Institute annihilation: Full SUSU Elections 2005 - The Varsity Day coverage Results: Your new team

wessex20th April 2005 Issue 797 Priceless SCENE News Highfield Hall: Trouble continues as students wreck two kitchens

Features Crime: Lock up your valuables to safeguard against falling victim to thieves

Sport Uni Yachting team clinch BUSA title Plus the Gliding club review the past year The Edge Win tickets to Homelands! CUBE CARNAGE Plus Art Brut interview and Cultural celebration descends into chaos after students and bouncers are assaulted... reviews of of young males. glass to break and leaving a pool many people who had turned Rebecca Twomey This same group of males of blood next to it. There were up to the show. all the latest were also responsible for the many other substantial injuries The only categorical state- flicks A bouncer was left with a more violent fight, which broke to students, who were treated ment is that the organisers of fractured skull and several stu- out at approximately 2.15am, immediately by members of the this event were not in any way dents were badly injured after just as the venue was being Lifesaving Club who happened involved with the fight. a fight broke out in the Cube closed for the night and revel- to be at the Union, and at least Southampton University nightclub at the end of last lers were being asked to leave three people went to hospital Students’ Union President, term. the club. for treatment of their injuries. Andy Wilson made the fol- Just before the University CCTV footage showed a The security staff at the event lowing statement regarding closed for the Easter vaca- number of cars driving up to did their best to contain the the incident: “There has been tion the Asian Cultural Society the Cube, with the passengers violence, but as it escalated they a thorough investigation into held a celebratory event at the running into the venue. These called the police. Several arrests the incidents at the Cube on Students’ Union, which turned people then joined in with the were made. Saturday 5th March. It was a into a violent punch-up. melee, although it is unknown The evening was a private very unfortunate situation that The night had started peace- whether the fight, and their sub- function, intended to celebrate ruined what had proven to be a fully, but at around 11.30pm sequent arrival, was planned. Asian culture. The event was very enjoyable event. I am com- there was an incident on the One student’s head was an after-show party to the suc- mitted to providing an environ- dance floor between a small slammed into the reinforced cessful fashion show, where cul- ment in which ALL students can group of three females and a glass doors to the left of the tural music, clothes and comedy feel safe and secure, when out male student and a large group reception desk, causing the sketches were enjoyed by the enjoying themselves.”

www.bamuk.com Student Media Buyers www.wessexscene.co.uk 0845 1300 667 News

Page 2 News in Brief Highfield Hall Falls

Simon Cable Victim to Vandalism Musically-minded

The Penn State Musical Paul Lenihan Theatre visited Southampton were closed by staff, in an effort tiny proportion of the students’. of the new term. Although the University on 7th March. The to force those responsible to Deputy Manager; Joanne action taken by the Hall’s staff In the early hours of 9th internationally-acclaimed com- come forward. Twaddle refused to comment has undoubtedly been irritating March, two of the kitchens at pany put on singing and dancing While two students admit- on the stance taken by the Hall. for students, the punishment Highfield Hall were vandalised. workshops for students, includ- ted their parts in damaging the However, Ian Herrity, the hall’s will hopefully act as a deterrent Students later awoke to find ing members of Showstoppers. south kitchen, nobody has yet Vice-Warden, was more sym- against similar student acts in the grass quad strewn with the claimed responsibility for the pathetic to the feelings of the the future. Mobile Prize debris of cutlery, food and bot- more serious vandalism that students, saying ‘Our response This is not the first time tles that had been thrown from took place in the north kitchen, was an effort to show that the Highfield Halls have been the the two third-floor kitchens. A student at Southampton where fire safety equipment was vandalism that took place was target of crime. In October The Hall’s cleaning team were University has been named tampered with. totally unacceptable. Closing last year, local youths attacked quick to clear the mess, whilst an the winner of the 2004 Lloyd Although the bar was sub- facilities has been an effec- several of the Hall’s residents, initial investigation found that of Kilgenran Memorial Prize. sequently reopened by its own tive punishment in the past, and caused significant damage. the Hall’s security had not been Andrew Livingstone was award- management team, the JCR but unfortunately the person or This recent event of vandal- breached from outside. It soon ed the prize along with a student remained closed until the Easter people responsible did not come ism only leaves speculation over became apparent that the dam- from Glasgow University for his holidays. One frustrated student forward in this case’. the security inside this Highfield age had been caused by some research on mobile phone tech- said ‘I just don’t think it’s fair, Mr Herrity also wished to Halls. of the Hall’s own residents. As nology. people feel that they are being assure students that the JCR a result, the Hall’s JCR and bar punished for the actions of a would be reopened for the start Balls Galore

The SU Sports Ball is coming up! Make sure you get your ticket quickly to avoid disap- pointment as the event sells out Sex Pest Scourge quickly every year! The Ball is being held at Southampton Spate of sex attacks in Southampton sparks safety concerns for students Guildhall on Thursday 28th April with great acts to entertain you. Big Brovaz will be performing lowed a similar pattern, occur- to get you in the party mood Hannah Thompson ring in the early hours of the and then dance the night away. morning on an 18-year old on Female students are urged Tickets cost £39 for dining and Royal Crescent Road, near the to be on their guard when out £25 for non-dining. You can Institute’s Lucia Foster Welch’s late on their own after a series buy online at www.susu.org or Hall of Residence. of late-night assaults on female from the Students’ Union Box Police say the victim heard students near the centre of Office. two men shouting behind her, town. and was then grabbed and Two incidents have been You are just great! assaulted, before being able to reported within the space of a extricate herself and run off after month and, while police do not Do you think someone in an exchange of words with her believe the two to be linked, your society is great and attackers. Detective Constable they are advising women to deserves recognition for all that Martin Coveney, from Shirley avoid walking alone in the area they have done? The Societies CID, said: “I would advise at night and to be particularly Honours Evening is being held female students or any women vigilant at all times. on the 20th May in the Cube. walking in the area at night, to The first incident took place at Nominations are already open take extra care.” the beginning of March, along and close on the 4th May. These incidents will strike Canute Road near the junction Anyone can be nominated and chilling resonance with many of Royal Crescent as the student anyone can nominate anyone students of the University who was walking back from a night else for a whole host of awards. will remember the brutal and out alone, having been sepa- The awards that are up-for- devastating rape and murder rated from her friends. grabs are: of Hannah Foster in 2003 who The 19-year old first noticed Individual Honours was abducted in Portswood and the red transit van as the two Outstanding Achievement then attacked while out alone men in it were calling out to a Volunteer of the Year late at night. group of girls in front of her. The Best Society In addition to this, the fatal men then got out of the van as Best New Society stabbing of a 23-year old she moved past it, one grabbed Best Publicity and Website woman whose body was found her, pushed her up against a Most Improved Society in the grounds of a church on wall and sexually assaulted her. For more information, and to The Avenue last year meant that She managed to fight off the pick up a nomination form, visit there were two murders in as man before running home to the Student Activities Office of many years in mainly student- raise the alarm. level 1 of the SUSU building. poulated areas. The second assault fol- Police advise female students to be on their guard www.wessexscene.co.uk News in Brief

Laura Fewell VC honoured in China

Southampton University’s Vice Chancellor has received the highest honour offered by Chinese universities. Professor Bill Wakeham has been award- ed an Honourable Professorship by Ocean University China in Quindao. Quindao is Southampton’s sister city and the OUC has strong links with the SOC. Professor Wakeham collected his award on a tour of Chinese universities in February. Hepatitis Crisis?

One of Southampton’s lead- ing academics has issued the warning that Britain is on the brink of a hepatitis C crisis. The government claims that there are presently 250,000 people infected with the blood infec- tion in the UK, but Professor Swansea University: threatening the quality of students’ education...? Rosenberg says that there are nearer 500,000 infected and the NHS is not prepared for the Students’ Storm over Suspension influx of people with liver dis- ease in 20 years time. Laura Fewell Top lecturer suspended over allegations of hacking Thalidomide – angel The University of Swansea in disguise? is being sued by a group if disgruntled students following Students protest at University Senate Meeting Research findings released its decision to suspend one of by doctors at Southampton their lecturers. The students, University General Hospital sug- who are in their final year of Students sue University for “breach of contract” gests that Thalidomide could be a Philosophy course, are afraid used in the treatment of cancer, that their degrees have suffered against him were later dropped, of the Reichstag. He has since time that the two have been particularly that of the pancreas. as a result of the suspension although he was formally cau- been charged with an internal embroiled in disagreements with Investigations have shown that of Colwyn Williamson and are tioned. The Vice-Chancellor, university disciplinary offence. senior management at the uni- the drug slows down the weight suing the university for breach Richard Davies, decided to use A member of Swansea’s Student versity. Both were suspended loss and wasting in patients of contract. They claim that his discretionary power to sus- Action Committee Against for nearly 2 years in the early with this type of cancer. The the cutting of departments and pend Mr Williamson indefinitely Closure, Cefin Hayward, was 1990s for publicising the low drug, well-known for causing the suspension of their lecturer pending an internal enquiry by also arrested following a com- standards on a Masters Degree birth defects, is safe for use by means that they are not get- the university, a move which plaint that he had placed satiri- course, although they were later patients who are not pregnant. ting the education that they trade unionists see as victimisa- cal posters on the campus which reinstated following an inde- were promised. They have also tion. depicted the Vice-Chancellor pendent review by a former Cash Boost for Sport voiced their concerns that Mr Following the suspension, with a conical head. He was High Court Judge. starlets Williamson will not be able to a number of affected students released without charge and The latest legal action has mark the exams that have been and supporters of Mr Williamson warned about such behaviour. been funded by the students The University of set for the lectures he has given. staged a protest outside a meet- Controversy at Swansea themselves, highlighting how Southampton announced its This is the latest action following ing of the University Senate, was initially sparked in January serious an issue this has become plans to award bursaries worth a string of protests by Swansea leading to the abandonment of 2004, when the Vice-Chancellor for all parties involved. They over £60,000 to elite athletes students, who feel that their the meeting. A Students’ Union announced the closure of five submitted their lawsuit on Friday studying at the university and university is refusing to listen to Representative expressed his “unpopular” departments. 8th April to Swansea’s County local sixth form colleges on 18th them. disgust at the decision to dismiss Many people, both lecturers and Court. The students are angered March. The scheme is designed Mr Williamson, who has lec- the meeting and branded the students, are strongly opposed that the University has failed to to support talented sports tured at Swansea University for Vice-Chancellor a “coward”. to the closure of Sociology, respond to their concerns and people to reach their sporting several years, was arrested in Jonathan Jones, 25, who is Anthropology, Development attempted to gag those people potential at the same time as March for allegedly breaking studying for a Masters degree in Studies, Philosophy and who wish to protest and express studying in higher education. the 1990 Computer Misuse Act, International Relations, said that Chemistry. Colwyn Williamson their dissent at recent happen- Last year, three of the students having been accused of hacking the Vice-Chancellor’s behaviour and his colleague, Mike Cohen, ings. Some students are now who received bursaries compet- into a colleague’s email account was unbalanced and compared have been particularly critical of calling for the resignation of the ed in the Olympics. almost a year ago. The charges his actions to Hitler’s dissolution this action. This is not the first Vice-Chancellor. News

Page 4 Wilson Wins Again! Fewell and Derrick also re-elected after tightly- fought campaigns end in victory for incumbents

elected as SUSU President for and the bar is doing well. the coming academic session. Andy Wilson is looking for- He won with 51% of the vote, ward to the year ahead. He followed by Mark Martin (36%), said, “I’d like to thank every- Henry Collinge (10.4%) and body who voted in the election, RON (2.3%). Joining him for a for showing that you care about second year are Laura Fewell as your Union and what it does Vice President Communications for you. I would also like to and Peter Derrick as Vice thank all the campaign teams, President Welfare. particularly my own and Gav, Last year, Fewell and Derrick Liam, and Tony, for all the hard both stood uncontested for their work they put in during the positions. This year, however, campaign period. The elec- both had opponents who put tions this year were fantastic. up significant battles for the They were incredibly stressful posts. Fewell pipped Phil Webb, for those involved, but every- the current SUSU Environmental one managed to remain quite Officer, to the post by a mere amicable and a lot of fun was 141 votes and Derrick beat had on the concourse – which Richard Curruthers, whose slo- brightened the mood because it gan was “Curruthers, no oth- was so cold! I am really looking ers”, by just 274 votes. Ms. forward to continuing all the Fewell told the Wessex Scene, good work that I have managed “Phil put up a real fight. There to start this year with the cur- is no denying that he was a rent team and taking the Union good candidate and, had he forward with the new team. I won, I’m sure he would have know that we can make SUSU Andy Wilson (right) shares a joke with Ogy from opponent Mark Martin’s campaign team made a competent VP Comms. the best students’ union in the If I had lost I wouldn’t have country. It is already a union chosen anyone else to lose to. I to be proud of, and I will make Simon Cable hadn’t expected it to be quite as sure that it doesn’t just stay close as it was – to be honest, it that way, but that it continues Election fever is over for was a little too close for comfort to prosper and serve you in the another year and we are wit- really”. best way that it can.” nessing the calm after the storm. Vice President Student The sabbatical positions were The next year’s new Union team Activities next year is Tom not the only positions at stake. have been elected and here Kenward, and Katie Harper is There were six executive posi- are the results. Voter turnout VP Education for 2005-2006. tions up for grabs. Four of these was around 17.5% of the total The other new member of the were elected at the close of nom- student body, the highest ever team is Dan Helmsley, the VP inations because only one per- in any SUSU election, and in Winchester, who manages the son ran for each. The remaining marked contrast to the average WSA union almost single-hand- two positions (Returning Officer of 10% achieved by other stu- edly. He will take over from Anna and Postgraduate Officer) dents’ unions. Jeffries.Events at Winchester were elected at the next Union Andy Wilson has been re- have never been more popular Council Meeting. May the 4th Be With You

