M12064B6832 w " ISSUE 1152 MONDAY 9TH JULY 2007 THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF NEWCASTLE STUDENTS Bridge Building

BY GEMMA DAVJES EDITOR

PLANS have recently been unveiled for regeneration at Barras Bridge, as the University aims to create a 'front door' for visitors to the campus. The centrepiece would be a five- storey, glass-fronted Student and Administrative Services Building, on the site of the car park opposite the and Campus Coffee. The building would incorporate student services including the Careers Service, Accommodation Service, Student Welfare Service and Student Progress Service in order to give Newcastle students facilities likening a 'one stop shop' arrangement. A number of environmentally- friendly features have been designed into the new building. It would generate about 10 per cent of its energy needs from renewable sources and further reduce its carbon footprint by virtue of highly efficient building fabric, glazing, heating, lighting and IT facilities and a design that makes an air conditioning system unnecessary. The total cost of the project is expected to be £35m, of which £2m improving realm features around tni building,, to make the campus more accessible to pedestrians via the Barras Bridge entrance to King's Walk. Work is expected to start Spring 2008 and be completed in Autumn 2009. Signing Off

BY JENNIE GUNDILL OUT-GOING EDITOR

VICE CHANCELLOR Preofessor Christopher Edwards retires at the BY GEMMA DAVIES end of July.' EDITOR Professor Edwards leaves Newcastle after five years at the THIS week final year students of Newcastle institution. University will graduate in ceremonies in King's During his time here the University Hall. has flourished and seen may The years of hard work and effort are now at an end changes. He has instigated the plans as we mark this occasion by collecting our well-earned for Science City, the upcomin degree parchments in front of our proud family and Barras Bridge Buliding, ana revise friends. the structure of academic schooling Your time here will inevitably have involved highs into three faculties. and lows but this week symbolises the hard work Professor Edwards will be replaced paying off. by Chris Brink from Stellenbosch Eor what could be your very last time, your walk University, Cape Town, South through the Quadrangle could well bring a tear to Africa. your eye, but this is very much a time for celebration The Courier would like to wish of our academic achievements. Congratulations to you Professor Edwards good luck in his all! forthcoming endeavours.

in association with nigel wright NIGEL W RIGHT^ www. mgel w right. com SHwiiiS -RECRUITME n3 2thecourier Stories of the Year Monday 9th July 2007 [email protected] Editor's Newcastle: What’s in name? for comment on why the decision Comment BY BEN WOODWARD was made, but seemingly the main reason was to market the University BY GEMMA DAVIES IN OCTOBER students continued more effectively to potential to express their disappointment students, particularly those who may with the change made over the have been put off by the introduction "I NEVER want this to end..." summer to tne name of our of top-up fees this year. Ah, the memories of being in your university. For some current students, the first year. The non-stop partying, The University of Newcastle upon change is too minor to care about, the power walk past the Ridley Tyne has now become "Newcastle but some are annoyed at the Building after rolling out of bed University" in a bid to establish its seemingly dismissive behaviour of fifteen minutes before your lecture "Corporate Visual Identity". Though the University. Key stakeholders AGAIN, when going to Solution the lion and shield logo has who should be consulted are named seemed like a compulsory activity remained very similar, the shorter in the proposal, but out of the ten (well, things never change for some name has now been adopted for the identified, current and potential people). University's everyday business and students rank 7th in priority. In And it all seems like yesterday. advertising. addition, the consultation appears to For me, and for many others I After lengthy discussions and have been badly publicised, with few would imagine, the last three years consideration, the "re-branding" was students acknowledging having (or maybe more in some cases) formally proposed in November taken part in it. have flown by. 2004, at an estimated cost of "I didn't know until I was told, and I always imagined my graduation £100,000-150,000. The proposal at I'm quite annoyed that this has been to be miles away; some sacred day the time stated that, "Tnere is sprung on us out of nowhere," said far in the future but now it's upon considerable evidence that the Jenny Butler, a second-year English me and with it my student days University's current brand is not Literature student. "The old name have come to an abrupt and slightly particularly coherent or well- had a quite classy, traditional sound poignant end. defined, and that the key messages to it, but the new one makes us There are so many options and and purpose, vision and values sound like some polytechnic rather paths that lie ahead of us now. For which underlie the brand have not than a respected university. It me, I'll be the first person to admit been sufficiently clearly identified or certainly wouldn't make me more that the opportunity to stay in articulated." likely to come here if I was looking ‘ Newcastle, editing the student To students, who are directly around." Indeed, former polytechnic newspaper which has played such affected by the name change, that Northumbria University made a an integral part of my student life, could seem like nothing more than similar decision four years ago in was an opportunity that was just business jargon. Though the change changing their former name from too good to pass up. is supposed to give 'Coherence" to "The University of Northumbria at Whatever we choose to do I know the University's business image, it Newcastle" to their current one. that we can all look back at our seems to have done the opposite. Whether the new name helps years here with fond memories and Officially the name still remains .the cultivate a more positive image for hopefully, our time will be same: in legal contracts, on certain the University or even makes a represented through friends that memorabilia and even on degree significant impact on potential we will keep for life. Facebook certificates. To make matters even students has yet to be seen. In all means there's no excuses! more confusing, a notice on the likelihood, even those who - have I'd like to wish you all the best of University weosite claims that actually noticed a change and luck in whatever path you may "where the new name is used on complained will soon make their choose to follow. This applies none official documents, it will always be peace with the decision. However, more so than to those special accompanied by an explanatory students may take some time to fully friends that have made my phrase: The University of Newcastle understand the reasons behind it Newcastle experience so enjoyable upon Tyne trading as Newcastle until it is explained by the and one I know I'll treasure forever. University." University. Goodbye and good luck. Those involved were unavailable

