In this week’s issue: Stories from the Synod, NHS fees for international students revisited, morality in sport, INSRV issues and the continuation of Cagegate gair freewordrh ydd Monday October 27th 2014 | | Issue 1035

Heath students hit by Welsh NHS ‘crisis’ Students and staff fear exposing failings at University Hospital

s the National Health Service concerns over “put[ting] their neck on  is collective wariness amongst those with problems to speak to their EXCLUSIVE: in Wales comes under intense the line” – adding that staff would not the academic health community has tutors and academic representatives Pictured: Michael political scrutiny, a signifi cant want word of any problems with the led to some suggesting that students as a matter of protocol.  e University O’Connell- numberA of medical students have service to “get out.” on clinical degrees lack the same basic  e University also declined to Hospital Davidson told Gair Rhydd that they are unable  ose who did speak on the record right to free speech that is aff orded to comment on whether recent media of Wales to share their concerns about the either retracted their statements or those on other courses as a result of controversies had aff ected their ability (Photographer: service or the standard of teaching at asked for their names to be redacted strict fi tness to practice rules. to recruit students, off ering no remark Gair Rhydd) the University Hospital for fear of any from the fi nal version of this article. Cardiff University itself also adopted on whether or not they held concern ramifi cations. An elected student representative a similar policy of silence, off ering no that the reputation of their placements Although Cardiff University has both was equally reluctant, stating that they comment on any matters concerning may be endangered by persistent an established whistleblowing policy were unable to off er a full response as the University Hospital’s teaching and negative coverage of the Welsh NHS. and a long tradition of free speech, they hoped to secure a job with the its relationship with the Welsh NHS. Of those students who did speak to numerous students approached for NHS in future and did not want to When pressed over the concerns of Gair Rhydd, a number raised issues Continued on comment by this publication expressed damage their career. students, the University encouraged with the standards of their placements. page 4

Has justice been served? Bed Bugs ‘cause PTSD’ Does the Human Race matter? P10 >> P20 >> P21 >> THE FREE WORD

EDITOR Michael O’Connell-Davidson

DEPUTY EDITOR Georgia Hamer Less politics, please GAIR RHYDD CO-ORDINATOR f there’s one thing the Westminster politi- for as long as our elected officials spend all of core values to sit on someone who is trying to Elaine Morgan cal class do a little too well, it’s playing the their time arguing about which of them is the do investigative journalism, however uncom- blame game in issues that they had a hand worst - especially when they all sound the same. fortable that might be.” NEWS inI creating. This is made worse when those with vested Medics must be afforded that same option Georgia Hamer How are you supposed to keep a straight face interests in the institutions in question feel un- and the same rights as other students, and fear Katie Evans when English politicians accuse their Welsh able to speak. It is a shame that students of any not for their careers, but for the lives of the Alexander Norton peers of slashing the NHS budget when Wales discipline feel unable to share problems with people they serve. If there is a sort of collec- as a nation is underfunded? It’s the political their course freely. Why should somebody who tive misunderstanding (as opposed to a man- COMMENT equivalent of making somebody punch them- complains about the standard of treatment be dated conspiracy of silence), then the university Anne Porter selves while saying “stop hitting yourself.” declared unfit to practice? has not clarified the rights of its students well Olivier van den Bent-Kelly So it is, then, that our front page story has The notion that somebody would feel unable enough, and should seek to clarify things with Zach Hughes become something of a battleground for local to share the “reality” of their studies as they see students as soon as possible. political representatives (barring the Labour fit - both good and bad - is against everything Print media scares people because it’s quite COLUMNIST party, who saw fit to exempt themselves), de- this newspaper stands for. And I know that permanent, but permanence is precisely why Jason Roberts spite many of the structural reasons for any some of the academics in this institution feel they should speak out. Because for as long as “NHS Crisis” taking root before many of those the same way. we have politicians living quite comfortably in a POLITICS in the assembly even came to power. JOMEC’s professor, Richard Sambrook, was perpetual stalemate, and everybody else afraid Carwyn Williams While I respect their opinions, I can’t help quoted in the Guardian this week, saying that to talk, we’ll never see any improvements in the Lauren Boyd but feel as though that it’s extremely hard to tri- “universities are in favour of academic freedom Welsh NHS, and the NHS is bigger than any one Rhiannon Tapp angulate who is wrong and what the problem is and freedom of speech, so it is against their person’s career. SCIENCE Shanna Hamilton Meryon Roderick

SOCIETIES Hannah Sterritt

PARK LIFE Canada’s strength Tim Nagle he Ottawa Parliament shooting that other dividing lines. ness and freedom to be rolled back.” took place last Wednesday has dominat- Before taking the job, which effectively amounts And Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party, TAF-OD ed the news. It’s pretty easy to see why: to head of security, Vickers said that for as long added that those who attacked the nation “will Steffan Bryn Jones itT conforms to the post-9/11 narrative of terror- as he held the position, there would be no walls not make the rules about this land we share.” Morgan Owen ism and the perceived failure of multicultural- around the Canadian Parliament. And though It is truly a shame that our government does ism. We’re not fighting a war with an enemy we Vickers shot the gunman who initiated the attack, not see things the same way. With each passing SPORT can see - we’re fighting a war with enemies we there is no sign that his position will change. day, the Home Office seems to gain a new power, David Hooson can’t see until it’s too late. Canada has remained strong as a nation, offer- and the police gain a new toy to play with. Inevi- Rory Benson So it is, then, that our attitude towards basic ing condolences to the family of Corporal Nathan tably, it’s in the name of terrorism, or national se- Joe Atkinson freedoms has hardened in the face of an un- Corillo, who was tragically shot and killed. There curity, or another ‘need-to-know’ issue. known enemy. ISIS followed Al-Qaeda, and one is talk of increased security measures around the These measures do little to intimidate those EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS day something else will follow ISIS. Terrorism, building, as there would be, but Canadian politi- who already exist out of the reach of society. And Holly Duhig by definition, will never go away. cians have remained stalwart in their own beliefs. worse, they’re proof that those who might attack Sum Sze Tam But in the face of such abstractions, Canada While British politicians have remained cal- our nation have already set the rules. We should Amin Rali has remained resolute. Thanks to Kevin Vick- lously populist, following (and sometimes en- follow Canada’s example - and remain true to our Lauren Johnson ers, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Canadian Par- couraging) public opinion informed by fear, the beliefs in the face of fear, rather than change them Jamie Williams liament, the government building remains an Canadian leader of the opposition responded to to our detriment. The more we err and forgo our Toby Mott open place that accepts people of all identities calls for increased counter-terrorism powers by freedoms, the closer we are to a world where the and nationalities. There are no walls, nor any saying that the country “cannot allow [its] open- terrorists have already won. Want to join the team? We hold editorial conferences each Monday on 5PM in the student media office on the Third Floor of the union, so come along with any ideas you have.

Alternatively, search “Gair Rhydd Contributors” on Facebook to join our contributors group, where we’ll be Devolution must extend to England, too giving out articles online. ’ve got a confession to make. I’m English, border control and national security being two placing its powers closer to those who would and, as a result, I hadn’t had much expo- key examples - but politicians should remain most benefit from their use can only be a good Tweet us: sure to the culture and politics of Wales as close to home as possible. And so, if the thing. @gairrhydd Ibefore I arrived. But in some regards, I feel as Scots are to have maximum devolution (and it It’s a poisonous mentality for those living Email Us: though I’ve gone native, and though my career would be both an insult and a terrible shame in England to think of Westminster as “their [email protected] will likely lead me to London, my politics have for Westminster to back out now), so too must parliament” and the United Kingdom as “their Online at: changed for life. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. country.” Because, sure, it is their country - gairrhydd.com Of course, I’m still learning. But the same Of course, that’s not the only thing that has but it’s not all England, and that Parliament is true for other students from the east of the to change. London is essentially a law unto it- has an undue amount of influence and author- At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our border, and I’d like to think that we’re all be- self - indeed, it’s essentially got its own par- ity that extends beyond that nation’s borders. responsibility to maintain the highest coming better because of it. liament in Westminster, while everybody else We stand on the edge of a precipice, and, for possible standards. If you believe we have I’m glad for the experience, as it changed tags along. While it’s hard to deny London’s the first time, an English Parliament and de- fallen below these standards, please email my perspective on the Scottish Independence importance to the wider UK economy, it’s also volution throughout the UK seems like a pos- [email protected] referendum and plenty of other recent politi- hard to deny how disproportionately impor- sibility. It’s the next step on the path to a better cal events. And now we’re finally talking about tant it is to those in Parliament. democracy, and those interested in furthering You can view our Ethical Policy Statement devolution across the UK, it’s changed my per- Really, the entire damn system has to the narrative of devolution must support it on and Complaints Procedure at spective on that, too. change. Nobody has a cogent vision of what both sides of the border. www.cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/ The West Lothian problem isn’t much of a that change actually looks like yet. But shak- Because, really, it’s not about borders or na- complaints problem at all. Certain matters concern us all - ing up Westminster by breaking it up and tionality. It’s about bringing politics home. EDITORIAL 3 Campus In Brief

his week saw the return of the lovely Made and travel disruption. Winds of up to eighty-eight Alexander in Roath, a hyper-local cultural event. If you NATIONAL miles per hour were recorded, with force nine gales Pictured: Norton missed it, you missed out on a treat - there forecast in the English Channel. Made in Twas lots of lovely food, music, and a debate over Welsh international footballer Ched Evans was Roath, just off Michael where Pen-Y-Lan started and ended. released from prison after serving two-and-a-half Albany Road O’Connell- Just up the road on campus, it was all change at the years of a fi ve year sentence following his con- WORLD (Photographer: Davidson Students’ Union. Tom Eden, who served as the edi- viction for rape, and issued a public statement Gair Rhydd) tor of this paper last year, resigned from his position expressing some remorse for his actions. Debate Th is week saw fi rearm violence in North America rear as VP Media and Marketing on the 21st of October. continues to rage as to whether former club Shef- its ugly head once more, with Corporal Nathan Cirillo He released a statement saying, “Having given my fi eld United should re-sign the twenty-fi ve year old shot and killed as he stood guard at the Canadian Na- all in the role throughout the past year and a half, I striker. tional War Memorial. Th e gunman, thirty-two year have decided that now is the right time to step down, Just days after recording an interview explaining old Michael Abdul Zehaf-Bibeau, then proceeded to believing this to be the best step for me both person- her decision to end her treatment for bowel cancer, attack the Centre Block parliamentary building before ally and professionally.” actress Lynda Bellingham has passed away. Th e for- being killed himself by Sargeant-At-Arms Kevin Vick- Sum Sze Tam, editor of Quench, was sad to see mer All Creatures Great and Small star and Loose ers. Th ree others received non-life threatening injuries. him go. “Tom was always respectful and supportive, Women panellist had been hoping to spend one last Ebola continued to dominate the headlines, with and helped me get Quench off the ground.” Christmas with her family, but tragically fell two over three hundred deaths attributed to the epidemic Meanwhile, Xpress Radio started broadcasting to- months shy of her target. in the last week as the total number of cases rapidly day from 8am. Th ey have a launch night planned at Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomed approaches ten thousand. Six people remain in quar- Undertone on Tuesday 28th at 11pm, so if you fancy Northern Irish counterpart Peter Robinson and antine in the US state of Connecticut as the Red Cross rubbing elbows with other media types, make sure deputy Martin McGuinness to Cardiff as the latter warned it could be six months before the outbreak can “In South Africa, to head down! duo toured the constituent nations of the United be controlled. Oscar Pistorious In academic news, A Cardiff University study re- Kingdom to discuss the next steps for the devolu- Pope Francis I accelerated his reform of Catholic was sentenced vealed that one in ten antibiotics fails. Th is comes tion movement. Sinn Fein’s McGuinness, described Church policy by stepping in to defend the rights of part of a wider, more worrying trend of antibiotics it as a “great delight” to be visiting the Welsh capital. prisoners, calling on countries still utilising the death to five years losing eff ectiveness. Outgoing Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, penalty to abandon the practice and also expressing a in prison for A member of the University’s academic commu- told BBC Question Time that he hasn’t “made up preference for rehabilitation and societal reintegration the murder of nity, Sophie Coulombeau, is set to give a talk to be [his] mind” over whether to launch a bid to return over life sentences for convicted criminals. girlfriend Reeva broadcast on Radio 3. Th e subject? Marriage. More to Westminster in the 2015 general election. Th e In South Africa, Oscar Pistorious was sentenced to specifi cally, whether women - and, indeed, men - SNP leader was previous a Member of Parliament fi ve years in prison for the murder of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp should feel the need to change their names when for Banff and Buchan for twenty-three years be- Steenkamp on Valentines’ Day 2013. Th e twenty-seven on Valentines’ they get married. She’ll be giving the talk on Satur- tween 1987 and 2010. year old Paralympian could serve as little as ten months Day 2013. day, so make sure you dig out your radios and tune in! Comedian, Miranda Hart, disappointed fans in jail, and is likely to be placed under house arrest after The twenty- Th e lovely team at Cardiff University Enterprise when she announced that her eponymous sitcom that period has elapsed. Representatives claimed that he are looking for promising postgraduates and early is to end imminently. Th e forty-one year old told is unlikely to race again. seven year old career researchers to work with “real research initia- BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright, that the upcoming A doctor who treated Formula One legend Michael Paralympian tives” in order to fi gure out the best way to commer- Christmas specials were going to be “the fi nale of Schumacher, 45, in the aftermath of his December ski- could serve cialise them. If you fancy yourself a biomechanical the show, full stop” and that she wanted to “go out ing accident claims that the seven times world cham- Mark Zuckerberg, email Owen Bidder at biddero@ on a high.” pion could yet make a full recovery – although it is likely as little as ten cardiff .ac.uk and ask him for an application form - Th ere was one death and four injuries as the tail to take three to four years of rehabilitation before the months in jail but hurry, as applications close at 12th noon on the end of Hurricane Gonzalo hit north-western parts most successful driver in the sport’s history is able to 30th of October. of the United Kingdom, causing substantial damage live a normal life. ” tweet us @gairrhyddnews email us [email protected] NEWS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/news/

Placement Problems with the Welsh NHS: Cont’d

One noted that, “for students, it is not participate, with representatives Rhydd by the Welsh Liberal Demo- in the UK, and even that has only unclear what they should expect suggesting that fi gures published crats show a trend of poor perfor- been met once in the past two Pictured: while on placement. None of us by the OECD would be unverifi ed, mance in Cardiff and across Wales years.” He also criticised above av-  e University know what the minimum require- endangering the party’s electoral more generally. erage A&E waiting times and death Hospital Continued ments are, so we are unable to raise chances next year. Jenny Willott MP told Gair rates at multiple hospitals. Emergency Unit from Front any issues.” As an alternative, the Welsh Gov- Rhydd “these unacceptably long The Welsh Labour party did not (Photograph: Page “Students in the Heath feel they ernment has proposed an identical waiting times and painfully slow respond to a request for comment. Gair Rhydd) are taught in very large groups [and] survey - but one that is carried out ambulance response times are typ- The NHS has typically been a that teaching is often cancelled.” and verified by its own inspectors ical of the problems facing the La- major issue for the Labour Party, One student, who found their rather than those in Westminster. bour-run Welsh NHS. Not only are who currently hold a majority placement to be a “valuable part of The University Hospital of Welsh targets less ambitious than in the Senedd. Recent criticisms [their] degree” told this newspaper Wales is the third largest hospital their English equivalents, but they emerging from Westminster have that “the interaction with staff dur- in the United Kingdom, host of the are consistently not being met.” been described by those within the ing my time at the hospital was not Heath Park Campus and the ma- “This is a concern not just for party as part of an “unrelenting” as good as I expected,” adding that jority of clinical students and part patients relying on the Welsh NHS, campaign branded a Conservative “it was clear the staff were very busy, of the Welsh NHS. It hosts a large but also for staff and students “war on Wales.” and at times I felt like I was a bur- number of students across mul- working in our hospitals.” There are also those that feel the den.  ere were occasions when I tiple clinical disciplines, including Representatives of multiple par- entire affair has been politicized wanted to ask questions but felt like Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Ra- ties in the Welsh Assembly also by the London-based national I couldn’t.” diology. spoke to Gair Rhydd, offering fur- press and representatives from all “Students should feel like they The institution’s performance ther criticism in a bipartisan show parties. should be able to speak up about has been a sustained subject of of concern. “Many problems with the Welsh “it was clear their course and their institution concern, its numerous failings part The Shadow Health Minister NHS likely stem from the Welsh the staff were without hesitation,” one student of a wider trend of missed targets for Plaid Cymru, Elin Jones, said, Government’s underfunding,” said very busy, and said, “and it doesn’t matter if they in Welsh healthcare – with ambu- “when we compare the perfor- Gair Rhydd politics editor Lauren study medicine or the media.” lances in Cardiff falling short of mance of the Welsh NHS with Boyd. “There should be an inde- at times I felt  e revelations come the same response time targets during every England and Scotland, it is clear pendent enquiry, but it could back- like I was a week that the Welsh Assembly single month of 2014. that devolution is not the problem fire on Westminister if it turns out burden. There blocked a UK-wide inquiry into the In August, only 58.1% of the here, but a Welsh Government that a funding shortfall [on the part of Welsh NHS, which has been de- city’s ambulances arrived at Cate- is performing badly.” The Shadow central government] is to blame.” were occasions scribed as by observers as being “at gory A (immediately life threaten- Minister added that it was impor- The English NHS (which oper- when I wanted risk of crisis.” ing) emergencies within the eight- tant for both the NHS and Univer- ates entirely independently of the to ask questions  e British government commis- minute target set by the Welsh sities to be on the “cutting edge” of Welsh NHS and is controlled by but felt like I sioned an OECD study of the health Government; the government ex- medical research. Westminster) has also come un- service in all four of its constituent pects at least 65% of ambulances to Darren Millar, the Shadow Min- der scrutiny, with calls to increase couldn’t nations, but Wales (where health is meet this target. Around 3% do not ister for the Welsh Conservatives, funding and reform the service devolved and handled by the La- arrive within half an hour. said that “Wales has the lowest emerging over the past week from ” bour government in Cardiff ) did Documents provided to Gair ambulance response time target across the political spectrum. NEWS 5

