the warm, wonderful, and wickedly talented committee members we’ve had this year, and although I’m looking forward to focusing 100 per cent on finishing my PhD, I have no doubt I’ll miss it as well.

If you get involved, you’ll love it too! If you’re here next year, I really encourage you to stand in the upcoming elections in July, to make some really cool events happen, boost your CV, and help make 2015–16 another great year to be a Ustinovian. (And of course, if you’re reading this because you’re joining us next year, please consider joining the GCR committee in the October elections.)

This term Keenan House asked if we could help them get a new TV for their common room. We were of course happy to oblige, and together with College we bought a 42-inch TV. We’ve also just bought a shed for the Howlands site, which will be used to store sports equipment. At the

GCR NEWS

moment most of our clubs’ equipment has to be stored either in the storage room on the second floor of Cycas or in the GCR office, to everyone’s great annoyance. Having a dedicated sports storage facility will make things easier for everybody.

We’ve also approved funding for our two signature events: £7,500 for the Summer BBQ, and £4,500 for the Summer Ball. (By the way, if you haven’t got your Summer Ball ticket yet, get it now! It’s going to be incredible.)

And finally, by the time this goes to print there will also have been a final round of clubs and societies funding for this year.

As some of you will already be aware, we’ve been asking questions about our Sky Sports subscription in our survey and on Facebook. [See related story this issue—ed.] This is not because we hate sports (in fact I’m regularly found in the bar watching sports), but simply because we’ve found that, over time, inflation and changes in our funding structure have caught up with us, and to make sure the GCR is financially viable over the coming years, we need to make some decisions about how to spend and raise money.

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for members, is by far the cheapest of all the colleges. We want to keep it that way, but unfortunately circumstances dictate that something’s got to give: either we get more money coming in (by raising the levy, gym fees or pool prices), we subside events less (making formals, trips and the Ball more expensive), or we cut back somewhere else.

Since our Sky Sports subscription costs £657.60 per month, and thus makes up a substantial portion of our fixed expenditures (alongside insurance, licenses, admin costs, etc.), this seemed to us like a natural place to start the discussion. But it’s important to emphasise that we’re not looking to force a decision. We simply want to have the debate. It’s up to you, the GCR members, to ultimately decide, through the soon-to-be newly elected committee.

That, incidentally, is another great reason to consider running in the GCR election. And if you’ve got strong opinions about how the GCR should spend its money, perhaps being treasurer is just the job for you!

In many areas the GCR is by far the most affordable student union in Durham: our membership fee is only £30, our Summer BBQ is free for everyone, and the Summer Ball, at £40 These are not UFOs, but money-saving ‘green’ lights in the café. (Ustinovian photo) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

GCR FEATURE

Point Vs Counterpoint: Sky

Compiled by Jillian Maguire

The ever-increasing cost of subscribing to Sky Sports offerings at the Ustinov Bar has resulted in it consuming a larger and larger portion of the GCR’s annual budget. The Ustinovian decided to open up the debate over how much is too much to the Ustinov community. Here is an edited account of the Facebook discourse.

Bart van Ark: All the JCRs, MCRs and GCRs around the colleges in Durham provide Sky and this is one of the major reasons for having the common rooms in the first place (shocker, I know). […] If the bar were to lose Sky Sports I’d go elsewhere to watch my sports.

and suspected community building. […] 27 per cent is no small amount and right now maybe only 20 per cent of the residents watch the sport casts, so the majority non-watchers will outvote the watchers if there is not clear proportional benefit for cost.

Karla Dayhoff: One thing I would like to add is the fact that it was the only place we could find that would show American football games. When we were missing hometown traditions on Sunday evenings, we could gather around the big screen and teach our

go to JB or even to town.

Emma Linney: The idea of having advertised (and varied) volume levels was a great one. Make the bar a place where people who don’t watch sport can socialise when sport is on the TV as well as when it’s not.

Miranda Hines: As a bar staff member who hates showing football matches every time I work, I think it would irresponsible to get rid of Sky Sports.

And the way most colleges cover cost is through increasing levies. We cur-

Steph Orswell: I personally feel like getting rid of Sky Sports might be a mistake. […] It brings together people who may not otherwise interact while they root for their team.

Emma Linney: Instead of getting rid of it, flip the problem around and find ways to make even more use of it. Show more different sports, more cultural and entertainment live events, popular TV shows, etc.

Jasmine Cross: The bar is a place to be social. I feel the need to stress that. It might come from making friends with so many people who enjoy sport that it’s rubbed off on me this year, but I’d hate to come to the bar on say, a Saturday afternoon and it be sad and empty and not be showing some sporting activity.

R. Devon McHardy: I think losing Sky Sports would be a significant loss to the bar and the Ustinov community. That said, 27 per cent of the annual budget is not something that should be spent on casual watching

Bathing ecstatically in the iridescence of a UEFA Champions League match. (Ustinovian photo)

new friends the nuances of the sport.

Bart van Ark: Would it make sense to see how the other colleges finance Sky and if they struggle also with its cost?

If they do it might make sense to make the university itself provide it. If they can afford art in the Palatine Centre I’m sure they can afford to negotiate a university-wide Sky license and such a license on the whole would be cheaper than twenty-odd separate ones.

Philip H. Alexander: An argument against Sky Sports monopoly and their unfortunate price rises which simply reflect demand (too bad!) sounds almost like an activist argument. The community non-monetary argument is powerful I think! […] I’d certainly The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

rently just pay £30 a year. Most students pay £60 per year for their levies.

Maybe increase them by £5. Don’t get rid of Sky...no matter how much it annoys me.

Thom Addinall-Biddulph: I can’t give too much of an informed opinion on this as I’m not at college very often these days, but personally, as someone who has about as much interest in sport as I do in the mating cycle of deep-sea algae, it seems like something that should be kept—it’s the sort of thing that shouldn’t be judged solely on financial factors, as other people have said. The suggestion about sound levels is a very good one.

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GCR FEATURE

Sports At Ustinov

Libby Metz: I think that anything that takes up more than a quarter of the GCR’s budget for the year should be examined as to whether it should take up that much of the budget, and if it truly represents the members of Ustinov. […] Personally I don’t watch Sky Sport, and I go to the bar to socialise and participate in the quiz, movie nights and other events. A few of my friends are diehard sports fans and I know that they would miss Sky if it was gone.

Stephan Wojtowytsch: I’ll happily admit that I am on the other end of the spectrum and do not appreciate it when I walk into the bar and they are showing sports for the third time in a week and there are people yelling at the TV. Personally, I find that annoying enough to rather hinder a sociable atmosphere and occasionally go to Butler instead then. My arguments certainly reflect my feelings about sports in Fisher, but spending over a quarter of the GCR’s yearly budget on something that only provides casual entertainment for a quarter of Ustinovians or so (vague estimate, might be way off) seems excessive. Increasing the Levy just to provide Sky sports, even more so.

Kelly Stockdale: The idea that gym membership would increase to pay for people to watch sport in a bar is crazy!

So I can’t afford to exercise but I can watch people running around on TV with a cheap beer?!

Aliya Khasseneyeva: I personally wouldn’t vote for Sky Sports. Even if I was interested in sports, it takes too much time to get to Fisher from Keenan House.

Irene Pasquinelli: I actually try not to be in the bar when there are sports. I prefer to stay at home or go to another bar in these cases because the noise annoys me, and people are often yell-

ing. Also, personally speaking, I have had lots of experience of people stopping listening to conversation because they are watching the sport without really watching and I find it very annoying. Very anti-social. […] I saw the objection of this being ‘activism’, but what would be wrong if it was? […] I don’t think it would be wrong to do it also for an idealistic reason about how the monopoly of Sky affects our society.

Marc Owen Jones: Currently we are exploring other options, including: • finding other suppliers of sports • having college pitch in for it

Ustinovians Raise Funds for Nepal Crisis Yashodhara Trivedi

Students at Ustinov College stepped up to help Nepal after the country was hit by a severe earthquake that claimed the lives of over eight thousand people and injured many more.

The urgent need for financial aid in this time of crisis gave DSU Liaison Officer Aman Subzwari the initial idea of approaching students to raise money. A donation bucket was accordingly set up in the café and bar areas.

• increasing the gym subscription • increasing the levy • trying to make more use of the bar.

Obviously no one here is really against sports. It’s great to be able to play sports in the bar and have people come in and enjoy it, socialise, etc. However, people do need to consider how happy they are with paying an exorbitant amount of money to a company that has a monopoly on showing sports, especially one that increases its prices drastically simply because it spent £4.2 billion on securing Premiership Rights. Jasmine mentions the fact that the bar would be a bit sad and quiet on a Saturday afternoon without sport.

Remember that college were considering closing the bar on the weekends in the afternoon due to takings being so low, suggesting that regular weekend games do not drive that much money to the bar. It is hard to quantify the amount of money going to the bar as a result of Sky Sports, but it is insignificant compared to the amount generated at parties, etc. Either way, if Sky keep increasing their price, the cost is not sustainable.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Aman Subzwari. (Photo: A. Subzwari)

People have been extremely generous, with the GCR committee raising £260 in just ten days. A considerable portion of the funds was collected on the second of May, when a boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao was being aired at the bar. The proceeds have been given to British Red Cross and will be used towards relief efforts in Nepal.

Plans are underway for organizing a second donation drive very soon.

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GCR Ecology Representative’s Report

Miriah Reynolds Howdy, folks! As I write amidst the pleasant leafy surrounds in the state of aptly named Pennsylvania, I’m reminded of two things. One is that we have proper summers here and second is that I can’t change English weather to emulate roughly 28°C temperatures.

But we can always hope—and an environmentalist must always have that wellspring where hope springs eternal, even if it cancels out summer and your Eco Rep uses terrible puns. Moving on…!

Thank you to those of you who joined me on the latest Litter Pick on the second of May! We did a knockout job of cleaning up roads, riversides, and the river itself with over eight bags of rubbish collected.

I’m happy to announce our next Litter Pick for Saturday, 11 July, at 10 a.m. We’ll meet in Fisher House and walk down to the river via Potters Bank. Keep in mind litter picks happen in rain or sunshine, so dress appropriately! Please confirm your attendance by e-mailing eco.ustinovgcr@durham. ac.uk.

As the current academic year ends, I am negotiating with the recipient charity for the Green Move Out scheme.

Some of the old-timers around Usti-

GCR NEWS

nov will remember the hugely popular Green Move Out Sale, which I am hoping to revive for Induction Week 2015. The new move out sale may not happen at Ustinov or possibly be reduced in its offerings, but I’ll do my best to mutually benefit the charity and cash-strapped students.

Additionally I am working closely with another Ustinov student, Mika Laiho, on establishing a student-led, ethical co-op. (Mika and I hope you enjoyed the Abundant Earth eggs— they were quite tasty!) We are releasing a survey to gain your feedback on the ideal features of a Ustinov co-op. The survey runs from early June and you can earn a £5 voucher for being one of the first 20 respondents!

During the latest Ustinov Environment Meeting on 19 May, I addressed student concerns regarding absent University heating policies in accommodation contracts.

While the latest contracts cannot be amended, Ustinov College will lobby the University to include these details for 2016–17. I’m asking the GCR to include this information in its annual handbook, too. If you believe your heating or hot water system is broken or wasting energy, be sure to fill out a maintenance report in the Reception logbook or online.

Lastly, you noticed or will have noticed the construction works in Fisher House during the second week of June. Ustinov won a funding bid to install energy efficient lighting in the café area. With the new lights in place, we should save an estimated 2.7 tonnes of carbon.

While efficient facilities help tremendously, please remember that behavioural changes in energy consumption can make or break College’s carbon footprint. Keep an eye out for a Green Move Out recycling event in September where you can donate your unwanted items; don’t forget to recycle your paper notes, too!

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

GCR Welfare Officer’s Report

Steph Orswell Hi there, it’s Steph, your student welfare officer here. Just wanted to update you all on all the goings-on in the welfare world!

From 21 to 24 April, as many of you probably remember, we had a whole week of raising alcohol awareness. To kick it off we showed a movie that highlighted the impact of alcohol abuse, particularly towards the end of the story. In the following days there were unit-calorie calculators, cups showing units measurements, app cards, and breathalysers available. Some of you even found a straw in your drink, with a warning that it could easily have been spiked.

We also showed a video of student interviews, featuring their opinions and stance on drinking (which is now up on YouTube if you haven’t checked it out but would like to!). I look back on this week as a success, as I think the message did get across to people that, yes, while you might like the buzz that alcohol gives you after you’ve had enough, excessive drinking is probably inadvisable. It’s all about moderation, guys! Just be smart, stick with your friends, and make sure you have a safe way to get home after a night out on the town.

We also had a week in mid-May dedicated to mental health awareness, where a few members of the GCR

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committee either shared their story— or shared information about different mental health issues—to raise awareness that mental illness is a major factor in many people’s lives, impacting every aspect of it, and should be treated as any illness would.

