Issue 228

UCU strike ballot fails

News

Thursday March 7, 2019 Issue 228

Page 4

Polls open for student elections NATALIE PEREIRA

Deputy News Editor

Your election, your choice.

The polls opened to all students for the annual Students’ Association Elections at 00:01 am on Thursday 7 March 2019 and will remain open until 6 pm, Friday 8 March, with results being announced shortly thereafter, at 8 pm.

Nominations opened the week commencing Monday 25 February and closed on Friday 1 March, with campaigners taking to the streets the following day until Friday 8 March to advocate their manifestos.

In an email circulated to the student body, Paloma Paige, the current President of the Students’ Association said, “Elections are truly upon us.

Continues on Page 4

Frustration grows as Out of Hours service suspended for rest of academic year

The music of St Andrews' nightlife

Similar closures at Glenrothes and Queen Margaret hospitals means paitents must go to Dundee or Kirkcaldy ANNIE SMITH

Deputy Editor

Out-of-hours GP services have been suspended for a further five months.

The emergency contingency measures imposed in April 2018, due to a shortage in nurses and doctors, will continue until at least the end of August.

The extension in emergency measures, resulting in a loss of outof-hours services, will affect the St Andrews Community Hospital along with Glenrothes and Queen Margaret

hospitals.

For the last 11 months, those hospitals have not provided services between midnight and 8 am, meaning those in need of out-of-hours services must instead visit Kirkcaldy or Dundee.

At the time of closure, an NHS spokesperson stated, “NHS Fife has made clear that this contingency should be temporary and that the FHSCP (Fife Health and Social Care Partnership) makes all efforts to both recruit and reinstate the service as quickly as possible.”

Fife's overnight GP services have

been centralised in Kirkcaldy during the absence of their own services.

Speaking to The Courier, Willie Rennie, North East Fife Liberal Democrat MSP, emphasised his disappointment with the announcement, stating, “The recruitment challenges need to be addressed and we need to see a swift solution for a primary care emergency service that can work for everyone in north east Fife too."

Students at the University of St Andrews and sabbatical officers of the Students' Association have worked to fight the removal of out-of-hours services.

Around a dozen students attended an emergency protest on 21 November 2018 outside the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy.

The protest came after the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership announced their potential plans to close-out-of-hours services at three Fife hospitals, centralising them at either Victoria Hospital or both Victoria Hospital and Queen Margaret Hospital.

Continues on Page 4

Arts and Culture Page 26

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

THE SAINT ELECTIONS TEAM 2019 Annie Smith

THE SAINT

Angus Neale

EDITORIAL

Archie Batra Elisa Jockyman Roithmann

If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is...

Harry Dean Jurin K. Flores Kenalyn Ang Natalie Pereira Polina Sevastyanova (all election photos) Sasha Veliko-Shapko Selena Putri Seoras Lyall Sven Struan Finlay Tamara McWilliam Wendy Brooking

Voting is now open for the 2019 Students’ Association elections. For this issue we have devoted a double-page spread to the candidates and analyses of their manifestos. The full manifesto analyses are available online and you may have already seen them released over the past few days.

In previous years we have often held the majority of our coverage until voting commenced. However, this year we have elected to stagger this content and make it available to you in a more timely manner.

Furthermore, our Devil’s Advocate this issue addresses the question of whether students should be responsible for the day-to-day running of the large entity which is the Students’ Association.

Our elections team, headed up by our Deputy Editor, Annie Smith, have done a phenomenal job at compiling the mass of information distributed by sabbatical candidates.

The approach we take to elections is fairly simple. The Saint has a close working relationship with the Sabbatical officers, and this means that we are able to provide a fair and

honest opinion of what you might expect from them should they be elected.

As usual, The Saint have not endorsed any particular candidate.

Nonetheless, the manifesto analyses are reflective of what is plausible and what is not. Moreover, our analysis is not representative of the commitment of the candidate to student interests.

Promises come from a position of naivety On a personal level, this is the fourth election that I’ve covered for The Saint. Many of the prospective manifestos I’ve glanced at for this election and ones past are not very well thought through. I believe that if the Students’ Association hired Sabbaticals, not many of them would

make it through the first round of selection by HR. Simply put, they do not understand the job they are applying for.

As a result, they promise things they cannot achieve, or tell you, the reader, that they will change aspects of the University they have absolutely no control over.

In the case of politicians, they make these promises to entice the voter, whereas I am almost certain that these promises come from a position of naivety on the part of the Sabbatical candidate.

It is rather disappointing to observe that a student from Scotland’s best university (in my opinion) hasn’t done the proper research. If one of our manifesto analyses seems frustrated or slightly vexed with a candidate, in most cases this is why.

Candidates shouldn’t promise students something they cannot deliver. We have aimed to tell you what they can and cannot. I would encourage you all to read our full manifesto analyses online, and vote for the candidates you think would be best suited.

THE SAINT TEAM Tom Williams Editor-in-Chief Annie Smith Deputy Content Editor Laszlo Szegidi Deputy Design Editor Sasha Veliko-Shapko Business manager Sven Struan Finlay Web Editor Mika Schmeling Head of Redesign Seoras Lyall News editor Archie Batra Viewpoint editor Sanjana Ramaswamy Money editor Catriona Aitken Features editor Alexandra Sicot-Koontz Events editor Editor editor@thesaint-online.com Deputy editor print@thesaint-online.com Web editor web@thesaint-online.com

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NEWS

News Editor: Seoras Lyall Deputy Editors: Bear Hutchison, Tamara McWilliam, Natalie Pereira, Samantha Philipp, Miguel Soto news@thesaint-online.com

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UCU fails to reach required turnout to strike over pay SAMANTHA PHILIPP

Deputy News Editor

The second call for the University and College Union (UCU) ballot has fallen short of the turnout threshold of 50 per cent, leading to no further industrial action to currently take place.

Between 15 January and 22 February, over 700,000 members from 143 different colleges and universities had the opportunity to vote on future plans for industrial action.

The ballot needed over 50 per cent turnout and a majority in favour for industrial action to occur.

If the ballot were to have been successful then more strikes would have been put into action, similar to the strikes that were planned during

second semester of the 2017/18 academic year.

This ballot was the second call for strike actions to occur by the UCU, differing from the original ballot in that the votes had been aggregated across the nation, leading to results being counted as a combination of all universities and colleges instead of by individual institutions.

In England, Scotland and Wales there was a 41 per cent turnout in favour of the strike. In Northern Ireland, where the 50 per cent turnout threshold is not enforced, there was a 67.6 per cent turnout in favor of the strike.

The current issue has been ongoing since May 2018, when the UCU and the Universities and College Employers Association (UCEA) began negotiating pay.

The UCU and UCEA began dis-

cussing the issue across three different meetings between March and May. The UCU argued for their demands including, a 7.5 per cent pay increase, equal gender pay, and £10 per hour living.

Although the UCEA rejected these demands, the UCU argued back stating that the value of their pay has dropped by 21 per cent since 2009.

In further negotiations, the UCEA made a counter offer to provide a 2 per cent pay raise which was rejected in a ballot by 82 per cent of members in late June. After this was rejected, 65 per cent of members stated that they would take industrial action to increase their wages.

Another vote was taken again between 30 August and 22 October on whether or not to accept the offer of pay from the UCEA.

University of St Andrews near top of rankings for percentage of privately educated students enrolled TAMARA MCWILLIAM

Deputy News Editor

According to entry figures from 201718, St Andrews has the highest density of privately-educated students in Scotland and the second highest in the UK. Data released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveal that Oxford University has the lowest proportion of state-educated students with only 58 per cent, St Andrews following closely with 60 per cent of young first-degree entrants coming from state schools.

The figures show that Cambridge University accepted 2 per cent more state-educated students than St Andrews in 2017-18. This makes St Andrews’ student body the second most independently-educated out of all mainstream higher education institutes in the UK. According to statistics released by the Independent Schools Council, more than 500,000 children were educated by independent schools in the UK, a new high since records began in 1974. Out of these pupils, 91 per cent went on to higher education, 5 per cent being accepted into Oxbridge.

Furthermore, the HESA report proves that St Andrews has the highest density of privately-educated students in Scotland, with two in five students coming from independent schools.

Compared to St Andrews, the University of Edinburgh’s intake of state-educated students is 6 per cent higher and the University of Dundee’s proportion of state school students esteems St Andrews’s by 30 per cent.

In Scotland, the number of state school students accepted into higher education has risen from 22,035

Lowest proportion of state school students in UK mainstream universities (2017-18)

1.

Oxford: 58.2%

2.

St Andrews: 60.4%

3.

Cambridge: 62.6%

4.

Durham: 62.9%

5.

Imperial: 63.9% Lowest proportion of state school students in Scottish mainstream universities (2017-18)

1.

St Andrews: 60.4%

2.

Edinburgh: 66.2%

3.

Glasgow: 84.3%

4.

Aberdeen: 85.2%

5.

Strathclyde: 89.9%

(2016-17) to 22,375 (2017-18). Despite this increase, Scotland still falls behind the percentage of state-educated students in England, accepting one per cent less in the last academic year.

Notwithstanding Scotland’s rise in state-educated university students, St Andrews’ proportion of these students has decreased by four per cent since 2016-17.

Figures have also shown that the University was the most densely populated with privately-educated students in Scotland in 2015-16 as well as 2016-17.

St Andrews will continue to have the lowest proportion of state school students for the third academic year in a row.

In response to these figures, a University spokesperson said: “We made more offers to applicants from state schools than ever before, but the number of state school pupils who accepted our offers fell by one per cent while acceptances by independent school applicants rose by seven per cent.

“By themselves, these figures give a very narrow and misleading view of St Andrews’ considerable progress in widening access to higher education. We don’t recruit on the basis of whether an applicant comes from a state or independent school, we look for academic potential, no matter their school type.

“Thanks to that approach, this year 49 per cent of our first-year Scottish students had one or more widening access markers – either a background in care, they came from a low progression school, were in receipt of free school meals or live in an area of multiple deprivations.

“Most importantly, we are firmly on course to meet the Scottish Government’s highly challenging targets to widen access to higher education.”

There were two issues to vote on, strike action and undergoing marking boycott during the exam period.

However, due to the few universities that reached the 50 per cent threshold, the Trade Union Act decided to not pursue the issue.

When the staff from the University of St Andrews were surveyed, 75.2 per cent stated that they would be willing to pursue strike action and 82.17 per cent stated that they would boycott marking as well.

After the first ballot did not pass, it was decided at a Higher Education special sector conference in November that a second ballot would take place.

The UCU stated that, “While this result shows continuing anger about casualisation, workload and pay inequality among participants it is

clear the union needs to reflect on the result and upon the large amount of feedback from branches and members received during the ballot.”

Further negotiations took place on 25 February to consider the next course of action for the 2019-2020 pay round. The UCU stated that in this meeting they would do their best to “highlight the unfairness…as well as address the decline in the value of members’ pay while taking into account the views of members.”

Tom Jones, the Head of the UCU at St Andrews also commented stating: “UCU will continue to campaign – in St Andrews and across the UK – to close the gender pay gap, to end casualisation, and to reverse the decline in pay that has been seen over the last decade.”

Geography journal to relaunch SEORAS LYALL

News Editor

Students from the University of St Andrews School of Geography have relaunched a peer-reviewed undergraduate journal, over 40 years after it was first published.

The Irvine Atlas follows on from the St Andrews Geographer (STAG) which was founded in the 1970s.

Edited by famous St Andrews alumni the late Neil Smith, STAG ceased publication after the majority of the staff graduated.

However earlier this year, the School of Geography sent an email around the department asking students if they would be interested in reviving the journal.

Co-editor-in-chief Gabrielle Wolf and Secretary/Treasurer Carys Stirling sat down with The Saint to talk about their first issue.

When asked why she had responded to the email Ms Wolf said, “I was writing a review essay on the history of radical geography in the 1970s. I had been thumbing through many original copies of a journal called Antipode, which was started in 1969, so at the time I was thinking a lot about journals so when this happened it was perfect timing and a similar venture. Also I haven’t been very involved in Geography Society at all and I wanted to do something in the department.”

Ms Stirling said, “I wanted to get involved in the department a bit because I love geography. You know when you are in the library, people are all working, producing work all the time, churning it out, and no one ever sees any of it, just the marker and then it disappears. I thought it was a shame because in geography there are loads of really diverse interests.

“We want to showcase student excellence. Also for prospective students

to see what kind of work they would be producing. You can see how you might progress through your degree.”

A sample of that diversity of content can be found in the first issue. Ms Wolf showed in the print copy how two articles next to each other cover the entire spectrum of geographical thought.

She said, “The first one was an analysis of sea turtle nesting patterns on a south Florida beach written by Connor Milton, a fourth-year geographer. He used data and assigned geographic coordinates to it and used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and calculated where turtles have changed their nesting places to where they have laid eggs versus where predators are. Directly following that, we have an article by Fiona Blackwood, a fourth-year geographer.

She wrote a critical analysis of whether we should apply queer theory to GIS, completely critiquing the very system and computer program that Connor had just previously used.”

Articles are sent in and anonymously reviewed, before being sent back for edits and re-submission. Yet the pieces cover more than just scholarly works, at the back there are also features pieces.

Ms Stirling said, “two of [these features] are interviews with retiring professors. One of them, Professor Elspeth Graham, was the first female professor of geography in the University of St Andrews’ 600-year history. She happened to be a contributor to an issue of STAG from 1975.

They just highlight something interesting students have done.”

Along with interviews, the features pieces also cover scholarships and internships that involve geography, or report on significant events in the geographical scholarly world.

Copies can be found in the geography department and the library, as well as on the Irvine Atlas Facebook page.

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

NEWS

Continued from Page 1 Nick Farrer, Director of Wellbeing for the St Andrews Students' Association, dismissed the two plans in place by the partnership.

The plans present a very grave and serious threat He said, "The fact there was no option considered to keep out-of-hours services in St Andrews was pretty abysmal.

“The plans present a very grave and serious threat to all students in St Andrews and all our neighbours in the East Neuk at large, and we can't just stand back and watch it happen."

In August 2018, the University announced their plans to provide a Student Health Hub at the St Andrews Community Hospital to relieve pressures on local GP services, just months after the initial announcement from FHCSP of the temporary closure in out-of-hours services.

Targeted at reducing the number of students seeking consultation with

general practitioners for non-emergencies, the initiative has been predicted to provide an additional 7,000 appointments per year whilst minimising waiting times for the wider community.

Since the start of the academic year in September, the community of St Andrews has campaigned against the closure of out-of-hours services in Fife.

In January, the out-of-hours closure was reassessed, with members of the community, including students and locals of St Andrews, having their say in whether the services should remain. A petition launched in September by Mr Rennie has garnered over 6,000 signatures from St Andrews students, staff, and local residents.

Last May, Principal Sally Mapstone of the University of St Andrews wrote to health professionals, Stephen Gethins MP, and Willie Rennie MSP in a letter regarding the closure of out-of-hours GP services, calling the decision “a grave concern to the University.”

She said, “Between midnight and 8 am, it is likely that many of those who use the St Andrews MIU will be students. Very few students have access to a car and the MIU is their only recourse for medical assessment unless they call out GPs, a process likely to place further unwanted strain on NHS resources.

“The alternative to the MIU, Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital, is simply inaccessible for most students faced with an emergency at night …

The only alternative for students is the

Ambulance Service, which is already severely stretched: we have experience of staff waiting 45 minutes for an ambulance to appear, even in serious emergencies.”

Principal Mapstone added, “This situation is beset by risks to our students’ health, with a real chance that an emergency will go unassessed and untreated due to the absence of accessible facilities.”

This situation is beset by risks to our students In September, the Joint Councils of the Students' Association voted to resist the closure of out-of-hours GP services, resolving to urge students to participate in the consultations and to explain why any closure of the services places them at risk.

Additionally, the Councils resolved to urge students to sign the petition resisting the closure, and to write to the President of the Students’ Association and the Director of Wellbeing to testify their resistance to the closure and experience with outof-hours services.

No decision has been made regarding the long-term fate of the outof-hours services in Fife, after proposals to permanently close the services in St Andrews and Glenrothes were objected by the public.

No long term decision has been made on out of hours Fife Health and Social Care director Michael Kellet emphasised patient safety as their main concern in this time.

He said to The Courier, "Our patients are our main priority, keeping them safe and providing a quality service. To ensure this happens we need to extend contingency measures for out-of-hours care for a further six months."

He continued, "Staff shortages continues to be the biggest challenge ... Recruitment of GPs and nursing staff remains a focus for us and feedback from the recent Joining up Care consultation will help to inform how we move this forward."

Nick Farrer, the current Director of Wellbeing, has spent much of his tenure campaigning to keep the Out of Hours service at Pipelands Medical Practice open

Photo: SammiChinomona Ciardi Photo: Samantha

4

Continued from Page 1 Every year at the beginning of March, St Andrew’s becomes one of the most thriving and engaged student democracies in Britain, with turnout as high as 50 per cent in recent years.”

She continued, “Being an elected representative is a tremendous development opportunity.”

60 different positions are available under the categories of Sabbaticals, SRC and SSC roles, association positions, school presidents, and modern language conveners.

The official Facebook page of the St Andrews Students’ Association Elections announced nominations as they applied with the hashtag #saelect.

Sabbaticals are the only roles which are full-time paid positions and successful applicants will take office on 1 July 2019 following a month-long paid handover transition.

The nominees for Association President include Jamie Rodney, who has founded St Candrews and campaigned for Srdja Popovic to be Rector; Josh Stevens, the treasurer of the Comedy Club and Marketing Officer Officer of Saints LGBT+ and Paloma Paige, who is running for her position again.

Director of Education is the only Sabbatical position not to be contested. Sahil Ali withdrew his candidacy saying to The Saint: “I felt I had solid policies which I actively tried to develop beyond the simple lists of ideas which most candidates give. But given the amount of work I already have as a student and a school president, and the fact that I have to take into account my planned studies beyond St. Andrews, I decided that I needed to focus more on those things instead.”

Amy Bretherton will now run unopposed for the position.

Director of Student Development and Activities will be contested between Shaina Sullivan and Cristian Avram. Director of Wellbeing has three candidates, they are Flora Smith, Zelda Tobias-Kotyk, and Phoebe Soulon.

Director of Events and Services is the most contested position with four people running. Ruraidh Stewart, Mika Schmeling, Nicholas Thornton, and Megan MacKay will have to distinguish themselves in a crowded field.

The Presidency of the Athletic Union is contested between Netball President Leah Allcock and Fencing captain Audrey Sherr.

Several events have taken place during the campaigning week to allow for students to meet and question candidates concerning the individual roles that they have been nominated for.

This included the Sabbatical Question Time on Monday 4 March 2019, and on the following consecutive days, the Athletic Union Presidential Hustings and the Sabbatical Candidate Debate.

Adam Powrie, the current Director of Events and Services revealed that during the elections, students would also be able to vote for a BOP. Students will be able to cast their votes online using their St Andrews username and password.

The results for all positions will be announced on Friday 8 March at 8 pm at The Stage and will be livestreamed

by The Saint.

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

NEWS

5

InFocus: in conversation with Alastair Fothergill Creator of Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Frozen Planet talks to The Saint

Deputy News Editor

The Saint sat down with Alastair Fothergill, alumnus of St Andrews and creator of Planet Earth, Blue Planet and Frozen Planet, ex-Head of the Department of Natural History at the BBC, and founder of Silverback Films.

We discussed his time at St Andrews, career advice, and his upcoming Netflix series narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Our Planet.

Mr Fothergill split his degree between St Andrews and Durham, attending St Andrews as a zoology student between 1979-80, the perfect university for a nature lover. “As somebody who likes nature, I loved the West Sands, I loved the sea being there, and I loved going up into the Highlands.”

However, the beautiful surroundings were not the only reason he enjoyed his time here. “One of the reasons I kept coming back when I moved down to Durham is that the social life in St Andrews was so good.

I felt that [there was] something about being three streets a long way from anywhere, I felt that everybody was very good at making a good time and having fantastic parties.”

“It’s a very tight gang of friends which even now, over 30 years later, is as close and as warm as it ever was.”

After Mr Fothergill left university, he immediately started in a job as a researcher on the BBC Wildlife Magazine in Bristol. How did he know he wanted to go into this field?

“In my year off, when I was between leaving school and starting at St Andrews, I taught in a prep school.

In the evenings I watched Life on Earth, the original series about evolution. I was utterly gripped by it. I thought it was the best soap opera ever, because the story of evolution is an amazing soap opera. I knew then that I wanted to make wildlife films.”

However, Mr Fothergill did not walk straight out of university into a job. While at university, he won a BBC competition, which was where his career really started.

“The BBC were running a competition in memory of a cameraman called Mick Burke, who died on the south face of Everest expedition with Chris Bonington. Basically, the competition involved choosing six amateur expeditions, giving you a camera, and going off an making a film. We did a trip to the Okavango swamps in Botswana, and it was an amazing trip. We made actually a very bad film, but I realised that a way to be paid to be with animals was through wildlife filmmaking.”

His degree in zoology helped with this career path, but he always knew that he was not destined to be a scientist.

“I loved zoology and I really admired my professors, but they would spend their whole life studying one bird or one mammal, you know, and I knew that I was always more of an artist than a scientist.

“I used to write for the University

newspaper, and I made two other films at university, and I always knew that my passion was to try and communicate my passion for the natural world to others.”

We discussed the fact that many students reading this piece may want to go into media in the future. Mr Fothergill gave his advice for people who wanted to follow this career path.

“If you want to go into the media, in the end it’s about communication.

It’s about storytelling. Whatever you do: natural history, film-makers, it’s about telling stories about nature, sport, whatever it is. In the end you’ve got to have a passion for communicating between human beings.

“The most important thing for me, actually, is proof that they are passionate about communication. So people who have written for their school or university newspaper, or people who have done radio, there’s quite a lot of ways.”

Mr Fothergill pointed out how advances in modern day technology can make anyone a film-maker, so if it’s a career path that you want to follow, the best way is to do it yourself.

“You can actually, with a very relatively cheap handheld digital camera, go out and make a film. So why not?

It was hard for me, I had to get chosen by the BBC to give us a camera, but if you’re going on an expedition on your holidays or you’re doing something exciting in your holidays, why not make a film about it and edit it?

I mean you can edit it on your laptop nowadays, with programmes which are written well and are free.”

“A lot of people come to me wanting to be David Attenborough, that’s quite a common desire, but it’s the people who’ve actually gone out and proven their passion.

“The other thing that I would say is that I like people who don’t take no for an answer. It doesn’t mean that they should be persistent without being annoying, but getting people to tell your story, getting people to work with you on a TV shoot, you have to persuade people. They don’t necessarily immediately want to do it.