Pictured: Vice Chancellor, Cardiff University Colin Riordan and First Min- ister, Carwyn launches ambitious Jones speaking at the event. (Photographer: community plan Georgia Hamer) University unveils five projects aiming to transform lives from South Wales to sub-Saharan Africa ardiff University hasnities will not be a hand-out, but Katie Evans launched its “most ambi- will aim to empower people “on the tious plan to date” to trans- ground” to transform their commu- formC communities spanning from nities for themselves. Cardiff to sub-Saharan Africa. The Vice-Chancellor announced: The milestone project aims to “this is not just Cardiff University encourage local residents across coming in and, as it were, directing the city and further afield to work things. We’re going to work, and we alongside the University to trans- are working, hand-in-hand with the form their communities and estab- people of Wales and further afield. lish a lasting relationship between “It’s not a top-down approach” the University and local residents. he announced, adding “local people Vice Chancellor Colin Riordan [will be] working with us to figure was joined by the First Minister of out what the issues are that they Wales in launching the five flagship want tackled and together working engagement projects on Tuesday, out how to do it.” 21st October at The Senedd, the In line with the Welsh Govern- National Assembly for Wales in the ment’s Wales for Africa Programme, Bay. the University has also established a With the support of the Welsh partnership with the University of Vice-Chancellor addressed the au- 123rd in World University Rankings “Our aim is to Government, the project looks to Namibia. The two universities will dience, saying: “This is the Univer- this year, but Vice Chancellor Colin make a real make a positive impact on health, collaborate on The Phoenix Project sity’s most ambitious plan to date Riordan hopes for Cardiff Univer- economic and social issues, particu- to develop expertise and exchange for communities, and is the most sity to rank within the top 20 uni- difference, not larly across Grangetown, Butetown educational resources. forward thinking of its kind, we be- versities in the UK and top 100 in just here on our and Merthyr Tydfil. The Pheonix Project ‘will provide lieve, of any university in the UK. the world by 2017. Schemes such as community many new international opportuni- “Our aim is to make a real differ- The First Minister concluded the doorstop but journalism, the development of lo- ties and experiences for staff and ence, not just here on our doorstep launch, saying: “we can’t afford to let further afield cal economies and working with students’ in both Cardiff and Na- in Grangetown but further afield any drop of talent go to waste, and youth and elderly residents in com- mibia, reaping a “mutual benefit” for and across the world. We think that’s why it’s so important that the and across the munities are just some of the proj- both universities. that’s ambitious, and we hope you University is working with commu- world. ects to be introduced by the pro- The partnership will also aim to do to.” nities, not just here in Cardiff but gramme. develop communities local to the Depending on its success, the outside Cardiff as well, to make sure Vice-Chancellor, Both the Vice Chancellor and University of Namibia as well as project will go some way in helping people can lead the most fulfilled Colin Riordan First Minister, Carwyn Jones, communities further afield in sub- the University rise in ranks amongst lives they can and to make sure the stressed that the University’s in- Saharan Africa. the league tables. The University talent that they have has the oppor- volvement in developing commu- Speaking at the launch event, the climbed 13 places to rank joint tunity to flourish.” ” Mac users locked out as INSRV rejects OSX upgrade

tudents who have upgraded to services on University premises. software, but those reliant on a via an Ethernet cable has already Alexander the Yosemite edition of Apple’s INSRV routinely encourage wireless internet connection have been released by suppliers Khipu Pictured: Norton SOSX operating system have been students to keep their computers found themselves unable to access – but few portable Macs on sale a Macbook left unable to access INSRV updated with the latest available the internet since Yosemite’s since 2012 have featured ports for Pro running release on 16th October. physical connection, leaving users Yosemite The issue is particularly of more contemporary hardware (Photographer: troublesome for users who reside with no access to the network. Gair Rhydd) in University accommodation, The spokesperson added that all of whom are reliant on the a patch for wireless access would Eduroam network for their be released “as soon as technically connectivity. possible”, but was unable to give a A Cardiff University date for when connectivity might spokesperson told Gair Rhydd that be restored. INSRV employs various systems Instead, students continuing to keep the network “free from to experience issues are advised computer viruses”, and that the to take their hardware to the IT institution is “dependent on the Clinic in the Students’ Union manufacturer of these systems” building in order to be manually to recognise new releases before registered and have their access can be regained. computer reconnected to the A patch to allow connection network. tweet us @gairrhyddnews email us [email protected] NEWS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/news/

Talybont Pictured: Talybont Gate (Photographer: Gate follows Gair Rhydd) trend of rising student living standards Gair Rhydd follows up reports of rising costs of university-owned accomodation

he introduction of multi-mil- At the other end of the spectrum, place to stay has always been there Roehampton is also set to open Sarah lion pound residential block, Senghennydd Court, the cheapest of for students; there are many pri- accommodation with an on-site Hazelwood Talybont Gate, follows the Cardiff’s halls of residence, charges vately run accommodations around gym, swimming pool and balconies Tlead of other universities in a trend £3,367. Cardiff that offer ‘better’ facilities at in a new South West London loca- Georgia of high-end student halls of resi- Despite reports that Taly Gate a higher price. tion for its students. Hamer dences. residents have been stigmatised by Victoria Halls offers similar facili- In comparison the new Talybont The new ‘luxurious’ accommoda- other students in neighbouring ties to Talybont Court and at a simi- Gate facilities may even seem lack- tion, located an equal distance accommodations who have labeled lar price. A 42-week residential peri- ing. between the Main Building and the them as ‘the posh kids’, students have od costs £4,158. In 2012 Gair Rhydd reported a Heath Park Campus, houses 179 said they believe the facilities to be Student Castle, charging no less 100 per cent rise in the average of rooms with small double beds. “worth the price”. than £5,862.45 a year, houses a gym rent for university owned accommo- Each flat also includes large com- “A few hundred quid isn’t bad and 24-hour reception. dation in the previous decade. munal areas and televisions with considering what we are getting”, one Other universities have under- Although specific stats are not pre-paid TV licenses worth £145.50. student added. gone similar renovations to offer known, it is evident that this trend However, these ‘student luxuries’ Some even commented that they high-end accommodation for their has continued. come at a price - costing £4645 for a were “surprised what other students students. Salford University offers Results of a survey conducted by residential period running from were putting up with.” accommodation with access to an the NUS and Unipol in 2001/2002 September to June. Older residences in the Talybont on-site gym at the cost of £4,074. found that halls and university hous- Taly Court, Cardiff University’s complex, Talybont North in particu- Plans have also been put in place ing charged, on average, £59.17 per former high-end halls of residence, lar, have come under fire in recent for accommodation, set to open next week. charges only marginally less than years for their small rooms and age- year, which will include a cinema By 2012 this figure had increased Taly Gate, costing £4,595 for the ing infrastructure. and games room amongst other ben- by a staggering 97 per cent to £117.67 same residential period. The option for a more luxurious efits. per week.

Two thirds of students forced to work alongside studies recent survey by Santander Retail was found to be the most that they need.” However, Oxbridge universities Bronwen has revealed that two thirds popular type of employment, with Many, including Steve Pateman, are able to offer generous bursaries Weatherby of students have to work to around a third of employed stu- Head of UK Banking, stressed that to students to prevent them from fundA their way through university. dents working in that sector. Other “Paid employment offers students being forced into part time work – The survey shows that the av- popular sectors include catering, valuable work experience”. whilst other universities may have erage student works eight hours hospitality, and the office work. Cardiff student Hannah Turner, to take a more realistic approach per week during semesters whilst However, due to the increase who works part-time, said: “Work- in their view of part-time employ- working 30 hours per week (equiv- in numbers of students choosing ing whilst at university is good, ment. alent to a full time job) outside of to work alongside their studies, jobs that offer casual hours such Following the survey, student term time. student leaders have questioned as Job Shop or The Millennium advisors have set out guidelines on The information, collected from whether employment is a help or Stadium are perfect whilst study- how to make the most of working “It’s worrying students who have a Santander a hindrance to students’ academic ing - but I would struggle to hold during term time, such as apply- 123 student current account, also performance and all round health. down anything with a weekly com- ing for jobs relevant to your course that many reveals that there are several rea- Gordon Maloney, President of mitment.” and future career choice, seeking students sons why students are increasingly NUS Scotland, told The Journal However, educators involved employment that fits well around seeking part-time employment. Online, “It’s really worrying that in talks on the subject stress that study hours and to apply for in- have to work The primary concern for stu- so many students have to work a balance must be found between ternships or volunteering to boost throughout dents choosing to work part-time throughout term-time just to pay working and studying. your CV. is easing university and living costs the bills. Oxford and Cambridge strongly However, the reality may be that term-time not covered by student loans. Oth- “With over half of students stat- discourage students from taking the number of students working just to pay er reasons given were to gain work ing they’re working to cover their up any type of part time work, as menial jobs whilst at university is experience, maintain a good stan- costs, this could be a clear warn- they believe that it detracts from set to rise further as the rising cost the bills dard of living and saving for life ing sign that our poorest students studying and becoming involved in of living hits those in full time edu- after university. aren’t receiving the financial help extra-curricular activities. cation. ” NEWS 7

CUROP students unveil research findings eventy-six undergraduates who One exhibitor, a Journalism stu- Pictured: Alexander spent the summer break under- dent, told Gair Rhydd that the expe- Students exhibit Norton taking university funded rience had provided a positive addi- the fruits of Sresearch projects exhibited their tion to his CV. their summer findings last week. “It was a nice experience. I mean, labour in the CUROP (Cardiff Undergraduate I did have to stay inside for the few Main Building Research Opportunities Programme) sunny weeks of the year that we get last week. is one of the largest such schemes in in Cardiff, but I’m very proud of Britain, and is based upon student what we produced and at the end of research projects pioneered by the the day it’s another string to my United States’ prestigious Ivy League bow,” he said. group. The poster conference was split The programme gives students into two ninety-minute sessions the opportunity to design, carry out (one each for the Colleges of Arts and eventually present research per- and Humanities and Social Sciences taining to a range of subjects set by and the Colleges of Physical Sciences academic staff from twenty Cardiff and Engineering & Biomedical and University schools. Life Sciences) and was well attended Project titles for 2014 included throughout. ‘Microsatellite marker development Some 97.9% of students said they for an invasive earthworm species had enjoyed the experience, with adapted to volcanic soils’, ‘an artifi- 98.4% happy to recommend the pro- cial intelligence player for Angry gramme to future potential appli- Birds’ and ‘the acquisition of Welsh cants. phonetics and phonology by adult CUROP administrators told Gair learners’. Rhydd that many of the students These were just three of a wide who have undertaken projects – range of subjects represented at the around 500 to date – have gone on to exhibition, which ran in the Viriamu apply their experience at postgradu- Jones room in the Main Building on ate level and in a commercial con- Friday, 17th October. text. ‘Anti-homeless cage’ controversy continues Campaign group People and Planet outline plans for further action

he controversy surrounding and Planet Cardiff’s public Facebook had 220 rough sleepers, a number steps area of the biosciences block Georgia the ‘homeless cage’ outside page detailed a meeting held last ‘which is likely to have increased’. is a fundamentally flawed response Pictured: Hamer the biosciences building is Monday which was attended by a The post also claimed that the to the problem of homelessness, The sign placed setT to continue as student-run cam- representative from Cardiff area in which the cage was installed and we reject the idea of deterrents on the ‘anti- paign group People and Planet dis- Homeless Action who made a was ‘a dry and safe area’, an area in public space.” homeless cage’ cuss plans for further action. speech on ‘what can be done to help which for rough sleepers is ‘hard to “Several of our members have by campaign- The cage, which was put up over the homeless community [...] made come by’, ‘especially as bus stations also emailed staff in the University ers last week. the summer, covers air vents previ- all the more pressing by the recent and bus stops have recently been and we are currently planning more (Photographer: ously used by homeless people as a anti-homeless cage that was modified to try and keep people collective action to take place in the Lewis Hopkins) source of warmth. installed by Cardiff University next from sleeping on them.’ next couple of weeks, working with Last week a sign was put up on to the biosciences building.’ In a statement, a spokesperson Cardiff Homeless Action.” the cage, allegedly by a member of The Facebook post quoted fig- for People and Planet Cardiff said: “While we understand the health People and Planet, which read: ‘This ures, stating that in 2010 Cardiff “The cage structure attached to the risks for the homeless who sleep in is an anti-homeless cage. Please be front of the vent, we ultimately feel mindful of the homeless.’ it is the University’s place to help The sign was removed the same rough sleepers and the homeless, day. rather than deter and push them When questioned, a member of away, as they are the most vulnera- People and Planet stated that the ble in society.” sign, ‘as far as they were aware’, was They added that Daniel Roberts, put up by one of their members. Environmental and Ethical Officer, However they were quick to point is pushing for a motion in the out that they are a ‘loosely organ- Student Senate “to condemn the ised group’ and whoever did so c a g e ”. “ ‘acted under their own initiative’. The first meeting of the Student The Environ- The cage, labelled by national Senate is due to take place in early mental and news as an ‘anti-homeless cage’, has November. Ethical Officier recieved a great deal of media atten- In a statement Roberts said: “I, tion following a blog post by Cardiff like many other students, want our is pushing for University student, Lewis Hopkins. university and students’ union to a motion at the In response to criticism the be forward-thinking and progres- University defended their actions by sive institutions. I find the move to Student Senate releasing a statement claiming that deter rough-sleeping people with to ‘condemn the ‘safety grilles’ were put up to an anti-homeless cage to be crass the cage’. protect people from the ‘boiler flue and deeply worrying, and merely vents’ which ‘can potentially pro- moves the problem of homeless- duce products of combustion’. ness along rather than helping to ” A statement posted on People solve it.” The AU presents...

Dodgeball7

Thursday 6th November The Great Hall | 6pm

Amazing Prizes for £30 per team, £3 per member Maximum of 36 teams the Winners, TEAM SIZE: Runner Up and Best 10 members per team 6 on court per game team fancy dress Sign up online at cardiffstudents.com The AU presents... COMMENT 9 FOR & AGAINST

Pictured: Clinicians in intensive care unit. (Photographer: Calleamanecer, Wikimedia Commons) Dodgeball7 NHS FEES Are the Home Office’s plans for NHS fees for international students realistic, or a waste of time and money? he NHS is a stalwart of British where the NHS falls down. Waiting he UK’s health system is fa- person would pay taxes like everybody FOR: society. Formed in 1948, the lists for NHS run counselling are nine mous worldwide. Although I else and the need for the NHS extra AGAINST: Anne Porter free healthcare that our coun- months long. The biggest killer in men know that it is not perfect, I see charge would be nullified. It could Em Gates th Ttry receives is unrivalled worldwide. under 40 is suicide. The fees for inter- Tthat the NHS cares for us in times of almost be said that since the Conser- However, this unprecedented system national students would help to keep a crisis without a steep bill to harshen vative-Liberal Democrat coalition has Thursday 6 is costly. This is why I argue for the a huge system working effectively and the blow. Of course, this money has to increased the students fees paid by introduction of fees for NHS use for potentially save lives. come from somewhere, and the NHS students within the UK and now this international students. I have been discussing the NHS as is one of the establishments pooled unexpected charge to international As Gair Rhydd reported last week, if the whole system was free. Dental from our taxes. This benefit is avail- students, it seems as if the British gov- Secretary of State for Health Jeremy care, optical prescriptions and medi- able to everyone in the UK, mean- ernment is trying to put people off Hunt plans to introduce an £150 flat cal prescriptions issued in England are ing that the costs of everything from studying. rate fee for international students not free at the point of use. Money for a broken ankle to chemotherapy are Studying abroad is a daunting studying here, no matter how much these services can be claimed back if covered. enough prospect as it is. To arrive in November they use the service (if at all). While you are on a low income, for instance, The £150 fee could be said to be a country that you perhaps have never it is fair to question why somebody but if you have savings over £16,000 just a minor expenditure on top of been to before, where you know no- should pay for a service that they may you are unable to claim back anything. what international students already body, where perhaps the language never use, it is fair to argue that the A student over the age of 19 (all treat- pay, but is it necessary to add costs is not your mother tongue and the NHS is unrivalled world over. So we ment is free under 19 years old) could, to a student already paying a £18,000 culture is completely different to that should make people pay to keep the therefore, be paying for their treat- fee? Total living costs of university of your own, I believe to add more fi- service afloat. Americans, for instance, ments. So why should international could rise to £20,000 for international nancial difficulties to this mix seems The Great Hall | 6pm rely on health insurance to pay for any students get away without paying fees students. The thing thought to be not only strange and peculiar, but also medical treatment. Having a baby? that home students may be paying al- most bizarre about this issue is that grossly unfair. Having international You’ll have to pay for that. Bleeding to ready? It’s just unfair. students from within the UK are not students in our universities is not death? It’s gonna cost you. The NHS Studying for a degree in a new expected to pay for these healthcare only great advertising for the UK as a simply has no rivals. country means that you need to care fees as that is covered under the tax whole, but also broadens the horizons The NHS protects us a great deal, so for yourself. Students coming together bracket, something that students of British students. By making friends £30 per team, £3 per member we should be more grateful for it, and inevitably means that illnesses run rife. earning under £192 a week do not with students who have travelled far Amazing Prizes for show this by funding it. Every single My freshers’ flu lasted the whole of pay. It seems odd that an internation- and wide to be here, British students Maximum of 36 teams one of my family members, myself in- my first term. Payment for healthcare al student, who is in fact paying dou- learn things about other cultures that cluded, has used the NHS, on multiple by non-EU students may mean that, ble a UK student’s fees, is expected to can’t be learnt from books or the in- “It seems the Winners, “It is fair to argue occasions. It is an amazing system and when you’re far from home, that treat- pay for something that we get for free. ternet. To actively discourage young odd that an TEAM SIZE: I would defend it to the death (chances ment comes more easily to you. The flu It’s not even that the student is evad- people from studying here not only that the NHS international 10 members per team is unrivalled are, I’ll end up there on my deathbed). you’ve had for a month may disappear ing fees, as no one in the UK is asked seems a shame for the students cur- world over. So That said, our free healthcare sys- if you can get treatment from a doctor to pay taxes without an income, so it rently studying, but also to the univer- student [...] is Runner Up and Best tem is not without its faults. Waiting - and that may mean paying for it. seems unfair and almost discrimina- sity as well. expected to pay 6 on court per game we should make lists longer than our arms, delayed ap- So we should treat our beloved NHS tory that we’re asking people from Everyone involved, including stu- people pay to pointments and cancelled operations with respect. I believe that that may outside the UK to pay this charge. dents from in and outside the UK and for something team fancy dress Sign up online at cardiffstudents.com keep the service all occur. I am currently on an NHS require some international students The stance on this would be com- the university itself, would feel the that we get for afloat Wales waiting list that is 40 weeks to pay for the services that it provides. pletely different to a person arriving in detriments of this legislation, causing free long (and counting). I just have to wait. I have paid for NHS treatment in the the UK with no intention of studying, a very different experience of further ” Mental health issues are another area past - why shouldn’t other people? and only to work, however then that education in the United Kingdom. ” tweet us @gairrhyddop email us [email protected] COMMENT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/opinion

