Youth Lyric and Belfast Met Team up to Present a Titanic Production

im:press SUMMER TERM - 2018

Christmas 2019 Follow us at Like us on im:press@BelfastmetSU Belfastmet - Students’ Union Youth Lyric and Belfast Met team up to present a Titanic production By Rory Heffron,HND Broadcast Journalism have had the experience of being able to work As we head into the Winter term, and welcome Belfast Metropolitan College students from a straight away in any kind of theatre environment”. our new Students Union Council it's a perfect time range of courses are to collaborate with one of for us to focus on some of the progress we have Christine Fitzpatrick, Course Coordinator for Level 3 Ireland’s largest youth arts organisations, Youth made in Belfast Met. Music Production is focused largely on the recording Lyric to present ‘Titanic’ at Theatre at the Mill in The Breakfast Club is of soundscapes, the background noise such as seeing huge success Newtownabbey. Originally a radio play by the that of the shipyard to be included in the show. running out of Titanic East Belfast playwright Stewart Love, this two-act Quarter campus every theatrical performance is directed by fellow Belfast “We’ll be going down to the docks gathering real morning, providing free man Wilfie Pyper MBE. It charts the story of the life sounds, atmospheric noise and a few seagulls, tea/coffee and breakfast world-famous liner from conception, through and we’re hoping some students will be involved for students arriving in construction to its ill-fated maiden voyage. on the performance nights to be able to blend and the early morning. Belfast Youth Lyric has long been a fixture of the theatrical Met brought home an mix all the levels together for the sound and music community in Northern Ireland offering acting award for our nomination Robyn Archer, elements”. tuition to young people aged from four to twenty- for inclusive learning Her colleague, Janis Leaden, who coordinates BTEC environment at the GNI awards. We are continuing one and bringing quality productions to the public Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music says: “This gives to work with students across all our schools to each year. Met students have previously helped provide a supportive and receptive environment with productions and the college has long been any of our live performers an opportunity for real life to students across our campuses.With the hard represented on the board. Lynda Bryans heads up work experience”. Even with the greatest of skillsets work of the Belfast Met Trust, our Student's Union the Television Journalism HND at the College and every production needs a vision and in this case it is and our helpful support staff, we're working on a serves as the charity’s chairperson. “This is one of provided by Wilfie Pyper MBE. He’s been resident number of projects that will help improve access our most exciting productions yet” she said, “it’s to education and break down the barriers faced director of the Belfast Operatic Company for the just fantastic to be collaborating with so many by students on a day to day basis. You too can past 37 years: “The Stewart Love play is more about course areas at Belfast Met”. Another familiar face make an impact on the direction we move and people than the ship Titanic” he says. “The first half in the college, Aidan Browne, is Youth Lyric’s Artistic the service we provide by making your voice deals with the people of Belfast and the second half heard. Don't hesitate to contact me, or any of Director, having joined as a student. He says: “I first our wonderful support staff if you want to get walked in the doors in 1978 and never left”. deals with the people aboard the ship. It’s such as involved, or even just highlight something that we The skills showcased by students at the Met for joy working with Youth Lyric - I always look forward can improve. the Titanic production range from Visual Effects to to Friday night rehearsals and go home buzzing by - Mx. Robyn Archer Costume Design, Journalism to Film Production and the end”. Wilfie is enthusiastic about what the Met If you would like information/advice more. Shirley Heather and Danielle McCafferty are can bring to the production. “We’re very fortunate studying for an HND in Performing