“So people who are good at persuading in the sense of getting their way, in the nicest sense of the word, are important.”

Mr Fothergill also gave his advice for what he looks for in hiring people going into wildlife filmmaking specifically.

“When I look for CVs, I look for people who, obviously in my field, have a passion for the natural world.

If they’ve got a zoology degree it’s good, but it’s not essential. I also look for what I call “muddy boot biologists”: the people who’ve actually been into the field, because in the end, t h e guys and girls that I employ g o out with camera men and women, they’re filming elephants and lions, so they need to be good in the field.”

Six months after his graduate job at the BBC Wildlife Magazine, Mr Fothergill started working on children’s programmes.

After creating wildlife documentaries such as Life in the Freezer, he was appointed Head of the Department of Natural History at the BBC at the young age of 32.

It was in these years within the department that he made Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and Frozen Planet, arguably the most popular nature documentaries of all time. However, in 2012 he decided to leave the BBC and start his own production company, Silverback Films. Why this move?

“When I was 32 they made me Head of Department, so for six years I ran the Natural History Unit with those 300 people, and that’s a job you normally do in your 40s, so I’d done that early.

“Then I did Blue Planet, then I did Planet Earth, then I did Frozen Planet, and I got to the end of that and I thought I needed a fresh challenge.

I’d done the biggest management job in natural history, and I’d made three big series: those series take four or five years to make, and I felt a bit like a hamster in a wheel.”

“In all my career I’ve always been really terrified at every stage. I always feel like I’m jumping in the deep end.

When we started Blue Planet, I had no idea it would be successful, I was really nervous about it, and a lot of things went wrong, but it worked out alright in the end.

“I left the BBC because I wanted a fresh challenge. The BBC is a big organisation, and even when you’re head of department and you’re trying to change things, it’s like this enormous oil tanker that you can only sort of nudge.

“When it’s your own company, you can create an atmosphere and you can employ the exact right people you like, and you can just try and create a really good workplace for people to do good work. That’s a very satisfying thing to do.”

Before leaving the BBC, Mr Fothergill co-directed two cinematic movies for Disney as part of their Disney Nature label. He is currently co-directing three further cinema films for Disney Nature.

However, Silverback Film’s biggest undertaking so far has been the creation of Our Planet, which is being globally released on Netflix on 5 April. It has taken more than three and a half thousand days to film, with 600 crew members working in 50 different countries in every continent.

This series is different in subject matter to what Mr Fothergill has worked on before.

“The previous series I’d done (Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet), were principally celebrations of those habitats: explaining their richness, entertaining and educating their audience, and revealing a lot, and I’ve always felt that it’s really important you do that.

“Planet Earth was slightly criticised by some people for rose-tinted spectacles, not showing the destruction of the natural world, but we filmed the snow leopard for the very first time, and I’ve always felt that for people to care about something, they’ve got to see it.

“However, the planet’s been

changing. On Frozen Planet, the seventh episode was about global warming, and that was on BBC One at primetime, so we were dealing with environmental issues, but I thought the time was right to do a global series that dealt with the challenges to the environment. Not in a negative way in the sense that we’re not going to film loads of rainforests being cut down or oceans being polluted, because we need millions and millions of people to see it, but within the narrative of the show we explain the value of the habitats: why they’re important, why they have a crucial role in the health of the whole planet, and the bits that are still remaining that we have to save and why we have to save them.

“The series though is the tip of an iceberg, because surrounding the series, launched on 5 April, is an enormous amount of online content, which we’ve done and developed alongside World Wildlife Fund (WWF), who are our partners on this project.”

This change from the BBC to Netflix was a big one for Mr Fothergill, having worked his whole career to produce content for the BBC. As well as the reach towards the younger generation, who will “inherit a damaged planet,” Mr Fothergill explained that it was the global reach that was necessary.

“The reason for that is that on 5 April, in 190 countries in the world (there are only four that Netflix is not in), half a billion people will be able to watch this series, and importantly, it won’t disappear.

“Planet Earth 2 was enormous when it broadcast, but then it was on iplayer for a month, and then you can’t see it. The joy about Netflix is that it’s there the whole time and will be, and that’s particularly important for this project because we want to continue a conversation about the state of the planet.”

Why is it so important to have this conversation now?

“Every month, the online activity will be updated, and we’re building towards Beijing 2020, which is the next Paris.

“Paris was about climate change, Beijing is the next big UN meeting.

It’s about biodiversity, and so the aim is to make people realise that when I was growing up and I was making wildlife films, conservation was about saving the rhino, and saving the Serengeti. It still is, but actually now we’re saying to people that the very health of the planet, not just for animals but for us as human beings, depends on biodiversity.

“If the planet is going to recover, we need biodiversity, and that is what we explain in the series.”

However, it’s not all bad, and Our Planet strives to recognise what is going well as well as what needs to be done.

“I think that the bottom line is people just don’t want to finger wag, and there are still amazing areas of the natural world. One

of the things we think is really important, and we have done in Our Planet, is we’ve shown the good news stories.

“Just to give you one [example], we filmed an extraordinary agregation (over 100) humpback whales, gathered off South Africa, that were feeding together. That was an aggregation of humpback whales that even four or five years ago you could never have filmed. The reason is that humpback whales are recovering, because in the 1970s globally we decided to stop commercial whaling. We had almost caused the whales to go extinct by whaling. Within that period, humpback whales have recovered: they’re back to higher numbers than they used to be.”

In Mr Fothergill’s opinion, fighting climate change is everybody’s responsibility.

“I think it’s really important to empower people, and say ‘Look, this is what you can do’. In our online activity, on ourplanet.com, there are things you can do as an individual.”

So, after almost 40 years in the wildlife film-making industry, it seemed like a must to ask Mr Fothergill the most spectacular sight he’s seen in his career.

“I’ve seen a lot of amazing things, and spectacular is quite a specific word as it refers to spectacle.

“Of the spectacles that I’ve seen on our planet, in Malaysia I floated down a river, where in the trees along the river were literally hundreds of thousands of synchronous fireflies.

They’re called synchronous because they flash together, and for miles down this river there was this flashing sort of ‘Harrods on speed’ – that was very spectacular.”

“I’ve done a lot of work in both poles, the Arctic and the Antarctic, and the scenery in places like South Georgia, an island in the south atlantic which I’m particularly fond of, is just so spectacular.

“Actually often in nature, the things that I most love are not so much the spectacles, but the sheer amazing characters of animals. A lot of my career I’ve worked with chimpanzees, and the joy of nature is that it’s so amazingly beautiful.

“I get as much pleasure from nature as I did when I was eight. If I eat too much chocolate, that doesn’t give me so much pleasure anymore, but the love of nature is never-ending.”

Our Planet will be released globally on Netflix on 5 April 2019.

Photo: Silverback films

BEAR HUTCHISON

6

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

ELECTIONS 2019

Jamie Rodney has set out an achievable manifesto, largely down to his focus on highlighting problems in the University as opposed to actively solving them.

Mr Rodney seeks to promote the service Marks out of Tenancy, an anonymous landlord review site.

He argues a more proactive policy is needed towards campaigning against the HMO cap but does not suggest

Association President

any ideas of his own. He promises to make University accommodation fees more transparent in how they are spent and pledges to lobby an equivalent bursary rise should he fail to limit accommodation fees.

Renewing Your Union Mr Rodney aims to make the Association Council meetings more transparent by livestreaming them, as well as hosting informal office hours.

Despite being the treasurer of the Comedy Club, Josh Stevens’ manifesto is no joke. However, the key themes of his pledges are dialogue and transparency, excellent buzzwords but lacking in commitments.

JOSH STEVENS

Accommodation

Mr Steven promises to work towards stopping rises in University accommodation costs and ending the restriction of HMO licenses. He gives Paloma Paige’s manifesto mostly alludes to past achievements as justification for your vote. She references vague terms but offers few concrete plans.

Strategy and Vision

External Relations

Ms Paige reiterates the buzzwords of transparency and dialogue but offers little evidence as to how. She says she will grow the number of merit-based and corporate scholarships with alumni.

National and Local Representations

He promises to utilise social media to promote the work of the council and help decide the agenda of the Association Council.

Student Experience

Mr Rodney aims to provide clarity over how tuition fees are spent.

He also pledges to tackle “the culture which perpetuates” sexual violence by organising an anonymous reporting system for sexual assault.

He will have to be careful not to little evidence as to how.

Sabbatical Collaboration

Mr Stevens aims to set up a forum for institutions that also are not affiliated with the National Union of Students (NUS), to help work towards common goals and interests.

He does not say what those goals are.

Demographics and Access

Mr Stevens pledges to working with various Students’ Association to ease collaborations on national issues. She reiterates the importance of being engaged on community issues and the political power of students.

Accommodation

step on the toes of the police.

Mr Rodney also aims to expand the basic training Nightline offers to School Presidents to other positions of responsibility.

Boosting our place in the world

Mr Rodney outlines the protection of ERASMUS as a priority. Only time will tell how realistic that will be.

He wishes to raise awareness of community projects and promote the role of societies in open days. bodies to help those with disabilities get better access to facilities and also “encourage recruitment for groups traditionally underrepresented”.

Again there is little substance as to how his aspirations will be fulfilled.

support schemes. He pledges to work towards reducing access fees for the sports facilities: a popular policy but one espoused by many before to little reward.

Activism and Campaigning

Financial Support

Mr Stevens promises to add a detailed report to each weekly email that overviews the work of the sabbaticals.

He also promises to lobby the council over their recycling policy.

commodation and also more rental choice.

Widening access and participation Ms Paige says she will continue to represent the diversity of St Andrews.

She says the University needs to increase the financial support available to international students in regards to Brexit, another issue where she has no direct control.

PALOMA PAIGE

Mr Stevens wants the University to be clearer with students about how much they spend on accommodation and to offer more funding/financial

Ms Paige’s main pledge is to re-establish the Scottish Presidents’ Forum

Ms Paige says she will advocate growing the funding for bursaries — an area she has no direct control over. She says she will lobby for more affordable private and University ac-

Ms Sherr’s manifesto is quite clear and merit further attention. Her commitment to a greater awareness to mental health issues facing student athletes is the most praiseworthy, and it would be interesting to see if some of her proposed measures to tackle this issue like giving commit-

tees mental health training are acted upon.

Elsewhere, her commitment to a wider level of communication between different sports clubs is admirable, but not exactly novel. It remains to be seen whether her proposed methods for this such as an

online platform where members of different sports clubs can share ideas and talk about various problems they may be facing as a club will be met with a sufficient level of interest by a majority of sports teams.

Her manifesto then goes into various policies that may appear

eye-catching (e.g working to reduce waiting times outside the gym) but contain precious little detail on how that will specifically happen. Time will tell if these measures prove a hit should Sherr be successful in her candidacy.

LEAH ALLCOCK

Allcock has three main goals: crossteam collaboration, environmental issues and bursting the AU “bubble” that she believe marginalises some from getting involved in sport.

She mentions her work on the AU executive committee this year,demon-

strating an understanding of the inner workings of the institution and arguably makes her responsible for their shortcomings this past year.

Her environmental pledges are notable and worthy of praise. These include her commitment to get Saints

Sport fully behind the University’s “plastic free by 2023” and “carbon neutral by 2022” initiatives. Her commitment to guiding various clubs in need through the finer details of the new financial restructure of the AU could come in handy. However, it

She says sustainability will be the “guiding principle of the Union” She does not say how this principle will influence other policies.

JAMIE RODNEY

Athletic Union President AUDREY SHERR

remains to be seen if her other pledges, such as efforts to boost attendance at headline sporting occasions and a “team buddy” system whereby different clubs will be paired together to encourage cross-sport camaraderie will be met with sufficient interest.

Director of Student Development and Activities Shaina Sullivan's manifesto is detailed and informed by experience.

basis, it is unclear what this means for flexibility across the semester.

Communication with societies is highlighted, with online forms at the commencement and conclusion of the semester shaping opportunities, all to be communicated in fortnightly emails. While a good organisational

Ms Sullivan identifies accessibility, especially for those without social media, as a key issue. This is to be solved through an “overhauling” of the societies section of the Union website.

CRISTIAN AVRAM

DoSDA candidate “Sir Cristian Avram” failed to send a manifesto to The Saint. Despite this, his short and convincing blurb rendered any supplementary reading entirely superfluous.

Collaboration and Connections

(Im

age

not

ma

de

ava ila

ble to

The

Inclusivity and Involvement

Yoga

Sai

nt)

The core promise of Mr Avram’s

This is left unclear and appears unrealistic for societies to regularly update their webpage.

Postgrad involvement is left vague, but the encouragement of more daytime events for commuting and mature students is admirable.

Prospects and Possibilities

Training for subcommittees, such

campaign is to increase access to Yoga. Financially, Avram is pledging to increase the YOGISOC budget fivefold, providing “yoga for everyone”.

This, Avram believes, is critical in achieving powerful Transcendental Meditation. Though potentially controversial to other societies, this pol-

as risk assessment workshops, are well detailed. It is also suggested that the Careers Centre should collaborate with committees to provide better targeted events.

An expansion of the Volunteer Recognition Scheme is planned as well as CV workshops to represent their efforts.

SHAINA SULLIVAN

icy demonstrates a clear plan for the distribution of resources.

of locals in an unspecified given area perform Transcendental Meditation and influence the environment. It is suggested that if the square root of 1 per cent of the population practice this, it will have “life-supporting trends”. This optimistic policy will likely appeal more to Arts students.

Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi Effect

Mr Avram has effectively lifted verbatim from Wikipedia details of the Maharishi Effect, where 1 per cent

Director of Education Improved Learning Experience

Ms Bretherton aims to liaise with class reps in order to increase the online availability of books and readings to “alleviate waiting times for library resources.”

However, she is slightly optimistic regarding the difficulty of accomplishing such an enormous task.

She also plans on ensuring that module handbooks are easily accessible, up-to-date, and contain relevant

information This is an underwhelming policy does not high nor produce any noticeable change.

Employability

Ms Bretherton intends to work with the Careers Centre to develop the Job Shop, whereby they will build a database of internship and job opportunities.

However, Ms Bretherton did not comment on how she intends to achieve these ambitious aims.

Representation To successfully communicate and accumulate feedback from different sectors, Ms Bretherton aims to increase representation for evening degrees by introducing a class rep to each course.

She advocates for transparency of school presidents and class reps through social media.

This is a realistic and achievable

goal that Postgraduate is attainable and Affairs beneficial For undergraduates to learn about postgraduate work in a “lecture-style setting”, Ms Bretherton proposes on working with the Postgraduate Convener to develop opportunities for the latter to host their own lecture series.

However, Ms Bretherton is pitching an ambitious number of objectives to accomplish this upcoming year.

AMY BRERETON

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

ELECTIONS 2019

7

Director of Events and ServiceS MIKA SCHMELING

Prices

Events

Societies

Ms Schmeling’s manifesto opens with the aim to increase live music events in St Andrews by providing a platform for local student performers and reaching out to larger acts.

Though larger acts would boost St Andrews’ music scene, Ms Schmeling does not comment on how she intends to fund these performances, which could prove difficult depending on how big the acts are.

To help societies and students get more from the Union spaces, Ms Schmeling intends to increase their versatility and collaborate with the DoSDA to help societies organise events which get the best out of the space the Union building offers.

Ms Schmeling wants there to be direct discourse between the DoES and the student body to implement “an easy feedback loop”.

Events

Mr Thornton strives for “a student union at student prices” and aims to make the use of the Students’ Association as affordable as possible.

This proposal lacks impact as Mr Thornton is vague about how his intentions will be executed. He states he will be “the voice of those who choose the Union because of its value” despite being limited in his influence over the Union’s price decisions.

RURAIDH STEWART

Experience

Ms MacKay’s manifesto opens with extensive detail of her involvement with various aspects of student life, such as PR Rep for Folk and Trad Music Society, running a successful student ceilidh band and managing Sofar St Andrews.

It is evident that Ms MacKay is well-qualified for the role of DoES. She has worked closely with the Union and Ents and has organised

As the Senior Student and former Head of Events of University and Whitehorn Halls, Mr Thornton’s manifesto boasts two years of experience in planning and coordinating social, educational and wellbeing events.

Mr Thornton would like to reduce the variety in quality of events at the Union as a means of making sure quality is achieved.

He claims that themed nights

Nights Out

Mr Stewart’s proposals could prove popular among students and benefit the revenue of the Students’ Association. He opens his manifesto with the intent of extending the opening times of the Association building an extra two hours until 4 am.

He is realistic and detailed about how he intends to do this, adding that he will instead apply for an extended hours license for special events should many events, giving her a valuable insight into the inner workings of the Union.

As well as music events, Ms Mackay also has experience in design and promotion, having attended art school before coming to St Andrews.

She believes that she has gained skills which would be highly beneficial to the role of DoES as the position entails working closely with the PR team at the Union.

in the Main Bar could be a “middle ground between going to a pub, and going to the Bop”. It is not outlined how these “themed nights” will necessarily be different from the Bop. It is possible that losing variety in the events at the Union will prove repetitive and students will grow tired of the same kind of nights out. The reason students like the Bop is because of the diversity in themes and the prospect of choosing new and the Fife licensing board not grant this variation.

However, the question of whether the Union staying open later is cost-effective in terms of wages, for example, remains. Mr Stewart aims to abolish the current £5 minimum card spend on purchases at the Union without the need of third-party apps such as YOYO, a common complaint amongst students.

Student body Events

Ms MacKay would like to implement a wider range of Union events which have a particular focus on promoting live music, either with Union affiliated societies or externally sourced acts.

She hopes that this will be steered by increased student engagement.

Ms Mackay’s manifesto appears somewhat limited to music and would benefit from the introduction

A more direct and efficient feedback system than anonymous online posts could prove valuable to improving Your Union events.

However, Ms Schmeling is vague about how she plans to establish said feedback loop and how viable it will be to take on so many queries, claiming that she wants to “hear from everyone”.

Safety unique themes.

Ticket resales

Mr Thornton proposes to implement fair ticket resales by reaching out to societies in the hope of finding a solution to the reselling of tickets at high prices.

In light of the scalping of Christmas Ball tickets last year, this is an important policy to introduce and could aid in creating a more equal student experience.

Though he does not draw on any experience in events coordination, Mr Stewart plans to practice an opendoor policy and keep the student body informed on his work as DoES. He also proposes to work closely with student society leaders to ensure that individual societies are aware of the spaces they can make use of in the Union building.

Infrastructure

Mr Stewart concludes his maniof policies which focus on other aspects of events in St Andrews and the demands of students.

Though her prior experience is promising, Ms MacKay’s manifesto scarcely mentions any policies she plans to introduce.

This suggests that she will be relying heavily on her qualifications rather than her intentions to win your vote as DoES.

Concluding her manifesto, Ms Schemling focuses on improving the safety of students.

She intends to introduce regular self-defense classes and consent workshops as well as implement further security precautions for the Union to make nights out feel safer.

While this is important, Ms Schmeling does not elaborate on how feasible regular classes and further security will be.

NICK THORNTON

festo with a unique proposal to move the existing Union smoking area elsewhere in an effort to limit the effects of secondhand smoke and to look at new infrastructures such as outdoor heaters and garden furniture for students wishing to smoke.

Though this policy is thorough and feasible, there are a multitude of pressing issues which the student body would rather be addressed.

MEGAN MACKAY

Director of Wellbeing Ms Soulon chose to highlight her own personal experiences in her manifesto, as opposed to time spent on committees or in societies. This lack of administrative experience in communicating and working with other people at the top of the Union’s bureaucracy may prove problematic. The inner machinations of the Students’ Association are invariably complex and difficult to navigate, and experi-

ence at this high level is always welcome in elections.

Ms Soulon’s manifesto focuses on connectivity; she seeks to de-stigmatise seeking help, as well as establish links between Sexpression and Mermaids. Her stated desire to hear more suggestions from students is noteworthy, and having a greater student voice on the Sabbatical team would surely be a huge boon for the

St Andrews community.

However, whilst Ms Soulon is undoubtedly extremely passionate, her manifesto suffers from a paucity of solid, concrete policy proposals.

Whilst this could just be the natural consequence of not having prior experience within the Students’ Association, students reading Ms Soulon’s manifesto would be forgiven for wondering what she would

actually do if she got elected. She has interesting ideas, but doesn’t seem to know how to implement them.

Nevertheless, Ms Soulon’s manifesto radiates enthusiasm, which is an extremely valuable attribute in any candidate, and I’m confident we can all agree with Ms Soulon on wanting the Director of Wellbeing to “more than a weekly email”.

PHOEBE SOULON

FLORA SMITH

Ms Smith certainly appears an experienced candidate: she was President of Sexpression, a Peer Support Coordinator, and sat on the Wellbeing Subcommittee, so she certainly has plenty of knowledge and understanding to draw from. This seems evident in her manifesto, as it is permeated with clear and identifiable policy ide-

as including, interestingly, an online manifesto tracking system, intended to keep Sabbatical Officers on the straight and narrow throughout their terms. A good idea, to be sure, as long as this does not morph into a poisoned chalice for the Sabbatical Officers.

Ms Smith has also promised to cre-

ate a new SRC Member for Students in Employment, to create an alcohol awareness branch of StAnd Together, and to instigate a “No Problem Too Small” campaign. This is impressive, of course, but I can’t help but wonder if Ms Smith’s extensive manifesto would suddenly find itself constrained when the limits of the office

become apparent. Promises are easy to make, but the student body will be unforgiving if they are broken.

Notwithstanding this, Ms Smith’s manifesto, like her opponents’, oozes ardour and alacrity. Thankfully for us, she clearly wants to be Director of Wellbeing, and this enthusiasm makes her an attractive candidate.

Ms Smith certainly appears an experienced candidate: she was President of Sexpression, a Peer Support Coordinator, and sat on the Wellbeing Subcommittee, so she certainly has plenty of knowledge and understanding to draw from. This seems evident in her manifesto, as it is permeated with clear and identifiable policy ide-

as including, interestingly, an online manifesto tracking system, intended to keep Sabbatical Officers on the straight and narrow throughout their terms. A good idea, to be sure, as long as this does not morph into a poisoned chalice for the Sabbatical Officers.

Ms Smith has also promised to cre-

ate a new SRC Member for Students in Employment, to create an alcohol awareness branch of StAnd Together, and to instigate a “No Problem Too Small” campaign. This is impressive, of course, but I can’t help but wonder if Ms Smith’s extensive manifesto would suddenly find itself constrained when the limits of the office

become apparent. Promises are easy to make, but the student body will be unforgiving if they are broken.

