Issue 231

thewaterfront the official student newspaper of swansea university

FURY OVER BAN ON POLE FITNESS SOCIETY

by Alex Hughes

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk A UNANIMOUS vote from Swansea University Students’ Union’s trustee board has banned Swansea Student’s Pole Fitness Society, causing international outrage from the pole fitness community.

A letter issued by the board as to why Swansea student pole fitness was rejected and a reply from Sam Remmer, on behalf of the pole dance community, have been circulating the internet and gone viral.

The Students’ Union’s Trustee Board stated in their letter that pole fitness was “inextricably linked to the multi million pound sex industry” and “upholds and bolsters sexist attitudes and behaviours”.

All over the world, people have been showing their support for Swansea student pole fitness.

A Swansea graduate and former captain of a Swansea sports team, Isabel Crouch, was compelled to write to the union to support the Pole Fitness Society.

As a former pole fitness student herself, she felt that the union shouldn’t be so “close-minded on this issue”.

Initially, Pole Fitness Society was permitted to become an official society of the union, but this decision was later revoked.

The committee also argues that “We’ve never been able to put our point forward” as they were “not allowed” to go to Trustee meetings or their appeal.

The society appealed this revocation but it was later rejected.

Treasurer of the society, Heidi Muir, said the committee found the decision change by the board “really hard… we worked really hard over the summer” to establish a committee; obtain funding, order uniforms and making flyers and posters for Freshers’ Fair.

The letter from the board of trustees stated that Swansea Student Pole Fitness Society “did not meet the criteria needed to be accepted” as an official union society.

Ms Muir believes the board is “not very clear” on their criteria, arguing that there are union societies that “encourage binge drinking, have done naked calendars… [yet] a fitness class which encourages a healthy lifestyle, body confidence and self-esteem doesn’t fit into these policies”.

Pole fitness fans from America have also been showing support: Runemist34 was “fairly displeased to hear that a university… would have such an uninformed and sexist view of Pole Fitness”.

Moreover, a keen supporter of Pole Fitness Society, Cloud Ariel Arts, published a blog post highlighting that whilst the union may “claim that Pole Fitness is too sexually explicit…” points out that the Dance Society page features a picture of members holding up placards: one girl’s sign states she is guilty of “slut dropping on the dance floor”.

“Yet you ban pole dancing for being degrading to women…?”

Within the letter from the board of trustees, Pole Fitness Society’s appeal was rejected on several counts.

The board stated that “pole fitness and pole dancing are a direct spin off from lap dancing” and that “We should Turn to page 2

Free Issue 231 21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

INSIDE NEWS

Bin those bras! page 5 FEATURES

Student poetry page 14 SPORT

STRENGTH WORK: A member of the Pole Fitness Society in training.

Titans looking for a big season pagepage 29 32

02 I NEWS

thewaterfront 21.10. 13

thewaterfront Third floor, Students’Union Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP (01792) 295 988 web: waterfrontonline.co.uk twitter: @waterfront facebook: The Waterfront Swansea

SU officers will be cut from 7 to 5 after vote

by Alicia Nugent

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

Editor Kay Byrne editor@swansea-union.co.uk News

Gemma Parry waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk Crime & Investigations

Chris Flynn waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk Deputy Editor & Website

Jon May front@swansea-union.co.uk Features

Samantha Booth waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk Sport

Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk Music

A MOTION has been passed enabling the student union to lose two of its full time officers, decreasing the team from seven to five.

The referendum which took place via an online voting portal from Thursday, October 10 to Monday, October 14, saw a total number of 464 valid votes registered, with 354 of them being‘for’the cuts.

A minimum of 459 students were required to register their vote for the result to valid, based on a quoracy of 3% of 15,275 students.

The cuts will be made from next July when the new set of sabbatical officers take up their posts.

In the recent union forum, students were told that the cuts were proposed for financial reasons. Union president Zahid Raja told the meeting that cutting the number of sabbatical posts would free

up more money which would be used to employ more permanent staff, enabling the remaining officers to spend more time focusing on student-based matters.

The saving from losing two full-time officers will be £41,072.

Fifteen minutes were dedicated to discussing the cuts in the forum, however students were also invited to attend a discussion session several days later in JC’s, to resolve any unanswered questions they may have had.

Several students who attended the forum questioned the timing of the vote, arguing that with freshers’ week having only just finished, many first year students were probably still not aware of the union and the work that it does.

Students’ union president Zahid Raja disagreed however, replying: “I can’t think of a better time to do it than at the beginning of the year.”

He said the timing of the referendum was also due to the fact that decisions were currently being made regarding the new

campus due to open in September 2015.

Many students who attended the forum opposed the cuts and asked if other money saving changes could be made instead.

One student suggested asking for more funding, whereas another suggested “doing little things like adding five pence more onto a pint [in union-run venues]” and “don’t freeze drink prices” , to which Mr Raja replied with “It’s not as simple as that” and stated that a financial model would be made available online.

He told the forum that Swansea had an abnormally high amount of officers against students in comparison to other students’ unions, and therefore it was vital that cuts were made.

As a result of the referendum, students will get a say in which of the officer positions will be cut from the union. The National Union of Students will spend November consulting with students on how they want to be represented through a number of ways including, but not limited to, surveys and focus groups.

We’re backing the UK City of Culture bid

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CWTCHING THE BID: Students get behind Swansea Bay’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2017.

COMMENT by Sam Booth

waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS can get a bad reputation in university cities, but I think they contribute to local culture in many ways.

The university is a great hub of creativity and originality in its own right and students in Swansea also create a demand and an audience for cultural events in the city. The university also allows people from all over the world to experience the beautiful landscape and visit Gower.

Being at Swansea University has opened doors for me that other universities may not have done. As an aspiring journalist, I was able to join the student paper, The Waterfront,

and start writing straight away and this has built my writing and creative skills more than any lesson could teach me. Unlike many other universities, Swansea lacked a student television station. This gap has allowed me and a co-student to found SU-TV, the new student TV station which will promote creativity.

I was originally going to a university in the north of England but was swayed by what the university offered, such as opportunities to go abroad and the proximity of the city. The landscape is unique and there are few other university experiences that offer a beach view from your lecture hall.

When I first came here I couldn’t wait to get down to the beach. Luckily, my Freshers’ fortnight fell in a brief

September heat wave!

My favourite place in Swansea Bay is the Marina and SA1; every time I go there, whether to eat or for a walk, I find a new cafe or landmark. The redevelopment is fantastic and can be enjoyed by students. It could be even better if there were more tourist activities on offer. Mumbles is another favourite place but that would also benefit from regeneration.

If Swansea Bay won the UK City of Culture 2017 bid it would provide a bigger platform and lots of opportunities for creative students. It could also create better links between the university and the city, which would provide students with a holistic university experience that doesn’t just stay on campus.

Fury over ban on pole fitness From Page 1 “We should not be deaf to the very real issue of pole fitness playing a part in upholding this Raunch Culture and objectification of women and girls and the impact of this on our female students.”

President of the Committee, Beth Morris, found drawing comparisons between lap dancing and pole fitness “highly, highly offensive”, adding, “Lap dancing occurs in gentleman’s clubs…

Pole fitness is strictly for fitness.” She continued, the board “need[s] to take account of the context in which these classes are being taught in”.

Since the classes are “purely for fitness… there is therefore… no link between [it] and the sex industry”.

The class instructor, Dawn Roberts, echoes this, stating pole fitness “is and always has been an exercise class taught by a fitness professional.

“I would like to re-extend my offer to the board of trustees to attend a class so that they can see for themselves the sort of activity that takes place in one of these fitness classes.”

The board also stated that “Evidence shows that young women aged 16 – 24 are the group of women who experience the most domestic and sexual violence.

“This is the age of a large group of our female students. We believe that activities such as ‘pole fitness’ contributes to an atmosphere where women are viewed as sexual objects and where violence against them is acceptable.”

President of the pole fitness committee, Beth Morris, argued that it is “ridiculous” to suggest that pole fitness would contribute to an atmosphere where violence against women was acceptable.

“Regardless of how anyone acts, no one should ever feel that they’ve put themselves in the way of violence at all, that’s just ridiculous.”

Treasurer Ms Muir argued that surely the Union should “work on changing the perception [of pole fitness], rather than not allowing us to do it”.

The board also stated that: “Although ‘pole fitness’ is sold as an empowering activity, we believe that women have been deceived into thinking this is a way of taking charge of their sexuality and their own decisions. Moreover, we believe that it is just a further debasement of our culture and another sign of a creeping backlash against women’s true empowerment and a show of misogyny.”

The whole committee was “offended” by the notion that they had been “deceived” into enjoying pole fitness.

The president stated they had “all sought out… [pole fitness] because that’s what we wanted to do… none of the girls that are in our classes now have been deceived into coming to class… they’ve made up their own minds”.

A spokesperson for the students’ union said: “Representatives from the Pole Fitness Society were contacted and the reasons behind the decision were explained in full to them.’”

Should Pole Fitness have been banned? Turn to page 7

waterfrontonline.co.uk

NEWS I 03

Students pay up to £11 more a week in rent

By Gemma Parry

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk ACCOMMODATION prices for the academic year of 2013/14 have risen by as much as £11 per week in comparison to the previous academic year.

Excluding Kilvey and a medium -sized room in Rhossili, students will be paying at least £100 a week to live on campus this year.

The largest increase in price comes from Penmaen and Horton halls, which have both risen by £11 on their 2012 prices.

The price of a medium room in Penmaen and Horton will now cost £120 per week, while a large room in Penmaen will cost students £125.

Kilvey remains the only halls of residence that has not hiked up its prices, remaining at £86.50 per week for a medium-sized room, and £91.50 per week for a large room.

These prices include the £25.11 for those students who wish to be part catered. The cost of living on the student village has also increased, with prices rising £3 a week.

2012/2013 Catering Package HSV -Selfcatered

Residence

Room type

HSV - 7,8,9 and 10 bed units

Standard Medium Standard Large En-suite Medium En-suite Medium En-suite Large En-suite Medium En-suite Large En-suite Medium En-suite Large En-suite Medium En-suite Large En-suite Medium En-suite Medium En-suite Small En-suite Medium En-suite Large Standard Medium Standard Large Standard Medium Standard Large Standard Medium Standard Large Standard Medium En-suite Medium 1 Visitors Flat Welfare Wardens Standard Medium Standard Large En-suite Small En-suite Medium En-suite Large 1 bed 2 person 2 bed 3 person b 2 bed 3 person c 2 bed 4 person a 2 bed 4 person b 2 bed 4 person c 3 bed 5 person

Caswell Langland Oxwich SINGLETON Self-catered

Penmaen Horton

Recent research by Accommodation for Students shows that the average rental value for all student accommodation has risen 3.1% from £77.04 per week per bedroom in 2012 to £79.42 in 2013.

The research showed that Swansea came 71st in the UK for high rents, with an average rent of £69 a week.

The table places Swansea nine places higher than Cardiff, which has an average rent of just £65 per week.

The research revealed that 70% of students prefer an ‘inclusive bills’ option to help them keep track of the finances, the availability of which has more than doubled since 2008.

A Swansea University spokesperson said: “Rents have risen in order to allow on-going investment in maintaining and upgrading the portfolio of university-owned and managed accommodation, as well as addressing inflationary pressures, especially in relation to the increasing cost of utilities. It is also worth noting that the rents for Swansea University accommodation remain competitively priced when benchmarked against other local institutions’ rents.”

Preseli Cefn Bryn SINGLETON Part-catered £25.11 included in rents for 12/13 &13/14

Kilvey Rhosilli Med Students

Beck BECK Self-catered

BECK Family flats

Table showing increase in rents across university accommodation from 2012/13 to 2013/14.

by Sam Booth

waterfrontfeatures@swansea-union.co.uk

Photo by Tammy Schuh

Student left devastated by burglary on home

by Rahul Vashisht

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk A BURGLAR who broke into a student’s house was later caught after leaving his shoelace behind.

David Wilks, 33, stole a 42-inch television and £200 in cash from victim Chloe Stevens, of Vernon Street, Swansea.

Beck

Beck

Total Rooms

Media training day a big success MORE than 70 budding journalists, producers and DJs attended the SUSU Media Training Day run by The Waterfront, Xtreme Radio and SU-TV. The day aimed to inform students about what contributing to the three students’ union media outlets can offer you, how to get involved and offered advice from industry professionals on how to make your way into the journalism industry.

Guest speakers included South Wales Evening Post crime reporter, Jason Evans, Port Talbot based Buffoon FM director, Adam Amor, previous The Waterfront news editor and Shropshire Star news editor, Peter Kitchen and previous The Waterfront sports editor and Swansea City press officer/Swansea Jack Magazine editor, Ben Donovan.

