gairMonday December 2nd 2013 | freewordrhydd | Issue 1017

Christian Union page 2 Carol Concert page 19

Iran agrees nuclear deal page 12

University Challenge team selected page 5

Government privatises

£900m of student debt Scientists closer to male-free reproduction to generate a lump sum for by the government is seen to is incredibly problematic. page 15 Ashley Bebbington the government, which many be unfair on the taxpayer; ad- “The impact of this sale News Editor commentators have labeled as ditionally it could result in won’t only affect borrow- a shortsighted approach. greater debt for graduates, and ers, but will affect everybody. Last week the government The government’s plan to force harsher penalties upon The simple fact is that hav- made a move towards the privatise student loan debt is those who can’t pay. ing these loans on the public privatization of student loans a move that has been widely Toni Pearce, President of books would be better off for by selling £900 million of stu- criticised by student bodies the National Union of Stu- the Government in the long dent debt to debt management and organisations across the dents (NUS) said: “This an- run. Selling off the loan book consortium Erudio Student country, and is part of a wider nouncement is extremely at a discount to secure a cash Loans for £160m. The sale of plan to sell off £15bn of pub- concerning and is one that lump sum now doesn’t make 250,000 loans, taken out by lic assets to the private sector. will see the public subsidising economic sense.” Iran nuclear talks commence students who began courses The sale has proven unpopular a private company making a between 1990-98, is intended because the low sum accepted profi t from public debt, which Continued on page 3 >> page 14 2 A note from the editor

EDITOR Tom Eden hat a hectic nations opened on Friday, so if diffunion.tv) if you missed it. CO-ORDINATOR couple of you fancy my job, or any of the Anyway, the superb cover- Elaine Morgan weeks. other six roles, then please get in age is only part of the reason I The na- touch. I couldn’t recommend it bring it up. Motion Six and the SUB EDITOR tional me- highly enough. subsequent amendment would Jacob Dirnhuber dia, from I couldn’t be prouder of the have had a massive impact upon WThe Telegraph to The Mirror, all Student Media team. Forgive the Student Media in years to come. NEWS picked up the front page story we self indulgence, but you had a It was passionately debated, Ashley Bebbington ran about the Football Club’s in- week off last week, when there solely because there are so Max Eshraghi famous presentation. Since I last was no editor’s note, largely due many people who care so Georgia Hamer wrote one of these, I’ve had the to the exhaustion from AMM & much about it. However, Rowan Whittington privilege of going to the MIND then an all night edit-a-thon (like in the short term, discuss- Media Awards, with Mike – the a marathon, but with fewer blis- ing the future direction in OPINION editor of Quench – where he was ters.) such a public forum could TOM EDEN Jacob Dirnhuber nominated for Student Journal- Ideally I would have sung their have had been divisive and Gareth Evans ist of the year. I popped along to praises last week, but now that damaging, but, thankfully, Beth Lyons a few of the Christian Union’s the dust has settled following this hasn’t happened. EDITOR Convinced? talks, have begun AMM I have had the chance to Anyway, I hope you enjoy COLUMNISTS planning Drink The Bar Dry (I watch, listen and read what the this week’s paper and if you Jess McFarlane can’t wait), and most excitingly, various platforms did. CUTV and have any feedback, please tweet Charlotte Wace had lots of talks with people Xpress were exceptional in their me @MediaCSU, or pop up to the who might be running to become coverage of the event –videos are Media Offi ce on the third fl oor of POLITICS elected offi cers next year. Nomi- up on CUTV’s website (www.car- the Union. Matt Harding Greg Landon

SCIENCE Scott Davies David Mason POLITICS PARK LIFE SPORT George Osborne targets short Vidya Brainerd Cardiff defeated by Hartpury at term loan interest rates the Arms Park. TAF-OD Anna George Cerith Rhys Jones

SPORT Rory Benson David Hooson PAGE 13 Ross Martinovic PAGE 29 Arthur Russell

CONTRIBUTORS Katie Evans SPORT SOCIETIES Kieran Davey An in depth look at the issue of A look ahead at Act One’s panto Sum Sze Tam mental health in both profes- - Snow White and the Seven Helena Branch sional and university sport. Dwarves Rhiannan Tapp Lauren Cocking Charley Griffi ths Olivier van den Bent-Kelly Hannah Taylor Ben Cole Isaac Spencer Katie Sands Joe Paley Rebecca Smith PAGE 31 PAGE 17 Harry Thompson Kirsty Frankilin Michael Arnott Thomas Bamford Sophie Howells SPORT OPINION SCIENCE Scott Davies Jack Di Franceso Taliesin Coombes In this week’s Team Talk, Vox Pop as people (mostly Cardiff ’s CCI Leads catalysis Rhys Johns Sport Editor David Hooson those in the Taf) about their doctoral training Hayley Robson talks to JOMEC FC Captain housing horros. Stacey Baldwin Eliza Nicholas Liam McNeilly Tom Johnson Dave Riley Ellie van Klaveren Abigail Smyth Steffan Thomas Sophie Banks James Wilcox PAGE 30 PAGE 11 PAGE 15 Joe Atkinson Paul Davies Dom Booth Lillith Hickling Bryony Humphries Sally Stockman GAIR RHYDD AND QUENCH MAGAZINE ARE PUBLISHED BY UNIVERSITY UNION CARDIFF, PARK PLACE, Anna Athanasiodis CARDIFF CF10 3QN • REGISTERED AS A NEWSPAPER AT THE POST OFFICE • GAIR RHYDD RESERVES THE Virginia Bonet RIGHT TO EDIT ALL CONTRIBUTIONS • THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE Charli Babb PUBLISHERS • GAIR RHYDD IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED, TYPESET AND OUTPUT BY STUDENTS OF CARDIFF A PROUD PART OF UNIVERSITY AND THEY ARE HELPED THROUGH DEADLINE NIGHT BY DOMINO’S, WHO KINDLY CARDIFF STUDENT MEDIA PROVIDE THE TEAM WITH PIZZA SO THAT THEY DON’T GO HUNGRY WHILE MAKING THIS PAPER. Monday December 2nd 2013 | @mediacsu NEWS 3

UK Government privatises student debt

<< Continued from page 1 to £10 billion of student debts could makes economic sense. student loan debt stands at £46bn tiny on student loan repayments. be sold to private companies by “NUS sought and received as- and is expected to rise to £200bn in The current rules of repayment 2020 – 25% of all outstanding stu- surances from David Willetts that the next 30 years. mean that 50% of current borrow- Universities Minister, David Wil- dent loan debt. the terms and conditions on the The National Audit Offi ce, a gov- ers are not expected to be able to lets, said that the sale “represents The current system is designed student loans will not be changed, ernment-spending watchdog, says repay their debts. good value for money” and has al- to help graduates in unfortunate but we want to see all students pro- that there needs to be tighter scru- lowed the reduction of the public fi nancial circumstances; currently tected on this by law.” sector’s debt by £160m. He went on payment can be deferred if their The Student Assembly Against to say the sale would help the Stu- income is below 85 per cent of the Austerity, an activist group that op- dent Loans Company to focus on national average earnings, which poses cuts to higher education and providing loans to current borrow- currently stand at £28,775. It is vehemently opposes the sale of the ers, as well as collecting the debts feared that private loan companies loan book, has organised a nation- from more recent loans. will be much tougher on borrow- wide ‘week of action’ in February The handing over of student ers, and force them to pay up in next year to persuade the govern- debt to private debt collection com- spite of their circumstances. ment against further action. The panies could potentially leave stu- An online petition warning that SAAA’s suggestions for the week of dents who graduated before David the plans could “saddle many UK action include targeting local MPs’ Cameron’s government tripled tu- graduates with loans they would surgeries as locations for protest, ition fees with more debt than they be unable to pay during their work- and utilising creative methods of would have otherwise. If the cap ing lives” has attracted more than raising awareness. on student debt interest were left 15,000 signatures in opposition Erudio Student Loans won the as it is, private companies would of the scheme. However, Mr Wil- bid to buy the remaining 17% fi nd it diffi cult to profi t from the lets was keen to stress that “bor- of outstanding debt from 1990- venture, making retroactive price rowers will remain protected and 98 – valued by the government at hikes in student debt a troubling there will be no change to their £160m. Erudio’s bid was fi nancially possibility. terms and conditions, including backed by CarVal Investors, Arrow Danny Alexander, Chief Se- the calculation of interest rates for Global, and others, who subsidised crettary to the Treasury, said in loans.” This has been reiterated by the cost of the bid. a statement to Parliament this Business Secretary Vince Cable. The sale of the student debt has June that the government plans to Stephanie Lloyd, President of sparked a wider debate amongst sell £15bn of public assets by 2020, NUS Wales said “The simple fact is MPs, who are concerned that the £10bn of which coming from “cor- that having these loans on the pub- government is not doing enough porate and fi nancial assets like the lic books would be better off for the to recuperate money loaned out to student loan book.” Therefore up Government in the long-run and students. The current amount of Vice-Chancellor University details plans appointed to for a greener Cardiff South East Wales mitments to environmental aware- versity has made great progress by Katie Evans ness. way of environmentally-friendly City Region Board News Writer Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Profes- management; its efforts rewarded sor Elizabeth Treasure, who over- by becoming an accredited member The aim of the board is to re- saw the creation of the policy com- of the International Environmental Kieran Davey move boundaries between council Cardiff University’s on-going efforts mented: “This is an exciting step Management Standard. News Writer areas and encourage collective towards responsible social and envi- forwards in demonstrating how In its continued attempts to posi- thinking for strategic economic de- ronmental development have re- important the university takes its tively impact the environment, the Cardiff University Vice-Chancel- velopment, following advice from ceived a boost following the unveil- responsibility to the wider society. University and NUS run numerous lor, Professor Colin Riordan, has an independent panel which found ing of a new sustainability policy. “Cardiff is committed to making initiatives to reduce energy waste, been appointed to a new board that the councils make up a large Launched earlier this month dur- a signifi cant and sustainable con- such as the Switch Off campaign run which aims to drive economic com- proportion of the UK’s economic ing the annual Sustainability Week, tribution to health, economy, educa- throughout residences and Snap It petitiveness in South East Wales. output. The Corporate Social Responsibility tion and culture locally, nationally Off, an interactive project that en- Professor Riordan will act as a Professor Riordan said that the Policy details the University’s cur- and internationally.” courages students to report unneces- Vice-Chair on the new South East move will “give us the opportunity rent and future com- Amongst the Deputy Vice-Chan- sary lighting. Wales City Region Board, and will to create a dedicated vehicle to cellor’s wider community promises, The University also implements play a crucial role in providing spearhead the economic renewal of the policy pledges a commitment the NUS-led Green Impact scheme, knowledge and leadership, as well a region that needs to catch up with to ethical banking and an initiative that invites staff and as boosting investment for local the more economically successful investment, the imple- students to contribute to the Univer- businesses in the City Region. The regions in the European Union.” mentation of a carbon sity’s efforts in reducing its carbon board will be chaired by Roger Mr Lewis welcomed the move, management plan, a re- footprint. Lewis, Group Chief Executive of saying that “The calibre of indi- duction in landfi ll waste As an extension, the University the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), viduals who have also accepted the and continued sup- has launched its own Green Impact and will be supported by Cardiff opportunity to serve on this Board port to local and Awards. With the awards’ debut Council’s Cabinet Member for Fi- is an excellent indication of the Fairtrade produce. next year, the University is encour- nancial and Economic Develop- shared consensus, commitment, Concerning the aging staff and students to submit ment, Councillor Russell Goodway, and enthusiasm that the City Re- University’s imme- entries of energy-saving ideas, the who will also take up a position as gion approach is already generat- diate management, best of which will be awarded with Vice Chair. Board members were ing in Wales.” the policy also details a £100 prize as well as possible imple- announced by the Minister for The board will meet for the fi rst an annual revision of en- mentation throughout the Univer- Economy, Science and Transport, time next month, with early talks vironmental policies and sity. Edwina Hart, and have been select- expected to surround the proposed the promotion of sustain- Details on how to enter the Green ed from senior level executives in Metro integrated transport net- able transportation op- Impact Awards’ competition can be the private sector, as well as those work for South Wales, following tions for staff and students. found on the Cardiff University’s in higher education and from local the electrifi cation of the Valley and Over the past 12 months, the Uni- website. government. Vale of Glamorgan lines. 4 NEWS

Cardiff University student competes for the chance to hold a £30,000 party in Solus The fi nalists’ videos are now were a student, I thought it would Georgia Hamer available to view on the Red Bull be worth a shot… I thought about News Editor Nightmaster website, where the how you could transform a venue public are encouraged to vote for to make it look like somewhere or A Cardiff student has been short- their favourite. some-time completely unique. This listed in the fi nal 10 of Red Bull In White’s description of his combined with a journey through Nightmaster, a competition for stu- party on the competition website house, garage & dance music his- dents to create a club night which he states that he intends to create tory seemed appropriate, as there will be thrown at their university. the ultimate party by ‘creating a are landmark eras that can be eas- James White, a third year Com- journey though dance and house ily categorised.” puter Science student at Cardiff music history’, saying: ‘I aim to “Essentially I wrote up my entry University, is one of the 10 fi nalists make party-goers feel as if they are on one Sunday morning and sent it who hopes to run his event with the in a different location and time. Re- off, a few weeks later I got a phone prize budget of £30,000. creating the disco vibe from Studio call asking me a few more ques- Students from across the UK 54 in New York, to the acid house tions, and an invitation to the Red submitted their ideas for the ‘ulti- sounds of the rave era and memo- Bull HQ in London…we have been mate party’, which were reviewed ries of the UKG pirate radio scene trying to get the word out around by the Red Bull judging panel. The are just a few examples of destina- Cardiff, and everyone has been re- chosen 10 fi nalists were then invit- tions on the journey’. ally supportive of the idea. If you ed to the Red Bull headquarters in If his idea wins the public vote, haven’t voted yet then help me out London, an all expenses paid trip, White’s journey through dance by going to the Red Bull Nightmas- where they met Red Bull’s Student music history will come to life lat- ter website and voting for James Brand Manager, who is assigned er in the academic year in an event White.” to assist them through the compe- held in Solus. The winner will be announced tition. Each contestant was also James said: “I fi rst heard about shortly after voting closes on the provided with a budget to create the Red Bull Nightmaster event 4th December. a short promotional video to pro- through a friend… and after see- To vote, visit: http://nightmas- mote their idea for the party. ing that you could only apply if you ter.redbull.com/fi nalists University staff campaign for Living Wage

