InQuire Issue 13.1

FR EE

www.InQuireLive.co.uk

InQuire The University of Kent’s student newspaper

Want to write for us?

16 September 2017

Meetings Mondays at 6.15pm, Student Media Centre

Issue 13.1

NEED A JOB? PAGE 26

WELCOME TO KENT!

Work on the Parkwood Hub begins News Page 3

Meet your new Vice-Chancellor News Page 5

Healthy Eating Lifestyle Page 14

What’s on Guide Culture Page 19

Find us on Social Media facebook.com/InQuireLive @InQuireLive

N I W 15 e g Pa

x5 student cookbooks to giveaway

2

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

News 2017/2018

Print and online editorial contacts: Editor-in-Chief Kiran Saggu

editor @inquiremedia.co.uk

By Annie Trafford Writer

O

Newspaper Editor

Jasper Gilardi newspaper.editor @inquiremedia.co.uk

Website Editor Vacancy

website.editor @inquiremedia.co.uk

News

Vacancy

Newspaper News Editor

newspaper.news@inquiremedia.co.uk

Vacancy

Website News Editor

website.news@inquiremedia.co.uk

Opinion

Jesse Bedayn

Newspaper Opinion Editor

newspaper.opinion@inqiremedia.co.uk

Vacancy

Website Opinion Editor

website.opinion@inquiremedia.co.uk

Lifestyle

Kent students go global with new business idea

Isabelle Dray-Sharma

Newspaper Lifestyle Editor

newspaper.lifestyle@inquiremedia.co.uk

Vacancy

Website Lifestyle Editor

n Thursday 17 August, Saga Rådh and Daniella Golden (pictured right), two University of Kent Hub students travelled to the United States to compete in the Virginia tech KnowledgeWorks Global Student Entrepreneurship Challenge. The business idea they competed with is called Todo.

Todo is an online volunteering platform where, instead of donating money, young people can use their skills to fundraise for environmental charities.

About the project Saga told InQuire “With Todo we see a way to tackle environmental issues and unemployment by offering skill based volunteering, which in the eyes of employers would

Connie Enzler

Newspaper Entertainment Editor

newspaper.entertainment @inquiremedia.co.uk

Katherine Payne

Website Entertainment Editor website.entertainment @inquiremedia.co.uk

Culture

Molly Hope

Newspaper Culture Editor

newspaper.arts@inquiremedia.co.uk

Sara Kilian

Website Culture Editor website.arts@inquiremedia.co.uk

Sport

Vacancy

Newspaper Sport Editor

newspaper.sport@inquiremedia.co.uk

Vacancy

Website Sports Editor

website.sport@inquiremedia.co.uk

Photography Vacancy

design@inquiremedia.co.uk

Events

Vacancy

events@inquiremedia.co.uk

Distribution Vacancy

distribution@inquiremedia.co.uk @InQuireLive Facebook.com/InQuireMedia Instagram.com/Canterbury_Media Youtube.com/InQuireLive

Photo by Todo but had this to say about the experience. “We had such a fun and rewarding time improving our pitch with our host company Click and Pledge, getting inspired by all the other entrepreneurs, and pitching to

Car-free Canterbury

website.lifestyle@inquiremedia.co.uk

Entertainment

have the same status as an internship”.

The University of Kent has a proven track record of supporting new businesses, with the institution representing the UK at the competition. Daniella and Saga were up against business ideas from across the globe, with students from 14 other countries competing.

Daniella and Saga put forward a business idea for the University of Kent Big Ideas Competition, run as part of the Hub for Innovation and Enterprise. The duo were selected to receive comprehensive mentoring to prepare for the Global Entrepreneurship Champion Competition and free workspace at the University’s business incubation and support unit.

Unfortunately the duo did not bring back the grand prize

By Freddy Clarke Writer

N

ew Canterbury MP, Rosie Duffield has come out in support of a car-free day cycle ride. On Saturday 23 September the Constituency Labour Party are hosting a car-free day cycle ride to encourage modal shift with the goal of one day having a car-free day in Canterbury.

They say air pollution has become one of the county’s deadly and silent killers. About the event Rosie said, “This will be a fantastic event, drawing attention to an issue often forgotten by some of our city leaders; I am supporting David Ewans and Alan Baldock, the leader of the Labour Group of Councillors, in this excellent initiative”.

Canterbury City Councillors are very aware of the increasing pollution in the city. Looking forward there are over 4000 homes to be built in South Canterbury and another 1,200 coming in Thanington, and with these new homes will bring more cars and more traffic issues.

Speaking in February 2017 Cllr Alan Baldock said “Traffic congestion is our problem; it’s our city; and we need to sort it out”.

World Car Free day is celebrated on the 22 September each year, with the aim of the day to encourage motorists to give up their cars for a day. The first car free days were held in the Netherlands and Belgium due to the crisis in Suez in 1956.

Nowadays the event “promotes improvement of mass transit, cycling and walking, and the development of communities where jobs are closer to home and where shopping is within walking distance.”

The event will start at 4pm from the Victoria Hotel, London Road, and will last for about one and a half hours.

In Canterbury, the cycle event is open to all, regardless of party and is about coming together.

the panel. We didn’t get to bring home the grand prize, but we are winners in the wonderful experience and the development this has been for Todo. Check in soon again for the launch of our first volunteer projects”.

At a Glance IN 2016-17 University of Kent alumni, staff, former staff and friends saw over £800,000 raised to support University of Kent students.

Over 1000 donations came from alumni, and the money went to scholarships, bursaries and academi awards.

THE University of Kent has reduced its carbon emissions by 14.4% since 2005 and is on track to hit its target of a 23% reduction by 2020.

THE Centre for Child Protection (CCP) team has been shortlisted for a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) 2017. The CCP team were shortlisted after providing an alternative approach to teaching and learning in child protection, applying digital and gaming industry techniques. Fifteen institutions have been shortlisted, with the top six being awarded grants of £15,000. The six will be announced on 1 November.

3

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

News

Work begins on new Parkwood Hub

By Freddy Clarke Writer

O

ver the next year the old Woodys site will be transformed into the new state-of-the-art Parkwood Hub! Woodys Bar opened in Parkwood in 1993, and over the years has got the reputation for the Stack Burger, live sports and student group socials.

The new Parkwood Hub (artists impression pictured bottom right) is scheduled for completion during summer 2018. According to Kent Union the new hub will provide: A new convenience shop to replace Parkwood Essentials boasting a broader range of fresh food, hot grab and go food and beverages A new Bar/Café to replace Woodys boasting a great coffee and beverage offer and great value, fresh, and flavoursome food; as well as some Woodys classics like the ‘Stack’!

A social/study space to relax,

Origins new menu

By Freddy Clarke Writer

F

rom 16 September, Origins will be serving an American Smokehouse style menu, featuring pulled pork, beef brisket, and halloumi burgers.

Ditching the very popular Tex-mex theme, this new menu will also offer a “brand new dining experience on campus – something that hasn’t been done before”.

The new style will be in place ready for Freshers’ Week, and we are told that the menu will be better value for money and the prices will reflect a student budget.

The new menu includes Texas Toast, Pulled Pork, Brisket, Dirty Fries, Burgers, Steaks and Po Boys, a traditional sandwich from Louisiana.

In response to the changes, InQuire ran a poll, in which 52% of people said that it was time for a change and the menu should be updated.

Photos by Kent Union

meet and make friends An IT/Study hub to stay on top of your studies or cram for your exams!

Two dance studios/student activity spaces to support our 250 sports clubs and societies engage with their members New Student Lettings Agency A mini high street for student services and an opportunity to create a community centre for Park Wood students and the wider student community.

About the development Kent Union have said “Over the last 5 years, your Sabbatical Officers have been lobbying and working hard to secure £3m from the University to redevelop the Kent Union services at Park Wood. You told us that you wanted additional social study and activity space at Park Wood and we’ve done our best to secure funding to develop a modern, contemporary building for Park Wood residents and our broader membership.”

4

News

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

5

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Meet your new Vice-Chancellor

News

InQuire sat down with Professor Karen Cox to chat about her new role, moving to Kent and what her ideas are for the university Interview by Annie Pilnik Feature by Jasper Gilardi

“

#VCQuestionTime

University is about generation and disseminating knowledge in the broadest sense. You have to remember that, because that’s what drives the things that you do”, said Professor Karen Cox, our new vice chancellor, and surely that has been what drives her with a background is in health science.

Before she arrived here at the University of Kent she was at the University of Nottingham as a graduate student, professor, head of school, faculty executive, a pro-vice chancellor in 2008, and later a deputy-vice chancellor in 2013. The InQuire team had the opportunity to sit down for an interview with our new Vice-Chancellor in mid-August. At this point undergraduate students had not yet returned to the campus, and Professor Cox was excited by the opportunity to answer the questions you students sent in.

Here’s what we learned:

“We need to refresh the University’s current strategy; it was articulated a few years ago and the world has changed.”

Professor Cox is quite new to the job and has taken over at a difficult time for the University of Kent; we face funding challenges, an ageing estate, and the looming uncertainty of freefloating Britain untethered from the E.U. Despite the obstacles in its near future, Professor Cox has dedicated her first couple of weeks to get a sense of the university; to understand what it is already doing well, and what can be improved. In doing so she has met with staff and students of various schools whose feedback will influence the plan for the university in the years to come: As she puts it: “A clear and articulate vision

We asked you for your questions to the new VC, and here is what she had to say....

Ruby asks: Is there anything you think will be a challenge?

“I think the whole role is a challenge. I mean it’s a fabulous jobs but there are huge responsibilities as well and when I think about it, it’s a large organisation, you’re spread across two campuses, a number of centres, reasonably big budget. And you want to make sure all of that is looked after. I see myself very much as an ‘ambassador’, but also as a ‘steward’, for the place.

You know, hopefully I’ll hand this to What would your advice be for somebody else even new students coming to Kent? bigger, brighter, better and that’s really It’s such an exciting time, I think important but it’s a back to when I was a student, and real challenge.”

I remember going into my halls Camille asks: What of residence and saying goodbye to my would you like the mum and dad and my sister. I remember University to look sitting in my room, thinking this is like in 20 years? fantastic, but I’m so scared, I don’t know anybody! So the advice I would give is: “I’d like in 20 years get involved. Get involved initially with for people across all the activities going on in your halls, the county to know find out about the student’s union and the university, all the activities they have to offer. Keep to know that it is an open mind, in terms of what you their university, think you want to know, because that that they have had may change as you though your course. some engagement Take every opportunity offered to you, with it. I think I’d because if you’re here for three years it like to see those will go by in a flash and you don’t want to European centres look look back and say ‘if only I’d done that’. completely different Be kind to yourself, be kind to others. so they are places Challenge where you see injustice and where Kent again is unfairness. And where you feel things known, that you’ve are not going right for you raise it got programmes that sooner rather than later. I look back on are complimentary my four years and I can honestly say it to what are offered was the most transformative experience here but that they of my life. So just enjoy it!” are sustainable in the long term so in focusing on several pressing 20 years you’ve got global challenges. programmes that people think If you would like to read the ooh I want to go to the University full transcript of our interview of Kent but I’ve got to go to Paris with Vice-Chancellor Professor for that because of the place it’s Karen Cox, you can find it on in and the expertise that we’ve our website at: got there. So I’d like to see some www.inquirelive.co.uk growth there as well.”

“ that people can buy into, but you can’t just have nice vision, you then have to turn that into a strategy to achieve it.” However, it is clear that whatever the plan may be it must be resilient to Brexit-style political change for years to come.

“We are not leaving Europe” Britain’s exit from the EU poses a unique problem for the University of Kent. As it’s slogan remains “The UK’s European University” questions rise as to how feasible this will be in the future. Professor Cox is undaunted by the change and hopes that soon the University of Kent will be able to expand it’s European campuses and make the University’s slogan a reality for more students by

encouraging them to come to the University of Kent with the understanding that they will have the opportunity to study at one of the international campuses. Furthermore, she hopes that in the future the University of Kent will continue to attract academics from all over Europe, and that there will be a straight forward way for students and staff to come here.

Vice-Chancellor Cox’s goals for the University of Kent extend far beyond its European connections. In the next twenty years she hopes that the University will be, for undergraduates, one of the top five universities in their subject area, and that it will be able to offer great professional research training to postgraduate students through our PhD programs. She also hopes that the University of Kent will be a key research institution

6

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Opinion

Is ISIS responsible for every terrorist attack that they claim?

By Moby Kline Writer

T

he terrorist attack in London on the 22nd of March, 2017, left five dead and 40 seriously injured. Before the police official recognize the attacker as being a terrorist, the media didn’t presume the attacker’s religion or motives.