I was happy to see such a strong response, and was especially happy to see the number of you who said that it really made a personal impact. Mental health is an important subject for me, and I’m very glad I could share this with all of you as we hopefully lessen the stigma attached to mental illness, and the problems associated with seeing labels instead of people.

You may have seen two signs up in Fisher House about how to stay relaxed and healthy, as well as some good study tips for around this time of year, when a number of us have exams that may cause us to stress a bit. Speaking of stress, we provided two ‘puppy rooms’ as part of this year’s ‘stress less’ campaign. Taking time to relax and have a break is important, and what better way than to spend some time with friendly, fluffy animals? It was pretty popular this year, so hopefully this sort of thing will continue for years to come!

That’s pretty much all for now! Just one more reminder that if there is anything weighing on your mind, feel free to come talk to me and I will help you to the best of my capacity, or if appropriate, suggest you contact College support staff. You can also contact me by sending an email to welfare. ustinovgcr@durham.ac.uk, or by submitting a form anonymously on the Ustinov GCR website.

The College student support officer, Brenda Ryder, is there to help you out if there are any issues you would like support or advice for, especially if they may affect your academic studies. Her email address is ustinov.studentsupport@durham.ac.uk.

See you around!

GCR NEWS

Feeling The Warmth of Keenan House tinian, Russian, Chinese, Kazakhstani, Turkish, Algerian, European, Malaysian, Indonesian, Laotian, Nigerian, Israeli, Indian, Kenyan, Saudi Arabian, and Pakistani students—and many more.

Amirul Haqeem Abd Ghani Warm and cosy: that’s Keenan House.

If you are familiar with Mr Freeze (winter in Durham), then you will appreciate the time you spend living in Keenan house as a PhD student with a family—especially if you have a baby or toddler. When I arrived in Durham to report for duty as a student, one of my fellow Master’s students said to me, ‘You know, Keenan House is the warmest place in Durham’.

Keenan House is also a very safe place; the secure main door is accessed with a touch key, and windows are also very securely designed. On a side note, you don’t need to worry about tracking down your letters or parcels as we have a really helpful receptionist who will receive them for you while you are busy with work.

Given the many activities at Keenan House, you and your family will never be bored. There is an English class for your partner every Friday where they can learn and practice their English language skills, as well as make friends and socialise. There are gym and Pilates classes twice a week, and the International Women’s Group (IWG) organises activities every week as well. As soon as school is over for the day, the playground area becomes a hot spot.

You can hear children laughing as they run around, playing on the slide and swings while their parents chat.

The college, GCR, and IWG organise trips to many interesting places throughout the year. These opportunities let residents experience the beauty

Yum! A Keenan House potluck (Photo: Samantha Tipper-Booth)

Living in Keenan House is like living in a miniature globe. It is a very international community where you can and learn about new cultures and make lots of friends with different nationalities and backgrounds. It is a ‘one-stop shop’ for mixing with many nationalities, with Japanese, Korean, Bangladeshi, American, Iraqi, PalesThe Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

of nature as well as the rich history of the UK. Living in Keenan House also lets you taste a wide variety of food from all around the world; every year, two or three times, we host an international ‘potluck’, where every resident cooks a dish and shares it with others.

Keenan House is within walking distance from the city centre, where you Cont’d on page 17

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GCR FEATURE

The GCR—What Is It, Really?

Executive Committee—The Executive Committee, or Exec for short, is responsible for the administration and running of the GCR, and all other committees report to the Exec.

The President, Vice President, Chair and Treasurer sit on the Exec, among others. Exec positions run from July to July.

Chris Kerr When I arrived at Ustinov in October 2014, in the blur of excitement caused by meeting new people in induction week, I didn’t stop to think about who or what the GCR might be. By the start of my third term at Ustinov, I had a much better picture of the GCR’s student-government role in college life.

However, I was still determined to get to the bottom of some of the more confusing aspects of GCR jargon.

Why does Ustinov have a GCR when other colleges have JCRs and MCRs? What are hustings? And just who is the mysterious figure who goes by the name RON? With a little help from some not-so-secret documents on the college website, and a lot of help from our hardworking GCR members, I got to the bottom of things.

Glossary Committee Positions—The GCR Committee includes sub-committees, most notably the Executive Committee (see below), but also others, including the Steering, Welfare and Social Committees. Most non-Exec positions, such as the Formal Secretary, are elected shortly after Induction Week. All GCR Committee positions are voluntary and unpaid.

GCR—This stands for Graduate Common Room. Ustinov's student body is collectively known as the GCR: it comprises around 1600 postgraduates from over 100 different countries; everyone who lives in at Ustinov is automatically a member, and anyone who is part of Ustinov can join. Ustinov is the only Durham College to have a GCR. The GCR is distinct from 'the College'.

GCR Affiliation—Clubs and societies can apply to be 'affiliated' with the GCR. This allows them to apply for financial assistance from the GCR. GCR Committee —The role of the GCR is to promote and protect the interests of its members and to this end, the GCR has its own governing body made up of elected members of the student population. This body is the GCR Committee. Confusingly, it’s often referred to as the GCR for short.

GCR Constitution—This document defines the rules and regulations that govern the running of the GCR. It can be found on the Ustinov GCR website.

GCR Election Candidate ProForma—You’ll need to fill one of these forms in if you’d like to run for a position. Download one from the Ustinov GCR website. Candidates must be 'proposed' and 'seconded', i.e., recommended by two people.

GCR Levy—Every member of the GCR who lives in automatically pays the £30 levy, or membership fee, at the beginning of the year; anyone who The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

lives out can choose to pay the £30.

This money goes towards funding for clubs and societies, subsidies for parties and events (to keep ticket prices affordable for such things as the formal dinners and Summer Ball), the GCR Summer Barbecue, regular expenses such as the subscription fee for satellite television in the bar, facilities such as the gym, the DVD library, the Common Room and Pool Room in Fisher House, and many more.

Hustings—A meeting at which candidates running for positions introduce themselves to voters.

JCR—Junior Common Room, the name for the undergraduate student government at other colleges.

Manifesto—A short statement provided by candidates outlining what they will do if elected and why students should vote for them. It’s not as scary as it sounds and you don’t have to be Marx or Engels to write one.

MCR—Middle Common Room.

Other colleges’ equivalent of the GCR. But not as good, obviously.

RON—When you see that RON is running for all the GCR Committee positions, you could be forgiven for thinking that he’s a worryingly keen guy. In fact, RON stands for Re-Open Nominations. If none of the candidates appeal to you, you can vote RON, and if RON wins, there will be another round of voting.

SCR—Senior Common Room.

Where alumni hang out, also composed of certain university members of staff, including academics, mentors, and active members of the local community.

Further information is available on the Ustinov GCR website: ustinovgcr. com.

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A GCR Q&A

GCR FEATURE

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Why does the GCR matter?

bothersome.’

Alex Papadopolous, Bar Steward and Video Master, expected the GCR to be much more secretive: ‘I had very little idea of what the GCR was and expected it to be run by students behind closed doors, when in actual fact the GCR is very much 'seen' by all college students, mainly through the college Facebook group.’

Siobhan Harper, the Vice President, had an emphatic response to this existential question for the GCR: ‘The GCR committee matters because without it there'd be no student representation to college, no formals or parties, no clubs or societies, no free welfare supplies, no DVD library, no pool tables, no Xbox, no Summer Barbecue or Ball, no film nights or quiz nights, no anything. The GCR is the student body—without that, we haven't got a college!’

As Alex pointed out, GCR work isn’t just rewarding, it makes you famous too. Sort of: ‘You are like a mini-celebrity around college, which is always a nice ego boost.’

Marie Conger, the Clubs and Societies Officer, wasn’t sure what the GCR was when she arrived: ‘As an international student I was quite unfamiliar with the concept but once I got here I quickly realised that the GCR is an integral part of Ustinov.’

When it’s put like that, I imagine Ustinov without a GCR would be a very grey place. Alex identified a link between the college’s values and the role of the GCR, which helps make ‘an inherently compact community a more enjoyable and respectful one.’

Alice Chadwick, the Social Secretary admitted that: ‘If I hadn't made friends with people who were on the committee that year it would probably have taken me a while to work it out to be honest!’ That said, if you’re thinking of running for a position, don’t be deterred if you feel like you don’t know the right people.

What’s been the most challenging aspect of your role?

Did you have any idea what the GCR was when you first arrived at Ustinov?

What made you decide to run for a position on the GCR? Marie confessed ‘I arrived a bit late to the party—I wasn't elected as the Clubs and Societies officer until March. I decided to run because I've had such a great time at Ustinov, mainly because of the efforts of the GCR, and wanted to give back in some way.’

Alex, never one to be late for anything, got stuck right in and ran for Video Master, with responsibility for GCR film nights. As if that wasn’t enough, Alex told me that ‘After I got used to the role I decided that a role within the GCR exec like Bar Steward would be very rewarding and I could be more involved in how the college is run and therefore give something back to the community.’

Andrew Messenger, the Chair of the Executive Committee, stressed the following: ‘Time management—who knew doing a PhD would be time consuming? Also making myself heard at general meetings can be pretty difficult.’

Alex told me that striking a compromise on difficult decisions was tricky: ‘However, that is the price to pay when you have a role as a public official—you can't please everybody.’

The life of a public official isn’t all glamour and intrigue however. One other thing Siobhan finds trying about the role is ‘Keeping the GCR office tidy.’

What about the most rewarding or unexpected aspect?

Steph Orswell, the Welfare Officer, didn’t anticipate some aspects of her role: ‘I didn’t expect to be communicating as much as I have with the student support officer because of the different incidents that have occurred, but it showed me how important having a member of college staff as well as a peer to talk to if something was The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Alice commented that ‘Maybe just how many people aren't really sure of what the GCR do is quite surprising; so we've been trying hard all year to make sure that we reach out to as many people as possible.’ That’s also what this article is here for.

What would you say to a Master’s student thinking of running for a position on the exec?

As a Master’s student, Steph was initially reluctant to stand: ‘I figured that it was something for PhD students to do since they’ll be here for at least three years. I didn’t run for anything during the first round of nominations, but between then and the second round, I became friendly with people already on the committee and was “strongly encouraged” to run for a position.’

Andrew helpfully highlighted the distinction between Exec and Committee positions: ‘Most of the exec positions typically run July to July and so it is easier for PhD students.

The rest of the committee are elected shortly after induction week. The only requirement for running for any position is being around in Durham to perform the duties of that position, and of course passion for the position!’

I’ll leave the last word to Alex: ‘As a Masters student myself all I can say to someone else is to give it a go and get stuck in—what do you seriously have to lose?’

So there you have it. If you’d like to stand, keep an eye out for upcoming elections and, of course, don’t hesitate to ask a friendly member of the GCR if you have any questions. Election Candidate forms are available on the Ustinov GCR website.

First Annual Clubs & Societies Formal

Marie Conger Friday, 8 May, saw Ustinov hosting its very first Clubs and Societies Formal.

This had been planned even before I joined the GCR Executive Committee in March, so when I was voted in as Clubs and Societies Officer and the responsibility of planning this formal fell to me, I had the chance to hit the ground running!

The idea for the Clubs and Societies Formal first arose because the GCR Exec Committee recognised that although Ustinov’s societies are an integral part of college life, until this year they hadn’t been properly celebrated. The formal was created as a night to bring everyone together, celebrate their achievements, recognise the club captains and presidents for all their hard work, and to show just how valuable our clubs and societies are to the college community.

The evening started off with an opening speech from Principal Glenn McGregor, thanking everyone for their efforts throughout the year and recognising the clubs and societies that were present at the formal (even if he did confuse the basketball team for a baseball team, good-humouredly apologising for the gaffe later on).

The food was great, as always. I was so nervous about the night going well that I didn’t pay as much attention to

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what I was eating, but I do remember otherwise wouldn’t be playing oppothat everything tasted exceptional. site each other the chance to have a sing-off! In the spirit of karaoke, there After the main course was cleared were some truly terrible singers (I away, we took a pause from eating to won’t mention names, you know who have a brief awards ceremony. All of you are!) but also some wonderful the club captains and presidents were surprises—Ustinov Jazz Society’s very invited to come up and give a brief own Bruno Dias in particular comes speech about their accomplishments to mind, who took everyone’s breath that year, and to present an award to a away with a fantastic rendition of member of their team who had stood Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’. out in some way over the last season.

Represented that night were many of It was an incredible night, and I Ustinov’s various sports teams: foot- want to thank Ustinov College, the ball, basketball, Ultimate frisbee, GCR, and everyone involved in the cricket, pool and darts, along with the planning of this event. It was such a jazz society. Some of the speeches were rewarding experience as the Clubs and humorous, some were heartfelt, and Societies Officer to see everyone come they all demonstrated the fun and the together to recognise such an imporfriendships gained by everyone who tant part of our college community. has become part of a club or society The best news of all is that the Clubs within Ustinov. The GCR supplied and Societies Formal will now be an bottles of Prosecco (or a non-alcoholic annual event, so we can continue to alternative) to the winners, and as a celebrate Ustinov’s club and societies surprise at the end of the awards cer- next year, and for many years to come! emony, we handed out the remaining bottles.

