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19 OCTOBER 2009 - Issue 181 www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
We got Zane!
Exclusive Interview
Page 15
DRAMA SOC PROP BLOCK By Laura Burnip News Editor
SHORELINE Theatre, Swansea’s student Drama society, is still trying to gain access to its store of props a year after being prevented access. A collection of props, built up over two decades, was put under lock and key after the University found dangerous asbestos particles where it was stored under the stage in the Taliesin Annex. And despite several attempts, the Drama Society committee say they are still trying to find out the fate of their invaluable store of props. Paul Cargeeg, President of Shoreline,
described events as he remembers. “Approximately 4-5 years ago there was a verbal agreement between the then president of Shoreline Theatre and the owners of the Taliesin Annexe allowing Shoreline to store props under the annexe stage as we had outgrown the Student Unions available storage space.” “Since then the society had been free to access the storage area as and when the building was unlocked. The numerous doors were simply on a catch.” However in November 2008 members of the society went to access the area and found the doors to be locked shut with “substantial
Drama continues for Shoreline Theatre
padlocks.” Initial enquiries to porters established the responsibility lay with estates, and the doors had been locked after a lecturer has complained about a damp smell coming from under the stage. Cargeeg however claims that contact with the estates department failed to resolve the issue. “The society had been informed that the entire storage area was contaminated with asbestos dust, and that for health and safety reasons access was now prohibited.” “After discussions within the societies committee, as well as with sabbatical officers James Houston and Andy Fay, it was decided to approach
Estates directly.” But several visits to the Estates office by Cargeeg and then President Rhianydd Taylor resulted either in being told to return at a later time date or that information concerning the situation would be emailed to the society. Shoreline asserts that several attempts were made to meet with Estates, culminating in a final visit where they were informed that Shoreline would contact the Waterfront if estates failed to email in a given period of two weeks. However this contact never occurred due to course commitments of committee members in their final terms.
Photo by James Snaith
As a result the issue remained unresolved over the summer and was not made aware to the current Societies and Services officer, Rachael Mattey. “Now we are aware of the issue we are planning to work very closely with estates and the drama society to solve the problem.” “We will look back and try to find out what went wrong.” “If anything was lost and the SU are to blame we will make sure compensation is paid to the society.” turn to page 3 for more
02 NEWS
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
Editorial Wow! It’s been two weeks already, that went fast! How’s everyone doing? I hope that you enjoyed and have now slightly recovered from the delights of Freshers’ fortnight and managed to make those first ever (or return) lectures at the University. The team has been working hard as usual up in the Waterfront towers to bring you this edition which is crammed with all your student news and sport, updates and opinions on the political party conferences, music and film reviews, an all new travel and advice section, a chance to win Rally tickets, an interview with Radio 1 DJ Greg James courtesy of Xtreme Radio and I’m sure I am forgetting something? Oh yeah! A Waterfront exclusive the legend that is ZANE LOWE! Could you ask for any more? Well ok, I did promise you a letters page and an updated website. Those are still on the way. A big thank you, well done and good job to our first time contributors at The Waterfront who have all worked hard to get stories to us this week. Our team is constantly growing so, as usual, if you would like to get involved in any area with your student paper or have a story for us to follow up on, contact details are at the bottom. Also a thank you to Zane Lowe, who despite a delay due to train and car trouble on the way to Swansea, playing an amazing gig in Oceana and it being almost 4am, still had time to talk to myself and two very eager (but slightly tipsy) reporters to bring you guys an interview that I hope you will enjoy Finally an apology to everyone about the last issue, some of you avid readers noticed that the font size was larger than normal. This has been rectified on our part. It wasn’t so much a mistake our end, but the fact that a number of mature students slipped The Waterfront some money in order to be able to read the paper with greater ease... Joking aside, the text size is back to normal this week so don’t get straining your eyes people. See you in two weeks. All the best James Snaith Editor editor@swansea-union.co.uk EDITORS: JAMES SNAITH SUB EDITORS: LIZ COOLEY, PETE GOLDING NEWS EDITORS: LAURA BURNIP DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR: COLLETTE BIRD
Outrage as students wait weeks for overdue loans By Laura Burnip News Editor
STUDENTS in Swansea are amongst those across the country who are yet to receive all or any of their student finance. According to official figures released last week, up to 175,000 students across Britain are still waiting for their maintenance loans. The original figure of 50,000 was released by the Student Loans Company on 17th September however it has recently been reported that this figure could be nearly three times that much, affecting just over one in six of the total one million students which applied for funding. SLC chief executive Ralph SeymourJackson assured students at the time that anyone who had applied for a loan mid-August would receive some of their loan before the start of term, and all of it by the end of October. But documents released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that sixteen percent of students who applied for funding have yet to receive a penny. Problems caused by the delays have been exacerbated by the fact that many students have been unable to find employment over the summer months. Therefore students have been forced to either eat into their savings or rely on handouts from their parents to tide them over.
NEWS TEAM: LAURA RICHARDS, JACK HEYS, BECCI GOULD, SARAH JAMES, LAURA ANTRAM, CALIE KEMPSON, EDY PARR
Other students have been able to make use of the interest free overdrafts and credit cards which banks advertise heavily with their student bank accounts. However these bring their own risks as failure to make repayments by a specified date can result in hefty bank charges, leaving students in even more trouble. Students should also be wary of ‘phishing’ emails from Student Loans Companies asking for security details. Katie Walsh, a first year student from London, is one of the 28% of freshers across Britain who have yet to receive any money from the SLC. “Luckily for me the delays haven’t affected me because I had money saved up before I came here.” “I have contacted the loan company and while they were helpful you can’t do anything over the phone and so sending out things takes time.” “Having spoken to them, it sounds like things should be resolved soon.” The Students’ Union do not have a confirmed figure on how many students are affected by the loans delay. However Education Officer Ross Gilman has played down the issue. “Despite the initial panic there have not been as many issues as we first thought there might have been.” He continued to say that while the SU is aware of some students who are still without their funding, financial support is available for those that need
it.
“We are still at hand for any students suffering from the delay.” Financial support is available from Student Services for those who are struggling, however it is only available to cover “basic living costs”. However as well as financial support for those who are in desperate need, the Money Advice and Support Office also provides advice for all students through the Money Doctor scheme. Andrea Mateo, manager of the Money Advice and Support Office, is keen to make students aware of the help on offer. “Basically we will provide support based on the student’s individual situation.” “There’s no set maximum figure for what we offer but we look at what funds they have available, when their application was made, and we also will make enquiries to the Student Loans Company about when the student should expect their loan.” “We’ve been seeing about 40 students a day and the majority of these have been about loan delays from Student Finance England.” However while funding is available to cover rent and food costs, many students may feel they have missed out on fully enjoying their Freshers’ Week. A lack of funds could have prevented students from attending Freshers’ events which are arguably an integral part of the university experience.
Back to Uni
POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: BRADLEY MORGAN SPORT EDITORS: THORE HAUGSTAD, RHYS WILLIAMS DEPUTY SPORT EDITOR: TIM HARRIS SPORTS TEAM: MICHELLE OWEN, BRADLEY MORGAN, CRAIG LAWTON, LUKE JAMES, JOSH REEVES CULTURE EDITOR: TOM MAYA CULTURE WRITERS: SARAH HILL, ALICE COPELLO, PAUL SEACOMBE, REBECCA COOPER, CAITLIN GWYNN, CHARLOTTE ELLIS, SOPHIE BAMBER, EMMA MESNEY MUSIC EDITOR: JAMES TAYLOR MUSIC WRITERS: BELLA WHATELY, SARRA GRUMMETT, SOPHIE EVANS, DALE WILLIAMS, SAM TATTAM, SAM LOVELESS, LUKE YOUNG FILM EDITOR: VICKY DOHERTY-BONE FILM REVIEWERS: LIANA THOMAS, NICK RUGGIERI, JESS ELVIN FEATURES: KELSEY RICHARDS AND PETE GOLDING CHIEF REPORTER: LUKE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN CURRY, MARK HOLMES, JAMES SNAITH ADVICE: SAMANTHA LOUISE WILLIAMS CAREERS: JAN BINNIE-GORDON
CARTOON ARTIST: MARTIN MAXELL
Cartoon By Martin Maxwell
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News 03
Pope to visit university?
Image Designed by Mark Holmes
By Luke James Chief Correspondent THE CATHOLIC Society and University chiefs have launched an audacious bid to bring Pope Benedict XVI to Swansea University. Both the official university chaplaincy and the Catholic Society have sent invitations to the Vatican in attempt to make Swansea University part of the Pope’s tour of England and Wales in 2010. The Pope last visited Wales in 1982 when he addressed a crowd of 150,000 people in Welsh, English and Latin at Pontcanna Fields in Cardiff. The Pope regularly visits universities around the world to give talks and former president of the Swansea University Catholic Society Simon Darvill is hopeful the pope might make Swansea part of his plans for his 2010 tour. “The Pope always makes a theology lecture at a university every time he
visits a country so it wouldn’t be totally unheard of for him to visit Swansea University,” he said. “The university chaplaincy has sent an invitation to the Pope for him to deliver a talk on the subject of his choice. “The Catholic Society has also sent an invitation to the Supreme High Pontiff of the Catholic Church (the Pope) to invite him to a lunch with (Swansea University) students during his visit. “We can only live in hope of a visit; the visit will be a momentous occasion for Catholics.” Eldon Phillips, Chaplain to the Llanelli Scarlets Rugby Club, remembers the Popes last visit to Wales and said he would be right behind any bid to bring the Pope to Swansea. “It would be wonderful if the leader of the Roman Catholic Church comes to
Swansea and it would be a wonderful opportunity for people to listen to the Pope,” he said. “I remember the previous Pope coming to Ninian Park in Cardiff, it was heavily publicised and Ninian Park was jam packed. The Pope is likely to stop in South Wales for a few days meeting Catholic leaders and giving talks before moving on to North Wales for a short time. And The Waterfront can reveal that Swansea University are likely to have competition, A Cardiff University spokesperson confirmed “it’s something we are looking into.”
Student robbed in Singleton park By Collette Bird Deputy News Editor A FEMALE student was robbed in Singleton Park on the evening of October 1st. The twenty year old was walking near the Brynmill Lane entrance to the park at 9.30 when she was accosted by three males sitting on a bench, one of whom was suspected to be armed. She was forced to empty her pockets before all three men ran off in direction of the university after snatching her silver ipod.
The victim was not physically injured. Students Union Welfare officer Lance Horsey is urging students to be aware of their own personal safety. “Try not to walk home alone. Safety week is this week and there will be more tips and advice for students about how to take care and look after yourself.” “If there are any concerns about the park or if you witness anything or anyone suspicious contact the Students Union or Police straight away”.
The three male suspects were described as: 1. Early 20’s, white, 5ft 3 – 5ins tall, medium build, wearing dark scarf and hat, with a hoodie and adidas
tracksuit trousers. 2. Early 20’s, white, 5ft 10/11ins tall, skinny and wearing dark coloured cap, trousers and hoodie with gloves. 3. Early 20’s, Black, 5ft 7 – 9ins tall, wearing dark clothing with a hat, scarf and white trainers. South Wales police are urging any witnesses or
anybody with information to get in touch with Swansea Central Police Station on 01792 450618. Alternatively, you can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Safety Week has now been postponed from this week. The new date is to be confirmed.
Continued from front page
Ian Macpherson, deputy director of estates and facilities management, responded to Shoreline’s claims. “During a maintenance visit to the Annexe, possibly following complaints of damp smells, small quantities of dust and debris were identified under the stage area.” “As precautionary measure, and in line with statutory requirements, the area was sealed pending further investigation by licensed asbestos analysts.” “The survey identified some ACMs (asbestos containing materials) and the professional advice was to dispose of all potentially contaminate material via the appropriate safe method of disposal.” “The Student Union were informed however as we do not have contact details for individual societies this would have been via the Sabbs and/or the Union Manager.” “Reference to Shoreline’s committee meeting of 18th November 2008 suggests that Shoreline were aware, at that time, of the issues.” “While it would have been possible to clean hard surfaced items to remove
any possible ACM contamination, any items with soft surfaces, even in part, would need to be disposed of.” “As far as I am able to determine all of the items were sent for disposal however my colleagues will check the area for confirmation.” “Senior Estates Services representatives meet with SU representatives on a regular basis, and any society/student have the opportunity to raise issues either via the Sabbs or directly.” “However it is not always possible to meet with individuals ‘on demand’ due to other commitment but individuals/ groups can make an appointment, via the Estates reception, to meet with an estates representative, or submit queries via email.” “Details of all Estates personnel, together with contact details, are on the estates web pages Swansea University - Estates” Discussions are ongoing about whether Shoreline will receive compensation for items lost as a result of the asbestos issue. The Waterfront will continue to follow the story and it will be covered in a later issue.
Muslim Students Concerned Over Racial Tensions By Luke James Cheif Correspondent STUDENTS’ Union Race Relations officer says Muslim students are confused and concerned about recent attempts to create ethnic tensions in Swansea. VRSA Mahaboob Basha, the Students’ Union Race Relations officer and Indian Muslim who is an active member of the University Mosque, told The Waterfront Muslims just don’t understand why they are being singled out. “Two weeks ago the Imam of the Mosque told the people about this protest and people are confused, they don’t know what this protest is for,” he said. “People are saying we are here to help the people, because mostly the people that settle here are doctors, dentist, somebody’s a lawyer, another a chief engineer and lecturer. “The people settling down here are highly skilled people and they are paying high taxes and so they’re wondering where this has come from because Swansea is a place where there are usually no problems. And the Muslim community in Swansea are wary that although the group responsible for recent protests, the Welsh Defence League (WDL) are a small minority, it could cause a larger percentage of local people to turn against them. “They (Muslims) think that in the future it is going to effect everyone and the relationship between the Welsh people and the non Welsh people is going to be effected because of this protest.” “It’s not going to be a big protest, somewhere round 100 people but I think if only ten people turned up for this protest it would have the same effect. “The police say they (Welsh Defence League) are just the cover for a political party who are just trying to create difficulties between the Welsh and the non Welsh people and create an argument, it’s serious.” Students’ Union President Luke Young says the Students’ Union will do all it can to oppose attacks on the Muslim community. “I think it’s important that the Students’ Union do as much as legally possible to show solidarity with the Muslim community and show Swansea has no place for racism or fascism,” said Young. “The Unite Against Fascism group is broad and takes in many different political parties and political opinions all united around the fact that fascism in society and no place in Swansea.”
04 NEWS
Alcohol Ad Ban could affect Uni bars By Liz Cooley Sub Editor
EXPERTS have called for a blanket ban on the advertising of alcohol across the UK. This follows the footsteps of Sweden, Australia and France, all of whom enforce heavy restrictions upon the industry. A full ban, which if it does come into force won’t be in place until 2011, would include all kinds of media including TV and radio. It would not only prohibit the direct advertising of specific products but also branded sponsorships and product advertising by clubs and University bars such as JC’s. This would mean advertising in sports, such as football, would go the same way as cigarettes and Formula 1 racing, with all alcohol brands and logos being pulled from shirts, merchandise and banners. The debate has been running for a number of years but more recent discussions have stemmed from the 2009 report ‘Under the Influence’ by the British Medical Association (BMA).
Currently alcohol advertising is overseen by the Office of Communications and the Advertising Standards Authority but according to the BMA stronger measures need to be taken. As outlined in their report, “Strong measures are required at a population level to eliminate the unhealthy cues and prompts that serve to encourage alcohol consumption.” “By far the most important of these is the marketing and promotion of alcohol.” While the BMA highlights serious potential health risks, especially to students and those who participate in the binge drinking culture, banning advertising may not be the answer. A section of the report states, “Among younger adults, there is also an increased tendency to consume alcohol at home prior to going out.” All students asked said that they drink at home before going out, as this saves on money. When asked if an alcohol ad ban was likely to affect their night out, a student who did not wish to be named replied,
By Laura Antram & Calie Kempson said, “I find the construction has been Reporter quite disruptive, especially when I am in WORK on the mall is drawing to a close after several months. The renovations taking place alongside the Taliesin building and the Faraday building have been running throughout the summer and have continued on into the new term, causing some a disruption to traffic through campus. Noise from the works has also disturbed lectures in the surrounding buildings. While the resurfacing work has moved from outside the library entrance, it could still pose a problem due to the noise and space restrictions. For many students, noise seems to be the main source of disruption. Second year student Chris Williams
the Faraday building. “I have been in seminars and found it quite difficult to hear what my tutor is saying, which makes discussion fairly difficult. It has been rather annoying, so hopefully it will be completed soon.” The work has taken up a fair amount of the mall, making space another issue concerning students. Tina Ruiz Roynon commented, “The work delays you a little, especially first thing in the morning when everyone is trying to make their way to their lectures.” “It’s always been busy, but now the area gets even more overcrowded than usual.” Tyrone Edwards agrees that space along the mall has become a problem. “It is annoying as there is a lot less
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
“Clubs could be sued” warns AU President By Laura Burnip News Editor
“No, I already know what I want to drink without advertisements.” “The only thing that would affect my choices would be if the prices increased.” Manager of JC’s, Mike Burns, told the Waterfront, “Some reports suggest that a ban on alcohol advertising could actually lead to an increase in consumption due to price wars breaking out between bars and clubs.” “A campaign educating students on the dangers of drinking to excess would perhaps be more effective than an outright ban.” This is a responsibilty the Students’ Union are aware of and well prepared for, with a safe drinking campaign already in the works. Luke Young, Student Union President, said, “The Students’ Union has a responsibility to promote the welfare of its members and does all it can to educate and make students aware of the dangers of excessive drinking, however responsibility must also lie with the individual.” The ban could have a real impact on the way in which events are run in
university towns and cities, however Luke assured students that the SU will adapt to whatever situation comes their way. “The ban would obviously have to be complied with by law, therefore the Students’ Union would do all it could to make its events bigger and better than ever.” “We work hard to ensure all our venues are safe and responsible environments for students to attend.” “Ultimately, the Students’ Union will learn to adapt.” JC’s and other Student Union bars rely more on the atmosphere and facilities they provide. “We are constantly trying to upgrade the environment for all our customers, but as ever are subject to financial constraints,” said Mike Burns. Despite any such constraints you’ll still find Diva’s open every weekend with a fully stocked bar, and for a more relaxing evening you’ll find all major games are shown and gaming machines and pool tables are also available at JC’s.