It was right to refrain from commenting on the motives of the attacker before the police have come to a conclusion, but should we accept the ascription of ‘terrorist’ or ISIS’s claims that the attacker was their soldier? Yes. People often note that ISIS claims responsibility for every terrorist attack, regardless if they carried it out or not, to instill fear in the west; and many westerners refrain from labeling the attacker an “Islamic extremist” for fear of offending.

Regardless of whether or not

the terrorist was an ‘ISIS agent,’ the methods the attacker used, the car and knives, have been proposed in the rhetoric of IS leadership. Namely the chief spokesman of the group in 2014, Mohammed al-Adnani, who said, “If you are not able to find a bomb or a bullet, then smash his head with a rock, or slaughter him with a knife, or run him over with your car...”

In similar statements al-Adnani encouraged those already living in western countries to inflict as much damage there, instead of immigrating to the IS to fight. Though we should be sensitive to Islam, and accept that a very small minority of Muslims would align themselves with ISIS’s platform, the fact remains that religion is a powerful motivation.

Whether ISIS planned it or not is beside the point, the salience should rest on the fact that, if ISIS didn’t organize

this directly, they most certainly played an indirect role in motivating the attacker. Once an Islamic Caliphate has been established, however rickety, confidence in the religion or in the extremes of a religion, grows substantially.

We should not deceive ourselves about the role religion played on Wednesday, and will play again in the future. There is a revolution that is happening within the Muslim community between those who follow the innocuous side of Islam and those that don’t. We should identify the soldiers of each side correctly as the extremists Muslim’s and moderate Muslims. To suppose that religion has only a small role or no role to play in the actions of extremists is to miss the point and stand in the way of the historic religious movement that our muslim brothers and sisters are fighting within Islam.

Freedom of speech and the 2016, US election

By June May Writer

T

he first amendment to the United States Constitution is clear. Citizens of the United States have civil liberties includin the freedom of speech, of religion, of the press, and so on. these freedoms must always be upheld by the government in order to ensure that our representative democracy stands unwavering.

While our liberties may seem objective and straightforward, situations do arise that call our civil liberties into question.

In the most recent election, the lack of civility we witnessed was both appalling and unsettling, but was it unconstitutional? The freedom of speech that is guaranteed under the Bill of Rights applies to almost all situations, including the right

of politicians to be provocative, unkind, and to make gross generalizations of whole groups of people. However, as most of us have come to realize over the course of the 2016 election, it is up to the people to evaluate each candidate’s speech by our own moral compass.

Our freedom of speech shall not be infringed upon by the United States government, and thus, it is up to the people, and the media, to determine what is, and is not, appropriate speech.

In the same way that Hillary Clinton was able to dismiss half of Trump supporters as being “deplorables,” Donald Trump was able to insult Mexican-Americans by calling them rapists, and murderers.

While neither generalization was true, that’s not what was important. Instead the media

and the people chose how to interpret the candidates’ claims.

Some felt that both Clinton and Donald Trump were precise in their stereotyping, while others felt they were being unfair, rude, and presumptious.

In another instance, Trump insulted a disabled reporter in both an unkind and inconsiderate manner; some laughed at his demonstration, while others were appalled.

How the people felt about these specific situations, however, does not, and should not, warrant the violation of Donald Trump’s or Hillary Clinton’s freedom of speech. It is not the government’s job to censor the speech of their citizens, it is instead the job of the people to create a culture that does not tolerate unfair generalizations and unkindness that only perpetuate hate and ignroance.

Photo by Wikimedia

NOMINATIONS OPEN 25TH SEPT 12PM - 4TH OCTOBER 4PM VOTING OPEN 4TH OCTOBER 5PM - 9TH OCTOBER 4PM

7

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

How to best experience the University of Kent

By Jesse Bedayn Newspaper Opinion Editor

S

tarting as a fresher, especially at the University of Kent, provides one with more than enough opportunity to expand their understandings, social circles, and break any familial, social, or communal constraints that may have involuntarily established a path for the student.

University is not only a place to lose your nose in the required reading for that week, it is a place to learn through the complex amalgamation of students, teachers, and staff that make up the University of Kent—England’s European University.

This mixture of beliefs, ideas, characters, personalities, and opportunity may be accessed only minimally through the basic activities of University: lectures, seminars, and partying. To fully immerse oneself in this whirlpool of opportunity one must join clubs, societies, sports, and socials.

When I was a fresher last year, I joined every club, sport,

and society I thought I would be interested in. As expected, I was overloaded with meetings, socials, and events I could attend, but that number soon diminished, through selective culling, to those societies and clubs I found the greatest delight in attending.

Of course, I had a presumed idea of which societies I was going to enjoy more, and some of my assumptions turned out to be correct, but not all of them. If I have not drilled the point in enough, this is your chance, as a fresher, to expand your field of view, you should use this opportunity to suspend your likes, dislikes, judgments, political views, and understandings.

You should sign up for as many societies as you can, knowing you will only be able to join a few; because one will always be pleasantly surprised when male cheerleading becomes their drive or you discover your natural talent at the pool table—and what better place to find that hidden side than at University, where everyone is scared and excited, hopeful, and eager to explore.

Opinion

Living disconnected

By Jesse Bedayn Newspaper Opinion Editor

S

tarting as a fresher, especially at the University of Kent, provides one with more than enough opportunity to expand their understandings, social circles, and break any familial, social, or communal constraints that may have involuntarily established a path for the student.

University is not only a place to lose your nose in the required reading for that week, it is a place to learn through the complex amalgamation of students, teachers, and staff that make up the University of Kent.

This mixture of beliefs, ideas, characters, personalities, and opportunity may be accessed only minimally through the basic activities of University: lectures, seminars, and partying. To fully immerse oneself in this whirlpool of opportunity one must join clubs, societies, sports, and socials.

When I was a fresher last year, I joined every club, sport,

should use this opportunity to suspend your likes, dislikes, judgments, political views, and understandings.

You should sign up for as many societies as you can knowing you will only be able to join a few; because one will always be pleasantly surprised when male cheerleading becomes their drive or you discover your natural talent at the pool table—and what better place to find that hidden side than at University, where everyone is new, scared, excited, hopeful, and eager to explore.

Photo by Kent Union

Should students take civics tests in school?

By May Hassett Writer

T

Photo by Wikimedia

and society I thought I would be interested in. As expected, I was overloaded with meetings, socials, and events I could attend, but that number soon diminished, through selective culling, to those societies and clubs I found the greatest delight in attending.

Of course, I had a presumed idea of which societies I was going to enjoy more, and some of my assumptions turned out to be correct, but not all of them. If I have not drilled the point in enough, this is your chance, as a fresher, to expand your field of view, you

ests are an assessment tool, not a source of inspiration.

A comprehensive civics course should be required, but a mandatory test is a mechanism that forces teachers and students into memorizing facts rather than igniting a passion for civil engagement through creative and inspired teaching.

A government “of, by and for the people” relies upon the “people” knowing how to effectively use the power we have, to know which branch makes the laws, which executes them, and which checks them. We must know how to vote, and how to engage in a referendum, recall, and initiative.

It is the duty of the people to be politically engaged, and it is the duty of the government to educate its citizens in their rights and responsibilities.

Another mandatory test is not the carrot that will get young people engaged in the political process. A dynamic teacher is.

8

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Opinion

Should Congress pass Cap and Trade?

By Chris Targaryan Writer

T

he United States is a global superpower with the biggest economy, the strongest military, and a position of international leadership, all of which puts us in a favored position to lead by example. There are some areas, however, where our leadership falls woefully short of its opportunities and responsibilities.

Climate change has gone largely unaddressed by our Congress for the last eight years, with many lawmakers still refusing to acknowledge that it is real, despite overwhelming evidence. The Third National Climate Change Assessment released by the federal government in 2014, reported that within this century, temperatures will rise, precipitation patterns will change, droughts and heatwaves will increase, hurricanes will intensify, the ocean will rise, and the arctic will become icefree. These changes will have a radical impact on our health,

political stability, water supply, agriculture, economy, and all planetary ecosystems.

We are not now, and will not be, prepared for the changes, many of which we are already experiencing, and which will likely accelerate.

The preamble to our constitution declares that our government is established to “promote the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”

The United States must do everything we can to insure that future generations will be protected from climate-driven disruptions.

The United States government should invest in climate change research, enforce a cap and trade policy, encourage the private sector to adopt renewable practices with financial incentives, and acknowledge and publicize the severity and immediacy of the problem.

The United States currently spends $37.5 billion dollars annually on gasoline subsidies, many of which could subsidize sustainable energy resources.

In order to grow the renewable energy market, the United

States government should offer Thus, the government should credits and deductions in the enforce a cap and trade system. tax code to private compaUnder this system, businesses nies that are developing and would be given allowances for inventing renewable systems. the amount of pollutants (e.g.

Congress carbon dioxide, methane) they should also give tax incentives can release, until they reach the to consumers who cap, and could then purchase sustainsell unneeded able products, allowances such as to other solar compapanels, nies. and The hydroelectric cars.

This would in“trade” crease the part of Photo by Pics Jockey demand for the system sustainable would enable systems, and companies that inwould engage the public in vest in renewable systems the fight to limit the negative to profit from their sustaineffects that humans have on ability, and encourage more the environment. companies to do the same. This Financial incentives are immandatory system would shift portant, but they don’t always the market toward focusing on succeed in promoting sustaina- sustainable technology. ble technology.

As with any movement, it

is crucial that the public is informed, Our elected leaders should help educate the public concerning the threat of the harsh weather patterns, severe storms, and drought that accompany climate change.

Acknowledging the importance of scientific investigations and discoveries should be at the forefront of this movement, and it is vital that the government show the public that it trusts science.

The federal government has done little to address climate change, leaving it to the states and grassroots organizations.

Climate change is real, and it is not going away. This problem is complicated by partisan opposition, and by opposition from corporate entities that benefit from Congress’s failure to enact environmental reform.

A multifaceted approach that includes research, financial incentives, a cap and trade system, together with an engaged public, would ensure that the United States reduces our contribution to climate change, and serves as an example to the rest of the world.

9

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

An Introvert’s Guide to S Freshers Week

Opinion

Should our City Councilors Attend all their Meetings?

By Kiro Evans Writer

T

here’s a situation that every introvert will be aware of— nay, an expert in—and will often seek to avoid. Put simply, it is standing in a crowded room with a nearly finished drink clutched in one hand and your phone in the other. You can’t see any of your friends and the door is too far away for you to make a clandestine getaway without attracting attention.

If the very thought of that scenario just made you sick, you may be an introvert; but that is fine. Us introverts have achieved much throughout history. Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Bill Gates, to name a few, have all contributed to society despite their social inwardness. One just needs to navigate the social trap the extroverts have cruelly named “Freshers Week”. It’s their idea of a sick joke: a seven-day period where conversation and sociability are encouraged while social silence is not only

dismissed, but frowned upon.

It’s an introverts version of hell, but, handled carefully, it can be fun or, at the very least, bearable. University, as they say, is a chance to reinvent yourself, and there’s no better time to do this than Freshers Week. It provides the fresher with new faces that populate an exciting new community. Introverts should not fear. During this sacred week they will find that all social pretenses have dropped; for that one week things that were once socially unacceptable are encouraged— go up to strangers and start a debate on immigration, ask the bartender his thoughts on Chelsea’s chances of retaining the Premier League, drag the librarian to the side and ask her if she thinks Kim Jongun will trigger the end of the world. Everything that makes the opening week of University scary, may also make it refreshing and encouraging.

The reason we’re introverts is because the social world our extroverted friends have created

is not up to scratch; but here is our chance to modify, augment, re-create that world and start again.

It helps that your University will likely be organizing sociable events left, right and center, and once you’re done ridiculing and scoffing at whatever terrible theme they’ve thrown together, as any self-respecting introvert will, you should still go to it. Only by getting out of your room and meeting people can you truly give your university experience lift off.

It should be noted also that alcohol helps. To those of you who have no ethical, health, or religious objections to it, it is highly recommended. It should not be consumed recklessly of course, but a little bit here and there can lubricate the tongue, elevate the excitement, and brighten social gatherings.

In seriousness, there’s nothing wrong with being an introvert.

But when things like Freshers Week comes around, it is your chance to grow and change as a person. Don’t waste it.

hould our Canterbury Councilors attend their expected meetings?

Unfortunately, on average our councilors are six times more absent than the average UK worker.

This does not reflect all council members. Neil Baker, for example, has attended every one of his expected meetings along with nine meetings he wasn’t expected at. Nick Eden-Green had 26 meetings to attend and made them all. While a few of our councilors regularly attend their meetings, a majority of them have missed one or more expected meetings, with some missing up to ten.