Rhoslili

Police found a grey shoelace in the house during the investigation, which was later DNA tested and matched to the 33 year old Wilks.

His lawyer, Steven John, claimed Wilks stole to fund a drug addiction. Judge Paul Thomas said that the victim had been left devastated and “frightened to stay alone in her own home.”

Wilks was sentenced to two years for his offences.

Lecturers set to strike on October 31

2013/2014 Revised Revised Rent Rent £77.00 £80.00 £82.00 £85.00 £109.00 £115.00 £109.00 £115.00 £114.00 £120.00 £109.00 £115.00 £114.00 £120.00 £109.00 £115.00

by Jon May £114.00 £120.00 front@swansea-union.co.uk £109.00 £120.00 £114.00 £125.00 SWANSEA University staff are £109.00 £120.00 holding a one-day strike on 31 £109.00 £120.00 October in a row over pay. £99.00 £105.00 Members of the University and £103.00 £110.00 College Union, Unison and Unite £108.00 £115.00 – the three largest trade unions in £92.00 £100.00 higher education – will walk out £97.00 £105.00 later this month unless employers £86.50 £86.50 improve their 1 per cent final pay £91.50 £91.50 offer. The strike – which the unions £0.00 £0.00 claim will bring universities to a £0.00 £0.00 standstill - will be the first national £86.50 £86.50 industrial action since 2006 and the £104.00 £104.00 first time that all three unions have £0.00 £0.00 gone on strike together. £0.00 £0.00 It follows recent ballots by all £80.00 £85.00 three unions, in which a majority of £85.00 £90.00 members (62%) who voted backed £96.00 £100.00 strike action. £100.00 £105.00 A Swansea University spokesperson £105.00 £110.00 said: “The one day strike is part of £120.00 £145.00 a national pay dispute and locally, £124.00 £152.00 the university has good relations 2012 £127.50 £155.00 with without fuelits recognised trade unions The £127.50 £155.00 and College Union (UCU) 2013University with £130.50 £158.00 and UNISON. The university hopes fuel £133.00 £160.00 that members of staff will ensure £145.00 £175.00 disruption to students is kept to a

Total

Total

minimum.”

waterfrontonline.co.uk

NEWS I 05

Why netball girls are good sports in binning their bras for a good cause

by Jon May

by Laura Fiteni

front@swansea-union.co.uk

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk SWANSEA University Netball Team are ‘binning a bra’ for breast cancer.

Last Monday, the Swansea University netball girls were all invited to air their dirty laundry in aid of Breast Cancer awareness as they were asked to bring a bra to training to donate to those less fortunate overseas.

Inspired by an idea from TV personality Lorraine Kelly, women across the country pledged to donate a bra to a campaign that aims to ship unwanted underwear to developing countries where it remains too expensive to be produced locally.

Vice-Captain Rachael Risdale was suffering a Thursday hangover and watching Lorraine’s TV show when she heard about the campaign.

“As a club of 100 girl members, our main goal is just to show our support for other women. Breast cancer is something we should all be aware of and something that many of our members, families and friends have been affected by”, said Captain Lorna May Belford.

Singer’s trailer stolen outside Sin City club

Swansea University Netball Team members are donating bras to Africa.

A charity in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness will receive £1000 for every tonne of bras donated.

However, it wasn’t just the netball girls who were encouraged to donate a bra as Lorna said: “Everyone has bras that don’t fit or bras they never wear so what a great excuse to bin them for a great cause!”

When questioned about how to select something suitable, Lorna replied, “Just one of those ones that is

in the drawer but never ventures out!

As for myself I didn’t torture anyone with a sweaty sports bra!”

Aileen Rice-Jones, President of the Swansea University CoppaFeel Society attended the session to give the girls advice on how best to check their breasts for signs of breast cancer.

It is recommended that girls check their breasts from collar bone to rib cage, including under the arms, at least every month. “The best time to

False Widow Spider is on its way

by Chris Flynn

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk THE False Widow Spider could be in Swansea soon, reports and sightings suggest.

The much publicised relation to the Black Widow Spider seems to be moving north, because of the warm weather.

It is reported to be the most dangerous spider out of hundreds inhabiting the UK. Sightings started in the south of England, but it seems that they have been spotted in Porthcawl and north of Swansea in the Amman Valley.

The British Arachnological Society has called for calm after sensationalist news articles have been published in regional and national papers.

A specially prepared report said: “Being bitten by a spider is unlikely in this country in normal circumstances, and the effect of a bite is unlikely to be worse than being stung by a wasp or bee.

“A more serious problem is only likely to arise in the event of an allergic reaction or if the person is already compromised by other health issues.

“Nevertheless, if severe swelling or ulceration

results from a suspected spider bite it is recommended that you see your doctor immediately or visit an Accident and Emergency Department.”

Speaking to the Evening Post, David Pickering from the Amman Valley believed he had seen the False Widow.

He said: “I was chopping wood this morning and think I stumbled across one of these spiders your story is referring to. “[It was] quite small, abdomen looks like a small coffee bean, brown in colour with cream dots/line running down the centre.”

Doubt hangs over Varsity venue

by Gemma Parry

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk THE future venue of Varsity is still unclear, following Swansea’s 21 - 13 win over Cardiff last year.

Previously, the annual sporting event between Cardiff and Swansea universities had switched venues each year, but a contract signed under AU President, Siwan Lillicrap, saw the event moved to Cardiff for three years.

It was reported in the Waterfront at the end

of the last academic year that discussions were happening to bring the biggest Welsh university sporting event back to Swansea.

However, Swansea Union and Cardiff Union Sports officers are both staying tight-lipped about any move.

Charlotte Peters, Swansea University Students’ Union Sports Officer said, “I cannot disclose any information regarding [Varsity] and its venue at this time. The decision of the hosting city, venue and contracts are made by the Varsity board, not by the individual universities themselves.”

do it is in the shower,” said Aileen.

Lorna added: “This is the first time the club has done anything like this, but we hope there will be many more similar events throughout the year! It’s a great way to give something back.’’

Determined to keep up the momentum, the girls will be wearing a pink ribbon in their hair to every training session throughout October to raise awareness for the cause.

Email: netball@swansea-union.co.uk

SINGER-SONGWRITER Ryan Keen’s debut music night at the Sin City nightclub turned sour after the artist had a trailer stolen.

Twitter was ablaze with praise of the 25-year-old after he played in Swansea as part of his Room For Light tour.

Keen posted on his social media pages: “Someone stole our trailer while we were performing in Swansea tonight. If anyone knows anything please contact me.”

The acoustic guitar player’s plea for information gained almost a hundred retweets within 12 hours.

Club proprietor Gary ‘Big-G’ Lulham posted: “Some scum have stolen a very important box trailer from the back of Sin City tonight.... It’s a white trailer covered in a blue tarpaulin, probably stolen by a group of men in a Peugeot - but not necessarily. If you see anything resembling this trailer please get in touch with me ASAP.” Anyone with information are encouraged to phone Swansea Police Station on 01792 456999.

waterfrontonline.co.uk

NEWS I 07

COMMENT: WAS THE SU RIGHT TO BAN THE POLE FITNESS SOCIETY?

YES

Written by Rosie Inman, SU Women’s Officer

THE popularity of pole dancing as a form of exercise has soared in the last few years, with it being branded as an empowering and fun way for women to keep fit.

I don’t for one second doubt the hard work and dedication needed to become a skilled pole dancer, nor do I have any less respect for women who partake, whatever their reasons.

However, attaching the label ‘empowering’ to something doesn’t necessarily make it so.

Advertisers and the media have been using the term for years to prop up and market unrealistic standards of femininity.

Though some women may choose to enter the sex industry voluntarily, many more don’t. These women are victims of human trafficking, an industry that millions of women and girls worldwide are enslaved in.

These women are not empowered they have been stripped of power over their own lives and forced into a world of sexual exploitation.

To call pole dancing empowering is an insult and mockery of the women stuck in this world.

Maybe you think I’m over complicating things and that pole fitness is just a bit of fun, but there is an inescapable social and political context to everything we do.

Pole fitness normalises an industry that thrives off the degradation of women and continues to feed into the objectification and sexualisation of women in every area of our lives.

Furthermore, even those women who choose to pursue pole dance as a hobby don’t make that choice independently from external pressures. That’s not to say they don’t enjoy it, but we live in a culture that tells women their worth as is directly proportional to how sexually attractive they are.

As a Students’ Union, we are committed to ending this culture – as are our students who voted our Zero Tolerance policy through Student Forum – which is why we chose not to approve the Pole Fitness society.

NO

Written by Bethan Morris, President of the Pole Fitness Society

POLE fitness is a great way for anybody to improve flexibility, strength and coordination in a fun environment; lessons are open to both males and females.

Classes are taught in a dance studio by Dawn Roberts, a 4 star PDC approved instructor (the highest level qualification achievable) and should be treated like any other form of dance fitness class, such as Zumba or Bokwa, for the Students’ Union to suggest that the class is provocative or overly sexualises the participant in any way is ludicrous.

There are no spectators and participants do not perform, I believe that these thoughts stem from a preconceived idea of pole dancing and are largely down to stereotypes.

Other universities in Wales and the UK have pole fitness societies and have

Students ‘unable to find a seat’ in overcrowded lecture halls

by Alan Daventry

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk STUDENTS are calling for action on overcrowded lecture rooms which have left some students unable to find a seat.

During the first week of lectures a significant number of lecture halls were particularly crowded, however as time went on the situation did improve.

However, there are still some students who are having some difficulty, mainly in the Keir Hardie building.

One student, whose lectures are in Keir Hardie, said: “Our lecture room just isn’t big enough. When the whole class turns up, some students are not able to sit at a desk.

“The room is already densely packed with furniture, so the only solution is to be allocated a different room.”

Another student, doing Classics, had similar opinions: “I found this year that several of the rooms have been

unsatisfactory.”

The rooms have been described as being “too small for the module size in several cases.”

This is despite officials frequently entering classes to count the students.

A Swansea University spokesperson said: “At the beginning of semester one each year, there can typically be higher lecture occupancies due to students trialing modules before they make their final decision.

“This therefore can result in more students than predicted or enrolled attending lectures during the first few weeks.

“We recognise this can place pressure on a small number of lecture theatres, but believe it is important to offer our students the opportunity to trial a number of modules.

“Within a very short time students will have chosen modules and lecture rooms will be at an appropriate capacity.”

STILL HAVING PROBLEMS: Some lectures are still over capacity, but the problem is getting better.

incurred little or no objection from their student unions.

Cardiff university pole sport has now been fully accepted into the athletics union which is why I was so shocked with the ruling that the society was unsuitable.

Members of the pole dancing community have been doing so much good work recently in campaigning and showing the public that pole fitness is not a spin-off of the type of performances you would see in a gentleman’s club but is in fact a very demanding and skilful art form.

The International Pole Sport Federation hold world championships each year that see competitors from over 30 countries compete and are currently campaign for pole fitness to be recognised and included as an Olympic sport.

Why the union would want to shut down a society that promotes fitness, healthy lifestyle choices and builds confidence in young adults is beyond me.

I believe without a doubt that the decision they have made is the wrong one.

What are your thoughts on pole fitness? Have you got an issue we should discuss? Write to the editor at editor@ swansea-union.co.uk.

Drinking with Dylan Thomas by a Waterfront reporter

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk DYLAN Thomas expert Jeff Towns is launching a new book about the poet’s favourite drinking haunts this week.

Dylan Thomas: The Pubs will be launched at Swansea Museum, Victoria Road (SA1 1SN) on Thursday night, 24th of October at 7pm and all are welcome to attend.

According to legend, Dylan Thomas and drink went hand in hand. After his death, his reputation as an iconic “hard drinking bohemian bard” grew and grew. But is this tag just a lazy journalistic cliché?

In this book Jeff Towns reveals how Dylan loved pubs for the people, not the pints. Jeff explores the true nature of Dylan’s love affair with pub life – a passion which was as much as about comradeship, human warmth and convivial company as it was about beer.

The book is published by YLolfa at £12.95 (paperback) and £19.95 (hardback).

08 I NEWS

thewaterfront 21. 10.13

Mae’r Cymry yn y Cynfryngau / Welsh column ER GWAETHAF addewidion Llywodraeth Cymru i fynd i’r afael ag ymdeimlad gwrth-gymraeg yn y cyfryngau, mae hiliaeth tuag at y Cymry, eu hiaith a’u diwylliant yn dal i difetha’r tudalennau cyhoeddiadau’r cyfryngau.

Yn ddiweddar ,dywedodd colofnydd y ‘Daily Mail’ Roger Lewis ‘I abhor the appalling and moribund monkey language myself, which hasn’t had a new noun since the Middle Ages...” ar ôl iddo adolygu llyfr gan awdur Cymraeg. Daeth y sarhad gwarthus hwn yn fuan ar ôl i A.A Gill o’r ‘Sunday Times’ ddisgrifio’r Cymry fel ‘loquacious, dissemblers, immoral liars, stunted, bigoted, dark, ugly, pugnacious little trolls.”

Ar y ddau achlysur yma, doedd dim cyfiawnhad eu geiriau. Sut bynnag ddylai hyn ddim fod yn syndod.

Mae’r sarhau uchod yn cynrychioli’r teimlad gwrthGymraeg sy’n cael ei amlygu yn y cyfryngau yn rhy aml.

Byddai trin unrhyw genedl arall fel hyn yn cael ei alw’n hiliaeth felly pam mae hiliaeth tuag at y Cymry yn cael ei hanwybyddu? Er enghraifft, roedd yr helynt diweddar yn y cyfryngau yn ymwneud â Luis Suarez yn cam-drin Patrice Evra wedi arwain at ymchwiliad FA cyflym ac o ganlyniad gwaharddiad o wyth wythnos i’r troseddwr.

Efallai bod yr ecsbloetio hyn yn cael ei oddef o achos ei fod wedi bod yn nodwedd gyffredin yn y cyfryngau ers blynyddoedd. Mae hyd yn oed, y dramodydd mawr William Shakespeare (awdur heb angen gimics arwynebol) yn defnyddio cymeriadau Cymraeg er mwyn ychwanegu elfen o gomedi drwy chwyddo’r ystumiau a thafodieithoedd y Gymraeg.

Cafodd Fluellen, Capten milwrol Cymru yn y ddrama ‘Henry V’ ei enwi ar ôl Llewelyn Fawr – a’i

by Laura Fiteni

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk ynganu gydag anallu’r Saeson i ddweud ‘LL’ y Cymreig. Er bod hyn yn dal eithaf angharedig tuag at y Gymraeg, mae o leiaf yn fwy ddoniol na chais sarhaus Anne Robinson i osod y Cymry yn ‘Ystafell 101’!

Beth bynnag, mwy byth o bryder i ni yw’r ffaith ein bod yn fodlon i ganiataú i unigolion ddefnyddio’r cyfryngau fel “uchelseinydd” i gyhoeddi eu barn sarhaus a rhagfarnllyd tuag at y Gymraeg ond hefyd maen nhw’n manteisio ar agweddau gwrthGymraeg fel dull marchnata.

Yn rhy aml, mae’r Cymry yn cael eu portreadu fel pobl dwp a chwerthinllyd, yn llawn cymeriadau rhyfedd sy’n ymddangos ar raglenni a hysbysebion teledu a radio’n aml mewn ymgais i greu hiwmor syml.

Mae hysbysebion ar y teledu ar hyn o bryd sy’n dangos cymeriadau Cymraeg “comedi’’ gan gynnwys Paul Whitehouse yn chwarae rôl ‘Goth’ i Aviva ac yn fwy enwog, y Cymro tew operatig sy’n canu i Go Compare. Mae’r enghreifftiau hyn yn cynrychioli dim ond rhan fach o’r cyfryngau sy’n ceisio creu hiwmor sy’n israddio’r Cymry gan bortreadu cymeriadau Cymraeg fel ffyliaid.

Pe baech yn edrych heibio’r sarhadau ac ystrydebau angharedig, Gwelir ddadansoddiad o iaith fel dull marchnata. Er enghraifft, cafodd ei brofi gan arbenigwyr bod hysbysebion sy’n defnyddio actorion gydag acenion ‘cynnes’ yn apelio at gwsmeriaid yn fwy oherwydd eu bod nhw’n ymddangos yn fwy dibynadwy.

Wynne Evans a Paul Whitehouse.

Mae Cymraeg yn llawn ffurfdroadau a thafodieithoedd lleol felly mae’n iaith mwyaf nodedig a deniaidol i’r gwrandäwr. Yn y modd hwn Cymraeg yw un o’r iaith mwyaf effeithiol i ddewis am hysbysebion.

Fodd bynnag, mae’r ffaith bod actorion Cymraeg yn cael eu gwawdio trwy’r cyfryngau bob dydd yn dod yn flinedig am y Cymry i ddioddef.

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NEWS I 09

The girl with the lobster tattoo and other interesting body art “Lobster health is an important issue for fisheries, as they have such long life cycles, it can take years for them to reach the minimum landing size, therefore populations can be delicate.”

by a Waterfront reporter

waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk WHAT’S the strangest tattoo you’ve ever seen?

Charlotte Davies, now a PhD student, (right) got a tattoo of a lobster on her foot in honour of her favourite university laboratory lobster, who was later released back into the wild.

Charlotte was first introduced to the lobster, Clonk, whilst studying for her undergraduate degree. She later decided to get a lobster as her first tattoo.

She said, “Naturally, when it came to me getting my first ever tattoo, it had to be a lobster, and who else better than Clonk to be star of the show.”

“I took a photo of my beloved lobster to the tattoo shop and 24 hours later, I was branded for life.”

Charlotte has now received funding to allow her to carry out research into a disease which kills lobsters at the Atlantic Veterinary College Lobster Science Centre in Charlottetown, Canada.

Charlotte said: “It is very

exciting for me to be able to take my studies abroad.

“I will be working at the forefront of research in my field, and learning new techniques, which I hope to reproduce in the lab upon my return to Swansea.

Meanwhile second year English Literature student Jess Watts (pictured above) also has an unusual tattoo on her foot – the name of her uni accommodation block in her first year.

Student forums to be made more accessible to students

by Alicia Nugent and Gemma Parry waterfrontnews@swansea-union.co.uk

CHANGES have been implemented to the way in which student forums are run in the Students’ Union from this academic year onwards.

The monthly forums give students the opportunity to debate and implement change within the union and to interact with their full time officers.

This year, Swansea University Students’ Union President, Zahid Raja, has introduced changes to the forums, including making a commitment that, “no Student Forum will last longer than an hour.”

Mr Raja explained that many students were “off put when they realised that forums could go on for several hours”.

The changes also include making the forums more accessible to students by removing technical jargon and making the dates for all forums in the upcoming academic year available online.

Mr Raja, said: “This year, I wanted to make it easier than it has ever been before to engage with Student Forums. We’ve done away with jargon like ‘motions’ and have replaced them with ‘ideas’.

“I’ve also made a commitment that no student forum will last longer than an hour.

The General Secretary will be strict in his time keeping to make sure we stick to the agenda.

“We’ve also planned ahead this year to give you all student forum dates in advance so you can add them to your diary.”

The dates for upcoming student forums can be found on the students’ union website.

Part-time officer elections

by Jon May

front@swansea-union.co.uk THE Students’ Union is encouraging students to vote in this year’s part time officer elections.

The roles of students with caring responsibilities, postgraduate officer and fresher’s rep are all being elected.

These officers form a section of the part time officers who, alongside the full time officers and external trustees, form the executive committee for the Students’ Union.

The roles can only be filled by students who either have depends, are a postgraduate or are

in their first year of study, respectively.

A by-election is being held for the welsh affairs officer after the physics student Mitchell Lewis passed away shortly after being elected.

NUS Wales and NUS UK delegates are also being elected for people to choose who should represent them at the National Union of Students conference.

Polls open on Thursday 24th October between 8am and 8pm.

The voting portal would be available at Swansea-union.co.uk using your student number and password for university computer accounts.

Jess, who is from Stoke on Trent, said: “When I had Langland tattooed on my foot a lot of people thought I was drunk when I had it done but I was completely sober!

“The year in Langland was the best year of my life, so the tattoo really means something to me.

“Out of all the people that I met on floor one, there are now ten of us sharing a house and still having a great time.

“My friend at home (Jodie Eardley) is a tattoo artist so I got her to do it for me.

“I am already planning another one for when I graduate – Swansea University written in Welsh around my ankle!”

Sara wants to hear about your experience SWANSEA University Students’ Union has appointed a new Student Experience Research Co-ordinator.

Sara Correia, the new researcher said: “My role is all about improving our mechanisms of feedback and using that feedback to bring about positive change for students at Swansea Union. You can expect to hear from me either in person or through your subject reps!”

LC2 is offering 2 for 1 entry to the Waterpark to all staff and students of Swansea University until December 24.

Just show your valid ID at reception to claim the discount, then swim surf and slide! www.thelcswansea.com

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Body found in St Helen’s area

by Jon May

front@swansea-union.co.uk

POLICE have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a woman who was found near St Helen’s Avenue.

A police cordon was erected around the back of the Brangwyn Hall after a body was discovered on Tuesday evening.

A police spokesperson said: “South Wales Police can confirm that a body of a woman has been found on wasteland near to St Helens Avenue, Swansea.

Although a formal identification has not yet been made they believe the deceased to be that of 71-year-old Anita Jackson who was reported missing from the Uplands area of the city on Tuesday 1st October. There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances, the next of kin and HM Coroner have been informed.”

As the news of the death spread, students took to Twitter and there was some confusion as to whether a student had been murdered: Lisa Jones, a student living on nearby Bryn Road, posted: “There’s been a murder on st helens avenue #isthisreallife”

‘Flasher’ is arrested

NEWS I 11

Swansea University research under the spotlight

Research to put Wales at forefront of solar industry SWANSEA University was awarded £6 million from the Welsh Government’s Sêr Cymru programme to conduct solar power research.

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport has welcomed Professor James Durrant from Imperial College London, as the Sêr Cymru Solar Energy Research Chair who will lead the new Sêr Solar initiative based alongside Swansea University’s SPECIFIC at the Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC), Baglan Energy Park.

The Sêr Solar initiative is funded as part of Sêr Cymru programme which is the Welsh Government’s £50 million programme designed to enhance research capability in Wales by attracting world leading scholars and their teams to Wales.

Researchers from Imperial College London, which is home to the UK’s largest research group dedicated to the development of new solar technologies, and including leading solar energy researcher Professor Jenny Nelson, will join

SOLAR POWER: (L-R) Professor James Durrant, Edwina Hart, and Chris Weirman

with Welsh researchers to form the research centre which will be led by Swansea University and includes Bangor University and the Welsh School of Architecture.

New staff appointments at the University will create a world leading capability in scalable solar energy technologies. ‎Solar energy has been recognised as being a practically limitless source of energy for the future, with the solar energy incident on the planet in one day being enough to power our energy needs for the

next quarter of a century.

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Professor Durrant to Wales and Swansea University, where his experience and knowledge will help create a world class research team in the field of solar energy.

“The Ser Cymru programme is helping us deliver our commitment to developing science and innovation in Wales, which as an important driver in economic growth. This research in the field of Low carbon energy will also help us meet our commitments to reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.”

Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor Julie Williams said:“I am delighted to see the second appointment under the Ser Cymru programme. Professor Durrant has an international reputation for research excellence and a wealth of experience in his field and I look forward to seeing him build a world class research team at Swansea University.”

New look at Holocaust survivors

by Josh Lovell

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk A 16-year-old has been arrested and found guilty of five counts of outraging public decency after exposing himself to female students in Singleton Park.

An email was sent out to students over the summer warning about the youth.

The safety of students and staff crossing Singleton Park has been an issue for the university, and the students’ union ran a successful campaign to install new lights in the park.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: “A 16-yearold youth has been arrested and charged with five counts of outraging public decency (indecent exposure). He was dealt with by means of the youth clinic.”

Blade arrest

by Alan Daventry

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR: Terry Farago (pictured left) has her story told in new research by Prof Frances Rapport (right inset)

A MAN was arrested in Singleton Hospital and has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison.

Christopher Woodcroft, 56, was arrested by police for being in possession of a bladed weapon.

Swansea University, whose Singleton Campus is next to the hospital, “employs CCTV for the prevention and detection of crime and the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.”

NEW book reveals Wales’s role in rebuilding the post-war lives of three female Holocaust survivors A new book by Swansea University researcher Professor Frances Rapport, which details the life stories of three female survivors of the Holocaust and how they came to live and settle in Wales post-war, will be launched later this month.

Fragments: Transcribing the Holocaust, published by Hafan Books, was launched last week, at the

waterfrontci@swansea-union.co.uk

Senedd, National Assembly for Wales, at an event hosted by Julie Morgan, Assembly Member for Cardiff North.

The book’s author, Cardiff-based Frances Rapport, is Professor of Qualitative Health Research at Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science, College of Medicine.

The 100-page paperback book is the culmination of seven years’ work and details the extraordinary life stories of three female survivors of the Holocaust – Anka Bergman, who

passed away aged 96 in July 2013, Terry Farago, aged 86, and Edith Salter, who passed away aged 91 in 2011.

The three women were survivors of the Holocaust and were interned in concentration camps including Auschwitz-Birkenau.

They lost the majority of their family members during the war and through different circumstances and twists of fate they all came to live in Cardiff, settled there, and made it their home.

DNA research student goes to Brazil A DNA researcher at Swansea University’s College of Medicine is travelling to Brazil to present her findings at a major international scientific conference.

Kate Chapman, aged 24, from Rest Bay, Porthcawl, is looking at ways in which our DNA can be damaged by chemicals in our surroundings.

RESEARCHER: Kate Chapman She is part of the DNA Damage research group at the University, which studies the hazards and risks to our genome arising from exposure to both natural and manmade agents.

The researcher in genetic toxicology has now been given a big boost by the Welsh Livery Guild, which has awarded her a travel scholarship of £1,000.

The Guild is “The Honourable Society for the Arts, Science and Technology”, and one of its aims is to “promote education, science, technology and the arts”.

The funding will enable Kate to speak at the 11th International Conference on Environmental Mutagens in Brazil in November, which brings together the world’s leading researchers in this field.

Kate Chapman said: “My research on in vitro genetic toxicology overlaps with all topics to be covered at the conference. There will be talks on DNA damage, repair and mutation, and I’ll be interested to learn more about work in related areas, particularly cancer and epigenetics.

“It provides the opportunity to present my research to a specialist, international audience.

“It will also allow me to gain feedback and potentially discuss new ideas for future direction in my PhD and scientific career with leaders in the field.”

“It’s a chance for me to showcase Swansea research on a world stage, and I was delighted to receive the scholarship from the Welsh Livery Guild so that I could participate.”

Adrian Warner from the Welsh Livery Guild said: “The aim is to encourage students to progress and to support them with a specific project. The Welsh Livery Guild raises the money through dinners and other events. It’s great that Kate is able to go a world scientific conference and we want to support and encourage her.”

front!

Her blue brown eyes Of vintage blue, cut with so soft, off white hem, The dress that hangs from swinging hips and when She laughs they flash, those svelte brown shoes, Polishing off fishnet tights, with deep cerulean hue, And she adorns her wrists with leather and gold, Crimson ribbons, in verdant curls, her hair, they hold, But these can never hide those blank grey eyes, Which wear these colours so sweetly like lies Jacques Tsiantar Student Poetry >> page 14

FEATURES: Poetry in motion

FASHION: Pick up a car boot bargain

FILM: Superheroes have their day

TRAVEL: What I did last summer

BLIND DATE: When Reb met Ali

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>> 23

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Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

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fashion 16-17

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

features 14-15

L i f e s t y l e f o r S wa n s e a s t u d e n t s

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

14

Rhyme and reason

features

Dylan Thomas himself would be proud of our thriving“poetry scene U

UPLANDS, renowned for its poetry scene, has witnessed many talents passing through its pubs, drinking with fellow scribblers and debating their latest sonnet, writes Samantha Booth.

Latest to the poetry platform is third year English student, Jacques Tsiantar (pictured). He’s been recognised as part of Swansea’s Cwtch the Bid to become UK City of Culture in 2017, and he is also well known throughout Uplands for his dedication to the poetry open mic nights at Mozarts.

“I found out about the poetry open mic scene in Mozarts bar in Uplands. I heard there was something going on so I thought, why not? I’d been writing poetry since about the age of 14, but I wasn’t really sure why; didn’t really think about it to be honest, but this looked like an opportunity to see if it was all actually worth something.

“This was when it used to be called The Crunch, before I took over management.

I went in with a couple of friends and they gave us a slot, no questions asked, and I got to know all the local poets and other students who frequented that night.

“Turns out there are other collectives that do poetry nights all around Swansea, in the Brunswick, the Tav, the Garage, and they’re all in cahoots so it’s easy to get a grip around what’s going on. Everyone was very welcoming of new talent, so after that night I joined some of the Facebook groups they had going on and there it was; all the poetry events in Swansea laid out.

“Most of them are free entry and will have new readers without a second thought. I run my own night, The Howl, now at Mozarts thanks to the friends I made at The Crunch and all the other nights. You just have to get stuck in.”

Prior to Jacques arriving at Swansea, the students’

union and university offered few out of course options to perform and showcase students’ poetry.

In his first year, with his coursemates, he set up the SU Poetry Society allowing students to perform, write and debate poetry in a creative environment: “The SU Poetry Society is basically a window into the poetry scene where students will get information about upcoming nights and festivals and a chance to be a part of them. I wish I’d had something like that in first year, as I had no idea what was going on in Swansea and didn’t know who to ask.

“It’s essential that nights like The Howl get new talent on a regular basis; a collage of new and diverse material can be the best education for the aspiring poet.

“The one thing that really stands out in Swansea city’s poetry scene is the accessibility. Even if you’re a nervous wreck with a poem you wrote on a napkin before coming, you still get a slot and people will listen to you as much as they’d listen to any of the professional talent that attend.

“At my night, at least, I try to promote a welcoming atmosphere where you can be sure of acceptance, whatever kind of poetry or level of skill you define yourself as. Poetry is a very subjective thing, and you’ll never touch everyone in the room with a single piece, but you will be appreciated. After all, it takes balls to expose something that personal to a room of strangers, but I guess that’s what it’s all about.”

Many writers and poets take on a muse or aspiration.

Jacques talks about his top poet inspirations: “This is a hard question to answer, but my list of favourites include Tom Hardy, Allen Ginsburg, Gerald Hopkins and, last but not least, the king of happiness and light-heartedness; Edgar Allan Poe. “Oh, and Dylan Thomas, of course.”

“Poetry is a very subjective thing, and you’ll never touch everyone in the room with a single piece, but you will be appreciated.”

”

Advice for budding poets – just write and leave the analysis until later

N

OT all of us students are naturally gifted in the creative writing department and it takes a certain moment to put pen to paper, according to Jacques Tsiantar.

“It really depends on my routine. Sometimes you’ll have an idea or concept brewing in your head for a while until you attempt to put it down into poetry, like a series of poems I am writing at the moment which have a definite meaning and commentary. I know what I want to say with them, so I might research people who have dealt with similar themes.

“I guess this is a more academic style of creating work, but it’s no more valid than the bursts

of inspiration that always reap good material.

You’ve just got to write it down then and there; that’s the trick, see. You get inspired by a passing seagull? Write that stuff down before the moment passes.

“If there’s one piece of advice I’ve always valued in terms of writing, it’s something a friend of mine told me: “Writing and analysis are two separate processes.

Many writers fail because they analyse what they write during its creation. When you write, leave analysis alone until you have run out of steam. Then lock it away whilst you have a cup of coffee, and don’t read it until you’ve finished.”

Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

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fashion 16-17

features 14-15

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

Student Poetry

A showcase of poetry written by Swansea University students

The Seagull by Jacques Tsiantar Oh, seagull, you swine Twas you, thwarter of my scoop Conqueror of my cone, you swoop And catch that which is mine In dear St Ives, the sun shone Searing the sands, but how fine My ice cream did gleam and shine Before, by your beak, is gone.

I spy your fumble, your tumble and swoon A face full of cream causes you to crash land And my muse, now marred by vicious sand Now both are left with naught but gloom Gulls don’t even like ice cream, I wish you’d known, That I would have gladly given you some of the cone.

Photo by Bertknot

Spanish Waves by Catherine Rowland There you are: sitting, uncurled As Curiosity feeds Your wide brown-eyed gaze Did I unruffle you?

I got lost in your maze…

How to get involved in the Swansea poetry scene The Do Not Go Gentle Festival 1-3 November After its launch in 2012, the “festival Dylan might have liked” is back with local favourites and rising stars to some well-known names from 1st- 3rd November 2013.

Venues will be across the Uplands area of the city and include Dylan Thomas’ former home at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands.

During the festival, there will be a special edition of the new Uplands Market on the Saturday, Dylan’s Mobile Bookshop and the front bar of Mozart’s will be turned into Dylan’s Cwtch area with a selection of Welsh real ale, 30s and 40s music along with a display of paintings and photographs of the

Those were the days: Watching your Spanish waves Unfurl upon the broad of your shoulders A beach of dappled skin Stretched out before me; Sun-kissed with freckles By the sun’s bright rays And my own tender-meaning lips

famous Welsh poet. Week passes will cost £30 and can be bought and full line up found through www. donotgogentlefestival.com or online and in person at Derricks Music in the city centre.

HOWL

Softer still, and still unravelling My love for you like a lock of your hair Wrapped around your finger twirling Unties and unbinds itself from ‘truth’ Instead I tied myself to you…

My body: the work of your interpretation Translating truth into fiction And back again

2nd & 3rd Thursday of the month Howl is an open mic night which includes performing poetry, prose, short fiction and verse at Mozarts in Uplands. Entry is free to the event and currently is bring your own booze.

Arrive before 9pm to get a performing slot.

Poetry Society: https://www.facebook. com/groups/494835040583350

Moonflower by Natalie Ann Holborow When I arrived in my nightgown he told me I must see the moonflower.

My nightdress didn’t faze him; petalled waist wrinkled with silks.

My veins in the twilight could have been ivy tied to my bones.

I asked him: What moon? He lived by astronomy, that same moon batting her white eye until even his head was a total eclipse.

He would not compare me to starlight, nor speak of human blood; the

moonflower tight as a heart.

No coronary goings-on in those stalky limbs, lifting like blades, skirts flaring, becoming the moon’s white bride.

He wrote its name like a christening: Ipomoea alba; smeared chlorophyll over his shirt.

His own human skin offered to God as though he could shed it for botany.

When it opens, will it be white?

I simply must look at the moonflower undressing its nerves from the earth, this great arrival of blossoming hosts; this ridiculous five-petalled birth.

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

16

with nanette tu r kson & S iobhan w r ight

fashion STUDENTS LOVE VIVA LA FASHION!

O

N Tuesday, 8th October bargain-hunting students stormed the Quadrant Centre to grab some great deals at Viva La Fashion, writes Nanette Turkson.

The event, staged by the shopping centre and the Swansea BID – Business Improvement District – saw stores slash prices in special offers for students.

The party atmosphere was cranked up by live DJs in the centre and this year’s event spilled over into the city centre as well.

It was the third year the Quadrant had held a student event and it was bigger and better than ever, according to marketing manager Anna Rippin who said: “There were queues of students waiting at every entrance ready for the centre to open at 7pm and the atmosphere was incredible.

“There was a real rush for the goodie bags being

offered by a number of stores including Superdry and Officers Club and many of the shops were stormingly busy with a great vibe going on.”

Blue Inc only opened a week earlier but sales assistant Ffion Jones broke off from serving to say: “It’s really gone well. It’s busy with sales and there are lots of people, they were sprinting in as soon as the doors opened. With the DJs playing and the offers that are on it’s attracted a lot of students.”

more stores were open this year, which was good.”

Game senior sales assistant James Hopkins also reported a good night’s work: “We haven’t taken part before and it was only a late decision to get involved but we were busier than we expected.

“We’ve had good footfall and sold a couple of games consoles and taken a lot of pre-orders for games so it’s been good and I’m sure we’ll be involved in future.”

The Body Shop Manager Rosie Evans also reported a busy time and she said: “It’s hectic out there and we’ve given out lots of loyalty cards which is what’s really important for us so it’s been well worthwhile.”

This year’s event spread out from the Quadrant to include a number of shops in the city centre and Russell Greenslade, chief executive of the Swansea BID, said: “It was nice to see people queueing because that shows they really want to be there.

At Superdry assistant manager Fran Pickett said: “We had a DJ here and it was really good, really busy with a very positive atmosphere and everyone very happy.”

She added: “It’s been a really good event and a lot

“This year we had shops open in the city centre as well and the feedback has been very positive. We’ve worked with the Quadrant to develop it this year and next year we’ll develop it further again.”

Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

17

fashion 16-17

features 14-15

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

CAR BOOT BARGAINS O

N a peculiarly sunny Saturday morning in Swansea not so long ago, suffering from the night before and reluctant to face a mountain of work awaiting my attention, I decided to stroll along to a car boot sale that my housemate has sworn by for the past year.

I can honestly say that this was one of the best decisions of my fashion life, writes Siobhan Wright.

The car boot sale is organised by Singleton Hospital in its car park opposite the Sports Centre every Saturday between 7am and 12pm (providing that the sellers and buyers alike are not going to fall victim to vile weather conditions) and had a good number of sellers on the day I visited.

Precisely three footsteps after passing the entrance - I fell in love. A stall lavished with leather handbags, vintage home décor and a clothes rack full of designer dresses including Laura Ashley and Vera Wang classics.

Write about fashion

Siobhan Wright

Nanette Turkson

Would you like to write about fashion? We are looking for contributors to join our team, so please get in touch at waterfrontfashion@swansea-union.co.uk

On other stalls I picked up an Autograph dress of amazing quality, a Mischa Barton clutch bag, two suede jackets and a Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat-style oversized shirt.

However, my favourite find was most definitely a gorgeous, snuggly, patchwork jumper (pictured right) which the seller assured me was handknitted with love by his Nana.

Another stall which did not fail to impress was that pictured right boasting all things old and dear. The camcorder took me back to the days of Saved By The Bell and admittedly, it took every ounce of self-control not to buy it just for the mere purpose of savouring old memories (90’s babies should relate).

All of these were at exceptionally low prices, although, a word of warning for those planning a visit, be prepared to haggle for the best prices and double-check that what you are buying is in good condition and won’t fall apart once you have paid your money and the seller is nowhere to be found!

Girl Meets Dress GIRL Meets Dress, the UK’s leading destination for dress and accessories rentals, has kicked off a back-toschool national search for “GMD Student Ambassadors” at more than 50 university campuses nationwide.

Each of the participating universities will have two to three ambassadors per campus, who will experience the best designer fashion while being charged with integrating Girl Meets Dress into their campus through PR, social media, grass roots marketing efforts, and event planning.

Today, the company has campuses involved from Cardiff to St Andrews to Oxford. These young women hold fashion shows, write blogs and

share Facebook pages, and generally promote dress rentals. In return, they get a CV-building opportunity and dress-rental credits.

GMD Ambassadors say the feel like they’re running their own business, “It’s different from a regular internship where it’s all run-and-getme-a-coffee,” says representative Rebecca Harvey, a 21-year-old science undergraduate.

Stephanie Huff, a University of Bath student explained that “Girls get excited about looking great and not putting on the same dress they’ve had in their closet for a few years.” www.girlmeetsdress.com

Trendometer Going Up

Going Down

Christmas Jumper

Cut-out Boot

The countdown to that magical time of year has begun.

Head to the high street to find a fluffy, animal-clad snuggler for the season!

Although unmistakably chic, boots with gaping holes lack the practical functionality to keep us warm in the Swansea winter.

Advert

front row

National Student Race Day

Chepstow, Saturday 26 October Entry: £10 www.lovetheraces.com/students/student-news

Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

fashion 16-17

WH at ’s o n w i t h o l i v i a r o s e n t h a ll

features 14-15

19

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

1

Had enough of first term already? Love ponies? Want to feel like Spencer Morgan for the day? Well grab your finest suit and give yourself a break by participating in the first ever National Student Race Day. With race courses being held at six different universities across the country, our nearest track is at Chepstow.

For just £10 you get admission into the course, a free food and drink voucher, a Racing Post, a Race Card and in many cases, free transport to the course.

Rod Street of Great British Racing, which is organising the event, said, “British horse racing provides a fantastic day out for all and we’re looking forward to welcoming a new generation of racing fans on the day. As well as great sporting action on the track, Chepstow Racecourse offers fantastic viewing facilities, great bars, well-priced food and guides to help students throughout the day.” Tickets are available from participating universities where, as an added incentive, £5 of the cover price will be retained by unions to reinvest in their university. Participating Students’ Unions include Cardiff and Gloucester as well as Bristol University Turf Club. Tickets are also available by booking online directly with racecourses and on the day with a valid NUS card.

Hamlet @ Taliesin Arts Centre Tuesday 22 October, 7pm Tickets: £11 with Student Card

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Because no matter how old you are, and especially if you’re an English Literature student, Hamlet will always come back to haunt you. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, this production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” has been hailed as one of the best by The Telegraph’s regular reviewer, Charles Spencer.

Though many actors have come and gone as literature’s favourite bipolar bad boy, Rory Kinnear gives an incredible performance, delving into the dark realms of the human condition. This production is meant to be “so hip it hurts” according to Spencer, with Ophelia (played by Clare Higgins) entering the stage listening to The XX on a ghetto blaster, and that definitely wasn’t in the David Tennant version. This production is a must-see.

Sarah Millican Live @ The Grand Theatre Sunday 27 October Tickets: £22.50

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She’s got her own television show and now Sarah Millican is heading our way. She is also well known for her panel appearances on shows such as “Mock the Week”, “8 Out of 10 Cats” and “Have I Got News For You” so you will have definitely seen her somewhere. Hailed as “An iron fist in a marigold glove” by The Guardian, The British Comedy Award’s “Queen of Comedy” is now on her third national tour, and right on your doorstep. Apparently you will learn what to take on a dirty weekend and the best way to blend in at posh restaurants, and, let’s face it, we all need that. Enjoy!

Alpha Papa @ Taliesin Cinema Tuesday 5 November Tickets: £5 with student card

4

If you managed to miss out on one of the greatest films this year, never fear, Partridge is coming to Swansea for one night only at the Taliesin Cinema.

Having had the nervous breakson in Dundee and the plummeting of his selfpublished book “Bouncing Back”, Alpha Papa sees Alan trying to salvage his public career while negotiating a potentially violent turn of events at North Norfolk Digital Radio. Don’t miss it, bring your lady-boy chasers and Alan’s big plate along too. “Spice world!”

JD Roots: Battle of the Bands 5 @ Sin City Tuesday, 22nd October. Free entry.

One of the biggest events to happen this month, Sin City, is hosting a huge Battle of the Bands, judged by industry professionals such as Dan Watson (Director of BMG chrysalis), Tony Platt (legendary record producer...think Bob Marley and ACDC) and Adam Bulleid from NME. Swansea’s finest bands are taking to your favourite stage in order to compete for some incredible prizes. The winning act will have Jack Daniel’s pay for their travel and accommodation to play a stripped back acoustic gig at London’s notorious Strongroom bar in Shoreditch, part of Strongroom #7 Sessions.

The winner will also recieve a demo recording session with Tony Platt at Strongroom Studio and will support one of the UK’s top acts live at Sin City next February.

The bands playing are Swansea University’s own: “Two Tides”, and local bands “Soap” and “Beautiful Strangers”. Votes can be taken online at: jdroots.unioncloud.org

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

20

GUEST EDITED BY OLIVIA ROSENTHALL

music

Ben Goddard on hippy dads and Prince N

OMINATED for “Best of British” Unsigned Male, Ben Goddard has played with Bastille and Mike Skinner. Whilst on Radio 1’s Huw Stephen’s “Coffee House Sessions” tour, Lawrence Porter and Niall Oultan managed to grab him for a quick chat.

LAWRENCE: Tell us about the Coffee House Sessions?

BEN: It was created by Huw Stephens from Radio 1, basically he chose 30 bands to be in this tour and put them into two groups, “North to South” and “South to North”. I’m doing north to south so we started off in Scotland and the other band has started down south.

We tour for two weeks and then there’s an overlapping artist that follows our route. So far I’ve done fourteen gigs with the Coffee House Sessions, and they’ve all been pretty good.

NIALL: What influenced you to write music?

BEN: I’ve listened to a lot of Hendrix, The Who and Pink Floyd. I’m into quite a diverse taste of music, like at the moment I’m really into Jason Mraz, I’d love to do something with him one day, that would be the dream!

LAWRENCE: How would you describe your music, as it doesn’t sound like typical folk or acoustic music, or Jason Mraz!

BEN: It is weird! I often get into trouble as I write whatever comes out. I listen to a lot of music, and as a songwriter you can write in any kind of style, but as an artist its hard to find something to settle on. I think when I do settle it will be more of an acoustic, electro pop style. Basically I just want to write credible feel good pop music with huge choruses but with a lot of stuff going on inside that fits together really well. I do enjoy listening to decent pop music but at the same time I love blues guitar, which obviously is my main instrument, and I want to bring more of that into it.

NIALL: How did you start off as a musician?

BEN: My mum and dad have always loved music but weren’t musicians, I’ve listened to a lot of my dad’s old records, and he used to be friends with a few bands.

He was a bit of a hippy, the music scene in his day was phenomenal, bands like Led Zepplin you used to be able to see play live at the pub. On one of his birthdays he went down the pub, and he must’ve been about 17, and he saw a band playing called “Earth”. Well he had a free house so he brought them and the rest of the pub back to his house and they set up in his living room. It was a proper rock and roll party, like everyone was passed out!

But later on in the year that band renamed themselves as “Black Sabbath”…so yeah it turned out he met Ozzy!

LAWRENCE: You must’ve gotten hooked on music then..

Photo: © Stacey Hatfield

BEN: Yeah his friends were into music and he used to take me round their houses and I guess I just picked up guitar from them. I wanted to be able to play the songs that I liked listening to so I set about learning, had a few guitar lessons from my dad’s mates and never put it down after that!

LAWRENCE: So very home-grown?

Yes, home-grown definitely! I didn’t get on with college that well mostly because I couldn’t put the guitar down so I’d end up not going. I did try really hard at college but I did pick some stupid subjects. My friend had a home studio and we used to go there at lunch time and just jam. I went to a music academy after that, I just wanted to be around people who were similar and like-minded to me. After being there for a year it gave me a grip on the music industry. Since then its just been hard work constantly like writing and gigging.

LAWRENCE: Do you have a certain creative process?

Cos some people just get drunk and go for it…

I don’t know, I can never force a song out. I normally just play about with some chords and then try and fit the lyrics into the melody. I think that’s the best way, but sometimes all you need is just a drum beat. But isn’t it Prince that’s got a recording device in every room in his house? That’s a bit anal but it is Prince, and he’s great songwriter so you can’t really put him down for that.

Want to know more about Ben Goddard? Head to www.bengoddard.co.uk

Music Reviews HUGH LAURIE

Didn’t It Rain (ALBUM) Hugh Laurie’s “Didn’t It Rain” follows his 2011 musical debut with a rich reworking of classics which may be a little lacklustre writes James Rawlings.

Probably better known for his American accent than English one, Laurie’s vocals are distinctly recognisable. Fans of his may find this disappointing as this album features many guests taking over vocals, however these contributions generally are of higher quality than Laurie’s own.

Featuring a larger exploration of genre, the album touches on R&B, jazz and tango. In these tracks Laurie seems much more a part of The Copper Bottom Band as he accompanies guest vocals on piano and guitar.

Initially the album seems underwhelming due to an apparent lack of energy. While the diversity of genre lends distinction, nothing really stands out. This restrain is lifted by the end of the album with Unchain My Heart and Junco Partner, two songs which, while retaining the sense of control throughout, are full of enthusiasm.

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT Timeless (SINGLE)

The hot release of ‘Timeless’, the highly-anticipated new single from indie rock quintet ‘The Airborne Toxic Event’, has been causing a stir amongst rock fans – especially considering legal restrictions regarding their record label has kept the fans waiting longer than expected, writes Laura Fiteni.

The sweet-if-slightly-melancholy lyrics trickling over a myriad of instrumental layers reflect the wealth of both technical knowledge and that certain, unteachable sentiment belonging to the band.

The heavy reverb and sing-a-long chorus make it easy to imagine a room full of sweaty bodies and illuminated screens swaying to the sound of this upand-coming band. They would not be out of place on a stage alongside great bands such as Kings of Leon and Biffy Clyro whose influence is easy to spot.

Growing consistently more and more popular amongst music fans following extensive touring and gigging across the UK and the states, listeners of The Airborne Toxic Event’s promising new album ‘Hot New Blood’ will not be disappointed.

THE WOMBATS

Your Body is a Weapon (SINGLE)

‘Your Body is a Weapon’ is the brand new track from Liverpudlian electro-pop outfit The Wombats, writes Laura Fiteni.

The characteristically quirky lyrics and catchy, synthesised dance beats provide a flashback to The Wombats second album ‘The Wombats present...This modern glitch’’ which proved popular with listeners when it peaked at #3 in the charts following its release in 2011.

Vocalist Matthew Murphy’s familiar local lilt combined with Daniel Haggis’ repetitive drums and Tord Øverland-Knudsen’s enigmatic riffs create that catchy sound that makes up the pre-night-out playlist every good student keeps.

The infectious, feel-good vibe is epitomised by the conspicuous neon title brandished on the album cover which promises to be as inviting as the energetic chorus’ and rhythmic drums we’ve come to know and love The Wombats for.

Look out for their new track on the radio, turn up the volume and shout ‘tuuuuuune!’ Remember you heard it here first!

Sian Dennis & Bethany Winstone Chris Mackintosh

Jordan Brace

17.0019.00

19.0021.00

Mitchell Christie, Nathan Shaw & Visu Mtunzi

Neoptolemos Gaitanis

Jennifer Taylor ‘Back to the Future’

Wednesday Sasha Yaghmai & Shannon Garner Moore ‘Shannon & Sash Show’

Tammy Schuh & Tim Monzet

Ben Rees ‘Wind Street Warmup’

Ben Stephens Sarah Arak & Will ‘Spray the paint Raine walls’

Simon Lawrence & Gareth Matson

Sophie Slater & Josefine Schafer Morgan Simpson

13.0015.00

15.0017.00

Will Windridge & Emily Godding

11.0013.00 Max Allers & Gillie Swann

Gabrielle Pye

9.0011.00

Tuesday

Josh Pandy ‘Soul Sessions’ Chris Melvin 'Power Hours'

Ryan O Callaghan 'The Puffin Nuffin Show'

Dan Choppen

Will Windridge & Rhys Jones

Lewys Thomas, Catherine Harries and Sean Kenny ‘Y Sioe Gymraeg’

Friday

Paddy Scot

Oscar Crowley

Sean Kenny & Jamie Lock ‘The Two man Gentlemen Show’

Simon Whitlock

Thursday

The Dugout

The Dugout

Saturday

SRA chart

Sunday

student media Monday

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

21

Advert

Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

S I Lve r sc r een with saul maste r s

fashion 16-17

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features 14-15

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

film

Has the superhero bubble burst?

S

uperheroes have been around for decades now. Marvel comics, the creator of Spiderman, have been around since 1939 and DC, the house that Batman built, was founded five years prior to Marvel, writes Saul Masters.

But over the last few years comics have really become a billion-dollar business.

It all started way back in 2000 when Fox made the first X-Men film and then came Sam Raimi’s Spiderman and Fox’s follow up X2. This opened up the flood gates for film studios to grab the rights to any spandex-clad superhero they could get their hands on just to turn a profit. That has to be the only reason they made Daredevil.

But it wasn’t until 2008 with Iron Man that Marvel sorted themselves out.

Their first outing with Robert Downey Jr signalled the start of their first phase which included the likes of Thor, Captain America and concluded with the billiondollar earning Avengers Assemble.

It wasn’t only Marvel who was enjoying the limelight. DC, with the help of Christopher Nolan, transformed Batman into one of cinema’s greatest trilogies.

But has the bubble burst for the studios and their superhero friends? Sure, Marvel’s most recent release, Iron Man 3, earned them well over a billion but their recent escapade into television has

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. proved far less fruitful. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D aired recently on Channel 4 and was received with luke warm reviews; probably not what Marvel were hoping for. It is no surprise Marvel ventured into the world of television what with the massive success of the likes of Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones and DC based superhero show, Arrow. Despite the recent surge in the popularity of television, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has failed to gain the

glowing reviews Marvel hoped it would.

The show lacks big names, with the exception of Samuel L. Jackson popping in to do a cameo as Nick Fury, and the stories are a pale comparison to what you see on the silver screen. It is no surprise then that ratings are dropping and many are questioning whether the programme will get a second series.

It is not only Marvel that are feeling the strain. DC’s recent remake of Superman, Man of Steel, was heavily criticised for

its OTT action scenes, and the internet blew up when it was revealed that Ben Affleck would be donning the bat suit to play the caped crusader in another reimagining of Gotham’s greatest.

So has the bubble burst for the superhero film? With Marvel pressing on with their second and third phases and DC looking to match their rival’s efforts it looks like we will be seeing more spandex in the next few years than we would probably like!

Would you like to review a film? Write to Saul Masters at waterfrontfilm@swansea-union.co.uk

Film Reviews Man of Steel

By Luke Maxwell-Libby

If Clark Kent’s latest outing can be summed up in two words it would be ‘missed opportunity’.

On paper, Man Of Steel was a blockbuster waiting to happen. With critically acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan handing over the director’s chair to Zack Snyder in order to produce the film and featuring an all-star cast of veteran actors such as Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner and Michael Shannon, this reboot of the supposedly cursed franchise had the potential to continue DC Comics winning streak.

Unfortunately the end result was something of a disappointment. The plot frequently jumps between Clark Kent’s childhood and his presentday life, making it almost impossible for the audience to tap into the character’s personal struggles, which judging by the trailers are intended as the central premise of the film. Henry Cavill gives a convincing portrayal of a man without guidance, making Michael Shannon’s maniacal General Zod all the more threatening.

But any substance generated in the run-time is undermined by a completely absurd climax worthy of a Michael Bay film.

The Wolverine

By Luke Maxwell-Libby

There are two types of bad film: ones in which you can only laugh at the absurdity of it, and ones in which you leave the cinema feeling angry and disappointed.

The Wolverine sits very prominently in the second category, with disappointing being the only word to describe it without resorting to expletives. The most obvious target for criticism is the story, as there doesn’t seem to be one at all. What little plot the film has is soon lost as it meanders between the numerous but admittedly quite impressive set pieces. Characters are introduced but by no means developed, including the apparently psychic Yukio who for some reason becomes Logan’s bodyguard at the end of the film.

But the biggest tragedy of the film is the character of Logan himself. Hugh Jackman manages to convey some quite convincing torment in the opening scenes, in which Logan is living as a hermit in the woods having flashbacks about the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. For a few brief minutes, the character comes alive, but is swiftly reduced to the one-liner spouting badass that so ruined X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Star Trek Into Darkness

By Caitlin Rix

After a four-year hiatus, J.J. Abrams and co return with a sequel to 2009’s Star Trek.

Whilst not as good as its predecessor, Into Darkness is still a good enough film on its own terms. This time, the crew of the Enterprise go on the hunt for terrorist John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), but it turns out to be a little more complicated than that. If you didn’t like 2009’s Star Trek, the chances are you won’t like this one. Happily, there are numerous other positive points to this film, not least the inclusion of a brief ethical debate regarding the Enterprise’s mission. Simon Pegg’s Scotty is given a much bigger role here, which makes him more likeable than in Star Trek, and Cumberbatch also makes for an engaging screen presence, layering his character with unexpected depth, even if a five-year-old could have worked out his true identity. Conversely, Bones (Karl Urban), who was one of the best things about the reboot, is relegated to Metaphor Machine and only pops up once every half-hour. Therein lies the main problem behind Into Darkness – its reliance on the past undermines any character development that could have been shown, causing it to boldly regress to where everyone’s been before.

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

WHAT I DID LAST SUMMER

travel

Land of castles and rivers, oh, and don’t forget the Chuck Norris Bridge!

W

ITH banks steeped in history from the Roman Empire to the Iron Curtain, the Danube is an essential part of central European tradition, trade and folklore. Cruising down the river, you get a sense of the deep roots the Danube has in European culture as you travel past cities, castles and some of the most fertile agricultural land in Europe.

We did not choose hotels for this trip, instead we travelled by boat and bicycle; so every morning we awoke with a new view, from beautiful plains and fields to the magnificent gothic parliament building in Budapest. Travelling by boat and bike allowed us to experience the multitude of different cultures and countries along the Danube.

On the third morning, we woke up to the spectacular site of Devín Castle, a symbol of Slovakian history and culture since the 9th century, until it was blown up by Napoleon’s retreating armies in 1809.

In the shadow of the castle is the memorial to 400 victims of the Iron Curtain, which was opened by Elizabeth II in 2006. This incredibly moving place really makes you appreciate the struggle the people of former Czechoslovakia went through under Stalinism.

Chuck Norris Bridge We rode along an uneven path approaching a tributary of the Danube called the Morava, which is where the border runs between Austria and Slovakia. Slovakians voted for the new bridge to be called the ‘Chuck Norris Bridge,’ however Slovak authorities thought this was improper, so they called it ‘Cycling Freedom Bridge,’ much to the dismay of the Austrians.

Riding across this meticulously engineered bridge, the road immediately became smoother as we entered the ‘breadbasket of Austria,’ some of the

Second year History student EDWIN ROSE cruised the Danube from Passau to Budapest this summer, soaking up the vastly different cultures of central Europe and their history. most fertile agricultural land in Europe.

A vast bounty of crops are grown here, including potatoes, almonds, walnuts, chard, sunflowers, fruits and grains. They farm traditionally, using crop rotations.

It becomes apparent when you see a wheat field with a single sunflower!

We approached a great hillside palace called Schlosshof, a former residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a late 17th Century Austrian general and national hero, who repelled the Ottoman Turks.

Clearly no expense has been spared on the restoration of the palace and grounds, with pure white limestone fountains cascading with crystal water and a wash of colour in the 17th Century knot gardens shaped into heraldic crests.

Inside the palace, there was a fabulous museum dedicated to Prince Eugene, along with the expertly restored Baroque plasterwork and white marble.

Looking across Schlosshof’s fabulous grounds, we could see the ‘breadbasket of Austria’ unfolding in front, with the Slovakian hills behind. While travelling through Austria and Slovakia, you can still see differences between the west and the rapidly developing east. Although these countries were united under the Hapsburg Monarchy before 1918, people still have very different traditions and ways of life.

The Iron Curtain has fallen, but the divisions between east and west are contracting every year, as new bridges are continually being built.

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Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

fashion 16-17

WHAT I DID LAST SUMMER

25

features 14-15

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

How my trip to Africa taught me that less is sometimes more D

ESCRIBED as ‘the warm heart of Africa’, Malawi is one of the most vibrant, laidback, easy countries to travel in. With its beautiful landscapes, idyllic lake, wildlife and welcoming, fun locals, it sounded like a wonderful country to visit. writes Rachael Wines.

I’ve been to many places in the world, even flown on my own before, but never had I gone to a country and experienced it at its core and this is why I decided to volunteer in Malawi for a month this summer, teaching English and Maths.

I volunteered at a project called Tikondwe.

Many people I met at the project had arranged their volunteer programme through a company called Original Volunteers, but I already had a friend who had volunteered at project Tikondwe before, so I emailed the coordinator directly.

On 12th July I departed Cardiff bus station, and began my adventure. After 35 very long hours of travelling, involving four different airports, I finally arrived in Lilongwe - Malawi’s capital city, north of where I was to be staying.

I hopped in the arranged taxi from the airport, with a lovely Scottish Italian guy that was also

going to the same project, and we embarked on the four-hour long journey down south to a small village in the district of Domasi, about 20 minutes north of Zomba town.

Arriving at base Tikondwe was daunting. Up until that point I had been confident, prepared and excited, but as soon as I arrived at the ranch, reality hit me. No electricity, no hot water, an outdoor cold shower and toilet, and a dorm that consisted of six bunkbeds with virtually no space in the accommodation to even place a suitcase on the floor. The first thought that came to my mind was - I want to book an earlier flight home!

After about five days of settling in and getting used to the living conditions and cooking situation (one large table used as a chopping board, and a fire that we made ourselves which was used to cook whatever we could buy that day), I was feeling a lot more relaxed, and even got used to walking around the local villages and hearing my name shouted every few minutes!

‘Rachael, where are you going?’ or ‘Rachael, how are you?’ Malawian people are friendly, welcoming and, well, just happy I guess which is something I did not expect to see. My perceptions of African countries were from heart wrenching images featured on such programmes as Comic Relief. I would be lying if I said that such situations did not exist, and that I didn’t witness upsetting and difficult situations, however, the majority of Malawians I became friends with were just happy to be alive, and grateful for what God had given them.

It was an eye-opening contrast to Western society where the more you have the more you want, and the more you have, the more stressful life is. My new friends didn’t have much, but they had each other, and the most basic of living conditions, but that was enough for them.

Malawi is a country of rich culture and beautiful landscapes, but in many communities they lack resources for teaching and education. At Tikondwe, the project over the past few years has been monitoring and helping seven different schools from the surrounding villages. I spent my month at the project’s closest school, aptly

named ‘School Tikondwe’, and was assisted by a local Malawian women called Grace, who was volunteering as an unpaid classroom assistant as she wanted to improve the education and opportunity for schooling in her local villages.

The average Malawian monthly wage is £10 per month, and because of the incredible dedication, passion and commitment I witnessed from Grace during my time in Malawi, I am now sponsoring her £10 a month for the next year, meaning she now has an income for the hard work she does.

Each day in Malawi was a learning curve, and quite often a challenge. During weekdays, Monday - Thursday, I would teach in the schools for two hours in the morning, and two hours in the afternoon, with time during our break to make classroom resources, lesson plan and suggest ideas for the curriculum for the schools.

Each morning the ‘Sweet bun lady’ would bring us a freshly cooked bowl of wonderful Malawian goodness, costing us just 2p per bun.

The day was cut short due to sunset taking place at 5.45pm, leaving us in complete darkness by 6pm. Sometimes the local villages would give us fantastic drum or dancing lessons, which made the evenings a lot of fun. A special moment of mine was learning how to African drum in an African banana tree forest.

The local currency in Malawi is the Kwacha, which you can only get hold of whilst in the country. The local language spoken is Chichewa, and the local dish all Malawians eat on a daily bases is ‘nsima’ (a warm, doughy, porridge ball of wheat - not nice!).

There’s a chance to travel at the weekends.

Whether it is visiting Lake Malawi, Zomba Plateau, going on a boat or land safari at Liwonde National Park, or whether you take a trip into Blantyre for some night life, you’re sure to enjoy a wonderful and unique experience in each place.

In a country where the local public transport is a push bike (Malawians call them ‘Jingas’), where you rely on the moonlight to find your way around after 6pm, and where two-year-olds walk for over a mile sometimes on their own to go to school each morning, it’s hard not to come home

without feeling ‘Wow, that really was something different!’

Volunteering abroad is an amazing opportunity to experience a different culture, meet new people, and is valid proof on your CV that you are independent, motivated and mature as well as responsible. Although sometimes challenging, living in Malawi for a month has literally altered my outlook on life, and I would strongly encourage other students to think about volunteering abroad. These days, a lot of people have undergraduate degrees, Masters, and even PhDs - however, volunteering abroad adds that extra sparkle to a CV and extra ‘wow’ in a job interview.

If you are thinking about volunteering abroad, don’t forget to visit your local GP for vaccination advice, and also research the country you are going to before you arrive. In Malawi, it is a massive taboo for women to walk around showing the backs of their knees - so be careful, and be respectful to the country you are visiting.

•Here’s a link to my blog ‘Is Africa receiving too much aid?’ http://malawi-2013-rachael.blogspot.co.uk

FACT FILE Return flights from Heathrow to Lilongwe cost me £750 on Skyscanner.com (Book early for cheaper flights).

Good, basic, affordable accommodation around Malawi: Zomba- Max’s Lodge- approximately £12 per night for a double room.

Blantyre- Doogle’s- approximately £60 for a 6 bed dorm, per night.

Lake Malawi- Mudzy Lodgeapproximately £15 per night for a double room.

Liwonde National Park- Shire Campapproximately £12 per night for a triple room.

Relationships 26

travel 24 -25

film 23

student media 21

music 20

front row 19

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fashion 16-17

features 14-15

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

relationships

Blind Date When Ali met Reb

Ali Kokaz, 19, level 2 Physics student, from Iraq, and Reb Irvine, 20, level 3 Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, from Ireland, meet in JC’s for The Waterfront blind date.

Reb on Ali

Ask Aunt Laura & Aunt Mel Your resident agony aunts are here to answer your problems. If you have any questions, from how to change a light bulb or whether to kiss the boy you like, email waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union. co.uk Dear Laura and Mel, Now freshers has calmed down, I realise how much those jager bombs have crippled my bank account. Is there any saving or money advice you can offer me?

Eric Hey Eric, Don’t worry Laura and Mel are here! Now that you have survived freshers the best thing to do is plan your spending more carefully. Try bringing food to university etc. Also pre-drinking before a night out is key, as it is the perfect cheap way to start your night and it means you only have to take a small amount of money out with you. If you are still having trouble the university offers financial help through student services and run particular money advice, they have drop-in times: From Monday 30/09/13 - Friday 1/11/13: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.00pm. However, there are also so many opportunities for work in Swansea, especially part-time work. If you manage to find a bar job this way you can enjoy socialising at the bar with your friends but you are getting paid! Hope this is helpful Eric, and keep partying (cheaply).

Laura and Mel Dear Laura and Mel, When I arrived at Swansea I thought I would love the place, however since the rain has started I’m having real issues with the city. I hadn’t realised Swansea was the second wettest city in the UK. I’m one of those straighten my hair every day kind of girls, and this weather is killing me! Any fashion tips or ideas that will help me prevent looking like a drowned make-up wearing rat?

I need you Laura and Mel! Help me!

Love Claudia Dear Claudia, We think after careful consideration that you should..MAN UP! Being rained on is part of being in Britain! And believe me when I see someone cowering from the rain protecting their hair, and most people will agree, it looks a little sad. In life you just have to accept that you are going to get wet. But unlike in the Wizard of Oz and the Wicked Witch of the West.. it’s not going to kill you. As for caring about the way you look after rain, don’t worry! I’m sure you look great anyway and caring too much well….ain’t nobody got time for that! As for advice to avoid rain, something I hope you won’t worry too much about anymore, try wearing a hat! However you have to get used to the fact that rain will always be a part of Swansea life so I suggest carrying around an umbrella.

Hope this has been helpful, and I hope you won’t worry as much about what other people think you look like! And buy a jacket!!

Good luck sister!

Laura and Mel

What were your first impressions?

The first thing he did was ask if I wanted to see a card trick. From them I knew it would be a magical experience.

How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after?

I was expecting to meet the man of my dreams!

Then I met Ali instead.

Any striking conversation points?

It’s rare that you can bond with someone over both coming from global terrorist hotspots.

Did you wonder why he wasn’t in a relationship at any point?

He showed me that his Amazon wishlist was full of magic trick books - I didn’t really need to wonder.

If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your baby to inherit?

His bank balance.

Any potential for a kiss?

Unfortunately I couldn’t stop him talking long enough for an opening.

Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person?

We’ll give it a 6.

Would you introduce him to your parents?

If he could manage not to bring up potato-related humour then maybe.

Would you like to meet again?

He pointed out that you can see his house from my window. I’m not sure I have a choice...

How do you think the date went?

Best experience of my life! Cheers, Waterfront you’ve done it again!

Ali on Reb

What were your first impressions?

Potatoes, Guinness, and a cracking pair of personalities.

How did you feel about taking part in a blind date before and after?

It gives shy sensitive boys like me a chance.

Any striking conversation points?

Potatoes and hoes.

Did you wonder why she wasn’t in a relationship at any point?

I wondered how she ever got into a relationship...

If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your baby to inherit?

Beard and tits.

Any potential for a kiss?

I want to kiss her passionately on the lips, and then move to her belly button.

Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person?

I’d give her one.

Would you introduce her to your parents?

They wouldn’t understand her accent.

Would you like to meet again?

I’m a very busy man.

•If you are interested in featuring in the blind date, email your name, age, course and level to waterfrontrelationships@swansea-union.co.uk.

21 October 2013 waterfrontonline.co.uk

YOUR FUTURE MAPPED OUT

careers

Take a step forward for Global Entrepreneurship Week Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) takes place from 18th - 24th November, and the theme this year is “Take a Step Forward”.

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28

28 I SPORT

thewaterfront 07.10.13

waterfrontonline.co.uk

SPORT I 29

Football

SWANSEA INTRAMURAL FOOTBALL Sloth set to challenge again after thrashing Ajax in Intramural Shield IN what was expected to be a tightly contested season opener between last season’s league and cup winners respectively, Sloth FC stormed to a comfortable 4-0 win over Ajax Treesdown FC. Sloth were in fact so dominant that Ajax, who were crowned league champions in dramatic fashion on the final day last year, failed to register a single shot on target against them.

Sloth captain Lewys Thomas felt that “the scoreline reflected our dominance in the game” and said that he “couldn’t be happier with the start we made to this season.”

Thomas pointed to the Sloth midfield as being key to the win saying that his midfield “held their

by Max Stevens waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

ground and took charge of the game with hard work and slick passing, proving difficult for Ajax to compete against.”

It was Thomas himself who was most influential for Sloth, scoring three of their four goals.

His first came through a neat finish into the bottom corner having beaten his marker.

He soon added a second, a mistake by Rob Hawthorne at centre back for Ajax allowing him the space to curl a shot into the top right corner of the net.

Thomas completed his hattrick with a calm finish into the bottom corner following what he

described as a “perfectly-weighted through-ball” from Dave Morgan.

It was one of Sloth’s new boys James Tranter who completed the scoring.

He was the quickest to react after his initial shot was saved by the Ajax goalkeeper in order to register his first competitive goal for the club.

Thomas was understandably delighted with the result, which he said came as a massive surprise as he “would’ve happily taken a narrow win to regain the shield” against a side that he considers rivals for the league.

At the start of the season captains are often eager to get a first glance at their new players and Thomas was thrilled with what

he saw of Sloth’s new signings.

He enthused that he “couldn’t be happier with our new boys and believe we have a very strong squad to pick from, with talent in depth.”

One new addition who stood out in particular was David Nezri whom Thomas described as “unplayable” and a “key part” to the win.

No doubt Nezri will be delighted to hear his captain describe his debut in such a manner.

It is still early days in the season and players will need time to gel, but if this performance was anything to go by then Sloth could once again be a serious force to be reckoned with within the Intramural set-up this season.

Early-season Intramural round-up Fixtures

Sunday 20th October

Ajax Treesdown vs University 6th’s

Crayola vs University 7th’s Pitches & Bitches vs St Helen’s Athletic Gladiators vs Crackwell History FC vs Team Sloth AFC

Ladzio vs Hardly Everlusen Real Engineers vs Photosinthesis SPR vs Clinical Finishers

Team Armadillo vs Golden Showers

Wednesday 23rd October

Fulton Wanderers vs Real Engineers Golden Showers vs History FC

Team Sloth AFC vs Gladiators FC University 6ths vs Pitches & Bitches Clinical Finishers vs Ajax Treesdown

Ashleigh Road results round-up Wednesday 9th October Clinical Finishers 4 - 1 Crayola FC Crackwell 3 - 7 Pitches & Bitches

Fulton Wanderers 3 - 1 Armadillo Golden Showers

4 - 2

SPR

Hardly Everlusen 1 - 7 Gladiators Photosinthesis 6 - 2 History FC Real Engineers 1 - 4 Ladzio

University 6ths 3 - 3 University 7ths

by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

WITH the opening games of the 2013-14 Swansea University Intramural football season having taken place, Golden Showers and Fulton Wanderers currently sit at joint top of the league table.

Showers’ and Fulton’s three wins out of three means that they are the only two clubs out of 19 with a 100% record to the start of the season.

SUMFC 6ths are also unbeaten in their first three games, including a fiesty opening-day draw with SUMFC 7ths, and occupy third position.

Team Sloth sit fourth after scoring 10 goals in their first two games of the season whilst conceding only one. Last season’s cup winners have a game in hand after outclassing last year’s league winners Ajax Treesdown, currently tenth, in the Shield final.

At the other end of the table, Hardly Everlusen, Real Engineers and Crackwell FC all remain pointless after two games. Crackwell, bottom of the league on goal difference, have conceded 20 goals, losing 3-7 to Pitches & Bitches in the opening week,. before Armadillo put 13 past them four days later.

Sunday 13th October Ajax Treesdown 2 - 3 Photosinthesis League table correct as of 18/10/2013 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Golden Showers Fulton Wanderers Uni 6ths Team Sloth Photosinthesis Clinical Finishers Gladiators Team Armadillo Crayola Ajax Treesdown Pitches & Bitches Ladzio Uni 7ths St Helen’s Athletic History FC Singleton Park Rangers Hardly Everlusen Real Engineers Crackwell

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

3 3 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 1 2 2 3

3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 1 1 2

15 9 10 10 10 7 9 15 7 6 7 6 3 5 5 6

5 2 5 1 8 4 4 11 4 4 9 9 3 8 9 12

10 7 5 9 2 3 5 4 3 2 -2 -3 0 -3 -4 -6

9 9 7 6 6 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1

2 2 2

0 0 0

0 0 0

2 2 2

1 2 6

9 12 20

-8 -10 -14

0 0 0

Pitches & Bitches 0 - 6 Crayola FC

Fulton W 2 - 0 Hardly Everlusen Gladiators

2 - 3 University 6ths

History FC 3 - 3 Clinical Finishers Ladzio FC 0 - 5 Team Sloth AFC Real Engineers 1 - 8 Golden Showers SPR

4 - 4 St Helen’s Athletic

Armadillo

13 - 3

Crackwell

Wednesday 16th October Golden Showers 3 - 2 Ladzio FC Photosinthesis 1 - 4 Fulton W St Helen’s Athletic 1-4 Ajax Treesdown Team Sloth 5 - 1 Team Armadillo University 6ths

4 - 0 SPR

30 I SPORT

thewaterfront 21.10.13

Rugby

Swansea University bid to bring World University Rugby Sevens Championships to South Wales

by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

SWANSEA University have submitted a bid in tandem with British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) to the International University Sports Federation (FISU) to host the 2016 World University Rugby 7s Championships in Swansea.

The 2016 event would be hosted at the University’s Singleton Park campus, utilising the campus accommodation, catering and social facilities alongside the world class sports facilities to create a comprehensive Championship village.

