A Summer to Remember

ISSUE 3, 2012

The Cultural Olympiad INSIDE STORY Dancers from the University lim- bered up to take part in an unforget- Happy Hours on The Cat table performance that celebrated the Olympic Torch Relay’s arrival in Chester. Some 40 Dance students, from the Performing Arts Depart- ment, took part in The Moment When… a flagship project of the Cultural Olympiad in the North West and the Big Dance 2012. They took part in choreograph- ing and performing through to teaching and event co-ordinating and working with Cheshire Dance during the event. Heather Baines, 21, said: “The Moment When… has given me an amazing chance Page 4 to build my confidence in facilitating dance for all ages, furthering the many skills I have learnt during Graduate Head Start my degree. I am honoured to have been part of the process.”

Hannah is an Olympic Torchbearer The University was proud to wish good luck to Hannah Jones, a first year General Primary Creative Communication student, who carried the Olympic Torch in Hawarden, Flintshire. Her nomination said she ‘has been battling a cancerous brain tumour since August 2008, when she was 15. She has raised over £130,000, between the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust and Alder Hey’s Imagine Appeal Oncol- Page 6 ogy Fund.’ She also set up the Han- nah Louise Jones Umbrella Fund at the Brain Tumour Trust and has Meeting the Queen raised thousands by selling ‘Hannah A summer to Banana’ hoodies. Hannah said: “I was petrified before I got off the shuttle bus because of the big crowds but once I got off and did my leg off the run, it was so lovely that so remember many people turned up to support me. It has also been good for brain tumour awareness and I carried it Hannah Jones and the Olympic Torch. Picture courtesy of the Chester Chronicle on behalf of those who are fighting , fought or sadly died of a brain tumour. It was such an amazing With the Olympic Games just weeks away and the day and I will remember it forever.” Harlequin Project Diamond Jubilee a recent memory, students have been impresses the crowds Page 12 As the Olympic Torch Relay cel-

ebrations entertained the crowds involved in all aspects of 2012’s celebratory events « Turn to page 2 Samoan delegation

Page 16

Calum Piper, Natasha Gibbins and Laura Wade. 2 Student News

I decided to volunteer because I inside? wanted to be part of the legacy - ‘I was What’s there, making it happen’.” Natasha Gibbins, 23, studying Welcome to Marketing and Public Relations with Journalism, said: “My volunteer role Student News, an is working within the ‘Olympic Family Services’ as an ‘Olympic Family Assis- official University tant.’ This involves being a personal of Chester assistant and driver for members of the International and National Olympic publication, Committees and executive sponsors throughout the Olympics. produced by “I decided to apply to be a volunteer because I think it will be an the University’s amazing opportunity to get involved with something of so much significance Corporate to the world.” Calum Piper, 20, who is studying Communications A summer Theology, said: “I will be based within the main stadium for the athletics, Department to to remember ensuring that the track and field facilities are in good working order for the various keep students events, whilst also assisting behind the informed of scenes with various functions.” Laura Wade, 21, will be working as University news. an official lifeguard at the Games. She Any students who would like Olympic Torch Relay volunteers Steven Mcilroy; Joanna Baylay; Danielle Needels; Maria Pirsalu; Rachel Forsyth; Rebecca said: “I’m very excited to be part of a Romero and Events Management Lecturer Tim Brown. once in a lifetime opportunity that I never to write for Student News are thought I would get. I’m really looking invited to get in touch with the « from Page 1 stage, the audience was able to watch has been narrowed down to around forward to soaking up the atmosphere. Corporate Communications at Chester Racecourse, the creative an accompanying film, produced 70,000 and the quintet of Chester Nursing student Paul Evans, 34, Department on the email flair of multi-talented media specialists by multimedia specialists from The students was confirmed among the said: “I am down to help with the from the University were showcased Harlequin Project, an initiative which final selection. race cars for the road cycling events addresses below. before thousands of people. operates within the Department of Volunteers, known officially as at the Olympics and will also be As the 20,000-strong crowd waited Computer Science and Information ‘Games Makers’ – due to the fact that performing a role at the Paralympics. for the Olympic flame spectacle, they Systems at the University and involves they are a vital part of making sure the It is a dream come true for me to be were entertained by a range of activi- a number of students. Games happen – are responsible for involved in the Olympics.” ties, including the performance of City a massive range of duties, from raking CONTACT: of the World and Be the Best That You University’s ‘Games Makers’ sand to greeting spectators as they Loyal Address and Humble [email protected] Can Be – written and composed by A group of students from the Univer- enter the stadium. petition Theatre in the Quarter’s Matt Baker sity has offered its services for London Stacey Warner, a 20-year-old Sabbaticals from Chester Students’ [email protected] and Handbag of Harmonies Helen 2012 and been selected as part of the Events Management student, said: Union presented Her Majesty the Newall and sung by school children vast team of helpers. “I’m working on Events Services in Queen with a Loyal Address and Hum- from across the county. With the original number of London, for both the Olympics and the ble Petition on behalf of the University As the songs were performed, just applications as high as a quarter of a Paralympics, which is all about being of Chester. Read more about their EDITORIAL moments before the torch arrived on million, the body of official volunteers a friendly ‘face of the Games’. experience on page 12. TEAM Rachel Brierley Liam Cookson Joanne Durber Feel the heat with season’s sizzling festivals Daniel Fearnley by Amy Poole Natasha Gibbins Chester in the car.) You can also festival starting in June to celebrate Find out more at http://www.chester- opt for the festival’s official coach musical spirit and voices. The pro- festivals.co.uk/music-festival Laura Hill service, which will drop you off right gramme will showcase an exciting V Festival has become a Robin Howard at the entrance, so no long walks range of music and talent, includ- massive hit on the entertainment Dechlan Jarrett with your camping gear. Buy your ing their very own Festive Chorus. calendar this year and it will take Chris Leonard tickets from £77.50 for the day or Performances will also deliver talent place over two days in two locations. £198 for the entire weekend, at www. from the Far-East and explore the The line-up so far includes Pixie Hannah Marques tinthepark.com. wonderful melodies in a wide range Lott, Ed Sheeran, Dappy, The Ting Sam Mercer The Leeds Festival never fails of musical genres. Events include Tings, David Guetta, Nero and the Amy Poole to deliver great entertainment each Rock Choir Taster Session, Big Gos- list goes on and on. It’s all happening Jordan Smith year. The festival is between 24 - 26 pel Concert and the Chorus Concert. between 18 - 19 August at Hylands August in, yeah you guessed it, The weekend offers non-stop music Park (Chelmsford) and Weston Park Gemma Sproston Leeds. Stars including Foo Fighters, for the young, old and the curious for (Staffordshire.) You can even camp Alexandra Williams Paramore, All Time Low, The Vac- an ultimate experience in Chester. in style with V Style Luxury Camping cines, Kaiser Chiefs and if that isn’t The events will run from June 30 - tickets. Visit www.vfestival.com for enough to intrigue you, there’s more. July 12 at the Town Hall, St Marys the latest updates and tickets. Tickets are now on sale, so don’t Centre and the Chester Cathedral. wait any longer to get yours. Visit PHOTOGRAPHY www.leedsfestival.co.uk Imagine a couple of months from If you fancy something closer The University’s AV team, now – you’ve written thousands of to home, then The Chester Rocks unless otherwise stated words worth of essays and sat all festival is definitely the place to be your exams. Now it’s time for some this summer, with hot celebrities fun. Let’s kick start this summer including Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz and with a wide range of music concerts Pixie Lott set to perform. The festival for everyone, for an unforgettable will run over two days, from 16 – 17 To obtain this publication experience. June at the Chester Racecourse. On T in the Park lets you get close the Saturday The Courteeners, Cast, in an alternative format – to an arena full of superstars such as The Rifles, The Fallows and The large print, on audio tape Tinie Tempah, Snow Patrol and The Suns will make an appearance. On Stone Roses. Other artists such as the Sunday will be Pixie Lott, Katy or in translation – call Jessie J, Olly Murs, Professor Green, B, Maverick Sabre, Labrinth, Tinchy 01244 511450 or e-mail Example, Nicki Minaj, Kasabian, Stryder and Indigo City. Tickets are and James Morrison will be hitting now on sale, costing £35 from www. [email protected] the stage. The festival takes place ticketmaster.co.uk. between 6 – 8 July in Kinross-shire, The Chester Summer Music Scotland (about four hours from Festival is a two-week long classical Pixie Lott Ed Sheeran Student News 3 Why Britain’s great for a holiday

