In this week’s issue: What happens to your body when you eat a christmas dinner, News Year’s Eve hype, BUCS results, the Autumn Statement in brief, and a summary of this year’s world news gair freewordrh ydd Monday December 8st 2014 | | Issue 1040

Police weed out Cathays drug factories • Police raid three cannabis factories in two days • PLUS: Students conned by “deaf-mute” scam (page 6)

hree cannabis factories were dis- Street, less than 100 yards away from An offi cer reportedly stated that the to a lab for further investigation and the Georgia covered by police last week in a the sites on Glynrhondda Street. Glynrhondda properties contained the remainder destroyed. Pictured: Hamer series of raids undertaken by lo- Police revealed to Gair Rhydd that biggest haul of cannabis they had ever Police reportedly discovered the e police raid Olivier van den Tcal police. residents of the Glynrhondda proper- come across in Cardiff . Glynrhondda factory late on Wednes- in progress Bent-Kelly At approximately 2pm on December ties had illegally by-passed their electric e removal took place over a period day night whilst following up a separate (Photographer: 4th, police surrounded 24 and 26 Glyn- meter. Western Power were called to of two hours. Students watched on as enquiry. Sum Sze Tam) Anna Lewis rhondda Street, and had cleared the scene the scene before police were able to en- offi cers loaded large bags of cannabis Speaking to Gair Rhydd, neighbours by 6pm. A black police vehicle, thought to ter the property to ensure offi cers were and in excess of 50 lamps into a rental and students of Cardiff University com- be an armed response unit, was also at the not in danger of electrocution. van outside the property. mented that they had heard a lot of scene, located just a stone’s throw from Once it was confi rmed that the A search advisor at the scene detailed noise in the area at around 3am but had the Students’ Union. properties were safe to enter, police be- the procedure, informing Gair Rhydd assumed it was “just drunk students e next day, police were forced to gan removing the plants and growing that the property would be stripped getting in to trouble after a night out”. batter down a plywood barrier to gain equipment from the two three-storey and search for prints. A selection of the ey were shocked to hear the true na- Continued on access to a separate factory on Miskin houses. plants and equipment would be taken ture of the investigation. page 6

Police warn of Christmas Robberies FAQ: Running for elections Dogs proven to understand human speech P7 >> P10 >> P25 >> THE FREE WORD EDITOR Michael O’Connell-Davidson DEPUTY EDITOR Georgia Hamer Coming to a close The end of the year is always a weird time in the Gair strong news team: we’ve revealed that a majority of really how we do things around here; if it was, I and GAIR RHYDD CO-ORDINATOR Rhydd office. I’ve been here for nearly three years Cardiff students have tried drugs and use them regu- other members of the team wouldn’t still be in the Elaine Morgan now, and it’s been a strange journey that’s only really larly, meaning this week’s front page probably isn’t office at 4AM. set to get stranger. On the one hand, I feel like recap- much of a surprise; we broke the news that West- That feature will come in January, along with a NEWS ping everything we’ve done so far. On the other, in minster had quietly released plans to charge inter- whole host of other changes. It’s my hope that we can Georgia Hamer the face of a dwindling number of remaining issues, I national students to use the NHS (which a journalist restore Gair Rhydd to its mid-2000s glory days, when Katie Evans am reminded of all we have left to do. at the Independent later confirmed was a national it was winning awards year on year. And I think we Alexander Norton Some of the content in this issue is evergreen, with exclusive, as far as he was concerned, but an Interna- can do it. We have the right team, and we have the Anna Lewis Katja Bertelsmann’s piece on European immigrants tional Students’ Officer in Bath also raised concerns); right news base going forward; it’s an election year, on page 18 being a particular highlight, but I guess I we talked about how social media and (very reason- we’re in a capital city, and the world is in a funny sort ADVICE should apologise in advance to anybody picking up able) confidentiality rules at the Heath made people of turmoil. For better or for worse -- and for many, Kirsty Fardell this issue in the new year. Doubtless, the December feel like they couldn’t share their (also very reason- it’s just for worse -- there’s a lot for us to cover. 8th issue will persist into mid-January until we print able) concerns about placements. A lot of people view newspapers and other media COMMENT again, and all the Christmas themed articles will no On top of those stories, we revealed how Dapper as the first draft of history. I don’t think Gair Rhydd Anne Porter longer be relevant; in fact, they’ll probably be unwel- Laughs fans had undertaken a campaign of slut- is anything that grand on a global or even national Olivier van den Bent-Kelly come in the eyes of everybody who’s trying to for- shaming against Georgia Lubrani and other women level. But as far as Cardiff University goes, it’s a rep- get how much turkey they ate over the Christmas at Cardiff University in response to a petition to have resentation of at least what some of this generation of COLUMNIST holidays. We’ve done our best to minimise all of the the comedian’s gig cancelled; we shared details of an Cardiff students are thinking about and what they’re Jason Roberts Christmas content with this reality in mind. Equally, alleged conspiracy between rogue taxi drivers and being made to think about. I can’t really comprehend we appreciate that Cardiff’s a very multicultural uni- thieves, where drivers were sharing details of when what the students of 2054 will think looking at us, POLITICS versity, and not everybody celebrates Christmas or houses were empty after pre-drinks with robbers so but I’d like to imagine - with your permission - that Carwyn Williams affords it the same importance as the flurry of John they could assail the unattended house, and with the we’re thinking about the right things, and that as far Lauren Boyd Lewis adverts would have you believe. Notwith- assistance of People and Planet, we broke the eye- as us “millennials” go, we’re not a bad bunch. If the Rhiannon Tapp standing any cultural boundaries, some people just watering amount Cardiff Uni has invested in fossil world’s in our hands, I think we’ll do alright. don’t give a shit (and I’d count myself among those fuels. Those are just some of the exclusives we’ve And that message, unlike our New Year’s Eve for SCIENCE people, to be quite honest). printed, and those are just during my tenure as edi- and against, should stand the test of time -- whether Shanna Hamilton In the time between now and when we next go to tor. you’re picking this up in January 2015 or 2025. If Meryon Roderick print, we’ll have made some major changes on the This issue, I had hoped to include a feature about you’ve yet to go home for the holidays, then wher- web front and to the print version more generally. I’m the redesign - because if nothing else, it was the first ever your home may be, I hope you have great break. SOCIETIES going to talk about the former in my next editorial; time the Gair Rhydd masthead had changed in ap- If you’ve come back and you’re reading this, then I Hannah Sterritt for now, though, I’d like to take this opportunity to proximately two decades - but we’ve had to push hope you had a great time, and that you’ll join us in reflect on the stories we’ve broken this year. that back to next year because of time constraints. setting a first class agenda this year and making this PARK LIFE I’d hazard we’ve done a good job, thanks to a super Doubtless we could’ve rushed it out, but that’s not paper even better. Tim Nagle TAF-OD Steffan Bryn Jones Morgan Owen SPORT David Hooson Rory Benson Joe Atkinson What do you think about our website? PRODUCTION EDITOR Last week it was distribution. This week, it’s the in- petite for that sort of content. pride in being a part of it for as long as I can remem- Sum Sze Tam ternet. Let’s talk about everybody’s favourite series of We’ve laid the foundations for a digital newsroom, ber. Gair Rhydd will be in print weekly for as long as tubes, and how we can make it better. and in the new year, we’re hoping to bring our audience I’m the editor, and I’d like to think we’ve earned our Want to join the team? While there’s a lot of things wrong with the web - a new way to consume content. We’ve got some of the place on campus and on the budget sheet. Instead, Editorial conferences are each how it’s a breeding ground for all sorts of nastiness, best volunteers in the country on our editorial team, so it’s a signal we’re moving into the 21st century. We’ve monday at 5PM. Proofreading how it’s easily weaponised by the intellectually unscru- we have the brainpower - we just need to use the tools. given people incredible opportunities in one space; takes place on Thursdays at 6PM pulous - it’s probably one of greatest utilities humanity It’s my vision that gairrhydd.com will start to func- now that everything’s calmed down, it’s time to give in the media office during print has given birth to. It’s not electricity or fresh water, but tion as an independent publication, rather than ex- them opportunities in another. weeks. it’s the mental equivalent. isting in tandem or behind the print version of Gair If you want to be a part of this, please email me We have a website, as the folios (the bit at the top of Rhydd. I look forward to the day that we compete at [email protected]. This newspaper is only Write us a letter the pages with our twitter names and so on) will hap- with competition like the Tab (who, unlike a lot of stu- as strong as its volunteer staff, and we need people [email protected] pily remind you. To be blunt: it’s not very good. Not dent newspaper editors, I greatly admire) in the digi- who’re as passionate about the web as we are. As far Tweet us: in terms of the technical backend or anything, but in tal space, because right now, we don’t. That isn’t self as our digital content strategy goes, it’s a bit chicken @gairrhydd terms of content. It’s not been updated since last year, deprecation, either: it’s the truth. (For our broadsheet and egg, because I predict people won’t want to get Online at: for starters, and previous Gair Rhydd teams have only minded readers, don’t worry - the day I run a Bachelor involved until they actually see some movement. But gairrhydd.com really viewed it as a dumping ground. of the Week feature is the day my team overthrow me) if you’re willing to put a little faith in us, I believe you’ll The web is an excellent place for editorial, and silicon We can’t afford our competition a monopoly over see it rewarded. valley has given storytellers more tools than Johannes the internet. We might be competing for a different au- Equally, if you don’t have the time to contribute, but Gutenberg, but we’ve barely used it. dience, but people don’t even have the opportunity to you’d still like to give us some feedback, send an email That’s going to change in the new year. Quench did pick gairrhydd.com as an alternative. So that’s going to to that same address and tell me what you want to see. a trial run earlier in the year with a 10,000 word in- change. It has to change. Readers are just as important as volunteers, and your vestigation into mental health services at Cardiff Uni- I should clarify that this is in no way a signal that thoughts perhaps moreso, so please get in touch and versity; it got nominated for a national award, and the Gair Rhydd is moving away from print media, because we’ll see what we can do - and endeavour to explain viewing figures were proof that there exists a real ap- it’s not. I love print, and I’ve taken a weird sense of what we can’t.

At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our responsibility to maintain the highest possible standards. If you believe we have fallen below these standards, CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS please email [email protected] In issue 1039, dated December 1, in an article entitled “University caught out In issue 1039, dated December 1, in an article entitled “HIV Immune You can view our Ethical Policy Statement and Complaints Procedure at over role of University Court,” we gave the chancellor’s name as “Sir Martin minority holds key to wider cure,” we incorrectly referred to HIV as www.cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/ complaints Lewis,” as opposed to “Sir Martin Evans.” Martin Lewis is the founder of Money- “homo immunodeficiency virus.” The correct name of the disease is savingexpert, and has not been knighted. Martin Evans, on the other hand, is a “human immunodeficiency virus.” To be blunt: this error is offensive on Opinions expressed in editorials are not reflective of Cardiff Students’ Union, who act as the Nobel laureate, the namesake of the Biosci building, and the actual chancellor. multiple levels, and extremely regrettable. publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should The writer and editors in question have been notified of the error and The writer and editors in question have been notified of the error and not be considered official communications or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd is a post office the wider team will endeavour to make sure this does not happen again. the wider team will endeavour to make sure this does not happen again. registered newspaper. We apologise for the error. Online editions have been amended. We apologise for the error. Online editions have been amended. EDITORIAL 3 Coming to a close Campus In Brief

he Student Senate met last week to discuss Joe Atkinson four motions, with two passing and two fail- Pictured: ing. In an attempt to prevent a repeat of last NATIONAL WORLD Professor Mike Tmonth’s cancellation of ‘comedian’ Dapper Laughs’ Five people were arrested in the Adamstown area Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke was Owen, who show, which was judged to go against the Union’s of Cardiff and in Barry under the Terrorism Act, among the speakers at the funeral of teammate was awarded ‘anti-lad policy’, the Senate voted to increase ties prompting South Wales Police Assistant Chief Phillip Hughes, whose death on the fi eld of play a knighthood between the Union’s commercial team and general Constable Nikki Holland to insist that the Welsh has reverberated around the world of sport. this week Union policy. Capital is not a “hotbed of terrorism”. Around fi ve thousand people attended the (Photographer: Also passed was a motion to provide students George Osborne announced the Autumn State- batsman’s funeral, and a state memorial is being Cardiff with more ‘growing space’ for fruit and veg, while ment with a further £55billion of cuts forecast to planned as well. University) motions to eff ectively outlaw the use of costumes in come by the fi nancial year 2019-20. Th ere was good It has been announced that as we come to the Union elections and to have a referendum over the news for potential postgraduate students, with end of the year, 2014 could well be the Earth’s decision to not have a full-time Welsh Language Of- £50million made available to fund £10,000 post- hottest since records began, once again raising fi cer were both voted down. grad courses for students under the age of 30 from concerns about the eff ects of global warming and Local police sent out a warning to remind stu- 2016-17. the planet’s carbon dioxide output. In other news, dents of the threat of burglaries over the Christmas Meanwhile, Nigel Farage was busy fi lming a Cardiff remains cold. period. Th e issue was highlighted in South Wales Channel 4 show (set for broadcast on December With American policing under the microscope, Police’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ campaign, and 15th) in which he and Gogglebox pair Steph and yet another incident has threatened to incite students are being encouraged to take care to lock Dom Parker basically got really drunk, with the public outrage alongside the events in Ferguson, as up and hide valuables when going home for the fes- UKIP leader reportedly “falling over and having to a New York police offi cer was indicted for putting tive period. borrow a pair of the host’s trousers”. And people say an African-American man in a ‘chokehold’. Major Cathays maintained its campaign to become the politics has become trivial and populist... reform has been suggested to policing, but there is marijuana capital of the country as a police raid on But back to the Autumn Statement, and there a strong feeling that attitudes as well as methods two properties on Glynrhondda Street behind the were plans announced to implement driverless car need to change. Student’s Union uncovered adjacent cannabis facto- projects in four English cities; Greenwich, Bristol, Russia looks on the brink of recession, as ries in the houses that lie in Cardiff ’s student heart- Coventry and Milton Keynes. Th e three schemes; globally admired president Vladimir Putin urged land. A further property on Miskin Street was raided Venturer, Autodrive and Gateway, will test the ca- his nation to become self-reliant and prepare the following day. pabilities of the cars, which are hoped to ease con- for tough times ahead in his state of the nation It emerged that people claiming to be deaf-mute gestion and improve safety signifi cantly. address. Putin accused Western countries of have been conning Cardiff residents out of their Another revolutionary road safety campaign was trying to erect a new ‘iron curtain’ around his money. Th e perpetrators have been asking people, launched this week, one even more eagerly antici- country. including Cardiff Uni students, for contributions on pated than driverless cars; ‘sexy’ lollipop patrols. A US court has ruled that a chimpanzee (which, the basis that they are both deaf and unable to speak, Th is was part of an awareness campaign aimed at by matter of fact, is not a human) does not but numerous accounts have found them to be fak- young people (who may have had a drink) who are have human rights, much to the disdain of Th e ing, and the police have identifi ed a number of per- more likely to cross the road unaccompanied and Nonhuman Rights Project. Th e court decided that sons of interest. risk serious injury or even death. While a reported because the animal “cannot bear any legal duties” Cardiff University marked World AIDS Day last 40% of people crossed unaccompanied with regular then it could not possibly be classifi ed as a “legal week, with the campus’ main building adorned in red patrols, this fi gure went down to just 8% with the person”. Who’d have thought it? light on the evening of December 1st. Th e Union’s scantily dressed models leading them over the road. Gangnam Style managed to break YouTube, LGBT+ society and sexual health society SHAG also Th e 24th Bond fi lm, named ‘Spectre’, was un- with the website having to reset its maximum view ran awareness activities and events to mark the day. veiled by returning director Sam Mendes, with new count to nine quintillion, after the Psy hit broke Finally, Cardiff Genetics pioneer Professor Mike cast members including Oscar winner Christoph previous maximum of 2,147,483,647. If a YouTube Owen was awarded a well-deserved knighthood for Waltz and Sherlock star Andrew Scott, as well as video ever does reach nine quintillion views, it services to Psychiatry and Neuroscience. incumbent Bond Daniel Craig. may be time for humanity to be reset as well. sent teams to the Games. Lizzy Yarnold claimed victory for Britain in the women’s skeleton, and her 2014 gold was backed up by silver for our men’s curling May team and bronze for the women’s team. In Univer- sity sport, beloved Head of Rugby Martyn Fowler announced his resignation, taking eff ect after April’s Varsity encounter with Swansea. ere was much excitement among students as the new Doctor, Pe- ter Capaldi, fi lmed scenes for Doctor Who around Cardiff city centre and the University campus. ere was also excitement for university staff as the Uni- versity pledged to pay all staff members at least the THE ‘living wage’ of £7.54. Gair Rhydd also reported on the death of a Cardiff man that was linked to the ‘Ne- knominate’ social media trend. YEAR March

May didn’t start auspiciously for Cardiff University, IN REVIEW with the failed appointment of Welsh comedian Griff Rhys Jones as the institution’s Chancellor. However, the debacle was swiftly forgotten as under-fi re Labour leader Ed Miliband made a visit to Cardiff – and gave January an exclusive interview to Gair Rhydd. He insisted that The year in he off ered “good answers for the people of Wales”. Electoral success failed to follow, with his party fi n- ishing second behind UKIP as the eurosceptics won Gair Rhydd twenty-four seats and more than four million votes in the European Parliamentary elections, their fi rst victory in a national election. Elsewhere, the world’s largest democracy went to the polls in India’s general Headlines election, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was ar- rested (and subsequently released) in connection with the 1972 murder of Jean McConville and the world’s th An unoffi cial referendum held this March in Crimea most expensive footballer Gareth Bale scored in extra 1019 - January 27 supposedly saw 95.5 per cent of voters ‘back the un- time to inspire Real Madrid to a record tenth Euro- ion of Russia’. Many Crimeans loyal to Ukraine had pean Cup. ‘Criticism of high salaries for boycotted the referendum, with both the European Union and the United States condemning it as illegal. Cardiff University staff’ e fi rst same-sex marriages took place in Britain, following Parliament’s vote in favour of this in July June rd 2013. In the fi rst three months, 1,409 same-sex cou- 1020 - February 3 ples were married and now enjoy the same legal sta- tus as married heterosexual couples. In the Students’ ‘Cardiff Applicants wrongly Union, elections took place to decide who would run the Union for the 2014/15 academic year. e to- rejected’ e university year began with another University tal number of voters was 6,786, which represented and College Union strike, following their strikes the 23.4 per cent of Cardiff University students. Seven preceding October and December. e strikes were a full-time sabbatical offi cers and eight part-time cam- 1021 - February 10th response to union members’ pay falling in real terms, paign offi cers were elected and took up their posi- while top university employees have seen their pay tions in June. Long-serving Labour MP and former ‘Multi-Million pound rise. January was also the month which saw David cabinet minister Tony Benn passed away in March Silvester, a UKIP councillor in Oxfordshire, sus- aged 88, after a political career spanning 51 years. renovation gets approval’ pended from the party for blaming the UK fl oods of that month on the government’s decision to legalise 1022 - February 17th gay marriage. He claimed that David Cameron was “acting arrogantly against the gospel.” Israeli states- April ‘Varsity Launch’ man Ariel Sharon, a crucial fi gure in Israeli aff airs ever since the state’s creation in 1948, passed away in this month. Having risen through the ranks of the April saw the highlight of the University sport calen- 1023 - February 24th Israeli Army, he then entered the political sphere dar, as Cardiff once again welcomed Swansea for the and became Israel’s Prime Minister in 2001, pushing Welsh Varsity. is year’s event was bigger than ever, ‘Living Wage Success’ through Israel’s unilateral disengagement from the with 31 sports in total and the rugby once again the Gaza Strip during his tenure. climax of the day at the Millennium Stadium. While As students were celebrating the end of exams and Swansea won the rugby for the second year in a row, the start of the summer recess, the FIFA World 1024 - March 3rd Cardiff won 23 of the sports contested to retain the Cup got underway in Brazil, where Germany were Varsity Shield, with many dominant victories along the eventual winners and England put in a dismal ‘Cardiff Uni to give students February the way. e last-ever Lash was held after Varsity, with display. Meanwhile, Rolf Harris’ six-week trial was the Union’s reconstruction beginning immediately af- concluded in London with him being sentenced Microsoft Office for free’ terwards and Solus making way for Y Plas, while the to five years and nine months of imprisonment. In February of this year, Oscar Pistorius shot his girl- Union’s fl agship club night renamed ‘YOLO’. Earlier In the Middle East, ISIS made significant gains, friend Reeva Steenkamp dead in his Pretoria home. in the month, Gair Rhydd reported on the four-hour including taking control of the large Iraqi city of 1025 - March 24th e month also saw the Winter Olympics held in the Senate meeting, which was rendered futile due to its Mosul, and proclaiming a ‘worldwide caliphate’. In Russian city of Sochi amid controversy over the Pu- poor attendance. Nationally, April’s headlines were Spain, King Juan Carlos abdicated in favour of his Election results: full coverage tin regime, with particular concern over its attitudes grabbed by the death of Peaches Geldof, which was son, who became King Felipe VI. Democracy con- towards homosexuality. While there were calls for later attributed to a heroin overdose. Geldof was sur- tinued to dominate the political conversation in boycotts within some nations, a record 88 nations vived by her husband and two sons. Hong Kong, where pro-democracy group Occupy

The 2014 year in review was written and produced by David Hooson, Rhiannon Tapp, Anne Porter and Michael O’Connell-Davidson. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who helped make this year’s Gair Rhydd possible, particularly our friends and families who have been extremely tolerant of our late nights and pizza breath 2014 YEAR IN REVIEW 5

Central held an unofficial referendum, with 90 per its decision to enforce a limited airstrike against ISIS. died. We should not forget that there is a victim in 1026 - March 31st cent of voters endorsing citizens’ right to have a In response to the airstrike, American journalist James this whole situation, not just the fact that she was the say in who leads them. Foley was beheaded, and threats were issued to kill victim of Oscar Pistorius. May justice be served to ‘Lecture recording fellow captive Steven Sotloff . In Ukraine, rebels lost the victim and her family, and Oscar Pistorius serve former strongholds in Lubansk and Donetsk as gov- his time for the crime that he committed. scheme approved’ ernment troops regained signifi cant amounts of land. July Despite discussions between Proshenko and Putin to end the confl ict, NATO images revealed that Russia 1027 - April 7th sent 1,000 troops into Ukraine less than two days later. November ‘Student senate SHAMBLES’ September 1028 - May 5th ‘No chance-llor!’ 1029 - May 12th Ed Miliband Interview 1030 - May 19th ‘Cardiff prepares to vote’ 1031 - May 26th ‘Officers under scrutiny’ In July, former government Director of Communi- cations Andy Coulson was one of four News of the World journalists jailed for their involvement in the e build-up to the festive season brought with 1032 - September 15th phone-hacking scandal, with Rebekah Brooks and it Black Friday, which brought $9 billion in shops others having already been cleared of all charges. Af- around the US this year, with many more UK retail- ‘Union completes £3million ter an alleged fall-out between Education Secretary ers buying into the Black Friday concept in order to Michael Gove and Home Secretary eresa May, Following a multi-million pound redevelopment sell thousands of products. On a less festive note, on development’ David Cameron carried out a cabinet reshuffl e, with over summer, the newly transformed Union November 24th a grand jury in the US decided not Gove moved to Chief Whip and Nicky Morgan re- reopened its doors. Solus greeted this year’s to indict Offi cer Darren Wilson for shooting Michael placing him. Stephen Crabb was made Welsh Secre- new fresher’s with a different name – Y Plas. Brown, an 18-year-old black man, in Ferguson, Mis- 1033 - October 13th tary as part of the reshuffl e. Elsewhere, the Church This translates, highly imaginatively, into Welsh souri. is led to peaceful protests as well as rioting of England’s general synod – which includes groups for ‘The Mansion’ (not ‘The Place’, as commonly and vandalism across the United States. Closer to ‘High marks: Student drug use of bishops, clergy and laity – voted to begin ordain- believed). A mezzanine level has been put into Y home, Cardiff University students backed a peti- ing women bishops. e Tour de France grand de- Plas, creating a whole new space. The old second tion to cancel Dapper Laughs’ proposed gig in the revealed’ part was held in Leeds, with the fi rst three stages of floor has been completely redeveloped, with Students’ Union, due to his “trivialisation of rape, this year’s Tour being held entirely in parts of Eng- new food outlets, and Solus is unrecognisable. unprotected sex and dehumanising of women”. No- land. Cardiff University’s legendary club night – ‘The vember also brought about this year’s Student Mem- 1034 - October 20th Lash’ gained a controversial new nickname bers’ AGM, in which a motion to make the Student’s – YOLO. Second and third years remain in Union a pro-choice institution was rejected and mo- ‘International students to pay NHS mourning. tions to create a full-time VP Postgraduate Students August position and to abolish the VP Media and Marketing fees’ position were passed. October 1035 - October 27th December ‘Heath students hit by Welsh NHS ‘crisis’’ and 2015 1036 - November 3rd

It’s hard to predict the future - if we could, fi nding ‘Cardiff thieves targeting pre- front pages would go from an occasional struggle to a breeze - but there’s plenty to look forward to in what drinks’ remains of this year and the year that follows. Sure, New Year’s Eve can be an overpriced charade (see page 13), and it’s really hard to stick to any reso- 1037 - November 10th lutions you might make. But in terms of the univer- ‘Dapper Laughs and fans ‘abuse’ sity, many of you will be graduating next year, and you’ll embark on the fi rst year of real life. To enter- students’ tain you along the way, there’s Varsity and the student elections; the latter will, if nothing else, be a period of e fi rst week of August saw the conclusion of the mild irritation for largely uninterested students. 1038 - November 24th 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with an Equally, a large number of societies will already be impressive two medals won by Cardiff University stu- planning for Go Global and the Cardiff Fringe, and ‘“Cardiff Student” sighted in dents. Representing Wales, Natalie Powell brought is month saw the sentencing of Olympic athlete the year-end balls for societies and the Athletic Un- home one of fi ve gold medals won in the women’s Oscar Pistorius to fi ve years in prison. Convicted ion. And don’t get us started on the Media Awards. ISIS video’ under 78kg judo category, whilst Sally Peake gained of culpable homicide, this was the day of the year It’s also hard to forget that next year is a general silver in the pole vault. Had the University entered the when we all became experts on South African law. election year. It’s hard to overstate how important tournament as a separate nation in the competition, ere were calls for his sentence to be lengthened voting is, so make sure you ignore Russell Brand, get 1039 - December 1st it would have been placed 18th in the medals table, because it is possible that he may be released from registered, and make your voice heard. above Bangladesh and Pakistan. In world news, Au- prison within ten months – and not just from the We’ll be back next year in mid-January, with a ‘Cardiff Uni “in bed with oil and gas”’ gust saw ISIS take control of the largest damn in Iraq, victim’s family. Such a high profi le case undeniably planned overhaul of the way we tell stories online - located in the Mosul. As a result, the US announced draws attention away from the fact that someone has so stay tuned, and see you in the new year! ■

In particular, the editorial team would like to thank: e 13/14 editorial team, Tom Eden, Elaine Morgan, Andy Williams, John Jewell, Duncan Bloy, Martyn Fowler, Steve Wilford, Elliot Howells and the offi cer team, Johannes Laubmeier, Frances Richards for their help on this issue’s police stories, and everybody who tweeted or emailed us their honest support or sardonic opinions. tweet us @gairrhyddnews email us [email protected] NEWS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/news/ Police weed out Cathays drug factories olice commented that the “entire on the corner of Fairoak Road and Cr- [Glynrhondda property] had been wys Road, also in Cathays. Pictured: converted” into a drugs factory”. Fire crews stumbled across the fac- Police loading P“Equipment was found in every room tory after rushing in to fi ght a blaze. plants and Continued on and every fl oor of each building.” In reference to the event Cathays equipment into front page Th e force confi rmed that arrests have councillor, Chris Weaver, commented a hire van been made but were unable to confi rm that the fi re “shows the danger of these how many individuals were involved. illegal factories and the police need to be While it is assumed that the two prop- vigilant about where they are.” erties were linked they were unable to con- Police noted that as a student area, fi rm this without further investigation. Cathays is a prime location for can- Th ere is less information about the nabis factories and similar instances raid on Miskin street, and nothing to were reported last year. suggest that the two sites are related. “Student houses are cheap, easy to rent Th e raids comes just a month after a and residents in the area tend to ask mini- 150-plant cannabis factory was found mal questions,” an offi cer said. Students scammed by ‘deaf and mute’ campaigners Police investigating two individuals collecting for fi ctional charity

tudents are have been warned to Welsh capital – and Cardiff University EXCLUSIVE: be vigilant in the wake of a new students are amongst those most at risk, Pictured: Alexander charity scam which has been tar- according to police. Th e Woodville Norton Sgeting students around Cardiff Univer- A Cardiff University student, who pub around Katie Evans sity’s Cathays campus. wished not to be quoted, tipped off the area the A number of students had reported Gair Rhydd about the scam. Th ey scammers were being approached by people purport- claimed that they saw the alleged sighted ing to be representatives of the ‘Deaf scammers three times; fi rst on Th e and Mute Association’, a fi ctional chari- Parade outside of the Physics and As- table organisation. tronomy school, and then twice on the Th ey then encouraged students and junction outside of the Woodville Pub. the general public alike to give money Th e scammers operated in pairs. Gair by making various physical gestures, Rhydd has received the reports of a pair including pointing repeatedly at their of girls as well as a boy and a girl. Th e mouths and then at the sign-up forms pairs approached people with a clip- and collection boxes they were carrying. board, which claimed to be collecting However, it has now emerged that money for the Deaf and Mute associa- the people behind the scam are not in tion. “ fact impaired in any way – but are in- Th ey are alleged to have ap- It has now stead reported to be a small group of proached students with a clipboard immigrants of Eastern European origin. which at the top of the page claimed emerged Th eir method of communication to be collecting money to construct a that the can be attributed to an inability to new building for the charity. speak English, hence the adoption of Lewis Fawcett, a third year student over a generous sum of £10. to remain alert to the possibility of fur- people a deaf-mute persona in order to raise who gave to the apparent beggars, also “I feel like a right idiot now. It’s made ther instances of such scams. behind the money without having to speak to spoke to Gair Rhydd. me think twice about giving to charities “We want to make sure students are those they are appealing to. “I was shocked when I found out. I in the future,” he said. careful before parting with money. Rep- scam are Incidents of this nature have long thought my £2.50 was going to a good It later emerged that police are cur- utable charity workers will have pho- not in fact been prevalent in major cities across Eu- cause and it made me feel good about rently investigating two individuals in tographic identifi cation and all known rope, and have received media attention myself. Now I know he took and used relation to “fraud off ences”, although the charities are registered, which can be impaired in “ in London and Manchester in recent my money illegally.” stunt has not been reported to have re- easily verifi ed.” any way years. “I feel deeply hurt.” curred since November. “We would also ask that any suspi- However, this is the fi rst time the Th ird year student, Sam Lloyd, also However, Police Student Liaison Of- cious behaviour is reported to campus scam has been known to target the fell victim to the campaigners, handing fi cer Frances Richards warned students security or to the police via 101.” Postgraduate loans set to be introduced in 2016 postgraduate loans system last year without the postgraduate loans. Th is is signifi cantly lower than rates loans of up to £10,000 available, for Anna Lewis off ering £10,000 for students is to Until the loans are introduced, the currently off ered by banks. the fi rst time ever, to all young people take eff ect in 2016/17, Chancellor Treasury has announced that the Higher According to the Treasury undertaking postgrad master’s degrees.” AGeorge Osborne has announced. Education Funding Council for England document, the plans were announced Despite previous suggestions According to the government, the will allocate £50m to universities in in response to increasing demand for within the government that loans plans could increase the number of 2015/16 to off er bursaries on a ‘match- higher qualifi ed employees and the be limited only to those studying postgraduates by 10,000 a year and funded’ basis. need for social mobility. science, technology, engineering and benefi t 40,000 students. Th is will allow According to the Treasury document, In a statement in the House of mathematics subjects, the loans will students from poorer backgrounds to the loans will be repaid “concurrently” Commons, George Osbourne said: be available across all postgraduate gain further qualifi cations and “change with undergraduate loans, meaning that “Today, I am going to revolutionise the degrees. lives” according to the Chancellor. graduates will only repay their loans after support for our undergraduate systems. Talking to the Independent, Dr However, the loans will only be made earning over £21,000. “Until now there has been almost Wendy Piatt, director general of the to students under the age of 30, therefore Th e details of the plan are still under no fi nancial support available, and the Russell Group, said: “Postgraduates are excluding mature students from applying consultation. However, the Treasury upfront costs of postgraduate degrees critically important to the economy and for funding. have suggested the possibility of deter bright students from poorer society as a whole and the Chancellor Th e decision will also aff ect those structuring the loans with an interest backgrounds. is right to help ensure there are no applying for postgraduate degrees for the rate of RPI plus three percent, repayable “So today, across all disciplines, we barriers to participation in postgraduate next academic year, as 2014 will mark the at 9 percent of earnings above £21,000. will make government-backed student taught study. NEWS 7

Pictured: The Main Building lit red in aid of world Cardiff University AIDS day marks world AIDS day Events held across campus in support of people living with HIV

he 1st December marked Universities Main Building was lit in red Cymru), Dr Lisa El Refaie (Centre since 1988, World AIDS day was the Bronwen ‘International World AIDS to highlight the occasion. Following the for Language and Communication first global health day to be created. Weatherby Day’, with people, organisations lighting of the building, speeches were Research, School of English, The focus of the day is to educate “Around 35 Tand charities from across the globe given on the lawn on HIV and AIDS, an Communication and Philosophy), and the public on the facts regarding the showing their support for people living event to which all were invited. Professor Kerry Hood, Director of the virus, and how to protect themselves million people with HIV and paying respects to those Around 35 million people were South East Wales Trials. and others from it, as studies show were believed who have died as a result of the virus. believed to be living with HIV by the The LGBT+ association and sexual awareness of the virus has declined in

This year, Cardiff University marked end of 2013, with some 2.1 million health awareness group SHAG also the last decade despite tens of millions to be living

the day with a number of events, people becoming newly infected and had an interactive stall in the Students living with HIV today. with students and representatives 1.5 million having died of AIDS-related Union reception, where they gave Cardiff University are among other with HIV by from ENFYS and Cardiff University’s causes. information on World AIDS day and universities such as Portsmouth and the end of “ LGBT+ association uniting to Additional activities around Cardiff its importance, throughout the day City of Bath, which contributed to commemorate the lives of those University included a free screening and ribbon boxes were distributed the day, with a Cardiff University 2013 affected by the virus, in addition of Dallas Buyers Club and a panel across University cafes to encourage representative commenting, “We’re to events organised by SHAG and discussion that included speakers, everyone to support the cause and raise proud to be part of an international Student Volunteering Centre. Sarah Fuhrmann (HIV & Hepatitis awareness. event to raise awareness of HIV and Between 4.30pm and 8pm, Cardiff Action Wales, Terrence Higgins Trust Held on the same day every year A I D S ”.

Mistletoe and crime: Police warn of festive break-ins outh Wales Police have issued a included asking neighbours ensuring students are as safe as possible central Cardiff, 86 burglaries took place Anna Lewis warning to students urging them and landlords to keep an eye on while they are living in Cardiff and in September 2014 compared to 57 in to remain vigilant about burglaries accommodation and push in any mail keeping burglars away from the area- September 2013. Sduring the Christmas period. hanging from letterboxes. Police also during the holidays as well as in term In the past, figures have revealed that Speaking to Gair Rhydd, Student warned against leaving packaging of time,” the Liaison Officer said. over half of targeted student houses Liaison Officer PCSO Fran Richards expensive valuables outside houses “Burglary can be an extremely in Cardiff were left unlocked during advised students to lock student after returning to Cardiff. traumatic experience and South Wales the Christmas holidays, providing an accommodation before leaving for the Working with Cardiff University Police is committed to preventing break- ideal opportunity to thieves. According holidays and take home any valuable Security, Cathays Neighbourhood ins and arresting those responsible to statistics, in 2011 forty student items. Policing Team, Cardiff DIGS and the “Don’t let a few moments of properties were broken into during the According to the police, students Police Student Volunteers, South Wales thoughtlessness ruin your holidays!” festive break. should take care to install good quality Police will be carrying out walkabouts The police campaign follows in the In response, previous police windows and doors, and keep them throughout Cathays. During the wake of reported burglaries in Cathays campaigns have included encouraging locked. Students are also advised not to walkabouts, teams will knocking on during Fresher’s Week, with taxi-drivers students to register their valuables leave valuables lying around where they doors and speaking to students about and thieves allegedly co-operating in on the free online property database can easily be seen. securing their student properties. order to target empty student houses. ‘Immobilise’ as part of their ‘Lock It, Other advice offered to students “This partnership work is about According to crime statistics in Hide It, Keep It’ campaign’.

Exam timetables released earlier than scheduled

n response to student feedback, that have input into the timetabling Georgia exam timetables were released process to create a comprehensive re- Pictured: Hamer earlier than specified – almost six port. Rhys Jenkins, Iweeks ahead of the first exam in Janu- The report was presented to the VP Education ar y. University Union Partnership group Rhys Jenkins, VP Education, prom- and the University has committed to ised the change as one of his Mani- releasing timetables at least five weeks festo points, and stated that himself before the first day of the exam period. and VP Welfare, Faraz Alauddin, were It is hoped this can be extended to “delighted that the team have managed six weeks, in line with other Russell to produced the timetable earlier than Group institutions. specified.” Jenkins added that he has been “re- “This gives Cardiff students a lot ally encouraged to see how the Uni- more time to prepare for exams, and versity are listening to what students find ways to balance revision with oth- want, and acting upon the feedback er coursework assignments.” that students had given.” Last year the Union met with vari- “This is a massive part of improving ous departments within the University your experience at University.” tweet us @gairrhyddnews email us [email protected] NEWS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/news/ Senate rejects Welsh language motion

Pictured: Student Senate meeting (Photographer: Jess McFarlane)

tudent Senate rejected the motion in the exciting discussion around Welsh by costumes and gimmicks. Events and acts booked to perform in Anna Lewis to hold a referendum on creating language provision. According to Kate, this would allow the Union would be judged on their Katie Evans a full-time Welsh language offi cer “In my eyes, those arguing against this the election campaigns to focus on appropriateness on a case-by-case basis Sposition last week after meeting to motion were actually arguing against political policies rather than on gimmicks to ensure they adhere to the Union’s discuss a range of motions. democracy. Th e fact that the Student and costumes, in order to provide a “level ‘Anti-lad’ and ‘Zero Tolerance’ policies. Th e second Student Senate meeting Senate would deny students the right to playing fi eld for everyone” including Another motion to pass asked the of the year took place on Tuesday, have their say on any issue strikes me as those not comfortable dressing up for Union to support the creation of a December 2nd, to discuss motions both absurd and concerning. To hear the their campaign. ‘growing space’ to encourage students including the position of LGBT+ Education Offi cer argue that this would Th e motion failed with twelve to grow their own food. Proposed by Women’s Offi cer, Student Election only be of interest to Welsh speakers, senators voting to reject it and two Emma Longhust-Gent, the motion also campaign procedures as well as and therefore should not be discussed, abstainers. Amongst those who opposed suggested that the Union create a formal procedures to veto controversial acts was particularly disappointing. Th at the motion was VP Heath Park, Claire review of available spaces around the booked to perform at the Union. logic, if applied consistently, would deny Blakeway who spoke on behalf of the University campus, including roof areas, After struggling to meet the any and all minorities the right to be current elected offi cers, to determine possible locations for the minimum number of voting members heard.” stating that such a motion would growing space. needed to begin, the Senate fi nally Jones added that he still intends to “prevent creativity”. Th e last motion of the meeting to began 45 minutes late with Postgraduate move forward with the proposal, adding “Often, costumes are the only way amend the LGBT+ Offi cer position to Offi cer, Ollie Wannell, having to “I’ll shortly be launching a petition to to engage people to come and talk to include a LGBT+ Women’s Offi cer role, chair the meeting in the absence of an take this important issue to referendum candidates”, Claire explained. “Th is following the decision at the AGM to arranged chair. and I’d encourage all students to sign would cause a lower voter turnout and take the matter to the Student Senate, Th e most heated discussion of the it. Of course, if students disagree with would therefore be less democratic”. passed with all votes in favour bar two night came after part-time Welsh the proposal, for any reason, they are Student Senator, Madhura Kanade, abstainers. Language Offi cer, Steff an Bryn Jones, welcome to vote against it. But fi rst, let also opposed the motion and voted to However, it was decided to amend proposed a motion to hold a referendum us have the debate.” reject it. When running for elections, the motion so that, whilst the LGBT+ on whether or not the Union should Speaking to Gair Rhydd, VP Kanade explained: “you need to Offi cer position occupy two seats on the have a full-time Welsh Language Offi cer. Education, Rhys Jenkins, said: “I opposed give students the chance to express Student Senate, they would both share In his proposal, Jones stated that “the it on behalf of the entire offi cer team, as themselves like they want to”. Without only one vote. Students’ Union, like this Senate, exists one of the voting senators. the usual gimmicks involved in the to champion and further the student “We had discussed it before hand election campaigns, Kanade shared in voice’, adding “Th e student voice should and felt it was not appropriate to have the fear that there would be lower voter SUMMARY OF be heard at every possible opportunity.” a referendum on this issue. AGM turnout, remarking, “to me, it doesn’t Th e offi cer justifi ed the need for a would have been a far more appropriate feel like a full democratic process if only MOTIONS referendum by explaining that it would decision making body to take it to as it twenty per cent of students are voting”. act as “perfect vehicle to promote has a cross section of students.” Moreover, following the decision External booking for SU discussion around the issue”, and give He added: “I think it would have likely made at the last Senate to prevent venues should not conflict everyone in the Union the chance to failed and thus they thought it better to Dapper Laugh’s from performing at with Union policies have their say in an act of “fundamental take to a referendum, where those most the Student’s Union, Women’s Offi cer Approved The fact that democracy”. interested would be 1500 fl uent Welsh Laura Carter proposed that the Union’s “ Th e motion failed by a slim speakers, and the result wouldn’t be commercial team hold background Growing space for fruit and the Student majority, with eight votes to seven truly refl ective of all students.” research on external bookings to ensure vegetables Senate would and two abstainers, due to fears that “Th e offi cer team think that it isn’t performers do not confl ict with any Approved the proposed referendum would have necessary to have a full time Welsh current policies to prevent another deny students a poor voter turnout, rendering the Language Offi cer and the Welsh Dapper Laughs-style debacle. Build on encouraging the right to have vote democratically unrepresentative Language Charter could actually be Speaking to the Senate, Carter of the student body. Rhys Jenkins, VP achieved more effi ciently by working remarked: “Th e process concerning less gimmicky election their say on any Education, opposed the motion on with the current sabbatical team.” Dapper Laughs was very ambiguous and campaigns issue strikes me the basis that a referendum would not Another motion that provoked vague. We should have a clear system in Rejected be the best platform to address the lengthy debate was proposed by place should the same situation arise.” as both absurd question of a Welsh language sabbatical senator, Kate Delaney, who suggested an However, Laura did concede that it is Hold referendum for and concerning. offi cer and that not enough students overhaul of student election campaign not possible to vet an external booking full-time Welsh Language

would be impassioned enough to vote methods. In the motion, it was proposed of the Union before confi rmation of the Officer

on the issue. that instead of the current £30 budget event. Th is is due to the time delay in Rejected Steffan Bryn Speaking in the wake of voting results, allocated to those running for position details released about the performer in Jones, Welsh “ Jones expressed his disappointment in as a full time Offi cer, the Union would question. the motion’s rejection. “Th is wasn’t a allocate set materials to each candidate On behalf of the elected offi cers, VP Greater Representation of language Officer controversial motion. All we sought to including sweets, posters and specifi c Education Offi cer, Rhys Jenkins, spoke LGBT+ Women in the Union do was give students an opportunity to campaign t-shirts which would in favour of the motion, describing Approved have their voices heard. To have their say hopefully discourage campaigns driven it as “very sensible and very wise”. How will you replace your phone if it gets lost, damaged or stolen?

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*If your item is lost, stolen or unrepairable we’ll replace it within 24 hours – 1 working day of your claim being approved. ** Price based on insuring a laptop up to the value of £500, an iPhone 4s and a bike up to £200 for a student living on campus. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting their website at www.fca.org.uk/register. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited, Company No. 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE. Welcome to our Advice section, where we bring you tips for surviving Cardiff university life ADVICE email us: [email protected] What does it take to run for election? Fancy governing the union for a year, or representing a cause you care about as an elected offi cer? Here’s how

very year, Cardiff Students’ Un- Kirsty Fardell ion holds elections for a number Pictured: of positions. Some of these are e “fi shbowl,” Epart- time offi cers which represent the the sabbatical interests of certain student groups, but hub in the SU students also elect a team of full-time sabbatical offi cers to fi ll six “Vice-Pres- ident” positions, as well as the Presi- dent of the Students’ Union. To stand for election, you have to be a student at the time of elections, so it’s OK if you’re “There are now graduating this year and you’d like to try your hand at leading the Students’ seven Union. All of the Vice-President’s work full-time officers from the third-fl oor offi ce in the Stu- and nine dents’ Union (alongside other adminis- trators and directors), and are expected part-time officers to work full time. Part-time offi cers, on the other hand, conduct their posi- tions alongside their studies, with nine diff erent positions available. Nomina- ” tions opened on November 28th and was also passed to remove the position sponsibilities.” Don’t be put off , then, if University and local community. Com- close on February 5th, and the voting of VP Media and Marketing. you want to shoot straight for the top. petitive and participation sports are period is between 23rd-27th February. e SU President acts as a key link to So far, Elliot has introduced an app represented within both the University Any student is eligible to run including the University’s Vice Chancellor, Pro- that gives students discounts to the and the Union. As the key liaison offi cer those who are part-time, international, Vice Chancellors, Council and Senate, outlets within the SU and organised with the University Sport Department, mature and Heath-based. as well as other organisations including trials for a University Challenge team. they also work with student-led sports the NUS in Wales and the UK. ey e Welfare offi cer liaises between clubs to assist their development. Bryn are also the chair of the Board of Direc- the Union and the University on non- Griffi ths, the current Sports and AU What the tors and Trustees, and have signifi cant academic issues relating to the student President has already introduced a responsibility for the fi nancial standing lifestyle and experience. is includes ‘Sportsperson of the Week’ award and and business performance of the SU. your housing, fi nance, mental and sex- has helped ensure that all Wednesday positions involve In the last few years, SU Presidents ual health, safety and transport needs. sports results are published in Gair e full-time elected offi cer team have typically already spent a year as an e offi cer also works with stakehold- Rhydd. (colloquially referred to as ‘Sabbs’) is elected offi cer of a diff erent kind, so we ers in the local community to ensure e Education offi cer represents comprised of the Vice-Presidents for asked the current SU President, Elliot that students have a say in what hap- all students on academic issues. Welfare, Education, Heath Park, Sports Howells, whether that was essential for pens in the student living areas of Car- ey negotiate with the University and Athletic Union, Societies, and the the role. diff and the city as a whole. and encourage them to act on your Students Union President, who chairs Do you have to be a sabb fi rst to se- Faraz Alauddin, current Welfare Of- feedback. ey also work to improve the wider team. At AGM, a motion cure the role? “It is helpful, as with any- fi cer, has so far built upon the Safe Taxi facilities, such as libraries and I.T. was passed to introduce a Postgradu- thing in life, but I wouldn’t say it’s es- Scheme with Dragon Taxis and is look- rooms, by conversing with the ate Students VP, which will commence sential. I think previous offi cers will of- ing at implementing a substance aware- Information Services. e position also alongside the new sabbatical offi cers ten run because they’ve worked closely ness policy. includes being the Chair of the College this year, bringing the team up to a total with the SU President for that year and e Sports and Athletic Union Pres- Forums and Academic Council, and of seven. During the meeting, a motion have a sound idea of the role and its re- ident act to champion sports within the being responsible for overseeing and

Pictured: Last year’s candidates campaigning in costume So“ far the current SU President has What do created an you think? Have your app giving say: advice@ students gairrhydd. com discounts in the SU outlets ” ADVICE 11

Continued promoting the Student Academic Rep the key liaison for all volunteering of- from the system. So far the current Education fi cers and support them to fulfi l their Pictured: previous Offi cer, Rhys Jenkins, has worked manifesto pledges. Barney Willis, the One of page >> with libraries to provide more electric current Societies Offi cer has created last year’s sockets as well as improving the society forums and is working to make candidates, personal tutor system. it easier for societies to book university “Maid in On his role as Education Offi cer, Rhys rooms online. Of his position he says: Cardiff ” Jess says: “A lot of my job is in University “My job is to help and look after our Oliver Meetings. It is in those meetings that societies! I am lucky enough to be the we raise the student voice and advise one that deals with committees directly the University on what students want. to assist them any way they need. I am is does require a lot of knowledge also here to help people who want to about how the University works and create or join societies themselves – get about who can help you achieve in touch if you have an idea and I will what you want. is can obviously spread the word and help make it a re- be learnt but it helps to already have ality.” some knowledge. I think your interests e Postgraduate Students’ offi cer must be focussed around improving is likely to take a similar form to some students experience at University. e of the above roles, particularly Wel- role is challenging and there is always fare and Education, but with a focus more that can be done. It also requires on postgraduate students. With over that have gone on to become great the country.” “All candidates a lot of reading long and complicated 7,000 postgraduate students currently friends.” On life as an elected offi cer, El- papers, but it is all necessary to achieve involved at Cardiff University, the role Once nominated, candidates work liot said: “It’s safe to say that no day must have the improvements you want to make. seeks to better further the interests of a to promote themselves as the right per- is the same! In addition to the remits a 200 word If it was easy, it would already have student group which are largely disen- son for the job by campaigning. of offi cers, Societies or Education for been done, and the job would be pretty gaged from the SU. Elliot Howells, the current SU Presi- example, we are also Trustees and Di- manifesto boring!” dent gave his advice on campaigning: rectors of Cardiff University Students’ which sets e Heath Park Campus offi cer “Campaigning is what you make it! I Union so the range of work is huge. out their works to improve the healthcare stu- e application guess my best advice would be to work We are often in meetings representing dent experience and all services at the out what’s going to work best for you. the views of students across the Uni- experience, Heath Park site. e current offi cer is process Are you the type of student that will versity or in the community. e type skills and Claire Blakeway, who told us about happily speak in front of a lecture thea- of work that offi cers do varies depend- her role: “My role is to help and sup- All candidates must have a manifesto tre of 300 students or would you rather ing on their remit and over the next goals port students who are studying at the – a 200 word offi cial statement from stand on the street giving out leafl ets? few months, we’ll be publishing blogs Heath Park Campus. I represent Heath the candidate that sets out their expe- ere’s no formula for the perfect cam- about our roles and what to expect in students in everything from academic rience, skills and goals and the reasons paign, diff erent things work for diff er- them.” issues to getting students involved in why the electorate should vote for that ent people. Just think about you can ” sports clubs and societies. I guess the candidate. To nominate yourself for best sell yourself.” main aim of my role is to ensure that one of these positions, you have to ap- Life as an offi cer is a big change from Part-time Heath students have the best experi- ply through the Student’s Union web- that of student life – they are complex ence possible whilst studying here at site under the ‘Your Voice’ tab. You can roles that require skill and engagement. offi cer roles Cardiff University. My day to day work also suggest a nominee if you know Elliot Howells told us about what he includes representing Heath Park stu- someone who you feel would suit a thinks it takes to become an offi cer: e part-time offi cers are unpaid rep- dents on University committees, or- particular role. “It’s diffi cult to say [what it takes] as I resentatives of nine diff erent libera- ganising Heath Park activity as well as e application process is quite dif- don’t think there is an ‘ideal person’ for tion and minority groups within the my director and trustee duties to the ferent to other jobs, says Elliot Howells: the job. e exciting thing about these student population. ey are known Students’ union. It’s an incredibly busy “As the roles are elected. ere’s no ap- roles is that you can make them your as Campaign Offi cers, and Elliot How- job and I absolutely love it. I would plication process as you’d expect from own to a certain extent depending on ells gave us an idea of what they get thoroughly recommend anyone who is your usual job. Students stand for elec- what you want to achieve. Days and up to: “Our Campaign Offi cers are considering running for my role to go tion and then have to convince the stu- schedules often get extremely busy so the group that represent typically un- for it! It’s the best job ever!” dent body that they are the right person it’s useful if you can manage your time derrepresented groups or causes on e Societies offi cer supports soci- for the job by campaigning and getting eff ectively and work to deadlines but campus. ey work with the full-time eties, campaigns and student-led ac- their name out there. It can be a tough even that can come with practice. If offi cers to run campaigning and social tivity within the union, university and week, but it’s hugely rewarding. I often you have a passion for the student ex- activity for the groups of students they local community. ey are responsible hear candidates say that as the election perience and want to make a diff erence, represent. Unlike the full-time offi c- for allocating budgets and assigning process progresses they realise how you’re already most of the way there to ers, this is a volunteer role that they tiers to over 180 societies at Cardiff much they want the job even more! being a great elected offi cer! If students carry out alongside their studies. e Students’ Union, as well as supporting Even candidates that don’t win often are considering running and are wor- 13/14 Campaign Offi cer team is made and promoting student led services and fi nd it a fairly transformative experi- ried about whether or not they have up of a Women’s Offi cer, Students campaign associations. Organising big ence as they have developed so many the right skills, my advice would be not with Disabilities’ Offi cer, Ethical & En- union events also falls to the Societies new skills and found new qualities in to worry! e fi rst summer of the role vironmental Offi cer, Welsh Language offi cer, such as the annual Go Global themselves. I met so many incredible is full of training both internally and Offi cer, LGBT+ Offi cer, Mature Stu- Festival and Cardiff Fringe. ey are people during both of my campaigns externally with colleagues from around dents’ Offi cer, Postgraduate Students’ Offi cer, BME [Black and Minority Eth- nicities] Offi cer and an International Students’ Offi cer.” Pictured: ere is no doubt that all offi cer Former SU roles give the candidates transferrable President skills that will help them beyond their Cari Davies time in offi ce. As Elliot Howells has and former worked as the SU President for two AUP resident years, he gives a good analysis of what Edore qualities are gained: “ e range of The“ Campaign Evuarherhe skills and experience you get in these encouraging roles is huge! All offi cers sit on the Stu- officers students to dents’ Union’s Board of Trustees and represent vote in the Board of Directors and are involved in Elections the highest level of decision-making. different Offi cers will develop tangible expe- liberation rience in areas such as fi nance and HR but more broadly will have new and minority skills such as negotiation, diplomacy, groups within governance and a strong commercial awareness. Offi cers also complete a the student Level 5 qualifi cation in leadership and population management which is hugely benefi - cial for the future.” ” December Chelsea Grin April 17/02/15, £10 ADV Embrace Limehouse Lizzy vs The Jesus And Mary 09/12/14, £19.50 ADV Livewire AC/DC Chain 17/04/15, £20 ADV Funeral For A Friend 27/02/15, £25 ADV 18/12/14, £16 ADV March January Stiff Little Fingers Neck Deep 08/03/15, £18.50 ADV 26/01/15, £10.50 ADV The Stranglers 10/03/15, £23 ADV February Sleaford Mods KERRANG! Tour 2015 10/03/15, £10 ADV 13/02/15, £16.50 ADV Halestorm Enter Shikari 13/03/15, £15 ADV 17/02/15 - SOLD OUT

@CARDIFFUNION CARDIFFBOXOFFICE CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM | All tickets subject to booking fee COMMENT 13 FOR & AGAINST Pictured: NYE in Edin- burgh. Why don’t we have anything this epic in Cardiff , eh?

IS NEW YEAR’S A BIG DEAL? Is New Year’s Eve the best night out of the year, or a socially-mandated expense?

sk anyone; the best night out of is a special occasion! It’s been a long year, ow don’t get me wrong, I with a few decorations and a tacky FOR: the year is your birthday. Why? you’ve worked hard, go treat yourself. love an excuse to go out and dress up theme? I am not buying it, AGAINST: Em Gates Because you’re excited, every- Recover on the bank holiday and abuse party as much as the next and neither should anyone else. Charley oneA is paying you attention, and it’s the your bank account, get all your mates Nperson. But something about New Last year, after giving up on Griffiths one day of the year where everyone has in a taxi and head to the club, because Year’s Eve has me filled with dread. the idea of heading into the city to be nice to you. e next best night town will be buzzing with merry and ex- Oh God is it a year already? I have centre almost instantly, my friends out? Without a doubt, New Year’s Eve. cited people ready to party, and no one no plans for the night! What will I and I ended up at a random house e same applies on NYE as it does on wants to miss out on that. wear! Who is free! I have no money! party in my home town, which your birthday, whether you’ve had an While you are judged on some nights I already know that I will be was essentially a massive sixth awful year and want to go out with one for over indulging a little bit on the wine, avoiding going to town like the form reunion. It was absolutely last hurrah, or it has been a great year there are no judgements on this night. plague. Why? Because I don’t want hilarious, and the only money I and you want to toast to the next year Jaeger? Fine. Sambuca? Fine. A Snow- to go into the new year crammed spent was a tenner buying cheap being the same, everyone is happy on ball? Fine. Not to mention you’re still in a sweaty club with hundreds of bottles of alcohol from Lidl. I wore New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve is al- probably on the Christmas hype, so while people I don’t know, having spent old jeans, and am not 100% sure ways a good night out. Santa Claus retreats back to the North half my student loan on drinks if I even brushed my hair. Despite e countdown to midnight can Pole for a well-deserved rest, let us raise and the taxi fare, whilst tactically the lack of effort, no one cared, mean a number of things to diff erent a toast to the great job he has done. is avoiding the creepy guys hovering we had fun listening to cheesy people, but a major part of the count- night is for celebrating, no judgements by for their ‘midnight kiss’. music and catching up. We were all down is turning your back on the past are made and no one expects you to feel I spoke to a few friends who did students with approximately 50p to year. ere is no better way to welcome pleasant the next day, so indulge yourself. brave town for the evening, and our names, so no one could afford in the New Year than dancing your trou- Everyone else will be, and I mean every- they said it was a complete waste anything else (or wanted to). bles away and taking in the inspirational one. ere is no age limit on New Year’s of time and a massive anti-climax. Why is New Year’s Eve suddenly lyrics from Toploader’s Dancing In e Eve, so while the younger generation may I also can’t be dealing with how far such a big deal, and when did it Moonlight, forgetting any angst from dominate the clubs, take a look inside the in advance you have to book a night become such a burden to organise? the last year and welcoming in a new doors of pubs up and down the nation into town for NYE. I don’t even I really don’t see what all the fuss start. Gym memberships, diet plans, and there is no discrimination of who know what I am doing tomorrow, about what is essentially just another strict resolutions? at’s tomorrow’s wants to be surrounded by a party on the let alone the end of the month. night. is about. The countdown is business; New Year’s Eve is about the memorable occasion. I remember the days when NYE the climax of the night, and then beginning of the start of potentially the But forget about the parties, forget was nothing more than a house it’s just like any other party, just “I also can’t best year of your life. about the drinking, forget about the party with your friends and family. with more people throwing up. I be dealing It may be a little more expensive, but expenditure. ere is nothing more You got pissed on cheap crates only celebrate it because... well, The next best this night literally only happens once heart warming than seeing two strang- you bought from Tesco, let off everyone else does. People don’t with how far “ a year. Venues and gigs pull out all the ers standing on the embankment while some fireworks, and then crowded want to be left out and see the in advance night out? stops to make it one of the best nights fi reworks go off behind the London Eye, round the TV waiting for the live pictures plastered all over Facebook so don’t let a price tag hinder your cel- linking hands and mumbling their way countdown. (More fun than it the next morning mocking you and you have to Without a ebrations. row on the party dresses, through the lyrics of Auld Lang Syne, or sounds, honest.) Granted, I was a lot the night you missed. And that is book a night doubt, New dapper suits and pulling gear, warm up two people embracing the tradition of a younger then, but does getting older perfectly fine, like I said, any excuse your best moves and enjoy the night. kiss at the twelfth chime of Big Ben that really mean we have to sucker to to get drunk with my friends and I into town for Year’s Eve It’s much better to be little bit lower marks the start of the new year. New the over-commercialisation of the am there. But town? Absolutely not. on funds with a great story and lasting Year’s Eve is simply what you make it, night, where clubs can get away with House Party anyone? NYE memory, than to spend New Year’s Eve and I intend to make every year pretty massively overpricing everything ” playing monopoly with your Nan. is darn special. even though it is the same old club ” tweet us @gairrhyddop email us [email protected] COMMENT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/opinion International students: are you homesick? As many students head home for the Christmas break, Gair Rhydd ask an international student for an opinion about staying put in Cardiff instead

Pictured: “Christmas Christmas in Cardiff Bay is especially Source: John bittersweet Greenaway, when Flickr department stores are beaming ads about family and love at you ”

nternational students have unique family, and fi nd it hard to immerse and constant Skype/Whatsapping can go back on my fi rst Christmas in order Sum Sze problems when it comes to themselves in British culture. Th ese be like a breath of fresh air: a very brief to save money on airfare. Despite my Tam Christmas. are the kids who Skype their friends respite from the sometimes stifl ing macho intentions, it hit me two weeks IBeing from another country often and family every day, or the ones who foreignness of British mannerisms, before the end of term what a fool I grants you a special immunity to a lot get a care package every month with humour and customs. Th at’s not to was being by putting myself through of things. You’re allowed to not know much-needed supplies and luxuries say they’re not enjoying being in the such a lonely month (everyone else in things about British culture or history, from their home country. Often, these UK – but there is sometimes an acute my fl at were planning on going home who Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood people fi nd it diffi cult because of the sense of “I’m foreign, and because of too). I made somebody at British are, how Parliament works or why language barrier, and long for nothing that I don’t 100 per cent understand Airways very happy that day by picking you should make such a big fuss over more than a street where the words what’s going on right now” with many up a pair of extremely expensive, last- English breakfast tea. spoken are all in their mother tongue, international students. Don’t judge us minute return tickets to Hong Kong. “For Th ere are a lot of things you aren’t rather than in posh, irregular English when we’re being awkward, because Now in my third year, I’ve found international immune to as well, like Meningitis C that is not what they’re used to hearing we’re either too confi dent to care that friends (and a special someone) (which you should get a vaccine for in the ambient background. we act very diff erently, or too insecure whose company I actually enjoy. I no students, from your GP if you’re new around I’m an international student myself, to say anything for fear of making longer have to be macho in order to contact with here), lad culture, and homesickness. but luckily, English is my native ourselves stick out even more. If we’re save money. In fact, the situation has Others can see their family most language and I’ve grown to be very of a diff erent ethnicity, we already quite reversed, and it would be more home in the weekends, eat their mum’s cooking, independent of my family, so coming stick out enough without needing to heartbreaking for me to go home and form of care and let their washing pile up until they to live and study in Cardiff doesn’t say anything at all, by virtue of our leave my loved ones here than it would absolutely have to do it, in which case quite feel as much like removing a appearance or skin colour. be to go back to Hong Kong. packages they just bring the load back home limb. I speak infrequently to my family Indeed, the whole kerfuffl e over But I know that I’m a rarity, and and constant for their parents to do. International or friends, and I’d like to say I’ve made Christmas can itself be confusing. that there will be many of my fellow students do not, unfortunately, have a good eff ort at embracing life here. Why must you have such a specifi c international students out there Skype / these little luxuries. Th at’s not to say I’m not envious of the and rigidly controlled menu for where the increasingly expensive Whatsapping Christmas is especially bittersweet kids who do keep very close contact Christmas? How is being told what to long-haul airfare is too much money, – when department stores are with their family: what I would give eat celebratory in any sense? Do you for too little time back home. Th eir can be like What do beaming ads about family and love at for a care package full of real instant have stockings and a gift under the housemates will all have left them, and a breath of you think? you, it’s hard not to notice what you’re noodles or some proper dim sum right tree, or just one set of gifts? unless they’re social hermits or have a Have your missing out on. It’ll be especially hard now! First year for international students very time-consuming hobby, they will fresh air say: letters@ for those students who have kept For international students, contact will always be hardest: I remember most likely feel very lonely amidst all gairrhydd.com extremely close contact with their with home in the form of care packages trying really hard to be strong and not the lights and lovers this Christmas. ” COMMENT 15

In defence of the Students’ Union admit it - I’m a Union fan. I spend (…and I can’t help but feel that these Anne Porter far too much of my free time are the people who need their timeta- Pictured: in the Students’ Union in some bles earlier). A Sabb Officer fulfilling Cardiff SU, a Ishape or form and have been in the their election manifesto should be place where media office to the early hours of the praised. Publishing the exam timeta- the average morning on occasion. I wouldn’t do bles a week earlier has made a great CSM exec this if I didn’t think our SU was doing difference to me because I have the member a good job, I’m pretty damn proud of chance to prepare more thoroughly – spends way it if I’m being honest. although admittedly I do have an ex- too much time But our Students’ Union does tra week to panic about my impend- (Photographer: come under a great deal of criticism ing final year exams… Laura Sargent) from its students. As a third year, Beyond the academic aspects of I’ve been here long enough (and university, the Students’ Union is also don’t want my time to end, really) to trying to promote good sexual health see the progression that the SU has among its students. Free condoms made. Perhaps the great deal of criti- are available in the foyer on the sec- cism that the SU receives is unfair. ond floor of the SU building. Hidden dents. Over my time here our Union and that is proof. Perhaps they work harder than we discreetly by the entrance, the SHAG has hosted Two Door Cinema Club, Student bodies within the Stu- give them credit for. society fills these boxes more regu- Jake Bugg, Hanson (yeah, they’re dents’ Union should be praised for Exam timetables have been re- larly than ever before due to popu- still around) and Annie Mac, among their work. All the student socie- leased a week earlier than last year. lar demand. So despite not giving us others. I am eager to go to a Treat- ties that enable us to carry out such “A sabb officer VP Education officer Rhys Jenkins easy access to STI checks and sexual ment club night before my time ends a variety of activities – from fitness promised to release exam timetables advice, the SU are, at least, willing here – these events sell out almost to football to film – are student led fulfilling four weeks before the examination to make sure that we practice safe every time. Music to suit all tastes and funded by the Students’ Union. their election period starts in his election mani- sex. So your nights at YOLO (The plays here. Music or acts that don’t The Student Senate is formed of stu- festo, and this he has done. Criticism Lash, RIP, always in our thoughts etc) suit all tastes here get banned – re- dents (…unsurprisingly) who have manifesto came to Rhys for how much earlier he will end better than you might have cently ‘comedian’ Dapper Laughs was been elected into their positions. So should be could publish the exam timetables – thought – at least you won’t have an scheduled to perform here, but he we should appreciate all of the work a week earlier didn’t really seem like STI to deal with the day after. was banned after a petition was given that the Students’ Union does for us, praised a great deal to some people. Nor did The Students’ Union is making to the Students’ Union campaigning because it gives us so many opportu- some people even know that the exam efforts to put on gigs and concerts against his performance. The Union nities to have lives outside of our de- ” timetables had been published earlier that greatly appeal to Cardiff stu- listens to the voices of its students, gree courses. Advent adverts aren’t granting Christmas wishes Christmas adverts are more about making you cry and buy products than promoting holiday spirit hristmas is here!!” wrote one seem like a nice helpful penguin, but he Alex Stewart of my friends on Facebook does seem to be hanging around minors Pictured: back in early November. A and never wearing any clothes. It’s a Santa on coke “Clittle premature I thought but, when I good thing it turns out he’s imaginary. is looking saw they were referring to the ‘premiere’ One would be forgiven for thinking forward to the of the John Lewis Christmas advert, I felt that Christmas adverts aren’t trying holiday season a little bit unwell. It used to be the case to sell you things any more. Instead, (Source: Elliott that the start of Christmas was signified they’re reinforcing the holiday spirit by Brown, Flickr) by the first time you heard Slade on the making you cry. Since when is crying radio; or the first Christmas items in part of Christmas? As Donkey says in the shops, but now most people would the Shrek Christmas special “Christmas link an advert (a heart-wrenching, isn’t Christmas until somebody cries”, £8,000,000 one at that) as the start of and some companies are getting very one of the busiest shopping periods of good at making people cry - Sainsbury’s the year. holiday offering is an overly emotional “As Donkey affair that centres around the Christmas Let’s face it, Christmas isn’t about says in the families or sharing anymore; it’s ceasefire of World War One. Its slogan It begs the question, what are up on us. For the last four years, the a celebration of shopping, and what “Christmas is for sharing”, is fairly these new Christmas adverts actually music used in the John Lewis adverts the Shrek you can do for the shop owners. Want topical. The advert is supported by the selling us? These adverts have more in has shot straight to number one in the Christmas to show Mr Lewis how much you Royal British Legion, and Sainsbury’s common with rom-coms than with charts shortly afterwards. John Lewis care? Buy a wife for your child’s toy. will be donating the profits from the adverts at any other time of the year, itself used to be a shop many of us would special Whilst many would argue that the advert paraphernalia (the chocolate bar apart from, you know, that they’re only go in if we were with our parents, “Christmas promotion of mail order penguin lovers featured in it). The Sainsbury’s logo on selling you something, you’re just not or looking for towels. But now it’s seen is a somewhat confusing message for the chocolate bar in question is the only sure what exactly. to be a shopping staple, and become isn’t Christmas, people will read further mention of the store itself in the advert. At least with shops like Morrison’s something of a British institution Christmas into adverts than is necessary. For Even so, there’s not a dry eye in any room. we have Ant and Dec telling us what because of its Christmas advert, and a example, commenting on the portrayal Talk has circled around whether or not we should buy, even if they do annoy somewhat bizarre, dominant decider on until of relationships amongst imaginary it is wrong to use veterans and a war as us a little. It’s a break from watching the chart topper. somebody penguins, with criticism focusing on part of an advertising campaign, or the penguins, or bears and rabbits, or any Many people see Christmas as the the fact that the advert does not explain fact that it was made in collaboration other animal that’s deemed cute enough most consumerist of all the holidays. It cries that just because ‘Monty’ the penguin with the Royal British Legion is enough to make us feel that warm fuzzy feeling should come as no surprise then, that was gifted a wife, that the wife wouldn’t to justify the advert still being an advert inside. the start of the Christmas season is ” necessarily fall for him. Monty may for a supermarket chain. This is where the sales pitch creeps signalled by adverts. tweet us @gairrhyddop email us [email protected] COMMENT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/opinion

Pictured: e new SHAG condom SHAG: e dispenser (Photographer: curating of mating Katie Evans) and procreating Gair Rhydd reviews of the work undertaken by Cardiff ’s Sexual Health Society

niversity life is not the too eff ective. For many young adults Greg beginning of sexual education. their carnal know-how comes from McChesney But for some it is the start of whispers and hear-say from that guy theirU sexual experiences. erefore in the year above who has a girlfriend universities have a responsibility to and has had tons of sex, like absolute safeguard the sexual health of their tons. students, although we are adults now Sexual savvy of this level is - for (some more mature than others) and the most part - not too dangerous. should be looking out for ourselves. e average age to lose your virginity, Sex education for most people in the UK at least, is 16, the age of begins in secondary school. For consent. However, this statistic does many students of the Great British not take into account fi rst sexual school system (and beyond), sexual experiences, which often come even education is an absolute circus; earlier. a teacher is plopped in front of a Once you get to university though, classroom full of giggling students it’s a whole diff erent story for sexual and their main feat involves sliding a experiences. Pulling up to my fi rst condom onto a cucumber, ta da. year halls way back in my fi rst year, I is tour-de-force prophylactic doubt myself or many other fi rst year performance elicits a few giggles students had a clue what to expect. It exemplary. In 2013 the Huffi ngton last week on campus, and everyone and guff aws out of the students, seems obvious now mind you; If you Post ranked Cardiff University as the in their service were working hard to but for the most part, the students cram 30-odd mixed-gender 18-year- worst Russell Group University for bring Cardiff students up to speed on neither know nor indeed care about olds into small fl ats, ply them with sexual health provision, worryingly the old in-and-out. what’s going on. It’s an embarrassing alcohol then set them loose into the confi rmed by Superdrug Online Amongst other festivities, a ‘Cake situation, frankly. night, sexual sparks are going to fl y. Doctor Team in their Sexual Health and Condom’ event on Tuesday and Sex-ed is nothing more than a is sort of thing is common if not Report Card study. Cardiff also a Taf pub quiz takeover on ursday free class where you’re treated to a ubiquitous in universities across the bottomed out with a mark of 38; were deemed a highlight, while their teacher that is more red-faced and country, which is why university pretty lowly in comparison to Bristol’s shake-up of a BIOSCI social certainly bumbling than Boris Johnson stuck sexual health organisations and their 80 (a 1st). Our worst ‘marks’ were in raised a few eyebrows. ey’re on a zip-wire. is is a best-case services are so important. Sexual Health events and STI testing, defi nitely making their presence felt. scenario too; coming from a Catholic Cardiff has its own sexual where we received a lowly E. Even before this week SHAG have school I received no reproductive- wellbeing organisation, Sexual at was then, and this is now. e been gaining traction with sexual health education whatsoever outside Health Awareness Group (or SHAG). curators of coitus that make up SHAG awareness initiatives; the condom a half hour on the ‘heat’ and ‘rhythm’ SHAG’s onsite activity in the SU in have been bringing out the big guns dispenser in the reception of the SU methods which, by the way, aren’t previous years hasn’t exactly been to up their game. It was SHAG week has been upsized due to a constant need to refi ll it, and their campaign surrounding C-Cards and sexual Pictured: health advice centres is really gaining An assortment momentum. No-one is looking to turn of diff erently a blind eye to those uncomfortable coloured results from last academic year; with condoms increased activity and solid work towards increased awareness of the service, the onus now lies on the students to take advantage of what’s presented to them. Increased awareness is not necessarily leading to progress, For many however. An NHS report presented in “ December 2013 shows that diagnoses young adults of syphilis and chlamydia are still dispropotionately high in 15-24 year their carnal olds. If you’re part of a society; get in know-how contact with SHAG and see how they What do can spice things up, or if you’re just comes from you think? curious; get online and get reading. whispers and Have your We’re always thinking about sex say: letters@ anyway, we may as well do something hear-say gairrhydd.com about it. ” JASON ROBERTS VS THE WORLD 17

Death to Fairytale of New York Fuck the Pogue-lice, says Gair Rhydd columnist ’m a big fan of Christmas. Without years using fifty-pound notes as toilet pissed (with the exception of the smiled in an earlier take. Te worst Jason it, winter in Britain would be filled paper and loft insulation. slightly cruder ones, because appar- bit by far though, is the pretend fight Pictured: Roberts with even more discontent than it And this brings me on to the one ently it’s obligatory to say FAGGOT scene between MacGowan and Mac- A screenshot Ialready is. Can you imagine how hor- thing I hate about Christmas. Te fact as loudly as possible). Tat probably Coll. I’ve seen better acting in porn. from the rible we’d all be to each other without that, of all the Christmas songs we isn’t a good sign for the artistic merit Now you may say, “Maybe your music video something to look forward to? Winter have to choose from, Fairytale of New of any song. Forget singing along when Christmas is great, but think of every- for marmite is cold. It’s dark. Tere’s about 1 day of York is consistently put on a pedestal you’re pissed, I reckon you could do one else who isn’t surrounded by fam- song Fairytale half-decent snow, before it turns into as the greatest one ever. For 2 months the entire thing with a whole bag of ily, friends, and enough food to feed of New York that grim diarrhoea sludge that you see of the year, everywhere I walk, I’m dry-roasted peanuts in your mouth. Ethiopia for four years. Tis is a song on the side of the road. I see Christmas bombarded with Shane MacGowan Te worst thing of all, and I must stress about how miserable Christmas is for as a reward for having to put up with and Kirsty MacColl’s ode to misery. It that this isn’t a fault of Te Pogues or millions of people, YOU HEARTLESS winter, and all its associated bleakness. both confuses and angers me that the Kirsty MacColl but an unfortunate WANKER.” Te thing is, there isn’t I don’t care that it’s an almost-wholly nation holds this joyless tune in such byproduct of the song, is that people a time where we feel guiltier than at commercial enterprise fronted by a high regard, that people are willing to will always try and sing along in a faux- Christmas. As mentioned earlier, win- dead Palestinian. I don’t care that I’ll go on record and say that it’s one of the Irish accent. And it is always, without ter is a god-awful season, and if you have to work about 3438529147017 best songs of all time. Not Christmas exception, utterly shit. If this is you don’t have something to look forward hours of overtime to buy my girlfriend songs. Actual songs. at Christmas, you sound like the bas- to I can’t even begin to imagine how There is the EXACT piece of shiny ornate met- Let’s have a look at the lyrics. Te tard love-child of Jamie Carragher and that’d feel. But people are charitable at “ al she wants. I don’t care that I’ll be Telegraph’s online culture editor, WALL-E. So you probably shouldn’t Christmas, more than any other time always some- about a stone heavier on Boxing Day. Martin Chilton, praised them quite do that in the future. of year, for that exact reason. It is still, No Christmas hater is going to ruin recently even, going so far as to call And then there’s the music video. despite what some may say, a holiday thing to find this for me. them, “magical”. A quick refresher for Sweet Jesus. Every cliché about twen- based around the idea of giving. But happiness in One of the things that make Christ- the unfamiliar: “You’re a bum, you’re a ties and thirties America, come to life Fairytale of New York is just so dour, mas special is Christmas songs. And punk, you’re an old slut on junk… you in one four-minute long black and so unforgiving, that it isn’t even slightly at this time there are lots to choose from too, be- scumbag, you maggot, you cheap lousy white clip. It’s almost like the director optimistic about any aspect of Christ- cause people love buying them almost faggot…” Really magical, high quality didn’t have the ability to say no to any- mas. Tere is always something to “Write a good of year, but as much as they love eating pigs in stuff.. It’s like if 2 Chainz had been born thing. “You want people in suits and find happiness in at this time of year, The Pogues blankets. Te fact that they’ve become in Galway instead of Georgia. And the wide-brim hats? SOLD. You want peo- but Te Pogues are too busy wallow- Christmas adopted across all genres and covered storyline? Tey jump from kissing ple smoking as well? CIGARETTES ing in their own melancholy to notice. are too busy by artists as prominent as John Lennon to hating each other in the space of a FOR EVERYONE! You want none of Te counter-example to this is Band song, and to the little known Akim and the Teddy verse with no explanation offered. It’s the other musicians other than Shane Aid who, with Feed Te World, man- wallowing Vann Production Company (‘famous’ like a Jodi Picoult novel come to life. and Kirsty to look even remotely inter- aged to pull off the ‘sad-but-uplifting’ you’ll never for their 1973 jam ‘Santa Claus is a Also, THE NYPD DOESN’T EVEN ested in what they’re doing, like every Christmas song perfectly. Sad subject have to work in their own Black Man’) is pretty indicative of that. HAVE A CHOIR. We’ve all been lied person from that era? THE NEXT matter, uplifting tune and message. melancholy to Tere’s pretty good incentive for the to. PERSON TO SMILE FORFEITS Have a Merry Christmas, and if some- another day in artists as well. Write a good Christmas Ten there’s Shane MacGowan’s ALL THEIR FUTURE ROYALTIES.” one puts Fairytale of New York on the notice song, and you’ll never have to work an- voice. Part of the reason people like Seriously, I have never seen anyone stereo during Christmas Day, punch your life other day in your life. I’m pretty sure Fairytale of New York is because they care less about anything than the tin- them in the throat in the name of good ” that Wizzard have spent the last 40 can slur all the words when they’re whistle player in that video. Maybe he cheer. ” tweet us @GairRhyddPol mail us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics America: Sticking to its guns Does the right to bear arms hurt more than it helps?

n the last few months, the US po- In the case of Tamar Rice, this was Alex Stewart lice have shot dead three people: removed prior to the incident: what’s Pictured: one was carrying an air rifl e in to say that any other markings cannot An NRA life theI shop where he was about to buy be removed from toy guns, or added member it; one was unarmed, and most re- to real guns to make them look fake? cently, Tamar Rice was playing with  e culture surrounding guns in a toy gun. None of them threatened the US is sometimes confusing.  ey the police; all of them were black. are seen as recreational items, used As of today, the police offi cers who for self-defence and seen as a threat shot John Crawford III and Michael at the same time. Whilst there have Brown have not been charged for been a number of high profi le shoot- their murders, the former after vid- ings in recent years, such as the tragic eo evidence revealed that he was on Sandy-Hook school massacre, the the phone, and not pointing the gun view of guns has not changed. In fact, at other shoppers; the latter causing the National Rifl e Association (NRA) protest and riots through the night. and other gun advocates lobbied for  ere is to be an inquest into Tamar more guns to fi ght back against those Rice’s death, and a trial to see if the who have guns in the fi rst place. offi cers involved are culpable to mur- Rather confusingly, the number of der. However, it remains to be seen if people shot, either fatally, or not, has anything will come of it. decreased over the past two decades, of an overreaction, many Americans in the UK, you would sometimes see  e riots in Ferguson, Missouri, are whilst gun sales have increased, ac- are very serious about their right to kids playing with toy guns, no one signals that a large body of people feel cording to the Department of Justice bear arms. Whilst we may not agree panicking, maybe some bemused that things need to change: whether and the Pew research centre statistics. with that, it’s not our place to dic- faces, but no one would think that it be a more representational police  e NRA take these statistics and tate what they should think. After the gun was real, or that the child force (94% of the Ferguson police fl ash them around as if it is proof that the Sandy Hook school shooting two was a murderer. In the US, especially force is white, whilst 67% of the pop- guns solve crime, however this fails to years ago, Obama proposed a bill to in light of the recent string of trag- “94% of the ulation is black); a less aggressive ap- take into account more gun control ban semi-automatic rifles, and place edies, anything that even resembles legislation in the US, and the fact that restrictions on the amounts of am- a gun is cause for concern, and in the Ferguson proach by the police, or stricter laws on guns, and when it is right for the if there were no guns in the fi rst place, munitionone one person can buy. case of Tamar Rice a tragic ending to “100,000 police force is law to use them. there would be no gun crime. This was rejected by almost every a short life. If guns were not so pro-  e fi rst criticism noted by specta- The right to bear arms in the US republican in government, partly lific in America, this would not have children have white, whilst tors was that toy guns look too much constitution was created to allow the due to the almighty pressure placed happened, as people would have re- like real guns.  ere have been calls US population to form a ‘well armed on them by the NRA, and other gun alised it was not real, and the police been killed by 67% of the for toy guns to have bright markings militia’ to fight the government. In lobbies. For effective legislation to be would not have felt they had to ‘neu- firearms in the population is on them to diff erentiate them from the words that Alex Jones the con- passed, it has to be forced through tralise the threat’. Tamar would be real ones at a distance.  is is a scape- servative and conspiracy theorist when gun control advocates have a alive. Many of the 100,000 children US since 1985 black goat to avoid more diffi cult issues. In shouted at Piers Morgan: “1776 will majority, or never : the opposition is who have been killed by firearms the US, toy guns already have an or- commence again if you try to take too fierce. in the US since 1985 would still be ” ange nozzle to show that it is not real. our guns.” Whilst this is something If you walk around any given place alive. ” The other side of the immigration ‘debate’ A European student in Cardiff shares her viewpoint am one of 583,000 people that entered benefi ts has not been discussed appro- UKIP wants to bring UK net migration full of tolerant and open-minded people. Katja the UK in the last twelve months. As priately? As the Independent wrote more down to 50,000 people a year.  is is less I am very grateful that I have the op- Bertelsmann Steven Woolfe, the UKIP migration than a month ago, “migrants who arrived than a quarter of recent net migration. portunity to be here, surrounded by so Ispokesman, put it, I am the reason that since 2000 were 43 per cent less likely than I beg you to use your common sense. many lovely people. To give other people “UK public services and infrastructure UK-born workers to receive state benefi ts Immigration does not cause more fi scal the chance to feel the magic of this small cannot keep up with this level of arrivals.” or tax credits.”  e University College of costs than benefi ts. but great island we have to keep Britain’s Next time you are caught up in a traffi c London for Research and Analysis of Mi- In my experience the UK is a country doors open so everyone can benefi t. jam, blame me. Blame me for lower wages gration (CReAM) found that fi scal con- and unemployment, for an underfunded tributions of those immigrants have been NHS and bad weather. It’s fi ne, during “positive throughout, and particularly so Pictured: the last two weeks, I’ve gotten used to it. for immigrants from EEA countries”. Fur- Airport border “If immigrants Whether I read e Independent or e thermore, native Britons themselves have tape Daily Telegraph I am told that I’m a prob- cost £591 billion between 1995 and 2011. bring fiscal lem.  e Prime Minister wants to solve As Christian Dustman, the director of this problem by renegotiating the free CReAM and co-author of the study, con- benefits and movement principle of the EU. Unfortu- cluded: “A key concern in the public de- are less likely nately for him, none of the other EU states bate on migration is whether immigrants would like to negotiate with him. After contribute their fair share to the tax and to receive this miscarriage, he decided to propose welfare systems. Immigration to the UK to stop EU migrants claiming benefi ts for since 2000 has been substantial net fi s- state-benefits, four years. But once again, he did not get cal benefi t, with immigrants contributing why should EU support, with Poland’s deputy foreign more than they have received in benefi ts minister saying that the Polish Govern- and transfers.  is is true for immigrants immigration be ment will “not accept discrimination on from Central and Eastern Europe as well ground of nationality”.  is isn’t unrea- as the rest of the EU.” reduced? sonable, right ? If immigrants bring fi scal benefi ts and Could someone please explain to me are less likely to receive state-benefi ts, ” why the whole question of fi scal costs and why should immigration be reduced? POLITICS 19

Syria’s humanitarian crisis: Britain isn’t doing enough ritain’s response to the Syrian out a major U-turn and committed to refugees Britain has a duty to resettle. Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.  e same Daniel Heard refugee crisis has been “woefully admitting up to 500 Syrian refugees. Maurice Wren, chief executive of the spokesperson said that “We will al- inadequate”, according to a coa- Since then, however, this pledge has Refugee Council, which was behind ways consider legitimate asylum Blition of aid groups and charities who been downgraded to a commitment to the letter, said: “Syria’s story is one of claims, as we are working closely with “Syria’s story is are urging the UK to resettle almost resettle “several hundred” of the most death, destruction and displacement. the UN High Commissioner for Ref- 10,000 refugees. vulnerable Syrians. Yvette Cooper, While the prospects for peace appear ugees to identify those most at risk one of death, In an open letter to David Cam- the shadow Home Secretary, and a more remote than ever… the future and bring them to the UK.” Yet these destruction eron, more than 30 organisations at- fi erce critic of the current immigra- for Syrian refugees is bleak. We must claims came only days before it was tacked the Government for accepting tion measures in place, denounced the not turn our backs on Syria’s refu- announced that the UK had spent and around 100 Syrians - despite com- Government’s record as “shameful”. g e e s .” almost £20m to stop jihadists from mitting to welcome many more.  e “ eresa May promised Britain would While more than 140,000 Syr- invading Lebanon. When questioned displacement. Prime Minister is urged in the letter to help up to 500 refugees. But whilst ians are living in makeshift shelters in for a reason behind the decision, the While the “take the lead” in providing safety for other countries have done their bit, Lebanon’s harsh, desolate Bekaa Val- British ambassador to Lebanon, Tom Syria’s most vulnerable people. Britain hasn’t.” ley, earlier this week it emerged that Fletcher, responded: “Lebanon is… a prospects for Western governments have been  e low number welcomed under Jordan was allegedly forcing some fragile country,” While Syria is not? asked by the UN to accept just 100,000 the scheme is in stark contrast to oth- refugees to return to Syria.  e UN  e national debate about migra- peace appear of the most vulnerable refugees from er Western countries. Germany alone High Commissioner for Refugees tion is a highly charged subject, and more remote the region. Britain initially resisted has agreed to resettle 20,000 refugees, (UNHCR), António Guterres, sought this has undoubtedly made politi- these calls, instead highlighting the aid and the United States has already to place the blame squarely at Brit- cians less willing to stand up for than ever… it is off ering in the region.  ese calls granted visas to over 9,000 Syrians as ain’s door, stating that the UK “needs a Syrian refugees. Overall asylum ap- come after almost four years of con- part of an “open-ended resettlement” much stronger international response plications are low in the UK and the the future fl ict, during which time 3.2m refugees policy.  e unprecedented letter is than what we have seen so far.” Mr Gu- Refugee Council is calling for the for Syrian have fl ed Syria in what aid agencies the fi rst time that major aid agen- terres, a somewhat outspoken offi cial, Government to increase the numbers have called the “worst humanitarian cies have openly attacked Govern- announced: “A growing number of coming through the Syrian Refugee refugees is crisis of our generation”. ment policy on Syrian resettlement Syrian refugees in the region are very Programme.  e Refugee Council’s In January, the Government carried and placed a fi gure on the number of vulnerable… and we urgently need ad- request is vitally important for those bleak. ditional resettlement and humanitar- evacuated to the UK, who usually ian admissions places for them, now have additional vulnerabilities such Pictured: and over the coming months.” His as a disabled family member. Yet Maurice Wren A Syrian refugee intervention comes just two weeks be- the Syrian Resettlement Programme camp fore a UNHCR conference in Geneva, aims to help a tiny number of the which will prompt a call on West- world’s most vulnerable people, and ern countries to help resettle almost as such is a marker of compassion in 100,000 Syrian during 2015 and 2016. politics, something which even Brit- ”  e letter to David Cameron comes ain is lacking. Just this week, health as the latest immigration fi gures are service managers and politicians have expected to underline his party’s fail- allowed 1,700 mental health beds to ure to meet their own net migration close- with a mentally ill teenage girl target of getting below 100,000 by the left in a police cell for two days be- general election. Refugee charities are cause there was no hospital bed avail- urging the government not to allow able anywhere in the UK. If we want domestic politics to overshadow the to be treated fairly ourselves, our crisis in Syria.  e British government leaders must set an example through has even declined to send a minister their words and decisions. to lead its delegation at the UNHRC We want our nurses, doctors and conference. A government spokesman health service workers to act with said: “ e UK has been at the forefront compassion- eff ectively, see that the of the international response to the “Golden Rule” is put into action. crisis in Syria, having pledged £700m, Support for the Syrian Resettlement making us the second largest bilateral Programme is one small act that the donor.” Government could take to show that  is funding is providing support compassion is, in fact, a core British for over a million people aff ected, value and something worth defend- as well as to refugees in Lebanon, ing. Carwyn Jones: reform Barnett Formula before giving Wales control of income tax arwyn Jones last week respond- “I’m open to the idea that Wales against the Smith Commission as well Carwyn ed to the Smith Commission should be funded in a ‘Barnett plus’ as the Labour Party’s Policy, creating Williams and agreed for the fi rst time way, but before that is sorted it would a rift between Welsh Labour and La- Cthat he would welcome tax powers for not be sensible for us to take powers bour. It is therfore diffi cult to see how Wales. over income tax.” this problem will be addressed with Despite this, the First Minister  e Welsh Government has long any government in power after next again emphasized the need for the claimed that Wales is underfunded year’s election. We must also keep in Barnett formula to be changed or re- by £300 milion a year. Plaid Cymru mind that income tax powers will not formed, with this to come before any claims this fi gure is closer to the £1.2 be devolved without a referendum, but Keep income tax powers for Wales. billion mark, however when queried recent polls indicate that such a refer- Updated: Regarding this issue, Mr Jones stat- about this, Mr Jones stated that was endum would be passed easily, and 51 Follow us on ed: “ e Smith Commission says Bar- not correct and it was “England’s percent of people want the assembly Twitter nett should stay - we don’t accept that money”. However, this latest call to have the same powers as Scotland. @GairRhyddPol at all for Wales’s funding situation. for the need to reform Barnett goes tweet us @GairRhyddPol mail us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics Get involved: student political groups n less than six months time, Britain the Labour party in the past but this what their party would do to addrtess For those Cardiff students who sup- will go to the polls in order to have year the Liberal Democrats are fi ghting these issues. port Green policies, why not start the their say on who will run the coun- to retain their seat, currently occupied On contacting the Green party we next Cardiff University Green Party? Itry until 2020. Cardiff University has by Jenny Willott. Parties other than the learnt it is on ‘hiatus’. Unfortunately yourself? You will almost certainly fi nd a diverse political scene, represented main three are now gaining popularity this means the Greens are not repre- a backing among many of the stidemt by it’s students. Cardiff students are and have a real chance at gaining seats sented within this feature or in Cardiff population. are the largest demographic in Cardiff next year. Cardiff ’s political societies University.  is is very surprising con- We are pleased with the articles re- Central, and a key percentage of the have written about their year so far, sidering that the Green Party are usu- cieved which are presented in no par- electorate.  is seat has belonged to what people’s concerns have been and ally seen as the student’s ‘third party’, ticular order below.

ardiff Labour Students have eron and the Tories.  e student vote we spoke to over 2030 voters in a sin- tion too; with petitions to ban letting had a very busy year so far. in the Cardiff Central constituency gle day across Cardiff Central. Our agents’ fees, tackling bad landlords Our activities this year have is big enough to unseat the current society has a target of 1000 hours of and improving the standard of hous- Ccentred around campaigning for the Lib Dem MP, who has been a minis- campaigning until the general elec- ing in Cathays. Our Cathays Labour general election in May 2015, and ter in the coalition and a government tion, so it’s going to be a busy year! councillors have also been campaign- making it fun!  e society exists to whip, so if you’re angry about tuition When we have been out talking ing hard to remove unsightly ‘to let promote Labour values of social jus- fees, the Bedroom Tax or the ‘gag- to students, the same issues come boards’ from streets in Cathays, and tice and equality on campus, and to ging law’, vote and make your voice up time and time again. Students are have held advice surgeries in the help Labour win vital elections. Re- heard! worried about the cost and standards Students Union. Our Labour As- cently, Cardiff Labour Students have Much of our campaigning this of living. We are proud to say that we sembly Member for Cardiff Central, been at the forefront of making Car- year has been focused on making have a set of policies that will really Jenny Rathbone has been leading an diff University and the Students Un- sure students are registered to vote. If benefi t students if we win the next awareness campaign on the dangers ion pay a living wage to their staff . we students and young people are to general election. Labour will freeze carbon monoxide in student accom-  e election coming up in May have our voices heard and our con- gas and energy prices until 2017, ban modation in Cardiff . 2015 is potentially the most impor- cerns acted upon, it’s vital that we go extortionate letting agents’ fees on Students need a Government, and tant in decades, with two clear paths out and vote! rented accommodation, ban exploit- a local MP that will act in their in- on off er to the British public. It will We have already spent a lot of time ative zero hours contracts, repeal the terests and represent them in Parlia- also be a vital election for students, campaigning for our fantastic parlia- bedroom tax and bring the minimum ment and we think Labour is the an- after the Liberal Democrats’ shock- mentary candidate in Cardiff Cen- wage up to £8 an hour.  ese policies swer. So we need to register to vote, ing betrayal on student fees after tral, Jo Stevens. We took part in the will benefi t students and graduates. and in May 2015, get out and vote to ‘jumping into bed’ with David Cam- ‘Target 2015’ campaign day, where Locally, we have been taking ac- make our voices heard!

hile Plaid Cymru doesn’t always put the people of Wales fi rst. wide an array of job creation-levers Ethical and Environmental Offi cer, get the same attention  e vast wealth in the United King- as possible to help move the Welsh who has been leading the campaign as the other parties from dom must be redistributed and rebal- economy forward. If they’re off ered against the University’s investment in Wthe mainstream British media, our anced, so London longer will no be to Scotland, why shouldn’t they be the Fossil Fuel industry.  ese cam- importance in this General Elec- the richest city in Europe while Wales off ered to Wales? Every student who paigns are at the very heart of our tion cannot be underestimated. Our has one of the poorest performing lives in Cardiff will benefi t from Plaid party’s goals. Most students know group, alongside the SNP and the economies in the EU and some of the Cymru, and Wales, having a more that Plaid Cymru is committed to the Greens, is widely predicted to fi nish a highest poverty rates. If Wales was powerful voice at Westminster. promotion of the Welsh language and comfortable third place and hold the funded to the same level per person Here in the society, our committee greater powers for the Welsh Gov- potential balance of power in a hung as Scotland, we would have over a bil- members have been working hard to ernment. But our aims and ideas go parliament. Both our leader, Rhond- lion pounds a year to spend – on our improve the welfare of students at our much further than that – we want a da’s Leanne Wood, and Nicola Stur- hospitals, schools, and other public University. Our chair is Steff an Jones, Wales that is based on social justice, geon, have said that any deal we make services. who is also the Welsh Language Of- sustainability, and fairness, regardless with other parties will be on the con- We also believe that decisions af- fi cer at the Union. His hard work has of people’s race, nationality, gender, dition that the brutal austerity im- fecting Wales should be made by the ensured that at every Student Senate, colour, creed, sexuality, age, ability posed on the people of the UK by the people of Wales. While every other scrutiny committee and AMM, peo- or social background.  ese are the Con-Dem coalition, and supported party is falling over themselves re- ple have the opportunity to speak in Party’s core values. And we want stu- by the Labour Party, will be stopped garding devolution in Wales and Scot- Welsh through simultaneous trans- dents to know that a vote for us is a in its tracks. Unlike the other par- land, Plaid Cymru has a clear vision: lation. Our treasurer and last year’s vote for these values to be better rep- ties, Plaid Cymru/Party of Wales will Plaid Cymru believes Wales needs as chair, Daniel Roberts, is now the resented at Westminster.

ver the past few months, society enjoy supporting. plans for Wales. We also attended party we work with, for example the Cardiff Conservative Future With regards to the Conservatives the Conservative Party Conference campaign manager, Alex Powell, make Society has been actively reaching a majority in 2015, we are this year in Birmingham which was it easy for students to get involved. Ocampaigning for the prospective looking forward to campaigning more a great opportunity for us to network Our past campaigns and various parliamentary candidate for Cardiff and more for the party as we go into with politicians such as Grant Shapps other examples of activity have North, Craig Williams. Residents General Election year with huge plans and William Hague. enabled us to build a stronger society of the area have voiced their local for the UK including a referendum on On a smaller scale, our Fresher’s by working together to support concerns regarding congestion on the European Union and following social at Peppermint was a great a common cause. By speaking to the roads, support for NHS staff and our long-term economic plan to success with over 150 sign ups from general members of Cardiff North backing for the high street and Craig reduce the defi cit, cut income tax, cap students! We have also had a Wolf we are able to act as a bridge of understands this. He plans to with to welfare, create more jobs and deliver of Wall Street Social and are looking communication between them and secure a better future for Cardiff and better schooling. Cardiff Conservative forward to a House of Cards Social in Craig, allowing us and him to voice we have been communicating this Future Society is passionate about the New Year along with events with issues that are important. We as a to residents at weekly phone banks supporting these policies. the Vale of Glamorgan Conservatives society believe that hard work should and door canvassing sessions around  e Society itself has had many and Swansea Conservative Future. be rewarded, hence why we have the area. His plans include: reducing exciting socials this year to raise As a society we try to be as inclusive regular socials that do not disappoint. Cardiff ’s congestion and parking awareness of the party and its policies as possible, we encourage interested Our committee has done its very problems, protecting open green as well as many opportunities for members to engage in political best to make every event memorable spaces, creating more jobs, supporting our members. Last year, several of campaigning on a regular basis, giving and every member welcome and NHS staff and backing local us attended a reception with David budding students practical experience are completely convinced that this businesses. Craig is a hard working Cameron who spoke of his support in their fi eld of interest.  e support tradition will continue over the and active candidate who we as a for the Welsh Conservatives and and enthusiasm from members of the following months. POLITICS 21

any people reach the end you are towards the bottom end, in only last 15 minutes, could start University is where you will of their degree and do terms of qualifications, of the list before the start of term, and could have the best nights out, the least not know what they want of people applying and knowing be done over the telephone. amount of restrictions, where you Mto do with their lives. There is a that as every second goes by your There must be a clear path for can make a mark that you can big work force looking for a small amount of debt increases and an how students do this, how they join show to other people in the years amount of jobs. They find that they employer sees another day of you up to societies, and what needs to to come. You form the friendships have a lack of extracurricular things being unemployed added to your be done to have a chance of getting that will help you make connections to back them up and furthermore, C V. onto a position of responsibility, in the working world in the future. if they had thought about it at the The Lib Dems propose a one- as well as how to overcome likely This is the time to experiment time then they could have acquired to-one consulting service for every problems that they will encounter with relationships. University life these skills. student looking at all the different along the way. is life changing and the politics of The problem of being career paths that are available to The candidate needs to be able to it is just as important to make your unemployed looms large. This them and looking at all the pros and suggest ideas to the support worker university experience the best it can means being in a position where cons of these. These sessions would and have feedback given by them. be.

he richest 85 people in the dominates our society: Capitalism. exposure is via election campaigns. planning to march through Newport world own the same amount  e Socialist Students society  e general election is coming up on the 31st January – make sure you of wealth as the poorest 3.5 believes that capitalism cannot be and we will be campaigning under are there so we can stop them!). We Tbillion: capitalism doesn’t work.  is reformed to make it more palatable the banner of the ‘Trade Union and are also pushing for free education, is the point from where we start for everyone; failed examples are Socialist Coalition’ (TUSC), a small fi ghting for women’s and LGBT+ our political work. Problems that strewn throughout the 20th century, party, but one which encourages rights and against Imperialist concern people today have been including today where many gains ordinary people to stand for election wars like the Israeli occupation the same for just over a century like the NHS and the welfare state are rather than careerist politicians. of Palestine, the bombing of Iraq and a half: poverty, unemployment, now being dismantled by our political Ultimately, we don’t believe that and Syria. Much of our activities war, inequality, lack of access to class. We propose an alternative parliamentary democracy is the way also include working within the education, underfunded public – socialism – a system that has forward – it is too undemocratic community and fi ghting against the services; the list goes on. However been tried, but tyrannically in the and unrepresentative-so when we go cuts being made by our local Labour when it comes to the next general Soviet Union and elsewhere. Instead out campaigning we always say that led council to save the much needed election, you won’t hear politicians what we fi ght for is a completely a better world cannot be achieved public services in already deprived debating these topics.  ey have no democratic system, so that the through the institution of parliament. areas of Cardiff . If you would like to intention of dealing with these issues majority of people can decide how So while we recognise the importance be part of Cardiff Socialist Students, that would require a fundamental the economy is run effi ciently and of the general election, we will also we hold meetings every two weeks change; change they have no interest ultimately how they should live their be concentrating on other campaigns with debates covering all the topics in seeing.  is is because if we try lives. throughout the year. Our main mentioned above (you can also fi nd to examine these problems, to deal “How can we change society?” – this activities will be focused on fi ghting us on Facebook and Twitter). So get with them, we will inevitably come is a question which people always against issues like the growth of involved, get active and join the fi ght up against the economic system that ask us. One way of getting our ideas racism and fascism (Fascists are back! Students could swing general election tudents’ apathy towards voting and elections. Perhaps this is largely owing austerity measures put in place by the really kept to their word, let alone done Rhiannon politics is quite phenomenal.  ere to university students’ largely liberal coalition, specifi cally with the rise in anything to benefi t us. Tapp are several reasons why young representation of the electorate. Many tuition fees, arguably it is more about the By rising tuition fees they have Apathetically Speople may not vote. of the Green’s policies are relatable to breach of promise. undeniably made it harder for those “ With the introduction of IES, Individual young people with regards to their pledge However, while everyone might from poor backgrounds to see the point abstaining Electoral Registration, individuals must to scrap tuition fees and invest in youth feel their faith has been trashed after in going to university, only encouraging now register to vote rather than being employment.  e Greens are targeting promises made and broken since 2010, a two-tier system within society.  en from voting automatically registered by household. Bristol West, where 24.3 per cent of the apathetically abstaining from voting can they took away benefi ts for those under can only Since the next election is the fi rst time electorate are students, as the most likely only worsen our political standing. the age of 25 and have done nothing to this system will be used, there is concern source of a second MP. In 2010, just 51.8 per cent of those aged tackle major obstacles to social mobility worsen our that students, who often have temporary  ere have been several mediocre 18-24 voted, compared with 74.7 per cent such as unpaid internships and zero political addresses, may not register to vote in attempts from various politicians, of those aged 65 and older. Politicians take hours contracts. Labour meanwhile, have their university area. In 2010, at least 20 including Nick Clegg, and the NUS to from this that in order to stay in a position been equally uninspiring and no longer standing per cent of the student population were encourage students to vote. However, of power, they need only advocate policies represent a party that resonate with the not registered to vote and the turn to ultimately, the decision to vote shouldn’t which benefi t older members of society, experience of ordinary, working people. this system will unquestionably see this be this much of a struggle and should be whilst policies which attack young people Logically we can see that not voting percentage rise higher. done in self-interest. will not be challenged since young people only destroys any standpoint we have in ” An article in the New Statesman has  e allegiance of students’ vote is won’t vote. the political system and gives politicians suggested that low student turnout in generally most aff ected by changes I know what everyone is thinking- more of a reason to ignore us. In the the general election will not only aff ect to student fi nance, says the Higher “But, I don’t want to vote for any of interests of your own future, register to students’ political power in 2015, but Education Policy Institute. While many them”. I agree.  e major parties are too vote following the link on the right of this for decades after as well.  is risk is students may have felt the strain of similar to even argue over and none have article. undeniably signifi cant. While we should not only be creating habits to engage in our right to vote in the future, we should be taking any opportunity we can to infl uence the political system now. A new study, analysing voting patterns since 1997, has suggested students could tip the balance of power at the next general election.  e HEPI report estimates that students voting diff erently to national trends will determine around 10 seats. Register to  is is expected to largely benefi t Labour vote following at the expense of the Conservatives and this link: Lib Dems. https://www.  e student vote could also benefi t gov.uk/register- the Green Party: 25 per cent of students to-vote backed the party in the European tweet us @GairRhyddPol mail us [email protected] POLITICS or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/politics Osborne’s Autumn Statement reignites old tensions in coalition government uring a speech delivered on inheritance tax exemption or reducing Pictured: Victor December 1st, Nick Clegg the corporate tax for small businesses. Degorce criticised the Conservative plans Starting in 2010, the gap between George Dfor reducing public defi cit, which he government spending and revenues Osborne described as “utter nonsense”. Clegg’s began to decrease. Falling from 11 delivers his unusually blunt criticism of government percent of the GDP in 2009, to 7.6 percent Autumn policies falls into a context of electoral in 2012. However, this process proved Statement tension, with the Liberal Democrats to be slower than expected. And the (bbc.co.uk) attempting to distance themselves from Conservatives soon had to lower their the Conservative party. expectations. Osborne therefore fi xed In this speech, Clegg admitted that new objectives for budget reductions. the austerity measures introduced He asserted that UK’s public defi cit by the coalition government enabled will be reduced to 4.5 per cent of the more than £100 billion savings and GDP by 2015 elections, and balancing contributed to the budget defi cit being the budget will be fi nally achieved by reduced. However, he argued that 2018.  e plan was to implement strict the Conservatives could not consider austerity measures before the election, bringing back balance in the budget to leave enough room for pre-elections by only reducing public spending and tax cuts. without implementing any taxation However, the latest forecasts from increase. the Offi ce for Budget Responsibility By targeting the Conservative plans seriously compromised these plans. on public spending, Clegg touched the In this report, the Offi ce warned that foundation of Cameron’s policies since government income for 2014/2015 will 2010. Indeed, since the formation of the be considerably lower than expected, coalition government, George Osborne forcing the government to borrow 75 vowed to reduce the budget defi cit and billion pounds more over the next fi ve jobs, which in turn caused government 12,500 pounds, taking a further 1 million even claimed that the balance will be years, and therefore slowing down revenues through income taxes to falter. people out of tax, and increase the restored by 2015. budget defi cit reduction.  e collapsing  e Conservatives therefore fi nd higher rate threshold to 50,000 pounds. To meet this objective, the revenues from oil sales and the slowing themselves in a diffi cult position, just  ese plans were described as “surreal” “Clegg’s Conservatives implemented drastic cuts housing market is likely to cut the 12 months before the general election. by Paul Johnson, head of the Institute in public expenditures, by privatizing billion pound from government income. Torn between pursuing harder austerity for Fiscal Studies, who argued that the unusually large sectors of the economy and by However, major economists measures to meet balancing the budget tax cuts will lead to a loss of 7 billion blunt criticism reducing the budget allocated to major such as Robert Skidelsky claim that by 2018, which, in the light of the latest pounds of income tax for the state. of government departments. In the Conservative government austerity policies are mostly forecasts, seems highly unlikely; and For Ann McKechin, a Labour MP, the ideology, these measures are often responsible. According to Skidelsky, the Cameron’s promises that he would not Conservative’s policies are symptomatic policies falls combined with massive tax cuts to government’s failure to invest massively increase taxes. of their “desperation to stay in power”. into a context encourage individuals and fi rms to in the economy and compensate for the  is situation has even worsened With the general election invest, and therefore boost the economy. lack of investments from the private in recent days, as Cameron confi rmed approaching, Cameron’s ability to justify of electoral However, Cameron appeared reluctant sector, led to the diminution of the that he will implement tax cuts if he is his policies will be at the centre of tension to implement massive tax reforms, economic activity and encouraged the re-elected. He explained that he would debates and will have a major infl uence and instead focussed on increasing the development of insecure and low paid raise the personal tax allowance to on the fi nal result. ” Autumn Statement: main points Student postgrad loans to an election and their unpopularity start paying off the country’s debt. this money, it seems, is recycled money since raising tuition fees. from savings already made within the  e Chancellor announced a new Wales tax power prediction: service system that would ‘revolutionise’ Defi cit aims of 2010 have failed £3billion access to postgraduate university £15 billion “Roads courses. From 2016-17, there will Despite the UK being the fastest growing For the fi rst time, the Chancellor gave Revolution” be government-backed loans worth economy in the G7 in recent years, the a possible prediction of how much up to £10, 000 available to all new Conservatives have failed in ridding the money the Welsh Government would Over £15 billion is to be spent on postraduate students.  e Chancellor defi cit by the end of this parliament. get control of if some tax powers would improving roads and adding 13, 000 said this will benefi t approximately 40, Infl ation will remain low for the near be devolved. Including income tax, miles to roads in England. However 000 students, however this fi gure could future, at 1.5 per cent this year, falling to landfi ll tax, stamp duty land tax and this plan was initially announced be substantially more as some students 1.2 per cent next year. the aggregates levy, the fi gure would in 2013 and many feel it is being re- could delay their degree by a year to Unemployment levels will continue stand at almost £3 billion by 2020.  e announced to boost the Conservatives’ benefi t from this new system. to fall, set to refuce to 5.4 percent next government also announced that an ratings before a General Election. However, these loans will only be year, reducing the number of people agreement has been made to devolve available to students under the age of claiming unemployment benefi ts buisness rates to the assembly and Stamp Duty Reform 30. NUS Vice-President Megan Dunn again. However, tax receipts have been welcome news from all the Welsh commented that this was a “major dissapointing, showing that the jobs that political parties.  ere is now in force new stamp duty step in the right direction”. She went have been created have been low paid Some more good news came from reforms, benefi tting 98 per cent of on to say “Creating a government- jobs, at the minimum wage level, rather the statement. Next year the Welsh homebuyers.  is reform is a much backed postgraduate loans scheme will than long term high pay jobs that many government will get an extra £123 fairer system of tax making a much make a fundamental diff erence to the people need, especially graduates. million, mostly from the extra NHS more gradual incline in stamp duty. lives and opportunities of students. Mr Osborne announced the defi cit spending measures Mr Osborne  e Chancelor stated that this out of Many postgraduates are currently will be higher than predicted in the announced. date tax desperately needed reform to funding their study through potentially current tax year, totalling at a predicted be fair and not a shambles. However disasterous measures such as credit £91.2 billion. However he seemed NHS Gets £2 Billion Investement if he really believed that then he would cards, overdrafts and personal loans”. positive for the future, stating by the have changed the tax when he came to While this is very accepted, it seems end of the next parliament, should the People across the country will be pleased offi ce over four years ago, and not in a to be a last measure by the coalition to Conservatives stay in power, there will to see further investement in the NHS, last Autumn Statement to win votes in appeal to the student vote, being so close be a budget surplus of £23 billion, to across Britain until 2020, but much of the election. The POLITICS best dressed houses around

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Cardiff’s biggest student housing provider 02920 668585 tweet us @gairrhyddsci email us [email protected] SCIENCE or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/science Could geoengineering change the world? lobal warming has become controversial. Effectively it means the way we want.” prizes for guessing how the fossil James an urgent topic of conversa- boosting reflection of sunlight back CDR has fewer risks attached. Es- fuel industry will react to this com- Griffiths tion in recent times, with the into the atmosphere and away from sentially it compromises of a variety petition. “In short what GIntergovernmental Panel on Climate the planet by injecting sea salt aero- of methods to suck carbon diox- These are undoubtedly drastic Change (IPCC) saying last month sols into marine clouds, increasing ide out of the air, through planting measures to take, yet their necessity geoengineering that Earth is set for “severe, wide- their water droplet content. This scores of trees and biofuel crops, may now be unavoidable. It seems spread, and irreversible impacts” would reduce the amount of solar burying millions of chemical “spong- we’ve burned too many fossil fuels in involves is unless hard work is done to combat radiation reaching Earth, therefore es” to directly trap CO2 from the air, our time to warrant a weak response rising global temperatures. balancing out the warming effects of and lining the oceans with crushed to the changes it’s now imposing on attempting to, Some effects are being felt already, greenhouse gases trapping solar rays rock. This removal of greenhouse our existence. The prospects of geo- especially in fragile ecosystems and inside our atmosphere. CO2 would allow more solar rays to engineering are unpredictable, omi- quite literally, areas prone to extreme weather However, while it’s been shown escape out of our atmosphere, sub- nous even, but climate change itself events, and according to the IPCC this would reduce global tempera- sequently cooling the planet. isn’t anything less: planetary change change the this situation is on track to worsen tures, studies have also demonstrat- This approach will, however, re- seems imminent regardless. severely for all of us. UN secretary ed that SRM could actually lead to quire a whole new industry to be That being said, there must be a world general Ban Ki-moon says, “Time is further catastrophic effects. Profes- formed, the biggest humanity has comprehensive look at all the alter- not on our side.” With these drastic sor Piers Forster, from the Univer- ever known in fact, solely aimed at natives to geoengineering before any consequences in mind more radical sity of Leeds, led a computer-based CO2 removal. It will cover vast ar- huge scale action is taken, should we solutions to the problem are being project that analysed six types of eas of land, pressurising wildlife and unwittingly propel the environment ” entertained, and not least the notion SRM. They found that twenty-five farms whilst still burning energy in more quickly into disaster through of geoengineering. to sixty-five percent of the global the process of construction, and no our good intentions. In short what geoengineering in- population could expect worsened volves is attempting to, quite liter- floods or droughts if SRM was used, If we burn all available Global temperatures ally, change the world. This comes adding that spraying salt water into in different forms, with two of the clouds could adversely affect 3 bil- fossil fuels by 2300: would rise by main methods in discussion being lion people. 8°C solar radiation management (SRM) Mathew Wattson, a University and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). of Bristol scientist who led the first Yet recent coverage on geoengi- ‘real-life’ SRM experiment, admitted 818 Billion neering has been markedly apoca- that “if we ever deploy SRM it will be tonnes of carbon would be On average, global sea lyptic in tone, citing its potential to the closest indication yet that we’ve released into the levels would rise by drastically exacerbate the already failed as planetary stewards. It [will] atmosphere. frightening effects of climate change fundamentally change the way seven as a major cause for concern. billion people are going to interact metres Of these two geoengineering with the world, and I’m not sure the 2-3 propositions, SRM is the more system is going to be controllable in The consumer psychology of Black Friday lack Friday sales are a massive reminds the consumer of the money see maximum crowds waiting outside can’t forget that the carnage is equally Sharvaani crowd-pulling phenomenon he or she is gaining out of a deal. It’s their doors. due to well-planned selling strategies in the United States and UK like having your cake and eating it too. Whilst the violent behaviour sur- that fuel the anticipation and sense Balike. During this extreme expression It is safe to say then, that retailers capi- rounding sales season serves as an of urgency that leads to this appalling of consumerism people appear to be talize on the consumers’ need to feel indictment of consumer culture, we display of human nature. willing to reject their humanity and victorious.  ey motivate the custom- embrace their more animalistic urges. er into buying products which are usu- Violence surrounding past Black Fri- ally out of their reach, and those which Pictured: day sales is well documented but what perhaps they do not need. Black Friday is it that causes people to do whatever Another factor is the exhilarat- shopping on it takes to get that one fl atscreen tele- ing feeling of competition.  e com- 5th Avenue in vision or a mixer grinder? Why are petition is about getting maximum New York middle aged men and women ready to discounted deals on limited-edition wait overnight in minus temperatures products.  is gives a consumer a just to get that extra pair of branded sense of satisfaction that not only headphones? is the deal leaving him or her with a Last year, during Black Friday, Phila- bargain, it is doing so with exclusivity. delphia witnessed two families indulge What’s the point of owning a home in a fi ght until one of the women theatre system which the entire block stopped it with a stun gun. A hostile uses? customer in Walmart, New Jersey had Acquiring such deals also instigates to be stopped by the police with pep- a feeling of gain over a fellow cus- per spray. In Virginia, a man stabbed tomer’s loss.  is pleasurable emotion another over a parking spot.  e UK makes consumers forget a basic rule – has witnessed two arrests owing to de- queuing up! Queuing up is a societal “What’s the spicable behaviour during sale season. norm that rests upon the fact that ev- It turns out, that a number of psy- eryone has equal access to resources point of chological factors form the basis of at hand. Violation of this norm can owning a such behaviour. A basic violent streak often spark duels and scuffl es, creat- inherently exists in every one of us and ing a feeling that anyone can disobey home theatre it gets the better of consumers on rare social rules.  is feeling of entitlement occasions. When it takes over the out- is exacerbated by the fact that custom- system which come can be ugly. ers have to queue outside shops for the entire  is violent streak owes to a num- hours before they open on Black Fri- ber of factors; the sense of attaining a day morning. block uses? reward is a strong motivator in human It is observed that this eagerness psychology. Black Friday off ers this re- is often banked upon by store own- ” ward in the form of a bargain which ers who set the sale time and date to SCIENCE 25

Student Science: What happens when you eat a Christmas Dinner? here’s nothing more satisfying, hours to store all of the excess conve- Meryon after weeks of surviving on the niently as fat.  at’s why Boxing Day Pictured: Roderick tail end of your student loan, is a day for elasticated waistbands. A perfectly thanT a glorious Christmas dinner. Your body actually has no limit on constructed When you were a child all you could the amount of calories it can store Christmas din- think about during the festive season all at once, which either serves as a ner. was what presents you were going to warning or a challenge depending on open on Christmas morning.  at your mind set. People can consume as was before you moved out, before you many as 7000 calories on Christmas discovered that an 80 percent super Day so it’s no surprise it takes the rest noodle diet is not a sustainable way to of the year to shake that yuletide belly. live.  ese days it’s unquestionably all Considering you take on all this en- about that wonderful Christmas din- ergy all at once, the early afternoon ner that fulfi ls the two most important drowse that is a staple of any success- criteria for food: it’s huge and your ful Christmas may seem somewhat parents pay for it. counter intuitive. What causes this Student Science doesn’t like to leave is the massive amount of energy re- any human experience un-ruined by quired to digest your food as it passes rigorous scientifi c examination so this through your body.  is can account week we’re asking what happens to for 5-15 percent of all energy taken your body when you eat a Christmas from food, with protein and alcohol dinner in all the lovely detail. We’ll requiring the most energy.  is means start the journey as you get up from that all the immediate energy you gain the table and waddle over to the sofa from Christmas consumption is fed to settle for the rest of the afternoon. back into digesting all the turkey and “People can  e food in your stomach begins to sherry and the excess is all stored as be broken down by lytic enzymes and winter weight. consume as hydrochloric acid to release, amongst  at’s the chemical process; the ach ruptures which is a pretty severe mas would be a really bad idea leading other things, glucose.  is simple sug- physical implications are also fairly ex- end to a big Rocket Joe’s session. All to some serious health problems. But many as 7000 ar powers almost all of the processes treme. Your stomach is usually about this eating stretches your stomach and once a year, on that most holy of days, in your body by being converted into one litre in volume but is capable of this is why you’re able to eat just a few there’s absolutely no problem with it. calories on Adenosine Triphosphate which cells accommodating about 4 litres before more chocolates over and over again So indulge to the absolute max in fes- Christmas day can then break down to release energy. you’re forced to vomit via your gag re- for the rest of the day. tive fattening and holiday hedonism  is energy is measured in calo- fl ex. Some people who don’t have a gag You can see from all of this that eat- because you’ll have to go back to value ries and it only takes your body 12-24 refl ex can literally eat until their stom- ing every day the way you do at Christ- pasta sauce within the month. ” Dogs may understand human speech he ability of dogs to react to brain of a dog, this similarity could be neurological aspect of such behav- derstand human speech is enhanced Syed Zafeer human speech is sometimes the basis for further studies of the ca- iours. by the willingness of its master to Akbar uncanny. Research recently nine brain. People who own dogs agree that train it. A lot of dog-owners cement Tconducted at the University of Sus-  e analogy between dogs and the their pets learn some of their repeti- the assigning of value to certain ob- sex has provided some scientifi c evi- human brain can also be extended tive commands and respond to it. jects by calling the names of the ob- dence to support the notion that dogs to understand the characteristics of However, the potential ability of the jects and simultaneously pointing to can indeed decipher the emotions loyalty and aff ection that are peculiar dogs to understand human speech them. and sentiments contained in human to dogs.  ey are animals that like to seems very limited.  ey cannot be  e research is evidently not com- speech. stay within their pack irrespective of expected “to read books or compose prehensive at this stage and provides  e researchers placed speakers on whether the pack comprises humans sonnets”, points out Nicholas Dod- no clear mechanism by which dogs both sides of several dogs and subse- or other dogs.  e results from this man, who is a Professor of Animal internalize human speech. Never- quently played a uniform command research could entice researchers to Behaviour at a school of Veterinary theless it could inspire dog-lovers to on all the speakers. Sometimes the probe this further. Zoologists believe Medicine in North Grafton, Massa- pamper their dogs further and feel command was altered by playing a that it would be interesting to see the chusetts .  e ability of a dog to un- more connected to them. fl at emotionless tone or by deleting certain consonants from an emo- tional voice.  e observed responses Pictured: given by the dogs produced a sub- Some dogs stantial pattern. Eighty percent of hide their the canines turned towards the right intelligence on hearing the fl at emotionless tone quite well. indicating that they were concentrat- ing on words rather than emotions whereas when a gibberish command was played in an emotional voice the “...there is a dogs turned towards the left. It can been inferred from this set of dichotomy in behaviour that there is a dichotomy the brain of in the brain of a dog when it comes to processing speech. Similar to hu- the dog when mans, dogs have two separate hemi- spheres to process speech: the left it comes to hemisphere analyses words and the processing right hemisphere responds to how the words are said or the emotional speech component of the speech. Although the internal functioning of the human ” brain is much more complex than the tweet us @gairrhyddsci email us [email protected] science or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/science

Head injuries in sports: should we be worried? Shanna ast week, Phillip Hughes, 25, a impact sports due to the risk of severe For an example of this, look no fur- 20,000 injured players and provide funds Pictured: Hamilton young and promising Australian injury. After the death of Michael Nor- ther than American football legend Pe- for research and education. cricket batsman was catastrophi- grove, a Zambian boxer who collapsed in ter Webster. Before his death, Webster More recent studies support the no- Illustration of callyL injured after receiving a blow to the the ring and also died from head trauma, suffered such severe head pain that he tion that repetitive mild brain injury can a h ealthy b rain top of his neck, at the base of his skull. charity Headway were particularly out- would taser himself unconscious just to have consequences in later life. Research and concussed A major artery was severed that supplies spoken on the dangers of boxing: “Every be able to rest. He become so detached of Professor Damian Bailey of the Uni- brain (Purdue blood to the brain, an event called verte- time a boxer gets into the ring, there is from reality that he ended up entirely versity of South Wales has found that in University) bral artery dissection, and Hughes later a significant risk that they may lose their estranged from his family, living his final young rugby players, repetitive concus- died from his injuries. life or sustain a devastating, life-changing days as a four-time Superbowl winner in sions can accelerate brain ageing and in- Australian team doctor Peter Bruck- brain injury… Until this sport is banned, a pick-up truck. crease susceptibility to dementia. ner said: “This was a freakish accident more young lives will be tragically lost.” Dissecting the brain of the famous On treatment options, Bailey said, because it was an injury to the neck that While devastating, it is important to NFL player, neuro-pathologist Bennet “The most important thing is to let the caused haemorrhage in the brain. If you note that fatal sports injuries are rare, Omalu opened a can of worms that now brain recover from an initial injury. For look in the literature there are only 100 estimated at seven per year. However, haunts contact sport. He discovered many sports there are clear guidelines. cases reported.” sport-related brain injuries are certainly large accumulations of tau protein in the If people are knocked out they must not Amongst the flood of tributes for not. brain, normally seen in those suffering return to play. They should have a period Hughes filling the media outlets are According to the ‘Burden of Sport from Alzheimer’s. This was the first real off contact sports so they can get back to pleads for measures to prevent such dev- Injuries in the European Union’ report link between head injuries from sport play again. While repeated concussions astating head injuries. While Hughes’ ac- compiled in 2012, 5.8 million children and degenerative brain disease. is bad, repeated concussions without re- cident gets the world’s attention, should and adults are treated annually in the EU Many NFL players are reported to covery are certainly very bad.” we be more concerned about other, for sports injuries, with a significant pro- live difficult, bizarre lives after a career Even after the multimillion dollar lesser, injuries? Brain injuries that often portion of these being head injuries and in contact sport, often suffering untimely lawsuit and extensive research into the go unreported and could have implica- concussions. deaths that were later attributed to this causes of CTE, many still are concerned tions for our mental health in the future? