8 OCT 2012 /
ISSUE 04 FREE
THIS WEEK Going Dutch!
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SALFORD’S ONLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER
University unveils 2012/13 student charter
Follow Nathan Thompson’s a dv e n t u re s in The Netherlands on page 4 Fashion feature
L o w r i Williams r e v e a l s fashion’s dirty little secret on page 6 Music review
Cassandra Ward News editor
In partnership with the Students’ Union, The University of Salford have launched their Student Charter; an undertaking between registered students and the university which outlines the mutual rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. The charter, which was published on 24 September, defines both the expectations and rights of all students at the University, and what the University of Salford should expect from its students. Over the last year the Students’ Union
worked with the University on drafting the charter. Tom Doyle, who was the Vice President for Science and Technology last year and is remaining in the role for the 2012/13 academic year said: “It’s important that all students know what they can expect of both the University and their Students’ Union, as well as understanding their own responsibilities in the learning partnership.” The charter, which is four pages long, covers services, support and information that the University will offer. This includes pledges to provide opportunities for oneto-one support and a high quality teaching environment. There are also links to more in-depth and descriptive policies and
procedures for students to access separately. There is also a section dedicated to the support and representation provided by the Students’ Union. Professor Martin Hall, Vice Chancellor, explains: “We undertake to provide you with the opportunities to learn that – at the very least- meet the standards set out in the charter. For your part, you agree to use your opportunities in realising your potential and your dreams.” The University’s responsibilities, which include timely feedback on assessed work and reasonable notice of cancelled and rescheduled classes, also gives a rather contentious nod to the recent timetabling
debacle, stating: “The University of Salford undertakes to provide you with your final teaching timetable in a timely manner, normally by 1 August.” Student’s responsibilities include; attending timetabled classes, submitting assessed work by stated deadlines and giving advance notice of any essential absences. Tom Doyle said: “Students’ rights are important in emphasising that excellence in teaching, supervision and support are the most important aspects of academic life, while responsibilities reinforce the partnership that is essential for students to gain the most from their time at university.”
Alfie Mulroy reviews the new Mumford & Sons album on page 28
02 : NEWS
ISSUE 04 / 8 OCTOBER 2012 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Save money at your Students’ Union outlets Amanda Mace Editor Feeling peckish but worried about spending too much money? Look no further than the Students’ Union food and drink outlets. To grab a great deal, head to Bar or Café Yours. Both venues can be found in University House on Peel Park Campus. Café Yours, a welcoming, alcohol-free space, is perfect for lecture breaks. The café, which includes a computer bank (available until early evening after the café closes at 4pm), now serves the full range of tasty Starbucks hot and cold drinks, from refreshing iced beverages to fresh coffee. Café Yours opens at 8:30am, so there’s plenty of time to kick-start your day properly. Breakfast is served between 8:30am
and 11am. Throughout the day a huge range of food is served, including halal, vegetarian, and vegan options. Food is also served in Bar Yours next door until 7pm. Take advantage of the brilliant Students’ Union meal deal between 4 and 7pm: enjoy a meal and a drink for just £3.95! The bar is a lively, social space, great for meeting friends at any time of day. You’ll find some fantastic drinks offers in the bar, such as £1.20 shots. Bar Yours also hosts three regular events: spin the sports wheel and get food and drink offers after the match every Wednesday, test your knowledge at the Big Quiz (every Thursday from 8pm), or have a check out the Students’ Union’s hugely popular Comedy Night (every other Tuesday from 7pm).
Editorial Amanda Mace Editor
There are three Students’ Union shops across the university, located on the Peel Park campus (in Horlock Court and opposite Clifford Whitworth Library), in the Adelphi Building, and in Allerton building. They stock a range of useful items including food and drink, newspapers and magazines, mobile top-ups and international call cards, and stationary. You can also buy a stylish University of Salford hoodie! At all three Students’ Union shops you can expect great value, regular offers, and friendly staff ! Like Bar and Café Yours, the shops are staffed by Salford students. And remember, the Students’ Union is a charity, so every penny spent in union outlets is reinvested to fund student services.
Hello all! Welcome to issue four of The Salfordian. Have a good read, then tell us what you think! If there’s something you loved, loathed, or would like to see a bit more of, tell us on our Facebook page. Just search ‘Salfordian’. First year students: I hope you’re all settling in well and you’re not feeling too homesick. Returning students: I hope that readjusting to university life is going well! If any of you are having any issues with your course or otherwise, do remember the Students’ Union is here to support you all year. Just pop in and see them on Peel Park campus. University House is also fantastic for hiding in if it’s freezing or chucking it down outside. Which is good, because it seems Salford has decided that it’s winter already. If you need me, I’ll be cowering under a fluffy blanket, clutching a hot chocolate and watching Scandinavian crime drama.
A University of Salford student was mugged with the threat of a gun last Monday in Castle Irwell student village. The male student, who wishes to remain anonymous, was walking down Seaford Road when the assailant approached him in a ‘friendly’ manner. After asking for the time and whether or not he was from the area, the attacker then proceeded to threaten the student, claiming he was going to ‘shoot him in the head.’ The thief kept his hand in his right pocket during the incident and did not reveal the suspected gun. However the ‘terrified’ victim said they were ‘not willing to take the risk’, and the criminal got away with a mobile phone and £10 in cash.
Editor: Amanda Mace Email: editor-ussu@salford.ac.uk
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The student, who recently arrived in the city to start his degree, spoke after the incident: “It has left me angry as I don’t feel safe around my new home anymore.” The student’s parents have also attempted to talk the victim out of returning to the university, with genuine fear for his safety. There have been six reported shootings in Salford over the past three weeks, thought to be related to an ongoing dispute between local gangs. No-one has been injured in the shootings. Police have advised people not to walk alone in the Salford area and to avoid wearing earphones in the street which can make them unaware of their surroundings. The victim has warned fellow students to be cautious of people in the area who act in a similar fashion to the assailant. The University of Salford released the following statement:
Features Editor: Lowri Williams
Postal address: Univerity of Salford Students’ Union, University House, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WT News Editor: Cassandra Ward
Pages 1-3 News Pages 4, 5 and 6 Features Page 27 Comment Page 28 Arts Page 29 Careers Page 30 Your Union Page 31 Activities Page 32 Sports
Salford student mugged on Seaford Road Bryony Pearce Sports Editor
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Comment Editor: Jonathon Norrey
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Arts Editor: Sally Leibovici
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“This specific incident took place on the public road near to our accommodation – not at the accommodation itself. Police worked quickly to arrest the alleged perpetrator, who is currently in custody. The University takes students’ safety and security very seriously and works actively with local police officers and with students themselves to offer advice on protecting themselves and their property. As in any city, taking basic personal safety measures greatly reduces any risk. Straightforward measures such as travelling with friends, not having expensive mobile phones on view and locking or securing bikes, laptops and other personal possessions can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.” Anyone with information about this crime can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Sports & Activities Editor: Bryony Pearce B.Pearce@edu.salford.ac.uk Careers: Amanda Mace Advertising : Stefan Redfern stefan.redfern@manchester.ac.uk Tel 0161 275 2930
News: 03
ISSUE 04 / 8 OCTOBER 2012 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Salford Students’ Union: what would you change? Can you think of a way that the Students’ Union at the University of Salford can be improved? Do you have some feedback relating to a particular part of the union? What were your thoughts on Welcome Week? Now is the time to have your say. This month, the Students’ Union is hosting three events that provide you, the students, the opportunity to express your ideas and opinions. The ‘better forum’ initiative was created in order to collect student feedback and work on any issues raised. Every semester, the union
runs ‘better union’, ‘better university’, and ‘better city’. Each forum is convened by members of the Student Council at Salford, who take care to note every suggestion so that it can be implemented in future. The ‘better university’ forum, held on 16 October, will enable students to discuss issues or plans regarding university life on a wider scale, while the local area will be discussed during the ‘better city’ event on 23 October. While topics in the former will include both academic and non-academic issues, the latter will focus on
student behaviour and housing within the local community. The first of the three events is the ‘better union’ forum, which will tackle all topics relating to the Students’ Union. It is a chance to voice your ideas about Union democracy, or make suggestions that could improve student media such as The Salfordian newspaper and Shock Radio. If you are a member of a sports or activity group at Salford, you can give feedback about your experiences at the forum. You can also share your ideas about the Union’s commercial services, which include the Union shops around campus and Bar / Café Yours. The Students’ Union is led by students, for students, so any feedback you can provide is absolutely vital. The ‘better union’ forum is held at 5pm on Tuesday 9 October in the International Life Centre, University House, and is your chance to make a real difference.
