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PALATINATE
The official student newspaper of Durham Students’ Union since 1948
Tuesday 22nd June 2010 | Edition 719 | palatinate.org.uk DELANEY CHAMBERS
Union Society election marred by racism rumours
Online posts from one of Nick Griffin’s right hand men are deemed not to reflect racial and religious intolerance
Out of court settlement
Durham University pays £25,000 to a deaf student after allegations that she was not sufficiently provided for Page 4
Fitfinder forced offline
Founder Rich Martell explains the reasons behind the website’s closure and the future of the site Page 5
Grade inflation at Durham
The History department have not awarded a 2:2 for three years. How many degrees can you blag your way through? Page 6
Read Palatinate’s exclusive interviews with Nick Clegg and David Miliband online at palatinate.org.uk
Guardian drops Durham
Methodology of 2011 University Guide criticised as Durham falls to 17
th
Alex Dibble
Publication of the Guardian’s 2011 UK University Guide has provoked renewed criticism of the methodology that lies behind its compilation. Durham is placed in 17th, while Bristol lies 33rd and Cardiff 46th. However, rival broadsheets The Times and The Independent have Durham in 7th and 4th respectively. The disparity has led senior figures at Durham to attack the Guardian for their ‘selective and silly’ decision making process. In an interview with Palatinate, Vice Chancellor Chris Higgins claimed, “We certainly don’t deserve the place we have in the Guardian table. The education that Durham students receive is in my belief second to none, including Oxford and Cambridge.” The Guardian rates Durham’s Law department as the 22nd best in the UK, while
Psychology also fares badly, coming in at 23rd. The Guardian’s Matthew Hiely-Rayner explained, “The reason boils down to NSS [National Student Survey] responses. Students from other universities expressed higher levels of satisfaction with the teaching on their course, the assessment and feedback they received and the overall quality of the course.” He also admitted that, in contrast to other tables, “the Guardian ignores research and values satisfaction above entry tariffs.” However, such selective categorisation has been attacked by Durham. Steve Chadwick, Director of Strategic Planning and Change Unit, said: “The Guardian takes three out of six categories in the NSS. The Times and The Independent use all six, so take into account the entire student feedback. Research is top of our priority list in terms of how we teach our students, and our scholars are of an extremely high quality.”
Moreover, Chadwick explained that “The Times and The Independent use the expenditure on library and IT facilities, which directly benefit students. In these areas we are right at the top of the tree. However, if a department were to spend ten times more on stationery, they would go up the Guardian table.” Both Chadwick and Chris Higgins rounded on the Guardian’s ‘added value score’, whereby a student’s A-level results are used to predict what degree classification they should end up with. Universities that produce better than predicted degrees fare well in this regard. Higgins claimed, “That is a silly measure because a university like Durham, where most students receive straight A’s, can’t excel in that category. It also assumes that a first class degree from a university in the middle of nowhere is the same as a first class degree from Durham. Continued on page 5
iQGLJR
“Farewell for now” The Graduation Edition Special summer fashion shoot hits the Bailey JONATHAN ALLEN
Continued on page 5
Local BNP candidate acquitted
Page 3
Vincent McAviney
Durham Union Society’s (DUS) election for its Epiphany Term 2011 President held this past fortnight has been marred by problems and controversy. One candidate suffered two judgments of Rules Committee against him which resulted in both decisions being overturned by tribunals. First year student Rishi Mansigani submitted his manifesto to the rules committee before the deadline. However, he had failed to include a passport-sized photo of himself. Despite correcting the mistake within the hour, an anonymous complaint was made by a member of his opponent Danny Langley’s campaign team. The Rules Committee disqualified Mr Mansigani from standing, but this decision was subsequently overruled at appeal and confirmed by the higher tribunal. Subsequently, another anonymous complaint was submitted by one of Mr Langley’s campaign team about a third party statement on the ‘wall’ of Mr Mansigani’s Facebook campaign group. The Rules Committee banned Mr Mansigani from using the website to campaign, only for the tribunal to again reverse the decision. The election also saw former Union Society President Anna Birley being reprimanded by Rules Committee for “unconstitutional intervention in the election on behalf of one candidate”, specifically Mr Mansigani. Birley was subsequently removed from Rules Committee for the duration of the election on the basis of partiality. However, sources close to the Union Society point out that two members of Rules Committee, Acting Returning Officer Anna Holt and former President Tom McCall, appeared close to Mr Langley’s election campaign, yet have kept their positions in Rules Committee. More troublesome were rumours that racist terms were heard to be used in reference to Mr Mansigani. A source disclosed the problems to Palatinate last Saturday. When we first contacted the DUS Returning Officer, who was tasked with running the election, about the circulating rumours, he responded, “I’m
Newsbox
Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
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Editorial Favourites, letters, corrections and editorial
PALATINATE Editors in Chief - Vincent McAviney & Jodie Smith - editor@palatinate.org.uk
Goodbye, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen So, this is it. The End. Four years of study: all that work, all the time spent worrying about even getting a place, and we’ve reached the final days of Durham life. It’s all boiled down to these last few weeks, which have been both the most stressful and the most brilliant of them all. For those of you who aren’t graduating this year, please forgive our sentimentality. In a few years, you’ll know how we feel. It’s a bit like standing on the edge of a precipice – you’re waiting to tip over and start ‘real life’, whatever that may be, but somehow you’re not quite ready to leave your Durham life just yet. My final year here has been my favourite year of university. I’ve vastly enjoyed my stint as Editor in Chief, and producing two superb editions of one of the best student newspapers in the country has certainly been worth all of the aforementioned stress. I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved this year, I wish our successors, Matthew Richardson and Ally Bacon, the very best of luck. There have been a few moments this term where I’ve been struck by a powerful thought: life after Durham is a blank canvas, ready to be filled how you choose. It’s an exciting thought, albeit terrifying, and every time that I’ve had one of these moments I’ve felt exhilarated about what my future will hold.
What I can be certain of is the truly amazing time I’ve had over the last few years. I never could have imagined that I’d meet such brilliant people, who I know I will remain close to even after I return to the South and distance separates us. Clichéd though it may be, it really is true that university shapes you. I’ve had firsthand experience of this, having increased in cofidence tenfold since I first arrived in October 2006. It’s not just about study, though learning all those French and German swear words on my Year Abroad was obviously an integral part of my degree experience. There remains nothing left for me to do apart from wish all those who I have met in my time here the very best of luck. Along with Vinny, we’d like to thank our marvellous editorial board for the many hours of work they’ve put in over the last year. Sometimes it’s been frustrating (which is entirely InDesign’s fault for being evil) but in the end, it’s been more than worth it. We’ve had a lot of fun along the way and we’ll miss all of you! Upon searching for a quote to sum up how best to put our feelings into words, we stumbled across the Baz Luhrmann classic ‘Everybody’s Free’ (To Wear Sunscreen). Our quote is included on the front cover of i!"#$%&and is an apt way of ending this chapter.
“Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold onto. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young” - JS
To have your say on anything featured visit palatinate.org.uk
22.06.2010 No. 719 Contents Palatinate News pages 3-5 News Features pages 6 Elections pages 8- 9 Durham 25 pages 10-11 Careers page 12 Profile page 13 Comment pages 14-17 Sport pages 19-20
As we all go our separate ways and head off to live life, we’ve written a short ode to Durham to sum up how we feel.
i!"#$%
Features page 3-5
I hate the way you are so small The Curse of the Durham Bubble I hate how there are no good shops Though less chance to get into trouble
Food page 6
I hate the way your hills are steep Making me sweat all year round I hate your very bad choice of clubs And the music at Planet of Sound
Film and TV page 11
I hate the way you have Jack Wills Over-priced clothes for the wealthy I hate the way I walk everywhere Though I spose it keeps me healthy
Books page 15
Travel page 7 Fashion pages 8-10 Stage pages 12-13 Music page 14 Games & Photography page 16
The Locker Room Contents and Editorial page 2
I hate it that you are so unique That there’s no-one quite like you But most of all I hate the way I truly love you, and will miss you, too.
BUCS review and tables pages 3-4 Gabby Logan Interview pages 6-7 Palatinate Ball pages 8-9
JS & VM
New Facilities page 10 Team Durham in the community page 11 DELANEY CHAMBERS
Favourites Features indigo, page 3
Dealing with the unforgettable
A harrowing article on a defining experience Books indigo, page 15
Exclusive interview Our Palatainte team, pictured working hard above, is always on the look out for talented new members to joing our ranks. If you’re an apsiring George Alagiah (Editor 1977-1978 ) or a vivacious Jeremey Vine (1984) wannabe then why not join our brand-new Palatinate Multimedia!
If you’re innvoative and passionate about developments in the world of online media, why not join our team of Palatinate journos who plan on taking our online presence to a whole new level in 2010-2011 with the PBC (Palatinate Broadcasting Company).
Palatinate needs you! DEPUTY EDITOR With the academic year coming to an end, we’re looking for a new Deputy Editor for Michaelmas Term. We’re looking for a reliable fast learner, and if you’d like more information or an application form, email editor@palatinate.org.uk
CAREERS EDITOR We have a vacancy for a bright, enthusiastic and dedicated Careers Editor in the coming term. This section is innovative and flexible, and if you can see yourself in the role, email editor@palatinate.org.uk
If you’re thinking of a career in Broadcast Journalism, or if you’re an experienced or enthusiastic filmmaker, or even if you’re keen to be on camera, our new project could be the thing for you. Any level of web expertise or experience of cutting and editing video is welcome.
We speak to One Day author David Nicholls
We’re looking for new editors, photographers and writers so why not get involved? SUB EDITOR If you have an eye for detail and a passion for good grammar (yes, some of us do) then you could be our next sub editor. We have an opening for a sub editor to join our team, so email editor@palatinate.org.uk for more information or an application.
INDIGO EDITOR Indigo is one of the most exciting parts of our newspaper. It’s a place for design and creativity, so if you think you’ve got the flaire we’re looking for then email editor@ palatinate.org.uk for more information about the position or to apply.
Palatinate is published by Durham Students’ Union on a fortnightly basis during term and is editorially independent. All contributors and editors are full-time students at Durham. Send letters to: Editor, Palatinate, Durham Students’ Union, Dunelm House, New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AN. Alternatively, send an e-mail to editor@palatinate.org.uk
Editorial Board
Deputy Editor Matthew Richardson deputy.editor@palatinate.org.uk News Editor Jack Battersby news@palatinate.org.uk News Features Editor George Stafford news.features@palatinate.org.uk Deputy News Editors Alex Dibble Richard Lowe-Lauri Lucinda Rouse deputy.news@palatinate.org.uk Queen’s Campus News Editor VACANT queens@palatinate.org.uk Elections Editor Daniel johnson elections@palatinate.org.uk Careers Editor Izzy Barker careers@palatinate.org.uk Profile Editor VACANT profile@palatinate.org.uk Comment Editors Thom Addinall-Biddulph Alexandra Bottomer comment@palatinate.org.uk Sport Editor Rajvir Rai sport@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Sport Editors Delaney Chambers Ellie Middleton-Ross deputy.sport@palatinate.org.uk Indigo Editors Ally Bacon Rosanna Boscawen indigo@palatinate.org.uk Features Editor Alex Mansell features@palatinate.org.uk Food and Drink Editor Lydia Ashby food@palatinate.org.uk Travel Editor Katy Balls travel@palatinate.org.uk Fashion Editor Antonia Thier fashion@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Fashion Editor Emma Spedding deputy.fashion@palatinate.org.uk Visual Arts Editor Tamara Gates visual.arts@palatinate.org.uk Film and Television Editor Alison Moulds film@palatinate.org.uk Stage Editors Daniel Dyson Sophie Zeldin-O’Neill stage@palatinate.org.uk Music Editors Olivia Swash music@palatinate.org.uk Books Editor Alice Graves books@palatinate.org.uk Deputy Books Editor James Leadill deputy.books@palatinate.org.uk Games Editor Jon Zhu games@palatinate.org.uk Chief Sub-Editor Louise Quarmby sub-editing@palatinate.org.uk Section Sub-Editors Katie Ashcroft, Lisa Paul, Joe Salmon, Mei Leng Yew Website Editor Chris Wastell web.editor@palatinate.org.uk Illustrations Editor Anthonie Chiu-Smit illustration@palatinate.org.uk Photography Editors Jonathan Allen photography@palatinate.org.uk
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PALATINATE Tuesday 22nd June 2010
For more news visit palatinate.org.uk
Durham News
Local BNP teacher cleared of racism charges GETTY IMAGES
Jodie Smith
News in brief
A British National Party (BNP) activist from County Durham has been cleared of charges of racial and religious intolerance. Adam Walker, a teacher at a secondary school outside Sunderland, is the prospective parliamentary candidate for Bishop Auckland. Walker was accused of using a laptop at the school where he worked to visit an online forum where he claimed that Britain was ”a dumping ground for the filth of the third world”.
Walker (far right), though not a soldier, flanked BNP leader Nick Griffin in army fatigues for the duration of the General Election Campaign
Angela Stones, head of the GTC committee who cleared Walker, revealed that the panel had not been convinced that his comments suggested intolerance. “The committee’s view is that, to be suggestive of intolerance, the postings would need to deny or refuse to others the right
to dissent. We do not find that the postings themselves were suggestive of intolerance,” she said. Upon hearing that he had been cleared of charges, Mr Walker remarked: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for everybody to see that democracy is still alive and that we still have
free speech in this country.” BNP leader Nick Griffin also got involved in the affair, remarking after Walker’s acquittal: “Teachers obviously have to keep politics out of the classroom. As long as they do that they should be entitled to hold whatever political views they want.”
Tuition fees set for hike One North East disbanded Maddie Cuff
provide their degree. As a research-intensive university charging maximum fees, Durham would almost certainly take advantage of any lifting of the cap. Vice-Chancellor Chris Higgins was evasive when questioned on Durham’s potential reaction to the Browne review. “What we need to ensure is that students who are appropriately qualified to come to Durham aren’t excluded by lack of funding. Clearly the loan system is imperfect and needs to be revised.”
“Students currently contribute a half of the total amount it costs a university ” However Higgins admitted, “if the government asks students to pay too much, there is a real risk that many will go overseas, and that would be a loss of real talent for this country.” If accepted, the recommendations could lead to tuition fees more than trebling, saddling future students with mortgage-style debts of more than £40,000. The review is also examining the current repayment plans for student loans, whereby loan repayments begin when a graduate is earning over £15,000, at a subsidised rate of interest from the government. Universities are calling for students to pay a “real” rate of interest, of around 5%, and for a lower threshold from which repayments start. President of the NUS Wes Streeting declared that an increase in fees was a “nightmare scenario” in which students would be forced to choose based on cost rather than suitability.
Lucinda Rouse
The coalition government has faced opposition from local businesses and councils following its decision to scrap the North East’s Regional Development Agency (RDA), One North East. The government has accused One North East of being a wasteful drain on funds, primarily through the opening of additional offices in China, Korea and Australia. The RDA insists these offices are imperative in giving the region an international voice and attracting heavyweight international firms. One North East was one of nine RDAs established nationwide by the Labour government in a bid to transform and regenerate English regions through sustainable economic development. Roberta Blackman-Woods, Shadow Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills and MP for the City of Durham, spoke out against the disbanding of the agencies. She said, “Some RDAs have done really excellent work in bringing jobs and investment to their regions and they should be supported into the future”. Conservative David Willetts MP, believes that inward investment at a national
level would succeed in eliminating the problem of competition. However, opponents to this strategy have raised concerns that investment will be directed primarily at southern regions and that the North East will not be sufficiently represented. In April 2010 the Conservatives denied they would scrap One North East if they won the general election but instead spoke of reform by creating partnerships between councils and local businesses. The Liberal Democrats asserted their support for the RDA but demanded more public accountability. A key promise in the Tory-Lib Dem coalition document surrounds the development of a “Local Enterprising Partnership”. Professor Chris Higgins, Durham University’s Vice-Chancellor and a member of the RDA’s Board, classed One North East as “one of the most successful RDAs”. But he confirmed that its dissolution would have “no significant direct implications for the University”. He said, “We are not, of course, a regional university, but an international university, and receive little in the way of funding or other support from One North East”. It is believed that local authorities will take over the work of the RDA until a replacement organisation is set up. OLLIE KING
Universities Minister David Willets has given the clearest signal yet that the new government intends to substantially increase university tuition fees. In an interview with The Guardian Mr Willets described the cost of university courses as a “burden on the taxpayer that has to be tackled.” He described the current system of the student loans as “unsustainable”, and suggested students look on their repayments not as a debt but as an “obligation to pay higher taxes”. His comments come ahead of the findings from a parliamentary review of student finances and funding structure headed by Lord Browne. In recent weeks the Russell Group of elite universities has called for the abolition of the current tuition fee cap of £3,225. Mr Willet’s comments have increased the likelihood that should the review recommend tuition fee increases, the government will respond accordingly. The issue could cause a rift in the coalition government. 54 out of the 57 Liberal Democrat MPs, including Vince Cable and Nick Clegg, have signed a National Union of Students (NUS) pledge not to support an increase in tuition fees. To protect the strength of the coalition, Liberal Democrat MPs will be allowed to abstain from any parliamentary vote on tuition fee rise. With tightening budgets as the government struggles to reduce the national deficit, universities are increasingly turning to students and graduates as a source of funding. Wendy Piatt, director-general of the Russell Group, said: “Graduate contributions should be increased to better reflect the considerable private benefits which graduates earn from higher education.” Students currently contribute about half of the total amount it costs a university to
Alex Dibble
Raymond Scott from County Durham has appeared at Newcastle Crown Court over the alleged theft of a unique printing of William Shakespeare’s works. The folio - valued at £1m - disappeared from Palace Green Library in 1998. The court was told last Thursday that Scott had broken the lock on a secured glass cabinet during an exhibition of ancient English literature. Scott astonished experts at Washington DC’s Folger Library, who then contacted the FBI and Durham Police, when he requested a valuation of the piece. The jury heard that Scott had vandalised the book to avoid being detected as the thief of the folio. One expert described it as a “cultural legacy that has been damaged, brutalised and mutilated.” However, staff at Durham University recognised the work from a unique handwritten reference on the catalogue page. “He told staff at the library he was staying at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. The truth was he lived with his mother in Washington, Tyne and Wear.” The trial continues.
“He claimed Britain is a dumping ground for the filth of the third world” Other comments posted by Walker on a Teesside online forum described immigrants as “savage animals” and “filth”. Using the pseudonym Corporal Fox, Walker attributed the alleged rise in the BNP’s popularity to the fact that “they are the only party who are making a stand and are prepared to protect the rights of citizens against the savage animals New Labour and Bliar [sic] are filling our communities with”. The BNP activist was the first teacher to appear before the General Teaching Council (GTC) after having been accused of racial intolerance. Walker resigned from his teaching position in 2007 but was cleared of charges by the GTC in May. After the hearing, which took place in Birmingham, angry protestors threw eggs at Mr Walker who was accompanied by BNP leader Nick Griffin. 40 police were present to protect Mr Walker.
Trial begins for suspected Shakespeare folio thief
Old Shire Hall is currently owned by One North East and rented back by the University
Local Doctor admits to euthanasing patients Liza Miller
A County Durham doctor cleared of three murders in 2005 has admitted to killing eighteen patients out of what he called ‘Christian compassion’. On Friday, the General Medical Council (GMC) struck off Dr Harold Martin because of “egregious, despicable and dangerous conduct”. Durham Police confirmed on Saturday that they were consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to decide whether the criminal case could be reopened; whilst the rule of double jeopardy - which prevented the same crimes being tried twice - was revoked in 2006, the high level of media attention means that any jury could be unfairly biased. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Martin admitted to killing eighteen patients, including two whose deaths were hastened without their permission. Reaction to the confession has been mixed, with some relatives of those who died declaring him “an angel of mercy”, whilst others felt “absolutely sickened”.
US student cheats way through Harvard University Rhian Addison
A 23 year old man from Delaware has been caught cheating his way through Harvard University. Adam Wheeler fraudulently entered the Ivy League school to study English, receiving grants and scholarships with a combined value of $45,000 (£30,500). Wheeler has been granted bail, though is banned from approaching academic institutions. He has pleaded not guilty, indicted on more than twenty charges, including identity fraud and pretending to hold a degree. The lies unravelled when he applied for the Rhodes scholarship, to study at Oxford University, and the Fulbright Award.
Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
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Durham News
News Durham
Deaf student at Durham compensated £25,000 THE NORTHERN ECHO
DUCK Officer’s Column Mel Punton
As this is my last ever Palatinate column, here’s an Ode to All of You. If you fancy a trip to Peru, Or attending a ragraid or two, If your life needs more clarity, And you’re in need of some charity, DUCK is most surely for you.
And it’s all for some fabulous causes, Helping groups from the Scouts to the Forces, When you turn up in droves (sometimes with no clothes), You’re deserving of lots of applause(s).
Deaf student Rosie Watson claimed Durham University discriminated against her
James Hubbard
Dr Martin Richardson, head of the Department of Education at Durham University, will convene a new module inspired by JK Rowling’s opus entitled ‘Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion’ available for study in the next academic year. Dr Richardson insists that the idea for the new module was conceived in response to growing demand from the student body. The module according to Dr Richardson “seeks to place the series in its wider social
and cultural context and will explore some fundamental issues such as the moral universe of the school”. The emergence of the new module coincides with the latest row in the media over concerns that university degrees are being devalued. Recent government statistics have revealed the number of students achieving a first class degree has doubled in the last decade, causing government watchdogs to call into question the value of so called ‘Mickey Mouse’ modules. In addition, a Times Higher Education poll found that growing concerns about grade infla-
tion are not ill-founded: 52% of academics who took part in the poll agreed that reports claiming universities are ‘dumbing down’ degrees are not overstated. However, although some academics have expressed pressure to award higher grades, others have retaliated against such a crude method of judging academic prowess. The Universities UK Policy released a statement in May 2010 upholding that it is the “heterogeneity of the 10,000 courses offered nationwide that is the key strength of the sector.” The introduction of a national curriculum for universities “would stifle inANDREW CHARLEsWORTH
SCA week saw dozens of students take part in taster sessions across many of SCA’s projects this week. They sampled projects spanning the breadth of SCA’s work, including teaching school children and befriending elderly housebound adults to name but two areas. SCA offers more than 30 projects open to all of Durham’s students. In other news, the heroic efforts of several SCA volunteers produced a fantastic mural on one of the walls of the Indoor Market in Durham city centre. Head on down to check out their excellent work! To volunteer on most of SCA’s projects in the coming near you’ll need a CRB check. To avoid the tedium of waiting for this next term, why not head down to the office and get one done now? Only five minutes to complete, it will allow you to plough straight on with a project at the start of next year. So whether you’re pursuing a personal interest or want to add an impressive line to your CV, drop in to the SCA office on the top floor of the DSU to find out what SCA can do for you. SCA wishes you a fantastic summer and hopes that all students consider a new year’s resolution to volunteer on its projects in 2010-11. Check out dur. ac.uk/community.action to find out more.
Durham denies these claims but has agreed to a financial settlement out of court. The £25,000 payment is intended to reimburse Ms Watson’s tuition fees and student loan, as well as to compensate for any emotional damage caused by loss of opportunity. When the 48 year-old from Darlington enrolled on her Anthropology course, she was given a laptop and note-taker. However, Ms Watson maintains that her tutors and lecturers were often unsympathetic to her situation. After appealing for help, she was offered counselling rather than the appropriate support. “[One tutor] tapped on the loop [of her hearing aid system] and shouted down it ‘Rosie can you hear me, Rosie’ and I was made to feel humiliated, especially when other students laughed at this,” Watson says. “She went on to say ‘Read my lips’. [It is] offensive to be made to feel that I am an old
person and in some way slow in my learning, rather than just somebody who is hearing impaired. I just wanted the same opportunity as everyone else”. The university disputes, however, charges of discrimination. Michael Gilmore, Durham’s academic registrar, said: “The University has agreed a settlement with Ms Watson without admission of liability and it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.” Alarmingly, a recent investigation by Oxford University’s Cherwell student newspaper has found that the drop-out rate for disabled students at Durham University has more than doubled, with 16% of students dropping out in the 2008-09 academic year. “For a lot of institutions, risk assessment just means demonstrating compliance with something; it’s simply a tick-box exercise,” says Chris Fry, partner at the firm that represented Watson. “In Rosie’s case, an excellent initial assessment was made and she was provided with special equipment. But when it got down to the level of lecturers and tutors giving the classes, there was no joined-up approach.”
“Durham denies charges of discrimination against Rosie Watson” In contrast, third-year zoologist Jonathan Case claimed that the University disability service (DUSSD) has impressed him: “DUSSD has liased with my college and department, to provide specifically adapted accommodation and support during laboratory classes and field trips.”
Harry Potter returns to Durham in new guise Sarah Spikelsey
SCA Column
Durham University has given £25,000 in compensation to a deaf student who was left feeling ill-equipped and humiliated during lectures. Student Rosie Watson claimed that the University failed to provide her with adequate support to complete her studies, often completely disregarding her needs.
“The drop-out rate for disabled students has more than doubled”
If you want to jump out of a plane, Or bounce on a rope off a crane, If you’re hungry for donuts, DUCK’ll help you go nuts, And adventure by boat, bus and train.
So that’s my roundabout way of saying a huge thanks to all of you for supporting DUCK and raising an incredible £687,000 this year, smashing last year’s total by £180,000. Thanks also to the amazing DUCK executive and college reps for making it all happen and to everyone in the DSU and University for their support of DUCK. You can find out where all that money has gone and how it was raised by checking out the DUCK website, http://duck.dsu.org.uk. From local community groups to international charities, this money is going towards changing and saving lives.
Sophia James
Record raised by DUCK Azeez Siddiqui & Daniel Johnson
Durham University Charities Kommittee (DUCK) has reached its highest ever fundraising total, raising over £687,000 for local, national and international charities this year. The record amount raised is considerably higher than the total for 2008-09, when just over half a million pounds was raised. Through expeditions, marathons and other events, DUCK has managed to increase its fundraising capability year on year, even in challenging economic times. Since 2008, DUCK has more than doubled the amount of money it has raised for charities and naturally DUCK Officer Mel Punton told Palatinate she is “delighted and thrilled” at the increase. “I think the record total is testament to the outstanding work that everyone at
Last week’s coast to coast cycle ride went successfully
DUCK, as well as charitable students at Durham do. I am extremely proud to have raised nearly £700,000 in one year.” Hatfield beat off competition from bigger colleges Collingwood and Van Mildert to be crowned the top college fundraisers with £66,500. Save the Children were the beneficiaries of the annual Kilimanjaro expedition,
receiving £33,600 from Durham’s climbers. Punton added that Martin DorsetPurkis, next year’s DUCK Officer, “has a big job to do, but I am very confident that DUCK can reach record levels of fundraising once again in 2010-11.” 2009-10 proved another successful year for DUCK’s understated allocations process. While 92% of DUCK’s overall fund-
novation and diversity, and damage the enhancement of quality”. Dr Richardson, in response to the accusations that have embroiled academics nationwide suggests that “you just need to read the academic writing which started to emerge four or five years ago to see that [Harry Potter] is worthy of serious study.” Indeed, Dr Richardson’s module has also gained a great deal of student support, Jonathan Pye, a self confessed Potter ‘anorak’ protests that “just because the module has Harry Potter in the title does not mean that it has to be devalued.” raising total is raised for specific charities through activities such as cycle rides and rag raids, 8% is set aside for distribution through allocations. The allocations process allows charitable organisations to apply for funding for specific requirements. Over the years these have ranged from teaching equipment for a school in India, to scripts for local drama workshops. If successful, charitable organisations are often allocated funds of around £250-£500, but can apply for grants of up to £1,000, thus ensuring that a wide range of organisations benefit each year. Various criteria, such as the impact of a grant and the location of the organisation, are also taken into account when funds are being allocated. Mel Punton said, “The allocations process is a hugely important 8% because it is essential that we keep supporting local charities.” This year has seen DUCK continue to support Finchale Training College, a local rehabilitation centre for disabled students, while Links2 received a DUCK grant for the first time. £100 was awarded to help with arts and crafts activities for autistic children.
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PALATINATE Tuesday 22nd June 2010
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Durham, national and columns News
Vincent McAviney
After four weeks and over 5 million hits, FitFinder, the Twitter meets personal ads social networking website, was forced to close down on the 28th May. The site was replaced with a message explaining to users “We have been placed under increasing pressure to take the website offline by universities. Subsequently we have decided to remove FitFinder but we hope this is only temporary.” The site was founded by Rich Martell, 21, a final year Computer Science student at UCL, who were reportedly unimpressed with the more sexually explicit posts on the site which had attracted complaints from women’s groups. Other universities, including the London School of Economics, had complained the website was distracting students from their exam revision. This also led Durham ITS to go as far as blocking the site. However, access was restored after students complained their freedom of expression was being infringed. With mounting publicity in the national press a UCL spokesperson was forced to issue a statement in an attempt to distance themselves from the controversy: “UCL does not approve of or condone this site. We therefore advised the student to take the site down, but he declined to do this. UCL has no jurisdiction over the site, as it is not UCL-hosted.” After Mr Martell declined to remove the site however, Ruth Siddall, the Dean of Welfare (Students) wrote to him outlining disciplinary proceedings which were being
enacted, “Following the serious complaints regarding the contents of the site, I find myself having to bring a charge under UCL’s Disciplinary Code of Bringing the College into Disrepute. Therefore I am fining you £300.” The letter added that non-payment of the fine, which is the maximum that can be awarded by the Dean for misconduct, would result in Mr Martell’s degree results being withheld.
“We are going to improve the technology. Users can set up their own networks”
UCL Computer Science finalist Rich Martell, founder of the popular FitFinder website
Fearing expulsion Mr Martell decided to act, “Up until that point I had thought ‘this is just a bit of fun; its not a massive deal’ but after receiving the letter I decided I wasn’t going to jeopardise my degree for it so I pulled the site down as requested. I put that message up just until they explained why it had to come down, I wasn’t going to put that I was forced to pull it down, I took the site down voluntarily because they didn’t have the jurisdiction to force me to take it down. But I did feel that if I hadn’t pulled it down it would have put me at a disadvantage or in a bad situation with them.” Mr Martell paid the £300 fine after receiving assurance from UCL that if he did
his degree would be conferred to him. Despite the problems, Martell’s entrepreneurial spirit is undaunted. A petition to bring the website back has so far received 9,169 signatures and Martell and his team have big plans for the future of the site: “I’m taking the opportunity whilst it’s down to develop it further so that’s why its not up at the moment. It could be up but we are just holding off on it and we are going to change the message on the website in a few days just to say we’ll be back. “The website is essentially going to be the same except we are going to improve the technology quite a bit and make it look a lot nicer as it was originally built in a rush overnight. It’s going to be a lot more user DURHAM UNIVERSITY
An artist’s impression of the Gateway Project, which the Vice Chancellor believes will make ‘an enormous difference’ to Durham’s rankings
Union Society Election Crisis Continued from front page
currently in Toronto looking on helplessly as this election spirals out of control.” Obviously panicked by the allegations, the Returning Officer went on to say, “Not only could it damage the credibility of this election and the reputation of the Union Society irreparably, such a story in a student newspaper could destroy careers in a few years time.” Rishi Mansigani eventually won the
election with a convincing majority of 150 votes to his opponent Danny Langley’s 59. A joint statement issued by the candidates addressed the problem, “Although we are disappointed in the time taken and organisation of Rules Committee, we are pleased with the result and conduct of the election, and we look forward to working together to put on a fantastic term for members.” Michael Prestwich, Emeritus Professor of History and Chair of the Trustees of the Union Society, spoke to Palatinate after the election: “I was concerned at rumours that racist remarks had been made. No allegations were actually made to the Union Society whatsoever. “Nevertheless I thought it right to conduct an informal investigation. I talked to a number of students and have had abso-
lutely no evidence to suggest that any racist remarks whatsoever were made during the election process or before.” Easter Term President Rory WhiteAndrews said of the election, “I don’t want to say anything that brings the society into disrepute but I’m prepared to say that it’s regrettable that we had two very strong candidates and this election has been dragged down.” White-Andrews was set to speak in favour of the proposition’s motion for a return of the British Empire at the debate scheduled for last Friday. However, the debate was quickly cancelled. It would have been the second such debate within a year, a year which has included two visits by Alan Harvey, Chairman and co-ordinator of the Springbok/
DSU President’s Column RICHARD MARTELL
FitFinder forced offline after founder receives threats and fine
driven; so for example if users want to set up their own networks they can actually help drive the community and set up their own FitFinding networks.” Despite his ambitious plans Mr Martell doesn’t intend to become the British Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, as he is starting a city job in September. “Fitfinder is just going to be my little project at the weekends and evenings. A lot of people are interested in the site. Some of the investors are friends and family but we’ve also been approached by a few entrepreneurs and investors including Doug Richards, a former Dragon on the BBC show Dragon’s Den. All the investors know that we are still keeping our day jobs.” Continued from front page
That simply isn’t true and everyone knows it.” Chadwick summarised the problem: “if we were to reduce our intake quality, we would go up the Guardian league table.” With regard to subject tables, Durham’s Vice Chancellor underlined that when a department drops in the rankings, we “immediately try to work out what the issues are, and what we can do to improve.” The Vice Chancellor cited the construction of the new Law school in the Gateway building, to be opened in 2012, as a project that will make an “enormous difference” to the faculty. However, many of the promised changes made by the Law and Psychology departments appear to offer no practical improvements to the student experience. The department of Psychology states: “A termly newsletter is prepared to update students on developments in the department”. Similarly, the Law school reports that “The school’s feedback form has been revised.” While Steve Chadwick reassured Palatinate that Durham is “not concerned with the Guardian table”, their university guide, which the paper claims is “explicitly aimed at prospective undergraduates”, will continue to frustrate Old Elvet. Additional reporting by Lyndsey Fineran Empire Loyalist Club, a self described “neoImperialist” organisation which advocates for a return to what it calls “civilised rule” in Southern Africa. Mansigani will become only the third president from an ethnic minority in the Union Society’s 168-year history. Despite repeated requests to address some of the rumours of impropriety during the election, President Elect Mansigani simply said, “The Society should not shy away from its responsibility of ensuring that students at the University have access to a free market of ideas. During my term I hope to continue in this liberal tradition and I look forward to holding debates covering issues from class tension through to religion and foreign ownership of football clubs.”
Natalie Crisp
It is with great sadness that I am sitting down to write this, my final Palatinate column. I cannot believe how quickly a year has gone, and all that has happened in that time. Under my presidency DSU has disaffiliated from the National Union of Students, the DSU shop closed, we oversaw the transfer of Riverside Café over to the University and have undertaken large staffing changes. These are all challenges that we have had to face, and I hope that we have handled these in the best way possible. We have however also witnessed great successes. DSU has seen its highest ever turnout in sabbatical and trustee elections. We have opened up the Union to more people than ever before, introduced new methods of communication such as Twitter and radio shows, and seen the highest attendances at DSU Council ever. We organised the biggest ever Freshers’ and Refreshers’ fair. Societies are better supported than ever, with the introduction of a society handbook and training sessions run by the Societies and Student Development Officer. DUCK has raised over £680 000 this year, a fantastic achievement. Postgraduate representation and welfare has been vastly improved and we have ensured the student voice is heard time and again on high-level university committees. When I hand over to my successor, the delightful Sam Roseveare, I hope he is inheriting an organisation more stable than the one which we inherited when we began. I am sure he is going to do a fantastic job and I am so excited for the DSU’s future, I know Sam will do a brilliant job. As this is my final column it seems only fitting to end with some thankyous. This year has been one of the most stressful and the most enjoyable of my life, but I have only been able to achieve anything because of the support of a large number of people. Firstly Nicky, Ben and Mel, the wonderful DSU sabbs. I have never met three more hardworking and dedicated individuals, it has been a pleasure working with you all. To all of the Senior DSU Reps and DSU Officers, you have understood our vision this year and all worked so hard to deliver it, so thank you. To all of the staff of DSU, who work so hard for students and rarely get the recognition they deserve, I am so glad to have met you all this year. To the JCR, GCR and MCR Presidents, I feel we have improved DSU’s communication with you all immensely, your support, advice, and even your criticisms have been greatly received, and we have taken them on board and used them to improve the union. To Palatinate, for continuing to produce high quality news stories and allowing things such as this column to continue, and to Purple for allowing me on the airwaves, both have been much appreciated. To my poor, long suffering friends who have had to put with DSU for the past three years, I don’t think you realise how much your support and patience has meant, and I’m only sorry that this year has been so intense, you are all brilliant! And finally to all of you, Durham students are amazing. Your commitment and passion for the activities you are all involved in continually has me in awe, and I am sure I will never again be surrounded by so many talented people. Good luck all of you for the future, and goodbye.
Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
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News In Focus
Want to get involved with the newspaper or website? E-mail editor@palatinate.org.uk
Is your degree from Durham worth what it once was?
George Stafford crunches the numbers to find that more and more students every year are leaving Durham with top degrees, especially for subjects with a more ambiguous marking structure.
“Professor Forster vehemently denied the suggestion that degrees were becoming easier” In the same period, the number of students who study Sciences and Social Sciences who fail to achieve a 2:1 or above has fallen by 26% and 19% respectively . The evident decline in the number of less prestigious Arts and Humanities degrees being awarded by the university may lead to accusations of falling standards, and possibly make Durham graduates less reputable and employable in the future. To investigate such a possibility, Palatinate spoke to Pro-Vice Chancellor Anthony Forster, who is responsible for Education. Professor Forster vehemently denied the suggestion that degrees were becoming easier, pointing to higher entry standards, a change in degree classification in 2003/4, better teaching and more accurate assessment as reasons why Durham was awarding more top quality Arts and Humanities degrees. “If the increase is a result, as I believe it is, of students working harder, lecturers teaching better, and of more appropriate forms of assessment that allow students to truly reflect their ability, the sorts of increases that we have seen are absolutely to be welcomed.” Professor Forster pointed to higher entry standards as a vital factor in the increased number of the best degrees being awarded in Durham. “Over the last five years we have been increasing our entry standards across all of our programmes, and the rise in entry standards is an important factor in why we
have got more people graduating with firsts or two-ones.” However, given that GCSEs and ALevels have been widely suspected themselves of being dumbed-down over the last ten years, such an increase in entry standards may not mean that Durham receives stronger applicants. As recently as April, Tim Oates, Head of Research at OCR’s parent company Cambridge Assessment, admitted that A-Levels had been getting easier for a number of years. It is perhaps necessary for Durham to increase entry standards to only maintain the standard of undergraduates enrolling onto the university’s courses. Professor Forster responded by stressing that entry requirements have risen for all academic qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate, not just GCSES and A Levels. However, only a small minority of Durham’s applicants have such qualifications that have not been subjected to repeated accusations of dumbing-down in the national press. He also defended Durham degrees by arguing that lecturers receive far better training than they did previously: “Our lecturers are fabulously well trained now: an important point is that every new staff member of this university has to undertake a course in academic practice.” The probationary course that all new lecturers must take was supported as something “held up in the university sector as the sort of thing that people want to emulate.” Yet the probationary test has been in place well before 2002, when numbers of Arts and Humanities graduates who failed to get a 2:1 or above started to go into freefall.
“Our lecturers are fabulously well trained now” Palatinate spoke to some students about the suggestion that degrees are becoming easier in Durham. Many, such as second year philosophy student Laura Wart, responded positively to the idea: “If my degree is getting easier, I’m glad. It means I can spend my time doing something I really enjoy.” Others were not so enthusiastic, worrying that if degrees are getting easier, employers would not be as keen as they were to hire Durham graduates. History student
DELANY CHAMBERS
Shocking research by Palatinate has revealed that the number of Arts and Humanities students graduating from Durham who fail to get an upper second or first class degree has fallen by over three quarters in just seven years (see main graph). The number of students studying arts and humanities who do not manage to gain a 2:1 or better has fallen by 79% since 2002. This includes those taking Classics, Ancient History, Combined Arts, English Studies, History, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy and Theology.
An increasing number of students will be celebrating getting their exam results this week, with a smaller proportion getting 2:2s
David Bellham had such concerns: “I’m worried that people don’t like me as it is, and I don’t want employers to have any other reasons not to hire me. Some people don’t have anything at university other than their degrees, and I want mine to really mean something.” Students may have nothing to worry about. The link between higher achievement and falling standards cannot be established irrefutably. Indeed, the external examiners responsible for checking Durham’s academic integrity strongly support the university’s record. What is clear, however, is that the University takes suggestions of such a possibility extremely seriously. Leaving my interview with Professor Forster, I found the university’s Head of Communications waiting attentively in the adjacent room. Bad press about degrees getting easier does not seem to be something that Durham University takes lightly. If you want to find out statistics for your own course, data for individual Arts and Humanities degrees can be found at: www. palatinate.org.uk/news/arts-and-humanities-degree-data-2002-2009/
Did you know.... - In 2002, a fifth of Arts and Humanities students graduating from Durham failed to get an upper second class degree or higher. In 2009 less than a twentieth did so. - The History Department have not awarded a 2:2 for three years. - No Durham student has been given a 3rd class degree in English in the 21st Century. - No Music student graduated with less than a 2:1 last year. - More people got a 2:2 in Computer Science last year than the total number of 2:2s awarded to History students in the last 5 years, even though twice as many people study history every year.
Have degrees got easier? No: - There are tougher entry requirements each year for Durham applicants. - Durham’s entry standards are the 5th hardest in the country, but the university comes 9th for the number of firsts and 2:1s awarded. - Durham teaching standards are held in high regard by similiar universities, and every new lecturer must attend a compulsory teaching course. - External Examiners support Durham’s academic integrity. Yes: - Statistics show that many more Durham students are getting upper second and first class degrees than in previous years. - The number of applicants to Durham has not increased. - Assessment has changed considerably: Durham students now do more summatve assessment prior to exams, and often face a more extensive list of essay questions to choose from in the exam room. - Tougher entry requirements do not lead to higher quality students if GCSEs and Alevels have become easier.
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Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
For more information and analysis, log onto www.palatinate.org.uk
Elections
Labour wins in Durham
Roberta Blackman-Woods ‘delighted’ at her re-election, after foiling the Lib Dem challenge City of Durham - The Result
William Clement
Roberta Blackman-Woods (Labour) - 44.3%
oberta Blackman-Woods has managed to keep the City of Durham seat she won in 2005, winning 44.3% of the vote. The seat remained Labour as it has done since 1935, with the Liberal Democrats’ Carol Woods coming second for the third successive election, polling 37.7% of the vote. Mrs Blackman-Woods told Palatinate that her success was due to the “very positive campaign” Labour ran, claiming that “Labour had delivered for the city, in terms of new schools, new Sure Start centres, new hospitals and that was what mattered”. The failure of the Liberal Democrats to take the seat has caused some surprise, as they did not improve upon the result of the 2005 election, in what was another disappointing outcome on a possibly historic day for the party. Mrs Blackman-Woods even admitted that Labour themselves were unsure of the impact the Lib Dem “surge” (after Nick Clegg’s success in the televised debates) would have on voters.
Carol Woods (Liberal Democrats) - 37.7%
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“It was a vicious, nasty, malicious and extremely personal campaign” Both Mrs Blackman-Woods and the Conservative candidate Nick Varley put the Lib Dem failure down to their preference for negative campaigning, an issue raised by students at a Union Society debate and during Nick Clegg’s visit to Durham. In an interview with Palatinate, Mr Varley described the Lib Dem campaign as “vicious, nasty, malicious and extremely personal”. Mr Varley added, “I think the Liberal Democrats are renowned for negative and their personalised campaigns, but I think
Nick Varley (Conservative) - 13.3% Ralph Musgrave (British National Party) - 2.5% Nigel Coghill-Marshall (UK IP) - 1.9% Jonathan Collings (Independent) - 0.4%
Carol Woods took that to a whole new level”. Mrs Blackman-Woods also criticised the campaign as it “demeaned the Liberal Democrats and risked demeaning all of politics”. She urged the Lib Dems to apologise for their campaigning methods. Also speaking about his own electoral fortunes, winning 13.3% of the vote, Mr Varley said that he felt the campaign went “very well and I think that was reflected in the substantially increased share of the vote we gained”. The Conservatives increased their share of the vote by 3.9% compared with 2005, but Mr Varley was hesitant to declare his future involvement in politics. Carol Woods declined an interview with Palatinate but did issue a statement commenting, “the leaders’ debates certainly energised the campaign and contributed to the increase in turnout that must be a good sign for politics in this country”. Reflecting on the result, she added, “I think it’s a great shame that to a large extent in Durham, fear triumphed over the hope of change. A lot of people were frightened to have any change”. She also said that it is “unlikely” that she will stand for Parliament again, but confirmed her intention to continue as a county councillor. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary campaigner for North West Durham, Owen Temple, stated that despite the disappointments of election night, a new era of politics has dawned for his party. He wrote on his
Photo courtesy of The Northern Echo - Roberta Blackman-Woods (left) and Carol Woods (right), begrudgingly shake hands after a bitter and
blog, “since the election we have gained three or four new members for each one we have lost”.
“It’s a great shame that in Durham, fear triumphed over the hope of change” In spite of Mrs Blackman-Woods’ criticisms of the Liberal Democrats, they are now in government. She put Labour’s na-
tional defeat down to a failure “to get our message communicated at a national level. We were unable to persuade people that our government had affected their lives for the better”. She has also come out in support of Ed Miliband in the Labour leadership contest, following Gordon Brown’s resignation. Mrs Blackman-Woods insisted that while all the candidates had impressed her, her previous experience working with Mr Miliband had shown her who deserved her backing. She said that “when working with Ed on the green and climate change agenda, I have been very impressed by his understanding of leadership and of what are, for me, key
The Coalition: Palatinate investigates how new the ‘new politics’ really is Sarah Parkin
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“The coalition is more a manifestation of the problems politics faces than something new”
Equality and diversity have been seen as crucial indicators of a modern workplace but of the 23 Cabinet members, fourteen are Oxbridge-educated, four women and
and this has led many to voice age-old concerns about the ability of the government to act in the interests of a varied population which they do not reflect (despite Call Me Dave’s best efforts). However, some dispute whether this matters. When asked about the lack of diversity in the new cabinet, one Politics student replied, “It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. It should be about who
is best qualified for the job, not where they are from”. Yet, many voters, in particular minorities, may have little faith in a Cabinet to which they cannot relate. Another related concern regards Theresa May, the second female Home Secretary after Jacqui Smith. Although the Minister for Women and Equality, her voting history includes moves against gay adoption rights, GOOGLE IMAGES
ith the arrival of a historic coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats in Downing Street, promises abounded of a break with the “old politics” of spin and sleaze, tarred by the cash for honours and expenses scandals. Fresh thinking and integrity were to be the order of the day. Well, the dust has just about settled in Whitehall and the time has come to assess exactly how new is this politics?
ten are under the age of 50. All are white with the exception of Baroness Warsi, cochairman of the Tory party and first Muslim woman to hold a Cabinet post. It appears a backward step has been taken. Gordon Brown usually had six women in his Cabinet with another four who attended when their responsibilities were on the agenda. However, ethnic minorities were largely absent from the table; Warsi’s appointment is still a landmark in this light. Dr Lawrence Black, a senior lecturer in History at Durham University and an expert in contemporary politics and recent political history, puts it like this, “Where are the senior women and non-white ministers? Clegg is a millionaire. Cameron can trace his family tree to King William IV”. Referring to the 65% turnout, Dr Black pointed out “The Tories only polled about a million more votes than in 1997. I think the coalition government is more a manifestation of the problems politics faces than a solution or something new”. It seems that the stereotype of the white, upper-middle class, public schoolboy in Downing Street may not die out just yet,
The first press conference of the coalition was filled with warm smiles and laughter
issues: investment in manufacturing and climate change”. She also reaffirmed her commitment to not raising tuition fees, saying “the current level of fees are about at the level most students can cope with”, and adding that she preferred the idea of a graduate tax to increase university funding. Mrs Blackman-Woods will from now be serving as Shadow Minister for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. In a press release, she said, “I am looking forward to my new role and will do my best to hold the Government to account and offer a sound, sensible and fairer Labour alternative”. against lowering the age of homosexual consent from 18 to 16, and against other gay rights legislation. The idea of a new era of honesty and integrity has also taken a battering with the resignation of David Laws, after admitting that over around £40 000 of expenses claims for rent had been paid to his male partner. The revelation has certainly drawn criticism from the public. One Josephine Butler student said “it seems like he thought it was something he had to hide, and if that’s because it would have damaged his political career, that’s shameful”. However, there is one major respect in which this government constitutes a break with the past. By definition, a coalition involves the co-operation of more than one party and the current regime has been mandated by voters with differing political views, which must all be represented. Already we’ve seen the difference. Some Lib Dem policies such as increasing the income tax threshold to £10 000, are to be implemented alongside the Tories’ cap on immigration from outside the EU. The genuinely new politics may be emerging with the policies, though it remains to be seen how this will affect public confidence.
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PALATINATE Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Follow us at twitter.com/palatiELECTIONS
Elections NORTHERN ECHO
Former Castle student elected in Stockton South
AYear in JCR Politics Azeez Siddiqui
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James Wharton talks to Palatinate about his election to Parliament, and his time at university in Durham Huw Silk
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deeply personal election campaign, at the City of Durham election count
Daniel Johnson - Election Comment
It would be hard to find a more bitter and personal election, than that of Durham. The animosity (and downright dislike) between Labour’s Roberta Blackman-Woods and the Lib Dems’ Carol Woods was etched onto their faces for all to see at the Union Society debate. Accusations were rife, with both candidates professing to have a crystal clean bill of health. Clearly, the kind of personal attacks which dogged much of the campaign, employed chiefly by the Lib Dems, did not serve them well. Whether it was encouraging tactical voting, or making dubious claims about Mrs Blackman-Woods expenses, these tactics did not seem to endear Carol Woods to enough of Durham electorate. This was poignantly demonstrated by the, shall we say, mixed reception Nick Clegg received when visiting the Union Society on the final day of campaigning, as several far more eloquent students than myself attacked the Lib Dems for failing to represent anything “new”. Many commentators expected Durham to turn Lib Dem, and for Labour to relinquish its 70 year hold on the city. However, Carol Woods’ share of the vote fell by 2.1% while Labour maintained its majority of just over 3 000. Why? It’s hard to pinpoint any one reason. First of all, if we are honest, Durham is not your typical student vote where the Lib Dems can be expected to flourish. Many students in Durham don’t seem to be motivated by the usual “scrap tuition fees and you’ve got my vote” mantra: the student vote is much more
extremely affable and likeable, not to mention young, Conservative candidate Nick Varley attained 13.3% of the vote. Also, whether rightly or wrongly, Roberta Blackman-Woods has been perceived as a hard working local MP, and she conducted herself well during the campaign. Yet, the pre-election expectation and other North East results such as Redcar, where there was an astonishing 21.8% swing from Labour to Lib Dem, shows that Labour evidently does not have a monopoly on the centre-left of British politics. The crux of the Liberal Democrat failure to topple Labour in Durham, was in the failure of a campaign to capitalise on the massive national exposure the Lib Dems had gained after the televised debates. With Labour’s popularity waning and declining amidst a tumultuous financial crisis, Durham City was ripe for the taking. Ultimately however, Carol Woods’ campaign failed to step up to the mark. It appeared hypocritical to be standing on a platform of new politics nationally, promising to clean up our political system, whilst at the same time employing campaign tactics which entail exactly the opposite. One recently elected Conservative MP for Stockton South told me, “you should play the ball, not the man”. The Lib Dems absolute failure to do this seems to have cost them a very winnable seat. Email elections@palatinate.org.uk with your opinions on the election.
“For a short time, you are part of a community that will be with you forever” He compares starting out as an MP with his arrival as a fresher at Castle in 2002 and, reflecting on what he enjoyed most about his time at Durham, he added, “for a short time, three years, possibly more, you are part of a community that will be with you forever. That is one of the best things about it, and that is what I remember and cherish to this day”. Wharton is also adamant that the environment Durham provides inspires ambition and gives people the confidence to aim high in life. Witnessing others’ triumphs CONSERVATIVE PRESS OFFICE
Smears, lies, allegations: the Durham campaign had it all nuanced. Perhaps this explains why an
former Durham student has been elected the Conservative MP for Stockton South, a constituency which incorporates the university’s Stockton campus. James Wharton, who graduated with a law degree from University College in 2005, is one of just two representatives for the Tories in the North East. Indeed Labour still has 25 of the 29 MPs in the region. Mr Wharton won the seat by just 232 votes, with a swing to the Tories significantly greater than that of the country as a whole. In an interview with Palatinate he stressed that his victory, in what was the Conservatives’ 133rd target seat, was because his “campaign was a very local campaign: I fought on local issues, asking people who they wanted to be their local MP, and I set my stall out on that basis”. Now in office, however, Mr Wharton insisted that the absolute priority should be targeting wasteful expenditure in order to cut the budget deficit. “The challenge is to strip out the unnecessary bureaucratic layers”, Mr Wharton declares, echoing one of David Cameron’s favourite campaign themes. He rejects claims that spending less would damage frontline services, contending, “you can get better services for a lower cost”. Mr Wharton makes clear that the prevailing economic circumstances facilitated what have so far been the relatively smooth workings of the coalition as they have acted as the “catalyst” for the establishment of the government. Mr Wharton was also keen to point to the civil liberties agenda as a key example of shared ideology between his
would not want increased costs for students. Despite such potential differences, Mr Wharton is optimistic in assessing the coalition from a backbench perspective. Indeed, during the interview his attacks of opposing parties are confined to one joking reference to the apparent lack of concern with which Parliamentary officials treat the Liberal Democrats in members dining halls. Mr Wharton added that he has not found any of his senior colleagues acting arrogant towards him because of the fact he is just 26 years old. “One of the best things is that everyone is so friendly. You would expect there to be, potentially, some arrogant people who say ‘I’ve been here for decades, who are you?’ but that’s not really a factor”.
Former Durham student James Wharton MP with the now Foreign Secretary William Hague
party and the Liberal Democrats. However, one potential rift between Cameron and Clegg is on the issue of tuition fees. The Conservative Party has not ruled out a rise and Mr Wharton is just as equivocal, failing to commit to opposing such a policy. “I am not going to make promises that I may not be able to keep”, he says, whilst making clear that in an ideal world, he
and high ambitions, he argues, the University “gives individuals the confidence to go on and reach for the stars themselves” and prepared him for life as a politician. He said that “Looking at all the things my friends went on to do, you realise that you can really do whatever it is you want to do when you leave this place”. At just 26 years old, surely his election to Parliament is testament to that.
esignations, out-of-hand socials, election rigging and the uncovering of poorly administered finances. This has been a year full of incidents within the college JCRs. In particular, the year has been unusual for St Aidan’s with the resignation of their JCR President Thomas Hall. Allegedly the running of the JCR had begun to lose momentum during the last few weeks of Michaelmas term. Hall is said to have stepped down from his position due to the pressures of the presidency role and personal health issues. St Aidan’s College has therefore had no president for the remainder of this year, with St Aidan’s JCR executive committee collectively taking up the presidential responsibilities. Alongside this, St Aidan’s JCR, as well as University, Collingwood and George Stephenson JCRs, had their accounts temporarily taken over by the university earlier this year due to poor administration. The weakness of finance handling has been put down to the elected JCR treasurers and the lack of training they are given. The four JCR commitees failed to complete their 2008 accounts for the business assurance audit and under the 1994 Education Act, the university is permitted to administrate JCR accounts that appear incomplete. Both St Aidan’s and George Stephenson JCR have consequently been investigated for misappropriation of funds. Scandal also hit Trevelyan JCR in Epiphany term, with the rigging of both the male welfare officer and the presidential elections. The results of the online election were tampered with to procure a result of ‘re-open nominations’ for the presidency, and one that favoured Matthew Hollander over Kieran Aldred for the male welfare officer election. Upon these revelations, James Inman, the Trevelyan JCR website manager 2008-9, admitted rigging the male welfare officer elections. Inman also later revealed Gwilym Newton, Trevelyan IT Chair 2009-10, to be involved in the election rigging. Collingwood JCR also suffered further trouble with the closure of their bar, after a JCR bar committee social appeared to have gotten out of hand. The social was held in the bar as a private function, thus excluding other JCR members from using the bar. During the social, some members of the bar committee fell ill and two female members had to be escorted back to their rooms without welfare committee or their friends being informed of their vulnerable state. Some Collingwood students also claimed to have been asked not to discuss the Collingwood bar incident. However JCR bar Steward Andy George and President Nic Peters both deny these accusations. As a result of the social, safeguards have since been put into place to prevent such an incident reoccurring, such as the requirement to provide written notification of social events. After such a turbulent year for JCR politics, next year’s JCR execs will undoubtedly find themselves under greater scrutiny from the University. Follow us at: twitter.com/palatiELECTIONS for more news & views on the coalition government. Log on to www.palatinate.org. uk for further information.
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Tuesday 22ndJune 2010 PALATINATE
Durham 25 Special
Ones to watch: 25 graduates w Name: Mary Dobson
Name: Cassie Bradley
Name: Natalie Crisp
Name: Sarah Baillie
College: St Chad’s
College: Castle
College: Grey
College: Van Mildert
Course: Combined Social Sciences
Course: English Literature
Why Durham25?
Course: Music
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
She has been a central part of the recent development of the student union and, in her role as a trustee and now director, has brought about a number of changes that will have a positive impact on new generations of Durham students for many years to come. She has participated in many events with DUCK and is truly passionate about charity, epitomised by the fact that she has forfeited the standard leap onto the city career ladder to do voluntary service overseas next year. Mary has spent the last year working with the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and it’s certain that she has a fantastic future ahead of her.
DSU President Natalie was one of the most contributory students prior to being elected Cassie’s popular performances include her DSU President. roles in Antigone, Volpone (which went on to the Edinburgh Festival 2008), Incident She took over a rather messy situation in at Vichy, West Side Story and East. DSU, which had just moved to its new charitable status, and showed mature leadership For the latter, she won Best Actress at the of the independent union to bring together D’Oscar Awards 2009 and was further the student body, the University, and trustees applauded for her role as the male brute who did not always agree with each other, to ‘Les’ when the show transferred to Edin- redefine the role of DSU as a representative burgh in 2009. and welfare organisation, and move it back towards a sound financial footing. Her work Cassie has served as the social secretary of will benefit DSU and all our students for DST for two consecutive years, and she years to come. will be off to train at the Oxford School of Drama next year. Her leadership was illustrated to best effect through handling the DUS/NUS issue around the proposed BNP debate. Through working with others, she not only picked the right but difficult line, but she forced NUS to apologise for their inappropriate role and recognize their errors, won a censorship motion against NUS showing real political insight, and this meant that an immoderate leadership outcome from the NUS elections was avoided.
Why Durham25?
Sarah has been president of the Durham Opera Ensemble this year, and has also managed to star in all of their productions, including Carmen, Die Fledermaus and Albert Herring.
With her incredible singing voice and talent as an actress, she has brought sparkle to a multitude of productions both at college and university level, such as the brilliant Richard and Judy The Musical.
She also directed the summer production Acis and Galatea at Castle, topping off an extremely impressive year for the ensemble. Sarah is currently working on an opera project for a teen cancer charity alongside two other Durham students.
Name: Bertan Budak
Name: Andrew Gardner
Name: Anna Birley
College: Stephenson
College: St Aidan’s
College: Josephine Butler
Course: Natural Sciences
Course: Natural Sciences
Course: PPE
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Oscar has directed 8 productions in his three years at Durham. Some of his most notable productions include Antigone, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Blue Room, A Little Night Music and Art.
Bertan created and introduced the first magazine for Stephenson College. The magazine, called Simply Red, is a great source of information and entertainment, and could be said to have encouraged more college spirit.
Andrew is the Men’s Lacrosse Club Captain. During his tenure, he has overseen the side winning a national championship.
Anna’s term as president of the Durham Union Society was one of the most controversial in the society’s history.
He has also served as the festivals secretary on the DST Exec for two years running, delivering two very successful Durham Drama Festivals.
Bertan has given up many hours to produce the magazine, but has created fantastic issues, which include interviews/ features with names such as 50 Cent and Chace Crawford.
Name: Oscar Blustin College: Castle Course: English Why Durham25?
Outside of Durham, Oscar has directed and helped organise two international CTC summer tours, Twelfth Night (2009) and Macbeth this year. He has also worked professionally with The Northern Stage in Vermont, taking the role of Associate Director for the first American off-broadway production of The History Boys as well as for Hamlet, Greater Tuna and resident writing festival Project Playwright at the same theatre.
Aside from his magazine work, Bertan has written articles for national publications including The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail and London Paper. He has an incredibly bright future ahead of him in journalism.
The side have been undefeated this season, making them one of the most successful Team Durham sides this year. Participation in Men’s Lacrosse has increased by over 300% over the course of this year, and this is due to Andrew’s leadership and enthusiasm. Andrew has also acted as Team Durham student treasurer over the course of the year, and was a senior member of the Student Sport Executive where he oversaw the finances of the student clubs.
When Epiphany term’s BNP debate was scheduled, no-one could have predicted the strength of opposition from the National Union of Students and Unite Against Facism. At the centre of the storm was Anna, who handled the difficult situation with grace and skill. Anna stuck to her guns and was planning on allowing the debate to take place until the threatening letter from NUS officers meant that the safety of those who attended the proposed debate would be compromised. The way she dealt with the situation showed great strength of character and she will go far in life.
Name: Tom Brown
Name: Clio Kennedy-Hutchinson
Name: Martin Dorset-Purkis
Name: Ollie Lynes
College: Grey
College: Ustinov
College: Collingwood
College: Trevelyan
Course: Modern Languages
Course: Anthropology
Course: Geography
Course: English Literature
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Throughout his time at Durham, Tom Clio has just completed her MA in An- Martin has made a huge impact during his has devoted an extraordinary amount of thropology having also completed her time at Durham. After raising £2800 for the Kilimanjaro trip in his first year, last year time to sport. undergraduate degree at Durham. he led the expedition, choosing, training, He has been heavily involved with Team In her time at university, she has made and leading the 23 strong group to a monuDurham, having volunteered throughout her mark on the theatre world with roles mentally successful climb of Africa’s highest the year. His MC skills have been put to in The Vagina Monlogues in both the As- mountain, which 22 group members comgood use at all large-scale university sport sembly Rooms and the Edinburgh Festi- pleted. events over the year. val. She has also worked as a producer on plays such as In the Dark of the Bibliotheque This year he is DUCK Expeditions Coordinator, but his dedication to DUCK has surTom has also made his mark on the world which is running this week. passed all demands of his role. Martin has of student journalism, hosting the awardwinning Sport Weekly show on Purple As equality officer of the DSU, Clio or- masterfully coordinated a record number of Radio. ganised the inaugural DSU International expeditions with a record number of participants – ensuring all 10 trips to 5 different continents are carefully managed and organised from beginning to end. Fair. He also introduced audio interviews on the Team Durham website and has se- After leaving Durham, she will go on to DUCK will raise over £350,000 this year through expeditions alone, which would not be possible without Martin’s coordination. He has been elected as next year’s DUCK cured a place at Cardiff to study Broad- study medicine in London. Manager and already has huge plans to improve DUCK even further and beat this cast Journalism in September. year’s £687,000 fundraising total - and I have no doubt he will go on to do amazing things when he leaves Durham.
Ollie has been involved in over 20 productions since September 2007, in which he has acted, directed, produced, and worked backstage.
The most recent production in which he was involved, 1072, was a historical site-specific piece entirely researched, devised, costumed, and organised by a small group of students, whom he was initially responsible for bringing together.
He has also worked on two shows which have been put on at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by Durham student theatre companies. Ollie will be taking up a place on a two year postgraduate acting course at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in September.
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PALATINATE Tuesday 22ndJune 2010
with the Durham difference
All students were nominated by fellow students or staff members. The final decision was made by a joint panel.
Name: Edward Joudrey
Name: Rajvir Rai
Name: Ben Salter
Name: Mike Turner
College: Grey
College: Collingwood
College: St John’s
College: Josephine Butler
Course: Natural Sciences
Course: English Literature
Why Durham25?
Course: PPE
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Throughout his time at Durham, Edward has shown outstanding contribution to the Durham University Investment & Finance Group (DUIFG).
Raj is one of the most promising journalists in Durham, having worked as both deputy sports and sports editor for Palatinate since his first year.
Ben has appeared in over 30 productions, directed 3 and assistant directed 2 in his 5 years at Durham. He has also helped in the production side of many others.
He has served in every role possible within the society and secured mass expansion of sponsorship for the society.
His creation of the sports supplement The Locker Room means that his name will live on in the history of our newspaper.
With his input, the society won the Schroders Society Partnership Competition pitching for sponsorship money beating Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE and Warwick Finance societies.
During his time in Durham he has interviewed high profile sporting personalities such as Gabby Logan, Malcolm Clarke and Chris Turner.
He is a role model and point of advice for many students and has helped many people to secure an internship or spring week. His contribution to the society has been outstanding.
He is an outstanding, versatile actor, he was awarded ‘Best Actor’ at Durham Drama Festival 08 and Durham Drama Festival 09 as well as DST’s Best Actor award 2008/2009.
In 2006, he was named Young Sports Writer of the Year by the National Diversity Forum and subsequently earned himself an internship at The Sun. He has also worked at The Guardian, The Daily Mirror, The Sunday People and The Daily Mail. Impressively he had articles published in the latter two papers.
Additionally, he has gained a place at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama for the coming year on their Classic and Contemporary Text MA.
Raj is fast making a name for himself in the world of journalism and in September he will begin a master’s in Newspaper Journalism at City University in London.
He has given so much to the life of DST both on and off stage in his time here, and it is certain that he will go far in the industry and we will be able to see him on stage and camera in the future.
Name: Katherine O’Brien
Name: Indrek Sepp
Name: Jo Chiconska
College: Trevelyan
College: St Mary’s
College: Collingwood
Course: History
Course: Physics
Course: Musicology
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
Why Durham25?
An active and engaged member of the Labour Party, Katherine has managed to complete her degree whilst maintaining her dedication to politics.
Indrek Sepp is one of the most promising Physicists in the UK, soon to begin a fully-funded PhD at Imperial College, London, with time also to be spent working in Cern, Switzerland.
Jo has been one of Durham’s most prolific musical directors, having directed shows such as Company, Mack and Mabel, Fiddler on the Roof, and Merrily We Roll Along by Stephen Sondheim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and West Side Story at the Gala Theatre.
As captain of the University Fencing Club, Mike has been integral in the success of the club since taking over the captaincy. He is also a recipient of the Director of Sport Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to Durham University Sport. Through his years of involvement with university sport, he is a deserving recipient of the award. As a University First Team Fencer, he has made a name for himself in the sport and has won a number of competitions, including the Cole Cup international fencing competition where he took the gold in the sabre team event alongside his team-mates.
A writer and editor, Rosa has just been chosen by Esquire magazine as one of their 75 Brilliant Brits. She has a short story in this month’s Esquire, and won the recent Palatinate short story competition, as well as Granada University’s International Short Story competition.
She was chairman of the Durham University Labour Club and has worked Having been born in Estonia, Indrek for MP Roberta Blackman-Woods for moved to Britain in order to attend prithe duration of her degree. mary school despite being unable to speak the language. Since then he has In the face of BNP candidates running lived in Cambridge. in last year’s European election, Katherine become the organiser of Hope During his time in Durham he has been Not Hate, spearheading the movement on the exec of the Physics Society as Junagainst fascism in Durham. ior Vice President and is a keen player of the Theremin. Next year Katherine will complete her master’s in London. With her success at Durham behind her, it’s safe to say that her future looks bright.
Name: Indrek Sepp
Name: Mel Punton
Name: Tom Lyons
Name: Liza Miller
College: St Mary’s
College: Van Mildert
College: St Chad’s
College: Trevelyan
Course: Physics
Why Durham25?
Course: English Literature
Why Durham25?
As this year’s DUCK Manager, Mel has been extremely successful in her fundraising efforts, raising over £687,000 for charity. Thanks to Mel’s hard work, the total eclipses 2008-09’s already impressive £500,000 sum.
Why Durham25?
Course: Combined Honours in Social Sciences
Name: Rosa Rankin-Gee Why Durham25?
Indrek Sepp is one of the most promising Physicists in the UK, soon to begin a fully-funded PhD at Imperial College, London, with time also to be spent working in Cern, Switzerland.
Finally, she was voted by her peers as Best Musical Director in this year’s D’Oscars. She has managed to fit in accompanying, recital playing, and chamber music playing around her studies and directing work, no mean feat for someone studying a master’s in Musicology.
Name: Ben Starr Why Durham25?
Ben has appeared in 16 productions during his three years at Durham, taking lead roles in DST Edinburgh Festival Jo is hoping to go to drama school in Sep- projects. He has also worked professiontember and is merely at the base of the ally with The Northern Stage in Vermont through productions of The History Boys crescendo that will be her career. and Hamlet.
Tom has lent his hand to writing, directing and performing whilst here at Durham. As a leading member of The Durham Revue between 2007-09, he contributed to the writing, production and success of the group when they won the National Student Best Sketch Group Award at last year’s Edinburgh Festival.
Why Durham25? Liza has had an exceptional year, having overhauled the mechanics of Palatinate during her tenure as editor in Epiphany term this year.
Having been born in Estonia, Indrek moved to Britain in order to attend primary school despite being unable to speak the language. Since then he has lived in Cambridge.
In Michaelmas term this year alone, DUCK raised £76,961 and Mel was central in the success of the fundraising. She has also acted as a trustee of the DSU, a position that required a high level of commitment and responsibility.
During his time in Durham he has been on the executive of the Physics Society as junior vice president and is a keen player of the Theremin.
Alongside the other DSU sabbatical officers, Mel has steered the union through an extremely difficult financial situation. Thanks to her efforts, DUCK can look ahead to another successful year.
Under her leadership, the newspaper saw numerous changes to its internal working, which in turn led to increased distriHe has also directed three productions bution numbers and happier staff! (Julius Caesar, Single Spies and The History Boys) as well as two DDF plays. Whilst Aside from her involvement with Palatistudying English here, he has also been nate, Liza was DUCK representative for a member of the council of the National her college and was responsible for organising DUCK week. Youth Theatre.
Due to the level of her success, Mel has been headhunted by the charity organisation Save The Children. She is dedicated, incredibly hard working and passionate about the causes she raises money for, and is sure to go far in her chosen field.
In the future Tom would like to develop She is also the former editor of her college his writing, and he is working with NYT magazine, Hex, as well as Trev’s yearbook last year. to develop a project at the moment.
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Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
News and Information Careers
Careers
Follow us on Twitter @palatiCAREERS
The latest news in the graduate jobs market Advice from the Careers Advisory Service
Stop talk-talk-talking that blah, blah, blah
Though as welcome to some alumni as a telemarketer, being a student ambassador is valuable work DARWIN BELL
Gain valuable work experience and alumni contacts by becoming a student ambassador
Rachael Revesz
“So you want some money?” Mr Jones asks me, sounding tired after his long London commute, with two children (his, according to the sheet in front of me) bickering in the background. “Erm” (desperately resisting temptation to say “yes, please”), “well I am calling you on behalf of Durham University in order to raise funds regarding...” Mr Jones sighs pointedly. Any minute he is going to hang up. I stumble over my words. I am as welcome to him at 7pm as a double glazing salesman. After a little more persuasion (‘think of all those distant yet golden Durham memories’) he says “wait a moment” and goes to fetch his credit card. He has somewhat reluctantly agreed to donate a fiver a month towards his former college rowing team. According to Durham University’s Alumni Relations department, student ambassadors alone raised over £150,000 in 2008/09. This is an impressive sum, considering they only work, on average, about seven hours a week (or significantly less around summative season). So before you hand in your polished CV at Nando’s (like I did, and failed miserably - apparently I’m not a team player) you might consider working for Durham University’s Alumni Relations Department during your studies. Not only are you not required to wear a Nando’s t-shirt, whose colour indicates your ranking within the chicken-chain, but you also gain valuable work experience and a variety of chocolate biscuits to munch on in the break. I was part of the team in 2008/09 before my year
abroad and, compared to many jobs that I have suffered, this one actually taught me something. Furthermore, I am lucky enough to receive the Durham grant, much of which is raised by student ambassadors. No doubt about it: there are difficulties to overcome when faced with a tricky call sheet. Once given the basic information about the potential giver, it is your job to make conversation with that person, all the while steering towards the ultimate goal: the donation. The alumnus/alumna may be a fresh graduate, still peachy faced on the KPMG bandwagon and paying off hefty student debts, or they may be a tired-out grumpster who “doesn’t agree with charities”: either way it is your job to convince them that donating to Durham after having graduated is a worthwhile cause.
tions. Without these donations, students will not be able to apply for grants, scholarships, awards or enjoy the varied university and leisure facilities that we do now. This planned cut in public spending also comes at a time when British universities are feeling the pressure to widen the access of higher education courses to those from low income and deprived socio-economic backgrounds i.e. those who are dependent on grants. Mr Jones also likes to mutter about the nuisance of unsolicited appeals. The fact is that every graduate from Durham is asked to provide their personal details, but this is not compulsory and any information we hold about them has been given voluntarily. Alumni often enjoy the opportunity to chat with Durham students and share their experiences, and have the right to specify to which area of need their pledge will be allocated. Unfortunately, on occasion when you ask to speak with Mr Jones, you are informed that he has passed away (best just to offer your condolences and hang up), but if he’s alive and kicking, he can probably donate a fiver. Have I convinced you yet? By working as a student fundraiser you are helping to ensure that the current and future generations of Durham students can enjoy the same wealth of opportunity that we do today. Plus, Durham University is likely to be the most flexible and understanding employer regarding your work agenda. If you are interested in becoming a student ambassador please contact Linda Morrison (linda.morrison@durham.ac.uk).
“Without donations, students could not apply for grants” According to a BBC News article on charity donations in the UK, top earners give less than one per cent of their earnings while the lowest earners give an average of 3%. There are many arguments that the unwilling rich person will throw at you, for example it’s not my fault that your boat house is falling down/your JCR is a crumbling shack! With the government’s decision to cut university funding by £950 million over the next three years we are becoming increasingly dependent on private dona-
If you can’t beat them, stop complaining and join them!
Those without contacts should not play the victim, but work hard and cultivate some connections of their own “My dad’s mate got me something at Deloitte”, “I know the person who owns...” Undoubtedly, if you are a departing finalist scouring for a job, you will have heard such boasts. Now, either you have been the lucky one spouting these statements, or like me, merely the unlucky recipient of someone else’s good news. The concept of people attaining a position through ‘who’ they know instead of ‘what’ they know is irrefutably inequitable as it values pre-arranged social connection over pure, non-discriminatory merit. Nevertheless, the overriding message of this article does not concern the fundamental unfairness underpinning the issue of ‘contacts’, but rather attempts to convey that, as with other disparities, contactless people must not, and cannot, afford to adopt a victim mentality. To put it bluntly, you just have to accept it and get on with it.
“Contactless people cannot afford to adopt a victim mentality” The possession of ‘contacts’ has been, and seems as if it always will be, a way of the world. Although a feeling of envy is occasionally permissible, you cannot begrudge someone their benefits simply by
virtue of not being in possession of them yourself. Furthermore, it is almost impossible to artificially eliminate unfair advantage through personal linkage. If friends or family members do know someone in a certain company, surely they just want the best for those close to them. Can we begrudge this? Where does one begin in attempting to regulate against favours between friends?
“It is impossible to eliminate unfair advantage through personal links” If, therefore, these trends are irreversible, how then do us contactless lot survive in the Darwinian job market? The answer is simple, through the same techniques we have all used to progress through our essays and exams: graft. If you cannot utilise personal favour to reach the top, then you must adopt this less attractive and more time-consuming option. However, there is one more alternative, involving a term which was unbeknown to me before I arrived at Durham, but has since grown steadily more familiar: ‘networking’. Unless you do not know, which I am sure all you job-hungry applicants do, this is the process of getting to know certain people in certain places in order to help Talking heads: unfortunately social networking seems to be the only way to get ahead
ORIN ZEBEST
Jamie Hamilton
your own career prospects. Essentially, it is the unspoken mutual exploitation between the aspirational types. Again this process can be laborious and may demand that you befriend people whom you would never have dreamed of outside of the work environment, but it is necessary if the contacts do not already exist.
“Networking: getting to know people to advance your career” Indeed, last year I underwent my first networking exercise at a radio event in Leeds. This involved a lot of tedious small talk, of which neither party enjoyed, a lot of polite laughter and too many names to ever feasibly remember in one night. However, although tedious beyond comprehension and very cringeworthy at times, the experience acted as a necessary evil as in the end emails were exchanged. This article is hence less of a whinge about yet another societal disadvantage, and more of a call to action for those who are devoid of any potentially careerenhancing contacts to help themselves. Finally, do not be daunted by this requirement to go out there and make those connections yourself, as the people you will be schmoozing with will almost undoubtedly be, or have been, in the same boat as you.
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PALATINATE Tuesday 16th March 2010
Check out our archive of interviews at palatinate.org.uk
Interviews Profile
Profile From Durham to Deputy Ambassador to Iran in a decade Look inside the minds of today’s big movers Interviews with those shaping the world
Vincent McAviney
A
rriving at Vennels café to conduct Palatinate’s latest profile interview I was on the lookout for a young women dressed in “purple or blue” according to the email I had received the previous evening. Locating said young lady, wearing both purple and blue, I introduced myself and sat down to interview Jane Marriott OBE, the next Deputy Ambassador to Iran “I have to ask, are you wearing purple because you’re revisiting Durham?” was my opening question for Jane who is used to being grilled by Generals and Presidents. With a laugh, she informed me that her mother had made her get her colours done a few years prior and that this was the recommendation, “Even though I was very happy in my combat beige G.I. Jane look, the colour specialist said beige didn’t suit me. I need to wear blue, purple and pink! I don’t wear pink; I’m not combat Barbie.”
“I don’t wear pink; I’m not combat Barbie” Indeed, Jane has spent most of the past ten years dressed in practical desert gear, accessorized only with protective body armour. After gaining a First in her undergraduate History degree at University College in 1997, Jane went on to complete an M.Phil at Darwin College, Cambridge in International Relations, “mainly because I did my degree and I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. So I delayed the inevitable and actually fell into international relations by mistake because Cambridge were meant to send me the History prospectus.” This simple administrative error on Cambridge’s part has lead into a promising career in the field. “When I left Cambridge I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life and had that sort of crisis moment.
“I had thought I wanted to be a journalist, a war correspondent inspired by Kate Adie crawling around in Tiananmen Square. I did some work experience at The Times, The Observer and even a women’s magazine where I quickly realised I couldn’t work in an office full of women!” Eventually, on the recommendation of her mother, Jane applied to join the Civil Service on the grounds that it was “a job for life and was nice and safe. I think [my mother] was kind of thinking in terms of the social security offices back home and that kind of thing, not running around war torn countries.” Despite falling on the interviewer due to nervous pins and needles in her legs at the final selection board, Jane passed into the fast stream program but ended up spending her first year working on equal opportunities initiatives. “All of the tests in the entrance examination had been ‘Theres a plague sweeping the country, and you’ve only got a certain amount of vaccine, how do you prioritise who lives and who dies” and there was me then trying to think of how to get more women in the Civil Service. Important nonetheless but not quite what I was expecting.” However, after a year, Jane managed to make her first move up the ladder.“I managed to escape from the job, which was necessary and taught me good management stuff but still wasn’t what I really wanted to do. Then I went to the Home Office to do a Criminal Justice Bill, but the job I really wanted was to work in the cabinet secretariat for foreign affairs servicing the cabinet committees. I sort of dug my heel in with the cabinet office and said I’m only coming back if I have that job.” Her negotiating skills, which would subsequently come in useful in Iraq as a hostage negotiator, paid off with Jane landing her first foreign affairs job in the Department for International Development (DFID). “DFID had just been created and the foreign office and they were still trying to work out who and what each one did as it had previously been part of the foreign office.
Claire Short, a very strong personality, was very clear that DFID was about poverty alleviation and that was the priority.
“I’ll do that for six months whilst I work out what I want to do” Then you’ve got Robin Cook at the foreign office who wasn’t necessarily Claire’s closest of political allies and so one of my jobs was to bring together these conflict prevention pools which would essentially create a pot of combined money. At this stage, I hadn’t quite figured out how important the money process is to achieving anything. It’s sort of blindingly obvious but it hadn’t seeped in at the time.” It wasn’t long before Jane was again itching to change jobs. In 2001 she joined the Couter-Proliferation Team at the Foreign Office. “I had done my postgraduate thesis on Nuclear Weapons reduction and there was a job going in the foreign office to do chemical and biological weapons. It looked interesting but I was told I couldn’t apply as the head of department said I need a nuclear head instead and you’re much more suited to that. So that was one of those really rare examples of something in your degree being actually relevant to what you do, which was great.” Which lead us on nicely to the work which won Ms Marriot an OBE and a US Superior Civilian Service Medal. I asked if there had been a pre- and post9/11 split in her work, “No for me it’s a preand post-Iraq split but it did make me focus on where the world was going because until then I had only been focused on nuclear stuff. But post 9/11 I started to think about dirty bombs. “Obviously I’m not going to go one record with my views about the military action as we call it but I was definitely in the camp of ‘OK this has happened, we can either stick our fingers in our ears or we can FOREIGN OFFICE
jane Marriott with members of the Afghan force at Shindad Airbase, Afghanistan , August 2004
FOREIGN OFFICE
Vincent McAviney talks to Jane Marriott OBE, Castle alumnus and former Palatinate editor, about her career with the Foreign Office in Afghanistan, Iraq and Washington D.C. before she heads out to her latest posting in Iran
Jane in body armour at Tallil Airbase, Iraq enroute to Basra in January 2004
roll up our sleeves and try and help.” That she did. But this resulted in an embarrasing episode. When I googled Jane ahead of the interview, her name was linked to the so called ‘dodgy dossier’ which contained the 45 minute deploment warning, annouced on BBC News which sent us to war.. “It was on the front page of The Times, my name accredited to the ‘dodgy dossier’ but I’d got the OBE for working in Southern Iraq from 2003-2004.
“We can either stick our fingers in our ears or we can roll up our sleeves and try to help” “Obviously somebody in the newspaper world had gotten a list of people who were going to get gongs, there was a special Iraq list, and then a foreign office directory of some sort that was out of date and had me down as head of nuclear non proliferation. I had advised on some aspects around the dossier that related to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and Iraq’s obligations under that, but it was very much a technical fringe advisory role to the dossier as a whole, not just the one that became known as the ‘dodgy dossier’. So that was quite a strange time with newspapers saying it was outrageous that I was receiving this gong and being honoured for writing the ‘dodgy dossier’. Nice to get the gong, but no, just to clarify, it wasn’t for the dodgy dossier.” Jane served her first tour in southen Iraq from 2003-2005 advising colaition forces in two provinces on security issues. After her stints in Iraq and a subsequent period in Afghanistan helping to plan the first presidential elections, Jane went back
to the Foreign Office in London but found that she longed for the front line again and returend for another posting in Baghdad. She worked as the UK representative on an international political team which spearheaded the handover of transfering power back to the Iraqis. Jane then served two years as the Deputy Head of the Foreign Office Afghan Group before a complete change of track taking the position of Chief Speechwriter to the Defense Scretary. In 2009 she was dispatched to Washington D.C. to serve as a Senior Political Advisor to the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. When we met, Jane was busy back at the Foreign Office learning Farsi for a position which she hadn’t yet received clearance to disclose. In the end, she sent me an email confirming that I could print her next and most challenging position: Deputy Ambassador to Iran. An increidble achievement for someone who only left Durham in 1997 unsure of what they wanted to do with their life. As we made to leave, I asked Jane whether it was odd being asked back to Durham to give a talk at her old deparment. “It’s not, actually! I had a wonder round this morning and went back up to the Cathedral which is still a building that inspires great awe as soon as you walk in the door. Living in the castle all those years ago I was worried about getting complacent so I used to make myself stop every time I entered it just to stop and take it in. This city remains with you wherever you go.” As I left, thouroughly impressed by the fantastically intelligent Jane, whose classic British chipper attitude must surely be the key to her success, I felt relieved for all of us graduates who don’t quite know what we want to do with our lives. Jane is an example that with hard work and a bit of luck we will all fall into something we love, even if we have no idea what that is yet.
Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
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Comment From the Union As both Easter term and the academic year draw to a close, it seems like a fitting time to remember some of the fantastic events the Union has hosted over the past nine months. In Michaelmas, we not only had a brilliant ball at Beamish Hall, but also had the pleasure of watching former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern deliver our annual Mo Mowlam memorial address. Other highlights during Michaelmas included watching the current Attorney General, Dominic Grieve QC, eloquently outline why Britain is too soft on crime. Epiphany term this year also provided members with a variety of excellent debates and socials. Notable speakers included Mauricio Rodriguez Munera, the Columbian Ambassador, and Peta Todd, a page 3 girl. The undeniably memorable moment however was the controversy surrounding the Union’s proposed debate on multi-culturalism, which acted as a catalyst for a new referendum on the DSU’s affiliation with the NUS. Both Michaelmas and Epiphany provided some excellent and unforgettable moments, and continuing such a high quality of events in Easter was always going to be a challenge. Fortunately, Gordon Brown’s decision to call a General Election and Durham’s position as a key marginal seat meant the Union was able to host both David Miliband, the then foreign secretary, and Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on the eve the election. With Clegg’s visit being reported in many national newspapers and shown on Sky News, it was a great day for both the Union Society and a Union as whole. Other highlights from this Easter term were the debate on private schools, featuring former ‘Apprentice’ candidate James McQuillan, and an Alice in Wonderland themed Garden Party. Ultimately this year has demonstrated that the Union Society can offer its members a wide range of topclass, enjoyable and entertaining events throughout Michaelmas, Epiphany and Easter. I hope members have enjoyed all of the debates, socials and addresses that have happened this term. Although most of this article has focussed on the past, it would be remiss not to say a few words about the future. Next Michaelmas promises to be splendid and I’d like to wish our new President, Anna Holt, the best of luck. I’m absolutely certain she’ll do a great job. I’d also like to congratulate Rishi Mansigani, our secretary, on his recent election as Epiphany president 2011. Both Rishi and Danny Langley, the other candidate, ran fantastic campaigns and deserve a huge amount of credit for the sterling effort they put into the election. That’s all from the Union this year and hope you all of our members have a brilliant summer.
Our writers discuss topical matters This edition: time for a British Republic?
Climate change in the new age of the Coalition
Our writer responds to the lecture delivered in Durham by Lord Puttnam on 25th May Matthew Griffiths
L
ord Puttnam’s visit to Durham to discuss where climate change now sits on the political agenda could have been a much more rabble-rousing affair. After all, as an ad man turned film producer turned politico, he should have had no trouble getting us going on what should be a very emotive issue, particularly given that the audience was plainly on-side. But precisely the trouble with an event like this is that attendance is pretty much self-selecting. We go along because we are concerned about the impacts of what we “rather limply refer to as ‘climate change’”, in Puttnam’s words, and we hear what we expect to hear.
“Even in the unlikely event that we stop generating greenhouse gases tomorrow, we’re still committed to climate change for decades” We nod and share our concerns, and reflect glumly on the lack of progress or meaningful action. We laugh drily at his talk of the difficulties in getting his point across to cabinet members and captains of industry, because they can only see the business picture, not the bigger picture. Yet there are others equally concerned about anthropogenic global warming, although that is because they believe that there is no such thing, and it would have made for a more interesting event had they also attended. Not just to fulfil my woolly liberal requirement to ensure both sides have a say, either – to have seen Puttnam deal with sceptics’ questions would not only have demonstrably deconstructed some of their myths but livened up the consensual, solemn atmosphere of the evening and reminded us why we were there in the first place. Puttnam seemed happy to liken such sceptics, in their absence, to the tobacco lobby in the 1950s and 1960s, who successfully cast just enough doubt on the reported dangers of smoking to prolong the market for their products. It is a useful analogy so far as it goes ... but it does not go very far. Sure, it points up the short-sightedness or self-interestedness of certain anthropogenic global warming arguments but, if anything, it also underplays the climate situation. Smoking affects the health of you and those around you; if you quit, there is even the chance that you will have done yourself and your loved ones no lasting damage. Climate change on the other hand is not local but global, and will persist for considerably longer than a human lifetime. Even in the unlikely event that we stop generating greenhouse gases tomorrow, we are still committed to climate change for decades, if not centu-
ries to come, because of existing gases’ continued residence in the atmosphere. One of the reasons we are very ready to be swayed by doubts, whether they are put about by those with a vested interest or not, is because we genuinely find it difficult to think across the generations in the way that we must if we are to get any traction on climate change. We would much rather believe that it’s not a problem, or not so big a problem, and that we can carry on with our dayto-day lives largely or wholly unaffected. Rapid advances in technology, particularly consumer electronics, since the Second World War have convinced us that even very recent history is actually the distant past, and this is reinforced by our habit of dividing things up decadally according to fashion or music for our easy assimilation. So because ten years seem so long ago, 2020 feels far enough off – and the rest of the century so distanced beyond it – that we think we have time to dally. But we do not. Puttnam rightly pointed out that climate change is not just this generation’s fad as it transcends the generations. The onus this puts on us is to act now. We have already left it too late, but stalling or making token gestures towards cutting emissions while maintaining the lifestyles implicated by them will only prolong the inevitable. And even that is just thinking in terms of the temperate, post-industrial UK and US. Developing countries are in the double bind of already experiencing more extreme weather events as a result of present climate change and not having established the infrastructure to respond to it – infrastructure that in the developed world has largely depended on greenhouse gas emissions. The current economic model of happily accepting the boom without recognising the necessity of a reciprocal bust, is heavily carbonised – the recently reported drop of 6% in the EU’s carbon dioxide output in 2008 and 11% in 2009 shows how much more significance the recession has had in reducing emissions than any policy endeavours, and reveals just how closely these are tied to the project of growth.
“Rapid advances in technology, particularly consumer electronics, have convinced us that even very recent history is actually the distant past” It is interesting, then, that with the election out of the way politicians now feel more able to talk about the longer game, although it’s out of economic rather than environmental concern that they are doing so. With the establishment of five-year parliaments, there is a chance that we can even open the political conversation to century-spanning questions; although I fear we are likely to squander this opportunity and remain preoccupied with cranking up the engine of boom and bust again. How, in any case, will David Cameron’s mid-termist moves be received by the electorate? Will we regard fixed terms at Westminster as a noble effort to give us a farther
JONATHAN ALLEN
Rory White-Andrews
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The efforts of individuals and groups in Durham to recycle are not, in themselves, enough
political horizon, or as a stroke of self-serving opportunism? The new Prime Minister is already asking us to brace ourselves for economic hardship that may last a decade or more – can we resign ourselves to that? And if so, can we also accept the environmental hardships of the 21st century, which will last much longer, and the resource deprivation these will inevitably entail? This all depends on us realising our role as citizens once more, Puttnam reckons, rather than seeing ourselves as “consumers” or “producers”, and I think there is much to be said for this argument. While the idea of “choice” is repeatedly pushed on us as though it were self-evidently the prime advantage of consumer capitalist society, think about the kind of personal choices we let the market offer us. I’ll, for instance, buy Ecover washing powder rather than Ariel, or eat vegetarian sausages rather than pork ones. This may ease my grubby conscience, but my buying habits are changes within the system, not of the system. Even opting not to fly is not changing the system, at least not until travellers choose to do so in sufficient numbers. (Puttnam, incidentally, laments the melting glaciers he has seen on foreign holidays, but says nothing of how he travelled or whether he offset his emissions). The obverse of this is that we are now so marketised that emission reduction measures will have to target us as consumers – Puttnam maintained that personal carbon credits are an almost inevitable development, wryly noting that should they be introduced in the next couple of decades, he will die as he was born under a system of rationing. As an aside, this demonstrates some transgenerational thinking; never-
theless, the idea of getting public acceptance for such personal impositions might prove to be a “whole other nightmare”. But Puttnam suggested that the rise of China – effectively, beating the West at its own game through a regulated economy – will prove that the free market is not the only capitalism in town, and we are going to have to think about how to sustain not just our living environment but our inherently unsustainable markets if we are to compete.
“Even opting not to fly is not changing the system, at least not until travellers choose to do so in sufficient numbers” Puttnam’s decisions as an individual might carry more weight by virtue of his being in the Lords; there is also the example he can set by being able to deliver lectures like these. He could not stress enough the importance of addressing an audience largely of the younger generation, who will be crucial in achieving the kind of social change that will help mitigate what we can of climate change and adapt to what we cannot. But, despite the emphasis on change, both climatic and social, I imagine many of us went into his lecture with the opinions we wanted him to vindicate, and that these had not changed by the time we left.
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PALATINATE Tuesday 22nd June 2010
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Debate Comment
The monarchy is dead: long live the Republic of Britannia? As the Coalition promises to usher in a ‘new politics’, we consider the ultimate change to the country’s government STEVE PUNTER
Thom AddinallBiddulph YES
Alexandra Bottomer NO
U
W
hen I was a child, in the dim and distant days of the late 1990s, I enjoyed a tradition of Friday night Chinese takeaway and a film. In amongst all the family-film cinematic junk food and romcoms, there was a historical picture I used to rather enjoy. This film was Cromwell, the 1970 film about Britain’s only non-royal ruler (that is, aside from his generally forgotten son). I was always very firmly on the side of King Charles I (possibly because he was played by Alec Guinness, but then modern children would have serious trouble picking sides: Cromwell is played by Richard Harris, so it’s a choice between Obi-Wan and Dumbledore). I felt the royalists were definitely in the right, the noble, worthy cause, against the thuggish Roundheads. Of course, it is an oft-cited maxim that the Cavaliers were ‘wrong but romantic’ whilst the Roundheads were ‘right but repulsive’, and there are fairly few people today who would consider Cromwell as much other than a deeply unpleasant man, and a brutal ruler. Now, however, I would probably hesitate to take either side, having in the long interim between Junior School and postgraduate study, become an ardent republican.
“I would rather we have a head of state who was in some way chosen by something beyond their blood” I have nothing against Elizabeth Wind- The Queen is beloved by many British citizens, but is she an appropriate modern figurehead? sor, I should point out. The current monarch does her job in the best manner pos- overall average quality between our mon- be a respected figure of some stature, and sible: dignified, benevolent, and above archs and the democratically elected Amer- perhaps required not to be a member of politics. Would that the same could be said ican presidents, I will admit. That being the a party- would still fulfil the functions of of her unruly brood. case, though, I would rather we have a head the current monarch in receiving other Prince Charles is so utterly enmeshed in of state who was in some way chosen by heads of state and representing the country the political world he could never be taken something beyond their blood. abroad. Again, as they would be seen as a seriously as a neutral ruler; one need only Which brings me to the thrust of my more legitimate figure, they would actually watch To Play The King, the first sequel to argument. I could spend many hours ex- play a more significant role in events such as the brilliant House of Cards, to see what plaining exactly what I believe to be wrong international summits. would happen if he ascends the throne. with the monarchy, but it would be more I personally believe such a system would Prince Philip, though not in line to the constructive to pose the alternative. I beprovide us with most of the benefits of a throne, is so out of touch with modern so- lieve in the British Republic (the name can ciety that I would hardly be surprised if he be considered further- I have no desire to monarchy, such as a head of state above the squabble and squawk of daily politics, withgreeted President Obama as the King of the vex our friends in the Six Counties). out the drawbacks (no massively extended Ashanti. family of over-privileged airheads, for a Prince Harry would be an embarrassstart). This would bring us into line with ment to most Durham bar crawls. Prince the modern democratic world, and perhaps William, granted, seems fairly harmless, end the notion of Britain as a quaint backand would probably make as good a job of the crown as Elizabeth, but I would be hard water stuck somewhere in the 1850s. pressed to say I would actually vote for him That brings me to a final point. It is prein a different system. cisely that notion that attracts quite a lot of All this is by the by, however, as my obtourists to this country, and it is undeniable jection to the monarchy rests not so much that the Royals do provide a good deal of on the poor quality of the current royals tourism revenue. As far as I’m concerned, and more on principle. I refuse to see why though, that should not interfere with good someone should have the right to rule a The Republic would, if I were given my governance. Why not keep the royals, but country- however ceremonial their role- ideal, function much like most European strip them of even their theoretical power? simply because of who their ancestors were. states. I am not advocating the American To return to that hypothetical Philippian After all, look what happened when the super-presidency system. We would have error, the Ashanti King still exists (in the United States elected a president who, had an elected president, with a largely ceremohis father not preceded him in the White nial role, but thanks to the extra democratic form of Osei Tutu II), but has no governHouse, would probably be living in a trailer legitimacy they would genuinely have mental role. The monarchy is a grand tradipark somewhere. some involvement in constitutional crises tion of ours, and provides a lot of entertainHistorically, the inheritance system cuts such as hung Parliaments, and would have ing spectacle for the masses and for visitors. both ways: for every Edward I there’s an discretion to dissolve Parliament early and That, however, is what it should remain: a spectacle, a show for tourists, away from Edward II, and for every Charles (Stuart other such powers. or Windsor) there’s an Elizabeth. There is Such a President- who would hope- the real government of a modern liberal probably no very substantial difference in fully, like the common European model, democracy.
“The monarchy should remain a spectacle, a show for tourists, away from the real government”
seless spongers. Outdated hangerson. Vestiges of a history which is no longer relevant to society. These are all criticisms levied against the Queen and the royal family as a whole. However, in terms of public service, military service, charitable work, political awareness, historical value, diplomacy, tourism and even sporting prowess, I can think of no other family or indeed, organisation, which has contributed so much for such good value for money. Of course, it would be naïve to say that the royal family is perfect: it has had its share of scandal, death and divorce. Fundamentally, the royal family are human beings; their problems have been similar to those of any family excepting the fact that the minutiae of their lives are persistently cross-examined by the media-hungry public. Considering this unceasing pressure, it is a wonder that the royals have had the resilience to continue functioning at all. In 2009, it was calculated that the monarchy cost a grand total of 69 pence per person over the space of a year. Less than the cost of a pint. Less than the cost of a loaf of bread. Less, even, than the average cost of a song from iTunes. It is all well and good to bandy about £0.69 as a tiny figure, however, in this supposedly post-recession world, it is totally valid to ask what we get in return for our investment. The Queen’s official function is to perform the ceremonial and official duties of Head of State. This rather bland statement has led detractors to suppose that the Queen’s role is little more than wearing a posh frock and arriving in a state carriage every so often to open Parliament. The Queen has, however, a duty to read the papers of State every single day of the year, regardless of whether she is in the country or abroad and to keep abreast of all political happenings in both the UK and the Commonwealth. The Queen has thus built up an unrivalled knowledge of political affairs on which the Prime Minister of the day can draw for non-partisan advice or guidance. Time and again prime ministers have stated how great the Queen’s knowledge is and how useful her counsel has been in their weekly meetings with her. Indeed, in times of both war and peace there are few political situations which are unfamiliar to the Queen.
“The Queen unites and represents the entire country to the world, a unique diplomatic function” Furthermore, there are manifold advantages to having a non-political Head of State. The Queen unites and represents the entire country to the rest of the world without the limitation of subscribing to a particular political viewpoint, thus fulfilling a unique diplomatic function. The Queen is also the unifying force of the Commonwealth. Outside of the UK she is the Head of State of fifteen other Commonwealth realms and Head of the Commonwealth itself, a voluntary association of 53 independent countries spanning every geographical region, religion and culture. In this role she fosters trade links,
diplomacy, friendship and international cooperation between people across the globe. Moving beyond the Queen, the royal family as a whole have given so much to the UK and the wider world. Prince Andrew flew helicopters in the Falklands War and in his post-military career has worked as a Special Representative for International Trade and Investment. Princess Anne has won an Olympic silver medal as part of the British Eventing Team and has represented the UK in several other equestrian activities. Alongside this she has worked tirelessly for over 200 different charities.
“The pomp and ceremony which surrounds royalty forms a unique part of British culture and tradition to the present day in the twenty-first century”
In addition to working for charity and frequently representing the monarchy abroad, Prince Edward is president of the Commonwealth Games Foundation and is taking over the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme which has enriched the lives of millions of young people. Both Princes William and Harry are involved in extensive charitable and diplomatic work alongside conducting full military careers. Indeed, Harry has served on the frontline in Afghanistan and William has trained to be a search and rescue helicopter pilot. Other than the Queen, perhaps the busiest member of the royal family is Prince Charles. Setting aside various controversies about his private life, the future king has worked incessantly for the good of the country and the world. Contrary to the notion of the royal family “sponging” off the state, Prince Charles, through the Duchy of Cornwall, contributes more to the economy than he takes out of it. He has founded the Prince’s Trust which has helped thousands of disadvantaged youngsters build themselves better lives. He has advanced knowledge of climate change, agriculture, organic produce and the environment and has advised both industry professionals and government ministers about these subjects. He has also worked towards building greater links between faiths and ethnic groups in our ever more multi-cultural society in his desire to succeed in his future role, which he has stated will become “Defender of Faith”, rather than the traditional “Defender of the Faith”. Frequently overlooked is the amount the monarchy adds to the UK in terms of tourism. The monarchy is a point of fascination for foreign visitors and adds millions of pounds to the economy every year as people travel to see palaces, crown jewels or even the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. The pomp and ceremony which surrounds royalty forms a unique part of British culture and tradition, uniting thousands of years of history to the present day in the 21st century. Millions of pounds generated for the economy; millions of pounds given to charity; thousands of hours dedicated to public service; innumerable diplomatic links maintained; a nation’s history preserved; expert political advice imparted; countless lives made better... terrific value really, for only 69 pence per year.
Tuesday 22nd June 2010 PALATINATE
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Comment Opinion
Share your views with the Palatinate readership at palatinate.org.uk
Ghost writing is a consequence of substandard education Following Richard Lowe-Lauri’s examination of the culture of essay-buying, the causes are investigated further
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hen reading Richard LoweLauri’s article on Durham students who pay people to write their summative work, two things struck me. Firstly, who has that kind of money? Three grand for a two-thousand word essay and, under the UKEssays’ guarantee, a possibility of only scraping a 2:1? That does not sound like a worthwhile investment to me. Secondly, the “reassurance” with which this company provides its customers: “We are very legal” and “we won’t make you a cheater.” Brilliant.
“It takes five minutes to note down all the essential information covering a topic from Wikipedia” However, the influence of internet-related sources on students’ work is increasingly inescapable. It takes approximately thirty seconds to look something up online. It takes about five minutes to note down all the essential information covering the desired topic from Wikipedia. Follow that with roughly one hour of re-wording. Inevitably, it then takes two hours of head scratching to figure out how to reference it. I was confident that, after three years at our prestigious institu-
tion, I had evolved past that amateur stage. Upon inquiring about my year abroad task, I was told I needed a bibliography. I replied that this was impossible since I had not used any secondary (or primary) sources during my research. My tutor had no need to insert a sad face emoticon in his e-mail; the mere words “innate knowledge is not accepted” conveyed his message perfectly. The fact is that we are no longer taught how to write essays. In my experience, unless one studied history at school, there was little chance that, as a student, one would know how to footnote, reference or perform any other uselessly complicated, time-wasting Microsoft Word function. Academic pressure can, and will, drive one up the wall. One of the previous Government’s main objectives was to increase the number of young people entering higher education, while the lack of further education opportunities, such as trade apprenticeships and vocational colleges, were left by the wayside. This meant a lot of non-academically orientated young people in red-brick universities frantically searching Wikipedia, just for the sake of it, and the more academically-inclined among us turning to “UKEssays for Idiots” to guarantee themselves a foot in the real world after the hazy Durham bubble evaporates. However, arts students are not worked that hard. Not really. In comparison to German students who live in the library with agendas full of red lines – presentation, essay, group project, essay – they have it easy. One preferred conversation topic of my family gatherings is the STANDARD OF EDUCATION TODAY. When I get bored with playing devil’s advocate I have to give up and agree with them: it is not as it used to be. My mother had to read one book and write one essay every week at
PRACTICAL OWL
Rachael Revesz
Amid claims of degrees becoming easier, many students still feel excessively pressurised by the intensity of continued academic pursuits
University in the 1970s; now we fret about our two, termly summatives several months in advance. More was expected of you then and, of course, the wonderful goldmine of the internet and the heaven that is Microsoft Spellcheck did not even exist. We might as well be honest and admit that a good proportion of us do not enjoy writing essays; and despite the fact that we love Durham many of us came here simply because we got good grades in school and did not know how else to use them. There also never seems to be more than one copy of the same book in the library, despite this very book having been recommended to a lecture theatre of more than 200 people, and, frankly, when it comes to sacrificing £25,000 for someone to write
your first-class dissertation, well, the shopping facilities in our little town are hardly that tempting anyway. Therefore, to balance it out (that is what you should do in essays, by the way) it is not altogether surprising that some (rich sods) turn to online essay mills for a decent grade.
“Why else are we here at university, if not to work hard?” One more thing which I have to point out is in the comment from Professor Stephen Regan in Lowe-Lauri’s article: “…they
would be loath to hand in essays that they hadn’t crafted themselves.” Yes, we would be loath. But somehow, UKEssays makes it look so damn easy, and provides a cash-back guarantee that would beat Asda to a pulp. Besides, instead of “craftsmanship”, would not “regurgitation” be a more accurate word to describe current student trends? But I do see Professor Regan’s point. Why else are we here at university, if not to work hard? It is perhaps best to just minimize that Facebook tab, trust ourselves a bit more and pick up a pen: charging £60 for 500 words – come on, are students not in enough debt as it is? After all, our own work, full of grammatical errors and charm, guarantees a personal sense of achievement, if not a full refund.
How have Durham students judged the coalition thus far?
Our pundits provide a variety of surprising responses to the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat administration CABINET OFFICE
Contrasting voters from the three main political parties have given their response to the coalition. Also, an international student from Germany, a country governed by a coalition, has offered her opinion.
Andrew Adams Labour
I’m probably not your representative Labour supporter. I would have struggled more with settling on my vote had it not been that I knew and trusted my local Labour candidate, and now MP, in Luton South (no I was not swayed by Esther Rantzen). Having said that I’m certainly not a Tory. However, it was hard not to be pleased with the sincerity and willing attitude that David Cameron appeared to have as he entered into discussions to form a coalition. It showed an enthusiasm for cooperation that I was not expecting and this has encouraged me. Unfortunately though, in the policy areas that matter to me, particularly foreign policy, the Tories seem to have had their way. I am sceptical of the now regular news that keeps telling us that Labour has been lying to us. An economic crisis is not the time for spin in order to legitimise your own agenda. I can only hope that the Liberal Democrats have enough of a voice to influence the resulting decisions. As to whether the government could last the five years I am unsure - time will tell.
the state in real terms will be painful and the choices to be made will be incredibly difficult, and may well result in the Tories being out of power (again) for a generation. So what is the silver lining for a Conservative supporter? I would argue that it comes from the knowledge that this coalition will put political expediency aside and do the right thing for our country. For this, they should be admired.
Caroline Lorenz German ERASMUS student
Does the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition administration represent a brave new world for British politics, or will it all end in disaster?
Tony Barrett Liberal Democrat Nick Clegg entered into the coalition burdened with a delicate balancing act. To appease truly liberal MPs and rankand-file, the Lib Dem faction in government and in Parliament could not serve as passive polyfilla, rubber-stamping conservative-minded policies and toeing the Tory line on issues such as Europe and defence, with which the Liberal Democrats hypothetically radically disagree. But, after having won only 23% of the popular vote at the election, Clegg equally had an obligation to act proportionately to their earned influence, to not over-exert
themselves and lose legitimacy by wielding disproportionate power. So far, the ideologically-uneasy bedfellows in government have handled well. The resignation of David Laws was regrettable, but tentative progress on education and welfare has been made. However, the coalition is still very much in its honeymoon period, with the difficult questions and conspicuous elephants in the room yet to be handled. Areas such as the Budget, the EU, and Afghanistan will more strongly test the tolerance of Liberal backbenchers towards the Conservatives, and how far they are willing to bend, with many still quietly resenting the fact that the touted LabourLiberal coalition never came to pass.
James Armstrong Conservative It is no exaggeration to say that New Labour have left the country in an economic quagmire which will take a generation to escape. As I write the projection for GDP growth has been revised down, and the scale of the structural deficit has gone up, highlighting the need for an age of austerity which has not been seen in Britain in our lifetime. It is a pernicious myth that Thatcher’s government cut the size of the public sector in Britain. It actually grew by 1.7% over the course of her administration. The task that the coalition faces, therefore, is tremendous! Cutting the size of
When in the UK the new coalition government was received with comments of a political ‘revolution’, many Germans were surprised about the excitement as coalitions are part of Germany’s everyday politics. The UK General Election is a real political revolution because the new government is the first formal coalition for 65 years. Both countries hope to bring decisive progress through a coalition government, which can shift the focus crucially from inter-party rivalries to the general good of the people. The strength lies here: the smaller coalition party now has a bigger say in the government, provoking deeper thoughts about important political decisions, contributing to unexpected solutions. Cooperation, compromises and consensus, now form the political landscape – and will hopefully bring a brilliant future to the country.
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PALATINATE Tuesday 22nd June 2010
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Opinion Comment
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill: a lesson we never learn Natasha Coral
T
he Great Oil Spill of 2010 – yet another environmental disaster at the end of a list of offences to our precious earth long enough to rival the time it has taken for BP to get to grips with the tragedy. Incredulously, oil is still gushing out of the pipes deep under the surface of the ocean after an explosion that killed eleven in the Gulf of Mexico. It is difficult to visualise the damage that this might be having and to predict the future impacts on our already harassed planet. Yet this is not the first time that there has been a catastrophic oil spill…oh, no. In 1979 the Ixtoc I spill in Mexico spewed an estimated three billion barrels of oil into, you guessed it, the Gulf of Mexico and in 1989, the Exxon Valdez Oil Tanker ran aground at Prince William Sound and spilled a whopping 250,000 barrels of crude oil into a delicate sub-polar environment. In 1991, the Gulf War Oil Spill poured about eleven billion barrels of oil into the sea. In April, a tanker ran aground onto one of the most delicate and biodiverse places on Earth: the Great Barrier Reef. In Texas, Australia, Namibia, Ireland, Norway, Mexico, South Korea, the Phillipines…the list goes on and is dominated by, yes, you guessed it again – the US. You would think that we had learnt from the terrible effects of the first one but, unfortunately, the trade is far too lucrative to think too much about the effects of mistakes and accidents on the environment. After all, the returns that are made from drilling and transporting crude oil around are huge and immediate, whereas costs incurred from
a damaged environment may not manifest until several decades after the event. This makes it difficult for industry and indeed individuals to care about and act against degradation of the environment. The gains and long-term benefits from being sustainable are slow and, well, longterm. Another problem is that it is almost impossible to attach a financial value to any aspect, let alone all, of the environment.
DVIDSHUB
This spring’s catastrophic spill in the Gulf of Mexico is only the latest in a long register of environmental disasters
“The trade is far too lucrative to think too much about the effects on the environment” Another issue is the inherent human characteristics that we possess, specifically greed and self-preservation. Understandably, you look out for yourself, especially when competition for jobs, healthcare and, in other parts of the world food and water, is so high. However, in a global community, with one earth to share between us, individual needs must come after the needs of the global community. Garrett Hardin’s theory of “The Tragedy of the Commons” helps to explain the underlying issue with environmental degradation and problems. For each of us, throwing away our plastic, or using our car for short, non-necessary distances, or leaving our plugs switched on, or our TVs on standby does not have that much of an effect on the environment or our pockets. However, these actions billions of times over have an enormous detrimental impact on the environment, and will eventually, impact both our standards of living and our finances. The earth will no longer be able to house the landfills needed for
Our dependence on oil is causing environmental degradation on a local and global scale, and we must consider how to combat this problem
our plastic rubbish, buffer the extreme levels of CO2 pollution or endure the degradation from energy production needed to keep our luxuries running. However, individuals will not change the way they live, especially if they see others leading the same wasteful and consumerist they always have. Why should I change if they won’t? It is difficult to live sustainably. Almost everything we do and whatever we buy has a detrimental impact on the environment in some way or another. It is an effort to remember to recycle, to walk or cycle rather than using the car, to remember to take plastic bags with you shopping. It is more expensive to buy environmentally sustainable goods and food, and in the financial crisis of today, why would anybody pay more for the same thing to be more carbon neutral, especially if nobody else is. And if it is difficult for us, then it is as
difficult, if not more so, for industries who have to remain price competitive (assuming they do not, like most oil companies, produce a good in such heavy demand) to remain in business. Sadly, our capitalistic and consumerist society makes remaining price competitive rarely compatible with sourcing sustainable and fair trade goods, or carbon neutral production.