Construction work draws to a close space to get by and this makes it much more difficult to pass through as lots of people are always trying to squeeze through at the same time.” Despite the negativity of many students regarding the problems Students’ Union President Luke Young remains optimistic that the work will improve the University campus once completed. Luke described the renovation as a welcome change for the mall. “Although it takes time to do, students will definitely see the benefits of the new look.” He also added that the changes in progress will give disabled students better access along the campus. “I am looking forward to more developments.” While the issues of many students appear to be concerned with the
short-term disruptions, Deputy Director of the Library and Information Services, Steve Williams suggests students should focus on the long-term benefits. “The overall effect of having a new mall which is brighter, clearer and a space that is usable and pleasant to be in should be worth the discomfort we need to go through to get there.” “Once the new lighting and seating is in place it should be vastly improved from the previous bike-strewn area.” When asked how he feels about the project taking such a long time he stated that, “The work, unfortunately, would never fit into just vacation time.” “I know that Estates and the contractors have aimed to minimise disruption and made sure that it is kept away from revision/exam times wherever possible.”
AU PRESIDENT Siwan Lillicrap has warned sports clubs that members must have full AU membership or the clubs could potentially be sued. The issue has been highlighted after a recent incident in Netball which saw one girl airlifted from the scene after suffering a neck injury. The girl, who has made a full recovery, did not have full AU membership and therefore was not insured. “Every team was warned that without AU membership you can’t play, train or trial,” said Siwan. “When people sign up at Freshers’ Fayre they have to provide their AU number and sign an indemnity form which protects the club if that person gets injured.” Following the incident, the Netball club was issued with a disciplinary. However the problem is affecting many clubs across the AU as some people who have joined the AU are yet to collect their membership cards from the office. This makes it harder for clubs to check properly so it is easier for people to slip through the net. “The responsibility is with the captains.” “Even if everyone was checked at trials, they can’t just take someone’s word for it because the club could end up being sued.” The Netball club was contacted for comment by the Waterfront but was unavailable at the time of going to press. The AU is urging any students who have not yet completed their membership application to do so.
“Information is the currency of democracy” says SU THE Students’ Union has decided to amend the way in which information is sought and provided at Student General Meetings (SGMs). In order that fully informed and detailed answers may be provided by the Sabbatical Officers, written questions from students are now invited eight days in advance of the SGM. Questions should be submitted to the General Office on the second floor of Union House or emailed to administrator@swansea-union.co.uk. They will then be brought to the attention of the relevant Sabb and will be answered in full at the next SGM. Questions are invited for the next Student General Meeting on Thursday November 12th in Faraday A at 6pm. Questions and motions should be submitted by Midday on Wednesday November 4th.
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NEWS 05
BOG STANDARD! By Laura Richards News Reporter
Lib Dems to Rhodri MorganApologise to the Students! By Bradley Morgan Political Correspondent Strong words were exchanged in Cardiff as First Minister Rhodri Morgan was grilled on the issue of funding for higher education. At First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday October 6, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Kirsty Williams AM asked the Minister to explain how 5% cuts to universities will help Wales recover from recession. Mrs Williams defended students in Wales saying: “students will have to pay the price for Labour’s incompetence in managing the economy in London”. It was also brought up that student budgeting was promised to be funded properly- the key aspect of why fees were so high. She then asked the Minister to explain, “Why will you not keep the word that you gave to students in
Wales?” Mr Morgan stated that he has kept his word by promising that an additional £31 million will be given to the Higher Education sector in 2015-16. It is then expected that class sizes will fall, following the fall in birth rates, which will affect class viability levels, and will lead to mergers of Further Education and College Provisions. Mrs Williams then pressed the fact that the First Minister had told students that they would lose help on student tuition fees to bridge the funding gap between Welsh and English universities, and asked why his budget did not reflect that promise. The budget stated that higher education would have to meet an average efficiency gain of around 5%. Mrs Williams followed up her argument by saying: “You promised the students more, you’re giving them less! Will you apologise?” It was explained that all institutions
will need to reach efficiency targets in their own way, and was stated that no part of the Welsh public sector could be exempt from these targets. Asking students around the university what they thought of this turn of events, the majority stated that they were ‘disappointed’, ‘angry’, and some were ready to ‘give up on the Labour Party for good’. Swansea University Education Officer Ross Gillman commented that: “it’s ridiculous that welsh students could find themselves in a worse position when the current standard of their education is already extremely low. “Students already complain that they don’t see value in their education due to so many classes and exercises taking place outside lecture rooms.” He also said that: “It would be nice to know exactly how this £31 million is going to be spent and also how these 5% cuts are going to affect us at an institutional level.”
UNIVERSITY TOILETS have been a major concern for a number of years, yet for many students it seems no improvement has been made. Toilets are scattered everywhere around campus and are part and parcel of everyday life. Therefore you would expect them to be clean and fully equipped for necessary needs. However on certain occasions when entering University toilets there is minimal space, ventilation, toilet paper and a distinct lack of soap. Personal hygiene is almost impossible when there is no soap at the sink, especially at a time when Swine Flu and cleanliness are at the top of people’s agenda. The main problem seems to be over who is actually responsible for the maintenance of the toilets on campus; The University or the Students’ Union? Ian MacPherson, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities Management, revealed that “Estate Services, on behalf of the University, are responsible for the maintenance of all facilities. In the case of Student Union facilities such as JC’s and DV8, The Student Union, as the operator, are responsible to ensure there is adequate provision of facilities and services are adequately maintained. The University, via the Estates Dept., may act as a contractor to provide some of these services to Student Union however the responsibility for standards remains with Student Union.” This is then backed up by Stuart Rice, Student Union general manager, who commented that “both the Student Union and the University agree that
Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Edy Parr Guest Correspondent Breast Cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK and almost 46,000 new cases are diagnosed every year – that means that every eleven minutes someone is diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The good news is the number of women dying from breast cancer has fallen to less than 12,000 for the first time in forty years. Thanks to improved detection and the development of more effective treatments, more people are beating breast cancer than ever before and now 8 out of ten 10 breast cancer patients survive beyond five years. Those who are treated with surgery can now benefit from a new innovative breast reconstruction procedure that is less invasive than traditional surgery. Ten patients at Swansea’s Singleton Hospital are the first in Wales to benefit from the new procedure. As with many forms of cancer, early detection is crucial in maximizing the chances of successful treatment, and that’s where being ‘breast aware’ comes in. Nine out of 10 cases of breast cancer
the toilets in JC’s and Diva’s need to be improved and are working together on a solution. The students deserve to have better facilities, they need better facilities.” Prior to JC’s being converted into a bar, the toilets were solely for male use. However with the need for female toilets, the male toilets were split down the middle, leaving both genders toilets cramped and lacking the vital necessities. ‘Out of order’ signs are a regular occurrence in the female toilets, yet when asked about their toilet facilities JC’s refused to comment. Another problem apart from the actual cleanliness and maintenance of the toilets are the amount of toilets available for use. In Divas, a club with a six hundred person capacity, there are only 3 female toilets. As a result women are forced to queue to use the facilities or make the trip across to Fulton House. However not all toilets are being left in their current state. As well as the refurbishment to the front section of the Library, the toilets are also currently going under renovation. Work is being started on them at the moment and should hopefully be finished by the beginning of November. In the mean time the staff toilets have been opened up to students, and despite the fact that there are a limited amount of these to use, it is a consolation that the student’s toilets are finally being upgraded. Steve Williams of the Library and Information Services commented that they are “aware that the toilets have been an issue for a number of years and is now very happy that they have been able to put the money into refurbishing them and hopefully they will be appreciated by all.” are detected by women themselves, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your breasts. You can become familiar with your breast tissue by looking and feeling, in any way that is best for you (for example, in the bath, shower, when dressing). SUSU Women’s Officer Raegan Healy said that “it’s so important for women to get into the habit of checking their breasts for abnormalities on a regular basis – this advice also applies to men checking their testicles, one only has to think about the recent news regarding John Hartson”. The NHS Breast Screening Programme and Breast Cancer Care recommend this five-point code: 1.Know what’s normal for you. 2.Know what changes to look and feel for. 3.Look and feel. 4.Report any changes to your GP without delay. 5.Attend routine breast screening if you’re aged 50 or over. For more detailed information about how to be aware and check for changes visit: http://www.breastcancerawareness. com Further information can be obtained from Raegan Healy, SUSU Womens Officer - womensofficer@swanseaunion.co.uk Phone: 01792 295770.
News 07
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New alternative music night for University
Dylan’s on the up! By Sarah James News Reporter UPLANDS will be turned into a Dylan Thomas themed street party as the birthplace of the famous poet and writer prepares to celebrate his 95th birthday anniversary on the 27th of October. A series of events titled ‘Dylan Down the Ups’ will be held over three days, including a Guinness World record attempt, fete and a Dylan look alike challenge. The celebrations are also offering aspiring photographers and writers the chance to show off their talent and enter the ‘Dylan Down the Uplands challenge’ and short story competition. The residents and traders of Uplands have teamed together to host numerous events over the days and evenings, with stalls and street entertainers hoping to create a great party atmosphere. Over the three day celebrations there will be a chance to visit the house where
Dylan was born and lived until he was 23 years old. “5 Cwmdonkin Drive was the birthplace of Dylan Thomas and the place where he wrote over two thirds of his work, so it and the surrounding area - Cwmdonkin Park and the Uplands were a huge influence in his life” says organiser Anne Haden. A world record attempt will be made to gather the most people with the first name Dylan in one place. 1100 people are needed, so if you share your name with the influential writer, head along to the tennis courts in Cwmdonkin park to crack the Guinness World record. A Dylan look alike challenge is also being held at the Uplands Tavern, with plenty of live music to entertain entrants. The ‘Dylan Around the Ups’ walking trail gives fans of the Welsh writer a chance to visit his favourite local haunts,
By Jack Heyes News Reporter
such as
Cwmdonkin park, the local flea pit and his place of birth. The circular tour is also offering people the chance to hear readings of the writer’s work along the way. Fellow organiser Geoff Haden says “We want to show the man who lived in the Uplands and gathered so much of his inspiration from the surrounding area. These are places to which he constantly returned during his life.” The final day of festivities includes a fete with stalls, entertainers, street artists and a speaker’s corner allowing anyone the chance to say a few words about
the great poet or perform readings of Dylan’s work. Local poet Peter Thabit Jones and musician Terry Clarke will bring the ‘Dylan Down the Ups’ events to a close at The Chattery, with readings, music and the results of the photographic and short story competitions. The celebrations will take place from the 25th to the 27th of October. Proceeds from the events are going towards funding a bronze statue of Dylan Thomas as a young man, which will stand in Uplands square. For more information about events taking place, email info@dylandowntheups.com
Stressing mental health By Becci Gould News Reporter THE ALL WALES Mental Health Network has stated that financial fears, job prospects anxiety and academic pressures are the greatest stressors among young adults. Around one in twelve students request counseling for a mental health problem during their time at university; two thirds of these are women (Royal College of Psychiatrists report). Young adults are most likely to seek advice or support from a partner or friend (45%). However, nearly one third (31%) said they keep stress and anxiety to themselves (You-Gov Poll). World Mental Health Day, on the 10th October, aimed to encourage
open discussions of illnesses as well as promote investments in prevention and treatment services. Around Swansea events were held to promote mental health, including a relaxing walk along Swansea seafront down to Verdi’s Ice-Cream Parlour to Swansea’s annual Mental Health Information day at the Grand Theatre Arts Wing. Swansea University is running ‘Computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy’ courses, in conjunction with the NHS, which consists of four workshops delivered in a PC laboratory. The first course started on October 14th and second begins on November 11th,
running for four consecutive weeks. Rob Turner, Head of WellBeing- Research and Development, described CCBT as “a professionally designed course that can help anyone looking to deal with stress and/ or depression”. Another course offered to students is ‘Stress Pack’. The six week course includes a number of lectures and exercises on how to combat stress and depression. Rob Turner pointed out that mental health is often wrongly attached to a negative stigma: “I would like to see the Mental Health phrase used in a more general way.” Beneficially, he has seen level of stigma decrease over recent years. For more information on these
Self help courses call 01792 516590. In an effort to help mental health issues, Welfare Officer Lance Horsey has been working on Nightline, the University’s support and listening service. Swansea’s Nightline has recently joined with National Nightline, providing more money and advice on training for volunteers: “we are always looking for new volunteers...we need at least 30 minimum for even cover.” To find out further information or to help out email: welfaresofficer@swansea-union. co.uk.
Secret computer room could ease library frustration By Collette Bird
A NEW night in Diva’s has been established in reaction to growing awareness of the monotonous nature of student nightlife. This monthly event has been set up to cater for students who are seeking more of an ‘indie music’ themed night. Other events such as Monday night’s Oceana club or Wednesday night’s Play venue have failed to provide for this audience in the past. Even Sin City’s Face/Off night (which claims to accommodate for the alternative crowd) has been accused of conforming to the standard club play list. This new event, which takes place on a Tuesday, plans to remedy this with a democratic process of play list construction and live bands frequently appearing. ‘Riff Raff’ (the term coined to title this night) has already enjoyed success and an impressive guest list, including Gary Powell (formerly of the Libertines), up and coming Clement Marfo & The Front Line and recently on October 13th, Glastonbury players Soft Toy Emergency. The next event (planned for November 10th) is confirmed to play host to the Irish electronica group Two Door Cinema Club. A promoter for ‘Riff Raff’ told the Waterfront “We are really focusing on the live music thing as well as on the atmosphere you get in small venues.” This is of course something that is not being done by other student events. Another unique characteristic that ‘Riff Raff’ can boast is the discussions held online prior to each night, where anyone is free to contribute their thoughts on what they would like to hear played. If ‘Riff Raff’ receives enough success it is likely to be held more frequently and become a regular student night, helping Swansea University host a much more eclectic range of music events.
Deputy News Editor
Photo By John Curry
THE SU computer lab is one of campus’ best kept secrets and the universities most underused computer room. Both returning and new faces to Swansea will by now know the strains of finding available computer space in the library, and even if it is found, common complaints include noise, excessive heat and a poor selection of study break refreshments. However, “the secret computer room,” a term coined by the few that know of it, is a solution to these study woes. Located on the third floor of union house (one floor up from the Level 2 shop), the lab hosts thirty brand new desktops and a printer for use by any student during its opening times and its secluded location enables students to study free from distraction. Education Officer Ross Gilman is keen to ease student frustration by promoting the space: “The computer room is the ideal location for any
students struggling to find computers elsewhere, and the shop below is perfect for those who complain about the lack of food choice in the library.” Still polished from its summer redecoration and with new signage to lead the way, the secret is well and truly out, so grab your books and enjoy. Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8am – 6.45pm, Saturday: 9.30am-5.15pm, Sunday: 10.30am – 5.15pm.
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08 Opinion
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
Political Party Conference Review 2009 The Labour Party
Gordon Brown: “To stand, fight, win and serve”
At his party’s conference in Brighton, Prime Minister Gordon Brown made it clear that he feels his job is not finished. He began his speech to the party faithful by stating that the country will face the most difficult choice of a generation at the next election, between two directions for the country. Throughout his speech, he criticised the Conservative party for making the wrong choices on issues such as Northern Rock, employment and spending, and working with Europe; and that their only consistent pattern is that they are “consistently wrong.” He also made a guarantee to all young people of “millions of new opportunities from apprenticeships to internships, which will discover, coach, develop and showcase the wealth of aspiration and talent that exists in Britain.” These include hundreds of thousands of new jobs and internships being created through a number of partnerships, to encourage a whole new generation of young Britons to embrace ambition and British enterprise. For those who gain employment in the coming year, the legal national minimum wage, which was introduced by the Labour party when the came into power 12 years ago, will be increased every year for the next five years. Brown boasted “when the minimum wage rises this month it will be 60% higher than when it started.” Brown’s speech seemed to do some good, despite the loss of backing from The Sun newspaper. A national poll taken soon after the conference shows Labour had halved the Conservative’s lead in the polls from 16% to 7% (Con- 37%, Lab- 30%). Swansea University’s Labour Students spokesman, Simon Darvill, described the speech as “a fantastic rally cry for Labour party members” which saw the Prime Minister take the party back to its core by focusing on creating jobs and young people’s futures. Mr Darvill also stated that “Labour is the only party that fights for all the people in the country and has been the only party with clear direction during the global recession that we are currently in,” firmly believing that Labour will be able to overturn the Conservative’s lead in the polls before the general election scheduled for next year.
How to find out more
If you would like any more information about the Labour Party or their conference, visit www.labour.org.uk/annual_conference_2009, or search for Labour party conference 2009. Or, if you wish to join the University student group for the Labour Party, get in touch with the party’s spokesman, Simon Darvill via the Uni website.
The Liberal Democrates
NICK CLEGG: “Choose the Party that is different and wants change”
Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, told his party conference in Bournemouth that he wanted to change the pattern of Red-Blue politics, and that the Lib Dems are the only party that can bring real change in Britain. Speaking about the future, he said that he wanted to be “the first Prime Minister in my lifetime to be on the side of the weak against the powerful, on the side of freedom against conformity, on the side of human innovation against government decree.” Clegg also showed his sympathy for the young people of Britain, claiming that “young people are bearing too much of the burden of this recession”, with increasing amounts of debt for students and very few jobs available for school and university leavers, which can be dispiriting, and can also “destroy the self-confidence, perhaps for good.” He then went on to apologise to the young people saying, “I am sorry. I am sorry that you have been, already, let down so many times. I am sorry that you will spend your working lives burdened by the debts of a previous generation.” And he also promised that the Liberal Democrats will not fail the young people. He then laid out his new policy, which involves getting unemployed young people into work or training within 90 days of becoming unemployed, paying for 10,000 more university places and 50,000 more college places, and introducing a new “Paid Internship” scheme to give people real job experience. The Liberal Democrat Leader also criticised the Conservative Party, saying that they do have one belief; “That it’s their turn to govern. They think power should come easily. You get the sense from so many of them that they became Conservatives mostly because it looked like the simplest route to a job in the cabinet.” Swansea University’s Liberal Youth spokesman, Craig Matthews, believes that Clegg made a “good speech, and the policies he put forward would be very good for the country.” He also stated that he was “right to be optimistic about our prospects for the next general election, and to not talk about coalitions,” which if there is no majority in the election could become a hot topic of discussion. Asking around the university, many students were very impressed with the speech and the Liberal Democrat policies, and the majority of those students said that they would be more inclined to vote Liberal Democrats at the election next year.
How to find out more
If you would like any more information about the Liberal Democratic Party or their conference, visit http://www.libdems.org.uk/home.aspx, or search for Liberal Democrat conference 2009. Or, if you wish to join the University student group for the Liberal Democrat Party, get in touch with the party’s spokesman, Craig Matthews via the Uni website.
www.waterfront.co.uk
Opinion 09
Political Party Conference Review 2009 The Conservative Party With Bradley Morgan
David Cameron: “The People will make it happen!” Following the Labour Conference this week, Conservative Party leader David Cameron continued his war of words with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. Cameron attacked Brown on the issue of unemployment and debt, stating that Brown called the Tories new ‘Get Britain Working’ plan “Callous”, and replied that it was Labour who made the poorest poorer and let youth unemployment and inequality rise. He added “You have failed and it falls to us, the modern Conservative Party to fight for the poorest who you have let down.” Cameron also praised the National Health Service, saying that it isn’t perfect, but it is better than most systems, and that families owe so much to it. However, he added that it does have to change “because for many people, the service isn’t good enough.” He explained that the faults do lie with NHS staff, but that the main fault lies with the Labour party who “have tried to run the NHS like a machine.” Speaking about the upcoming general election, which will occur sometime next summer, Cameron explained that if the Conservatives win, there will be changes, and they will be tough. These include cutbacks on public spending, confronting Britain’s culture of irresponsibility, dealing with Labour’s Debt Crisis, and removing Labour’s big government bureaucracy, “ripping up its time-wasting, money-draining, responsibilitysapping nonsense.” He stressed that he knows that this process will not be easy and acknowledge that if he does becomes Prime Minister, that the party and he himself will be tested. But while there is a steep climb ahead he believes that he and the party are ready for that challenge, and that “The view from the summit will be worth it.” Finally, in a rallying call to the party members, he stated, “if we pull together, come together, work together - we will get through this together, and it’s not the government that will make it happen, but the people will make it happen.” Swansea University’s Conservative Students spokesman, Craig Lawton, felt that the Cameron’s speech “focused on the key issues that are required to put right the mess that Labour have caused; to get rid of targets from the police, schools, and the NHS, a well as having a government that is accountable.” On the subject of the next election, he believes that the Conservatives can “build on our lead going into the next general election, but this will take hard work and dedication.”
How to find out more
If you would like any more information about the Conservative Party or their conference, visit www.conservatives.com/.../Conference/Conference_2009.aspx, or search for Conservative party conference 2009. Or, if you wish to join the University student group for the Conservative Party, get in touch with the party’s spokesman, Craig Lawton via the Uni website.
Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales Serious Party or Pressure Group? The Welsh National party, Plaid Cymru met in Llandudno for their annual conference in mid September, where they laid out their hopes and plans for the next year, and reminisced on their time in caolition power with Labour in the Welsh Assembly. While in North Wales, the members of the party were quizzed on their policies and their chances of gaining more support and votes in the forthcoming elections next year. Besides the long-term goal of independence and a happy future for the Welsh language, what does Plaid really believe in? Party Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM took to the conference stage to answer that very question. He summed up his motivation for being in politics with a three-word sentence: “I Love Wales.” Is there a politician in the Welsh Assembly who does want students to have crippling debt? And now that you mention it, isn’t the Labour-Plaid Government in the Assembly ending the ban on top-up fees in Wales? As a handful of protestors outside the conference made clear proposals for the Assembly to gain new powers to make laws are not as ambitious as some had hoped. However, the tuition fees issue resulted in steam billowing from the ears of several senior figures. The party only has three of Wales’ 40 MP’s. Is there a serious chance that more will be boarding the train to Westminster after the general election next year? There is high excitement in many areas in Wales. And a visiting Scottish National Party speaker talked of a “Celtic bloc” formed with Plaid. If there is a hung parliament, Scottish and Welsh nationalists may find a hefty handful of bargaining chips fallen into their laps. Luke James, the Vice-Chair of Cymru X, Plaid Cymru’s youth movement, believes that there was a real buzz at the conference, and that there was a feeling of confidence and ambition. He firmly believes that “Plaid Cymru is the only real alternative to the London parties who will always prioritise the South of England and big business. Our message is, whatever your race, religeon or language if you live in Wales then Plaid Cymru is the party that will put you first. I would challenge people to think different, think Plaid.”
How to find out more
If you would like any more information about Plaid Cymru or their conference, visit www.plaidcymru.org, or visit Plaid Cymru conference 2009. Or, if you wish to join the University student group for Plaid Cymru, get in touch with the party’s spokesman, Luke James via the Uni website.
10 Features
Waterfront 181 - 19/10/09
Study India Programme Study India
Programme
Towards the end of last term I was going through my uni inbox routinely deleting things of no interest to me; gone were the invertations to sports courses, speaking Chinese as a foreign language classes and warnings of the dangers of walking through Singleton Park at night in your underwear. There was one email however that jumped out at me. Something called the “Study India Programme.” The programme involved 200 students from across the UK attending one of two placement programmes in either Delhi or Mumbai. Students would attend lectures on the Indian stock markets, the development of India as a whole and Hindi language lessons, as well as spending a week on placement with a charitable organisation during the stay. The duration of the programme allowed three weeks worth of paid accommodation at a hotel in Mumbai or youth hostel in Delhi, allowing a good opportunity to go travelling either before or after the programme had ended. Unsure which programme to apply for, as each only had room for 100 participants, I joined a Facebook group containing other hopeful applicants. The group of people applying for the Mumbai programme recommended reading Shantaram by David Greggory Roberts before leaving, so I quickly brought a copy. The romantically dangerous image of Mumbai portrayed by Roberts fuelled alongside the Award Winning Slumdog Millionaire finally influenced my decision to apply to the Mumbai programme. I was the only student from Swansea University and I felt this was largely due to poor advertisement. It was only by chance that I opened the email as a routine check and, of all the things I have done so far, I am so glad I did. Mumbai is the second most populous city in the world and it’s hard to believe that, amongst the crazy traffic and in such a diverse, city these people are probably the friendliest nation I have ever encountered. As my plane began to fly in low over Mumbai the first thing that I noticed were the miles of small shanty slums. A thin
metal fence separated the airport from thousands of people’s make-shift homes. Next was the smell, a mixture of dirt, humidity, poverty and spices. It was the strangest thing to be able to wander through a city that seemed to exist on a number of simultaneous platforms of worlds, each ignoring the other. I found myself walking through streets covered in dirt and grime; where street dwellers would lie starving under lines of tar-poling for shelter, if they were lucky, from the dangerous monsoons; to find a Mercedes Benz brushing my hips as it cruised through the poverty lines. This was less common in the slums; areas that seems to exist in a world entirely of their own. Rich people apparently did not go near them. On one occasion I ventured into the working Industry of the biggest slum in Mumbai, Dharavi, with one of the students from the Indian College. I had to hold my nose the entire time, the stench of dead flesh in the stifling heat and the smell of thousands of bodies living in such tight quarters brought tears to my eyes and brought my throat to retch. Hundreds of men and women were stacked on top of each other, in the smallest of spaces, sweating away at sewing machines for hours at a time. I was informed that this is where the majority of the world’s imported cheap leather derived from. The student who was accompanying me had earlier informed me that she had seventeen servants at home, and at a point where I suddenly felt scared I wouldn’t be able to exit the slum (very few taxi’s passed through, and even fewer would stop) I asked her what we were going to do if no one stopped for us. She told me she wasn’t sure as she had never been to a slum before and was forbidden by her family to do so. The rich poor divide was kept in toe in a number of cases by simple ignorance.
Feature Report by Kelsey Richards
Teaching Satme how to read and write in English
I spent my charity week in placement with the Mumbai Mobile Crèches. Whenever a new skyscraper or other significant buildings needs construction, hundreds of people are hired in. These people are allowed a certain amount of space in which they can build their slum, their homes, which are considered legal slums. Towards the outskirts of these slums more people will set up illegal slums which are torn down by the police every few months and then rebuilt from the rubble by the people living there. The organisation was set up because while parents were earning money on these construction sites, on many occasions the children were just run over by trucks or killed in construction site accidents. The Mobile Crèches allow the children somewhere to go to be safe and to learn, so that hopefully they can better their future and not succumb to the same fate as their parents. My stomach sank a little lower every day I walked through the construction site to get to the tin structure I was placed in, every morning as I walked past a black plaque stating “Award Winning Building Under Construction” as I looked up at the people heaving cement blocks up bamboo scaffolding to create the parking block for limousines. Although the children spoke little English, their maths skills were far more advanced compared to British schools. They were extremely enthusiastic and I was surprised by their ability to sculpt, draw and their handwriting was flawless, which I found extremely impressive given the complex structure of Hindi writing. Mumbai is widely known as the “city of dreams.” People flock from all over India in hopes of becoming a Bollywood movie star, in hope of a better life and a future, when the likelihood of this was heart-wrenchingly dubious. Taxi drivers would serenade me in their cabs, and many young girls would be caught up in lives of drugs and prostitution. It was a strange city, with an incredible allure, probably for all the wrong reasons. Yet still, I cannot wait to go back to the vibrant city, to a culture so rich, with such friendly and utterly interesting people. It would certainly appear that the power of Mumbai reaches further than I once thought.
Fun and Games: Kelsey taking part with one of her classes in Mumbai
FRONT
Packed with music,film, food and ZANE It’s your essential culture guide
EXCLUSIVE ZANE LOWE INTERVIEW - Page 15
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WATERFRONT 181-19/10/09
Music: Oxjam Festival: Making Music make a difference
30 Bands, 6 Venues, 1 Day! “The biggest music festival the UK has ever seen. Around 40,000 musicians and an audience of 300,000 took part in almost 3,000 events nationwide with the aim of raising £1 million for Oxfam.” This is how MTV described last year’s event, and the organizers have even more ambitious aims this time. The concept has been reinvented: entirely organized and run by volunteers, Oxjam aims at directing the spotlights at local bands, giving them the chance to perform in front of the generous audience that always accompanies the festival’s events. After the amazing success in London during the “Celeb launch week”, when Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim and many others performed in a Oxfam secondhand record shop, Oxjam arrives in
Swansea and does so in style. On the 25th of October Swansea will be swarming with music fans from all over Wales, as over 30 bands and DJs will be performing at six different venues in town to raise money for Oxfam – and make music matter. From Indie and Rock to Punk and Drum ‘n’ Bass, the event is sure to suit everyone. The headliners will be the DJ Cookie Monsta, the band Kiddo 360, (winners of the Vodafone Live & Unsigned awards) and Hurricane Joe, formerly The Blims (who had their launch gig in September.) It all begins at 2pm in Moloko, where everyone’s invited to exchange their tickets for wristbands that will grant free entry to all the other venues. Here there will be an acoustic session that will last until 5pm. After that it’s Retro with Dan Warlo,
Shadow Theory and many others who’ll be playing Rock till 8pm. And then you get to choose; for Indie lovers it’s the Vault at 7:30pm, where Ragged School and well-known local band, Dufraine, will be performing for over three hours of Indie nonstop, Or if you’re in the mood for something else there’s the battle of the bands and Hurricane Joe in Walkabout, 8pm to 11:30pm. And finally, at 11pm, if you fancy some Rock then it’s ‘the Big Gig’ at Sin City with Kiddo 360, but for Drum ‘n’ Bass fans Sigma is the place to be, with DJ sets headlined by Cookie Monsta. “I think it’s awesome,” says Jof from Kiddo 360 “We’re more than happy to perform for Oxjam, it’s a great cause and I’m sure the atmosphere will be terrific. I know many of the bands that are going to play and let me tell
Music: Abram Wilson interview Paintings’ theme is partly taken from pictorial images based on my early life. From the age of five my main interest apart from music was drawing and painting – visual imagery, but when I reached my teens jazz took over.”
New Orleans born jazz trumpeter, Abram Wilson, has been thrilling concert audiences around the globe with his dynamic horn playing and soulful vocals. As both solo artist and occasional member of Jazz Jamaica, Tomorrows Warriors, and Gary Crosby’s Nu Troop, Abram has won
praise from fans and music critics alike for his song writing and musicianship. ‘Life Paintings,’ Wilson’s new album, draws on the blues and gospel heritage of the Mississippi Delta and takes its theme from family photographs that chronicle the jazzman’s early years. Abram told the Waterfront “Life
Abram described his main musical influences and a very special inspiration: “My musical influences change a lot depending on who I am listening to. At the moment it is Duke Ellington and the great Elvin Jones, drummer with John Coltrane’s quartet whose timing and phasing I admire. My music also reflects my Afro-American heritage and New Orleans roots - that’s a given. As a band leader I look for inspiration to Obama and try to think how he would deal with certain situations. My free download track ‘Obama’ is a tribute to America’s 1st Black president and the values he represents like pride, family and personal achievement, not just in the USA, but around the world - that’s why I wrote the tune always ascending raising expectations. Americans have come a long way, but we still have far to go.”
you there’s going to be loads of good music.” I had a chat with one of the volunteers that made this possible, Richard McMahon, Oxjam regional manager, and found out what motivated him to organize the event. “When I was studying at University here in Swansea I felt there wasn’t enough live music out there, so when I was given the chance to make it happen myself I couldn’t refuse” he said. So, apart from having loads of fun and supporting a good cause, this is also an excellent opportunity to get to know Swansea’s music scene. And what do you expect the atmosphere to be like on the big day? “I would like it to be like a massive pub crawl (we’re expecting 1400 people to show up!), just with music being the main attraction. I’m also expecting
quite a few blue faces!” No, he hasn’t lost it. As part of Oxfam’s most recent campaign, “Demand action until you’re blue in the face,” volunteers, artists, celebrities and music lovers all over the UK are painting their faces blue to protest against climate change. So don’t be shy and get your face painted by one of the volunteers, there will be a stand in every venue.
Abram Wilson’s scorching trumpet solos with their hints of Dixieland have graced many a legendary live performance both at Taliesin and the world famous Brecon jazz festival. It was at Brecon jazz that Wilson’s ‘Roll Jordan Roll’ with the Kingdom Gospel Choir received its Welsh premier and was greeted with a spontaneous standing ovation. ‘Roll Jordan Roll’ was conceived as a tribute to the Fisk Jubilee Singers a group of freed slaves who toured the British Isles as gospel choir in the 1870’s playing to packed houses and receiving huge critical and popular acclaim. “I am always interested in collaborative ventures with other artists, but for the moment am concentrating on live work with the Quartet. My work with the Kingdom Gospel Choir on ‘Roll Jordan Roll’ was very special and immensely fulfilling. Future plans include more solo work and collaborative projects “At the end of the current tour I will be taking up a six month weekend residency with Tomorrows Warriors in the RFH on London’s South Bank.” So what kind of gig can we look forward to at Swansea? “Audiences at Taliesin can expect to hear hard-core trumpet playing, with intense solos. The
sound is passionate and emotional with exquisite support from my band Peter Edwards on piano, Karl-Rashid Abel on Bass, and Graham Godfrey drums. Busy schedules permitting, music students can learn the secrets of Abram’s instrumental virtuosity; “There are plans for a workshop at the Taliesin where participants can gain an introduction to jazz and improvisation techniques. The course is aimed principally at those who have 2-3 years experience at intermediate stage who want to gain experience of improvising at a higher level.”
hole that Edward has left in her heart. Life begins to pick back up for Bella, with her school friends and Jacob all becoming a part of her life again. That is until Jacob starts behaving strangely, avoiding Bella to hang out with people he once referred to as a “cult.” Once Bella starts poking around for answers, she discovers Jacob’s secret… and soon realises that vampires aren’t the only dangerous creatures in town…
Another brilliantly-written, un-putdown-able novel from Meyer, she bridges the gap between the real and the fantastical expertly, and has made this reader keen to dash to Waterstone’s to buy the next two in the series, ‘Eclipse’ and ‘Breaking Dawn.’ Will the film live up to the book? Watch this space…
Books: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer With the highly anticipated sequel to the hit film “Twilight” due out next month, I figured now would be a good time to sit down and actually read “New Moon”. The novel picks up where the last one finishes off, in Forks, Washington, with mortal Bella Swan and vampire Edward Cullen blissfully in love. At least until Bella’s birthday party, where a moment of clumsiness nearly results in her being killed by
Edward’s blood-hungry brother, Jasper. Deciding that Bella is not safe surrounded by a group of vampires, Edward and his family move – leaving no trace of any of them behind. Cue Bella’s world ending as she knows it. The next few months show Bella’s total heartbreak over Edward, but also reintroduce us to Jacob Black. Jacob quickly becomes Bella’s best friend, and slowly begins to heal the
Summing up: good music, good cause, no excuse. Tickets are only £6 for the whole day, and you can get them at www.wegottickets.com, Walkabout, the Oxfam bookshop in Castle Street, or buy them on the door. See you there! Alice Copello
The Abram Wilson Quartet, Taliesin Saturday 31st October Taliesin box office 01792 60 20 60 (student discount available with valid NUS card). www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
Paul Seacombe
Rebecca Cooper
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
Film: Interview with Marc Price on ‘Colin’ so we just made sure that we had one camera, an editor and a location that would be quiet enough to do this. Also, because the film was shot in 16mm, we didn’t need to worry about film stock and if anything went wrong we could just go again. The only time we had to worry was when we needed to get the shot done a lot faster. I’d say, “Ok, we need to do this faster” and Alistair, who plays Colin, would shuffle a lot faster! The film was shot over eighteen months so that figure is just an estimate, but the press really picked up on it so it seemed like a good platform to use to promote the film. Q: Apart from Romero, are there any other filmmakers who influence your work?
Sarah Hill speaks with Marc Price, the director of Colin, about the £45 budget, advice for wannabe film makers and his University experience.
and put it on my show reel. It was kind of a shame that we couldn’t make an original feature film about zombies at the time but then the idea for Colin came about a few years later.
Q: Where did the idea for Colin come from?
Q: The budget for Colin was £45. Was it particularly challenging to make a feature film with such a low budget?
A: The idea kind of came from Romero movies. I just called a friend and asked if he wanted to come down for the weekend and create some zombies to make a short film with action sequences so that I could make a short trailer and
A: Well, when we started we didn’t even have a budget. We just wanted to use what we had available to tell the story and just went for it. With Colin we knew that it would be difficult to film a zombie movie in broad daylight,
A: I’ve really got a lot of respect for filmmakers who have just made their own films and have found a way to tell the stories that they wanted to tell. One film that influenced me was Tony Hiles’ documentary about the Peter Jackson film, Bad Taste. I was about fourteen when I first saw that film and it made me realise that you could just make a movie with your friends but I didn’t have any of the technical ability or access to the equipment that Peter Jackson had. Then I read an interview with Shane Meadows around the time A Room For Romeo Brass was released. It was kind of a life-changing moment for me because it made me realise that
anyone who can get hold of a camcorder can make a film, so I just started filming with friends and editing sequences together to see what we could do. Q: What advice would you give to anyone who wanted to work in the industry and become a filmmaker? A: The beauty of film is that all that matters is the end result of the film itself. There are many ways in which you can go about making a film, there is no right or wrong way. Formal training provides a very good grounding as it gives you an amazing tool because it provides you with knowledge of how the industry works, but you should make films the way that you want to make them and tell the stories that you want to tell. Colin is a very personal story for me and it contains elements that have occurred within my life. It also focuses on the idea of humanity and emotions, which is unusual for a zombie film. Q: Do you have any plans for any future projects?
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own digital effects company. I had an idea for a shot that I wanted to use in the film that would be created through CGI, which I knew how to do and I had a meeting with a digital effects company in London, who quoted nearly one million pounds for this one shot so I thought, you know, I’m just going to make my own digital effects company! I think that there is definitely potential to do this in Swansea and it’s my home as well. Q: You studied Multimedia in Swansea. What was your student experience like? A: I was a real nerd as a student! I would just stay in with my mates and watch whatever film was coming out. We did go out occasionally but I wasn’t a heavy drinker. I sort of wish that I’d chosen to do a course that had more girls on it! There was a lot of male bonding though, so it was a bit like being in a war! I’m looking forward to coming back to Swansea on October 28th for the screening of Colin at the Taliesin, where I’m doing a Q&A as well.
A: I’m planning on making a film that is set during a bombing mission in World War Two. I’m hoping to come back and film it in Swansea as I like the idea of removing the expense that occurs on a production shot in London. I’d also like to look at the resources that are available in Swansea and look into starting our
Colin will be shown at the Taliesin on 28th October.
Her troubled, obscure past along with loveand new exciting opportunities make her life complicated and inspiring at the same time, distinguishing her as one of the most important feminist icons of all times. Addressing the issue of whether the film would be able to capture the passion and the grandeur of the designer, Audrey Tautou herself said: “I think the attraction is … the fact that Anne Fontaine is a woman, and as the director, she had a very keen perception of the psychology of the character. She had an understanding of what it means to function in a man’s world and to advance and make breakthroughs in it.” The monumental effort made to recreate the clothes of the time in a historically correct way was coordinated by the head costume designer, Catherine Leterrier, who worked in collaboration
with Chanel’s designers and Karl Lagerfeld himself (the current head designer of the Chanel maison) and was allowed to borrow authentic jewellery and dresses belonging to Coco herself from the Chanel conservatory. This close collaboration had its drawbacks as well, though. No mention has been made about the mysterious and much discussed association between Chanel and the Nazis, her love affair with the Nazi officer Hans Gunther von Dincklage, or her attempt to take control of her perfume manufacture from a Jewish family, taking advantage of proAryan laws. This omission has been argued to have irretrievably ruined the film, and is the reason for the negative criticisms the movie has undergone since its release.
Sarah Hill
Film: Previews of upcoming films at the Taliesin deadly revenge, using her cinema as bait. This inevitably, in true Tarantino fashion, leads to a crossing of paths with Raine’s Nazi hunting party and eventually a high octane finish. Whereas on the surface the content may seem far removed from Tarantino’s previous work, his oeuvre is still highly evident, with lashings of intertextuality and (admittedly often obscure) cinematic references, trademark dialogue, and visible homage to everything from Sergio Leone to the more obvious war movies of the 1940/50s. Inglourious Basterds is arguably Tarantino’s best since Pulp Fiction, and the ever confident director wants us to know it, using Pitt’s Raine as his in-film mouthpiece, he proclaims “You know, this might be my masterpiece.” Nathan Shaw
Inglourious Basterds 18 28th October After gaining mixed reviews following its premiere at the Cannes film festival, Quentin Tarantino’s World War II action-adventure Inglourious Basterds has gone on to perform well in a commercial sense, giving the master cinephile his biggest UK box office opening to date. The film, which takes its inspiration from Enzo G Castellari’s Italian exploitation movie Quel Maledetto Treno Blindato (The Damned Armoured Train), revolves around a Jewish/ American
death squad hell bent on terrorizing and brutally slaying those evil Nazis in occupied France. The leader of this gang is Lt. Aldo Raine (played by a heavily accented Brad Pitt), with Hostel director Eli Roth undertaking the role of Raine’s right hand man Donny Donowitz. Although Pitt is undoubtedly the film’s big name star, the cast also includes Mike Myers, Diane Kruger, Michael Fassbender and the relatively unknown, yet highly impressive, duo of Mélanie Laurent and Christoph Waltz, as a French-Jewish cinema owner and a vicious Nazi colonel respectively. After witnessing the slaughter of her family at the hands of Waltz’s Col. Landa some years previously, the now adult Shosanna (Laurent) devises a plan of
Coco avant Chanel 12A 2nd November Directed by Anne Fontaine and starring the brilliant Audrey Tautou (Amelie in the 2001 homonymous film), “Coco avant Chanel” is the long expected biopic of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the genius behind the maison (fashion house) that still rules the fashion industry almost forty years since her death. The film tells the story of her early life, the orphanage years long behind her, from seamstress and night singer to increasingly popular milliner.
Alice Copello
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WATERFRONT 181-19/10/09
Art and Design: Interview with Tim Davies at the Glynn Vivian
Tim Davies.Between a Rock and a Hard Place.2009 © the artist
Caitlin Gwynn speaks to Tim Davies about his exhibtion at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, his visions behind his work and the importance of using varied materials for art. For those who haven’t heard of you or your work, tell us about yourself and your art. I’ve been making art for about 20 years. During all of that time, right from the beginning, I’ve always been interested in the notion of sight. It’s no surprise that 18 years on, that’s still something I’m dealing with. Initially, I used to work on more installations, so I used to deal more physically with space, placing things around within galleries. Particularly at the beginning, I was always interested in materials, the semantics of them, the language of them. So, that’s how I was kind of known, I suppose, for the first few shows around the UK. The last 8 years,
I’ve been using a bit more video. I did treat video in a very simplistic way – very low tech. When I hold the camera and look at something, I treat it in very much the same way as when I look at materials. For this exhibition, you filmed a video entitled Kilkenny Shift, filmed in Kilkenny Castle, Ireland. What was it about Kilkenny Castle that drew you to filming it? Last summer, I went for a quick visit, as I was asked to do a show over there. I asked if the people doing the show could put me on the tour guide list for Kilkenny Castle, as it’s a big tourist attraction. During the tour, we were shown a grand staircase, which the royalty would’ve used. That was interesting enough, and then, during the course of the walk, what appeared to be a panel on the wall was pushed out to reveal a staircase behind
it, and we were told it was the staircase that the servants used, but we weren’t told much else about it. So after the tour, I went to speak to the tour guide, and asked whether I could have a proper look. There were a few of these staircases, and I thought about the way the poor served the super rich and the super powerful, and the way that they were served by servants who remained pretty quiet, and were also pretty invisible. I thought of these places that were never seen, and I wanted to show the pathways and the staircases. The wonders of wealth, without any thought of what’s behind that, the other story. That’s what was feeding my mind when I was looking at these steps, so I decided to create a careful portrait of those cold, granite steps. Another part of your exhibition is the set of pictures entitled “Bridges.” Again, what was it about bridges and the particular ones used that drew your attention to them? Some are quite specific, for example, a place in the middle of Moscow that links one side of the town to the other, and it was a tradition to jump off it. Kids used to jump off it, it’s a massive drop, and it’s a very iconic bridge. It was destroyed during the war in a moment with one bomb. The fragility of structures, that was the kind of starting point for it, I think. Last year, I started to collect images, I was looking and
wondered “What if I tried to get rid of the background?” So I literally take the photograph and take a small piece of sandpaper, and start rubbing away the image, eventually remove all the surroundings. During wars, bridges also represent almost a goal of conflict. If you remove the bridge, it’s considered a success. What triggered the multimedia element of your exhibitions? I try to look for all the potentials. For me, there is no hierarchy of materials. Paintings are no higher up the scale over drawings or a performance or a piece of video. The magic is how you handle it and what you try to sum up with it. All these things have embedded in them semantics, a language of something that signifies the starting point for me. For me, they’re all connected – politics, power, displacement. How the intrigue is part of conflict and subjugation. For me, that’s the way I had to deal with the stately home, not to go to the obvious, to look at what wasn’t and to celebrate it in another way. Those people’s lives are far more interesting to me. Does the culture of artists as celebrities make it easier or more difficult for artists to make a living and establish themselves?
After 15 years of being wrongly imprisoned, Benjamin Barker returns to London on a murderous rampage in search of the Judge Turpin, the man who wrongly and maliciously sentenced him. But the 15 years of exile have changed Barker and he has transformed into a far darker character that goes by the name of Sweeney Todd. He becomes obsessed
with his gruesome mission to seek revenge and not only takes pleasure hunting down the Judge but also anybody else that gets in his way or aggravates him in London. He comes across Mrs Lovett’s miserable, failing pie shop and using his barber ‘expertise’ radically transforms the taste of her pies. As more and more men, who simply enter Sweeney’s lair hoping for a close shave, are never seen again the question is…what exactly is in those pies? Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece transforms the urban myth of the
Demon Barber of Fleet Street and has now been taken from stage to film in the major motion picture directed by Tim Burton, starring the likes of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter the film proved to be a huge hit due to its chilling plot and tantalising score. The stage production will undoubtedly include the menacing flavour that the film provides. This dark musical will appeal to multiple audiences with its judicious blend of powerful, threatening songs and gentle sweet ballads, which will serve as a
Food & Drink: Review of ‘SALT’ in the Mumbles
Now we all know that Swansea is renowned for its “Best Student Experience,” in particular it is more than famed for the miscellanies of Wind Street. The abundance of bars and eateries are certainly more than enough to entice any famished or merely
alcohol deprived student of Swansea! However, whilst Wind Street is known for its student friendly atmosphere and delectable prices, for those of you willing to venture a little further afield, The Mumbles and its own medley of pubs and restaurants offer a refreshingly different take on dining out. Salt @ The George, located in the heart of Mumbles, is not only a bright and spacious pub with spectacular views overlooking Swansea Bay but also a restaurant with a heartening atmosphere, friendly staff and a satisfyingly diverse menu. The prices are more than welcoming to any student wanting to escape the customary ambiance of a chain restaurant and more than that, the predictable and humdrum menu. Salt is enticing at first glance; the contemporary beach-shack feel can be
seen from the outside as people dine on the wooden balcony and inside people sit at drift-wood crafted tables. There is a tasteful fusion between the modern and the rustic making it the perfect venue for casual first dates or, as we have found, a perfect location for a lazy Sunday afternoon lunch. The menu varies from a choice of fresh fish (local, of course), burgers and steaks, Sunday lunches and even hearty breakfasts! Stepping away from our usual order of ‘Mussels in a White Wine Sauce’ and ‘Garlic King Prawns’ both of which are divine, we ordered the ‘Chicken Platter for Two’ and the ‘Garlic and Rosemary Rump of Lamb.’ The lamb was accompanied by seasonal vegetables and minted new potatoes served with a red wine sauce. It was more than delicious and if anything else, it filled the void I contract
You’ve exhibited your work all over the world. Was there any one place that had a particularly strong effect on you? All the visits stay with me in certain ways, but an early visit to Estonia will always stay with me. It was after the Revolution against control from Soviet Russia, and the country was still going through re-organisation. I was staying with an artist friend of mine, and when we were out at a harbour, he began to sketch the port. He was arrested and held for questioning for three days in this cell near the port. Those instances stay with you. When I’m thinking of humanity and how we treat each other, I learnt so much from simple instances like that. Tim Davies’ exhibtion will be shown at the Glynn Vivian till the 6th December. Entrance to the gallery is free.
I always found it strange when people asked me for mugshots, because it isn’t about what I look like, the work is far
Stage: Sweeney Todd at the Grand Theatre The haunting and chilling musical thriller telling the tale of the revengeful and bloodthirsty demon barber is set to hit Swansea’s Grand Theatre just in time for Halloween.
more important. The positive response would be that people like that have brought a broader attention to the visual arts. But a downside is the crassness of celebrity, and whether an artist’s work is given the same critique as before. Celebrity brings a kind of veneer and inappropriate reverence for an artist’s work, which is questionable.
every Sunday afternoon that I can only describe as lack-of-Mum-to-provideme-with-a-Roast-Dinner! ‘The Chicken Platter’ is actually meant for two, as a starter, but when you have a craving for the bird you’ve got to go all out, and so I did. Sweet Chilli skewers, crispy chicken strips, Cajun chicken fillets, smoked chicken on bruschetta breads, Kalamata olives and sauces to dip; Needless to say it was a mouth-watering feast! Both portions were excellently sized and at the end, though utterly full and both of our stomachs considerably more rounded than on arrival, there was still just enough room for dessert – a Chocolate Fondant to die for! We did find room for a slight criticism on the overall waiting time between courses, but with an oozing chocolate centre and portion of ice cream it was more than made up
Caitlin Gwynn
treat for music lovers. It includes numbers such as ‘No place like London’ and ‘My Friends.’ The cleverly written medley of songs not only gives the play a unique taste but also, at times, introduces humour into the plot. So if you fancy a scare this Halloween get your ticket to see Lyndon Samuel’s interpretation of the classic, on show at the Grand Theatre between the 29th and 31st of October. It’s guaranteed to be the closest shave you’ll ever know...
Charlotte Ellis
for and can be no better summed up than in the words of our dining companion, Jack Jowers – “I always think a pudding should be like a big hug...and this really is a giant hug!” Salt’s menu is diverse as well as its price range; the main meals range between £7 and £13 but if you’re just after a lighter bite then prices start at a considerably lower £4.50. If you’re on a budget take a tenner but if you’re going to go for the full works then take £20. All deserts are £3.95. We recommend: Garlic king prawns Mussels in white wine sauce Chocolate fondant Sophie Bamber & Emma Mesney
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GETTING THE LOWE-DOWN
FRONT - MUSIC 15
Music Editor James Taylor gets the inside scoop about Glastonbury headliners, the upcoming game DJ Hero, and how the man of the moment: Zane Lowe beat the odds of train delays and car trouble to get to Oceana on the 5th October. Ok Zane, how did you find the atmosphere of the night? Zane Lowe: It was great, I mean the whole tour’s been great to be fair, but tonight was brilliant! I mean it was pretty touch and go if I was going to make it here, with train failures, and then car trouble. Yeah we heard about that, how was that for you? Zane: It’s fine, it’s cool you know? Because we have been pretty lucky up to this point on the tour having no problems. But yeah I basically came here, got my records and walked straight on stage. So there wasn’t a lot of time to acclimatise. But having Doorly guest on the night made it for me because he is one of my favourite DJ’s. Well vehicle troubles aside we’re glad to have you back in Swansea, what’s brought you back exactly? Zane: Well we’re on the DJ Hero Tour, it’s a UK tour, 20 dates, the first half is kinda like Freshers time, and as that craziness dies down we will pick up regular nights around universities and also various bars around the UK. And the aim is just to go out there and give people a really good night of entertainment across all different types of genres. Various guests, DJ Doorly already been mentioned, Casper coming out next month, Nero um…maybe TC…maybe Tubbs…so we have had a really good run of guests coming out and the aim is to kind of put the DJ Hero thing out there, because it’s a game I have played and its great. It’s really something I am into, and it suits my style a lot. So I think other DJ’s will enjoy the game also. Haha! Your Answering most of my upcoming questions here Zane! I was just about to say with DJ Hero coming out, how do you feel being the face of the franchise? Zane: Well I wouldn’t say I am so much the face of it, because I think the people in the game are the face, such as Z Trip,
DJ A.M God rest his soul, you know and I think like DJ Shadow and who ever is involved. But it is great to be involved with that division of DJ Hero and also doing bits and bobs for Guitar Hero. Like from my view I am a big fan of the gaming community you know, they brought music into it, and it doesn’t feel like it has cheapened in any way, but has helped the artists greatly, hence why so many great ones get involved. Well you have won many Awards now, what do you think makes you stand out from the crowd? Zane: Oh God! Haha! I guess you’d have to ask people who voted I guess. Probably ask people who don’t like me they’ll give you a more honest answer HaHa! Um…I dunno man, I’m louder I suppose...its weird because when I am on the air I just want to shout out the music as much as I possibly can, but I’m really not like that off the air...you know I’m a quiet guy..HaHa! Haha! classic. Well in terms of the students who aspire to become DJ’s, what hints and tips can you throw out to the aspiring Disk Jockeys? Zane: Well you gotta find what your natural voice is and what that means is you gotta find your passion and try and apply yourself to that whether its entertainment, news, sport, politics, music, I mean whatever it is you gotta find that thing that motivates you to communicate to people. Because communicating for communication sake can be just hot air, but actually believing in whatever your talking about can be the key. The only other advice I tend to give is do whatever gets your foot in the door whether that’s making tea or assisting or doing work experience. And I have seen it enough times at the BBC where people come in, be good, get noticed and then within a year or two or even shorter they’re in there working with us. It’s just about getting yourself out there and getting recognised. You know its your standard school assembly pep talk HaHa!
Well you’ve been doing the Radio 1 scene a while now, and also had a stint on MTV Two’s Gonzo show, think you’ll look for more TV stints in the future? Zane: No….like for me I love Gonzo because I’ve done it for a long time, but I love working for the BBC, going to festivals such as Glastonbury is an amazing experience for me. I don’t think I am moving away from television but it’s not like I feel I have to make this jump to terrestrial. But Gonzo has been going on now for 7 years and I am happy about it, but in terms of moving to other TV projects I just have bigger ambitions elsewhere. Well speaking of Glastonbury, I hear you have a list of possible headliners coming up…do tell? Zane: Ok…Kasabian, U2 and Muse… apparently I am wrong about all of those. It would be a great headline for the festival though! Zane: Well I have had texts from people saying that the headliners are from the last 40 years, so there’d be no one new. But still counts Muse as a possibility. But someone said the Rolling Stones is apparently headlining...To be honest I just guessed! Because you know U2 have never done Glastonbury so they have to do it at some point. Muse are huge and should come back with a big record soon, and Kasabian need to headline a festival. And I reckon Kasabian will either do Glastonbury, Reading or V festival next year…as a headliner. Ok well, final question Zane, you tend to see talent in upcoming artists years before they make it to the charts… any particular talent we should look out for? Zane: Well Chase and Status you all know about from the other week, but they are going to be huge, biggest names in the world of street and urban music for sure. Everything, Everything…I
just love that band you know and some people don’t really get it so...its exciting times for music now. I know Pop is crowding the music charts now but with Chase and Status doing remixes and La Roux and people like that kind of move us in that way anyway.
Zane: Haha! Well thank you James for the interview, have a great night!
Well thank you Zane Lowe for your time and hopefully the car won’t break down on the way back home?
http://www.djhero.com/
DJ Hero is set to be released on the 30th of October. For more info visit:
16 FRONT - MUSIC
WATERFRONT 181 -19/10/09
FLOODED WITH Q‘n’A! Reporter Bella Whately gives the Flood of Red boys a quick fire question round before the gig.
Right, first things first.. introductions?
Who’s the biggest lady’s man of the band?
Callum: I’m Callum and I play guitar. Sean: I’m Sean, I play guitar. Graham: I’m Graham and I play the drums. Jamie: I’m Jamie, I play bass. Dale: Dale, I play keyboards. C: Jordan our singer has got a really bad throat so he’s just taking time, he’s like outside not speaking.
All: *laugh* S: I don’t think any of us really… G: Not that we’re not interested! C: We don’t really dip our feet in the water if you know what I mean. I mean Jordan gets a lot of girls who come up and say, ‘Hi, how’s it going?’ *winks* I think out of all of us he’s the guy who knows the most girls.
Oh no! Well I really hope it all goes well for you tonight! Where are you guys from and where did you all meet?
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you on stage?
C: We’re from just outside Glasgow, Scotland. A few of us went to high school together. We used to skate and write music together when we were a lot younger. The band Flood of Red actually took off when Jamie joined in April 2005. Ok Awsome. So what do you do when you’re not writing music? C: Sean washes windows part time, I still skateboard S: Just general hanging out, seeing friends going to the cinema, going for drinks…
C: I think we’ve all fallen over. I’ve played in my boxers... Probably one of the most embarrassing things was for Jordan, when Sean snapped a guitar over Jordan’s head by accident. How do you go about snapping a guitar over someone’s head by accident? S: I was kind of swinging it about and he got in my way. C: We laughed, he fell to the floor bleeding. *laughs* It stopped the show. Would you say the music you like influences the music you produce? G: We like thousands of things, literally
from electro to really heavy metal. The spectrum’s huge. C: From folk to pop. I’m a big, big pop fan. Is there anything being played on the radio that you’re particularly keen on at the moment? G: Dizzee Rascal…. C: I really like Shakira’s new stuff, her new song is an absolute tune. D: We’ve been into Mr Hudson since his first album. Where was the best venue you’ve ever played? C: I think maybe my favourite place was King Tut’s in Glasgow, we did a couple of headline shows there. It holds a lot of history for us because we grew up watching our favourite bands there, so being able to play there and sell it out was really special for me. Also, Sonisphere Festival, walking out on stage to a 4,000 strong crowd was also incredible. Well thanks very much guys, it’s been great talking to you, good luck for tonight! G: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. C: Hope you have a good night and enjoy the show! Check out the band on their website: www.floodofred.co.uk
Photo by: John Curry
TOYS ‘R’ (WITH) US!
Reporter Sarra Grummett grills the Soft Toy crew with some hard hitting questions at Divas. Hailing from Liverpool, this five piece set that make up Soft Toy Emergency are nothing but heels, dance and a lot of sweat. Lucky enough to catch both lead singer and guitarist before their set, here’s what they had to say... What’s the story behind the name Soft Toy Emergency and how did you guys get together? Jen (Vocals): The name behind it is basically about me and an ex-boyfriend of mine who split up and in a final attempt to win me back he turned up at my door with a teddy, and it didn’t work and so I was left with this unwanted bear. Hence the ‘Soft Toy Emergency’. How would you describe your music and who are your biggest musical influences? J: I’d say we were electro-pop, quite dancey. We listened to a lot of dance music in uni and stuff like Justice and Daft Punk were a big influence on us and also because we’ve been touring around so much, just listening to the car radio, we’ve been influenced by a lot of modern pop stuff as well. Where do you get the inspiration for your songs and does everyone in the band contribute to lyrics and music? J: It’s actually me and Luciano (synths). He kind of does all the music and then he’ll pass it on to me. Inspiration comes from loads of different things like when I was writing ‘Critical’, I was listening to a lot of rap music and finding that there were different accents in music and syllables and words. You’ve been supported by Jo Whiley on Radio 1 and have played not only Glastonbury but also Reading and Leeds. What was that like?
J: We’ve been really fortunate, and I think last year we all dreamed we could play those festivals and to have just done them is just fantastic. How does touring compare with actually recording songs? Are there any secrets or memorable stories you can share? A: Stories you can’t print unfortunately… J: Yeah you find people who can put up with you crashing on their floors and just the good times you have really outweighs sleeping on the floor without a blanket! What can we expect from one of your live shows? J: Lots of sweat. We like to be energetic on stage. The song “I Know U Want It” generated a lot of reviews from local newspapers, Zoo Magazine and NME. What was it like having an Australian Magazine reviewing your music? J: It was really, really weird because we didn’t even have any sort of coverage in the UK press until then and to suddenly have like, somebody in Australia writing about you… A: Not just Australia, but an Australian Lads Mag! So bizarre! J: We seem to have accumulated a cute little family in Australia and we keep getting people asking for us to come play there and we haven’t even broken the UK yet! Lastly, what are your plans for the future? A: Hopefully we should have an album coming out early in the New Year maybe and just a lot more touring. We’d rather be out on the road playing gigs than sitting on our arses!
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FRONT - MUSIC 17
MIXTAPE
This week, SU President Luke Young gives us his top 10 tracks at the moment. So here are some of the songs that have kept me going over the last few weeks. Some of them will probably seem weird but that’s probably a fair reflection of giving me the power to create a playlist.
I’ve no idea who Mr Hudson is - I had to google him - but I like this and can often be heard singing to myself “and I feel like taking off, Let me be your supernova...”.
David Guetta ft Akon - Sexy Chick
V V Brown - Shark in the Water
This track is the song I currently associate with a good night out in Oceana. It’s one of those songs that sets the dancefloor alight. I have a new song every few weeks but at the moment this is the Monday & Wednesday soundtrack.
After her amazing appearance at the Freshers Ball, this has been stuck in a lot of peoples heads. This is definitely one of the songs that I’ll remember as being a part of the epic Freshers Fortnight 2009.
Alexandra Burke - Bad Boys A cracking tune that I should probably hang my head in shame for liking it. As a rule I generally like whoever ends up winning X Factor, with the exception of Steve Brookstein, I couldn’t stand him. Mr Hudson ft. Kanye West - Super Nova
Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire No matter where you are or what club or pub you are in, I challenge anyone to resist the urge to belt out the chorus. So many great nights have been accompanied by this song. The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
something about it has stuck with me. It reminds me a bit of life in uni - non stop and it won’t stop until it’s over. Fedde LeGrand - Put Your Hands Up For Detroit
It’s not new but I started listening to it again on Spotify. It reminds me of my first year, when all of Preseli Floor 8 would end up in Time & Envy and bust some truly awful moves.
Shakira - She Wolf
I don’t understand why Shakira, her of ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ fame, needs to howl like a wolf in this song but I don’t care. It gets in the top ten because of the absolutely ridiculous nature of it all. Check out James’s Mixtape on the X-Treme Radio Website: www.xtremeradio.org
Michael Jackson - Black or White Ok, so Black or White was my song of choice when Michael Jackson died. Genius, absolute genius. Kevin Rudolf - Let it Rock A few months old but I’m still sticking with it. My last few Tooters as an Undergrad will always be linked to this song. Great times!
It’s not usually my kind of song but
REVIEWS
Our harsh critical reporters review this weeks upcoming singles and albums.
Elliot Minor – Electric High
Flamboyant Bella - Get A Reaction
Rise Against - Savior
Electric High, the second single from Elliot Minor’s second album Solaris, misleads us with its introduction that has similarities to the works of Guns and Roses, and almost convinces the listener that Elliot Minor has finally managed to produce a song of decent content. The song admittedly shows improvements from previous material, with mature and meaningful lyrics, although this pretence is lost when front man Alex Davies opens his mouth, strongly reminding me of my teenage brother singing whilst playing Guitar Hero. With the album being mixed by the multi-Grammy Award Winner, Tom Lord-Alge (The Manics, Taking Back Sunday) it amazes me how Davis was not reminded to never sing through his nose. This song, like many other Elliot Minor songs will remain imprinted in your head for some time to come and with their huge UK headline tour starting next month (Sin City – 19th Nov) I can only hope that practice will make perfect…
The four members of Flamboyant Bella are all aged between 17 and 19. That they’ve garnered such a following is an indication of their potential. From the evidence of this single, potential is all it is at the moment. The signs of a cross between their more developed and stylish peers, The Big Pink and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, are there, but without any truly distinctive features. The synth work in particular is very generic. That said, the potential is worth talking about. ‘Doreen’s’ drum work is clear and concise, and the voice of Flo Kirten is rather beautiful, even if the lyrics she is working with are less than engaging. Her voice is well-backed at the right times by James McBreen. Ultimately, Flamboyant Bella are a naturally talented band who could progress far, but ‘Get a Reaction’ is not going to be what makes them the respected entity people are expecting of them.
Chicago’s political punk outfit Rise Against are back with ‘Savior’, taken from their fifth studio album ‘Appeal to Reason’. Rise Against are known for their socially conscious music, often being compared to anti-authoritarian punk rock band Black Flag, but with ‘Savior’ they step away from their political lyrics and focus on something a little more personal. ‘Savior’ sees Rise Against focus on matters of the heart, condensing an emotional row between lovers into four blistering minutes of powerful punk rock. What at first appears to be a more refined track quickly erupts into something so much more powerful before exploding into an emotional chorus that you can’t help but sing along with. While this may not be the political punk that Rise Against are usually linked with ‘Savior’ lacks none of the emotive flare that the band are known for and could very well be the breakthrough track of the album.
4/10
4/10 Sam Loveless
8/10 Dale Williams
Sam Tattam
The All American Rejects – The Wind Blows There’s something about Tyson Ritter’s voice. His vocals are more of an ache, a burn that more or less soothes and smoothes the rough edges of the Rejects heavier material heard back in 2003. “The Wind Blows” is simply heartrending and entices its listeners with its aesthetic lyrics and sweet, almost senseless synths. Needless to say, the Rejects’ new sound is very much reminiscent to the gentle, gut-wrenching material of such songs as “It Ends Tonight” and “Straightjacket Feeling”; both about lost love. Returning with their debut album “When The World Comes Down”, The All-American Rejects recapture another classic with this single, to which is an extreme contrast to the Rejects‘ last single, “Gives You Hell”. The Wind Blows however does exactly what it says on the album cover. It will blow you away and is not one to be missed.
7/10 Sarra Grummett
GOT TALENT Reporter Sophie Evans gives us a taster of things to come from the upcoming Ska’ band Kid British Championed by Chris Moyles, flagship of Radio 1, new kids on the block Kid British, who have already played to 80,000 people in 30 UK cities this year alone, have stormed into 2009 with their debut single “Our house is Dadless”. And now students in Swansea are given the chance to sample the sound, that has been described ‘an antidote to troubled times’ by The Manchester Evening News, for themselves in Swansea’s edgy nightclub Sin City at the end of this month. The band, which recently ranked higher than Oasis in a poll of Manchester’s best bands, is a four piece including Simeon Mclean, Adio Marchant, James Mayer and studio ace Sean Mbaya. Originally making music as three school friends, before teaming up with multi-instrumentalist Mbaya in 2005, when they reached a more commercial sound. Last year, Kid British played at Glastonbury, and headlined their first UK tour before getting to work on their debut album ‘It was Either This or Football’ with accredited producers who had previously worked with the likes of Blur, Feeder and The Chemical Brothers. The ‘first half’ of this album, described as a modern mash-up of hip hop, ska’ and electro pop, with sing-a-longs to die for, was released in the summer, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the ‘second half’ which came out this September. Self admittedly, Kid British aim to ‘bring a feel-good factor with their music’. They have taken influence from various genres, and bands including Blur, Madness, Nirvana and The Beatles, so are keen to avoid being pigeon holed. This SU tour is set to round off what has been an amazing year for the band, which kicked off in Coventry with them being personally asked by ska’ icons ‘The Specials’ to open for them at their comeback tour. Immediately after this they supported ‘The Enemy’ on tour and played various summer festival dates including several headline slots. Now on 21st of October, the band will be supported by ‘Flamboyant Bella’ at Sin City, a British Indie/Pop quartet who rose up through social networking sites such as MySpace & have recently held No.4 position in MySpace’ top 10 unsigned bands, it’s set to be an epic night for everyone. So get your tickets now and head to Sin City! ‘You’ll need to be particularly strong to resist this lot’ Sunday Times Culture.
18 FRONT - PHOTOS
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
Oceana - Zane Lowe &
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
FRONT PHOTOS 23
Vula - Basement Jaxx
Photos supplied by Oceana Swansea Taken by Gareth Danks
24 FRONT - FILM
WATERFRONT 181 19/10/09
University Blues
As older students return and fresh ones begin, the Waterfront Film team chronicle the films that resonate the most among students. a nd distinguish between which are best for thoughts, and which are best for laughs.
Class Joker
Geek Chic Donnie Darko:
Donnie Darko is a unique film showing an insight to love, family relationships and untold secrets of the universe. The plot revolves around a rabbit-headed figure called Frank, who informs American teen Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) that the world is coming to an end. The film offers a truly extraordinary look at the life of a troubled teenager as he gets to grips with falling in love, escaping from being killed and dealing with the apocalyptic deadline set by the disturbing Frank. One of the most surprising and original films of recent years and worthy of the cult following it has attainted, and a must see for any student. SB
Starter for 10
Van Wilder
Road Trip
Set in 1985, the story follows Brian (James McAvoy), a working-class Essex boy who has a real talent, and rather unsettling thirst for knowledge. This coupled with his desire to leave his hometown and appear on University Challenge, leads him to the University of Bristol, where he discovers there’s a lot more to student life than learning. Although essentially a ‘student film’ – that is to say, a film based on the lives of students as opposed to a film made to entertain us – this quirky and intellectual insight into the qualms of being young and insecure is a noticeable contrast to the usual gross-out comedic take on student life often portrayed by most films. LT
This post-teen comedy is about Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds), an unmotivated yet highly popular student, who after 7 years at college gets a cold dose of reality when his father decides to stop paying his tuition, since it’s obvious Van has no ambition or intention of ever graduating. This film, like many others of its kind, portrays the glorified social life of being a student and often skips over any real issues. Although, light-hearted with plenty of laughs and a gross-out factor exceeding that of American Pie, this film has no real substance and requires no substantial level of intelligence, proving itself to be an almost perfect ‘student film.’LT
History Boys
Breckin Myer is a university student living with the very strange Tom Green, and clever stoner Paulo Constanza. One drunken night, he videotapes himself cheating on his girlfriend with the lovely Amy Smart. After he accidentally sends the tape to his long time girlfriend, the friends set off on a 1800 mile journey in order to intercede and prevent the tape reaching its destination. A delightfully sick film that depicts the fun and chaos that student life frequently spawns, it is a fun reminder of how stupid we can all be on some nights, and that it doesn’t count as cheating if your other half is in a different area code.VDB
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
Set in Sheffield 1983, this film follows a class of unruly but gifted schoolboys as they prepare for the Oxbridge exams. Helped along by their teachers, Richard Griffiths and Stephen Campbell Moore (who frequently get a little too friendly), the boys learn about love, sex and why saying “Stalin was a sweetie” will open unexpected doors. A wonderfully fun and sweet film, the raucous and likable lads will remind you of that stressed out but fun period of time when we prepared to leave behind the comparatively carefree years of uniforms, and A levels, and reach for the heady and serious role of university student. In short, a very enjoyable trip down memory lane. VDB
Following the lives of two stoners Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) who set out on a Friday night quest to satisfy their craving for White castle Burgers after seeing a TV commercial. From here they end up on an epic journey where they encounter many obstacles including a raccoon, racist officer, an escaped cheater and a horny yet extremely funny Neil Patrick Harris. The film is jam packed with priceless cameos, one liners and running jokes. Fundamentally, this is a great buddy movie, performed by two guys with superb comic timing who have genuine chemistry. SB
Put together by Stephen Baldock, Vicky Doherty-Bone and Liana Thomas, all of whom put these films to shame!!
What About....?
This Week, Jon Taylor goes into why he hates the beautiful people. Have you ever noticed the way people look in films? You know what I mean. The rugged, handsome main character goes to speak with his beautiful next-door neighbour before the rather ravishing maid walks in with a disturbingly coiffed poodle. Sounds like your everyday town right? Wrong. It may sound strange but there are never enough unattractive people in films. Take the film Fight Club for example. The actors Brad Pitt (Right) and Edward Norton are so attractive that even a straight man such as myself would blush if they were to smile at me. The so-called ‘tramp/whore’ in this film, Helena Bonham Carter, is unrealisti
cally alluring, despite being a tramp and a whore (clearly a very glamorous career path). The problem with these Hollywood films is that in most ordinary towns there are at most one, perhaps two people who look like they are from the ‘Hollywood Standard’ of looks (three people should you live in Hollywood). So when a film is produced with numerous good-looking men and women it kind of removes the reality given by the film, and makes it harder to suspend your disbelief. For example Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, with the unusually statuesque archeologists Angelina Jolie and Daniel Craig, not at all like their ditch digging, gruff real life counterparts.
On a serious note, this selection of actors and actresses is completely detrimental for the younger audiences watching these types of films. It completely overstates the importance of self image, rather than transmitting out the important morals of the films.
It also implies to the audience that unless they are flawless, being an actor is completely unreachable. That’s why there needs to be more films like Austin Powers, and Sex and the City where there are actors such as Mike Myers and Sarah Jessica Parker who are given leading roles despite their obvious impairment. And Brad Pitt is too darn sexy to be a convincing thug!
If you want to write for Waterfront Film, please email:
victoriadohertybone@ live.co.uk
WWW.WATERFRONT.CO.UK
FRONT - FILM 25
New Releases This fortnight, our reviewers have braved the cold wastes of Swansea at night in order to reach a cinema and chronicle which films are must-see’s, and which ones are must nots.
The Invention of Lying Who’s in it: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill What’s it about: This film, set in a world where lying doesn’t exist and everyone speaks their mind, follows Mark, a forty-something year old script writer, who discovers he is the first person in human history who is able to tell a lie. Unlucky with women, work and life in general, Mark quickly realises that he can very much improve his situation and hopefully win over the woman of his dreams, if he can just get it right.
Pandorum Who’s in it: Dennis Quaid, Cam Gigandet, Ben Foster, Antje Traue
of cameos ranging from Philip Seymour Hoffman to ‘Barry’ from Eastenders, this film is definitely worth the watch – just don’t expect too much!
What’s it about: Adrift in space, the passengers on a sinister ship awake with no memory of who they are or where they are going. Things take a turn for the worse when they realise they are not alone....
Liana Thomas
What’s it like: Pandorum is the latest “Space Age Horror” movie to offer a glimpse into our self-destructive nature. Set in the not-so-distant future, the global population explodes, creating conflict for dwindling resources. The solution: build a huge spaceship and head to the nearest planet for repopulation.
What’s it like: Although I very much enjoyed this film, I definitely wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s a great, or even a good piece of cinema. When dealing with an idea of this magnitude, especially one that is so far removed from reality, it is very hard for any audience member to really relate. On the contrary, when watching this film there is a certain sense of satisfaction one gets from hearing the characters in it say things which you, yourself, have always thought but know to be socially unacceptable to say.
Waking from an extended period of “hyper-sleep” onboard their broken spaceship, our protagonists attempt to work out why they are on the vessel. Trouble arises when we find out that many of the humans onboard have somehow evolved into flesh-eating monsters bent on killing anything they can. Next we learn about the fatal Pandorum virus, portrayed as some sort of space-age cabin fever with victims bleeding from the ears. Coupled with the murderous and mysterious Gallo (Cam Gigandet) trying to bump offGeneral Payton (Dennis Quaid), it all sounds like the recipe for a good space
Although very cliché and predictable, providing constant laughs throughout,due to the brutal honesty equipped, and combined with an array
Hidden Gems
The film begins with a short history of the Ice Age. Animated cave drawings tell of prehistoric alien visitors flying to earth and siding with woolly mammoths against their conmon enemy,
However, the acting, as with any Hollywood blockbuster is adequate (Gigandet does a particularly good job) and the SFX were flawless. Most commendably, with a running time of 108 minutes, Panboredom isn’t long. Nick Ruggieri
Name: Toby Kebbell man. Mammoth is one of those made for TV Sci fi channel ventures, and this should be a big clue to the direction it is about to take. The real fun starts when blundering scientist Frank Abernathy (Vincent Ventresca) unwittingly activates an extra terrestrial homing device buried deep in the ice encasing our colossal creature. Cue crash landing, defrosting mammoth, alien possession and soul sucking rampage.
Sci-fi favourite Summer Glau does battle with an alien-possessed zombie mammoth in this one of a kind creature feature.
Our lead character Bower (Ben Foster) is somewhat overly sensitive, intent on finding his wife instead of beating down on these hedgehog creatures. When he does finally spring into action, the camera-man gets so excited that the shots are too shaky for us to see who is beating whom. In a nut shell, the movie was plain boring. Nothing ever seemed to happen. They ran around a bit, some died, they learn a terrible secret but it all builds to nothing except a happy ending!
Actor Profile – Toby Kebbell
Great films you should see that you’ve never heard of!
Mammoth (2006)
thriller. Wrong.
The film is centred around Frank, his conspiracy nut dad (Tom Skerritt) and teenage daughter (Summer Glau) as they run around screaming and eventually (with help from men in black style agents) concoct a plan to end the terror. The plot doesn’t get much more complex than that, and if the idea of a mammoth devouring souls with its trunk hasn’t already convinced you, this movie probably isn’t for you. Mammoth isn’t about stunning visual effects, amazing acting or adequate script writing, its about decapitation by tusks; that’s what makes it so likeable. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and you get the feeling the directors know
you are laughing at them, not with them.
Date of Birth: 09/07/1982
Well worth its bargain bin price tag, this Place of Birth: Pontefract, Yorkshire, UK film is eccentric, bizarre and a must see Best known for: Kebbell is best known for his recent role as fast-talking, back-chatfor any sci-fi enthusiast. ting crack-head, Johnny Quid in Guy Richie’s latest release, Rock n Rolla. However, he first gained acclaim after his portrayal of Rob Gretton, manager of 90’s band, Joy Jess Elvin Division in Control. First Acting Job: Kebbell made his first on screen appearance at the tender age of 17 in an episode of Peak Practice. Trivia: His favourite actors include Paul Newman, Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp and Daniel Day Lewis Where Are They Now: Kebbell is currently between London and Morocco filming the new Joel Bruckheimer picture, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time with Jake Gyllenhall and Ben Kingsley. Liana Thomas
26 FRONT - SOCIETIES
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
thewaterfront
S E I T E I C O S
PARAMEDICS
One of Swansea Universities newest societies with plenty of events and socials As your ears prick to the sound of a siren fast approaching and you glance in your rear-view mirror to see an ambulance lit up like a Christmas tree; traffic moving safely to the side to let it pass, do you ever think about the education undergone by the paramedics en route to a medical emergency? Probably not! For decades Paramedics in Wales have traditionally been trained in house by the Welsh Ambulance Service. However, since September 2008 the Swansea School of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Welsh Ambulance Service, have introduced a new Diploma in Paramedic Science. The two year diploma is the only course of its kind in Wales designed to prepare students for the metamorphic world of pre-hospital care. Students gain an underpinning theoretical knowledge, balanced by/with supervised practice before course completion and the possibility for registration as a paramedic. The newly formed Paramedic Society has a highly social side, with plenty of events including the Student Paramedic Christmas Ball and the less formally attired camping trip. You’ll also often see our group gracing wind street enjoying the little time off we do have. The Paramedic Society is subject specific as we aim to provide trips such as visits to educational exhibitions and networking with other paramedics in universities throughout the UK. This new networking will allow a visible comparison between educations and allow future paramedics to meet, socialize and improve relations between different ambulance services. We hope, as a new society finding its feet in Swansea, to be an encouraging and supportive society and we welcome all paramedic students who are not already members to get in touch and sign up.
THE HITCH
ter? s a E s i ague? h r t P g r n o i o o orocc e you d M r o a t t g a n h W hiki h c t i H y Fanc Join over 1,000 others on the largest student Hitch Hike across Europe and experience the adventure of a lifetime... The Hitch is Link Community Development’s largest fundraising event and takes place during the Easter holiday. Hitching across a continent - a life altering experience, with memories you will never forget.
The Morocco Hitch!
Venture into the vibrant Moroccan culture; Trek through the Atlas Mountains; ride a camel across the Sahara at sunset, surf on the beaches of the Atlantic; explore the Souks of Marrakesh and visit a Hammam for the most amazing spa treatment!
The Prague Hitch!
Wander through the Medieval City of Prague deep in the middle of the Czech Republic, for a fantastic cultural experience and the cheapest beer in the world!! Although Hitch Hiking gets a lot of bad press, in the 18 years of the Hitch there have been no serious incidents associated with Hitch Hiking. You will receive a full health and safety briefing before you leave and your progress will be tracked throughout the Hitch with a 24 hour mobile phone line in case of emergency. “The Hitch will be something you will always remember, it’ll be a story at every party and point of discussion with any potential employer.” James, Morocco Hitch 2009. Join us on Facebook—”Swansea Hitch 2010” Or email us: swansea _hitch@hotmail.co.uk
FRONT - SOCIETIES 27
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk
HISTORY GET ED V L O V N I SOCIETY For anyone with an interest in the past, not just those studying history
Future Events: - Weds 21st October – Pub Golf! - Saturday 7th November – London trip - Monday 2nd and 30th Nov – History & Classics Study Workshops - Thursday 26th Nov – Society of Ancient Studies vs. History Society NEON Lazerzone Battle! - Date TBA – Humanities Christmas Ball Also get involved with… • Charity work • History intramural football team • Historical Association Contact us: swanseahistorysociety@yahoo.co.uk www.swanseahistorysociety.webs.uk Find us on Facebook – search: ‘Swansea University’s History Society
Societies are at the heart of the Students’ Union providing an integral part to many students’ lives at Swansea. They are all student run and represent all areas of interests in our diverse student body! Check out the list of societies on this page to see if any interest you and for more information go to www.swansea-union.co.uk and click on societies! They are a great way to gain extra skills that employers look for when you finish your degree along with great social calendars and experiences you will never forget!
Societies @ Swansea
History society on tour
DEBATING SOCIETY Do you like to debate topics to death? Constantly find yourself winning arguments in your house or floor? Then this is the society for you!
What is debating?
Basically, it’s a structured ‘argument’ that takes place between 8 people split into 4 teams of two. The topics are wide and varied, some serious and some more light hearted and comical. Depending on what team you are on dictates what side of the argument you must take, so you could be arguing for an idea you do not necessarily personally support.
I have never debated before, can I join?
Of course you can and should! Very few of our members are experienced debaters (indeed before going to university, most of the committee members had never debated before). We take pride in the fact that we are a young, upcoming and vibrant society and want to encourage people who have never even thought about debating to join.
OK, but you haven’t said why I SHOULD join!
Debating is a great way to gain confidence and skills on many levels. First and foremost you become far more comfortable speaking in front of people, which will be extremely valuable in the big, scary world of post-uni employment. Through debating you learn to think fast on your feet, deal with questions and project yourself to the world. Even when you don’t know what you’re on about, as long as you sound confident most people won’t know the difference. Aside from debating, you will meet some extremely interesting people, go out on some crazy socials and make lots of friends.
So, how do I join?
The easiest way is to turn up to one of our weekly meetings, every Thursday 6-8pm Keir Hardie Room 248. If you don’t decide to join us now, but in the future change your mind, turn up whenever, you will be more than welcome. We want new members all the time, be it in September or May or anywhere in between, you’ll always be welcome.
Amnesty American Studies Asian ‘Tashan’ Ancient Studies Bar Society Bright Futures Bio Science Business School Capoeira Catholic (CathSoc) Chinese Chess and Board Gaming Choral Christian Union Comedy Club Conservation Dance Debating Drama (Shoreline) Duke of Edinburgh Engineering Engineers without boarders Film Society French Geography German Gospel Society History Hitch Swansea Hong Kong Iranian Islamic Japanese (Sakura) Jordanian Society L.G.B.T Labour Students Liberal Democrats Law Love your Uni
Malaysian (MASU) Media Model United Nations Musicians Pagan Paramedic Science Society People and Planet Plaid Cymru Photographic Poker Postgraduate History Politics & International Relations Psychology Pub Sports RAG Real Ale Role Playing Saudi Students Society Sci-Fi S.I.F.E (Students in Free Enterprise) S.U.C.S (Computer Society) S.U.M.A (Manga and Anime) Scandivavian Soc S.U.T.A Socialist Workers (SWSS) Socialist Students Spanish S.S.W.I.G.S Taisanese Visual Arts War and Society Wilderness Medicine X-treme Y Gym Gym Yoga 52% club (Women’s Soc)
NOT ENOUGH?! WHY NOT START YOUR OWN If there isn’t something that interest you why not set up your own by contacting: societiesandservices@swansea-union.co.uk
28 Culture - Xtreme Splash
Waterfront 181 - 19/10/09
www.xtremeradio.org
1431 AM
Xtreme Radio is Swansea Universities student radio station run by an elected body of student volunteers. Broadcasting on 1431AM and online at www.xtremeradio.org - it can also be heard around the student village of Hendrefoelan, the University campus itself, the City of Swansea and even as far as Llanelli on a clear day. Xtreme Radio holds a proud history and was opened in November 1968, making it the third oldest student station in the UK behind the stations of University of York and University of Essex. The station broadcasts 24/7 with students presenting their own live shows throughout the day, pre-recorded specialist shows after 7pm and non-stop music thereafter. There are a number of speech-based shows including a live and up-tothe-minute sports news and results programme entitled, The Dugout and a two-hour live news show on Sundays. Being part of the Student Radio Association, it syndicates the SRA Chart on a Sunday too. Not only is Xtreme Radio a medium of communication for students at University, it also provides invaluable experience to its members in radio broadcasting, which is not limited to presenting but also production, research, reviews as well as other aspects of broadcasting. Guests on Xtreme have included The Automatic, Scouting for Girls and Phill Jupitus along with outside interviews from the likes of Feeder, Lenny Henry, The King Blues and Funeral for a Friend to name a few, as well as Radio One personalities such as Jo Whiley and Greg James. Xtreme holds close ties with The Waterfront, the University’s fortnightly newspaper based on campus, and also works closely with Cardiff University’s Xpress Radio presenting live coverage of the annual Welsh Varsity matches held between the two institutions.
X c l u s i v e Interview with Radio 1 DJ Greg James
Splash The executive committee for the academic year of 2009/2010:
Ben Shaw – Station Manager – manager@xtremeradio.org Neil Donoghue – Deputy Station Manager – deputy@xtremeradio.org Will Matthews – Programme Controller – programmecontroller@xtremeradio.org Mark Garvey – Joint Head of Music – music@xtremeradio.org Tom Upton – Joint Head of Music – music@xtremeradio.org David Lewis – Head of News – news@xtremeradio.org Craig Lawton – Head of Sport – sport@xtremeradio.org Brett Jenkins – Head of Engineering – engineering@xtremeradio.org Dave Casey – Head of Research – research@xtremeradio.org Sam Loveless – Head of Production – production@xtremeradio.org Joanna Morgan – Web Editor – web@xtremeradio.org Michelle Owen – Head of Promotion – promotions@xtremeradio.org Tim Atkins – Head of Events – events@xtremeradio.org Samina Trickey – Head of Sale – sales@xtremeradio.org
Greg James has to be one of the nicest people I have ever met. He responded to my request for a chat before his set at the Fresher’s ball, and was really open and laid back. In fact, he asked me the first question.... Greg: So you’re involved with the student radio? Michelle: That’s right, Xtreme Radio. We are doing well this year with a new exec and lots of exciting prospects. That’s how you started isn’t it? Greg: Yeah, I went to UEA. Michelle: You were head of the station.... Greg: I was, but it wasn’t amazing. It mainly involved removing people from the studio who were smoking weed...but I was lucky. Two years before i started they had been kitted out with thousands of pounds worth new equipment! Michelle: That’s lucky! We too have had some money put in this year for new software. So in your 3 years in uni, which were quite recent-you’re only 23. What was the funniest or most embarrassing moment you experienced? Greg: Ha, well, I did dress up as a bannana... Producer Neil: What, I haven’t heard this and I’ve known you for a few years... Michelle: It’s all coming out now! Greg: It was made more embarrassing as we had to go upon stage, we were promoting something... Michelle: Oh dear, so a new show in daytime. No more early starts, are you enjoying it? And what’s it like rubbing shoulders with the likes of Moyles and Mills. Greg: Yeah its great. I used to listen to Chris (Moyles) on the way home, and be up early for Scott (Mills) on early breakfast, so it was weird to start with but you get used to it. Its like an office job, except Fearne Cotton is sat next to you. And it’s not like a job! Michelle: Sounds ideal. You won Best Presenter at the SRA awards, that obviously put you out there. Greg: It was good because as a nominee you get a contact. So i was offered a few weekends on the Galaxy network and did a one off show on Radio 1. They said go and get some more experience, or air miles as it were. And then I did some cover work, and it went from there.... Michelle: That’s brilliant. Are you excited for tonight? Greg: Yeah I was in Derby last night DJing, and we had to get a replacement bus service down to here. Took ages but glad to have finally arrived. Michelle: It’s a big crowd, looking forward to the set!!
By Michelle Owen
www.waterfront.co.uk
Travel -
Exchange, study or work based programmes are the opportunity of a life time and an experience that you will never forget. For around140 Swansea University students, the past year will have certainly left a mark on them. From Sienna to San Francisco, Swansea University offers an excellent array of exchange partner universities world wide, an opportunity to experience many different cultures and travel to some of the most amazing places. Although the title suggests that it is all about studying or working, travelling and partying play a huge part. You really become apart of the local community and gain first hand insight into another culture outside of your comfort zone, which can help you develop as a more ‘worldly’ person. When people think of spending time abroad they initially think of holidays or ‘round the world’ trips, however an experience can be more beneficial if you spread your roots into
Culture - Travel 29
Your guide to couch Surfing Written by Nikki Littlehales
a city to study or work. ‘There is something about a fresh start in an exciting urban atmosphere that is thrilling. Being completely independent from anything I had previously known was a daunting challenge at first, but the moment I stepped off the plane equipped only with a backpack and my Rough Guide to Australia I knew that I’d made the right choice. My advice to anyone thinking of studying abroad is to make the most of all travelling opportunities and the close proximity of near by countries. During the summer break I travelled around Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.’ Leanne Tidy studied business in QUT, Brisbane, Australia. One of the best things about studying abroad is the people that you get to meet from all over the world. Having friends spread out globally is useful if you want to go travelling and need a couch to sleep on. Jordan Shamsaee, who studied
in San Francisco State University said, ‘Some of my best friends I met in San Francisco and we still keep in touch regularly. The experiences and stories we now share will be told for years. I got the opportunity to work as an intern for a film promotions company, where I got to meet Elijah Wood and play a small role in a movie.’ Many people may be put off by the cost of studying abroad but what many people do not realise is that local education authorities sometimes fund flights, health insurance and visa costs. For many degree schemes you don’t have to pay full tuition fees while on your year abroad, the Erasmus programme being free if you spend the full academic year abroad. Couch surfing is an excellent way of stretching your budget and maximising travel opportunities. The idea is simple, you contact someone that lives in a Studying in San Francisco State University for the year has definitely been the best choice I’ve made in life. 15th August 2009; I arrived in San Francisco with my suitcase and a massive smile on my face, this was the first day of the best year of my life, the following week being orientation week in SFSU involved meeting other international students and making amazing new acquaintances. As the weeks have flown by, there has never been a boring time in San Francisco, Its actually hard fitting in school work. September 12, 2009; best free festival ever, another lovely day in the park as Alanis Morissette performed most of her number one singles for good cause. Despite the amazing going-ons in San Francisco, From the Folsom Street Festival (Gay Parade) to simple things like going for a run across the Golden Gate bridge or simply watching Sea Lions on Pier 39. There is a lot to see (which I am still working on) The city has a free spirited vibe and a heart for music, cheap concerts e.t.c next show, Treasure Island this weekend, October 17th and 18th 2009, feat. Mgmt, The Streets, Brazilian girls........ Very Excited!!!! Zinny
destination you want to visit and sleep on their couch for FREE! Couchsurfing. org is a great website where you can be selective and view profiles of people who share similar interests, sound interesting or completely random. Another economical and environmentally friendly way of travelling is to use “rideshare. Good websites include rideshare.com and craigslist.org. Some popular cities can prove to be a steal when it comes to paying rent, but there are other options to save on housing costs. Many hostels offer a work/free board option, where you work for around 20 hours a week and in return you get a room for free. Kate Wood, a Law and American Studies student, spent part of her year abroad living in San Diego where she volunteered for USA Hostels as a tour guide, ‘San Diego was a crazy few months and living in a
hostel saved me around $700 a month, which I would definitely recommend! As travellers come and go all the time in hostels I got to meet some really cool people( and let’s say some very random people), but it ads to the experience hey!’ Some countries have strict visa regulations and gaining access to a country for an extended period is becoming increasingly difficult especially in countries such as the United States. However, an exchange visa can be cheaper and easier to obtain. Studying or working abroad can have academic, personal and social benefits and in today’s job market being socially assertive is very attractive to prospective employers. So spending a year abroad will not only be the best year of your life, it will increase your future prospects.
Zinny’s Diary Zinny Ugbogu is studying International Business Management at Swansea University and has recently embarked on an adventure of a lifetime to study abroad at San Francisco State University. Zinny is a music and travelling enthusiast who loves attending festivals, concerts and exploring the world! Look out for Zinny’s Diary each issue.
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All Abroad?
Features 31 Pete Golding tells of his Spanish experience and offers the best advice to anyone spending their third year away from Swansea.
FOR MOST STUDENTS, moving away from home to start their first term at university is a daunting time. Yet for those enrolled on language courses, many of which feature a compulsory year abroad, there can be a second round of uncertainty as, after being settling in Swansea for two years, they immerse themselves in the culture of another country, whether working, teaching or studying. I chose to work during my year abroad, and was lucky enough to work in two different locations, each offering different experiences. This is perhaps the most important decision to make; however, each pass entails a considerable amount of admin, so decide early what you want to get out of your year abroad. Once all of the paperwork is sorted, and the date of your departure looms up, things can get quite daunting, but this is completely normal. It can be hard to pack for a year in one briefcase, but let me assure you people, it’s possible.
CULTURE SHOCK
Arriving in Spain was a total culture shock. For me, the two principal differences were the lifestyle and the weather. The very night I arrived in Seville, around midnight on Sunday, there were already clear differences to our culture. People were gathered in groups on street corners or in doorways, outside cafés and bars or on benches, conversing and perhaps drinking amiably, and not just adults – children too. In Spain this is the madrugada – the late evening when people go out to socialise, as the temperature is cooler. Waking up the next day in the early afternoon due to my exhaustion from travelling, I left my flat to go shopping only to find them closed. This is the bane of the siesta, that break (generally from 2 – 5 in the afternoon) which we Brits are unaccustomed to. This means the working day is different too. People are often in work until 8 in the evening! While this sounds crazy to us at first, it makes sense in a country where in the warmer months, it is nigh on impossible to concentrate on any task in the midday heat.
Rural sights on the Spanish Coast
DAY TRIPPER For me, the real Spain was to be found in the countryside, in the pueblos blancos of Andalusia, perched precariously on top of mountains, and apart from modern cars you’d think them untouched by modern civilization. There is a real sense of the history of these frontier towns, where centuries ago the invading Moors were fought back gradually into the southern province of Andalusia. There was a real sense of community and openness between the inhabitants of these settlements, so often absent in British neighbourhoods. And then there is the unforgettable scenery of the national parks. If you pull over to the side of the road, kill the engine, and take in the silence, it can be difficult to comprehend the vastness of the area, with little or no traces of civilisation for miles and miles. Plus, the roads are great if you’re the driver… I was also lucky enough to visit Córdoba, a walled city steeped in history, and Madrid, the cosmopolitan capital. Each offers a different angle on Spanish society, all very accessible for the average student.
ADVICE 1. Begin the process early. Decide whether you would prefer to study, teach with the British Council, or find your own work placement. Bear in mind that the latter two options usually entail much paperwork. Don’t get caught out with deadlines for applications, and make sure you have a passport, and renew it if you need to! Also essential is a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which you can register for online for free. 2. Research your destination. Find out some of the local history, sports clubs etc. Also, a quick search on Google Maps may be useful to pinpoint local supermarkets; remember, you may not be able to do this immediately as you arrive, as not all accommodation has internet access.
Above: Nightlife on Costa del sol
Below: La Giralda - Serville
3. Explore your surroundings and get involved. Don’t be afraid to stray off the beaten track. Looking for a nice coffee? Avoid the local Starbucks. 4. Day trips are an excellent way of learning more about your destination country, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many to have access to many areas of mainland Europe. Find out when public holidays are; check local car hire companies (not multinationals) who may have offers on, or student discounts. 5. Leave plenty of time for packing your bags! It might sound obvious, but trying to cram a years worth of stuff into one briefcase is harder than you think. You don’t need all of your t-shirts. And, contrary to popular belief, even the most southernmost places in Europe get cold in the winter, so bring some warm clothes, not just shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. Most importantly, bring some personal comforts; whether it be cuddly toys, photos, posters, something to remind you of home. Chances are you’ll miss it at some point. 6. Compile a language folder, binder or similar before you go, containing essential vocab to help jog your memory. Add to this as you go along; hear or see a word you don’t know? Write it on a scrap of paper or on your phone, and add it to your list. This way you will consolidate your knowledge. Read everything; books, pamphlets and leaflets, newspapers…
7. Relax! Many people find they can understand, comprehend and respond easier when they are relaxed. Different people
have different ways of doing this, and while I am not advocating the use of alcohol, I did find a couple of cervezas helped me to forget my inhibitions with the language, and I’m sure I might have learnt more under the influence… but that’s only a couple, not completely inebriated!
Written and Photographed by Pete Golding
32 Careers
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
A good career move!
This is to update you on what’s been happening in the Careers Service or, if you’re a First Year, to tell you all about us. Our name has changed to ‘Careers and Employability at LIS’ - but we’ll still answer to ‘Careers’!
Where is Careers? Our reception desk has moved but we are still in the library - not just in the library but in the middle of the Library – on Level 3 (the main entrance level) in the old Catalogue Hall. This is where you’ll checkin for any appointment.
How do I make an appointment? You can make an appointment at reception or there’s an online booking system where you can choose a slot that suits you and your timetable. Appointments can be made for slots between 10am to 4pm that day or the following day. These last for 20 minutes and you can make more than one. Our interview rooms are quiet and confidential so feel free to relax.
What if I don’t want to meet anyone? If a personal chat doesn’t suit then there’s an email service for advice and guidance. Log on to our website and follow the links.
What if I don’t know what I want to do? Careers is the place to come and have a chat if you simply haven’t a clue what to do after you graduate as well as to discuss any ideas and plans that you do have, no matter how far fetched. Whether you want to be an accountant or a TV presenter or even a spy (really!) there are advisers to help. We can talk with you before and after you take a My Potential aptitude test. My Potential is an online self-assessment tool to help you identify your abilities, preferences, strengths and weaknesses and areas for development.
centre (could you do an ‘In-Tray Exercise?). What about post-graduate study? Where are the courses and how do you apply? We have a useful selection of reference books and take-away brochures. Books of practice tests for verbal reasoning and numeracy or books like ‘CVs for Dummies’! Our Jobshop offers information on part time work during term as well as vacation work, summer placements and work tasters which will add hugely to your CV and show evidence of work experience to potential employers. We organise events like careers fairs and a programme of talks given by visiting employers. To find out about these you need to check your student email, it’s our main method of contacting students. Make sure that you manage your mailbox so that new messages can be received. We get lots of “returned” mail because of email boxes being full.
What about graduates? We’re here for graduates too. If you are a recent graduate from the UK and the EU then you can access free, impartial and independent careers advice and guidance from our Graduate Careers Adviser. With up to 50 graduates applying for every graduate job it is essential that jobsearch skills such as your CV and cover letter, stand out from the crowd. For those of you unsure of the next step, who just need some advice the Graduate Careers Adviser is here to help. No question is too daft!
I’ve heard of GO Wales, what’s that all about? Graduate Opportunities Wales offers a range of services proven to help students, graduates and businesses in Wales including: work placements, work experience, funding for training and an online database of jobs in Wales. GO Wales can help you get a head start in today’s competitive job market. There’s a wide range of work experience opportunities, paid placements and jobs plus a range of resources to help you make the most of your work experience and develop your career. You can even gain a City & Guilds qualification at the same time. Visit www.gowales.co.uk for the detail. Don’t leave it too long to find out more about ‘Careers and Employability at LIS’ go to http://www. swan.ac.uk/careers
What else can you offer? A second (or third!) pair of eyes on your CVs or application forms. Perhaps have a mock interview in advance of the real thing or go through what happens at an assessment
Photo By John Curry
Career services based at the University Library
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Careers Advice...
Ask Jan
Careers 33 Written by Careers Advisor Jan Binnie-Gordon
If you want to be a teacher - the time to act is now!
Firstly decide whether you want to teach primary or secondary. Whilst it’s true that you can apply for both at the same time I would strongly advise against it since you’re only allowed the one form and you’ll be hard pressed to convince any provider of your serious commitment to either. There are important deadlines. Most courses start in September and you can apply online (through the GTTR website) from early September 2009 for courses that start in 2010. If you are applying for primary they must receive your application by 1 December 2009 to guarantee that you are considered by your first choice because all first choice training providers must consider all applications received at the GTTR by 1 December. If you apply after 1 December 2009 but before 30 June 2010 you will only be considered by training providers that still have vacancies. Some training providers may consider you if you apply after December 1st but you must contact providers about vacancies before applying. The December 1st deadline for primary does not apply to middle years, secondary, post-compulsory or further education teaching courses. Applications for these are accepted at any time between September 2009 and 30 June 2010, but do apply as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of getting the place of choice as, training providers start to fill some courses early in the application cycle. Flexible and modular courses have several start dates each year and you can enter the earliest date that you can start a course on your application. You should contact training providers to find out their course start dates and ensure that you apply early enough to be considered for your preferred start date.
You can’t apply in the 2010 application cycle for courses starting in 2011 but some training providers may agree to defer your place when they make an offer. If you accept a deferred place you must still meet all the conditions of the offer by 31 August 2010. If you want to start a course in 2011 you need to ask training providers before you apply whether or not they can consider you for 2011 course entry in the 2010 application cycle. Any applications after 30 June 2010 are entered directly into Clearing and if you will be living abroad during the application cycle, you should contact your chosen training providers for advice about when to apply through the GTTR. You’ll find PGCE Courses for teaching in Welsh at Aberystwyth, Bangor, Trinity, UWIC and Swansea Metropolitan. There are a variety of primary and secondary courses that train you to teach through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. A £1,500 incentive payment is available for those who wish to undertake a secondary course through the medium of Welsh. The incentive payment is £1,800 for trainees taking science and mathematics courses. These incentives are aimed at students on eligible courses and eligibility for the supplements are made by individual training providers involved in the scheme. More information can be obtained by contacting them directly. A word about funding. There’s no point in listing all the variations here, there’s too many. I’ll just say that there are bursaries for everyone but the amount differs depending upon the course, the subject and whether you study in England or Wales. Check the TDA website for your own situation.
Attention all want-to-be Teachers How to write a personal statement The section of the application form that candidates find most difficult is the personal statement. It will help if you make a start by trying to answer the following five questions. Emphasise your own individual experiences but don’t exaggerate because your claims will very likely be explored in depth at interview. Places are limited so try to make your personal statement as original and appealing as possible. 1. Who or what has influenced your choice to apply to be a teacher? This is your ‘opener’. Perhaps there was a specific time when you decided to become a teacher. How did you come to this realisation? Mention your own experience and skills, and avoid clichés such as “I have always wanted to be a teacher” or “I believe that teaching is my vocation”. Match specific examples of qualities you have to that of teaching. 2. Why will you enjoy working with young people? There are many qualities that can be attributed to good teachers. A good teacher may demonstrate an ability to relate to young people, good interpersonal and listening skills. The capacity to be alert, creative, imaginative, energetic and enthusiastic an ability to be adaptable and versatile. Focus on the attributes that match your own strengths and identify a specific time when you have demonstrated those qualities. 3. Why your subject? Reflect on what subject knowledge you have, how you developed it and how it is relevant to the national curriculum. For secondary, look at the Curriculum Online website for topics taught at key stages 3 and 4 and for primary try to show knowledge across several curriculum subjects, particularly maths, science and English. 4. What did you learn from work experience? Identify and comment on a particular aspect of your experience and demonstrate how it affected the teaching and learning process. Talk about classroom layout, different tasks and teaching methods, behaviour management techniques, the way the teacher assessed work and gave feedback to pupils. 5. What extras can you offer? What would be of benefit to a school? Focus on what you can do and what you enjoy, whether it’s refereeing netball, playing piano or painting stage scenery. Consider things like language skills, interests like photography, ICT, any sport, drama or music, and don’t forget any training experience or management skills you’ve gained in other employment or work experience. One final piece of advice - once you’ve drafted your statement bring it along to a careers adviser for a quick scan before you send it. We’ve seen hundreds over the years and pride ourselves on being able to spot the ‘typos’ and to edit the clichés! Pictures supplied by Google
Point of View 34 ADVICE
WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
With Samantha Louise
How to cope with a long distance relationship University brings with it many transitions; the hardest of which is losing the security of friends, family, and often partners as you leave home. If you are one of those who decide your partner is worth fighting for then you will, in most cases, become one half of a long- distance relationship. These types of relationships often come with a lot of stigma; there is no doubt that they are hard and take a lot of effort to maintain, but that’s not to say it isn’t possible for you to both be happy. There are some basic principles which may help the initial fight for survival:
1.TRUST: If you don’t trust one another then this will never work. If you rely too much on knowing where the other is at all times then you can be sure paranoia is going to win. 2. SPACE: Give yourselves enough space to get used to
3. MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING: Respect each other’s commitments
the other not being around. The less you talk, the more special each conversation will be. Make sure you’re not speaking everyday to give yourself a fighting chance of getting used to the change.
and be supportive. Though understand the difficulty your partner may have in not being involved, so account for jealously. Focus on what you love to do together and limit talk about just yourself. You both have to be willing to accept change.
4. KEEP OCCUPIED:
Feeling sorry for yourself in your room doesn’t help. Join something. Do something. Don’t focus on what’s not here.
5. PLAN:
Make a plan with each other before you leave so you know how you’re going to play this game. Plan something to look forward to such as a trip, or visit. It always helps to make sure you both know when you’re next going to speak next to allocate time for each other and have something to be excited about.
6. POST: Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a traditional letter or parcel that they were not expecting. It makes a nice change from a text and shows effort and thought. 7. HONESTY: Be sure to explain exactly how you’re feeling so that you’re not burdened with worries. It’ll keep you stronger.
8. ACT NORMAL:
The less you make a big deal out of the change, the more likely you are to survive it. Just take it day by day and don’t worry about the future. Just remember it’s not impossible to visit.
9. VENT: Don’t keep all your upset inside. Venting to someone, or something keeps you sane and stops emotional build ups. Write things down. It is hard but it is possible.
10. DO ANYTHING: Each little surprise will
be an added extra, and will not go unappreciated. You know this person, and so you know what they love. Nothing is going to magically fall into place; this is where your effort comes into play.
The key is communication and understanding. If you’re willing to make the effort, you’ll reap the rewards. Images supplied by Google
36 SPORT
WATERFRONT 181 19/10/09
World Rally Championship coming to Cardiff - and you could be there! By Rhys Williams Sports Editor THE WORLD Rally Championship will be decided in the forests of South Wales this weekend, and you could be there to see it courtesy of The Waterfront. Finn Mikko Hirvonen currently leads the championship by just a single point going into the final round, while Frenchman Sebatian Loeb, considered by many to be the greatest rally driver of all time, lies in second place. If Hirvonen can beat Loeb this weekend, he would claim his first world title and would also deny Loeb from claiming an unprecedented six world titles in a row. All that stands between Loeb and this unbelievable feat are the treacherous, muddy roads of the forests of South Wales. However, the Wales Rally GB has proved to be something of a bogey circuit for the usually peerless man of motorsport. He has won the event only once in his ten years in the sport. This coupled with Hirvonen’s single point lead should put Hirvonen in the driving seat, but Loeb has plenty of
experience in closing out championships, especially last year’s championship, where he beat Hirvonen comfortably. The Rally of Great Britain will be returning to Wales for four days of highoctane rally action from 22-25 October 2009. It’s your chance to see the world’s fastest rally cars and most formidable driving talent and the final round of the 2009 FIA World Rally Championship, a must-see event. For the first time ever, the Rally GB Service Park will be situated in Cardiff Bay. A hub of frantic activity, the Service Park is where the cars get repaired and refuelled, giving visitors the chance to get up close to all the action. Best of all, entry to the Service Park is free throughout the event. We’ve teamed up with Rally GB to offer you the chance to win one of four pairs of tickets to access all stages of the action-packed rally on Friday 23rd October. For a chance to win, just answer the following question: Where will Rally GB’s Service Park be situated this year? Please send your answer, along with your name, telephone number
FAST AND FURIOUS: The World Rally Championship will be held in Cardiff this weekend, and you could be there to follow it
and address to editor@swansea-union. co.uk (Labelling your emails RALLY). Entries must be received by Wednesday 21st October at 6pm. Winners will be
contacted on Thursday 22nd October. Tickets for Rally GB start from £1 for child day passes. Visit www.rallygb.org for more information
and to buy tickets. You can also purchase tickets by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251.
Swans’ form finally improves as Sousa starts to get it right
Basketball club relishing Varsity advantage
By Craig Lawton Sports Reporter
By Luke James Chief Reporter
TO PARAPHRASE; what a difference a result makes. Swansea City’s 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on 8th October may finally signal the turning of the tide in Paula Sousa’s reign at the Liberty Stadium. Goals from Mark Gower and Lee Trundle saw the attacking players in the squad overtake the defenders in terms of league goals scored so far this season, representing the final piece of the jigsaw falling into place, and it is one which has taken its time in coming since Sousa took charge 11 matches ago. At the start of the season Swansea were playing metronomic, possession based football. This is all well and good to a certain degree, however, when the opposition began to ignore the script and instead simply “parked the bus” (to quote another Portuguese manager) in front of goal, the Swansea players had little to offer in response. This saw them score just three goals in their first eight outings in the league. Even more alarming than this was the fact that all three had come from set pieces and were scored by defenders; two from Welsh international Ashley Williams and one from vice captain Alan Tate. Slowly but surely Sousa has begun to get into the heads of his squad. After going ahead through a Trundle penalty against Sheffield United, the Swans
SWANSEA University Basketball Club has high hopes of a successful season on court this year and can’t wait to get the old enemy, Cardiff, in their own back yard for the varsity finale. Both men’s and women’s captains have spoken to The Waterfront about their high expectations for the green and white on court this year. Second team captain Josh Sutcliffe is tipping the men’s second team to outshine the first and be standard bearers for Swansea University basketball. “I think the first team has more individuals than the second team, but we work more as a team and there’s a better atmosphere,” he said. “We’ll play them in the league once and then in the cup and I think we have a good chance of beating them. “There are a few good prospects in our team, fresher’s who have been put in the second team but could probably make it into the firsts soon.” And he was confident the introduction of a full time coach will help the clubs development. “The whole club is being run a lot more efficiently, we’ve now got a full time coach who we had last year but it was for only like two hours week and it wasn’t enough,” said Sutcliffe. “This year we are paying him and he puts a lot of time and effort into the club
were pegged back to 1-1. Minutes later Jordi Lopez was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Previously this would have signalled the end for Swansea as they would have folded under the pressure. Instead they kept on playing intelligent football, and were eventually rewarded by a goal from Thomas Butler and with it a first home league win of the season. After the match it was learnt that Ferrie Bodde, valued at £5m by the Swans, would be out for the rest of the season having just returned from a 10 month injury layoff. However, this latest setback seems to have finally shown the rest of the squad that they must stand up and be counted or the side will fall by the wayside. With just 15 minutes to go in their next home match Swansea were being held as QPR remained inside their own
half, intent on taking a point back home with them. It would have been easy for Sousa’s men to accept the draw, but instead they did something which they have not done enough of up until this point and took the game by the scruff off the neck. This had an almost immediate affect as they scored twice in just 11 minutes to take the match away from Sousa’s former employers. It would therefore appear that Sousa is finally winning the war. His side are now unbeaten in their last 5 matches and have kept 5 clean sheets this season. They are also learning to take chances and the more senior players in the squad are taking more responsibility. Lets just hope that the international break has not had a detrimental affect on their form and instead this good run of form continues where it left off.
which will definitely help improve the first and second team.” Club social secretary Ahm Hussain said the players are looking forward to snatching back the varsity crown from Cardiff with the backing of home supporters this year. “Home support is a big thing, I remember when we walked into Cardiff last year it was overwhelming to see how many people were there and basketball is an energy sport so you need fans to be there for you and pick you up when you’re down,” said Hussain. “There’s no way we will play as well as we could if we don’t have that support. “We know most of the players and we played a friendly against them the other day so we know what to look for. “They’re going to come at us strong but its home court and we have to take advantage.” And Women’s Captain Nisa Bursten is hopeful that despite last year’s star players leaving the teams, new players will grow in ability and confidence. “We lost most of our players because they were foreign exchange students, but we have a promising team of fresher’s now,” she said. “Some of them haven’t played before but they’re picking things up really fast and we’ve got a new coach which will help them. “Hopefully we’ll do better than last year and finish in the top half of the league.”