THIS special edition of The Courier looks back at the best, BY ALEX MATCHETT "Moving Politics to Claremont funniest and weirdest stories from Bridge has been part of the School of 2006/07. Geography, Politics & Sociology's As my first edition and my IN NOVEMBER a proposal by the plans for some time. Wherever predecessor Jennie Gundills University to relocate the Politics possible we are trying to locate the swansong, I'd like to take this department met with considerable constituent parts of each School in opportunity to thank her on behalf controversy. the same building." of everyone involved with The Politics students and lecturers However, it is clear that while the Courier this year. alike were both confused and University deems such measures She's been a wonderful editor annoyed at what was seen as an necessary, others - staff as well as having gone through so many great over-complicated proposed to move students - feel compromised by highs and lows, but I personally the entire department from its such decisions. Politics lecturer Dr. wouldn't be sat writing this today current residence on Great North Thom Brooks said, "It's difficult to without her. She's a great Road to Claremont Bridge. see this as a positive development, inspiration and I wish her all the Various students spoke to The no one would like having a smellier luck in the world for after she Courier about their disappointment office; there simply isn't room." leaves me all on my own! with the situation. Tony McCarthy, Professor Andy Gillespie, a Politics and Economics student, explained that the unsuitable state was quick to state his view, asking, of the Porter-Cowen building had "Is there enough space? Will there provided a catalyst for the move. He be enough facilities?" was also keen to emphasise that gag Newcastle Questions from students remained when the proposed move takes University unanswered, but concerns about place, it will he done with the facilities appeared to have a minimum of inconvenience to foundation, with one student students: "It would be after the reporting that he was unable even to exam period, there would be no obtain a Politics style guide from the disruption to students. Space will be The Courier & Pulp are printed by: new office in Claremont Tower. sufficient." Newcastle Chronicle & Journal Ltd Ruth Evans, student The movement of the Politics Groat Market, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. representative for Politics, department can be seen as just the NE11ED TeL 0191 232750 expressed concern about how the tip of the relocation iceberg, as it decision might impact on newer falls into a broader plan Dy the Established in 1948,The Courier is the fully students wno are still relatively University Estates Office; to co­ independent Student Newspaper of the unfamiliar with the department. locate more of the University Union Society at the University of "Freshers are going togo home at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Pulp, established in schools. There was also a proposal 2003, exists as The Courier's entertainments Christmas saying, 'The Politics to sell off every building on pullout The Courier is published weekly office has moved, the Politics Windsor Terrace, allegedly during term time, and is free of charge. department is closing down'," she including the Law School, to a The design, text, photgraphs and graphics said. "We're working on a petition mysterious buyer. However, the are copyright of The Courier and its but they won't take any notice of official line from the University was individual contributors. No parts of this us...it's all happened m the last that, "There was a proposal to sell newspaper may be reproduced without the month!" these buildings in order to invest the prior permission of the Editor. Any views Provost of .Humanities and Social proceeds in improving facilities expressed in this newspaper's opinion pieces Sciences, Prof. Colin Riordan, was elsewhere, but these plans have are those of the individual writing, and not keen to stress the need for such been shelved." of The Courier, the Union Society or the merry-go-round movements: University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. ____ I______I . Stories of the Year thecourier3 [email protected] Monday 9th July 2007

BY JAMES SLOAN After learning that the wait for an "There was a power failure in engineer could take up to an hour and the building, affecting our unwilling to wait suspended between computer systems and tne lift. IN APRIL second year Psychology floors in the confined space, Mimi One student was stuck, but she student Mimi Akighir found herself resourcefully used her set of keys as a got herself out while we were in a tight situation when the main lift wedge and managed to force open the waiting for the engineers. in the Robinson Library failed to lift doors: "The wall was only six inches "We were following safety operate. in front of me," she explains. procedures as instructed by the Mimi intended to take the lift from "I could see right down the lift shaft." University Safety Office," level four to meet a friend outside, but After finding the lever that would Connolly explained when the lift halted after travelling a short activate the doors, Mimi was able to asked about the frustrating distance due to a power failure. make her escape, in true Jack Bauer wait for assistance. After the emergency alarm failed to style, by jumping down the remaining "We have to call the sound, Mimi explained to The gap and back into the library itself. engineers and wait for them to Courier, she called for help Looking back on the experience, Mimi arrive in case there's anything using an emergency contact told The Courier how her way of that we can't tackle ourselves. panel, but described the thinking helped her at the time: "Keep As it happened, the engineer operator at the other end of calm," she advises anyone who gets arrived aoout five minutes the line as somewhat into a similar situation. 'It's not like the after the woman got out, and unenthusiastic, adding that, movies, thg cables aren't going to he fixed the lift." "All the operator said was snap." Connolly was apologetic that an engineer was on "I probably should have waited for about the perceived attitude V his way." the engineer," she adds. "But I knew a of library staff: way out and just acted/' "I am sorry if they came Despite escaping (relatively) safely across as unhelpful, and quickly, Mimi was unimpressed although perhaps that was with the action taken by the library just in tne heat of the staff: "I saw people still waiting for moment. Half an hour is a the lift, no sign was put up, and long time to wait for an staff seemed to be uninterested." engineer, so we understand In response to Mimi's that it could be distressing concerns. Deputy Librarian for the student." Wayne Connolly explained: In the Name of Charity Student adds TinkerbelP to name and raises £250