Pictured:

Left: Oscar Pistorius, the first round of the 400m at the London 2012 Olympic Games (Photographer: Jim Thurston)

Right: Oscar Pistorius leading South Africa’s Paralympic Team in the opening ceremony of the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London (Photographer: Michael Greenwood) The Pistorius Paradox Oscar Pistorius’ sentencing: has justice been served?

he fastest man on no legs. that stole the headlines and had mil- scenario. Pistorius was notoriously What does that mean? It means he’ll Alex Miarli The Blade Runner. An Inspi- lions wanting justice for his actions. known for his temper; whether this most likely end up spending less ration. After Pistorius underwent a psychi- had any effect on him pulling the than two years in prison… Personally, “ TDespite being one of South atric evaluation, it was said that he trigger and firing at “the intruder” that seems rather lenient on some- Athletics Africa’s most successful athletes, could be held criminally responsible we may never know. But of course, one who was convicted of culpable governing formerly a hero to millions, Oscar for his actions. But as the final ver- firing and killing an intruder would homicide. Pistorius’ legacy will forever be tar- dict was delivered this week, it can have been completely justifiable, While Judge Masipa expressed bodies would nished by the shooting of his girl- be argued that Oscar Pistorius may right? It shouldn’t. Whatever hap- that she wanted to strive for a sen- be foolish to friend Reeva Steenkamp in early have in fact, gotten away with mur- pens over the course of the next five tence “neither too light nor too 2013. The unmaking of Oscar der. years, one thing is certain, society severe”, it has strongly split opinion allow him Pistorius is one of the most publi- Over a month ago, Pistorius was and sport will change. on whether she has achieved that to compete cised trials and high profile cases of found not guilty of murder but guilty With such a high profile sports- and I feel that she hasn’t. The prose- a sporting figure in recent history, of culpable homicide, and on the man killing Reeva Steenkamp inside cution pushed for ten years which, again arguably since the O.J. Simpson 21st October he was sentenced to his own home, there may be a dark for someone who took an innocent murder trial in 1995, and will have five years in prison – with a chance silver lining to all this. Legislation on life, seemed to resonate much more an incessant effect for years to come of that changing to house arrest after guns within South Africa – a coun- with the public as a satisfactory sen- on athletics, South Africa and our just ten months. But what does this try notorious for gun crime, may be tence. But were they really going to ” society as a whole. mean? Has justice been served? adjusted and an implementation of a let a sporting icon, a former national While many tuned in to the World What is the bigger picture? new fire-arms registration could be hero and inspiration to millions, suf- Cup in Brazil this summer, it was the No matter who you ask, everyone potentially considered. The case has fer more than he has already? The trial of the Paralympic champion will have a different opinion on what drawn attention to the rising mental sad reality is that despite the judge’s happened; he’s suffered enough, he health issue that is still somehow intentions, there is one law for the deserves a harsher sentence. In ret- ignored by many within society. As poor, and another for the rich and Pictured: rospect, both sides are right. If you well as this, major sporting figures famous. Oscar Pistorius take the mental health issue – a card will be under further scrutiny So what happens after the sen- at first round of that the defence arguably played in regarding these issues and their abil- tence is served? Should he be allowed the 400m race their favour – you can understand ity to abide by the law - on and off to compete afterwards? Personally, i at the London that he might have faced enough; the field. think athletics governing bodies 2012 Olympics suffering from Generalized Anxiety Judge Masipa stated that “it would would be foolish to allow him to (Photographer: Disorder and the loss of his girl- be a sad day for this country if an compete again. It would only taint Jim Thurston) friend, by his own hand, is a terrible impression was created that there is the sport beyond repair for not tak- thing to go through, but he still took one law for the poor and disadvan- ing a ‘no tolerance’ stance on crimi- an innocent life. His girlfriend, a taged and another for the rich and nal activity, something that should young successful model, who he famous” and she is right. But among be enforced more. But there is that undeniably knew to be in the house millions around the world, it feels old saying “forgive and forget”. I’m that night. like this might be the case. Pistorius sure, in time, some will learn to for- It’s hard to know the full extent of would be eligible to be considered give Pistorius for his actions, and what happened exactly that night for parole after serving just a third of accept their consequences. But to and the case has developed more his sentence, where he could spend forget that he took an innocent life? I into a “his word against a dead girl’s” the rest of it under house arrest. for one will not. COMMENT 11

Pictured: CUMC mem- bers at the Reaching summit of Mont Blanc, sunrise Source: Huw new heights Mithan Cardiff ’s Mountaineering President discusses the addiction to climbing despite the risks it poses

ountaineering has obvi- George Mallory, the climber who the sound of a dull crack and, with and fl ooding the mountains in a Huw Mithan ous risks. Great heights, made the fi rst attempt at reaching no time to react, the ice collapsed golden haze, bringing about a feeling sheer drops and sheets of the summit of Everest, replied ‘’be- beneath my feet, and I plunged 8m of elation after having successfully “ Mice are just some of the challenges cause it is there’’ his response dem- into the depths of the glacier until I overcome the hazards of the previ- It’s worrying faced by those who dare to reach onstrates how mountaineers love was caught by the rope I was tied to, ous days. that many new heights. a bit of ambiguity. Dive deeper and swinging me like a pendulum into To some of you what I have de- On Saturday 18th October 2014 climbers will tell you that climbing a the vertical face of the rigid ice wall. scribed would seem dangerous and students a deadly blizzard struck a popu- mountain is an enriching experience Twenty minutes later, with the foolish; why travel to the world’s have to work lar hiking route in Nepal, the An- because of the element of danger it help of my friends, I managed to most remote places to deliberately napurna circuit at the Th orung La entails, it tests their endurance and climb out suff ering only a bruised seek out danger? I’ve been climbing throughout Pass (5416 m), killing 43 hikers and bravery, and they enjoy the camara- and swollen left hand. We looked with CUMC for nearly fi ve years. term-time leaving 518 to be rescued. Defi nitely derie as they work as a team to reach at each other and decided to retreat Th e most emotive memories I have not the fi rst deaths during a moun- the summit. Th e principle of climb- back to the valley. A couple of days are of the people I’ve met and the ex- just to pay tain climb, and by no means the last, ing is always the same; it is more than later we summited Mont Blanc, the periences I’ve shared with them and the bills the appeal of mountain climbing just reaching the summit. highest peak in the European Alps at the landscapes I’ve seen. remains because of the incredible During the summer of 2013 Car- 4810m. Th e route we took involved I will always expect to face dan- scenes witnessed during every stage diff University Mountaineering Club confronting hazards such climbing gers and challenges at some point of a climb. (CUMC) travelled to the European in darkness, knife edge ridges, rock- whilst climbing. Experience and Th e possibility of avalanches Alps. Myself and two friends were falls, freezing temperatures, ava- having the right equipment can help ” which consume everything in their traversing the ‘Glacier du Tour’ by lanches, crevasses, low oxygen, and mitigate the dangers of climbing path and rapidly dump more than jumping between cracks in the ice mild altitude sickness. Despite the but it can’t lessen the chance of be- 30cm of fresh snow onto steep slopes know as crevasses. We reached ‘La very real risk of accidents I return to ing in the wrong place at the wrong do not mean that mountaineers are Jonction’, a section of the route noto- mountaineering again and again. time. Th e hikers tragically killed last being put off . Dangers pile up but rious for hiding wide and deep cre- We only spent 10 minutes at the week were fully aware of the dangers mountaineers keep on coming. vasses caused by the confl uence of summit of Mont Blanc, but the most but equally attentive of the benefi ts. Th e unfortunate accident in Ne- three glaciers. It was my turn to jump poignant memories I have are of the Th ey, like all climbers, want to keep pal has raised an age-old question, across. I made it to the other side two days climbing and watching the the adventure alive by meeting na- why do we climb? Famously, Sir with no problem but I soon heard sun peacefully peak around the Earth ture at its own terms. Synod: progression for Catholics afoot? ast week saw the pinnacle of the southwards has occurred where now Olivier van den Extraordinary Synod (council) in Catholicism has increasing follow- Bent-Kelly the Catholic Church. Running ings in Latin America, Africa and forL two weeks at the start of October, Asia. What this has now caused is “Pope Francis 253 bishops gathered urgently to dis- not an internal split of liberalism ver- is in an Pictured: cuss numerous issues concerning pas- sus conservatism, but that of North Th e Pope at the toral challenges of the family. Over- versus South. Th e cracks that have intimidating Final Session of whelming interest was generated from been apparent within the Vatican for position the Extraordi- the topics included such as potentially the past few years have been further nary Synod on allowing divorced individuals to take couple who had already been cohab- tudes. Conservatives argue that fol- highlighted, reaching a pivotal mo- where he is the family Communion and fi nding a place for iting. Liberal bishops have been pro- lowing original teachings promoted ment. Th e Church is coming of age in struggling to (Photographer: homosexuals within the Church. posing for greater progression in the by the Vatican has sustained contin- Africa as the decrease in its Western Catholic Church However the Catholic revolution Church, something they now feel is ued growth for the past two thousand infl uence is all too clear. Th e Vatican is keep hold of of England and that perhaps some liberalists were long overdue. years. Th at said, Catholicism moves at having to look itself in the mirror and the reigns of Wales) hoping for came to an abrupt end But now that the Synod is over, a snails pace when making decisions. regard what today’s Catholics actually last week. Pope Francis’ attempts to what does this mean for the Catholic It was pure optimism for liberalist on- think, and whether altering doctrine the Church incorporate more out-reaching teach- Church? Th e answer remains unclear lookers to expect a sudden sweeping will benefi t the Church. It is a sad fact leadership ings and inclusive language aimed at for all 1.2 billion Catholics. Th e real- change. that despite the Church continuing Catholics were rebutted and excluded ity is that it has served to further un- Should the Catholic Church be dic- to grow and increase its followers, it from the conclusion of the Synod. Th e veil the increasing amount of internal tated by age old doctrine, or should is a risk of splintering into factions. proposals made during the Extraor- politics, arguing and friction that they look outside the confi nes of Instead of one unifi ed Church there dinary Synod caused many Conser- occurs in the Vatican City. St Peter’s Basilica to society? It’s an is a Church that has a huge amount ” vatives to feel that Catholic teaching What the church is facing, and what awkward situation. Whilst it is easy of varying opinion and dissatisfi ed was at risk of becoming blurred. Pope was made clearer than ever at the end to think that the decline in Christian- bishops on all sides. Pope Francis is in Francis has already crossed the line of of the Synod is the confl ict between ity prominence in Western society is an intimidating position where he is clear teachings in numerous isolated following traditional church teachings the case across the world, it couldn’t struggling to keep hold of the reigns of incidences – including marrying a and refl ecting shifting cultural atti- be further from the truth. A shift the Church leadership. sunday 23 noVeMBer 11:00-16:00

Medics Varsity tournaMent 2014 cardiff Medics V Bristol Medics liVe at cooMBe dingle, Bristol tickets £10 - including traVel, hog roast & official t-shirt netBall, footBall, rugBy and hockey #MedicsVarsity | cardiffstudents.coM jason roberts vs the world 13

Be SMARTreal about why you MONEY came to university

niversity is a way of occu- son but there is every chance that fractions at eleven, and someone We have to be real with our- jason roberts pying young people who, if your degree, in some way or anoth- genuinely thought it possible that I selves when we make the choice to Pictured: let loose into the big wide er, isn’t worth the bother. A degree could assist in the operations of an come to university; we have to Cardiff Uworld, would pose an inherent is a reasonable idea in principle; I organisation. But it isn’t incorrect understand what we’re paying for. University Main threat to organised society. Not definitely wouldn’t want teenagers to say that work experience will For some students, the cost of uni- Building because young people are danger- fresh out of sixth form with a sin- make you employable. No, in many versity is not an issue, for some (Photograph: ous, we’re just staggeringly incom- gle biology A-Level performing cases the right amount of work students it’s a major impact on Gair Rhydd) petent at life. Sometimes I genu- open-heart surgery. But the reality experience will make you so both them and their families. A inely wonder how I’m not dead or is that there are a great deal of stu- employable that the need for a survey done in May by the Higher broke, simply because of some of dents at university in spite of their degree is totally negated. It might Education Policy Institute and the the terrible, terrible decisions I’ve degree, rather than because of it. be considerably more boring, you Higher Education Academy found made at various points in my life. University has become a tax on the won’t be able to drink three bottles that a third of students in England Obviously there’s nothing wrong smart. of wine on a Tuesday, and you’ll believed their course offered poor with this, such mistakes are often Just look at the initial value of a probably have to work a second job value for money, a figure I found ironed out throughout the course degree. There are now more uni- to survive, but you won’t be jobless surprising because I thought it of your life. You learn that you versity students than ever before, and crippled with debts compara- would be considerably higher. I shouldn’t watch shopping channels meaning that four billion graduates ble to a third-world nation. generally don’t consider my course after heavy drinking, because then are competing for the eight jobs So why are we here? Because poor value for money, however a man arrives at your door seven to that are left out there. Couple this we’ve bought into the idea that there are occasions where I think ten days later with a JML Microfibre with the fact that you could prob- university is an experience worth about how expensive it actually is Supermop and tells you that even ably buy Neptune with the price of having. And we’re right. There will to read some books and assemble though your blood alcohol was a university education, the value of never again be a time in your life in a slideshow on those books. If you higher than Snoop on a trampo- getting a degree is completely which it is socially acceptable to come to university expecting line, the payment still stands. diluted in comparison to our par- turn up to the majority of your £9,000 a year’s worth of education If you come to University is good in this regard. It ents generation. My dad went to personal interactions feeling like alone, there is every chance that “ forces you to live with other like- Warwick, free of charge, after get- Lindsay Lohan after a four-day you will leave disappointed. If you university minded (read: also inept) individu- ting there through clearing with bender. Universities know this as come to university expecting to expecting als, hoping that at least one of you grades of B, C, E. If I were to ring well as anyone. The value of the try a variety of new things, meet will know that it’s probably not a Warwick on Results Day with those degrees that they award have new friends, live independently £9,000 a good idea to throw mouldy vegeta- grades, they’d give me the number dropped so much that they are now and start a new phase of your life, year’s worth of bles at random strangers from the for Coventry and assume I was too looking to sell themselves by pin- then you may consider it money window of your Talybont flat. But simple to use a phone properly. ning themselves to their cities and well spent. But it is what you make education long before you arrived here, you Since a degree is no longer even their nightlife. In their defence the of it. For every person who con- should have at least considered if close to guaranteeing a job, we’re demand is clearly there, otherwise siders university an invitation to alone, there’s university was the right choice for constantly told that we should do Cardiff would only have one uni- do everything they’ve always every dhance you. Because many don’t. And then some sort of work experience in versity instead of three. I’m part of wanted to do, there are far too they get mad about how much order to make ourselves more the problem; I spent a little bit of many who waste their time either that you will money they’re wasting. appealing to prospective employ- time reading information about my doing utterly pointless things or leave disap- Firstly, consider the chance that ers. This nugget of wisdom was course, but a lot more researching absolutely nothing at all. They’ve your degree is very likely a sham. first passed on to me at age eleven. the price of beer and the quality of paid so much in, but gotten so lit- pointed. You’re probably an intelligent per- ELEVEN. I couldn’t even master kebab establishments. tle out. ” tweet us @GairRhyddPol email us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics

Pictured: Pictured: Welsh Health English Minister, Mark Parliament Drakeford Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt

Disagreement on State of Welsh NHS Welsh Government under pressure to defend the Welsh NHS after it is classed a ‘second class service’

he state of the Welsh NHS ing correct for the year 2012/13, Mr With around 60% of the NHS funding to NHS Wales staff last week stating Carwyn was once again in the media Hunt seems not to take into account being spent on wages, this could lead this political argument will continue Williams spotlight last week, with both the fact that there are more Welsh to more and more money rolling into and will have an impact on morale Tthe Welsh Health minister and UK people living on the border with their the NHS service with fi nances run- within the service. Health minister conducting a rather closest hospital in England than the ning out of control. We must also remember that it’s heated debate with the press directly other way round. However, Carwyn Jones stated in not only the Welsh NHS under severe involved. Locally, the Cardiff and Vale Uni- First Minister’s Questions that talks strain - the English NHS is also being e First Minister has once again versity Health Board has been at are still ongoing in order to avoid a critisised with Hereford county hos- denied calls for a public inquiry into the heart of the problems facing the strike taking place, unlike in England pital being described as inadequate the state of the Welsh NHS, despite NHS, with reports that A&E depart- and Northern Ireland where there and unsafe. e Welsh ambulance calls from the other Assembly parties, ments were often ‘gridlocked’ and the have already been NHS strikes. Mr service is also in disarray with the the British Medical Association and board’s Chief Executive stated ‘we Jones also stated that the Welsh Gov- worst ambulance response times any- even Labour MP Ann Clwyd. need to do better’ in July of last year. ernment will not ‘play politics with where in the UK, missing targets for Mark Drakeford, Welsh Health However, after another investigation people’s health’ which is what he be- the most urgent calls for the tenth Minister, described the need for a this year, the Royal College of Sur- lieves the Daily Mail and even the De- month in a row. ‘mature debate’ on the future for the geons reported the health board had partment of Health are doing. However, it may not be in the UK Welsh NHS on the 19th of this month, taken work to improve the situation Of course with more money in the government’s best interests to criti- but what came in the following days but still had substantial work to do. NHS, there is less money elsewhere cise the Welsh NHS and say that it “The Welsh was anything but that indeed. e Welsh Government last and thus far local councils have faced is a ‘second class service’. e Welsh UK Health minister last week month announced an extra £425mil- tough times with an average four per NHS has not ‘collapsed’ despite fears NHS has not stated in the commons that ‘Welsh ion for the NHS budget over two cent budget cut, but more services for years. ere are actually many ‘collapsed’ patients get a second class health years to try and overcome the diffi cul- could be at risk with future cuts to signs that the service is improving, service’ because of the failings of the ties that the service was facing. How- fund the bloating NHS budget. with cancer testing waiting times ac- despite Labour-led Welsh Government. Jer- ever this fi gure may not be enough It seems this issue will not go away tually better in Wales than in England emy Hunt pointed out that for every to get the NHS out of the media eye. in the next few months, especially in August this year, proving that the fears for one English patient treated in Wales NHS Wales staff last week voted in with a General Election next year and two health organizations face diff er- there were fi ve Welsh patients treated favour of going on strike, rejecting a the NHS being a key policy point. ent challenges with their own weak- years. in England. Despite these fi gures be- £160 payment to all staff members. Even Mark Drakeford issued a letter nesses and strengths. ” Carwyn he issue of rural broadband cut for rural affairs. This is a Jones named the Pupil Deprivation increased. Williams was also on the agenda this substantial cut with Carwyn Jones Grant, the Child Poverty Strategy Mr Jones thanked the Plaid First Minister’s Tweek, with Conservative AM replying that ‘tough decisions had and Foundation Phase as all plans Cymru leader for bringing up Questions Mohammad Asghar stating an eye to be made in this budget.’ to solve this issue. It does take these difficult questions without opening statistic that 40% of The Conservative leader admit- time to get the results that are turning the issue into a “political disabled people do not have ted in the chamber that the food needed, but it was looking prom- football” like the Daily Mail and access to the internet compared and drink sector across Wales has ising as the number of young peo- the Department of Health. to just 12% of non-disabled peo- been a success with almost 20% ple entering higher education is A promising outlook for Welsh ple. Mr Jones assured ministers of Wales’ manufacturing jobs on the rise. farmers as Plaid Cymru AM Elin that project Communities 2.0 has from the industry. Leanne Wood stayed on the Jones brought up the subject of helped over 50,000 individuals, Liberal Democrats leader issue of health this week report- farmers’ income, with the First including disabled people, to get Kirsty Williams mentioned the ing patients in Wales will have Minister responding that despite online. report that poorer pupils in concerns that must be addressed a fall in lamb prices, there will be Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Wales are not performing as to after damaging reports, espe- a review into the prices of beef Conservatives, started questions well as in England and Scotland, cially concerning diagnostic test and milk to see if the Welsh from party leaders to the First and asked the First Minister when waiting times. Mr Jones agreed Government can act in a positive Ministers this week, asking why the Welsh Government’s actions that the health service does have way to ensure a positive future the budget, mentioned an 18% will get results. In response, Mr its difficulties and demand has for farmers. POLITICS 15

Umbrella revolution stalemate? n Mainland China things are political system, with China agree- but still littered with umbrellas Alex Stewart calm. People come home from a ing to allow freedom of speech, along with the last 200 dedicated busy day at work; they sit down free elections and a different eco- protesters. Iwith a drink and turn on the TV nomic system to the mainland until Whilst it may be optimistic to like most places in the world today. at least 2047; 50 years after the think that the protests will make a However, over in Hong Kong, the handover of Hong Kong back to difference, and that the Chinese story is very different, especially China from the British state. government will listen to the will of for the students of the city. China argues that it is still allow- the people, in all likelihood, not As we saw reports of the situa- ing democracy, as part of the much will change. The Hong Kong tion in Hong Kong, there have agreement, with elections; it just government will be vetted by a been prolonged protests, police doesn’t allow candidates to stand committee, and Hong Kong is a fighting, many umbrellas and unless they have been vetted for step closer to being controlled by peaceful protests. The Chinese any anti-government sentiments. China. If free and unbiased elec- media spoke of a demonstration In recent talks between students tions fall, then it’s a gateway to ‘celebrating the government’, and and the government, officials have make wider political and economic Hong Kong) CY Leung has said more recently that ‘external forces’ said that stopping the reform is change with fewer barriers to stop himself that the committee might Pictured: have been playing a role in causing ‘impossible’. them. ‘offer room for negotiation.’ Pro-democracy the unrest in Hong Kong. There is It would appear that the pro- There may be a chance though This may mean that there is a protesters clash very little coverage of the tear gas- democracy protesters are running for some damage control, but only minimum loss of democracy with- with police sing, or alleged brutality on the out of options. Whilst they contin- if the spokespeople for the pro- in the system. A system where the behalf of the police. ually push for more people to join democracy movement play their committee was elected by the pub- The Hong Kong protests or the cause, their numbers are dwin- cards right and don’t ruffle too lic would be comparable to the UK “ ‘umbrella revolution’ started as a dling. There was a spike on the many feathers. As it stands, the system, where members of the In all peaceful protest against the Hong weekend after police caused anger people who would be on this com- party choose their leaders, who Kong government in July, as Beijing amongst the community, as police mittee would be unelected and the subsequently get voted into power. likelihood, has announced plans that they will started tear gassing people, causing majority would be pro-Beijing. Alternatively, there is a chance that begin to ‘vet’ candidates for the around 9000 people to return to However, there is evidence to sug- they secure a larger, more diverse not much Chief executive in the 2017 elec- Mongkok, and other occupied gest that the committee could be vetting committee, making the will change tions. This is a sign that the Chinese areas, however with the working used as a bargaining chip to stop process less Beijing-centred. government is slowly closing in on week, people have gone back to the occupation of areas around However, this long process will the former British colony, which their jobs, or to their studies, leav- Hong Kong. The Chief Executive continue as the student majority ” was operated under a different ing streets comparatively peaceful, (equivalent of Prime Minister of protestors fight for democracy. Cameron Battles EU on Immigration Pictured: Pictured: David Cameron José Manuel (Photographer: Barroso Number 10 (Photograph: the Press Offi ce) offi ce of Antonies VS Samaras)

avid Cameron’s fight During the campaign in the last would be a problem. Jose Manuel have to use every diplomatic, politic Victor Degroce against the European election the Conservatives vowed to Barroso (the president of EU com- or economic tool available, to con- Union continues this week control immigration, but numbers mission) reminded Cameron that vince the reluctant member states Das he calls for an immigration cap have increased substantially in re- the ‘freedom of movement is a very to reform. on immigrants from the EU. Cam- cent years. important principle in the internal Unfortunately for Cameron, dif- eron’s success in this mission is yet Though he did not give any market […] my strong advice to ferent EU offi cials and ministers unknown but certainly took a set- details about his plans, Mr Britain is not to put in question that have already announced they will back last week. Cameron is widely expected to principle.’ fi ercely oppose his proposition. UKIP’s win in the by-election ear- announce a series of measures to Cameron responded to Barroso Germany’s foreign minister, Stein- lier this month was a serious blow lower immigration along with seri- by announcing that the UK has meier, even declared that ‘whoever to traditional political parties, and ous talks with other European a right to control the number of questions the freedom of movement sent a strong message to the countries in the EU. Cameron’s people migrating to its territory and damages Europe and damages Ger- Conservative leader only six months pandering to UKIP’s electorate is a will be one of the measures included many,” leaving Cameron completely Cameron’s before the general elections. dangerous game and could finally in a larger re-negotiation of UK and isolated in his attempt to reform “pandering to UKIP’s To combat this growing electoral threaten the UK’s position in the Europe relations. However, in order EU’s legislation. He was also iso- electorate is a threat, Mr Cameron has recently EU. to modify the European constitu- lated fi ve months ago in his attempt dangerous game tackled one of the themes around Despite this call, it may not be- tion, UK government will need the to block the appointment of Jean- and could finally what UKIP is built: immigration come a reality as one of the found- approval of every member of the Claude Juncker. Cameron’s pledge threaten the UK’s from the EU and its alleged burden ing principles of the modern Euro- union. is situation represents a for an In/Out referendum in 2017 position in the EU. on British public and welfare sys- pean Union was the free movement huge and almost impossible chal- might convince these countries to tem. of people and trying to limit this lenge for the government, who will reform on our terms. ” tweet us @GairRhyddPol email us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics

Kurdsprotest organised by mem- Hussein, protest look what he did to us!” been forcibly in suppressed, Cardiff in Ayse’s ropean Union.  e group assisted Jamie McKay bers of the Kurdish dias- Salah was adamant that the gov- words, “to be safe you have to sound Iraqi Peshmerga fi ghters against pora took place on Cardiff ’s ernment should strip proven ISIS Turkish.” ISIS, leading to calls in the West AQueen Street at midday on the fi ghters of British citizenship. He A report by the European Com- for the group to be removed from 18th October. Placards declaring expressed his shock and disbelief mission against Racism and Intol- terror watch lists and supported in Solidarity with Kurdistan were on that people from “this beautiful and erance in 2010 referred to public their fi ght. Ayse echoed these calls display along with calls to ‘Save the free society. People die in millions prosecutions of those offi cials who stating that the PKK were “freedom children of Kobane’, the Syrian town to reach this country.  ey [British used the Kurdish language publicly, fi ghters, not Terrorists […] we are which has been under siege by ISIS volunteers] must be mental to fl ee any public defi nes by individuals of fi ghting for our rights!” militants for the past month. Pro- to Iraq and Syria.” Kurdish origin is also likely to face Protesters heavily criticised the testers echoed chants denouncing Syrian Kurd Khalid Ali, hav- prosecutions under the Criminal current Turkish policy, which bans ISIS and expressed their admira- ing lived in the UK for the past 6 Code.  e International Human Kurdish fi ghters from crossing into tion for the Peshmerga fi ghters of years, displayed contempt for the Rights Law Group and professors Syria to fi ght, and accused the An- the Kurdish region of Iraq/South- militants he referred to as ‘Daesh’, such as Dr Abbas Manafy have kara government of open collabora- ern Kurdistan. Calls were made the Arab acronym for ISIS.  ough drawn comparisons between Tur- tion with ISIS. Khalid referred to a denouncing ISIS as a racist organ- not an Arabic word it is similar to key’s treatment of its Kurdish mi- ‘place near Istanbul where ISIS mili- isation, ‘We don’t want Racism! We verbs meaning to tread underfoot, nority and the South African Apart- tants are trained before being sent don’t want Fascism!’  e protesters trample down or crush, its use is heid constitution. Ayse spoke of the across the border […] an ISIS fi ght- came from across the Kurdish re- widespread across the Middle East way she was treated for speaking er captured by YPG admitted this.’ gions of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran to degrade and insult ISIS.  e use her own language; “Myself, when I Like many other protesters pres- with each protester representing an of this word is banned by ISIS and was a child, we couldn’t speak our ent Khalid expressed disappoint- individual town or city. Many pro- often results in severe punishment. language. Turks would call me ‘ter- ment not just with the international testers had been living in the UK for Khalid went on to describe the rorist’ for speaking my language.” reaction to ISIS, but the failure to over a decade but a great bulk had treatment of civilians in those ar- She expressed disappointment and depose Bashar al-Assad last year. arrived within the past 3 months eas controlled by ISIS, stating that anger at the recent NUS NEC vote When asked if ISIS would have the due to the current crisis in Iraq and the group had “no humanity, they rejecting any move towards build- same reach over Syria, or if they Syria. kill children seven years old, even ing solidarity with Kurdish groups, would advance into Iraq, Khalid Salah Riasool, originally from the beheading them.” He recounted trade unions and women’s organisa- was adamant that earlier Western Kurdish region of Iraq, expressed a reports of the cruel punishments tions on the grounds of ‘Islamopho- intervention could have strangled sense of betrayal at the Global re- used; “[a few days ago] two 18 year- bia’. “Yes, they are terrorists.  ey ISIS at birth. ‘100%, no question’ he action to ISIS’s advance. Drawing olds were taken to the city centre, say they are an Islamic group, they declared raising vocal agreement comparison between the Islamic covered with bin bags, and shot in are terrorist, see how they treat from fellow protesters. A common State’s current actions and the Iraqi the head, what kind of humanity?” people, this is not human.” feeling among the protesters was Ba’ath party’s Anfal (spoils) cam- Ayse Atlun fi rst came to this Many protesters displayed sup- that the Kurdish people had been paign of the early 1990s, designed country from Turkey 15 years ago. port for the PKK (Kurdistan Work- ignored and betrayed by the inter- “Earlier Western to solve the ‘Kurdish problem’ and She described the Turkish govern- ers’ Party), a leftist, nationalist national community, we can only intervention could ending in the deaths of thousands of ment’s treatment of its Kurdish group currently listed as a terrorist hope that recent events prove to be have strangled ISIS Kurds, he stated “ e World watch- population. For years any sense organisation by NATO, the United a turning point in the fi ght and that at birth es, doing nothing. Just like Saddam of a distinct Kurdish identity has States, United Kingdom and Eu- current air strikes will be enough. ” 1 in 6 UK children Wales needs living in poverty more tourists ne in six children in the policies.”’However, the report ac- he number of people visiting tourism industry will continue to Lauren Boyd UK are living in relative tually praised many of Labour’s Wales has declined signifi - grow, especially after the purchase Carwyn poverty and poor chil- policies including Flying Start, cantly since 2006, from 1.14m of Cardiff Airport, to increase pas- Williams Odren in Wales are lagging behind which supports children under toT 854, 000, according to the Offi ce sanger numbers from the UK and their counterparts in the rest of 4 in the most deprived areas of for National Statistics. Europe. the UK. Wales is one of the re- Wales. The report also com- A committee of MPs have said that Last week, Bristol Airport claimed gions worst affected by child mended the commitment to the Wales is being undersold to the rest that any powers to devolve Air Pas- poverty. UN Rights of the Child in Wales. of the world and a coherent brand sanger Duty would be unfair, giving The effect of this can be seen The focus on child rights and a for Wales needs to be developed Cardiff Airport an advantage over its from a very early age: half of right to play has led to higher in the near future to increase the own. three-year-olds in deprived areas levels of child wellbeing in Wales. country’s revenue from tourists.  e Should the duty become devolved, of Wales are below the expected The fall in child poverty has committee reports that Wales is an the duty could be signifi cantly re- level of development according stopped not only in Wales but in ideal tourism location as a ‘natural duced or abolished by the Welsh to the newly released State of the the UK as a whole. Child poverty destination for the growing market Government potentially resulting in Nation report. groups are concerned about the of cultural and enviromental tour- cheaper fares for customers. Bris- Only Yorkshire and the Hum- impact of welfare cuts on chil- ists’.  e report states concerns that tol Airport and the mayor of the city ber has higher levels of relative dren especially since only half as an ideal tourism location the in- announced that Cardiff and Bristol and absolute poverty with 22 % of austerity measures have come dustry is not performing as well as it should work together rather than of children are in relative poverty into effect with 33bn of savings could do. compete to make a stronger South and 24 % in absolute poverty Ac- yet to be made.  e Welsh Government certainly West and Wales against the rest of cording to the new report from A Plaid Cymru spokesperson hopes that in the next few years the the UK. the Social Mobility and Child claimed that ‘Welsh Government Poverty Commission. “Urgent” lacks the powers to seriously changes need to be made as the confront poverty’ The Barnett Pictured: Institute for Fiscal Studies ex- Formula which decides the bud-  e Gower pects poverty to rise by as much get allocated to Welsh Govern- Peninsula, as 15 % in Wales. ment does not take account of Swansea The Liberal Democrats social need. In 2009 it was cal- (Photographer: claimed the report was a ‘damn- culated that Wales was losing DS Williams) ing indictment of Welsh Labour’s £300m a year. @CARDIFFUNION

CARDIFFBOXOFFICE

CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM All tickets subject to booking fee

The Blackout Embrace October 11/11/14, £13.00 ADV 09/12/14, £19.50 ADV

Clean Bandit Lit 25/10/14 - SOLD OUT 13/11/14, £17.50 ADV January

George Ezra Passenger Neck Deep 30/10/14 - SOLD OUT 16/11/14 - SOLD OUT 26/01/15, £10.50 ADV

Kids In Glass Houses Courteeners 31/10/14 - SOLD OUT 17/11/14, £19.50 February Enter Shikari Treatment ft. Bondax Suicide Silence 20/11/14, £12.00 ADV 17/02/15, £19.50 ADV & Friends 31/10/14, £16.00 ADV Treatment ft. Annie Mac Dapper Laughs 21/11/14, £17.50 ADV 22/02/15, £15 ADV

November The Kooks 22/11/14 - SOLD OUT Time Flies Presents... Halloween Masquerade Ball Pop Punks Not Dead ft. 01/11/14, £20 ADV New Found Glory 23/11/14, £18.50 ADV Asking Alexandra 02/11/14, £16.50 ADV Tonight Alive 27/11/14, £12.50 ADV Twin Atlantic 02/11/14 - SOLD OUT December Rixton 07/11/14, £13.50 ADV/£27 VIP Echo & The Bunnymen 04/12/14, £26.50 ADV Student & Graduate Events Digwyddiadau i Fyfyrwyr a Graddedigion

Jobs, Opportunities, Information & Support at Cardiff University. Swyddi, Cyfleoedd, Gwybodaeth a Chymorth ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd.