“Everything we do has a detrimental impact on the environment” What we need is a change – albeit very belatedly. We need a change in legislation to make it cheaper and easier for us
as individuals and industries to be sustainable and not detrimental to the environment. We need a change in attitude for us to realise that the environment is not there for us to command and conquer, but for us to work with. Natural processes can be used to help humans, and human actions can help the environment. We need a change in our beliefs that travelling by bus is for people who cannot afford to use cars; a change in our belief that we have a right to as much food as we want, when we want it – which only ends in waste; and we need a change in our lifestyles. Unfortunately, to facilitate our individual actions to become more sustainable, the people in power have to listen to environmental pressure groups and act, and at the moment, the people in power are far too occupied with the Great Oil Spill of 2010.
Brits should resist the flood of capitalist-driven US nostalgia As we flock to the multiplexes to see The A-Team, we should be wary of falling for a calculated commercial fantasy WEE SEN GOH
Freddie Myles
H
ow many people actually watched The A-Team? In Britain, in the 1980s? The answer, implied by the forthcoming movie adaptation and its publicity machine, is that all the kids did. It is a shared memory, a reminder of something by which a generation can be joined together and ironically excited. However, I’m not sure that this is true. The A-Team has doubtless entered our cultural lexicon. Look at Mr T miniaturised on t-shirts, bellowing to sell Snickers bars. But how has this occurred? The show was panned on its first showing in Britain, and was certainly not a major event when it was banished to the BSkyB hinterlands. No revival has ever succeeded in securing it viewing figures worthy of a significant place in any major channel’s schedules. I have not met anyone of that generation or my own, the two main targets for the film’s publicity, who can recall a full episode. When the kids shout “fool!” in the playground the quote comes from the publicity and the merchandise, not from any recalled programme. How has this bizarre conjunction of events come about? The answer is that The A-Team, alongside other American shows such as The Golden Girls and Saturday Night Live may not be watched in Britain, but
they certainly are, or at least have been, in the U.S. There, these shows quite reasonably have a place in the collective memory. Their emergence here as ‘parts of our culture’, of ‘our childhood heritages’ is down to the (dominantly one-way, no Fireman Sam revivals in Los Angeles) cross-pollination of British and American cultures. The ATeam and The Golden Girls references that crop up in actually watched media here, for example in The O.C. or Rocky 3, and their derivative popularity from this, partly illustrates the extent to which British cultural life is now dominated by the American.
“No commercialisation can recreate a sense of togetherness”
Transformers is an example of fake nostalgia
You may not have a problem with this. I do. As cable television and YouTube remove ‘barriers to choice’ and allow American publicity machines to dominate, the next generations are unlikely to feel any A-Team like dissonances with their American counterparts. This is immensely sad, ignoring as it does the great legacies of British made (or indeed any non-American made) media. Tackling this would be a wider task, so let us now focus on the particular market of the day, the one that wishes to exploit this impending enforced uniformity before it has even happened. We are persuaded that every child in Britain did see Transformers
cartoons, and that they therefore must show fidelity to their childhoods by fattening the guts of the ‘film producers’ behind the adaption. In this example, the reason Moneybags attempts to convince you of what your childish self enjoyed is down to the current hotness of the market in nostalgia. Summoning fake nostalgia is a surefire exercise, ready for operation when the capitalisation of real shared experience fails. Genuine shared experience, community memory and appropriation, is the form pirated but whose content remains outside of the capitalist’s grasp. No commercialisation can recreate the sense of togetherness amongst those occupied in stubbornly non-consumerist activities such as reminiscing with old friends or appreciating a genuine piece of art. What the capitalist can do is insidiously despoil any nationwide attempts at community. Sporting events are now merely the altars around which high churches of consumerism assemble themselves. Large scale television ‘events’ are parodies of community, chiselled and filtered with ‘mateyness’ and ‘personality’ to convince the viewer they really are involved. It almost makes one nostalgic for the lost innocence of a royal parade. This trend, this appropriation for profit of any successful venture, is an attempt to profit from notions that in consuming one becomes part of a consuming community. It infiltrates myriad facets of life. Consider the Innocent smoothies company, their plastering of packaging with ‘personal
messages’ in an attempt to lure you to repeat the purchase. Consider Sex and The City. This show, initially, did find a genuine community of watchers. It was an example of something that was spontaneously reacted to and shared. The first few series of the show’s run were excellent television.
“Large scale television ‘events’ are parodies of community” As it progressed, however, it would not be left. Product placement expanded, spinoff merchandise was developed. We had Sex and The City prequel novels and drycleaning bags. Now we have the films. Those nauseatingly consumerist and misogynist bores. What was community is now profit, viewers are forced to identify with what has become mere product. Even those who have never watched the show, too young, are drafted into cinemas to watch this depraved and corrupting spectacle. And in turn fall the critics. Newspapers and websites compete for who can give the most amusing and angry demolition of the latest movie. Proprietors and commentators with no connection to readerships spawn money-spinning communities over who can spread the vitriol thickest amongst those who never saw the show anyway. As tragedy turns to farce, the people are no longer consulted.
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19
PALATINATE Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Whatever your game, get into it at palatinate.org.uk
Sport
Spirits not dampened by showers as College Festival of Sport proves to be a success RPBERT BURGESS
The College Festival of Sport, despite a deluge of rain that forced some games to finish early, was still a day of intense competition as all the participants knew valuable points that could change the college points table were up for grabs
Quentin Sloper
The third year of the College Festival of Sport was hit by some of the worst weather possible but despite the challenges presented by the rain and wind Durham’s students battled on throughout to make it a memorable day for all of those involved. Over 2,500 students and 30 officials took part in twelve sports across our two sites to ensure that despite the weather the day was once again a great spectacle for College Sport at Durham University. As usual the day started at nine o’clock with the preliminary rounds of the football, netball, rugby union, hockey and basketball ensuring that the sports complex was buzzing despite the early start to the day. Due to the re-development work taking place at Maiden Castle both table tennis
and squash took place at the Racecourse and both got underway an hour later as the day gathered momentum and results started to poor into the administration desks. As the morning progressed there was a hint of a bit of sun but unfortunately the promise was short lived as the weather began to get worse and the rain started to fall. Despite the conditions teams stayed on the sidelines to support, or more often than not, heckle their opposition, creating a memorable atmosphere that was a true credit to Durham students’ commitment to College Sport. The early afternoon saw both rounders and volleyball get underway with record entries into both events. Unfortunately the various athletics competitions fell foul of the bad weather but mixed lacrosse got underway later in the afternoon despite the
conditions getting worse by the minute. Netball was the first to finish with Hild Bede ending the day victorious. The netball competition was overseen by the University Club and umpired by students who compete for the University, without their support and the commitment of many other club executives and additional volunteers the day could not have been possible.
style, winning every match they played during the day. The individual squash competition, held at the Racecouse, went on longer than expected and the deserved winners were Sarah May (Mary’s) for the women’s event and Jamie Barwick (Hatfield) for the men. Women’s Basketball was next to be completed and Grey just clinched the title, defeating Butler narrowly in the final. The Table Tennis event also proved to be something of a showpiece with a series of tight matches seeing Hatfield end up victorious. The Rounders competition was extremely well supported with another record entry and the competition was fierce with a number of closely fought but light hearted matches taking place. Trevelyan were the eventual winners in
“Grey just clinched the title, defeating Butler narrowly in the final” Women’s Rugby was next to finish with St. Cuthberts winning the competition in
what proved to be one of the most enjoyable competitions of the day. Despite Men’s Rugby beginning early in the morning it was still one of the last to finish with Hild Bede taking home the College Festival crown. It was also a long day for Men’s and Women’s Football. Hild Bede won the men’s competition whilst Josephine Butler took the women’s prize. The day ended with a very wet St. Johns side securing the Mixed Lacrosse title. The event was once again a great way to end the College Sport season. The weather could have ensured an early end to the day but the commitment to continue playing was a credit to all involved and served as a great reminder as to why the College Sport programme is so successful at Durham.
Workman-like Durham triumph in annual Charity Twenty20 contest University Cricket Club continue their impressive season with a nine-run victory over Leeds University in front of a large crowd ROBERT BURGESS
Charlie Morgan
On a gorgeous evening at the picturesque Racecourse Ground, Durham University Cricket Centre of Excellence (DUCCE) continued their fine season by edging out a strong Leeds side in the annual Twenty20 Charity Match by nine runs. Unusually in a very fruitful season for batsmen, the win was eked out on the basis of a determined bowling and fielding performance. On a wearing pitch, victory was not assured until Luke Blackaby’s nerveless final over extinguished Leeds’ gutsy attempt at overhauling a middling Durham total. The Palatinates had made a very impressive start to the occasion, with both opening batsmen asserting themselves over the Leeds attack after being inserted when stand-in captain Daniel Gale lost the toss. Luc Durrandt, in scintillating form this year, unfurled a typically abrasive array of shots. Ollie Durrell, making his debut in place of the absent Seren Waters, was equally as effective, gracefully piercing the field on both sides of the wicket. The first year pair set a perfect foundation for the innings, putting on a stand of 65. When Durrandt was caught calmly on the boundary by Ross Whiteley just before the end of the ninth over, a total in excess of
A professional performance from Durham saw them just edge out Leeds at the racecourse
160 looked possible. However the introduction of spinners Tom Craddock and James Hawley stifled the charge somewhat and two further wickets meant that Durham reached the halfway-point at 71 for three. Fortunately, though this season has seen an abundance of stellar individual performances, Durham’s strength in depth has been equally palpable. On this occasion, unsung heroes Luke Patel and Jamie Atkinson took it upon themselves to wrest the momentum back. They shared a well-organised partnership of 42, from which the late order scrambled to boost the hosts’ total. Though far from imposing, Leeds would need a rate of seven runs-per over, challenging with Durham’s plethora of spinners so suited to the dusty surface. Just as the first-year contingent had starred with the bat for Durham, so was the case with the ball. An enthusiastic Chris Roper stormed out of the traps to significantly peg the visitors back in the early stages of their reply. He took three quick wickets to leave the Leeds side in tatters, only opener Chris Dougherty staving off the Bristol pin-up. At this point it looked as though Durham could steam through their opponents, but Dougherty found an ally in Bradley Kruger. Together these two compiled a wily
partnership of 60 amidst the excellent spin trio of Alex Turner, Gale and Patel. With Turner completing his allotted four overs for a miserly 16 runs, skipper Gale turned to Blackaby, who finally induced a false shot from Dougherty, acrobatically caught by George Harper at mid-off. This was undoubtedly the turningpoint of the run-chase and Leeds subsided in the evening sunshine to Durham’s strong out-cricket. The dangerous Whiteley fell in similar fashion to Blackaby’s medium-pace and when Kruger was caught sweeping by the impressive Durrell, the end was nigh. Though Hawley ensured a slightly tense finish with a lusty blow off Gale, the home side held their nerve to complete a fine win in front of a vocal crowd. Such a victory was symptomatic of the remarkable turn in fortunes that Durham have experienced over the past twelve months, displaying a gutsy doggedness that had not been present in the past two seasons. The side will now look to consolidate this momentum with a three-day fixture against the MCC, including old boys Patrick Foster and Joe Buttleman, before the crucial block fixture against Cambridge UCCE. A win in the two-day match against the East-Anglia outfit will ensure an appearance at Lord’s in late June, a just reward for what has, thus far, been an outstanding year.
Tuesday 22nd June PALATINATE
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Inside: second edition of The Locker Room, the College Festival of Sport and Durham UCCE Twenty20 victory
Durham dominates its own Regatta despite tough competition DELANEY CHAMBERS
Regatta draws a huge variety of participation from college, university and club crews, with DUBC winning Grand Challenge Cup
The coxed four that will compete for Durham University Boat Club at the Henley Regatta surges ahead of BUCS gold medal winners Newcastle in the coveted and highly contested Grand Challenge Cup at the Durham Regatta on Sunday
Delaney Chambers
The Durham Regatta annually attracts school, university, club and college crews from Durham, elsewhere in Britain, and abroad, and this year the entries were as varied as ever. Put on by Durham Amateur Rowing Club (DARC), the event features a variety of races, from novice to elite to master’s. This year, entries featured many universities from all over the country, including local rivals Newcastle, who regularly provide tough competition for Durham’s crews. Also present were Marlow RC, a club team who travelled to Durham from London to compete in the Regatta. Regularly in attendance are ASR Nereus, a Dutch club from Amsterdam who returned this year for the event. Several races attracted attention during the weekend, as college and university crews attempted to prove themselves throughout the competition. Some races aroused controversy, others had surprising results. Durham college crews entered a variety of races, from the novice to elite level, in ad-
dition to those races dedicated specifically to college boats. Spectators turned up to watch and cheered for every Durham boat, no matter which college. The popularity of the event made for a good atmosphere and turnout despite the deterrence of rain on Sunday. The most highly sought after trophy of the weekend is the Grand Challenge Cup, the trophy awarded to an elite coxed four.
“This year the entries were as varied as ever” Suspense was high in the lead up to the race, with many experienced boats entering the important competition. As ever, the event featured difficult competition, with some of the best fours in the region. Competing in the race this year were several well known teams, including Newcastle’s top four, who won gold in the coxed four event at BUCS this year. Three Durham crews were also entered, including the top four and the boat competing this
month for the Prince Albert at Henley. A composite crew racing as Castle college, St John’s College, and DARC completed the line-up, so the event was sure to be tough. The first race of the Grand took place at nine on the second morning of the event, and spectators gathered on the bridges of Durham to cheer on their crews as they rowed through the rain. DUBC’s first and third fours were awarded rowed byes and went straight to the next round when John’s scratched, so it was only the Henley four who had to race in the first heat, up against favourites Newcastle. Despite Newcastle’s reputation, it was clear from the start that the Henley four were the stronger crew, as they pulled ahead from the first stroke. Newcastle fought back through the bends in the race but Durham pipped Newcastle on the line to beat some of the best rowers in the competition. DARC finished ahead of the composite Castle four in the first round, meaning that the Henley four would face DARC in the semi-final, a difficult race especially after having already raced against Newcastle that morning.
Also in the semi-final were the other two DUBC crews, who would face each other for an all-Durham semi-final. In the semi-final races, Durham’s top four came ahead of the third boat, though the latter had a good race and were satisfied with their time.
“The Grand featured difficult competition, with some of the best fours in the region” The Henley four had a more difficult race, only pulling ahead of DARC in the last few strokes. The final of the Grand saw the Henley four pitted against the top four in an allDurham race. Keen to upset proceedings but weary from their previous races, the Henley four failed to clinch the title. The Grand will remain with DUBC for the next year, and will see more excellent competition in the next Durham Regatta.
The rest of the weekend saw Durham college and University crews succeed in proving Durham as the rowing stronghold it is known to be. The best university women’s eight in Britain, the Durham University first eight had little competition in the women’s events, and resorted to entering the men’s intermediate 2 race. They were up against St Cuthbert’s eight in the first heat, a boat which features its own experienced rowers. Though their past success had them in with a chance of succeeding, the women met their match against Cuth’s, and did not make it past the first round. University College boats were unlucky to draw Nereus on both Saturday and Sunday, as the Dutch club proved tough to beat. The Castle crews, though, gained experience from the events. In a controversial move, Newcastle University’s eight were disqualified from the final against DUBC’s first eight, penalised for making a ‘rude gesture’. DUBC rowed through to get a time in the race anyway, despite their competition’s disqualification. With many entries and good competition, the Regatta was once again a success.