dral (York Minster), ancient city walls more than enough for pleasing sunbath- Believe It or Not! Museum. It’s expen- Liam Cookson explores ‘staycation’ and racecourse in York for those also ing weather. sive, but if you can book in advance go at Chester. It’s probably best to wander The coastal village of Mevagissey online and it will save you a few quid options for this summer’s break. round York and choose whatever restau- is small, secluded, and even echoes (www.ripleyslondon.com). You’ll be rants, bars, shops or museums take your serene landscapes that the Italian entranced on first entering the museum torch relay in Corfu or Crete!” exclaims fancy, but the new addition Chocolate: Cinque Terre boasts. I can’t imagine a with the weird and wonderful, and even Grint with almost a giggle. Well, as far York’s Sweet Story (£9 for students, £10 better place to get away from it all than riding in the lift is an exciting experience. as this is true, if you want to see the for adults, www.yorkssweetstory.com) here, musing on the populated crags and It can take all day to traipse the whole Olympic torch relay you will have to is a great museum to double up on the feeling the inspiration seep into you. Museum, so go energetic and ready for a push through crowds of hundreds of history and culture whilst also gorging on Further south toward Land’s End ‘stranger than fiction’ time. British people, moody and groggy, pasty multiple free treats. you’ll find St Michael’s Mount – near and cold trying desperately to catch a A bit west from York but still within Penzance, in Marazion, the castle can glimpse of what they would have missed Yorkshire lies Bradford, a city that is only be reached by boat, or if the tides if they had just taken that overseas home to innumerable sights, places of right, by foot over a small causeway. holiday. When Stephen Fry’s reasonable intrigue and curry houses. Literature stu- Cloaked in the mystery of local legends, voice really echoes through your head: dents should head straight to the village this island was supposedly the home to a “Why on earth would anyone want to go of Haworth, where the Brontë sisters giant whose heart you can still find if you abroad in 2012?” grew up and where the Brontë Parson- look carefully on the cobbled pathways. All joking aside (yes, they were age Museum is. It costs £5.20, a price These are but two options for a trip jokes), the ad campaign really does most are willing to pay to see Wuthering to Cornwall that could take up your whole shine a light on some great British Heights and Jane Eyre come to life, or summer. Honestly, just Google aerial spots to explore. A personal favourite is just to out-smart the tour guide with a tours of Cornwall and you’ll be jumping Anglesey – what’s great about here is degree level knowledge of Brontë trivia on the next train there. that when you arrive you can’t miss the (www.bronte.info). Don’t forget that some of the welcome sign: ‘Anglesey: Good enough Heading back to Bradford city cen- world’s ‘must-see’ sights are in the UK. Mevagissey. for Will and Kate’. There’s the cultural tre, The National Media Museum is ideal The strange Stonehenge in Wiltshire, IS there any better sales person than a hub Liverpool, The Giant’s Causeway, a for anyone wants feel like a kid again; England, the Giant’s Causeway, the most smiling Rupert Grint? His beaming face small Scottish loch, and even Bridlington. basically, if you have an interest in film, popular tourist destination in Northern next to the slogan: ‘Holidays at home are Yes, even Bridlington. television, radio, web or photography, Ireland, and so much more. great’ really entices you into not hopping Whereas these places are question- the Museum is filled with interactive And finally comes the hardest part, on to that plane to sunnier climates, ably good and all worth a visit, I’ve com- displays, influential exhibitions and an the places that you perhaps should miss to just stay in bed and sigh in perfect piled a list of my own favourite places in IMAX that would be perfect for you. over summer. You might have noticed contentment. the UK to visit – either to attempt to fulfil Media students take note, and a student that London sights and attractions have Well, almost. His huge grin, along the need to travel to a foreign place, or ticket is just £5.95 (www.nationalmedia- been sadly absent from my list. Apolo- with various other notable celebrities’ even to benefit your studies further as a museum.org.uk) gies to Londoners, but I’m sure most enthusiastic faces were recently part suggested field trip of sorts. To anyone that knows a bit about of you will be agreement that the mega of a campaign to gets Brits to stay put Although I am biased as York is my British geography, Cornwall is in the very influx of tourists coming to see the Sum- this summer, to coincide nicely with the hometown, it’s actually a home away southern most tip of England. Whereas mer Olympic Games makes London a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and of course from home for most at Chester. The two some don’t regard it as the sunniest must-avoid destination. Truly awful tube the summer Olympics. are always compared, and you’d be place in Britain, the 1,500 hours of sun delays are expected and a myriad of “You won’t get to see the Olympic forgiven for mistaking the cobbles, cathe- Cornwall receives every year should be tourists that don’t care about your personal space will definitely ruin your day. If you’re brave enough to enter Lon- don during Olympic season, a must-see A green success story attraction on a rainy day is the Ripley’s York. A huge team effort to make the sor Roy Alexander and Tamara Hunt, at the University, said: “This aca- University’s campuses ‘greener’ from the Department of Geography demic year has been a real success places to be has paid off as the and Development Studies, which in terms of making a difference to institution has climbed up a national asked everyone to think about the the University’s ‘green’ credentials. eco league. changes that can be made to make We are looking forward to continuing Thanks to a number of initiatives life a little ‘greener’. and building upon the environmental to improve environmental aware- The Facilities team has also practices already developed. ness and a ‘greener’ way of life at its improved its waste and recycling “We are really pleased with Chester and Warrington Campuses, initiatives while Ian White, Director of our placing in the 2012 People and the University has risen 33 places Catering and Conference Services Planet Green League tables and to be placed 64th in the People and has introduced organic milk and thanks to the hard work and dedica- Planet Green League 2012. eggs into the dining halls. tion of staff and students across the The People and Planet League All the improvement activi- institution I am confident that we will assesses the environmental and ties have been supported by SMT, continue to make a difference. ethical performance of 146 universi- Student Support and Guidance, the “For example, we will be introduc- ties, scoring them on their actions Students’ Union, Facilities and other ing clothes bins for students to recycle and attitudes towards a green departments across the University. their unwanted items with the British living to create the rankings. In the All the new activities support and Heart Foundation. We also have plans past year, students and staff and complement the institution’s already for renewable energy schemes and a members of the University’s Senior existing Carbon Management and student ‘switch off’ awareness raising Management Team (SMT) have Environmental Policies. campaign.” worked together, with the results Jared Allen, Director of Facilities reported back to the People and We like Planet Green Conference 2012 held on the Main Campus. Initiatives headed by students the items and staff include: • The Big Green Makeover, you don’t worked on by second year Business Studies student James Taylor, which Help us beat heart encouraged everyone to think about recycling more and reduce their disease and donate carbon footprint during day-to-day your unwanted items life at the University. • The Veg Out Scheme, developed by third year Human Nutrition student Jenni Moss, which delivered locally beating heart disease together sourced fresh food to the Chester and ©British Heart Foundation 2011, registered charity in England Warrington Campuses Students James Taylor, Jenni Moss, James Hando, Sarah Whittaker, Julia and Wales (225971) and Scotland (SC039426). • Carbon Cutters, led by Profes- Kanerva and Briony Ashton from the University’s People and Planet team. 4 Student News Voter apathy is Happy Hours on the demon of The Cat Robin Howard tells Student News how he and his democracy friend fellow student Faris Dannan found themselves broadcasting their student radio show across 3,000 Sam Mercer shares his views on miles from the Warrington Campus to Syria. why students should vote and make their political views heard.