Laura Fewell deadline for this year’s AGM is bath of custard, to those calling Friday 29th April at 12.00 noon. for a complete change in the The Students’ Union Annual Motions should be submitted way the Union is run. The deci- General Meeting is being held to [email protected] or handed in sion to leave the NUS was taken on Wednesday 4th May 2005 in at the General Office on level at the AGM of 2001 following the Cube. 2 of the Students’ Union build- the submission of a motion, a The AGM is a chance for ing. If you would like advice on debate around it, and then a every student to have their say writing a motion then feel free vote by those students present. about the way that the Union is to ask any of the Sabbaticals or Andy Wilson, SUSU President run. Any member of the Union members of the Executive team says, “It’s your Union. It’s up is entitled to attend, to vote and for guidance. to you so if you want to make to submit a motion. If anyone Motions in the past have a change, the AGM is as good a does wish to submit a motion included topics ranging from place as any to do it so get your this needs to be given to the mandating the Vice President motions in before the dead- President by the deadline. The Student Activities to bathe in a line”. www.wessexscene.co.uk Texting Takes Over Josephine Tyrrell be the first and biggest scheme allows them to effectively con- of its kind in the country and will tact all of their students with “9 Students at Wolverhampton help us communicate quickly out of 10 students responding to University are the first to experi- and efficiently with students. their text messages within hours ence a new innovation to cut At the moment we are targeting rather than days” says Michael down on letters and notice first years in most of the schools Wright, Attendant Support boards. A £4.5 million project at the university, but this is rap- Assistant at the college. at the university aims to allow idly expanding and hopefully Further to this, Canterbury’s lecturers to send revision tips, we will be reaching all students Students’ Union have recently timetables, appointment times within eighteen months.” come on board as well, using and even coursework feedback The high levels of mobile the service to improve attend- to their students using mobile phone usage today amongst ance at their events by send- phone texting. people of university age has ing text reminders to students The project was funded by made text messaging a poten- who have agreed to be on their the university’s centre for learn- tially very powerful communica- database. ing and teaching with a grant tion tool. Companies have long At Southampton, text mes- from the Higher Education been exploiting this potential saging for communicating with Funding Council for England. It to advertise their services, and the student population is in its is hoped the arrangement will many higher education institu- embryonic stages. Many of the Lecturers use texting to liaise with students make life easier for students liv- tions and students’ unions are sports clubs use a text messag- ing off-campus and who have following suite. ing facility online, which enables far to travel, and it is expected Canterbury College, an asso- them to text their teams the to be cheaper than sending let- ciate college of the University details of training sessions and ters. of Kent, has increased attend- sports matches for free as long John Traxter, a Fellow at the ance rates through use of text as they allow a short text advert University who is leading the ini- messaging. They claim that to be added to the bottom of tiative, said: “This will probably their “Today, TextNow!” service their texts. Science Tries to Go Public Beth Barker

Under half of adults consider themselves to be well-informed about science – although 80% of the population believe that it makes a valuable contribution to society. Last year’s Mori poll also showed over two thirds of adults think that science is sensationalised by the media. In response to this report, the Government has called for more public involvement with science. Patricia Hewitt, UK Trade and Industry Secretary stated: “The UK has an excellent history of scientific achievement; now is the time for greater engage- ment”. To encourage this, the Only 56% of adults participate in a science based activity Sciencewise programme was to the Mori poll, only 56% of public discussion can take place launched by Lord Sainsbury, the adults have taken part in a sci- in the full knowledge of the Government’s Science Minister. ence-based activity this year scientific evidence and of the The programme aims to fund – this could include museums, values held by scientists and by the support of projects which zoos, aquariums or science exhi- the wider public”. encourage people to engage in bitions, for example. The BA Festival of Science, debate on all science issues. The BA (British Association for one of the UK’s biggest sci- Since the launch of the Advancement of Science) is ence festivals, is taking place Sciencewise last year, there has supportive of the Government’s in Dublin from the 3rd to 10th been a marked improvement in aims to encourage more people of September this year. The public attitude towards science, of all ages to take an interest in Festival attracts 400 top scien- and Chief Scientific Advisor, Sir science: tists and science communica- David King, feels positive: “In “We, the BA, are already tors from around the world, order to build on this, the UK working towards developing and aims to reveal cutting-edge needs a mix of sustained fund- a new culture of openness in developments to the general ing, informed debate, and sensi- which it is part of a scientist’s public. Student bursaries are ble regulation”. normal professional activity to available to assist with the cost When was the last time you explain and discuss his or her of attending the event – see visited a museum? According work in public forums…Then, www.the-ba.net for details. News

Page 6 Comic Capers Land-Roving for Red Nose Day!

Laura Fewell

Two Southampton University students have raised over £1000 for Comic Relief by having a sponsored “24-hour-sit” in a Land Rover outside the Union Building on Red Nose Day 2005. The students, Ed McGuffie, 20, and Thomas Mortimer, 22, came up with the idea when they were drunk. Tom explained that he thought it would be a good idea to spend 24 hours in a car to raise money on one of the biggest fundraising days Ed and Tom raised £2000 for worthy causes with their sit-in of the year. He commented, “I thought it would be good to Kitesurfing clubs raised £800 at both were in high spirits as they sit in the car and be amusing to a charity event held at Jesters talked of raising money for dis- those walking past. It worked and donated this to the RAG advantaged people in poorer out quite well that my car is Tsunami Appeal. countries all over the world. Ed a Land Rover because we can Ed and Tom were in high spir- said, “a little bit of money goes stand out of the top and chat to its despite having to spend the a long way, a long way away” passers by through the mega- night outside in the car and not and Tom echoed his sentiment: phone”. being allowed to leave, even to “your small change can make a The pair are both members go to the toilet! They explained big difference to somebody who of the Southampton University that they had to use pots in the needs it”. Kitesurfing Club, and their antics car and their friends from the The final amount raised by today follow on from an impres- Kitesurfing club, who have been the two students was £1968.50 sive host of fundraising activities around with buckets to collect and the SU Kitesurfing Club carried out by SUSU-affiliated money in over the entire 24- made it up to £2000 from their clubs. Only last month, Tom hour period, have kindly decant- own funds. raised £200 for the Tsunami ed these around the University Ed and Tom would like to Appeal by having his belly but- campus. With a grin, Tom told thank Pizza Hut in Portswood, ton pierced – and he proud- the Wessex Scene that it “took the SUSU Café and the Stag’s ly displayed it from his posi- months of gruelling training to Head for all the free stuff and tion in the Land Rover. A few get ready both physically and support over the 24-hour chal- weeks ago the Windsurfing and mentally”. Although freezing, lenge. Beans on toast.... er Sabbaticals.... were mandated by Union Winchester was unavailable to Chris Cable Council at the last meeting of take part due to her location the 2003-2004 academic ses- 10 miles away up the M3, and Students’ Union Vice sion to sit in a bath of beans the other Sabbs, Andy Wilson President Student Activities, for Freshers’ Week 2004, but (Union President), Peter Derrick Lizzie Phillips and Vice President due to the hectic nature of the (Vice President Welfare) and Communications, Laura Fewell, week for them as the organis- Jonathan Walsh (Vice President were covered in beans on Friday ers, this order was never carried Education) were “in meetings” 11th March in aid of Comic out. RAG managed to persuade across the lunchtime period, Relief 2005. them to honour the request for although Lizzie and Laura chased The Union Sabbatical team Red Nose Day on Friday 11th Andy back into the Union build- March instead. ing, threatening bean-covered The girls were hugs when he popped out to the only two of have a look. the six-strong Lizzie commented: “It was Sabbatical team to freezing but a great laugh and undertake the task it’s good to be able to raise to sit in a paddling money for RAG. It only took a pool of beans and little time out of our day and they did so in high hopefully we got some spare spirits, despite the change from students passing bitterly cold weath- through campus and made a er. Anna Jeffries, difference. Every little helps Beans, beans good for the heart... Vice President after all!” www.wessexscene.co.uk Make Poverty History Are you ready Niall Haslam Two weeks ago saw the to rock? launch of a Make Poverty History Helena Gunton & holic and soft) bought at the group at Highfield Campus, as Colin Jackson Hobbit between Thursday 28th part of the International Week and Saturday 30th April to be entered into the draw. In of Action. The week culminat- It’s happening again – the true student fashion plenty of ed in a “Wake Up to Trade third Environmental Rock event freebies will be available too. Justice” all-night vigil outside is set to rock the Hobbit Pub. Yummy vegetarian, vegan and Westminster. The group is part Like the previous two years, organic cakes and savory items of the largest ever international the day will see live music with will be given away by the Solent coalition of groups campaign- acoustic sets and local bands, Vegetarian and Vegan Society. ing for Trade Justice. Groups organic food and drink and Other items such as ener- involved include: charities such information about environmen- gy saving light bulbs, recycled as Christian Aid, Oxfam and the tal awareness from a variety of pens, rulers and pencil cases, Terrence Higgins Trust; NGO’s stall holders. fair-trade tea and coffee, and such as Tools for Self Reliance, Back by popular demand, organic chocolate will also be Trade Justice Movement; church the jugglers and Morris dancers up for grabs if you enter the groups like Muslim Aid and will be there too, along with a green quiz. You can collect loads Methodist Church; celebrities Supporters signing the “Make Poverty History” banner at the March selection of new entertainers of information and advice on such as P Diddy, Kate Moss and for Trade Justice on Saturday 9th April (Photo: David Smith) and other things to get involved how to reduce how much you Kylie as well as the usual sus- with, including generating ener- spend whilst saving energy and pects like Bono. gy using cycle-power and find- groups, is responsible for pre- end this shameful situation. The resources, limiting waste, and Many students’ unions across ing out exactly what to do with venting the realisation of a fairer Make Poverty History group being more environmentally the UK and the NUS have your new blue-lidded recycling world. doesn’t want your money. Those conscious from our stallholders. endorsed it and SUSU is being bin! The year 2005 is a unique involved realise that a political Environmental Rock at the asked to do the same through A new addition to this year’s opportunity for this movement solution to this problem is the Hobbit is the only place to be a motion being put to the AGM in Britain as it is the year that only sustainable solution. They event will be our prize draw th May. The campaign on Saturday 30th April from 12 on the 4 the UK holds the EU presidency are urging people to help raise - receive a raffle ticket with is part of the “G8 Alternatives” noon unitl 6pm! and is hosting the G8 summit. awareness of the issues sur- any organic drink (both alco- mobilisation for a day of pro- Tony Blair and Gordon Brown rounding poverty and one way test against the group of eight are already doing more than is to wear an armband to dem- most powerful nations and call- most, but with your pressure onstrate solidarity with those ing for trade justice as a way they can do so much more. suffering in poverty. To join the to solve poverty. What unites Every day over 30,000 chil- mailing list, send a blank e-mail these groups is a shared belief dren die from extreme poverty. to make-poverty-history@lists. that another world is possible Britain has the resources, knowl- soton.ac.uk and get involved in and that the G8, amongst other edge and opportunity to help the campaign. Students Buy Essays Online

ered a network of online sales in a few spelling mistakes and Simon Cable designed to go unnoticed by handing the work in pieces over University students are buy- examiners and the anti-plagia- a period of time. ing essays from online auction rism detection software used by The essays that are sold sites and attempting to pass universities. online are frequently of poor them off as their own work. So- Dr Reddy, a senior lecturer at quality say the BBC. Some called “ghost” writers are pro- Glamorgan University’s School essays are pre-written, or ducing and selling essays and of Computing and a member they can be written to order. dissertation projects to students of the JISC Plagiarism Advisory Charles Oppenheim, Professor on websites such as e-Bay. Service which supplies universi- of Information Management at The students who buy them ties with specialist software to Loughborough University got then hand them in as usual and detect copied work, decided to three of his undergraduate stu- pretend to their lecturers that it look into the online purchas- dents to buy essays online and is their own research. ing of plagiarised work when a he marked them. However, research recent- colleague saw an essay for sale Of the three essays, Dr ly undertaken by an expert in on an auction website that was Oppenheim said that the best computing at the University of not marked for “research only” was still only worth a 2:2, Glamorgan has found that those and commented that it could despite the writers claiming that students who do this are likely easily be submitted by a student they would be awarded at least to be found out. Most essays claiming it was their own work. a 2:1. He was critical of the sold online are sold several times “It is clear that there were facts and poor English used in over to the many different bid- people selling essays on e-Bay the essays. ders – and each bidder believes who were trying to help people To students who think that that they are the only person to plagiarise”, he says and he they can submit such essays to buy that particular piece of claims that some of the sell- and get away with it, Dr Reddy work. ers offered him tips on how to issues the following warning: Dr Mike Reddy tracked one make lecturers think that the “We’ve got records of essays essay on e-Bay by using the work was his own and so that being sold multiple times. They site’s user profiles to view eve- detection software would not are just as prone to being picked ryone who placed a bid for that pick up on it. up by the detection software as essay. His investigation uncov- Such tips included putting anything else.” News