TEDx 2.0 is coming to Salford Castle Irwell streaker on the loose!
Charlotte Stephenson On Sunday 21 October, TEDx will be bringing together a host of experts and inspirational speakers to deliver a full-day event at The Lowry Centre, Salford. Amongst the TEDX Salford 2.0 speakers, are Peter Hook, co-founder and bass player of Joy Division and New Order, Professor Joe Incandela, spokesperson for the HiggsBoson experiment and Ken Shamrock, American martial arts expert and international wrestler. TEDx have also announced that this years mystery speaker is to be a British Olympic Champion.
The Mystery Speaker for TEDxSalford 1.0 in January 2012 was NASA astronaut Col. Ron Garan. Garan had launched into space in April 2011 for a 6 month mission aboard the International Space Station and had only returned back home a few weeks before the TEDxSalford 1.0 event. Performers at the event include Paul Zenon, wellknown magician, comedian and TV personality and Davide Swarup, leading Italian percussionist and one of the world’s leading pioneers of the “Hang” Drum. The TEDx event is sponsored by the University and organised
by Salford students. The University decided to become an event partner because of its commitment to the sharing of knowledge and education for all. Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall said: “This is a great student-led initiative, which will be delivered to a world class standard. We’re proud to be associated with TEDx Salford and this second conference.” Curator Mishal Saeed, VicePresident at the University of Salford’s Students’ Union, said: “Local people can learn, be inspired and meet other passionate, like-minded people in the impressive environment of the Lowry Theatre.”
“This event builds on the success of last year’s inaugural TEDx Salford, which was described as inspirational and remarkable.” Mishal added, “I am proud to be leading the biggest student project in Greater Manchester – and one of the largest TEDx events in the UK.” The taster event held last year was oversubscribed and already tickets for TEDX Salford 2.0 are proving very popular at half the usual TEDx price (£45 for members of the public and £25 for students). Further information regarding the event or about Ted-X, can be found at www. tedxsalford.com
Jonathan Blackburn and Dylan Smith A streaker was seen running around Castle Irwell Student Village last week. Crowds of students gathered to witness the spectacle, as the entire village spilled onto the street. Eyewitnesses on the scene reported that he had drank two lagers and ‘a load of vodka’. The man ran laps around the village, before clambering on top of the bike shed, where onlookers feared he would fall and hurt himself. David
Fink, 18, from Yorkshire, who was on location, said: ‘While it was entertaining to watch, I couldn’t help but feel for the man’s safety’. The man was then assisted down by students. Resident, Radoslav Boyanov, 19, from Bulgaria, claimed he was among the first to see the man: ‘I was standing outside smoking a cigarette when suddenly, a naked dude ran in front of me.’ Although the topic on campus may usually be cooking, it will certainly deviate to the streaking man of Irwell for the foreseeable future.
04 : Features
ISSUE 04 / 8 OCTOBER 2012 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Going Dutch! Nathan Thompson I have found while being here you are presented with a choice that will completely alter your time while being abroad. Sometimes making this choice comes from necessity, sometimes through choice. Sometimes not at all, due to certain variables of language, availability, and even, inclination. That choice is whether to work while away. Of course there are certain benefits from both sides of the fence and to be honest they are pretty much the same ones while at home. The money is useful, more practical experience, it’s something you can put on your CV. What is not the same is what jobs you can actually do. In my first few days I found a café, ordered an Earl Grey, sat down, finished my Earl Grey and asked “do you have any vacancies?” I knew the answer before I had even opened my mouth “sorry, but no and you won’t
Salford student Nathan Thompson is studying in the Netherlands for a year as part of the exchange programme. Every week, he shares his experiences living abroad.
get a job if you don’t speak Dutch.” It was a blow, but not an unexpected one. From the moment I knew I was going to a country where English was not the primary language (although it is definitely a prominent one) my lack of linguistic ability would be a crux to my search for a job. Still I wasn’t too disappointed, I told myself that this is what student loans are for and went on with my day. Recently I received an email in connection to a position I had applied for. I was nonplussed to say the least. I had, after the welcome day at the university, emailed a few places without any real expectation of hearing anything back and considering where this email had been sent from I was even more bewildered. The length of time between sending and receiving was also something of a factor, I had sent the application almost three weeks previously I thought that the position, even if there had been one, would have been already filled. The job is writing for a newspaper,
a newspaper not unlike the one you are currently holding in your hands, with one exception. I would actually be getting paid for it. Now I am not begrudging lack of payment writing for the paper you are currently holding, it’s fun and my involvement in the past has definitely led me to getting this opportunity, but to be paid for it would be an undeniable bonus, especially since when I had first sent the email I was quite prepared to do it for free (of course I neglected to mention that when I met them). It started with a request to see some of my old articles and columns, which progressed to an interview and now I am waiting for a call, text, email, or carrier pigeon to tell me my fate. Will I be just another poor student whom spends his time and little money on frivolous excursions, or will I become a paid journalist, interviewing special guests to the city and knowing that students the university over will be reading my article. Watch this space.
Life after the Salford Art School Jenni Hill We hear about it every single day. Britain is in a recession and across the country students are scrambling for jobs and struggling to find employment, competing against each other in an attempt to secure themselves a place on the career ladder. Creative subjects in particular such as Art and Design are facing a crisis as the government gradually decreases the funding allocated to them. However, despite the lack of jobs it’s not all doom and gloom as former Art and Design students from the University of Salford are proving by continuing to stay productive after graduation. For many, the period just after graduation is a time to relax before the job hunt and career planning begins, yet a number of graduates believe that in order to achieve success, maintaining the momentum built up throughout your time at university is essential and as a result have managed to find themselves employment or at least some interesting projects to keep themselves busy and boost their CVs. Ben Murphy from Ilkley, West Yorkshire studied BA Graphic Design at Salford before pursuing a Masters in Fine Art. During his time at University, Ben developed his own personal style and way of working, using electrical tape to draw large scale illustrations on walls. After filling a number of walls around the School of Art in such drawings, he plucked up the courage to ask Font Bar on Oxford Road whether they would let him do a piece for them. They were impressed by his work and so asked him to do one at their Fallowfield bar also. Since then Ben’s success and popularity has continued, making tape drawings for Foot Asylum, Lowry Outlet Mall and Boardmasters festival, to name a few. Ben now lives in London where he tends to use his electrical tape drawings as a form of street art. Despite making more money working in an art gallery than he does from making
Don’t be disheartened by what you read in the news, the benefits of an arts degree are endless.
art in London, he is happy to focus on getting his work up in public spaces and enjoys the fact that more people than ever are talking about his tape drawings which are quickly becoming hidden treasures throughout the city. Natalie Pownall graduated from Salford University in July and juggles working part time in
Perhaps one thing we can draw from Ben and Natalie’s experiences is that despite the fact that jobs are difficult to come by at the moment, a creative flair and a willingness to persevere and keep working are beneficial traits to have, not necessarily in terms of landing a job but rather to boost morale after university, remain productive despite
art. When asked about her motivations Demi said ‘Although those people deserve to be in prison, everyone deserves a chance and if I could change one person’s life it would make me feel like I have finally achieved something amazing and that’s what I’m setting out to do.’ Despite the myths that studying art at University either leads to
her degree she focussed a lot of her time on performance and installation pieces, but having finished university she’s found herself doing a lot more writing and illustration, which she has always had a passion for. “As for the installations, at the minute, they’re staying in the planning stages, I’ve got them as diagrams and should I get the opportunity
a shop with her own practice as an artist. While she continues to make art, she has admitted that the lack of facilities since leaving University has been a burden but refuses to give up completely on being creative. “I am trying to adapt by working with paper more and drawing with dry materials but it just can’t replace the invaluable studio space I shared in Uni and the excellent print studio/ 3D workshop facilities. I miss being part of an exciting community and sharing my ideas with other artists.”
changes in your surroundings and to get your work noticed. Teaching is a popular option amongst many art graduates and PGCE courses are getting increasingly difficult to get onto. Yet those who do make it onto these courses don’t necessarily dream of being your typical primary school teacher. Demi Longworth has recently started studying for a PCGE at Bolton University and her dream is to work in prisons, teaching and encouraging young offenders to channel their energy into making
unemployment, freelancing or a job teaching art to the next generation of teachers, months after graduating Gabrielle Anderson manages the online store for Contemporary Six Gallery in the Royal Exchange Arcade. “I love it. It’s great being able to work from home too. My boss is really showing me the ropes to curate and he gives me a lot of freedom in the gallery.” Despite having landed this dream job, Gabrielle still manages to devote time towards continuing her artistic practice. During
to show them in a larger space that would accommodate them, I’ll assemble them then. I’ve changed my approach to working I guess.” Leaving art school can come as quite a shock to the system for many students as they are forced to come to terms with the fact that continuing their practice outside of the studio might not necessarily be viable in the early stages and so a willingness to adapt and embrace the changes are essential in order to continue the path to becoming an artist. It’s always a good idea
to jot down ideas and draw diagrams of any things you wish to try in the future. You never know when the materials or location might just fall into place. Lisa De Cunha is also a former BA Visual Arts student and has found herself an internship working for a theatre company at Salford Quays. Her role involves transforming an old warehouse into a set and when asked what her job involves she said ‘My theatre job is everything. I have to create this new world in the building. It’s like falling down a rabbit hole and stepping into this other world. So it involves painting a lot of rooms and making a lot of props and altering a lot of furniture. Even though every day is hard work, the directors and producers are open to a lot of suggestions and give us a lot of freedom.’ With this year’s rise in tuition fees, arts degrees are becoming increasingly discredited, not only by the government but often by those who originally wished to pursue one in the first place. Many A Level students are hesitant to ‘waste’ money on a course that may not lead to a full time job. But new and potential art students shouldn’t be disheartened by what they read in the news, nor should they waste their time fretting over future career prospects. No one does an arts degree with the intention of becoming a dentist or an engineer. Besides, there are plenty of graduates out there with degrees in Maths and Science struggling to find employment too. If you’re creative, enthusiastic and love art then you will benefit so much from studying the subject to degree level. You’re most likely to discover that the majority of employers who aren’t looking for art graduates own companies which you wouldn’t particularly want to work for anyway. Until you find that perfect fit then experiment, develop your own personal style and do everything you can to stand out from the crowd and get your skills seen by those who matter.
ISSUE 05 / 15 OCTOBER 2012 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Features : 05
The freshers flu plague! Helen Frances Vaudrey Oh great. Just in time for the start of my course. After successfully side stepping sick people and surreptitiously opening windows every time my coughing and spluttering house mates came within a five meter radius of me in the first two weeks of university, it’s fair to say that I was nothing short of devastated when I woke up last week with the beginnings of the flu. As I stumbled into the kitchen in a kind of self-pitying daze to make myself a cup of tea, the terrible realisation hit me; mum was no longer here to look after me. My self-pity intensified with this notion and I suddenly found that I no longer had the energy to even boil the kettle. Instead, I flung myself into the nearest chair and deliriously jabbed my home number into my mobile phone. Even when you’re miles away from home, mothers always seem to be on hand to impart wisdom in these kinds of situations. My mother’s main advice to me was to completely cut out alcohol
and stock up on soft drinks. Sure mum. Telling a fresher to stop boozing is like telling a fish to consider breathing in air instead of water. In fact, giving a fish instructions in general is a rather pointless pursuit, and just like a fish, I took absolutely no heed of my instructions. Later that night I fell into bed in a drunken stupor and apparently slept through a twenty minute ear-blistering fire alarm; even my housemate’s tenacious attempts at banging down my bedroom door could not rouse me from my alcohol and flu induced coma. The monumental hangover the next day coupled with intensified flulike symptoms certainly made me regret my decision. Although alcohol can make you forget about your ailments for a short time, it actually weakens your immune systems response and is definitely not worth considering if you want to get healthy quicker and don’t wish to die engulfed in flames. Lemsip, hot water bottles and Strepsils are also essential when tackling start-of-term flu, and who can deny the added advantage of having a few packets
Going Dutch!
Our features writer is feeling more than a little sniffle coming on this week...
of Cup-a-Soup in the cupboard in times of need? They eliminate the dilemma of actually having to cook and clean up after yourself and serve as a great substitute for food when the mere mention of a Dominoes stuffed crust pizza is enough to make you reach for the sick bucket. If you’re wondering whether or not to go to lectures, then you have to be realistic about your symptoms. A runny nose and a tickling throat is hardly a good enough reason to skip class. However if you feel dreadful and spend most of your lesson time coughing all over your peers then it’s probably advisable that you stay tucked up in bed till you’re feeling better and are no longer a danger to the general public. Remember, if your illness seems to be getting worse or doesn’t seem to be going away then make sure you book an appointment at the University Medical Centre. Alternatively, you can duck out of any kind of responsibility like I did after my fourth day of feeling like death warmed up, and flee back into the doting arms of your mother.
Salford student Nathan Thomspon is studying in The Netherlands as part of the exchange programme. Every week, he shares his experiences living abroad. Nathan Thompson Well I know since last week you have probably been on tender-hooks wondering whether or not I got the job or if I failed. Am I still just another number on the Dutch unemployment statistics? Well I will relieve your curiosity, I got the job. That’s right, the guy who writes this rubbish is actually now being paid for it. Just not for the stuff that you are reading, that he still does for free, isn’t that kind of him? He has also taken up talking in the third person. With the new job, however, comes a host of responsibilities. I have new deadlines, I have new topics that I must write about, tangents about my thoughts of the cosmos will now no longer cut it. I must write the dreaded ‘news’ story. Scary thought, I know. My new role, however, comes with certain privileges that I have never had before. I have been given an actual key to the building. I was astonished. It was the first time I had been given the key to a place of work. Of course the first thought I had was thinking how much office supplies I could get away with stealing
but it was a very passing thought and I have decided that I will continue to buy and lose my own pens. I am not greedy. I now have to take part in editorial meetings. They are fun. There is beer, wine, ice cream, coated peanuts – although I have no idea what the coating is – and friendly banter. There is one problem with the banter though, it is all in Dutch, which is a shame really; it sounds like a good conversation. I do not resent this though, I know I have to learn the language and I’m not going to do that by listening to English all day, every day. I keep reminding myself that I am the visitor here; I’m the one that SHOULD have to speak Dutch. Other than this throughout the meeting I couldn’t help smiling. My opinion was asked, thankfully in English, about certain articles that were placed in the paper. I even managed to contribute some ideas of my own that were actually taken up with a certain degree of enthusiasm. At one point I even felt compelled to side with someone AGAINST my new boss. I know, typically should have been a career killer on the first day, but she listened to my points. I have already been given my first article to write. Needless to say this is something that may well be a turning point, not just for my time here but also for my future career. We just have to see how the future goes and if my journalistic skills are equal to the challenge.
06 : Features
ISSUE 04 / 8 OCTOBER 2012 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Fashion’s dirty dollar Lowri Williams Features Editor
Recently, when I opened my Mac, eager to explore the latest designs from London, Milan and Paris Fashion week, I experienced a major anti-climax as I begin to read the latest fashion news updates on the likes of the Daily Mail, Vogue online, and The Telegraph. (The three sites I religiously log onto every time I am on the Internet) And it is not the clothes that disappoint me, heaven forbid... It’s the audience. It suddenly dawned on me, that before we see even a glimpse of couture, we are presented with the celebrities on the front row of the catwalk. After seeing the images of the ‘A- Listers’ I started to think: do we actually care? In the papers and magazines, we do not see the clothes, yet the celebrities who attend the show. Personally I think it’s dishonorable, and we are slowly losing the meaning behind ‘Fashion’ Week. Is it not disheartening and almost degrading that we have to be shown the celebrities that are in
attendance? Some of whom are there only to appear as if they have any clue about fashion. The fashion industry has vastly become the most popular and in demand industry of our time. Why do I still feel that somehow it’s not just about the clothes anymore? The focus should be sorely on the latest designs being paraded up and down the runway; the audience is there to view the designer’s work, not to be viewed themselves. Take Paris Fashion Week for example, one of the most important fashion shows of the industry’s year. Straight away, the focus is on none other than Katy Perry. Am I missing something? What on earth is Katy Perry doing at the Chanel event? Is it just me questioning this, or are any of you starting to wonder about the attendance of some of the celebrities at these high profile events. The sheer presence of the celebrities is starting to mean more than the actual show itself, and unfortunately it is the celebs that hit the global headlines rather than the designers and their work. What you don’t realize is that
Recipe of the week: Chunky chicken noodle soup Amy Hughes If you’re suffering from ‘freshers flu’ this soup is definitely for you. Chicken noodle soup is the cure to all colds and flus (includes man-flu!) Ingredients: 1 large chicken breast 6 cups of chicken stock 1 chopped stick of celery 1 chopped large carrot Half a large chopped onion 1 portion of pasta shapes Parsley Thyme Rosemary Method: 1) Around 30 mins before you do the other prep, roast the chicken breast in the oven at around 180C for 25 mins. 2) In a large pan, sweat the onion, carrot and celery in butter until soft. 3) Add the 6 cups of chicken stock to the pot 4) Add the chicken breast and the seasonings (inc salt and pepper) and bring to the boil 5) Add the pasta to the pot and let cook on a low heat for 10 minutes (or until pasta is cooked) and serve.
Our features editor investigates the fashion industry’s dirty little secret
dirty little secret these celebrities are holding, and by holding I mean the 60 grand cheque buried deep in their purses they are clutching onto ever so tightly, solely for attending one of Fashions most in demand shows. So now when you see the A-listers sitting looking as if they have a clue, what you don’t see is the wad of cash they have been given to attend. Beyonce is said to attract around 60 grand, while the American actress Chloe Sevigny is said to secure around 40 grand. The figures are discovered by the successful website ‘Fashionista’ who controversially revealed the secret behind one of the worlds largest and richest industries. Nicole Fahri, one of the most respected members of the fashion industry has spoken out in her outrage of the dirty little dealings between designers and celebrities. ‘It is so unprofessional, I have never paid a celebrity and I will never do it. It’s stupid’ The veteran British designer Jeff Banks has publicized his knowledge that this has been going on for years, and it is no surprise. ‘These days, hiring celebrities is an integral part of the big labels’ marketing
strategies. Whether they’re wearing your clothes on the red carpet or sitting on the front row at your show, the effect is the same. It’s expensive, but some labels will consider it money well spent.’
So maybe I’m being naïve, in the sense that perhaps this is what the Fashion industry has come to, and has been coming to for years. Now that the dirty little secret has been revealed however, will the audience of the upcoming
Indie designer showcase Jessica Willby
I think it’s unfortunate to say that a lot of us own a onesie. Yes, it’s embarrassing to admit, but you couldn’t have been the odd one out during the last animal themed party you went to, could you? Well, allow me to put an end to the madness. Telltails is a unique brand that has cornered the market for synthetic tails. Yes, you heard that right. Claiming that evolution made a big mistake when human beings lost their animalistic appendage, Telltails provides an array of furry accessories for people to unleash their ferity. For those a little timid to the idea of fancy dress, it seems so much more sense to whip on your favourite outfit and add just a touch of your wild side with Telltails, à la Karen of Mean Girls (“I’m a mouse, duh!”). From reptiles to squirrels, the brand offers a variety of tails that attach with back and shoulder straps. The brand seems to be most popular on the festival circuit, with revelers wanting to reconnect with their animal instincts. However, Telltails do warn that there may be side effects of wearing their furry creations and one common trait is “the sudden onset of mischievous and in the more discerning of human beings, extreme silliness”. Prices range from £20-£35 and orders can be placed at TellTails. co.uk Another peculiar brand I came across this week was RavenEveJewelery on Etsy. REJ, which began back in 2005, supplies beautiful jewelry with a gothic feel. Amongst many other wonderful pieces, what stood out in my opinion was an elf inspired ear cuff, which to me, looked like something taken
straight from a fairytale. The jewelry isn’t the kind that you’d wear everyday and has a much more theatrical element to it, perfect for fancy dress. Although some of the more dramatic pieces look almost frightening (Metal claws and chained body harnesses!) the Detroit based company declare their designs to be “completely comfortable, functional and wearable”. The brand may only be small scale, but has picked up a lot of buzz after famous faces such as Lady Gaga, Kat Von D and Courtney Love have been spotted wearing pieces from the range. REJ has also been featured on NylonTV and in The New York Times. There is a wide selection of handmade goods including hand jewelry, earrings, rings and necklaces. Prices vary depending on the detailing on the product and how long it will take to make. Orders can be made at http://www.etsy.com/ shop/ravenevejewelry but remember to take into consideration time to make each individual piece plus shipping time. If you have any suggestions for future companies to feature, have your own brand, or just want to show off your designs, please email J.Wilby@Edu.salford.ac.uk
fashion shows ever be looked at, or commented upon in the same way again? One thing is for sure; the dollar signs screaming from inside Katy Perry’s clutch won’t go unnoticed. Unlucky ‘A Listers’: your secret is out.