Arts (Technical to be working with Belfast Metropolitan College…It or would like to join one of the Arts). “We’re going to be helping to do hair is an incredibly collaborative process and one which I sports clubs please contact the SU and special effects make up for the production’ find very exciting”. says Shirley. The opportunity to work on a big Titanic by Stewart Love, performed by Youth Lyric, studentsunion collaborative production like Titanic is not lost on the @belfastmet.ac.uk students and project-based learning experience is runs March 11th to 14th at Theatre at the Mill, invaluable when applying for jobs. Newtownabbey. Tickets from £11 available from Telephone Danielle says: “Outside of this course I wouldn’t theatreatthemill.com 028 9026 5059 im:press editorial team Editor: Caoimha Gordon Deputy Editor: Rhiannon Rooney Picture Editor: Alex Close Production: Calum Armitage Project co-ordinator: Lynda Bryans Students’ Union: Paul Docherty Produced by students from HND Broadcast Journalism 2 im:press CHRISTMAS - 20192 Royal Television Society Bursary scheme Applications open in February 2020 for the RTS bursary scheme. back and casually dismissed my chances of getting through as slim to none. HND student Sophie Irvine discusses how the bursary has helped kick-start A few days later I received an email to say I had been selected for a phone her career in Journalism. interview. Not knowing what to expect but wanting to be prepared I Creative Media students will have heard of the Royal Television Society, researched the RTS and rehearsed a pitch. On the day of the pre-arranged which offers free annual membership to students, but the RTS also offers phone interview I talked to the lovely Bunty Briggs from the RTS. two mentor-led bursary schemes for eligible applicants from a household You should expect to be asked about what TV you like to watch income of £25,000 or below for the Television production and (this is the Royal Television Society after all) your vision for your Journalism bursary (or £30,000 or below for the technology bursary). future, any current projects or ideas you’re working on and what Up until one year ago, as a Higher Education student attending makes you the right candidate for the RTS to invest time and a Further Education college I would not have been eligible to money into. apply. However, this has all changed thanks to the hard work of I was over the moon to receive my phone call from Bunty a few two people - Belfast Met Alumnus Kieran Doherty, joint Managing weeks later telling me my application was successful. Director of Stellify Media, and college Lecturer and News As a result of this I receive £1000 in February, a connection with Presenter Aidan Browne, who’s Chair of the RTS Student Awards a professional mentor in the biz and in November I was brought Committee. After some gentle persuasion, the RTS opened up its application over to London (with my flights and hotel all paid by the RTS) for two days process to HE students on a relevant course in the UK. of masterclasses and a huge networking opportunity at the Patron’s dinner. As a financially challenged student I decided to apply for the 2019 Bursary Here’s another insider tip – check out the guest list before this as the scheme. The application process was very straightforward and only a little bit nerve wracking. It requires a personal statement and uploading 3 examples dinner is attended by the best in business. So bring your best outfit, don’t of your work, written or filmed. A word to the wise, do not leave this until overindulge at the free bar and prepare yourself to shine. For more details the night before the deadline because you will want to put some time and visit www.rts.org.uk/bursaries or ask your course coordinator for details of effort into it. Once I had completed my application I sat any bursaries in your own subject area. Good luck! Student well being vital to success Student wellbeing is vital and Belfast Met provides a comprehensive and tailored support intervention service across all campuses. Thanks to everyone who supported this worthwhile campaign.

Firstly was World Mental Health Awareness day in October. Here the SU were asking students to write down 3 things that can help with their own Mental health.