In the past six months there have been 523 meetings, with 91 absences, leaving us with an 82.6% attendance rate, or 17.4% absence rate. The average UK worker, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, misses a total of 2.9% of his or her workdays a year.

According to the Canterbury City Council website, Coun-

cilors earn between £50,000 and £100,000 a year, compared with the average UK salary of £26,500. If they are receiving double to triple the amount of pay and attending their meetings six times less than the average workers, they should be held accountable.

Medway’s Council website reveals that councilors also miss, on average, between one and three meetings. This problem is not only in Canterbury.

Citizens should run for City Council not for Machiavellian ideas of political grandeur and wealth, but to serve their community. This wave of absences, coupled with councilors earning a minimum of double the average UK workers wages, is in direct threat to democracy.

Citizens pay the Council Tax so that the community’s infrastructure, wellbeing, libraries, cleanliness, and integrity may be preserved; but right now, Councilors can send an apology for their absence and be absolved. Voters who pay the Council Tax should write to their councilors and demand public explanations.

The inevitability of U.K. devolution

By Janice Hassett Writer

A

Photo by Wikipedia

By Raffi Crockett Writer

ttempting to restrict the self-determination of a people many times starts with coercive colonialism, abates to solicitations of economic and semi-autonomous freedoms, and ends in either legal reparations or violent separations. The British Empire, from seeing neither the setting nor rising sun, now sees both and generally around the same times. From Hong Kong, America, Singapore, and India, the United Kingdom has slowly lost its international grip; in some cases through gradual devolution that inevitably led to independence for the aforementioned, Commonwealth countries. The preceding and more localized inductions to the United

Kingdom—Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales—, however, have not, save for The Republic of Ireland, yet devolved to the point of independence.

Perhaps their full inclusion in the Kingdom and their proximity to their host nation has deferred full emancipation, but the accelerating snowball of devolution has been launched. In the last twenty years, Parliament has passed the Scotland Act in 2012, Government of Wales Act in 2006, and the Northern Ireland Act in 1998, all of which give relatively extensive devolved autonomy to the commonwealth nations. With the ground rules set by these historic acts, the snowball of devolution will inevitably lead to independence, and the selfdetermined seperation of the United Kingdom.

10

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Lifestyle

How technology can be used to succeed

By Isabelle Dray-Sharma Newspaper Lifestyle Editor

A

s a student, technology can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. What for many creates the perfect excuse for procrastination can also be used as a tool to focus on work and navigate student life with ease. The following websites and apps will hopefully help every student get organised and succed as they begin the academic year.

It has happened to the best of us. With the intention of having a productive study session you sit down at your laptop, open a word document, and within five minutes you have somehow ended up trawling Twitter in an attempt to find Leonardo DiCaprio’s favourite genre of music (it’s rap in case you were wondering, duh).

Browser apps such as Self-Control (for Mac) and ColdTurkey (for Windows) were designed to deal with this very real problem. They work by

blocking your chosen websites (usually Facebook, Twitter etc.) or games while you are studying, which effectively

Photo by pixabay

forces you to get on with actual work instead of whiling away the hours on social media.

Available from every app store, there is now a host of lecture recording applications which allow students to easily record and listen back to lectures at their pleasure. While many lectures are now recorded by the University and uploaded to Moodle, there are sometimes technical issues or bad sound quality, so these apps

can prove to be a lifeline when revision comes around. A few examples include Lecture Capture for iPhone, and for Android, LectureRecordings – although there are also many more out there to try.

Mobile-pocket (for both iPhone and Android), is an easy to use app, the creators of which say it can save the average student up to £100 a year.

A loyalty card app, you simply scan in the barcodes from your various membership cards and Mobile-pocket creates a scanable version of each card for easy and fuss free shopping. Rather than rifling through your wallet in a vain search at the till until eventually giving up, this app makes it quick and easy to collect loyalty points or get a great discount.

And finally, an app that all students should have on their phone, Drinkaware. This helpful app - which is available on both Android and iPhone - makes it easy to track and calculate units of alcohol.

Hurricane Harvey: A climate change calling card?

By Emma Leach Writer

O

n 17 August, tropical storm Harvey was born in the Lesser Antilles. This tropical storm went on to become a Category four major hurricane, which broke the record for the wettest tropical cyclone on record in the contiguous United States. Wind speeds of up to 132mph were recorded in Port Aransas, and in Cedar Bayou in Texas, an astonishing floodwater level of 1.32 metres was recorded.

The floodwaters displaced tens of thousands of people, damaged hundreds of thousands of homes, 85 per cent of which are uninsured against flooding, and claimed 66 lives.

The questions on many peoples’ lips are: can we expect more extreme weather events like this in the future?

And, are these weather events caused or exacerbated by climate change? The former question is easier to answer, at the time of writing, Hurricane Irma is battering the Caribbean with wind speeds of 185mph, and is expected to cause widespread devastation throughout the Caribbean and the state of Florida.

Whether these major hurricanes are caused by climate change is less straight forward. The US Global Change Research Program Climate Science Special Report draft from 28 June found an increased incidence of hurricanes in the North Atlantic since the 1970s, and has with reasonable confidence found that human activities

have contributed to ocean atmosphere variability in the same region.

There are multiple factors that lead to hurricanes, so it is almost impossible to say whether climate change could have solely caused Hurricane Harvey, however there are several ways in which climate change could be contributing

Photo by FBI.gov

to an increase in hurricane incidences and severity.

Sea surface temperatures in the area have risen by 0.5℃ in the last few decades, causing a 3.5 per cent increase in atmospheric moisture and resulting rainfall. In addition, climate models have linked human-caused climate change to an expanded high pressure system across the US, which in turn affects the position of the jet stream,

and shaped the wind patterns observed in Hurricane Harvey.

It is not only hurricanes that are on the increase, heatwaves and drought are also much more common now than they were in the 1970s. According to the World Meteorological Organisation, the number of natural disasters has seen a near five-fold increase between the 1970s and present day. If this trend continues as many experts believe it will, Hurricane Harvey should act as a warning for future disasters to come.

What is America supposed to do about the threat of a recurrence? President Trump is not known for his understanding of climate change, having pulled the USA out of the Paris Climate Accord and pronouncing climate change as a ‘Chinese hoax’ on Twitter in the past.

It will come as no surprise to many that in an executive order just two days before the birth of Harvey, the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard was revoked.

This was a standard brought in by the Obama administration with the view to ensure infrastructure was built to better withstand flooding.

It is commendable that President Trump has pledged $1 million of his money to victims of Harvey. However, with RMS solutions, a catastrophe risk modelling agency, putting the potential economic loss in the range of $70-$90 billion, President Trump may be forced to reassess his views on climate change, or grow deeper pockets.

Take a Break...

11

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Lifestyle

Instachaaz: The sticky note sensation

By Sunny Singh Writer

A

bio that reads “come for the jokes, stay for the spelling mistakes” begins the quirky, witty posts of Instagram celebrity Chaz Hutton (@ instachaaz). His posts capture a lot of what’s happening in the outside world, sprinkled with material that reaches into your soul and pulls out all the gripes and quirks that you thought were

unique to you.

The first time I saw the account, I couldn’t stop laughing; It’s like science slept with the white-collar worker, student, and post-modern bachelor simultaneously – giving birth to flowcharts and graphs that perfectly sum up the everyday of the average humanoid. Chaz Hutton is the perfect hybrid between comedian and artist – you heard me, artist. I don’t want to get into a debate about what art is and isn’t.

So, I’m just going to tell you that it’s art.

I hope that’s okay.

Condensed comics are taking over the online world, parallel to the rise of their close cousin, memes. Chaz’s work is a cross between the two – and a very effective cross at that. It’s a range of instructions on how to live life, by pointing out that this is – indeed – how many of us are living it.

Talking to Chaz, it was abundantly clear that he was aware politics is inescapable in everyone’s day-to-day routine. With the rise of Trump’s America, and the whole Brexit fiasco in the UK, expression of political ideology

Photo by Instachaaz

through art has become increasingly common. Chaz has proven that this expression can, indeed, be light-hearted.

Regarding his Instagram success, Chaz highlighted that he’s spent very little

on marketing. His rise in followers is organic, as his content is relatable. His advice to anyone looking to breakout online? Keep the same philosophy. If your content is good, fame will follow.

How to survive Freshers’ Week with your health intact

By Isabelle Dray-Sharma Newspaper Lifestyle Editor

F

reshers’ Week takes a toll on every student’s health, whether it be the result of copious late night jagerbombs in Venue, alarmingly cheap frozen ready meals, or simply the dreaded, the infamous, and some would say the unavoidable, freshers’ flu.

It can be hard while making new friends and adjusting to life away from home to pause and think of how you should be looking after yourself, but in

order to finish Freshers’ Week and enter into your first week of classes feeling, well…fresh, there are a few things you can do!

Staying hydrated is so important in the quest to avoid freshers’ flu, as well as generally maintaining all of the body’s daily processes. While simultaneously improving digestion, brain function, and assisting in oxygen flow around the body, staying properly hydrated also improves your skin immensely. While an ice cold cocktail may feel refreshing, alcohol can actually serve to dehydrate

Photo by Pixabay

you further. To combat the dry mouth and thumping headache of a hangover, just a few glasses of water before bed will keep you feeling and looking vaguely human in those 9am lectures.

To avoid boredom, try adding slices of fresh fruit such as lemon, orange, or even cucumber, to give some flavour.

It has recently emerged, following research carried out by the School of Public Health at Imperial College, London, that ten (and not the previously recommended five) portions of fruit or vegetables a day are best for your health.

So while the long awaited freedom of being able to eat whatever you want without the disapproving parental glares may be fun, in order to stay healthy, these essential vitamins and minerals should be a part of a healthy diet (although the occasional chocolate bar on the sly won’t do that much harm).

One good way to integrate fresh fruit into your food is having a chopped up banana or some berries with your cereal or toast in the mornings!

Another way to ensure all those late night Dominos and lazy hours (or days) watching Netflix don’t have a negative effect on your health is to join some societies in which the focus is on health, fitness, or sport. There is a wide array of

societies to choose from, ranging from Yoga, to rambling, to paintballing!

While also getting out into the fresh air and getting some cardio in, these societies provide the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and to explore all that Canterbury has to offer. Check out the societies and clubs on offer at Freshers’ Fair on Thursday and Friday of Freshers’ Week.

Photo by learn.weatherstem.com

12

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Lifestyle

Honeycomb Crunch Refrigerator Squares Recent graduate Rachel Phipps’ new cookbook, Student Eats, is the perfect companion to all students, whether newly moved in freshers, or those slightly more experienced (though not necessarily successful). Packed full of quick, healthy, cheap and, most importantly), delicious recipes, Student Eats will help you conquer your #FoodFails and emerge as your flat’s master chef.

To be in with a chance of winning one of the four cookbooks up for grabs, send us your biggest culinary disaster as proof of how you could benefit from it.

To enter the competition, simply send your photo via Twitter @inquirelive, on our Facebook page, InQuire Media, or email newspaper. features@inquiremedia. co.uk, and don’t forget to tag it #FoodFails! Included below is one particularity yummy recipe from the book, Honeycomb Crunch Refrigerator Squares.

RECIPE

MAKES: 12 squares | PREP TIME: 5 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling | COOKING TIME: 5 minutes

1. Measure the butter, honey and

salt into a saucepan and set over a medium heat. Stir until the butter has completely melted and combined with the honey. Add the chocolate to the pan, and stir until it is all melted and the mixture is smooth.

2. Break up the biscuits and the honeycomb bars into chunks. Stir into the chocolate mixture until everything is coated.

3. Line the bottom of a loaf tin, baking tray or brownie tin with a double layer of cling film. If you’re using one of the larger types of tin, you may want to double the amount here, or press the mix into only half the tin to avoid making super-thin and fragile bars.

Press the mixture into the prepared tray, and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

4. Once the mixture is solid, turn it out of the tin, remove the cling film, and slice into 12 small squares. These will keep in the fridge for up to a week, if they last that long!

INGREDIENTS STORE CUPBOARD 2 tablespoons runny honey A pinch of salt 50g plain chocolate, chopped FRESH 50g unsalted butter 7 digestive biscuits (approximately 100g) 3 chocolate-coated honeycomb bars (approximately 100g)

13

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Lifestyle

The forgotten truth of animal testing

By Robyn Murphy Writer

E

very year, animals are dissected, infected, injected, burned, gassed and blinded in hidden laboratories all over the world, almost always without any pain relief. This is the result of animal tests, scientific experiments in which live animals are forced through experiences that cause pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. If they are not killed by the experiments, they will be inhumanely put down once they are no longer needed.