This was followed by a delicious dessert, over which many toasts were made and many laughs shared. After dinner was finished and the last of the Prosecco had disappeared, everyone headed over to Fisher House for a night of karaoke—giving teams that

‘You get an award! And you get an award!’ (Photos: Brian Davison) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

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Summer Preview

Alice Chadwick

Summer Ball On Sunday, 5 July, Ustinov GCR will be presenting our annual Summer Ball—with the theme of ‘Around the World’, loosely based on the Jules Verne novel Around the World in Eighty Days—this year held at the stunningly beautiful Beamish Hall. Since the Ball is still a few weeks off at the time of The Ustinovian going to print for this term, we’re instead going to give you a preview of what’s in store for the lucky Ustinovians with a ticket in their pocket.

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of decorations to match. A true feast will be laid on, courtesy of the fantastic chefs at Beamish Hall: a starter of chicken, almond and liver parfait with red onion marmalade, and a trio of melon served with champagne sorbet for vegetarians lead the way. Tempting you into the main course will be a roast sirloin of border beef, with Yorkshire pudding, vegetables and gravy, or a pan fried vegetable galette with tomato sauce; and finally, a hot apple pie with cinnamon ice cream (I’m hungry just reading this—ed.).

Once dinner is over, the evening will really step up a notch, as the entertainment will begin! In Shafto Hall, all manner of delights will transport you all around the world (but in less than eighty days). Strike a pose in the photo booth, dare to let the caricaturist take your likeness(?), and try out different games! A real palm reader will see if your fortunes are about to take you further afield; and more sweet treats will try to tempt you even if you’re completely stuffed from the delicious dinner.

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Meanwhile, the dining room will be swiftly transformed into the party room, where a DJ will be playing a wide range of music from all over the world to really get your toes tapping and dancing the night away. Later on in the evening, you might spy some spectacular fire dancing displays out in the dusky gardens. Keep your eyes peeled, Ustinovians, there are treats around every corner!

Coaches will transport everyone back at one a.m. However, if, like Cinderella, you need to leave by the stroke of twelve (or would just like to get back a little earlier in case you have labs or work the next morning), there will also be a bus returning to Durham at midnight. It looks set to be the most spectacular and magical evening of the year!

If you haven’t yet got yours, tickets are available from the GCR office during normal office hours: £40 for GCR members and £50 for non-GCR members. This is one of the most affordable college balls in Durham, and definitely not to be missed!

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Beamish Hall is a gorgeous country hotel, set in stunning grounds. Ustinovians will be transported to Beamish Hall by coach from Fisher House, and upon their arrival will be greeted with a reception of sparkling wine, and the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens (bathed in the warm glow of an afternoon summer sun, touch wood). To really kick off the evening, guests will be able to try their hand at archery in the gardens as well—Robin Hood hats provided! There will be plenty of time to enjoy the grounds, and a professional photographer will be roaming around capturing it all for you.

As the sun sets, dinner will be served in the delightful Winter Gardens room, which will be draped in exotic finery—each table depicting a different section of the journey Around the World, with an abundance

Wikipedia says ‘Beamish’ comes from the French phrase ‘bew-mys’, or ‘beautiful mansion’.

(Photo: geograph.org.uk/Creative Commons) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

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Summer Barbecue The Ustinov GCR Summer Barbecue has been a fantastically popular annual fixture in the college calendar for a number of years now. It is the GCR committee’s way of saying a huge THANK YOU! to everyone in college for a fantastic year of meeting new people, making friends, having fun, and living in such a wonderful place.

It is also open to the rest of the University for everyone to join, as Ustinov is at its heart a welcoming, inclusive and dynamic community, and we love to put on a good knees-up!

This year is no exception—on Sunday, 28 June, the grounds of Ustinov will be transformed for the barbecue, with the traditional (mini-) music festival and lots of other fantastic entertainment. Musical acts will include such home-grown talent as the beautiful vocals of Rose Simnett and Sam Jackson, and the fantastic Chameleology (otherwise known as the Ustinov Jazz Band). We’ll also be playing host to a brilliant band from last year, the George Lansbury Project (they’ve also featured at Jam by the Lake), and a partially Ustinov-founded band—Negative 8—with several more besides!

As for the other entertainment, it’s a

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wonder how it will all fit in. Sideshow games, a bouncy castle for adults, teacup rides, face painting, and an exotic animals petting corner will be turning Ustinov grounds into our own summer fair! There will also be a children’s corner, with a magician putting on shows throughout the afternoon, a children-only bouncy castle, and lots of exciting games to get stuck into.

Besides the abundance of free barbecued food available, you might also be tempted by an ice cream stand, summery beverages from the outdoor bar, and new for this year—delicious crepes (both savoury and sweet), which will be available to those getting hungry later on in the afternoon.

What’s On

Durham Regatta (Photo: Michael Baker)

As the sun begins to set, the music will start to switch it up: the fantastically popular musical talents of former Durham student DJ Tom Metcalfe will be making a reappearance on stage, before we move indoors to continue the partying into the evening.

All in all, the barbecue is a wonderful fun-filled day for everyone to enjoy, and an unforgettable send-off to the academic year, giving you a brilliant opportunity to spend some quality time with all of the great friends you’ve made at Ustinov over the last year or more. We can’t wait to join you!

The Ustinov Summer BBQ 2014: proof that if you give the people what they want they won’t hurt you.

(Ustinovian photo) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Durham Miners Gala (Photo: Michael Baker)

Lumiere’s fish in a phone booth (Photo: Michael Baker)

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In Durham?

Compiled by Alice Chadwick The Ustinovian is about to go into hibernation for the summer vacation, while the editors frolic in the sunshine, and returning Ustinovians go hither and thither on their travels, or stay on in Durham to continue their studies over the summer.

But, we hear you cry, how will we know about forthcoming cultural excitement; from where shall we get our fix of local knowledge and wisdom?! Well, we may have a partial solution for you.

The Ustinovian proudly presents: a what’s what/where/when of some events in Durham and the North East over the next few months, a handy heads-up of fun things to see and do!

June Durham Festival of Arts 30 May–15 June www.facebook.com Or, community.dur.ac.uk/arts.fest The inaugural Durham Festival of the Arts aims to engage the city and university in a wide range of arts events, including theatre, comedy, musical performances and film projects—there’s also lots to get involved with, including workshops, dance, masterclasses and film. Performances of popular musicals Spring Awakening and Rent will be going on throughout the two weeks, as will a photography exhibition on Palace Green—and there are even comedy shows on both Sundays! I’m personally eyeing up the Big Summer Gig by the DU Big Band on 6 June at the riverside bar. Do check out the Facebook page for more details about the programme, this is definitely worth going to.

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THE SOCIAL LIFE

Jesterval 5–14 June www.jesterval.co.uk

Durham Blues Festival 20 June www.durhambluesfestival.co.uk

This is the third year running for the North East’s premier comedy festival, to be located at Baltic Square in Gateshead Quays! There is a topnotch lineup, including many famous faces as well as fantastic local talent, all at very reasonable prices—and only a stone’s throw away from Durham! Acts will include Ed Byrne, Sara Pascoe, Andrew Maxwell, Paul Foot, Mick Ferry, and The Boy With Tape On His Face.

Durham Gala presents twelve acts on two stages across a whole day of great blues music! The Gala also has lots of other great things happening, including comedy (Sara Pascoe, Paul Merton and his impure chums) as well as opera (Carmen, 1 July; The Phantom of the Opera, 28 July–1 August), a screening of The Merchant of Venice live from Stratford-upon-Avon (22 July), and the quintessentially British whodunnit play, Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap (14–19 September). Do check it out!

NDA Comic-con 7 June whatsoninthenortheast.co.uk/ NDA comic-con is a community movie and comic-con style event for North Durham held at North Durham Academy, Stanley. There’ll be a full size Jabba the Hutt, Transformers, and a replica K.I.T.T from Knight Rider, plus gaming demos for all the fans out there! 2 pounds entry, pay on the door.

Durham Regatta 13–14 June www.durham-regatta.org.uk The boat clubs of Durham and the surrounding area compete in lots of races over a fantastic weekend of sporting entertainment down by the river. The Regatta is held here every year, with stunning views of the city, castle and the cathedral as the backdrop. Racing takes place over both days, so go and cheer on the crews!

There will also be a wide variety of stalls, catering for a range of culinary tastes, and entertainment including local brass bands and a Classic Car rally. There’s a small charge to enter the Racecourse, but lots to see and do with a fantastic atmosphere, so well worth it!

July Durham Miners Gala 11 July www.durhamminers.org/Gala.html The Durham Miners Gala is held every year in honour of the thriving coal industry that Durham used to be home to. Even though the last coalfield was closed and destroyed long ago, the Miners Gala is still thriving as one of the biggest and most colorful celebrations of trade union and community spirit in England. Colliery bands March through their villages in the early morning and form processions into Durham city centre, converging on the Market Place—it’s a major event in Durham, and many come from miles around to see the processions and the festivities!

Yves Saint Lauren—Style is Eternal exhibition at the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle 11 July–25 October www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk As if you needed a further excuse to visit the beautiful Barnard Castle and Bowes Museum, they have a fantastic schedule of events on this summer including this exhibition on fashion.

There will also be an exhibition on prehistoric people from 2 May to 27 September.

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The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

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Newcastle Pride 17–19 July www.northern-pride.com Newcastle Pride returns for its eighth year with an extended event over three days, including lots of great entertainment, a dance tent, and a market. Free to go, but donations encouraged.

August Edinburgh Fringe 7–31 August www.edfringe.com The world-famous Edinburgh fringe returns, of course, this August— while not strictly in Durham or the North East, it’s only a short train ride away, and well worth the trip. It’s the comedy event of the year, with many award-winning comedians taking their shows to Edinburgh, as well as lots of up-and-comers—plus lots of theatre and arts, and many street-performers. It’s a riot of arts and culture, a fantastic atmosphere, and lots of entertainment is free to attend as well!

Hardwick Live 22 August hardwicklive.co.uk A glorious day out with live entertainment for a friendly crowd! Lots of great music at the lovely Hardwick Hall just outside central Durham, in beautiful grounds. The lineup includes Razorlight, 10cc, Embrace, Meadowlark, and many more—what more could you ask for, so close to your doorstep?!

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THE SOCIAL LIFE

country. Attractions include racing, falconry, alpacas, brass bands, donkey rides, dog agility shows, Diggerland, vintage cars, clay pigeon shooting, a stunt show, and many side shows.

Very Northern indeed.

And much more....

Beamish Events www.beamish.org.uk/ The lovely Beamish open-air museum always has lots going on, and is well worth a visit even if there aren’t ‘special-occasion’ attractions!

However, these do happen frequently throughout the summer, and will include a festival of ’50s Cinema on Friday, 26 June, cricket every Sunday through July and August, and a Festival of Agriculture from 3–6 September.

Pick Your Own Fruit at Brocksbushes Farm www.brocksbushes.co.uk Very close to the city of Durham, Brocksbushes Farm has a pick-yourown-fruit season from June-September. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than leisurely picking berries in lush green fields? The season tends to be open from June– September, with different fruits ripening throughout the summer and into autumn. Entry 1 pound per person— and they also have a very lovely tea room.

Magna Carta 800th celebrations, Durham Cathedral magnacarta800th.com/ Lots of exhibitions and events will be going on for the international commemoration of The Great Charter, from June right through to September—this is a rare opportunity to see these ‘in the flesh’ as it were.

Guided Cycle Tours of Newcastle www.newcastlecycletours.co.uk Explore Newcastle on a bicycle made for...you! A bike and helmet are both provided, and a local guide will regale you stories behind the world famous landmarks and hidden gems of canny Newcastle.

A little further ahead...

Lumiere 14–17 November www.lumiere-festival.com/durham Four dazzling winter evenings, transforming Durham into a citywide celebration of light. Many light installations and projects illuminate locations right across the city of Durham, produced by local and international artists, and community groups.

In previous years there has been a phone box filled with real fish, a giant globe, a Christmas tree made out of plastic bags, and the world’s biggest helium balloon. Not to be missed, but it will be quite hard to miss since it will be everywhere you go in Durham!

September Wolsingham and Wear Valley Agricultural Show 5–6 September www.wolsinghamshow.co.uk You couldn’t come to the North East and not attend a good old-fashioned country show now, could you?

This is the North East’s premier agricultural show, and is the oldest in the

A visit to the cathedral is always...illuminating. (Photo: Michael Baker) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

What’s Next For Our Ustinovians?