Campaign was launched by Citi- ary pension scheme, occupational wages are insuffi cient to cover Sum Sze Tam zens UK, an alliance of civil organ- sick pay when staff are sick.” their living costs and the money News Writer isations and citizens; their Welsh However, as cleaners are not em- owed. division Citizens Cymru Wales ployed directly by the university, Jonathan Cox, Lead Organiser Students and staff are campaign- are bringing Cardiff University’s they do not directly benefi t from at Citizens Cymru Wales, said of ing for Cardiff University’s clean- Living Wage campaign onto their the institution’s policy. the benefi ts of the Living Wage: ers’ wages to be raised from the agenda. Some cleaners have been told “The difference is between sur- National Minimum Wage to the The majority of the university’s that their wages will be increased viving, and living. That’s why it’s Living Wage. cleaners, some of whom have been to the Living Wage as of January called the Living Wage. This is The nationwide Living Wage working at the institution for over 2014, although neither the universi- what you need, as a human being, twenty years, are hired by external ty nor any of the contractors have to live with decency and dignity in contractors like Integrated Clean- confi rmed this. Britain, and also to be able to enjoy ing Management and Supacleen. The current National Minimum those things that make life worth The University currently does not Wage for adults is £6.31 per hour, living.” have a policy to pay contracted and the Living Wage as of 2013 is He also said that “We are keen staff the Living Wage. £7.65. It is calculated by Lough- for all organisations to consider A Cardiff University spokesman borough University every year ac- paying a living wage, and while we said: “The setting of a base living cording to the minimum amount understand that that is not neces- wage does not recognise the full of money required for a worker to sarily a swift or easy process for all breadth of employment benefi ts have a good quality of life, and to ‘‘ organisations, we would love to see enjoyed by staff. It only looks only raise their family. progress with universities.” at base pay and ignores other ben- Cleaners at the university do not A Cardiff University spokesman efi ts offered by employers, such as feel that the National Minimum said that the Living Wage might ap- enhanced paid holiday, a fi nal sal- Wage is proportional to the work pear to be affordable for employers they do. With the majority working now, but because it is set by social night shifts from 10PM until 6AM, consensus, it could lead to increas- the work is physically tiring, takes es employers are unable to afford place in unsociable hours without in the future. “An organisation can extra fi nancial compensation, and only remain signed up as a Liv- unrewarding. One cleaner, who ing Wage employer if it agrees to wished to remain anonymous to implement whatever rates that or- protect his job security, said: “It’s ganisation may decide to publish.” never-ending. You get no end re- The difference Following on from Living Wage sult... this is one of them thankless is between Week on November 4th, Citizens jobs.” surviving, and UK are organising an Annual Cel- For those who are completely living. That’s ebration and 2014 Planning Event free of debt, the National Minimum why it’s called on Wednesday December 4th, Wage allows cleaners to rent small the Living Wage. where cleaners will be giving per- studios, and live with constant sonal testimonies and the Living worries about their fi nancial cir- Jonathan Cox Wage campaign will be planned. cumstances with everyday matters Lead Organiser The event is open to anybody who like insurance and groceries. For at Citizen Cymru would like to get involved. those with pre-existing debt, their Wales Monday December 2nd 2013 NEWS 5

Cardiff’s University Challenge Team 2014: gair rhydd exclusive interview

Max Eshraghi News Editor

Cardiff ’s University Challenge Team 2014 was chosen this past week and gair rhydd offers an exclusive look at the four contes- tants. The fi rst rounds of testing com- menced on Friday 22nd Novem- ber for the initial eighteen appli- cants. After a written exam, that number was whittled down to a fi nal eight who were then invited back for a fi nal test in the style of the famous game show. From this mock University Challenge trial, those who answered the most cor- ‘‘ rect questions were selected onto the team. Representing the University next year are Callum Smith, Tim Lewis, Sean Cook, Geraint Thom- as and Henry Atkinson. Smith, a third year economics student, has been appointed team captain while Tim Lewis, a fourth year civil engineering student, serves as the team’s reserve. Cook, a sec- ond year biochemistry student, Thomas, a fourth year geologist and Henry make up the team that will be representing the univer- therefore this was his “fi rst time the pressure at present” before phasise that Manchester had sity for the fi rst time next year. applying.” “My Dad showed me Cook corrected him saying “there won both the 2012 and 2013 titles. Only Tim Lewis had had long the Tweet advertising the appli- is only pressure to get our own ‘UCL also have a very good team term ambitions to take part in Team Captain cation”, he admitted. subjects right!”. They agreed they and have a great history’, Lewis the prestigious show. He had ap- Callum Smith Team Captain Callum Smith have a good broad knowledge of added. ‘I have a mate in the Ab- plied for the team while a stu- stated he stated he applied “off the cuff… subjects, with Atkinson singled erdeen team… as long as we get dent at Imperial College, London which had obviously paid off.” out in particular for his arts and past them I’ll be happy’ quipped several years ago. “This is my applied “off the Thomas meanwhile had been literature knowledge. Thomas. third time trying… second time cuff…which had alerted by gair rhydd editor Tom The team noted that, beyond The team will be heading up at Cardiff” he said. Cook stated Eden’s post on Facebook, which Oxbridge, Manchester and Dur- late February to fi lm the show in he was not aware of the applica- obviously paid had advertised the applications. ham were competitors to watch London where they hope to “do tion dates in previous years and off ” Lewis said they are “feeling out for. They were quick to em- Cardiff proud.” Cardiff Un iversity allotment society turfed out

Helena Branch more unnecessary infrastructure News Writer will not benefi t the “outdated” look of the Union but a garden can add Plans to rennovate the front of the an appealing aesthetic. They also Students Union have received criti- point to concerns raised in the past cism from Cardiff University’ Al- about the health and safety prob- lotment Society. Members of the lems the current staircase poses society, which offers the chance for and suggest that an additional stair- student gardeners to grow fresh, case could increase the number of natural produce, oppose plans for incidents. the construction of a new staircase However, the society have been outside the Union. The plans have accused of making promises they been put forward by the univer- cannot keep. Their plans for a gar- sity’s operations board and have den would require them to main- been approved by many university tain a large allotment for an in- stakeholders. determinate amount of time. The However, the new infrastruc- Union has not expressed any inten- ture is to be built upon the spare tion of spending money on main- allotment currently undeveloped taining such a project, meaning the outside the Union. The society had onus falls solely upon the society to made plans to use this land to grow tend to the garden. their own plants and fl owers, creat- Plans for construction on the ing an attractive garden for the ex- staircase, however, have been an- terior of the building. nounced to begin in March, brought Society heads have criticised the forward from the fi ve or six years’ University’s plans, claiming that time previously insinuated. 6 NEWS Further strike action Cardiff University

Rhiannon Tapp 149 universities across the UK, and News Writer it is predicted that this month’s faces inspection strikes will be of a similar scale. University staff are set to strike This will include the cancellation, again on December 3rd following postponement or closure of most ing a student submission detailing heavily involved in such an impor- the failure to resolve an ongoing lectures, libraries and university Jacob Dirnhuber the student experience of different tant exercise.” pay row. services, with support services Sub Editor elements of university life. Over Reviews take place on a rolling The strike is in protest to the such as catering, cleaning and se- In April 2014 Cardiff University the next two weeks, sections of the programme and are carried out by one per cent pay rise offered to curity also affected. will undergo Institutional Review. Student Submission will be upload- a team of external peer reviewers. university staff this year. Uni- UCU’s Michael MacNeil said: This is a yearly review by the Qual- ed to the Students’ Union’s website First, the review team will anal- versity academics and staff have “Staff have suffered year-on-year ity Assurance Agency to make sure and all students are invited to com- yse information provided by both faced pay cuts of 13% since 2009 cuts in the value of their pay and that the academic rigour of Cardiff ment on its progress. Cardiff University and its stu- and employers have refused to have made it clear that enough is University degrees meets UK ex- The agency, in its mission state- dents, which will be followed by a improve upon the aforementioned enough.” The union members will pectations. To support this process ment, says that its function is to physical visit to the campus where increase. also continue to strike again if the Students’ Union has been writ- ‘safeguard quality and standards the staff and students will be in- The University and College employers don’t positively engage in UK universities and colleges’. spected. Union (UCU) said it was disap- with the unions on December 3rd. Ollie Wannell, VP Education, Every University is subjected pointed by employers’ inability During the last strike, many said that at the fi rst glance the In- to regular reviews in this manner to resolve this issue, following the students from across the country stitutional review “might not be in order to ensure the quality and recent strike on October 31st, and came out in support of the staff. the most immediately interesting enhancement of every student’s wishes to see more talks before There were more than 100 strikers topic,” it is nevertheless “impor- learning experience. the second strike. UCU head of at Cardiff, both staff and students, tant to ensure that the university’s The review will determine how bargaining, Michael MacNeil, amassing outside of the univer- quality assurance processes work confi dent the Government and the said, “we are naturally disap- sity’s main building and stopping [It is] a really and that it is keeping up stan- public can be that the standards pointed that the employers chose passers-by. dards.” that the University has previously not to improve the offer, but we University College London healthy way of “The students’ union plays a big set are being maintained. remain hopeful there can be talks Union have added that, “Strikes engaging in a part in the review and has been The last review, which took before the strike on Tuesday De- like these aim to shut down uni- dialogue about involved throughout the process place in 2008, concluded that ‘Con- cember 3rd.” versities as a last resort, to show quality with the and this a really healthy way of en- fi dence can be placed in the sound- The strikes include a walk out the senior managers that it is us - University gaging in a dialogue about quality ness of the institution’s current of all staff involved in four unions staff and students – who make the with the University.” and likely future management of – Universities and Colleges Em- university work, and that unless ‘Ollie‘ Wannell, “A successful review is essential the quality of its academic pro- ployers Association (UCEA), UCU, all of us are treated fairly, they for the University’s reputation and grammes and the academic stan- Unison and Unite. The demonstra- cannot rely on us to do so.” VP Education in turn existence. So, paperwork dards of its awards.” tions on the 31st October affected aside, it is quite exciting to be so DELIVERING UNTIL

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FOR & AGAINST Are student stereotypes justifi ed? but those that take it too far,put me notes written up and stuck to his Lauren Cocking off. wall, and History fl atmate frequent- Charley Griffi ths Opinion Writer I hated my time in halls. Talybont ly uses me as a printing service for was full of rubbish, seagulls and dis- Opinion Writer his work, when he isn’t making late To the average Joe, the student life- respectful louts. Living in student night trips to the ASSL library to do style is full of laziness, messiness and housing areas is not much better. When asked to think of a stereotype so. All of us are active members of disruptiveness. I hate to say it but Rubbish and takeaway wrappers are for a standard university student, societies ranging from dance, alter- outsiders are right. There are quite thrown carelessly onto pavements, it is very likely that you will imag- native music, hockey, rugby, photog- a few of us that don’t fall into these and scummy bug-infested mattresses ine a ‘sleep all day, party all night’ raphy and drama. I don’t think this distinctions but we have to put up line the streets of Cathays. Constant lifestyle full of drunken antics, one sounds lazy at all. with those that do just as much as the noise, rubbish everywhere, it must night stands and general debauch- Obviously, we do go out from locals. Students really are the worst be hell on earth for the residents, let Past the ery. While this may be mostly true time to time, we are not complete so- type of people when it comes to prov- alone the rest of the student popula- mountain of in Freshers Week, where I included cial rejects. Our fl at have had some ing people wrong. tion. adapted a nocturnal sleep pattern epic nights out and fl at parties etc, For a start, Cardiff is known for It is no surprise that some students clothes and and drunk for days straight, this is with incidents that are defi nitely its wild nightlife and this is what live like pigs. When we searched for empty alcohol defi nitely not applicable to the rest of not clean enough for this article. often attracts many students. Mon- a house in fi rst year, we saw some ‘bottles,‘ the year. In the fi rst week, Talybont But we don’t always rely on alcohol day through to Friday is when the truly disgusting places. Washing up you could was more like a holiday camp than a to provide our fun. We have curry locals know to stay away from the piled to the heavens, bathrooms left place of study. But once lectures and nights, movie nights, game nights, clubs. The weekdays are full of stu- in such a state they were creating see mould actual work went into the equation, to mention a few. Last Saturday dent aimed events advertising cheap, penicillin. In some bedrooms, once stretching things noticeably calmed down. It night involved me, my onesie, 3 boozy nights out. You wouldn’t think you get past the mountain of clothes from fl oor to was as shock to the system at fi rst. fellow students and an aggressive lectures and seminars existed. and empty alcohol bottles, you could ceiling. Getting up before midday? God, do I game of Monopoly. We simply don’t Whether you are living in halls of see mould stretching from fl oor to have to? But soon enough I am used have enough money to go out every residence or a student house, you are ceiling. That was a nightmare. I can- to rising from bed at 9 hangover free, night. (On the topic of money, with surrounded by other students and not for the life of me understand how and having a diet that isn’t made up £9000 a year tuition fees, it would be most likely to party. I am not a party anyone can live like that. It’s as if of cider and supernoodles. a waste to skip every lecture due to Grinch, but when you have 9am starts some are expecting their parents to Despite being a fresher, a suppos- a previously heavy night!) As for the most of the week, hearing loud obnox- magically appear and do everything edly ‘doss’ year, I have already found constant stream of sexual partners, ious music while you are trying to for them. myself submitting essays, reading STIs and one night stands stereo- sleep is not on. If it’s not shouting in The locals really suffer when it online journals and books I don’t un- type? Well, I am one of fi ve people in the street, it is random people knock- comes to living in student areas. derstand, and destroying my hand our friendship group with a partner, ing on your door because they have They may be used to the mayhem, but from frantic note-taking in two hour so I can confi rm this isn’t true. Even forgotten where they live. It is even they shouldn’t have to grin and bear lectures. Not to mention relying our single fl atmates have (sadly, in worse when you fi nd your housemate it. Living in a student warzone must solely on numerous cups of tea to get their view) not pulled on a night out, has brought a drunken person home be horrendous; music is played deaf- me through seminar prep work. As and more often than not aren’t even to sleep in your living room who has eningly loud throughout the evening, an English Language and Literature going out with that purpose, but in- puked all over your sofa. and you are woken up at ungodly student, I may have to read more stead just want a laugh with their It is not a surprise that students hours by drunken idiots who can’t than others (Great Expectations is mates. have a bad reputation when most even remember where they live. NOT a short book)and submit more The involvement of Facebook of them are too drunk to stand up Students have a bad reputation but essays, but this attitude defi nitely probably doesn’t help with the straight or get themselves home. never try to correct it. If anything, extends to other subjects. I rarely rowdy student stereotype. True, Some even push these boundaries by the majority of them reinforce the ill see my Medic fl atmate, who has 9-5 all my pictures involve drinking/ puking and peeing in the street, while feeling from locals. Being loud and everyday, gets home, studies, eats partying/people passed out in our some take to having sex in doorways. obnoxious without a care for anyone tea, and does all nighters to fi nish hallway. But you aren’t going to It’s disgusting when you are mind- else around them appears to be the writing up her lectures and complet- take pictures in the library or lec- ing your own business, walking to norm for most. We have the opportu- ing online tutorials; the same can be ture are you? I certainly don’t want lectures, and you have to play dodge nity to change these views but resign We don’t applied to my fl atmate studying As- to document myself in no makeup, the vomit. No wonder people give stu- ourselves to them instead. There are always rely trophysics. The other day, I walked pyjamas and slippers writing yet an- dents a bad name, if most spend ev- a few of us that go against the grain on alcohol to in on my Chemistry fl atmate in other critical analysis on poetry? My ery night getting drunk off their faces but we alone cannot change people’s the kitchen doing some bizarre ex- drink of choice tonight: another cup and disgracing themselves. I love that opinions on students. provide our periment using Tesco’s own baked of tea, then off to read some Brontë... I am able to go out and drink cheaply ‘fun‘ beans. Archaeology fl atmate has Wild, I know. Monday December 2nd 2013 | @gairrhyddop OPINION 9