Research by Cruelty Free International and the Dr Hadwen Trust suggests that at least 115 million animals may be used in experiments worldwide each year. There any many animals involved in experiments, including dogs, cats, rabbits, rats and mice. With very few exceptions, we do not experiment on humans without their consent; however animals cannot give their informed consent. In fact, the vast majority of experiments are so damaging that we would never even consider performing them on humans. Not only is animal testing incredibly inhumane, it is also a waste of time and money. Overreliance on animal experimentation

has historically delayed advancement of our scientific knowledge. Currently, nine out of 10 experimental drugs fail in clinical study as only two per cent of diseases in humans appear in animals; we cannot accurately predict how drugs will behave in people based on animal studies.

Indeed, replacing animal tests does not mean putting human patients at risk, or halting medical progress. Instead, replacing animal testing will improve the quality, as well as the humaneness, of our science. Almost every type of human and animal cell can be grown in a laboratory, and scientists have even managed to coax cells to grow into 3D structures, such as miniature human organs, which can provide a more realistic way to test new therapies. With

the growing sophistication of computers, the ability to ‘model’ or replicate aspects of the human body is ever more possible. Computer models of the heart, lungs, kidneys, skin, digestive and musculoskeletal systems already exist and they can be used to conduct virtual experiments based on existing information and mathematical data.

It is easy to think that being in the UK we do not perform such experiments on animals in our country. However, any person who donates to a medical charity or buys certain brands is potentially contributing towards research involving animal testing. In fact, 48 per cent of experiments in the UK were performed in universities, often using taxpayers’ funds.

Some of the biggest companies in the world unnecessarily test on animals including L’Oreal, Estree Lauder, MAC, Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever and Johnson & Johnson. However, Superdrug own brand items are 100% cruelty free and approved by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), and most of their products do not have any animal products in them either! Astonish, which makes household cleaning products, are 100 per cent free from animal products and

01227 789 666

64 Military Road, Canterbury CT1 1LU /DominosPizza

@Dominos_UK

call

dominos.co.uk

OPEN

BUAV approved, and Lush are currently 100 per cent cruelty free, in addition to being mostly free from animal products and BUAV approved.

What you can to do help: keep up to date with UKC’s new Animal Rights Committee, and join Cruelty Free International, a charity dedicated to ending animal experimentation. Also, never give to charities that test on animals, and be sure to always shop cruelty free and support companies that do not test on animals. A handy way to spot cruelty free products is to look out for the leaping bunny logo on beauty items, toiletries, and household cleaners.

The first University of Kent Animal Rights Committee has recently been launched. It is hoping to gain momentum on a variety of concerns on and off campus, especially animal testing. The committee will be at Freshers’ Fair on Thursday 21 September, if you would like to get more information on their plans for the year.

You can also join the Facebook group, UKC Animal Rights Committee, to keep you up to date with events and news, including the upcoming anti-vivisection demonstration being held on the Canterbury campus.

Opening hours Mon - Thurs: 11am - 12 midnight Fri - Sun: 11am - 1am

click & collect

tap the app

14

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Crossword Across 1. A university student in their first year (7) 5. An End Has A ___, a 2007 Editors album (5) 8. A form of football played with an oval ball (5) 9. A person who is employed to serve coffee in a coffee shop (7) 10. A solemn promise, usually invoking a divine witness (4) 11. A 2008 Taylor Swift album featuring the UK No. 1 single ‘Love Story’ (8) 14. House of ___, a 1951 M.C. Escher painting (6) 15. An informal collarless and shortsleeved top (1-5) 17. Death of a ___, a 1949 Arthur Miller play (8) 18. A county in southeastern England on

1

2

3

9 2 5

6 2 4 9 4 8 5 7 1 2 8 3 1 2 7

8 1 1

Down 1. 1996 black comedy crime film adapted for a TV series which began in 2014 (5) 2. Behind the ___, at a disadvantage, baffled (5,4) 3. David ___, British boxer who first became a world heavyweight champion in 2009 (4) 4. A person or thing that massages (6) 5. A sudden unexpected event (8)

5

6

4 9 7

3

the English Channel (4) 21. The Importance of Being ___, a play first adapted for film in 1952 (7) 23. A person who holds extreme views (5) 24. The Lone Star State of the United States (5) 25. Poets; minstrels (7)

4

Sudoku Hard

Sudoku Easy

Lifestyle

7

3

Teacher

6 2

7 2 5 6 4 5 9 8 1 8 4 7 2 5 4 8

6. A hoofed mammal used as a beast of burden (3) 7. The passage of things over, across or through a distance (7) 12. The point of the Earth’s surface directly above the focus of an earthquake (9) 13. The capital city of Belgium (8) 14. In law, the person being sued or accused (7) 16. An easy gallop (6) 19. ___, Idle ___, an 1847 poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson (5) 20. A town in Greater Manchester in England, the birthplace of Sir Robert Peel (4) 22. Oedipus ___, an ancient Greek tragedy first performed around 429 B.C. (3)

Pain

1

Plant's stalk

6 3 Puzzles by Matthew Sapsed

Fun & games Going to all your lectures and seminars can really take its toll, so take some time to relax, but keep your brain ticking over at the same time with these quick puzzles!

Arrowword Record player, say

Curved line

Dull

9 2 3

Very small

Talk in public

Pair

8

9

10

Fetching

11

Notice

Hearten

Trunk

Appeal

12

Region

13

Queue

14

Travesty In front

15

Squeeze

Burial chamber Twit

16

Go

17

18 20

21

22

19

Bother

Hostelry

23 Amend (text, say)

24

Can

Depend (on)

25

Pledge

On edge

Harper ___, novelist

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

15

Editorial

InQuire welcomes you to Kent

By Jasper Gilardi Newspaper Editor

I

only just found out recently that the UK doesn’t usually have a secondaryschool or college graduation, there is no moment designed to make you stop and contemplate that a new chapter in your life is beginning. There are graduations in the US though. Don’t worry, you haven’t missed much: you wait for two hours until your name is called so that you can shake a stranger’s hand and walk away with a fancy-looking fake leather folder with your diploma (in reality it’s a blank page; your diploma will arrive in the mail two weeks later).

But what you have missed are the speeches. The gifted speakers craft their own speeches, the less fortunate classically read from Dr.Seuss’s “Oh the Places You’ll Go”, but the message is the same: your future is out there, take it.

We, the editing staff at InQuire, want to say something similar.

Welcome to University, it’s your time, seize the day, try new things, meet new

people, recognize that University is not only a place to learn but also a place to become a better version of yourself: You 2.0. You could be the rugby player in a Kent art course moonlighting with the ballet society, or the International student coming to Kent to study English literature who discovers a profound love for the sport of quarfball. The opportunities are lying at your feet.

InQuire is your student newspaper.

We’re just like you: students, but our passion is something other than sport or an academic society. We like to write for you about the issues that are unique to your lives here. We have a news section that discusses the current events at Kent; a culture section on student interest stories, an opinion section for those who want their voices heard; a lifestyle section to tell you about the ins and outs of student life; an entertainment section to talk about what’s new in music, art, movies, and videogames; and sports which is all about sports. We’ll be with you all year.

Read on.

freshers' events guide 2017 16th - 24th september SATURDAY 16/09

SUNDAY 17/09

MONDAY 18

Eliot live music at mungos

rutherford town tour 13:00 | Outside Rutherford

Music from 21.00 | Free Entry

Campus by night - explore venues on campus 21.00 - late | Meet outside your College

freshers welcome party - free with kpass 21.00 - late | £6 entry fee

free, confidentual student advice: kentunion.co.uk/advice

13:30 | Lypeyatt court

darwin film screening 23:00 | Darwin Lecture Theatre

darwin carb crawl

13:00 | Opposite Westgate Towers

Turing meet & greet

21.00 - late | £6 entry fee

14:00 | Hut 8

darwin salsa soiree

12:00 | Outside The Venue

18:00 | Hut 8

Eliot Coll

THURSDAY 21/09

eliot town tour

turing quiz plus food

21:00 | Origins

13:00 Hut 8

Freshers' fair

11:00 - 17:00 | Plaza and Eliot Car Park

trend ft kpass

Speed mEET

16:00 | Rutherford Dining Hall

11:00

freshbook - free with kpass

WEDNESDAY 20/09

park wood games & pizza

darw scave

school disco - free with kpass £6 entry fee | 21.00 - late | Fancy dress

turing Speed meet 18:00 | Hut 8

inter college dodge ball match 13:00 - 17:00

fres hers ' fair 21.09.17 & 22.09.17

Mandela Building, University of Kent Canterbury, CT2 7NW Contact us: kentunion@kent.ac.uk | 01227 824200

£6 entry fee

8/09

TUESDAY 19/09

win selfie enger hunt

American House party 21:00 | Kbar

| Darwin Lobby

rutherford & Eliot scavenger hunt

14:00 | Meet outside Eliot College

international party free with kpass

Soap foam party

t & Turing lege tour

£6 entry fee | 21.00 - late | free entry with Kpass

- 17:00 | Turing Patio

e | 21.00 - late

freshers' fair

18:00 - 23:00 | Outside Essentials

SATURDAY 23/09

whitstable tour

11:00 - 17:00 | Plaza and Eliot Car Park

eliot social drinks

19:00 | Free Entry

21.00 - late | £6 entry fee

FRIDAY 22/09

t. kellie leigh free with

Gulbenkian outdoor cinema

SUNDAY 24/09

are you a postgraduate student?

turing film night

13:00 - 17:00 | meet outside Venue

19:00 | Hut 8

Check out the KGSA (Kent Graduate Student Association) wall planner for postgraduate specific events!

Grab one from the Graduate School or KGSA.

NXT

Freshers' ball - free with kpass

£6 entry fee | 21.00 late | free entry with Kpass

£20 tickets | 21.00 - late

get in touch kentunion.co.uk

parkwood quiz and social 17:30 | Sports Pavilion

18

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Entertainment

Game of Thrones season eight fan predictions

By Connie Enzler Newspaper Entertainment Editor

I

n case you live under a rock, or you are one of those people who think they are too cool for Game of Thrones (scoff), season seven was released last month and things are finally heating up!

While Queen Cersei tried to tighten her reigns on the continent, beloved King of the North Jon Snow finally met Queen Daenerys and pondered whether “to bend or not to bend” the knee, until he caved, in awe of her power and good heart. Together they began rallying armies, asking them to pause their petty feuds and turn their energy toward the most imminent threat of the White Walkers and their army of the dead advancing north of The Wall.

Last season, we saw a historical vision through Bran’s eyes of the day young Ned stark attempted to rescue his sister Lyanna from Targaryen kidnappers, which implied confirmation of the theory that Jon Snow is indeed not Ned’s bastard son, but his sister’s child with Rhaegar Targaryen. In the last episode of season seven, Bran Stark revealed to Sam Tarly that Lyanna and Rhaegar had secretly married, making Jon Snow officially Aegon Targaryen, legitimate heir to the Iron Throne.

With disbelief, we watched helplessly as The Wall crumbled under the blue fire of Viserion and tens of thousands of dead soldiers strolled into Westeros.

Now, all fans can do is continue to

Photo by HBO/Sky Atlantic

speculate about hidden blood relations, who will be killed off, and finally, who will end up on the Iron Throne?

Time to release my inner geek as we get into some of the most widely believed fan theories out there: Azor Ahai: A legend predicts that “the prince who was promised”, who is said to be born of both Targaryen and Northern (Stark) blood, would one day be reborn “amidst salt and smoke” to save Westeros. Many fans believe that Jon Snow’s revealed heritage and his resurrection proves that he is Azor Ahai.

That said, others point out that Azor Ahai could very well be Daenerys, who was “reborn” when her baby dragons

hatched in the fire.

Tyrion Targaryen: Remember how much Tywin Lannister hated his son Tyrion (prior to the cross-bowchamber-pot incident), presumably because his wife Joanna died from his birth? Well it’s possible that there’s more to it: that Tyrion is actually the product of an affair between Joanna and Aerys Targaryen.

Daenerys’ baby: It’s been hinted at multiple time in this past season: the witch who killed Karl Drogo may have been lying about Daenerys being rendered barren by black magic. This would mean that the night she had with Jon on the boat, who by the by, is now

confirmed to be her nephew, may not be without consequences…

Bran the Builder: We know that Bran’s ability enables him to travel back in time with his visions and affect the past by warging into people and animals, which is how he accidentally turned Wylis into Hodor. Fans predict that in trying to save Westeros, Bran will attempt to change several key moments in the past. But as the previous threeeyed raven said: “The past is already written; the ink is dry”, meaning that whatever Bran does to change it, he will only have caused exactly what ended up happening anyway. First, Bran will go back to the Mad King’s reign and whisper to him plans to better prepare the kingdom against the White Walkers, beginning his obsession with wildfire and leading to the voices in his head driving him mad, which happened historically. When this fails, he will go back to when the army of the dead was first created and lead the building of the Wall, which would mean that the legendary Bran the Builder of the Wall was actually Bran Stark all along.