Notwithstanding this, Ms Smith’s manifesto, like her opponents’, oozes ardour and alacrity. Thankfully for us, she clearly wants to be Director of Wellbeing, and this enthusiasm makes her an attractive candidate.

ZELDA TOBIAS-KOTYK

VIEWPOINT thesaint-online.com/viewpoint

@saint_viewpoint

Viewpoint Editor: Archie Batra Deputy Editors: Milly Butters, Jurin K. Flores, Matthew Leighton, Depali Rai, Joe Waters.

viewpoint@thesaint-online.com

A look ahead to the 2020 Presidential race

Illustration: Edward Emery

“The 2020

race is likely to be just as divisive

“

HAMPTON TOOLE Just over 3 years ago, primary election results from the states of Iowa and New Hampshire, among others, began to roll in, officially beginning one of the most bizarre and contentious presidential elections in the recent past. Donald Trump, the ultra-rich dark horse candidate who had previously been known for the phrase “You’re fired!” was known instead for “Make America Great Again,” as well as “Build the Wall.”

Even as Trump swept these early primaries, there were doubts within the party regarding his ability to win the election against the powerhouse Democrats- notably, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, among others.

Moreover, there was widespread speculation about his ability to lead the country if, defying all polls and predictions, Donald Trump were to take the presidency.

Fast forward to 2019. Despite scandals, investigations, the recent government shutdown and a string of cringeworthy tweets, Donald Trump is the President of the United States.

While his approval ratings are not far below those which his two predecessors commanded at this point in their terms, President Trump has scores of high-profile critics who, as a combination of passion and access to social media, are some of the most prominent voices in mainstream news. On the other end of the spectrum, Trump’s supporters are just as impassioned as his critics. In many areas, Trump hats, bumper stickers and yard signs are just another part of the scenery, and the president’s supporters in the mainstream media are just as fierce as their opposition. Despite the ideals of national unity espoused by the speechwriter for Trump’s re-

cent State of the Union address, the United States is in a state of extreme division that is not helped by the president’s penchant for name calling and his often-brash presentation of his opinions.

This election cycle, therefore, is sure to be just as groundbreaking as the one that placed Trump in office.

Two questions will prevail during the next year of campaigning and mudslinging—the question of Trump’s place in the Republican primaries as the incumbent president and, more so, the question of his competition from the left—especially who it will be and which strategies they will employ to oust the president from the White House.

Since the beginning of his term as president, Trump has enjoyed support from many within his own party. However, not all Republicans agree with the president’s rhetoric, his policies, and his actions. This division allows the inevitable contenders in the Republican primaries ammunition against Trump’s re-election campaign. Although there are

no declared candidates for 2020 from the Republican party bar Trump, headlines are still abuzz with names like Mitt Romney, John Kasich, Ted Cruz and even Mark Cuban. These opponents range from seasoned political veterans to TV personalities.

Strategies from these candidates upon first glance could be attempting any sort of angle, from hardened politicians attempting to provide a foil to President Trump’s volatility to businessmen like Cuban playing the same outsider card that President Trump played in 2016—this time with a dash more of social justice. More of a social-centrist move, like that advocated

by Cuban, could only help the party, especially with regard to tense subjects such as abortion, social welfare systems and the LGBTQ+ community—all topics that the GOP has historically been somewhat hostile to.

On the left, the field of declared Democratic nominees is filling out day by day with staunch anti-Trump candidates, including Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker and Kamala Harris. The field of undeclared candidates who have hinted at a bid is filled with other recognisable names like Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Beto O’Rourke. These candidates, whether declared or potential, are fundamentally opposed to many of the stances held by the White House now, especially over Trump’s actions regarding immigration. Most have openly declared their support for the newly proposed ‘Green New Deal’ which proposes radical solutions to combat American carbon output as well as a greater government role in vulnerable communities, healthcare, and other sectors. While many Republicans, including Trump, vehemently oppose the deal, nearly all of the key Democratic candidates aforementioned have expressed support for the plan. While placing themselves in direct conflict with the current administration, the supporters of the deal seem to be turning to liberal hope, hoping that voters who have tired of the president’s rhetoric regarding environmental issues and marginalised communities will follow.

Through examination of these policy divisions and more, it is not an exaggeration to predict that the 2020 race is likely to be just as divisive as the 2016 presidential race was. It is a judgement on President Trump’s leadership so far. This judgement will unfortunately split the nation along partisan lines in an exaggerated version of the Twitter battles that have been raging since Trump announced his candidacy in 2015. In fighting

Photo: Matt H. Wade

We shouldn’t think that defeating Donald Trump will be easy

along these lines, it is interesting to speculate about the strategies that each party will employ and, overall, what any candidate needs to do in order to defeat the incumbent president.

On the Republican side, if the party wants to win it will most likely be in its best interest to rally behind Trump rather than splitting itself. It is very likely that President Trump will win the nomination from his party.

In debate, Trump has already stream rolled over potentials John Kasich and Ted Cruz and would surely do it again. Mark Cuban is an outsider, and as more of a social centrist, he could have a very interesting impact on the party should he choose to run. Mitt Romney, the twice-defeated nominee, could have the finesse to knock Trump out if only his policies were to stand out and appeal to the wider base of GOP voters, including moderates.

All in all, however, Trump as a sizeable base of Republican support and it would be a shocking upset to see that base turn to another candidate.

If the Republicans divide themselves enough, the Democrats just might have a chance to take the White House. Alongside the use of a possible Republican schism, the Democrats need to carefully curate their image both in the lead-up to the primaries and through the candidate that is chosen to lead the party in the general election. Contrast in demeanour will be very important—it will be vital for the Democrats to remain calm under Trump’s pressure during debate without seeming weak and rolling over. In addition, a more positive, yet firm, image might be able to poach more moderate Republicans from voting with their party—especially those who follow the lead of Bob Corker (another possible 2020 hopeful) and Jeff Flake in their well-known disapproval of President Trump.

Another vital aspect is connection with and mobilisation of voters—the increased use of Twitter by various politicians has changed the playing field in American politics. Only time will tell who the frontrunners are in the primaries for Biden, Warren, Sanders and Booker are all important names in the party who have faced Trump’s Twitter tirades already—a possible sign of insecurity from the president. Perhaps, then, more of a political underdog would do better in the primaries. Some point to Beto O’Rourke as up and coming powerhouse of the party, especially due to his border policies and his appeal to younger voters, among other attributes. Kamala Harris, a long-term politician from California, is another name to watch as her campaign gains momentum with every moment. The views associated with all of these candidates will make debates against Trump very turbulent, as will the scandal associated with Senator Warren’s ancestry.

All of these factors and strategy possibilities bring forth questions that can only be answered throughout the course of this campaign. In challenging President Trump, who will the Democrats attempt to appease in order to gain a majority? How will policy orientations, like the Green New Deal on the left and trade and immigration policies on the right, impact the popular vote? What promises will Trump make this campaign cycle? Speculation, as many pollsters learned during the last election, has its errors. What we do know is that there are already a lot of players to play (and complicate) this game, that Trump’s re-election is by no means a foregone conclusion, and that whatever choice the American people make in 2020 will be a choice on the values and future of the country.

The views expressed in expressed in Viewpoint do not represent the views of The Saint but are individual opinions.

The views

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Devil’s Advocate

VIEWPOINT

9

Should students run the Students’ Association?

Let me start this side of the argument by asking some questions for you to consider. Should aliens run the UN? Should farmers run the fisheries union? Should those who fish run the farmer’s union?

Despite how cool it might be to Sci-Fi fanatics to have extraterrestrials in Geneva and New York, it would be impossible for them to do the job right. Why? They have no experience of being human, they couldn’t possibly understand the needs, worries and priorities to do the job. Why would we ever expect anyone other than students to know what students want?

Well, one reason might be that we simply do not know what’s best for ourselves. Now, none of us are saints; most of us at some point have had a bit too much of the good sauce and find ourselves crawling to our first lecture the next day clutching paracetamol and promising ourselves it’ll never happen again. (Promises are made to be broken, right?) In this instance, we probably don’t know what’s best for ourselves.

However, when it comes to which wellbeing services we need, what societies we want to see funded and what Bops we want to dance at, there really is only one body of people that know best: the people who it’s all there for.

To decide all of a sudden that we actually don’t seems condescending to me. It reminds me of my Primary School student council where we were graciously given the responsibility of which Golden RulesTM board we would buy for the playground—probably sensible considering we were all elected on promises of locking up the headteacher and scrapping the mandatory End of Year 6 exams.

The thing is, though, we’re not eleven years old. The Students’ Association is funded in no small part by our tuition fees, and we should have a say in what happens with those fees. Imagine paying your Netflix subscription to be told Netflix shall choose what you watch. It’d suck, right? Of course it would, and nobody would pay for that. What sort of an association would it be if some mysterious Illuminati-esque governing body chose for us what events we were to enjoy and participate in for the year?

This brings me onto my next point.

“Frankly,

running the SA is a thankless task

22% No Number of votes cast: 116

Annabel Steele No!

Yes or

No? “ One brutal fact: students are quite incompetent

“

Joe Waters Yes!

If not students, then who? Presumably some form of non-student adult (unless we fancy handing control of the Association to pre-17-year olds.) Who on earth would willingly take a year out of their adult lives to assume duties such as organising a school disco every Friday, shouting at the local council that housing sucks and having folk get annoyed at you because gowns are too expensive?

Quite frankly, running the SA is a thankless task, and no non-student in their right mind would want to do it. Much like a football referee, you could be the best there is and still have abuse hurled your way once you make the slightest mistake. One dull Bop, one tone-deaf article in The Saint about Churchill Gowns and the wrath of St Feuddrews shall be untethered (when it comes back). This is why it’s imperative that the people in the top jobs should be passionate and genuinely care about the job they’re doing.

Nobody other than a student can sympathise enough, care enough, and act accordingly enough with and for student needs. Don’t come running to me when the grey technocrat installed in place of a student announces the third consecutive Neil Diamond Bop. Student representatives have a remarkable imagination that comes uniquely from having minimal experience in the real world. Unconstrained by such horrific and alien notions such as ‘procedure,’ us BubbleDwellers can remain receptive to the slightest whim and change of opinion to the student body and try our best to make it happen. This means that, instead of being detached and oblivious to the winds of change, students can change accordingly to the times very, very quickly.

For example, take the recent drama about the Michael Jackson Bop. Just about the only fuss I saw was a few people in a few group chats saying it was a bit weird for it to happen.

Yet, the Union were receptive to the possible offence people might take and changed the Bop accordingly. Do we really think that a grey, dull bureaucratic body would’ve done that?

To quote an American hero, “Government of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish from this Earth.”

I’d like to take a leaf out of Abe’s book and say an association of the students, by the students and for the students, will probably never perish from St Andrews whereas an un-Student Association would rightfully never last.

“

78% Yes

Number of votes cast on Facebook: 96 75 Yes / 21 No Number of votes cast on Twitter: 20 15 Yes / 5 No

Let’s imagine for a second that the student elections are actually the presidential race. You’re walking to the library one morning and, where the world used to be quiet and the giant seagulls used to roam free, the path is lined with desperate candidates.

Biden is waving a promotional sticker in your face; Warren is throwing colour-schemed pamphlets at you; and there’s Sanders, of course, begging you to take a homemade cookie. You fight your way through the crowds, practically fall into the library, and ruminate on your traumatic journey.

Who has your vote? It has to be the old guy who gave you free food, of course! You don’t know his ethics, his policies or even his name – but he provided you with sustenance.

And besides, you’re pretty sure he’s the guy who poured everyone tequila shots at that house party. This is a terrible reason to give him your vote – but during the student elections, most decision-making process is informed by little more. And if life outside the bubble was run by the people who bake the best cookies and have the most friends, the world would be in an even bigger mess.

I know there are some students who scrutinise each manifesto before voting. But this isn’t the case across the board, and that’s where one of the main dangers of a student-run Students’ Association lies: the initial voting process. In the first place, students who volunteer to run the union are not “average” students; they are clearly the students who go above and beyond, immersing themselves entirely in student life. They are also, potentially, students whose bright futures depend on their achievements at university. I’m not implying that an impressive CV is a poor reason to run for a position on the Students’ Union; honestly, if I had chosen to run for a position, this would have been my primary motivation. But in the grand scheme of things, it suggests a flaw in the voting system: elections don’t necessarily produce the best candidates for the job.

Really, it all boils down to one brutal fact: students are quite incompetent. This is not an insult. It’s inevitable; we don’t have the training and we aren’t qualified. Yes, student life is intended to prepare us for life on the outside, and a student-run union

provides great opportunities. But we are spoilt at this university – we can put ourselves forwards for hundreds of different positions which test our abilities and develop our skills. And this isn’t a high school council where students can voice their opinions to the qualified staff representatives who run the school. At university level, students are the only representatives.

They deal with union politics, are responsible for all decision-making and preside over spending. It seems questionable to put unqualified students with little experience of real-world finances in charge of a significant portion of the university’s funds.

A non-student-run Students’ Union isn’t even vaguely comparable to an alien-run UN. Alienating “students” from “adults” is dangerous and foolish; believe it or not, at some point we naïve students are going to be adults, too. And adults were once our age, too. Think about all those times when you were younger and your parents gave you valuable advice which you thought was absolutely ridiculous because it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Whether we like it or not, life experience and competence generally go hand-in-hand.

It’s also patronising to current job-holders, who work incredibly hard, to suggest that adults “wouldn’t want” these positions. There are millions of jobs which require consideration of the needs of a community to which the jobholder doesn’t belong.

What about MPs who don’t live in the constituencies which they represent? Are they unable and unwilling to gauge the wants and needs of the people whom they represent? The vast majority of our university is run by adults who are evidently passionate about the job; you don’t have to be a student to care about students.

Nobody mentioned taking all the authority away from students. I’m not advocating a tyrannical regime wherein we must all dance gratefully to “Sweet Caroline” at yet another Neil Diamond BOP, and neither did anyone mention hiring a bunch of 70-year-old, middle-class, Toryvoting white men to take the places of students. We’re talking about hiring adults qualified in events management, or educational services, or whatever each job requires, to fulfil the roles with just as much passion as a student but with the added benefit of experience. And, as we often realise when we look back on the “terrible” advice our parents used to give us, experience does mean something.

The views expressed The views expressed in Viewpoint do not represent the viewsin of The Saint but are individual opinions.

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

VIEWPOINT

Defending Circuit Laundry

Illustration: Reuben Morris-Dyer

It may seem weird to find a first-year willing to defend Circuit Laundry.

After all, you’d be forgiven for thinking I’ve lost the plot, everyone hates them, right? Well, it’s easy to see why you’d get that impression from reading one of the many pieces about them in The Tab or asking just about any of my peers. Described in one article as ‘money-grabbing b*stards’, I actually decided to consider whether or not they were as bad as people say.

First of all, one of the most widely read articles starts by asking the question, “Why isn’t every uni giving freshers free washes?” Maybe this is because washing clothes costs money? Such a suggestion seems odd to me and surely I can’t be the only one.

In fact, I wasn’t. I found some adults – those strange people who live in this place called the “real world” (must be scary) what they thought of free laundry. Each of which gave some variation on “bloody hell, I wish.”

The fact of the matter is Circuit Laundry has to charge – electricity, water, gas to heat the water, this all costs money and last I checked Circuit wasn’t a charity. Add on a bit of a profit margin and maybe that £3.50 per wash and dry isn’t grossly overpriced at all.

Another common argument levelled at the ‘money-grabbing bastards’ is that, “we pay enough in rent, so why is washing so pricey?” To that I say, sure accommodation rents may be a little steep, but it would certainly be steeper if the halls had to purchase, maintain and insure more than ten washers and dryers in-house.

“Maybe this

is because washing clothes costs money?

“

JOE WATERS Deputy Viewpoint Editor

Decent washing machines and tumble dryers don’t come cheap and repairing and replacing them when they inevitably go wrong would also put a dent in any hall’s budget – just ask any homeowner who’s had to fork out a few hundred pounds each time their washer decides enough

is enough. Just think, if it weren’t for Circuit, every time your washer locked your clothes in without washing them or spun your clothes about as fast as a disinterested babysitter spinning a merry-go-round, or just conked out altogether, the hall would have to pay to fix it and they’d probably pass that cost onto you, the student.

One argument we all can have at least some sympathy for, mind you, is that Circuit washing is generally just useless sometimes. We’ve all been there. We’ve all at some point rushed down to the laundry (before some ignorant so-and-so rudely dumps your nice new budgie smugglers onto the mucky floor instead of putting them in a basket like any nice person would), eagerly anticipating the smell of fresh and fragrant goodness in the form of your dry clothes, to find that, well…they’re not dry.

The Circuit dryer, the smug git, has got you good and proper once again leaving you with the choice of forking over another £1.30 or cracking out the immortal fold-up drying rack to leave your room stinking of dank disappointment. It’s not the best feeling.

But again, this isn’t a problem unique to the desolate first-year, it’s basically a part of life that washing sometimes doesn’t go our way. If Circuit dryers are persistently performing poorly it’s up to the hall to complain to Circuit that the machines aren’t working properly and/or complain that Circuit are breaching their contract by being utter bellsprouts.

If you have a sink, a pair of marigolds (other types of rubber gloves are available) and a radiator, there is an alternative to Circuit (that is entirely free, I may add) that you can make use of. However, on balance I think us first-year students are quite blasé (if not happy) in the end paying what we do.

I’ll admit, my cushy laundry in John Burnet might just be an outlier in that it’s actually decent. I’ll also admit I’ve not trekked to Melville, Regs, or ABH to see if the washing experience in these halls warrants Circuit’s lessthan favourable reputation among students. So maybe Circuit’s bad name is justified if the aforementioned dank disappointment scenario is a common occurrence for you.

To sum up, I’m not saying Circuit is perfect; far from it. I find myself often raising eyebrows at how weird and unpractical the top-up system is, annoyed at how I need to put a whole fiver on my card when all I need is an extra 10p–squandering precious beer money–and frustrated at how poor the machines can perform sometimes. (Somewhat ironically, while writing this piece, one of our washing machines broke down, locking someone’s clothes in.)However, on the whole, Circuit is convenient for halls and, ultimately, not too bad of a deal for students, and they certainly don’t deserve the monumental amount of flak they get.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Do they really deserve their bad reputation?

Stop discriminating against the young!

They need to feel included too JOEL J.L. MOORE There is a shocking epidemic sweeping St Andrews and no one ever talks about it. Almost every student in this University has an inbuilt bias against a certain social stratum, and many are not even aware that this prejudice exists. Some are too afraid to acknowledge that it does. This is a hugely important issue, and it needs to be addressed right now.

Have you ever looked out from your library desk on a Thursday afternoon and surveyed the people around you? While the group may appear somewhat diverse at first, soon it becomes apparent that a similar quality is shared by almost every single undergraduate: they are all between the ages of 18-25. This is unbelievable, undeniable, and unacceptable. I am sure this is common knowledge to you, and the statistics tell us that this is a fact, but have you ever questioned why?

Nationally, less than 25 per cent of the population falls in this age bracket, and yet it makes up more than 95 per cent of university undergraduates.

Where is the justice? Where is the outcry? Where are the children, the toddlers, and the unborn?

This is having a great effect on the quality of our education. In tutorials we inwardly relate our course content to things that are close to our hearts; we might wonder how the Latin language influenced the works of J.K. Rowling and whether medieval England really was like Game of Thrones. How are we so blindly unaware of our academic tunnel vision?

If the University had a greater representation of the youngest members of our society, we might consider what Celtic dance routines inspired Fortnite, or if Pewdiepie is the modern embodiment of Beowulf, fighting off the Grendel of T-Series.

The University makes no apparent effort to even attract children in its prospectus. We see pictures of happy twenty-somethings aimlessly wandering around stunning medieval

edifices, and wild images of revelry in Club 601. Do the admission staff not realise how off putting this is to the average seven-year-old? If there was a description of the University’s gaming provision, and perhaps some cool photographs of a well-attended Yu-Gi-Oh tournament we might see a representative number of applications from kiddos and tots.

However, this is not just a local issue, it runs nationally. Child representation at universities across the country is pitiful. Children make up 17-18 per cent of UK residents, so why are they well below one per cent of undergraduates? Barriers to entry are significant: A-Level and equivalent courses, the common prerequisite for entry into British universities, are specifically targeted at teenagers and their academic content is tailored for this age group. Similarly, student culture is very unwelcoming to nonadults. Statistics reveal that 20 per cent of students get drunk at least once a week, while 79 per cent agree that drinking is a part of university culture. In the UK the purchase of alcohol is illegal until the age of 18.

Why are undergraduates not considering the detrimental effect this has on potential juvenile applicants?

Why not swap the Jägerbomb for a cold glass of Sunny D, or an evening pint of Carling for a refreshing cup of breast milk? This is a tragedy, and we all have a hand in it.

However, there is reason to be optimistic; while this issue has laid dormant for so many unfortunate years, now, with articles like this, we can hope that it will be swiftly addressed.

Together we can dream of studying at a place where orange justice is danced every Friday night, and the corridors echo with Tik Tok anthems.

Until then, I will not rest until every four year old in this sceptred isle is given the opportunity to don the red gown and enter these hallowed halls free from the worry of academic intolerance.

The views expressed in expressed Viewpoint in doViewpoint not represent the represent views of The opinions.

The views do not the Saint viewsbut of are Theindividual Saint but are individual opinions.

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

VIEWPOINT

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Finally, St Andrews has beaten Cambrdige Yes, you read that correctly! All of our collective hard work has paid off, and St Andrews has finally beaten Cambridge in a higher education metric. St Andrews, after decades (or maybe centuries?) of clutching onto the coattails of England’s most prestigious and ancient universities, has finally managed to break through and make a name for itself. I never thought I’d live to see the day where we ranked higher than Oxford or Cambridge. It’s almost enough to bring a tear to my eye.

Personally, I think we should all be immensely proud that St Andrews now (finally!) admits a higher proportion of students from private schools than Cambridge does. It’s all very well and good to joke and boast about how posh, wealthy, and privileged our university is, but now we have the irrefutable and concrete proof. I’d never thought I’d live to see such a revolution in higher education. Have a glass of Dom Pérignon on me, Sally!

I first saw this ground-breaking news story in Fife Today, which recently reported that 60.4 per cent of St Andrews students starting in the 2017/18 academic year were educated by the state. This is despite the state educating 93 per cent of British school

children, so I’m doubly impressed at the extent to which the University has managed to separate the wheat from the chaff. For the same academic year, however, the state school intake for Cambridge University (or, as I now like to call it, Commonbridge University) was a whopping 62.6 per cent. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

“Have

a glass of Dom Pérignon on me, Sally!