OUSU’s election of LJ Trup reveals the fl aws in student politics

a landslide. Gaining 710 more votes of Oxford’s 21,000 strong student presidential seat of one of the The Oxford outcome is one that Olivier van den Bent-Kelly than his closest rival of the Labour population voted in the election, most prestigious institutes in the simply cannot be allowed to occur Opinion Writer Club, the surprise outcome of an incredibly disappointing world? One only needs to examine on a frequent basis. electing a student whose campaign turnout that truly shows that the Cardiff Student elections and That said, Trup has the potential Louis Trup is the President-elect picture is one of him posing in such an outcome is extremely see the passionate individuals who to be a roaring success in his new of the Oxford University Student a fetching pair of Union Jack under representational. Student campaign each year to have the role. He recognises the disinterest Union. While the name might not boxers has left Oxford University Union offi cers are incredibly opportunity to make a difference. Oxford attendees hold for such instil much resonance in people, in the awkward predicament of important to everyone who attends Yes they wore costumes - you only elections commenting “Students this is the individual who will in being forced to accept Trup as the university, and their positions are need to look back at gair rhydd’s on the whole are not engaged with six months’ time be representing representative head of the student undermined when the students Editor Tom Eden who was seen OUSU, despite the fact that it does Oxford students as a whole. body. who they represent simply don’t wearing a morph suit earlier this amazing things for every student in However, Trup is the remarkable Although Trup insists that he care. They are directly responsible year to prove this, but this group of Oxford.” choice by students of what some has a serious side, one which he for student welfare, educational people still had the ideas, thoughts The combination of a colourful media organisations are deeming attempted to display in his student affairs and any socials issues and policies to back up their eye- character and his appreciation of a ‘joke’ candidate. Presenting newspaper, it seems that voting impacting the student body. Having catching campaigns. It is necessary the indifference from his peers a personifesto rather than a in such an individual simply the opportunity to pick individuals more than ever for students to get in student politics could possibly manifesto (which he deemed sexist) highlights the apathy held by the that attempt to improve student involved with the voting process. lead to the reform Oxford needs to , the fl ip fl op wearing geography majority of the student population living is a luxury. Many critics of Our t generation have entered into breathe fresh life into its union. The student who has promised double towards such elections. Trup Oxford’s election point to this fact an attitude of indifference to taking hope is that such an upset in the beds for all and the incorporation claimed that he was running in that votes have been wasted putting student elections seriously. election could in fact make a legacy, of all societies into one massive order to protest the current student a fi gure such as Trup into power, The rise of Trup epitomises this one which kick-starts student ‘SocSoc’ topped his document off politicians – in his view, out of and they do have a point. and should act as a wakeup call to interaction back into the spotlight. by writing it in crayon. touch careerists “looking for a safe Is it right that an individual can students to have the urge to help He has been met with scepticism The enticement of his other labour seat in 20 years.” The fact a dress up, get a few cheap laughs shape the social agenda of their and doubt at his abilities, but policies including world peace protest candidate won the election from novelty policies and win the union. It is not right that people if Louis Trup does reveal his and the promise of a monorail to by a landslide says much about who truly care and campaign to serious and assertive side be installed in Oxford whipped how Oxford’s students view the make improvements and change then Oxford students might, up such popularity for him OUSU, consistently ranked as one are not appreciated by a majority just might, have their Union that Trup didn’t just win the of the worst Students’ Unions in and struggle to inspire in safe hands. student election, he won by the country. However, the problems them to get involved. run deeper than that. Only 20.8%

Free speech should be upheld regardless of the voice world, and be able to form our own turned into recruitment grounds tion with arranging or attending people feel very uncomfortable. Hannah Taylor opinions with the ability to discuss for terrorist groups, we cannot af- meetings and terrorist training Nicola Dandridge, the Chief Ex- Opinion Writer them. ford to ignore what they are saying. events (i.e. publicising them at a ecutive of Universities UK argues, As students we all have a right to New guidance on how to tackle It is vital that we know and under- meeting).” This is something that “Universities have a vital role to free speech on campus, but how this issue, recognises that univer- stand the views of controversial has to be monitored not censored. play in securing free speech and should we manage those we allow sities have a legal obligation to en- parties, and their threats or inten- If these people are to be allowed to promoting debate.” Universities as guest speakers? Governing bod- sure freedom of speech. However tions, so as to be aware of their per- speak, there must be some form of could leave themselves open to le- ies argue that, “institutions need the paper issued by Universities suasions and be able to act, what- content regulation, not to alter or gal action if speakers are denied to balance freedom of speech with UK reminds us that “Universities ever this may entail. By this I do modify their message, but to keep free speech, so to have a policy of respect,” which is fair, yet the de- have to balance their obligation not mean we should appease them. the nature of the speech informa- ‘no platform for racists’, as some bate continues. to secure free speech with their Yes, they want to be heard and tive and not persuasive. universities have adopted, could in Ultimately, students are at uni- duties to ensure that the law is ob- there is an argument to state that Naturally, some people will be fact be seen as an infringement of versity not just to learn and be- served - which includes promoting we should not give these people a offended by some of the views that human rights. Without starting a come specialists in their given good campus relations and main- platform from which to preach or are expressed, but it will create separate debate, this is something subjects, but also to broaden their taining the safety and security of recruit, but we cannot go through debate, which is healthy and good that again, needs to be managed horizons and open their minds to staff, students and visitors.” Fur- life as ignoramuses. With so many for the mind. However, the guest responsibly and in a controlled fo- new things. All this with the aim thermore, they also realise that, extremists prominent in the news speakers should be allowed to voice rum. of becoming a well-rounded and “A number of criminal offences today, it has unfortunately become themselves in a controlled forum In no way am I condoning any- intellectual person. Considering can be committed in spoken words, a part of our culture, and even if where students have to opt in to thing that the speakers are saying, that we conduct research and read typically involving threats of vio- for that reason alone, we must be hear the speakers. This is very dif- but we have a right to hear their around our subjects, it would be lence or certain categories of ‘hate aware of it. ferent to allowing radical speakers opinions, just as they have a right foolish to ignore extra opportu- crime’.” The document continues, “In re- to roam the campus, handing out to have those opinions, and it is nity and leave it at that; we need While governing bodies obvious- lation to anti-terrorism legislation, leafl ets and protesting in front of the way in which the opinions are to know what is going on in the ly cannot allow universities to be there are also offences in connec- the union, which would make most managed that is the issue at stake. 10 OPINION

OPINION SPECIAL: Annual Members’ Meeting Why go to Glee Club when there’s the AMM?

in a way I want them to be elected the agenda. But it seems to me, that it should. That being said, without Ben Cole in, purely out of a sick, twisted the whole thing should have taken it, Private Eye, The Onion, Opinion Writer desire to see what could happen… place in a Coliseum with everyone and Myself, would have no I’m quite confi dent in saying that wearing armour and sandals than entertainment and nothing The obvious answer would be the majority of those who attended decently dressed (which should be really to do (I have a degree because it’s the only time I really were only there because they were the norm anyway), than within to do, but eh). But quite often get into Twitter, and share my own obliged to. Which leads me to the the confi nes of a serious meeting. the actual point gets detracted hilarity with the rest of the world. question of why should we bother? For example, the highlights of the from, and turns the whole But there is (some) seriousness Obviously democracy is a pillar evening for me was when I got a affair into something that behind this. Apart from the slightly of society, and I’m quite strong in shout-out from Cari Davies due to people like myself can controversial amendment to the feeling that it should be a part of my Twitter being quite active and take the mick out of. VP Media’s role that was proposed, the whole University experience. “liking my talk”, and when for some It worries me that and the Time to Change Pledge But if people feel obliged to take reason I shouted those immortal something that can (which went through #winning), part rather than wanting to take words: “She doesn’t even go here”. and should lead to I didn’t really have much interest part, then what is the bloody point? The former actually made my day, greater equality in going. If I’m completely honest Apart from an excuse to drink Port nay, my life. But apart from that, I and a better I went because last year’s one was from a teacup, and Tweet about the wasn’t really bovvered. Innit. quality of really quite entertaining, thus goings on, I didn’t see an obvious What I want to get across, University I had high hopes for this one. one. without being too much of a has turned Especially seeing as a fairly Keen I suppose I went because I righteous prat about it, is whether into something Bean and veritable Eager Beaver wanted to take part in some form. democracy and politics, at any laughable. was proposing, and running for, a I took the motions seriously, and level, has gone from something that That isn’t to say I couple of things, as they had last voted on them. I even took part in should be respected to something won’t laugh though. year. Unfortunately they didn’t go the giant “WAHEY” that took place that should be ridiculed at every I’m not that boring. down as well as he did this year. But when the last motion was taken off possible opportunity. I don’t think ‘My society is neither sexist nor homophobic’

Tom for giving me this platform to each others’ views and refrain other society president. at the end of the AMM, a lot of Isaac Spencer respond in the strongest possible from stooping to such baseless As for the accusation that people said the same thing to me. SFL President terms. and hurtful insults. Students for Life is in some way This attitude is exactly the sort of For those of you who do not As someone who has more sexist, this is equally groundless. thing that puts so many of us off As I’m sure all readers will know, Students for Life is the than a few gay friends – some of Quite apart from the fact that my student politics. The view that it know, a bit over a week ago the university pro-life society. We whom were in the room at the entire committee happen to be is acceptable to try to smear those Students’ Union held its Annual are opposed to abortion and time – I fi nd the accusation of female students and every single with whom you disagree belittles Members Meeting. This was by euthanasia because we believe homophobia especially offensive. one of my predecessors bar one you. If you wish to discuss these and large a great event and there every human being deserves to I wish to make the truth perfectly have been female students, I sorts of issues then you are more were some really good motions be protected from the moment clear. There is nothing even believe our society exists to help than welcome at any of our talks. passed. However, the evening was they start existing to their remotely homophobic about further the interests of women in If, however, you just want to shout marred for me by the fact that natural death. We aim to raise Students for Life. We are a broad our country. One of my favourite and intimidate my members then one of the students standing for awareness of life issues and and inclusive society which aims quotes is from Alice Paul, one of I would ask you to step aside from election to the student senate, to support mothers and their to be as welcoming as possible to the early feminists, who states bodies such as the Student Senate, chose to use his hustings speech babies. Although it saddens me, all students regardless of gender, that ‘Abortion is the ultimate which are there to support all to attack my society, branding us I realise this is a controversial sexual orientation, race or faith. exploitation of women’. This is students – not just, as you seem (among other things) as ‘sexist position and I accept that not all Discrimination is forbidden in why we’re going to be hosting a to believe, those with whom you and homophobic”. These remarks students will agree with me. I am our constitution, and in all my talk on ‘Abortion and Feminism’ agree. I am extremely proud to be are grossly offensive and utterly proud to stand for what we stand years of involvement I have never in February next year. If you are part of a Students’ Union which false. Immediately after the AMM, for, and I am more than happy heard of a single instance where interested in fi nding out why we supports and protects all students I sought and received assurances to enter into debate with anyone any student has been made to feel believe women deserve better and I am confi dent that, thanks to from the Student Union that who has a different view to mine. uncomfortable for who they are. than abortion, I recommend you the hardworking elected offi cer they do not believe such baseless However, surely it is an obvious If I ever did, I would deal with it come along! team we have, this will continue accusations. I am very grateful to prerequisite that all of us respect in exactly the same way as any When I was speaking to students to be the case in future. Monday December 2nd 2013 | @gairrhyddop OPINION 11 Sexism, Racism and other isms; Banter? the lines that it shouldn’t cross. ourselves and not to take ourselves are most defi nitely a lot harder to upsetting, even if not intended to Katie Sands There are both positives and too seriously. Good banter and establish when moving in a social be so, is all that is required in these Opinion Writer negatives to the playful exchange of friendship go hand in hand.” circle that is new to you, whether all too familiar circumstances. teasing comments. It helps to form In my opinion, I think you are that be at work with friends of “Banter” is not a justifi cation Cardiff University Football Team’s a lot of students’ sense of humour asking for less trouble by bantering friends. The fact that we don’t all for causing social discomfort or temporary ban from training and and provides a lot of entertainment with people you know well. But have common sensitivity radars, if embarrassment. playing, as well as their withdrawal over three years when in social that doesn’t mean to say that you you like, means that we can never Of course banter is an important from the annual Varsity fi xture, situations. During times of exam cannot enjoy a good-natured tease truly know if offence will be taken part of university life; it helps it for including a Powerpoint stress and revision cramming, from someone you do not know. by what we say. to establish bonds with our fellow presentation during a social on how banter brings great relief and much- A few weeks ago at a cricket If nine out of ten people fi nd a students, gain social skills and to identify and sleep with girls with needed laughter. club’s inaugural dinner, a certain comment funny and one does not, provides cheap entertainment low self esteem clearly illustrates Being a red-head from the SCRUM V presenter was hired is that comment acceptable? I don’t amongst ourselves. Its topics that “banter” obviously has its Welsh valleys, I have been dealt for the evening’s entertainment. think so. The excuse “it’s only a can range from love life, names, limits. my fair share of banter in the past. He remarked how he found the bit of banter – lighten up” simply hair colour or size, to the more I do not wish to appear as though The majority of these comments, Harry Potter series unrealistic: not does not wash with me. In fact, serious nationality, race, illness, I am justifying their actions for becoming somewhat less and less because they fl y on broomsticks and this attempt at a justifi cation for religion or academic success. I am one moment; I think they should original as the years go by, are can kill their enemies by pointing a insults makes the comment even not suggesting that we go around have been more responsible and made by my friends. Even though wooden stick at them, but because more disrespectful by refusing to our campus asking permission aware of how their actions could I roll my eyes at them, I know they it depicts a ginger person with two even acknowledge its potential to from friends and so on before we offend other people, especially as don’t say it with malice. Personally, friends! This particular joke got offend. This sort of comment, in tease them. What we need to do representatives of the university. I believe that who we banter with laughs from all sides of the room my experience, is usually followed is acknowledge and bear in mind However, I believe that this banter dictates the boundaries, rather than and, even though I did not know this by claims that the “victim” is too that it is always possible to upset culture is undoubtedly contributed the topic on which we are teasing. man, he had defi nitely not crossed sensitive or has no sense of humour. someone by what we say, even if to by social expectations imposed Within my circle of friends, we are any line or offended me. Why is taking offence associated we say it with good intentions. If on university students and all aware of what makes each other Sadly, the boundaries to what is with an inferiority in terms of how in doubt, we can always refer back youngsters by Facebook pages such tick and we take care not to overstep acceptable and what is downright much teasing one can handle? I to a lesson drummed into our ears as UniLad and LadHumour. This the mark. offensive are not always as clear believe that every student should at primary school (or at least mine, fi asco certainly brings to light how As my housemate Abby Johns, as my previous example. These take responsibility for their words anyway): if you can’t say anything “banter” has its limits but it’s near who studies History, puts it: “Banter ambiguous boundaries, or blurred and actions. A simple apology for nice, don’t say nothing at all. impossible to defi nitively pinpoint allows us to learn to make fun of lines if you are a Robin Thicke fan, a comment that is disrespectful or What’s your housing horror story? vox pop

If you yearn to live somewhere that resembles one of Chernobyl seem like an overaction, it’s fair to say Either way, you can always register yourself with Oscar Wilde’s holiday homes combined with the tech- that answers were not hard to come by this week. the local vet and book yourself in at the nearest dog nology of one of Steve Jobs’; then quit University and Strangely, the focus was not on the slum-like hous- kennels. Conditions should be about equal. spend £9000 a year on lottery tickets. Or invent the ing that Cardiff students call home. Instead, their co- And at least the food is included. next social network. dwellers came in for the most criticism. It appears – Gareth Evans Horror stories are aplenty when it comes to student that living away evokes the vomiting, crying, toddler housing. From landlords in denial, to leaks that make within us all. Or maybe that’s just the alcohol.

“Squatters” – William “Pubes in the shower” – Claire T “Housemate chanting ‘I’ve got period pains’” – MJ “My housemate invited his mum to live with us” – Sarah “Living with a smackhead” – Tom Davies “Living with a brass band” – Claire A “People washing pans in the shower” – Heather “Threatening notes” – Adam “During freshers, there was a naked girl in my kitchen, who then proceeded to get into bed with my boyfriend” – Olga “People repeatedly setting my car on fi re” – Thomas‘ Jarrett‘ (BDP) “Breaking my leg outside my house and my neighbours laughing at me” – Owen “Neighbours throwing toast at me” – Snibb “Cocky Landlords” – Helen G “I live with Ben” – Jess Johnson “Slut armies invading my kitchen” – Anon “Fly armies in the kitchen” – Izzy “Being woken up by 4am on the morning of my Chaucer exam” – Charlotte “Mould” – Dan “Fighting with my fl atmate’s boyfriend” – Dave “Someone using Henry the Hoover to get rid of sick from the sink” – Lois “My neighbours selling my bike, playing loud Polish music in a room next to my bedroom, and having a dog so loud that I’m rethinking my stance on animal cruelty” – Jacob “Can you please speak slowly, I’m French – Uruguayan Fully-furnished student house, Rhymney Street, £1200 a month “My shower leaks through the ceiling” – Mike “I had mice in my sofa” – Tom 12 POLITICS

Iran deal could be a major moment in nuclear diplomatic history Politics writer Joe Paley recaps an unprecendented agreement between Iran and the West on the country’s nuclear program

estern powers certain nuclear-related sanctions developing nuclear weapons and and Iran reached will also be avoided in the future. that the easing of sanctions will a historic deal Additionally, $4.2 billion will be make Rouhani less willing to last week in Ge- transferred to Iran from sales of compromise with western lead- neva concerning its oil. ers in future talks. It has been Rebecca Smith Iran’sW nuclear program. Whilst stating that it would suggested that President Rouhani The deal, which will last for six “help prevent Iran from build- may follow the hard-line rhetoric PMQ Columnist months whilst negotiations on a ing a nuclear weapon”, President his predecessor Mahmoud Ahma- Westminster today had the air of permanent agreement take place Obama appeared realistic about dinejad took. a fundraising event with many between both sides, involves Iran the progress made so far: President Obama has since spo- entirely worthwhile charities and agreeing to cut down on its nucle- “Huge challenges remain, but ken to Netanyahu and reassured causes receiving valuable airtime ar activities in return for $7 bil- we cannot close the door on di- the Prime Minister that Israel and attention. lion in sanctions relief. plomacy, and we cannot rule out has the full support of Washing- With ‘Movember’ drawing to a Iran’s nuclear program has peaceful solutions to the world’s ton. Netanyahu responded by an- close, Conservative MP Michael been a major political talking problems.” nouncing that national security Fabricant sported a rather bushy point since its inception in 2002. Iran’s negotiators were met by adviser, Yossi Cohen, will lead a fake moustache as a money rais- Western powers have long sus- hundreds of delighted supporters team of diplomats to Washington ing attempt for the cause. Fellow pected that Tehran has been in at Tehran’s Mehrabad airport on for talks on the issue. Conservative, George Freeman, the early stages of developing their return. President Rouhani ‘‘ Since the nuclear agreement, raised the question in Parlia- nuclear weapons but Iran has al- claimed that “Iran’s right to en- oil prices have fallen dramatical- ment asking for greater funding ways maintained that its nuclear richment has been recognised” ly in the fi nancial markets includ- towards research into prostate program is purely for peaceful and Iranian Foreign Minister ing Brent crude, the global oil cancer, as currently 1 in 8 men purposes. Mohammad Javad Zarif said that benchmark, which fell by more are likely to be diagnosed. David Under the agreement, Iran has “this is a process of attempting to The deal, which than 2%. Cameron responded to this by agreed to halt uranium enrich- restore confi dence in Iran.” But Ben le Brun, a market ana- pledging his absolute support, ad- ment above fi ve% purity, suspend Israeli Prime Minister, Ben- will last for lyst stated that the fall in prices miration and even jealousy of all work at the heavy-water reactor jamin Netanyahu, slammed the six months is just a “knee-jerk reaction” to those able to grow a moustache at Arak and give greater access deal however, calling it “a his- involves Iran the deal and that the markets are and called for “better diagnosis, to UN inspectors. Tehran has also toric mistake” and that the world waiting to see the “nitty gritty de- better knowledge and better edu- promised to suspend construction had become a “more dangerous agreeing to tails of the agreement.” cation.” on further enrichment facilities place”. cut down on Iran, the world’s fourth larg- On top of this Mr. Cameron and reduce its stockpile of medi- Netanyahu believes that Teh- est producer of oil, will not be al- pledged to more than double re- um-enriched uranium. ran has given very little away its nuclear lowed to increase its oil sales for search funding for dementia from In return, sanctions have been in their nuclear infrastructure activities in the next six months but analysts £26 million to over £66 million, eased on President Rouhani’s whilst receiving a much needed return for have suggested that the deal could calling it “a disease we should state, allowing Iran to trade in economic boost with the easing of be fi nancially benefi cial as it re- be fi ghting with all the energy gold, precious metals and petro- sanctions. $7 billion in duces the risk of investment in we are fi ghting heart disease and chemical exports. If Iran obeys Israel has been fi rm in hold- sanctions relief the Middle East. cancer.” The Prime Minister also the current interim agreement, ing the belief that Iran has been acknowledged the importance of an early diagnosis and called for rates to increase from 50% to two- thirds. Conservative MP Eric Olle- renshaw sought to raise the pro- fi le of pancreatic cancer through the shocking statistics that 8000 people are likely to be diagnosed with the disease by the end of the year, of which only 4% will have a realistic chance of a fi ve year sur- vival rate. Mr Ollerenshaw closed President Hassan Rouhani: “Iran’s right Former US presidential candidate John Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu The Bushehr power plant in particular has to enrichment has been recognised” Kerry has been key to the negotiations called the a deal a “historic mistake” been a major question mark for outsiders by saying it was “time to change and improve on these dreadful outcomes” as these fi gures have remained the same for 30 years. Pope Francis introduces Mr Cameron fi nished Questions radical reforms for the Central African Republic in chaos according to UN today by championing World Catholic church Aids Day and praising all MPs Politics The Central African Republic is in “complete chaos”, the UN deputy secre- who campaign “so persistently Pope Francis has demanded tary general has declared, calling for action to be taken immediately. and consistently” and calling for power in the Catholic Church be Jan Eliasson pressed the Security Council to strengthen the African Union- continued progress both within devolved away from the Vatican, led force in the country, and to turn it into a UN peacekeeping operation. the UK and on a global scale. in one of the fi rst major works he The CAR has been in turmoil since rebels seized power in March, since Meanwhile the cost of energy has written since becoming Pope. then, there have been warnings of a possible genocide. and the actions of the ‘Big 6’ com- In the document, he says he panies reared its ugly head again is open to as Mr Milliband challenged the suggestions Syria peace talks set for January Prime Minister over company’s to change the power Ban Ki-moon has stated that Syria’s government and opposi- profi ts rising by 75% in the last of the papacy. tion will attend peace talks – in Geneva on January 22nd. year, exclaiming, “Why is it ac- He also warned that It would be “unforgivable not to seize this opportunity to ceptable to pay exorbitant prices global economic bring an end to the suffering and destruction”, he said. to fund exorbitant profi ts!”. The inequality may well The UN, US and Russia have been trying to get both Leader of the Opposition also World cause worldwide sides to agree a political solution to the conflict for clashed with the PM on winter confl ict. the past few months. deaths, payday loan companies, and the economy in general. Monday December 2nd 2013| @GairRhydd_Pol POLITICS 13

Thailand brought to Osborne U-Turn on standstill by protests payday lenders prompted the Prime Minister to taken their time in addressing the Rebecca Smith invoke the Internal Security Act Michael Arnott issue. The cap comes as a direct U- Politics Writer allowing offi cials to impose cur- Politics Writer turn; Osborne said last March that fews and seal the roads. “simply introducing a cap might There have been major demon- The demonstrator’s spokes- The government will be introduc- have the effect of pushing a lot of strations in the Thai capital, person, Suthep Thaugsuban, ing a cap on the cost of payday people into a completely unregu- Bangkok, with estimates claim- has described their actions as “a loans, in a surprise reversal of its lated black economy.” ing over hundreds of thousands of peaceful seizure by the people” previous policy on the issue. Labour has seized on this, with people have called for Prime Min- to insure the Thakshin system The Chancellor, George Os- one of its MPs, Stella Creasy, ac- ister Yingluck Shinawatra and could no longer be viable. The borne, has included the cap in the cusing the government of “playing Harry Thompson her government to resign. protest was always intended to be Banking Reform Bill, which is cur- catch-up” with the opposition par- FMQ Columnist The possibility of an Amnesty a peaceful rally with those attend- rently going through Parliament. ty. Labour had already pledged to Andrew RT Davies, leader of Bill served as the catalyst for the ing “blowing whistles and hand- He promised that the measure cap the cost of payday loans, with the Welsh Conservatives on de- event as it could allow the dis- ing out fl owers.” would “make sure that hardwork- its leader, Ed Miliband, attacking volved matters, asked about the graced former leader Thaksin Thakshin has become an in- ing people get a fair deal.” The cap the “bullying, harassment and Welsh Labour Government’s Shinawatra, also Ms. Yingluck’s credibly polarising fi gure in Thai will be controlled by the newly- threats” of lenders. policy of keeping Welsh tuition brother, to return from his self- politics and this is not the fi rst formed industry regulator, the Fi- This U-turn, coming from the fees at £3000. His party believe imposed exile, while avoiding a time protestors have been drawn nancial Conduct Authority. same government which aban- in trebling fees to £9000. The jail sentence for corruption. out as a response to his actions. The cap comes in response to doned plans to replace GCSE’s and Welsh Audit Offi ce recently On Sunday, demonstrators 2008 saw the occupation of Bang- the growing excesses of the pay- backed down on the ‘pasty tax’, claimed that cabinet ministers staged a march on several promi- kok’s primary airport, shutting it day loans industry. Companies appears to be another example were kept in the dark over the nent locations down. Two years later his sup- such as Wonga, QuickQuid and of changing policy according to a policy, and Davies asked wheth- within the city, porters and allies held PaydayUK have been setting their shift in public opinion. er Carwyn Jones thought they such as the police two months of street customers extremely high re- Whether this latest were wrong. Jones stated that headquarters and TV protests, paralys- payments, with Wonga charg- shift is down to a de- he did, and that he would be re- stations. The most ing the city. ing at an annual interest rate sire to represent the leasing evidence. high profi le building More protests of 5853%. masses, or is just a Davies moved on to PISA (in- involved was the fi - are currently Whilst the coali- vote-grabbing move, ternational education rankings) nance ministry, which planned throughout tion’s actions do it would appear to be results, which are released next was overrun by protestors the week with thou- seem to be in the further evidence that month. He claimed Jones said claiming huge discrepan- sands more expected best interests this coalition govern- Wales’ results would improve, cies in the country’s budget. to return. of the British ment is not one of yet his education minister im- The attacks and unrest have public, they have principle. plied they wouldn’t. Davies asked who was correct. Jones responded by mocking Davies for dropping questions about tuition fees, claiming the Con- Ukraine faces Cold War-esque servative hadn’t expected his answer. He also stated everyone wanted to see an improvement, choice: Russia or Europe but measures introduced by the government would take time. Politics writer Thomas Bamford discusses the latest unrest in the former Soviet Republic Davies accused Jones’ lower tuition fees policy of being un- nother tempestuous 2011) has played a major part in of Ukraine’s national security” by European Council President, der-thought, under-evaluated week for Ukrainian the break down of discussions. as reasoning for the ensuing U- Herman Van Rompuy, and Euro- and under-resourced. He joked politics saw riots and Ukrainian parliament last week re- turn. In previous years, Moscow pean Commission President ,Jose that when he heard a comedy- tear gas as protestors jected legislation that would have has curtailed Ukraine’s gas supply Manuel Barroso, who furthermore double act was reforming, he attempted to storm enabled her to leave Ukraine for over disputes over prices, and ear- stated that they “strongly disap- thought it was Jones bringing GovernmentA buildings in Kiev. Up treatment of chronic back pain in lier this year it blocked the import proved” of Russia’s actions. Leighton Andrews (ex-educa- to 100,000 protesters congregated Germany. The EU have made her of Ukrainian chocolate in order Notable protesters include tion minister) back, rather than in the heart of Kiev on Sunday, release one of the conditions of the to curtail their dealings with the heavyweight-boxing champion Monty Python. Jones pointed caused by public acrimony toward trade agreement, as they believe EU. Russia has also applied other turned politician Vitali Klitschko, out that Monty Python is not a Ukrainian president Viktor Yanu- the charges bought against her embargo measures to Georgia and who labelled the abrupt change of double-act, and joked that come- kovych’s U-turn over a pro-Euro- to be politically motivated, citing Moldova, other ex Soviet states tact ‘shameful’. Hundreds of tents dy was not Davies’ strong point. pean trade agreement. Ostensibly “selective justice” by her rival and seeking dealings with the EU. Ya- have been erected in Independence Next up was Kirsty Williams, under pressure from Moscow, he present incumbent of offi ce Viktor nukovych, has suggested that Rus- Square; drawing parallels to the leader of the Welsh Liberal has re-opened dialogue with the Yanukovych sian involvement in home affairs ‘Orange Revolution’ of 2004, a reac- Democrats. The PISA fi gures Kremlin regarding Ukraine’s in- This trade agreement would be has lost the country over $15 mil- tion to large-scale corruption, voter from a few years ago showed volvement in the nascent Russian the fi rst stone to enhanced politi- lion in revenue, reducing Ukrai- coercion and direct electoral fraud Wales falling behind, and she led “customs union” with Belarus cal, social and economic integra- nian trade by up to 25%. in the presidential election of the described them as a ‘wake-up and Kazakhstan. tion between Ukraine and Europe The EU have stated in response same year. Protests have contin- call’. She questioned whether The refusal to release ‘orange but perhaps most relevantly mark that “it is up to Ukraine to freely de- ued throughout the week and it is Wales was on track to improve. revolutionary heroine’ Yulia Ty- a pro EU shift away from Russia. cide what kind of engagement they of huge concern that Ukraine will Jones stated he hadn’t seen next moshenko, (indicted for abuse The Ukrainian Governments’ seek with the European Union” become an EU vs Russia battlefi eld. months fi gures yet and hoped to of power and embezzlement in press release sighted the “benefi t The statement was issued jointly see an improvement, but that government measures would take time to have an effect. Leanne Wood pointed out that North Wales was the most obvious transport link between Ireland and the British main- land, yet was not classed a a ‘core port’. She criticised the government for failing to stand up for Wales. Jones claimed the government had stood up for Wales and that Wales wouldn’t President Viktor Yanukovych has aligned A protester holding an image of the Jose Manuel Barosso and Herman van himself closer to Russia in recent weeks Pro-EU protesters came out in force lose any funding. imprisoned revolutionary Yulia Tymoshenko Rompuy strongly criticised Russia 14 SCIENCE