people that choice in their own country is a contravention of democracy and the Egyptians rose up for a third time against it. But whilst those are dying for what they believe, much of the British population votes for the X Factor over the General election (the 2005 General Election in particular). A lot of you reading this will have voted and well done to you. Many will have not, and why not is difficult to understand. If you have not registered to vote, get in touch with your council to register, or go online to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk Have you recently complained about and register online. Later this year the efforts of the Coalition? Yes we are the first ever elections for the are talking about politics, but I would Police and Crime Commission (In recommend you keep reading, even Cheshire West and Chester, your if you are just putting off that assign- election will be held on Novem- Faris Dannan and Robin Howard ment due in soon. ber 15, 2012), a chance for us to There is one thing that I want change the way the police service Faris and Robin’s Happy Hours is a and I had only known each other for of The Cat Radio, we had additional to address that is of great concern is run. If we as a collective can lead radio show that I co-host and organise about six months when I mentioned rules from Najoom FM to fulfil such as to me, which has been highlighted the way in such a pivotal election, with Faris. The show is broadcast from that I was working on a show called no rock music, no sequenced tracks recently through local elections it will force the country to sit up Warrington Campus, 3,000 miles due D-unit’s Urban Chillout. At the time without lyrics and, sadly, no folk music. across the country - voting. Stereo- and take note of how we want this east and a little bit south to Syria live the show was under evaluation and The only guidelines given were to find typically, the student population is not country to be. on The Cat Radio 1251 and Najoom I remember when I showed him the well-known, popular songs that had a very politically active one, an image I’m not the same as the people FM 103.8 every Saturday, between report, he wished we had a radio been made in the past 10 years. It was that I feel needs to change. There- you see on the news. I don’t present 3pm and 5pm. show – and I said to him ‘‘in time, we a challenge, but this is not a complaint, fore, I will attempt to convince you (if myself in the same way, act the same We play a whole range of music will’’. Our first show was in November I do realise how lucky I am to be doing you have not already) to register to way or look the same way. You may from any time period, any genre 2011We had the idea of getting a major what I’m doing. vote, and vote in important elections not like the statements I make or the or place with complete impartiality. radio station in Syria, Najoom FM, On the whole it’s been challenging this year. These are some bold state- opinions I hold, but they are ideas I There’s no favouritism towards the hits involved, which would change the radio but truly enjoyable and I would recom- ments made, but some that I feel are felt needed expressing. And thanks to of today (but just between you and me, show into the international programme mend it to everyone if only for the not expressed due to social hierarchy UK democracy I can express them. I’ve turned Faris into a bit of a blues it is today. The first show was broad- peculiar skills you learn – who knew and good old British manners. But I do share one thing with Mr enthusiast. Keep this hush hush). cast in early January 2012, and it was bantering with your mate and arguing The votes for the 2012 local elec- Cameron and his colleagues in West- The show began with an off-the- quite stressful for us both. Not only did about who is the best band of all time tions have taken place with a rela- minster. A passion for politics and a cuff comment in February 2011. Faris we have to comply with the regulations would pay off? tively low turnout of voters. We can all drive to change the things I think I complain about the richest 1% having can. My first targets are the people all the money, but really we should be reading this. Do not dismiss politics complaining about the large numbers as a thing for the smartly-dressed, Santander Enterprise Challenge awards presented not using their vote to make change middle-aged Oxbridge products. It come about. Of course, I understand can be affected by the artists, scien- The winner and runner up of this from Tamworth, for her idea of a live who clearly demonstrated how the extenuating circumstances which can tists, journalists, psychologists, math- year’s Santander Enterprise Chal- video streaming company, Red Shell. University of Chester is equipping make voting impossible, but when ematicians and zoologists that reside lenge at the University have been Both were presented with their prizes students to make their mark in the speaking to people who didn’t vote, in this institution. Don’t waste such announced, with a double celebration by the competition judges at a glittering world of business.” the excuse I normally get is “My vote a valuable privilege, which is fought for two Staffordshire students. presentation evening at Senate House Chris Pyke, Head of the Business won’t change anything” or “politics is for across the globe. Challenge the The prestigious event is in its on the University’s Main Campus. School at the University of Chester, boring.” As a Politics undergraduate, norm. Make a difference. second year and offers students The competition began with a chaired the panel of judges. He I find it tragic that people do not want the opportunity to win a first prize Business Plan round where the seven said: “The Business School is very to get involved in politics, but then of £1,000 for a creative, yet practi- finalists were invited to share their appreciative of the time that the Busi- again that point of view is slightly cal business idea. The competition ideas with the judges in Dragon’s Den ness Leaders generously took out of biased. was open to all registered students style pitches. The four ‘dragons’ were: their frenetic schedules to commit to So, I will give you the factual at the University and entrants simply Colin Kersley, Marks and Spencer the 2012 Enterprise Challenge. Their reasons as to why voting is so needed to explain what their idea Money’s Chief Executive; Money expertise throughout the judging pro- important. It’s so important, that was, why it was needed, who it was Supermarket.com founder Simon cess was fundamental in seeking out hundreds of people are dying in for and how it will create value in 800 Nixon; Lisa Collins, Merseyside the entrepreneurial drive and ambition Syria every day to battle against an words or fewer. As well as the winning Business Woman of the Year and that resides among the University of oppressive dictatorship and attempt prize money, there was a runner up Cheshire Businessman of the Year, Chester Student body. to gain political freedom to vote for a award of £500. Matt Bullas. Reflecting on the quality of the leader they choose. Protesters have Lauren Keeling, 22 from Cannock, Connie Hancock, competition pitches, judge, Lisa Collins, said: “It hit the streets in Egypt once more, a Drama and Theatre Studies student organiser and Programme Leader for was a real privilege to listen to these simply because ONE candidate was in her third year, was the winner for Business Management and Entrepre- young people articulate their busi- removed from the electoral roll by her idea of an agency for performers neurship at the University of Chester, ness ideas so passionately. All of the the military. Indeed, the candidate and entertainers called Free Flow. said: “The awards evening repre- students delivered well thought out (Hazem Abu Ismail) was a right-wing The runner up was Roxanne Payne, sented a celebration of the immense pitches; choosing a winner proved to Islamic candidate that may not be a third year Graphic Design student achievements of all of the finalists, be an extremely difficult task.” popular over in the West. To deny Student News 5 Taking life one saucepan at a time by Joanne Durber do order far too many take-outs and the big shots in TV cooking will tell let junk food rule their diets and bank you to buy luxury ingredients, but at balances. However, it really is impor- the end of the day, Tesco Everyday tant to practice good habits while at Value ingredients or equivalents from Tuna pasta throw in your drained tuna University, as these crucial years are other supermarkets will taste exactly and let it heat up before preparing us for the ‘real world’ or life the same. Honestly, the bargain will (Makes two medium portions pouring in the tinned toma- without Mum’s cooking. I certainly make your meal taste even more – one for now and one for toes. Squeeze less than a don’t want to be living off fast-food delicious. the fridge/freezer). spoonful of the tomato puree and take-outs forever. Prices included in this recipe are in and stir the ingredients Realistically, cooking for yourself based on Tesco food, simply because Budget estimate: together. isn’t that difficult. People who claim to it’s the closest supermarket to my £1.72 * per two portions. be ‘bad at cooking’ are usually inex- house. Have a gander at Aldi and Leave the sauce to sim- perienced or they don’t have enough don’t forget about the goodies on • 200g Fusilli pasta (Invest- mer gently for two to three patience and their meals end up being offer at Chester Market (in the Forum ment buy) – £1.40 per 1kg minutes before splash- rushed. Find time before dinner and Shopping Centre) or Warrington Mar- • Two spring onions – 67p ing a generous amount of instead of stalking friends on Facebook, ket on Bank Street in the town centre. per bunch Worcestershire Sauce in. why not have a go at the recipe below Look out for my ‘Investment buys’. • Handful of baby tomatoes At this point add a pinch or (tried and tested, I promise) or have a This means spending a little more than (Optional – I used some I two of the dried herbs (I add look online for other tantalising meals. usual on ingredients that keep in the had left) quite a bit but it’s up to you), The greasy truth is that a good pro- I also want to stress that cooking fridge or cupboard and can be added • One tin of tuna – Tesco season with pepper and portion of students (myself included), does not have to be expensive! Yes, to countless meals. Value 59p stir. Drain the cooked pasta • One Trattoria tinned toma- and pour the simmered tuna toes – 45p tomato sauce over the top • Trattoria tomato puree and mix. Serve with grated (Investment buy) – 35p per cheese and enjoy! tube • Worcestershire Sauce (Note: Don’t add extra (Optional Investment buy) salt, there’s plenty in the - £1.24 per 150ml Worcestershire Sauce and • Everyday Value Dried the cheese.) herbs (Investment buy) – 19p The great thing about • Seasonings pasta dishes is that you’re • Cheese for sprinkling not restricted by what you can put in. If fish isn’t your Boil the pasta for 20 minutes scene, try adding cubed, or until cooked. While it’s grilled chicken, flash-fried cooking, slice the spring beef or pork strips and if onions and halve the you’re vegetarian, throw tomatoes, putting them in in some defrosted Quorn either a large frying pan or mince. saucepan. Add a little oil and Put on a Heston hat and fry on a medium heat for a concoct recipes to suit your few minutes. Once softened, tastes. Good luck!

*Prices correct at time of going press.

“Home sweet home” Student Welfare

House sharing can be challenging even with good As this article highlights, moving in to a new home with new or well estab- friends as Hannah Marques found out. lished friends can be exciting as well as presenting new problems. Some simple steps to take which may make living together easier are: thing that I had been looking forward Day after day they would promise to. Moving into what seemed the it was the last time, that the rules • Set up a rota in advance for cleaning the house perfect house with one of my best agreed by all would be followed and • Agree rules on inviting friends over and having parties friends was all I needed to make the that other people’s possessions and • Agree how house bills will be divided and paid best of my last two years at Univer- individual space would be treated • Be sensitive to the needs of others, such as being aware when a sity. Despite having to live with five with some respect. Time went by and housemate has assessment deadlines new students, the opportunity of things started to get completely out • Agree the boundaries for what you all find acceptable (e.g. is it ok to making a new group of friends while of hand. I asked other people if they use your dishes, providing they are washed up?) having enough space to store my were happy with their living arrange- never ending amount of books and ments and to my surprise most of If you are finding your housing situation difficult, please get in touch clothes made moving somewhere them had some kind of problem. But with Student Welfare. Our friendly staff will discuss your situation with new exciting. then, living with other people is never you, and offer you advice on how to resolve your situation. We also have What started as a delightful easy and it requires a lot of effort in useful information booklets such as ‘Conflict with Others’ which offers lots freshers’ week, with lots of parties, order to work. of ideas on how to deal with difficult situations – you can find out more dinners, barbecues and the perfect How can people live in a place like by contacting our Student Welfare Information Points based in CBK 113 time to bond with my new house- this? I used to ask myself while doing at Chester Campus (01244 511550), or WMA 012 at Warrington Campus mates, went downhill as soon as the my best to keep up with the house (01925 534282). holidays were over and it was time to work. I knew that I had to find a way Moving away from the comfort of concentrate on getting work done for to reason with them. After all we were your parent’s house can be both an University. Housemates that seemed such good friends. So I looked for help exciting and challenging step. The to have got along like a house on elsewhere. sleep or write my assignments. It was can say that despite all the problems, idea of living unsupervised with your fire at the start quickly began to fall The University was really under- as if the house was deserted. I have to living with my current housemates favourite mates sounds like a dream. apart from the lack of boundaries in standing of my situation and helped say I didn’t dare to enquire the reason showed me that living together is not However, with great freedom comes the house. The charming, silly, drunk me to come up with great ways to deal for it but the ideas given by the Student just a test of your patience it is also a great responsibility and living with behaviour of those that had just left with living with different people with dif- Welfare team seemed to have worked. test on your friendship. I can say that friends can become a complete night- their parents’ house to start University ferent levels of tidiness and behaviour. Apparently an honest talk can really as much as I love the guys, the best mare if things get out of control. became my worst nightmare, followed Suddenly it was as if I was living in a work miracles. thing that we could do next year is In my case, leaving my little room by a mess that was simply impossible dream. The mess went away, there Now that the student year is almost moving apart to a smaller place. Fewer near the porters’ lodge was some- to live with. was no more noise when I was trying to over and its time to find a new house I people fewer problems, right? 6 Careers News

10 strategies Graduates – get for staying your career off to motivated a head start • Contact Careers and Employability! We may be able to help you consider alternatives What Colour is your Parachute, by echoes the ‘parachutes’ approach: They also receive one-to-one • Volunteer in a role and organisation which interests you Richard Bolles, has been regularly thoroughly research the job market guidance from a Career Consultant reprinted for more than 40 years. and potential employers; identify and and have the option of undertak- • Try to get some freelance work in your area of interest As the biggest selling job seekers’ contact sources of help; know and ing a developmental project during • Develop outside interests which help you get active and give you a manual, its core message is: what- promote your unique mix of skills and a five-week placement with a local sense of achievement ever the state of the job market…. experience; and do your utmost to employer. • Attend courses and conferences to keep your learning up-to-date there are job vacancies out there remain positive and persistent. Participants can also undertake and people who get jobs. Those Set up by the Careers and the European Computer Driving • Do one thing each day to move you forwards with your job search who do usually have a plan, great Employability Department, and deliv- Licence (ECDL) qualification or com- • Try networking to develop useful contacts persistence, and despite the odds, a ered in partnership with the Chester pile an employability portfolio, which • Look after your health, take proper breaks and spend time outside and positive outlook on themselves and Business School, this free three-day builds 20 credits towards a Master’s try to plan something you like doing at the weekend their prospects. programme guides and supports degree. Undeniably, we are in the recent graduates who have not yet The programme runs on a • Keep a record of your achievements, skills and attributes – value your toughest of times for job seekers for found employment or embarked upon monthly basis with spaces available assets and successes decades, but it’s not always as bleak their chosen career path. in June, September, October and • Find positive people and spend time with them. as it seems. The University’s Gradu- During the programme, gradu- November. So if you’re soon to be, ate Head Start (GHS) programme ates learn how to identify their or already are a graduate of the Uni- has supported nearly 400 graduates personal and workplace skills. They versity of Chester and are interested through an intensive career plan- have the opportunity to take part in enrolling from the programme, or ning and professional development in a mock interview, discover what would simply like further informa- course, with a steady stream of good employers look for in a successful tion visit www.chester.ac.uk/careers/ news stories about job successes. job applicant and learn how to market graduate-head-start or call 01244 10 questions to The theory behind the course themselves and network effectively. 513066. ask at interview

