monday 18th january 2016
spark volume 73, Issue 1
NEWS
LIFESTYLE
GIRL POWER
WANT A NEW WARDROBE?
The gender gap at university increases as women take the lead in places
A new year means new clothes. How to be runway ready in 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORT
STAR WARS
EN GARDE!
Does the new Star Wars film live up to high expectation?
Demolition of St Pat’s causes controversy
Fencing President Francesca Inzani introduces us to the art of swordplay
Rob Wilson MP, along with other local campaigners, raise concerns about redevelopment plans
HARRIET LYNDS News Editor
An update has been released on the University of Reading’s plans to redevelop St Patrick’s Hall, which does W@ include preserving it. Despite public reaction, Andrew Cockerell, transaction director of the University Partnerships Programme and Karen Thomas, accommodation contract management director, have written to say that they are pressing ahead with the planning application which they intend to submit to the council this New Year. Plans include retaining more open space, reducing proposed building heights, addressing
parking issues, creating better and safer access to the entrance, and planting new trees on the site. However while the University is growing more and more eager to redevelop the site, much of the public are in disagreement. Reading East MP, Rob Wilson, along with the Victorian Society and other local campaigners are urging the University of Reading to abandon their plans. A petition has been launched to save the building that was once home to the No. 1 School of Aeronautics, which trained pilots in the First World War and celebrates its centenary this year. Commenting on the proposals Mr Wilson, who once lived nearby in Wantage Hall, said:
“While it is important that Reading University is able to compete with other universities in terms of the quality of accommodation provided, it is also important to be able to compete in terms of historic and aesthetically pleasing, buildings.” It was the school which taught amputee flying ace Douglas Bader to fly, and also where Biggles author Captain WE Johns was trained as a pilot. The Victorian Society believe the 1913 building should be incorporated into redevelopment plans, particularly on its centenary year and since it as most affectionately known as ‘The Biggles Building.’ continues on page 5
Political Correctness or Censorship? LOUISE INGHAM 3rd Year Law
Don’t teach students what to think, teach them how to think. This idea of education has been developed from the Ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates. He felt so strongly about encouraging the youth to question ideas, think
critically of their own beliefs and the wisdom of those around them that he was eventually executed for going against the norms of society. But is there a different way of thinking and behaving emerging from the modern students of today? ...continued on page 6