Cardiff leads cancer Neanderthal DNA treatment at Wales shares viruses Cancer Trials Unit with modern man Kirsty Franklin the corresponding coordinate in Science Writer the human genome. Instead they found the pre-integration site: Sophie Howells ments could not go ahead. Often Modern technology has allowed the sequence that existed before Science Writer clinicians will approach the team scientists to produce millions of the virus inserted a copy of itself with a patient who they feel may short sequences called reads from into the chromosome. Therefore, it A new medical procedure for be suitable for the treatment be- fossilised bone or teeth from ex- was concluded that these retrovi- treating oesophageal cancer is be- ing trialled, or in other cases pa- tinct human groups (archaic hom- ruses had infected the germline of ing trialled by researchers across tients themselves will identify an inins). This has allowed research- the archaic hominins either after Wales. Run by the Wales Cancer experimental procedure as some- ers to compare genetic data from their divergence from modern hu- Trials Unit, part of Cardiff Uni- thing they would like to try. fossils of Neanderthals (Homo mans (400,000 years ago) or imme- versity’s newly formed College In an interview with Dr neanderthalensis) and another diately before divergence. of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Griffi ths, he explained that “the group of ancient human ancestors Dr Gkikas Magiorkinis and the trials involve combining three work within the unit is mostly called Denisovans (Denisova hom- his colleagues, of Oxford Univer- commonly used methods of tack- to do with clinical trials that are inins) to modern human DNA. The sity’s Department of Zoology, are ling the disease: chemotherapy, treating a cancer, however we latest fi nding, reported in Current now looking to further investigate radiotherapy and surgical remov- also do research into screening Biology, has stated that research- these ancient viruses, belonging al. The standard treatment for and trying to catch cancers ear- ers have found evidence of Nean- to the HML2 family, for possible this particular cancer is usually ly”. This involves working with derthal and Denisovan viruses in links with cancer and HIV. It is a course of radiotherapy, which medical professionals to develop cancer patients, suggesting that possible to see how widespread is designed to reduce the tumour methods for screening patients the viruses originated in our com- these viruses are in the modern size, followed by surgical remov- who may be at risk of develop- mon ancestors more than half a population by sequencing the ge- al. However, this new procedure ‘‘ ing cancers. Currently, lung and million years ago. nomes of patients. If the ERV loci uses chemotherapy to further im- bowel cancer screenings are be- The analysis of Neanderthal are relatively spread throughout prove recovery by targeting any ing developed in the hope that and Denisovan genomes identi- the human population one would cancer cells, which may break GPs will be able to recognise the fi ed many reads that contained assume the virus has no negative away and travel around the body symptoms earlier on and refer sequences of viral origin, simi- effect as there will be no selection causing tumours to grow else- patients to specialists before the lar to known integrations of ret- pressures against it. However, if where. This technique has been cancers spread. roviruses into the germline of they are found to be less common, used by numerous clinicians pre- Further research can be car- modern humans. Such so-called this may indicate that the viruses viously but has never been put to ried out using blood samples to endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) could have been inactivated by trial to objectively measure its ef- observe genetic patterns in those are common, and make up roughly chance or that they increase mor- fectiveness. patients who react particularly fi ve percent of our genome. Some tality, through increased cancer This particular trial is a Phase well or not so well to the same of the reads from the Neanderthal risk for example. two, where dosages of chemother- treatments. By locating specifi c and Denisovan genomes spanned Therefore, when the ERV loci in apy drugs are being refi ned and The work genes, which determine how suc- the locus of an ERV and thus were modern humans have been reason- side effects identifi ed and man- within the unit cessful a course of treatment part viral DNA and part of the ably well sampled, it might help us aged. If successful at this stage, is mostly to do will be, clinicians will be able to extinct human group DNA. All in the measurement of divergence the trial will then be taken to screen patients for the genes and of these loci belonged to one ERV dates and population sizes for Phase three where the new treat- with clinical provide the corresponding treat- lineage, which is the only lineage these archaic hominins. It could ment may be compared with the trials that ment. This approach has proved that has continued to replicate also indicate whether these an- standard radiotherapy and surgi- are treating a successful in breast cancers relat- within humans in the last few mil- cient viruses play a role in modern cal removal approach or different ed to the HER2 receptor; the med- lion years, known as HML2. human diseases thus improving doses may be compared. Follow- cancer, however ication Herceptin was developed However, in some cases, the re- our understanding of both ERV ing this, the treatments will be we also do and given to patients presenting searchers did not fi nd an ERV at and human evolution. randomised across a sample of research into with HER2. patients. Finally, if the treatment screening and Another successful outcome of is shown to work signifi cantly, the this approach to treatment is the results will be published and de- trying to catch development of the HPV (Human pending on its effectiveness in re- cancers early Papilloma Virus) vaccination lation to the cost of provision, the given to teenage girls. The vac- treatment may become a standard Dr Gareth Griffi ths cine targets strains of the virus approach within NHS hospitals. associated with cervical cancer. It While treatments such as this Cardiff University is hoped that by eliminating these are being developed to attack viruses, girls who have the vac- the disease in its later stages, re- cine will be at a much lesser risk search is also being carried out of developing the cancer later on within Cardiff University around in life. It is predicted that through the early stages of cancers. Lab this, cervical cancer will become studies are working to understand extremely rare if not non-existent cancer on cellular levels and iden- in decades to come. tify drugs that can be used to de- Much of the research into stroy cancer cells. When drugs cancer that goes on in Cardiff are successful at this within lab University is a result of sup- settings, they are then brought port and funding from Cancer to the trials unit, to be tested in Research UK. Hopefully with the human patients. The team at the generous support of fund raisers Wales Cancer Trials Unit, led by nationwide, these breakthrough Dr Gareth Griffi ths, play a large discoveries and procedures will role in participant recruitment, continue until cancer becomes an without which the groundbreak- illness of the past. ing research into cancer treat- Monday December 2nd 2013 SCIENCE 15 Cardiff’s CCI leads catalysis doctoral training

way, letting us use less energy and Cardiff exploring the different as- Scott Davies resources as a consequence. pects of the catalytic industry and Science Editor Professor Karen Holford, PVC of engineering that will prepare you the College of Physical Sciences & for the research path you choose.” Cardiff University is home to one Engineering said “This funding is The Centre will not only equip of the largest catalysis research targeted at areas vital to economic people with PhDs but will spend an groups in the world, led by Pro- growth and is good news for Car- additional year training students fessor Graham Hutchings. This diff ’s thriving postgraduate com- in general chemistry to give them research group is known as the munity.” Indeed, the CCI currently a sound footing in physical science. Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI) employs roughly 50 postgraduate This interdisciplinary approach, and is a world leader in its fi eld, students and many postdoctoral re- led by Cardiff will also involve stu- researching everything from how During that searchers, people who are at the be- dents having lectures at Bath and gold can be catalytically active to fi rst year, ginning of their academic career. Bristol, both members of the Great new exhaust systems that meet you will With this expansion, it is hoped Western alliance (GW4). European Union directives for car more students can come to Cardiff This funding Professor Graham Hutchings, emissions. The prestige of this spend time in and launch their careers as part is targeted Director commented, “This inter- institute has been recognised by Bath, Bristol of a world leading team and help at areas vital disciplinary programme will al- Government’s £350 million invest- boost Cardiff ’s reputation world- low postgraduates to develop an and Cardiff to economic ment in setting up Centres for Doc- ‘exploring‘ wide. ‘‘ advanced knowledge of traditional toral Training (CDT) around the The CCI has a remit of develop- growth and and emerging catalysis disciplines, UK with the CCI taking the lead for the different ing clean and sustainable technolo- is good news an understanding of industry and doctoral training in catalysis. This aspects of gies for clean energy creation and for Cardiff ’s global contexts plus research and is the UK’s largest ever investment the catalytic environmental clean-up of air and professional skills.” Cardiff is a in postgraduate training in engi- water. It was only recently that the thriving partner in two further Centres for neering and physical science and industry and CCI partnered with Solvay and postgraduate Doctoral Training (CDT). The Wa- the catalysis CDT is a partnership engineering Selden in an attempt to create cata- community ter Informatics: Science and En- between Cardiff, Bath and Bristol lysts for the treatment of wastewa- gineering (WISE) CDT led by Ex- Universities. Professor ter. It is hoped that pollution from eter and the Diamond Science and Science Minister David Willetts factories and chemical plants can Professor Technology CDT led by Warwick Stanislaw \ said of the achievement: “Scien- Golunski be further reduced by the catalytic University and partners. WISE is tists and engineers are vital to our decomposition of waste chemicals hoped to foster new levels of inno- Karen Holford economy and society. It is their Cardiff into benign agents. The CCI also vation and collaboration on factors talent and imagination, as well as University helps companies such as Scania that impact the water cycle where- their knowledge and skills, that in- and Jaguar Land Rover develop Pro-Vice as Diamond is tasked with enabling spire innovation and drive growth new catalytic systems to minimize innovative technologies for emerg- across a range of sectors.” Indeed, particulate emissions and provide ing scientifi c applications. catalysis is key to our everyday a cleaner, safer car emission pro- Paul Golby, the European Physi- lives producing everything from fi le. Professor Stanislaw Golunski, cal Sciences Research Council’s the plastics used in everyday ob- a key part of the establishment of (EPSRC) chair, said: “Centres for jects to pharmaceutical compounds the Cardiff CDT said to gair rhydd: Doctoral Training have already used to keep us healthy. Catalysts “Doing a PhD at the Catalysis Cen- proved to be a great success and the are industrially important; some tre will be a fantastic experience. model is popular with students.” processes become impossible with- Imagine having a whole year be- Everyone in the CCI is looking for- out them. This is due to catalysts fore you decide on your research ward to its new chapter and how being an agent that allows reac- topic. During that fi rst year, you they can be key to its success here tions to follow a lower energy path- will spend time in Bath, Bristol and at Cardiff. Scientists step closer to male free reproduction

some of a male mouse and the X vision, before stopping and stay- ing in a birth of a live mouse. curring to completion in sperma- Jack Di Francesco chromosome of a female. The two ing as secondary spermatocytes. Statistically, this is significant, tids. Alleviating these fears was Science Writer genes required from the Y chro- These secondary spermatocytes as using the same technique but the fact that from the study, using mosome are Sry and Eif2s3y. Sry are known as round spermatids, with mice with full Y-chromo- ROSI, normal offspring were ob- For reproduction to occur, an X alone can produce an anatomical- and are precursors to sperm somes results in a successful tained. chromosome and Y chromosome, ly male mouse, as it controls the cells. birth 26% of the time. Being able to produce male from mother and father respec- development of gonads and male These mice can then eventu- ROSI is already being used mice using only 2 genes of the Y tively, are both needed. However, differentiation. The offspring in ally reproduce successfully, via with humans, with males whose chromosome is a big step forward a current study at the University this case however, would be in- the help of Round Spermatid testes can only produce sper- for science, showing that all of of Hawaii may have taken us one fertile, as it would not have genes Injection (ROSI). This technique matids, and not normal sperm. the male genes available are not step closer to the creation of ba- involved in sperm production. involves the injection of the There are worries with the tech- needed at all in the production bies involving no use of the Y The Eif2s3y gene being in- spermatids into eggs in culture nique however; the offspring pro- of offspring. This could have pro- chromosome at all. cluded allows spermatogenesis dishes. These then develop into duced would likely have genetic found effects in terms of conser- The study has managed to cre- to partially occur, with sper- embryos and are implanted into defects, due to the process of im- vation of species, potentially en- ate baby male mice, using only matocytes undergoing meiotic female mice wombs with nine printing (the turning on and off abling us to save a species using two genes from the Y chromo- prophase and the first meiotic di- percent of these transfers result- of genes in sperm cells) not oc- females alone. more properties available Helping you find your perfect student pad!

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Monday December 2nd 2013 SOCIETIES 17

Offi cer’s note

Hey all!

I won’t say much this week, looks like there’s plen- ty of society activity for you to be reading about on these few pages. I’m excited to announce that Go Global 2014 is around the corner. Go Global is our annual festival of culture and diversity which celebrates all things Internation- al at Cardiff University. On the evening of Saturday 15th February 2014, our cultural groups will take to the stage of The Great Hall in a showcase of talent.

If you’d like to be part of this exciting event, head to Elliot Howells cardiffstudents.com/goglobal and fi ll out the form! VP Societies Act One Panto: Snow White

Rhys Johns Our perpetually drunken narrator (Jack Thompson), on the other hand, observes the Societies Writer ensuing carnage in between pointing out copyright infringements and making excuses From the brilliantly depraved minds of Nick to have another drink. Yet he still fi nds time McAndrew and James Paine comes the most to moan about the inconveniences of cryo- shamelessly funny rendition of “Snow White genic freezing. and the Seven Dwarves” ever to grace/defi le Rehearsals have been very successful and the stage. productive, yielding such amazing progress As Snow White (Becki Dack) struggles as to lead one of the talented actors, Kane through the rigours of her sociology degree Malone to remark that “It’s about as funny and endless drunken parties with her house- as famine.” Others, however, have been more mates Claire, Samantha and Philippa, she positive. For instance, Rhys Evans, who plays successfully manages to ignore the loving Thorin has stated that while the play will not adoration of her best friend Jim (Hywel Brad- induce death by laughter, it will cause “Griev- ley), our slightly hapless male lead. ous bodily harm by laughing”, displaying the But every great tale needs an overly evil confi dence of the cast in the script. villain, who comes in the form of the evil The directors of the play have shown in- Queen Narcissa of Swansea (Erin Doherty), credible commitment and the cast has made who tries to hunt down our beautiful protago- the script come alive with all the hilarious, nist so she can become the ‘fi ttest of them all’ mildly offensive energy befi tting a Snow and conquer the world. As reality is thrown White pantomime. to the four winds, Narcissa and Co recruit One of the directors, James Paine has un- a sassy magic mirror (Josh Stanley) and a derlined the basic feel of the play, stating that questionably drug addled Santa Clause (Kane it is simply “bad puns and nearly offensive Malone) in order to bolster her idiotic hench- jokes for a couple of hours.” Though many of men Larry and Barry and her disillusioned the cast seem to feel more optimistic in their accountant Richard. belief that it won’t last that long. For exam- As Larry and Barry try to rub each of ple, after being asked whether the play was their brain cells together to get some energy respectable or not, Jack Thompson, who plays going, Richard busies himself with making the narrator, stated “Of course it’s respect- snide remarks behind his boss’s back when- able: it’s absolutely suitable for the women’s ever he thinks she can’t hear him. offi cer!” After which many cast members let While Narcissa’s plans get set in motion out stifl ed laughter. Thompson then tapped and Jim tries to save his one true love, Snow, his nose whilst slyly adding “Kev Knows…” after being torn from her Cardiff Uni life, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves has must deal with trying to teach seven (role- been brought to life like never before as a playing) dwarves how to attract women and rude, crude and hilarious adaptation of one master the basics of human interaction. of Disney’s classics, adding a unique fl are Led by the brave Thorin (Rhys Evans), these that will make audiences laugh, cry, heckle dwarves know roleplaying only in the sense and shout long after the curtain is drawn. of table top gameplay, stumbling through the Can Snow White and Co save the world social maze of university in a zombie-like from the evil forces of Swansea? Find out trance while Thorin tries to keep the more at Solus on December 2nd and 3rd at seven unstable members from causing a scene. o’clock!

Monday December 2nd 2013 SOCIETIES 19

Christian Union Carol Concert Wildlife Society

Stacey Baldwin ple fi lling the seats of the hall to lis- together!”. to visit zoo Societies Writer ten to the choir and grab a taste of As with years past there will be the mince pie bonanza. This year is mince pies, tea and coffee available ‘The Wildlife and Conservation are £8 for members and £10 The Christmas cheer is well un- shaping up to be a similarly spec- at the end of the concert, to refresh Society is holding a trip to for non-members. Anyone is derway in the heart of Cardiff, and tacular event, with Cardiff Univer- our singing voices after bellowing Bristol Zoo on Sunday 8th welcome! You can buy tickets the Cardiff University Christian sity Brass Band and TCUPS choir out the classics for what will surely Decemeber, departing from on the student union website, Union are going one step further in joining the stage to create the bi- not be the last time this season. the SU at 10am and arriving hurry tickets are selling fast!’ bringing the city’s Winter Wonder- lingual rendition of the traditional Doors open at 7pm to fi ll seats for back in Cardiff for 5pm! Tickets land into the midst of student life. Christmas carols (Welsh and Eng- a 7.30pm start. Entry is free and all Thursday the 5th of December will lish lyrics provided). students from the university are bring to our Union the annual Car- Male President of the Christian warmly invited to attend – under- ol Concert in the Great Hall, this Union, Jack Mowll, said the carol graduates, postgraduates, interna- year with a Winter Wonderland concert is going to be “Splendifer- tional and exchange students are theme to add to the festive fun. Last ously festive, and a great chance for all welcome. So come along, and see year saw a turnout of over 500 peo- all students to celebrate the season what Christmas is all about. Life Drawing

Life-drawing: A man and his bike Tuesday 3/12/13, 7-9pm Room 4D in the SU No need to bring any materials Make sure you sign up online at www.cardiffstudents.com/activities/society/art/events/ as places are limited due to room capacity.

Our support groups are run ev- to the national website: www. ery other Thursday (the next studentminds.org.uk/ session is 5th December, We are planning a lot of events 6:15pm- 7:15pm in room 4F in for next semester to raise the SU) awareness of eating disorders, Student Minds is a national particularly during Eating Disor- charity with many branches der Awareness Week, which is all over the UK. They provide 24th February - 2nd March volunteers with training to run You can fi nd us on Twitter (@ support groups but any funds StudentMindsCDF) and Face- needed must be raised by the book (https://www.facebook. com/StudentMindsCardiff) individual groups. Here is a link Helping you find your perfect student pad!