OFFICIAL: Rob TinkerbeH' Storer, with his Deed of Name Change certificate BY RICHARD CARDIGAN when my full name is read out. I don't think they will react too well." BY CLAIRE PURCELL drinking, and on Saturday afternoon we were NEWS EDITOR Amy Cruickshank, the university's RAG lounging about in our flat when Mr and Mrs Officer said: "A lot of bizarre things happen Briggs came through the doorway all dressed during RAG week, but this has to be the up, with rings and everything and clutching a IN FEBRUARY a third year Ancient History IN APRIL a first year couple tied the knot student at took the weirdest thing so far." after a whirlwind romance. wedding certificate!" "It's really good that the name change raised Despite previously denying any seriousness decision to add 'Tinkerbell1 to his middle Harriet Bradbury, of flat 9D at Richardson name, all for...charity.. so much money. I think it's really Road, met husband-to-be Lewis Briggs from in their relationship, the pair had been commendable that he stuck to his side of the planning their weddmg since the Christmas Rob Storer, 21, made the decision during RAG the same block whilst at the Boat nightclub Week in order to boost the amount of money he deed and went through with it." during Freshers' Week. Dreak. Despite the early wedding, none of the If you too decide to change your name, you newlyweds' flatmates were surprised. "Both would raise. Harriet, an English Literature student, and Speaking to The Courier, he said: "It all started can do so for the bargain sum of £49 by logging Lewis, who is studying Accounting and Lewis and Harriet are really spontaneous and in Bar Berlise during RAG week. I was dared to onto the UK Deed Poll Service at Finance, have been described as Deing up for a good time," one said. "You won't change my name and stupidly, I agreed to do it www.deedpoll.org.uk. inseparable since meeting in the first week of find a better suited couple and they have our as long as £250 was raised by my crew - which May The Courier take this opportunity to wish university. Flatmate Craig described the day full support." they, took a lot of enjoyment in doing." Robert John 'Tinkerbell' Storer all the best for the pair got married: "We were all feeling "I'm not going to tell my parents. I think the future. hung-over from a messy Friday night of they'll eventually find out on my wedding day

H 4theCOUner Stories of the Year Monday 9th July 2007 [email protected]

figures in the Make Poverty History Officer Lizzie Pitt. the positive activity going on in "The greatest honour of all was to BY JENNIE GUNDILL campaign. There was at least one sly After the ceremony's conclusion, Africa, choosing only to represent those I call 'the EDITOR reference to the fact that Sir Bob the graduates stayed to take part in a acknowledge, the country's plight indefatigables' - the grass roots doesn't like Mondays. debate chaired by Lord Patten. when a Western tourist is lost or supporters of our campaign in the JANUARY saw The Sage host the • The ceremony came the day after Following a question put to him by there is drought or civil war. university and region - on what University's Make Poverty History Gordon Brown's official the Union's Convenor of Debates, Sir "Westerners don't look at the good Gordon Brown referred to as 'this Honorary Degree Ceremony. acknowledgement that he wished to Bob alluded to recent efforts by things that African countries are historic occasion'. I mean it." Honorary Doctorates of Civil Law become Prune Minister, making it affluent companies to help in the doing, building hospitals, roads, and Dr Golding is also taking part in] were conferred upon Bob Geldof, fitting that heehould give the closing Make Poverty History Campaign. schools. The difficulty is we do not this year's Great North Run. and political economist Dr Susan speech. "Forget capital gain, it doesn't matter have the money to nil the schools The Jubilee Debt Campaign at; George, as well as ex-Tanzanian Brown suggested that "Newcastle as long as the objective is achieved." with books or staff the hospitals with Newcastle Uni, in conjunction with president His Excellency Benjamin is a great university and a great NSR^ News Editor Niger Asije also doctors. But it is now up to us Make Poverty History NE, will field ■ William Mkapa, The Right region," and that he was proud to be caught up with President Mkapa [Tanzania] to by and persuade the a team in the Great North Run, and1 Honourable Gordon Brown MP and a part of such an "historical and asked him, if students were to West that we nave made a good is appealing for students to take part, j our very own Dr David Golding. ceremony." come to Tanzania, would they see a start." Last year tney had over 60 runners i The degrees were presented by Despite Brown being the most clearer picture of an African State Speaking after the ceremony Dr and raised over £16,000. This year,; Chancellor Chris Patten, following famous figure present, it was Dr dealing with poverty than the one Golding said that words failed him they'd like to reach a target oft speeches from University staff, who Golding who elicited the standing seen in the West? to express his gratitude to all those £20,000! eulogised upon the achievements of ovation, led by Professor Nina President Mkapa made it clear that responsible for including him in the For more details go to : the graduates, who are all prominent Laurie and Ethics and Environment the Western World is isolated from ceremony. www.greatrun.org. Fly Another Day Hur-rah for Newcastle