Alice Chadwick

The sun is finally starting to make an appearance up here in the cold, cold North (touch wood that it won’t disappear by the time this has gone to print), and it looks like summer is on its way.

For many people, this means their time at Ustinov—and Durham—is nearly at an end, and those of us staying on will wave our hankies sadly when bidding them farewell.

But what are our students hoping to do after they’ve flown the Ustinov nest, and where might they go next? We asked a few students about their ideas for the future.

Steph Orswell: My plans for next year (as of now) are pretty basic: heading home, hopefully finding a job in the field of psychology, and then hopefully taking the GRE so that I can apply for Clinical Psychology programmes.

Aimee Chuang: I’m currently looking for a job in the UK as I’d really like to work in England for a few years to gain experience in my field—or perhaps even longer if I really enjoy it! I study Management, which will hopefully allow me to try out many different fields and get a feel for what they are like. I won’t be too picky as this will be my first job!

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Alex Papadopoulos: To be completely honest, I have no idea what I want to do next year! I’m planning to apply for a PhD the year after, as I’ve missed the deadline this year (I only recently decided that I’d like to try applying for further postgraduate education)—but I’m first of all planning a holiday. I’m sure Miranda will be happy to hear about my possible return! (I totally understand that feeling, Alex. It’s fine not to know what’s coming next! Just go with the flow—Ed. Alice.)

Devon McHardy: I’ll be moving to either Kuwait to the UAE. I currently have some job prospects in Kuwait and am looking for more in both countries, but regardless of the job situation, I will be moving abroad. I’d like to get some practical job-related work in the Middle East (I’m currently doing my MA in International Relations in the Middle East.)

Lara Velho: To be honest, I have no idea...but in the sense that I have so many ideas I just can’t decide what I want to do first! We’ll see what happens.

Of course, not everyone is leaving! We also asked a few students who are continuing their studies next year in Durham if they had any plans for the coming year.

Mike Appels: I’m going into my second year of my PhD in Durham (having done my Masters’ and undergraduate degrees here, too), and would really like to try out the free-falling society! Any takers? (Crikey, now that’s brave!—ed.)

Siobhan Harper: I’d really like to go and explore some more of the surrounding area in the North East; places that aren’t as accessible by public transport: little villages on the moors, Northumberland, that sort of thing.

I’d love to get to know the area while I’ve got such a great opportunity!

Miranda Hines: While I have been to visit Prague, Austria, Poland, Edinburgh (four times), Glasgow, and York… I still haven’t been to visit London! Maybe the worst tourist ever?

I’ve even been to Great Yarmouth twice. London is definitely next on my to-visit list, with Paris a close second.

I’ll probably even visit Great Yarmouth another time before I go...is that sad?

Laura Smith: Definitely want to see the brass festival again next year, and would love to go and see Holy Island. I also haven’t been rowing on the river in Durham yet, so that’s one to tick off the list. The Miners’ Gala is also a spectacle that should not be missed.

Ingrid Medby: We’re in Durham, a truly beautiful historic city, and it has more than one claim to fame...for instance, it’s home to the worst club in Europe. I have to go to Klute while we’re still here! I’d also really like to go to more formal dinners, perhaps in other colleges too.

Hopefully that gives our returners some ideas for what they might like to do in the coming year; if you need some more inspiration for the summer, check out the calendar in this edition!

Feeling the Warmth, cont’d can shop for groceries and household items. If you find you need groceries when the usual stores are closed, there is a Sainsbury’s Local in the nearby village Framwellgate Moor, also within walking distance. But the best way is to order groceries online from Tesco or another supermarket, and have your order delivered to your door.

There are a few things I wish I had known before I arrived at Keenan

House: I wish I’d learned my flat number in advance, as well as the way to the library and the business school. And because Keenan House is quite far away from the business school, I wish I had known about the student bus service from the start.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Two of our littlest Ustinovians celebrating global diversity (Photo: Brian Davison)

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FEATURES

An Interview With Debut Novelist Lauren Owen Yashodhara Trivedi

Durham University’s Lauren Owen is not only a PhD candidate and the newly published author of The Quick, but also a proud Ustinovian. She recently took some time out of her grueling academic schedule to deliver a quick presentation at college on the enduring appeal of vampires. I caught up with her afterwards for a brief chat about her new book, the writing process, and bloodthirsty monsters.

ing the editing process—eventually I had to be quite strict with myself about clocking in enough hours on both. What helped me the most was remembering that other people combine academic study with jobs, and even young children—if they can be organized, so should I!

How difficult was it to find a publisher in the UK? It can be a real challenge to find a publisher. I was fortunate in that I

from Porlock’s point of view.

How do you pick the names of your characters?

With some it’s easy—the character’s personality invariably suggests a particular name. I tend to squirrel away names I like for later use too. And in The Quick, a number of names have symbolic or literary connotations.

Do you plan to have reading tours around the UK? I’m lucky to have participated in a number of library events as part of New Writing North’s Read Regional 2015—it’s a campaign to introduce local writers from the North East and Yorkshire with local readers. I have four more events to go, and will be very sad to finish—the experience has been fantastic!

Besides your clear interest in vampires, was there anything in particular that inspired The Quick?

In some ways, the novel was prompted by the place where I grew up—a girls’ boarding school in the countryside. It used to belong to the local gentry, and as a child I was fascinated by how old and grand it seemed—there were all these beautiful features like the marble pillars in the library, it was very easy to imagine people living there in times gone by. I used to be in the school quite a bit during the holidays, and like most empty schools, it had a strange, hushed atmosphere. My dad used to joke that there was a creepy creature lurking in the corridors. He would never describe this abomination in any detail, and so I was inspired to create my own big, spooky house with a dark secret.

How did you juggle writing a novel with your academic work?

It was a bit difficult to combine the two dur-

Lauren Owen, left, with Sherihan Al-Akhras and Anum Dada (Photo: Michael Baker)

had an agent who pitched the book to publishers on my behalf, and acted as my guide throughout the whole process.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this story?

I love the nineteenth century, and researching the era was a treat, but it was also difficult to know when to stop.

When you’re writing about the past, it’s hard to ever feel that you’ve made enough notes—surely there must be more things to find out! Sometimes I found myself researching just to put off writing something tricky.

What is your favourite section from The Quick?

I’m rather fond of the last chapter. I really enjoyed writing about James and Charlotte as children, and the chapter The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Can we expect a second novel?

I’m currently playing with a number of ideas on similar themes—I’d like to widen my scope a little in terms of monsters, and also write something set nearer the present day. I’m working on something set in York at the moment, which should be a lot of fun, as it’s the city where I spent most of my childhood and teens.

What are your top three pieces of advice to aspiring writers?

One, read widely and adventurously. Two, talk to people and listen to the stories they tell you. Everyone tells stories—I think it’s one of the most lovable things about human beings.

Three, be flexible. Maybe you’ll need to rewrite or restructure, or change something major like a point of view.

You won’t necessarily get things right first time—and that’s perfectly okay.

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FEATURES

Fisher House Is Stage For General Election Debate they’d like to form the government.

Chris Kerr On Thursday, 30 April, just a week before the 2015 UK General Election, Ustinov College played host to a debate between the Durham City candidates.

For those of you not familiar with the UK electoral system, the election on Thursday, 7 May (elections always are held on Thursdays in the UK), might have seemed a little baffling. But it’s really quite simple.

The Prime Minister is not directly elected.

Instead, people vote for their local MP, or Member of Parliament. By convention, the Prime Minister is the MP most likely to be able to command the authority of the House of Commons.

The House of Commons is the lower of the two Houses of Parliament, the other being the House of Lords, which is completely unelected. (Don’t worry, not all of the positions in the Lords are passed from father to son, just some!). Most of the time, but not always, the Prime Minister is the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons.

In practice, this means that most people vote both with local issues in mind and with one eye on the party

The country is divided up into areas called constituencies, which each elect one MP. Ustinov College falls into the City of Durham constituency. Like many constituencies in the North East, it’s considered a ‘safe’ Labour seat, meaning Labour, historically the main left-wing party in the UK, has a comfortable majority. That aside, only the most hardened, cynical voter could have failed to appreciate the lively and robust debate when the candidates came to Fisher House.

The 90-minute debate started with each of the candidates making an introductory statement, before going on to discuss topics prompted by questions from the audience, including local planning issues, student accommodation, tuition fees, Europe, the North/ South divide, the environment, and

human rights. The five candidates at the debate were John Marshall (Independent), Jonathan Elmer (Green Party), Craig Martin (Liberal Democrats), Rebecca Coulson (Conservative Party) and Roberta Blackman-Woods (Labour Party).

On funding for higher education, Rebecca Coulson argued that ‘tuition fees aren’t some kind of ideological cruelty, they’re to pay for this stuff, The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

and record numbers are applying, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds’.

The Independent and Liberal Democrat candidates had different perspectives on the North/South divide in England. John Marshall asserted that ‘we’ve been a backwater, we’ve been neglected, we get less money than Scotland, we’ve got much greater disadvantages than other parts of the UK’. Craig Martin, for the Liberal Democrats, focused on the advantages of living in the North, to humorous effect: ‘We have a better quality of living, cheaper house prices, and cheaper pints of beer and I know a lot of my friends who’ve moved down to London wish they could move back up here’.

There was also disagreement over how to combat climate change. Jonathan Elmer of the Green Party called for a radical change in the way we think as a society, noting ‘we always want the latest product, we throw the latest one away before it’s worn out, we’re not incentivised to repair things and keep things going. None of that happens in our economy.’ Roberta Blackman-Woods, the Labour incumbent, countered by stating that ‘Labour wants to set a legally binding target to get carbon off our energy supply by 2030’.

One week later, many students stayed up into the early hours of the morning in Fisher House to watch the results come in across the country. In the end, Roberta Blackman-Woods was comfortably re-elected, increasing Labour’s majority to 11,439 from 3,067 in 2010.

Cont’d on p. 21

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FEATURES

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Moving To Ustinov Compiled by Siobhan Harper 1. WHEN YOU ARRIVE ‘There are starter kits with towels, bedsheets, and a blanket when you move in, so you don’t have to worry about packing those items when coming from overseas.’ Bridget McMahon ‘If anything is wrong when you move in, be that with your room, your kitchen, your course, or you’re homesick or can’t settle in, there are so many people you can speak to. The porters, the college staff, and of course the GCR committee. Everyone will do their best to help you with whatever the problem is.’ Siobhan Harper 2. YOUR ROOM ‘The door of your room locks by pulling up the handle!’ Irene Pasquinelli ‘The room size is small, so don’t bring too much stuff with you. You will get to like it, though!’ Mahmoud Shalabi The fire alarm is tested weekly at a reasonable time, but a fire drill will be carried out in the first term early in the morning and: ‘It will be freezing, so prepare yourself for a shocking encounter!’ Mahmoud Shalabi ‘Bring something to decorate your room—some photos, cards, a poster— anything to make it feel more like home. You’ll really appreciate having something familiar to come back to while you’re still settling in, and it’s amazing what a difference these little things can make.’ Siobhan Harper 3. FACILITIES Pay attention to the instructions on how to use the washing machines and the laundry credit dispenser (which is in Fisher House, not the laundry room), and ask to be shown this when you first move in. If anything goes wrong, speak to the porters. ‘Sometimes the washing

machines take money out even if you don’t activate them. I was told this, but I know people who have lost money like that!’ Irene Pasquinelli ‘There’s no ATM or major food shop nearby. But everything delivers.’

Devon McHardy Ustinov Bar offers cashback, and both the bar and café take card payments.

Online delivery to college is available for supermarkets.

4. CLOTHING ‘The wardrobes in the newer buildings are quite small—don’t bring too many clothes! And bring some “formal” wear, such as suits or a cocktail dress.’ Anna Kranz ‘If you’re from a big city where you tend to dress up everyday, don’t even try to bring any of those clothes with you. They will literally sit ignored in your closet for the entire time you’re here and you will live in sneakers, jeans, and hoodies.’ Kirstyn Raitz

7. KEEPING YOUR KITCHEN CLEAN There will be set regulations from college about kitchen cleanliness, but make some house rules when you move in with your flatmates and make sure these are stuck to throughout the year. Keeping the joint kitchen space clean and tidy makes a massive difference to everyone’s day. Many people!

‘The kitchen is the one shared space in your flat—make the effort to keep it clean by wiping down surfaces, doing your washing-up quickly, and cleaning up mess. Think of how you’d feel if you went into the kitchen to cook and it was a mess.’ Siobhan Harper 8. BRITAIN GENERALLY ‘Make sure your jacket has a hood.

Invest in one good pair of boots for winter, as well as gloves, hat, and scarf.’

