InQuire Issue 11. 1

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Meetings Mondays 6:15pm Student Media Centre

22 May 2014

Issue 11.1

Is our electoral system faulty? Do you think it should change? Find out what students at Kent think. See page 4

Conservatives re-elected Nic Weatherill Newspaper News Editor

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ulian Brazier of the Conservative party has won re-election to the Canterbury and Whitstable constituency in the General Election. With 22,918 votes cast in his name, Brazier comfortably won the seat, with his closest rival Hugh Lanning (Labour) taking 13,120 votes.

In the aftermath of his win, Mr Brazier said: “After thinking about it, people have decided they want to see the economic growth go on”. A statement on his official Facebook page said that he was “Proud to be reelected to serve Canterbury and Whistable for another five years, and increased my majority by roughly 3,000. Huge thanks to all my team for their hard work over the past year.”

The UKIP candidate, Jim Gascoyne, finished in third place with 7,289 votes; a +9.8 percent swing, which essentially means the UKIP share of the vote has increased by 9.8 percent, reflecting the growing support for UKIP in Kent.

The Liberal Democrats saw their share of the vote slashed from the 16,002 votes they received in 2010, to Flanagan’s 6,227, which put him firmly in fourth place.

Green candidate Stuart Jeffrey finished behind Flanagan with 3,746 votes, while Robert Cox

of the Socialist Party finished in sixth with 165 votes. As Cox did not meet the required 5% of votes, he will be the only candidate to lose his £500 deposit paid to run in the election.

Mr Brazier has served as the MP for Canterbury & Whitstable since 1987, and in 2014 was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence, with responsibility for the Reserve Forces.

Third Year Politics and International Relations student David Lewis said of Brazier’s win: “I’m pleased Julian Brazier has been re elected with an impressive majority of 9, 000.

This is testament to his hard work and dedication as our parliamentary voice over the last quarter of a century. He will help ensure that the long term economic plan will work for students in a government which has taken off the cap on course places, meaning more young people are going to university than ever before”, whereas third year American Studies student Gaetan Rio criticised Brazier: “He represents everything which is wrong with conservatism, he fails to understand the world has changed. His voting record against basic human rights and simple bills to improve the lives of ordinary people is a testimony to how out of touch he is”.

Photo by UK Ministry of Defence

Jess Duncan How to survive the stress of the exam season See Page 10

Sarah O., Annie T. and Phil D. Three opinions about their courses at uni.

See Page 6-7

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News Editor’s Note

Hello to all InQuire readers, be this the first time you’ve grabbed a copy from Essentials, or are our one of our lovely regulars.

Welcome to our new team’s first issue of the newspaper this year!

We hope that you enjoy what you read in here and would love to hear what you think of our efforts so far.

If you like what we do (or think you can bring something new!), please come and write for us or even become part of our editorial team for 2014/5.

Have a great read, Ruby InQuireMedia

2014/2015 Editorial contacts: Natalie Tipping- Editor-inChief chairwoman Ruby Lyle - Newspaper Editor newspaper.editor Natalie Turco-Williams Website Editor website.editor Newspaper: Nic Weatherill - News newspaper.news Comment newspaper.comment Jessica Duncan - Features newspaper.features Shalyia Arumagathasan Culture newspaper.culture Bethan Stoneman Entertainment newspaper.entertainment Sport newspaper.sport Website: Sarah Osborne- News website.news Otto Ilveskero - Comment website.comment Holly Welch - Features website.features Max Beckett - Entertainment website.entertainment Julia Mitchell - Culture website.culture Patrick Kamalu - Sport website.sport Fraser Whieldon Distribution distribution Promotions and Events events Photography and Design design add @inquiremedia.co.uk

On the buses Canterbury Council Ruby Lyle Newspaper Editor

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etting around Canterbury is easier than ever for students as Stagecoach buses have increased their services around key areas of the city.

The number 21 will now be making a 30 minute round trip, running from the bus station, through St Dunstan’s, up Forty Acres Road, around Hales Place, down Broad Oak Road and past Sainsbury’s. The buses shall run between 6:20 am and 5:21 pm. As a popular route for students, the changes to the service should benefit all as the buses will come more frequently.

The Unibus shall continue to

run between the University and the Bus Station, serving Forty Acres and Hales Place during the Nite bus service.

Route 22 shall also be changing to run every 15 minutes between the Bus Station and the London Road Estate; this route will go via Rheims Way. The number 22 bus shall run from 6:57 am to 6:12 pm.

Stagecoach is also introducing a new service with the number 27 bus. This will operate from the Bus Station to London Road Estate, including St Dunstan’s.

This bus shall run between Mondays and Fridays, from 10:53 am to 5:40 pm.

These changes have already begun and shall continue throughout the year.

Photo by John Upton

receives new leader

John Henry

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he Conservatives won 39% of the vote, which translated into 31 seats, while the Lib Dems were reduced from 10 seats to three. Simon Cook, a Conservative Councillor, has now been elected as the new leader of Canterbury City Council. With the Conservatives retaining their majority, Cook was chosen to replace the former, leader John Gilbey.

Writing on his twitter account, Cook wrote: “Extraordinarily humbled to have been elected leader of the Canterbury City Council conservative group.” “”We have much to do going forward but I shall always have in mind the message from our election leaflets; preserve the best and improve the rest.”

With fewer councillors than previously, and a Tory majority that has increased since the previous election, Cook leads all but eight of the 39 councillors.

The format of the council has changed from a system whereby a cabinet of the top councillors from the majority party

control decision making, to a system whereby a committee of councillors including some of those from other parties, encouraging consensus and giving greater influence to individual councillors.

The chairman of the Canterbury Conservative Associaiton, Councillor Neil Baker stated “Across the entire country we have perhaps seen just how many people believe in Conservative policies.

“Given the number of new members, with a variety of backgrounds and ages (I believe 10 of the 31 [Conservative councillors] are aged under 40), new ideas and different ways of getting things done, it will be interesting to see how things take shape.”

Photo by Simon Cook

KU’s Volunteers of the Month Nic Weatherill Newspaper News Editor

September Canterbury: Suzanne Burroughs Welcomed international students at the airport over arrivals weekend.

Medway: Phil Dugard Took a student to hospital, ending his own night, during a Rugby Social.

October Canterbury: Nusrat Khan Part of a RaG team that raised over £11,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Medway: Mahdee Hussain Organised FIFA tournaments and a five-aside league.

November Canterbury: Clara Irving-Mayes Organised Eliot’s live music night.

Medway: Eleftherios Nittis Works on social media and other admin tasks for the Kent basketball teams.

December Canterbury: Sophia Ppali Mentored students, tailoring support so that they got the best advice.

Medway: Sophie Burden Helps deliver standout training sessions in both Canterbury and Maidstone January Canterbury: Emma Booth Due to her ability to motivate and support other volunteers during a trip to Brighton.

Medway: Thomas Owen Has been working with the British Heart Society.

February Canterbury: Jasper Gogol-Sicklen

Runs the Society Networking nights.

Medway: William Brufatto Worked towards a mini-Varsity with Lille.

March Canterbury: Harriet Armfield and Zoe Starbuck Volunteered their time every week to cover the BUCS fixtures.

April Yani King Empowered students and helped to develop a sense of community at the University.

Photos by Kent Union

News

Canterbury cannibal

Photo by Nick Obank

Roy Lavender

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ubbed ‘Canterbury’s Hannibal Lector’, Dale Bolinger has been struck off the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Bolinger, 58, regularly fantasised about murdering

and eating women.

At the hearing on Thursday, NMC panel chair, Brian Yates, said: “The panel had no doubt that Bolinger’s convictions were fundamentally incompatible with his continuing to be a registered nurse.

“The panel concluded that a striking-off order is the only sanction which is sufficient enough to protect the public and satisfy the wider public interest, and that public confidence in the professions and the NMC can only be sustained if Bolinger is removed from the register.

“The panel was in no doubt that Bolinger had breached fundamental tenets of the profession and brought the profession into disrepute.

He was, and remains, a clear danger to the public.”

Bolinger was imprisoned in 2014 for nine years after plotting to behead a teenager before consuming her. He has also been convicted of taking indecent photographs of children, publishing obscene material, poisoning a former colleague and child grooming.

Police have been monitoring Bolinger’s email after he was arrested in 2013 as part of an FBI investigation into internet chats about rape, murder, and cannibalism.

Bolinger visited a website named Dark Fetish Network, where he began to chat about his fantasies, including cannibalism.

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Major A & E for Canterbury Nic Weatherill Newspaper News Editor

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rand new Accident and Emergency facilities are being considered for Canterbury.

The Hospitals Trust have stated that while there are currently two A & E services in Kent, based in Ashford and Margate, financial pressures and recruitment problems are forcing a rethink about urgent hospital care.

The trust will be contacting staff, patients and stakeholders to work together with regards to solving the future of urgent care in Kent.

A spokesman for East Kent Hospitals has said “We have

been looking at our clinical strategy and are trying to work out how we are going to provide services in the future with pressures on our budget and a growing elderly population.

“It’s got to be clinically led, and we have got to have discussions with staff and patients before anything else.

“Once we have satisfied all those groups, we are then in a position to put proposals together which can be consulted with the public.”

Among the possible options are the cutting down of services at one of the current sites, or remaining with the status quo.

Introducing a purpose-built site in a centralised location rumoured to be Canterbury.

Photo by Max Montagut

New NUS President TV Licence Reimbursement Nic Weatherill Newspaper News Editor

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egan Dunn has been elected as the new National Union of Students (NUS) President at the National Conference in Liverpool.

Dunn replaces previous NUS President, Toni Pearce. In the wake of her victory, Dunn announced: “I want to put more effort into supporting campus unions, and transforming our national movement to support the work that you do.

“I’m really proud to have been given this opportunity to build a movement around a vision for apprentices not just with a rise in the minimum wage but with a living wage. The end of the false choice between further education and higher education – with the focus on how someone wants to learn and what they want to study rather than what they can afford or what they are told is

worthwhile.”

Dunn’s only rival was Beth Redmond, who received 202 votes, 211 less than Dunn’s 413.

Dunn previously studied an MA in Politics and International Relations at Aberdeen University, and has spent the last year working for the NUS as the VP for Higher Education, working towards improving its delivery. Part of their work is to produce research and to influence policy discussion at a national level to improve all aspects of education.

Alongside Ms Dunn, elections were held for the positions of VP Further Education, won

by Shakira Martin; VP Higher Education, won by Sorana Vieru; VP Society and Citizenship, won

by Piers Telemacque; VP Union Development, won by Richard Brookes, and VP Welfare, won

by Shelly Asquith. They will hold these positions for a year until the NUS hold elections again.