Professor Noel Thompson, Pro Vice Chancellor at Swansea University was keen for Swansea to

be granted the opportunity to host the event.

“Hosting the 2016 FISU World University Championships would be a privilege for Wales and Swansea,” he explained.

“High-level rugby competition is a priority for the University and the nation and these Championships would reinforce this commitment.

“With outstanding facilities and an integrated Championship site, Swansea University would deliver a competitor-focused Championships of which Wales, the UK and FISU can be proud.”

The bid has been submitted with the support of the Welsh Rugby Union, Sport Wales and Swansea Council, and it has also received the backing of Welsh rugby star Alun Wyn Jones.

Jones, who stood in as Lions captain on their victorious tour of Australia this year, graduated with a law degree from Swansea University in 2010 and is keen to see Swansea’s

rugby prestige continue to rise.

“It would be great to see the 2016 FISU World Championships bring a major rugby competition to my home town of Swansea,” the Ospreys captain said.

“Wales is often described as the ‘spiritual home of rugby’ and having travelled the globe on international duty and as a British and Irish Lions player, nowhere in the world compares to Wales when it comes to passion, knowledge and dedication.”

The 2016 World University Rugby 7s Championships will be the seventh edition of the games following the inaugural championships in Beijing in 2005.

Most recently the World University Rugby 7s Championships took place in France in 2012 where both Great Britain’s men’s and women’s teams were crowned champions.

Great Britain has a long and successful history of participation in FISU Rugby 7s, medalling in each of the last five events.

BUCS, the national governing body for higher education sport

in the UK, who are responsible for delivering Great Britain teams into international competitions, have successfully hosted European and World Championships in partnership with UK Universities in the past and believe the joint bid with the Swansea University offers unique advantages for FISU and the success and profile of the Rugby 7’s Championship.

BUCS Head of International Programmes Neil Rogers believes Swansea would help to raise the profile of the event further.

“BUCS are delighted to bid in partnership with Swansea University to host the 2016 World University Rugby Championships.

“Great Britain is widely considered the home of Rugby and Great British teams have excelled in FISU Rugby 7s competition, most recently winning bronze in the 2013 World University Games in Russia.

“We believe Swansea will be the ideal host for the 2016 Championships and a successful bid will give our team the unique opportunity to compete in an

international championship on home soil with home support.

“The event would follow the highlight of the world Rugby calendar, the IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, and will take place just weeks before Rugby 7s is welcomed to the Olympic Games – an event which will see a senior Great Britain Rugby 7s team formed for the first-time, and which is guaranteed to have significant public profile in Great Britain”.

Following the submission of the bid, BUCS and Swansea will give a presentation to FISU’s Evaluation Committee in Brussels in October and will then find out if they have been successful when the event is attributed at the FISU Executive Committee meeting in November.

waterfrontonline.co.uk

SPORT I 31

Rugby Union

PHOTO: SOPHIE WIGGINS

Opening-day defeat for men’s thirds SWANSEA 3rds 14 - 22 SWANSEA MET 1sts

OUT OF REACH: Swansea paid the price for a poor first half display as they went down to Swansea Met’s in the first BUCS fixture.

SWANSEA University Men’s Rugby 3rds suffered defeat at the hands of Swansea Met 1sts at a windy Sketty Lane.

An ill-disciplined first half by Swansea was irretrievable despite a much-improved second half performance in which they did not concede a single point.

Swansea got off to a flying start in the first few minutes when they marched through Swansea Met’s 22, allowing Matthew Ringland to go over for the first points of the game, although the conversion was unlucky

by Ellie Caddick waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

to come back off the post.

Swansea controlled Swansea Met’s lineout and were rewarded with most of the possession.

However, Swansea lacked discipline and paid the price, conceding two penalties and a drop goal.

Despite this, the home side continued to dominate, and their best chance came after half an hour when a team effort saw Swansea drive through the opposition’s 22.

But after the ball was ripped away

by Swansea Met’s number 8, his pass to their fly-half enabled a well-timed chip and chase allowing them to score their first try.

The fly half, who was causing Swansea problems throughout the game, then converted his own try.

A great tackle by Will Roberts prevented Swansea Met scoring a second but they were awarded another penalty, to make the score at half time was 5-22.

The second half began well as Swansea began to claw back into the

game with two penalties.

However thoughts of a comeback took a knock when Laurie Greenaway was sinbinned for a high tackle.

With 20 minutes to go Swansea made substitutions and the cracks began to show in the Swansea Met defence.

After a missed penalty, Swansea showed promise of scoring when man of the match Chris King ran for the touchline. But he was halted by a last minute tackle which prevented the offload that would have seen Swansea score.

A final penalty for Swansea wasn’t enough for them to close the first-half gap, and the game ended 14-22.

As King accurately summarised, “our lineouts were pretty good, our set pieces were much better than theirs,; we just weren’t clinical.”

Captain Phil Roberts was understandably disappointed with first-half performance.

“At half time I felt we were going into the second half with the wind,” he explained, “and that if we focused on playing in the right areas of the pitch then we would be able to gain points.

“We’ve got to work on our discipline, we gave away too many penalties.”

Despite them result Swansea will keep focused on their aspirations for this season and “try and push for mid table/top half of the league.”

Badminton

1sts triumph over 2nds in allSwansea badminton battle SWANSEA University’s 1st and 2nd women’s badminton teams competed against one another in the opening week of the 2013-14 BUCS Western 2B League.

Each side put forward two doubles teams and two singles teams. The teams, which normally train together, took up their positions on either side of the net and played out two matches.

As one would expect, the 1st team dominated the court and this was reflected in the one-sided encounter, which resulted in the overall score of 8-0, in which the 1sts won every game played.

Due to the ‘best of three games’ scoring system and the 1sts team’s continuous winning streak, the third game of each match did not even need to be contested.

However, despite this, the 2nds put up an admirable fight.

In the doubles match played by club captain Hannah Marriott and Leah Cashell, representing the 2nds team, versus 1st team captain Sophie Ttophi and Jemima Cheetham, a comeback

by Claire Cuddihy

waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

looked conceivable during the second game, where at one point the score stood at 11-8 in team Cashell/Marriott’s favour.

However, Ttophi proved to be in particularly good form, and her powerful shots obliterated any hopes the 2nd team may have had of a revival.

Lauren Miles of the 1st team also played particularly well in her singles matches, securing solid victories over Charlotte Savory and Ana Cowie of the 2nds team, who both could not overcome Miles’ ferocious guarding of the net and her powerful defensive shots.

First team captain Ttophi was delighted with the team’s performance in a greta atmosphere.

“These matches obviously had a competitive edge. Playing our second team, I think we all felt as if we had a point to prove, which made the match that much more

tense”.

Ttophi admitted that she hopes that this success for the 1st team is emulated in future matches played within the League.

“We have some pretty tough universities in our League this year but I feel that our team is strong enough to compete, and even beat most of the competitors we come across.

“At the end of the season I believe we’ll have enough points to move up into the next League”.

2nd team captain Charlotte Savory refused to dwell on the result.

“Today was slightly disappointing, but the women’s 1sts have a very good team this year and are going to go far!

“The atmosphere was very enjoyable playing against the 1sts as it was good to play against people we regularly play with.

“My hopes for the coming season are to do well in our league, improve working together in a team and getting to know where everybody is best playing, and finally to have lots of fun!”

SWANSEA 2nds 0 - 8 SWANSEA1sts

Fencing

Swansea’s fencers ready for action

by Tom Nightingale waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

SWANSEA University Fencing Club are anticipating another big season in 2013-14.

After winning a Swansea University Students’ Union award, and both teams experiencing historic seasons, the club are hoping for an even more impressive campaign this year.

Over the summer holiday the club added another honour to its reputation with four of its members being selected for the prestigious international event, the Student Five Nations.

Women’s team captain Megan Lillycrop was selected for the women’s sabre team, adding to her long list of Welsh caps and bagging her a half-colours award from Sport Swansea.

The club’s new president Madelaine Swift has big plans for the new season.

“This year will be a challenge for the men’s team after getting so close to being promoted and bagging the SU award,” she stated.

“We’re going to need a lot of hard training and with lots of open spaces on the team, if club members put in the effort they will be rewarded by competitive experience.”

Competitive success is not the only thing in Swift’s sights as she plans to grow the club’s traditionally small numbers into a more diverse range of members.

Over £2,000 of kit has been ordered as the club hope to make themselves more attractive to Swansea students.

‘We’re not just focused internally,’ explained the club’s press secretary Joe Mountford, “but we’re hoping to attract a large membership for good.

“We’ve a blood drive coming up, and another secret project after that so don’t just look for us in the results pages!’

The club’s structured beginners course has been so successful that requests have been submitted for more space as lessons become more sparring-focused and dynamic.

With 30 regular members on the beginners course and a whole heap of experienced fencers joining the ranks, the club’s big plans look set to come to fruition, and all Swansea University students are still welcome to join up for the 2013-14 season.

sport thewaterfront

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Issue 231

waterfrontonline.co.uk All of our articles throughout the year can be found on our website, it’s updated regularly so check it out today !

21 October 2013

TITANS LOOKING TOWARDS A BIG SEASON

Inside This Issue Badminton

Swansea vs Swansea on opening day

p31 Rugby

Swansea Uni keen to host World Rugby Sevens

STRIVING FOR SUCCESS: Ever-imprioving Swansea Titans are hoping for a season of unprecedented success in BUS American Football.

HAVING progessed year upon year, Swansea Titans have now established themselves as worthy playoff contenders heading into the 2013/14 season.

Last year’s 5 and 3 finish saw victories over rivals Aberystwyth and was topped off with the team’s firstever Welsh Varsity win over Cardiff.

The nature of university sport means there is a natural turnover of players, meaning that inevitably some key members of the team have moved on.

With the season’s opener against Bristol Barracuda on 3rd November fast approaching, the coaches and veteran players have their work cut out to bring the rookies up to speed.

Former Club President and current Head Coach Nick Keyse has been impressed with what he has seen of the rookie class.

“There has been a lot of talent on display and hopefully the team gels together well during the pre-season.”

The Titans have an annual ‘Old Boys Game’ followed by a competitive scrimmage against UWE Bullets, Bath Spa Bulldogs and Coventry Jets a fortnight before week one of the regular season.

The 2013/14 fixtures see the Titans play 5 games prior to the Christmas break and three games after starting in the first week of February.

Noticeable fixtures include Bath Killer Bees in game four, Exeter Demons in game five followed by Gloucestershire Gladiators in game six. Previous years results and records would suggest that this spell of

fixtures might define the season for the Titans.

The Titans will face Falmouth Tridents in game seven, a team who will be experiencing their traditionally difficult first year in university American football.

The season will finish with a warm up to Varsity as Cardiff travel to Swansea to wrap up the regular season in a game that, despite the majority of games being played on a Sunday, both teams are hopeful will be played on a Friday evening at St. Helens Cricket and Rugby Ground.

New Defensive Captain Adam Salter is one of many three-year veterans who are looking to fill the void left by ex-Club Captain and influential linebacker Stephen DonaldsonEllison.

“The defence saw many starters

Selected Results

Selected Fixtures

by Simon George waterfrontsport@swansea-union.co.uk

October 16th Men’s Football

EXETER 1st 3 - 3 SWANSEA 1st Men’s Squash

BRISTOL 3rd 2 - 3 SWANSEA 1st Men’s Tennis

CARDIFF 1st 2 - 10 SWANSEA 1st Men’s Football

BATH 2nd 1 - 2 SWANSEA 2nd

October 23rd Men’s Rugby

SWANSEA 1st v UWE HARTPURY 1st Men’s Basketball

SWANSEA 1st v EXETER 1st Women’s Basketball

SWANSEA 1st v ABERYSTWYTH 1st Men’s Hockey

CARDIFF 3rd V SWANSEA 2n

move on during the summer, especially in the front seven,” Salter explained.

“It’s up to our established players to produce the same form as this defensive unit has over previous years.”

A successful season for the Titans will be judged on wins and losses and whether their overall record is good enough for them to make the playoffs for the first time in their history.

There are a number of key players to look out for this season but none more so than wide receiver Marcus Wyatt, in his third year with the team, who has beaten the team’s current touchdown record already.

If theTitans perform to their potential and fulfill their hopes for the season ahead, it could be an unprecedented year of success for Swansea University American Football.

p30 Intramural Football

Sloth add another trophy to collection

p29

CURRENT BUCS 2013 1 2 3 4 5

Edinburgh St. Andrews Glasgow Stirling Dundee

36 Oxford 37 Swansea 37 St Mary’s

737 483 464 447 394 58 55 55