Lara Velho ‘Buy an umbrella and just keep it in your bag—trust me!’ Siobhan Harper

5. ELECTRONICS

9. THINGS TO GET

‘I would not have spent $100 on two universal electrical adapter sets before checking to see that most of my electrical equipment was ready for both 110/220V and all I needed was a £2 adapter from Wilko.’ Michael Baker

‘You need a National Insurance Number to get a job, and that takes forever to arrive so start the process quickly! And railcards are invaluable money-savers, so ask about getting one when you get to Ustinov.’ Lara Velho

Wilko (full name Wilkinsons) is a shop at which you can buy basically anything very cheaply!

6. MONEY ‘For U.S. students, you get your first student loan disbursement about a week after classes start, and then it takes another full week for your bank to make your money available to you, so bring plenty to live on.’ Michael Baker This is good advice for all new students, not just those from the U.S.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

10. USTINOV IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO BE ‘Friends are so so so easy to make— and for those coming back to school after working for a few years: when you’re a student, those 9 p.m. starts for events won’t seem as late as they seemed when you signed up to come over here!’ Libby Metz ‘Despite all its potential flaws, Ustinov is by far the best choice for any prospective postgraduate to be a member of. This is not simply me expressing my opinion, but reiterating a general feeling among my other postgraduate non-Ustinovian friends!’ Mike Appels

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10 Things For Partners Of Students To Know

FEATURES

happy that you, as well as your partner, are at Ustinov.

Cont’d from p. 19

Behind The Lens

Abby Adams, Heather Rector, Devon McHardy

1. Partners are entitled to NHS access just the same as students. Make sure you register as soon as you get to Durham.

2. Apply for your National Insurance Number right away. You’ll have to have one if you’re interested in getting a job or opening a bank account.

3. Take advantage of Induction Week.

You’ll be living with the same people as your partner, so Induction Week is the perfect time to make friends.

4. Don’t feel like you don’t have a voice in the college, if you have something that needs to be addressed speak up and get it solved—you live here, too!

5. You won’t be alone. As a postgraduate college, Ustinov has loads of students in committed relationships so that means there are other people like you, maybe in the building next door or just upstairs.

6. If you’re not sure whether you are welcomed at an event or activity, ask someone from the GCR Committee.

Chances are you’re welcome and if you don’t ask you’ll never know!

7. Your partner may be working a lot on their coursework so don’t be afraid to venture out on your own—hang out in the bar or café, join in picking up litter, or go on that trip with the GCR. 8. Join the Ustinov Facebook group and engage in the conversation. You’ll feel more connected to the community where you’ll be living.

Answerman Jonathan Brown (Ustinovian photo)

A Porter’s FAQ Speaking of what people wish they would have known, there is one group of people at Ustinov with all the answers: the porters. We asked Jonathan Brown for his personal porter’s FAQ, though as you’ll see, some of aren’t answers so much as commiseration.

• ‘It’s not my fault the weather is lousy, i.e., four seasons in one day.’

• ‘The offside rule in Rugby Union is just as puzzling to me.’

• ‘Take your keys with you every time you leave your room.’

• ‘The library is only half a mile away—hardly a route march.’

This one is not so much a question as a firm request: • ‘If borrowing tools to mend bikes or assemble Ikea chests of drawers—bring them back!’

On a more serious note, this one comes up a lot:

9. Most of the University societies and student groups are open to people outside of students, so if you’re interested in getting involved in something, go ahead and ask about it.

• What are bank holidays and why doesn’t anyone in the office work on them?

10. Be prepared to be a part of a diverse, fun, and caring community

• The joy of explaining the laws of cricket to Eastern Europeans.

But for a really detailed discussion, you can’t beat:

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

(Ustinovian photo)

Chris Kerr Filming the debate for the college gave me a unique perspective on the discussion. It was challenging to film the long panel of five speakers and two chairs, but while I certainly didn’t have multiple cameras and other features of the average TV studio at my disposal I was using some impressive kit.

The debate was a great opportunity to use the college’s new digital camcorder, microphone and professional lights. As the debate progressed, I decided to keep two candidates in frame at a time, because one of them (naming no names) was providing some particularly dramatic reactions.

The debate was one of a number of events that have been filmed for the college and uploaded to YouTube, so look out for more. When, after the debate, one of the candidates came up to me and said they were keen to use the debate as part of their campaign, it was a proud moment, as was receiving approval from University Marketing for the video to be published in time for the election.

I urge anyone who’s ever daydreamed about being a camera operator or director to have a go. If you’re interested in joining the media team, contact Rebecca Bouveng: rebecca. bouveng@durham.ac.uk.

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Behind Closed Doors...

FEATURES

ish architecture/interior design), fair trade artwork and trainers!

Mika Laiho I’m a liver-in, and have lived in Oak for a while now. Nothing made me happier last year than when my mother, who’d recently moved back to the UK from Finland, brought my trailer-load of personal belongings with her.

These photos show a bit of my character: lover of Pink Floyd, Iittala (Finn-

What best represents my room and my personality, however, is the collection of things on my windowsill: a colourful onyx stone ‘jemel’ (Arabic for ‘camel’) from Dubai’s World Village, ‘friend the monster’ (incarnated from my childhood, invisible imaginary friend who terrorised my little brother no end), three or four colourful plastic figurines from goodness-knows-where, another childhood relic which is a ‘family of turtles’ made of shells to keep me company (now as old as many resident Ustinovians!), and a contemporary art piece by Crushed Chilli that symbolises the transient beauty of my PhD years at Durham—and Heimlich, who I’ve had since I visited Disneyland Paris, aged thirteen.

Thanks for letting me share with you!

(Photo: Victoria Burnham)

(Photos: Mika Laiho)

Anna Kranz A small room is more work than one would expect. It gets messy so easily, especially if I don’t tidy up every day. I wanted my room to be a bit more homey and less impersonal: unfortunately, we’re not allowed to put up pictures on the walls with pins and the like—so I researched non-permanent wall decorations and came across Washi tape.

It’s a Japanese tape which leaves no marks when put up on walls and furniture. It took me a while to locate a store selling Washi tape in Durham (The Works in the town centre sells it, otherwise online shopping it is!) but when I finally got my hands on it, I managed to put up some abstract art in my room, which made it much more personal.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

22

FEATURES

Ustinovians Design Interiors Victoria Burnham I grew up with a very artistic and creative mother. She instilled in me the idea that ‘home is where the heart is’, decorating our home with her blend of ‘elegant and earthy’: warm colors with various rooms accented with fresh flowers, herbs, and plants.

By the time I left home for university, I knew I wanted to create my home, no matter how temporary or not, with the same refined taste— except adding a touch of my own style.

Having a student budget, I was able to change my room into a little home away from home with a little wallpaper from Wilko, some wood picture frames, and fairy lights (of course!). Throwing in a British mint plant would make Mom’s love of herbs proud—so I did that, too!

Just a few simple and economical decorations turned the room into a quaint little space that I love going

(Photos: Victoria Burnham)

back to after a long day, and even studying in—imagine that!

(Photos: Anna Kranz)

‘I love charity-shop treasure hunting; it’s where I got all of the brass candlesticks which now decorate my room.

‘I also bought a sausage-shaped pillow to keep the draft out of my room, which makes it much more warm and homey.’

(Photos: Anna Kranz)

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

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50 Anniversary th

50TH ANNIVERSARY

Friday 12 June

Formal 50th Anniversary Dinner 7 p.m.

Our fortnight of 50th Anniversary celebrations begins in style with a traditional GCR Formal in the company of honoured guests. A delicious three-course meal will be served in themed surroundings, followed by a GCR party.

Wednesday 17 June

GCR Brunch 11 a.m.

The history walk concludes with a GCRhosted brunch, a perfect cure following the 50th Anniversary Formal and an invigorating excursion. Pastries, fruit, and hot beverages accompany socialising with other guests.

Monday 15 June

Saturday 13 June

Kids Film Night at Keenan House: Robin Hood 6 p.m.

Everyone, including those who are children at heart, are invited to a truly ‘animated’ film night, in which Sir Peter Ustinov stars as both the wicked Prince John and the good King Richard, in the Disney classic Robin Hood (1973). Popcorn and sweets provided!

Thursday 18 June

Ustinov Seminar: ‘Is Global Citizenship Possible?’

10:30 a.m.

The notion of global citizenship underpins the college’s ethos, but it is also a topic open to debate. A panel of notable speakers considers the ramifications and feasibility of global citizenship.

Sunday 14 June

GCR Film Night: Sir Peter Double-Feature 7:30 p.m.

This week’s GCR Film Night showcases none other than Sir Peter Ustinov himself showing Death on the Nile and Topkapi.

The first is one of Peter Ustinov’s most famous roles and the second he won the 1965 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Tuesday 16 June

College History Walk 9 a.m.

Mentor Dinner: 50 Years of the North East 6 p.m.

Walk through time on this tour of current and former Graduate Society and College sites. Start off at the Howlands Farm campus, walk through the woods to visit Shincliffe Hall before heading back to Howlands for a hearty brunch.

The College Mentors present a night in celebration of the culture, food, and history of the North East, featuring a guest performance by Spennymoor Brass Band, which can trace its history back to the 19th century.

Café des Arts presents: Reflections: A Sufi Night / Jazz Noir 5 p.m. / 7:30 p.m.

Experience an hour of Sufi poetry and music, while enjoying Arabic tea, delights and sweets; and a dance performance by Tara Lee. Then the Ustinov Jazz Band presents music inspired by the film noir style.

To add to the drama and excitement, an improvised comedy in the film-noir style will be performed by Durham University students.

Friday 19 June

College Honours Party & Ustinov Live!

6 p.m.

An awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of Ustinovians: College Honours, Norman Richardson and the 50th photo competition award winners

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

24

Programme 50TH ANNIVERSARY

will be announced, a commemorative artwork unveiled, and a cream tea for guests with a glass of Pimm’s or sparkling wine.

The evening opens and closes with music: a performance from the Ustinov Choir to start celebrations, and the GCR’s Ustinov Live to end, showcasing some of our best musical talent.

Saturday 20 June

Family Fête 1 p.m.

The Ustinov Senior Common Room, the Volunteering team and the Ustinov Intercultural Forum invite you to our Family Fête! It’s an afternoon packed full of traditional fun activities—from three-legged races to games from around the world— giving the whole family a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures. A raffle concludes the day with a selection of fantastic prizes to be won!

Sunday 21 June

Ustinov Sports Day 1 p.m.

A sports tournament, led by the GCR and a number of GCR Sports Clubs and Societies, including football, basketball, cricket, and Ultimate Frisbee. Enter with teams of your friends and compete in a series of fun sports challenges. At the end of the day there will be an awards ceremony with prizes for top three teams, best individ-

ual athlete for each sport and best fancy dress—the theme is, of course, sports!

chat about where their research is taking them—over a glass of wine and nibbles.

To sign up, just email Marie Conger on cs.ustinovgcr@durham.ac.uk or sign up at the GCR office from 1 June 2015.

Friday 26 June

Monday 22 June

GCR Film Night: ‘The Value of Ustinov Values’ 7:30 p.m.

GCR Film Night gets taken over once more, this time by a documentary and a film expressing Ustinov’s values. Showing Wadjda: its themes fit in with our ethos, it’s international, and it’s the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director. For the documentary, which will go before the film, we will be showing Life in a Day.

Tuesday 23 June

Cafe Scientifique 6 p.m.

Communication is key to science. Ensuring that research is accessible and interesting to all, Café Scientifique hosts a number of talks on some of the most cutting edge research currently happening in Durham. Explore new horizons at this final Café Scientifique of the year!

Thursday 25 June

Graduands Reception 5:30 p.m.

Celebrate their academic success with Ustinov’s graduating students—and

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Cafe Politique and Race, Crime & Justice Conversations 5 p.m.

Come along to informal discussion groups, hosted jointly by Café Politique and Race, Crime & Justice, where we consider Britain after the election and the challenges facing the new government; and look at Chinese discrimination and its relevance in current times.

Sunday 28 June

GCR Summer BBQ 12 p.m.

The highlight of the GCR calendar closes our 50th Anniversary celebration. Live music, copious amounts of grilled food, two bars, fairground rides, bouncy castles, and much, much more, all bathed in beautiful June sunshine (we hope!) and followed by a party that lasts into the early hours. This summer’s day out for students, families, and children makes the perfect culmination of this fortnight of festivities.

We would be delighted to welcome you to the College during the celebrations— please email ustinov.association@durham. ac.uk for more details. All alumni members are warmly welcome to book for events on the Alumni Events Pages: www. dunelm.org.uk/events/.

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Touring Near And Far

26

OFF THE HILL

Compiled by Chris Kerr

Intrepid Ustinov students have been off exploring this year, both near and far. So whether you’re looking for inspiration for a holiday, travel grant destination or are just keen to escape the Durham bubble on a budget and explore the North East of England, there’s plenty to inspire you here.