Application Forms 27 Oct Law School - Room 0.22 CVs 27 Oct Bute Building - Room 0.14 Bloomberg - Take the BAT 27 Oct Julian Hodge Building - Training Room 1, 3rd Floor PwC - Commercial Awareness 27 Oct Main Building - Council Chamber International Students: Employment Regulations 28 Oct Aberconway Building - Room P21 Business, Finance & Banking Careers Fair 28 Oct Postgraduate Teaching Centre Deloitte - Interviewing for Success 28 Oct Aberconway Building - Room P21 Working Life at Arup - Infinite Opportunities 28 Oct West Building - ENGIN Forum Wales Audit Office - Assessment Centres 28 Oct Aberconway Building - Room P21 Opportunities with Sky & the Application Process 28 Oct Aberconway Building - Room P21 PwC - How to Prepare for an Interview 28 Oct Aberconway Building - Room C23 OSTC - How to Stand Out from the Crowd 28 Oct Aberconway Building - Room C23 Lloyds Banking Group - Graduate Opportuities 28 Oct Main Building - Council Chamber Clifford Chance Vacation Scheme Workshop 29 Oct Law School - Room 0.22 How to Run an Online Shop - Enterprise Workshop 29 Oct Students' Union CMS Cameron McKenna:Interview & Application Techniques 30 Oct Law School - Room 0.22 EY Networking Event 30 Oct Main Building - Council Chamber Confessions of a Local Entrepreneur - Enterprise Session 30 Oct Students’ Union CVs 03 Nov Law School - Room 1.30 International Students: Employment Regulations 03 Nov Law School - Room 2.27 How to prepare for the Law Fair 03 Nov Law School - Room 0.22 Job Opportunities at Mondelez International 03 Nov Main Building - Council Chamber An Insight into a Career in Communications 04 Nov Glamorgan Building - Committee Room 1 Law Fair 2014 04 Nov City Hall Bird & Bird ' How to Impress an Employer' 04 Nov City Hall Freshfields 'Application & Interview Skills' 04 Nov City Hall TLT LLP 'Strength Based Recruitment' 04 Nov City Hall Linklaters ' How to Improve Commercial Awareness' 04 Nov City Hall Lawyer2B ' The Legal Landscape' 04 Nov City Hall Science Careers Fair 05 Nov Main Building - Viriamu Jones (VJ) Gallery Marks & Spencer - Graduate Opportunities 06 Nov Students' Union Simplyifing Global Recruitment Through Tier 5 06 Nov Law School - Room 1.30 How to Find Your Market - Enterprise Workshop 06 Nov Students' Union

Log in to Your Careers Account for event times and to book: www.cardiff.ac.uk/careers Mewngofnodwch i’ch Cyfrif Gyrfaoedd i weld amseroedd y digwyddiadau ac i archebu lle: www.caerdydd.ac.uk/gyrfaoedd twitter.com/cardiffcareers facebook.com/cardiffunicareers Cardiff Student Letting OWNED & RUN BY CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' UNION TEL: (029) 20781525 | www.cardiffstudentletting.com

We won’t ever let you LIVE in a house of horrors NO agency fees

cardiffstudentletting.com

• DON’T RUSH to sign a housing contract before Christmas. • REMEMBER houses are available at any time in the year. • F REE INDEPENDENT ADV ICE from Student Advice at Cardiff University Students’ Union, P ark Place. [email protected] 029 2078 1410 Student Advice • PEIDIWCH Â RHUT HRO i arwyddo cytundeb am dŷ cy n y Nadolig. Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr • COF IWCH fod tai ar gael unrhyw bryd yn y flwyddyn. • Mae CYNGOR ANNIBYNNOL AM DDIM ar gael o Cyngor Myfyrwyr yn Undeb Myfyrwyr P rifysgol Caerdydd, Plas y Parc. [email protected] 029 2078 1410 tweet us @gairrhyddsci email us [email protected] SCIENCE or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/science Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite: Possible Link Discovered Between Bedbugs and PTSD

ed bugs may be more than vulnerable people, suffering an in- Michael just a nuisance – according festation may leave them with “a Arnott to new research they have pathological fear of bedbugs.” He alsoB been linked to Post Traumatic has also pointed out the impor- Stress Disorder. tance of research on the issue, with These new findings have been the goal being “to say we should brought to light by Jerome God- deal with it because it has more dard, of Mississippi State Univer- than skin deep consequences.” sity. His research involved analys- e creatures carrying out this ing blogs by victims of bed bugs to psychological torment are not check for signs of emotional trau- overly imposing; they do not exceed ma associated with Post Traumatic 5mm in length. ey do however Stress Disorder (PTSD). He found have a dogged survival instinct, and people suffering from nightmares, a taste for human blood. ey live flashbacks, anxiety and other in crevices in beds, and emerge dur- symptoms which suggested PTSD. ing the night time, feeding as well as According to Goddard, one laying hundreds of eggs. block in Talybont South, with sev- of the participants “scored high Suffering from a bed bug infes- eral students forced to move out of Dealing with a Bedbug enough to actually be considered tation does appear to be the sort their accommodation. Infestation a PTSD patient.” Summarising the of traumatic event that can cause It is important to spot a bed bug findings of his study, Goddard said PTSD. Symptoms of this anxiety infestation quickly, in order for it to • Call a professional extermination firm with Bedbug “I think all these things […] suggest disorder include an intense fear be dealt with efficiently. If you are credentials. that at least bed bugs are associ- suffered during a traumatic event, suffering unexplained itchy bumps, • Don’t try to remove the infestation yourself. An ated with anxiety and sleep distur- persistent recollections of the or find black spots on your mat- woman in the US blew up her home by lighting bance.” event, the persistent avoidance of tress, then you may have a prob- ...bedbugs are insecticide foggers, the propellant gas in the “ He is not the only researcher stimuli linked with the event, and lem. Other signs include finding canisters ignited her gas supply. associated with to find the potential psychological trouble sleeping, as well as angry mottled shells that bed bugs have anxiety and sleep consequences of bed bugs. Ste- outbursts. The new research on shed. • Don’t throw away your furniture, this could spread disturbance phane Perron, of the University of bed bugs found several of these Although this new research is the bugs through your home. Jerome Goddard Montreal, surveyed tenants both symptoms present for those sur- not conclusive proof that bed bugs with and without infestations. He veyed. directly cause PTSD, it does high- • Talk to your neighbours to prevent bugs Mississippi State found that those who had been Frighteningly, there have previ- light the stress caused by them. retransmitting between houses. University suffering a bed bug problem were ously been reports of bed bugs af- However, a quick response can de- more likely to report anxiety issues. fecting Cardiff students. In 2010 feat these irritating foes, allowing • Don’t panic. Bedbugs do not carry diseases or ” Perron has said that for mentally there was a major problem in a you to sleep tight again. make you unclean. Harvard Diabetes Stem Cell Professor Presented Medal at Cardiff Lecture

rofessor Doug Melton, whose ed by a Marshall Scholarship to work pharmaceutical giants over £20 bil- Shanna diabetes stem cell discoveries at the University of Cambridge in lion a year. Hamilton have brought him to recent his early career, was thankful for his Although unable to answer ques- fameP in the scientifi c community, time in the UK and said it was ‘life tions as to when his techniques Meryon has been presented with a Marshall changing’, emphasising that his latest would translate to treatment, Melton Roderick Medal at Cardiff University. work would not have been possible was very confi dent that producing Presented by First Minister Car- without it. enough cells for the human popula- wyn Jones at a celebratory lecture As reported in last week’s issue of tion would be possible. He suggested last ursday, Professor Melton was Gair Rhydd, Melton and his team at that if they can fi nd a suitable immu- awarded the honour ‘for his long the Harvard Stem Cell Institute have noprotective device – something to standing contribution to UK and US recently published work that makes prevent the body rejecting the pro- science.’ tremendous steps towards a more grammed cells - diabetics would no e Marshall scholarship pro- permanent treatment for diabetes. longer need daily insulin injections vides funding for talented US stu- After the medal presentation, and only have to visit clinic twice a dents to study postgraduate degrees Melton continued to give an elo- year. at UK universities. e scheme aims quent lecture on the possibilities Also in attendance was Cardiff to provide bonds between Britain of stem cells and how they have an University’s Nobel Prize winner, Sir and the US and to give American “astounding potential that can be un- Martin Jones, whose work in cultur- students a chance to experience con- locked.” He has discovered a way to ing embryonic stem cells was noted temporary Britain. programme immature human stem by Professor Melton as pivotal to his Pictured: e award was initially established cells to change into insulin-produc- research and a persuading factor in Professor Doug in recognition of the Marshall Plan, a ing beta cells. is could potentially his choice to lecture in Cardiff . Melton lectur- US funded recovery strategy set up revolutionise the way we treat the First Minister Carwyn Jones ex- ing on his latest to aid the regeneration of Europe af- 347 million people who suff er diabe- pressed the importance of the event work ter World War II. It is considered a tes worldwide. to Wales and its ties to the US. He highly prestigious scholarship, with Melton also eluded to the fact that also discussed his own experience many prominent politicians, scien- his work, recently published in giant with stem cell research when it was tists and authors counted among the science journal Cell, could be a “… in it’s infancy and described it’s po- alumni. disruptive technology on the indus- tential as an “incredible possibility in Professor Melton, originally fund- try of making insulin” which earns terms of human wellbeing.” SCIENCE 21

Lockheed Martin Announce Breakthrough in Small-Scale Fusion Reactors ockheed Martin, one of Concerns have been raised as to Rahul world’s largest defence con- whether the small size of the reac- Pictured: Modhvadia tractors, have claimed that tor allows for a design that is A nuclear fusion Lthey are only 10 years from pro- strong enough to be safe. ITER is a reactor duction of small-scale nuclear large-scale experimental project fusion reactors. These would be with the same nuclear fusion con- capable of recreating the same cept which is in the process of nuclear reaction that heats the sun creating a reactor to investigate within a reactor compact enough the viability of fusion as an energy to fit on the back of a truck. source. The large size of the reac- Whilst the prospect of a clean tor will mean it will weigh energy source that will be able to 23,000,000 tons - as heavy as three meet the world’s energy needs has Eiffel towers. Not exactly some- been met with excitement by the thing which can be put on the public, many nuclear physicists back of a truck. have expressed scepticism. What does this mean to the Nuclear fusion is a reaction in general public? Lockheed Martin which the nuclei of two atoms are are primarily involved with forced to collide and join with defence (in 2009 74% of Lockheed each other by extremely high tem- Martin’s revenues came from mili- peratures and pressures contained tary sales) and are looking for within magnetic fields. This military investors. This means the results in a large amount of usable possibility of utilising this tech- energy with no greenhouse gases nology to power cities and advance or toxic waste produced contrast space exploration is likely to only ing with nuclear fission. happen well after it has been put Some academics are not con- to use in defence. Whilst it seems vinced that the obstacles in order the prospect of this pipe dream to make this dream become a real- becoming a reality is already very ity, have been overcome. This is slim, the descriptions from due to Lockheed Martin failing to Lockheed Martin of their reactor provide sufficient evidence. The being able to power an aircraft the idea of a compact reactor goes size of a C-5 (a military transport against accepted practices of reac- aircraft) demonstrates their main tor development and size, calling focus is in developing their mili- into question the stability and tary capabilities, not in making safety of their idea. the world a better place. Does the Human Race Matter? In the fi rst instalment of small we are compared to the rest of Thomas Firth his Astronomy column, the cosmos. There’s no denying that Pictured: we are quite unique in our own cor- e Andromeda  omas Firth discusses ner of space, but beyond that we’re Galaxy our place in the Universe. no more than particles of dust. Do we matter? This may seem like Notable Welsh poet, T. H. Parry an atheist claim, but if you believe in Williams, once wrote in his poem modern science and its origin, and Dychwelyd (Return), ‘dim ond crych consider our existence as beings on dros dro’, which roughly translates a lump of rock in an endless to ‘only ripples for a time’. He our mass of satellites, probes and on New Year’s Eve. Universe, you might start to wonder admitted that humans make a lot of shuttles, we’ve already conquered a If you want to incorporate the age how truly irrelevant we are. noise, but ultimately, the only differ- lot of the space around the Earth of the Universe into this, then suit Astronomy, as a science, has ence we make are a few ripples in an and moon too. But how much time yourself, but it might only make you grown very popular in the previous ocean, which is a fairly shrewd have we really spent on Earth, and feel even more insignificant. My decade, mainly due to an increase in observation to say the least. does it really seem significant at all? aim here isn’t to ruin your self astronomical documentaries, space- Ignorance is one of our greatest If you’re still sceptical about my esteem, but I want you to consider related films and an upgrade in downfalls as a race, as is evident reasoning, then consider this: try for a moment how you compare to modern star-gazing facilities. Recent when we first investigated the skies. planning out the Earth’s timeline the Universe. observations have led to discoveries During the early years of the 16th over one year by reducing its age If you look on the bright side beyond our imagination; gargantuan Century, according to the down to 365.25 days with the 1st of though, the fact that we can imag- stars, distant exoplanets, pictur- Commentariolous, we believed that January being the creation of the ine and see beyond our own exist- esque supernovae, frightening black the Earth was at the centre of the Earth and midnight on 31st of ence, makes us very special indeed. holes and billions upon billions of Solar System, and if we’re really December being right now. Our intuition has made us unique other unidentified objects. Our honest, at the centre of the Universe Considering the Earth has an esti- and perhaps we’re not so irrelevant “known” Universe is currently based as well. As our familiarity with mate age of 4.53 billion years, the after all! on conjecture and astronomers are space has grown, we’ve learnt that Dinosaurs didn’t make an appear- still dubious whether there is a defi- this is far from the truth. But even ance until December and even more If you are interested in dis- nite ending to space. with new knowledge that we orbit amazingly, the human race arrived covering more, check out As humans, we can easily find around the Sun, are we still too 21 minutes before midnight on New Tour of the Universe, an event ourselves enveloped in our own lit- ignorant to make any judgement? Year’s Eve. To make you feel even at the New Theatre, tle world and few of us have really During our time on Earth, we’ve smaller your own life is shorter than Wednesday 29th October at contemplated how infinitesimally planted a massive footprint. With two tenths of a seconds to midnight 7pm. tweet us @gairrhyddsoc email us [email protected] SOCIETIES or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/societies

Friday 24th October, featuring me explaining key information about Barney’s Note societies to you! Each video is a minute long (I would hope you had guessed that) and will be up- ello Cardiff! I hope things want to get involved, best do it loaded weekly. Keep an eye on the Barney Willis are swell. Societies are set- as soon as you can on cardiffstu- cardiffstudents youtube channel VP Societies & tling down after the first dents.com! for more! Campaigns Hcrazy month – regular events are In other news, a new video se- As ever, get in touch on social cropping up on the ‘What’s On’ ries is starting this week! ‘Societ- media, email or in person if you section and all seems well. If you ies in 60 Seconds’ will debut on need help getting involved.

Screening: Cinema Paradiso 6.30pm - 8pm 7.30pm - 10pm What’s On Tucker Healthcare Music Society Choir Rehearsal Christian Union 7pm - 9pm Monday 27th October ‘Convinced’ events week launch Healthcare Music Society Talk from the speaker for the week, English Literature Society Xpress Orchestra Rehearsal Adrian Holloway. A chance to come Pub Crawl Xpress radio start of broadcasting 7pm - 9pm along and find out more behind 8pm - midnight From 8am-1am daily Chapel B5, Heath Convinced week and how to get Starting at the Woodville www.cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/lis- involved with the events. A com- ten/ Cardiff Links (St John Ambulance) pletely informal night, free tea, cof- Fashion & Beauty Society Society fee and chat. Halloween Social Maths Society Pub Crawl – Halloween 999 theme 7.30pm -10pm 8pm - 2am Careers Talk: Deloitte 8pm – 11.30pm Highfields Church, Monthermer Students’ Union and then into town 4.10pm - 5pm starting at the Taf Road, CF24 4QW School of Maths Room M/0.40 Sinatra Society Sci-Fi and Fantasy Society Music Society Show - Black History Month Journalism Society Halloween Party Halloween Social Celebration Fright Night Movie Night 8pm – midnight Prize for the best dressed on the 8pm – 10.30pm Creepy-themed movie night, show- Koko Gorilaz night so get your thinking caps on Y Plas ing Woman In Black from 5.10- and get your best out! 6.45pm, followed by The Conjuring Black & Ethnic Minorities Association 9pm – 3am Friday 31st October from 7-9pm. Free popcorn, and Cardiff Women’s Association Gassy Jacks then Retro Halloween themed snacks and Non-Alcoholic Halloween Social Boardgaming, Roleplaying and Domino’s Pizza will be provided! Fancy dress compulsory! Expect RELIGsoc Wargaming League 5-9pm mocktails, music and lots of old Halloween Social Halloween Party Birt Acres lecture hall, Bute build- school games like bobbing for 8pm - 3am 8pm - 3am ing apples, twister etc! Tickets - £4 on The Taf then YOLO Koko Gorilaz, Miskin St, CF24 4AP the door or from http://www.car- Baking Society diffstudents.com/events/6987/3969/ Thursday 30th October Graduate Centre Halloween Bake off! 8pm - 11pm Postgraduate Halloween Party 8pm – 9.30pm The Lodge, Students’ Union Surgical Society 8.30pm – midnight CF10, Students’ Union All Wales Surgical Final Revision Vanilla Rooms - Park Place Wednesday 29th October Series 1/2 Tuesday 28th October 6pm - 9pm Saturday 1st November Art Society Michael Griffiths Lecture Theatre, Student Minds Sketch Group Heath RAG Look After Your Mate Workshop 1pm - 3pm Bridgwater Carnival This workshop aims to advise stu- Meet by the steps of the SU Student Enterprise We will be part of the Bridgwater dents on how best to support Speaker session - Confessions of a Carnival procession collecting for friends and peers with mental Art Society Local Entrepreneur the Red Cross. health difficulties, run by represent- Portraiture 6pm - 8pm 2pm – 1.30am atives from National Student Minds. 6:30pm - 8:30pm c/0.13, Sir Martin Evans Building Bridgwater Free refreshments available. 4C, Students’ Union 6.30pm-8.30pm Effective Altruists Society CF10, Students’ Union Film Society Pledging, giving and happiness

of deal anywhere else. However, we now need more vol- unteers and from as little as 1 hour The Fruit and Veg per week you can help set this amaz- ing service back up again. Also, if you’re looking for a more inclusive Coop Needs You! role, you can get involved in the run- ning of the service itself and become a committee member which would eard of the Fruit and Veg plying students and staff with a tasty be a 2 hour weekly commitment. All Will Baker Coop? No surprises if not, selection of quality, cheap fresh fruit of this would looks great on your CV. Morrison with too few volunteers and veg. Every Tuesday, from 11am It’s a very casual role and also very Hwe’ve been unable to run this year. - 4pm, on the 3rd floor of the social! But with your help, that could Students’ Union we would set up a For more information on volun- change. stall with all of the week’s orders. teering, search ‘Cardiff University The Fruit and Veg coop is a purely With a choice of fruit, stir fry, vege- Fruit and Veg Coop Volunteers’ on student led service and had previ- table or salad at only £3.50 per bag, Facebook or check for updates on ously been running for 5 years sup- you will be unlikely to find this kind our general Facebook page. SOCIETIES 23