Page 8 Art Available for All Looking at art and culture in and around Southampton University All the Colours of Childhood Gillian Ayres ‘Paintings and Prints’ Mona Lisa Re-Homed Southampton City Art Gallery That should give her something to smile about... Until 19 June Free Rebecca Twomey The 500-year-old Mona Lisa Bright colours and bold is now hangs alone on the wall designs transform the exhibi- Ayres ‘round About Midnight’ The most famous painting behind special glass that pro- tion space at the City’s Gallery. in the world, da Vinci’s Mona tects it from climatic changes, Ayres’ marvelous paintings cre- lands and rainbows. Each paint- Lisa has been unveiled in a new ing encrusted with trails of thick, camera flashes, and any other ate a warm mood and are per- setting at the Louvre art gallery, damage. fect for the start of spring. The luscious paint and lavish colour, Paris. The purpose built space left me with a warm feeling, Last year, it was discovered circles, globules, splotches, zig- took a total of four years to that the beams around the paint- zags and blobs led me back to a well worth a visit to cheer you refurbish, and cost £3.29 mil- up on a rainy day. ing were beginning to warp. childhood memory of imaginary lion. This prompted a scientific inves- The reason for the moving tigation into its restoration. of the masterpiece is in order Visitors seem delighted at to provide better viewing of the the new setting, and the most painting, which only measures famous smile in the world will 53 by 76 cm (21 by 30 inches). continue to bring a smile to the The new home will give visitors six million people who visit her a much-improved view of the each year. painting. Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci The Witches Are On Their Way... The Witches The Mayflower 26th- 30th April Tickets from £7.50 The stage version of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book “The Witches”, starring Dilys Laye, is at The Mayflower later this month. “The Witches” is adapted for the stage by Britain’s top children’s playwright David Wood and tells the scary, funny and imaginative tale of a seven-year-old boy who has a run-in with some real-life witches who fiendishly plot to get rid of all the children Roald Dhal’s witches are brought to life on the stage in England. The malevolent sticks. But this is not a fairy tale. hate children. With the help mischief makers plan to take This is about real witches who of a friend and his somewhat- over the sweet shops, poison dress in ordinary clothes and magical grandmother, our hero the children with chocolate and look very much like ordinary tries to expose the witches turn them into mice.....and then women. They live in ordinary before they dispose of him. set mousetraps! houses and they work in ordi- Will he triumph or are the chil- In fairy tales witches always nary jobs and that’s why they dren of England doomed? Find wear silly black hats and black are so hard to catch. out in this delightful show. cloaks and they ride on broom- Witches, as our hero learns, Jekyll & Hyde- The Musical

Jekyll & Hyde- The Musical Dr Jekyll’s laboratory his savage alter ego - from The Mayflower experiments to separate Man’s entering the low life world of 18th- 23rd April evil nature from good unwittingly Victorian London on a journey unleash his own dark side, as that can only end in tragedy. This powerful musical is an the maniacal Edward Hyde, “Jekyll & Hyde” is pure evocative tale of romance and who wreaks havoc in the streets pulse-pounding theatre with the epic battle between good and of late 19th century London. that same macabre mixture of evil. “Jekyll & Hyde”, based on Despite the love of his beautiful fun and fright that fuels such Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic fiancée Emma, the good doctor classics as “Sweeney Todd” and story, is about a brilliant doctor. is unable to stop himself - and “The Phantom Of The Opera”. www.wessexscene.co.uk Winchester Students Push Artistic Boundaries Anna Jeffries tles and eastern textiles.“Within the knitted fabric samples pattern and colour are emphasised and In an ever-changing world these are reminiscent of jungle and animal print of creativity it is often difficult themes. Bold colours and luxurious yarns, such to push the boundaries of art as silk, are employed. The garment designs for and provoke new and exiting this autumn winter 05/06 collection create volu- discussions about it. However, minous shapes with the intention of achieving a the artwork showcased here in dramatic effect on the catwalk.” the Wessex Scene suggests that Jemma Ooi is studying for an MA in the students at the Winchester Printed Textiles and has accepted a School of Art may just be the place at the Royal College of Art. ones to do it. Their work is She says, “my work is focussed on part of the new imaginative elite fashion-led interiors, crossing the studying at Winchester, sur- conventional boundaries of tra- rounded by their contemporar- ditional fashion and interior- ies and leading artists who teach printed textiles. The imagery in an environment that encour- used is developed through ages their creativity. Winchester collage and hand draw- is a place where these aspiring ing, combining floral and promising artists are able to imagery with body make a name for themselves in parts, creating sur- the world of art. real figures and pat- To gain a place on a prestig- terns, resulting in a ious MA course provides a foot collection of surface in the door for anyone wishing coverings on paper to become a practising artist, and fabric.” Amelia Slater (above): the only man a girl can but these places are not easy to Amelia Slater, who trust is her daddy get. Winchester’s diverse pro- has been interviewed gram of study and practicing for the prestigious tutors has, for a long time, pro- Central St. Martins in vided a hub of creativity for all London, has done an students taking part on BA and inspiring piece called MA courses. The WSA has con- “Fleas on rats”. Lynette Healy: voluminous shapes stantly achieved high standards “There comes a but the ability of the students time when you real- The Witches Are On Their Way... this year has set them apart from ise the only man a girl the crowd and their exceptional can trust is her daddy. achievements should be noted. Betrayal of trust The four students showcased causes disillusion- here have gained themselves ment and makes you interviews and places at the mot question how strong prestigious art colleges in the you actually are as UK. With each college receiv- an individual; this is ing upwards of five thousand the concept behind applicants for a mere twenty- my work. The collec- or-so places the chances of even tion follows a journey getting an interview are slim and from the safe bound- the chances of being awarded a aries of home to the place are even smaller. real world when you This year alone seventeen have just got yourself students have been given inter- to rely on - frighten- views at colleges ranging from ing but very exiting.” Jemma Ooi: crossing conventional boundaries the Slade to the Royal Academy and a large percentage of those applicants have been given unconditional offers. In each discipline at least one student has been offered a firm place or a spot high up on the wait- ing list. Junior Appau Boakye-Yiadom has been awarded a place at the Royal Academy starting in October 2005. He told us, “my work is about illusion, beauty and simplicity. Using the architecture around me I create work which fits the space and embellishes the ideals of archi- tecture.” Lynette Healy is studying a MA in Fashion Womenswear Junior Appau Boakye-Yiadom: illusion, beauty and simplicity. and has also been given a place at the Royal College of Art. She did a final major project con- To see this broad range of artistic achievement for yourself come sisting of six fashion knitwear along to the Winchester School of Art degree show private view- outfits, drawing inspiration from ing on Friday the 24th of June and see everything from fashion to the natural world including bee- sculpture. Comment and Letters

Page 10

ers of other faiths and the secu- at his passing and the tributes contraception stance, John-Paul healthcare and the provision lar world. The Catholic Church to his goodness, some funda- II imposed death sentences of affordable drugs by western Editorial has a long history of opposition mental – and rather unpalat- upon literally millions of pov- drug companies would all con- to many facets of the modern able – teachings of the modern erty-stricken Africans through tribute to the fight against the world and a reputation for intol- Catholic Church under John- HIV/AIDS and related illnesses. illness. erance of dissent. Paul II’s stewardship have been In this respect, it seems disin- But this will be to little avail if Countless tributes flowed only lightly touched upon or, in genuous in the extreme to talk the Catholic Church ignores the from the lips of world leaders most cases, ignored entirely. of the Pope carrying a “message reality of HIV/AIDS and blithely and ordinary people. The Pope The consistent misogyny of of hope for all peoples.” continues to preach that contra- had been a “a champion of the Catholic Church, the con- Perhaps it’s just my cynicism, ception is morally wrong. human freedom”, “an inspira- demnation of homosexual- but it seems strangely inappro- For all the undoubted good Henry Palmer tion” who had “carried a mes- ity, abortion and contraception priate that the death of one that John-Paul II performed sage of hope for all the world’s have had far-reaching and, in man, from old age, should be – and there was a lot – it pales Two weeks ago, millions of peoples.” the case of contraception, dev- so hugely mourned all over the somewhat when we consider Catholics from all over the globe For the man who had helped astating consequences. world when millions of people that this was a man prepared converged on Rome to bid fare- to peacefully introduce democ- I doubt that anybody would continue to die as a result of to follow a policy of unbend- well to Pope John-Paul II. There racy into the Communist bloc, knowingly help the spread of the dogma he and his church ing opposition to contraception was a palpable sense of grief in who had apologised to Jews and HIV/AIDS, and I doubt equal- perpetuated. in the knowledge that it would Rome and the world over at the Muslims alike for Church-spon- ly that anybody would fail to To lay responsibility for the result in a massive number of death of one of the twentieth sored oppression and who had be anything but horrified at an African HIV/AIDS pandemic deaths. century’s most iconic and impor- consistently used his power to organisation that carried out solely upon the shoulders of I have a very ambivalent view tant figures. stop or resolve conflict around such an action. John-Paul II would be simplis- of the man, and I suspect that, As a (lapsed) Catholic it was the world, these were fitting Yet that is precisely what the tic and wrong. Better sexual in spite of the current plethora interesting to observe the reac- epithets. Catholic Church has done. By and health education, increased of warm tributes, history may tion to his passing from follow- However, amidst all the grief reaffirming the Church’s anti- aid from western countries for not judge him kindly.