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/CPSHomes @CPSHomes JESS MCFARLANE Are you getting cold feet? n 2011, my friend Simon display true awesomeness has a video diary of your day, you real- found that paying attention to the wanted to do something taught me to never to pass up a ise how uninteresting and average variety of surfaces the streets of unique to raise money to vaguely interesting challenge, I it could be. Find mine on YouTube. Cardiff have to offer made me support those affected by decided on arguably one of the With a deep breath, I left the appreciate those easier on my bat- the East Africa Food crisis, coldest days of this Autumn so far house with my rather perplexed tered feet. Cardiff Queen street is so he decided not to wear to take off my shoes in support. housemate to test out the perse- great, the walkways in Bute Park Iany shoes throughout the month verance of my freshly pedicured - not so much. I think that stand- of November. We all thought he feet. However, walking through ing in the middle of Queen Street was crazy, but he did it – with feet How did it go? the mean streets of Cathays con- barefoot on a busy shopping often frozen and battered. We were troversially barefoot means that Saturday will probably be one of all incredibly proud of his accom- My initial thought when agree- even the most ordinary day can be my favourite memories of the col- plishment. Afterwards, Simon ing to go shoeless was, “Well, how a little bit more interesting. I umn so far. bought a foot spa from Boots to bad can it be?” I mean, I wear flip- ended up tiptoeing into town to get Overall, through the pain, I had placate his pavement-beaten toes. flops every summer; I love walk- a present for a friend, past a rather a tremendous amount of respect When I spoke to Simon about the ing around with no shoes on complimentary builder, an elderly for Alex and the rest of the shoe- experience more recently, he said around the house. And then I lady who looked rather concerned less individuals. Well done guys! that it was one of the most fun and remembered. November can get a and a tremendously confused painful things that he has ever little bit cold. international student. I emphati- Alex’s handy tips for shoelessly surviving the mean done, and he’d love to do it again That fateful Saturday morning, cally explained that I was not in streets of Cathays. sometime. I woke up to a lot of frost outside fact crazy and they should donate Two years later, along with six and an average temperature of 3 to the cause. Glass – Cathays’ street twinkle with talking to them. My face is up here! other students who are raising degrees. Gazing longingly at my Explaining what was going on the glassy remnants of a thousand Urinals - ‘Nuff said (This wasn’t a money for various charities, my UGG boots, I resolved that I would got a bit easier when I wrote the predrinks and that’s a constant pre- problem for me). other friend Alex is raising money in fact be doing this. My initial hashtagged ‘No Shoes November’ occupation for the barefooter. Minor Surgery - For example, per- for Edith’s Home, a small NGO idea was to plan some elaborate across both of my feet. Social Awkwardness - In the line in forming minor surgery on your that works with AIDS orphans in day to write about so that every- I found myself looking down a Sainsburys, getting a book out in own feet with a magnifying glass Uganda. After Alex excitedly told one would know how interesting lot more than I usually do, as I was the library, bumping into an old and a pair of tweezers. me about the ups and downs of my life is. I would do all of this unsure if there would be glass friend … everyone just looks at you going shoeless, he challenged me barefoot, just like the shoeless stu- leftover on the pavements from the funny! Generally it’s fine once you You can find out a little more about to join him for 24 hours of bare- dents of Cardiff. previous night’s frivolities or the explain, but often people will keep No Shoes November at www.noshoe- footed solidarity. As the desire to If you’ve ever planned on doing aftermath of morning dog walks. I glancing at your feet when you’re snovember.com.

If you’re in a sports club or society and would like to show me another way I can be awesome, I’d love for you to get in touch! @WaysToBeAwesome www.facebook.com/waysicanbeawesome Why risk being without your laptop or phone?

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Security 2013 264 x 165.indd 1 05/11/2013 16:57:35 DECEMBER

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25/01/14 [SPUNGE] £8 ADV APRIL 27/01/14 SWN PRESENTS... DAN LE SAC VS SCOOBIUS PIP £12.50 ADV 3/04/14 DEVILDRIVER £17 ADV 28/01/14 LONDON GRAMMAR £14SOLD ADV OUT 06/04/14 WALK OFF THE EARTH £15 ADV

FEBRUARY 07/04/14 ADAM ANT £25 ADV

01/02/14 LESS THAN JAKE / 15/04/14 DEAF HAVANA £15 ADV REEL BIG FISH SOLD OUT 23/04/14 OF MICE & MEN £12 ADV 03/02/14 MAYDAY PARADE PLUS MAN OVERBOARD and more... £13.50 ADV 27/04/14 FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND PLUS... BOY SETS FIRE / SPECIAL GUESTS £16 ADV 11/02/14 AUGUST BURNS RED £12 ADV

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@CARDIFFUNION CARDIFFBOXOFFICE WWW.CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM All tickets subject to booking fee TAF-OD 23

el y gweloch yn rhifyn yr wythnos ddiweth- gyfathrebu gyda ni yn ddwyieithog, defnyddio Agorodd enwebiadau am Gair af o’r Gair Rhydd, pasiwyd dau gynnig yn arwyddion a phosteri dwyieithog, a datblygu etholiadau’r fl wyddyn nesaf ddydd Gwener ystodF y Cyfarfod Cyffredinol i Aelodau’r Un- capasiti i ddarparu gwasanaethau yn ddw- diwethaf. Rydym yn eich annog i enwebu’ch deb a gyfl wynwyd gan ein Cyd-olygydd Cerith yieithog. hun os hoffech chi godi’ch llais ar ran eich Golygyddol yn rhinwedd ei swydd fel Swyddog Myfyrwyr Yn ychwanegol, o 2014/15 ymlaen, cyfoedion, cynrychioli myfyrwyr Cymraeg eu Cymraeg yr Undeb. bydd swydd Cerith yn newid i ‘Swyddog y hiaith yn y Brifysgol hon, a chodi pwysau ar yr Ry’ch chi i gyd yn ymwybodol, pa Gymraeg’ ac yn ganolbwyntio’n gyfangwbl Undeb a’r Brifysgol i sicrhau eu bod yn trin y faint bynnag o amser yr ydych wedi treulio ar ddatblygu darpariaeth yn y Gymraeg a Gymraeg a’i siaradwyr gyda pharch. yma, boed yn deirmis neu’n dair blynedd, chynrychioli myfyrwyr Cymraeg eu hiaith yng Os nad yw enwebi’ch hun at eich nad Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd yw’r Nghaerdydd. Mae hwn yn ddatblygiad pwysig dant, yna pam na gysylltwch gyda ni (tafod@ DECEMBER undeb Gymreiciaf yng Nghymru. Yn hollol gy- iawn a groesawyd yn gynnes gan UCMC. gairrhydd.com neu @Taf_Od) er mwyn cy- fi awn, mae hynny’n peri siom a phryder i nifer frannu at Taf-Od? Croeso ichi ysgrifennu am ohonom. unrhyw bwnc o’ch dewis, ac mae’n siwr y by- Diolch byth, yn dilyn y Cyfar- ddwch yn mwynhau gwneud. fod Cyffredinol, bydd yn rhaid i’r Undeb Mae dyletswydd arnom oll i 01/12/13 DON BROCO £12.50 ADV weithio gyda Cerith, gyda Chomisiynydd ddefnyddio’n Cymraeg ac i gynrychioli y Gymraeg, a chydag UCMC i ddodi Polisi buddiannau’r Gymraeg yma: cymrwch ran! Dwyieithrwydd yn ei le a fydd yn gorfodi’r Undeb i weithredu arferion gorau o Cerith Rhys Jones 01/12/13 BLACK STAR RIDERS £22.50 ADV MARCH ran dwyieithrwydd. Maes o law, bydd Anna George hynny’n golygu fod yn rhaid i’r Undeb 02/12/13 LEWIS WATSON £9 ADV 06/03/14 RIZZLE KICKS £17.50 ADV

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25/01/14 [SPUNGE] £8 ADV APRIL Darn Barn: ‘Ymateb i Silk ... o’r diwedd’ 27/01/14 SWN PRESENTS... DAN LE SAC VS SCOOBIUS PIP £12.50 ADV Cerith Rhys Jones Nghymru sy’n wirioneddol atebol’. di ragor o gyfrifoldebau cyllidol gytuno â Kirsty Williams. Wrth Wrth ymateb i’r cyhoeddiad Cyd-olygydd Taf-Od Ymatebodd y pleidiau yn er mwyn creu economi gryfach a gwrs, mae pwynt y Prif Weini- y bydd Cymru’n cael y pwerau 3/04/14 DEVILDRIVER £17 ADV gadarnhaol i’r cyhoeddiad. Barn chymdeithas decach. dog yn un ddigon teilwng, sef bod newydd hyn ategodd Llywydd y Wedi hir, hir aros, cyhoed- David Jones, Ysgrifennydd Gwl- Roedd arweinydd Plaid Cymru angen diwygio Barnett. 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Mae ACau â phwerau i fenthyg arian. fennydd yr Wrthblaid dros Gymru, angen y p�er dros y dreth incwm ‘ar dod i lawr yr M4 i Fae Caerdydd heb yn ei chael yn anodd gwneud eu Yn ychwanegol, cyhoeddodd Da- Owen Smith, a ddywedodd fod Lla- unwaith.’ fawr ddim cyfyngiadau, ac felly nid swyddi’n iawn fel y mae gan fod cy- 01/02/14 LESS THAN JAKE / 15/04/14 DEAF HAVANA £15 ADV vid Cameron a Nick Clegg y caiff fur eisoes wedi galw ar Lywodra- Gyda’n bod yn sôn am y dreth yw’r Prif Weinidog yn llawn atebol maint o lwyth gwaith arnyn nhw – SOLD OUT bil ei gyfl wyno yn Senedd y DG i eth y DG i weithredu argymhellion incwm, fe gyhoeddodd y Prif os yw ei benderfyniadau’n methu. mae eu capasiti i graffu’n effeithiol REEL BIG FISH roi’r hawl i Lywodraeth Cymru Comisiwn Silk. 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BOY SETS FIRE / SPECIAL GUESTS £16 ADV Carwyn Jones, yw yw: pam? Dw i’n deall yn iawn y Y gwirionedd yw bod angen bod Cymru’n cael ei cysyniad y dylid cynnal refferend- mwy o ACau a llai o ASau. Pam 11/02/14 AUGUST BURNS RED £12 ADV than-gyllido o ryw wm ar unrhyw fater sy’n newid y ddim torri’r nifer o ASau sy’n £300 miliwn bob cyfansoddiad yn sylweddol, a dw i cynrychioli Cymru yn Llundain, blwyddyn. hefyd yn gwybod y gwnaeth Silk ei a chynyddu’r nifer o ACau i ryw 13/02/14 THE 1975 £15.00SOLD ADV OUT NOVEMBER Ymatebodd Kirsty hun ddweud y dylid cynnal reffer- 100? Dyna sydd ei angen ar Gymru Williams i hynny endwm cyn datganoli pwerau dros os yw ein system am weithio ac am trwy ddweud fod y y dreth incwm. fod yn wirioneddol ddemocrataidd. 28/02/14 NEWTON FAULKNER £19.50 ADV 07/11/14 CHAS & DAVE £22.50 ADV Prif Weinidog yn Ond fy nadl i yw taw nid mater Mae ‘na gwestiynau i’w hateb ofni gorfod cymryd o newid y cyfansoddiad yn sylwed- hefyd o ran Mr Cameron a Mr mwy o gyfrifoldeb dol yw hwn, ond mater o wneud Clegg. Y cwestiwn mawr imi yw: dros oblygiadau Llywodraeth Cymru’n atebol i bobl pam yr hir, hir aros cyn cyhoeddi? ei benderfyniadau Cymru. Addawyd ymateb Llywodraeth y polisi, gan ddweud Mae’n rhyfedd o beth ein bod yn DG erbyn y gwanwyn eleni. @CARDIFFUNION CARDIFFBOXOFFICE nid oes ots ganddo gorfod gofyn i bobl Cymru a ydyn Iechyd, dim ond mis Tachwedd y ar hyn o bryd os oedd nhw am gael llywodraeth sy’n at- cafwyd ymateb! Llusgo traed oedd WWW.CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM ei bolisïau’n llwyddo ebol iddyn nhw. Dyw’r peth ddim hwn, a dylai fod arnynt embaras neu’n methu o ran yn gwneud synnwyr yn fy meddwl am hynny. All tickets subject to booking fee cyllid, gan mai Llun- i. A oes angen refferendwm ar “a Ar y cyfan, rwy’n hapus. Fel Le- dain oedd yn rhoi’r ddylai Llywodraeth Cymru fod yn anne, ac fel Kirsty, mi allem fod yn arian iddo fe. atebol i bobl Cymru o ran arian?” hapusach. Ond am nawr, mae ‘na Dw i’n tueddu i Yn syml iawn: nac oes. wên ar fy wyneb. COMING SOON... 13.12.13 #dtbdxmas

BEER Monday December 2nd 2013 PARK LIFE 25

PARK LIFE Staff and Students

Hey there, chat with Professor Sheila Hunt, the Dean and Head of School of recognised at Welcome to Healthcare Sciences. Thank you this week’s edi- Professor Hunt for being our third tion of Park Life. Park Profi le! This will be the Thanks also go to those of you last edition before who have got in touch regarding Annual Awards Christmas (phew, co-editing. I will be in contact with you hear me say). Only joking, I you after Christmas, as I simply Gemma Wheeler Prize. This year, the named stu- found online, however a special have enjoyed putting Park Life to- don’t have the brainpower to sort VP Heath Park dents are: mention goes to Professor Helen gether although it has been brain- it all out now and train you up! A Primary MB: Loh Sook Yin Sweetland. Professor Sweetland draining at times due to the truck- massive thanks also goes to Tom, November 22nd 2013 saw the Intermediate MB: has had a variety of roles at Car- loads of commitments and roles I Mike and Gemma for being as sup- School of Medicine host their Abigail Stubbs diff University School of Medi- have taken on. I hope our efforts portive as ever. annual Celebration of Medical Final MB Part I: Sarah Moore cine, where she is now the Vice in Park Life aren’t going to waste If you have any ideas on how Student Achievement and Excel- Final MB Part II: Sophie Glenn- Dean of Medical Education. The and you have read each edition Park Life could be improved, or lence in Teaching awards. Over Cox Lifetime Achievement award page to page! The last edition saw what articles you’d like to see in the course of the morning, over Medical Intercalated Degree: refl ects her contributions to the the achievements of many of our the next one, please do contact me! 80 awards were given out. Joanna Cranshaw & James Clark old MBBCh curriculum as well students! I know I enjoyed editing Have a great week and Merry Professor Paul Morgan, the Other prizes specifi c to year as the new C21 curriculum for their articles and learning about Christmas in advance! Dean of the School of Medicine groups were also handed out dur- medicine, with the focus being how they have gone above and be- opened the ceremony, followed ing the morning event and the not only on the quality of teach- yond their port of call. by third year Medical Student full list is available online. ing provided, but also raising the This week’s edition sees the Vidya Brainerd and MedSoc President, Amy But- The second half of the awards standard in pastoral support for return of Park Profi les. We were Park Life Editor lin. Student awards included the ceremony aimed to recognise the students in the School of Medi- very fortunate enough to have a [email protected] release of the Dean’s list – the excellent effort put in by teaching cine. students who are in the top 2% staff in the undergraduate cur- of their cohort, and within the riculum. Seven different awards For the full list of awards please Hi again, with the fact that I am currently nominated list, one student per were presented to teaching staff, visit http://medicine.cf.ac.uk/ planning a series of refreshers year also receives the Dean’s the full list of which can be research/ I can’t events at the Heath, at the request believe how of some societies, with a theme of quickly a “new year, new start, new society” fortnight – watch this space for more comes round information, and get in contact if and I fi nd myself you would like to be involved! This Park Life Profi les: putting together a few is unprecedented, as the Students’ words to go in Park Life. We have Union on Park Place is not planning had four issues produced, and this on running any similar events, and week sees the last edition before as such running events targeted Christmas. This week also sees at Heath Students increases the Professor Hunt the launch of our new Park Life feeling of including for students branding – essentially that is the (or so I hope!). Vidya Brainerd 1. Please can you tell us banner at the top, but branding Thanks, once again to Vidya for Park Life Editor what made you want to pursue 6. Finally, if you could is so much more than that. This producing Park Life. I’d also like a career in this fi eld? invite any three guess to a din- new branding gives Park Life an to take this opportunity to wish I wanted to be a midwife, then ner party, who would they be? identity, something hopefully we you a (very premature) Merry The next in the series of Park a teacher, then an academic and Nelson Mandela, Dali Lama and could see an extension to the Heath Christmas, and good luck for those Profi les to feature in gair rhydd now …. Glenys Kinnock Hub and beyond. It’s fantastic of you that have exams in January. is Professor Sheila Hunt. Sheila 2. What made you choose to have more of an identity and has had experience in the health- Cardiff University as a place to in turn more attention placed on care setting; since she qualifi ed teach? students at the Heath. Gemma Wheeler as a nurse, long before Nursing Simply the best University in the This is also followed through and Midwifery were part of HE; UK VP Heath Park Sheila’s initial qualifi cation was 3. Please could you tell a certifi cate! She then obtained us a bit about the course you a Masters degree in 1985 and an- are currently teaching? other in 1990 and a PhD in 2000. Lead the new school of Health Professor Sheila Hunt is the Care Sciences Dean and Head of School of 4. Have there been any Healthcare Sciences since the for- recent changes to the course? mation of the new School in Sep- Many tember 2013, which now incorpo- 5. What advice would rates the old School of Healthcare you give to a Heath Fresher? Studies and School of Nursing Work hard, rest often and look out and Midwifery Studies. for your colleagues. ‘Tis the season to drink coffee