Every week, Jessica profiles great independent designers. This week, an intriguing fancy dress alternative…
ISSUE 04 / 8 OCTOBER 2012 WWW.SALFORDSTUDENTS.COM
Comment : 27
The round-up Every week, Carl casts a caustic eye over current affairs Carl Spurling
(words and illustration) This week MTV have been blasted for their new show ‘The Valley’. The program reportedly depicts the Welsh unfairly and inaccurately, presumably this is because they were shown as being too sophisticated for it to be realistic. Jokes aside I totally agree that the show was an unfair representation of the Welsh, for instance the high levels of intelligence seen on the show pulled it too drastically into the realms of fantasy for it to be believable. Also in television The Only Way is Essex is back on. It is strange that these people are worshipped as celebrity role models when 200 years ago they are the kind of people who would probably have ended up being burned by the other villagers for having no soul. Scientists have
produced stunning images of the stars alignment at the dawn of the universe. Contrary to my predictions they did not spell out the words ‘IT’S ALL POINTLESS’ or ‘DOWN HILL FROM HERE ONWARDS’ across space. The Hobbit film will be getting a Royal screening. It will be a night of strange, mythical relics from the past living laughably outdated life styles…watching the Hobbit film. David Cameron appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. The American public apparently found him ‘highly intelligent’, though with Americans this is very easily done. He could have been hailed a genius by simply bringing them the gift of fire. To be honest, most of the audience probably thought he was Hugh Grant. Our Prime Minister was unable to answer some questions
about British history such as ‘who wrote Rule Britannia?’ I actually think most people in this country wouldn’t be able to tell you who wrote ‘Agadoo’ let alone Rule Britannia. I doubt even Letterman knew that until he checked Wikipedia. A new easy method of comparing Universities has been launched. This means that next year’s students will be able to choose more successfully how they spend the following few years of their life. This will affects their working life, which will affect their quality of life, which will affect their health, which will affect when they die, which will then affect nothing and ultimately make no difference to anyone or anything. And so the pointless cycle of life continues.
London Metropolitan appeal saves international students but the image of UK universities has been tarnished Ben Clay International students at London Met faced having to transfer to another institution or risk deportation, when the university had its licence to sponsor their visas revoked by the United Kingdom Border Agency last month. London Metropolitan Unions’ Vice President for Education, Syed Rumman, believes his University has been treated unfairly: ‘I don’t know why London Met has been singled out, perhaps the government or the UKBA knows, we do have a high proportion of international students. This episode has damaged recruitment and given a massive negative message, not just about London Met, but the whole UK higher education sector.’ A UKBA inspection concluded the institution was not suitable to hold the tier 4 licence which enables higher education institutions to have visas issued to their students, without having to qualify under the usual strict rules applied to people from outside the EU or the European Economic Association area, if the purpose of their visit is to study. An appeal for judicial review of the decision was allowed on Friday 21st of September, and Mr Justice Irwin declined to issue a temporary injunction to reverse the UKBA’s decision prior to the outcome of the review, but offered interim relief to around 2000 international students due to continue with the second and third year of courses for
this academic year. However, this may not allow around 500 students entering their second year now to complete their studies at London Metropolitan University. Fairness to the students who have already begun their courses would surely allow them to complete their studies, and the
removing their right to choose their institution and their subject, even if they can find places in other universities.’ In a statement, NUS president Liam Burns said; ‘This whole ugly episode has also thrown up wider questions about the treatment of international students in this country. Unless
closure of many private language colleges and other institutions. Home Office figures show that 500 colleges lost the right to issue visas since April 2011. The government claims the policy is not driven not by a desire for favourable headlines and appearing tough on immigration, but by insightful
case judge has recognised this; ‘They chose to study at London Met, like me, because it gives a good quality of education and affordable good value in a well respected London institution.’ Says Vice President Rumman: ‘They picked their course and paid their fees in good faith, many have spent a lot of money in up front accommodation costs as well. The government is
these questions are urgently addressed, the UK’s global reputation for higher education remains tarnished.’ The UKBA has previously cracked down on ‘bogus colleges,’ tightening regulations in April 2011 to the extent that many colleges were unwilling or unable to meet the required standard and lost the right to sponsor visas, resulting in the
research. Before strengthening the rules last year the Home Office published research which showed that while only 2% of international students at universities in the UK were considered to have no record of leaving the UK and not have a valid reason to remain, 14% of international students at English language colleges and a massive 26% at private FE and HE
colleges fell into this category. While UK universities are desperate to attract international students as a valuable source of revenue, the UKBA action is part of government efforts to achieve an election promise to cut net migration down to ‘tens of thousands per year’ over this parliament. At a time of economic depression the government has even more to gain from taking a hard line on immigration, and a Conservative party in an uneasy coalition government has even more reason to wish to demonstrate its right wing credentials. The downturn also drove the determination of the government to retreat fully from state funding of higher education, leading to £9,000 per year tuition fees and leaving universities to try to fill the gaps in their budget. Increasing international recruitment is an attractive option, and the government understands how important this is for the UK HE sector, but shouting about the benefits of migration is not good politics. Syed Rumman believes the immigration debate is overshadowing the far more important contribution that international students make to funding British universities, and to the wider economy: ‘People do not understand how much international students subsidise UK and EU
students, they are not taking a home students place, rather they are helping to keep these universities going. When they come here, they pay much higher tuition fees, they pay taxes if they work, and they pay VAT every time they buy anything. The total of this contribution to the British economy is very significant.’ Universities minister David Willets has indicated a change of government thinking on the issue, telling HE leaders that the way international students are recorded in migration statistics will be changed, this may allow a more level headed examination of these issues in the future, though that will be too late for London Met students. The government seems to have played political football over immigration with international students, scoring a massive own goal for the higher education sector, and for UK plc in an increasingly competitive market for international students. Government has washed its hands of funding higher education however, and an obvious result is that institutions will be less picky when bums on seats pay the bills, at the same time they are expected to enact the UKBA’s increasingly stringent visa controls. Universities also need to consider their responsibility. Ability to complete the course, not just ability to pay should be a basic criterion for entry, and too many international students are allowed into our universities who do not have a sufficient command of the English language to enable them to achieve a meaningful grade.