Hugh Janus

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tudents at the University of Kent who are returning home for summer can claim back £36 if they have paid for a TV licence. Students who have bought a TV licence at the beginning of the academic year have three months to claim this money back. Martin Dyan, spokesman for TV Licensing South East and London, said: "The student refund is brilliant news for students and we

encourage those who bought their licence at the start of the academic year to take advantage of it.

"It is important that students buy a TV licence at the earliest opportunity when starting university and take advantage of the flexible payment options available to them.”

Students must have a remaining three months of their licences, and be leaving their halls of accommodation or rented properties and returning

to their homes in order to claim the money back.

Research by TV Licensing shows that the average student owns three devices at university which are capable of streaming live TV, with four out of five students watching television content.

A TV licence is needed to watch, record or stream programmes at the same time as they are shown on a TV, laptop, mobile phone, tablet or other enabled device.

Photo by Santi MB

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News

Is First Past The Post dead?

Newspaper News Editor, Nic Weatherill, discusses electoral reform in the UK system Your News

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n the aftermath of the 2015 General Election, calls have increased nationwide for electoral reform. UKIP won just under four million votes, coming second in roughly 90 constituencies, while the Greens won over one million votes across the UK. Both parties ended up with one MP each, compared to the Scottish National Party who

won 56 seats with just under 1.5 million votes.

Labour and the Tories, however, won almost 87 percent of the seats in the House of Commons between them, despite taking around two-thirds of the total number of votes cast.

The Electoral Reform Society are calling for an electoral system that puts voters first.

Spokesman Josiah Mortimer said: “Something has changed

this time, this is one of the most disproportionate election results in British history. The case for reform is just getting stronger and stronger.”

The group maintain that each vote and voice needs to be heard and should be represented in Parliament. It also says Britons should be able to enjoy Proportional Representation (PR) so that their vote holds the power to shape the policies that impact their lives.

PR very simply means that if a political party receives 25 percent of the vote, they will have 25 percent of the seats in parliament.

Other alternatives include the Mixed Member Proportional system (MMP). In this system, voters have two votes: one for a political party and one for a parliamentary candidate (their constituency representative).

MPs run in constituencies like the UK has now, but there are

also a proportional number of seats given to the parties based on their percentage of the vote they receive.

In 2011, we had a referendum to decide whether or not to move to an alternative voting system (a result of a bill introduced by the Liberal Democrats). 42.2 percent turned out to vote and of those who did, voted 68 percent against PR and 32 percent in favour of PR.

“I think it’s a real travesty over a million people voted Green up and down the country and yet that’s been translated into just one seat. I’m feeling fairly confident that as a result of what we’ve seen tonight there will be a real movement outside of Parliament, a real anger for people wanting voting reform.”

- Caroline Lucas, Former Leader of the Green Party Photo by OrangeJon

“I do think the system is bust and I do think there will be great demand for it

to change.”

One party can get 50 percent of the vote in Scotland and nearly 100 percent of the seats, and our party can get four million votes and just one seat.

For those reasons there are a lot of angry UKIP people out there. They’re not giving up on UKIP, but absolutely determined that we get a fairer, more reflective system.”

- Nigel Farage, Leader of UKIP

Photo by Derek Bennett

Your Comment

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n order to accommodate a system of Proportional Representation (PR), the entire world of British politics would need an overhaul.

First Past The Post is ingrained in our political culture, and while precedent alone is never an excuse to prevent change, British politics is simply not capable of incorporating a system that will almost always necessitate coalition governments.

One must only look at the House of Commons, where government and opposition are sat opposite each other, separated only by a distance of two sword-lengths, to see how far majority politics is embedded in British politics. We are simply not ready for long-term coalition governance, and neither should we be.

Not only do coalitions lead to vastly inefficient government, but democracy comes under attack as parties in power

have to make compromises on manifestos promised to the public. In short, the people do not get what they vote for.

PR also opens the door for far less significant parties to dictate elections and policy, do you want to see another General Election dominated by the ‘threat of the SNP’ rather than pure policy?

While First Past The Post does disadvantage smaller parties, this is a small price to pay for an efficient government.

Comment

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Too much construction on UKC campus?

Your News Sarah Osborne Website News Editor

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illmott Dixon have been named as the team behind the University of Kent’s (UKC) new £26 million building.

The 150-year-old Kent-based business, are responsible for building the new 8,000 square metre building. The new campus addition will be home to the University’s Business School, and School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science.

An artistic impression of the building can be seen to the right.

The building, based at UKC’s

Your Comment Natalie Tipping Editor-in-Chief

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t seems like forever ago I started studying at this University. Well, it was 2011, so admittedly it has been a while. It seems even longer however since I walked around campus without seeing some sort of building work going on, and this year has been the worst yet.

From the extension to the Templeman library, which started during my first year when suddenly all the trees outside Grimond disappeared overnight, to the ongoing saga which is the building of Turing college, this year has been the year that building work has come to the forefront of life on campus.

The University repeatedly says that the reason for all of

Canterbury campus, will feature state-of-the-art IT facilities, and a live link to the New York Bloomberg Studio – meaning students will be able to receive live information on the stock market.

The building will hold classrooms, offices, breakout areas, student workspaces, an atrium and a cafe.

These plans have received widespread approval across both University Schools.

University Deputy ViceChancellor Resources, Denise Everitt said: “These plans reflect the growth of two successful schools within the University.

“The new building will provide exciting facilities for both students and staff, helping this building work is to keep UKC near the top of league tables and university guides in terms of facilities, student satisfaction, and to maintain the image of the University as a leading centre of education.

For many students here, however, this seems like bullshit.

If you want students to feel satisfied with the level of education they receive at this institution, why not give them the option to choose what happens on their course?

As a French student, a year abroad was part of my course.

I worked hard whilst in Paris, despite hating being there, and averaged 78% in my modules over there. This counts for nothing in terms of my degree.

What counts is the oral exam I did in week five of this year, and scored very poorly on. I had no choice but to accept

to ensure that we remain one of the UK’s leading universities.”

Managing director of Willmott Dixon’s Southern Home Counties, Roger Forsdyke, views the campus addition as highly advantageous.

Mr Forsdyke said: “This

hub will give each of the departments their own distinct learning area that will attract students and academics keen to develop their knowledge and research using these high-tech facilities.

“Importantly, we’ll be

bringing our experience of higher education and working in live environments on major hub projects to ensure we create a centrepiece that will provide an excellent learning environment for many generations to come.”

Photo by University of Kent

that I, a student who should easily be getting a 2:1, had received a mark of 50% for an entire year of my course.

Similarly, I have been forced to take modules I don’t enjoy due to the requirement that students take 120 credits of literature and culture modules over years two and four.

Now, this might seem cool to people reading this who aren’t French students, but there are no, I repeat, NO culture modules. All of them are literature or film. I’m hardly in a position to complain due to being a joint honours English Literature and French student,

Photo by University of Kent

but for those coursemates of mine who have struggled through the past four years of writing literature essays, this is a real kick in the teeth.

French students of my cohort have had no opportunity to study French history, or customs, and the University has a real opportunity to listen to its students and to make their courses more worthwhile. That would create student satisfaction, not some new building that’ll cost millions.

The announcement of a £26 million business centre for the Canterbury campus sure is exciting, and I look forward to seeing it next year, if it’s completed anytime soon.

The aforementioned ‘saga of Turing’ of course now hangs over every new piece of work announced on campus. Turing is now predicted to be a year late, and who knows if it’ll even be finished for the next year’s intake.

The real insult for me and many other students in recent weeks has been the digging work on the hill between Rutherford and Eliot. As a Rutherford student whose friends mostly lived in Eliot, I spent almost every evening

in first year in Eliot college, and walked back every night, never failing to look out over the view of Canterbury, and in particular, the cathedral.

I was happy to ignore the building work when it was behind me while looking at that view (the Templeman), or dotted around campus (Park Wood, Turing, Cornwallis), but when it disrupts a favourite part of campus for many, something must be said. The digging is going to be turned into a new extension to Eliot, presumably called the Eliot Extension Extension. But with protests earlier in the year over the destruction caused to the landscape by the Kent Wheel, why has nothing really been said about this new permanent fixture?

This year’s graduates are the first year to graduate having paid £9,000 fees, but they are also the first group to graduate having never seen campus without building work.

I think a friend of mine summed it up perfectly last year: “The part of campus I’ll miss the most is the Templeman crane”. The thing I’ll miss most is the view.

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Comment

Looking back at your time at UKC

The end of another academic year is looming, and graduation is fast-approaching for many final year students. InQuire looks ba Representing each of the faculties - Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences - what do these three students think about the Un

Pre-graduation Bucket List 1. Actually use my bus pass

for travelling around Kent, rather than just from my door to the University.

2. Go punting in Canterbury, visit all of the small bistros and cafes, and go on the Canterbury Ghost Tour.

3. Figure out how to navigate either Rutherford or Eliot.

My aspirations aren’t lofty enough to understand both.

4. See a UKC campus free from building work.

5. Go to Hastings with my friend who studies archaeology.

6. Do a tour of all the pubs in Whitstable.

7. See Dame Julia Goodfellow get a pay cut.

8. I’ve always wanted to TP the Union building by Essentials, just because.

9. Read all the books I haven’t been able to for years because of reading for my course.

10. Get a first in an essay!

Social Sciences Phil Davies Politics and International Relations Student

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espite not technically being a ‘real science’, social sciences does in fact contain an element of actual scientific stuff, but is generally more based around the social aspect of studying. I’m a third year Politics and International Relations student about to graduate, so I’ve had a shot at most aspects of my course, I’ve always been more interested in international politics than domestic, but that hasn’t stopped me taking modules in both British and American domestic politics.

Some first year modules can feel like a breezy A-level recap, but some are totally new to everyone and actually test you, after first year you

have a lot more freedom to choose though there are some compulsory modules.

The module choices are pretty diverse though the fact that most of them only run in one term makes coordinating your choices a bit harder, but as long as you don’t want to take literally every module then you shouldn’t have too many issues. The lecturers themselves are diverse and from a variety of backgrounds, and the variety of modules on offer means it’s unlikely you’ll often take a class you don’t like, though when there is a module you’re interested in with a lecturer you don’t like it can create a dilemma.

The good thing about social sciences is that often you can choose how immersed you want to become in the actual science side of the course. In politics there is a fair amount of statistical analysis that you could do you

can also opt to keep anything to do with statistics to an absolute minimum, the latter was my preference but for an employability boost or to aid their dissertation, many students choose to take in depth statistical analysis as part of the course.

The course is heavy on reading and it’s hard to keep up without doing at least some of it. The seminars are normally planned with the assumption that youve done at least some of the core readings, and in essays you have to read a significant amount of sources to get high marks.

The good thing about this is a lot of modules use online reading and don’t require you to actually buy any textbooks.