• How does this role fit into the overall structure of the organisation? • What is the career progression from this role? • I am particularly interested in ...... would there be any opportunities to develop these ideas in the future? • What key initiatives has your organisation been involved in within the last six months? • I am committed to further training and development; does the organisation have any particular training opportunities? • How does the organisation measure performance and set goals for the individual? • I have noticed that on your website you refer to a new initiative...... have you had any opportunities to review progress so far? • Are there any particular challenges facing this organisation today? • What do you see as the five year plan for your organisation? • When can I expect to hear the outcome from this interview? Careers News 7

Is work 10 ways to shadowing market yourself

• Keep your CV updated and tailor this to each employer • Create a LinkedIn Profile the new • Manage your network by keeping a record of all contacts • Attend conferences and events related to your career interest • Consider work shadowing to add to your skills • Speak to employers through information interviews hidden job • Be a creative job seeker by making speculative applications • Attend careers fairs to meet potential employers • Volunteer with organisations of interest to you • Reflect on skills gained during part-time work, volunteering and aca- market? demic life, and keep a record of successes on your CV.

By Natasha Gibbins had a slightly different experience. She said: “I found out from my visit that in order to write for a magazine, my writing style would need to change and I would need to articulate my own opinions in an interesting and engaging style. 10 interview Although I wouldn’t say I want to go into a career in the magazine or publishing industry, the work dos and don’ts shadowing opportunity gave me the chance to figure this out before making decisions about my future. I would recommend Work Shadow- ing visits to anyone and particularly Dos people who are unsure of their • Arrive early and come prepared e.g. bring portfolio with CV, application direction after University.” form, exam results You’re probably wondering, what As a student myself and receiv- • Enter the room confidently, shake hands firmly, introduce yourself and smile is work shadowing exactly? It’s a ing much feedback from students • Try to maintain eye contact with the person or people you are talking to question I’ve been asked numer- who have attended visits, I have ous times when contacting external seen there are many benefits of • Look interested and ask questions as well as answering companies in my temporary role work shadowing, such as creating • Answer questions as fully as you can, avoid just saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ - as a Work Shadowing Assistant new contacts, getting advice from provide examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements in the Careers and Employability an employer about how to tailor • Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question team. Putting it simply, it is when your CV to that particular line of a student attends an organised work, as well as general guid- • Speak clearly and listen attentively visit within a company in their area ance and tips on how to approach • Sell yourself - get your good points across and be positive of interest. They spend their one companies. • Keep your answers brief and to the point day shadowing a member of staff, Third year Business Manage- • Treat other people you encounter with courtesy and respect. Their opin- understanding key elements of their ment student, Nauman Wasif, found ions of you might be solicited during recruitment. role and finding out if it is the right his visit very helpful. He said: “In career for them. current economic times, network- Through my experience of organ- ing is very important to create ising work shadowing visits, I have references and contacts for better understood how difficult it is taking the employability, and to acquire these Don’ts first step in approaching an organisa- students have to get out there in the • Sit down until the interviewer asks you to tion to ask for work experience. This real world. I highly recommend this • Fidget or slouch in the chair or fold your arms is why there is a dedicated team to all students looking to work in • Criticise your past employers ready to source you a unique visit, their chosen subject area to under- or if you’re feeling confident they will stand how theoretical concepts are • Draw attention to your weaknesses help guide you through the process of applied practically in the working • Lie or be too enthusiastic - stay calm and stick to the facts securing a visit yourself. environment. Being a final year • Make the interviewer guess what kind of work you are interested in Third year student, Daniel student, my only regret is not par- Melotte, recently attended a work ticipating into work shadowing and • Be unprepared for typical interview questions shadowing visit at a laboratory other Careers and Employability • Ask about salary and benefits issues until the subject is brought up by and explains how he felt. He said: services since the very beginning, your interviewer. “Before my placement I felt nervous missing out on exceptional skills • Act as though you would take any job or are desperate for employment about how I would be treated and and potential development assisted • Forget that the interview is also an important time for you to evaluate the perceived. On arrival, all those by the Careers and Employability interviewer and the company fears quickly vanished as I was Department.” greeted with a warm welcome and After arranging several visits for made to feel at ease. students, it is now my turn to par- “After my visit, I now feel a lot ticipate in a work shadowing visit in more confident in contacting com- a public relations agency - which I panies and asking if they would be am really looking forward to. I think willing to allow me to work shadow above all else, it will give me the their professionals. From my place- competitive edge and make my CV ment I was lucky enough to gain a stand out when applying for jobs in summer placement with the same the future. company. My advice to students If you would like to discuss attending a visit is to be yourself, be work shadowing further and book confident and be enthusiastic.” your own visit, contact the EYE Careers & Employability Amy Whitaker, a second team at: [email protected] year student, attended a visit in a or ring 01244 513066 and ask to nearby publishing company and speak to one of the EYE team. 8 Student News Students celebrate raising thousands for good causes Events Management raise nearly £9,000.

Around 80 second year students attending the events. The event guests had a great time. We raised were placed in small groups, each groups were provided with no funding over £900 for Miles of Smiles by host- tasked with creating, developing, and were expected diligently to plan, ing a cocktail river cruise.” planning and delivering a fundraising market and sell their activities, ensur- There is also a direct economic event on behalf of a range of local and ing that they at least broke even or impact to the local region from car- national charities. make a profit for the charity – which all rying out the events. Through the Across Chester and Warrington, groups achieved. purchase of equipment, decorations, 17 events were undertaken from Janu- Harry Hickson, whose group venue hire, staff hire and from the ary to March. These ranged from a Kickstart Events raised £425 for Live! spending power of the attendees over dodgeball tournament, a variety night, Chester, said: “This was a fantastic £22,000 has been spent, benefiting all and a function on the theme of the module to do. We really had to work those involved. seven deadly sins, to a circus night hard, overcome various business Tim Brown, Senior Lecturer in and a river cocktail cruise, ending with problems, find and audition a range of Events Management, said: “This is a a conservation lecture with celebrity performers for our variety night, and great course for enabling students to vet Steve Leonard as speaker at deliver a first class event. It was a gain real practical experience of the Chester Zoo. The charities benefiting tough process but also the most excit- industry. It can be tough at times but included Stonewall, Live!, Countess ing thing I have done at University so also hugely rewarding. of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation far. I’d happily do it all over again!” “We are delighted with quality of Trust, Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Sophie Orton, from the Eventique all the events this year and the huge Save the Children and the Teenage group, said: “It was an exciting project benefits paid to such a wide ranging Cancer Trust. to do. There were huge challenges to number of charities. We are already In total £8,928 was raised for overcome to ensure we made a profit looking at how to improve on this for these charities, with over 2,100 guests for our charity whilst ensuring our next year”.

Bingo Disco – Students’ Union President Dechlan Jarrett on the decks.

Drag Night – Three guys get in to the swing of things at the gender swap night in aid of Stonewall.

TV Vet Steve Leonard, Michelle from Chester Zoo, Stephanie Astbury; Chris Carnival Dancers - Two dancers bring the carnival to life at the Rio Event at Telfords Warehouse. Young; Katie Bedford; Alex D’Silva and Katie Hunter-Johnston. Student News 9

CH Events: Jen Peel; Georgia De Gale and Chelsea Hodgkinson.

Zoo Project: Students get painted for Zoo Project night.

Kickstart Events: Harry Hickson; Emma Chapman; Naomi Hesketh; Constance Grey and Laura Davies.

Twisted Circus: Olivia Newman-Spencer; Dan Lee; Kylie Ford; Ceri Strachan; Max Mayer.

Spark: Kirsti Kerry; Laura Moreland; Olly Holmes and Ashleigh Despoti.

Venture Events: Back Row - Daniel Allen; Craig Gielinck; Jack Busby; Variety Night: One of the bands entertains guests at the Variety Night hosted by Kickstart events. Front Row: Danielle Evans and Eleanor Seymour-Marsh. 10 Student News Get involved with volunteering!

Meet our volunteering team....

My name is Becky Maitland-Titterton to run a boules club for retired people in tutor while I was there. My volunteering aren’t your thing, perhaps you would and I have been Volunteer Co-Ordinator Blacon, fundraising and holding events really helped set my CV apart when like to volunteer at the Britain’s premier at the Main Chester Campus since for an animal charity, or helping to clean applying for jobs – I also had a blast Jigsaw Puzzle Festival at the end of the November 2011 after having previously up the local canal. doing it! Volunteering is useful and month? There really is something for worked in Student Welfare. We also have lots of one-off beneficial and can help you gain the everyone. I studied Criminology at the Uni- volunteering events which happen transferrable skills employers are look- The great thing about volunteering versity of Leicester where I volunteered every month that you can dip in and ing for but it’s also a lot of fun. You get is you can tailor it to fit around you, your as the Criminology Society Secretary out of without the worry of committing out what you put in and I’ve yet to meet interests and your studies, you can do and on our Students’ Union Council. time regularly. However, once you start the volunteer who has regretted taking as little or as much as you like. Come After graduating, I also volunteered at volunteering, I think you’ll find it very up the fantastic opportunities available. and see us, you’ll have the volunteer- Chester Cathedral. difficult to stop! Warrington has some great oppor- ing bug in no time! From my own experiences of Whether you want to change the tunities for volunteers, whether you volunteering and from whiling away world, or are just looking to fill your want to get involved in youth and com- the hours talking to our own student spare time more effectively, come and munity work – maybe with the scouts volunteers, volunteering is something try us out and see what a difference you or brownies, take on a project start to that you really need to be thinking about can make. finish – perhaps run a fundraiser for a as early on as possible to gain the most volunteering opportunities that you can local charity, or even produce or host a from it. I can’t express enough just how get involved in – these are opportunities I’m Holly Nodwell, the Student Support hospital radio show. We have a whole beneficial volunteering is, not just to that you’d be asked to commit a couple Coordinator at Warrington Campus range of opportunities, so we’re bound the charitable organisations but for the of hours a week towards. This could be and as a part of my role I look after to have something you’re interested volunteers too! something related to your course, such volunteering at Warrington. I joined in in and if we haven’t, we know how to Our students frequently report that as running a book club for a mental October 2011 from Liverpool Hope Uni- find it! volunteering improves their confidence, health charity, helping a local museum versity where I worked in Marketing and Warrington will be a host town to their career and CV prospects but most with their marketing strategy, or being Recruitment. My degree is in Psychol- the Rugby World Cup in 2013 with our of all, they enjoy doing it and it’s free! a volunteer sports coach, or something ogy and I studied at the University of very own Campus acting as a base for We have lots of exciting, long term completely unrelated, such as helping Liverpool and volunteered as a writing the Samoan national team! If sports