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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ 28 SPORT BUCS Review Badminton Men’s Cardiff sails up in Welsh Dragon meet rally to draw lacrosse ease Tom Johnson with Brighton through in cup Sport Writer Dave Riley Eliza Nicholas Two weekends ago saw a host of Sport Writer Sport Writer sailors from universities across the United Kingdom descend on Car- Cardiff ...... 4 Plymouth Marjon ...... 2 diff for two days of intense action Brighton ...... 4 Cardiff ...... 9 in Cardiff University Sailing Club’s annual Welsh Dragon team The pairing of Roshani Mann and Cardiff ’s men’s lacrosse travelled racing event. CUSC were well placed for success before nature intervened Cerys Hickinbottom saved a point once more to Plymouth Marjon in Following arrivals from as far for Cardiff against Brighton. the fi rst round of the BUCS Trophy, afi eld as Edinburgh and Plymouth, all 63 races were completed in good Notwithstanding the weather The home team were looking for having beaten them 7-0 in October’s Saturday morning dawned frosty, time. At the end of Day One, Car- mishaps on the second day, both the a change in fortunes after defeat in league game. setting the scene for some brisk diff ’s entry, a team of freshers, lay social and competitive members of the reverse fi xture earlier this sea- Cardiff dominated in attack dur- competition in the fl eets of Fire- just inside the top half in 10th. CUSC put a lot of effort into the son, but they can take credit from ing the fi rst quarter, maintaining fl ies. Regardless of how well you pre- successful smooth running of the a spirited performance against a possession and making consistent The fi rst day was characterised pare, sailing ultimately depends on event, complete with their trade- strong Brighton side. shots. A Marjon defender had an by some very close contests and the wind and Sunday saw scarcely mark hard work and wit. The tie’s fi rst match saw the unfortunate accident resulting in a few surprising results. While enough to move the boats across Bread, gloves and the occasional Cardiff pairing of Rapacioli and a broken ankle, causing play to Bristol 1 and Edinburgh won all the bay, let alone race. Despite the muddy puddle cleared from the Gilmour race to a 10-5 lead in the be suspended, but two goals were six of their races, teams including clubs’ repeated attempts to start, changing room, the boats were opening game. The home pairing scored by James Gibson when play Plymouth 1 and Bath languished the day was brought to an abrupt packed away and we sadly waved proved too powerful for the visitors, resumed. towards the bottom end of the fl eet. close at lunchtime with just 21 rac- goodbye to Welsh Dragon event for with a number of Cardiff smashes During the second quarter, Car- Given the near perfect conditions, es completed. another season. going past Brighton racquets. Car- diff rotated some of their freshers, diff ended the match quickly, 21-12 who helped maintain the team’s 21-17 to go 3-0 up in the tie, hav- dominance and produced another ing received two walkovers due to goal from Gibson and one from Ladies’ lacrosse suffer sixth straight loss Brighton having only fi ve players. Dom Evans. Impressive tackles ford and no substitutes meant that Williams’ impressive form con- Cardiff then went on to toil were made by the dynamic defen- Ellie van Klaveren the Oxford attack were weakened. tinued with some more great saves in the singles against Brighton’s sive trio of Jamie Bodnar-Horvath, Sport Writer Cardiff ’s attack moved the ball in the second half. quality number one and similarly Silas Fuller and Jack Ward, en- around the fan fl uidly, combin- Cardiff obtained some posses- struggled against the visitors’ top abling the opposition to score only Cardiff ...... 2 ing well against a strong Oxford sion in the second half courtesy doubles pairing. This left Cardiff one goal and make the score 3-1 at Oxford ...... 22 defence. Captain Amy Rochford of a number of good turnovers 3-4 down going into the fi nal match, half time. scored a fantastic goal to keep Car- and better midfi eld ball movement. where Mann and Hickinbottom The third quarter proved excit- After a disappointing performance diff in the game. Cardiff ’s attack managed to capi- came through 21-18 21-19 victors in ing, with a goal by James Tilley di- last week, the ladies were keen to Towards the end of the fi rst half, talise on this possession, with mid- a match they controlled from the rectly from the face-off, followed by keep a closer score line this week. Cardiff ’s defence struggled, allow- fi eld defence Fiona Tait scoring a outset. goals from Hugo King-Oakley, Joa- The fi rst half saw Oxford take an ing Oxford to extend their lead and great goal. This may go down as a missed kim Schuwer, Paul Chapman and early lead, with a quick succession score some easy goals. Communi- Despite a stronger second half, opportunity for Cardiff to have re- two more from Evans. Another was of fast breaks and accurate shoot- cation between the defences broke Oxford took advantage and ex- corded their fi rst win of the season scored by Plymouth, which proved ing. After a hard fi rst 10 minutes, down and attacking players were tended the scoreline with some against a depleted Brighton. Sol- to be the fi nal goal as neither team Cardiff ’s defence settled and man- left unmarked. fast-break goals and impressive ace, however, can be taken from the broke through in the last quarter. aged to slow down the Oxford at- After half time, Cardiff re- shooting. manner in which the point was sal- Bradley Cooper executed some fan- tack. grouped and started the second vaged. If the tenacity shown con- CARDIFF: A Rochford, G tastic dodges towards the end of With some incredible saves from half well with some strong defen- Glennon, G Shields, F Tait, E tinues, the win cannot be far away. the game, adding to the dominant goalkeeper Cat Williams, the de- sive play. Oxford found it hard Burgin, L Gilbert, E Hearn, style of lacrosse played by Cardiff fence successfully turned the ball to get past the tight defence, with S Snell, C Williams, E Evans, CARDIFF: K Mahay, J Chuang, throughout, resulting in a 9-2 win. over and moved the downfi eld to some strong double-teaming and F Parker, C Cummings, A R Mann, C Hickinbottom, S Dom Evans was named Most Valu- the attack. An early injury to Ox- fantastic goal-saving tackles. Broughton, E Bartholomei Rapacioli, C Gilmour able Player. The win was the latest in Car- diff ’s highly successful season, which included an important 6-2 Varsity vengeance for Cardiff ladies’ football victory against Varsity rivals Cardiff piled on the pressure back just before the half-time The full-time whistle saw a Swansea last week. The tough Abigail Smyth with the ball remaining in Swan- whistle, the teams going in at the very pleased Cardiff team cel- match, which saw some contro- Sport Writer sea’s half of the pitch for the ma- break with Cardiff up 3-1. ebrate as they had won the derby versial and competitive play from jority of the first period. Laura Cardiff took to the pitch for game. The bad memories of the both sides, eventually resulted in Cardiff ...... 4 Mcdonald stood out as she sprint- the second half comfortable with Varsity match have been put to a triumph for Cardiff against their Swansea ...... 1 ed up and down the wing, cross- the score line but determined to the back of the players’ minds, previously unbeaten opposition, ing the ball into the box. Her maintain their level of intensity with the win taking them up to creating great excitement for this Cardiff University ladies’ foot- efforts paid off as she doubled and claim all three points. third – two places above Swan- year’s Varsity match. MVP was ball put their Varsity defeat be- Cardiff ’s lead in the 13th minute. It would not be easy, however, sea. awarded to Bodnar-Horvath for his hind them with a 4-1 win against Swansea started to push Car- as Swansea picked up their per- Cardiff will travel to Swansea unfaltering defence against strong rivals Swansea last Wednesday. diff back towards the end of the formance after the break and be- next week for the reverse fixture, opposition. The first half saw an extreme- first period – however, the home gan to make inroads into the Car- where the ladies could secure the ly high-tempo performance from side’s defence remained strong, diff defence. Possession between double over their greatest rivals CARDIFF: J Ward, D Evans, S Fuller, J Bodnar-Horvath, J Cardiff, with their first goal be- with good communication across the two teams was very even, but ahead of the 2014 Varsity. Schuwer, J Gibson, B Cooper, J ing scored within the first two the back four. Gillet then man- a set piece would see Cardiff in- Tilley, M Lane, H King-Oakley, P minutes as striker Hattie Gillet aged to bag her second of the crease their lead with Fran Dal- CARDIFF: F Taylor, S Glover, M Chapman, M Cork, M Lane, W managed to turn skilfully around game when she was presented ton showing great composure to O’Connell, F Dalton, C Moore, L Morris, J Thomas, J Sowerby, B a Swansea defender to find the with a tap-in at the left post. blast the ball into the net from a Mcdonald, S Davies, E Davies, V Bowen, J Abrahams back of the net. Swansea managed to pull one corner. Francis, H Gillet, A Smyth Monday December 2nd 2013 SPORT 29

Errors cost Cardiff dear as Hartpury power to victory

After an even opening fi ve min- ing gone through numerous phases Steffan Thomas utes, classy Hartpury fullback Ian on the away side’s try line, centre Rugby Club Correspondent Clark ghosted his way past three Ben Madgewick knocked on with would-be tacklers, before being the try line at his mercy. Cardiff ...... 10 brought down in Cardiff ’s 22. This And this would be the story of UWE Hartpury ...... 27 resulted in a chance for the home the fi rst half, with slight errors side to open their account, which ruining the home side’s opportuni- Cardiff University’s men’s rugby outside half Gareth Thompson suc- ties after some inventive and excit- took on the challenge of facing up ceeded in doing with a penalty. ing rugby. It was from a scrum that to a powerful UWE Hartpury outfi t It was courtesy of scrum half the fi rst try of the contest came, at Cardiff Arms Park. Tom O’Flaherty that the home with the visitors causing Cardiff ’s The visitors started the stron- side’s fi rst real opportunity arose. scrum to disintegrate under pres- gest, with their physical approach After a free kick from a scrum in sure, which resulted in a penalty causing Martyn Fowler’s side all their own half, the nippy scrum try that Thompson duly convert- sorts of problems. half took a quick tap, and after hav- ed. Hartpury’s physicality allowed them to maintain momentum af- ter their fi rst try, with Thompson making a lovely break in midfi eld PHOTO: Taliesin Coombes before throwing an audacious fl oat- ing pass for lively winger Cameron Roberts to score. a brick wall attempting to run the But it was Clark who put the fi - Hartpury centre Seb Rodwell ball out from underneath his own nal nail in Cardiff ’s coffi n as the was outstanding throughout and sticks. The ball was subsequently former Gloucester player side- his powerful running allowed Rob- ripped out of his grasp, with sec- stepped four defenders before rac- erts to run in unopposed for his sec- ond row Ollie Smith touching down ing away to seal a 27-10 victory for ond try of the match. for a converted try that reduced the the league leaders. Jack Wilson managed to get the score to 10-20. CARDIFF: S Burrows, L hosts on the board just before the Unfortunately, despite putting Waldren, B Madgewick, J Watters, interval with a diffi cult penalty, but the visitors under sustained peri- A Evans, J Wilson, T O’Flaherty, the fi rst half very much belonged ods of pressure, the Hartpury’s for- D Wayman, R Smith, B Unwin, J Kenny, O Smith, A Rees, H Wilkes, to the Englishmen. wards were still able to win the ma- M Bonzanko, Dave Fellows, G The fi rst points of the second jority of the collisions, with their George, D Jones, M Baker, A PHOTO: Taliesin Coombes half came as a result of Cardiff ’s scrum still a massive strength of Burril, L Thomas, L Molloy, M defence when Thompson ran into their game. Evans, I Phillips

Solid start to the year Korfball seeded for BUCS for Dancesport Nationals after stellar display

were semi-fi nalists in novice Latin, Sophie Banks and couples Matt Burgess and So- James Wilcox placing matches in the top 6. Their The fi nal match was a quiet af- Sport Writer phie Kendall and Bryn Griffi ths Sport Writer next opponents were Southampton, fair with Cardiff easing to a 5-1 and Katie Kelly were semi-fi nalists who managed to earn a convincing win, ensuring that they fi nished Warwick held Dancesport’s fi rst in the novice Ballroom category. Cardiff University Korfball Club 7-1 victory with very organised tac- fourth behind Birmingham, South- competition of the year on Novem- In the intermediate category, Ali began their 2013/14 BUCS cam- tics, which broke down Cardiff ’s ampton and Cambridge. Although ber 16th, with 52 competitors repre- Naeem and Sophie Timbers came paign in earnest last weekend game. Cardiff had beaten Cambridge, the senting Cardiff. second in Ballroom and Laurence with a fourth-placed fi nish at the Having to bounce back again to former’s draw with Bristol denied The fi eld was strong, with 11 oth- Lovell and Bethan Edwards came Southern Regional Qualifi ers in try and secure a top-four fi nish, the them a top-three placing. er universities competing through- sixth. In intermediate Latin, Zixin Birmingham. squad needed a win against Cam- Finishing in the top four teams out the day. With more than 50 com- Tong and Hannah Garfi eld, Bryan The fi rst team were pooled with bridge. This match was to prove means that Cardiff are seeded for petitors in the beginner category Heggs and Natasha Dumigan, Lau- Essex, Birmingham, Reading, Ox- the tightest of the tournament. It the BUCS National Championships and over 60 in the novice category, rence Lovell and Bethan Edwards ford and Bristol. Cardiff started remained a low-scoring affair, with in March next year. The squad have Cardiff did extremely well. were all semi-fi nalists. strongly, dispatching an inexpe- the teams trading the lead through- seen what they are up against and In the beginner category, Shani Cardiff also made up six teams rienced University of Essex side out the game. As the fi nal whistle the coaches have identifi ed some Freeke and Ollie Wannell danced in the 32 strong team matches. In 12-1 with a convincing display of sounded, Cardiff were celebrat- areas to improve on, meaning that excellently and came fi rst in Jive division one of the team matches, shooting, combined with impres- ing with four goals to Cambridge’s Cardiff are easily capable of com- and second in Waltz, Quickstep and Cardiff A team came fourth, Car- sive control. three and only one game left to play, ing back stronger and reversing Cha. Cari Davies and Becky Lam- diff B came 10th and Cardiff C Cardiff ’s next opponents were against Kent. some of these results. bert came fi rst in Cha and fi fth in came 16th. In Division 2 Cardiff D Birmingham, with whom they have Jive, with Findley Mostyn and Kate came 4th, Cardiff E came 9th and maintained a close rivalry over the Korfball’s fourth-placed fi nish means they will be seeded for the Nationals Baranaby coming third in Jive and Cardiff F came 11th. last few years. Cardiff opened the fi fth in Cha. Overall, Cardiff had a success- scoring to take an early lead, with In our novice’s category, Jenna ful day at Warwick and will look the fi rst half continuing as a close Crocombe and Apple Gam came to build on a solid start at the next affair. However, after Birmingham fi fth overall in the Latin section. competition in Bath on November took the lead, some dubious refer- Rosemarie Foreman and Faye Rees 30th. eeing decisions followed and Car- diff lost their focus, allowing Bir- mingham to claim a hard-fought 7-3 win. Cardiff then redoubled their ef- forts and saw off Reading 6-1 and Oxford 5-1 with relative ease. In the fi nal group match, Bristol showed surprising resistance and matched Cardiff ’s scoring to force a frustrat- ing 5-5 draw. Dancesport performed well at the season’s opening event in Warwick After a team talk from their coaches, the squad entered the fi nal 30 SPORT