Editor in Chief Do you have something Laura Fewell to say? Write to us: [email protected] Editor Henry Palmer couldn’t help but notice that and that the majority of people there had been a systematic don’t know and/or care who Letters attempt to remove all promo- the students union is run by. tional material for the vote RON campaign. Whilst there is no Niall Haslam great harm in this and it was News Editor just a bit of fun we regard this Dear Wessex Scene, as somewhat hypocritical from I am writing to voice my opin- Rebecca Twomey whoever carried out this attack ions on the vote RON campaign. on a peaceful protest against Apparently these ill-mannered the student elections. malcontents wished to entice Dear Editor, One can only presume that the voters to waste their vote and I would like to bring to your individuals involved in removing subvert the student elections attention a few things in light of our literature are engaged in the by voting for the re-opening of Sports Editor the recent elections for officers union at some level since these nominations. If enough people of the Students Union at the would be the only people with did this it would cause the elec- David Firth University of Southampton. I the enthusiasm to carry out such tion committee and Union a was involved with others in the a systematic removal of mate- lot of trouble, and the election campaign to encourage peo- rial. If we were not permitted would need to be re-run. ple to vote for Re-opening of to hand out leaflets then who If they don’t like the elections Nominations (RON), and was gave these individuals the right they don’t have to vote! Why annoyed at the reaction that to remove our material from do they feel they have to try Features Editor we elicted from a minority of university notice boards. and spoil other people’s good individuals involved in the cam- The irony of all of this is work by trying to cause trouble Martin Jenner paigns of other officers. the campaign to ask people to and confusion? The only thing We were told that as we were protest the student elections I can imagine is that they are elicting people to vote RON by voting RON came about as rather unhappy people who see that we counted as an election a response to the invasion of that others are doing something campaign candidate and that our mental space by the large useful (and enjoying it!) and as such we were not allowed number of ubquitous leaflets by therefore find a flimsy moral Societies Editor to distribute flyers. We ceded identical candidates that have justification to try to destroy to the demands of the return- permeated through the univer- it. Perhaps if they tried helping Laurence Olding ing officer and ceased handing sity corridors in the last couple they would be much happier out flyers on the first day of the of weeks. Our campaign was an and do something useful. elections. However, by the end attempt to show people that it of the first day of elections we didn’t matter who you voted for Lucy Blackwater WSX www.wessexscene.co.uk Editorial A new throne for the princess? wheelchair status to her benefit. Priya Patel Why shouldn’t she? She has chosen to make her situation Sleek chestnut hair smoothed better. She refuses to be a victim and expertly perfected. Swept and insists that there is nothing fringe for boldness. Chic col- remarkable about that. ours and immaculate, intricate I have often heard people make-up. Daring, glossy, over- congratulate Rani on being so Martin Jenner stated pout. Trademark glitter. outgoing, astounded and bewil- Rolling into any music scene, dered at the reality that she goes Hello, faithful readers... she rejects queues and bypasses out to party. Insulting as this With only two issues of Wsx entrances. Like a cool, calm and must be, she finds it a bizarre remaining before control is collected celebrity she possesses concept. She is aware that she handed over to the next group a triumphant presence, one we can do practically everything an of opinionated megalomaniacs can only ever wish for. All eyes able-bodied person can, except we’ve really crammed it in. on her. walk. This is because she has A discussion on the relative Introducing my friend Rani, made the fundamental resolu- worth of Easter Eggs can be literally translating as ‘princess’, tion to do so. Simply, she cannot found just below, while other a status she lives up to. This is a Why should people forced to use wheelchairs act differently to those sit at home and watch the world highlights include notes on minuscule glimpse into Nurani without disability? What difference does it make to the person inside? go by. It doesn’t suit her. the forthcoming election that Nathoo’s life, one spent in a Like a princess on her throne I too have fallen into, as have The realisation of her limita- escaped from the Politics section wheelchair from birth, although she is the centre of attention, many - much to Rani’s annoy- tions in a wheelchair sporadical- and Nick Bowen’s article on the her life is far from defined by smiling, as this is how she likes ance. ly arises. She experiences loneli- long-awaited return of Doctor her disability. This is a friend’s it. Feeling a sense of compul- The truth about human ness and fears of rejection. We Who to our screens. insight into her daily life. sion and responsibility, I try nature is that we play on our all do. Yet Rani’s qualms stem However, this tiny space can’t Notoriously noisy, her voice to prevent others jolting her strengths, originating from pre- from the notion that majority do justice to all the excellent echoes down the corridor. Be chair, frustratingly impossible in historic theories of survival. In in truth are ignorant and ill- work featured within the issue, it crude demands or eruptions bustling clubs. Then I question a more contemporary scenario, informed. Surprising how we so you’ll just have to read every- of laughter, Rani is a popular whether I am being a decent I am a talker. I have the pow- have entered the twenty-first thing. It’s the best way, really... charmer. Confidence oozes from friend, assisting in Rani’s needs, ers of persuasion and I exploit century with a pathetic lack of her. She is high-spirited and can- or whether I am being an igno- these to my advantage. This knowledge and awareness, con- Cheers, didly omnipotent. She appears rant onlooker, assuming that she is a choice that I have made. sequently inflicting poor attitude Martin invincible. But there is more to cannot take care of herself. For My friend chooses to be self- and hurtful insensitivity. All we her than face value. the universal perception is that assured in her wheelchair, but need is an open mind, an open [email protected] Heads turn as we dance and disability and dependency go what other attractive choice is heart and a little understanding. often a crowd forms around her. hand in hand. This is a trap that there? Consistently she uses her Divine rabbits laying chocolate eggs again? Mike Anderson It appears that the only way inspire people in years to come feel. And we apply this fallacy in to honour an event, good or to bathe in cold jelly every year, our real lives. At Christmas time, the birth bad, is by giving out treats. then devour it all in an avari- I am all in favour of getting of Jesus Christ is traditionally That’s the only way people will cious fest of pillaging. Even this presents on Christmas morn- celebrated by the worship of a continue to care. seems a little too logical for us. ing, and I enjoy a chocolate egg fat man who makes exotic cat- If, on Easter Sunday, we were There is no way to tell just (thank you Jesus Rabbit). tle fly. all pinned to a tall wooden cross yet. The evolution of custom is I wonder, though, if the real- So, at Easter we commemo- for a few hours to ‘celebrate’, I as irrational as the Little Britain ity of these events is any longer rate His death with the totem doubt the festivities would live Fan Club, but neither can be relevant, or if there even was a of a rabbit laying confection- very long. It all needs sugar stopped. Is there no way to reality to them, or if that mat- ary eggs. Of course the logic coating. But inside the sugar sway traditions back to their ters. is implicit. We all feel that our coat, should there be so much roots? There are endless questions religion owes us treats. more sugar? Like a Twix? Even eating little chocolate surrounding these festivals, Has something got lost in There must be another way figures of Jesus seems more none I can answer, some I can’t there? What would Jesus think? of getting people to remember appropriate than eggs at Easter, even think of, and a lot I don’t Perhaps to rejoice on the day ‘days of import’. It seems that even if it is slightly more dis- care about. All I’m trying to say of any man’s death is a sceptical tempting them with gifts is the turbed. But we don’t want to is: enjoy your eggs, but what deed in itself, unless of course only way we have. The cruci- be disturbed. We don’t want to the hell are they doing here? fixion idea won’t go down well, remember. We want a day off it’s Hitler or Cher. Easter Eggs: symbol of rebirth or I’m sure. work and a snack. That’s how Got an opinion you Yet I would never suggest sign of a snack-centered culture? But why are such distressing we live. The more snacks and rejecting the glory of His eggs, enjoys going to Church any want to air? Disagree unless you are on a stringent times remembered with such gifts we get the happier we are. more, nobody ever did. mirth? Will we remember the And don’t we bloody love it? with something diet that only allows you to eat The children don’t even know real eggs laid by actual chickens. events of ‘9/11’ by flying liquo- People in general find it par- you’ve seen here? why this egg business goes on, rice kites into a house of cards ticularly difficult to face real situ- ‘But that’s your loss’, exclaimed but we don’t care. We still keep Jesus. with jelly babies balanced on ations involving real emotions. Tell us about it! on giving the eggs. Nobody else top, then eating everything in a This is why we watch soaps, All festivals have their cus- knows why this egg business Send your articles to toms, many of which make any gluttonous rampage? to have fake humans tell us goes on. We just keep on giving The recent tsunami could what fake emotions we should [email protected] sense. The point is that nobody the eggs. Features

Page 12 Rage against the (political) machine he?!” Cue uproarious laughter, conformists - they are all saying Darren Richman whooping and cheering. exactly the same thing without Surely this is not right? For any real thought as to why. Shortly before their tragic a band or performer to attain a Logically, then, for a band to demise, the band Busted did crowd’s approval, they generally truly go against the grain, they something quite at odds with the have to display a high level would have to express right wing majority of their contemporaries. of proficiency, creativity and viewpoints. It would be oh so Fear not, they did not release an skill. Why is it that simply bad- wonderful to turn on the radio interesting piece of music. Their mouthing a much-maligned and hear the new Blue single actions, however, were most world leader is now a guarantee “Give War A Chance.” Or Will exemplary. They admitted they of audience approval? It appears Young to team up with the Klu supported the Conservative to me that this is merely the Klux Klan for a cover of a festive party. professional equivalent of the classic. I’m dreaming of a white Indeed, the band has even “your mum” gag, so popular in Christmas indeed. allowed their music to be used the playgrounds of our youth. Such suggestions are by the party in the forthcoming It’s not particularly clever, it’s not inflammatory, yet the ability to general election. Now, I hear especially funny but it always shock and offend was precisely you cry, “you can’t seriously gets the desired response. what made those bands of admire these pubescent In days of yore, though, yesteryear quite so appealing. pop-punk stalwarts for such things were rather different. We live in an age where there terminally uncool behaviour?” When Dylan sang “The Times is very little to rebel against. The My admiration, though, is not They Are A-Changin”, America distinction between the two born out of political opinion or was undergoing serious political dominant political parties has Tory principles. It is born out of and social shifts. When The become increasingly blurred. irritation. Clash first launched their fiery There is no true machine worth Perhaps I should explain. In assault on Britain’s failings, raging against. Don’t spit on recent years, a certain laziness this country, for the most part, the hand that feeds you, shake has begun to perpetuate all was not a particularly pleasant it firmly. In an era of blandness, areas of celebrity. Musicians, film place to live. The point is, when feigned political posturing is stars, comedians et al have all these people raged, there was about as establishment as it been guilty of the same offence. something to rage about. These gets. A stupefyingly infantile offence. bands meant something. Robbie But there, at the end of this I am talking, of course, of Bush- Williams asserting that Bush is tunnel of conformity, shines bashing. “shit” sadly does not. a light. A light by the name of Busted: shocked the pop world by going against the political flow Don’t get me wrong; I am The Sex Pistols and the like Busted. True mavericks in the no great fan of the American were innovative and exciting long lineage stretching all the come out in support of the less- and James, Visionaries who will President. What causes me more primarily because they were way back from Bob Marley and fashionable political party. At a live long in all our hearts. Gone concern, though, are the droves genuinely against conformity. Iggy Pop, Charlie and the boys time when every celebrity under but not forgotten. RIP to that of celebrities out to condemn his In criticising the President and dared to be different. the sun has opted for a place to most mediocre of bands. Rock actions. Go to any comedy club spouting ill-considered left wing They may not have incited the left of the political spectrum, and roll will never die. or rock concert in the land and slogans, bands nowadays believe social unrest, they may not have Busted must be saluted. They Oh, and if you haven’t you can guarantee someone with they are carrying the torch of outraged the bourgeoisie with told the truth even when the enjoyed this article, I have one a microphone will be uttering the groundbreaking mavericks their drug-fuelled antics, and truth meant seeming fractionally final point that might swing your words to effect of “George of the past. In truth, though, they may not have even written less cool. opinion. George W Bush – he’s W Bush, he’s rubbish isn’t these celebrities are the ultimate a good song. What they did was So hats off to Charlie, Matt crap isn’t he?! Keeping yourself safe and your stuff secure variety of criminals range from 1. When in halls, and if 5. Never leave drinks Melissa Scarlett Bill Sykes to the Artful Dodger, possible when in private housing, unattended in pubs or clubs. from muggers targeting mobiles lock your bedroom door, even if The occurrence of drinks being Statistically, one third of and wallets to individuals who you are only going to the kitchen spiked is not diminishing, which students become a victim of may wish to subject their victims or the bathroom. is indicative of how cautious we crime whilst attending University. to physical assault. must be. Such a high crime rate can Over 100,000 bicycles are 2. Check that doors and be explained, in part, by the stolen annually, therefore those windows are locked at night or 6. Do not show off your location of the University, as of us who rely on our bikes to when you are going out. Don’t cash, mobile phone or laptop, well as the notorious lawlessness speed us along to nine o’clock assume that someone else will and ensure that you do not of the Portswood area that lectures are inexorably going to do it. leave them lying around. many students call home. be affected by such thefts. Whilst Never leave your bag or wallet Unfortunately, there are such I was preparing to start university, 3. Make a list of your unattended and do not carry a wide variety of crimes that an older student advised me personal property, including the your chequebook and card no one is exempt from being a to buy a desktop computer as serial number and descriptions. together. It is advisable to take victim. Figures released by the opposed to a laptop, as a laptop Use an ultraviolet pen to mark out protection for your credit Home Office also suggest that would be much easier to steal. electrical and other items with cards and to note all of your card levels of crime don’t depend on With criminals aware of the your university address, followed details so that you can cancel the time of day, so even at high abundance of electrical goods by your surname. This will make them quickly if they are stolen. noon you could be at risk. Did you forget something? that the majority of students it easier to trace stolen property Recent figures indicate An open window or door possess their audacity increases, and can aid the police in gaining 7. Never leave belongings that domestic break-ins have is an invitation to thieves and they are willing to risk a evidence against an offender. in your car, even an old coat increased by 7.9% over the past quick opportunist break-in. could entice a thief if they year, concurrent with an 11.8% Rumours are prolific within the Fortunately, there are certain 4. Don’t walk home alone think there might be something rise in students residing in private University community regarding safety precautions one can take late at night, arrange in advance valuable in the pockets. Always accommodation experiencing crimes ranging from burglary to to prevent crime from affecting to walk home with friends or ensure your boot is locked. domestic burglary. mugging to physical assault. The you. pre-book a taxi. www.wessexscene.co.uk Who’s the daddy? Nick Bowen After watching 20 minutes worth of the recent “Doctor Who” night on BBC 1, I felt compelled to switch off, as the clips from the series of twenty- odd years ago starring Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy et al made the whole thing look immensely cheesy, low-budget and frankly rubbish. Depressed by this evidence from the past, I felt sure that 2005’s “Doctor Who” with Billie Piper (yes, that Billie Piper) and Christopher Ecclestone would be similarly bad, and quite possibly worse. That golden age in which low-budgets and bad effects could be excused and the four channels were the only ones to choose from has long since passed, I thought, and people will switch over to Ant and Dec faster than you can say ‘dalek’. However, when I tuned in to see the first episode of the new “Dr Who” I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is really quite good. Writer Russell T shows that he’s an accomplished teenage pop singer and ex-wife As for the aliens, animated and script were good enough for Davies, whose most famous actor, and this was certainly of Chris Evans, appears to be a shop dummies might sound the effects to take a back seat. creation aside from “Doctor apparent in the show. He genuinely good actress, as her funny on paper, but in the show An especially clever touch Who” is “Queer as Folk”, the seemed to give the Doctor recent acclaimed performance in they were passably sinister, and was the presence of an obsessive controversial Channel 4 series, charm with depth, and brought “The Canterbury Tales” would an animated wheelie-bin played “Doctor Who” fan within the ensured that the general tone out the enigmatic qualities of his suggest. Judging by the first for laughs very effectively. narrative - a ‘metafan’ if you will of the show contained drama, character so well that I wanted episode, her character is more of The special effects, although - who will have made balding character development and to tune into the next episode a co-star than a sidekick to the understandably not of “Lord of Who anoraks everywhere take a good-natured, self-mocking just to find out how much of the Doctor, and it will be interesting the Rings” standard, were good worried look at themselves. If it cheesiness in equal measure. character he will reveal next. to see how their relationship enough not to be laughable, impressed a sci-fi-phobe like me, Ecclestone’s impressive CV Piper, though best known as a develops. and, let’s face it, the storyline then it must be worth a look.