It was fantastic to get the debate going with some What HYPE offer: answers being, socilaising with • Free condoms friends, exercising and eating • STI testing well to listening to music and keeping on top of course work. The SU • STI information even provided a very important message with chocolate bars which • Health promotion Advice certainly got a lot of attention. • Contraceptive information (inc emergency contraception) If you would like to speak to a member of the Student Wellbeing team • Fast track GUM appointments please telehone: 02890265108 • Pregnancy testing or E-mail: [email protected] • Signposting to relevant agencies CANCER FOCUS and STOP SMOKING Free Stop Smoking clinics for all students at Belfast Met. Titanic Quarter Campus This is a weekly drop-in clinic in which students are given the Wednesday TQ-1-007 9:15am – 11:00am

opportunity to stop smoking once and for all. Millfield Campus Medical Room, Reception area Building 1, Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 – 4:00pm Contact Cancer Focus Castlereagh Campus to start today. Block 5 Student Support Hub - every other Wednesday 11:30am – 1:00pm im:press CHRISTMAS - 2019 3 Applying to Higher Education - here’s how HND Broadcast Journalism student James Mervyn takes the application is your personal statement. A personal statement is your chance mystery out of the UCAS process . . . to sell yourself to a university on why they should take you instead of Many Level 3 students decide to move on to Higher Education at Belfast anybody else. Metropolitan College, where a Higher National Diploma is a popular and “Tailor your personal statement to the primary course you want to study. If much cheaper way of achieving a higher (Level 5) qualification after your you generalise your application too much, there is a possibility you will not Extended Diploma or A level course. If you’ve your heart set on an HND at meet the shortlisting criteria for your preferred course,” says Claire Pryke, Belfast Met, course applications open at the end of January – watch your Head of Recruitment at the University of Bradford. student email and the college’s website for details! “You can contact the university of your choice to find out if they will accept However, to apply to university, you’ll need to set up a profile on the UCAS an alternative personal statement for a different course before submitting website (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) which can be stressful your application – many do.” if you’ve never done it before. But, like study itself, the process is relatively A personal statement should explain why you want to go to university, your straightforward when broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks. achievements and extra-curricular passions, plus any skills or experiences When you start your UCAS application it is essential that you fill out your that could help you be a successful student. Don’t mention any institution personal details correctly, especially phone numbers, dates, email addresses. by name in your personal statement and you don’t need to be specific about In the Education section, you’ll need to include every exam you have done course names either, admissions tutors don’t expect it. Crucially, there are and the modules you are currently studying. This can be tedious, but it is two dates to remember before you submit your application. required so that prospective universities can look at your education history The first is our Belfast Metropolitan College references deadline – you’ll and decide whether they should offer you a place in their university. It’s important you select five choices of university course and if you get all need to check this date with your course coordinator, studies advisor or five choices you should narrow it down further to 2: A firm choice and an lecturer, but essentially if you want them to write you a reference to support ‘insurance’ choice. your application, you need to give them time to do this, ideally well before “The insurance choice is a back-up, or a plan B,” says Sarah Hannaford, Head Christmas as they could be writing references for 20 different students! th of Admissions at Loughborough University, “in case you don’t meet the The second is UCAS’s own deadline - applications close on the 15 of January conditions of your firm choice university and they are unable to accept you. 2020 so this is the date by which UCAS must receive your online application. With something as important as your educational future, it is a good idea to The college’s Careers Advisory team can help with any further advice – have a plan B.” contact them on campus, via your course coordinator or It will help ease the pressure, too, if you know that even if one exam goes at [email protected]. wrong or your grades slip, you can still get into a course you would be Good luck with your application and remember there is a £25 fee to pay to interested in studying. Arguably the most important part of your UCAS UCAS to apply. Top Tips for Fighting Exam Stress TopTopTips Tips Tips for forfor Fighting Fighting fighting Exam Exam Stress Stress exam stress Exam time Examcan often time be stressful can often and nerve be stressfulwracking; while and some nerve stress wracking; can be a positive while motivator, some beingstress too cannervous be ora tensepositive can be motivator, being too nervous or tense can be problematic,Exam timeproblematic, canespecially often be if itstressful interferes especially and with nerve yourif it wracking; performance.interferes while Nowwith some is yourthestress time performance.can to focusbe a positive on what motivator, youNow can is do beingthe to get time too yourself nervous to focus through or tense on this canwhat be you can do to get yourself through this demandingproblematic,demanding period, especially here’s if someperiod, it interferes advice here’s towith help your somemake performance. exam advice time lessNowto helpstressful. is the make time to examfocus on time what lessyou can stressful. do to get yourself through this demanding period, here’s some advice to help make exam time less stressful.