Finally, Bran will attempt to stop the Children of the Forests’ ritual that created the White Walkers, and having gone too deeply, get stuck in the Night King’s mind.

Of course, nobody knows anything for sure, and as the show is now ahead of the books, we are at the screenwriters’ mercy. Perhaps we’ll discover we’ve actually been the writers all along…

13 Reasons Why: Addressing the controversy

By Connie Enzler Newspaper Entertainment Editor

I

n March, Netflix released the first season of 13 Reasons Why, a show based on a book by Jay Asher telling the story of a high school student, Hannah, who takes her own life, leaving behind 13 sides of cassette tape to the people whose collective wrongdoings led to her decision. Whereas the other 12 people hurry to listen to all the tapes, main character Clay takes his time to process them one at a time and discovers issues of bullying, drugs, and rape, all the while wondering what he did to drive Hannah, whom he cared about, to suicide.

Although the producers took advice from several expert doctors in their portrayal of the story, the show saw intense backlash from people who claim that it glamorises suicide. The controversy amplified with recent reports of several teens all over the world allegedly copying Hannah’s suicide by leaving tapes behind after they killed themselves.

In a sense, the outrage is perfectly understandable. With teen suicide

numbers drastically on the rise, it’s no wonder that the potentially dangerous effects of a show containing graphic scenes of sexual violence and self-harm are being discussed.

But if one begins to question whether dark content like this belongs on a show, they should also question whether any serious issues can be portrayed in the entertainment and artistic milieus without fear of consequences.

Having added a trigger warning at the

beginning of the first episode, Netflix is no longer responsible for the mental suitability of the individuals watching.

The truth is that the desire to take your own life is a serious one, and those who do suffer intense pain. No one can claim to know precisely what went on in the hurting minds of the people who made the conscious decision to base their suicides on 13 Reasons Why. But there is a careful distinction to be made between the show causing a person to

Photo by Netflix

end their life and a person deciding to use the method of suicide tapes over another, like leaving a note.

After getting to know a character who is already dead, the viewer wishes that the people in Hannah’s close circles had been more attentive to her state of mind and reached out with encouragement.

Most of all, the school therapist is to blame when Hannah reaches out for help and he practically tells her to “get over it and move on”, implying that her desire to die is self-obsessed and merely a way to attract attention. If even those whose job it is to detect dangers of self harm don’t take struggling individuals seriously, how can we have an open discussion about the real issues that surround us?

While I agree that it is a bit of an oversimplification to suggest that the specifics that drive a person to suicide can be pinpointed, the show does an excellent job in making viewers more aware that everything we do and say has an impact, and therefore has the potential to make people treat others better.

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

19

Entertainment

Film Review: Nolan’s version of Dunkirk

By Connie Enzler Newspaper Entertainment Editor

O

n 21 July, hugely acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan released Dunkirk, featuring brilliant actors: Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and ex-One-Direction member Harry Styles. The film was praised in the New York Times, and more impressively, received 93 per cent positive reviews on trusted rating website Rotten Tomatoes.

The film takes place during the Dunkirk evacuations of 1940, when German troops were advancing into France, trapping Allied soldiers on the French beach as enemy fighter jets bombed British rescue ships to prevent them from going home.

Nolan delivers a collage of scenes that drift between land, sea, and air, following three distinct yet interwoven perspectives. At the mole, the hope of 300,000 soldiers rises and falls with the tide (sometimes literally), as they

await rescue from the regular bombing of enemy fighter jets. On the channel, boarded vessels fail to sail far before being attacked and sunk by German shells and torpedoes; and a small civilian vessel named Moonstone, carrying an old father, his son, and a teenage tag-along, braves into battle to fish out shipwrecked survivors. In the sky, we’re offered a panoramic view of the scene through the eyes of two British spitfires as they patrol the sky and attack the enemy aircraft aiming to sink rescue ships.

Unlike many other war movies, this one is not about heroism, or the supposed glories of battle, but rather about desperation, luck, survival, and humanity.

Every single scene is breath-taking.

The filming is masterfully paired with subtle special effects to depict raw material sensations with a realism that makes one drown with the sunken soldiers, fly inside spitfires, and feel the spray of sand when shells hit the beach.

As the film draws you in, you begin to feel uneasy about how cosy and safe the cinema theatre is, realizing that most of us cannot begin to understand what it is like to be in a situation where, at any moment, the random placement of a shell could mean your sudden demise.

But beyond the epic action the real genius of Dunkirk is in the intimate, humanizing, moments. Perhaps the most marked of those moments concerns not the life of a soldier, but a teenage boy, George, who accidentally falls down the cabin stairs and wounds his head. Later, when a group of rescued soldiers floods down into the cabin, Peter warns them to be careful with the body on the floor. Carefully, a soldier gently pushes George’s body to the wall, and covers him with a blanket; a simple movement creating a powerful contrast between the value of one civilian life compared with the lives of the countless soldiers that died in the battle.

Yet, despite the various perspectives

presented in the film, there seems to one significant one that was, once again, excluded. In an interview in Connexion, Jacques Duquesne, who witnessed the Dunkirk evacuation as a ten-year-old boy, points out that only a couple of French soldiers were seen in the film, and only very minor roles. Duquesne explains that he saw “thousands of French soldiers being taken prisoner by the Germans […] after they had fought until 3 June to protect the fleeing army”.

And this is not the only film about Dunkirk that ignores the French; the characters in the 1958 film Dunkirk were all British as well. Isn’t it time to, in Duquesne’s words, “redress the balance”, instead of favouring the same group of people every time the story is told? Whether it is to feed into British patriotism, or increase Hollywood audiences, it would be nice to see historical truth for a change, and to see credit given to everyone, everywhere it’s due.

Interview with Film Soc President Alexander Vanegas

By Connie Enzler Newspaper Entertainment Editor Q: When did you first join Film Soc, and what was your first impression?

I joined the Film Society during Freshers’ Week last year. I didn’t attend it much at the beginning since it clashed with other activities I attended, then I got more involved when they eventually changed the screening day and screened Evil Dead II (1987), and The Thing (1982), which are two of my all-time favourite films.

Q: Describe a typical meeting Well, last year, meetings have been kind of restricted to watching the film.

Unfortunately, there did not seem to be a great interest in discussing

or socialising after the screenings.

However, I thank the previous committee for trusting me to organise the Get Out There film festival where we screened student short films, then criticised and discussed them. We also had a nice social afterwards. It was one of the most successful nights the society has had, so I plan on expanding on events and other activities now that I am the new president.

Q: Which film have you most enjoyed exploring at the Film Society and why?

I cannot stress enough how much I enjoy John Carpenter’s The Thing. It’s a true masterpiece that did not perform well in its theatre run back in the eighties, but is now more appreciated.

Finally being able to watch it on more

than a small TV screen was an exciting experience.

Q: What has been your overall experience like so far as a member? What has it brought to you personally?

My experience has definitely been a positive one, since I find it is very rare to be able to experience a film fully. And I think that the only way to do that is on a proper screen with a proper audio supporting the image. It’s also very stimulating to discuss your opinions of the film with other members of the society who either study film, or are very interested in it, and sometimes have differing opinions. It has helped me expand an understanding of why different people enjoy different aspects of films.

Q: What would you say to a new student thinking about joining Film Soc? Film is for everyone, for the film scholar as well as the casual viewer. If you want to enjoy and discover new and old dimensions of film, you should really think about joining our society!

You should also look forward to this year’s new activities which will include filmmaking, and much more. If you are a film lover, or are simply curious, come to a meeting and we will welcome you with open arms.

If you’re interested in joining or would like to know more, you can find Film Soc at Freshers’ Fair.

20

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Entertainment

Video game review: Saundered

By Ben Robson Writer

R

ule one of writing a critical review (no, it’s not honesty silly) is to never read anyone else’s before you’re done. There’s always a chance that their opinions will bleed into your own and end up tainting what could be an original insight into a game. The second danger is that you will be a dissenting voice in a sea of adoration, and in those instances ignorance is most certainly bliss.

Saundered peddles itself as a sort of non-linear Metroidvania Roguelike type of game; I’d try and break that down for you if you’re confused, but so am I. The core problem is the uninspired, repetitive gameplay that see-saws roughly every two minutes between adequate 2D platforming and button mashing. Although enemy spawns are supposedly random, if you count down from twenty after polishing off a wave you can probably predict when the next one is inbound. Collision doesn’t apply to the vast majority of Saundered’s enemies, meaning that intelligently kiting and picking off your foes isn’t even an option. Making any progress whatsoever means opening the map to try and make sense of the caverns, then

solving the same jumping puzzles over and over again to reach the next area. Of course, the map doesn’t pause the game (thank you Dark Souls) and the endless dredge of monstrosities make it their personal goal to throw you around the room like actual flubber. Losing sight of your character is insultingly easy, especially during some of those boss fights.

Saundered appears to draw on Lovecraftian theme. Trailers featured screams of soldiers and the protagonist as the madness of their prison devours their very sanity. So where was all this in the game? Spawning enemies on top of the player’s location could have been used to inject some real fear into the whole experience. The knowledge that you are being hunted may be scary, but when enemies are mainly an inconvenience, the process becomes exhausting.

Possibly the only achievement here is the animation. Saundered’s smooth, hand-drawn visuals really manage to inspire, if you have the time to stop and take it all in (you don’t). The player and enemies are also afforded a very crisp appearance, and the way each animation transitions into the next is both unnatural and hypnotic. The

praise stops there: as much as I do love these visuals, having fifteen or so of the same sprite dogpile me gets absurdly repetitive, and makes it difficult to appreciate the skill that went into creating it.

I need to address these damn levels: the world is split into three regions, each with their own basic layout, ability shrines, bosses, etcetera. Now, that’s all well and good, it’s Metroidvania, and Metroidvanias are fun. Yet Saundered decided to inject that formula with a healthy dose of Rogue, as is the modern indie developer’s way. The caverns rework themselves upon every death (explaining, but not justifying the tedious load times), allowing limitless potential for exploration. At least, in theory, anyone who’s really fallen in love with a procedurally generated game knows that after a while patterns begin to emerge, rooms begin to look the same, and you quickly realise that you’re walking a labyrinth and not a maze. It means less development time and less intelligent design - heck, when it came to enemy placement, Saundered just screamed NO. The game doesn’t attempt to offer anything new and hints at a great deal more than it delivers on. Thematically,

it’s a failure, and the whole Harry Potter maze deal is kind of cliché at this point.

Sure, I get the desire to pad out a game to give your audience more to do, but whatever happened to the sheer quality that handmade levels provide? You can still find that. Hollow Knight wouldn’t be a bad place to start; it’s a damn better performance than this.

And about those glowing reviews?

Yeah, I don’t understand them either; maybe there’s a different Saundered I should have bought.

remakes are genuinely good, which is not necessarily a good thing. In a recent statement, Activision - chuffed to bits with their ‘insight’ - said that they want remakes to be a large part of their new business model. It’s all too easy to get excited by the prospect of being regularly delivered raw nostalgia, especially for those who have been playing videogames since childhood, but I’m very wary about just how far this might go.

After all, these aren’t dynamic reimaginings in the vein of id Software’s DOOM; the initial excitement of seeing that boulder chase you or getting to ride a motorcycle isn’t there because it’s rehashed content, and although the opportunity to relive your childhood is comforting, it’s a very real path to stagnation. I would be supremely surprised if we didn’t see Spyro the Dragon being given the same treatment in the next few years. Like Crash, it’s another franchise close to my heart, and although I’m desperately afraid of Skylanders being my favourite dragon’s last resting point, is the process of being recycled really any better?

In the end, it doesn’t matter what’s best for the franchise - Crash recently featured in Imaginators and the code for

the Spyro the Dragon demo from way back when deactivated the cursor on the N. Sane Trilogy home screen. The games go together like Morecambe and Wise with fur and scales, meaning that one can’t realistically be given a second chance without the other. You can bet your waumpa it’ll be just as much of a success too. I’ll probably end up begrudgingly loving it, and it will prove once again that nostalgia and familiarity are a more comfortable investment than a quirky new IP. Truth be told, if they can fix that awful camera and just straight up drain all of those water levels, I’ll pre-order the damn thing.