Xpress Radio launches Societies Show press Radio: you have prob- to offer and their activities. For the bean Society and an exclusive inter- ate great publicity for your society Alice Robbins ably heard us around the Un- first show we already have a roundup view with the director of The Falling events as well as promoting the soci- Pictured: ion, seen us at the Societies of RAG week scheduled, informa- from the BFI film festival in London. ety and encouraging other students Head of Day- XFayre, and maybe even had a cud- tion on big events happening in If you are involved in a society, this to join. As a listener, you’ll have an time, Alice Rob- dle with our mascot, X Rex. If you November within the African Carib- show is a great opportunity to cre- extra insight into the amazing things bins, X Rex and haven’t, then for your benefit, Xpress our vast amounts of societies get Hannah Sterritt are the 4th quarter of the Cardiff up to. The first show is looking Student Media’s offering (consisting great already and the more socie- of Gair Rhydd, Quench, and CUTV) ties involved, the better! The show – we are the other, less visual, quar- will start on Tuesday 4th Novem- ter. We broadcast live from the Un- ber, with the provisional dates for ion from 8am through till 1am, with this semester following this being shows touching all genres and top- broadcast on the 18th November ics, from heavy metal hour to the and 2nd December from 5pm un- debate show and so much more. til 7pm. A lot of our coverage will This year, Xpress are running a fort- also be pre-recorded so it is not a nightly show dedicated to societies. problem if these times are incon- It will include exclusive coverage venient. If you’re interested in get- from events, interviews with mem- ting your society involved with this bers, and general information about show, please email me, Alice, at all the different societies Cardiff has [email protected]

Jess Hooper most of all socialise in our own 28th October space. Book your discounted SU tickets YARD Bar and Kitchen now at cardiffstudents.com/giveita- go for Capital City Jazz Orchestra! Bath City Day Trip An absolutely spectacular night of 31st October mind-blowing jazz performance – The beautiful and unique city of this is not a night to be missed! Bath has been described as one of Meet in Students’ Union Reception England’s most beautiful places to visit. And so obviously Cardiff Law Society - Public Speaking Students’ Union would take you Workshop there! Nestled in the countryside of 29th October South West England and famously A ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch with designated a World Heritage site, participants choosing random items Bath boasts a fascinating Roman and from a table and having to ‘sell’ their Georgian heritage. It’s outstanding item to a panel of judges. architectural beauty and natural Constructive feedback will be given thermal springs have earned Bath All events must be signed up to in Transform your travel experience by the special guest speaker and international recognition as a centre advance at with our free language class for prizes awarded to the top 3! of culture and beauty. This is defi- cardiffstudents.com/giveitago Español! All abilities welcome, sign 0.22 Law School nitely a stylish place you’ll want to up then turn up for this fun and visit. Maths Society - Charity Live easy going Spanish taster class. Enterprise - How to Run an Music Night Definitely not an opportunity to be Online Shop Welsh National Opera - Orchestra 27th October missed! 29th October 31st October Come along the Maths Society 4J, Students’ Union Interested in starting an online shop Exclusive Students’ Union tickets at Charity Live Music Night in Koko but not sure where to begin? This ses- Saint David’s Hall. This music Gorillaz for a great evening of Live sion is run by a successful online demands to be experienced live, and Music! Tickets are £3 on the door. Student Minds - Look After Your retailer. Come along to learn more in the hands of the WNO Orchestra Koko Gorillaz Mate Workshop about the practical aspects of running conducted by Music Director, Lothar 28th October an online business, and get some Koenigs, this is an opportunity you Rowing This free workshop aims to give insider hints and tips so you can. will not want to pass you by. Tickets 28th October advice and guidance on how best to Centre for Skills, Enterprise and are heavily discounted at just £7! A great way to get really fit and approach difficult friendship situa- Volunteering, Students’ Union Meet in Students’ Union Reception meet loads of new people, come tions. It can sometimes be really along to Talybont Sports Hall and hard to know what to say to friends Jazz Society Jam Night Catholic Society Film Night enjoy one of our excellent sessions when they’re suffering with difficult 30th October 31st October run by an experienced coach. At situations – but this Student Minds Come and join in Jazz Society’s Comfy sofas, popcorn and a cheesy just £2 you won’t be disappointed! session has some top trips on how monthly Jam Nights! No obligation film… what more could you want? Talybont Sports Centre to go about it. to play or sing, you can just come for Come and unwind with us and enjoy CF10, Students’ Union a relaxed evening to see what we get a classic film. Bring a friend! Spanish Language Taster up to within the Jazz Society. We The Catholic Chaplaincy, 62 Park 28th October Capital City Jazz Orchestra with take it in turns to jam, improvise and Place tweet us @gairrhyddsoc email us [email protected] SOCIETIES or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/societies Student Pictured: Cardiff Marrow Cardiff committee with ex-Marrow President and Marrow current International Coordinator for viewings attend National Marrow, Aimee and Federicco from National Switzerland AGM Marrow until Rents starting from £230 per person

ardiff Marrow is the and raised £160,000. particularly interesting: they ran the which really will help us to ensure a per month Louisa Sham 8pm. daughter charity of An- Last weekend, the Cardiff Marrow London Marathon together side by successful and exciting year ahead. thony Nolan and organ- committee travelled to Leeds side to raise funds for Anthony izesC several sessions to sign people University for the National Annual Nolan! We have a few upcoming events: up to the bone marrow register. General Meeting. There are over 40 There was an awards evening on Volunteer Training Session: The chances of being a match for Marrow groups in the UK and Saturday. With only a few catego- Monday 3rd November, 6-7.30pm, someone with blood cancers such through this AGM where more than ries and such a high standard of Sir Donald Walters Board Room, as leukemia are 1/1200; by adding 200 students were present; we cele- Marrow groups, the chances of Students’ Union more people to the register, we can brated each other’s achievements as winning an award wasn’t that high. Registry Session: Wednesday 12th increase the chances of saving a life. well as sharing ideas to attract more However, not only did our group November, 12-6pm, Catholic We also hold events where funds people to the join the register and manage to get shortlisted, but we Chaplaincy, Park Place raised go towards adding people tips for successful fundraising. actually won the award for Special For more information about how to the register and organizing life- The weekend comprised of work- Contribution to Fundraising out of to get involved, please get in touch: saving transplants. Altogether as a shops, lectures and talks by donors, 40 groups! Facebook: Cardiff Marrow charity in the year 2013-14, Marrow recipients and their families. A talk Overall, we had an amazing time Twitter: @cardiffmarrow added 12,835 people to the register by a recipient and his donor was and it was invaluable experience, Email: [email protected]

Maths Society Live Music Night Fundraising Night for Meningitis Now

athSoc are presenting a coursemates – it’s all for a good James charity live music night cause! Ledward for Meningitis Now at MathSoc is a society for Maths MKoko Gorillaz on 27th October Students, though anyone is wel- from 7:00pm till 11:30pm. There come. We run regular socials, will be many local acts playing in- both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. cluding a few of our own Maths We also offer careers talks on students – who’d have thought Maths in the real world, past talks 02920 668585 Maths students could have so have been from GCHQ and the much talent!? Entry to the event Met Office. For more details don’t will be £3 to be purchased on the hesitate to contact us or check 34 Woodville Rd, Cathays door. Everyone is welcome; bring out our Facebook page. your housemates, bring your

‡ $/.d4253(SNRHFM@GNTRHMFBNMSQ@BSADENQD#GQHRSL@R ‡ 2%-%-"%2GNTRDR@QD@U@HK@AKD@S@MXSHLDHMSGDXD@Q Think there’s something your society does that needs publishing on these pages? ‡ & 2%%).$%0%.$%.4!$6 )#%EQNL3STCDMS!CUHBD@S#@QCHEE5MHUDQRHSX3STCDMSRd5MHNM 0 @QJ0K@BD Celebrate the brilliant things you do by promoting yourself: writing an article, including an up- [email protected] 029 2078 1410 coming event in the What’s On section, a review, or featuring in the Society Profile. Student Advice Email: [email protected] ‡ 0%)$)7#(©2(54 (2/H@QVXCCNBXSTMCDA@LCřBX MX.@CNKHF Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr ‡ #/& )7#(ENCS@H@QF@DKTMQGXVAQXCXMXhVXCCXM ‡ -@D#9.'/2!..)"9../,!-$$)-@QF@DKN#XMFNQ-XEXQVXQXM5MCDA-XEXQVXQ0 QHEXRFNK#@DQCXCC 0K@RX0@QB [email protected] 029 2078 1410 Student viewings until Rents starting from £230 per person 8pm. per month

02920 668585 34 Woodville Rd, Cathays

‡ $/.d4253(SNRHFM@GNTRHMFBNMSQ@BSADENQD#GQHRSL@R ‡ 2%-%-"%2GNTRDR@QD@U@HK@AKD@S@MXSHLDHMSGDXD@Q ‡ & 2%%).$%0%.$%.4!$6 )#%EQNL3STCDMS!CUHBD@S#@QCHEE5MHUDQRHSX3STCDMSRd5MHNM 0 @QJ0K@BD [email protected] 029 2078 1410 Student Advice ‡ 0%)$)7#(©2(54 (2/H@QVXCCNBXSTMCDA@LCřBX MX.@CNKHF Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr ‡ #/& )7#(ENCS@H@QF@DKTMQGXVAQXCXMXhVXCCXM ‡ -@D#9.'/2!..)"9../,!-$$)-@QF@DKN#XMFNQ-XEXQVXQXM5MCDA-XEXQVXQ0 QHEXRFNK#@DQCXCC 0K@RX0@QB [email protected] 029 2078 1410 trydar @taf_od ebost [email protected] TAF-OD ar-lein gairrhydd.com/tafod Gair Golygyddol

Steffan Bryn Jones Canu Yn Yn y rhifyn hwn, ceir erthygl Morgan Owen hoenus gennyf i, Morgan, eich cyd-olygydd, am ymwybyddi- aeth cenedl, ac yn benodol, eiddo’r Cymry Cymraeg. Ymhellach, ceir sôn am yr ymwybyddiaeth hon Ein Cadwyni yng Nghaerdydd. Nid ydyw mewn cyflwr iachus, ac rydym ni fel my- yd-fyfyrwyr, mae’n hen Pe baem ni Gymry’n uno ac yn fyrwyr Cymraeg ein hiaith yn diod- bryd i mi dynnu eich sylw at gweithio ar y cyd â’n gilydd gyda Morgan Owen def o’r sefyllfa sydd ohoni yn hyn o gamwedd druenus yr ydym rhywfaint o drefn, bydd gennym beth. Yn ogystal â’r erthygl honno, hydG yn hyn wedi ei hanwybyddu yn wlad i’w hennill ac neb i’n rhwystro. ceir myfyrdod gan Dewi Alter ar llwyr— neu fel arall ei goddef yn Ac dyma graidd yr erthygl hon. Yn ffawd ddiweddar tîm pêl-droed wylaidd. Pa un bynnag sy’n wir, ad- ein prifddinas ni, yn ein prifysgol ni Cymru, a’r cwestiwn rydym oll siwr das a chyfiawn yw ei dwyn i olau a godwyd gan geiniog y werin, fe’n o fod yn gofyn i’n hunain: ai oes dydd yn ei hagrwch digymysg. tangynrychiolir yn enbyd. Bron na euraid yw hon? A fydd ein llwyddi- Dichon mai dan ormes yr ydym ellid dweud ein bod yn anweladwy ant yn parhau? Trowch at ei erthygl fel cenedl wedi bod ar ein huotlaf. yn y sefydliad hwn, yn enwedig pan am driniaeth gytbwys o’r mater. Wedi’r elwch, tawelwch sydd, ac ystyrir bod dros 1,500 ohonom yma Yn olaf, mae gennym erthygl fer onid yw tawelwch yn porthi hira- a chyn lleied o Gymraeg i’w gweld. gan Gethin Davies yn esbonio trefn eth a’r awydd i droi ein golwg tuag Nid oes angen arnom dro ar fyd, dawns ac eisteddfod y Rhyng-gol. at orffennol delfrydol na fu erioed, ond ymdrech ar ein hanner i newid Bydd y GymGymwyr yn ein plith neu wynfyd y dyfodol lle mae ga- y sefyllfa waradwyddus sydd ohoni. eisioes yn gyfarwydd â rhialtwch a lar yn deimlad estron, a rhyddid yn Ai gwell gennym ganu i alawon miri’r Rhyng-gol, ac nid oes angen dynn yn ein gafael? Bid a fo am ein dolefus ein gorthrwm na chymryd eu perswadio nhw! Ond i chi fyfyr- gorffennol, er tristed ydyw; ni thâl cam ymlaen? wyr newydd, tâl i chi fwrw golwg broffwydo ynghylch ein dyfodol Diosgwn, felly, ein galarwisg; dros ei erthygl er mwyn ymgyfar- ychwaith. Dyma ni yn eithriad taflwn ar oddaith ein hangerdd yr ... Diosgwn felly wyddo â’r digwyddiad, ac rwy’n hanesyddol, cenedl a gadwodd ei hen ddifaterwch; yn lle ennyn pêr “ein galarwisg; siwr y bydd e wrth ddant pob un hiaith yn groes i bob tebyg a phob hiraeth, deffrown o’n cwsg. Gymry, ohonoch. Gair byr i gloi. Daw te- ymgais i’n cymathu a’n dileu. safer ar eich traed eich hunain ac taflwn ar oddaith itl yr erthygl a gyfrannaf i o gerdd Ond, yn wahanol i’r dyddiau a fu, mynner llais yn eich prifysgol chi, ein hangerdd yr gan Dylan Thomas, cerdd â thinc mae gennym bellach y cyfle i hawlio ein prifysgol ni. A chyfeirio’n ôl at eithaf hiraethus iddi yn y ffordd ein priodol le heb orfod codi arfau, deitl yr erthygl hon wrth ei chloi, hen ddifaterwch; mae’n ymdrin â marwolaeth. Oni a thrwy hynny, gwahodd ein dinistr dywed Dylan Thomas yn ei gerdd yn lle ennyn cheisiwn ni gyfrannwyr i’r papur gan luoedd trech. Cofier, gwlad Fern Hill: “Time held me green pêr hiraeth, anfarwolaeth wrth i’r geiriau hyn fechan ydym. Ni ellir esgusodi hed- and dying / Though I sang in my deffrown o’n ddiflannu i lwch yr archif? Dyma diw y fath hunanfaldod hiraethus a chains like the sea”. Ni chanwn yn eich cyfle chi i adael eich ôl yn ei- roes i ni gynifer o gerddi, a delwedd ein cadwyni bellach, ond fel y môr, cwsg ... riau, felly cyfrannwch, ac fe gewch dwyllodrus y Celt yn canu’n brudd ni chydnabyddwn ffrwyni ar ein lawn croeso gennym! am ei golled o’i ffau fynyddig. rhyddid. ” Gym Gymwyr... Gwrandewch!

au o uchafbwyntiau calendr nol yw bod disgwyliadau pwyntiau Gethin Davies Y Gym Gym yw’r Ddawns UCAS uwch i gael mynediad i Bri- Ryng-gol a’r Eisteddfod fysgol Caerdydd ac ein bod ni, fel DRyng-gol. Digwyddiadau unigryw y gŵyr pawb, yn well nag Aberys- fel ei gilydd, sy’n rhoi cyfle i fyfyr- twyth, Abertawe, Bangor a’r Drin- wyr prifysgolion Cymru gystadlu a dod! Y mwyaf o sarhad i’r prifysgo- chymdeithasu gyda’u cyd-Gymry. lion eraill, y gorau... Yn Aberystwyth y bydd y ddau Gyda hyn mewn cof, dyma gy- ddigwyddiad eleni, y naill ym mis hoeddi cystadleuaeth arbennig i Tachwedd a’r llall ym mis Mawrth. aelodau’r Gym Gym - gyrrwch eich Dyma fwrw ati i ddechrau tre- ceisiadau fel neges breifat i dudalen fnu ar gyfer y Ddawns felly. Un o facebook Y Gym Gym ac fe fydd nodweddion amlycaf y Ddawns yw yr enillydd yn cael y wefr o gael ei crysau pob prifysgol. Mae’n drad- gerdd ei hun ar gefn crysau pawb dodiad i bawb wisgo lliw eu prifys- a phum punt oddi ar gost y trip. gol gyda balchder gan herio’r pri- Croeso ichi yrru ymgeisiadau ar y fysgolion eraill gyda cherdd (limrig cyd gyda’ch ffrindiau. neu englyn) ar gefn y crysau polo. I Y dyddiad cau yw 5pm ddydd roi syniad bras i chi, rhai o themâu Iau, 30 Hydref. Edrychwn ymlaen limrigau ac englynion y gorffen- at dderbyn eich cynigion! TAF-OD 27