Wanted: Part-time staff. Students need not apply General Election to be called on May the fifth George Weston into the bank statements and rumours are beginning to cir- Sarah Hodges the “credit” column becomes Another day of grown-up culate that President Blair chose redundant a part time job is positive political campaigning the date because according to No one can deny that the essential. However, it seems that ended yesterday with Michael Carole Chaplin, Mrs. Blair’s hip- stereotypical student is seen as finding a job as a student is Howard (aged 138) launching pie friend and confidant, it offers lazy, attending few lectures if practically impossible. the Conservative party’s new the highest astrological prob- any and being unable to recog- I’ve lost count of the friends posters bearing the slogan ability of a third New Labour nise any hour before lunchtime who have had numerous inter- “whatever New Labour says landslide victory. (that’s right, there is such a views with nothing to show. bounces off us and sticks to Polls are suggesting that the thing as 9am - really). Signs calling for weekend staff them”. result could be more unpredicta- However, as finding a grad- adorn shops by the score, only The new election posters are ble than originally thought, with uate job becomes harder (in for the shopkeeper to break into believed to be a response to there being a decent chance 2003 employers received 42.1 frantic denials when they find Prime Ministers Tony Blair’s claim that either of the two main applications for every graduate out you are a student. in a speech to the Association parties can win but a smaller vacancy) and with the job mar- Employer’s fears are logical, of Young Mothers, OAPs and chance than ever that anyone in ket becoming more and more as after being asked how my ‘...employers won’t touch Other Swing Voters last week the country will actually be able competitive, it seems concern at own social life was they explain students with a barge pole...’ that the Conservative party had to tell the difference. present lies not only in finding a how they too many students fail a secret agenda of ‘tax cuts, The office of the Prime being able to actually work any- job after graduating but getting to turn up at 9am on a Saturday slashing public spending, mur- Minister refused to comment where), and for the guarantee a part time job to help finance morning as required. It’s true, dering all male children under on the new Conservative strat- that we won’t ask for time off the best three years of your life. many of us find this hour incom- the age of five and of deifying egy but a friend of a friend of when difficult deadlines sneak The painstaking struggle as a prehensible, but at least give us Margaret Thatcher’. a friend of Peter Mandleson in near exam time. Oh to have student surviving on a student a chance to be acquainted with The campaign has been grow- insisted that in private Emperor a crystal ball… loan, even with interest free it once in while. ing increasingly vicious in recent Blair would be prioritising think- So for now, at least, it seems overdrafts and the Waterstone’s With our long summer holi- weeks with such taunts as ‘soft ing up a new jibe about the Tory students are destined to live off vouchers that come with new days and frequent breaks it on serial killers’ and ‘The Tory leader’s mother. their loans, rinse their savings bank accounts, makes student seems employers won’t touch party smells’ being heard. No-one has yet bothered to and eat further into their over- life that much harder. Perhaps students with a barge pole, ask- The next General Election will ask Charles Kennedy for a com- drafts. But we’ll have to pay it it’s just a first year thing, but as ing for experience (which we take place on May 5th and ment. negative numbers start to creep are supposed to gain without back some day… Features

Page 14 CU responds to criticism Parisian Paradise The Wessex Scene published relationship with Jesus’ and ‘less we do not attempt to influ- Madeleine Binnie an article in its last issue in time…actually acting on his ten- ence how our members give to regards to the Christian Union ets.’ charity, though we promote this Paris is seen by many as an events week. We at the CU Again, we appreciate the principle. international paradise where would like to thank the author challenge to live to the stand- We would also like to apolo- both romance and beauty col- of that article for their engage- ards Jesus set and the standards gise if it appears we have used lide. I went to check out the ment with our activities and the to which we speak. We offer no the word ‘truth’ overly lightly. French capital to see whether challenge laid down. defence, knowing we often fall We used it to emphasise the baguettes and berets were all Laurence Olding Christians are indeed vulner- short on this. What we would claim of Jesus, we did not wish that Paris had to offer. able to apathy as much as any- say, however, is that Jesus actu- to appear to be making any The thing that you notice one else and we sincerely hope ally used the vast majority of claims in regards to ourselves. immediately on arrival in Paris that such an article will make his teaching to talk about him- Please accept our apologies for is the eccentricity of the peo- our CU members take a serious self and who he was. This is any misunderstanding. ple. They are traditionally a city look at their involvement in the because he claimed to be ‘the Essentially we are saying Some famous Parisian landmark, of observers that sit in cafés apparently quite well known society, with the intention of way, the truth and the life’ - “guilty as charged” to the points watching the world go by. I bettering it. the way to God itself. As he raised regarding our lives, back- tried this, drinking a cappucino Practically all attractions are The call to political involve- said, ‘what good will it be for ing what we preach and our and laughing at the French ver- free or reduced if you have ment is also appreciated, and a man if he gains the whole need for involvement. We have sion of parking outside which a student card, with the Latin whilst it would be an abuse world, yet forfeits his soul?’, so to plead guilty. We are very, involved repeatedly bashing into Quarter being the perfect spot of our role to try to influence we would view the process of very flawed people. That’s why the car behind. for night life. Many French stu- their political views, we would talking about Jesus to be crucial we don’t talk about ourselves, It is true that the French do dents also hang out there so also like to encourage all our and actually of greater benefit but about Jesus Christ, who died love their baguettes and berets there are plenty of opportunities members to respond and get than all we could ever physically for people like us, who are sim- but what they love more is wine to try out French chat-up lines. involved with local, national and give to people because it meets ply not good enough. and fashion. From the immacu- If you book Eurostar early worldwide politics. a massive spiritual need. late businessmen to the chic enough you can travel First Class One thing raised in the article That may also be why many Parisian women everyone makes for practically the same price as that we would like to address, Christians tend to give money to If anyone does have any an effort with their appearance, economy and enjoy a compli- however, is the perception of Christian organisations, precise- further queries or comments especially over dinner where mentary glass of champagne Jesus’ ministry. The article did ly because they care and they regarding the CU then please many enjoy endless bottles of and croissant to get you started say that we are dishonest to wish to see spiritual needs met do get in contact with us at wine (I went to a restaurant on your French adventure. ourselves because we spend as well as physical. We would [email protected]. with all-you-can-drink wine, Why go to Paris? It’s tres more time ‘talking about [our] like to emphasise, however, that somewhat dangerous!). bien! To re-live the past in Life Through a Lens - pictures, or live for today? screens showing the band were my life into a dim parody of Mike Anderson far more prolific than the dots what it once was. I now only making the noises all that way existed though the lens. My life A few years ago I began to away. I could no longer stop seemed completely unreal and I panic. I realised I had no record myself from calling someone on had only myself to blame. We of my youth. My young life had my mobile phone, so they could are no longer content to live passed by with nothing to show be there with me. I lost whole life as it happens. Moments are for it, nothing to look back on songs explaining to them that trapped and condemned to exist when, and if, I reached old age, they were hearing music. Why behind glossy bars; faces stare became nostalgic and pined watch a gig live when you can at us with frozen features, emo- over the good old days. My see it on a screen or hear it tions that will never change; friends’ walls were littered with down a phone? Had I lost my memories are dictated by physi- photographs of themselves, of mind? cal records, ‘proof’. Is the real us, of people we knew or had Holidays are always a disap- world slipping away? ‘I felt that living the moment as it happened was no longer important once cared for. I had nothing. to me. If there was no way to replicate what I saw, it passed me by’ pointment because the place This is a world where watch- I still have no idea what I never looks as good as the pho- ing people talk on “Big Brother” looked like when I was fifteen; or so I thought. I took pic- sleek photographic paper. All tos in the brochure. I resent res- is more interesting than hav- probably just a bit younger than tures of every moment, running these moments I had captured taurants for lying to me through ing actual conversations with I do now. Mirrors are a sad through film after film, day after on film were trapped in the lens the pictures on the menus. If human beings. The lives of Karl reminder that time is passing, day. Hundreds, if not thousands for ever. I needed proof that only my burger would look and Susan in “Neighbours” leaving me to decay while they of pictures were eaten up then my life was happening, not just like that just once I would be mean more than our own. We gleam on indefinitely. Old girl- spat out again by my camera. the skeleton of twisted images happy. Everywhere we look we are voyeurs looking at the world friends whose faces I no longer I hoarded moments as though in my mind’s eye. If you are are being mocked. Reality never through a glass case that is knew and would never see again they were jewels. People, build- never reassured that something lives up to the hype. not there. Life is a now fake, began to haunt my dreams. ings, trees, seas, anything that really happened you can start to Then one day, the sweat a replica, a veil pulled over our Were they all really as ugly as moved and anything that stayed doubt the truth. broke once more, and I pan- eyes as we look on gormless the ghouls I saw as I slept? I still. It all needed to be caught I felt that living the moment icked. It occurred to me that I and baffled, unsure why we are could no longer trust my own before it faded away. The need as it happened was no longer had been destroying my own doing this to ourselves or how mind. I needed something more to live forever on sheets of card important to me. If there was existence. These reams of pic- to recapture our lives. How can solid, something that would took control of my being. I no way to replicate what I saw it tures, the lost concerts, the we be sure if we hardly notice convince me that I had existed. could look at entire days of my passed me by. I went to gigs and hours where my camera-phone it happening? Can we ever be So I decided to take control; life, moment by moment, on couldn’t look at the stage. The had become my eye, had turned set free? Societies www.wessexscene.co.uk Editorial Are You Interested in being PURE?