training? What skills are required? Citizen Service (similar to our previous tion can be found at • What am I getting for my money? Summer Schools) will be running from July www.waterways.org.uk Overseas What proportion of the cost goes 2 to August 31 over the summer holiday. towards administration and marketing YouthFed, the organising body, is looking Volunteering and what goes to the local project that for volunteers to give a week at a time Cathedral Camps are one week camps is hosting me? where you’ll be doing a variety of tasks in July and August where volunteers help With the long summer months approach- • Does the Foreign and Commonwealth depending on what week you’re available. in the conservation and preservation ing, some of you may be thinking of Office approve of travel to this country? From inductions and ice breakers, residen- of Britain’s beautiful historic buildings. volunteering overseas. With the promise • Is the organisation linked to other tial outdoor trips or residential community You might be restoring monuments and of helping those less fortunate around the reputable companies or have travel or trips (Chester Campus) this scheme really statues, re-laying stone pathways, main- globe in some fantastic and awe-inspiring government endorsements? has something for everyone. taining ornamental woodwork and brass locations, it’s worth being aware that • Is there in-country support for the volun- features, clearing crypts and cellars, paint- sometimes these companies can be teers? This includes practical arrange- ing, gardening or restoring graveyards. too good to be true. Whilst international ments such as accommodation and Calling all bookworms! Volunteers Accommodation and food is provided. volunteering can be hugely rewarding, it meals as well as support to do the job. needed over the summer months to help More information can be found at www. is, by its very nature, more complex than For more a more comprehensive at a local library. Helping to engage local cathedralcamps.org.uk volunteering at home. Not only do you list of questions or for more information, school children and rescue them from a have to think about the actual volunteer- please drop into our offices and have summer of boredom, this may be quite ing role but also your living arrangements, a chat. a challenging role. You’ll be doing paired the local culture and travel and transport. reading, helping children to interact with Year round Many advertised opportunities are Outward bound and hardy volunteers the library and even running craft or with overseas organisations or with required to be weekend wardens at Scout special interest sessions. This is a brilliant volunteer UK organisations who have partnered Summer camps in Sandiway and Tatton Park! With opportunity for anyone wanting experience with local projects in various countries. your own accommodation block, living with children. Get in touch if you’re up for opportunities Because of this, it is not possible for our volunteering room and a real bed in these beautiful the challenge! Volunteering team to check out individual settings, you’ll be setting up and helping As well as well-known opportunities, projects and roles to recommend specific opportunities the scout camps to operate. Brilliant for such as Samaritans, Childline, BTCV, opportunities to students. Listed below anyone with previous scouting or Duke of Citizens Advice Bureau, Girl Guid- are a range of questions we would The summer months are a perfect oppor- Edinburgh experience, anyone who enjoys ing, Scouting and Victim Support, we recommend you ask in order to help you tunity to carry out some volunteer work, the great outdoors or great experience if also have opportunities with 170 other to make a considered and informed deci- as well as the paid work you might be you’re thinking of doing Camp America. No organisations such as: sion about which project will be the best doing to compensate for all the burgers, uniform or neckerchiefs required! experience: fancy dress and nights out you’ve been • Is the project being sustained after the paying for! Below are a few volunteering St Johns Ambulance Young volunteers leave or has it been set up opportunities that are running over the Carers as a one-off opportunity that will only summer months: King’s Camps runs summer sporting Could you help a Young Carer enjoy have short term benefits? and recreational summer camps for their free time? Hundreds of children in • What is the organisation’s philosophy children and young people across the UK. the Cheshire area have caring respon- towards development? Whilst many Aiming to develop children and young sibilities for a parent or family member. organisations have deep rooted, people through sport, at the camp you’ll Enabling these children to get away from sustainable links with communities and be working with trained sports coaches home each week, the Young Carers’ local people, others operate on a more Get outdoors and dirty! Every year the in offering a variety of indoor and outdoor groups run term time and sessions cover commercial basis. Waterways Recovery Group co-ordinate sporting activities. If you’re able to commit anything from healthy eating, sports, • Is there a genuine need for volunteers local canal restoration holidays. With for the whole summer programme, you making films or just generally letting off to do this or has the opportunity been some spaces still available on their can progress from volunteer to paid work. steam! Mentor roles also available. created as an adventure holiday? August programmes, why not spend the Chester’s camp is running from July 23 – Distance: Dependent on location. How can I be sure that the opportunity summer repairing locks, maintaining the August 17 at the Kings School, but other Great for: Anyone with a caring attitude is not taking away the chance of paid country’s canal networks and having fun! camps run across the UK. More informa- and wanting experience of working with employment for a local person? Can you provide a Year 11 student with Each camp costs £56 to cover the cost of tion can be found at www.kingscamps.org young people. • Will the volunteers be provided with the ‘Summer of a Lifetime’? The National food and accommodation. More informa- Student News 11 Get involved with volunteering!

Hear the experiences of some our student volunteers….

Name: Georgia an adult community group for people Your volunteering: I take part in the has broadened my knowledge, from Youth Group and Darland High School Elderkin with and without disabilities. One was a Royal Geographic Society, International volunteering outdoors with the British Special Educational Needs Unit. Subject and formal event at Hilton’s DoubleTree Hotel Buddy Scheme and Chester Students’ Waterways to indoors with my fellow How it has helped you: Through year: Second in Chester and the other was a Samba Union Council but in the past also School students. In working alongside Sarah volunteering I have gained some year, English and Band workshop. I have plans to run a Mentoring, Aim Higher Associates, The and Becky in the volunteering team their valuable experience that I could not Creative Writing. Creative Writing Workshop for its mem- Cinammon Trust, Age Concern and the contagious enthusiasm encouraged me have gained through reading or being Your volunteer- bers during the summer holidays. Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Trust. to create my own volunteering project. told by someone. I have been able to ing: I started to How it has helped you: It is a great way How it has helped you: Volunteering Each minute that I volunteer my see with my own eyes that everyone volunteer at the to meet new people in all different walks gives me back so much more than any time assists in building my employability is unique, with individual strengths and start of my second year and my first of life. The disabled members in PHAB time and effort I have dedicated over the prospects, as I’m not only developing weaknesses and how people learn event was during Freshers’ Week 2011. I have really inspired me. years. It makes me think beyond my own a wide range of experiences but the differently. I have experienced what it was a member of the ‘Red T-Shirts’ team Volunteering has helped me gain perspective and provides me with an hours will also look good on my CV. feels like to make a difference to some- and I helped the new students to move confidence in myself and my photogra- incredible network for academic support, Volunteering a small part of my spare one’s life even if only a small differ- into their accommodation, giving them phy. It has helped me improve my CV employment options and friendship. Until time not only gives me self-satisfaction ence. I have been able to engage with advice only a student would know and and my leadership skills for my future you give it a go, you’re missing out. but it also gives me a chance to give young people of different abilities both reassuring their parents. I also helped career. Volunteering has become part back to society. inside and outside school and not only to set up Freshers’ Fair. Then, I became of my University experience that I will Name: Ben Slater have I learnt things about other people, a Student Academic Representative for never forget. Subject and Name: Chloe but also about myself; that I can help my Victorian Literature module. I enjoyed year: First year, Berger others, I can face things that perhaps it so much that I decided to make it a Name: Maria Sports Science Subject and feel nerve wracking and scary, I can regular thing. Isabel Arbones with Psychology. year: Second motive others, I can be given real life Volunteering has helped me experi- Subject and Your volunteer- year, problems and find a solution and I can ence things that I never would have had year: Second ing: A number of Psychology. pass on my own knowledge to others. the chance to do. For example, I wanted year, International different activities Your Volunteer- I hope to apply all of what I have learnt an opportunity to improve my photog- Development from working with British Waterways to ing: Last year through my experiences volunteering raphy skills. Now I have photographed Studies and Assistant Hall Warden. I volunteered with Aim Higher and and eventually become an educational two events for a charity called PHAB, Spanish. How it has helped you: Volunteering mentoring. This year with Chester psychologist.

Student Ambassadors Great for: Anyone with a caring attitude interesting charity. You will need to be able to spare them to reach that level. Do you look good in orange? Passionate and wanting experience of working with Distance: 23 miles but some can be about two hours a week – half an hour to As a Mentor you’ll work with up about the University of Chester? Student young people. done from home. plan, one hour to deliver your sessions, to five young people, helping them to Ambassadors needed to show off the Great for: Those with an interest in and half an hour debrief, throughout the improve their organisational and study University to all of our potential appli- MIND in Chester PTSD; Psychology; Criminology. academic year. skills, and build their confidence. You’ll cants! You could be giving guided tours, Mental health charity MIND in Chester PALL is a stimulating but satisfying go into school once a week and spend directing people around campus or have lots of exciting opportunities and Stella Maris role which will develop your listening, about half an hour with each of your showing off your accommodation. You’ll projects that need student volunteers to With Dementia and Alzheimer’s dis- leadership and team motivation skills. mentees. have lots of fun in this exciting role which organise and run, such as a book club, ease becoming ever more prevalent For further information and appli- Mentors need to be reliable, friendly has lots of potential for working closely cooking/nutrition group, music and in our society, why not give up a little cation forms for the two roles above, and approachable, good listeners and be with our Marketing Department. choir groups, gardening group, art or bit of time befriending a Dementia please contact [email protected] or able offer advice and support to young Distance: On campus. art therapy group, bingo, chess and a sufferer? By providing very simple [email protected]. people in a non-judgmental way. Great for: Anyone! Students wishing to drama group, as well as breaking down services such as visiting service users You will have ongoing support from develop their spoken communication skills. the barriers and stigmas associated in their own home, taking them out, the University’s Mentoring and Student with suffering from a mental illness. accompanying them to appointments Skills Development Manager Maria Skin- Global Buddies/Global Guides The world is your oyster here, but a and participating in indoor activities School ner, who will be there to guide and advise As a Global Buddy you’ll be providing consideration and appreciation of men- such as reading, painting, drawing, you and provide you with any information one-to-one buddying support for any tal health would be necessary. card games etc, you’ll be making a Mentoring and support that you might need. international student who indicates Distance: Two miles from campus. huge difference to their lives. This Mentoring is a fun, challenging and that they would like this support. You’ll Great for: Anyone! Psychology; Crimi- rewarding role will pay huge dividends The University works with local schools, rewarding way to gain valuable skills be doing fun things like go for coffee, nology; Drama; Music; English Litera- for both you and the service user. colleges and academies in Chester and and experience, so whether you are attend social events and enable the ture; Nutrition/Dietetics; Counselling. Distance: Around the Chester area. Warrington providing mentors for pupils interested in working with children or student to ease into University life at Great for: Those with experience of who have the potential to do really well teaching in the future, or just want to Chester. As a Global Guide you’ll be Children’s Air Ambulance Dementia/Alzheimers; Psychology; in school (and to go on to university if spend your spare time doing something helping with the collection and orienta- The Children’s Air Ambulance relies Nursing; Social Work. they want) but aren’t quite performing at worthwhile, then this may be the oppor- tion of international students when they on valuable funds to provide a national the level they should be. Mentors help tunity for you. first arrive in the country. You’ll also be bespoke helicopter transfer service, mov- an integral part of the ‘Culture Shock’ ing children safely and quickly between social events. hospitals for specialist care and treatment. Peer Assisted Here in Student Skills Development, a log of your volunteering and attend- Distance: On campus. It is after a Local Events Representative we like to give you recognition for ing a careers workshop and we’ll Great for: International Development to help raise awareness of the charity and Learning the volunteering that you’ve done. In present you with an extra certificate. Studies; Languages; people wanting to fundraise at local charity events. Based fact, to our knowledge we’re the only Sure you’ll have to put a little bit more learn more about different cultures. at Blakemere Craft Centre, this would be Leaders (PALL) University in the North West which work in, but through achieving the an exciting and rewarding project for a has a recognition scheme! awards you’ll get to understand how West Cheshire Buddies dedicated volunteer with access to a car. We are looking for enthusiastic and The University of Chester Vol- your volunteering has benefitted you Could you make a difference to a disa- Distance: 16 miles. capable second and third year, or unteer (or UCV) Scheme allows you, and your own personal development. bled child’s life? As a buddy, you would Great for: Events management; Fund- postgraduate, volunteer students who and us, to keep a track of how many As well as UCV Plus, there is UCV be supporting disabled children and raising; PR; students with access to a car. would like to take part in facilitating study volunteer hours you have contributed Gold and UCV Excellence. young people (aged five to 18) to attend development in first year students. to society. By registering with us and If you log 10 or more volunteering sport and leisure activities. The activi- Invisible Injuries Leaders will not be required to logging monthly timesheets, we’re hours in one year, we’ll invite you to ties they select to attend are their own This new charity on the Wirral was set ‘teach’ or deliver any content subject able to keep a running total of your our Volunteer Celebration Evening! choice. You can also be involved in their up to help those in society suffering matter, but just to facilitate explora- hours and present you with a certifi- (Again, we’re the only University in youth activity group, Buzz, which offers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disor- tion of issues and support study skills. cate when your time with us comes the North West which does this!) disabled young people aged eight to18, der (PTSD) and other severe stress Volunteers will be trained to facilitate to an end. This invitation only event celebrates an opportunity to participate in an activity related conditions. It is looking for study sessions and will work in pairs with At certain milestones you can and recognises you for your fantastic rich program of group activities, day trips volunteers in a variety of roles, such groups of up to 10 first year students. work towards extra awards! For volunteering achievements with digni- and themed evenings chosen by the as fundraisers, web design, Marketing You will be supported and regularly instance, you are eligible to apply taries and fellow volunteers. Always a group members. No caring responsibili- Co-ordinator and Communications debriefed by an academic member of for our UCV Plus award once you’ve lovely evening, we want to reward you ties involved. Co-ordinator. Lots of options here to staff and the Student Skills Development logged 50 hours of volunteering. You’ll for all of your hard work with a bit of a Distance: Up to five miles. gain valuable experience within an Manager, Maria Skinner. then fulfil certain criteria, like keeping good do. We’re just that nice! 12 Student News

My volunteering experience Superheroes by Laura Hill not too clear to me until recently when I some of your precious time. One of my years of my life. You might not remem- needed! came across a few opportunities where most recent undertakings as a volunteer ber, but choosing a University is a pretty Could you be the superhero I discovered that volunteering can be has been for HealthBox CIC. HealthBox big deal for many people and they don’t volunteer we’ve been looking for? valued by some employers over extra is a community interest company which want to make the wrong decision, so the Fancy finding out more about academic accomplishment. This is not to works within communities and schools to answers you give as an Ambassador of how you could change the lives of say that volunteering is more important improve the health and knowledge of indi- the University, can really sway someone’s others whilst changing your own? than your degree, it’s not, but it is, a viduals. It uses group sessions and other decision. fantastic accompaniment to the best CVs varied interventions focused on nutrition, As you can see, volunteering does Here’s how to get in touch! out there! physical activity and healthy lifestyles. I not have to be something that you find Email: For me personally, volunteering has was involved with cook and eat sessions, difficult, or boring. In fact it is best to do [email protected] been a big part of my time at University where I got to interact with service users something that you have a real inter- and sits alongside my academic work. and see some of the theory I’d been est in. Just think of the things you enjoy Phone: Roles that I have undertaken include learning in practice. HealthBox is always doing and then consider whether you Chester: 01244 511552 being a Student Ambassador, writing looking for more helpful volunteers; more could do these things in a volunteer role. Warrington: 01925 534282 for Student News, being Vice-Chair and details available from the volunteering If you head along to the volunteer office Chairperson of the Literature Society, office in Beswick 010/2. within Student Skills Development at the Offices: volunteering for HealthBox and for the In addition, the role which I have University, they can help you to find the Chester: Beswick Building 010/2 Careers and Employability Department. held onto the longest is probably being a perfect volunteer role for you. This could and ask for Becky or Sarah These experiences have all been very Student Ambassador. This role, for me, is be something related to your course, Warrington: Martin 012 and ask different, but very rewarding in different perfect as you have the ability to speak to or something you’ve never tried before. for Holly ways. There is no doubt that my volun- potential students and their families about There are even one-off volunteering MY dictionary states that volunteering is teering has helped me to develop many University; what they can expect and what events for those of you short on time. Facebook: ‘University of Ches- considered to be acting in response to a useful skills, including communication, Chester has to offer. It is an experience There’s no reason you can’t get involved ter Volunteering and Mentoring’ need without obligation or for monetary time management techniques and taking which has proved rewarding as it has with volunteering if you want to. Twitter: ‘UoC Volunteering’ gain. It should be completed with an responsibility. All of my volunteering enabled me to develop problem solving My message here is that being a stu- attitude of social responsibility and is experiences have developed my skills in skills and just spend the day talking to dent is the best time for you to volunteer. All of our one off opportunities a service undertaken willingly and for so many different ways. Without these people, which is great. One of my best You have a lot of time available, which is are on our Facebook Events the good of many. However what these exposures I do not feel that I would be memories from being a Student Ambas- flexible, and it can be easy to fit volunteer- pages. You can find out more definitions don’t tell you, is just how much equipped to go out into the wider world sador is meeting a potential Nutrition and ing in. I know a lot of people who have information about our long term fun volunteering can be, or the value of and feel confident in my skills and abili- Dietetics student and her parents. I was undertaken various volunteering roles opportunities by popping into volunteering in the working world. ties. The opportunities have enabled me able to answer any questions they had and not one of them has told me that they the office, or for a brief overview When employers peruse your CV, to believe that I can complete anything about the course content, placements and regret their decision to begin volunteering. check out our Portal pages http:// you want them to see just how perfect that is asked of me. general University details. The answers So if you do not currently volunteer and ganymede.chester.ac.uk/index. you are for the job, and volunteering Taking just a couple of these roles I provided were ones that helped me to think that it’s about time to give something php?page_id=1407526&group=5 experience really helps to emphasise and explaining them further may help you make my decisions when I was looking back, head along to meet the team today your value to their company. This was to see the advantages of giving away for the place to spend the next three and start your volunteering journey. Goodbye from Jack, Kat and Dec

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our good of the Garden Quarter. time as CSU sabbaticals, and wish “The Students’ Union wants the incoming sabbs all the luck in to grow in equal measure with the the world. We know they’ll be great University, and we leave our roles and help to shape and improve the having secured an improved block student experience at the University grant, which will be instrumental in of Chester even further. taking CSU to the next level in deliv- “Institutionally, we have improved ering our services to our students. year on year on the National Student “We now have over 2,300 Survey response rates, continued to students who participate in Sports climb The Times Student Experi- Teams and Societies, an incredible ence survey, and won our first ever feat considering that only four years national award for NUS Community ago, there were 1,500 members. Relations 2011, all of which CSU is We are hoping the sporting side of incredibly proud of. the University goes from strength to “We know that the links built strength, with even more league and within the local community will national cup wins. continue to be strengthened through “There are too many memories volunteering work and initiatives to list here, but we are proud of the which encourage students and local achievements that have taken place residents to work together for the across all campuses, and massively appreciate the help of all University staff and Senior Management Team who have been approachable and willing to help us at every step.