“

ARCHIE BATRA Viewpoint Editor

I like to think that this is not just a victory for our most hallowed of institutions, but for the wider country, too. I can already see Prince William cackling at the news, and itching to invite his old Cantabrigian father to dinner at Kensington Palace just so he can gloat. (Oh, and to remind Prince Charles that he only left Cambridge

with a 2:2.) Not only this, but I think the news genuinely strengthens the case for Scottish independence. The Jocks can out-posh the English now, it seems, so they really don’t need us anymore. Go on, Sturgeon; bugger off and take the poshos with you, if you please.

Don’t worry: I’m only joshing with you. (I also had the misfortune of being educated by the state.) Nevertheless, I can’t help but crack a wry smile at this bittersweet news. The University, to say the least, didn’t exactly welcome the news, and in response chose to emphasise the considerable work it does to widen access to the university, as they should. I wholeheartedly agree with the University spokesperson that said “these figures give a very narrow and misleading view of St Andrews’ considerable progress in widening access to higher education”.

Not that I can’t see the temptation to be outraged at this news. St Andrews is often caricatured as a bastion of privilege and entrenched wealth, and these findings certainly seem to lend credence to this particular view of the university, especially since the average private school fees have recently risen above £17,000 a year. This is, simply put, loadsamoney, and the fact of the matter is that only a very exclusive portion of the UK population can afford to pay it. Surely it can’t be fair that St Andrews over-re-

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

We now have a lower proportion of state school entrants: rejoice!

cruits from this demographic, and unjustly locks out the British masses?

Well, before barricades appear on Market Street, I think it’s worth considering what this actually means. I’ll never understand why some people think that attending private school is a good or reliable barometer or wealth.

Not every independent school is like Eton or Harrow; in rural areas, for example, private schools can be very modest, and sometimes represent the only viable option for a child’s education.

Similarly, attending state school

doesn’t automatically make someone a proletarian hero. There are plenty of London state school catchment areas, for example, where the average house price can be twice, three times, or even four times the national average. I’m not sure anyone would say that a student attending Chelsea comprehensive was less privileged than someone on maximum bursaries at a small private school.

As Disraeli once said, there are lies, damned lies, and statistics, so take these figures with a pinch of salt, and don’t get too alarmed.

St Andrews has too many student societies Society events are nearly always boring and repetitive This town is oversaturated with societies. Open your Facebook or University email and you’ll see endless posts, notifications, and messages all vying for your attention.

“Come join us in…” and “interested in joining…”. The vendors desperately bombard you with their products.

Sigh. You don’t even bother clicking on most of these notifications. After all, you already made up your mind if you wanted to attend or not because you already know what the events are about without even having to click on these notifications. Fashion shows, balls, pub crawls/pres, food fairs and speaker events: there are so many societies doing extremely similar events to the point that they have become redundant.

Strip away all the societies and their events, and St Andrews would be just a town of three streets with overpriced restaurants and tourist shops. We know that there is no way to escape St Andrews; we live and breathe it. Walk to Tesco hungover in

sible for new societies to create alternative, large-scale events. At the end of the day, their goal is to make profit for the continued existence of their society. Of course they will pick the safer option and create an event ensured to be successful instead of branching out to alternative, newer ones.

Sure, there are societies that offer unique experiences. I commend the societies that try to do something different in this limited place.

Murder mystery night by Fine Food and Dining Society or Holi celebration by Sanskriti? Yes please. There must be similarly distinct events in St Andrews, but unfortunately it seems they are overshadowed by the countless generic events with bigger budgets, better marketing, and more popularity. It is not that I want to discount these generic events since they exist due to high demanded. We all love them. However, what I do wish is that more societies put an effort in doing something outside their norm and that these unique events are then more popularised in St Andrews. I understand that there are risks in putting on unique events, but it might be worth the risk if we want to make our

playground more interesting.

When there are too many societies putting on extremely similar events, I can’t help but wonder whether there are just too many societies for this town in the first place. Look at the Facebook events page and you will see that there are at least three different events happening every single night. It could get tiring seeing the same thing over and over again. There are also some societies that are just too similar with each other. They constantly have the same sort of events that it seems easier from the outside to ask them to join up and produce one event instead of competing with each other and making the public choose which event to attend.

Despite this, there will never be a decrease of societies in St Andrews.

The Union will never enforce a limit to the number of societies because that would result in an unnecessary oligopoly. Even though it seems as if they have similar events, these societies exist in the first place because their basic values hold unique missions.

Furthermore, it allows pretty much everyone in St Andrews to hold some sort of committee position to pamper

up their CV and make themselves feel important. When everything is considered, all these societies must exist to ensure inclusivity.

“

We keep playing the same games over and over again

“

JURIN K. FLORES Deputy Viewpoint Editor

your pajamas and you will embarrassingly encounter your lecturer or your friend’s ex. Unlike cities with lots of pre-existing cultures (and thus places to go and things to do), we are in an empty playground able to decide on the games we want to play. By playing dress-up for balls or trying new food at fairs, the societies and their events are essential as they offer us these distractions to give joy and meaning to our day to day lives. The wide range of societies from Pokémon to Beekeeping to Democrats Overseas allows us to find friends of similar interests to play with. It makes you feel like you have found your “thing” and have successfully established yourself in this small town.

Unfortunately, we keep playing the same games over and over again.

Fashion shows, balls, and speaker events are always done by a multitude of societies. I don’t blame them for having extremely similar events though. We as the attendees have demanded these events to be repeatedly supplied. Additionally, the lack of funding for new societies by the University combined with the limited spaces in town makes it almost impos-

I would also encourage students to try out more different events or societies. They may be overshadowed by the bigger, better marketed events but checking them out may pleasantly surprise you. This town is oversaturated with societies but this is our playground, so let make it interesting.

The views expressed in Viewpoint do not represent the views of The Saint but are individual opinions.

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

VIEWPOINT

Picture: Kylie Andrews

What’s the point of my degree?

Why should anyone study history?

DEPALI RAI Deputy Viewpoint Editor Volunteering abroad is an experience that holds with it much social capital; volunteers come back cultured and cultivated but equally, charitable and self-sacrificing. But why does volunteering in an African or south-east Asian country carry such glamour and weight with it?

‘Voluntourism’ is a sector of tourism that revolves around volunteering abroad. Whilst a seemingly exciting opportunity, as a chance to give back and perhaps a little self-discovery, there is much that is problematic about this thriving business.

In 2017, volunteer tourism was worth around $173 billion USD and it is only growing in popularity. One Google search of ‘volunteer abroad’ brings up copious amounts of websites and advertisements of companies and projects abroad that may cost up to an excess of £2,000. Companies will often breakdown the cost: accommodation, administrative costs, project organisation and the like. Yet, increasingly through the commercialisation of volunteering abroad, the bureaucratic organs use up money that could be better spent elsewhere.

But wastage is just the beginning of what is a potentially dubious industry. Unpacking the logic of many a volunteering eighteen-year-old in the developing world does little to inspire promise in ‘voluntourism’.

With what enlightened qualities are we going off to emancipate the third world? I can’t help but wonder how an adolescent teaching the English alphabet produces little other than self-satisfaction. We wouldn’t accept a few meagre hours of teacher training from our teachers and institutions, so why do we assume our privileged backgrounds constitutes a gift to the developing world? Yes, providing fun and educational activities are not necessarily damaging, but the mentality that these constitute ‘giving back’ to needy societies only perpetuates ageold white ‘saviourism’ and colonial paternalism.

It doesn’t take a specialist in international development to know that development needs to be sought through stable and long-term structures. Prosperity does not arise from singing English nursery rhymes to kids. Indeed, some critics have even noted that short-term volunteering can also lead to mental strain on com-

munities, especially young children who grow attachments to the flows of volunteers. In short, does ‘voluntourism’ actually provide meaningful benefit to the communities they work alongside, or are they just simply photo opportunities for the middle-classes?

But how can we reconcile good intentions with the problematic undertones of many a ‘gap yahs’ or ‘humbling’ holidays abroad? Volunteering is, of course, nothing to condemn. The sacrifice of time, effort and often money to help others is a positive facet of society.

Nevertheless, how can we actually be of benefit to those struggling abroad without becoming embroiled with the problematic socio-political undercurrents surrounding the commercialisation of volunteering abroad.

Indeed, given ‘voluntourism’ is becoming so prolific and well-packaged, its difficult to ethically navigate past the capitalistic currents flooding our markets and ways of thinking. What I am putting on the stand is the reason as to why volunteering abroad has become so immensely commercialised and popular. Without the implicit idea that a few weeks abroad will definitely be deeply transformative to the lives of the foreign poor, what little else makes the industry and foreign excursion so deeply lucrative?

Ultimately, the first step here is to simply understand the complex and competing undertones of volunteering and charity work abroad. It is not as black and white and romantic as it may appear on the outset. There is increasing awareness of the ethical dimensions behind volunteering abroad with blogs and articles providing a space in which these complexities can be understood. Indeed, there is advice out there on how to plan an ethical and sustainable volunteering trip abroad, with the main point being don’t look to volunteering tourism companies to plan for you; do your research on the country, place and project of focus.

However, the problem is not limited to the realms of volunteering but indicates an underlying tone of condescension towards the problems developing countries face. Poverty does not stem from not knowing the words to ‘The Wheels on the Bus’, it is a systemic issue that deserves an equally nuanced response. White ‘saviourism’ is an outdated and frankly lazy explanation. The developing world is not a playground for egocentricity and self-discovery.

“What could be better than doing the thing that you love

As a history student, I am vulnerable to that dreaded, dreaded question raised all too often: ‘what do you want to do after university?’ This is an extremely pertinent question when one thinks about it. If you come to St Andrews and find a real passion for your subject, it immediately makes sense to go into academia.

What could be better than doing the thing you love, day in, day out?

Whether you want to investigate the true origins of Armenian apostolic architecture, or the Romanian roots of Swiss riddles, the world is your oyster.

However, for a large percentage of us arts students, university work is simply something to be completed and submitted, rather than a source of striving and emotion. Therefore, what are we to do?

This is certainly a worry of mine, as I don’t really think that doing, for example, a philosophy degree properly prepares you for any particular occupation. For one, there are the contact hours; I would love to have a job where I would only be obligated to show up to the office two days a week, wearing a shirt that had not been washed since Christmas. In the corporate world, however, I imagine that this would be somewhat frowned upon.

In my despair over the questionable value of my degree, I have sought out the views of my fellow artsy students in order to retain my sanity. The first counterpoint presented to me is that arts students, through their studies, develop strong social skills which science students simply do not. I must admit the attractiveness of this point, as the film studies students I have

“

To become a yet more charming and personable man?

This is an especially pertinent point when you consider how most degree programmes are funded. A recent projection by Martin Lewis estimated that over 83% of students would fail to repay their loans in full.

This, in the end, means that the bill is picked up by the taxpayer, meaning that struggling families are subsidising the educations of hundreds of blokes called Tarquin who didn’t fancy joining the family business.

In the end, I wish I was as optimistic as the rest of my fellow History nerds in St Andrews. I too dream of a world where knowledge of the economics of the eighteenth-century flower market is an employable skill.

But until my dream is realised, you know how I’m feeling: worried.

Illustration: Ella Matza

Beware of white ‘saviourism’

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Voluntourism:

Week five is for me, like many other students, a rude awakening to the fact that university isn’t all beer and skittles, and actually involves doing an essay every now and then. But as I sit here in the library, reading tome upon tome of musings about the historiography of early Islamic history, I do occasionally wonder; what’s the point?

interesting facts and trivia about the world, because one day you might be on Tipping Point or Pointless. But is engaging in a four-year arts course, costing between twenty and eighty thousand pounds, the ideal way to spend your time and money?

“

MATTHEW LEIGHTON Deputy Viewpoint Editor

met probably possess a certain subtle social grace that a computer science devotee may not (to put it lightly). But is this really explained by the fact we study different subjects?

As I sit here in the library reading page after page about the Dutch Tulip Bubble, should I be feeling my personality improving with each passing letter? As I carefully edit my bibliography, should I expect to become a yet more charming, personable man? And as I think over the sociographical meaning behind the word ‘heresiarch’, do I feel my soft skills swelling to an awesome mass, with grateful employers soon to be lining up outside my door?

The reality of the situation is that arts students are less awkward than their scientific counterparts because they have less work to do. Therefore, they are not as stressed, and have time to deal with social situations, and to engage with societies. All in all, arts students simply lead a more relaxed life.

This can be seen brilliantly through the lens of lateness penalties in our respective faculties. Hand in a history essay a day late, and you will find that you have been deducted one point out of twenty.

Sure, it’s not ideal, but it’s hardly “make or break” for your future prospects. On the other hand, if you turn in your chemistry lab report a day late then you may as well have been sent to the shadow realm. With this in mind, it’s little wonder why some science students feel like, and sometimes resemble, Gringotts goblins who haven’t seen the sun in months. If going outside means a failed module, why go outside?

I am also regularly told that an arts degree imbues one with an ability to bluff and bluster through difficult questions; in essence, it allows you to seem clever even if you aren’t. I think that this highlights the main difference between, for example, a comp lit student and a medic; sure, you can bluff about the metaphors contained within poetry until the cows come home, but you can’t bluff open heart surgery.

I am of course not denying the fact that an arts qualification, especially from St Andrews, has a large degree of utility. For example, being able to read large amounts of text and condense them down into a relevant, cogent point will always be a skill in demand. It’s also nice to learn

Theviews viewsexpressed expressedininViewpoint Viewpoint do not represent the views views of of The The Saint The do not represent the Saintbut butare areindividual individualopinions. opinions.

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Coping with final year stress

“

Months and years are flying by

The NHS defines stress as “the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure.” Stress does not affect everyone in the same way, as a source of stress for someone can be a source of motivation for someone else. Moreover, stress in small amounts can be useful, as it pushes you to work hard and do your best in exams or assignments. Although stress appears in different forms and for various reasons throughout the years, a student’s final year at uni-

It will be the first time that I won’t be a student

The thought of career prospects is indeed stressful for many of us who are unsure about what path to take.

There is no denying that some have more resources available than others when it comes to looking for internships or jobs. Mr Mariani points out, “Doing an integrated masters in my Mathematics degree was convenient as I don’t need to worry about graduate school, but I do feel stressed concerning my career prospects nonetheless.” He adds, “Although I believe that it’s a great exercise for students to look for jobs on their own, I do think that the University needs to invest more in the Careers Centre, which, in my opinion, lacks much-needed resources for students.”

Therefore, completing final year assignments, applying for graduate schools, or thinking about careers prospects can really take a toll on you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Nevertheless, if you’re struggling with a lack of motivation, some tips can come in handy in moments when you’re feeling on edge.

You’ve undoubtedly heard all the generic tips repeated by your lecturers, supervisors, professors, books

actly. However, something that truly helped me was thinking of my time off not as time deducted from my work, but as an opportunity to be more effective, overcome writer’s block, or keep scrolling through job offers. As long as you’re balancing your tasks, an activity like taking a long break, going for a walk on the beach, having dinner with your flatmates, leaving St Andrews for the weekend or partying with your friends will give you the much-needed energy to work harder afterwards.

“ Some level

of stress, or even burnout is inevitable

Some level of stress, or even burnout, is inevitable during the final year at university for most. While this is something you just need to get through, you absolutely need to make up for it with a large period of fun afterwards. There’s no denying that jobs or graduate school are a priority for many, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself, perhaps with a present to yourself for these last four or five years. In my experience, knowing that I would get to see people that I love after I’m done, and trips and activities I want to do afterwards, keeps me going. Plan some time for yourself for after your exams, dissertations or assignments are done, and guard that time fiercely.

As a final point, Ms Borsatti adds, “Do a bucket list of all the things you want to do in St Andrews before you leave and try to do as much as you can as a reward when you’re taking breaks.”

Illustration by Reuben Morris-Dyer

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or guides: eat healthily, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, meditate, stick to a plan, etc. Although there’s no denying that they are important, the worst thing you can do is pressure yourself even more to achieve every one of these tasks. Stick to what helps you the most, create your own routine, and organise your work schedule accordingly.

Alice Borsatti, a former Neuroscience student who graduated from St Andrews last year, shared her experience overcoming stress whilst juggling her dissertation and her masters applications. “There’s no denying that some days are harder than others, especially when you’re dealing with a lot at the same time. However, what really helped me was to assign days dedicated to my dissertation and others for my applications so I could concentrate on one task at a time instead of getting confused, frustrated and mixed up in my work.” For those applying for masters, she adds, “Pay attention to deadlines and organise your time accordingly. For example, some deadlines in the UK are pretty late, such as July, which means you can deal with them after you’re done with all the work you have to do in your final year.”

Additionally, Ms Ang emphasised, “Focus on yourself, and don’t let yourself get too affected by what you hear from others and what they tell you about their dissertation, graduate application or jobs. Remember this happens to fourth years everywhere, and that they all survive whatever happens.”

Therefore, even though talking about it with friends or classmates can prove helpful at times, don’t fall into the trap of measuring your success against the success of others and don’t feel obliged to answer questions that add unnecessary pressure to your current concerns.

There’s no denying that many of these tips are easier said than done.

How can you truly relax when all you’re thinking about is finishing your dissertation, working on that very last essay, or waiting for the results of your masters or job applications? These were my thoughts ex-

“

When I was a kid, summer holidays seemed to stretch on forever, and the wait between birthdays or Christmases felt like an eternity. As I get older, however, I spend my time constantly surprised at the speed that months and years are flying by. I remember my first day in St Andrews just like it was yesterday. Now, halfway through my very last semester here, I hardly believe it’ll be all over so soon.

Having spent my third year abroad, I was happy to come back to St Andrews last September, as I looked forward to making the most of my experience here. However, the words “stress” and “procrastination” have been said more times than I’ve genuinely enjoyed myself. But what do they mean and how can you deal with them?

what I want to do, and I know it would be a whole lot easier if I had a specific route to take. However, at the same time, my stress is diminished by the fact that going back home to the US for me is not the worst thing that can happen, even if in the near future I’d like to stay in the UK.”

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ALICE BESSONOVA Deputy Features Editor

versity is often considered the most stressful.

In a report concerning stress and student mental wellbeing, NUS (National Union of Students) Scotland conducted a series of surveys to determine the leading causes of stress in students. According to their findings, the primary sources of stress for final year students are exams, assessments, and big projects such as dissertations, which all represent sources of stress for 90 per cent of final year students.

These are followed by concern about career prospects after graduation, which preoccupies 75 per cent of final year students.

The majority of my friends in their final year at St Andrews confirm these statistics. Most report their assignments as their most significant source of stress (especially those writing a dissertation), followed by looking for jobs or figuring out what to do after St Andrews.

Andrea Mariani, a fifth-year student in Mathematics, states, “I have fewer lecture times but a lot more independent work, which means that I have to manage my time more effectively in order to meet all the deadlines successfully and plan times to work on my dissertation.” Therefore, time management is perhaps one of the biggest challenges of writing a dissertation. Because it’s a year-long project, you can feel that you have a lot of time in the beginning, only to become overwhelmed during the second semester as you sense the deadline approaching faster than ever. On top of that, many of us have to deal with figuring out what to do after St Andrews. Graduate school? Full-time job? Travelling? Gap Year?

Kenalyn Ang, a fourth-year student in Comparative Literature and International Relations, shared her worries about her future after graduation. “After St Andrews, it will be the first time that I won’t be a student anymore, and therefore it will be the biggest change that I will encounter in my life so far. Being unsure about what to do next, especially when deciding about career paths, can be an additional source of stress. Personally, I’m torn between a few options for

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

feATURES

15

An interview with the UNHCR Director of Communications

“Statistics,” Melissa Fleming says, “are human beings with the tears dried off.”

SAM HUCKSTEP

Photo: UN - Geneva

The statistics which Ms Fleming deals with in her role as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Director of Communications make for difficult reading. The agency is tasked with caring for all, globally, who are forced to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution: internally displaced people fleeing conflict, famine or other difficulties without leaving their country; refugees, crossing borders to stay alive; and asylum-seekers, unable to return to their country of origin for fear of torture or death. In total, these three groups currently number over 68 million people. That is a lot of tears.

Eliciting sympathy for those tears – and eliciting action when sympathy is gained – is, however, no easy task.

That, though, is ultimately Fleming’s job. The objective, she says, “is to use communications to not only inform about what’s happening in the world – how many refugees crossed a border, the dire situation of refugees trapped in Libya, the number of deaths on the Mediterranean – but also to get people to care about those people.”

Her job, then, is to build empathy, a scarce resource. Many, she notes, experience what social scientists call “psychic numbing: that is, when people that are presented with large numbers of suffering people, even if they might feel some sympathy, they feel numb; there is too much to know what to do.”

Helping people not to be numbed by the sheer scale of the issues raised by forced displacement globally is a job made harder by the fact that, increasingly, there is political currency to be made for those willing to do the

opposite. The rise of populist politics, she notes, has “definitely influenced how people feel, because fear is a very powerful emotion”– and fear of the other, especially, can “provoke that overwhelming emotion” capable of sweeping a party, or an individual, into power.

Fleming didn’t expect anti-migration populism to spread so rapidly.

“I remember in 2015, during what was the so-called Europe Refugee Crisis, where a million refugees arrived in Europe… I lived in Vienna; and I walked around the corner of the street to the train station and was just overwhelmed by the outpouring of compassion and help, by ordinary citizens who were coming out, and carrying signs of ‘Refugees Welcome’, and home-made food, and their kids’ favourite stuffed animals, all kinds of things.”

“It was really something that I will never forget,” she says, “but I also knew at that moment that this wasn’t going to last.”

Nonetheless, the speed with which anti-immigrant rhetoric gained traction surprised staff at UNHCR. It began with Victor Orban in Hungary, distorting the narrative around the arrival of migrants; then was embraced during the Brexit debates, epitomised in Nigel Farage’s famous “Breaking Point” poster (which depicted, she says, “the crowds of men at a border, basically saying, ‘They’re coming to our country’. They were [on] the other side of the continent, trapped in Serbia, trying to get to Hungary”– but that didn’t dissuade Farage); and later appeared in America and Brazil.

“I do think,” Fleming says, “that when you have a leadership that creates these narratives, that repeats

them over and over, it does influence public opinion tremendously.” She remains optimistic, however, and points to research by the international organisation More in Common (whose stated aim is to “tell a new story of ‘us’”, celebrating uniting commonalities) suggesting that, in fact, only 15 per cent of the population in most countries properly buys into the populist, anti-migration rhetoric.

Mythbreaking doesn’t really work Addressing that rhetoric is a considerable challenge. “We’ve made a decision not to bother with [that] 15 per cent, who are so hard-line and hateful,” Fleming says of UNHCR’s approach. Instead, they focus on the “conflicted middle,” comprising around 70 per cent of the population.

She notes that this group will generally, if told that a refugee is someone fleeing war and persecution, agree that their country ought to take them in – but that they retain, at the same time, fears of cultural change, loss of employment, terrorism, and the other worries often associated with influxes of foreign people. In addition to that

first 15 per cent and the conflicted 70, of course, there is a remaining 15 – those “who are still taking refugees into their homes, going out in boats into the Mediterranean, etc.”; but they are the choir, and the focus is on the middle 70.

The first step to reaching them, Fleming says, is “to try to understand, not to judge, or criticise, the fears that people are feeling, but really to look at those,” without condemning them, and find the channel of information which could best persuade them to re-evaluate. This requires a network of “very audience-focused, very aware” local communications bureaus, who can understand the sources of fears and work to effectively reduce them. In some communities, for instance, “they would be very responsive to what the church says; the other, maybe soccer … some people are very influenced by social media”: it’s a multi-faceted, carefully-tailored approach. I suggest that this is above all one that requires empathy on the part of UNHCR, if they are to have a hope of persuading their audience to empathise with those they seek to serve. Fleming agrees. “If somebody is feeling fearful,” she says, “you can’t just throw information at them, and say, ‘you shouldn’t be afraid, because actually, your statistics are wrong, your fears are wrong’: myth-breaking doesn’t really work, so one has to find other ways of allaying fears.”

The alternative to argumentation and confrontation, and the main thrust of much of UNHCR’s communications strategy under Fleming, is to praise welcoming attitudes, rather than condemn exclusionary positions.

“We focus our communications,” Fleming explains, “on other people who are helping: we do stories of communities, or individuals, or mayors, who are actually being very welcoming towards refugees, and we profile them. They’re mostly saying how how it doesn’t just feel good to help them, but how they’ve enriched their lives in some way; and to do this in a kind of authentic way, because people are more influenced by people like them, than they are by us, or some UN organisation,” which will often seem faceless or – worse, after demonisation by populists – threatening.

So, if you visit UNHCR’s Facebook page, you will frequently see profiles of refugees-turned-Olympians; refugees helping farmers in their adoptive country; refugees warmly praised as expert chocolatiers: stories of hope.

You will also frequently see Fleming: conducting interviews; standing alongside Filippo Grandi, the High Commissioner; or reporting from camps: smiling, calm, and empathetic.

And also, wholly understandably, often rather weary. I ask her how she maintains her own sense of hope in the face of the constant, Sisyphean task of protecting some of

the world’s most vulnerable, a group continuously replenished by new, often unexpected, crises. She laughs wearily. “It can be pretty depressing, when you see the worst of humanity in what has happened to refugees. We are constantly listening to testimonies that are just so horrific that you could really lose faith in humanity, if you let it.” At this point, she stares out of the window of her Geneva office. The wall behind her is bare except for a world map; you would very soon run out of space for thumb-tacks representing those testimonies. “But then,” she observes, “we see also the best of humanity, very often.”

We see also the best of humanity, very often At the time of the interview, she had just returned from a trip to Tanzania and Ethiopia, border regions subject to long-term refugee crises.

“These are countries which have taken in hundreds of thousands of refugees, over decades; you know, if any European country did that, it’d be, you know, ‘the end of the world!’

There’s a generosity among the local populations that is intrinsic.” She acknowledges that accepting refugees can create problems: cultural, material, environmental; it will always necessitate changes. This being the case, she says, “it’s quite remarkable to see the humanity that we very often do, that, even so, refugees are being welcomed in large numbers, in countries that are not Europe, and that are not the United States, or Australia!”

Finding space for the many refugees is a project whose importance is only growing. Tens of millions worldwide rely on UNHCR; UNHCR relies on the UN’s member states— and also increasingly, Fleming adds, on the private sector and donations, to free it from that first reliance. Support for the effort to help refugees, both of the hundreds of millions being sought from the world’s PwCs and Gates Foundations, and of the sort already given by many in St Andrews – manning lifeboats off Italy, or the donation warehouses in Dundee – is only becoming more important. The ‘problem’ will not go away. The statistics won’t dwindle until they are turned from statistics back to people: empathised with, and found homes.

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

FEATURES

A traditional folk-us Folk music is deeply communal, spread by oral tradition, with many influences being shared. When speaking to the society they stressed their inclusivity. They do not hold auditions and encourage the student body to expose themselves to different musical influences. Folk music is geographically specific to each area and the diverse group acknowledge folk music from around the world, fitting

recent census, with speakers mostly found on the west coast of Scotland.

Learning with Eabhal, an established folk band in the Scottish and Gaelic tradition, was a rare opportunity that the society were proud to be able to provide. At the same time, the festival encouraged performance and engagement. The Open Mic session at Brewco provided a prime performing opportunity among the more relaxed

for a university where over 40 per cent of the student body do not live in the UK. According to the society, this element of sharing can be “daunting” for people unfamiliar with such sessions, with the folk festival providing a good opportunity to clear the first hurdle of starting. The group also stress the limitations of the local folk music scene, with the exception of the Crail Folk Club, hence a focus on community involvement. The music also contributes to a greater discourse on Scottish culture and history, often depicting pivotal historical events and cultural movements. This sociocultural significance has made such music an intrinsic element of local identity.

Two elements were critical for the festival: the dissemination of knowledge, and the focus on wider involvement. Instrumental sessions were popular, as well as a Gaelic singing session – a rare opportunity to learn such a niche skill. Scottish Gaelic is only spoken by 1.1 per cent of the population, according to the most

sessions. At the forefront of the event was enjoyment – “It’s also about having fun” – with the Scenic Session and Ceilidh central to getting people turning their heads towards folk music.

Significantly, the society managed to secure Eabhal, an award-winning professional folk band, as their headline act. The society stressed their excitement for seeing the group: “It’s quite a rare opportunity to hear a professional folk band in St Andrews.” It was surreal at first, seeing the Buchanan Lecture Theatre playing host to a concert. But quickly all the uncanny semblance of a lecture disappeared when we were struck by the music. The performance was striking and mesmerising. No instrument dominated, yet the group produced a forceful sound. Though playing traditional instruments, technology was still present as in the guitarist’s foot pedals; the whole performance was youthful, it did not feel like an archaic genre resigned to history. Most instances that I’ve seen accordions have been buskers on the tube or at restaurants, playing tolerably in their search for change. Being an instrument I’ve never truly appreciated the performance was impressive, the speed and control of the playing contrasting the lilting and imprecise stereotype I had predisposed. The performance clarified the genre of folk to me, something I was entirely unfamiliar with as a soft southerner.

Photos (B&W): Annie Pritchett-Brown

Over the weekend of 22-24 February, the St Andrews Folk and Traditional Music Society hosted their second annual folk music festival. Being the third festival the group has organised (including a world music event last semester), the weekend was a packed affair, with traditional tunes heard in every corner of town. As a self-confessed folk philistine, with the exception of rugby tunes and Capercaille’s “Skye Waulking Song” – an icon for those who have studied music elsewhere in the UK – my knowledge was limited.

Not knowing what to expect I entered with an open mind and discovered the delights of this homely and parochial genre.

On the Saturday morning, shortly after 10 am, I headed to the Church of St Mary on the Rock, the small ruins tucked next to the cathedral, which face eastwards towards the harbour and sea. I was greeted by a tranquil Arcadian scene. On the

the performance seemed approachable even if a player did not already know a song outright; the only feigned threat being a “punishment tune” for arriving late.

The intricate polyphony and modulations that clashed with my classical sensibility drew the attention of all those who walked past. The crowd was consistent in number yet constantly changing. At the front of the group, propped upon the ruins and against a bicycle, stood their sign and donation box, constantly topped

Photos (Colour): Noa Lee

ANGUS NEALE Deputy Features Editor

the rest the impetus to begin playing. First joined the other violinist, performing in a complimentary yet elegantly duelling manner, the other guitars joined, all notion of a leader diminished. Arpeggiated passages and musical themes moved from instrument to instrument, the music punctuated by the cadence of a jogger running past and the aggressive call of seagulls. The passage began to rise, with the musicians communicating through their playing and eye contact, leading to the final cadence.

I saw instruments I was entirely unfamiliar with, including a tin whistle, I think. “Give us a song” quips one player. They struggle to settle on one.

ruins sat a solitary guitar player, the sound of her tuning up blended into the soundscape of lapping waves and the rich repertoire of the birds.

In the distance the sea was blanketed in fog and the sun struggled through the clouds, bathing the scene in a soft ethereal light. The tide was low, the air filled with the pungent scent of seaweed, and beyond the rocks a seal’s head rose up, barely perceptible, then dived away. The guitarist was shortly joined by two more and a fiddle player. While preparing to play they discussed the weekend and those who they knew were coming: “People from Edinburgh and some stragglers from Stirling.”

Once nine people arrived, one violinist took the initiative to start, giving

“I haven’t learnt that one yet, I feel a bit guilty” responds one player. “It’s too early to sing in D”, jokes another.

Eventually they reconcile on a number of pieces, including “Rambling Rover” and “Washington Square Park”; by now the group was greatly expanded, a piper joined: “This’ll sound honking out here, I forgot we are outside.” While the group chatted, there was never an absence of playing from one instrument or a small group, many preoccupied with their own music. Meanwhile the cellist, after opening his case to a missing string, patiently made an on-the-job repair, struggling at times to thread the string through the peg. The occasion was relaxed and jovial, mistakes were laughed off as inconsequential,

up, at times the banknotes were collected to avoid them blowing away in the wind.

Families and couples, sat on the benches, turned their backs on the sea view they were positioned to admire and instead focused on the music, their feet constantly tapping, applauding and cheering the players after each piece.

Two students observed from the raised vantage point of the harbourmasters hut, while another sat next to me to complete a sudoku. Expressions of enjoyment were spread among stern looks of concentration, the piper focused on a complex triplet passage with great intensity. Some pieces required few performers, a delicate guitar passage accompanied a delicate solo voice; this contrasted the immense volume of the pipes. Later the wind picked up, and the players retired.

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

feATURES

Grab-N-Go, one of St Andrews’ newest eateries, is a sister company of the beloved St Andrews Waffle Company.

Located conveniently in the heart of the town on South Street, Grab-N-Go has already caught the attention of its citizens and is bustling with excited customers looking to sample their stone-baked pizzas and delicious smoothies. Sitting down with the owner Chris Rose, The Saint got an inside scoop of the takeaway joint and the role that it will play in the bustling and vibrant town.

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Something alternative for customers

The premise behind the new restaurant was to offer something different to Waffle Co.’s loyal customer base and “pass something back to students in the way of cheaper food.”

Expanding on their reputation of “good quality, fresh food with consistently friendly and quick customer service,” Mr Rose hopes that Grab-NGo will offer something alternative for customers who are not keen on eating waffles every day. At the same

time, the eatery will also provide a convenient service for students on the move during the day and looking to grab something quick to eat between lectures. With a limited number of eateries available in the small town, Grab-N-Go also hopes to offer something new, different and exciting which students and locals alike will choose.

The objectives of Grab-N-Go are simple: Mr Rose wants to continue the precedent set by Waffle Co. and run an “ethical business with as good quality service and products as possible” while nurturing relationships with his customers, suppliers and employees. This goal is evident in every decision and action taken by Mr Rose with regard to the business, from their menu options and developing delivery service to their choice in suppliers.

Having carved its place in the heart of the St Andrews community, Grab-N-Go contributes to the ever-changing and evolving dynamics of the Bubble. Mr Rose describes an “injection of enthusiasm in interacting with the student body,” whereby he and his team look forward to interacting with the multitude of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Grab-N-Go happily serves the immense student body and enjoys learning about and sharing their stories.

The eatery is also unique as it is the only place in town to offer their wide selection of dishes from stone-baked pizzas, good quality burgers, incredible hot dogs, fresh morning rolls, rejuvenating shakes and smoothies and delicious ice creams under one roof.

Coupled with the high quality of the products and their desire to maintain and nurture connections and reward loyalty in their customers, Grab-NGo definitely distinguishes itself for customer satisfaction and happiness.

In this way, much like Waffle Co.,

Grab-N-Go is intrinsic to the fabric of the town and the once-in-a-lifetime experiences enjoyed by the various people who make St Andrews their temporary home.

Much like its sister company, Grab-N-Go is dedicated to being a place where the town can convene to celebrate each other’s happiness and successes and commiserate and support the community through challenging times. Mr Rose discusses one example of a student who suffers from extreme and debilitating anxiety but is able to pop in for a couple of minutes each week to chat with the crew and overcome her difficulties. It is clear that Grab-N-Go not only offers food and drinks, but also a sense of community and a network of friends to support one another.

“ Grab-N-

Go happily serves the immense student body

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SIOBHAN ALI Deputy Features Editor

Described as “Fresh, LocallySourced and Great Quality,” Grab-NGo certainly abides by these practices.

Their first port of call for suppliers are locally-run establishments. From Fisher and Donaldson, who provide the brioche buns, morning rolls and burger buns, to Minick of St Andrews, who supply the burger patties and hot

Photos: Samantha Chinomona

Grab-N-Go: Lunch on the move

17

dogs, Grab-N-Go collaborates directly with local businesses to ensures high standards of fresh produce. In this way, they are certain that what they provide for their customers is good quality and ethically sourced. For example, the hot dogs served at GrabN-Go are 100 per cent Red Tractor certified, allergen-free, British pork.

All their ice creams are of the highest Scottish dairy quality. Furthermore, all menu options are also available in gluten-free forms, from their pizzas and morning rolls, to their hot dogs and burgers. This allows them to cater to a wide variety of dietary requirements and demonstrates their dedication to excellent customer service.

Grab-N-Go distinguishes itself as an establishment with the needs and interests of its customers central to their business practices and decisions.

My own personal experience at Grab-N-Go definitely reflects their dedication to providing excellent quality service and their commitment to their customers. From the moment I entered the establishment, I was enveloped in a welcoming atmosphere.

Happy to accommodate my picky tastes, Grab-N-Go’s cheerful staff chatted as they served and followed

my very specific order to a tee. Having to wait only a few minutes, I took my takeaway box to St Mary’s Quad to bask in the rare sunshine with which we’ve recently been blessed. Since my first visit, I have dragged my friends to Grab-N-Go several times, introducing them to the wide variety of delicacies offered and converting them into loyal customers. Their standards remain consistent, with us enjoying the same friendly and warm reception with every visit. It does not feel like any other restaurant in town; it feels homely and comfortable, liking visiting a friend’s home for a great homecooked meal. Mr Rose and his team have managed to achieve the perfect blend of customer service, offering a home away from home for the thousands of students in town.

Grab-N-Go’s future seems bright.

Currently offering a takeaway only service, Mr Rose will quickly be expanding on this, allowing customers to order food and hop on over next door to sit in St Andrews Waffle Co. Its services will be extended to seven days a week, and the restaurant will also be open for an evening dessert service. Grab-N-Go will also be growing and developing the delivery aspect of its business for greater accessibility.

Currently partnered with Deliveroo, they will soon be installing Just Eat to reach a wider audience and increase their availability. Mr Rose also hopes to launch his own delivery service in the near future, with the hopes that they can maintain the high quality and standards they are renowned for as they will ensure that their “drivers will deliver the food in the best condition possible.” Overall, there are certainly some exciting developments in store for Grab-N-Go’s customers, promising the same exceptional service standards they are accustomed to and offering greater accessibility and convenience.

Want to explore the mouth-watering hot dogs and delicious freshly-baked rolls on offer at Grab-N-Go? Head on over to South Street between 10:30 am to 9 pm from Mondays to Saturdays to try them out for yourself. To find out more about their restaurant and the services they offer, you can find them on Facebook as ‘Grab-N-Go’ or visit their website at https://www.standrewswafflecompany. co.uk/grab-n-go/

Photos thesaint-online.com/photos

Photography Editor: Samantha Chinomona Deputy Editors: Sammi Ciardi and Emily Silk @saint_photos

Architectural Digest This issue examines several visually intriguing pieces of architecture, and some of the history behind them.

Emily Silk Location: Seville, Spain

Photo: Emily Silk

Located in the southern Spanish town of Seville, the Alcázar or ‘Reales Alcázares de Sevilla‘ as it is known in Spanish is a royal palace which was built by the Moorish rulers who occupied the peninsula from the 8th century onwards. It is by and large considered to be one of the most outstanding examples of mudéjar art, born as a result of the blending of Moorish and European styles, to exist today. The oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, the upper levels of the Alcázar are still in use by the royal family as their official residence in Seville. The Alcázar was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. In addtion, the Alcázar isn’t only a royal resdience in reality, but in fiction as well, taking on the role of the Water Gardens, private residence of the House Martell in the television show, Game of Thrones.

Photo: Emily Silk

The gardens of Royal Alcazar of Seville

The Baths of Maria de Padilla, accessed through the gardens

7 March 2019· thesaint-online.com

Photo: Emily Silk

19

Photo: Emily Silk

Photos

View from the bell tower of the Catedral de Sevilla, the third largest cathedral in the world and the largest gothic church. After its completion in the early 16th century, Seville Cathedral supplanted Hagia Sophia as the largest cathedral in the world, a title the Byzantine church had held for nearly a millennium. This photo taken in January which is the perfect season for Seville’s oranges.

Las Setas De Sevilla, popularly known as the Mushrooms of the Incarnation, is a wooden structure designed by the architect Jürgen Mayer and completed in 2011. Measuring 150 x 70 X 26 metres, the structure consists of six parasols in the form of giant mushrooms (“Las setas” in Spanish), inspired by the vaults of the Cathedral of Seville and the ficus trees in the nearby Plaza de Cristo de Burgos.

Annie Pritchett-Brown

Photo: Annie Prichett-Brown

The Reichstag, in Berlin, was constructed to house the Imperial Diet (Parliament) of the German Empire. It was opened in 1894 and housed the Diet until 1933, when it was severely damaged after being set on fire. No attempt at a full restoration was made until after German reunification on 3 October 1990. After its completion in 1999, it once again became the meeting place of the German parliament. Visitors to the Reichstag can explore the rooftop terrace and the spectacular Dome with views across the city. The walkways spiraling to the top of the dome and down again form a double helix around the central mirrored core, and it is possible to look down into the debating chamber from the top.

Photo: Annie Prichett-Brown

The Reichstag

The former Eden Hotel, in Lugano, Switzerland, is now deserted following its closure. With a perfect location right on the lake shore, it remains a mystery as to why it has been abandoned, with much of the furniture left behind

Events thesaint-online.com/events

@saint_events

News Editor: Alexandra Sicot-Koontz Deputy Editors: Meg Dyson, Stella Gage events@thesaint-online.com

DRAFP Ball 2019: boring or ball-er?

David Russell-Fife Park, St Andrews’ largest hall, celebrates another year with “Atlantis” at Lower College

“By the time

I arrived the party was already in full swing

The atmosphere changed upon entering the marquee: by the time I

arrived the party was already in full swing and music was blaring from the dancefloor, located a flight of stairs away from the entrance.

I dutifully left my coat at the coat check (bless the people working at said coat check, you are the unsung heroes of every ball) and made my way towards the action.

There were a lot of people. This made a feeling of contentment settle in my gut, the type you get when you hadn’t been sure whether to buy a ticket for something and all of a sudden you feel validated because now you know it was the right thing to do.

It was packed but as I made my way further back into the monumental tent, the number of people started to abate and the atmosphere there was decidedly different from that at the front. Near the DJ booth at the front, people were densely packed, and I for one had the life-changing experience of seeing people in suits forming mosh pits.

I know I will never see this again. I am grateful to have witnessed it once in this life. The further back you went, the tamer the people became: most were getting pictures with the various white on-theme, Greco-style statues of Poseidon and Aphrodite (or so I think. This is where gaps in my classical knowledge start to emerge) and others were gaining a well-deserved breath from the madness up front.

Photo: Samantha Chinomona

When one has to review events, one always encounters the same problem: it is impossible to describe it in a completely antiseptic, objective way.

Whilst I could have had a normal night out, the next person could have had the best night of their lives (I am of course exaggerating; but it’s always best to keep things interesting), as so, anyone’s thoughts on a night out will always be slightly skewed by their own personal experience. So this review, whilst hopefully fair, will not be the end-all be-all on what happened on the night of 23 February on Lower College Lawn.

After this tragically long preamble, let’s jump right into what my thoughts on the night were: what was great and what could have been improved, all sprinkled with a few personal anecdotes (short anecdotes make for the best seasoning).

As a science student who lives in one of the further out halls (not DRA; I didn’t say the farthest), I don’t hang around the scenic parts of the university as much as health guidelines dictate I should. For this reason, whenever I venture into that end of North Street (you all know what I’m talking about) I still get that slightly starstruck feeling of “Oh my goodness, a building that wasn’t constructed in

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MARTINA SARDELLI

the 1970s”.

Lower College Lawn, peeking from behind the beautifully lit St Salvator’s Quad, had been decked out in a massive marquee, which made me feel excited the moment I saw it from the Quad entrance.

The latter was a photo-op waiting to happen, which seemed to make a lot of the ball-goers (myself included) stop and take pictures with their pals, the kind that toed the classy line between “I forgot to send a picture to my mother for the past few months, I’ll use one of these” and “classy Finsta post”.

Review: Ambassador’s Ball Launch

St Andrews Foreign Affairs Society presents “Around the World in 80 Days” theme

Photo: Andrew Jason Wong

MEGAN DYSON Deputy Events editor At £3.50 for entry to event run by students for a subject I don’t even do, going to the launch for the Ambassador’s Ball when I should have been doing work seemed like the perfect plan for a Thursday night.

A little background - the Ambassador’s Ball is organised by FAS, the university’s Foreign Affairs Society, primarily for IR students, but as all balls in St Andrews, it’s become a bit of a free for all in terms of attendees. However, unlike other subject balls, the Ambassador’s Ball seems to be a little more sophisticated, as seen by their classy advertising, and the choice to keep a theme inspired by their subject.

Held at The Adamson Bar, it would have been hard for the organisers to make the evening anything other than sophistication. The dress code was cocktail - and the cocktails were

divine. All 6 were themed with IR names - soft power anyone? - which I thought was a really clever way of reminding people the main root of the event. And - best of all - all cocktails were only a fiver, making the trek down from DRA in heels completely worth it for me.

It was also possible to buy tickets for a pretty hefty number of raffle prizes, featuring goodies from Eden Mill, Mammacita and Fisher and Donaldson, as well as a free ball ticket - which nobody in their right minds would turn down. Although this wasn’t particularly well advertised when actually at the event itself, everybody loves a good raffle!

And if you needed any more entertainment aside from great conversation and cocktails, there was also live music from the classic and unmissable The Other Guys, as well as Whaleshark Daddy, a jazzy funk group, and Ukelear Fusion, a ukelele group - I’d not heard of either of the latter two before but was pleasantly surprised. The Other Guys, of

course, played many of their regular crowd-pleasing favourites and even premiered one of their newest arrangements that they’ll be taking with them through competition season.

The other two groups were slightly more low-key - unfortunately as everyone got drunker, it became more and more difficult to distinguish musical sound from the chattering crowd - but nonetheless super enjoyable with a really lovely laid-back feeling to both.

Of course, the main aim for this event was to announce the theme and ticket sales for the actual event - the Ambassador’s Ball - which will take place in mid-April after spring break.

And - drumroll, please - the theme for the 2019 Ambassador’s Ball is ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. I’ve already grabbed my early bird ticket - at £25, I couldn’t resist, knowing that this is likely going to be a fab evening. Ticket sale details are coming soon, but keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page for more information - you don’t want to miss out!

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Events

The surreal in the everyday: CATWALK 2019

ALEXANDRA SICOT-KOONTZ

Events editor

VS mixing up the music scene

for charity. We wanted to give people an opportunity to grow.”

The heart of Catwalk, however, remains its dedication to charity. One hundred per cent of the proceeds are donated. None of the proceeds go back into the show, meaning each committee starts from scratch with every new season. The show will be donating to three charities on an international, national, and local scale.

In association with the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign, Catwalk 2019 will be staged in support of: Medicines Sans Frontières, The Wave Project, and Fife Women’s Aid. The event will be held at the Union on 9 March. Come out for some classic St Andrews fashion fun, and for multiple great causes!

Photo: Lucy Howie

After three successful years, the fashion show season continues with the return of Catwalk 2019. This year, the sell-out event is co-directed by Amy Sutlieff and Letitia O’Neill. The theme is Perception, coming from the surreal in the everyday life.

“We wanted to incorporate the fantastical into the everyday,” Ms. Sutlieff said.

Ms. O’Neill is currently an art history student, and explained to me the creative backdrop of the upcoming event.

“It came from the collaboration of the surrealist art movement and fash-

ion, and when we put forward our proposal it was with sort of this lean towards surrealism, but we found that with the word ‘perception’ we could give all our team creative autonomy.”

Catwalk prides itself on being an inclusive event that nurtures potential and celebrates talent. Catwalk is there to provide an opportunity for those who want to get involved in fashion or just experience a group dynamic within the St Andrews scene.

“When we sat down and thought about the legacy of our co-direction, we said we wanted to be inclusive and accessible,” Ms. O’Neill stated.

Ms. Sutleiff added, “We want people to feel a part of family, comfortable.

It’s okay if you’ve never walked, we really prize enthusiasm and a heart

ALEXANDRA SICOT-KOONTZ

Events editor

5

Oktoberfest

Saturday, March 9th

Brush off the traditional Bavarian dress because it is that time of year again: Oktoberfest is coming to St Andrews. In the spirit of traditional beer fests native to southern Germany, a beer hall will welcome all the international and student guests to a taste of Bavarian culture. This year the event will take place at Craigtoun Park instead of the typical Kinkell Byre venue. So shake out the lederhosen and the dirndls for one of St Andrews most anticipated events!

CATRIONA AITKEN Features editor

When you’re planning for a big night out in the bubble, admittedly your venue options are limited. But for music fans, a new project from third-year students Sagar Sharma and Dominic Reynolds, VS Music, looks to add a breath of fresh air into your events calendar.

Originating from a love for Hip Hop music and socials revolving around their favourite playlists, the students grew a company from a tiny seed of an idea, to an increasingly popular and ever-growing following of up-and-coming DJs and music fans.

I spoke to the pair about their vision for VS music, and how they hope to revolutionise the St Andrews’ events status quo.

“It basically came out of the idea that, us as fans of that kind of music in general were thinking that there are not too many events here”, Dominic said. “It was really born out of that need, from a consumers perspective.

We just thought, why not set something up so that we can actually do these events for people and just put on great nights?”

Expanding on how a love for music became a joint business project, Sagar said, “We’ve both done ventures of our own – not necessarily music related – and were familiar with some of the processes involved. We had this idea that we thought other people would love, because we certainly would love it. So we decided to combine those skill sets and make it happen.”

VS Music have so far kept primarily to the Hip Hop genre, launching with a house party in semester one, followed by a Club 601 debut during Refreshers’ Week, and most recently an exciting collaboration with Sitara, with much more in the pipeline.

“A lot of people in town, and a lot of our friends, listen to the same sort of stuff – a variety of stuff, but generally Hip Hop. I mean, it’s the most consumed genre so it just made sense that a lot of people would want more events of that type,” Dominic said.

However, the pair are keen to be adaptable, and truly act as a facilitator of the types of music events most wanted by attendees. “We played 601 after Fuse was here, and we’re doing

Top 5 Events This Week

4

Catwalk

Saturday, March 9th After three sell-out years, CATWALK is back. This year’s theme Perception invites guests to experience the surreal in everyday life.

CATWALK prides itself on being on an inclusive event that nurtures potential and celebrates talent. At its core though, CATWALK remains focused on charity, donating to charities on the international, national and local scale.

3

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Szentek x UNICEF on Campus

Tuesday, March 12th Szentek x UNICEF on Campus brings you their first collaboration. Come to the VIC for a night of great music and an electric atmosphere. Wavy garms are optional but preferred. The proceeds from your generosity will go towards UNICEF on Campus. So come give, and receive an incredible night with St Andrews top music collective!

2

Top of the Scots

Sunday, March 10th Following this year’s Scottish A Cappella Championships, which are to be held in Edinburgh, the competition comes to St Andrews. The St Andrews A Cappella Society is excited to host a showcase of the best of Scottish A Cappella right here at home in Younger Hall! The Society invites you to come watch St Andrews A Capella groups duel it out and choose your own Top of the Scots!

a collaboration this semester. It was a success, so far! That’s great because if people like it, we’re happy,” Sagar said.

“We did a lot of planning for the first event on South Street. It was basically just a house party to get the brand out there and provide some value to people straight away; it was just a free house party aimed at getting as many people through the door and having a cool night. That was the first thing we did and that was Hip Hop predominantly, quite American Hip Hop I’d say, R&B, club rap, that kind of stuff,” Dominic added.

“But then we’re not limiting ourselves to that because the underlying thing to everything is that we just want to fill demand in the town and give people a good night. So whether that’s within Hip Hop, or whether that’s in other genres, we’re quite flexible.”

The desire to please, and to use their new platform to fill the gap they recognised in the town’s event lineup, was clearly of great importance to the pair. One major factor touched on was their goal of keeping their events as affordable, and therefore accessible, as possible, while also giving the talented DJs they work with the credit they deserve. “We’ve got a lot of DJs coming in who are now interested to work with the brand. Different events and different genres which they are more suited to than us and know a lot more about so can provide a better night for people,” Dominic said.

“Any artist and DJ that have done events with us, we want to make sure that they are really happy and are compensated properly for their time.

Which is why we still do need entry fees, to sustain it and get bigger and better events in the future. But any money that comes through the door, we just want to put it back into investing in the project and scaling it up. It’s a balancing act because on one hand you just want to give as much away as you can, give so much value, but then, on the other hand, you’ve got to respect the DJs and the value that they’re giving to people as well.

Always at the forefront of our minds is keeping it accessible as much as we can.”

You can follow VS Music’s journey on Facebook (@VersusMusicOfficial) or Instagram (@vsmusic2019), as they endeavour to disrupt the norm.

1

St Patrick’s Day

Friday, March 15th Its St Patrick’s Day in St Andrews!

While a Scottish town, the St Andrews Union is more than happy to celebrate their Irish neighbours culture. The theme is, as you could’ve guessed, green. That’s green pints, green pablos (good luck), green freebies, even a very green building and a Green Bop. If that wasn’t enough, this party features Irish themed karaoke, luck of the Irish prizes and a pop-up Guinness bar in Beacon Bar. A fun, very St Andrews way to kick off Spring Break.

Arts & Culture

thesaint-online.com/arts

Deputy Editors: Annabel Steele, Marianna Panteli,Taylor Tee , Milo Farragher-Hanks, Iona Murphy, Euan Notley, Thomas Hodson, Kait Shaw, Juliet Boobbyer

@saint_arts

arts@thesaint-online.com

Illustration: Maya Marie

Editor: Olivia Hendren

24

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Arts and culture

A podcast for everyone Euan Notley shares his thoughts on why podcasts are the future, and the Arts and Culture team pitch some of their favourites.

EUAN NOTLEY OLIVIA JACKSON SOPHIE GOODWIN ELLIE BUNCE OLIVIA HENDREN There have been some interesting developments in the podcasting world in recent months. In November late night TV host Conan O’Brien began his own series of podcast interviews, and in January national treasure David Tennant did the same. Then in February, the news broke that Spotify would be acquiring up-and-coming podcast company Gimlet Media for a staggering $230 million. Podcasts have gradually been growing in popularity since Apple first added them to iTunes in 2005, but this sudden interest from more mainstream players could be the beginning of podcasting’s rise to a place alongside streaming television as a creative medium for the digital age.

In many ways, podcasts embody everything exciting about broadcasting today. Like Netflix, there is never a question of fitting a programme into a half hour or hour time slot. Podcasts can range from a fifteen-minute update on politics to a discussion on the latest Star Wars instalment that ends up longer than the film itself.

Podcasts are the perfect illustration of how media is fragmenting – instead of a handful of radio and TV stations that must please everyone, we can all now watch or listen to exactly what we want, when we want.

The podcast is also perhaps the purest example of the democratic nature of digital media. All you need to start a podcast is a microphone. In the past YouTube has been looked to as the place for the aspiring creator to make their mark, but this era has come to an end. The past year has seen growing criticisms about YouTube’s apparent disregard for smaller YouTube channels and sole interest in advertising revenue. The problem stems from YouTube having a monopoly on online film-making, but no such monopoly exists in podcasts. There is competition in both the companies where creators can host their podcasts, and the apps with which consumers access them.

Advertisers work directly with podcasters, not through an immense corporate middleman.

The low budget nature of the podcast could even be argued as the reason for its growing popularity.

Listening to a small group of interesting people sit around a microphone creates an intimacy that gives listeners a deep connection to the hosts. Some podcasts have racked up hundreds of episodes over the years, and the secret to their success isn’t necessarily the content but the hosts who have worked diligently to build a loyal community of fans. These fans will even pay to come and see their favourite podcasts live. BBC’s QI spinoff podcast No Such Thing as

a Fish are currently on a UK tour including a night at the Hammersmith Apollo, and the London Podcast Festival is now an annual event.

But all this aside, the real reason I believe podcasts are the future is simply the audio format. Young people lead busy lives and have short attention spans, they don’t have time to sit still and watch something. Podcasts can be listened to on the way to class, at the gym, whilst cooking, before you go to sleep. Since coming to university, I now consume more podcasts than any other medium. Probably even more than all those books I apparently need to read for my degree.

So, since this might be the last chance to get into podcasts before it was cool, the Arts and Culture team have provided a selection of their top picks:

feminist wins. (OJ)

Table Manners Jessie Ware has released three albums in her career but more recently she has proven that her talents lie beyond the music studio. In 2017 Ware created Tables Manners with her mother, Lennie. In each episode, a different celebrity guest is invited round for dinner that has been cooked by Jessie and Lennie.

Although the podcast is food focused, with questions such as ‘what would be your death row meal?’ and ‘what are your worst table manners?’, the podcast is much more than a dis-

The Guilty Feminist For me, podcasts are something I’ve recently delved into. It’s such a fun and easy way to feel connected to both a national and international dialogue. One I’ve been binge-listening to on Spotify is ‘The Guilty Feminist.’ Hosted

by Deborah Frances-White, it is ultimately an exploration of what it means to be a 21st century feminist. FrancesWhite argues that we have the power to uphold our goals as feminists b u t also

Illu stra tion un::Ga bby derWo lf mine t h e m through ingrained hypocrisies. This sounds hard-going but in reality it is intensely witty and relatable.

Featuring a variety of comic guests, it catalogues a collection of shared experiences through comedy.

In highlighting the difficulties of creating a more representative and fair society, they show that more needs to change on a personal and societal level. In the latest episode, Bisha K. Ali emphasises that when we feel disempowered by a lack of momentum for change, we must remember that we all have the power to enact change in our own communities. Striving for inclusivity across the spheres, it also reveals the operation of intersectionality. It considers the creative arts and the power of women’s voices within the industry but also more widely the pursuit of social and political equality. Recent topics discussed include women in charge in film, the idea of domesticity, dealing with criticism, and celebrating

cussion of food. The guests on the podcast are so varied that each episode invites a different conversation that is often as humorous as it is interesting. Jessie’s guests have included the likes of Sadiq Khan, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Nigella Lawson and Alan Carr whom have all provided memorable moments: Ed Sheeran set a record of eating four servings of sausages, no other guest had gone for anything more than thirds.

Surprisingly, the guests aren’t the best thing about this podcast. As I listened to each episode from series to series, it was clear that Jessie and Lennie are the stars. The podcast could quite easily exist without the inclusion of guests as their bickering and discussion provides listeners with both hilarious and intriguing moments. It feels as if you have walked into the Ware’s family

home as you can feel the chemistry and the strong bond of the mother and daughter pairing. If you think of yourself as a bit of a foodie or just enjoy some good old conversation, then this is the podcast for you. (SG)

The Wooden Spoon In today’s society, the need to succeed - to go to a good university and to get a good job - are becoming ever more pressing concerns. While education has always been valued, it is now measured by exams that increasingly decide the life you will lead and the opportunities that will be available to you. As prices for university courses have risen and entry requirements have grown more stringent, students increasingly feel under pressure.

This is why I wanted to mention The Wooden Spoon, a podcast recently created by four students with YouTube channels.

The first podcast that they have released discusses rejection.

Through a discussion of their own experiences with rejection they explore how the definition of failure is subjective and consider the benefits and necessity of rejection for personal growth.

In their latest podcast, entitled ‘The

Pe r f e c t i o n i s t Generation’, they discuss the impact of social media on feelings of inadequacy and the negative impact that self-criticism can have. Ultimately, they stress the crucial need to find acceptance with imperfection. At universities like St Andrews, where the pressure to succeed generates stress and self-doubt, The Wooden Spoon is especially relevant. Most people will face rejection and feelings of inadequacy at some point, so it is important to accept and improve from our failures and understand that whilst not everything is perfect that is what makes life interesting. (EB)

The Beef and Dairy Network Podcast For those of you already into podcasts who are looking for something a little different, you can’t get

more different than this. Complete with its fake sponsor at the start of every episode, The Beef and Dairy Network Podcast is an ingeniously absurd parody of the podcast genre.

Billed as ‘the number one podcast for those involved or just interested in the production of beef animals and dairy herds,’ once a month comedian Benjamin Partridge investigates a different aspect of the insanely niche and totally made up world of British cattle farming.

A typical episode will have Partridge joined by another comedian, in character, for a semi-improvised interview. The two then compete to take the interview in the most ridiculous direction possible while playing it completely straight. The show’s rising popularity has allowed Partridge to experiment with the format, allowing for live shows, a growing cast of characters and best of all a three-part spoof of the Serial-style documentary which investigates the rise and fall of a deranged Welsh slaughterhouse owner. Feeling like a Monty Python sketch taken to its illogical conclusion, The Beef and Dairy Network Podcast is a must for any fan of innovative comedy. (EN)

Serial Season 1 Serial was actually the first podcast that I listened to, and I attribute it to my fascination for true crime documentaries and interest in the study of law. First released in 2014, Serial is an investigative journalism podcast hosted by Sarah Koenig. The story is told over 12 episodes and details an investigation in to the 1999 murder of an 18 year old Baltimore high school student names Hae Min Lee. Soon after, Lee’s ex-boyfriend, Adnan Masud Syed was charged with first degree murder and has been serving time in prison ever since. Koenig, a previous reporter for the New York Times and ABC News revisits this case nearly 15 years later after stumbling upon the story and realizing that it may be more than meets the eye. This gripping podcast draws the listener in through Keonig’s analysis as well as her recorded phone interviews with Syed in prison as well as with those who were close to the case in 1999. Since the release of Serial season 1 and due to Keonig’s investigation, Adnan Syed is now in the process of being granted a retrial. In addition, HBO has picked up the story and will be releasing a documentary about Lee’s murder and Syed’s original trial on 10 March. I would recommend this podcast for anyone going on a log road trip. The setting of a road trip seemed to be the perfect environment to ‘binge-listen’ to Serial because each episode is gripping and leaves you eager to uncover more details about the investigation. Koenig does not lead you to one conclusion, however presents the facts so that the listener can understand why she felt that the original investigation was not satisfactory to lead to a conviction.(OH)

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Arts and culture

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Rapture Bites Why the Byre Theatre’s new season of lunchtime one-act performances are the perfect midday break

Shakespeare – I know, predictable much – once said, that ‘all the world’s a stage’ it is easy to agree with such a declaration. Never have I been more thrilled, terrified or held in suspense than during my observations of recent seagull attacks on students’ lunches as they wander down Market Street.

Truly, it is real drama at its best.

Luckily, however, if one wishes to avoid the armada of birds by which our pleasant town continues to be besieged, then I highly recommend a trip to the Byre’s Rapture Bites. These short one-act plays, performed during lunchtime on several dates throughout the spring season, are the perfect cultural snack to enhance one’s free midday hour – and I can assure all, each performance is seagull-free!

This season’s productions showcase three of the most significant critically acclaimed writers of the past century – giving you the opportunity to explore a plethora of styles and themes all during the comfort of your lunchtime break. Each work, univer-

an intense narrative which, according to the Byre, “only those made of steel will be able to sit through…dryeyed”. Again, audience members left satisfied, educated and not at all late for an afternoon at work.

“Rapture

Theatre aims to enrich the lives of its audience

“

TOM HODSON Theatre Editor

sal in nature, with content which continues to resonate today, promises to entice, entertain and educate an audience all within the hour: the perfect starter for a theatre newbie or a satisfying dessert for regulars.

The first show of the programme went up on 15th February with a production of J.M. Barrie’s Twelve-Pound Look. This satirical show explores the complex relationship between men and women all through the lens of comedy. (with the characters of Peter Pan and Wendy both removed) Exploring themes of male chauvinism and egotism balanced by the inclusion of female solidarity, it is a one-act drama which continues to speak to modern audiences and, perhaps, would act as a valuable lesson to some of St Andrews’ Lost Boys. The feedback was wonderful, a strong start to the Byre’s unique venture.

On the 4th March Rapture Theatre returned with Terrence Rattigan’s The Browning Version, a play which follows Greek Classics teacher, Andrew Crocker Harris, who, despite being the focus of humiliation, receives resurrection by a simple act of kindness.

This human story, discovering the complex world of emotions through reflections and contemplations, is

The final course on this menu of lunchtime theatre will be Harold Pinter’s A Kind of Alaska, showing on 25th March. This dynamic drama follows Deborah, a middle-aged woman who has recently awoken from a coma and still possesses the

mind of her sixteen-year-old self. As a result, she is forced to confront the new world around her. Based on the neurologist Oliver Sacks’ memoir, this production looks set to be an intense and honest awakening for all – hopefully changing the audiences’ perception of a world which is constantly transforming.

Rapture Theatre, a company founded in 2000 and led by visionary Michael Emans, aims to ‘enrich the lives of its audiences through high quality touring productions’. Their determination and effort is clearly exhibited in their passionate performances. With an eclectic portfolio of productions, from Michael Frayn’s tensely suspenseful Democracy to Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tennessee Williams’ and his A Streetcar Named Desire, the cast’s energy and range is to be praised.

This season’s extensive programme demonstrates how Rapture wishes to introduce students to the many opportunities and education which theatre can offer. These three plays present students, of all subjects and degrees, with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of their field: for example, psychology students might benefit from Pinter’s ex-

ploration of maturity and the mind, whilst discovering the meaning of culture and what it is to be human – in short, all the productions promise powerful emotional responses in their own right.

The Byre Theatre must also be commended for its desire to increase the accessibility of art, somewhat removing the elitism and exclusivity for which theatre has a glaring reputation. With an all-inclusive setting and a vast scope of offers and experiences, the Byre is a hub of variety, putting on productions which are suitable for all backgrounds, schedules and experiences.

All plays begin at 1pm at the Byre Theatre and tickets only cost £10. As well as the production, for an extra £4.75 the Byre will include lunch: a chicken, steak, or vegetarian artisan pie with juice, tea, or coffee – all of which is available from the Byre Café Bar from 12pm to enjoy before the show, without the hassle of having to dodge St Andrews’ mad gulls. There is no better place to begin or return to drama than with these one-act performances. So, take a bite out of the diverse and sophisticated menu offered by the Byre this season – all in the space of a lunch hour!

Author talks: the hidden gem of St Andrews As an English Literature student, studying in a place of literary value was of great importance to me.

When I first started at St Andrews, I was worried that the bubble wouldn’t provide me with the same literary satisfaction Warwickshire, which is close enough to Stratford-upon-Avon for regular visits, did. But If you know where you’re looking, there are some wonderful literary gems in St Andrews and the surrounding area.

Something which really captured my attention is the vast amount of author talks available. The variety provides something for everyone who loves to read; from local authors to worldwide names, to free events which are virtually on our doorsteps as students.

There’s so much going on, it’s well worth looking into all the different author talks available.

I could just give you information on locations of author talks, but if you’ve never been to one you may be wondering what’s the point? There’s so much value you can gain from hearing an author speak about their work. It provides a fountain of understanding about the influences on their work and often is very inspiring.

I still remember the first author talk I ever went to. It was my ninth birthday and Anne Evans spoke about her new book The Beast. As an aspiring author, I was filled with joy to know that some people can make it in the writing world and to see the person behind the books I loved was mes-

“Big names in the literary world do book launches in toppings

“

IONA MURPHY Books Editor

merising. Twelve years later, I still feel the same about author talks.

I heard David Almond speak in St Andrew’s last year and his passion reignited that drive to write which can be lost as you grow up and lose the optimism of childhood.

Hearing Almond say that he too always wanted to be an author provided a wonderful feeling of unity. When he discussed how he, a boy from a small village, managed to make it as an writer it truly felt like anyone could make it if they tried. Hearing about rejections and hardship humanised the man behind the story. If you’ve ever wanted to be an author, hearing an author speak reignites that spark with-

in you and thrusts onto you the courage to try. Even if you have no interest in being an author, attending author talks reinstates the magic behind the craft of writing and leaves you with a new found respect for authors.