M Stirling your street. organising a selection of events time, why don’t you come along Did you know that We are a society dedicated to specifically to promote fairtrade to one of our (very informal) Southampton is a fairtrade promoting fairtrade and cam- clothing (and fingers crossed meetings in the Stag’s Head, on city? And did you know that paigning against the arms trade lauching our own brand of fair- Mondays at 5.30pm. the University is in the proc- through positive campaigning trade t-shirts). Pure have recently launched Laurence Olding ess or applying for fairtrade and education. We have a fair- PURE is also heavily involved a new internet site which can be status? Do you care? Well, if tade stall at the monday market with the Monday Market in the found at http://www.pureuk. This marks the penultimate you do and you are interested selling an array of tantalising students’ union. org and are always pleased to issue of my tenure in charge of in trade issues and equal rights, food to tickle your taste buds So, if you fancy getting welcome new members, so if both societies and politics sec- PURE (Promoting a Universal and with Fairtrade Fortnight fast involved in human rights issues fair trade is important to you, tions. Rights Ethos) may be right up approaching (March 1st) we are and having a giggle at the same get involved! With just one issue to go, we will soon be welcoming our esteemed new editor. Unitl then keep your societies stories com- Best speakers visit Southampton ing in to [email protected]. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish any finalists Sponsored for the second year the best of luck in their disserta- Laurence Olding running by Warner Goodman & Streat, the final was won by a tions, which are doubtless con- Southampton’s second Annual suming vast tracts of time now team from Cardiff. The same University Debating competi- university also picked up the best and in the coming weeks. Enjoy tion hosted at the University the final term. speaker award for the event as a and sponsored by local solicitors whole. Two Southampton teams If you want to find out more Warner Goodman & Streat took about socieities check out the consisted of William Hawkes and place on the 12th March and Phil Whittington, Peter Lamb excellent societies pages that was a huge success. can be found on the students’ and Carlos Marquez Salazar. Organised by Laurence The Debating Society meets union website at www.susu.org. Olding, Laurence Stellings and Societies are an excellent way to every Thursday at 8pm in the the committee of the Debating Small Meeting Room; member- meet new people, have a laugh Society, teams from across the and pick up some valuable skills ship is free. UK debated a range of issues Further details can be found for later life. Make the most of from privatising universities to the chance while you can. on the Debating Society web- making cosmetic health care site online at www.soton.ac.uk/ available through the NHS. ~debating. The Society celebrates after a successful weekend PoliticsPage 16 Say the right things, when electioneering: parties court the student vote air against the perennial criticism students which party they cur- campus for many years. By Laurence Olding of ‘student apathy’, bemoaning rently supported. With informa- This forthcoming ballot will Political Editor the lack of activity compared tion gathered in August and be monumental in many ways, to the 1970s and 1980s and as October 2004, and in January and after a start to the cam- Mr Blair has announced that such in 2005, after eight years and February of this year, the paign that has been interrupted there will be a general election of Labour governance, students data shows the Tories lagging already by a Pope’s funeral and on the 5 May. Since then, and are mobilised to take to the polls behind with 23 percent of the a royal wedding, the election- in the weeks building up to the either having had quite enough poll, an increase of one per cent eering is now in full swing. Mr announcement, political parties of broken promises, insufficient over six months; over the same Blair has been accused, in the across the UK have mobilised to sentences for offenders and a period Labour’s share has risen past, of succeeding in mak- capture the imagination of vot- lack of accountability, or con- to 29 per cent from 22 per cent, ing politics disinteresting, but ers. Alongside pensioners and versely, to defend a government whilst the Liberal Democrats this year we have an obligation working families, students are that they are happy with. have dipped from an astonish- not only to be interested but Howard: lagging behind a key section of the elector- The Liberal Democrats, forev- ing 46 per cent of the poll to also to get out and vote, not ate that politicians will be keen er the third party in Britain, have 39 per cent over the same six- because we should feel guilty ate has the choice of whether to appease over the next few entered this election with the month period. about those who have lost their to start afresh, or to continue weeks. aim of winning the student vote The re-emergence of Liberal lives to protect our democratic down the route that has been The last year has seen a wide- through their anti-war stance, Democrat and Labour societies freedoms in the past, but simply travelled since 1997. spread increase in political inter- which has gained many plaudits, at the University should not, because it is a real opportunity Whilst the heydays of 1970s est both nationally, with conflict and there opposition to so-called however, be considered monu- to express our will individually student activism are but a dis- in the Middle East, as well as ‘top-up’ fees for universities, a mental in a university that is as to how the country should be tant memory, students remain locally where, as the Wessex policy also advocated by the noted for its ‘small-c’ conserva- run in the future. quietly and determinedly politi- Scene has reported, political rejuvenated Conservatives. Yet tism, and indeed whilst they For perhaps the first time since cally active. Politicians should societies for Labour and the worryingly for the Conservatives begin only now to catch up with 1997 students have a genuine not take the supposed apathy of Liberal Democrats have recently is a recent survey undertaken the Conservative Future branch choice, many for the first time, youth lightly, for such compla- re-founded at the University. by Opinionpanel Research, at the university that has been a in what promises to be a very cency may well return to haunt Such activity is a breath of fresh which asked a panel of 1,031 strong, if very quiet society on close run election. The elector- them in the future. Local MP represents students - if they can get through his secretary Laurence Olding from Jennifer Jones, a final-year themselves to be ‘very high sta- Far be it from me to blow Oceanography student who, tus’.” The argument continued the trumpet of the politics sec- in a letter to Dr Whitehead and was resolved by Miss Bull’s tion of this fine publication, but described herself as someone announcement that she does we have been graced this issue that “along with thousands of “not put every person who disa- with the opinion of local ‘roy- other students [is] feeling the grees with [Dr Whitehead] in alty’. Member of Parliament, financial burden of studying.” their place only those who need Dr Alan Whitehead, has kind- Miss Jones went on to inquire it”. ly taken time out of his busy as to why the “government are One supposes that we might schedule to tell a little about his making it increasingly difficult not all pursue our inquiries with day-to-day activities as MP for to afford an education.” After the persistence of Miss Jones, Southampton Test. several days with just a cour- and indeed having seen the “A glance at my diary over Students protest outside Labour offices in Southampton Street tesy reply, Jennifer contacted response we might well be put recent weeks shows the scope though he is keen to empha- on the same issue at a Debating Alan again, this time with the off making the initial contact. and variety of an MP’s life and sise he “was able to improve Society/Students’ Union event gambit that “we feel that your In an election campaign that just how many lives are touched upfront grants for poorer stu- last year where he suggested government have done nothing has so far seen the opposi- by political issues. Southampton dents and limit the ‘variability’ that the majority of the popula- for students at all and we will tion crowing about the ‘lack students are no exception,” says of fees to be charged” in those tion were misguided and had be making sure that all of our of accountability’ in govern- Dr Whitehead and indeed he distant times, he does not speak misunderstood the semantics of students are aware of this! You ment, Dr Whitehead could do has been busy meeting with of his vote in favour of top-up Labour’s pledges, rather than can rest assured that of all the worse than making sure such Union President Andy Wilson, fees (details of which are avail- that the ruling party had, in students that will be voting in arguments do not erupt in the the University Vice-Chancellor able on the parliament website), fact, lied. Southampton, none will be vot- future. Indeed, he closes by tell- and the students’ Stop Aids a policy that in 1997 Labour Dr Whitehead goes on to ing for you.” Perhaps a strong ing us that: “Finally, if you ever society in recent months. stated that it had ‘no plans to say that he “want[s] to make suggestion, but one that brought need to meet me face to face, But what else has Dr introduce tuition fees for higher sure [student] views are heard out ire in Dr Whitehead’s secre- I hold regular advice surgeries Whitehead achieved as Labour education’ and again in 2001, at local and national levels tary, Caroline Bull, who in a around the city. Appointments MP for a large section of that ‘we will not introduce ‘top- and ensure that Southampton stern response declared “the can be booked via my office Southampton students? He tells up’ fees and have legislated to remains your choice for living, electorate is not gullible and (tel. 8023 1942), so please do us that “tuition fees may have prevent them’. Indeed, the more studying and work” and for this they will make their minds up not hesitate to get in touch”. disappeared from the headlines devoted political hacks amongst we should be pleased. Indeed, themselves based on the real Indeed we won’t, but will you but a year ago featured strong- us will remember a rattled Dr the politics post bag was also facts and not be influenced by meet face-to-face or just be ly among my priorities,” and Whitehead respond to a grilling bulging with correspondence a group of students who believe put-in-your-place? www.wessexscene.co.uk Politics: Have your What’s wrong with R.O.N? say on what Andy Wilson matters to you “Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed Laurence Olding no better than we deserve.” If you have enjoyed or have George Bernard Shaw been annoyed, been amused or confused by what you have read in this issue’s politics sec- tion, let me know. I am always The Union has just held its looking for keen new writers annual Sabbatical elections, in to bolster the opinion pieces which over 3,800 people voted offered here. - around 20% of the students I recieved a great response registered at Southampton. to last issue’s inaugaral politics While this may not seem like section but this can only be a huge number it compares quite sustained through new writers favourably to other universities offering new perspectives. in the UK, where the average If you have an opinion, wheth- turnout for Union elections is er right, left or undecided e-mail only around 7-10% or about your articles to lo402@soton. 700 – 1000 people voting. ac.uk and the cream of them So should this Union be proud will be featured in the next of its achievements: a larger issue. voter turnout and an increased mandate to continue their good Winchester work of this year? Well apparently not. A group MP criticises of students felt so incensed by the election process that they Tory’s ‘dirty decided to stage a R.O.N (re- Voting for R.O.N: Legitimate political statement or pointless spoiling? open nominations) campaign, trick’ which essentially means that are the same again. ‘Make this “The simple fact is, especially when they think that any of it they felt that none of the candi- better; improve that…’ and the at Southampton, there is no [Union-wise] really matters that Laurence Olding dates would do anything worth- next year the same thing again. point in voting at election time much.” The Liberal Democrat candi- while and therefore there was It seems that after you follow because what is on offer is nei- And on the Students’ Union date for the university seat of no point in voting. this pattern for only a cou- ther inspiring, challenging nor itself the following opinion was Winchester in the forthcoming A member of the R.O.N cam- ple of years there are some even particularly offensive. expressed: general election, Mark Oaten, paign commented recently on “Bureaucracy breeds medioc- reacted angrily to the internet the SUSU forums as to why he rity and unfortunately this uni- activity of his Conservative rival felt there was no point in voting: versity has both in excess. The labelling it a ‘dirty tricks cam- “It’s hard to take the privilege “They felt that none of nature of hierarchical structures paign’. [being able to vote] serious- is that they alienate people and The Conservative candidate, ly when the tone of the elec- the candidates would do it is the R.O.N campaign that George Hollingbery has regis- tion campaigning posters is so has been an initial voicing of tered the internet domain name marred by casual sex references anything worthwhile and opposition to the normal run- www.markoaten.co.uk so that and insinuations as the length ning of things. By participating anyone visiting the site is greet- of one candidate’s member as in the world around us we must ed with the manifesto for the opposed to the others. there was therefore no not seek to emulate that which Tory candidate, rather than the “Having been at a couple of oppresses us. Lib Dem’s homepage. universities by now I am hor- point in voting.” The Union’s rules are just Hollingbery denied the ‘dirty rified by the sameness of the that, and you are not expected tricks’ allegations stating that “if candidates, not only within each to and shouldn’t change them Mr Oaten failed to register his university but also between uni- inevitable conclusions to draw. “Compared to Sussex, London on our behalf.” own names on the web, then versities - so much so that the But since most candidates are universities, or Manchester and Well if you feel that there is really that’s his problem.” election posters are all pretty only involved for a year of two, Salford’s problems with fascist some truth to the comments The story is perhaps the first much identikit. Although I am these observations may not be candidates, Southampton is tur- made in this article and would local evidence of the American- aware of the amount of work as obvious.” gidly dull. actually like to do something style dirty campaigning that that goes into making them look A simple answer to this state- “Worse still, those who per- about it, please contact the has been much talked about by different the effect is to only ment may be, “well why didn’t petuate this facet of univer- Students’ Union President on political commentators. highlight the sameness of them. you stand and make a differ- sity existence seem incapable of [email protected], who will be Oaten, who said he ‘hoped “The manifestos inevitably ence?” To which another stu- thinking outside of the structural more than willing to listen to to keep this a clean campaign’, claim to represent student opin- dent who did not vote, but logic that justifies what they are any point of view and then may now be forced to rethink if ion, however roll onto the next was not involved in the R.O.N (or are not) doing. The prob- laugh with you when you dis- he is to protect his 9,634 major- year and the campaign slogans campaign, replied: lem with the candidates comes cuss the length of his member! ity for the seat. Sport Page 18 Editorial Uni gliding club soaring sky high Robert Coulson Summer 2004 saw mem- Welcome back everybody! bers of SUGC representing the Easter’s been and gone and University in the Inter-Uni gliding it’s back to the grind of Uni life... task week, held at Nympsfield, but away from the nags of the near Gloucester. Despite being parents. low on numbers, the club did So, every cloud.... remarkably well, coming mid- The Champions League way up the grid. is well and truly back, with a The highlight of the week was Mourinho-less Chelsea and a a 300km triangle, flown dual Benitez-inspired Liverpool safely with Nympsfield local Trevor through and anticipating the all- Stuart in his 25m Nimbus 3, a England semi-final. task twice the length of the one I fancy Chelsea to progress set for the other competitors. to the final and set-up a mouth Ex-Captain Rich Parker was watering tie against AC Milan in present and correct, strapping Instanbul. cameras to all sorts of aircraft This potential final is what and helping Ray Sofair mentally the Champions League is all prepare for his epic ‘5 hours’ about; undoubtedly two of the silver attempt. finest sides in European football Sadly the fabled Nympsfield battling it out on the biggest sea breeze came and killed off stage. the lift part way through and Shevchenko vs Terry, Kaka the attempt has had to be put vs Makelele, Nesta vs Drogba; off for another day. what a spectacle...but Liverpool A number of the SUGC team may have something to say crewed for pilots in the Lasham about that! Junior Nationals, with Matt This issue is full-to-bursting. Bennett’s pilot Mark Holden There’s a look at the year so far coming third out of a field of for the Gliding Club and a focus fifty and rightly earning him- on the Canoe-Polo Club. self a place on the elite British There’s a Varsity Day special, Gliding team. One man and his dog....the SUGC shock the locals with their low level gliding focusing on the wins for hockey, Mark, a PNGC local, will be Rob Hines and myself went week. Membership of the club is £30 rugby and netball and the defeat representing Britain in the Junior on a little trip over the new year In this much sleeker, lighter per year (you do not need to in the football. World gliding competition, glid- to Talgarth in Wales. We only and faster aircraft the full poten- be a member to qualify for trial We have reports from the ing’s version of the Olympics, had one flyable day (the 2nd tial of the playground we were flights, but you do if you intend yachting and swimming BUSA this summer, and we wish him of January), but what a day it in could be realised; at one stage to keep flying). nationals as well as our back the best of luck. Next year was! the GPS told me that my cross Southampton University page story on the Windsurfing we hope to have entries in the The check flights were ter- country speed over a 5 mile run Gliding Club (SUGC) is affiliated Club’s BUSA success. Junior Nationals from our own rifying - when we pulled off the was around 120mph! Not bad to SUSU and Portsmouth Naval And that’s your lot! club, with Rob Hines looking tow we were still well below without an engine! Gliding Club (PNGC). promising. the height of the ridge and the All too soon the light began Enjoy! An expedition to the Long instructor had to check out our to fade and it was time to land, Mynd in September proved to ability to climb up close to the and an interesting landing it was be an enjoyable, if unproductive ridge, which is where the best too. week. The wind blew easterly lift lies. Talgarth airfield claims to all week, turning the famous To say we were ‘close’ would have the largest piece of flat ridge lift into ridge sink. Check be an understatement when land in the area; however it is flights proved interesting to say you are manoeuvring an old neither flat nor large! A tricky the least! K13 at about a wingspan’s approach and landing followed October saw the annual influx distance from the hillside (see but without incident. of fresh faces into the club, and above photo, courtesy Black If you’re interested in com- Matt has done an excellent job Mountains GC). ing gliding, drop an e-mail to with the socials, even if this has After having an extra circuit [email protected]. We fly led to a whole series of unfor- to check I was ok, the instructor every weekend depending tunate photographs of our new gave me the go ahead to go up on the weather and offer a Dave Firth esteemed secretary being put on in the Discus, PNGC’s ‘hot ship’ maximum of two no obliga- [email protected] the web! that we had borrowed for the tion trial flights for £6.10 each. The sleeker, lighter Discus www.wessexscene.co.uk President hails Canoe- Polo club’s development Richard Clare the sport, he commented that level of fitness. The number “Rich has done an absolutely of tournaments the University In a sport that saw Great fantastic job and I am immense- sides enter each season varies Britain’s women conquer the ly grateful to him for covering given the funding problems that 2004 World Championships for me.” certain universities face. in Japan, and the men doing Not to be confused with The Southampton Canoe- likewise in Germany in 2002, Water Polo, Canoe-Polo is a Polo Club is now eager to hold Canoe-Polo still remains one of water sport that involves two more tournaments in the future the many lesser-known sports sides of five members with each now that they have access to enjoyed by so many. side having up to three substi- the pool in the Jubilee complex. With a new Presidency about tutes. Southampton University’s to get underway at Southampton The players compete furious- men’s side has enjoyed middle- University’s Canoe-Polo club, ly, in their specifically-designed of-the-road success this season, it feels right to review a sea- kayaks, to get the ball into the with the team winning around son coming to a close that has opponent’s 1.5 metres by 1 as many games as they have seen former President of the metre net that is suspended 2 lost. club, Chris Pallett, having to metres in the air. The most prodigious win of step away from the sport with a There are two halves, each the season came against the serious back injury. lasting seven minutes, with a University of Warwick, with Team-mate and Aero- brief half-time interval. The ball Southampton winning 6-0. Engineering student Richard can be flicked by the player’s The women’s side can take Gibbon stepped into Pallett’s paddle or thrown by hand dur- confidence from a fantastic 4th role, becoming President for the ing the game and the players placed finish in the last BUSA On the high seas...canoe-polo players compete on the open waters second time, and has helped are required to wear helmets, tournament. their good form and do as well seems to be growing in popu- the 40-member club to develop faceguards and body protection Gibbon has set his sights on in the forthcoming BUSA tour- larity among the nation and further this year. for their safety. a top 8 finish in the next BUSA nament. around the globe, with the sport While Pallett cannot hide his The teams play in tourna- tournament for the men and The club can also boast the set to receive a trial run in the immense disappointment at his ments where they play several has expressed his hope that the inclusion of Great Britain inter- 2008 Beijing Olympics. own injury forcing him out of teams a day and require a high women’s team can continue national Jemma Murray in their Gibbon has described the club ranks and her knowledge of the as informal, good for meeting sport more than makes up for new people and light-hearted. the lack of a qualified coach at Training takes place on Mondays the club. in the Jubilee Swimming Pool, In response to questions, between 9pm and 10pm, and Gibbon answered that he “real- then again on Saturdays from ly enjoyed” being President, 6pm until 8 pm. despite there being “a lot of Anybody interested in joining challenges”. the club is invited to go along to While he will not continue a training session or you can e- with this post into next season, mail the club at: canoe@soton. he will still be involved with the ac.uk. Canoe-Polo club next year on a playing level. The club has had a new lease of life injected into it ever since the completion of the Jubilee Leisure complex in 2004. Gone are the days when play- ing meant trips to Winchester to hire a pool there at £80 pounds an hour. The funding of the club is now sufficient, what with the Jubilee Swimming Pool being on hand to the club, and the players are provided with the necessary equipment needed to be able to compete with. It is a sport that even Gibbon had not played before com- Going for goal....a canoe-polo player takes aim at the goal, suspended two metres in the air ing to university, and one that Collisions common, injuries rare Sport