came into common use, but it has topic. BY BEN WOODWARD gained considerable popularity Whether you stare at them : among students in the last few jealously as they buy yet another years. The term most likely started scarf while your bank balance! out a shortened version of hoorah", withers before your very eyes, or ANYBODY who has ever entered a used to describe those who are find them immensely amusing and war of words with a Northumbria visibly upper-class. try to emulate their style, the rahs" student is no stranger to being Many of the defined "rah have arrived and they're not going dubbed a "rah": characteristics" are rather negative - away in a hurry. Especially not now Yet, according to a recent article in unkempt hair, being extremely loud, that Newcastle is officially "Rah The Times, Newcastle has actually unfortunate taste, arrogance and Heaven." replaced Bristol as the most voting Conservative. But "rahs" are desirable university for upper-class also known for having a good time - teenagers. This revelation may not due to having a well-stocked bank ose much of a surprise to account they can plunder at will, - : NiPcewcastle students, who are known - and their fondness for to frequently speculate on whom "exotic" cigarettes. among their friends meets the Countless groups on | When councillors voted against the criteria to be a "rah". online network BY RICHARD CARDIGAN plans, cheers rang out through the But it is significant that Newcastle Facebook are NEWS EDITOR packed council chamber in Durham. is ahead of other universities such as devoted to The application for erection of the Durham or Edinburgh, showing that t h e turbine may have saved £68,000 a more privileged students are now IN FEBRUARY members of year in electricity costs, however, more likely to flock to relatively Newcastle Univeristy Parachute business expert from Newcastle large and culturally diverse cities Club (NUPC) were jumping for joy Business School, Jamie Weatherston, sucn as Newcastle. Newcastle has as councillors rejected plans to said that the savings would be also suffered in the past from being build a 180 ft wind turbine which 'insignificant.' labelled as a "plate glass" university would have put the club out of Adam Pencharz, President of when compared to the business. NUPC, said: "There is no way aforementioned "red-brick" A The Courier had previously ran a students could have afforded to establishments. story explaining that there were travel to the next nearest parachute This has now seemingly * plans to erect the wind turbine on centre at Bridlington. changed, but is this positive or the land which the parachuters use "The turbine in the drop zone negative? Is the word "rah" as their drops zone, threatening would have spelt the end of student derogatory, a term of endearment, their 65 strong club. parachuting, so this is a very or simply a neutral adjective? Following the article there was a important victory for us." Seemingly, it Is all these things to meeting to decide whether the different people, much the same as "chav". project would go ahead. It is unknown quite when the word Graduation Evening Special thecourier 5 [email protected] Eats and Treats...Monday 9th July 2007 The Courier guide to the top places to take your parents on Graduation evening to celebrate your special night in style

BY JOSS RANKIN refectory for the 'Black Friars'. The horseshoe of buildings, which also house a I Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN number of craft shops, provides shelter for the Tel: 0191 261 5945 medieval courtyard which is used for al fresco dining http://www.blackfriarscafebar.co.uk in the summer. Perfect for relaxing with a chilled Monday - Saturday cocktail after a hard day of hand shaking and I Lunch: 12-2.30pm photographs. Dinner: 6pm - late If you're looking for somewhere cosy, comfortable I Sunday and not too 'in-your-face-on-top-of-a-flour mill' to Lunch: 12-4pm enjoy the spoils of the last 3 or 4 years of your life in Newcastle, then Blackfriars would be the ideal place BLACKFRIARS to spend the evening. A warm and welcoming restaurant in the North East by readers of The atmosphere greets you, with exceptional service anc Observer in their coveted Food Awards and was also a lulling hub of conversation to go with your I Metro Newspaper's 'Restaurant of the Year'. expressive Chfiteauneuf-du-Pape. It has gained an AA rosette and inclusion in the Any relatives who've been lucky enough to get an I I Which? Good Food Guide as well as The Michelin invite to your special day (it's a little bit like voi Guide. All the hype aside, it also actually appears to future wedding but with a lot less wine so fob off the I be a veiy decent place to go and grab some top one's you're not that keen on with a graduation invite, quality scran with the folks when they bring their trust me, it works) will enjoy the relaxing yet MasterCard to visit this summer for graduation. sophisticated menu which draws on today's modem The restaurant itself is one of the oldest purpose- British cuisine, as well as the classic French approach. I built restaurants in the UK, dating back to 1239, with In a nut shell, anywhere with Jerusalem artichokes the main restaurant originally built to house the as a side dish get's my vote.