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Make Follow us on social media sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision, and also on the exam for further wellbeing tips day. 4 im:press CHRISTMAS - 20194 IVGO presents a show unlike any other Saoirse Jacobs, HND Broadcast Journalism student THE Irish Video Game Orchestra is an orchestra which is based in Belfast and who perform covers of video game music across the UK and Ireland. They appear at various events such as Q-Con Belfast and have their own independent concerts. They were runner up for the 2018 Epic Awards and finalists for the 2019 Amatoo Awards. Last month (November), the Irish Video Game Orchestra held a concert to help raise money for Extra Life, a charity that gives money to hospitals for sick and injured children. Their mission is to “Play Games, Heal Kids”. The concert featured music from video games such as Super Mario Galaxy, Undertale, Ori and the Blind Forest, Final Fantasy and more. They also featured some non gaming songs such as a medley of Studio Ghibli songs. I really enjoyed what they played that night. There was a balance of instrumental and vocal pieces. Plus, they covered music from many different platforms like Nintendo, Microsoft and some indie stuff like with Undertale. The vocalists there If you missed the concert, you can listen to some of the orchestra’s work on their were also amazing and impressive, especially while they sang in other languages. YouTube channel “Irish Video Game Orchestra” and follow them on Twitter @ The songs they played made me look back to listening to the originals as a child. IVGOrch to get updates on future concerts. It also gave me the incentive to find out where songs I wasn’t familiar with came Also, if you are a musician who has a passion for video game music, you can join -from. If you enjoy video game music or even classical music in general, I highly the orchestra by sending an email at [email protected]. Or if you want to recommend going to one of their concerts. donate to Extra Life, you can on their website at www.extra-life.org. Five tips to help you mind your head this winter It’s important to look after your mental health all year round, but the colder and DON’T TAKE ON TOO MUCH darker months of winter can sometimes have a deeper impact on our mood.HND It’s easy to spread yourself thin over the holidays, especially if you have work in Television Journalism student Karen Flynn offers five ways to look after your head a part time job along with college and have a number of people you would like this winter, and still enjoy the break: At Christmas, there can be a lot of pressure to see. Try to set boundaries and only do as much as you can without burning to have a really good time and to appear as if everything is okay. Life can be tough yourself out. for many reasons, from financial worries to family struggles, to social pressures to DO TAKE BREAKS bereavement. There’s also a risk of taking on too much over the festive season, Allow yourself to take some “time out” for yourself if you find your stress levels with travelling, eating and drinking too much, and going out socializing more than starting to rise. The holidays can be emotionally taxing even if you are having a usual. All of which could lead to feeling burnt out in the new year. good time. Take some time for yourself here and there; go for coffee, read a book, DON’T MAKE COMPARISONS go for a walk, listen to a podcast – whatever makes you feel relaxed. If possible, With social media at our fingertips, it’s easy to assume that everyone else is ask someone to help you with some of your responsibilities if you feel like you having a better time than us. Try not to compare your life to what you see online, have taken on too much. remember that social media is only a “highlight reel” and people tend to only EVERYTHING IN MODERATION share what they want others to see. Focus on yourself and what makes you feel It can be very tempting to over-indulge at Christmas, especially if there’s a lot of good. food and drink readily available to you. There’s also usually a lot of time spent DO GET ORGANISED with immediate and extended family members, and going out with friends, work The holiday period creeps up on is every year, one moment it’s Hallowe’en and parties and at home too. Sometimes overindulging can have a negative impact then before you know it, Christmas is here. Try and plan for how you will spend on our health in the long run, so try to stay active and get some exercise in if you your holidays and organize any assignment deadlines, travelling, or social events can. Exercise is a great way to improve your health and wellbeing and can be very in your calendar ahead of time. Being organised can help you feel more in control beneficial for your mental health. ease feelings of anxiety. Belfast Met breakfast club a big success The breakfast club was set up as a pilot at the end of September and by half term over 500 students had come through the doors at the linen lounge to avail of the service.