Though it’s worth noting that several of the core modules have more than one expensive textbook as required reading every week which can make everything very expensive.

Comment

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C: three graduates’ perspectives

ack at another year at UKC, and offers three graduates the chance to weigh in on their courses and their time at the University. niversity? We also asked for your pre-graduation bucket list suggestions, so see how many you’ve done, and get ticking them off!

Humanities Sarah Osborne English Literature and Creative Writing Student

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nfortunately my degree is coming to an end and I am facing the reality that I am soon to be classed as a ‘real’ adult.

For three years I have been an English and American Literature and Creative Writing student, and I have loved every single minute of it.

Despite moaning about early starts, essay deadlines and the piles of books to be read, these three years at Kent have really made me proud of myself, and I guess I will miss the moaning about essays and books.

I wouldn’t have chosen the degree if I didn’t love it, but I must admit that, after three years of analysing books, I need a break from reading because all I can see

is: enjambment, caesura, personification, tone, themes and all that other literary stuff!

I have enjoyed every seminar, both Literature and Creative Writing (but particularly Creative Writing). I have been taught by some fun and quirky teachers, and enjoyed the feeling of group solidarity as we worked for the same goal.

I am so grateful to the University of Kent (UKC) for giving me the opportunity to study on such an interesting course. I have met some lifelong friends and have made so many unforgettable memories.

After three years you’d have thought I managed to write essays in advance of the deadline, but up until my very last assignment, I still managed to find any excuse to procrastinate. As usual I ended up doing an all-nighter. I guess ‘old habits die hard’!

If I were to pass down any advice to Literature and Creative Writing students it would be: don’t spend your time moaning about your workload and deadlines, try to enjoy what you can because

Sciences Annie Trafford Biomedical Sciences Student

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All photos by Daniel John

ver the past few years of studying biomedical sciences at Kent, I’ve come to realise that the University of Kent provides a much better course than I originally thought.

I would have preferred to study general medicine, but ended up with biomed instead. Overall, I’ve really enjoyed it.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the course is perfect.

Labs are quite monotonous, and the same thing is often covered multiple times a year, which can become very

it will all be over before you know it. And really, can we moan? Considering most of us Literature students have no exams in third year!

Was it worth £9,000 a year? I don’t know yet. But I do know that UKC has helped me flourish into a confident and optimistic person. My life has completely turned around since joining UKC, and it’s all thanks to the people I met in

such an amazing environment.

I will miss the Venue despite its long and freezing cold queues, I will miss the Canterbury scenery, both from Tyler Court B and Rutherford building, I will miss Canterbury town centre and its limited amount of cramped clubs, I will miss Kent Union staff, InQuire,

housemates and coursemates!

Most of all I will miss being able to live a student lifestyle, to wake up when I want, to do what I want, to roll in at five in the morning or to eat seven takeaways seven days a week.

Now I just need to brace the courage to face the final UKC hurdle - I need to try and not fall over as I walk up the cathedral steps to accept my degree certificate.

2012-2015 were the best three years of my life.

tedious. Ultimately I wanted to work with actual human bodies (I’m not a psycho I swear), so labs aren’t as interesting in reality as they were in my mind before starting university.

I would say however that there aren’t enough labs, especially during second year, I remember being bogged down with in-class written tests, but practical tests would have been more fun. That’s the other thing with my course, don’t be moaning at me about all the essays you have to write, I have a test pretty much every week, so am constantly revising or feeling nervous. I do also have to write essays, and spend a lot of time doing them, some of which take a long time to get

handed back.

I think the essay topics could be more relevant in order to reinforce understanding of the topics covered, but a lot of them just seem like an excuse to set coursework.

The lecturers are one of the best parts of my course. A lot of them show a real passion for what they are teaching, even though they’re ultimately teaching the same thing over and over again, and their passion is quite infectious for us students. All of the systems of the body are covered, and we learn a lot in depth about different bodily processes, with particular emphasis on disease.

I came to Kent as my insurance choice, but have loved campus

life, and have particularly enjoyed all the things you can get involved with outside of your course. I hope that what I’m learning here will be useful for me in my later life when I (hopefully) become a doctor.

The exams are hard work and I would rather do essays and practical exams, but the main thing I’ve learnt from my degree is that bacteria sucks.

Want to weigh in about your course?

Email newspaper. comment@ inquiremedia.co.uk to have your say!

What to do during exam season... in FEATURES

iq What to do after exam season... in FEATURES, ENTERTAINMENT and CULTURE

Packing your survival pack in FEATURES

Photo by Fiona Thomson

Spoken word at the Gulbenkian in CULTURE

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Features

Library Survival Pack As you spend more time in the library than at home, you do not want to be lugging more than necessary up that hills so Jess Duncan, Newspaper Features Editor plans the essential pack.

Photo by Alexander Schimmeck

Photo by Jess Pac

Photo by Zach Inglis

1. Uni work It may seem ridiculous that this even needs to be on the list, but everyone knows the feeling of getting into a lecture and pulling out the wrong notepad. Trekking onto campus for a revision session and forgetting your notes for the exam you have on Monday is even worse than that. Don’t forget plenty of pens and paper for jotting down extra ideas as you work.

2. Laptop Although the library and other buildings have many computers, the likelihood of one being free is very slim.

Instead of checking both the East and West wings of all floors, wasting time and energy, find a quiet seating area and set yourself up. A bonus of not working in a computer room is that you’ll have more space to spread out and no one will be watching you pretend to revise.

Don’t forget your charger!

3. Waterbottle/Hot drink bottle Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial

so, as heavy as it is, fill up that big bottle and lug it up to campus. If you prefer hot drinks or need a caffeine boost, make a coffee at home and take it in a flask to save money you would have spent in the library cafe. But take your purse with you for when you run out and need a refuel.

4. Sugary Snacks In order to keep you going, sugar is going to become your best friend. Be warned though, you’ll need to pack enough or be ready to make a run to Essentials to beat those sugar lows.

Fruit is also good for energy, especially bananas, not to mention healthier!

Preparing meals in advance is also a good idea, especially plenty of high-carb snacks to keep you full of energy and focused.

5. Pillow/Blanket Whilst these are bulky objects to put in your bag, they’re great if you fancy a nap. If a blanket is too much, a jumper or coat makes a great makeshift cover.

Photo by Toshiyuki IMAI

Photo by English106

Photo by 24orange.nl

Attenborough-esque report on campus during exams Jess Duncan Newspaper Features Editor

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s exams rush towards us we question, as we do every year, why we didn’t start revising sooner. Not one to break tradition however, campus once again becomes its natural crazy nocturnal environment, with students entering hibernation from the start of the Easter holidays in an attempt to cram our brains full of knowledge.

Those on campus during the day find a seemingly calm environment, although the buzz of nerves and excitement of finishing first year, like that of a swarm of bees, is unmissable. Social butterflies flit about, showcasing their wealth of knowledge and scaring those who

in the library amongst the books in the hope that the knowledge will pass into their brains, without having to open them, in time for their exam.

Come the early hours of the morning, those who have slept well leap into the library like gazelles, full of energy and

Photo by Lauren Bradbury

Photo by Thorwauk

Photo by Mark A Coleman

haven’t covered all the topics yet.

At night the cover of darkness reveals the instinctual side of people, with those in the library seemingly transformed into owls, working into the dark hours with their eyes widening as they realise how much they have to cover. Hiding like a prey from its hunter, some cower

enthusiasm, as others emerge at the speed of a tortoise to recharge at home.

Turning into sloths as soon as they exit the library, their willpower to get home to their comfy beds is all that keeps them moving.

As the finish line enters into sight, the race for sugar and caffeine from

Essentials heightens, with the queue moving at a constant speed of a slug, and zombie customers sleepwalking through the shop.

Those who don’t have exams or finish earlier than others, can be found sunning themselves on Tyler hill like cats, lapping up the sunshine in the perfect sun spot. You’ll be able to spot these people from afar, as they will be wearing a smile as wide as the Cheshire cat, straight out of Wonderland.

Features

Student Recipes

Natalie Tipping Sesame Seed Chicken with Noodles Serves 2 Cooking time 2 hours

Natalie Tipping

Ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts - 3 tbsps of soy sauce - 3 tbsps of olive oil - 2 tbsps of cane sugar - 1 tbsp of honey - 2 garlic cloves - 1 quarter of a cup of sesame seeds - 2 portions of egg noodles

Chicken Fried Rice Serves 2 Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts - 2 eggs medium (beaten) - 2 portions of rice - 3 spring onions - 2 tsps olive oil Method 1. Boil the rice until cooked.

2. When the rice is cooked, pour out onto baking tray and leave until cool.

3. Slice the chicken breasts into strips and fry in the oil for five minutes until browned.

4. Dice the spring onions, add to the frying pan with the chicken and cook until softened.

5. Add the cooled rice into the frying pan and mix everything together.

6. Pour beaten egg into frying pan and stir until cooked.

7. Serve with Prawn Crackers.

Method 1. Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl, then add chicken, mix together well so it is thoroughly coated in the marinade.

2. Cover the chicken and let it sit in the fridge for two hours.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4. Arrange chicken in a baking tin, and the marinade over it.

5. Cook in the oven for five minutes, flip chicken pieces with a spatula, and cook for another five minutes, or until done.

6. Whilst the chicken is cooking, cook the egg noodles in boiling water for three minutes.

7. Enjoy the authentic feeling by eating the meal with chopsticks!

Cerys Thomas

Jessica Duncan

Pancetta Chicken Infused with Lemons and Pomegranate Couscous Serves 1 Cooking time 45 minutes Ingredients - 1 chicken breast - 2 slices of pancetta - 1 lemon - 1 handful of couscous - 1 pomegranate Method 1. Lie the pancetta strips, an inch apart, on a foiled baking tray.

2. Cut the lemon in half and use the juice of one half over the strips.

3. Season the chicken, place them onto of the pancetta strips and wrap them around the breast like a cocoon.

4. Use the other half of the lemon, cut into thin slices and place on top of the chicken breast. Place in the oven at 200 degrees for 30 minutes.

6. 10 minutes before the chicken is ready, place the couscous in a bowl and cover with boiling water.

7. When the couscous has cooled, cut the pomegranate into quarters, pick out the seeds and place them in the bowl with the couscous, then serve with the chicken.

Bacon Spaghetti Bolognese Serves three Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients 1 white onion 6 Rashers of bacon 1 tsp Tomato Puree 2 Cups Spaghetti 1 tbsp Worcester Sauce 1 Red stock cube 1 tbsp Flour Method 1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water.

2. Brown the onions until clear in a pan.

3. Add the bacon and stir until cooked.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and add one tbsp of flour to coat the ingredients.

5. Make up the stock to quarter of pint.

6. Add the stock, tomato puree and worcester sauce and bring to the boil, leaving to simmer until the pasta is cooked.

7. Drain pasta and combine with bacon mixture.

InQuire Sudoku If you need a break from revision, why not try these quick Sudoku’s?

Medium

11

Hard

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Features

Near, far, wherever you are, I’ll be here Manon Charles

C

oming to university is one of the best things I have done. During my time here I have gained independence and met a lot of cool people, people that I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet back at home.

One of the biggest selling points of the University of Kent is its European connections and its international students, providing a truly unique university experience.

I have been lucky enough to meet many different people from varied cultures and backgrounds, while this is great during term time, it has its drawbacks when the holidays roll around and you realise that you’ve made friends with people who live on the opposite end of the world. So how do you survive long distance over the holidays?

Whether it be with a significant other or a friend, long distance sucks. We go from living on top of each other all year to being separated by a couple of thousand miles. Be prepared to have to work a lot harder to stay in touch.

The ability to run into their room for

a gossip session at any time will be quickly replaced with meticulously planned Skype dates, often either first thing in the morning or late at night.

Who knew time zones could be so complicated? But making the effort is worth it, even if it only happens a few

times, face to face (or face to screen as the case may be) it will make the time apart much more bearable.

Long distance is hard but can be a good experience. Instead of seeing it as a negative, try finding ways to put a positive spin on it. Congratulations,

Photo by insEyedout

you now have a pen pal. Whether it be sending each other postcards or writing long letters, there is nothing better than receiving something in the post. By reverting to old school communication, it makes the whole experience more special, there’s nothing quite like writing a personal letter to someone.

The added bonus to this method is that while emails and Facebook messages get lost or deleted, you can keep your letters forever. If you feel like splashing out, you could even buy some nice stationary to write on!

Although the few months apart will be a challenge, keep focused on how good it will feel when you are eventually reunited.

You’ll learn to appreciate each other more. And maybe the habits that annoyed you to no end before (constant whistling for example, is there really a need?!) you might actually learn to love them, and even find yourself missing these (slightly annoying) quirks.

Just remember, even though it seems hard at the beginning, with all the technology available today, you are never more than a phone call away from someone.

Things to do this summer Post Exam Celebrations Alice Bryant Get an internship By the time you are in your final year, you will wish that you had spent at least two weeks of every summer working for free, while you still had the delicious student loan and the safety net of a place in Canterbury to live for the next year. Now is the time to get work experience. If you can’t see anything you like advertised, send companies an email enquiring about the possibility of an internship, stating your interests and your reasons for approaching the company. More often than not, companies will be glad to have some extra help (but don’t let them take advantage) ensure that the experience is worthwhile to your future career goals.

Go WWOOFing Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF), is a loose network of national organisations that facilitate placement of volunteers on organic farms. If you would like to travel on a low budget, meet new people, and have a go at learning a new skill, this is for you. You work six days a week for four plus hours every day, and in return you get a place to sleep and food to eat.

Different farms specialise in different areas, so if it’s goats or cider you’re into, you’ll be sure to learn a thing or two.

Not for those who dislike working long hours.

Go to a festival Just go to one! Get a group of friends together, book your tickets, and go. If your friends are seemingly reluctant to plan things, check out couchsurfing. org or Reddit for others who are considering going, and meet up with them! You won’t regret it for a minute.

Be it music, literature, morris dancing or cheese, there will be a festival to suit you somewhere!

Have a ‘summer goal’ You have three months off, practically, so make it worthwhile. Volunteer, pick up that guitar you’ve been neglecting for the last nine months, start working out in the sunshine. Be a new person by the time you get back to University. Also, read for fun. You know you’re not going to have any time come September.

Go in the sea We are surrounded by sea, and it’s gorgeous. Sail on it, surf on it, rise up out of the water like a killer whale and throw seaweed at your sister. That is what summers are for.

Photo by Emma Shelton

Emma Shelton

S

o your exams are over and you have no more work to do until September or, if you’re a third year, you’ve lost all sense of purpose in life. A tad dramatic maybe, but the first thing that can be done before you determine the rest of your life, or your summer for everyone else, is to celebrate; reaching that final deadline is a huge achievement but that needs to be celebrated correctly.

Step 1 – Sleep!

Ok, my life isn’t wildly exciting right now, I’ll admit that, but this step is by far the most exciting. For all of you who have done the multiple all-nighters and have literally crawled to deadline day, you’ll know that this step is invaluable.

You have submitted that essay or sat that exam and now, all that is left to do is to crawl into that duvet without any feeling of guilt, go to sleep and never get up again – utter bliss! But when you do get up, a shower might be in order.

Step 2 – Go outside, every day, all day.

Surely you are sick of watching everyone lounging in front of the Templeman Library from within. Well you can now become one of them.

Get the frisbee out, the suncream, the sunglasses, the tank tops and shorts (is that too optimistic for British weather?) and laugh at all the people who still have exams. Or leave all the work and

stress behind and plan a picnic in Dane John Gardens, get a crêpe on the High Street, enjoy a long-awaited DMC with your friends about how this year has flown by or just while the hours away doing absolutely nothing in the sun.

Step 3 – Nights out.

The days are getting longer and warmer – it’s soon the season for Pimm’s, hooray! – there is no excuse anymore to not go to that pub you’ve been meaning to try all year.

Organise a few outings to The Venue, Alberry’s and Cuban. Get your summer ball ticket; if there is one night to officially celebrate your year, it’d have to be that one. But if none of that really takes your fancy, then to curl up inside with your friends and binge-watch all those series you didn’t have time to watch all year.

Step 4 – Plan a house trip There has been blood, sweat and tears, but you could not have done it without the people you’ve met along the way.

Ok, a bit cliché, but that is what needs to be celebrated. Go somewhere far away or plan a beach trip to Whitstable, Tankerton or Broadstairs.

There is no pressure to work, or guilt for not doing your work; spending time with friends is no longer an excuse not to work, nor a form of procrastination.

Finally, you can spend time with these people as just friends, so go out and do something fun!

Features

Juggling work and work Sarah Osborne Website News Editor

D

uring my first two years at the University of Kent (UKC), I must admit I was pretty lazy. I didn’t have a job and I would try to do the bare minimum when it came to university work. When third year was approaching however, I realised I had better work on my CV if I wanted to achieve my dream job!

In April 2014, I started working at Kent Union, which was about 8-20 hours a week. In September 2015, I started writing for InQuire, and in March I became InQuire’s Website News Editor. This was quite a task considering it was my final year at UKC. I’m not going to say it was easy, it really took its toll and I had less of a social life. Sometimes I’d be stressed beyond belief and was convinced I was getting a bad grade, and other days I’d be relaxed. But honestly, I would have struggled if I had any more exams or

essays.

I had to allow myself about a month to plan, research, write and edit an essay in order to complete it, I clumped my

Photo by kosmolaut

work shifts together from Monday to Wednesdays, and my InQuire meetings were also on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Those days were very hectic but it did give me a bit of free time at the end of the week.

Luckily I got through it! I’ve done well on my grades, but I think that’s purely because I sacrificed more of my social life and had to push myself – maybe out of fear too, realising it was my last chance to ensure I did well.

Having a flexible job helped a lot, I could get shifts covered when I wanted and could pick them up when I had more free time.

My advice to students considering a job: plan a work schedule for your university work well in advance, do not try to work too many shifts during term time, and at least allow yourself weekends off, or you may throw yourself too far in the deep end.

It is do-able, but be prepared to work hard and occasionally want to rip your hair out!

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10 Useless Facts Jessica Duncan Newspaper Features Editor

Photo by Phil Roeder

1. Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

2. It’s possible to lead a cow upstairs…but not downstairs - very good to know.

3. Dreamt is the only English word that ends in the letters “MT” - one for the English geeks.

4. Montpelier, Vermont is the only state capital without a McDonalds - feel for the drunk students of Montpelier 5. Earthworms have five hearts.

How to prepare for your year abroad Manon Charles

W

ith this year coming to an end, it’s time to start thinking about next year (scary I know!) Whether it’s planning where to live, what to study, or even a dissertation topic, there’s a lot of planning to do. But for those of us venturing abroad next year, things are a little different.

A year abroad is the chance of a lifetime. Not often does an opportunity to study or work in a foreign country come around, so it’s important to make the most of it. But the process can often seem daunting and overwhelming. As a second year student preparing for a year abroad myself, I understand the feeling of not knowing where to start.

With so many things to do and so many deadlines to adhere to, the first step is getting organised. Once you’ve done this, the process will (hopefully) seem much more manageable!

Once the paperwork is all filled out and everything is official, it’s time to get excited! Use the summer before your year abroad wisely. Whether it be to brush up on your language skills, say goodbye to friends and family, or make some money to fund your trip, this summer is just as important as the year itself.

September is a long way away, but the time will pass so quickly and before you know it it will be the week before you leave and you’ll be wondering where the time has gone.

To avoid last minute packing and

stressing, begin organising your belongings early. By collecting some bits together as you go, you can avoid worrying about it the day before you leave and it will seem like half the job.

My biggest worry is that I’ll arrive at my host university and realise I’ve forgotten something essential. To avoid this, check out websites like thirdyearabroad. com which give all sorts of advice about the year, including packing checklists and top tips. The website also offers top tips on searching for accommodation abroad. By starting the search earlier you can avoid turning up in your host country without a place to live.

Research what your town has to offer accommodation wise, or whether the

university offers any housing options (this can make the process slightly easier).

Although I cannot wait to go on my year abroad, I am slightly terrified (please tell me I’m not the only one!)

The thought of moving to a foreign country on my own scares me and exhilarates me in equal measures.

So this summer I’ll be spending my time getting used to the idea, and doing everything necessary to make the transition easier. But what I need to remember is that not everything is going to go to plan. No matter how much organising I do beforehand, anything could happen. But then again who wants a predictable year abroad?

Photo by Giles San Martin

6. 11% of the world is left-handed.

7. An average human loses about 200 head hairs per day - imagine living in a house of only girls.

8. Buckingham Palace has 602 rooms.

Photo by NoirKitsuné

9. Beethoven dipped his head in cold water before he composed. - a great trick for before exams?

10. It is estimated that millions of trees are planted by forgetful squirrels.

Photo by Natasha Mileshina

Photo by Moyan Brenn

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Entertainment

Huge summer sequels Emily Bright

There are some massive sequels hitting the big screen this summer, here is a few of the best.

The Chick Flick: Pitch Perfect 2- 15 May This summer sees the return of one of the best girl power films of the decade.

When Pitch Perfect first came out in 2012, the world was introduced to a new kind of musical: a comedy ruder than Glee and funnier than Grease which celebrated female friendship and the fun of A Cappella. Pitch Perfect 2 promises more from beloved characters such as Patricia (Fat Amy) and Becca, as the Barden Bellas face new challenges in their battle to be the best A Cappella group in America.

The Sci-Fi Spectacle: Jurassic World- 12 June

Photo by Brian Moran

Dates for the diary Force Majeure- 22 May, The Gulbenkian A Little Chaos - 22 May, The Gulbenkian Deadly Dinosaurs!- 23 May, The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury University Film Festival - 24 May, The Gulbenkian The Falling - 26 May, The Gulbenkian The Marlowe Comedy Cabaret- 30 May, The Marlowe Theatre Katherine Ryan- Glam Role Model- 30 May, The Gulbenkian A Pidgeon Sat On a Branch- 29-31 May, The Gulbenkian Far From the Madding Crowd- 5-12 June, The Gulbenkian Alex Horne: Monsieur Butterfly - 7 June, The Marlowe Theatre

The Jurassic Park franchise was the hugely successful sci-fi trilogy that played a massive part in hundreds of people’s childhoods across the world, so when it was announced that a modern revival of the dinosaur favourite was being released, there was understandable excitement. Jurassic World sees a return of the beloved films 22 years after the first journey through the infamous tall gates, with the island re-vamped for a new generation of dinosaur lovers, with new deep-sea creatures, a hunky male lead in the form of Chris Pratt, and a never-before-seen hybrid dinosaur.

The Horror: Insidious 3- 5 June If June rolls around and you’re sick of the sunshine and want to sit in a dark room and be scared silly, then Insidious 3 is the perfect film for you. The first two instalments of the franchise saw the Lambert Family plagued by deadly spirits as their young son visits the spirit world in his sleep. Insidious 3 gives the audience a chance to see how it all began as the prequel follows the family’s psychic Elsie in her teenage years as she discovers her powers to communicate with the dead with

dangerous consequences.

The Cringey Comedy: Ted 2- 26 June Ted was one of the biggest films of 2012, with the controversial bear, voiced by Seth MacFarlane, shocking and amusing audiences around the world. The unorthodox teddy bear is back this summer with a new wife, a court case and a potential child, in this blockbuster comedy which is sure to shock cinemas around Canterbury. The brilliant Mila Kunis is replaced with newbie Amanda Seyfried who stars as Mark Wahlberg’s love interest in the film, challenging the ever-present ‘bromance’ between the man and his bear.

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arty in the Car Park is the annual outdoor event that sees the University of Kent’s 20,000 student population flock to the biggest car park on campus for summer celebrations.

Last year, the event saw huge crowds flocking to the University campus to see the likes of Ella Eyre and DJ Fresh grace the stage.

At midnight on 13 May, the line-up for the biggest night of the year was announced, and it seems that it’s going to be an evening of electronic dance music to start your summer holidays with a bang.

The line-up for this year’s event promises some big names to grace the stage come 6 June, and Example + DJ Wire are topping the list. Example is best known for his feel-good dance anthems that have made him a household name in the last five years, with his dance classics ‘Say Nothing’,

Will Davies OMI- “Cheerleader” This summer hit has been blasting out of the radio for the last week and it’s easy to see why. OMI’s strong reggae beat influenced by the singer’s Jamaican heritage is perfect for those cheerful summer days on the beach.

Lianne La Havas “Unstoppable” This London-born folk singer has been quietly making her name as one of the newest and most exciting folk singers of her generation, with this mellow tune promising to be a hit of the summer as it boasts a chilled-out vibe.

Photo by Evian Tsai

Kent’s biggest night out Cecily Rowland

Songs on Repeat

‘Kickstarts’ and number 1 hit ‘Changed the Way You Kissed Me’ sure to get the crowd moving this coming June.

Example + DJ Wire are facing competition from the supporting acts on the bill, as the line-up also boasts new faces such as London-born artist Shift K3y, whose deep house EPs have been backed by the likes of Radio 1 Xtra and DJ Annie Mac. The night will also see one of television’s biggest shows come to Canterbury as Game of Thrones actorturned-R&B-singer Raleigh Ritchie, best known for his portrayal of Grey Worm in the loved show, is set to hit the stage. The night is sure to be a brilliant one, with the return of free rides such as the infamous Bumper Cars and more Pimms than the average British barbeque, so clear your diary for 6 June and make sure you attend the best night in the University calendar.

Photo by Mark Wass

The Vaccines - “Dream Lover” It’s official: The Vaccines have changed their sound. The once guitar-strumming and bass-heavy indie-rock band have ventured down the pop route and their new single stands out as a happy slice of music fun.

Florence and the Machine“What Kind of Man” In 2010, the world was introduced to the wonderful mix of hippyesque indie-rock and soul in the form of Florence and the Machine, and now, they are back. Their new single boasts a new guitar-driven sound for the folk band, promising to be a hit at this year’s summer festivals.

Tickets: £40

The Proclaimers- 14 June, The Marlowe Theatre Rosewater- 19-20 June, The Gulbenkian The Morriston Orpheus Choir- 26 July, The Marlowe Theatre

Photo by Island Records

Entertainment

FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women Bethan Stoneman Newspaper Entertainment Editor

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e’re only in May and already 2015 has been a ground-breaking year for women around the world.

The General Election saw more female MPs than ever before take centre stage in the mainstream media, and next year, American Politian Hillary Clinton is set to change history in her run for Presidency.

Despite these incredible achievements of women in the media, the annual ranking of female celebrities has hit the world of entertainment once again, with FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the

Photo by alh1

World.

Everyone from The Great British Bake Off’s Mary Berry (who was ranked no. 79 despite her age pushing 80) to Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence (who bagged third place) are categorized in the list.

This yearly ranking of women in the entertainment industry has led some people to protest against the famous men’s magazine and leads us to ask the question, is this annual tradition an empowering form of flattery for women or is it a misogynistic regression for feminists across the world?

With over a million votes cast on the polls this year, it is undoubtable that this particular magazine feature is extremely popular among the readers of FHM magazine; be they men or women alike. One look at 2015’s top ten ‘Sexiest Women in the World’ is enough to see what qualifies “sexy” in today’s media: curvy actresses dominate the list with ‘Coronation Street’ star Michelle Keegan, known for her relationship with TOWIE star Mark Wright, topping the poll at number one and The Wolf of Wall Street bombshell actress Margot Robbie coming seventh.

There is also a strong youthful presence in the top ten, as Kardashian favourite Kendall Jenner and singer Ariana Grande were ranked in second and sixth place, despite both being under the age of 21. This surprising

result is made even more shocking by the target readership of the magazine, whose audience consists of men up to the age of 40.

In a society where men and women are regarded as equal counterparts, surely this yearly objectification should either be mirrored by a women’s magazine in the ranking of men’s attractiveness or should be scrapped altogether. The question that needs to be asked of the media is burning on everyone’s lips: is it right to objectify women by their physical appearance?

Many have argued that the yearly magazine tradition is actually empowering for women in the media, particularly for the older women in the list such as Mary Berry. It has been suggested that the large age range of the women in 2015’s list shows that beauty is not restricted to the young, so women of all ages in the entertainment industry can have the hope that one day, they too might be considered one of the ‘Sexiest Women in the World.’

Photo by covajana

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You should follow...

The Daily Swarm @thedailyswarm The Daily Swarm’s Twitter account has become a favourite with music fans across the world, as it promises regular and fresh-off-the-press music news about your favourite artists.

Hype Machine @hypem Most of the music in the charts right now has, at one point, been recommended by Hype Machine.

This Twitter page is a go-to follow for any music fan, as it’s the ultimate way to keep up with the hottest tracks of the moment, before everybody else finds them.

Music Facts @MusicFactsFun If you’re struggling with your music knowledge and want to feel like a clued-up genius among your friends, Music Facts is the perfect factual Twitter for you. Whether it’s telling you the number 1 from twenty years ago or it’s informing you about famous musician’s birthdays in history, Music Facts has anything you need to know about the world of entertainment.

Ultimate TV shows to binge-watch after exams Aaron Pape

Y

ou’ve imagined the perfect summer: three full months of trips to the beach, late night barbeques and water fights with your best friends. However, if you feel drained from the stress of exams and want nothing more than to curl up with ice cream and Netflix, here are the best TV shows to binge watch over the holidays.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S Everyone in the world has watched an episode of F.R.I.E.N.D.S at some point in their life, and although the famous show finished filming eleven years ago, there’s a reason it’s still considered one of the best TV series of all time.

In a band? Making a movie? Fancy yourself as a comedian? We’re interested.

Contact newspaper. entertainment@ inquirelive.co.uk for more details.

Genuinely hilarious with loveably relatable characters (everyone knows a clean freak like Monica or a sarcastic joker like Chandler). F.R.I.E.N.D.S is the perfect TV show to watch after the hectic stress of exams.

Orange is the New Black

Photo by Netflix Company

This eye-opening comedy about life inside women’s prison in America is all anyone is talking about, and there’s a reason. Wonderfully controversial and funny, the first series of Orange is the New Black was so popular that there is now a huge demand for the sequel to become available on Netflix so fans can get their fix of the unconventional characters such as Crazy Eyes and Red. The Walking Dead Widely considered as one of the most

clever and thrilling TV shows of the last 10 years, The Walking Dead is ideal for anyone who loves a creepy zombie story with a fast-paced and gripping plot.

There’s no question as to why the show has won numerous costume and makeup awards, as the zombies, or ‘walkers’ as they are called in the show, are truly terrifying and will definitely give you nightmares this summer.

Parks and Recreation If it’s a rainy summer’s day and you need a giggle, Parks and Recreation is one of the most underrated and uplifting shows of the last 10 years.

With its witty dialogue written by the hilarious Amy Poehler, a.k.a. the inappropriate mum in Mean Girls, and a stellar cast including Chris Pratt, this

Photo by lifeis_caps

comedy is both heart-warming and extremely clever.

Sex and the City There’s a reason Sarah Jessica Parker was the ‘it’ girl of the 90s, her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City made the character one of the most iconic figures in TV history. With their fabulous lives in New York City full of designer clothes, amazing parties and turbulent relationships, Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda are

Photo by Danilla

some of the most memorable and wellloved characters in television. The series has gone down in history as a groundbreaking and controversial show which explores all areas of women’s lives and ultimately celebrates the strength of female friendship, despite all the bumps along the way.

16

Entertainment

The Kardashian family effect Bethan Stoneman Newspaper Entertainment Editor

I

t’s taken 10 years, one reality show, numerous hair extensions and more bronzer than the average TOWIE dressing room, but the Kardashians are now household names.

With its family of six children, an athlete step-dad and the ‘Momager’ Kris Jenner, the Kardashians always had an interesting family dynamic that added to their appeal and has made them the most famous family on the planet.

Rewind 10 years however and Kim, the bombshell of the family and arguably the reason for the Kardashian fame, was working as Paris Hilton’s assistant.

So how has this family become one of the biggest brands of the decade?

Simple, clever endorsement deals with clothing chains, hair care and brushes with the music and film industry that have generated enough wealth to fund a small country and has enabled the Kardashian girls to become huge figures in the world of entertainment. 2014 also saw the family enter the world of gaming as Kim Kardashian: Hollywood shot to the top of the gaming charts and earned $1.6 million within the first week of release. The girls of the family, Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and

Kylie, have also reaped the rewards of good genes and good plastic surgeons as they are often seen gracing the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue

few years, which has enabled fans from all over the world to see even more of the Kardashian lives behind the scenes and has led to the family being the

Photo by Disney ABC Television Group

and Cosmopolitan, often wearing very little to cover their modesty.

This domination of the world of entertainment has been largely aided by the social media craze of the last

most followed stars on Instagram and Twitter, with the youngest Kardashian sister, Kylie, boasting a huge Instagram following of 22.6 million people.

This domination of social media has

also raised concerns of the narcissistic effects on the younger generation, as the Kardashians have been blamed for the increasing popularity of plastic surgery among teenage girls as their curvaceous figures and enhanced facial features have become the “ideal” in the media.

These pressures are even reflected within the Kardashian family itself, as the young Kylie who is only seventeen recently admitted to having lip enhancing surgery as she states she felt extremely “insecure” about her features when compared to her sisters.

This incredible success for the Kardashian clan bodes the muchasked question: how far can this family go? The entertainment industry hasn’t experienced such domination from one family since the rise of the Osbournes, whose mere three year reality TV run pales in comparison to the 10 years of the Kardashians. It is understandable however that the family are eager to conquer every aspect of the entertainment industry as the constant demand for new and interesting celebrities threatens their status at the top, and there is a possibility that within the next few years, the fascination with their scandalous lives will fizzle out, and a younger, more tanned and even more ruthless family will take centre stage.

Artist of the month: Rat Boy Happy end of exams playlist Alexander Reed

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e know what you’re thinking: who is this new artist who sounds like a super-villain from a Marvel film?

Well, Rat Boy is actually one of the most exciting emerging artists of the year, who is steadily getting his voice known in the land of entertainment.

Rat Boy is in fact 18 year old singer/ songwriter Jordan Cardy from Essex, whose debut mixtape and first single ‘Sign On’ has been covered in NME magazine and is getting serious airplay on Radio One, as DJ Fearne Cotton is a firm fan.

Rat Boy has been dubbed one of the most exciting young artists of 2015 as his unique sound, which he claims originates in his bedroom where he plays guitar, keyboard and bass in addition to producing his own music, is growing in popularity across Britain.

So how would we describe this teenager’s music? Imagine Jamie T’s fast-paced and clever lyrics commenting on the state of British youth with a dash of Arctic Monkeys’ twanging guitars on ‘Riot Van’ and an Essex accent.

Rat Boy’s fresh style of indie hip-hop rock is set to be a summer hit, and it’s not hard to imagine festival crowds

jumping to his slashing guitars and strumming bass. He is set to play an impressive four festivals this summer, not bad for a guy who hasn’t even finished his A Levels yet, with the Festival Republic Stage at Reading and Leeds being graced by the hot new singer. Crowds are also promised a good show as Rat Boy names hip hop band The Streets and old punk rockers The Clash as a few of his musical idols, so the 2015 festival goers can expect a high energy and committed performance from the young artist.

Rat Boy’s debut mixtape is a perfect concoction of fast-paced lyrical hits about the youthful generation that promises to be future festival anthems as the young artist is sure to cement his name alongside his idol Jamie T in indie hip-hop history in the coming years.

Want to review shows?

Join us in our meetings in KLT2 on Mondays at 6:15pm.

Can’t wait until then? Send us an email with your ideas.

Marina Plummer

I

t’s the day you’ve been waiting for ever since your first lecture of the year.

You’ve spent the last two months highlighting and re-reading your notes, wondering how to memorise books you’ve never read and worrying that you’ll somehow get lost on the way to the Sports Hall and never make it to your last exam. So when the day eventually comes and you’re walking into the sunshine, free of all the stress of exams for a whole year, here’s the perfect playlist to celebrate your freedom.

Pharrell - “Happy” This is the go-to celebration tune on any post-exam celebrator’s playlist.

Possibly the most cheerful song ever made, it’s impossible not to feel happy when listening to this number one song.

Dexys Midnight Runners - “Come On Eileen” You may recognise this from the brilliant The Perks of Being a Wallflower film where Emma Watson and Logan Lerman dance to this very song at their school dance. The golden classic starts off slow and builds to something truly happy and wonderful.

The Lion King- “Hakuna Matata” Yes, it’s Disney. But it’s also one of the most YOLO-esque songs ever made. It means no worries for the rest of your days! What else could you want for those precious happy moments?

Nicki Minaj - “Starships” Even if you would rather gnaw off your own arm than listen to a Nicki Minaj song on a normal day, there’s no denying that this song is a feel-good anthem for those carefree summer days.

Kool & The Gang - “Celebration” Need a reason to listen to this song?

The reason is in the name. A classic feelgood anthem for every moment after the end of exams, celebrate good times, no more revision, come on!

The Killers - “Mr. Brightside” Possibly one of the best songs ever written. Even if you listen to this song every day, listening to it in the wake of your last exam is something special.

Crank up your headphones and dance along.

The Monkees - “I’m a Believer” An oldie, but a classic. You may recognise this song from the brilliant Shrek soundtrack which could make up a celebration playlist itself. I’m a believer in freedom from all that dreaded revision!

Culture

Five quick ways to get cultured Banrika Gill Being part of the University of Kent means being part of the self-proclaimed UK’s European University. Thus when you are sitting with a group of people and have nothing to say to them, it is time to get cultured. Here are my five quick ways to do so.

A Pub Quiz with your friends. The Unicorn Inn on St Dunstan’s Road holds a quiz every Sunday evening that will force you to pay attention to the news.

London hotspot: V&A Savage Beauty Exhibition Cal Cozier

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lexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is a massive, meticulous exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, showcasing the vision and artistry of the late great fashion designer, Alexander McQueen.

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Photo by Ben Terrett

Photo by Martyn and Debz

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You can sign up to one of the Kent Extra language courses.

What better way to connect with another individual than to speak their language and spend no money learning it?

You should go to watch a theatre or musical performance at the Gulbenkian. It is on campus and has cheap student budget prices.

A weekend getaway with a few friends either around Kent or into London is a sure way to learn more about the country.

Try to order something different every time you eat out. Dolche Vita, on campus, has a variety of dishes that always look lovely and waiting to be feasted upon.

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Photo by Yannig Van de Wouwer

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The exhibit houses Europe’s premiere and most considerable compilation of McQueen’s work, ranging from his earliest runway presentations to the grand spectacles of his final shows.

Originally conceived and displayed in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2011, it became one of the most widely talked about exhibitions organised by the Costume Institute.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is now taking London by storm, which is fitting considering the designer emerged from a humble upbringing in the city’s East End. McQueen’s unique take on fashion may not always be the most palatable for

the ordinary viewer, but he maintained that art is not about making people comfortable. Many of McQueen’s pieces possess a suggestive malice, for instance the paralysing armadillo shoes that Lady Gaga is so fond of.

It is quickly made apparent that none of McQueen’s designs are practical or available for the everyday individual however. Admittedly, I am one of those everyday people who wish they could access the cache of bizarre headdresses that tromp down the runway.

No doubt walking through the exhibition would be a fantastical adventure in itself, akin to reading a heavily stylised fantasy novel.

The words ‘savage beauty’ are probably the most suitable to describe the vision of Alexander McQueen, whose spectacular collections continually played on the juxtaposition of forces such as life and death or light and dark.

McQueen’s ultimate intention was to illustrate the transformative power of clothing, but in an altogether different approach from his contemporary fashion peers.

It is often stated that the finale piece of McQueen’s collection Angels and Demons, a dress constructed of golden feathers and including an impressive collar, effectively casts the illusion that any woman can fly, metaphorically if not literally.

One reviewer of the exhibit stated that they were completely transfixed by the idea of great golden wings unfurling and reflecting the sunlight.

Some of the most vivid images that

come to my mind are when I look at the gowns included in the spring/summer 2003 collection Irere.

One of the dresses is a confection of white ruffles and diaphanous fabric that has been torn asunder, giving the impression of a constant breeze. The grizzly portrait that I paint is that of a beautiful bride who was viciously murdered and then her corpse is propped up as a scarecrow.

Photo by Teresa Stanton

As appalling as that image is, I feel it is precisely what McQueen intends with his designs, and can also fall under the definition of ‘savage beauty.’

The exhibition provides an enthralling and retrospective look at Alexander McQueen and his storied and macabre career, and now that it is present in London, the life of McQueen has come full circle and can be celebrated in his own hometown.

I strongly encourage anybody who is interested in fashion, art, or beauty to visit the V&A Museum before 2 August.

Books to read now I’ve finished my degree Natalie Tipping Editor-in-Chief

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n Friday 15 May, after four years of blood, sweat and tears, I finally finished my English Literature and French degree. Freedom is slowly sinking in, and I’m starting to wonder what I should read now that I have the chance to. So, what’s on the list? Here goes.

Jon Ronson - So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed Celebrated gonzo journalist, writer for The Guardian and all round cool guy Jon Ronson’s latest book delves into the world of public shaming. It questions why people are so quick to turn on others, and how anyone can be sucked into this culture that has become such a central part of our modern lives. Never heard of Jon Ronson? You’re probably more aware of him than you think you are. Ever seen the George Clooney movie The Men Who Stare at Goats? Well he wrote the book that the film is based on. And it’s really cool. So, do you want another

reason why I want to read more of his stuff? Didn’t think so.

Eimear McBride - A Girl is a HalfFormed Thing This is a novel that I’ve had my eye on for a while, and was one of a whole bunch that I bought with my Waterstone’s gift card after Christmas.

As if the fact that it’s won multiple awards, including the Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction, wasn’t enough, this novel has also been given great reviews, and sounds like a really cool concept. I brought it down with me after Christmas, stupidly thinking I’d have any time to read it and have been staring at it ever since.

George RR Martin - Game of Thrones When Game of Thrones first rose to prominence a few years ago thanks to the TV series based on the books, I promised myself I wouldn’t watch any of the show until I’d read the books.

Although the temptation all became too much for me last year while I was bored on my year abroad (I know), I still want to read the books, because I

just absolutely love the series.

Khaled Hosseini - A Thousand Splendid Suns I studied Hosseini’s The Kite Runner at A-Level, and have wanted to read A Thousand Splendid Suns ever since. I think six years is long enough to wait to read a novel by such a great writer, so this is another that will soon be devoured now my days are free.

Bret Easton Ellis - Less Than Zero Not to repeat myself too many times, but this is another book I’ve had my eye on for a while. My entire bookcase at home is full of books that I have bought and never read, but Easton Ellis’ books are the ones that continue to catch my eye when I whimsically stare at the ever-expanding collection.

I’ve got a number of his novels, including perhaps his most famous work, American Psycho, but, in the words of Lewis Carroll, it makes sense to “begin at the beginning, and go on until you come to the end: then stop”.

Time for me to get reading then I guess!

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Culture

Picasso painting breaks auction records in New York Shalyia Arumugthasan Newspaper Culture Editor

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h good old Picasso. Even after his death he is still renowned within the art world.

In a recent auction at Christie’s in New York, a well-known and popular auction house, Picasso’s painting Women of Algiers smashed records in the auction house, raking in the highest price of a painting ever sold at auction. The painting sold at an amazing $179.3m (£115m).

The painting began development following the death of the artist’s friend and fellow competitor, Henri Matisse.

Matisse is the painter of vividly exotic images of Turkish women in harems.

The gorgeous cubist painting by Picasso holds an Orientalist feel as well as inspiration from artists such as Cezanne and El Greco. The original Women of Algiers was created in 1834

by Eugene Delacroix, whom Picasso truly admired.

Similarly to his painting, Picasso does not hesitate to show an appreciation for the female form. The painting is of nude courtesans, and there is a compilation of different aspects of the female body along a full-formed figure of a woman.

This piece is one in a 15 work series.

My favourite aspect has to be the intense use of colour within the

painting with the use of reds, oranges and yellows, combined with subtle blues and greens. When first looking at the painting, it can be seen as a painting of chaos but the careful attention and detail paid to the positioning of different shapes and body parts is incredible.

The Women of Algiers surpassed the previous world record holder, British painter, Francis Bacon. His painting Three Studies of Lucian Freud sold for $142.4m. The pre-estimated sale of Picasso’s painting was put just under that at a hefty $140m.

But Picasso’s painting was not the only record broken that night, another world was for the most expensive sculpture sold at auction. The artist who stole this title is known as Alberto Giacometti with his now record breaking sculpture Pointing Man. Both the buyers of either artwork decided to remain silent, it is understood that bidding went on for 11 minutes and included phone bids.

Within the top $100m artworks, it can be seen that two other Picasso works have made it on the list after his death.

One called Nude Green Leaves, and Bust sold in 2012 and Boy With a Pipe sold in 2004. Giacometti also entered into the $100m boundary in 2010 with his painting Walking Man I. It is evident that both of these

Photo by atixi

incredibly talented artists have not failed to remain popular and current after their deaths. Their works are still in high demand to many art collectors

in the industry.

Without a doubt we will still be hearing about the works of Picasso and Giacometti in many years to come.

‘China Through the Looking Glass’ Met Gala 2015 Jessica Duncan Newspaper Features Editor

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his year’s Met Gala, a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York, run by Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, was set to be another glamorous occasion, with a theme of ‘China through the looking glass’, and it did not disappoint when it came to celebrity attendees’ formal attire.

The battle for the most revealing dress was headed up by Jennifer Lopez, showcasing her famous behind in a sheer red embroidered Versace dress giving a glimpse of the side.

Not one to be outdone however, Kim Kardashian followed suit, with a white sheer and feather Roberto Cavalli dress, emphasising her famous curves.

Late to the party but by no means least, the queen that is Beyoncé trumped both Kim and JLo with her dazzling Givenchy Haute Couture dress, covering the bare necessities, paired with a sleek up-do, and reminding them who’s on top.

Proving that their sense of style runs in the family, Solange, Beyonce’s sister, wore a high fashion, if not slightly impractical, dress consisting of a high

fan style front. With her hair up in a blunt pony tail, her look could have walked straight out of a runway show.

Another member of the Kardashian

Photo by Charles Sykes

clan in attendance was Kendall Jenner, wearing a green Calvin Klein

dress, revealing a lot of side cleavage.

In contrast to her sister’s sheer look however, Kendall’s outfit was a sophisticated high neck gown with lace-up sides. Never being far from their sides, matriarch Kris was also in attendance, however her 80s style Balmain look missed the mark.

Opting for a sleek appearance and achieving the theme of the night, Cara Delevingne wore a black Stella McCartney jumpsuit. She accessorised with temporary drawn on tattoos of cherry blossoms and birds by tattoo artist Keith McCurdy, which reportedly took 11 hours. Finished with a smokey makeup look and her hair in a bun, she allowed her tattoos to do the work.

It wasn’t just the women who stole the show as, dressed in Topman, Lewis Hamilton looked sophisticated in a cobalt blue waistcoat and frock jacket, with black trousers and a white shirt buttoned to the top. Mark Ronson was also in attendance in a Topman classic black double-breasted suit.

Whilst most adhered to the theme with elegant outfits, others missed the mark. Notably Rihanna’s yellow dress with a long train, photos of which were quickly edited to become pizza or omelette memes, which are already

storming the internet.

Additionally, Sarah Jessica Parker, who is often on point with her outfits, opted for a slightly over the top fiery headdress which has also nevertheless like Rihanna’s ensemble become quite the talk of the web.

Photo by Fashionista

So whilst we pine over this year’s dresses and wish we’d been invited, we will have to wait another year before witnessing the fashion of the Met Gala once again.

Culture

Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction 2015 Ellesse Cook

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he Baileys Women’s Prize For Fiction is down to its final shortlist of authors for 2015. The winner is selected by a board of five “leading women” in the literature industry.

The winning author is awarded with £30,000 and a bronze sculpture known as the Bessie. Let’s have a closer look at the shortlisted nominees.

Outline by Rachel Cusk This book centres on a female writer teaching a writing course in Athens, although ‘Outline’ isn’t just one story.

It’s the short but well-formed life stories of the people she meets on her journey.

The first thing to know about this book is the narrator is very much a spectator.

It’s a refreshing change from the teenage protagonists I’ve just grown out of. Well, almost.

The Bees by Laline Paull

Photo by earl258

Described as “The Handmaid’s Tale meets The Hunger Games”, if the first chapter is anything to go by, that’s a fair description. But this dystopian idea and plot is portray through a collective of bees and their hive.

As a dystopia junkie, I’m readily eating this up. Even if dystopia isn’t your cup of tea, there’s a good chance it may surprise you.

A God In Every Stone by Kamila Shamsie

There isn’t a ton of “action”, but to dismiss it for this reason is a mistake, because what is known is that characters presented are not only made to be realistic but to be relatable.

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters

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Author Spotlight Karisma Indra

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rthur Ransome is one of the best adventure writers of the 20th century.

Although his work is not as well known today as it was perhaps a few decades ago, they are still feelgood novels which help recapture moments of adventure and imagination in one’s childhood.

Photo byThe Library of Virginia

This is a book which revolves around a young woman in 1914, constantly travelling and finding many past histories. It also features the travels of the fifth century explorer Scylax.

It seems you need to read the whole book, and be fully engaged in their journey to get the most out of it. From what I have read so far, it’s a book with the vivid imagery you’d expect in a travel novel, but sadly not for me.

How to Be Both by Ali Smith Oh. My brain, my brain. In all seriousness, this is a book about art.

It’s made up of two novellas, one based on the stream of consciousness of the ghost of fifteenth century painter Francesco del Cossa. The second simply follows a sixteen year old girl, George.

But, disclaimer: Smith’s writing jumps quickly from one place in the story to another.

If you can be patient enough to understand Smith’s style however, you might just find something truly unique.

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler Of the six books on this list, this was the simplest. At its core, ‘A Spool of Blue Thread’ is just a slice of life, centring on the Whitshank family.

Photo by Goodreads

This novel is set in 1922, portraying a postwar feel in Britain. It focuses on the Wrays family falling upon hard times, as well as the rest of the country which is now populated by a number of exsoldiers.

The Wrays are forced to take in Lilian and Leonard Barber as lodgers, who put a new spin on the world for this family.

It’s not the most original idea, but the setting and situation may make it up to you.

My Verdict Though I’d place Outline or The Bees as my favourite, there’s something to be said about each of these books. They all bring something different to the table, and, personal taste aside, those judges definitely have a tough decision on their hands.

Photo by Advertising Archives

Perhaps the most well known of his works is Swallows and Amazons, but my favourite within the series is, We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea.

Spoken word poetry at the Gulbenkian Alice Bryant

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n 20 May, Zena Edwards joined us for an evening of spoken word poetry. An exceptional and imaginative poet from London, Zena’s delivery is powerful and provoking, comedic and human. Both a poet and a musician, Zena infuses a sensitivity into her work that resonates with a listener on a visceral level. She communicates experiences that range from the seemingly banal to the extraordinary.

Zena has been involved in the poetry circuit for 20 years; performing, presenting workshops, and writing for the BBC. She was nominated for the Arts Foundation Award for Performance Poetry 2007 and has won the Hidden Creatives Award 2012.

Maggie Akintayo, winner of last month’s Gulb Slam, was our feature poet. Maggie has performed at open mic nights, a few slams, on radio, and most recently, at the Queen Elizabeth, Royal Albert Hall.

She thinks it is important to tell a story with spoken word, to invite listeners to follow you and is inspired by poets like Kate Tempest and Zora Howard. Her work is sensual and passionate, often exploring alluring and intriguing themes.

The evening included a poetry slam, hosted by Canterbury laureate Dan Simpson, featuring a range of local spoken word poets, some who have performed before, others who are more new to the wondrous world of spoken word.

Photo by Troupe Dresser

Photo by Richard Kaby

The story centres around child/teen adventurers who accidentally manage to end up sailing into the sea instead of rivers and lakes where they were meant to go.

These books are simple but tell a story of friendship. This is something that cannot be underestimated.

That’s why I feel Arthur Ransome should be remembered, for both his stories of adventure and childhood.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, noone should hesitate before picking one of his books up.

2015/6

Meet InQuire’s new team We look forward to being your source for all things Want to become part of the team? us about avaliable positions University and Canterbury related atContact chairwoman@inquiremedia.co.uk

Editor-in-Chief

Features

News

Nic Weatherill Jess Duncan and Holly Welch

Natalie Tipping

Website Editor

Comment

Entertainment Otto Ilveskero

Sport Bethan Stoneman and Max Beckett

Natalie Turco-Williams

Newspaper Editor Culture

Patrick Kamula

Distribution

Ruby Lyle

Shalyia Arumugthasan and Julia Mitchell

Fraser Whieldon

22

Sport

“Hopefully, we can get some revenge over CCCU” InQuire chats to the Chairman of UKC Cricket Club, David Allison, about the club’s upcoming summer BUCS season.

Hi David, could you explain your role at the University of Kent’s Cricket Club?

I am the Chairman of the University of Kent Cricket Club.

I oversee everything that goes on in the club.

That doesn’t mean I’m always hands on, however. Sometimes I just allocate tasks and receive updates.

I make sure the club has the correct equipment and that there are no unhappy members.

What are the team’s hopes for the coming outdoor season?

Our hopes this year are to win the outdoor Varsity fixture again against Canterbury Christchurch and to have our men’s 1s, 2s and 3s win promotion.

The women’s team are hoping to get a few good wins under their belt as well.

Despite having an outdoor Varsity coming up, you have already taken part in an indoor varsity fixture.

How did that go?

We are a bit unique because we have two Varsities.

We lost in a very disappointing clean sweep in the indoor during the traditional Varsity week in March this year.

The teams had some really

promising signs in the buildup to the big day, but a mixture of nerves and one or two silly mistakes cost us hugely.

But having outdoor Varsity on 22 May is great to look forward to, and hopefully we can get some revenge over Canterbury Christchurch.

How difficult is it for the side to replicate outdoor scenarios when you have to train indoors?

Training indoors has its limitations, mainly when practicing fielding.

at a high intensity, something which is not usually associated with the sport.

How has the University of Kent Cricket Club developed in recent years?

The club has developed a lot over the recent past, both in numbers of members and in facilities.

Not long ago we didn’t have pitch covers at Parkwood, so any rain would immediately kill the game.

This year, we have the numbers to put out four men’s

“Ideally, we would like to see our men’s 1s gain promotion back to the BUCS South Eastern 1A Division.”

It’s impossible to replicate an uneven grass pitch indoors and nothing can prepare you for the Parkwood outfield, which after the rugby season becomes very uneven.

Playing indoor allows us to focus more on manipulating the ball and playing shots in the right areas; hitting the ball hard is not rewarding indoors.

Indoor cricket also gets the guys and girls really pumped up and gets us used to playing

teams and a women’s team, something which we could only dream about five years ago.

Where would you like to see the club in a year’s time?

Ideally, we would like to see our men’s 1s gain promotion back to BUCS South Eastern 1A division and we’d like to have a lot more female participants as well.

We are thinking of entering another indoor team into the local Pharon Leagues, but those

Photo by University of Kent Cricket Club

Photo by University of Kent Cricket Club types of decisions are based on the club’s financial situation at the start of each year.

The majority of sports competition finished last term, so do you feel pushed aside competing during the summer months?

Pushed aside is perhaps a strong term, but we do wonder why all the awards have been given out before our season has started. Some of our members haven’t even played a competitive game.

It’s also frustrating in the summer with almost all our members having one or more exams.

If we were able to get a full strength team out every week then our teams would all be a league higher than where they are now.

What are the details regarding your upcoming fixtures?

Regarding our next couple of games, unfortunately, we’re having fixtures rescheduled left right and centre and so the next fixtures dates are all up in the air.

Be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed for further information, as we would love supporters to come along and watch.

If you would like to know more about the University of Kent Cricket Club then head to www.facebook. com/UKCCricket or tweet us @UKCCricketClub.

University of Kent Cricket Club Fixtures

Wednesday 27 May Kent Men’s 1s vs East London Men’s 1s Kent Men’s 2s vs Greenwich 1s Wednesday 3 June Kent Women’s 1s vs Brunel Women’s 1s Kent Men’s 2s vs City Men’s 1s Kent Men’s 3s vs Arts Men’s 1s All fixtures are subject to change. For further fixture announcements and to keep up to date with results from the University of Kent Cricket Club, check out www. inquirelive.co.uk

Sport

Are you paying too much for your Kent Sport membership?

Universities

Membership Price (£ p.a.)

The University of Sheffield University of Leeds University of Derby Bristol University University of Bath University of Exeter University of York Aston University St Mary’s University Cardiff University Lancaster University LSE UWE Bristol Queen Mary University of Liverpool Keele University Lougborough University Oxford Brookes University Royal Holloway University of Birmingham University of Cambridge University of Aberdeen University of Leicester University of Kent University of Salford Birmingham City University King’s College London University of Hull Middlesex University Southampton Solent University of Sussex Manchester Metro University University of Manchester Sheffield Hallam University University of Wolverhampton University of Plymouth University of Westminster University of St. Andrews De Montfort University University of Chichester University of Edinburgh Durham University Oxford University University of Nottingham University of Worcester Newcastle University University of Brighton University of Sunderland Coventry University Canterbury Christ Church Leeds Beckett University University of Portsmouth University of Essex Heriot Watt University University of Leicester University of Bedfordshire University of Greenwich Nottingham Trent University Bournemouth University University of Glasgow University of Gloucestershire Imperial College London UCLan

290* 276* 264* 260* 259* 246* 231* 230* 230 225 222* 220 215 212 202* 200 199* 195* 195 195* 190* 190* 190* 184.5 184* 180 180* 175.5 170 170 170 165* 165 160* 160* 155 155 153* 150* 150 141* 140 140* 135* 132 175 130 130* 125 120 120* 120 115 105 210* 100* 100 99 60 60* 50 40* 0*

Ted Jenkins

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or this study, universities were ranked according to the price of their equivalent per annum to the Kent Gold membership (£184.50).

Kent was found to have the 24th most expensive membership out of 63 universities surveyed.

Whether this position is good or bad can be complicated to answer, because facilities vary wildly between universities.

Some universities have a strategic sports focus and offer elite sports complexes with Olympic/additional funding and are not directly comparable to Kent, while others give free membership to halls residents (Sheffield & Leeds), or completely free sports centre facilities to students.

To keep things simple, 16 of the 23 memberships were more expensive than Kent’s, offer demonstrably better sports facilities (having at least swimming pools and multiple fitness suites).

Whether or not better facilities are worth the extra cost is open to debate, but more interestingly, 57% of the university memberships surveyed are cheaper than Kent’s, while also offering better facilities.

From this research, Kent’s sports facilities are about as good as average nationally, but have significantly higher than average membership prices.

Kent students rated the sports facilities joint 20th out of 114 universities in The Times Higher Education Survey 2015, which is encouraging, but as an opinion survey, this should be treated with caution (how many students are aware of the facilities offered at every other university?).

When comparing universities with similar facilities, Kent has one of the highest priced memberships in the UK. Is this justified?

Should Kent Sport, whose slogan is ‘More People, More Active, More Often’, be doing more to make sport accessible to students, or is it already

accessible enough?

Many universities currently offer cheap memberships for sports hall/pitch-only activities (Leeds charge £76 p.a.), or have guest fees of 50p (Bath) and £1.60 (Sussex), and many offer monthly/termly memberships.

In fairness, Kent Sport has been directed by the University to operate at a profit, to be reinvested in improving itself.

Many universities with smaller sports facilities like Kent’s run sport through their Students’ Union, ensuring that focus is on delivery of services to students and not with profitability and growth of the sports organisation.

Should the University aim to provide more accessible sport to enable the highest amount of student participation, or provide a higher quality of sport to fewer students?

If Kent Sport is to be run for profit, there needs to be accountability for what is done with this money to improve sports services for all students.

A fundamental problem with running an organisation for profit in a non-competitive environment (i.e. a monopoly) is that there are no driving forces for improving services to customers, except the pressure of oversight and transparency, without which there is an utter dependence upon the people in charge being competent and having aligned interests.

Vice-President (Sport), Nina Mehmi, shares similar concerns. “The cost of sport at Kent is a huge barrier for many wishing to take part.

“This is something that should no longer be put to the bottom of the University’s priority list.

“This is something that we have been campaigning on for many years at Kent.

“We will make this year be the year that students get listened to, that resolutions are provided, and that sport is recognised as a priority by everyone at the University.

“If their [students’] answer is that sport is a priority, it’s time for the University to put their money where their mouth is.”

*Universities with facilities demonstrable better than that provided at Kent (such as having swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, multiple fitness suites).

Prices given represent the closest equivalent membership level to Kent’s Gold membership, including peak time gym access and are a guide only as of May 2015.

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Dates for your sporting calendar 21 - 25 May Cricket England vs New Zealand 24 May Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 25 May - 7 June Tennis French Open 30 May Football FA Cup Final Arsenal vs Aston Villa Rugby Union Premiership Final 6 June Football Champions League Final Barcelona vs Real Madrid 6 June - 7 July Football Women’s World Cup 7 June Athletics Diamond League 12 - 28 June European Games Azerbaijan 17 - 21 June Cycling Women’s Tour of Britain 18 - 21 June Golf US Open 29 June - 12 July Tennis Wimbledon 4 - 26 July Cycling Tour De France

InQuire sport www.inquirelive.co.uk/sport

UKC Cycling pedal to BUCS success

Photo by University of Kent Cycling Club Dan English Newspaper Sport Editor

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hile UKC shut down over the Easter vacation, many sports clubs still had plenty of competitions to take part in, with one club in particular, UKC Cycling, enjoying mixed success during the break.

12 April saw the side compete in the BUCS 10 mile Individual Time Trial competition in Oxfordshire.

The riders suffered with some blustery conditions as they tackled the course, with headwinds reaching 20mph at points during the trial.

For the men’s team, the best result came from James Mapley, who finished 15th out

of 142 riders, with a time of 00:21:13.

There was also a strong ride from Victoria Ogren Nystrom, finishing the highest of the Kent’s women’s team in 38th place out of 56 riders, with a time of 00:27:46.

Eight days later, on 20 April, the team then headed to Innerleithen, in Scotland, for the Downhill Mountain Bike BUCS Championships.

This was a successful weekend for the side, who saw Joel Chidley finished 10th out of 293 riders with a time of 3:32.682, which was a great achievement for both him and the side.

Tom Gredley also cycled well, finishing 65th overall after 4:00.160.

Most recently, the team have competed at the BUCS 25 mile Time Trial course in Stetchworth, Cambridgeshire, on 27 April.

This was another good weekend for James Mapley, who finished 21st out of 108 starters in the men’s competition, with a time of 00:57:21, making him Kent’s fastest rider.

Charles Deacon, Nathan Appleton and Jake Hayward all competed for Kent too, finishing 80th, 90th and 98th respectively.

In the women’s race, Victoria Ogren Nystrom was Kent’s only competitor, finishing 25th out of 32, with a time of 01:17:32 on a very tough, windy course.

All three competitions were

great successes for the UKC Cycling team, who are growing from strength to strength across campus, helped by their inclusion in this year’s Varsity week.

The club currently holds two club social rides a week, both at 1pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting outside the Sports Centre and finishing at Woody’s, with helmets being compulsory.

If you would like further information about how you can get involved with the team, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ UniversityofKentCycling or visit their Kent Union society page.

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