The decision to implement Stormy Ascent as free DLC also opens some potentially interesting (if not particularly desirable) avenues. The level was cut from the original game due to a difficulty that went above and beyond the rest of the already hard-asnails title. Naughty Dog cut very little from the other two games, however, the post-Crash Bash period is lousy with cut concepts, characters, and even entire games. The most notorious example is Crash Twinsanity. Due to rushed development and an overbearing publisher, the game was left half-arsed and broken beyond belief (not like

Bethesda RPG broken, but still pretty bad). There are several self-depreciating jokes throughout, and Cortex mentions that an entire dimension was cut due to time constraints. If the franchise really will be milked until it’s inevitable and final death, I’d like to see Twinsanity made properly and with the respect it probably should have been gifted in the first place.

The final (and least stable) option that Activision has is to make a completely new instalment. It would bring a tear to my eye to see Crash flourish in new adventures that closely followed the themes and style implemented by the trilogy and Twinsanity. New levels, new storylines featuring the best cast of characters in gaming (no debate), and possibly even new or reimagined mechanics could all contribute to an interesting title that exploits recent passions and technical capabilities. I’ll put cynicism aside for a moment - this is an exciting time for videogames, where old titles could very well rise from the grave and entertain us once more.

Providing developers continue to create original content alongside the indulgent nostalgia trips, there is a great deal of potential. Activision, the gaming world is watching - don’t screw this up again.

Crushin’ crates ‘n’ chewin’ waumpa

By Ben Jonson Writer

T

he success of Activision’s N. Sane Trilogy was a surprise to everyone but gamers. Crash Bandicoot’s dramatic entrance to the industry on the original PlayStation offered a viable and entertaining alternative to Mario that truly resonated with fans. Unfortunately, the winning mix of loveable characters, tight gameplay and stellar soundtrack ended with Naughty Dog’s contract.

Crash underwent many less than fantastic iterations under numerous developers, and the franchise had been long considered deceased by those who enjoyed the original three titles.

That lightning has once again been caught in the bottle: aside from a few bugs (and a Dingodile fight that I refuse to acknowledge exists), these

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

21

Entertainment

Album review: Imagine Dragons ‘Evolve’

By Connie Enzler Newspaper Entertainment Editor

G

rammy award winning band Imagine Dragons returned on 23 June with ‘Evolve’, immediately striking controversy among critics due to their dramatic shift to a poppy, electric sound which differs drastically from their previous indie-rock style.

You probably first heard one or two songs before realising that the entire album is pretty much the same. Almost every song is undeniably catchy, but musically… there isn’t much more to it. The first track, “I Don’t know Why,” begins with risky, suspenseful electronic strings to accompany a clichéd “dangerous love”. After all, it’s not the first time that lovers emit a powerful “essence of desire”.

Perhaps the best track is “Believer”, with a powerful drum creating an energy like “Radioactive” that urges to “see the beauty through the pain” and find the spiritual awakening needed to turn “your spirit to a dove”. When he talks about pain, Reynolds means it literally: he recently spoke openly about suffering with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and joints.

Just over halfway through, a cheerful piano and drum swaying song, “Yesterday” creates the impression of a philosophical drunk raising his

Underrated songs We asked you for your favourite under-rated songs, and here is a selection of your suggestions. Tweet us @inquirelive with others!

- “Mysterons” (1994) by Portishead [trip-hop] - “Cornflake Girl” (1994) by Tori Amos [baroque pop] -”Southern Bells in London Sing’ (2004) by The Faint [electro-pop] - “Oats in the Water” (2012) by Ben Howard [folk/rock] - “Einstein’s Idea” (2013) by Johnny Flynn - folk - “II. shadows” (2014) by Childish Gambino [hip-hop/rap] - “All I Want” (2016) by Alok [future house] - “Hole in Your Heart” (2017) by Royal Blood [alternative/indie] - “Cringe” (2017) by Matt Maeson [alternative/indie]

glass, “Here’s to my future, goodbye to yesterday”.

After slowing down in “Walking the Wire”, an emotional acoustic-toexplosion track about taking risky steps forward, the awakening continues in “Thunder” with skippy vocals repeating “thunder, feel the thunder, lightning and the thunder” stretched out over bass-notes to create the illusion of a full song. They tried to cram too many

words in the explosive chorus of “Rise Up,” but a small silver lining in the form of harmonious voices shone in the (brief) bridge; it’s a shame they brought back the overflowing chorus for the nth time right after.

When “Start Over” takes over with jumpy colours similar to “On Top of the World” one is glad for a change of pace, although the lyrics hold nothing brilliant with the confession “I know I

did you wrong”, before begging “can we start over before it’s over” over and over and over…

The album ends with echoes of disco colours under an ascending melody singing “If you ever wanna join me baby, I’ll be dancing in the dark” to replicate the welcome numbness of the dancefloor. Ending with the electronic dots of “Dancing in the Dark” was a solid decision that differed from the cheesy messages that close many other artists’ albums.

So here’s the deal: although it had some decent elements, I wouldn’t call ‘Evolve’ musically good. At this point in Imagine Dragons’ career, it’s clear to everyone that they’re naturals when it comes to catchy beats and explosive choruses. Anyone can write a catchy pop song; the crappiest pop stars do it. What made them so special was their ability to use instruments to their benefit in delivering a raw, indie-rock sound. If you keep the catchiness and ditch the instruments, all you’re left with are some vague electronic noises to uphold repetitive chord progressions. They’ve proven their talent for innovation in previous albums and touched on it here in “Yesterday” and “Dancing in the Dark”. Instead of keeping the style and changing the sound, I hope that Imagine Dragons will pick their instruments back up and allow themselves to further experiment with song composition.

Ready for the same old Taylor?

By Kaiesha Cargill Writer

T

aylor Swift has undeniably grabbed the attention of millions since resetting her social media on 18 August, and continuing with the unexpected release of the first two singles off her latest album, “Look What You Made Me Do” and “…Ready For It?”. It is clear this album will set itself aside from Swift’s previous five albums, as she throws shade at her ‘haters’ and the media, who have frequently demonised her. This album marks a point of no-return for Swift, as she advised us in her first single for the new album, ‘Reputation’: “the old Taylor… [is] dead.” This single statement begs the question I’m sure many are asking: is the ‘old’ Taylor, who is epitomised by playing the victim in every scenario, truly dead? Has she moved on from headline stories such as the infamous Kanye West ordeal where she twisted the story to make herself the object of sympathy? Has she wiped the slate clean, like her blank social media pages seemed to suggest, and moved on from the controversy that has followed her throughout her career?

We need only listen to the messages in the first two singles from ‘Reputation’ to find the answers to these questions.

Although “Look What You Made Me Do” has earned Swift a chart-topping comeback, the lyrics reveal a childish and repetitive view of the way she has been singled-out and thwarted by the media. The music video is incredibly self-referential and seems to be a retelling of her fall down the celebrity rabbit hole, and how she eventually completely loses her reputation. The fault lies, of course, with others, and has caused her to be targeted by the media in magazines, on TV, and online.

It can be agreed that the media has drawn particular attention to Swift’s love life, friendship groups, arguments, and feminist actions (or lack thereof), but the pop star’s portrayal of this convoluted battle in her single and music video present her as entirely faultless and shrugs blame off her own shoulders.

The way I see it, Swift has solidified her reputation as a materialistic, mercenary, money-grabbing rich girl by partnering with Ticketmaster to create

their ‘Verified Fan’ deal. In this, Swift rewards her ‘loyal’ fans – those who buy her merchandise or promote her music online – with ease-of-access to her concert tickets. This partnership is reflective of a hierarchical relationship to which the popstar expects her “Swifties” to happily sign onto. Clearly, she is capitalising off her long-awaited vengeful comeback, and savouring every second of it.

I confess that that I have passionately loved Taylor Swift’s music since I was thirteen and “Love Story” played on the radio. The soft country music and my hopeless-romantic personality got on like a house on fire, and the rest was history.

But in more recent years there was something off that I couldn’t put my finger on, and as time moved on, so did her country music that I loved, and her happy-go-lucky, cutesy personality.

What was left was the realisation of Swift’s undying love for victimhood, money, and celebrity feuds. So yes, the old Taylor is ‘dead’, but you do have to wonder what kind of new Taylor she has left in her wake.

22

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Culture

The Gulbenkian Cinema listings Times AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL (15) Fri 15th - Mon 18th Sep 2017 ENGLAND IS MINE (15) Fri 15th - Sun 17th Sep 2017 HOTEL SALVATION (PG) Sun 17th Sep 2017 INSYRIATED (15) Fri 22nd - Sun 24th Sep 2017 LOGAN LUCKY (12A) Fri 22nd - Tue 26th Sep 2017 VALERIAN(12A) Sat 23rd Sep 2017 AN EVENING OF SILENT CINEMA Sat 23rd Sep 2017 DRIVE-IN MOVIE: TOP GUN (12A) Sat 23rd `Sep 2017

Jekyll and Hyde

By Molly Hope Newspaper Culture Editor

U

niversity of Kent Players return to the Gulbenkian Theatre with Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, adapted

by David Edgar.

The famous tale of Dr Jekyll, the outwardly respectable and virtuous man whose darker side is given terrifying life in the form of murderous Mr Hyde, has been vividly and thrillingly adapted for the stage using the aesthetics of steampunk style.

In his directorial debut, David Atkins has taken on the exciting tale of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde; an exploration into the dark side of human nature which lies beneath the veneer of social respectability. Mr Atkins explained: “I have always been interested in the themes of duality, freedom, secrets, and both the psychological and behavioural consequences of keeping secrets. I also love horror. The penny dreadful genre of the 19th century, and associated literature, was a natural area to explore the emotions of fear and awe that horror evokes. Robert Louis Stevenson had connected these emotions against the developing backdrop of forensic

Photo by Kent Players

science of the age he was living in, and the themes of duality and psychological freedom.”

David also describes exploring the issue of gender in the production.

“When Leila, my assistant director, and I began working on this production, we decided to explore gender as a means of expressing the nature of Robert Louis Stevenson’s characters,” he said, “we cast a female lead as the male Jekyll

THE JUNGLE BOOK (U) Sun 24th Sep 2017

Drive-in to Top Gun

CROSSINGS; STRANGER IN PARADISE (15) Thu 28th Sep 2017

G

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (15) Fri 29th Sep - Sun 1st Oct 2017 KILLS ON WHEELS Sat 30th Sep 2017 DETROIT (15) Fri 29th Sep - Sun 8th Oct 2017 WIND RIVER (15) Fri 6th - Sun 8th Oct 2017

Prices Full - £8.50 GulbCard Member - £6.50 Senior - £7.50 Registered Disabled - £7.50 Student - £5.30 Student GulbCard Member - £4.30 Unemployed - £7.50

et a group of your friends together on Saturday 23 September and enjoy watching a classic piece of cinematic history in a ‘drive in’ setting from your car, or lounge on a deck chair provided by The Gulbenkian in its seating area. Grab a blanket and dress for outdoor weather to make sure you are comfortable.

The United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school, the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School, is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot, Lieutenant Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise), is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanour put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer). But Maverick isn’t only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he’s also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (Kelly McGillis).

The previous drive-in screenings of Grease and Dirty Dancing were an

immense success, and this screening is sure to be no different.

The event will be held on the Giles Lane Car Park on the University campus, opposite The Gulbenkian.

To make the experience as brilliant as possible, the film will be screened on an Airscreen – a huge outdoor inflatable screen, five metres high by nine metres wide.

While the seated area will have a sound system, the cars will be able to tune in to an FM frequency on their radio.

The Gulbenkian Café will also be running a burger bar at the screening, serving Brogdale Beef burgers and Halloumi & Portobello mushroom burgers, along with a range of snacks.

Time to get in the university spirit and enjoy a classic on a big, outdoor screen.

The main feature commences at 7.30pm. Tickets: Car £25 / Deckchair £10.

and Hyde to enable us to explore how naturally feminine qualities would cast a new light on Hyde’s charisma and power, and give a new perspective on the idea of Jekyll’s duality.”

David also expanded on how he arrived at the steampunk aesthetic of the production: “Leila and I dreamed of staging the show as a representation of Jekyll’s fragmented mind, to allow the audience to experience the spiraling tragedy of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde; not unlike observing the cogs and inner mechanisms of a pocket watch, ubiquitous of Steampunk.”

For this production, the Players have chosen to support Take Off, a Kentbased charity which works to support those with long-term mental and physical health conditions. Proceeds will go to the charity.

Jekyll and Hyde will be at the Gulbenkian on Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 September. 7.30pm.

Tickets: £10/ Students £8.

For more information and tickets please visit www.thegulbenkian. co.uk or call the box office on 01227 769075.

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

23

Culture

Best places to study in Canterbury

By Molly Hope Newspaper Culture Edior

I

hate to be the bearer of bad news, but once Freshers’ Week is over you might actually have to start thinking about doing some work. Whilst I’m sure you have everything you need in your room, at some point, I can assure you, you’ll be desperate for a change of scenery. Cafés are always a popular place to work on your laptop, but there’s nothing worse than turning up to a café and there’s no plug for your laptop charger, no comfy seats or no good food.