Photograph: Cyfnod euraid i bêl-droed Cymru? Gareth Bale (Photographer: Cloriannu llwyddiant diweddar Andor Kish) y tîm cenedlaethol

chel yw gobeithion y Cymru gan Ashley Williams, 30, a James ynghyd yn dilyn y chwiban olaf, Dewi Alter ar ôl gwylio’u bechgyn yn Chester, 25, ar ôl i Gymru syrthio i rhywbeth a werthfawrogwyd gan y curo Cyprus 2-1 ar y 13 o 10 dyn ar ôl anghyfi awnder carden cefnogwyr. UHydref, yn enwedig wrth ystyried goch Andy King. Rheolon nhw’r Ar hyn o bryd eistedda’r tîm nad oedd llawer o’n prif chwaraewyr cefn yn gampus gan gyfyngu Cy- rhyngwladol ar frig grŵp B, ond yn bresennol. Wrth gwrs, mae colli prus i gyn lleied o gyfleoedd ag wedi chwarae un gêm yn ych- chwaraewyr fel Aaron Ramsey, 23, oedd yn bosib. Yn wir dim ond wanegol na Gwlad Belg ac Israel. a Joe Allen, 24, ar gyfer unrhyw gêm dwy waith lwyddon nhw i brofi Pan fanylwn ar y tîm dim ond 2 yn golled, yn enwedig ar gyfer gêm Wayne Hennessey, 27. Ond nid chwaraewr a ddechreuodd y gêm ryngwladol a oedd yn rhaid ei hen- oes modd siarad am y tîm presen- sy’n chwarae yng Nghymru. Neil nill. Enillodd Cymru heb rai o’u prif nol heb air am seren unrhyw dîm, Taylor, 25, ac Ashley Williams, chwaraewyr, amlygiad clir o ddyf- Gareth Bale, 25. Mae’n anodd coe- chwaraewyr Aertawe. Chwaraea’r nder y tîm presennol yn ogystal â’r lio ar adegau sut lwyddai Bale i gy- gweddill yn Lloegr ar wahân i Bale gobaith sydd gennym am gyrraedd flawni rhai o’r campau a wnâi ar y sy’n chwarae yn Sbaen dros Real y Bencampwriaeth Ewropeaidd yn cae. Ei ôl-fflic oedd yn gyfrifol am Madrid. Ymhellach, wrth edrych Ffrainc yn 2016. Ond oes modd ryddhau Robson-Kanu i wynebu’r ar dimau gorau Cymru, Abertawe ystyried hwn yn gyfnod euraid i gôl ar ei ben ei hun. Llwyddodd i a Chaerdydd, nid oes llawer o chw- bêl–droed Cymru? wneud hynny a dal y gwrthwyneb- araewyr Cymru yn chwarae dro- Ar y cyfan chwaraeodd Cymru’n wyr yn anymwybodol a rhoi’r gôl styn nhw: pum i Abertawe, a dau Gareth Bale yw'r dda yn erbyn Cyprus. Hal Robson- gyfan i drugaredd Robson-Kanu. yn unig i Gaerdydd. Er y gwna’r “ Kanu, 25, rhaid bod ganddo iâ’n Gareth Bale yw’r chwaraewr y tîm rhyngwladol yn dda, gwelwn chwaraewr y rhedeg drwy’i wythiennau ar ôl gellir dibynnu arno i ennill gemau nid yw timau Cymru yn llwyddo i gellir dibynnu saethu’n syth drwy goesau’r gôl ar ei ben ei hun. Llwyddodd Bale fagu na chadw chwaraewyr Cym- arno i ennill geidwad. Gwelwn ddyfodol disglair i oroesi’r driniaeth erchyll a dder- reig. Posib cyfnod euraid i’r tîm asgellwr ifanc Fulham, George Wil- byniodd gan chwaraewyr Cyprus. rhyngwladol gan lwyddo i fod ar gemau ar ei ben liams, 19, yn dod i’r amlwg unwaith Ond yn bwysicach na hynny, ar- frig y grŵp yw hwn, ond dioddefa’r ei hun. eto ar ôl perff ormiad safonol a dewr. weiniodd y tîm, ac ar ddiwedd y timau eraill o dan-gynrychiolaeth Gwelsom berff ormiad aeddfed gêm Bale a alwodd y chwaraewyr o Gymry yn eu plith. ”

“Eich gwasanaeth cyngor a gwybodaeth Student Advice cyfrinachol ac annibynnol” Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr

Materion Defnyddwyr Materion academaidd ariannol A mwy… Tai Cyflogaeth

DEWCH I’N GWELD 3ydd llawr Undeb y Myfyrwyr, Plas y Parc 029 2078 1410 [email protected] cardiffstudents.com/advice Member

CYNGOR • GWYBODAETH • CEFNOGAETH • CYFRINACHOL • ANNIBYNNOL tweet us @HeathparkCSU PARK LIFE email us [email protected]

Pictured: Clare Blakeway, A note from Claire VP Heath Park ell it is fair to say that it As you can imagine, this went down Claire has been a hectic few a treat with students and the dough- Blakeway weeks. e madness of nuts soon ran out. e fair was a WFreshers has ended and the autumn great success, as 167 Heath students term is now in full swing. I hope that took part. is is a huge Heath Park all Heath students enjoyed the Fresh- engagement boost for the Students’ ers period and are settling well into Union. Following this success, we’re their fi rst few weeks of lectures and now looking to run events of this na- placement. ture on a termly basis. So keep your Two weeks ago, the Students’ eyes peeled for the next time we give Union held its fi rst ever service fair out Krispy Kreme doughnuts! on the Heath Park Campus. is As part of Mind Your Head Week, event involved fi fteen services from a Meditation evening was held on the Students’ Union having indi- ursday the 9th of October in the vidual stalls in the IV Lounge; each IV Lounge. e evening aimed to service had to create a game that in- help students fi nd ways to relax and formed students about their specifi c cope with stress or problems that service. Students were encouraged to they may be facing. e evening at- participate with at least three games tracted over 25 students, and was from three diff erent stall in order to enjoyed by all. claim a free Krispy Kreme doughnut! Have a great fortnight! NurseSoc social raises funds for suicide awareness urseSoc held their first friends of those affected. Sui- Tim Nagle social of the year with a cide is the leading cause of death Pictured: theme of ‘When I was 3 amongst young people and many Various Society IN wanted to be…’ (no dressing up of these deaths can be prevented stalls at the as nurses allowed for professional by appropriate interventions. Heath Freshers’ reasons!). As with all good socials Last year NurseSoc raised over Fair held at the start of the year the £1000 for their three chosen aim was to allow students to meet charities and hopes to surpass new people, catch up with friends that total this year by holding a after the summer, have fun and, range of social and fundraising most importantly, raise some events. The first social raised funds for worthy causes. £107.20, an impressive start to This year the society’s charity the year. For details of the next of choice is Papyrus, a foundation socials you can follow NurseSoc helping young people who may on Twitter or Facebook. If you have suicidal thoughts and their have any ideas of ways to raise families. They work to reduce the money or would like to get in- number of young people who lose volved with the society please their life to suicide each year as contact a member of the com- well as support the families and mittee.

Meet Vidya: your Students With Disabilities officer ome to meet Vidya, your you to raise issues which may Vidya Brainerd Students With Disabili- be affecting you that you would ties officer. like to see changed. Vidya will be CVidya represents all students able to direct you to any other with disabilities within the stu- university or student union ser- dents union and lobbies the uni- vices which may be able to sup- versity to make the changes you port you. need, enabling you to complete If you are unable to attend a your studies. drop in session then you can Vidya holds weekly drop in contact Vidya by email on dis- sessions in the office opposite [email protected] the HCARE common room each or contact her via Facebook: Wednesday between 1-3pm. https://www.facebook.com/ These are confidential and allow SWDofficerCSU.

[email protected] HEATH PARK 29

Shocking abuse of patients revealed in North Wales hospital Students must not stand by - we have to speak out against abuse

t is really sad to read about yet more 2012 when there are over 270,000 regis- did we do it that way?’, ‘Why didn’t we do ing to question the practice of those who Tim Nagle shocking abuse allegedly carried out tered doctors. Abuse is hidden and not that?’, ‘I thought we should have done…’ we rely on to sign documentation to say by healthcare professionals against easily spoken about but these numbers are all questions we can ask of staff under we are competent. It is frightening, but “Let us all Ithe most vulnerable in society. It is equal- tell us that the overwhelming majority the auspices of seeking to further our own we must do it if we are concerned be- ly distressing to read that this abuse was of care professionals are compassionate, knowledge and understanding. At diff er- cause it is easy to become accepting of a be part of a ignored and covered up by those in po- caring, honest and kind; they would nev- ent stages in our training we will have standard which is not what it should be. generation sitions to do something about it. Abuse er knowingly harm a patient. very diff erent levels of knowledge and, If you are concerned about something of any kind is devastating to the victims Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, like a patient trusts their carer, we trust which you see while on placement follow of caregivers but, following the recent revelations from dentists and any other care professional our mentors but we must always be aware your schools procedures for raising con- that does not Ysbyty Glan Clwyd; the Trusted to Care are in a position of trust. Any person who that we will often not be aware of what cerns, speak with your mentor or your Report following care failings in the Prin- comes into contact with us is vulnerable we do not know, as Donald Rumsfeld said personal tutor. ere is lots of support tolerate any cess of Wales hospital; fi ndings by Rob- by the very fact that they are unwell or once ‘ ere are unknown unknowns… from the university, the Students’ Union abuse. ert Francis QC following the Mid-Staff s are approaching us for some kind of treat- there are things we don’t know we don’t and any professional union you may be inquiry, as well as broadcast investiga- ment. As professionals, we have skills and know’. If we are asked to do something, a member of. Lt. Gen. David Morrison, tions into abuse at places such as Win- knowledge that our patients and their or witness something on placement that on abuses carried out by the Australian terbourne View, we must remember that relatives do not; people do not know if makes us wonder ‘is this right?’ then we Army said that ‘the standard you walk ” this level of care is not the norm. we are giving the right advice or follow- must ask a question. We must not be past is the standard you accept’. Do not e most recent fi gures from the ing correct processes when administering afraid to look stupid, or be wrong as we walk past care which you think is not Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) care. cannot defend ourselves by stating ‘I did correct, do not let something remain an show that only 0.2% of registrants were As students we are in a privileged posi- not know it was wrong’. ‘unknown unknown’, ask the question, sanctioned following an investigation, the tion. We get to work in a wide range of I am sure that every single student raise the standard and let us all be part of General Medical Council (GMC) held clinical areas and question everything studying at Heath Park is aware of what is a generation of caregivers that does not only 208 fi tness to practice hearings in that we see. ‘Why did we do this?’, ‘Why right and what is wrong but it is frighten- tolerate any abuse.

Heath Park student success at by-elections Are students at Heath Park becoming more engaged with the Students Union?

wo weeks ago we saw the Stu- from 2013 show Heath Park students to ing. Lack of awareness correlates with dents on placement being a prominent Gemma dents’ Union by-elections, with be signifi cantly less satisfi ed than their dissatisfaction; the point of increasing complaint, so it is obvious there is still Wheeler a number of positions up for colleagues closer to Main Building, with satisfaction is laboured by course lead- a long way to go in order to get more Tgrabs. ese by-elections had a record Cathays students giving the Students’ ers around the time of the NSS deadline students engaging with activities across “The healthcare number of Heath Park Students run- Union an average satisfaction score of and references are made about moving the board. e role of VP Heath Campus professionals ning, and winning, with at least 2 Heath 84% in comparison to 69% for schools up league tables, but there is a bigger this year is to fi ght for the right resourc- Park students running for each position. based at the Heath. ese results im- picture where an increase in satisfaction es and to create positive attitudes so that of tomorrow Successes and disappointments oc- proved for 2014, with an increase to is worth a lot more than that. every student at the Heath will be able are engaging curred across the board as results were 86.4% and 77.1% respectively. e more extra-curricular opportuni- to access the opportunities more readily announced, but there is argument that Increases in satisfaction and increas- ties students engage with whilst at uni- available in Cathays. and developing the biggest success of these by-elections es in candidates running in elections versity, the more they learn outside of Regardless of the success of the Heath themselves is that there is evidence of a changing at- certainly paints a positive picture; it the course and the more skills they are Park candidates who ran in elections personally titude of Heath Park students. is unlikely to be a coincidence that the able to develop as a person. is skills (although obviously, well done!) the fact Recent times have seen the Stu- schools where more students are typi- development is highly relevant for the that more students are putting them- dents’ Union struggle to engage with cally more engaging with the Students’ doctors, dentists and allied health pro- selves forward and engaging with the the 6,000+ students based at the Heath, Union are experiencing increased levels fessionals of tomorrow. Not just because opportunities on off er through the Stu- a struggle in which they are not alone. of satisfaction with the services that are we live in a more competitive world, but dents’ Union is positive. It shows that ” University Services also report a lack on off er. Hypothetically speaking, this to make them a better practitioner. the healthcare professionals of tomor- of engagement with the elusive medical theory could be applied across the board e reasons behind lack of engage- row are engaging and developing them- and healthcare campus. National Stu- to all types of services, from Careers ment are more far stretching than just selves personally, which can only make dent Satisfaction (NSS) Survey results and Employability to Student Wellbe- awareness, with lack of access for stu- them better clinicians in the long run. Cardiff Students'Union Proudly Presents

Your ticket to something new Travel the UK, try a language, be creative, learn new stuff, test your sporting skills, have lots of fun and much more! #IGaveItAGo Check out the full programme and sign up at cardiffstudents.com/giveitago

GiveItAGoCSU GiveItAGoCSU DOMINOS.CO.UK WHO’S COOKING UDEN TONIGHT? ST T S E RVICE

2 MEDIUM PIZZAS + POTATO WEDGES + GARLIC PIZZA BREAD + 1.25L BOTTLE OF COKE * .99

£19UPGRADE TO LARGE FOR £3 EXTRA COLLECTION OR DELIVERY

/dominos.cardiff @CardiffDP Call dominos.co.uk Pop in Tap the app

* Includes create your own up to 4 toppings. Premium crusts, bases and additional toppings will be charged as extra. Upgrade to large for £3 extra. Offer can not be used with any other offer or promotion. Valid at Cardiff Bay, Canton, Cathays, Maes-y-Coed, Pentwyn, Llantrisant and Rumney Hill stores only. Suject to availability. Collection or delivery – delivery areas and minimum delivery spends may apply. Offer must be used at the time of ordering to apply and canot be used retrospectively. Offer can be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. Conditions apply see Competitions and Offers at Boring Legal Stuff at dominos.co.uk for full details.

S025481-1 267x338mm Student Adverts - 10 Kinds.indd 1 16/10/2014 08:58 tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport The price of sport in Cardiff Following the the BBC’s Price of Football survey, Gair Rhydd Sport looks at the cost of supporting the capital’s two major sports clubs: Cardiff Blues and Cardiff City

ith the price of foot- he price of football has Joe Atkinson ball continuing on risen exponentially over Rory Benson its upward trajectory ADULT the last century, taking with little sign of a ADULT football from the working plateau, it is no surprise that some class game to a sport for the rich and Wfans are seeking a cheaper alternative famous.T to get their sporting fi x. SENIOR SENIOR e lowest fare an adult can pay e capital’s major rugby club, for a ticket to watch Cardiff City, Cardiff Blues, off er adult tickets for who are currently in the second tier as low as £13 to competitive match- of English football, is £18. Although es, with a cap of £23 for the best seats JUNIOR 16-21 this seems reasonable, paying the in the house at ‘category A’ ranked lowest fee relegates the fan to the games being very much aff ordable worst seats in the stadium. for those looking for an alternative In order to watch the football from to pricey tickets at the Cardiff City STUDENT U-16 the best view possible, an adult must Stadium. fork out £40 to the box offi ce, which Season tickets at the Arms Park puts many supporters off making the peak at £250 and can be purchased trip to the Cardiff City Stadium. for as little as £185, giving much bet- Season tickets are also expensive, ter value for money than Cardiff City MOST EXPENSIVE MOST EXPENSIVE with the top-of-the-range ticket be- season tickets – the most expensive TICKETS (IN £) TICKETS (IN £) ing sold at £689. ere are cheaper Blues season tickets work out as half options, with the least expensive sea- the price of equivalent Cardiff City son ticket only costing the fan a mere tickets in terms of price per game. ADULT ADULT £439, or £15 per game. A season ticket at Cardiff Blues Compared to the Blues’ array of includes entry to all PRO12 matches, fi xtures, spread between league and all European Challenge Cup pool cup matches, Cardiff City are only “The most matches, and all Anglo-Welsh Cup SENIOR SENIOR guaranteed 23 Football League home “ pool matches. In addition season matches, even though fans can pay Cardiff City expensive ticket holders are given free entry up to £689 for a season. are only Blues season to all Blues friendly matches and all Although ticket prices may be matches of Cardiff RFC, a feeder JUNIOR 16-21 high at the Cardiff City Stadium, in guaranteed 23 tickets are club of the Blues. 2012 the club lowered the price of a Football League half the price On last week’s Price of Football draft beer to £3.50, a reasonable price matches a survey, Chief Executive of Regional STUDENT U-16 compared to the £4.30 that Arsenal of equivalent Rugby Wales, Mark Davies, said: fans pay at the Emirates Stadium. season, even Cardiff City “ e study released by the BBC high- Cardiff City shirts are also rela- though fans tickets in terms lights the gulf in pricing that exists tively cheap, with an adult paying for supporters to enjoy live profes- CHEAPEST TICKETS £38 for replica jersey, in comparison can pay up of price per sional club sport both here in Wales CHEAPEST TICKETS to the £56 required for the Blues’ and across the UK.” (IN £) (IN £) equivalent. to £689 for a game. “Regional rugby off ers great value Although City’s ticket fees aren’t season. for money for those wanting to en- extortionate, in comparison to the joy live sport considering the level at ADULT ADULT rest of the English leagues’ teams, which our professional teams com- comparing them to the prices Ger- pete both in Europe and the Guiness man football fans pay, makes them ” PRO12.” seem grossly overpriced. ” Davies also revealed that despite SENIOR SENIOR Borussia Dortmund fans, who recent doom mongering around the regularly see their team qualify for future of the Welsh club game, all European competitions, can go to a Regions had reported increases or game at the Westfalenstadion for as maintained sales of season tickets JUNIOR 16-21 cheap as £13, with the most expen- recorded last year. sive ticket being only £50. It’s not all penny-saving for Blues In addition, in 2013 Bayern Mu- followers though: a full kit comes in STUDENT U-16 nich fans could purchase a season at just under £100, and with three ticket for the Allianz Arena for just kits available, there are sure to be £104, compared to Cardiff City’s accusations that the club are taking £439. advantage of their loyal following. A English football could take a leaf jersey on its own costs £55.99, a sig- MAX SEASON TICKET MAX SEASON TICKET out of German football’s book and nifi cant outlay and close to £20 more PRICES (IN £) PRICES (IN £) bring the beautiful game back to the than a Cardiff City shirt. people.

t’s week three in the BUCS calendar Other highlights from last Wednesday will your team take them on for the title Bryn Griffiths and it’s full steam ahead in the Athletic include a crushing victory from medics this year? VP Sports & Union on all fronts! Team Cardiff as a ladies’ netball 2nds who travelled to Finally I am very proud to announce that AU President whole executed an exceptional start to Pontypridd, and probably made themselves this year will see the first ever Medics the season last week. unwelcome guests in the future, despatch- Varsity. The clash with Bristol medics will ISpecial mention has to go to our men’s ing a USW team 89-7. take place over the bridge at Coombe rugby clubs, both medics and university, Aside from BUCS, we’ve been planning Dingle on Sunday 23rd November and will who completed a clean sweep, winning all the annual dodgeball tournament that will include rugby, men’s and women’s hockey, five fixtures they played. There were also be held on the 6th November. It’s a rare netball and football. Get yourself over to flawless performances in a number of rack- chance to compete against other Team Bristol to support our medic’s sports teams et sports with men’s badminton and tennis Cardiff clubs, or put together a team from and be part of history when the first Medics Bryn’s Note 1st teams and women’s squash 1sts not your halls, house, course or society – Varsity shield is carried victoriously back to dropping a single match. lacrosse were crowned champions last year, Wales! SPORT 33