Page 20 Uni fail to find a Hockey club swagger way past Institute to Varsity Day victory University 3 A goal from former England named ‘Solent University’. defence Institute 1 U-18 International Chris Land With the Institute refusing to play a straight-forward men’s University 0 Dave Firth and goals either side of the Institute 1 Institute strike from Laura first XI match, fearing a crush- The Uni hockey club brushed Watling and Rob Cundey con- ing defeat, it was agreed that Tom Latchem aside their Institute counterparts firmed the gulf in class between a mixed game would provide a Historically, professional in the annual Varsity match, our long established educational more competitive spectacle. footballers and degrees have easing to a 3-1 win. establishment and the newly Both the University’s men’s been as diametrically opposed and ladies first XI’s still carried as Manchester United and considerably more talent than Accrington Stanley – but not, the Institute’s, and the Uni were still anticipating a comfortable perhaps, for much longer. University’s pre-match huddle Football League clubs are victory. break down the Uni defence, increasingly seeing the bene- However, the ladies first XI’s expertly marshalled by Matt fits of bringing an academic success in the BUSA shield com- Brokenshire and Cheryl Blake. approach to the game, and petition meant they had a fix- The second goal did eventu- the Varsity match between ture away in Newcastle on the ally arrive mid-way through the Southampton’s University and same day as the Varsity match. second half when Laura Watling Institute hinted at changing With the ladies understand- timed her run expertly to sweep times. ably taking a large squad for home a well-placed cross from Certainly a skilful perform- this crucial match, the University close range. ance from University forward were deprived of their best With a two-goal cushion, the Jamie Thornby and the cute female players for the match Uni attempted to play more touches of his strike partner against the old enemy. expansive hockey. The more Duncan Miller suggested their Despite this slight concern, attacking mentality gave the potential to reach higher climes. the early stages were dominat- Institute more space up-front Thornby’s pedigree as a former ed by the University. Craig and their goal looked to have England and Chelsea school- Acquaye and Chris Land used set up a nervy last few minutes. boy shone through, while Miller possession intelligently and it became apparent that the ladies Cundey ended the Institute’s stood out for his swiftness of hopes of salvaging anything both feet and mind. available for the Uni were more than capable of matching those from the match when his angled That neither could exploit stick diverted the ball into the their obvious talent was due of the Institute. Inevitably it was the Uni who net following Brad Lewington’s to the assured hands of Andre drive. Foster in the Institute goal, opened the scoring. Land col- Let’s hope the Institute’s new whose reaction saves hinted at lected the ball on the edge of status as ‘Solent University’ a bright future and meant the the D and fired home from long results in ‘University’ qual- game was settled by a single range. The expected avalanche ity hockey so that next year’s piece of first-half brilliance. of goals never came and the Varsity match is more competi- The Institute’s Jake Newton Institute began to edge into the In control....James Barrett in possession against the Institute tive. was fouled just outside the oppo- match but found it difficult to sition area after 35 minutes and Mitch Day curled a beautifully crafted free-kick past the help- Ladies first XI secure BUSA shield victory less Chris Ball. Ball might have Hannah Durston massive 76 members competing found winning ways this season Nottingham. done better, but take nothing in both BUSA and Hampshire through immense team spirit After going down 0-1 early away from what was a sublime Wessex Hockey has been competitions. and only incorporating three on, Unwin scored a net-break- sweep of the left boot. stronger than ever this season Losing just three of 14 games new members at the start of the ing second-half goal to level Wessex frantically pep- on and off the pitch, with a since October, the Ladies 1st XI season. the scores, followed by a well- pered the Institute goal with Having finished second rehearsed short corner routine Gary Warren, Ross Ingram and in Western 1A, captain Lucy for Lucy to put another past Chris Moxey going close after Unwin lead the girls to wins their defence with just 7 min- the break, but when Thornby’s over Swansea (9-0) and East utes to spare. close-range header was some- Anglia (2-1) in the first rounds This is the first time the how scooped away by the out- of the BUSA Shield knockout SULHC has ever won the BUSA standing Foster they realised competition. Shield, and a huge thank you they were beaten. Drawn away against goes out to our supporters. st In truth the result was second- Newcastle in the semi-final who, The 1 XI are saying good- ary because the money raised in although being by far the best bye to Rachael Bennett, Helen the name of Lisa Wilson – a opposition we have ever come Dagley, Tori Spencer and goalie former Institute student – will across, also succumbed to our Kim Kreeger who will be sorely now go towards helping into superior teamwork and deter- missed as committed and tal- university those least able to mination to come back from ented members of the club. afford the privilege. 0-1 to win with a last minute However the backbone of More budding, bright young goal from Jane Inman for us to the team remains and hopes of footballers perhaps: God knows clinch it 2-1. retaining the BUSA Shield will professional football could use The final took us to the be high next season, in what some brains. Winners...the ladies hockey first XI show off their BUSA shield National hockey stadium to face is the club’s Centenary year. www.wessexscene.co.uk Easy win Institute ripped apart in Varsity netball soured by champagne rugby by post- game tracksuit robbery

Dave Firth The University’s netball play- ers secured a comfortable win in their Varsity match only to find that their tracksuits had been stolen while they had been on the court. The theft, believed to have been carried out by the Institute rugby team, following their crushing defeat at the hands of the University earlier in the day, not only left the players with- out their tracksuits but also the house keys, wallets and mobile phones that had been left in the pockets. After the tracksuits failed to be returned following a plea to the Institute spectators from their own Vice President Student Activities, the police were reluc- tantly called in. A few days later the majority Ruck off....The University forwards present more good ball for the backs to take advantage of in the annual Varsity match of the tracksuits were returned Institute 5 a team who clearly had played graduate of the University who full back on the 10 metre line although one was missing com- University 37 together very little thanks to a is the world’s most qualified chipped ahead, hacked down pletely. number of ‘ringers’ brought in female referee. Her excellent the line and then regathered the The theft took the shine off Alex Hayes for the day. handling of proceedings ensured ball to score under the posts. another University win on a vic- The Varsity match is tradition- In contrast, the University felt a high quality match. This was the highlight of torious Varsity Day. ally a hard-fought contest, with confident enough in their excel- The first half proved to be the a performance of some note The Uni took control of the the Institute in particular placing lent recent track record against definitive passage of the game, from the University side, both in game from the first whistle and a lot of pride on beating the their biggest rivals (no losses with the Institute struggling for attack, and more unusually in a never looked back. University, as was evidenced by in three years) to stick with the possession, being outscrum- defensive toughness which had The Institute supporters tried the large numbers of supporters team who had qualified for the maged and outjumped in the so often been lacking earlier in their utmost to put the Uni play- who turned up to watch their final of the Hampshire plate lineout, despite their larger pack, the season. There is no doubt ers off with a string of obscene side. competition. and entering the University 22 they will be looking to take this choruses but the Uni maintained However those support- A first for the Varsity match only once in 40 minutes. kind of form into next season’s their focus and cruised to vic- ers were left disappointed by was a female match official, a And with the backline fir- bid for promotion. tory. ing on all cylinders, despite the The Varsity Day victory was unfortunate early loss of full the final hurrah for the net- back Tom Kenward with con- ball first team, following their cussion, tries were always in the total domination of their BUSA offing. Notable was the score league. from winger John Doyle on his This achievement is made first team debut, who learned all the more remarkable given from his earlier mistake when in the presence of UWIC and an excellent try scoring position Gloucestershire in their league, by taking the outside route to universities with traditionally squeeze over in the corner. strong netball representatives. By half-time the University The team hope to build on were in a commanding position this season’s success next year having not conceded and were and are confident of record- looking to play some cham- ing another victory over the pagne rugby to sign off the sea- Institute next Varsity Day. son in style. This was typified One thing is certain; the Uni by the second try from man of players will make sure their the match Tim Barry, who, find- tracksuits are well and truly hid- Stolen...The Uni take advantage of the Institute’s loose passing ing himself one-on-one with the More dominant Uni rucking den away next year. Sport