My favourite place to attend author talks in St Andrews is Toppings.

Toppings are brilliant for student discount priced tickets and you can often claim the ticket price off the book that the author is discussing at that particular event. The beauty of Toppings author talks is that there is something for everyone, regardless of your taste.

Something particularly exciting is the chef talks which involve food! In October Gill Mellor visited Toppings to discuss his latest cookery book and demonstrated some recipes for the audience to taste test.

If this sounds l i k e

Photo:Pexels Photo:Pexels

your kind of thing, Morgan McGlynn’s cheese making and testing on 27th March is one not to be missed.

Later in the year, other Chefs including Sabrina Ghayour and Jose Pizarro will appear at Toppings for talks on their recipes.

Big names in the literary world do book launches in Toppings. The one which piqued my interest is Ian McEwan’s launch of Machines Like Me on 24th April. McEwan is best known for Atonement and the launch of his new book is something to be excited about.

This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from a very successful author as well as potentially getting a nice personal signing from the man himself! Later in the year historian Alison Weir will b e doing a talk i n

Toppings, so if fiction isn’t your reading style, there’s no need to worry, Toppings has talks which cater to all!

From Politicians to Professors, NHS Midwives to Young Adult discussion groups, there really are so many exciting talks to attend.

The highlight of a place like Toppings, aside from its beautiful atmosphere, is the pride taken over national Scottish authors. Many of the talks in Toppings are made relevant to St Andrews, really giving a sense of pride in the literary merit of the town.

One to look out for is Ian Bradley discussing The Fife Pilgrim Way, a historical account of the route Monks took around West Fife. Getting a feel for the history of Fife should be incredibly powerful, making you think about who else has stood where you ‘re standing next time you’re on a stroll in the picturesque St Andrews and surrounding areas within Fife.

Waterstones in St Andrews and Edinburgh also do author events and there is information about everything you can attend on their website. If you’re interested in author talks, the best place to start is book shop websites or to check out University run events. There is so much literary merit in St Andrews waiting for you to uncover. Get inspired and appreciate local and global authors who take the time to visit St Andrews.

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Arts and culture

The music of St Andrews’ night life Music Editor Annabel Steele gives her thoughts on the music scene in St Andrews and suggests some event options for every type of music lover Annabel Steele Music Editor The Union music scene is terrible.

Absolutely horrendous. One minute, it’s 11 am and Skepta is blasting out of the speakers in Main Bar, where I came to drink my morning coffee in peace, and the next it’s 1 am and the DJ is refusing to play more than half a minute of an Ariana Grande song... at the Ariana Grande BOP. Cascada, with her two hit songs, was the biggest thing to happen in St Andrews since Patrick Hamilton was burnt at the stake, and in my three years at the University – during which, I’ll admit, I’ve spent enough time at the Union to pass fair judgement – I haven’t heard a single hip-hop/rap track which isn’t “Shut Up” by Stormzy.

Always keep your eyes peeled for Music is Love events But – thank the gods of music – it’s changing. When I first came to St Andrews, the only time I could party to good music was by hosting a party and designing the playlist myself.

I loved the Union, and I still do as a place to socialise, but dancing was rarely an option. However, for the first time I really am starting to feel spoilt for choice: we students are beginning to cultivate nightlife which revolves around decent music. There are tonnes of options, and over the course of this semester I’m going in-depth on some of the best music communities, but for now here’s an overview of the new and improving St Andrews after-dark music scene.

Nights out aren’t for everyone.

It’s more than possible to be an avid music lover and still be tucked up in bed at 10 pm on a Friday night. But for those who want to keep their evenings cosy and cute, a homemade playlist and a cup of tea isn’t the only option. “Music Is Love” is a fairly recent musical endeavour but the name is already known university-wide.

Alison Chan, the group’s social media manager, tells me, “There’s a demand for live gigs in St Andrews due to the non-existence of nightlife. By shining a spotlight on musicians, we hope to encourage the growth of St Andrews’ music scene.” Music Is Love events happen across the University, some-

times as stand-alone events like open mics and sometimes in collaboration with other creatives. Last semester, they provided a musical accompaniment to Capture Collective’s “Drink And Draw”, an absolutely gorgeous evening of sketching, socialising and listening to wonderful acoustic music. I have never felt so... zen. Always keep your eyes peeled for MIL events; they really are the best of the best when it comes to tracking down and showing off the best acoustic performers in St Andrews.

Of course, for a lot of people, the word “nightlife” isn’t synonymous with an evening of guitars, red wine and charcoal-covered fingertips.

Sometimes, the people want to party, and there are several groups willing to give the people what they want. Pretty much every St Andrews student has heard of Wax Collective, a group of music lovers who organise some of the best music-centric events this little town has to offer. I spoke to Ben Cross, one of Wax’s members, about their amazing popularity. “It’s definitely about playing the music.

When we started, Szentek and Asha weren’t around so we were the only real platform for underground electronic music in the town, and it was all about a night uniquely focused around the kind of music we wanted to hear being played. It’s the music that comes – the community developed around that.” As well as DJing at some Union events and putting on some incredible nights in Aikman’s cellar, a venue which has become synonymous with the group, Wax also put on “flash rooms” – house parties which combine their professional-level music output with the friendly intimacy of an informal venue.

“The parties built up a reputation for being safe spaces with a lack of inhibition”, Ben says about these parties. Look out for more coverage of Wax Collective in future issues of The Saint, but for now, get yourselves down to their next event on Sunday 31 March, which sees Glaswegian DJ Ludgate Squatter appear for his St Andrews debut.

On my quest to narrow down the four music-making groups I wanted to talk about in this article, I came across a community I hadn’t actually heard of before. A couple of people have since mentioned STIMS to me, so perhaps I just haven’t branched

out as much as a music lover should.

But regardless, I was lucky enough to have a chat with the creator, Tom Groves, about the motivations behind St Andrews Indie Music Society, and its potential in the future. “It was solely for sharing less-

Photo:Pexels

er-known songs with a few friends,” Tom says. “Then a few hundred people joined, and I realised that we’d created a whole new community of people - people who wanted a party.

So we had a party.” So, STIMS are another bunch of people seizing the ridiculous talent of the St Andrews student body and turning it into a party. But what makes them different from collectives like Wax, Asha and BPM, and movements like Music Is Love? “It’s live music with a focus on unsigned Scottish bands, and students who don’t play at every STAR or MIL event. It’s kind of like Wax Rooms but with guitars. That’s the dream.” I was a little confused at first – it sort of sounded like a strange mash-up of MIL’s goal of students playing live music, with Wax’s inclusivity and use of unusual or intimate venues. Basically, I wondered where STIMS would fit. But then Tom started talking to me about their “bandsplaying-at-pres’”events, and I got it.

“There aren’t many places willing to host bands in town, and most people listen to music at pres – so it just makes sense.” While I’ll be the first to say that my pre-drinks playlist is truly fantastic, I would be the first in line to a pres with live music. After all, we music lovers all like to reminisce about the “good old days when people made real music” – well, getting drunk accompanied by young, unsigned musicians making music with instruments is the way to do it, old-school.

There’s one genre, however, which is left out of discussions about the musical side of St Andrews nightlife, and of nightlife in general: classical. It’s an outcast in the world of music generally, but when it comes to talking about music as the basis of socialising, the classical world doesn’t even seem worth talking about. There are some obvious reasons for this: you can’t exactly dance to Beethoven’s 5th and logistics-wise... well, I’d love to see a full-size orchestra squeeze into the Aikman’s cellar.

However, slowly but surely, classical music is making a comeback. As the mutual exclusivity of being cool and being cultured melts away a little, the “Classical” playlists on Spotify are finally getting a little more traffic, and popular artists like Lana Del Rey (the absolute coolest), Florence and the Machine, and Lady Gaga all let classical music bleed into their own music and influence them.

I’m guilty of avoiding the classical music scene myself, so I decided to speak to the President of St Andrews Music Society, Fiona Croal, about the stigma surrounding the genre, and where it belongs in this university town. “I think at most schools it wasn’t seen as “cool” to play an in-

strument or sing and this probably continued into university. But over the past few years, I think it has definitely improved. Classic FM has more listeners than ever, and students at this university put on an endless number of performances each semester featuring classical music.” Whether you’re actively interested in classical music, or whether you’re just curious about this once-shunned musical genre which is making a long-deserved comeback, do keep an eye out for SAMS events as they showcase the best St Andrews has to offer in this field.

Slowly but surely, classical music is making a comeback So, almost every taste is catered for in St Andrews if you look hard enough. But let’s circle back to the problem which inspired all these talented students to branch out: the dreaded Union.

Ben Cross of Wax described it as “an uninspired, bureaucratic mess of a school disco” and honestly, I couldn’t have put it better myself. During my interviews, a lot of issues came up regarding funding: Alison at MIL introduced the problem to me and Tom Groves expanded on it, telling me that the union fail to fund events which don’t fit with the musical genres they champion. “Sure, there are people who want Disney and ABBA Bops, but there are also a lot of people who want a night where the DJ sticks to a less pop-driven style of music.

As the biggest venue in town, it should really be the Union’s responsibility to bring in bigger artists. We need fewer BOPs and balls, and more concerts and festivals.”

We may not be a classic tour destination for, well, literally any musicians at all. But if I’ve convinced one future St Andrean that the nightlife is “what you make it”, I’ve convinced a thousand. It’s my go-to line when justifying the pathetic club scene in this teeny tiny three-street bubble.

And the music scene is following suit.

It’s often due to a lack of something, somewhere, that the best creations in the world materialise. And while the Union might be letting us down gloriously, it’s giving us creatives the push we need to make amazing things for a student body who – in their own way, shape or form – just want a party.

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Arts and culture

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The Rav: Nordic cuisine with a Scottish twist Situated across from St Salvatore’s quad, and founded by two former students, the newest restaurant in St Andrews promises to add variety to the town’s dining scene OLIVIA HENDREN Arts and Culture Editor This past week I had the opportunity to taste a selection of dishes from The Räv ’s dinner menu. Located in what used to be The Beer Kitchen, this new edition to St Andrews’ dining scene offers a variety of Scandinavian cuisine.

THE PEOPLE: Founded by two recently married former students, Alex Kirkbride and Gala Netylko, the restaurant caters to students as well as locals with a new design and delicious cuisine. The head chefs are a brother and sister duo, Elina and Kimmo Makkonen, both with experience working in Michelin starred restaurants. Kimmo’s background in French cooking led him to work at The Green House, a two Michelin starred restaurant in Mayfair London. In addition, Elina perfected her culinary craft while working in Hedone, a one Michelin starred restaurant in Chiswick London.

THE ATMOSPHERE:

Alex and Gala’s attention to detail can be seen in the décor of the restaurant just as well as it can be in the carefully thought out menu. With an upbeat jazz influenced play-list and lighting installation inspired by the colours of the aurora Borealis, the atmosphere of the restaurant instantly transports you to a chic cocktail bar near the Arctic circle.

THE FOOD:

Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a good vegetable in my meals but based off of my borderline carnivorous diet, I never thought that I would be writing the words: ‘the vegan dish was my favourite.’ But alas, here we are. I think that my jaw almost hit the floor when I tasted my first bite of the cabbage roll, found on the small plates section of The Räv ’s dinner menu. For starters, one can not deny the detail that has gone in to the presentation of this dish. The deep green cabbage contrasts beautifully against the bright carrot and orange puree, all topped with sautéed wild mushrooms. But the centre of the cabbage roll is what surprised me the most. Encased in the savoy cabbage is

a flavourful chickpea and pearl barley combination. The barley creates a hearty element to the dish, (almost similar to the texture of a risotto) while the wild mushrooms, chickpeas and spices work in harmony to give the starter a grounded, earthy flavour.

I even had to double check the menu because I was so surprised that a vegan dish was able to replicate a flavour so similar to something that you would expect from a hearty but well balanced stew.

Gala explained that she wanted to provide vegetarian and vegan options that meat eaters and vegans would equally enjoy. She laughed as she told us that it was rare for Alex to reorder a vegan dish, however just like myself, he seems to have been swayed.

I challenge any regular meat eater to try this dish and not even briefly consider converting to veganism.

Now, enough about the cabbage roll, because the other dishes that we had the pleasure of tasting were undoubtedly delicious. We tried the steak tartar starter, flavoured slightly with Tabasco, lemon, shallots and parsley. While a classic and simple

dish, the flavours of the tartar blended perfectly.

The smoked venison was also just as impressive. It was incredibly tender for such a lean cut of meat, as venison can easily turn out dry. Paired with fresh blackberries, this would be the perfect choice for someone looking for a more filling option.

THE DRINKS: In addition to the food, the cocktails were a wonderful surprise, and paired well with the meal. Their cocktail list is long and rivals the other cocktail bars in St Andrews. The prices were also fair, ranging from 5 to 7.50 pounds per drink, and the selection offered a large assortment of alcohols and flavours. I tried one of their most popular, named the Revontulet, which was a light and refreshing drink, perfect for the start of our dinner. The vodka used in their cocktails is distilled in-house and many of their drinks reflect their Scandinavian roots with their use of dill and cloud-berries and Akvavit.

Based off of their Michelin star background and on trend décor, The Räv might feel like an intimidating

place to go for a casual lunch, however upon eating their myself, this idea could not be more wrong. The lunch menu is reasonably priced, with a wide variety of cold open-faced sandwiches in addition to smaller warm dishes. Their staff is incredibly friendly, making any diner feel welcome. In our meeting, Alex expressed his intention to soon offer take-out options as well as adding the Rav’s lunch menu on Deliveroo, joining a plethora of other restaurants in St Andrews that cater to busy students and professionals. However not all of their items will be available through the app, as Alex explained that they would not want to compromise the quality of dishes that would not fare well through the delivery process.

In conclusion, with a central location, a diverse assortment of cocktails and small sharing plates, The Rav would be perfect for a first date, a dinner with friends, or even a Saturday library break. I would recommend a meal at the Rav to anyone that wants to explore Scandinavian cuisine in a non-intimidating setting. Must Tries: The Cabbage Roll and the Revontulet.

Photos: The Rav

The Old Course launches caddie school for veterans The Old Course Hotel is delighted to launch a month-long Caddie School for former soldiers in partnership with St Andrews Legacy, a not for profit organisation that brings wounded soldiers to play golf in Scotland as part of their healing and development. The world’s first residential caddie school for former soldiers will be held at its golf course, The Duke’s, the only heathland course in St Andrews.

Throughout February 2019, six soldiers from Canada, USA and the UK will convene at The Duke’s for the first month-long session of the caddie school. Further sessions will take place throughout 2019, with dates coming soon.

Lessons will be led seven hours a day by Davy Gilchrist, former caddie master at Kingsbarns Golf Links and twice voted Caddie Master of The Year in Scotland.

will “Lessons be led seven

hours a day by Davy Gilchrist

“

The Old Course Hotel

David Scott, a master PGA professional, will complement Gilchrist’s lessons, demonstrating how to escape the perils of pot hole bunkers, remedy swing problems that produce wayward shots, and how to plot a strategic route around the golf course.

Helen McBride, General Manager at the Old Course Hotel commented: “We are delighted to play our part in contributing to such a fantastic cause,

in what is a life changing and perhaps a life-saving experience for veterans who are struggling to find their feet after serving their country.”

Situated in a prime location above St Andrews, the championship course at The Duke’s offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and sea. The Duke’s is highly regarded as one of the finest heathland championship courses in the British Isles and a mustplay course for any golfer.

Offering five separate tee positions at every hole, The Duke’s has the flexibility and challenge to appeal to golfers at every level. The venue was chosen to host the 2014 International European Amateur Championship, one of the four majors in the world of amateur golf.

Photo: The Old Course

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

Arts and culture

Taste of Asia: St Andrews’ biggest Asian food event TAYLOR TEE Food Editor St Andrews’ biggest Asian food event is just around the corner. Taste of Asia brings together nine Asian cultural societies together in preparing a feast of their respective local delicacies.

There you get the opportunity to try foods from all over Asia, all for the mere price of 10 pounds.

Last year I stumbled upon this event on my Facebook feed. When I read the description of the event, I knew it was just what I needed. It gets to this time of the semester where you start to feel the mechanism of your schedule kicking into full gear.

St Andrews starts to feel smaller, and events seem to feel more repetitive than ever. An event like this brings something new to the table – literally – with that being an introduction into new foods and new cultures. When I arrived, I was truly shocked by how many people were waiting outside the venue. It felt very similar to waiting outside the venue of a concert. I had never heard anything about this event before, and it was the very first time that it had been up and running.

This just came to show how much needed an event like this was for the

students of St Andrews, whether this event brought them feelings of nostalgia or feelings of curiosity. The event was run very smoothly. I was given a number of tickets, and these tickets were exchanged for dishes of my choice. I tried foods that I would never have gotten to try in St Andrews otherwise, foods I knew from growing up and foods I had never heard of. Although it was a tough competition, my favourite dish of the night was most definitely the Filipino-style spaghetti. It sounds strange at first, but it was incredibly flavourful and so much better than classic spaghetti in my opinion! Although I came into this event with the first time event jitters, I truly am so happy I went. Being in a room with so many different cultural societies really makes you appreciate how diverse St Andrews really is. Furthermore, it inspired me to seek out the recipes for these dishes!

I had the opportunity to interview three leading members behind the Taste of Asia event. I wanted to know what gave them the inspiration for

Photo:Pexels this event, and what goes on behind the scenes to make this event run so smoothly.

Firstly, an event of this scope involves a lot of planning. Preparations started last semester, where the Taste of Asia committee members worked

side by side the different Asian societies to plan things like logistics, foods and more. On the day of the event, the society members all come together to prepare dishes. It is through this preparation that these society members find great bonding time, all working towards presenting a famous authentic dish that represents a nation. Lastly, my biggest question to them lied in the inspiration for this event. What made them want to organize an event of this scope all of a sudden? As it turns out, the inspiration came from these society members desire to break the stigma that Asian societies are only open to Asian people. These members figured that the best way to do that was to introduce this message collectively through food. One thing that really stood out to me last year was that many people, me included, were not part of these societies. It felt like many of us came

into this event not knowing many people around them and not knowing what to expect. But it became clear very soon that this was a very friendly, welcoming environment. Many students who had never been to these societies’ events had come for the excitement of trying new things and celebrating different cultures.

If there is anything to take away from this article, it’s that Taste of Asia should be on your calendar for all you adventurous food lovers out there.

This year’s event will be bigger and better than last year. It has opened up to include more societies, which means more food! Furthermore, the Bubble Tea Society has also joined, which means there will be incredible drinks as well as foods to try. A great strategy is to go with a big group of friends. That way, you can all pick different dishes and share them. This will maximize your chances of trying all the dishes they have to offer! And if you really love some of the dishes, try recreating them at home as well!

If you want to know more about the dishes, the menu has been released on the Facebook page for you to see. Just remember, you don’t need to know anything about Asian food or Asian culture. If one thing is assured it is that you will be welcomed with open arms.

SPORT thesaint-online.com/sport

Editor: Harry Dean Deputy Editors: Charlotte Cohen, Lewis Frain, Daniel Ross, Jason Segall @saint_sport

sport@thesaint-online.com

A Birdseye View The Sport Editor’s Column Ever since she stormed onto the world stage as a teenager 10 years ago with a gold medal in the World Athletics Championships, Caster Semenya is a figure that has polarised opinion to an unmatched extent. Even considering the doping crisis that has dogged the sport in the intervening decade, the topic of the South African’s eligibility to compete in women’s races has been something that has attracted perhaps the most passionate opinions on both sides of the debate.

The facts of the situation read so: after winning her first world championship, she initially came under scrutiny for having certain masculine traits and underwent a sex verification test. Following this, she reached an agreement with the IAAF to be allowed to continue competing in the women’s competitions that she has largely dominated during the intervening years. Last year however the IAAF ruled that female athletes with unusually high testosterone levels would have to take medication to lower such levels, wit the narrow scope of disciplines the rule targeted (400, 800 and 1500 metres, the three races Semenya excels in) leading many to believe that it was introduced purely as a response to the South African’s dominance of the sport. Unsurprisingly, Semenya and her lawyers appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the decision promised by 26 March.

Looking further into the situation makes you realise just how divisive a topic this is, as well as how there are very valid arguments on both sides of this debate. Semenya’s rivals argue that simply her high levels of testosterone give her a clear unfair advantage over her rivals that should be ironed out. For her supporters though, the sentiment runs far deeper. She has become a “cause célèbre” in her South African homeland with many arguing that racism is at the core of this debate, that the euro-centric athletics hierarchy simply has an issue with a successful black athlete.

Others take the human rights avenue: Semenya can’t change who she is and forcing her to alter her genetics would be a blatant invasion of her privacy. A ruling against Semenya could also set back the rights of hyperandrogenist athletes and normal citizens for decades to come.

Whatever happens at the ruling however, what can’t be denied is that as with sport in general, there will be clear winners and clear losers. I for one am simply too torn on the matter to cede an obvious stance yet if you can be sure of anything it is that this appeal ruling will send shockwaves around the world of athletics for

many years to come.

Moving on from sporting debates of recent days that have provoked highly polarised opinions, there was, of course, another incident taking place recently in the footballing realm that attracted a far more united response from fans and pundits alike: Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s shocking refusal to be substituted in their Carabao Cup final matchup against Manchester City. For almost 120 minutes this contest was a largely drab encounter offering little entertainment for the neutral yet in the final, crazy seconds before penalty kicks ensued this unprecedented standoff between player and manager Maurizio Sarri guaranteed this game will not be forgotten in a long, long time. Indeed, the incident was so newsworthy as to almost render City’s eventual victory on penalties almost irrelevant. The overwhelming consensus was, however, that Kepa was entirely in the wrong; to disobey your manager so publicly is to go against some of the oldest, most respected values of the very game. It was hard to not to feel sorry for the Chelsea manager Sarri. The talk following the game should have been relating to his team’s radical improvement in attitude and commitment from their recent games, and how maybe this could’ve been a turning point in his currently uneasy spell at the club. As a result of this though, all anyone wanted to discuss was whether this clear undermining of his leadership will be the final nail in the coffin for his chances of keeping his job in west London.

Unfortunately, with player power being so pervasive in modern football, it is highly unlikely Kepa will receive the punishment such flagrant disdain for his seniors deserves. When all is said and done, Chelsea have invested too much in the ‘keeper, making him the highest paid shot-stopper in history, to just cast him aside. Getting rid of Sarri would however be a far more cost-effective way of handling affairs.

As sad as it would be to see such a disgraceful subversion of footballing norms go largely unchecked, it is sadly just the way of the modern game.