Fear not, Canterbury has many lovely cafes to sit with a laptop or curl up with a book, if you know where to look.

There’s no need to head far away from campus if you’re looking for a quick getaway. Our very own Templeman Library is the perfect place to get some much-needed escape. It boasts some amazing coffee and very affordable pastries that are often exactly what you need to get you through a tough study session. What’s more, because the library is designed specifically for student usage, you’ll never be short of

a plug socket or reading material to get the creative juices flowing.

On the warmer days in Canterbury there is truly nothing better than sitting on the grass on Tyler Hill with your work. As long as your laptop is fully charged, and you haven’t got too many loose papers that could be blown away in the wind, then it’s the perfect study spot. The fresh air and the stunning

view over Canterbury is sure to inspire you, and it’s where I personally did the majority of my exam revision last summer.

If you’re willing to venture a little further away from the University, catch the bus into town and head to one of the many cosy cafés. A personal favourite of mine, that I discovered mid-way through my first year, is Kitch. With

F i n d u s : 2 H i g h S t r e e t, C a n t e r b u r y OPEN EVERY DAY:10AM-11PM Waffles, crepes, sundaes & much more!

big bay windows overlooking the High Street, healthy hangover food, like avocado and egg on toast, and good WiFi, it’s a winning combination for some good studying.

Whilst I love little independent cafés, I am also a huge fan of the Waterstones café in Whitefriars. There is something incredibly motivating about being surrounded by a sea of books. With spacious tables, plug sockets, super comfy arm chairs, and friendly staff who are always willing to give a book recommendation, it’s one of my favourite spots to do some reading away from campus.

However, if you’re willing to go the distance by bus or have easy access to a car, then I cannot urge you enough to take the short trip down to Whitstable. Getting out of Canterbury can sometimes be just what you need to snap out of a procrastinating funk. The sea air and abundance of fish and chip shops is enough to get even the laziest student feeling energised. On a sunny day, lying on the beach with a book or laptop won’t even feel like work, I promise.

24

Culture

Poetry Corner The Sun Chaser The sun chaser leaps And cavorts through the hills ‘Till dusk when he sleeps Does he enjoy his sunny thrills He leaps and follows the sun, wherever it may lead ‘Till the day is done, he goes without heed He follows the sun from dawn till dusk, With rucksack and cash, with boots and a grin, He travels ‘cross countries, continents, To the sun.

Upon the crest of every hill he, Raising his hand above his eyes, Orients the sun and himself, By so looking at the skies And, finding the bluff where next He will sit He marks his destination Upon a parched, picnic napkin He’s gone around the world you know, He’s never known the moon, Always does he frolic in the elegant ray And never the cold sheets of gray Well one day he fell Without hesitation he rang his bell No answer did return, And so he, stuck with unjury, Had to let the sun go Planning to die that night he was, For never had he seen the sun set, And feared its coming, When the sky turned a dark red And the clouds puffed scarlet on the horizon, He felt deeply impressed Beauty in the suns death did he espy And he found it consoling that night But in the morn, when He did wake Upon seeing the ascension of his God, He through his hands up aghast, For never had the sun been so pretty As when it had been lost for so long

Raffi Crockett

If you would like your poetry featured in the paper email us at newspaper.culture@ inquiremedia.co.uk

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Inspiring Canterbury history

By Isabelle Spurway Writer

A

s a university student, the most important things you can have during your degree is inspiration.

Mental stimulation allows us to make the most of an experience, encouraging us to discover elements of ourselves we perhaps wouldn’t have noticed before.

Whether this is obtained through your seminar leaders, the content of your modules, or even your surroundings, it is vital to be inspired during your time at university. As a city, Canterbury is brimming with culture and history, but we are also lucky enough to have a campus away from the hustle and bustle of the main town.

Canterbury’s vivid history is what makes it truly inspirational. Canterbury is the home of Geoffrey Chaucer, and the Chaucer museum offers a unique insight into the author of The Canterbury Tales, his most famous collection of stories. John Keats came to Canterbury when he was at a loss for inspiration during a difficult period of his life, and his poem ‘Endymion’ is thought to be about elements of the city, such as the historic cathedral.

Canterbury is also the birthplace of Christopher Marlowe, a famous playwright. The Marlowe theatre, named after the playwright, is a popular destination to watch exciting plays and productions that is worth a visit.

The fact that Canterbury boasts so many successful writers shows how inspirational it is as a place to grow and study, and its abundant history is still thriving within its walls. Your imagination will flow more easily if you see something new, or appreciate

something old, and luckily for you Canterbury has elements of both.

Our modern world of shops and restaurants appears richer and more exciting when surrounded by the old city walls. Coming home from a night out in town and walking through the big archway towards the bus stop is a quirky yet charming aspect of the city, and proves that you’re never far away from endearing culture. It’s times like these that you can picture exactly what novelists like Chaucer observed strolling through the city hundreds of years ago.

If you wander down the cobbled side streets off the main shopping stretch, you get the most amazing view of the cathedral, tucked away behind old buildings and shops. It really does look

like something off a postcard, the view appears unchanged and untouched by modern society. This glimpse into the past can inspire the imagination and as a literature lover, the feeling of transportation you encounter is not unlike that experienced when you delve into a gripping historical novel.

Inspiration is crucial for every degree offered at Kent University. We need inspiration to write thought-provoking essays, to come up with a great thesis, and to be motivated to do the best we possibly can during our time as a student.

So, make sure you leave your room every so often, lift your eyes and explore Canterbury. You might just surprise yourself with what you come up with.

The Good Old Days: Oaxaca

By Jasper Gilardi Newspaper Editor

O

ften “the good old days” are a fuzzy depiction of our past, but we idolise it. The past captures our imagination and we find ourselves wishing that some part of it could be our reality. But “the good old days” do exist, they exist now. I found them in a small town in Oaxaca, a southern state in Mexico.

Sometimes “the good old days” meant the two ladies passing by on the street in their donkey pulled cart, other times it meant an unexpected but friendly invitation for a meal. Not wanting to be rude I would accept, sometimes I ended up eating two or three dinners in an evening. People would say hello to each other on the street, even to a complete stranger like me. It made for a cheerful, relaxed atmosphere, I couldn’t help but be comfortable.

I was in the town to do research for my dissertation, I was there to ask questions about how illegal migrants evaluated risk in the decision to migrate. Again I found that “the good old days” still existed. Many of the men and women that I interviewed had migrated to support their families. They dedicated themselves to helping the lives of others. Some as young as sixteen had braved the unknown and migrated to the US. Often they face unfathomable conditions only to find low wage work.

Many would not know that in trying to achieve their dreams they would nearly die of thirst while lost in the desert, or face armed gangs who routinely rape, rob, or kill migrants as they cross the border. But most make it. They find jobs and often work 60-70 hours a week.

More often than not I found myself asking when they would get a chance to sleep.

The people I spoke to gave up a lot for the chance to make money. They left family behind; sons and daughters, hardly old enough to stand, who they knew only over the phone. They return years later to loved ones that they hardly know. That is the reality of the migrant, it is a dedication to family and community that makes me believe that “the good old days” do exist.

But things in life aren’t that simple.

Others I spoke to had migrated with the most admirable of intentions only to be consumed by drugs, or a gang, only returning home after being arrested and deported.

One addict sat on the same street corner every day, his mind irreparably damaged by drugs he discovered in America. He wouldn’t say hello when I passed, when anybody passed. He would just sit and stare aimlessly as “the good old days”, passed him by.

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Kent Dance

K

ent Dance are the biggest dance society on campus, which includes a diverse range of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, Irish and Bollywood.

To encourage dancing as much as possible they hold classes every week for all categories and all abilities.

So, no matter the amount Photos by Kent Dance of dance experience you have, there is a place for you in this society!

They attend competitions at various different universities throughout the year, from the top national competition at Loughborough, to our very own local rivalry with Canterbury Christ Church University for Varsity. You can try out their two taster weeks to experience a little snippet of what they are about, and they have auditions for competition squads in which all are encouraged to try out. They would love to see as many new faces there as possible.

But the best part of Kent Dance are their socials, and what is a dance

society without dancing until the early hours of the morning? Having dancing in common is sure to create an unbreakable bond of fun and friendship that will last a lifetime.

They would love to have you in their society during your time at university so pop down and see them at the Freshers’ Fair!

You can also find them on Facebook as Kent Dance!

T24 Drama

T

24 are a drama society, currently going into their 51st year. They put on six shows a term, of which two are in professional theatre spaces (The Gulbenkian and The Marlowe Theatre Studio).

If you’re a budding actor or actress then be sure to pop down to one of their bi-weekly drama workshops, where you can enhance and develop your knowledge. In the alternate weeks, they also run improvisation sessions so that everyone has the chance to come and give it a try.

But, if acting is not your forte they also offer the opportunity to direct and publicise the shows, as well as to try your hand at tech. For any playwrights among you, they strongly encourage new writing, and run a weekly session titled Work in Progress (WiP) where anyone can come and try out new material and have willing participants to get up on their feet in a safe and trusting environment. They also have a ton of socials lined up where everyone can come along and get involved (drinking and non-drinking). The society has a huge emphasis on supporting one another and has a “big family”

atmosphere that’ll make you feel right at home. They operate a democracy where everyone can pitch to put on a show and everyone votes for the show they like the best. They have even gone on trips abroad to Berlin and have also taken a show up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, so it’s well worth getting involved.

Go to www.t24drama.com, where lots of information can be found including links to their social media accounts to keep in the loop about everything T24.

25

Culture Literature review: All the Dirty Parts

by Daniel Handler

By Molly Hope Newspaper Culture Editor

I

was on my early morning commute into London as I innocently flipped open the first page of this book. As I read the first lines my eyes widened and I glanced surreptitiously at my fellow commuters, pulling the book slightly closer to my chest. I’ll tell you right now that the name of this book is not a misnomer, it is literally… all the dirty parts. However, as I grew more accustomed to the unrelenting references to sex and nudity, it became clear to me that this book’s purpose was far more profound than just to make me and other unsuspecting readers blush. In fact, the brutal honesty with which the author deals with many highly topical issues felt like a breath of fresh air. There are no pretences, no romanticising, just a refreshingly candid look into some of the new and complex issues many teenagers in today’s world are dealing with.

Written in a stream of consciousness style, the protagonist, a teenage boy named Cole, takes us on an intense, albeit brief, journey into his psyche.

The acceptance of bisexuality and homosexuality was refreshing and non-dramatic, but Handler doesn’t miss an opportunity to highlight some all too common issues with masculinity that society imposes upon young boys.

Cole’s infatuation with the exotic and feminist character of Grazelle was strikingly different to the romances I usually came across in novels. She truly struck a chord with me and I wish I could have read a character like her when I was younger. Contrasting to many women in fiction who men deem attractive, Grazelle is unapologetic and non-conformist to modern beauty standards, choosing not to shave her armpits for example.

I cannot truthfully review this book without touching on the issue of pornography, as it is featured an inordinate amount throughout. At first the extent to which it is mentioned may seem excessive, but put yourself in the shoes of a young teenage boy who may read this book. Just as Grazelle would have been a comfort to my younger self, I feel the same can be said for a teenage boy reading about Cole’s pornography habits and other stereotypically ‘taboo’ thoughts. As I have mentioned, the frankness of this book will no doubt make you cringe at least once, but that is only because we don’t how to react when we’re suddenly confronted with a kind of honesty that is not normally found in mainstream literature.

Handler has been fearless and unashamed in his writing of All the Dirty Parts, and the result is a true insight into a new generation of teens that I think is well worth a read.

Photography

by Robyn Grant

26

Saturday 16 September 2017 InQuire

Classifieds

FIND A JOB THAT FITS AROUND YOU AND YOUR STUDIES Humanities Web and Content Editor The successful applicant will be responsible for creating content for the Humanities blog and social media which raises the profile of the Faculty.

Location: Canterbury Campus Hours: 4 weeks per week in term Salary: Meets minimum wage requirements

City Trails Assistant – Content, Social Media, Marketing

A company that specialises in apps for creating trails around popular cities is looking for two assistants to help with the new urban discovery app.

Location: Canterbury Hours: Flexible – from 7 to 35 Salary: £10 per hour

Southbeats Festival Staff Southbeats Festival are looking for enthusiastic, friendly, outgoing people to join their team at the Southbeats Festival. A fantastic way to earn money and see various top name acts.

Location: Port Lympne, Folkestone – There will be a free shuttle bus from Club Chemistry to the event and once you have finished shuttle buses brining you back to Canterbury Hours: Will be confirmed at interview Salary: £8 per hour

Graduate Attribute Interns Kent Union are offering two internship positions focusing on bringing a Graduates Attributes scheme to life.