28 : Arts
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Motion City Soundtrack, Me & Now, Now @ Manchester Academy 3
Mumford & Sons - ‘Babel’
Stephanie Thompson
With their synth-enthused, American indie rock, Motion City Soundtrack embarked upon a small UK tour this month to promote their fifth, full-length album ‘Go’. They brought with them Australian band Me, and a trio of likeable hipsters named Now, Now. Me greeted Manchester Academy 3 with the presence you’d expect from an arena band. With a sound clearly influenced by Muse, Me smashed it with their short but impressionable set and no-doubt earned themselves a multitude of new fans in the process. Never before had I heard vocal chords being used in such a strange and interesting way than during
Alfie Mulroy When people ask you to describe your perfect summer a lot comes to mind: sun, sand, friends and even a cheeky BBQ. For me, however, the crucial element to a blissful summer is the soundtrack, the playlists you create to sit and drink and stay up till 4am with the ones you love, a cloudless sky and a dimly lit fire. A band which should not be left absent from such playlists is of course, is Mumford & Sons. Sadly, as their highly anticipated second album ‘Babel’ was released on the 24th September our long summer nights are now leaving us and we are to look ahead of the short, cold and wet winter days of the final quarter of 2012. However, this is where the beauty lies within Mumford’s new album; the mood is so diverse yet so specific. It will make you feel so alive and youthful and free on a summer’s day, whilst also making you feel warm, comforted and loved on a cold and empty one.
With tracks like ‘I will wait’ and ‘Holland road’ it can offer you hope and a shoulder to cry on when things get hard but it can also be there to celebrate with you when things just seem to be going your way. To put it simply, this album will be your best friend. It’s been three long years since the release of Mumford’s debut album ‘Sigh no more’ and during that time Marcus Mumford and co. have embarked on a massive North American ‘Railroad revival’ tour, which has seen them travel the full lengths of the country picking up new styles and new influences which can be so heavily heard in the new record. Of course, their traditional British folk elements are still present, but now that has crossed paths with straw-chewing, wicker hat-wearing, redneckloving country and western, something only a band like Mumford could make sound so complex but pull off so beautifully, there are sure to be a few “hoe-down moshpits” this year.
Arts Editor
I’m sure most of you reading this article know what the internet has to offer. You’ve all wandered off by mistake (or not) into the realms of darkness that the world wide web shrouds in clear sight. What I like to call the “dark side of YouTube” is probably the most amusing out of all (not too disgusting, not extremely horrific, but odd enough to tingle the need for oddity). What we’ll be discussing today class is the art (or not) of backmasking. I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors, seen the videos or even downloaded (a not so legal copy of ) audio software to test the veracity of
backmasking. The most noteworthy examples of songs that contain backmasking are “Another One Bites the Dust” (Queen), “Hotel California” (Eagles), “I’m So Tired” (The Beatles) and last, but certainly not least “Stairway to Heaven” (Led Zeppelin). It’s so easy nowadays to have a dabble into the fascinating world of backmasking isn’t it? But are there really messages to be heard when listening to a song backwards? It’s easy to say “YES! Of course you little derpster didn’t you hear?”, but weren’t we all told what to look for when listening? Most YouTube videos come with written lyrics on screen and it certainly wouldn’t be hard to find some words that are distinguishable when
stormed the tiny venue, packing their headline set with all their hits and more, including two requests for rarer songs from their first album ‘I am the movie’. They played the song ‘Boxelder’ from their new album live for the very first time, along with three other new tunes including the single ‘True Romance’. This was undeniably a massive treat for everyone there. Despite it being so hot that there was sweat saturating them, they remained an energetic and fun band throughout, even inspiring a circle pit and a number of stage dives - to their crew’s annoyance! The only fault that you could possibly find with the indie rock quintet’s performance was the lead singer Justin Pierre’s inability to sing through parts of fan-favourite tune ‘LGFUAD’. I was under the impression that he had forgotten the lyrics, as my view was restricted. However it was later explained on Twitter that it was in fact the fault of a fan grabbing the microphone stand and launching it accidentally into his face! Due to the gig running past curfew, Motion City Soundtrack blended their encore into the rest of their set, ending it - or so we thought - with what is undeniably the most fun song in their repertoire to see performed live, ‘The Future Freaks Me Out’. After going offstage however, the room was filled with so much chanting for their return that they did so, playing a further two songs. For a band that had to downgrade their venue from Academy 2 due to low ticket demand, Motion City Soundtrack and friends certainly showed us what the ‘other half ’ were missing that night in Manchester.
Judas Priest themselves were accused of it when two fans commited suicide. Apparently our mind can perceive backwards messaging in songs according to some people. In the end it’s just a fun little thing to do. It has probably
been put there for the little clue hunters amongst us by the oh so clever musicians. It’s in our nature to seek the unknown, but it’s probably not ours to understand “fssshhhh fshhwaaaah”. Am I right? Or am I right?
As song writing goes, I wouldn’t say they have improved since ‘Sigh no more’. Instead, they have just expanded lyrically, as Marcus uses his strong literary intelligence and passion to create epic songs that could quite easily have so many meanings and can relate to so many people. A personal highlight of the album has to be ‘Holland road’ which spreads the powerful message of hope and faith. “If you believe in me, I’ll still believe”: simple lyrics, but they are so complex, and any song-writer would yearn to write them. To put it simply, if you loved their first one, you’re going to love this. If you haven’t heard their first one, you’re going to love this, it really is an album for all and one that will be remembered in years to come. Mumford & Sons are something Britain can be proud of. Mumford & Sons are playing Manchester at the M.E.N Arena, 10th December 2012, tickets are £32.50.
Backmasking: a guide Sally Leibovici
their performance of ‘Like a Fox’! The highlight of their set had to be during one of their many instrumentals, when members of the band swapped instruments and two of them took to violently playing the drums as one. Now, Now were good too, but that’s the extent of it. Their vocals were unfortunately drowned out by their instruments during the first few songs and their awkward stage ‘banter’ somewhat stifled the flow of their performance. However, they seem popular enough to have attracted their own loyal British fan base, and I give it to them that their recent single ‘Threads’ got even the least enthusiastic gig-goers interested. True veterans of their genre, Motion City Soundtrack
What is it? Is there something creepy about ‘Stairway to Heaven’? Our arts editor investigates.
listening to hours and hours of songs played backwards. Our mind looks for meanings in any noise, just so that our brain can put pieces together. Or is it? “Oh, here’s to my sweet Satan. The one whose little path would make me sad, whose power is Satan. He’ll give those with him 666, there was a little tool shed where he made us suffer, sad Satan.” (excerpt from Stairway to Heaven played backwards of course) is one of the longest and most complex messages that come with backmasking territory. Knowing how Jimmy Page really had a thing for the occult it’s easy enough to believe that he tried his hand at mass hypnosis isn’t it? Back in the 60s conspiracy
theorists also came up with the completely “respectable” idea that Paul McCartney died in a car crash and that he was replaced by a look alike. Soon after The Beatles came out with “I’m So Tired” and “Revolution 9”. When played backwards “I’m So Tired” whispers eerily “Paul is a Dead Man” and “Revolution 9” beckons for necrophilic arousal with “Turn Me On Dead Man”. Coincidence? I think not! In the end I guess I’m just a softy and hope that these artists were indeed that intelligent (although they so cleverly deny it), but when it comes to accusing bands of trying to control masses towards satanism and suicide I cannot help but smirk.