WHITE SCAR CAVES

Near

What: A show cave, first explored in 1923, approximately 6km/3.7mi long

WHITLEY BAY

Where: The west end of Yorkshire, next to a town called Ingleton, quite close to the North West Distance from Durham: Approx. 70 miles

(Photo: Bridget McMahon)

What: a small seaside town in the North East Where: on the coast, east of Newcastle Distance from Durham: 24 miles How to get there: take the train from Durham to Newcastle, then the Newcastle Metro from the Central Station to Whitley Bay In the midst of papers and exams, I needed a break to the seaside to relax.

I didn’t want to travel far and Whitley Bay is only a train to Newcastle and a short metro ride away from Durham.

The waves crashed along the stone-ridden seashore and the rain that day could not stop me from walking two miles down the beach to St. Mary’s Island. The open sea is calming and it’s hard to believe you’re by a major metropolis. If the sea calls you, go on an adventure to Whitley Bay. Bridget McMahon

How to get there: Car ideally. Public transport is also available though, travelling by train to the nearest town and then walking 30 minutes to the caves themselves–but through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, that’s no chore!

The White Scar Caves were fascinating: it’s amazing to see the geological features of the caves and walk through them (sometimes almost crawling!) until you reach an enormous cavern, twinkling with stalactites in purple UV light. The guides know almost everything there is to know about the caves, and can answer any question thrown at them. Siobhan Harper WENSLEYDALE

(Photo: Siobhan Harper)

Distance from Durham: Approx. 55 miles How to get there: Car ideally. Public transport is available, travelling by train to the nearest town and then catching a bus.

One of the main attractions in Hawes, in Wensleydale, is the famous Wensleydale creamery, which makes the even-more-famous Wensleydale cheese, and the creamery is open for visitors. The museum is very interesting, with an information video detailing the rise of the cheese from the medieval period, plus there’s a children’s activity station that offers colouring while Wallace & Gromit clips play on a television–my idea of heaven! As if that weren’t enough, the visitor’s centre has a cheese-tasting room, where you get to sample all the cheese that the creamery has to offer—and then buy blocks of it for yourself! Although we didn’t have time to explore the area, there are plenty of walks and things to do in the town and the dales. A Grand Day Out indeed!

Siobhan Harper LINDISFARNE What: a tidal island Where: off the northeast coast of England

(Photo: Siobhan Harper)

What: A dale in the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire, the next county over from Durham, famous for Wensleydale Cheese Where: Hawes, a town in the middle of the dale The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Distance from Durham: 78 miles How to get there: Car ideally, but also public transport. If you’re driving, be sure to check the tidal timetable as the island is separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway. You can also take the train from Durham to Berk-

27

OFF THE HILL

(Photo: Kirstyn Raitz)

wick-upon-Tweed, then take a bus or taxi to the island.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne hangs off the northeast coast and has a recorded history as early as the sixth century. With only a few hours to spend there before high tide, we chose to visit the main attraction—Lindisfarne Castle. After being rennovated in the early twentieth century, the interior was transformed into a quaint, cosy family living space. The stunning views of the ocean from the castle combined with the gorgeous weather made for some great photo opportunities. Be aware that you can only move to and from Lindisfarne during low tide and you will enjoy it! Kirstyn Raitz

for some well-deserved relaxing. Pack a picnic and hike from Hveragerði (30 minutes outside of Reykjavik) to the beautiful Reykjadalur (‘steam valley’), where you can lounge in a hot stream and enjoy the cool mountain air. For a snack, try Skyr, a creamy Icelandic yoghurt, and for something more satisfying, Minke whale looks like steak, but tastes even better! [Holy cats, no, it does not!—ed.] Maggie Scollan

CHERNOBYL

EGYPT On my trip to Egypt this spring I saw the Pyramids at Giza, the old Islamic area of Cairo with all of the beautiful mosques and the ancient city of Alexandria. I will never forget the kindness and generosity of the people there. Most Egyptians are quite poor

Far

(Photo: Libby Metz)

After assuring my usually unfazed mother that I wasn’t going to die of radiation poisoning by visiting Cher-

(Photo: Martin Sherman)

ICELAND

and yet they will give you the shirts off their own backs. I lived in a rural village for most of my trip and seeing the conditions that people live in every day really helped reinforce just how fortunate we are living in the ‘Western’ world. The food, sights, sounds, and smells generally fall into the extreme categories of either very nice or absolutely horrible (mostly the smells lie on the negative end of (Photo: Maggie Scollan) the spectrum). If you are lookA bathing suit might not be the first ing for an adventure and you don’t thing on your packing list when trave- mind some discomforts or lack of ling to the northernmost capital of the amenities then I would suggest makworld, but if you’re planning a few days ing your way to Egypt. You really can’t in or around Reykjavik, don’t leave beat catching that first glimpse of the home without one! After exploring the pyramids as they stick out over the top moonscape of lava fields, and cascades of the Cairo skyline. Martin Sherman of geysers and waterfalls, it’s easy to find a town pool or steaming spring The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

nobyl (you receive as much radiation on the full day tour as you do during one hour of the flight there), I was off to the Ukraine. Our tour guide in the Chernobyl exclusion zone was the hilariously deadpan Igor, who demonstrated the removal of contaminated material by brushing it off on the ground. The checkpoint guards laughed at the beards of the English men on our tour. On the two-hour drive from Kyiv to Chernobyl, we had been bombarded with documentaries about how the accident had occurred, and what the fallout had been. However, once we entered the exclusion zone, I found the area was teeming with (perfectly normal) wildlife and was strikingly beautiful under freshfallen snow. We saw wild horses and foxes, and it was interesting to think about what life would be life on Earth without human influence. Libby Metz

28

ACADEMIC TRAVEL AWARDS

Ustinov Travel Award: New Orleans Jesper Pedersen

In February this year, thanks in part to a generous travel bursary from the Ustinov Travel Fund, I flew to the International Studies Association’s annual convention, held in New Orleans, to present a paper titled ‘Colonialism, Reparations, and Duties of Development Assistance’. Presenting at one of the largest political science conferences in the world was an incredible opportunity to get invaluable feedback on my paper as I’m working on getting it to a publishable standard.

The ISA’s annual convention boasts a staggering 4,000 delegates and hundreds of panels across four days. It covers every possible topic within politics, drawing people from all over the world—including many from Durham and Newcastle, and a few old fellow PhD students and members of staff who have since left Durham. It was great to catch up with them again.

But considering the size of the conference, it was a bit strange to walk into a nearly empty conference room for my presentation on Thursday morning. Granted, I had been assigned a punishing 8:15 a.m. slot (Americans seem obsessed with starting at silly hours of the morning). My panel, consisting of four presenters and a discussant, was only just outnumbered by

the audience of six people.

Of course I didn’t spend all my time cocooned indoors at the conference.

By lucky coincidence the conference started the day after Mardi Gras, and there was no way I would miss the opportunity to get involved.

I was later told the panel had done quite well, as audiences of one or two people aren’t unheard off. Nonetheless, the experience did prove very useful for my work. Getting feedback from the discussant and answering perceptive questions from the other panellists and members of the audience has helped me a lot in sharpening my argument in later edits of the paper.

A game of podiums, starring ‘Cersei’

Mardi Gras truly is an experience unlike anything else. The whole festival takes two weeks, and culminates on Fat Tuesday (17 February this (Photo: Jesper Pedersen) year) when the bigOf course, another great thing gest and most spectacular parades take about the conference was being able to place and tens of thousands of people go to the other panels—with hundreds line the streets to catch the Mardi Gras to choose from, you’re guaranteed to beads and other trinkets they throw find something to pique your interest from the floats. While there are actuat any time. The how-to-get-published ally dozens of ‘krewes’, each with their Q&A session with journal editors was own parade, the two biggest and most particularly fascinating. famous are the Zulu and Rex krewes, Another highlight was the Game of which were the headline acts of the Thrones-themed panel (which, unlike final day. Their parades of 50 or more my own panel, was packed) where beautifully decorated floats made their presenters dressed in costume looked way through the streets from early in at topics through the lens of the popu- the morning to late in the afternoon. lar books and TV show: are the White In the evening the city turned into Walkers a metaphor for global warma giant street party. I quickly decided ing? Is Putin more like Tywin Lannisto give Bourbon Street a miss, though, ter or Khal Drogo? as I discovered to my great disappoint-

Cont’d bottom next page

A Zulu krewe float, floating over a background of Bourbon Street revellers (Photos: Jesper Pedersen)

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

ACADEMIC TRAVEL AWARDS

Norman Richardson Postgraduate Research Award Amelia Eichengreen

Over a year ago, while preparing for a presentation on the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, I noticed something peculiar: no research had been done on its form during the Roman period.

Our only knowledge of this period is that the old Greek theatre was completely reconstructed into a new theatre during the Roman period.

As the first Greek theatre, it is a very important archaeological site, yet there is no understanding of what the Roman-era theatre looked like or how it was used. (Roman Greece has often been overlooked in favour of the previous Greek periods, and this is particularly true for many theatre studies.) As a student of Roman archaeology, the prospect of doing original research at the theatre was extremely enticing to me, and I knew I wanted to study the theatre for my Master’s research.

I had to research from the foundations, which literally are the architectural foundations. My specific goal is to identify if the theatre was roofed.

A roof would be significant since only Roman theatres had roofs, and one on the Theatre of Dionysus, originally a Greek theatre, would highlight a transformation from Greek to Roman architecture. A wooden roof would no longer remain, but the stone foundations will indicate whether the theatre was roofed or not.

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ment that it’s become a bit of a tourist trap.

Instead, my guidebook recommended Frenchmen Street in Faubourg Marigny, filled with live music venues, brass bands playing in the street, and great street food. I ended up going back to Frenchmen Street most nights I was there. Outside of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is an incredibly beautiful and lively place to visit, from Uptown with its grand 19th-century architec-

Amelia demonstrating an archeologist’s knee-bend warm-up (Photo courtesy author)

This called for archaeological fieldwork to test the durability of the stones to determine if they would have been strong enough to support a roof; this in combination with an examination of the building technique will indicate if there was a roof. Eventually, I hope to produce a reconstruction for what the theatre would have looked like.

What followed was a long process to apply for a permit to the Greek Ministry of Culture to perform a geological investigation on the foundations. Several months later, I am happy to report that the permit was approved!

Showing up at the theatre in Athens with an official permit and a Greek ID stating that I am an archaeologist has probably been the highlight of my

studies thus far. Additionally, it has been a once in a lifetime opportunity to access to the off-limits areas and get up close and personal with the Acropolis.

Often while at the theatre I had to stop and soak everything in. Greece attracts over 22 million tourists per year, many of whom come to see the famous archaeological sites. It’s a privilege to be one of the few who have the opportunity to work at and research these ancient sites. I am extremely grateful to Ustinov College, which provided me with the Norman Richardson Postgraduate Research Award and funded my research.

ture, the French Quarter with great gumbo and music playing on every street corner, and its landmarks and sights such as the Saint Louis Cathedral or the excellent National World War II Museum.

I would like to thank Ustinov College for giving me this grant and helping me make this experience possible. I don’t know when, but I’m definitely going back to New Orleans at some point.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Ain’t no party like a Rex krewe party on a float.

(Photo: Jesper Pedersen)

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Ustinov Seminar

Holly Flynn-Piercy

‘Africa: Interdisciplinary Conversations and Experiences’ The seminars for this term got off to a very good start, as on the first Saturday back, 25 April, we welcomed four excellent speakers from departments across the university. Although not initially clear from their titles, as the seminar progressed it became clear there was a uniting topic among the presentations: violence. The audience were treated to a thought-provoking discussion, which included a range of theoretical, empirical, and personal insights on different African countries in different time periods using different methodologies.

COLLEGE PROJECTS

Our first speaker, Dr Jutta Bakonyi from the School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA), provided a theoretical overview of the relationship between development and violence across the continent as a whole.

We then moved from theory to practice as our next speaker, Mina Asakura, a second year PhD candidate also from SGIA, discussed Community Policing in Uganda, in which she offered some reflections on her experiences and the challenges she had faced while conducting her fieldwork in three Ugandan cities as well as giving some preliminary conclusions on the potential success of community policing and the collaboration beginning to take place between the Ugandan police force and those in its neighbouring country, South Sudan.

Following a break for the audience and speakers to refill their coffee cups, our third speaker, Adeniyi Olayode, a third year PhD candidate from the Law School, took us back in time with a discussion of the impact of colonialism on the use of restorative justice in contemporary Nigerian prisons. The presentation clearly showed that prisons and the justice system continue to face many challenges that are still caught up in the colonial legacy.

Building on this research, our final speaker, Matthew Benson, an MA student from the History Department, delivered a presentation on the methodological approaches and concerns associated with researching taxation practices in South Sudan, which based on his fieldwork experiences, combined both the historical and the contemporary. Matthew brought us back to theory and so we ended where we began, and with a greater understanding of why theory is important in explaining empirical questions. A lively discussion followed as participants recharged their batteries with a light lunch and of course—more coffee!