TEAM TALK: Sport editor David Hooson talks to JOMEC FC captain Liam McNeilly about the IMG set-up this year

After disappointing defeats to Y recruited quite strongly. Simeon What are the main challenges sponsibility to provide for people Gym Gym and EarthSoc, JOMEC Goldstraw is proving a prolifi c goal you face as an IMG team? who want to play sport. FC seemed to have turned a corner scorer and Jimbly ‘Klaus’ Taylor Financing is an issue. We tried this season – a comfortable 3-1 vic- has stepped up to become our regu- to get a sponsor this year but we What do you think could be done tory over CHAOS and a hard-fought lar centre-back. Joe ‘Chow’ Mayne couldn’t, which means that we’ve to improve IMG in general? draw against the Medics have since and Ben Rynjah have also made had to pay for everything ourselves. There has been a lot of criticism of followed. important contributions in the I initially had to pay for everything referees, but I think the initiative Following their recent improve- middle of the engine room. myself and then get that money to improve that has to come from ments in form, JOMEC are looking back from people in the team. Ad- the players. Everyone is quick to to push on in the concluding games Why do you think IMG is an im- ditionally, Wednesday afternoons scapegoat bad refereeing, but play- of Phase One as captain and goal- portant part of uni life? have traditionally been left clear ers are always trying to infl uence keeper Liam McNeilly sets his sights It provides Cardiff students with for participation in sport but, this referees to make bad decisions. A Joe Atkinson on qualifying for the Second Divi- an outlet to play sport if they are year, lectures seem to be running more sporting attitude would ben- City Columnist sion next semester. unable to play AU sport or choose into Wednesday afternoons, which efi t everybody. Also, the random not to. You only need to look at how leaves people with the decision of draw at the beginning of the sea- With approximately one-third How would you assess your sea- much of a scene there was when whether to turn up for a lecture or son could potentially cause some of the Premier League sea- son so far? they attempted to cap IMG at 24 participate in sport. The purpose anomalies, with the possibility of son complete, there is plenty Mixed but improving. The draw teams to see how much it matters of university is obviously to study, teams like Engin Auto (Engineer- of reason for quiet optimism against Medics in particular was to people. but the University also have a re- ing’s 2nd XI) ending up in Division among Cardiff City supporters. a big result for us. We are now One, so a seeding system could im- Encouraging, wholehearted fourth in our group and I think an- prove things. performances have reaped re- other four points from our last two sults against the giants of the games will get us into Division Two In such a close Premier League league, while City have repeat- at the end of the season, which is season, what do you think will edly demonstrated their ability defi nitely achievable. be the determining factor in the to dig in against clubs around fi nal standings? Who’s your tip them in the table. What are your main goals for for the title? Although Malky Mackay’s the season? It could be a number of things. men currently sit just above The last two seasons, we have fi n- Many people are suggesting that the drop zone, team spirit and ished second in Division Three, both Arsenal and Liverpool will performance level suggests the so going one better than that and not have enough depth, but equally squad has enough about it to possibly getting into Division Two their class could prove enough. I survive City’s maiden Premier would be great. We are in a group think that Chelsea will come good League season. A number of that is strong throughout, so just to and win the league in the end. players have shown their top- do that would be an achievement in They have class throughout their fl ight credentials, with both itself. team, even coming off the bench, new signings and members of to a much greater extent than any last season’s promotion squad Who would you identify as your other side. The Mourinho effect impressing. key players? Cross-examination: McNeilly struggles with a high ball will shortly come into play. He’s The central defensive unit of Around half of our players are the right man for the job in my Steven Caulker and Ben Turn- new this year and I think we have eyes. er typifi es this mix – Caulker a summer arrival from Spurs, while Turner is in his third season as a City player. They Amos looking to build on fi rst call-up have started together in every league game so far and have formed a formidable partner- about doing the basics really well. ternational centre Jamie Roberts. ship at the back, while Caulk- Steffan Thomas When you are playing in front of Roberts, who graduated only Sport Writer er’s aerial ability has seen him 50,000 people you can’t hide, really. a few short months ago, is well net vital goals. “It was an amazing experience, qualifi ed to advise Amos about the In midfi eld, Gary Medel, very special, and I really enjoyed diffi culties of combining a career As Cardiff University student Hal- also a new acquisition, has lam Amos ran out on to the Millen- it. I am a bit battered and bruised as a professional sportsman, with proven to be a determined nium Stadium turf against Tonga, now, but it was good to get the win.” medical studies. and aggressive player, perfect back on November 22nd, one can Despite being born in Stockport, “It’s good having Jamie, who for the fast-paced and physi- only imagine the feeling of elation Amos is a product of Monmouth has already been through it,” said cal English game. The Chilean that the Newport Gwent Dragons School, famous in Welsh rugby Amos. winger was experiencing upon circles for producing the legendary “I have spoken to him a few has complimented the likes of winning his fi rst senior Welsh cap. Keith Jarrett, who scored four tries times about it. I think it is good for Jordon Mutch, Aron Gunnars- The 19-year-old medical student on his debut against England as an me to know there is someone who son and Peter Whittingham, would have expected to watch the 18-year-old in 1967. has already done it and that it can who have been star perform- Autumn Internationals either in Former Welsh international be done. ers in the heart of the Cardiff the comfort of his own home or out John Bevan, a coach of Amos in “I’ve put the medicine a bit on midfi eld. As noted in this col- with his friends, but instead he was his early years, described his ad- the back seat these last couple of umn last week, City’s strikers lining up in a star-studded Welsh miration for the winger: “We are weeks with all the Welsh training, have struggled at times to score back division that included IRB very proud and it is fairy-tale stuff but it’s going well. It’s just about goals. Fraizer Campbell is the World Player of the Year nominee seeing the head boy, who only a few managing to keep all balls in the club’s top scorer in the league Leigh Halfpenny and established months ago was reading out notic- air. It can be pretty hectic. One day with just three, highlighting a international winger George es in assembly, set to play for Wales. last month, I was 9 to 5 in hospital, problem going forward for Car- North. “Hallam has all the physical at- doing CPR, learning resuscita- diff. Craig Bellamy and Peter “Two weeks ago, I was sitting tributes and is bright both on and tion, and then I was straight down Odemwingie have both offered watching the South Africa game off the fi eld. to Rodney Parade for the game competition and versatility, but and had no idea I would be involved “Every time that a player steps against Zebre. So it’s busy, but it’s neither has made a signifi cant a fortnight later. Things do move up a level they will fi nd things really, really good. I am enjoying impact on the scoring charts. very quickly in this game,” said the faster and harder but Hallam has it.” With a settled squad and a taken it all in his stride and is men- Unfortunately for Amos, he was Stockport-born winger. balanced and consistent start- tally tough.” not selected ahead of Wales’ clash “The intensity of training defi - ing 11, Cardiff have so far nitely brings you on. There are no Amos, who studies medicine with Australia last weekend, but adapted well to the Premier hiding places. You have to be accu- at Cardiff University, will look to will no doubt be looking to the fu- Hallam Amos has earned his fi rst Wales cap League and will look to kick on rate in everything you do. follow in the footsteps of one of ture and hoping to build on his over the Christmas period to “[Wales coach] Rob Howley al- the University’s favourite sons in fi rst cap both for the Dragons and ensure survival come May. ways says international rugby is Welsh and British & Irish Lions in- Wales. Monday December 2nd 2013 SPORT 31

Sport’s Pitch: The Real Test In light of the news of Jonathan Trott’s Ashes departure, Sport writer Dom Booth takes a look at the issue of mental health in sport

onday morn- England Test team in 2009, Trott ing is never a has been renowned for his mental pleasant time toughness. Therefore, the issues of the week, must lie much deeper than but for Warner’s accusations suggest. England crick- The arduous schedule of three eterM Jonathan Trott, waking up on to four-month winter tours, when Monday must have been a night- the players are tested mentally, mare. physically and emotionally to such He scored just 19 runs in two a degree, are bound to be a factor. Paul Davies innings as England laboured to a Trescothick was forced to pull out Blues Columnist huge defeat to Australia in the of Test matches in England opening Ashes Test. Yet, for Trott, because of the huge pressures that Leigh Halfpenny is the Cardiff this would have been strangely were weighing down on him. Some Blues’ most valuable asset. Over insignificant. Later that day, it critics of Trescothick and Trott’s the past year, Halfpenny has emerged that the England number performances have used such slurs proven to be one of the world’s three would play no further part in as “jibbing” and “bottling” in high- most consistent fullbacks, as the Ashes series and would travel pressure situations, but their suc- well as one of the most reliable home to be with his family due to a cess means that we should not cast goal-kickers. He has stood out “long-standing stress-related con- such aspersions on to their charac- with exceptional performances dition”. ter – they should be praised for for the Blues, Wales and for the This is not the first time that an their skill and dexterity. Jonathan Trott has taken a break from cricket to recover from a stress-related illness British & Irish Lions. England cricketer has suffered Mental illness has often been a As if it wasn’t enough to be from the brutal demands of the taboo subject, but with the advent named Player of the Six Nations international game. Comparisons of sport psychologists, sportsmen public speculation about the issues Union Annual Members’ Meeting, and Player of the Series for the were immediately made between who have issues with stress or that may have led to his suicide. a motion was passed to ensure that Lions, he might soon be adding Trott and former opening batsman depression are seemingly well sup- Despite tributes being held in the University will work in part- World Player of the Year to his Marcus Trescothick, who flew ported. Yet, it seems that sports- Cardiff and across the country, it nership with elected officers to Twitter bio. home from India in 2006 and men and women in the public eye seemed as though many people take action in tackling mental It is well documented that Australia in 2006/07 for similar are not receiving quite enough couldn’t comprehend Speed’s situa- health issues across campus. Halfpenny will be out of con- reasons, and Michael Yardy, who help. The media have a key role to tion. Perhaps the real reasons According to the Mental Health tract with the Blues at the end of was forced to leave England’s 2011 play in how mental illness is repre- behind his death will never sur- Foundation, as many as one-in-four the season. Several months ago, World Cup campaign due to depres- sented in society. face, but speculation and hypothe- people will experience some kind Halfpenny was linked with a sion. When speaking to gair rhydd sising do not help, especially in a of mental health problem during move to Toulon. If the rumours From a cricketing perspective, about mental health in sport, in case as sensitive as Speed’s death. the course of each year. Some of are to be believed, Toulon have the reason behind this seems obvi- particular cricket, Cardiff Whether cases such as his are your own teammates may have suf- already offered him a £1 million ous – all three players mentioned University Cricket Club captain properly reported in the media, fered or are suffering from similar contract to join their incredibly above are batsmen. Many see bat- Joshua Allen spoke of how “people however, is an important question issues, whether it be in IMG or in star-studded ranks. No wonder ting as the more mentally demand- will always understand that there in shaping how mental illness is AU sport. Blues fans are sceptical about ing discipline and the most suc- is a mental side to any sport, but understood. Many people are still In the case of Trott, like others their chances of keeping a hold cessful purveyors of the batting cricket is different. The long tours unable to talk about it due to a lack before him and those to come, he of Wales’ golden boy. trade have been the most mentally and pressure of getting results of factual information. As consum- needs to be given the time and Halfpenny has been keeping tough. Australian opener David may put more strain on the psyche ers and observers of top-class space to recover in his own time. quiet over his future and, since Warner insensitively described than other sports and perhaps not sport, it is in the public’s interest For now, fans, fellow sportsmen his link to European champions Trott’s performance as “poor and everyone appreciates that.” to be better educated about mental and the rest of society need to Toulon, there have been no clues weak” and jeered at England’s This lack of empathy towards health, and it is the media’s duty to understand that their sporting regarding the club he might be “scared eyes” in the face of some mental health issues in sport was inform. Once this is done, there is a heroes are not invincible and playing for next season. If Half- hostile bowling. demonstrated in the reaction to chance that we can move towards should be supported, not derided. penny was planning on staying However, short-pitched bowling Gary Speed’s shock death in an era where the ridiculing of High-profile cases of sportsmen in with the Blues, you would imag- and hostile atmospheres have November 2011, aged just 42. sportsmen suffering with stress no such situations can only help raise ine that he would have at least become part and parcel of Test Although no evidence of mental longer happens. awareness and eliminate igno- voiced a desire to stay, like Sam cricket. Most commentators would illness was ever diagnosed, there As recently as November 21st, at rance or misconception about men- Warburton has. agree that, since coming into the was an outpouring of media and the Cardiff University Students’ tal health issues. Realistically, the Blues have very little to offer Halfpenny. They won’t be challenging for any thanks by the favourites, the New Car- should defi nitely consider nomi- silverware anytime soon and to those who diff Banzai Mavericks (Lacrosse nating yourself ! What’s the worst there is a strong chance that came along Club), who were a strong contend- that could happen?! they won’t even be involved to Dodgeball er throughout the tournament If you’d like to run for VP in next year’s top European last Thurs- and proved to be a dominant force Sports & AU President, then come club competition. Players of day. It was yet again, winning for the fourth and see me in the Offi cers’ Bowl such calibre want to play at the aM great event and was played in year in a row. on the third fl oor of the Students’ highest level and relish being great spirit by everyone! I’d like to In other news, in March every Union building – I will gladly tell involved in teams who are chal- thank all the clubs that entered year the Students’ Union holds you more about the AU and all our lenging to win trophies. teams as well – you represented elections for its full-time offi cer amazing clubs and give further The Blues won’t get close to the AU fantastically. roles and part-time offi cer roles details on how to run. matching the wages offered by Well done to the Vicious & as well. This year, there is a slight It’s December and the fi rst term the French clubs, even if the Ed’s Delicious team, who won best change to usual in that nomina- is almost over already. Time has WRU make good on their prom- fancy dress for their matching tions are open now. fl own by and I’d like to say “thank ise to cough up £1 million to Note outfi ts and matching accesso- If you have ever considered be- you” to all of our clubs for putting help keep international players ries as well. There was also ing an elected offi cer, then go on in excellent performances when- in Wales. the typical sporting drama as and nominate yourself ! You have ever they have competitions as It will be a devastating blow Acapelter (Acapella Society) until February to do so. If you well as arranging fantastic trips if, or when, Halfpenny leaves. – through sheer heart, determi- have any questions, don’t hesitate and events and getting involved in As a player, he’s irreplaceable nation and luck – were without to contact any of the current offi - lots of Union activity. and his departure would mean a doubt the true underdog story cer team. The elected offi cers are a further step backwards for a of the event as they managed to here to represent students and to EDORE EVUARHERHE Blues team, which seems to be make it all the way to the fi nal be- get students’ voices heard. If you Athletic Union President in a dangerous state of decline. fore losing out. They were beaten want to be involved in that, you @AUPresidentCSU cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk /gairrhydd SportMonday December 2nd 2013 | Issue 1017 Fresher Amos following Roberts’ lead

PHOTO: Getty Images Medical student Hallam Amos is the latest Cardiff student to embark upon a career international sport (<< read more page 30)

Sport’s Pitch: a look at depression in sport following Cardiff hosts Trott’s Ashes Success for Cardiff Welsh Dragon departure Dancesport in Warwick sailing event

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