BY JENNIE GUNDILL mushroom and boursin filo for starter and swordfish served with Nicoise salad for her main, | Back Brentwood Avenue, West Jesmond, NE2 3DH whilst I, the fussy vegetarian, was equally well Tel: 0191 281 3812 catered for with tempura battered vegetables with Monday - Thursday sweet chilli satice, followed by pea, pine nut and 12-10.00pm leek cannelloni.X | Friday & Saturday The accompanying salads were refreshing and the I 12-10.30pm sundried tomato butter and ciabatta bread were an | |Sunday innovative twist on the usual pre-order canapes. 12-3pm The menu changes often so that this eatery is always I en vogue and exciting. SO. YOU want to take your parents for drinks on What with such scrumptious food and a bottle of I Osborne Road but you need to eat first, and going Asti Champagne, we were unsure about tackling a into town seems to be a bit of a trek. It's your dessert, but in the end we just couldn't resist! Graduation and the parents are paying, so why not There was a well spread choice of fruit vs. take them somewhere upmarket? chocolate, but all looked sumptuous beyond belief. Tucked away in the heart of Jesmond's suburbia, We eventually opted for a Peach Eton Mess and a I I The Ivy House's minimal chic did not match my Baileys Irish Cream Cr&ne Brule, both of which garish dress - classy and sophisticated is the dish of looked, smelled and tasted fantastic. tne day at this stylish restaurant. Whilst being a little on the expensive side, with I Me and my partner in crime enjoyed a delicious most main courses at £15, this was well deserved three course meal in contemporary surroundings, the staff were friendly throughout and the service I accompanied by mellow but funky lounge music. impeccable. It's hard not to stare at the beautiful glass panels Graduates and parents alike will dissolve into the I | overhead, but our minds soon turned to the menu! elegance of The Ivy House. I'll definitely be going | The meat eater between us was satisfied by a bade again.

BY ALEX BLOOMFIELD Guest DJ Big Ron XL will be playing an eclectic mix of jazz, RnB and pop that's 128-32 Collingwood Street, Newcastle, easy to the ears yet funky enough to NE1 1JF boogie to. Tel: 0191 230 4144 What's more, Apartment will be I lowering bar prices and putting on some ONE of Newcastle's finest special student deals to reduce the hit on establishments, Apartment, will be tne already obliterated student accounts. hosting a parly for all graduates, Bottles of Sky Vodka, Bombay friends and parents this Thursday (12th Sapphire, Archers and the House I July). Whiskey will be sold for £40 and are Renowned for its elegance and accompanied by two jugs of any mixer. I panache, it will provide the perfect Doubles and mixer ana selected bottles m venue to celebrate your graduation in of beer will be £2.50. House Wine is £101 I style. per bottle. Its two stylish dancefloors will provide Entry will be £4 after 10pm for students I I enough room to get your grove on, yet and parents get in free! But they will also there are also enough tables to enable have the privilege of buying your drinks you to sit and relive the good times! for the rest of the night...

around £16 but this is the official Mr. Lynch - A slightly more As You Like It - The newest I And if that’s not enough.., post-work Quayside haunt for the unique and kooky place, Mr. addition to the Jesmond bar scene, city's professionals. Lynch near Jesmond metro is the this quirky country pub is a little BY GEMMA DAVIES for a classy cocktail with family... place to take your parents to bit more expensive than its Tokyo - Having just launched a remind them or their university neighbour Mr. Lynch, but the {AS I'M sure your parents were Pitcher and Piano - Situated right new range of summer cocktails, years. The 70s deco will make thing about Graduation is, it's not aware when you applied to in front of the Millennium Bridge Tokyo is the place to be in the them feel right at home. It has usually you who pays. Newcastle, the city is hardly this is perfect if your Graduation Central Station area. Located on Jesmond's latest licence too. Particularly recommended for its I short of good drinking places. meal is on the Quayside. A Westgate Road, the roof terrace is extensive wine list - not just your Here's where we'd recommend cocktail pitcher will set you back a must if the sun is still shining. house white here. 9111R

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Picture Special thecourier7 [email protected] Monday 9th July 2007 LLOYDS COURT 78 GREY STREET UNITED KINGDOM NE1 6AF T +44 (0)191 222 0770 F +44 (0)191 222 1786 www.nigftlwrlght.com RESERVE YOUR CAREER UPLOAD YOUR CV AT WWW.KEEPANOPENMIND.CO.UK

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iothecourier BUSA Sport Monday 9th July 2007 [email protected] BMTEN BLACK ANI) BLUE

SIAN CALVERT: COMMENT two sides on the day. BY GEMMA DAVIES Northumbria liave a reputation for in hand with an improvement SPORTS EDITOR their sporting class and whilst this is in the standard^ of the £ a laibel that Newcastle pride competition is the increase in1 NEWCASTLE verdict: must try themselves in stripping the Poly of rivalry which has harder. come Stan Calvert day, 2006 will not unfortunately reached This is the easy analysis of o down in history as one of these uncontrollable levels. Newcastle's humiliating 31-45 defeat avs. in the before fNewcastle's AU President Anthony Christmas, but in reality, effort from Keane was nothing but graceful after the players wasn't the problem. Class watching his side be annihilated, was. although it was hard to hide his Much was made before the event disappointment. about tactics and the lengths both "It goes without saying that the sides would go to in order to be able event was an overall to have bragging rights in the city for disappointment, but despite this the the next twelve months. event did see a number of strong In the end, no amount of alleged Newcastle performances. tactical selections or cheating stood "For example, the women's rugby, in the way of Northumbria's victory badminton, fencing and lacrosse on the day. sides all secured solid victories, and The petty or optimistic of the both the men's basketball and . Newcastle supporters may claim that women's netball sides deserve credit should there have been all four for their effort in losing rowing events and the likes of the performances. woihen's table tennis and squash "What has to remain paramount is sides were able to compete, then the that winning is not everything, many result may have been far different. teams put in professional The term 'clutching at straws' performances when they had little definitely springs to my mind here. or no chance of actually winning. Northumbria were valu£ for money "It is my feeling that great stepsl throughout the day. need to be taken for the long-term! Fourteen points between the two wellbeing of the varsity, including teams is difficult to argue against; the on the day crowd safety and biggest Stan Calvert deficit goes encouragement of totall some way to highlight just how good participation." Northumbria were. Heart-wrenching words indeed. Itl There was no question of which-- is true that every year this! university prides itself on sporting competition does get better andl achievement when looking at the better. HI Photos: Joe Currin and Chris Kay

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INTERVIEW is one that should be celebrated, and we Certain sporting governing bodies are BY TOM MARLING have had a succession of dedicated, now hand picking universities where their ^. - SPORTS EDITOR reliable and talented Officers that have highest achievers must attend, and to me ensured that the institution has remained this is a situation which is unfair to the JUST before his retirement at the end of integral to sport at the University. universities like Newcastle and its February The Courier caught up with the The one issue I have is with continuity; students. Director of the Sports Centre to get his the nature of the role is that that inevitably final thoughts on his 12-year reign, his each new AU President has to find their I think it is wrong that legacy, and the future of 'Sport feet for a significant period, and therefore Newcastle'. is somewhat hampered in their ability to those institutions institute change. Tom: You've spent almost 12 years as the compete in BuS/^m d Director of the Centre for Physical and T: Has the University sufficiently Recreational Sport, during that time how embraced sporting goals within its take points a Way “from have you seen the position and overall remit, or do you feel that sport ■ perception of sport change within the remains peripheral? other universities who university? G: There are undoubtedly some members Graham: The growth in the quality and of the University who feel that sport dedicate themselves to quantity of the provision of sport here at shouldn't just be peripheral but believe Newcastle has been impressive, but it that it shouldn't exist at all within the academics. would be all too easy to take credit for this University. growth. But this is a problem that we will always T: Can Newcastle ever hope to compete i In reality, the development of sport was have to face; what has changed is our on the same level as the elite sporting I an inevitable result of the growth in general position within the public institutions like Loughborough ana I general in the student body. The facilities consciousness of the University as a whole, Bath? m place prior to my arrival were barely which I feel has grown significantly. What G: I think institutions like ourselves have M capable of supporting the student body we have managed to establish for after my had to accept that we can never K then, let alone by the time the Sports retirement is a new strategy for sport realistically hope to compete with those If Centre began to be built. The within the University, which will incfude types of universities without sacrificing establishment of a 50% membership base the healthy campus initiative. our other goals as an institution. here in the Sports Centre has been a real One of those two institutions actually put boon nonetheless, and I feel it is indicative T: What is Newcastle's perception as a on a course for 'failed apprentice of the changing perception that sport as a sporting university now, and now has it footballers' which is endemic of their whole has gone through during the past changed during your time here? approach to the balance between sport and five years. G: I think that Newcastle fills a very academia. I think it is wrong that those important role as both an institution that institutions compete in BUSA and take T: The relationship between the Sports can fulfil the needs of students that both points away from other universities who Centre and the Athletic Union is one that want a significant degree and still want to dedicate themselves to academics. will always be under significant scrutiny pursue their sporting interests to the If we were to actually put on sports- here at Newcastle. Do you feel that the highest standards. I think it is wrong when related courses then we would two institutions sufficiently collaborate students are forced to sacrifice their undoubtedly be able to compete at the or is there still work to be done in this academic "goals in favour of pursuing highest levels of BUSA, and I nave always area? sporting goals; it's wrong and something believed that this is an area that tne G: I have always believed that the Athletic which I reel is an alien concept within a University should consider, and we would Union's unique role within the University university. be fools not to. Intra Mural thecouriern [email protected] Monday 9th July 2007 Saturday Showdowns Training Day INTRA MURAL RUGBY BY WILL DAVIES