Sport’s Pitch: Morality in professional sport Amid speculation of Ched Evans’ return to professional football, Joe Atkinson takes a look at the duty professional sportsmen have to be role models for younger generations

ollowing the release from entry City in 2010 having served a case of footballers, on a weekly basis. Joe Atkinson prison of Wales internation- nine month sentence for sexual as- Most worrying is the potential ef- Pictured: al footballer Ched Evans last sault and actual bodily harm against fects on children, and the message Mike Tyson week, a number of questions a female student. that a sports person’s return to the (top right) have been raised around the issue of In 2007 Oldham Athletic signed competitive stage sends about com- Ched Evans Fhis potential reintegration into pro- Lee Hughes who had just fi nished mitting crimes; if Ched Evans, or (bottom left) fessional football. serving a four year jail term for any other disgraced competitor is to Evans, who was convicted of rape causing death by dangerous driv- seamlessly and immediately be rein- and was imprisoned in 2012, has ing. Goalkeeper Luke McCormick tegrated back into their profession, been strongly linked with a return served a similar sentence for the how will young supporters interpret to former club Sheffi eld United, same off ense in 2008 that involved the crimes that they commit? prompting the creation of a petition the deaths of two children - he was e concept of consequences for against the forward resuming his picked up two months following his your actions looms large in this de- £500,000 a year contract at the York- release by non-league Truro City bate; it is highly doubtful that a dis- shire club. and now plies his trade at Plymouth graced high-level member of staff So far that petition has received Argyle, the club he was playing for in any company would be allowed over 150,000 signatures from those prior to his conviction. to return to their previous role with can’t do anything.” dismayed that a man who has been One of the most talked-about as- such ease following a sexual assault Taylor also defended the astro- found guilty of a crime as serious as pects of Oscar Pistorius’s fi ve year or manslaughter conviction. It seems nomical wages that the Welsh for- rape could be set to take up such a conviction for the manslaughter of sports stars are held in a diff erent ward would undoubtedly pick up lucrative contract, and become a his girlfriend has been his potential regard in this light, and that should on signing a contract, saying: “If he role model for young supporters. return to athletics when he never be the case. earns money he’ll pay taxes. ose However arguing against the dis- becomes a free man - this But why is it the case? Why can taxes will go to help people who senting voices are those that believe is certainly a big issue at Mike Tyson walk back into his life- maybe can’t get a job.” that having served his time in the moment following style of fame and fortune when he It must be noted though that it prison, Evans should be al- some high-profi le cases. has taken so much away from his is the PFA’s duty as a trade union lowed to return to his Again outside of victim. Similarly, why should Ched to defend its clients, and Taylor has profession. In light of football, Mike Tyson Evans be welcomed back to Shef- declined to consider and explore the this debate, the ques- served three years of fi eld United when the woman he was privileged and public-facing role that tion needs to be asked a six-year rape con- convicted of raping is now living in sportspeople occupy in today’s soci- whether sport stars viction, but on his witness protection and has had her ety. should be put un- release in 1995 en- name revealed on Twitter a number If history has anything to say der greater scrutiny gaged in a number of times? about it, then Ched Evans will be- than “regular” mem- of comeback fi ghts It should be noted that Evans is come one of a long line of sports bers of the public who that earned him adamant of his innocence in the stars that have returned to their pro- commit similar crimes millions of dollars case and has lodged appeal in an at- fession following a stint in prison “It seems sports when they return to so- and cemented his tempt to clear his name. In addition, for a serious off ence. Having served ciety. rep- utation as one of the people will argue that having served his time, there is nothing in British stars are held e sport of football greatest boxers of the 20th his time, Evans should be allowed to law preventing the Wales striker re- in a different is no stranger to wel- century. resume his role in society without suming his career, but with a public coming back convict- Clearly then there is a restrictions. backlash brewing against his return, regard in this ed criminals; Marlon precedence for forgiveness in PFA Chairman Gordon Taylor perhaps the heightened reputations light, and that King, currently serv- sport, even for serious crimes. believes Evans should be allowed to that sportspeople enjoy in the mod- ing his third prison Should this be the case though? return to football, and expressed the ern day will end up coming back to should never be sentence for danger- Sportsmen and women are noto- previously explained argument: “I bite him. the case. ous driving, signed a riously well-payed and, more impor- didn’t know there was a law that said Tweet us @GairRhyddSport to one-year deal at Cov- tantly, are in the public eye - in the once you come out of prison you still have your say. ” Bath pull the plug on ladies’ rugby ast Wednesday, Cardiff’s stole the ball. More breaks by Beth and level the scores. Kelli-Jo Davies ladies rugby team travelled Stafford, Kelli-Jo Davies and Abbie After this, Cardiff continued to to Bath to take on their rivals Fleming kept putting Bath under apply pressure to the Bath lineout, in the BUCS Western 1A ever increasing pressure and finally and both Betsan Morris and Sian Division. breaking down their defence so that Hamer produced some cracking LThe first 20 minutes of play was the fly half could run through and breaks. Finally, Cardiff broke through all in Cardiff’s favour, as they kept score Cardiff’s second try of the Bath’s defence to score again and pushing Bath backwards with a few game. regain the lead at 15-10. great breaks by Jenny Benton. When Unfortunately, in the final 20 min- After this, Cardiff began to tire, put under pressure, Bath tended to utes of the first half Cardiff did start allowing for Bath to push forwards make errors and turn the ball over to to tire, allowing Bath to push them and break through the defence to Cardiff. This, combined with their back and make breaks. This meant score another try and the only con- “Despite their constant pushing forwards, led to that gaps appeared in the defence version of the game, bringing the the first try for Cardiff, scored by and Bath took the opportunity to final score to 17-15 in the home narrow loss, the Anna White, but there was no con- grab back a try, and halve their defi- side’s favour. ladies enjoyed version and the score remained 5-0. cit to 10-5. Cardiff narrowly missed out on Cardiff continued to press for- Once the second half had kicked scoring one more try in the final the close game, wards once the game got started off, Cardiff got straight back into minute, as Abbie Fleming managed in which they again, putting Bath under even more their habit of putting Bath on the to break away at the halfway line, pressure. Often Bath would lose back foot, although their task proved only to get tackled right by the try ladies enjoyed the close game, in played well. their own lineouts as Cardiff’s sec- harder this time around, as Bath line and get penalised for holding which they played well and they will ond row Lauren Cooper constantly managed to score a second try in the onto the ball. undoubtedly take a lot of confidence interrupted them and once or twice first 10 minutes of the second half Despite their narrow loss, the from this encounter. ” tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport Pictured: e Maths F.C. of the Premier Team Talk: League Maths F.C. Maths F.C. captain Ben Morgan talks Saints and socials

aths FC endured a dif- players used to play for them so there Jamie Smith ficult season in the bot- is a bit of rivalry to look forward to. tom division last year despite producing If you had to compare the Maths some impressive performances. team to their Premier League MCaptain Ben Morgan, an avid sup- equivalent, what team would it be porter of Southampton, is hoping his and why? side can overcome last year’s disap- Definitely Southampton. Firstly, pointments and qualify to play in the because they are the best team in the top divisions after Christmas. Premier League! We have also had a number of new faces over the sum- How did the Maths team perform mer whilst other players have left. last year? And we have a new captain so we’re We were really unlucky last season. just like Southampton. Another rea- We played really well at times but we son is that it will annoy my teammate were a completely new team so it Ali because he’s a Portsmouth fan. took a long time for the players to gel. Now, the team has established a What has been your highlight in strong bond so we are really hopeful IMG football? of improving and having a much It has to be getting to know my more successful season this time course mates. IMG football has been around. a really good opportunity to bond with the players. Obviously we all What responsibilities do you have have something in common in that as captain? we study maths so it’s good to make I have a number of responsibilities as friends and it has certainly been ben- captain. I have to organise training eficial as a social activity. and the kits for the team. I’m also involved in the administration Describe your best goal in IMG aspects of the club, which includes football. securing a sponsor for the team. I Well, I didn’t score against the lectur- speak to the other captains in terms ers, which was slightly annoying. But Ali, well, I can’t say much more about Finally, how do you think “We are really of organising the matches and, of my best goal came in a friendly. I did Ali! Southampton will get on this sea- course, I am responsible for selecting a little sidestep and then managed to son? hopeful of the team. do a finesse shot that went past the Who is the most memorable char- A lot of people have said Europe. improving and goalkeeper. I’d certainly call it a FIFA acter at socials? Some have gone as far as saying top Which teams will you be playing goal. Matt, or ‘Thumper’ as he is known, four but that is more of a long-term having a much against in your group this year? has to be the most interesting char- ambition. It would be good to try and more succesful In our group, we have one of the Who is the worst dressed player in acter. He has been to two training get 6th place and maybe the FA Cup engineering teams. I think we also your team? sessions in one year. To be fair, he as well. The team had a really difficult season this play Eurex, which is accountancy, Tom can be an interesting character splits it up. He went to one before summer but the new squad has gelled time around and Borussia Teeth. I’m quite sure as he has a wide range of football kits Christmas and to one after really well and really quickly. I think it that they’re dentistry! We also have for lots of different teams. Christmas. However, he has been to would be good if we can show that Comp-Sci. They should be interest- Connor is always wearing a Celtic every social that we’ve had so he you don’t have to spend a lot of ” ing opponents because a few of our top so that’s really disappointing and makes up for it. money to compete at a high level.

Mark Hammett has gone on record in caps between them, the Blues’ first choice The Blues may be competing in Europe’s Steffan stating how painful he has made the first front five have failed to give the Welsh second tier Challenge Cup, but it pro- Thomas two months of his tenure for his players. region a platform so far this season. vided an opportunity for the home side to Pictured: As this column has previously stated the The scrum and the lineout have also wipe the slate clean, and to try plays that Mark Hammett straight-talking Kiwi is big on culture, been suspect, which has more than likely they would not normally attempt in the and where certain players have failed to contributed towards the omission of high pressured environment of the live up to his standards they have been scrummaging legend Adam Jones from Guinness Pro 12. axed. the Welsh squad for this autumn’s inter- With the pressure on Hammett’s side In the past fortnight the former nationals. being temporarily lifted, the Blues pro- Hurricanes coach has deemed two sum- Hammett was always going to need a duced their most rounded performance mer signings in former Bristol winger couple of seasons to turn around the of the season, to comprehensively see off George Watkins and the thought-to-be fortunes of an ailing Blues squad, but Bernard Jackman’s side 37-14, which promising number eight Ieuan Jones, as worryingly there have been very little showcased what Hammett wants his side well as hooker Mark Breeze surplus to signs of improvement in the opening six to develop into. requirement at the Arms Park. games of the season, with the Welsh The challenge facing the Welsh region This comes off the back of a horrid Region already facing an uphill task to over the coming weeks will be to take opening period of the season which has qualify for next seasons Rugby their European form into the Pro 12, resulted in the Blues winning just once Champions Cup. where they will perhaps be a little strong- from their first six Guinness Pro 12 There was however improvements to er than other sides in November having encounters. be seen when the Blues welcomed French provided only four players to Warren Despite possessing 289 international Top 14 outfit Grenoble to the Arms Park. Gatland’s autumn squad. SPORT 35 Sport’s Spotlight: Badminton Club e may be one of the and women’s first teams play in the John O’Rourke biggest and most suc- premier division and our men’s sec- Pictured: cessful sports clubs at onds, having been promoted last sea- Cardiff Univer- Cardiff University, but son, are now in the first division. The sity Badminton Cardiff University Badminton is not first teams also compete (and win) at in action at Wjust about BUCS. With hundreds of Varsity every year. Varsity members who join to play social bad- While badminton is a great sport minton every Sunday at Talybont to play casually, it is an even better Sports Centre, we are a club for eve- one to play competitively. Physically ryone. demanding, badminton requires a Most people have, at some point balance of agility and power which in their lives, played badminton. from top players results in shuttle Whether it be with family, friends or speeds in excess of 200mph. This, for at school, it is a sport that can be the record, is faster than either tennis played at low cost and with little or squash. equipment. The combination of the The image of competitive badmin- fast shuttlecock and the relatively ton has improved greatly in recent small court size means it’s fun to play years. Since being made an Olympic at any level. However very few peo- sport in 1992, it has become progres- ple will play consistently, and as a sively more popular. Many remem- club we are constantly looking to get ber Gail Emms and Nathan people back playing the sport. Robertson’s Olympic silver in Athens Membership is only £30 for the year 2004 and London 2012 brought or £4 for one session, and for that you renewed interest. However to many can come along on Sunday between badminton is still one of those sports 12 and 3.30pm and just play. No that comes on every four years and strings attached. then disappears. One of the best aspectss of the Unlike tennis, badminton enjoys club is that badminton is only one very little coverage in the UK despite part of it. We have tournaments, the huge number of people who play social leagues and for the first time it. The brand new National this year, an IMG football team. Badminton League is hoping to There is also the not so small matter change that a competitive league fea- of socials which regularly involve turing the UK’s top players live on Wednesday night adventures in the television. The aim is to generate Lash (or should I say YOLO…) but more interest in competitive bad- also involve more civilised trips out minton and to demonstrate what an for organised runs and to watch exciting sport it is. Combined with international tournaments. the fact that para-badminton will However, we’re definitely not just now be included in the Paralympics a social club. Badminton is one of the Games from 2020, it is hoped that most popular sports in BUCS and the badminton in the UK is on an upward Bristol, with two new freshers mak- Many freshers will arrive in Cardiff university attracts many talented trajectory. ing their debuts in the team. The looking to try a new sport or get back “Badminton is badminton players. The training As for Cardiff Badminton, 2014- men’s seconds, now in the tougher into an old one. Some may just want squad, which has high performance 15 looks like being another top sea- first division, were beaten 6-2 by a to meet new people. Some may just one of the most coaching sessions, consistently pro- son. We had literally hundreds of strong Bath thirds side. A better love badminton. The popularity of popular sports duces teams capable of competing at people turn up to our taster session result is expected against Exeter firsts the club, the variety on offer (sport- the highest level of BUCS. and turnout at social sessions since this week. The ladies were also beat- ing or otherwise) and the fact you get in BUCS Formed of three teams plus has been great. As for the squad en 6-2 by a strong Brighton team in a to play such an exciting sport makes reserves the squad has a great mix of teams, the mens firsts started the close game, but again plenty to build Cardiff University Badminton a great ” freshers and older years. Our men’s season with an 8-0 victory over on for the upcoming season. choice. In my last column, I called for that were missing so often under the industrial players have shone under appointment. He appears to have Dan Heard Russell Slade to ‘hit the ground run- reign of Ole Gunnar Soskjaer. the former Leyton Orient man, with picked a down to earth, hard-work- ning’ in his first game in charge of Cardiff looked like the home team, long-serving City players and natural ing manager who will strive to get Cardiff City and defeat then- which they rarely did under the leaders like David Marshall and Peter positive results – and play good, unbeaten Nottingham Norwegian, and played with a Whittingham looking twice as sharp flowing football in the process. I for Forest. Come full time confidence that can only as they have ever done. one will be interested to see were in that game, he come from having Perhaps Mr Tan has for once this new-look Cardiff side will go and his team had an understanding proved his doubters wrong in this from here. done just that, the of one another narrow 2-1 victory – and of who is Pictured: not reflecting the in charge. New Cardiff quality of the perfor- Slade has had boss Russell mance City produced very little time to work Slade (left); against the former with the group of highly and former league leaders. This talented but completely boss Ole Gun- form was continued into unconfident players dur- nar Solskjaer the outstanding come- ing the international break, with owner back 3-1 win against but has adopted a philoso- Vincent Tan Ipswich the following phy that is already starting Tuesday. to pay off. It is his way or For the first time this the highway. Players can season, in fact for the either commit themselves to first time since the start performing week in-week of last season, City played out – or face being dropped, with what appeared to be or worse excluded from the unity, dedication and a real squad. determination – all things Already, the more tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport

Football fans fouled by farcical fees Cardiff City supporters pay much more for tickets than their Blues counterparts, despite football’s background as the ‘working class game’

n the back of the BBC’s Price they are £15 for Cardiff Devils Ice ed the cost of living in the UK. end of this season. David Hooson of Football investigation, Hockey Club. Season ticket prices back this up City fans may find solace in the Continued on Gair Rhydd Sport has taken Tickets for T20 matches at further; Cardiff City charge up to astronomic prices that other football page 32 Oa look at the price of sport in Cardiff. Glamorgan County Cricket Club £689, with the Blues’ most expensive club’s charge their fans; Arsenal for Prices of match-day and season also cost £15, and fans are expected equivalent costing just £250. In addi- example have match-day tickets tickets were sourced from five of the to pay £10 for entry to Celtic Dragons tion season tickets to the Cardiff costing up to £97 and their most city’s top-class sports clubs to deter- Netball Club games. Devils are £445 and those to Celtic expensive season ticket comes in at mine whether Cardiff’s sport fans These ticket prices provide fur- Dragons are £55. an eye-watering £2,013, while their are getting a raw deal. ther evidence that the price of foot- With Cardiff City’s 5 year season cheapest comes in at £1,014, nearly Cardiff City Football Club charge bal is getting out of control; the ticket price freeze plan for existing triple the price of City’s cheapest. up to £40 to attend a league game. In BBC’s survey concluded that the season ticket holders coming to an Find an in-depth comparison of comparison Cardiff Blues Rugby price of regularly supporting a end in 2015, supporters face yet the cost of supporting Cardiff City Club tickets cost up to £23, while English league club has now exceed- another steep price hike come the and Cardiff Blues on page 28.

Should athletes be held to a higher Blues column: How much progress Sport’s Spotlight: Badminton Club moral standard? << P33 has been made this season? << P34 << P35