It is held every morning from 8am-8.30am in the Linen Lounge in Titanic Quarter. All welcome. im:press CHRISTMAS - 2019 5

With thanks to Queen’s Film Theatre and MOVIE REVIEWS Movie House Cinemas

Karen Flynn reviews “Marriage Story” which gets its wonderfully by Julie Hagerty) and her sister Cassie Nicole’s perspective by framing actions from both NetFlix UK release date on 6th December. (Merritt Wever) are extremely taken with Charlie sides and by bringing them together as parents. “It’s not as simple as not being in love anymore.” which only complicates things for Nicole. Charlie While Charlie could shoulder most the blame for In 2005, Noah Baumbach brought to life his wants to keep his life in New York the way it is, and the breakdown of the romantic relationship, it’s memories of his own parents’ divorce in his bleak Nicole wants to take back the life and creative voice but hilarious The Squid and the Whale. It’s been she gave up in LA. The pair have an 8-year-old son impossible not to sympathize with him as we witness fourteen years since and the writer and director to consider first and foremost, and their relationship his slow burning realization that his actions have has been through his own high-profile divorce from soon unravels as their attempts to amicably separate consequences, and his life is never going to be the actress and collaborator Jennifer Jason Leigh. It could with the help of a mediator disintegrates and the same again. In one of my favourite scenes, Nicole be possible that true life events inspired reveals to her divorce layer Nora (played Marriage Story, nevertheless the two superbly by Laura Dern) how Charlie’s films bookend a huge period of growth for Baumbach, and this might just be his best inaction in love and in marriage caused her film yet. layers of pain over the years. Marriage Story opens with each of them For most of the film, Driver and Johansson reciting observed qualities, the ones only deliver nuanced performances, perfectly a married couple could know. They share capturing two people’s former idealism what they love the most about each before delving into married life, while other. “She’s a great dancer. Infectious. expressing the very real confusion, betrayal, She’s a mother who plays – really plays.” says Charlie as we watch happy, sad anger and pain in the aftermath. and real memories of them together. With two brilliant lead performances and a Nicoles account is equally glowing highly emotionally driven story of a former and affectionate, describing Charlie as couple trying to be better people in the face “Brilliant” and saying “He loves being a of a marriage in the wreckage, Baumbach dad. It’s almost annoying how much he likes it.” turn to the cruel and harsh world of divorce lawyers. has given us a film about love and sorrow balanced Adam Driver and Scarlett Johannsson play Charlie Marriage Story captures not only the complexity of and Nicole. A devastatingly charming and brilliant emotions experienced after a relationship comes to together with his understated sense of humour. avant-garde theatre director and his soon-to-be an end, but it also invites us to see the rarely exposed With an excellent supporting cast and a soundtrack ex-wife, a once sought-after movie actor who details of divorce. It’s painful to watch the death composed by Randy Newman, Marriage Story will sacrificed her life in LA to be with her husband and throes of a relationship between two people who be one to watch this awards season. Marriage Story work in his stage company. As time moves on and have both been portrayed sympathetically. At times will leave you feeling emotionally hungover, but it’s his star continues to rise in New York, she seemingly it feels like looking into a part of someone’s life that a must see and Noah Baumbach at his best. Sincere, becomes less and less important. Nicole is offered is absolutely none of our business, but here we are, well paid and high-profile television work back in we’ve been invited And for a little over two hours, we humane, exquisite. her home of LA, but Charlie is indifferent to her will laugh, cry and laugh again, and likely cry, again. With thanks to Queen’s Film Theatre for the wants and needs. Nicole’s mother Sandra (played Baumbach brilliantly balances both Charlie and opportunity to review “Marriage Story”. Stunning Game of Thrones’ stained glass trail By HND Journalism Student Calum Armitage To mark 10 years since filming of the wildly popular show began, six Game