INTRA MURAL the year. they can swipe into the sports centre ' FOOTBALL & RUGBY Commenting on behalf of the to play. INTRA MURAL rugby was left BY GEMMA DAVIES i •'** * Wo* Sports Centre, stand-in Recreational "Surely, it is only fair that if these with a totally different future in SPORTS EDITOR Service Manager Richard Steele said: Intra Mural players have to take out March as it was decided that "I want the Intra Mural leagues to be membership, then so should those fixtures were to be moved from a INTRA MURAL players were left i ;:c running to full capacity with all playing at other University venues. Wednesday to a Saturday as of next shell-shocked in October when the fixtures being completed. "Just because there is no physical season. Wednesday IM programme was "I want teams to be out on the pitch barrier preventing access to the field Having caused a massive furore dramatically cancelled in a bid to i j ’ {Si competing against each other rather of play doesn't mean they shouldn't among the ranks of Intra Mural make players become members of than teams winning because have to take out membership." rugby players, the issue was decided the Sports Centre. opponents haven't complied with As for the argument that it takes 24 in a meeting that all matches will be Sports Centre staff gave all clubs a the rules of the competition." hours for membership to be played on Saturdays next season. deadline of the day before play at 'lit Although it may seem like teams processed by the Sports Centre, the John Fenn, Director of Rugby, made 12pm to make sure at least 90% of were given short notice of the warning was sent out stating that if it clear that the change would come their side were registered sports deadline, it is actually outlined in the players registered by the Monday into effect as from the beginning of centre . members, and once this The Archizzuri Intra Mural rules mat teams that evening their membership would be the next academic year, and would deadline passed no fixture don't meet the registration processed in time for the deadline. resolve all problems that have arisen scheduled contained two sides "This is the first year we have had a requirements by the 15th October AU President Anthony Keane said:- this year, regarding pitch allocation. which met this criterion. team, and we feel that it's unfair will have fixtures suspended or "I am in complete agreement with It will also free up players for BUSA availability, but scepticism remains In order to be a member of any IM that our game was cancelled today. cancelled until details are completed. the cancellation of all Intra Mural Tuesday's deadline was therefore fixtures because otherwise it would as to how workable the change will It's left us unsure as to what to actually an extension on this. mean students playing without prove to be. expect in the future." The requisite of 90% of registered Further changes will see the players wets also actually a reduction introduction of a Referee's Society, on the standard ruling. and the conception of coaching £ A . 2 a Recreational Sport (CPRS) informed Steele commented further: "All courses for a few individual Intra IM captains on the Monday individuals playing in Intra Mural Mural players, with the aim of m l * afternoon of their impending leagues must be sports centre bringing BUSA and Intra Mural deadline, and although some teams members. rugby into closer alignment. have criticised the move for not "Those playing fixtures at indoor Despite the protest of many of the naming the individual players who players, the change in day for i facilities have to have sports centre had yet to join, the centre were left membership on their Smartcard so fixtures may prove to be a blessing with little option but to postpone for Newcastle sport, although it will games that aid not have legitimate inevitably take time to bed in. insurance. Boca Tooniers FC In order to be fair to the sides that did meet the membership requirements, if one team had the Mojo RFC "We only just found out it was appropriate level of players listed as because of fees this morning. We members and the other team did not "We would have liked to play didn't have a fixture today anyway meet the requirements, then a today. Apparently we are the only so it shouldn't affect us too much." walkover was awarded. In the case of 11 a-side football, team with all registered players. over the four divisions five 5-0 We were given a walkover in team, a student needs to pay a one- walkovers were granted and in the today's game, but we would have off £45 fee to the sports centre which rugby union there was one 30-0 much preferred to have played!" covers the player mainly for walkover given. insurance purposes, and without 7 a-side football at Westgate Sports Larrikins RFC this the player is obviously taking to Centre did, however, go ahead as insurance and that is something the the fiela without valid insurance. normal. AU won't be able to cover. Games that were not awarded as "It's fair enough if the Sports Teams were aware of this Centre wants to make sure all of the "Furthermore, this move by the requirement since their side walkovers were just cancelled Sports Centre should serve as an registered, which in some cases was altogether and were not rescheduled players are registered, but if it's example to all the representative for the rest of the season, thus as early as the previous Easter and preventing the games from going University teams in terms, of Sports DECISION WRESTLING... was clearly outlined in the league punishing teams further who could Centre and AU membership." nave been fighting for promotion or ahead, then surely there must be a players argued against the rules. better way of dealing with it." The Centre for Physical and against relegation come the end of Some reports suggest that Jizzmen So to the allocations of bribes, and^ were prepared to pay out up to £800 Jizzmen say they simply asked other in return for the side to play under a teams if anybody was willing to different team's name for this year's surrender their place in the league, competition. but reports propose that the amounts As last year's Wednesday Cup of money involved reached winners and having won a number astronomical heights. of honours in their existence since The original offer was reportedly 1997, I'm sure many people would be £500 for a team in the Premier wondering how such an established Division, with a sliding scale down club can 'forget' such a routine and the leagues which eventually rose to vital part of tneir game. £800 after an unsuccessful petition However, as an anonymous amongst the IM clubs. Jizzmen representative explains, A representative from one of the they weren't as forgetful as they may clubs offered money, who wishes to seem. remain anonymous, says he refused "Denis Murphy from the Sports to sign their petition because "rules Centre apparently sent all the teams are rules and they shouldn't be given an e-mail out informing them of the any special treatment." registration date, except we never Jizzmen, however, suggest they received it, but Denis argues have a 'divine right' to a place in the otherwise. league given the circumstances and "The e-mail must have been their success. accidentally deleted because no one They also feel particularly^) has any recollection of reading it. aggrieved given that Recreational "The next we heard of the situation Service Manager Murphy apparently we had got an e-mail from Denis knew of Jizzmen's new kit deal ana saying we had to collect our original obvious intentions to play in the deposit since we had decided not to league, yet never questioned their compete this year." no-show at registration. side Athletico Jizzmen struck playing at the top of Newcastle's IM Jizzmen then set out to appeal the Next year, wnen hopefully Jizzmen INTRA MURAL controversy through the system, rather embarrassingly forgot resulting situation but to no avail; will pay particular attention to their FOOTBALL University's recreational system at to register themselves for this year's e-mails sent to Murphy and Director e-mails received, the side will have BY GEMMA DAVIES die start of September by allegedly league structure, and in a bid to of Sport Graham Rayner came to to start out again in the fourth SPORTS EDITOR offering fellow teams financial overturn their mistake took to nothing and simply informed division and therefore spend a bribes. offering money to teams for their Jizzmen that the rules are the same minimum of four years attempting" LONG-STANDING Intra Mural Jizzmen, after nine successful years place in the league. for everybody. to get back to the top. this year. effort and performances and of There's obviously work to be done course most pride will be taken from _ as champions Loughborough over-taking Northumbria, accumulated almost 5000 points, but particularly given this season's Stan TEN OF THE f o r Calvert defeat. Newcastle's BUSA RANKINGS place in the 2006/07 BUSA rankings. After finishing last season in 15th sportsmen BY GEMMA DAVIES With 1630 points, Newcastle are place, most notably two places and women, SPORTS EDITOR only four clear of their nearest rivals behind Northumbria, the this season's Exeter in tenth, but more improvement this year is all the achievement NEWCASTLE can celebrate their importantly are a full nine places more significant and well deserved, has been the place in the ten of the best in the ana over 500 points ahead of bitter given the superb victories that some result of country, as they finished in ninth rivals Northumbria. of Newcastle's sides have produced