“Can we take this opportunity Council. B orough T hornton/Warrington Photo © George to thank, especially, the CSU staff for putting up with us for the past couple of years! We will miss the office times and staff socials, but most importantly coming into a place Meeting the Queen of work where we love our jobs and colleagues. “Our Vice Chancellor kindly honourable moment, and will go celebrations go well. “You’re not getting rid of us that offered for the CSU sabbaticals down in CSU history as a momen- We were all relatively calm easily, as we are all taking residence to present Her Majesty the Queen tous occasion. about meeting her, but as she rolled in Chester when our roles end. with a Loyal Address and Humble “We are very proud that we up in the Royal car the excitement “Thank you all. See you very soon!” Petition on behalf of the University got to present the Queen with the hit us! We will be telling our grand- Jack, Kat and Dec of Chester. This was an extremely loyal address, and hope her Jubilee kids about our great day!” Jack, Kat and Dechlan. Student News 13 Keep it bright for seasonal fashion by Rachel Brierley you’re shopping for a whole new sum- smarten up any outfit, old or new. mer wardrobe, or just a few additions Blazers are hot on the rails of all the After a hard to bring your style up to date, there High Street stores this summer in all working year, are some wonderful things to look out colours and designs. My favourites the thought for - Aztec prints are BIG news this have to be the nautical themed, navy of three year, whether it’s a cute tea dress, a and white striped with gold buttons - assignment festival-esque vest top or even a pretty a classic! Or pick one up in hot pink, and exam scarf, this print is everywhere at the mellow yellow, gorgeous green or free months moment. Be sure to get your hands on pretty purple. These bright blazers are sounding a colourful Aztec item. are the perfect addition to any sum- wonderful. It Next on the list has to be florals. mer outfit, whether it’s day or night. will give us all This pretty trend is always popular What better way to finish off an a well-earned whether its summer or winter and the outfit than with the perfect acces- rest for the next academic year ahead, great thing about florals are you can sory? Jewellery, bags and hats are as which for me will be my final year at dress them up or down. To make sure popular as ever this year and sum- uni! With the weather being so unpre- you’re flying the flag for florals this mer is the best season to show off dictable, it’s hard to plan ahead for the summer, invest in a smart but sweet some amazing accessories. Rings, summer as rain is more often than not floral blazer, in perfect pastel colours bracelets, bangles and necklaces always likely to be forecast, but for the such as pale blues, oranges and even are sporting their brightest colours optimistic of us we can hope for some yellows. This is sure to be the perfect yet and with festival season upon us sunshine, which will make the holidays finishing touch to any outfit, whether these bright items will be sure to get Before you all rush to a lot more enjoyable. its day or night. Florals are also great you noticed in the crowds. the High Street to invest I’m very much looking forward to on dresses this summer - whether it’s My favourite themed jewellery in these top summer my first festival this year and before a skater-esque tea dress or an ever this year has to be the Union Jack trends, don’t forget your I’ve even sorted my tent, I’m planning fashionable maxi, be sure to pick up a style pieces which are perfect for the Student Discount card. my festival wardrobe! There are some dress that oozes flower power as it will patriotic of us to fly the flag for Britain It is accepted at most fabulous trends around this summer, brighten up any summer’s day come during a big year for our country with stores and this super which set to be on many a fashioni- rain or shine. the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic savvy card could save a sta’s ‘Must Buy’ list. The High Street, Next on the fashion agenda, is Games. What better way to show your pretty penny when stocking as always, has so much to offer, and one of my most favourite items, the love for Queen and country than with a up on new season buys. So, I can predict a red hot summer in the good old blazer. In my eyes, you can’t statement piece of arm, neck or hand what are you waiting for… race fashion forecast anyway! Whether go wrong with a structured blazer to candy? Go Britannia! you to the rails!!

Perfect summertime entertainment

Submarine tells the tale of Oliver reunite with his loved ones. Love Underlined the album is driven Why not kick Tate; an adorably eccentric young Although it’s somewhat more by rich, smooth and creamy vintage teenager simultaneously attempting challenging than the average trashy synth sounds. As vocalist Joseph back and relax to patch up his parents’ crumbling road trip film you might otherwise Mount himself proclaims on We marriage and establish his own first see this summer, as I magazine tells Broke Free ‘I swear you’ll never wit- as Jordan Smith love. Joe Dunthorne creates an irre- us all University students will find ness anything quite this fine’. Perfect sistible mix of light-hearted humour themselves watching a Wenders film with ice cream! shares his mix and intelligence that will make you at some point during their study, so wish you were 14 again. why not embrace it properly? Underachievers Please Try Harder – Camera Obscura (2004) of classic and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) The delicate and catchy indie pop Serious animé enthusiasts may turn melodies of five piece Camera contemporary Films up their noses at this colourful early Obscura draws its influence from Paris, Texas – Wim Wenders (1984) Studio Ghibli film but to dismiss it as fellow Scots Belle & Sebastian along ways to German director Win Wenders’ a childish cartoon is both harsh and with just a hint of cult 90s act Mazzy Paris, Texas combines elements misguided – and anyway who cares? Star on songs like Books Written for unwind? of the western, romance and road It’s summer! Girls, Before You Cry and feel-good trip film genres to create a stirring An optimistic take on the classic opener Suspended from Class. portrayal of broken family life and the coming of age genre sees Kiki, a While this could have been Books journey of an isolated husband and young witch leaving home for the big a recommendation for any of the The Dharma Bums – Jack Kerouac put you off – for anyone planning a father (Harry Dean Stanton) across city to find herself a useful occupa- band’s other three records (Biggest (1957) summer of adventure Jack Kerouac’s sunshine-drenched rural American to tion. It may not help to unleash your Bluest Hi-Fi, Let’s Get Out of This Don’t let its 1957 publication date lesser known self-discovery novel hidden talent for broomstick riding, The Dharma Bums is still a hugely but it may be the motivation you enjoyable read that made its mark on need to get up and do something many a hip, travel bound student of productive! yesteryear. Charting the narrator’s experiences with Buddhism, mountain climbing, friendship and poetry, Albums Kerouac writes with a loose, yet The English Riviera – Metronomy engaging, style that’ll set you apart (2011) from the mass of sunbathers jumping Intended as a musical tribute to on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Devon seaside towns you’d be hard bandwagon! pressed to find a more suitable album for a day at the seaside than this. Submarine – Joe Dunthorne (2010) The English Riviera sees Met- Country and My Maudlin Career) A good one for quiet breaks in the ronomy abandon their previous frantic there’s something about the cutesy British countryside, where much of this electro-dance sound for a perfect col- vintage-style album artwork that contemporary award winner (recently lection of sentimental pop melodies. confirms this is a perfect album for adapted into an equally brilliant film From its eponymous scene-set- summertime romance before you directed by Richard Ayoade) is set. ting prelude to slow-burning closer even start listening. 14 Alumni News Graduating is not the end of the story… by Chris Leonard from a whole range of businesses, goals of the Alumni and Development • To provide you with contact to the and a magazine - named The Cestrian team are as follows: institution itself, to see how the As current students progress through - for all former University students. • To provide and maintain a lasting, campuses develop over time and University, it becomes apparent that As the University continues to grow physical connection with both your what future students achieve on the time in higher education is about and develop, the Alumni Association fellow graduating students and the foundations you have helped to lay. more than just achieving a qualifi- is undergoing a number of changes in University itself; However, it is hoped that this cation. The whole experience is a 2012, as it expands alongside the rest of • To provide a meeting point for organ- development won’t end here. If you special part of people’s lives, as they the institution. ised reunions, where we will provide have any ideas or questions you think discover themselves and their own In recent months, the Alumni and facilities and accommodation for old can help the University of Chester potential. Development role has grown from a friends to get back together, even if Alumni Association, please feel free After graduating, the next phase single officer and a yearly magazine, they are now living far apart; to contact Fiona Roberts (Alumni of this connection begins, as former to a manager and team, a bi-annual • To provide a convenient way for and Development Manager) or Chris students become a part of the Uni- magazine and plans for further expan- sports clubs to stay active, with Leonard/Amy Jones (Alumni and versity of Chester Alumni Association. sion in future. official tournaments to reunite Development Assistants) at alumni@ Being a member is about more than In 2012, there are short-term goals old teammates and competition chester.ac.uk, or on 01244 511078 / just staying in touch with your friends, for a new, expanded and modernised between teams from different years, 511091. though. alumni website and the beginnings of or current students. You can also You can also visit the alumni web- The current role of the Association organising annual reunions for former reconnect in the same way you site, at www.chesteralumni.com and is to provide social events, such as societies and sports teams. did once the games were over, by register for a number of benefits once reunions, special offers and discounts Beyond this, the current long-term socialising in the dining room or bar; you have graduated.

Although all graduates are automatically members, you can register on our website

www.chesteralumni.com to gain access to:

• Members’ Directory • Benefits

The benefits are discounts and special offers:

a) External 1. Travel 2. Days out 3. Dining 4. Lifestyle 5. Shopping 6. Hair and beauty.

b) Internal 1. Library resources (see website) 2. Career advice for up to three years 3. The continued use of your University email address.

c) Reunions Come to the Annual Reunion or we can organise a bespoke one.