Location: Canterbury Campus Hours: 8 – 10 per week over the course of 18 weeks

Estates Morning Cleaners

We are looking for people to join the Estates cleaning team in the new term. This is quite a demanding role and you do need to be very committed.

Location: Canterbury Campus Hours: Monday – Friday 7am – 11am Salary: Min. wage

Student Fundraisers

The Development Office runs a fundraising telephone campaign to raise money for the Kent Opportunity Fund which helps support students. We are looking for student fundraisers to call University alumni, talk to them about their time at University and fundraise for the KOF. Location: Canterbury Campus Salary: £7.09 hourly rate

Chappell Contemporary – Art Gallery Sales Assistant

General Bar Staff Club Chemistry are looking for friendly, outgoing people to join their team at Club Chemistry.

Location: Canterbury Salary: Starting from £6.22 per hour

A contemporary art gallery in Whitstable are looking for a sales assistant. The successful applicant must have a knowledge and passion for contemporary art as well as being outgoing, approachable and presentable in nature.

Location: Whitstable Hours: Sundays 11-4pm, Bank Holidays 11-3pm Salary: £8 per hour

Weekend Showroom Sales Support – BMW Canterbury

CATS College Foreign Language Tutors We have various adverts on the Jobshop advertising position for tutors who speak the following languages: Albanian, Iranian, Portuguese, Urdu and Turkish. This is for a popular International College in Canterbury.

Location: Canterbury Hours: To fit in student’s timetables Salary: £24.85 per hour

Broad Oak BMW Canterbury are looking for a Weekend Showroom Sales Support Assistant to be responsible for welcoming customers, providing additional help and assistance to the sales team and undertaking administrative duties.

Location: Canterbury Hours: Saturday 8:30am – 17:30pm and Sunday 10am – 16:00pm Salary: £8.50 per hour

FIND A JOB THAT FITS AROUND YOU AND YOUR STUDIES

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THESE ROLES, GO ONLINE TO: KENTUNION.CO.UK/JOBS

What is Jobshop? We sat down with the Jobshop team to ask them all about their services and how you can get involved What is the Jobshop?

The Jobshop is a Kent Union run job advertising agency which promotes part-time, temporary and seasonal job opportunities exclusively for students. To check for available vacancies all you need to do is login to the Kent Union website, click on the Jobshop and search through the job listings.

How do I sign up for job alerts?

Sign up for job alerts after you have fully registered as a student at Arrivals Weekend or throughout Arrivals Week.

Just login to the Kent Union website with your Kent ID and opt-in for email alerts from us. We send one email out per week with all the latest job opportunities for you to apply for! In addition, you can like our Facebook page jobshop@ kent for more regular updates and news on our upcoming employer events including our big Recruitment Fair!

What sort of jobs do you advertise?

We advertise jobs on the Canterbury and Medway campuses and externally. The jobs can be anything from bar work, admin, telephone work, translators, and ambassadors to course related part-time roles. All of the roles we advertised are paid and can be as regular as 8 hours per week to one off jobs for a day or even 2 hours. So even if you need a little extra cash at Christmas we always have lots of short-term opportunities!

What tips can you provide for students looking for work when they arrive?

If you’re an international student…

You will need to make sure you apply for a National Insurance number from HM Revenue and Customs. Pop into the Jobshop and we can give you information about applying for an NI number. You must also make sure that you find a job that fits in with the allocated work hour limit stated on your VISA.

PART TIME, TEMPORARY AND SEASONAL JOBS Make sure you have an upto-date CV and write a great cover letter that sells yourself as being a perfect fit for the role. There are lots of tips on the University of Kent’s Careers website with examples of good and bad CVs. In your job application ensure that you introduce yourself in the appropriate manner when emailing employers.

TUESDAY 14TH MARCH |12PM - 3PM DARWIN CONFERENCE SUITE

SPONSORING THE JOBSHOP RECRUITMENT FAIR

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THESE ROLES, GO ONLINE TO: KENTUNION.CO.UK/JOBS

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING HERE? EMAIL: JOBSHOP@KENT.AC.UK

27

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Classifieds

FREE AD Student groups Template text. are

entitled to a free ad in InQuire.

read more online www.inquirelive.co.uk

Email us to find out more information

NUS EXTRA CARDS Template text.

Save on top brands including Amazon and Jack Wills, as well as on local restaurants.

ONLY £12 visit Mandela Reception

CANTERBURY’S COMMUNITY & STUDENT RADIO STATION 01227 258 258 www.csrfm.com 97.4 FM in Canterbury www.ktvlive.co.uk

@csrfm

Your ad here 01227 816101

FIND A JOB THAT FITS AROUND YOU AND YOUR STUDIES. inquirelive.co.uk/jobshop

KENT TECH www.kenttech.co.uk

SOUND LIGHT STAGE POWER

28

Societies

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Meet your 17/18 Officer Team What is a Sabbatical Officer?

A sabbatical officer is a full-time officer elected by the members of a students’ union. As a charity, Kent Union Sabbatical officers are also trustees of their students’ union and sit on the board of directors of the union. Sabbs are elected annually, for a one year term. Sabbatical years are either taken in between years of study or else immediately after graduation. They are also full-time paid positions.

Name: Ruth Wilkinson Degree: (BA) English Literature & Creative Writing Fun Fact: Was once accidentally an extra in a film with Orlando Bloom Name: Aaron Thompson Degree: (BA) Accounting & Finance with a year in Industry Fun Fact: Has appeared in two music videos

Name: Clara Lee Degree: (BA) Politics & International Relations with a year in Hong Kong Fun Fact: I once* got so scared from a spider that I dragged my mattress downstairs to sleep in the living room. *once being last week Name: Fraser Inglis Degree: (BA) Politics & International Relations Fun Fact: Has a black belt in karate Name: Stuart Lidbetter Degree: (BA) Ancient History & (MA) Roman History & Archaeology with a term in Rome Fun Fact: Has a podcast Turn over to page 30 to find out more about thier joint manifesto...

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

29

Meet your Societies Exec team

S

ocieties Executive are 11 elected volunteers (pictured below) who help the VP Activities oversee, empower and represent societies. They deal with new society applications and applications to the development fund, as well as organising events like Society Networking nights. Get in touch with union-activities@kent.ac.uk with any ideas about events you want them to run!

The committee are responsible for

Natalie Collins Vice-Chair

Mario Elia

Special Interest Societies Forum Rep

empowering all societies and providing support for groups; including which new societies to ratify, which development fund applications to approve, supporting the running of inter-society events in order to promote, and recognise and showcase societies.

There is also the Kent Community Action (KCA) committee who are responsible for organising volunteering opportunities, approving project development and generally supporting

Rowena Bicknell Members Reps

Douglass Carr

Politics and Campaigning Societies Forum Rep

the department. The KCA are: Aaron Thompson – VP Activities Brandon Okeke – Project Officer (Wellbeing) Danel Nugmanova – Project Officer (Environment) Megan Lowe – Project Officer (Community) Rebecca Harding – Project Officer (International) If you have any issues please email KCACommittee@kent.ac.uk.

Members Rep

Academic Communities Forum Rep

Gregory Cooper

Timo Kuerten

Alisha Alia

Lily Vincent-Frankland Performance Societies Forum Rep

Ahmed Raza

Maria-Valentina Bruns

Faith and Belief Societies Forum Rep

Physical Societies Forum Rep

Societies

#AskAnAdvisor Each edition we will be posing your questions to Kent Union’s Student Advice Centre. If you have a question let us know, email advice@kent.ac.uk and put InQuire in the subject.

‘I have applied for funding from the Student Loan Company but don’t know when I will get it?’

Providing all the paperwork the SLC asked for has been returned, funding will be released as soon as you register – and physically attend – university.

If you register and the funds do not arrive in your designated bank account within 48 hours then go to the Student Advice Centre (which is located in the Mandela Building) between 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday.

Ask to speak to the Duty Adviser and they will able to help you check out what has happened.

Cultural Societies Forum Rep

Welcome to Kent from the Advice Centre

K

ent Union has a dedicated Student Advice Centre located in Mandela Building.

The team of Student Advisers offer free, independent, impartial advice, information and assistance to all students studying at the University of Kent.

The service is totally confidential so any information shared with a Student Adviser is not passed on to a third party without permission.

Advice is available in a number of areas including, funding, finances

generally, hardship funds, housing, immigration, academic issues and disciplinary matters, to name just a few.

A Student Adviser can help with the preparation of a budget – boring but essential or checking a tenancy agreement before it is signed to make sure is right, everything is clear and everyone knows what they are agreeing to.

The Advice Centre is open Monday to Friday between 10am – 4pm (term time) and 1pm – 4pm (in vacation).

Appointments of about 45 minutes are

available for complex matters but for quick advice (about 15 minutes) a Duty Adviser is available daily. No waiting just drop in and ask to see the Duty Adviser.

Please don’t struggle if you’re worried about something - check out the advice centre area of the Union website (www. kentunion.co.uk/welfare/advice) and see if the answer is there or drop in to the advice centre and see an adviser or student member of staff who will be able to make an appointment or provide information.

‘My funding from the Student Loan Company has not arrived and I have no money. What can I do?’

Go to the Student Advice Centre and ask to see a Student Adviser. The Student Adviser will be able to check out what is holding up the payment and check whether any documents are outstanding.

In some cases it is possible for apply for some emergency money from the University to help until your funding arrives.

A Student Adviser can give you information about this as well. A Duty Adviser is available at the Student Advice Centre (which is located in the Mandela Building) which is open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

For more help and support on any of the issues above or if you are in need of advice please contact the Advice team on advice@kent.ac.uk or 01227 827724 (10am - 4pm, Monday to Friday)

Stuart Lidbetter Vice President (Education) union-education@kent.ac.uk

Clara Lee Vice President (Welfare) union-welfare@kent.ac.uk

Ruth Wilkinson Union President union-president@kent.ac.uk

Fraser Inglis Vice President (Sport) union-sports@kent.ac.uk

Aaron Thompson Vice President (Activities) union-activities@kent.ac.uk

EACH YEAR KENT UNION’S FULL TIME OFFICERS WORK ON A COLLABORATIVE MANIFESTO TO IMPROVE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE. DURING 2017/18

WE ARE FOCUSING ON: Cost: Working to remove cost as a barrier to getting involved Inclusivity: Making sure everyone has a voice and is heard Technology: Helping you engage with the Union Community: Creating your ‘living room’ on campus in a new Students’ Union Building Academic: Helping build your academic community Activities: Improving your dedicated facilities

Wellbeing: Looking after all the things that matter to you Communities: Empowering all Kent student groups Co-curricular: Activities that add value to your academic programme

You can keep an eye on our progress by visiting kentunion.co.uk/representation

31

InQuire Saturday 16 September 2017

Sport

Getting to know your Team Kent Exec T

eam Kent Executive are the eight elected representatives from Sports clubs at Kent. They collectively work with the VP Sports to ensure that all the clubs at Kent from Aikido to Volleyball and Lacrosse to Mountaineering are represented. Some of the things the executive do include ratifying new sports clubs, allocating development funding, taking a lead on national awareness campaigns such as Breast Cancer Awareness month and Movember as well having a key role in the planning of Varsity and the Team Kent Ball. Team Kent represents all the sports clubs under one brand and one collective and is led by this year’s Vice-President (Sport) Fraser Inglis.

Abiee Harris

Greg Chapman

Joel Drake

Jemima Blake

Lauren Thynne

Jamie Aumayer

Connor Jury

Summer Prior

Sport www.InQuireLive.co.uk/sport

InQuire

£15,000 for Kent Sport membership bursary

K

ent Union has won funding from the University to set up a Kent Sport membership Bursary. The £15,000 additional funding will help students pay for Kent Sport membership.

Many sports clubs make use of the Kent Sport facilities, as they are required to pay for the premium Silver and Gold

memberships on top of their initial society membership.

For several years Kent Union's Access to Activities fund has allowed students to apply for a grant to pay for society costs including membership, event attendance, kit etc. But now additional money will be set aside for Kent Sport

membership.

But it’s not just sports that have secured the additional funding, Access to Activities, which supports all extracurricular activity at Kent has also secured an extra £10,000 worth of funding.

Speaking about the new bursary, Vice-President (Sport)

Fraser Inglis had this to say, " This is such a satisfying and rewarding result for students and for those that worked so hard for it last year, namely my predecessor Elliott Shell and your current President, Ruth Wilkinson. By enabling students to access sport, we are helping enhance their University

experience and notably, their well-being."

Kent Union hopes that the fund will get more students involved in the campus community while promoting health and fitness.

To find out more about the bursary head to www.kentunion.co.uk