Turning back to St Andrean matters, this will be our last issue before the spring break. The holiday brings before it the final BUCS matches of the year for many sports, and thus for many the final time they will ever go out and represent their chosen club.

Such sporting stalwarts, undoubtedly deserve great praise for their efforts within the sporting aspect of this institution. For me, they are what make this university great and I hope they went out in appropriate fashion.

Photo: Maddie Tarr

Harry Dean Sport Editor

Saints succumb to plucky Strathclyde CHARLOTTE COHEN Deputy Sport Editor Despite the sunny weather that graced our coastal town this week, the performance for the Men’s First Basketball team was not quite so sunny. After a hard-fought battle, the boys just couldn’t quite come out on top, losing 53-69 to Strathclyde’s first team.

Within the first seven seconds of the match, Strathclyde had managed to go three points ahead. Following that up with a two-pointer all within the first minute of play – it was evident this was going to be a high scoring game. Two free throws for the Saints gave them the opportunity to catch up on Strathclyde’s early lead.

But with the first bouncing out and only the second going in they only managed to take away one point.

Strathclyde didn’t waste any time in moving back up to St Andrews’ end of the court and scoring a two-pointer, further increasing their lead. An attempt by the Saints was intercepted by Strathclyde who managed to make it back into the Saint’s semi-circle, managing to score another four points. Having not even played two minutes, the Saints were already down by 10 points.

A time-out was called and play began again with a Saints ball.

Possession was quickly regained by Strathclyde and managing to play the ball into space enabled them to score another two-pointer – 1-13. St Andrews’ try to return an attempt but their shot times out, being unable to claw back some crucial points at this early stage.

Another attempt from Strathclyde earns them another two points, seemingly able to play to St Andrews’ weakness and really expose their

empty space. Finally, the Saints managed to have two attempts against Strathclyde, the first scored effortlessly but the second was tipped away for a Strathclyde ball. Play moved back up the court and a foul saw the Saints regain play. Contact from Strathclyde and secured two free throws for the Saints. The first bounced out and the second met a similar fate – an opportunity for a crucial two points missed.

However, another shot from the boys saw them gain two points as the end of the first quarter approached. A shot and a rebound from the Saints, neither of which made the basket and play was intercepted by Strathclyde taking the ball up to the other end of the court, earning two free throws in the process. Both of which go in 6-18. It was clear this was an area of strength for the opposition. A last-second attempt from Strathclyde couldn’t quite make it in and the first quarter finished 11-23. A gap that would be difficult to close.

The second quarter revealed a much more attacking St Andrews, A two-pointer and two free throws, both scored, saw the points gap closing very early in the second quarter with the score at 15-32. Not for long however as Strathclyde storm back down the court and secure another two points but this didn’t phase the St Andrews boys who followed suit in scoring another two-pointer. A St Andrews free throw earned them another point, followed almost immediately by a second three-pointer from Strathclyde looking to ensure St Andrews wouldn’t catch up to them.

But again the boys responded quickly, back down to the other end of the court to earn another two points.

With just over two minutes to go until the halfway point of the game the score was sitting at 22-35. An initially high scoring quarter was slowing down dramatically with neither

team willing to let the other make baskets. The second quarter ended 25-36, a smaller gap than the first but again a tough one to close.

Points from both sides saw the score grow to 37-46. St Andrews being awarded possession saw Strathclyde unhappy with the referee but didn’t cause them any trouble as both St Andrews’ shots were defended. Play resumed with another two Strathclyde free throws, neither of which helped to increase their lead.

The Saints used this opportunity to put another two-pointer under their belt and prevent Strathclyde from expanding their lead.

With less than a minute of the third quarter to go the score was close at 4150. Points scored on both sides and the third quarter finished 43-51.

The final quarter began with two points for the Saints inside the first 15 seconds but with Strathclyde working hard to ensure they didn’t slip behind, they followed up with a two-pointer.

With not even two minutes played the score was already at 45-59 – this game was full of early points.

It seemed that St Andrews were losing confidence as Strathclyde’s lead increased to 45-63 with the five-minute mark approaching. Another four points for Strathclyde and it was uncertain if St Andrews would take any points in this quarter. Another timeout was called with just under two minutes to go with the score at 49-67, As play resumed, a two-pointer from St Andrews and from Strathclyde and the score was at 51-69, an imposing one from the visitors perspective.

Just over 30 seconds to play and the Saints manage to put another two-pointer past Strathclyde, but they could do no more as the final buzzer sounded and the game ended 53-69.

A tough game in a tough league but thankfully the boys are safe from relegation for the moment.

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7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

SPORT

Catching up with the Quidditch Club

Photo: Mark Hill

Photo: Guillermo Parra

Quidditch isn’t all about a reverence of the franchise from which it was invented, and as Deputy Sport Editor, Daniel Ross, discovers, they are now trying hard to be recognised as an entity independent from “Harry Potter”

DANIEL ROSS Deputy Sport Editor The Harry Potter book and film series have been subject to a number of offshoots over the years. Perhaps most recent is the divisive issue of the Harry Potter-themed shop on Market Street.

An obvious and growing descendant of the Harry Potter world is the wizard sport quidditch. The quidditch craze quickly reached St Andrews and St Andrews University was one of the first universities to have a quidditch side. Whilst quidditch is very much rooted in the tradition of Harry Potter, it is also evident that that sport has quickly grown its own, self-standing identity.

The St Andrews Quidditch Team, AKA the Snidgets (Snidget being a reference to the original snitch in Harry Potter), formed in 2012. Since its creation, the club has continued to grow. The 2018 recruitment being particularly successful, and strong turnouts were seen in the “give it a go sessions”. The club has almost doubled their numbers in comparison to the previous year. The team trains regularly twice a week, with a further number of optional sessions. The club compete regularly at tournaments across the UK, and this year finished fourth at the Scottish Cup. The club contains a broad spread of participants from freshers to postgraduates. Many players within the squad — Henry Williams, Natalie Smith, Guillermo Parra, and Tev Wallace — have been selected for the newly formed Scottish national team.

The sport itself is a complex mul-

ti-layered game. Every viewer of the first Harry Potter film will remember the complex, thrilling, and highly intense nature of quidditch, as Gryffindor stole victory from Slytherin. The muggle version of the game is no different. Quidditch combines aspects of netball (or basketball if from the other side of the pond), dodgeball, and capture the flag. As Vice Captain Henry Williams explained, you essentially see many individual games take place on one pitch, and that a quidditch game is “a lot to take in.” Scoring is similar to netball, three chasers on each team, passing the ball into one of the three opposing hoops. These hoops are protected by the opposing team’s goalkeeper. Dodgeball is seen through the way the two beaters in each team can throw a ball at players to eliminate them from play for a period of time. Finally, capture the flag is seen through the snitch being chased by each teams seeker.

The sport itself has also grown massively. It has spread across a number of continents including the USA. There is now a Quidditch Premier League. If you pardon the pun, this acts as the top flight of competitive quidditch in the UK. Each region of the UK has a team to represent them in the League. Further, a vast number of universities have teams to represent them. Quidditch is played from Southampton University to as far north as Aberdeen University.

There are currently over 50 university sides across the UK. Perhaps due to this growing domestic interest in Quidditch, is the rise of the newly formed Scottish National Team.

Quidditch is certainly a sport on the

rise.

This said, through speaking to Natalie Smith, a quidditch squad member, and Henry, the sport faces a sort of dilemma on how to evolve.

The dilemma is based around whether to reduce the sport’s association with Harry Potter. The association to the Harry Potter series is seen by some to be problematic. Henry admits that the sport’s link to the series is like marmite, either it attracts people or it turns people away. The idea of a sport generating from a fantasy book is a difficult concept for some to grasp. So some in the quidditch community have argued that a greater disassociation with the book series is necessary, in order to attract more players. Henry and Natalie both agree that Quidditch deserves to be thought of as more than just a by-product of a book series. The sport deserves to be seen as a unique past-time in its own right.

Already, the brief evolution of quidditch has seen some natural distancing from the series. Most obviously is that broomsticks (both magic-flying and domestic) are not used for matches. Further, the wearing of robes such as the Crimson ones worn

by Gryffindor are not sported anymore. These steps were perhaps important as it brought quidditch away from the stereotype of being purely a re-enactment of the wizard series.

Instead, traditional sports jerseys are worn like most other sports. PVC poles are used instead of broomsticks, as they are lighter and lack sharp bristles which present a health hazard.

This shows that quidditch has been altered to make a strong sports game, rather than to represent Harry Potter,

and so should be thought of as a sport in its own right.

Furthermore, the makeup of the St Andrews quidditch team is not what one might assume. Gone is the stereotype that all quidditch players are purely Harry Potter fanatics with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the wizarding world, who preach the gospel of Hogwarts. There are naturally Harry Potter fans in the club. That said, the Club has other members too.

Both Henry and Natalie explained that they were not Harry Potter fanatics. Neither joined the club because of a passion for Harry Potter, but instead because of the fact that quidditch is a unique and unorthodox sport.

Further, they loved the opening and laidback nature of the club. Clearly, the club maintains its support from the Harry Potter community but is slowly branching out with other types of members. The sport and its fans are so much more than just Harry Potter.

Yet at the same time, Henry and Natalie are quick to emphasise it is important to remember the club’s roots. The Club still continues to be associated with the Harry Potter Society. Further Henry says that any argument that the use of “brooms” should be removed is perhaps ill-conceived. Ultimately this fundamentally changes the nature of quidditch. The use of a “broom” makes the game all the more complex. A player has to run with it and try to catch a ball and thus acts as a substantial handicap and key challenge of the game. It is part of what makes quidditch the sport that it is. So it is one thing to change the connotation of quidditch but it would be quite another to change a fundamental principle of the game.

I would agree, all sports are created in their own unique way, and this legacy should be remembered. But the game’s creation is not the be all and end all of the sport. This is most obviously seen in rugby. It began with strange beginnings, Webb Ellis decided to pick up a football. Yet rugby has evolved to be a sport in its own right. Many may notice that the rugby World Cup is called the Webb Ellis Cup, and thus remembers the legacy of the game’s creation. On the other hand, few consider or critically analyse how the sport was created when they decide to begin playing. So why should quidditch not follow the same path?

Henry and Natalie emphasised the clubs openness and inclusivity. Both talked about how the club regularly goes to WaffleCo after training or pub nights at the Whey Pat. But, all sports clubs tend to have this kind of social scene. So what makes quidditch different?

Quidditch is one of the only mixed gender sports at St Andrews. Further, this club is the perfect club to discuss during LGBT History Month.

Quidditch is a sport noted to its openness to all genders, Henry stated “It is something the club prides itself on.” Some members are part of the LGBT community and all members are strong supporters of the LGBT community. The strong openness and inclusivity of the Snidgets is perhaps what makes this club all the more special! Quidditch is clearly a unique sport because of its origin, but it is far more than its origin. Its complex nature and openness is what makes it truly great and a very worthy club to get involved with.

7 March 2019 · thesaint-online.com

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Saints hold on for thrilling from an offside infringement was scored. This was reinforced by another try immediately after the kickoff, as, despite the best efforts of Parratt, her opposite number found her way through the defence to score in the corner. With the score now at 31-12 going into the final 20 minutes, the momentum had thoroughly shifted to the advantage of the away side, and while the deficit was still sizeable, complacency could easily have led a glimmer of hope for Glasgow to become a raging supernova.

Thankfully for the home side, complacency had been left in the changing room, as McGuinness stopped the rot following a fine kick in-behind, going over in the corner for her fifth try of the match. This enlivened the home defence and, despite one final try for their opponents, they saw the match to its conclusion at 36-17, holding off Glasgow with some valiant tackling to prevent any chance of a late comeback.

Both sides played some truly fantastic rugby over the course of the match, and in some ways, the scoreline does not give Glasgow full credit for their performance. Their scrum was extremely effective throughout, even taking the ball against the head on numerous occasions, and there was some fantastically powerful running among the backs.

The fact that this was nullified to the extent that the match appears as a drubbing on the scorecard is testament to the ruthless efficiency Saints showed in attack, with McGuinness’s five tries being the obvious standout, but line breaks from the two centres and support from the back three were crucial throughout to create those chances. And, despite the tries scored

by Glasgow, their defence was masterful. From the start, the visiting attack found themselves hitting a brick wall around the breakdown, and Parratt at full back was relentless in tracking down and flooring any runners who made it through the line. This was a fine performance to close a BUCS season in second place in the league, and they will look to take these successes into the upcoming sevens season that begins shortly.

Photo: ustarugbyw instagram

Looking out of the window as I am writing, the skies are leaden and the traditional Scottish mist has descended, but when St Andrews’ Women’s Rugby first XV played their final fixture of this year’s BUCS season it was as if spring had arrived for the late season fixture between the league leaders. Conditions could not be more perfect for attacking rugby, and the game would go on to show as much.

St Andrews went into the tie on the back of a fantastic season, with wins against Dundee and Aberdeen in the last two fixtures seeing them into second place in the BUCS league.

Glasgow went into the game as distant league leaders, unable to be caught, and were one of only two sides to have defeated St Andrews, and themselves were only defeated once previously in the season.

It was St Andrews who made the immediate impact, drawing an obstruction penalty shortly after kick off on a pristine R1, and the resulting line out saw inside centre Rihannon FoxRothwell channel Johnny May she found her way through the Glasgow defence for the first try of the match after just one minute of play. The conversion was a foregone conclusion from in front of the posts, and at 7-0 it was not long before the Saints’ backs again showed their running prowess as an offload from fly-half Siân McGuinness to outside centre Alexis Jenkins once again broke the visitors’ line, but a fumble in the following play led to the first scrum of the game in favour of Glasgow, which was well won in a scrum similar to how Theresa May would describe her 2015 government.

Indeed, the Glasgow scrum proved to be the more effective outfit throughout the game, but it was from a St Andrews scrum which brought the next score, as full back Seamus Parratt showed her pace, making 50 yards before offloads through McGuinness and winger Phoebe

Drew saw the ball held up on the line. McGuinness was the recipient from the scrum-five and sold the defender a fantastic dummy as she took the ball in for the home side’s second try. 10 minutes later, she would score again, this time from halfway as the Glasgow defence parted like a watermelon under the influence of an axe.

After 20 minutes of play, the score stood at 19-0 with St Andrews in complete control.

Glasgow’s line speed in defence was simply not quick enough to dampen the power of St Andrews’ runners, while their own attack was struggling to make any progress on the gain line. Their first effective attacking period came from the kickoff following Saints’ third try, as a knock on from the kick taker led to a scrum deep in the St Andrews 22. Now St Andrews showed their defensive prowess, holding the ball up short of the line and turning over possession at the breakdown. McGuinness kicked to touch on halfway, and the threat was weathered. Not long after, McGuinness found herself the recipient of a pass out of a maul deep in enemy territory, and once again forced her way over to complete her hattrick in the corner.

Glasgow showed some more attacking promise towards the end of the half, but Parratt was imperious in defence, forcing a knock on in the tackle on the visiting runner. On the stroke of halftime, McGuinness, as if providing a demonstration on running rugby, showed feet most often seen on the dancefloors of Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom to score under the posts from well within her own half. It was a dominant, ruthless half of rugby from the home side, and the scoreline of 31-0 left none doubting which side was in the ascendency.

Both sides made numerous changes at the break, but initially it seemed to make little difference, as runs from McGuinness and Parratt saw St Andrews threaten again in the corner, but the killer pass was ruled forward to spare the visitors any more embarrassment.

However, the Glasgow changes began to take, and a quick penalty

BUCS Nationals success for St Andrews’ finest Judo JOEY LOW/FRANCIS MILWARD Tensions were high on the morning of 15 February as 13 members of the Judo team set off on the long bus journey to Sheffield, to compete for our university in the BUCS national championships, due to a combination of anticipation for fighting, and hunger (as many had been cutting weight to make their weight categories for competing the next day).

Ultimately though, the team were extremely excited to get cracking for what promised to be a thrilling day of competition and put all their hard work into action.

11 competitors and two members of the coaching team made the lengthy journey, and although it was extremely close, everyone made their weight categories, ensuring that all their efforts were not in vain. Special mention must be made for one member who had to cut their hair to make it – such dedication! Saturday saw our Judoka fight in what were especially competitive individual competitions.

A number of our fighters had some 30 people in their categories, many of whom were from universities that support full-time Judo athletes and receive more support than we do.

Unfortunately, the sport still remains something of a minor venture in this hallowed institution. Despite this, our team put up an amazing performance – with several spectacular throws, holds, armlocks and strangles throughout the weekend as a whole ensuring that the mammoth trek down to south Yorkshire wasn’t worthless and all the team can be proud of at least part of their weekend, making their efforts over the whole year more than worthwhile.

A huge congratulations goes to our medal winners: Emilie Bone (winning gold in the women’s under 63kg category), Florence Sharp (winning bronze in the women’s under 63kg category) and Francis Millward (winning gold in the men’s under 60kg category). This was our best individual results in the past few years at BUCS, and we, as a club, are exceptionally

proud of everyone who competed regardless of whether or not they were successful in their matchups over the weekend.

“These were

our best BUCS individual results for the last few years

“

JASON SEGALL Deputy Sport Editor

Photo: Elizabeth Warren

final game triumph

Sunday featured the team events (three in a women’s team, and five in a men’s team).

Our women’s team put up a valiant show but were up against some formidable teams from universities with full-time Judo athletes. This ensured that for all their hard work on the day and in training it wasn’t quite to be for them.

Our men’s team, despite only having four out of the five fighters, putting them at an obvious disadvantage, made it to fifth place, losing out on the bronze medal because we were a man down and unfortunately had a walkover.

The weekend as a whole though was a complete whirlwind, involving a lot of blood, sweat, and a few tears.

Each and every one on the team gave the weekend their all, and we could not be more proud of their efforts.

We plan to hit BUCS even harder next year, so watch this space.

As always, if you are keen to learn more about the club and its ethos, whether you are a seasoned judo performer or a complete newcomer to the sport who just wants to learn more about its inner workings, and wants to to get involved, please do not at all hesitate to get in contact to learn more and see whether there is a place for you in our fantastic club!

Catching up with the Quidditch Club

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Photo: Chris Wilde

SAINTS SPORTS SCOREBOARD 27/2/19 Basketball: Womens 1sts 41-31 Glasgow 1sts Football: Mens 1sts 1-3 Aberdeen 1sts Hockey: Mens 1sts 3-3 Abertay 1sts Womens 1sts 4-1 Strathclyde 1sts Lacrosse: Mens 1sts 11-6 Glasgow 1sts Womens 1sts 6-7 Aberdeen 1sts Rugby: Mens 1sts 45-38 Edinburgh 2nds

Saints slip up to clinical Aberdeen LEWIS FRAIN Deputy Sport Editor Despite an improved second-half performance, St Andrews Women’s first team fell short to an Aberdeen side that took their chances well and frustrated the Saints throughout the game.

The Saints came into this game in great form: with three successive league victories in BUCS Scottish 1A, they sat second in the table. Unfortunately, Edinburgh University’s firsts had completed all their fixtures and secured the league title before Saints’ game at the Sports Centre took place. Edinburgh sit six points clear, boast a vastly superior goal difference, and have a better head-to-head record. A good season and the fight with Glasgow for the runners-up spot did provide Saints with the motivation to push for another victory, however.

The Saints’ penultimate home game of the season took place on an unusually sunny and warm February afternoon. The favourable conditions didn’t help Saints at the start of the game as Aberdeen took a shock early lead. An impressive and wavy run from Aberdeen’s number 10 gave them enough space to smash in a left-footed strike from the edge of the

box. This sensational run and finish meant St Andrews found themselves down a goal after only five minutes.

The Saints came into this game in great form Aberdeen looked in good shape at the start of this game and moved the ball well in search of a second.

However, Saints rallied and began working the wings with the right-hand side in particular, looking like the best way to get in behind the Aberdeen defence. After some increasing pressure, this would bring reward. Another pacey run on the right wing led to a ball across the box, finished well from close range and levelling the match.

This would prove the high-point of Saints’ first half as Aberdeen began to control proceedings.

Resolute in defence and winning the midfield battle, Aberdeen pushed to restore their lead. Eventually, they would, with a long ball over the top being met by a surging run from the Aberdeen striker who slotted past an onrushing Saints’ goalkeeper. Things nearly got worse towards the end of the half. A defensive mix-up meant the ball spilled through and Aberdeen looked through on goal, only for Saints’ centre back to get back and clear away the danger. With Aberdeen 2-1 to the good, the whistle blew for half-time.

When these teams last met with St Andrews away from home, the Saints ran out 6-2 winners. This game was proving a far harder challenge and Saints needed to start the second half strongly. Fortunately, they took the initiative of the game early on and pushed Aberdeen back. Again working the wings, St Andrews were able to carve out some half-chances.

Saints would keep the pressure up and may have had a shout for a penalty, after one of Aberdeen’s defenders looked like they handballed in the area. The referee insisted the ball hit her chest, much to the dismay of the St Andrews’ coaches and players on the sidelines.

Saints were undeterred however as they pushed in search of an equaliser. Eventually, their superiority since

the restart brought reward when Kate Little finished off well from a cut back.

Saints had deservedly levelled the game with just over 10 minutes left in the match.

This time however the Saints were unable to come back The Aberdeen players looked visibly frustrated at losing their lead for the second time in the match. Saints pushed to take the lead but Aberdeen defended firmly and prevented such a breakthrough.

Much of the last 10 minutes was tight. A hard and dipping free-kick

by Aberdeen was only denied by a fingertip save to put it over the bar.

Saints also had a couple of efforts comfortably saved by Aberdeen’s keeper. It would be Aberdeen who

struck though, this being the decisive effort. A great run from Aberdeen’s winger saw them cut inside and ride several tackles from the Saints defence before slotting in the winning goal. A good goal but one that put St Andrews behind once more. This time Saints were unable to come back, with only five minutes of normal time remaining.

A disappointing loss then for the Saints, particularly after animproved second-half performance. Aberdeen ran out victorious after a strong first half and some clinical finishing.

Saints do have one last game in the BUCS season, a big tie with Glasgow at the university sports centre. After this week, Glasgow leapfrogged St Andrews in the league so this crucial game will determine who will finish second to Edinburgh this season.The game takes place on the 13th March, and placed just prior to spring break represents the perfect chance to get down to the sports centre and cheer the girls on in their league finale.

Elsewhere it was a decisively mixed day for the Saints’ womens football teams; the 2nd XI were awarded a walkover after Dundee and Angus College were unable to field a side, keeping their 100% league record alive. The 3rds however suffered a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Glasgow 2nds.