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Ustinov Volunteering

Anna Serke

Lucy Gardner The last term was a busy one for the Volunteering team: we have had a couple of events and all of them have been a great success, thanks to the amazing volunteers we have here at Ustinov!

We started off with another RT Project Day, so people who didn’t get a chance to volunteer first time round could experience how rewarding and fun spending the day with RT Projects was! If you read the Epiphany issue of The Ustinovian carefully, you might remember that RT Projects is a local charity which believes that creativity and social activity are fundamental to a fulfilled life and contribute towards good mental health.

You might also remember that we were working on a mosaic for the Lumley Junior School near Chester-

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Le-Street, which was started by the children who designed it. This time we were able to finish it and it will be put up at the entrance of the school!

Our second event of the term was the RSPB challenge at Saltholme Nature Reserve. RSPB (the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a charity that promotes the conservation and protection of birds throughout the UK. Indeed, Saltholme is a very special place as it lies in the middle of an industrial area surrounded by chimneys, oil refineries and even a nuclear power station. It’s a remarkable contrast, captured vividly by Miriah Reynolds:

‘

This was my first experience on a RSPB nature reserve. As an American, I admittedly associate the concept of a reserve with vast national parks relatively free of human encroachment. However, the UK must conserve its flora and fauna on a completely different developmental time scale.

‘

Saltholme built itself in tandem with the needs and heritage of industry. Factories and smokestacks dominate the better part of the visual horizon from any point in the reserve, giving the place an almost dystopian feel. But it reminds me that the RSPB must be at the forefront of creatively maximizing habitats for wildlife while negotiating the effects of intensive land use at their doorstep.

For that reason, I was happy to swing a mattock for a better part of the afternoon!’

COLLEGE PROJECTS

It is worth adding that this was a hands on physical task. We helped re-landscape the banks of a waterbody, so the public could get a good view of the wading birds and ducks from the nearby bird hide. You can’t imagine how different the banks looked when we left, and we’d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who contributed to this success! Especially because it was our first outdoor event, and guess what—it was raining, of course!

Our last two events of the term were a networking event jointly hosted with the Principal of Ustinov College, Professor Glenn McGregor, as well as a focus group on the Ustinov vision and mission statement. For the networking event, Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation explained the importance of networking and provided the attentive audience with some practical guidance on how to ‘work a room’.

The focus group was a productive session and with the help of some keen Ustinovians we were able to provide college with some valuable feedback on how the statement could become a reality.

Preview: Family Fête, Saturday, 20 June, 1 p.m.

Anna Serke, Lucy Gardner (Volunteering), and Cesare Aloisi (UIF) The Volunteering team, the Ustinov Intercultural Forum, and Ustinov Senior Common Room invite you to our Family Fête! These groups are all for promoting tolerance and the goals of global citizenship: what better way than to start in the playground!

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games from around the world—giving the whole family (big kids included!) a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, whilst also having lots of fun. Come along and play, teaching what you know or simply come and enjoy watching a fierce game of tug of war between bold children and scared adults!

There will also be a ‘Bake Off’-style competition, the theme of which will be ‘Cupcakes and Cookies’ (but you can interpret this as loosely as you like!), so bring along a plate of delicious baked goods for the chance to win some great prizes! Finally, a raffle will conclude the day with even more fantastic prizes to be won, including a signed football from Sunderland FC, and Ustinov and Durham University Stash!

Many volunteers have already joined our ranks, but new recruits are always welcome, so if you think you have what it takes, please email ustinov.uif@durham.ac.uk or ustinov.volunteering@durham.ac.uk.

Café Politique ‘Divestment at Durham’ Holly Flynn-Piercy

This ecologically-minded Café Politique event, primarily organised by Mika Laiho, a second-year PhD student in the Geography Department, included short presentations given by three invited guest speakers on energy security, economics and climate change.

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It’s an afternoon packed full of traditional fun activities— from three-legged races to Anna, busy digging herself in deeper (Photo: Michael Baker) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Mika Laiho (Photo: Mahmoud Shalabi)

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Given the weight of divesting from fossil fuels, politically, economically and socially for the university and the wider region, this topic was an important theme for members of Ustinov College, especially those who are interested in safeguarding the planet for future generations. The main aim of the discussion was to pose the question whether divestment from fossil fuels is necessary to combat climate change and, if so, whether it can be achieved at Durham University.

The speakers tackled this question from a number of different perspectives. The first speaker, Professor Jon Gluyas, the current Head of Department in Earth Sciences at Durham, presented the case against divestment and indicated the utility of fossil fuel companies as well as suggesting that for divestment to work, individuals had to be made aware of the things they can to do to reduce their carbon footprint.

The second speaker, James Leaton, a Durham alum and Research Director at the Carbon Tracker Initiative provided the numbers that clearly showed the difficulties of achieving effective divestment, while the final speaker, Professor Michael Northcott from Edinburgh University offered a

COLLEGE PROJECTS

plex than is often realised and there are many more actors, not only the global energy companies, who need to be involved in and committed to the process if divestment is going to reach its potential relative to the social and environmental costs.

In the run up to the next major conference on a legally binding international climate change agreement, this event was both timely and thought-provoking, and definitely left some of the audience with food for thought the next time they turn on a light switch!

‘UK General Election 2015: Meet the Candidates’

The ultimate conclusion seemed to be that divestment is more com-

Race, Crime & Justice

‘Is racial discrimination still an issue we should be fighting against? Or do we live in a postracial society?’

Holly Flynn-Piercy

Ustinov had the privilege of hosting the parliamentary candidates representing the main parties for the City of Durham, alongside Independent candidate, John Marshall—only Liam Clark of UKIP was unable to attend.

Jointly organised by Café Politique and the Ustinov Senior Common Room (SCR), this event was one of the most successful of the year. [See feature story in this issue.]

There’s nothing funny about democracy: the Durham City candidates. (Ustinovian Photo)

discussion of the relationship between divestment and climate change in the context of the North East region.

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job of ensuring the candidates kept to time; ably assisted by members of the SCR who were called upon to ask some challenging questions of the candidates.

Bringing together students, faculty and members of the local community, the topics primarily concentrated on issues related to the university. The debate was effectively managed by Robert Fisher, who did an admirable The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Jason Haynes

Valentina Amuso This seminar sought to engage critically with leading experts in various fields on problematic aspects of race in Britain. Our speakers, Rosie Lewis (MA Candidate in English Studies, Durham University), Dr William

Ackah (Lecturer, Birbeck, University of London), and Dr Daniel Kilvington (Lecturer, University of Sunderland) discussed questions regarding race in literature, the under-representation of black and minority ethnic people in academia in Britain, as well as the vexing question of racism in professional sports (in particular, football). To no one’s surprise, the mythical post-racial moment is not yet.

Preview: ‘The Chinese Diaspora: Historical Perspectives and the Contemporary Challenge of Discrimination’, Friday, 26 June Valentina Amuso

The idea to organise an event on the Chinese diaspora emerged after the publication of the report ‘The Chinese population in the North East Region’, by the Race, Crime and Justice Regional Research Network, which involves five universities in the region (Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside), and with which the Race, Crime and Justice project at Ustinov College works closely.

Considerations regarding the complexity of the world surrounding us and the idea of living in a material

COLLEGE PROJECTS

space characterised by increased connections and population movements in the UK and around the globe have given rise to the necessity for critical discussion.

As part of the Global Citizenship programme at Ustinov College, which challenges us to develop our understanding of a cosmopolitan reality and engage in a discourse on sensitive, but often marginalised themes, an event of this kind is fitting for the 50th Anniversary celebrations. Discussion regarding the social and economic issues facing the Chinese population within the region will be central to the event.

Professor Maggie O’Neill, from the School of Applied Social Sciences at Durham University and former Principal at Ustinov College, who also worked on the report cited above with Dr. Zhifeng Tong and Professor Gary Craig, will participate as a speaker.

She will illuminate the scope of her research and subsequent findings, the diversity of the Chinese population taken into consideration, the main challenges faced by it, and the economic contributions of the Chinese population to the region.

Professor Qian Jun, Chair of Chinese Studies at School of Modern Languages at Newcastle University and Director of the Confucius Institute, has been invited as speaker as well.

He will offer a broader perspective on Chinese population in historical and global terms. Both contributions will help illuminate the complex issues surrounding this topic.

We would also like to invite personal contributions and engage the audience in a profitable productive debate over: The Chinese population, past and current aspects, what has changed what is new, what are the challenges, what we need to talk about, and how the event will improve our perception of ourselves as citizens of the world. Contact us at ustinov.rcj@durham.ac.uk with questions for the panelists.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Café des Arts

Sherihan Al-Akhras

Chris Kerr

Ariadne Schulz We’ve been up to a bit of mischief in the past month, and we have a bit yet to look forward to. Café des Arts hosted a gothic night titled ‘Tales of the Supernatural’ and an international poetry event ‘Words Escape Me,’ and we will shortly be doing a very exciting café with Race, Crime and Justice.

We’ve also got some amazing things planned for the college’s 50th Anniversary celebrations!

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Chris and Sherihan co-organised ‘Tales of the Supernatural,’ where they had three main speakers delivering harrowing literary tales, ranging with genres, time-period and thematic resonance. Anum Dada, Sherihan, and Lauren Owen (author of The Quick), contributed to the event through their chosen tales that have covered topics from different cultures including older European and Middle-Eastern myths and legends. The event ended with a talk by Lauren Owen discussing the fascination with the gothic, and focusing on vampire depiction in film and novels.

The ‘Words Escape Me’ event came about because Sherihan and Chris had discussed putting on a poetry event of some kind earlier in the year. They decided that a reading including international poetry would be a great way to represent the cultural diversity of Ustinov’s community through poetry.

Sherihan knew a poet called Amir Darwish who had appeared in an anthology with other Teeside poets; Sherihan and Chris met with these poets and discussed whether introducing a competitive element and making the night a ‘poetry slam’ might be a good idea.

It became clear that three out of the four guest poets would be British, so, to preserve the international focus of the event, they decided to invite some students to read international poems.

After talking to the guest poets and considering how to make the event as open and welcoming as possible for the student readers, Chris and Sherihan decided to remove the competitive element in favour of an inclusive, non-judgmental poetry reading.

Chris also started work on an event exploring the work of the African-American author Toni Morrison.

It was not possible to put this event on due to lack of speaker availability, but this obstacle became an opportunity to work with the Race, Crime and Justice Project on a more ambitious event

COLLEGE PROJECTS

exploring racial discrimination in academia and sport as well as literature.

50th Anniversary Preview: Sufi Dance and Jazz Noir Café des Arts wanted to come up with something amazing for the 50th Anniversary celebrations at Ustinov. A lot of ideas were thrown at the board— something we have always wanted to do was a dance competition. Unfortunately, due to insurance and finals and so forth, that was met with all the excitement of water dripping in a subterranean pool at midnight.

Then came the suggestion to feature Chameleology, the Ustinov Jazz Band—but we did not simply want them to give a standard set: this had to be special. So like a phoenix from the ashes came the idea for a film noir event.

Improvisational actors will perform a semi-scripted spoof on the film noir style accompanied and accentuated by the smooth stylings of Ustinov’s very own jazz band. Replete with plot twists and surprises, it should be a matinée to remember. As a lead up we will feature several student musicians in a mini-concert.

The day will finish with a very special guest dancer who is coming all the way from London to perform a unique Sufi dance. Tara Lee, the only woman to hold a Guinness World Record for the most Sufi rotations in one hour, will give a brief talk about Sufi music and dance followed by a much-anticipated performance.

Free traditional Arabic tea, delights and sweets will be served. We cannot wait for the events taking place on the 18 June! We hope to see you there and at future events.

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Ustinov Intercultural Forum (UIF) Cesare Aloisi And so the UIF has had another busy term! After the previous term closed with the incredibly popular international party, it was difficult to live up to the expectations, but we tried!

On 20 March, we celebrated Newroz with the Durham Kurdish Society, and it was an evening filled with cultural insights, dances, good auspices, and traditional food.

A careers event was organised in April in collaboration with the University’s Careers and Employment Service, designed for those international students wishing to work in the UK, to help them gain a better knowledge of career development. Thanks to a very efficient networking activity (and to a good dose of free muffins!), four speakers shared their knowledge on the job application process, the operation of sponsorship by British companies, and work experience in the UK. The university’s careers adviser, Peter Fox, provided the clearest picture of the British job market and the general recruitment process. Fiona O’Carroll, who is the deputy director of the International Office, gave a talk on how international students adapt to university life, new styles of living, and British culture, and how they

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Jing Pang, who is a Durham University alumnus, talked about his studies and his working experience in the UK: his speech was so inspiring that the audience was stimulated to design their own possible career development in the UK. Ustinov College mentor Anna Claudia Morgavi offered an opportunity for reflection by discussing the areas for improvement in terms of academic skills and chosen career path. The audience was engaged and committed to the workshop, and all participants provided positive feedback. See you in October for the next appointment!