of Thrones-inspired stained glass windows have been placed across Belfast, forming a 1.8-mile walking trail. Each window represents a different house or legacy, depicting a handful of the most iconic scenes from seasons one through seven. All six of them have been created by local artists and stand on individual concrete plinths at local landmark sites in Belfast. Unveiled to coincide with the final season of Game of Thrones (GoT), this trail has It’s not very often a sequel blows its predecessor out of the water, but “Dr. been created to showcase the amazing legacy GoT has left behind in Ireland. Sleep” has trumped not only “The Shining” but most adaptions of Stephen Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said in an interview with Belfast Telegraph: King’s works, according to HND Journalism Student Alex Close, who has “We are delighted to continue our partnership with HBO once again in 2019, to reviewed the film for ImPress magazine. highlight Northern Ireland—through the exciting events of Game of Thrones—on “Dr. Sleep” follows Danny (Ewan McGregor) as he learns to face his demons the global stage.” from the trauma he experienced in the Overlook hotel and then those that The stained glass windows are located on pavements in the following areas: come with alcoholism. A great note on the mental health decline that is 1. The Stark window at Belfast City Hall. associated with untreated Post Traumatic stress disorder. 2. Lannister window at the ICC (International Convention Centre, Director Mike Flanagan manages to create an atmosphere among the new formerly the Waterfront Hall) Belfast. characters to the films that carries the same eerie overtones that made the film 3. Baratheon window at the Lagan Weir. with the original characters such a success. 4. Targaryen window at the SSE Arena. Dr. Sleep is a film meant to be experienced in the cinema. At 2 hours and 32 5. White Walker window at Titanic Belfast. minutes, it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Now showing at MovieHouse Cinemas Belfast. 6. Iron Throne window at Titanic Slipway. With thanks to MovieHouse, Dublin Road, Belfast for the review opportunity. You can pick up your own “Glass of Thrones” visitor guide from Visit Belfast. 6 im:press CHRISTMAS - 20196 Budget Christmas - five bargain gift ideas Living on a student budget is stressful enough, but then Christmas comes 4. Christmas Shoe Box Hamper along and the thought of trying to purchase the perfect gift for the important This is a hands on, DIY, gift. You can simply take an old people in your life, while managing your student loan, is daunting! shoe box, wrap it in Christmas wrapping paper and Caoimha Gordon, HND Broadcast Journalism student has five gift ideas that fill it up with that person’s favourite sweets, a candle, will be slightly kinder to your bank account and keep you on track until the some cosy socks, a face mask and a small bottle of fizz. next instalment of your loan. Thoughtful, personal and creative! 1. Skinny Dip ‘Skinny Mart Gift Set’ Price: Whatever fits your budget! A gift set doesn’t always seem like the most thoughtful present, however, 5. Emergency Tech Kit this one is perfect for someone who appreciates unique packaging and loves This is a great present idea for anyone with a phone, as it fruity bath and body products. This set includes a is small enough to carry around in a bag at all times. This body wash, body polish, body lotion, body mist, ‘Emergency Tech Kit’ comes with one bottle of screen shower lily and the basket alone can be reused cleaner, a microfiber cloth, 1 cable wrap and a lightning for storage purposes. and micro USB charging cable. So practical, it’s the modern Skinnydiplondon.com Price: £16 version of socks! Price with Student Discount: £12.80 Urbanoutfitters.com Price: £10 (20% off using Student Beans)