This acknowledgment of her things back on track, securing both as an ambassador for the Prince’s Alumni Case Study: Kerry Judson talent and hard work comes about funding and a manufacturer, and Trust, which Kerry said: “I’m very at the same time she is working on is pleased to announce the official happy about and look forward to After previously being featured in the launch of her own clothing brand, unveiling of Jax Styler in July. helping young people with my experi- The Cestrian magazine last autumn, ‘Jax Styler’. Kerry was inspired to This kind of determination is ence to achieve their goals.” former Fine Art student Kerry Judson, start the label through her own pas- nothing new to Kerry. After originally With what looks like a promising has continued her path of success, sion for celebrity culture and music leaving school with no GCSEs, she future ahead, the Alumni Association having recently been shortlisted for a videos and has developed her design decided to follow her passion, enroll- wishes Kerry all the best with her 2012 National Enterprise Award via into a blend of many different trends. ing to study Art and Design at South future career. the Prince’s Trust. She said: “I would describe it as very Tyneside College, before going on to Following a positive 2011, in alternative and ‘street’ and very hard become the first person in her family which she won the ‘If We Can, You to find on the high street. It combines ever to attend University. Can’ challenge, a national com- a lot of different styles.” Now, with a degree, several petition searching for the face of After originally receiving a great prizes, awards and her own business entrepreneurship and the Brian Mur- deal of interest and positive feedback under her belt, Kerry is also in the ray Award for achievement through from high street retailers and fashion process of starting her own fashion adversity, the 24-year-old from South agents, the clothing line, like any blog through Sky Television and has Shields, Tyneside, now hopes to upstart business, has faced some recently been asked to do some build on her achievements by secur- challenges and obstacles. However, inspirational speaking in schools ing another nationally recognised using the strength of character that throughout the North East. This award. got her this far, Kerry has now got comes about from her appointment Student News 15 A stroke of genius

Mind and body will be coming are delighted to be working side by have been selected due to their Writing for together at the University, as stu- side with the University of Chester. potential. The partnership with the dents share their skills with some of The physiological support these University of Chester will give them a the country’s most promising young athletes are receiving will help develop level of support not usually available athletes. their strength and fitness and will to junior athletes and help them build The University’s Sport and Exer- enable them to train in a more efficient their rowing careers as they strive for Wolves heroes cise Sciences Department has formed and effective manner. Our athletes international selection.” a collaborative partnership with the rowing club at The King’s School Chester, by providing advanced testing through their state-of-the-art facilities. The goal of the programme is to help the rowers improve their performance, while aiding students in putting their research and analysis skills into practice. Dr Craig Twist, Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science, said: “The plan is that this will become a long-running project between the Department and the School, which is one of the top eight rowing schools in the country. Led at our end by Dean Burt, it will provide excellent opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to work with athletes and coaches.” Craig added: “What we do with the data now is develop individualised records that the coaches and athletes can use to control and evaluate their training. These data sets are also useful in determining how well a person adapts to training over time. So, when they come in next time we can assess if or how they have responded.” The King’s School club, which trains on the River Dee in Chester, is one of the most prominent school- level rowing teams in the UK. Many of “Hi, my name is Daniel Fearnley, young players coming through the its members have gone on to distin- and I study Sports Journalism at the Warrington ranks. Another difficulty guished careers and achievements in University’s Warrington Campus. that I have when writing the article the sport, including membership of the When my lecturer, Paul Clark, is that it has to be written at least world famous Oxford and Cambridge informed me that there was an a week before it is published. So rowing teams and the national and opportunity to write for the War- many of the things I write about Olympic squads. rington Wolves programme, I was may be old news by the time people As a result, they have been recep- thrilled. As a lifelong Warrington fan, come to read about them. There- tive to the opportunity provided by the it is a privilege to be able to write for fore, I tend to make sure that I find University. my fellow fans. a subject which is still interesting, The King’s School Director of “Writing for the programme is a but isn’t the main story which comes Rowing, David Blackham, said: “We King’s School student Ben Monk gives feedback to the University assessment team. fun job. It probably takes around an out that week, so that the subject hour to write the 400 word article, of my article hasn’t been covered which I write for the majority of by everyone else in the week the Wolves home games. I spend before the magazine is published. most of this time looking through Obviously sometimes this isn’t the Super League website and possible, as rugby league is not like Wikipedia for stats and facts to football, where there is a global pool keep my articles fresh and interest- of subjects to pick from. In rugby ing. This is on top of the couple of league there may be only one or hours a week that I spend watching two newsworthy things which occur the various rugby league shows on every week. TV to try and find a subject to write “Also, when I’m writing the about. articles I have to avoid bias. For “Writing for the programme is me, this has to be one of the more a fantastic opportunity for a Sports difficult things. Programmes tend Journalism student. It is a chance to sit on the fence when it comes to show off your skills to various to controversy, meaning I have to people who read the programme. resist the urge to say bad things It also allows you to get used to about opposing players who I may writing articles for deadlines, which not like. is a skill that hopefully will come in “The final problem that I tend handy in later life. However, while to encounter on a regular basis is writing for the programme is fun and that the articles have to be relevant interesting, it does come with its to Warrington Wolves. Some of the difficulties. subjects that I use are relevant to “In the world of English rugby rugby league as a whole and not league, not a lot happens. So necessarily the Warrington club. In usually the subject of my articles is these instances it is important to usually an easy pick. When nothing try and keep referring back to War- worth writing about has occurred rington at every point possible. in the week when I write the article “These difficulties make writing I tend to improvise. Usually, I do the article more challenging, which this by picking out an aspect of can only be a good thing in the long the Warrington team and writing term as it will give me experience as in depth about that. For example, well as developing my writing skills one article I wrote was about the for my course.” Dean Burton instructs The King’s School student Ben Monk. Sports BUCS Sporting

Success Dan Worley This year, the University had several high-achieving competitive sports people to be proud of. by Chris Leonard final knockout game. Gordon Reay added: “Richard The four-person team, composed of performed exceptionally well to make the The Men’s Football team celebrated a captain Lilly O’Driscoll and players Julia final in his scull and was so unlucky not to Stephanie King and Anna Broekman. Jodie Spencer (right). double success as it added a cup title to Bond, Hayley McLoughlin and Beth Win- come away with a medal”. its existing League Championship. wood, battled for more than three hours In athletics, several students were The University’s 1st XI enjoyed a but was unable to see off a determined able to take part in history, as they played remarkable BUCS (British Universities Durham squad. an important role in the ‘London Prepares’ Warrington welcomes Samoan and College Sports) campaign, winning Laura Pearsons, the Students’ Union testing programme - a series of events the ‘Mars’ Northern 2A Conference by a General Manager, said: “We are proud being staged to trial the new facilities and delegation to its Campus 10 point margin, losing just one game and and delighted with the results of the Foot- organisation procedures for the London finishing with a plus-14 goal difference. ball and Tennis teams. They deserve all 2012 Games. As the countdown begins to the Rugby League World Cup 2013, representatives The team followed up this achieve- the praise they have received and confirm Four students from the University from the Samoan international team visited the Warrington Campus as part of a ment, taking home the Northern Confer- that sport at Chester is on the up.” were able to take part in this historic recce to the town. ence Cup with a 2-0 final victory over The University was also represented event, as qualifiers for the finals in their Tagaloa Faafouina and Fritz Tuiavii-Savaiinaea also went to The Halliwell Leeds Metropolitan University. in two events at the the BUCS Regatta - respective events. Jones Stadium as the guests of Warrington Wolves and Warrington Borough In this year’s final, the team – led by the national university and • Tom Watson, 22, a Business Studies Council. They saw the training facilities they will be using at the Campus when Captain Lee Constantine – secured the collegiate rowing championships, held at and German student, competed in both the team uses it as a pre-tournament training camp in the town next year. championship with an early goal from the National Watersports Centre in Not- the 100 and 200 metres Professor Peter Harrop, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Provost of the War- Dave Suddaby and an individual second tingham - with a women’s senior pair and • Gavin Campbell, 21, a Geography rington Campus said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome the Samoan half effort by Daragh O’Callaghan. a single men’s lightweight scull. and Hazard Management student, representatives to our Campus. Warrington Wolves players have trained Gordon Reay, Manager of Student The women’s team was made up of competed in the 800 metres here for over two years and it was an ideal opportunity for Tagaloa and Fritz Sports Development, Performance and Anna Broekman, 21, a Psychology and • Daniel Worley, 24, an Archaeology to see the facilities for themselves. Coaching, attended the final and said: Animal Behaviour student and Stephanie student, competed in the 3000 metre “Staff and students here are looking forward to sharing the Campus “I was hugely impressed by the quality, King, 20, a Law student. They started Steeplechase with the team of high profile visitors.” mentality and patience of this team. well in the first round, coming third in their • Jodie Spencer, 21, a French and The players commanded the play for heat but, unfortunately, were unable to Sports and Exercise Sciences student, large periods of the game and took their advance all the way to the final. However, competed in the 1500 metres. chances well.” the pair eventually ended the weekend While none of the athletes pro- There was a bittersweet end to the ranked ninth in the country. gressed to the medal events, Tom Watson season for the University’s Women’s Ten- In the individual event, Richard did achieve personal bests in both the nis Team, which secured a league title of Mehrtens, 24, who is studying a Master’s 100 and 200 metres, ensuring an unfor- its own but, unfortunately, missed out on in Sports Psychology, had to lose over 10 gettable first visit to the Olympic Stadium. cup success by the narrowest of margins. kilos to meet the required 72kg limit for All students involved, were able After winning the Northern 2A lightweight rowing. This didn’t affect his to gain the memory and privilege of a conference in style, finishing undefeated performance though, as he came second lifetime by being among the first group of in the league and winning 76 games out in both the heats and the semi-finals, athletes to ever compete in the home of of a possible 84, the team was upset in before finishing fifth in the national final London 2012’s track and field events. the cup final by Durham University, which after a tight photo finish between the third, Summing up the year’s achieve- held on to clinch a tie break victory in the fourth and fifth placed rowers. ments, Gordon Reay concluded: “It is a great honour to compete in a national competition. To perform at your best is a great achievement and I congratulate all of the athletes who competed. Tom was clearly inspired by the Olympic stadium to produce two personal bests which not many people can say they have done. I hope that these students can inspire dozens more to reach their potential and train hard to achieve fantastic results. “These results are fantastic for the University. It just goes to show that hard work, dedication and commit- ment can deliver great performances and the opportunity to compete at the Fritz Tuiavii-Savaiinaea and Tagaloa Faafouina with the Warrington Campus top level.” Giant Queen. Richard Mehrtens