At the moment we are working hard on two fronts: A social evening of dance and poetry for the mentors and their mentees (although everyone is welcome) on 30 June, and the Family Fête to be held 20 June as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The second project on 30 June, ‘Good Music, Good Friends’ will feature a performance of a cantata composed and performed by one of the mentors, the Reverend Joseph Harper.

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COLLEGE PROJECTS

re-integrate when they return to their home country.

Presenters enjoy Principal McGregor’s New Zealand grilling. (Photo: Mahmoud Shalabi)

Organisation is going well but organising the events is causing a few grey hairs, since everyone is busy with their exam preparation. Stay tuned though, as there could be the comedic sight of one of the organisers trying to wrestle a grand piano through Fisher House!

One group that we are pleased to say has also signed up is Ngoma Vuma Uropa, an amazing group that performs traditional music from all over Africa and will perform a rousing finale to the evening for us.

Good Music, Good Friends An evening of musical and dance entertainment at Ustinov College 30th June, 6.00 – 8.00 pm Fisher Café, Ustinov College

How to Participate in a Ustinov Seminar or Café

The Ustinov Seminars; Volunteering; Race, Crime & Justice; and Café Politique, Café Scientifique, and Café des Arts projects are all designed to give Ustinov members the opportunity to present (and perform) in a public environment, frequently with colleagues more established in their disciplines.

Organisers are always willing to hear ideas and themes for presentations (although they do try to plan a term in advance). You can contact them at the emails below: • ustinov.seminar@durham. ac.uk • ustinov.cafesci@durham.ac.uk • ustinov.cafedesarts@durham. ac.uk • ustinov.cafepol@durham.ac.uk • ustinov.rcj@durham.ac.uk

You are warmly welcome to an evening of entertainment, relaxation and refreshments. First on the menu is a lively salsa performance, setting the tempo for the evening. Then College Mentor Rev Dr Joseph Harper offers a newly composed cantata on the theme of Celebration, Thanksgiving and Guidance, accompanied by the Ustinov College Choir.

The evening concludes with a performance of the acclaimed Durham choir Ngoma Vuma Uropa. Come along for an enjoyable night to catch up with friends, mentors and mentees before the summer holidays.

• ustinov.volunteering@durham. ac.uk • ustinov.uif@durham.ac.uk Cont’d next page

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Ustinov Cricket Club

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

very promising season). Feel free to sing and shout in our matches in your own language, for sure someone in the team will understand you!

We’re always looking for new players, and anyone is welcome. So whether you used to open the batting for England or you’ve never hit a ball with a stick and run between some other sticks before, we’d love to hear from you. This term we’re training every Friday at 5 p.m. in Maiden Castle.

Men’s Football José Luis Mateos Despite a rather unsteady start in the intercollegiate T20 tournament, the Ustinov Cricket Club has positioned itself as a challenging player. It owes this position to a core feature of any Ustinov society: diversity. With members coming from almost every corner of the globe —India, Pakistan, the West Indies, Denmark, Spain, and Gibraltar—the team is an amalgamation of styles that makes outcomes unpredictable and challenges opponents.

The Ustinov Cricket Club kicked off the T20 tournament with a loss against St John’s. However, we must not overlook the massive amount of effort put in by Ustinov’s players, who demonstrated, in the next match against Durham University Staff, their first-class cricket skills that awarded the team its first victory.

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with a number of good results, the highlights of which were comfortable 4-1 and 4-2 victories over Staff B. Off the field this term, Ustinov College AFC has had a number of socials including a charity shop social and the Ustinov sports formal, where the club was well represented with 22 members of the team in attendance. The A and B team player of the year awards were announced over the course of the evening. Top scorer Dan Conway picked up A team player of the year, while midfielder Nury Moreira was awarded B team player of the season.

We are always looking for new players of all abilities, and as a club we will be having a number of training sessions and friendlies over the summer months. If you are interested in playing please search and ‘like’ Ustinov College AFC on Facebook, or get in touch by email.

Women’s Football Eddy Walter Ustinov College AFC has had another successful term rounding off a good year overall.

The A team finished a respectable sixth in Division 1 and completed the

Cat Hirst

Ustinov Women’s Football Club has In the following weeks had mixed fortunes over the 2014– the team has more games 15 season, but ultimately our final scheduled.

However, league position has guaranteed yet due to the recent bad another season of top flight football. weather, the final schedule still needs to be conBack in September we were alloTake a knee, gentlemen. (Photo courtesy Men’s Football Club) firmed. We will keep you cated Amelia Pereira as our new informed, using our common social coach; she arrived just in time to media platforms, when and where we season with a 5-3 victory against Staff prepare us for the start of the season. are going to be playing. We invite you A in an end-of-season friendly. The B Amelia, an integral part of Durham to support the team (we need it in this team has also had a successful term The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

However, I enjoyed that first lesson so much that I attended every lesson that followed, which provided a variety of Latin dances, including Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and Merengue.

Coaching session in progress (Photo courtesy Women’s Football Club)

Women FC and the University 1st XI, has coached us well throughout the season and has helped us all to improve our game in this time.

The season began with a promising 1-1 draw against a top quality Collingwood team. It was clear from the outset that these guys were aiming for the top, so a draw was a very positive result for us.

From this point on we suffered from inconsistency due to losing players through injury, illness, or just bad timing, meaning we had to wait until December for our first league win (a 6-0 victory, which was worth the wait). This theme of mixed fortunes continued throughout the season, but what was very positive to see was the number of different people we had play for us.

At Ustinov we welcome all abilities and we like to give anyone who wants to play the chance to get involved in a game. No previous experience of playing football is required as this is something we are happy to teach as we go along.

Salsa Dance Society

Cameron Fairweather I would thoroughly recommend joining salsa class to anyone! I joined after much persuasion by Sheri, our Salsa instructor, and I must confess before the first lesson I had reservations.

We had a variety of professional and very talented teachers, such as Chris Storey, Richard Asquith, Alex Webb, and Nury Moreira—along with Sheri, who organised and co-taught the classes. We were first shown the basic steps, and practiced this for several minutes before we partnered up.

We swapped partners every five minutes or so, which was good because if you were good and ended up with a weak partner it wasn’t for long, and if you were bad you felt like you weren’t a burden to the same person for too long.

Furthermore, it offered an opportunity to meet, mix, and socialise with lots of different people. The instructors we had each week created a very fun and relaxed environment, in which we felt absolutely no pressure or embarrassment. Finally I would say that actually concentrating on doing salsa is very therapeutic, provides a nice break from academic work, and, of course, is really fun.

For more information get in touch with us on s.s.al-akhras@dur.ac.uk or add our group on Facebook: Salsadictos - Durham University Salsa Team: Past and Present Members.

Training is held on Thursday evenings, 6 to 7 p.m. at Maiden Castle, and all are welcome to attend. If you want to come along to a training session, or if you want more information about the team, just email Cat at c.m.hirst@durham.ac.uk .

Salsa dancers like it picante! (Photo courtesy Salsa Dance Society)

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

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Jazz Band

Kyle Murray I’ve always loved music—loved playing it ever since picking up my first instrument when I was seven (a long time ago)—but I’d always tried my best to stay away from jazz because, quite frankly, it scared the be-jazz-us out of me; it looked and sounded difficult to play, and lots of the jazz musicians I came across were...how can I put this?...a bit snobby really.

But all that was before I joined Ustinov’s jazz band Chameleology. Back in October, band leader and saxophonist Tom encouraged me to come along to one of the rehearsals, and I’ve been back every week. The musicians in the group are some of the best I’ve had the pleasure to play with. All of us have different musical styles and quirks, which makes something a bit different when we put them together.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES

What’s more, they’re not the least bit snobbish. It’s just a group of musicians doing what they love, playing music, and having a load of fun while doing it. I felt very welcome from day one and, as well as having a great time every week and in our live performances, I’ve learned a lot.

Since I joined we’ve been working on a mixture of jazz standards—some you’ll have definitely heard many times before (I’m talking Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, Herbie Hancock and much more)—as well as some more contemporary things (you ain’t heard nothin’ ’til you’ve heard our offthe-cuff take on Hot Chocolate’s You Sexy Thing).

Whatever we do we try to give it our own spin and have fun with it.

It’s been quite a busy time for the band too: several Ustinov Live! performances, providing entertainment for the Ustinov Christmas Formal after-party, and our Christmas gig at Durham’s Empty Shop HQ. These all seemed to go down well, and were great fun to play (bossa ‘White Christmas’, anyone?).

We’ve got more excitement coming up, too. As I write, we’re preparing for performances as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, and for a showing at the Summer BBQ. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there! You can keep up to date with our gigs and events via our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ustinovjazz.

They seem nice, but they play that jazz like the devil. (Photo courtesy Ustinov Jazz Band) The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

We’re always on the lookout for new musicians, so if you play an instrument come and give jazz a try!

All instruments are welcome. Whatever your level or experience with jazz, if playing and performing great music with a bunch of fellow musicfans sounds good to you, come along to one of our rehearsals (Tuesdays, 8 p.m., Howlands Music Room), get in touch via the page, or have a chat with us at one of our gigs.

Darts Team

Andrew Titchmarsh This year has been the most successful year in the history of Ustinov darts.

We finished third in our league and are currently in the quarterfinals of the cup competition. We have also raised over £1000 for local charities through playing matches against other teams across the county.

Playing darts is a great way of meeting new people and seeing the other colleges across Durham. We take on players of all abilities; with practice sessions in the college, you get to know everybody. So, if you fancy yourself as the next Michael Van Gerwin then come along and see us at freshers’ fair in the autumn, we’d love to have you join us.

Darts meets every Monday in the pool room at 8 p.m. for matches and practice. The best contact for new players is the email of next year’s captain, Kevin Chambers (kevchambers17@ hotmail.com).

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LAST NOTES

Singing With Durham University Voices

have performed in two concerts so far, one at Christmas, and the other in February.

Both experiences were great fun— it’s one of the best feelings in the world when the choir is perfectly in sync, with all the different voices coming together as one, led by the conductor.

Daisy Walker When I started university, I was determined to actively participate in life at Durham, and so decided to try Durham University Voices (DUV). I have been in a school choir in the past, but only because they gave us half a day off for the performance.

DUV really appealed to me as they don’t require an audition to join, and everyone is welcome. At my first rehearsal, the group started straight away on the ‘Rivers of Babylon’. I have continued to attend ever since, and

Some of my favourite pieces have been the Christmas carols, and arrangements of ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Sway’ by our conductor, Sarah. Both she and the other conductor, Tom, are incredibly enthusiastic, with an open and relaxed teaching style. Throughout the year, the rehearsals have been one of the highlights of my week, often leaving me singing all the way home, including at Tesco. I have also felt my voice improve and grow stronger.

So, if anyone enjoys singing but is afraid of not being good enough, I encourage them to give it a go. As they say, singing is good for the soul.

Are you a tenor? All choirs could use more tenors. (Photo courtesy Durham University Voices)

The Ustinovian Easter Term 2015

Ustinov’s Annual Conference I

At its first annual conference, Ustinov College asks, ‘What makes interdisciplinarity work?’, with the subtitle ‘Crossing academic boundaries in real life’ promising a pragmatic approach to the topic.

We plan to use Durham Cathedral as bait.

(Photo: Martin Sherman)

The conference is set for Friday and Saturday, 10 and 11 July 2015, and brings together research students and established practitioners to share knowledge and insights on interdisciplinary projects.

The keynote address will be delivered by Durham’s Angela Woods, who will speak on ‘Working Knowledge: Notes on the production and performance of interdisciplinary research’.

Early presenters will take on the task of defining interdisciplinarity, a category whose capacious scope is indicated by subsequent talks taking up neuroimaging, medieval heretics, energy use, and economics, to name just a few topics.

Registration is £15.00 and includes breakfast, lunch, and drinks reception.

The online registration form (www. dur.ac.uk/conference.booking/) offers options to book accommodation and conference dinner. For more information, contact ustinov.conference@ durham.ac.uk or visit www.dur.ac.uk/ ustinov.college/scholarly.activity/ annualconference.

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#YourUstinov Instagram Competition Finalists

As part of Ustinov’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, we asked you to tag photos on Instagram that captured what Ustinov meant to you. Now it’s time to announce the finalists! The winners will be awarded at the College Honours Party on Friday, 19 June. And remember you can follow us on Instagram: @the_ustinovian.

‘home away from home’ / shizukaho

‘#deer outside my bedroom window’ / ingridagnete

‘Food.friends.home’ / raine_sunandsand

‘Proud to be #ustinovians’ / tiikairawan

‘Pooh’ / happy_from_kz

The Ustinovian is published termly, three times per year. It is produced by the students of Ustinov College. Questions, and suggestions for stories and photography may be sent to ustinov.publication@durham.ac.uk.