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Careers : 29
The benefits of volunteering Samantha Atherton
With the Christmas holidays only a couple of months away the season of goodwill – why not have a go at voluntary work? There is a Greek proverb that states: “A civilisation flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit”. This powerful statement perfectly sums up the essence of volunteering. From Gandhi to Winston Churchill volunteering has always been at the very heart of humanity. But what makes volunteering so worthwhile for a student? A feeling of doing something good As students we struggle to put our hands in our pockets and give a donation to charity, no matter how much we would like to, at the end of the day we are on a tight budget. However we can donate our time by getting involved with a fundraiser. Knowing that you are the reason someone else’s life is a bit easier some say is the best reward.
Make your CV stand out from a crowd For most of us this is why we are at University; to make ourselves as employable as possible. Getting a job today is tough and it’s not getting any easier. This is why you need to have more on your CV than just decent grades. Employers are impressed with your initiative and drive to do extra things such as voluntary work. Challenge yourself One of the great joys of volunteering is the challenges that you face, simply because you wouldn’t face them during your average, everyday university life. The challenges you face will develop you and help you grow as a person. Gain knowledge and develop your skills Gaining knowledge opens doors for you and welcomes you to a whole world of opportunities. When you volunteer, you learn things that you never knew. The more you gain knowledge, the more you know about the world and the
diversity within it, and you will find yourself much more aware and better-informed about what happens in and around your community. Volunteering helps you step outside your comfort zone and sharpen skills that will not only come in handy during everyday life, but during your professional career as well. Build up a network Certain jobs require you to get your face out there. Through volunteering, you get the golden opportunity to meet people that could help you get your next job. You also build up the list of references who can give you a good recommendation, increasing the possibility of getting that job you’ve got your eyes on. Have fun Volunteering is a fun way to add a twist to your normal day-to-day routine. Engaging in voluntary work helps you find new creativity, motivation and vision in your life. You will meet new people, see new places, learn, laugh and grow.
To find out more about careers and opportunities, or to apply for the volunteering or job openings below, visit www.careers.salford.ac.uk
JOB of the week
JOB
Organisation : Busy Bees Nursery at Salford University Location: Salford
Organisation : Phones4u Ltd Job title: Christmas store assistants
Job title: Nursery assitant (cover) Closing date: 31/10/12 Hours: Various (cover). Paid. Job description: All aspects of childcare. Candidate requirements: Experience essential but no qualifications necessary.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITY
of the week
Organisation :Mencap (Clifton) Position: Citizen Advocate Unpaid, part-time, temporary, out-of-pocket expenses paid.
vacancy Location: North West Closing date: 31/11/2012
Job description: To have a full understanding of, and be able to sell and transact sales of the following products compliantly: PREPAY, PREPAY UPGRADES, PREPAY INSURANCE, LEBARA, CLOUD / Wi-Fi, ACCESSORIES. To transact purchases of the above products or services in the store, giving excellent customer service whilst working in line with the principles of the Retail Model and the Retail Performance Cycle, for which training is provided. To maintain a clean and safe working environment by undertaking basic house keeping duties alongside the rest of the team. Candidate requirements: Must be able to present a smart, clean and professional image. Must be of an approachable demeanour and have strong communication skills. Must be able to demonstrate exceptional customer service and handling skills. Must be energetic and be able to work flexible hours -Must enjoy a busy sales environment.
Volunteering
opportunity
Organisation : Emmaus Salford
The Advocate gets to know and supports their partner. They ensure that his or her views, feelings, wishes and rights are being listened to and upheld. A Citizen Advocate is independent of the person’s family and service provision. They ensure that decisions being made are done solely in the interests of the partner. The Advocate is there for their partner through the good and the bad times. They will support their partner to think ideas through and then do something about it, if needed.
Emmaus (pronounced e-MAY-us) Salford is a social enterprise whose aim is to establish a Community within the Salford area to enable formerly homeless people to acquire new skills and employment by recycling unwanted donated furniture and household goods. This work supports the Community financially and enables the people who we help to develop skills and rebuild their self-respect.
No skills, experiences or qualifications are needed (training provided by members). However, it might be useful to have skills that could engage members such as gardening, using computers and be involved with other groups.
Job description: Working in the Emmaus shop selling pre-owned furniture and white goods to the local community. Emmaus are also looking for help with marketing, fundraising and web design for both our group and shop.
Looking for: Marketing, Fundraising and Web design volunteers, as well as Sales Assistants and Van Drivers
Volunteer requirements: Full UK driving license for van driver post. Experience of marketing, fundraising and web design would be an advantage but not a requirement.
30 : Your Union
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Get involved with student representation this year! BSc Adult Nursing student, ambassador for the School of Nursing and Midwifery, and student rep Stuart Campbell shares his experiences Stuart Campbell As a Nurse, building professional relationships is one of the cornerstones of my code of conduct and I had a particular motivation as an undergraduate of making myself as employable as possible. Becoming a Student Rep was a great opportunity for me to gain skills in communication, not
just within my peer group but also within the wider academic community. Although initially I found myself overwhelmed by the demands of the role, I soon learnt to negotiate issues by signposting, and empowering those who sought my help to find their own solutions. I feel that being a Student Rep helped me develop a certain finesse in communicating not only with my own peer group but across
many levels of expertise. In the third year, my course put particular emphasis on gaining management experience, particularly team-working skills as part of my transition from student to staff nurse. The experience of working as the Students’ Union’s Engagement Representative helped me gain the confidence to take on increasing responsibility on my ward. In forming fruitful
relationships with my colleagues, I find I am able to communicate without ambiguity and to delegate tasks appropriately. By playing an active part within my school; I’m currently one of the appointed Ambassadors for the School of Nursing and Midwifery as well as a Student Rep, I was able to make valuable contributions at both the Programme Advisory Boards and the Staff Student Committee Meetings with the aim of raising the quality of the student experience. I earlier mentioned, my particular motivation was to make myself attractive to employers, and it was this aspect of my varsity life that impressed most at interview. I got the job I wanted!
Are you having any problems with your course? Are there any important issues that you believe ought to be rasied? Your sabbactical officers are here to help! Find out out how to contact them below.
Students’ Union sports and activity group news
Contact your sabbatical officers
Tom Doyle Vice President Science and Technology
Eli Prodromova Vice President Arts and Social Sciences
vpst-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
vpcass-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
Mishal Saeed Vice President Health and Social Care
Christina Kennedy President
African-Caribbean society to celebrate Black History Month
Amanda Mace Editor
vphsc-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
president-ussu@salford.ac.uk 0161 351 5400
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Activity groups at Salford
For more information about Students’ Union sports and activities, visit www.salfordstudents.com
Equestrian team Bryony Pearce Sports Editor After a hugely successful first year, Salford Students’ Union’s equestrian team are back in full force with a team entered into the BUCS competitions in dressage and show jumping. Team trials are held in February ready for the next September, so don’t miss out on your chance to get learning for next year now! The team is currently ready for this year’s competitions to commence, so to get a feel for the event and what you are training for, why not go and
cheer them on? All levels are encouraged to come and join in, whether or not you have even sat on a horse before, the team welcomes ‘absolute beginners to happy hackers and competition ready riders’. The team meet every Wednesday at 2pm outside the University Sports Centre, where from there they travel to Carringtons for coaching sessions. Lessons start at £6 per hour for beginners, to £10 for more advanced riders. The group offers hacks, lessons, fun rides, lots of
socials and holidays, and most importantly, bundles of fun! To get involved with the universities equestrian team, simply sign up at the Students’ Union office (University House) to get your membership card, then to register for lessons each week and keep up to date with club news, just visit: www. groupspaces.com/SUET. To get in contact with new and old team members, join the teams group on Facebook: ‘Salford University Equestrian Team’, or alternatively you can email them on USSUhorseriding@ gmail.com.
Salford W.A.R.P.S Peter Bassindale If you are looking for a fun evening and you enjoy playing games and socialising, why not visit Salford WARPS (War-games and Role Playing Society)? We meet up every Thursday in the
Bar Yours Café to play a variety of card games, board games and role playing games, if you’d like to drop by we hold the meeting from 6pm onwards. As well as our regular Thursday meetings we do meet up a couple of times every month to go on cinema trips, various outings and, on occasion, we go to conventions
and tournaments. We also have a steam group and a minecraft server if you’re at all interesting in playing video games with us. If you’d like to know more you can email us at USSUWARPS@ gmail.com, or you can find our Facebook group at http:// f a c e b o o k . c o m /g r o u p s / salfordwarps/
TEDx Salford Naila Missous
Students and volunteers alike from the Greater Manchester community have come together in the bid to showcase the second TEDx Salford talks, the biggest TEDx event in the UK outside London. Almost 35 workers are making ideas into a reality with their energy and motives behind the upcoming TEDx Salford talks this coming October; from liaising with possible speakers to organising sponsorship and marketing plans. TEDx talks stem from the famous TED talks which has now become a global phenomenon. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design and is a global foundation devoted to, as the slogan so puts it, ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’. And that is exactly what the volunteers behind TEDx Salford strive to do: spread ideas, communicate them to the community, and provide a platform for the world’s smartest thinkers, greatest visionaries and inspiring teachers. Curator Mishal Saaed is the head brain behind the operation, along with co-curator Uzair Butt, who have gathered a bunch of willing and motivated individuals from around the Greater Manchester area spanning across The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, people from the local community and, of course, Salford.
Audio Producer Jorge Polvorinos said “Almost every TED talk, although from different fields and speakers, seek to encourage us to be the change that we want to see in the world. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to be involved.” Last year hosted an eclectic group of speakers, including Irene Khan, the former secretary general of Amnesty International, Dawn Gibbens, Entrepreneur and the mystery speaker who was later revealed to be Col. And Ronald Garan, an Astronaut from NASA. In order to compete with what was a exceptional line up, the team have upped their game and enticed in the talents of Mary Anne Hobbs, Renowned XFM DJ, Salil Shetty, the Head of Amnesty International and Sir Ian Wilmut, the cloning pioneer behind Dolly the Sheep just to name a few. And yet again, a mystery speaker has also been booked; in the form of an Olympic Gold Medalist from this year’s London 2012 games, whose identity will be revealed closer to the time of the talks. When asked why others should attend the TEDx Salford talks, Jorge said “TEDx talks inspire students to discover their future degree or craftsmanship of choice, as well as motivate them to follow their dreams.” Tickets and information for this years event on October 21st can be found at www. tedxsalford.com or follow our twitter @ TEDxSalford.
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Join a sports team
For more information about sports at Salford, visit www.salfordstudents.com
Mountaineering Salford Students’ Union Mountaineering club is open to anyone interested in climbing whether you’ve never tried it before or if you’re an experienced climber. We meet on Wednesday afternoons from 1-5pm in the Climbing wall at the University sports centre where we can teach you everything you need to know to get started. On Monday evenings there will usually be a few of us climbing at Rockover, a local climbing wall where we get cheap entry.
We go on weekends away too. The first trip of the semester was to the Lake District on weekend of the 5th -7th October which cost around £35. This included food, accommodation, climbing equipment and transport. During the intersemester break in January we go to Scotland for a week doing a mixture of ice climbing, hiking and skiing. We are a friendly club and have socials throughout the year. On our nights out, teams of new students and current members start in a selection of
pubs and bars, with a couple of surprises thrown in. Then we usually move to meet in a club at the end of the night. Members will often meet on a Wednesday after the climbing session in the Crescent pub for a casual drink and curry where laugh and banter, a good old talk about the latest gear, or a night out on the town starts! You can contact us through ussumountaineering@gmail. com or just turn up at the climbing wall on Wednesday afternoon.
Table Tennis Natasha Aghtarafi Secretary For the second year running, we’ve had tremendous success in organising events, recruiting members and attending tournaments. Joining the Salford Students’ Union table tennis club is a great way to make friends. It’s cheap to join, the socials are fun, and we attract a diverse group of people. It’s great for individuals who want to join a team and don’t want to go through tough and difficult physical training. As a noncontact sport you have a very low chance of injury, unless you have two left feet and trip over yourself! It’s safe and considered a risk free sport! Playing table tennis can have a lot of physical and mental benefits, the most important being hand and eye coordination by studying the speed of the ball, the spin, and how to return it to your component, it improves your reflexes, footwork and fine muscle movements, which are highly improved by fast twitch muscle movements, you learn a lot of new skills and learn how to
manipulate the ball. Our practices are twice a week: Thursdays from 4-5pm and Saturday from 1-3pm in the Sports Hall, during these hours we have warm up sessions and play friendly tournaments with each other, we always have a laugh and have a great time together. We participate in the BUCS competitions that take place annually and also play friendly tournaments with the universities nearby. Our socials are always fun we go to different places depending on where everyone wants to go! If you are unsure whether you want to join, come along to our first practice on Thursday the 30th and give it a try, the first few practices are a trial for new members. We accept anyone who wants to play, beginners or experienced players. We also welcome you if you’ve never even played table tennis and want to learn how. Hope to see some of you there! For more information about table tennis at Salford, contact USSUTableTennis@gmail.com
Fencing Kieran Byrne The tip of the fencer’s sword is the second fastest moving object in the Olympics, beaten only by the marksman’s bullet. This is the essence of fencing. It is a high speed, highly tactical, extremely athletic form of ‘human chess’. “Fencing is a game of subtlety, and bluff can be met with counter-bluff.” – Charles L. De Beaumont. Fencers battle in three different classes of sword – the foil, epee and sabre – each with their own rules and tactics. It has given many of its stances to ballet, and Bruce Lee depended
on the fencer’s en guarde stance in his fighting. The Salford Students’ Union Fencing Club was re-founded in September 2011, and has already made a mark on the fencing competition circuit. Gaining an Open Competition title, podium positions at competitions across the region, competing at Salford’s first ever BUCS Championships in fencing last year, and creating strong links with Chester University and Huddersfield University, whom they have regular friendly competitions with them for all our members’ abilities. The club promotes a friendly atmosphere with many socials
being arranged and they also encourage competing at national competitions with specialist fitness and fencing training to support all members. In one year, the club has gained a regular membership, many competitive titles and medals, and has become a prominent member of the Salford Union sports groups. If you want to try your hand at sword fighting then the club meet on Wednesday evenings, 5.30pm – 7.30pm in Allerton Hall. Visit our Union minisite www. salfordstudents.com/fencing or add Ussu-Fencing Club on Facebook for more information.