BUSA BY GEMMA DAVIES SPORTS EDITOR

NEWCASTLE'S sporting sides achieved a hat-trick of key victories at the end of the season as the Men's Table Tennis, Ladies Hockey lsts and Men's Rugby Union 3rds brought home silverware in their ■espective BUSA Championships. The Men's Table Tennis Team pulled off a remarkable feat by defeating favourites Leeds in the final of the National BUSA Trophy competition held at the EIS in Sheffield on 25 March. The Ladies Hockey Team added silverware to the Newcastle cause by I winning the National BUSA Shield on 28 March against Kent University.! Fine performances from Jocelyn Plummer and Rosanna Innes helped the E team to a 2-1 victory. Newcastle's Rugby Thirds achieved the perfect end to the perfect season when they capped off their unbeaten season with a resounding 38-12 victory over UWE Hartpury-in the BUSA Vase final on 25 April. After eleven wins from eleven in the Northern Conference 3B the Thirds made their way through to the final and finished off what they j duly deserved in emphatic style.

With two victories apiece, the event Photo: is declared a tie, but tne result means that Durham still remain undefeated as overall title holder. Pride off the Tyne Colin Blackburn, Newcastle's Director of Sport, said: "'The fantastic win for our Senior Men's ROWING Durham University got off to the in the end, everything went first eight today reflects the amount BY GEMMA DAVIES best start, leading by a length and a according to plan." of work that the crew members have SPORTS EDITOR half in the early stages of the race, Meanwnile, Newcastle's put in over the past four or five but Newcastle fought back as they Freshwomen .claimed a convincing years. increased their pace to take the lead, victory whilst Durham's Freshmen's "As a club, Newcastle have put in NEWCASTLE snatched victory and crossed the finish line two crew won their event by a canvas in an excellent performance, thanks to from Durham in the men's eight in lengths clear. the closest fought event of the the strength and depth in our crews. the closest Boat Race in history. President of Newcastle University afternoon. The umpire's verdict gave The Freshmen took their race right ! As the crews raced beneath the Boat Club, Henry Pelly, said: "Going Durham victory by a mere three feet. to the line, but I think two races all is ! Swing Bridge the boats were level, into the race, we knew we should In the Senior Women's event, a fair result today, and we'll be back leaving the tensest finish in 11 years win it, but in the Boat Race there is Durham's four internationals made again next year!' of the event. always the question of the weather. them favourites, but the victory in Today the conditions suited us, and the end was only two lengths.