2. Travel Packing Pouches These are different sized pouches that make packing an organised suitcase a CLASS REP MEETINGS lot easier, also including small laundry pouches to keep your dirty and clean clothes separated. Meetings were held across all campuses during the There are many different brands of these last week of November. Being a class rep gives you the pouches, but the cheapest ones can be found chance to represent your class and lend your voice to on amazon.co.uk and they come in variety of the wider student voice. Collectively when students different colours. work together we can achieve so much. Over 80 students attended across all sites and it was fantastic to see so many students turn up and engage with the Amazon.co.uk Price: £5.03 SU. All issues raised at these class rep meetings will be addressed by the senior leadership team and can be discussed with members of the Directorate in 3. Disposable Camera January. Go retro with your photo and channel your favourite Instagram influencers. As a class rep you are invited to: A disposable camera is a fun gift for someone CLASS REP CONSULTATION MEETING who loves taking photos and always has their WITH COLLEGE DIRECTORATE phone out snapping pictures wherever they on Thursday 30th Jan 2020 go. This is a cheap and unique gift that allows in Titanic Quarter Campus, Main Lecture Theatre someone to take raw and authentic film like Please don’t wait until these meetings take place to raise issues that might photographs. The best part about this is that you come up. Communicate regularly with teaching staff and contact us in the don’t get to see your photographs until they’ve Students’ Union whenever you need to. If you have any questions, please don’t been developed, which can be done at most hesitate to contact us by: pharmacies, including boots. Email: [email protected] Phone: 028 9026 5059 Amazon.co.uk Price: £7.92 Students' Union Council 2019-20

The new SU council was elected in October, pictured above is Karla Serrada, Rachel Kewley, SU Governor James Campbell, Emmanuel Giwa and Euridice Afonso. If you have any questions or would like to speak to the SU council you can pop into the SU office at any time im:press CHRISTMAS - 2019 7 Clubs and societies ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Rugby at the Met Belfast Met SU MEN’S RUGBY Belfast Met College RFC U18 football team Results 2019-20 Season so far: After 7 years in the wilderness the SU Football team is back. This team is for Vs Ards RFC U18 – W – 51-0 any student over 18 who is studying at Belfast Met. Vs Carrick RFC U18 – W – By walkover The team plays against other colleges and universities throughout Ireland Vs Banbridge RFC U18 - W – 10-0 and whilst they have played twice this season and lost both games the Vs Instonians RFC U18 – W – 48-7 performances have been very encouraging. Vs Donaghadee RFC U18 – W [by walkover] Belfast Met new playing shirts for 2019-20 season The Training times are like drop in sessions: Monday – 3:15-4:45pm Wednesday – 2:30-4:30pm Tuesday – 3:15-4:45pm Friday – 3:15-4:45pm Over 18 – SSI - Men’s Rugby: Adult Cup starting in February for those who wish to play in that. There will also be blitzes with UU and Queens we can take part in. Main training times are - Wednesday – 2:30-4:30pm Team manager Paul Docherty said: “this is a brand new team who are all getting to know each other. We got knocked out of the CUFL Cup by a very experienced side in South West College and wish them well going forward and we are still scratching our heads how we got beaten by Dundalk in our last match, as we dominated the match with only a couple of individual errors costing us the game. The good thing is that we will learn and will only improve going forward. As its our first year back playing we were only allowed to enter the cup competitions but next year we are allowed to enter the league and by then we hope to have established a good first team. We are Belfast Met we should be competing at the highest level, and hopefully with more training sessions and friendlies throughout the rest of this season we can regain WOMEN’S RUGBY some of our former glories.” The women’s rugby is up and going really well. Women’s rugby training times are Wednesday - 3-4:30pm and Friday - 3:15-4:45pm New hoodies and bobble hats New sports project SU Council Member Emmanuel Giwa is modelling our new ¼ zip tops and new Bobble hats. ¼ zips are £30 each and hats are £10 and both are available along with the older style for £15 from the SU offices in TQ and Millfield.

November saw the start of a new 12 week initiative offering sports in conjunction with Disability NI & the Students Union. Every Friday over 25 students participate in a variety of sports such as Dodgeball, Basketball and Boccia. The programme is set to run into Freshers fair saw over 4000 Belfast Met students pick up loads of freebies February of 2020 but has been such a success so far that it could be and find out lots more about college life. Stuart Robinson and Melissa Riddell made a permanent sports club in the SU. from Cool FM were there on the day providing the music and entertainment. 8 im:press CHRISTMAS - 20198