Page 22 Uni Yachting team clinch BUSA title from Institute 1st: Southampton being over the line at start time. University 2 (14 pts) Institute 1 and London sailed 2nd: Southampton well finishing in first and sec- Institute 2 (17 pts) ond. 3rd: Southampton The race was still on. University 4 (33 pts) The tension increased in the final race with another general Katie Archer recall. This time the committee The Royal Southern Yacht went straight for the black flag Club and Southampton Institute but this did not stop some boats hosted a 28-strong fleet of being OCS of the start line at Sunsail 37’s for the 2005 BUSA start time. Boats called OCS Student Yachting National. under the black flag penalty Southampton Institute has were automatically disqualified proven to be a dominant force from the race. in the student yachting scene, Southampton Uni 2 and winning the last three Student Southampton Institute 2 both Yachting Nationals. This year, made conservative starts. however, the job of organising Southampton Institute 2 worked the event for the first time while their way through the fleet on attempting to defend the title the first beat establishing a proved to be their downfall. lead. This time it was the turn Southampton Uni 2 had to of their city neighbour, finish seventh or higher to win Southampton University 2, to the week. win the title. Institute 1 proceeded to cover The University, under the tack Uni 2 from their first tack leadership of Nick Cherry, domi- off the start line throughout the nated what proved to be a very race. tight competition from start to Cover was tight enough to finish. cause the Uni to gybe out of the This was the last event to cover on the last beat to make be run in these boats before the finish line. Despite this, the new fleet are brought into Cherry’s team managed to fin- service. ish sixth in the race, enough for Day one saw a strong breeze them to win the regatta. dropping off during the day pro- Institute 1 were eventually viding some tough conditions given a DND score for there for new crews. covering tactics on Uni 2, who There was close racing Southampton University 2 charge to victory in the BUSA national championships were given redress resulting in a th throughout the fleet with boat 4 place finish. lished a good lead. the rest of the course, with handling mistakes causing most keeping firmly in touch with the Cherry and his crew of James The next beat proved the Cherry’s team extending their of the place swapping. leaders. Roche, Katie Archer, both turning point of the race. The lead. Southampton 4 managed Southampton University 1, The rest of the fleet was very Volvo Keelboat squad mem- fleet divided, with the leaders to hold Southampton Institute Andy Cornah, shot off to a tight with many place changes. bers, George Cooper, Ed Males, choosing to cheat the tide using 2 off on the finish line to get a massive early lead in race one, The long inshore race took Katie Vincent, Anthony Richards a bank and cross the channel at valuable second place. but Southampton Institute 1, place on day 3. With the scores and Oscar Hellstrom will now the top of the beat. Two windward leeward races Mike Henning, reeled them in, so close, a poor result could represent English Universities Southampton 2 led a small on day 4 decided the champi- eventually taking the race. have spelt disaster even for the at the Student Yachting World group up the right of the beat, onship. Southampton Uni 2 Simon Berry’s Southampton regatta leaders. Cup held by the French in choosing to cross the tide early needed one top-three result to Institute 2 also made an impres- The race committee set a Mumm 30’s in October, along taking advantage of the shallow- take the title. sive start to the regatta taking lengthy round, with the cans with the defending Champions, er water on the Island shore. With so much to play for the second race, carrying on the course lasting 5 hours, and Southampton Institute. As the fleet came together at throughout the fleet, the first Institutes’ dominance of previ- Cambridge took an early lead Four sailors on the team, the windward mark, the right start proved tense and resulted ous years. with Cardiff close behind, both Cherry, Roche, Archer and proved the correct choice as in a general recall. The commit- Volvo Keelboat Squad mem- tacking well inshore to avoid Males, are also members the Southampton 2 rounded the tee put up the I and Z flags for ber Nick Cherry had the most the tide. Talented Athlete Scholarship windward mark 5 minutes clear the re-start. consistent day, scoring two third Southampton Institute 2 and Scheme, TASS. of the rest of the fleet. Nerves rattled the fleet again places. This left them in second Southampton Uni 2 followed The scheme was set up by Durham and Southampton 4, with Southampton Uni and place overall, equal on points closely behind, going round the Sport England to help talented Matt Findley, also chose the Southampton Institute 2 being with Institute 2 in first place. windward mark in third and athletes who wish to progress right side of the beat and round- two of many boats called on Day two again proved a blus- fourth respectively. with a formal academic program ed in second and third place. course side (OCS). Both teams tery day with winds gusting 26 Southampton Uni made a but maintain an involvement in Southampton Institute were a were forced to re-start but made knots. mistake with the course, drop- performance sport. little further down the pack but good progress through the fleet Cherry and his team had an ping their kite and heading to Thanks to the Royal Southern with a further 3 hours of racing finishing in ninth and twelfth outstanding day winning all the wrong mark. They quickly Yacht Club for some brilliant race to go, there was plenty of time respectively. three races. Berry would not let realised their mistake and joined management and Southampton to play catch- up. Both were left counting them out of sight, scoring two back in the race losing 2 places. Institute for hosting a great The fleet battled round the cost of Z flag penalties for second places and a third place Cambridge, meanwhile, estab- social program. www.wessexscene.co.uk Uni have Jones scoops gold in windsurf BUSA swim nationals success James Alderman and in BUSA Andrew Haynes Chris Jones scooped gold at nationals the BUSA Championships in the From Back Page 50m Breastsroke, BUSA’s most place along with Alice Monk prestigious swimming event of (Southampton) for the girls. the year.Jones dominated from Races still managed to be the start and finished with a time completed despite a serious of 29.91s in the event previously amount of drifting and rescuing dominated by world champion within the beginner’s fleet. James Gibson. Jones then went A little freestyle in time to on to achieve a Bronze medal in th Michael Jackson ended the the 100m and 7 in the 200m extremely well-organised begin- Breastroke. ner’s division. The ladies were also on sensa- Simon Hindles (Southampton) tional form with Gail Strobridge finished in first place with Sophie battling her way to distinguished Powel (Birmingham), after four Silver in the 400m IM, 6th in the th heats and a mixed relay. 200m freestyle and a valiant 7 Congratulations to all begin- place in the 200m IM. ners who have learnt an awful To top off the achievements, lot in such a short time. Let’s the men’s freestyle relay team hope the harnesses they won, once again provided an exciting thanks to Naish, help them to display in the most competitive progress onto the intermediate and exciting race in the BUSA th fleet soon! calendar, finishing 7 in a tight Unfortunately the racing on final. Super swimmers....Southampton’s swimmers had a successful weekend at the BUSA championships the following morning did not The arduous journey get off to as great a start as the to the BUSA Long Course freestyle. place. The Mens 4x100m IM Bird bravely battled their way th previous day due to a serious Championships would normal- Chris Jones qualified third for relay finished 11 just missing through four agonising lengths. the final of the 50m breastroke, out of the ‘A’ final. This feat was made even more lack of wind. ly have been long and tire- But, in true student event some, were it not for ‘Champs with only 8 hundredths of a Saturday night’s session was challenging as both heroes were second separating first and third eagerly anticipated as there chemically disadvantaged from style, relay races began (and Challenge’ in which a ‘hearts and finished a long time later) with minds’ operation was launched place. were a number of swimmers in the previous night’s antics. Kelly Spurred on by their team- contention to win medals. Lowings also put on a strong Cambridge coming in a very to increase public support for close first place as Southampton the swim team. mates success, Jim Bird and Gail Strobridge stepped up performance in the Ladies 50m Russell Champion gave their all for her first of three finals in butterfly. were a little heavier in the light The weekend’s racing at wind conditions. Ponds Forge, Sheffield, got off in the 100m butterfly with Bird 200m freestyle and achieved a In the 200 IM final Gail th Despite the slightly unevent- to an exceptional start on Friday just missing out on the final well-deserved 5 place. Strobridge fought gallantly and with a respectable 11th place. Chris Jones then took to the achieved a highly commendable ful racing, many spectators night with the commanding cheered on their teams and Bob performance of the Men’s 4 x This strong start was followed blocks for the 50m breastroke 5th place. up by Alice Bartlett and Phil final, and without looking back, Chris Jones, once again, (Southampton) sinking. 100m Freestyle team of James Turbo starts, where one team Bird, James Alderman, Alistair Sexton in the 50m Backstroke left the other swimmers in his showed remarkable spirit in and Hannah Brown in the 50m wake as he stormed home to the 100m breastroke final and, member pushes the next, were Garmendia and Chris Jones. also seen – a good use of initia- They beat many of the ‘sporting Breastroke. win Southampton’s first ever against stiff competition, picked The third session on Saturday gold medal. up a bronze medal for his out- tive. university’ teams to achieve a Boardwise’s representative, notable 5th place and qualifying afternoon was dominated by As soon as he had finished, standing effort, his second Gail Strobridge, who had a mag- he was back on the blocks for medal of the meet. Mark, was also kept busy with for the final. many keen windsurfers taking The Ladies 4 x 100m Freestyle nificent swim in the 400m IM his second final of the evening Both the men’s and ladies and qualified 3rd for the finals. in the 200m breastroke. After relay teams put in commanding the opportunity to use the lat- relay team of Debbie Beadle, est kit. Alice Bartlett, Flo Kinafick and Chris Jones, who had a hard a nail-biting race, he finished a performances in their 4x 100m battle in the 200m breaststroke, diligent 7th. Medley finals. The decision to cancel the Gail Strobridge finished the th light wind freestyle competition evening with a fine perform- made qualifying 7 for the final Gail had a nerve wracking Overall Southampton’s indi- look easy. battle in her 400m IM but man- vidual performances gave meant that Southampton’s very ance, qualifying for the ‘B’ final own Adam Cropper remained in to be held the next evening. James Alderman and Phil aged to dominate the second uthem9th overall on points Sexton bravely took on the half of the race and finished with - in front of many tradition- first place for the SWA Boardwise The following morning, Freestyle series. under expert instruction from tough competition in the 50m a well-deserved silver medal. ally stronger swimming univer- freestyle, both producing com- The Mens 4x 100m Freestyle sities.The team are now back in Congratulations to him and a the coaching Aaron Rogers, the massive thank you to Boardwise team once again put on a fine mendable times. Jo Farley gave Relay Team finished in a com- training preparing for the BUSA everything she had in a solid mendable 7th in the most sought National Team Final taking place for donating the prizes – with a performance. fantastic brand new Starboard Gail Strobridge and Debbie 50m free performance. after and competitive BUSA in Nottingham at the end of Rachel Hadfield achieved a swimming race. The Ladies relay April. This is the first year the Freesex board for Adam. Beadle both put in competitive The overall winners of the performances against a strong top 15 place and Rick Andrews team did not disappoint either team has ever qualified for this and John Posnett spurred each finishing 2nd in their ‘B’ final. event putting it in the top 8 whole event were Cambridge field in the 200m freestyle, with and Southampton joint first, th other on in the 200m backstroke Sunday morning saw one swimming universities in Britain. Gail qualifying 6 for the final. with Bristol third. Alistair Garmendia got the against strong competition. of the most painfully enjoy- With most other teams men’s racing off to a good start The Ladies 4x 100m IM relay able races to watch; the Men’s boasting 50m pools and full with a strong effort in the 200m team beat the likes of Sheffield 200m butterfly. Russell ‘Butch’ time coaching, it is an amazing and Portsmouth to finish in 16th Champion and Jim ‘Hercules’ achievement. www.wessexscene.co.uk wessex SPORT Windsurfers share first spot

“Little Al” Goulding impresses onlookers by performing a Vulcan at the 2005 BUSA Windsurfing Nationals held at Calshot near Southampton (Photo: Rob Nunan www.surfonfilm.com) may, an offshore wind was the IMCO sailors in the top 10 racing in phenomenal times the racing to really get going. Julia Addison order of the day. and the short boarders lagging – leaving most of the fleet far James Morton (aka Liability of A healthy portion of good The IMCOs were rigged behind. behind in his wake. Southampton) got off to a flying British breakfast kicked off the and set for some high-speed Many complaints about the With the second buoy directly start leaving a mass of windsurf- fabulous weekend that was the advanced racing. To start with a professional time starts were to upwind the intermediate sailors ers attempting to tack round the BUSA Windsurfing Nationals. triangle course was set in which be heard when some finished were quick to start but slow to first buoy. This gave everyone enough the IMCO sailors dominated. before others had even started, finish. After many collisions and energy to start racing. The wind The last three races were all but well done to all for trying. A managerial decision by five races, three of which were started to pick up in the morn- slalom, which finally split the In the end Adam Pepelasis Mike Wood brought the buoy slalom, Liability finished in first ing, but to the safety boat’s dis- advanced fleet into two, with (Cambridge) won division one further inshore and allowed Continued on page 23