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SPORT 37
Intramural League preview - by Deputy Sports Editor Tim Harris
Brand New League System
Teams Ajax Tressdown Balls Deep Clinical Finishers Geography Geography X1 Hardly Athletic History Boys
Liquor Photosynthesis SPR Sketty Bolognese Sub-Standard Leige Swansea University 6th’s Swansea University 7th’s Team Sloth AFC T.I.T.S
Singleton Park Rangers 1 – 1 Swansea Uni 7ths (Friendly)
NEW SYSTEM: There will only be ONE Intramural League this season. The Super 8’s will be no more. SWANSEA Intramural football will host just the one league of action this season. In years gone by, seasons consisted of 2 leagues running simultaneously (The Dylan Thomas and Lee Trundle Leagues), which then fed the top 4 from each league into knockout competitions. However, this season promises a much more effective system, with just the one league championship which will run throughout the season. This new setup will have several benefits. Teams competing will have the opportunity to play all of the other teams, giving a wider variety of football. The changes
will also draw the Intramural Cup into more focus. Most importantly though: over the league campaign, the best Intramural team will win. League Organiser Richard Fouracre said “We wanted to maximize the number of competitive games team play”. “This format gives teams something to play for, for the entire season”. “Furthermore, the Cup means so much more this year; there is only one showpiece final to be involved in, and quite frankly, anyone could be in it”. Teams of old and new will all be on show this year. “Nobody can really
overlook Sloth, or indeed the Uni sides” said Fouracre. “There are some returning teams: Liquor, T.I.T.S, SPR and so on who have experience on their side, and then some unknown quantities such as the Geography X1, Photosynthesis and Hardly Athletic who promise much”. “We want to establish Intramural as a talking point across the University”. added Fouracre. With pre-season friendlies over, all 16 teams will be revving their engines for the league matches to commence, on Wednesday 21st October. It’s a date for the diary...
AN EXCITING encounter with Swansea 7ths saw Singleton Park Rangers clinch the pre-season friendly from the penalty spot. Captain and goalkeeper Scott Dummett emerged the hero of the day, saving one in the shoot-out, and then converting the winning penalty. The 7ths led for the majority of normal time, Harvey Ronjohn getting on the end of a David Jaramillo ball firing a decent effort past the keeper. But SPR bit back in the 2nd half, creating chances, forcing the 7ths keeper to perform. And late in the day, Adam Fleet grabbed the equaliser,
poking in from a corner in a goalmouth scramble. Dummett was pleased with the victory. “We are chuffed with the win”. “The team is looking strong, I think we’ll be challenging for the top spot all the way this season”. Swansea 7ths Captain Matthew Jacob was disappointed with defeat. He said “To concede late was disappointing, but hopefully we’ll continue our progress into the league”. “My squad of freshers are getting used to the physicality of the Intramural league”. “I think we can be a force this season”.
Women’s football draw with Cardiff By Michelle Owen Sports Reporter WEDNESDAY saw the start of the BUCs season for Swansea Women’s 1st footballers, against arch rivals Cardiff. The scene was set for a fantastic match with the Fairwood pitches in perfect condition, even the sun was peaking out. Swansea started two fresher’s, left back Jess Lloyd and American striker Lauren Odino. The match was intense from the start, every ball was contested for. After a tight opening ten minutes in the ever increasing heat, Swansea took the lead. Emily Marchant swung in a corner and after a scrap in the middle, winger Clare Ostle poked it into the net. Cardiff soon struck back, their influential captain having a wild strike which hit the bar and their striker pounced on the rebound. Gemma Jones worked tirelessly to contain her in the middle.
CHALLENGE: SPR will fight for the top spot in Intramural Football
Hardly Athletic 7 – 3 Ajax Trees Down (Friendly) But this was end to end stuff, and soon enough Swansea had another corner. There was a flurry of action in the middle, as Emily Marchants corner looped over everyone into the net. At half time injured striker Michelle Owen limped off making way for Sarah Edwards. Swansea had already made a sub through injury in defence. Cardiff struck back quickly after the break through a scrappy attack, and then took the lead. However, Swansea fought on
despite only having ten men, as Lauren Odino limped off and the third sub had been used. Another fantastic corner from Emily Marchant met the head of the towering Clare Ostle. The girls were pleased to come away with a result, and Vice Captain Marchant commented: “This is the identical score to last year, its a great starting point and we are pleased with the point.”
HARDLY Athletic bounced back from a disheartening defeat to Sloth with victory over Ajax. The game begun in Ajax’s favour however, Alex Gordon scoring early on. It wasn’t long before Athletic equalized though, through Jonathan Horton, just minutes later. Ajax took another lead through Dom Fowler, heading in off a Tom Drinkwater cross. Athletic Captain Sean Lindsay, then fired home a 35 yard screamer to draw level yet again. The action never ceased, Arwel Davies netting each side of half-time
for Athletic. Ajax, refusing to lie down, pulled one back through Will Marchant, but 2 goals from substitute Dan Williams, and Arwel Davies completing his hattrick, rounded off a high-scoring epic. Athletic Vice Captain Jon Gray said “It was a good performance that gives us plenty of confidence for the season ahead”. Ajax Captain Alex Gordon isn’t too concerned with the defeat. “We played most of the match without proper defenders”. “We have a good squad; a top half finish would be a good aim for the forthcoming season”.
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WATERFRONT 181 - 19/10/09
Ospreys soaring after slow start By Bradley Morgan Sports Reporter THE OSPREYS have recovered after their slow start to the season with strong results against Edinburgh in the Magners League and Leicester in their first Heineken Cup pool match. The side has been hit with injuries throughout the season, most notably Gavin Henson, and have had many close match-ups in the Magners League; firstly winning 19-12 against Connacht in Galway thanks to a debut try for Jerry Collins, then losing twice at home to surprise high flyers Ulster 16-20, and then to European champions Leinster 11-18. The Welsh side showed some signs of improvement by beating Glasgow on the road 26-12, thanks to a strong second half performance. Then a week later, the Ospreys pulled off a stunning performance, winning 31-10 against a strong Edinburgh side, to pick up their first win at the Liberty Stadium of the season. After a slow start, the home side scored three tries, with Tommy Bowe breaking through the Edinburgh line to score under the posts. Then three minutes later, Captain Ryan Jones finding a gap in the line after a pinpoint long pass from Scrum Half Mike Phillips, and finally following a planned Backs move from a scrum, Nicky Walker, found a way through and handed off to Lee Byrne for a easy touchdown. The Scots weren’t out of it though, as winger Tim Visser beat Shane Williams one on one from a scrum just before half time, leaving the score 24-10 at the break. The second half was much quieter, with Edinburgh trying to get back in
RECOVERED: The Ospreys have managed to make up for their slow start with some impressive performances against Edinburgh and Leiceste. Here in training
the game. But then with 16 minutes to play, the game was killed off as Jonathan Thomas caught a telegraphed interception and strolled over the posts for the bonus point, and the Ospreys moved up to 3rd in the League with the victory. However, there were worries for many key players ahead of the Ospreys’ Heineken Cup opener against Leicester. Thankfully, the likes of Tommy Bowe and Lee Byrne were cleared to play,
although Prop Adam Jones was not. Neither team was able to take control at the start, but the Tigers took the early lead with a try from Johne Murphy after two minutes. But after a few penalties and Shane Williams bursting over the line from 25 metres, the Ospreys lead 13-8. The Ospreys continued the pressure with a Dan Biggar drop goal and a Tommy Bowe try from 50 metres following a wild pass, to take the score
to 26-8. Leicester struck back soon after though, with Centre Billy Twelvetrees stretching over and scoring, to make the score 26-15 at half time. But Leicester are undefeated at home this season, and wouldn’t let that record go without a fight, with late replacement Lucas Amorosino scoring soon after the restart to the Tigers within 7 points. Then, after the kickers traded penalty kicks, in the last minutes of the game, Jeremy Staunton found a gap in the
defence and touched down despite the best efforts of three defenders, to secure a bonus point and the draw for the home side, ending the game 32-32. The Ospreys felt disappointed they couldn’t hold on for the win, but with a very strong performance and gaining a draw at the home fortress of the English champions, the Ospreys will feel good about their chances in the next few fixtures, and about making strides in both the league and in Europe.
half, Swansea showed real character, coming back into the contest in the second half with a Luke Mayo strike. “There was absolutely nothing we could have done about their goal it was just a well worked move,” Bansor added. “But we came back into it really well and we more than deserved the equaliser. I thought if we had nicked a second it could have been three or four.” Swansea dominated the remainder of the game, laying siege to the Bath penalty area and hitting the woodwork on no less than three occasions. The winning goal proved elusive, however Bansor was pleased with what he saw. “I was very happy overall, even though we didn’t get the goal we hit the post twice and the bar so on another day I think we would have won comfortably.” With the weight of expectation on the Men’s Firsts this term there were certainly plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the season ahead.
By Tim Harris Deputy Sports Editor
as well as having new Captain Adam Foulds at the helm; the entire hockey squad will see a familiar face in their new club coach. “Last year’s 1sts Captain Calum Westaway is now employed by the AU as a coach for all hockey teams,” said Taylor. “This is going to make a big difference to our season”. As with any new academic year, players have come and gone, the hockey club losing around 15 in numbers, but picking up 20 new freshers. “This has brought new ambition into the club” added Taylor. “The fight for places is at an all time high”. This season Charlie Lester will be taking the lead striking role; he will be looking for support from his fast-paced and skilful wingers James Beggs, Jonny Taylor, and Kyle Soulsby. Lester already has two goals to his name this year, netting in the friendly against Somerset. Captain Foulds, Soulsby and French fresher Tristan Desclos Le Peley joined him on the
score-sheet. Taylor was pleased with the result. “Debut performances from freshers Chris Reed and Henry Lewis showed potential. A promising season is already in full flow,” he concluded.
Men’s football with good Hockey team full of confidence as display on opening day club sets aim at double promotion By Josh Reeves Sports Reporter
EXPECTATIONS for the Men’s Firsts couldn’t have been higher going into the first competitive match of the season, following a disappointing campaign last term. Conditions up at Sketty were magnificent on a fine autumnal afternoon, and the performance was one from which there were plenty of positives. Swansea showed a real hunger and desire from the outset, creating a number of chances early on and have every right to feel unlucky not to come away with all three points from a game they dominated in large spells. Captain Gary Bansor was very satisfied with the effort: “I can’t fault the effort and the performance from the boys. We battered them for the most part and we were really, really unlucky not to win the game.” Despite falling behind to a headed goal against the run of play in the first
SWANSEA Hockey 1sts recorded a 5-3 home victory against Somerset Gryphons at the end of freshers week, setting them up perfectly and brimming with confidence for the new season to commence. Last season the 1st team retained the Welsh Shield, reached the semi-finals of the BUCS Cup, and finished a solid midtable in the BUCS Western Conference Men’s 2B League. On top of this the 1sts only just missed promotion from their Saturday League, The West of England and South Wales League. But New Club Captain Jonny Taylor expects more. “This year the 1st XI will be looking for promotion in both leagues”. In their bid for promotion, Swansea will come up against teams from Cardiff, Bath, Bristol, UWIC and Cardiff Medics. This feat is more than possible, and
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Titans to take league by storm By Bradley Morgan Sports Reporter American football club president Nick Keyse believes the Swansea Titans can put themselves on the map this year, and is optimistic ahead of their first full season in the British University league system. The Titans have only existed for two years, and had to go through a year of affiliation with the league last season to prove the fact that they are serious contenders. However, the wait is now over as the Titans are set to enter their first full season in the British Universities American Football League (BUAFL). And Keyse believes there is every reason to be positive about the Titans’ potential this season. “The team is full of optimism for our first full season as a part of the league,” he said. “We feel the team has huge potential and believe that by building on the enthusiasm, intensity and determination of last year, we can put Swansea Titans on the university map. Last year was a tough one in terms of results for the Titans, but it was also a milestone in the development of the
READY: The Titans are set to enter their first full season in the British University league and are positive about their chances
Titans as a serious American football club. And while the club has become more professional, Keyse says new players are more than welcome to turn up to training session and be a part of the club’s development.
“The team had to go through one year of affiliation with the league, and we had to prove that we could assemble a competitive team every week, attend and host games, and obviously prove we could financially hold ourselves together each year,” he explained.
“At the same time, the team is still extremely easy to get involved in, as you simply have to attend training sessions. “As long as you have an AU card, anyone is more than welcome to get involved. We train three times a week, so all you have to do is turn up.”
Rowers to build on succesful season Continued from back page “It gives us a real platform to work with this year. “Obviously our main goals are to win the Welsh Boat Race and put in strong performances at BUCS Head and Regatta. “But we also are looking to develop a strong novice squad.” The first competitions take the form of the Small Boats Head in Cardiff on 1st November, and then the Bristol Head Race shortly after on 28th November. With so much to be gained, the rowers are deep into their preparations to improve on last year’s successes. “The seniors are training every day and improvement is already being seen,” said Gray. The rowing club has also signed
a wealth of new prospects this year, providing some potential talent for the Captains to exploit. “We have lost 7 of the first VIII from last year, but we are confident that we have rowers coming through that are able to fill their shoes,” he said. The men’s senior squad will be ones to watch this season. But for the women, eyes will be on Kate Evans, after her silver medal at the BUCS Regatta last year. With so much promise from last year’s achievements, Swansea rowers will be focused on producing the results once again. He added: “Our club was such a success both on and off the water, and we plan to carry on with last year’s work.”
AU President Siwan Lillicrap I must start by saying how nervous but excited I am about the first busy BUCS Wednesday. With over 30 BUCS fixtures, I have great feeling about this year and I’m sure all the AU teams will be very successful. You can keep up to date with all the sports scores in the Waterfront, but for up to the minute action check out our website: www.suau.co.uk. On that note I want to congratulate all the teams that played last week and thanks to everyone who made the day run smoothly. Men’s rugby was the only team to have BUCS fixtures with 2 out of the 4 teams winning and the other 2 showing great potential for the next season. Whether it was a win or lose it was a great way to get in preparation for the forthcoming season, with some great performances going down in many sports. So far Play on Wednesday nights have been a great success with everyone I’ve spoken to having a fantastic time. Keep up the good work on the ticket front and let the good times roll. We are also selling Osprey tickets throughout the year so get up to the AU office or ENTS box office. Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to watch top flight rugby in a superb stadium. I think that’s it until next time. Good luck, enjoy your fixtures and keep up the good work. Don’t forget that everyone must have AU membership to be involved in any AU sport. Play hard but train harder. Siw
WINNERS: The club had a great season last year and are keen to repeat the success
Sport thewaterfront
19/10/09
VARSITY RETURNS: SWANSEA EXPECTS By Thore Haugstad Sports Editor
AU PRESIDENT Siwan Lillicrap has expressed her delight at Swansea arranging Varsity this year, as the prestigious event finally returns to the south west of Wales. Despite having had the right to arrange Varsity last season, Swansea let the opportunity go to Cardiff due to financial issues as well as difficulties regarding facilities and venues. However, those issues have now been dealt with and the AU President is looking forward to the event, saying that Swansea can arrange an even better Varsity event than Cardiff have done in recent years. “I think so,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of work, but as a student it’s great for me to bring it back since its been in Cardiff for a couple of years. “It was on my campaign list to bring it back to Swansea, and it’s fantastic that we’ve managed to do it. “People said it would be hard to bring it back to Swansea, but then the stadiums came forwards with proposals to host Varsity which made it possible. “It’s great for Swansea University to be able to gather our supporters at our own ground. We had about 4000 supporters travelling to Cardiff last year, but hopefully we’ll be attracting even more students to Varsity this year. “For most teams it’s the finale of the year and it gives every team something to build up to, having finished their leagues. Swansea passed on the opportunity of hosting the event last year, mainly because of the Liberty Stadium not
MAIN VENUE: The Liberty Stadium was an important factor for the Athletic Union in making Swansea able to arrange Varsity this year being suited to be used as a venue for the final Varsity rugby match. However, AU Manager Richard Lancaster has now praised the collaboration between themselves, the Liberty stadium and the Ospreys for making the Liberty Stadium available as the main venue. “Basically, the main difference between this year and last year is that the Liberty has delivered a competitive
Rowers keen to repeat last season’s success By Tim Harris Deputy Sports Editor THE SWANSEA rowers are confident of building on last year’s superb performances as the season draws closer. The rowing club exceeded expectations last year, concluding an outstanding season for the club, just six
years after it was established. Highlights included the men’s rowers taking the Welsh Boat Race, the club bringing 24 medals home from the Welsh Indoor Championships, and solid performances at the Cardiff Small Boats and Bristol University Head Races. And Club Captain Steven Gray is optimistic about the season ahead. “Last year was our best to date,” he said.
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tender,” he explained. “We didn’t have that last year so it remained at Cardiff, and looking back at it, I’m quite glad it did because it helped us to build our own event a step further. “To be fair, the Liberty has put a fantastic tender together for us, and with the stadium company and the ospreys pushing it as far as they can, we have been able to offer a great venue. The AU Manager also believes that
Swansea enjoys certain advantages in terms of arranging Varsity that Cardiff are unable to match. Both in terms of location and the finale venue, Lancaster says the facilities are good enough to make this year’s Varsity an event to remember. “We’re quite lucky in that we’ve got all our facilities in one site, and the aim will be to put everything at Sketty Lane so that people can just go to one place
and watch as much sport as they can,” he added. “Cardiff put on a very good event last year, but it was spread over different sites, and we’ve got the added benefit of having it all in one place. “At the same time, The Liberty is in my opinion superior to the one in Cardiff, and to push the attendance up towards 15 000 there would be fantastic.“
Inside this week’s paper Rally
American Football
Intramural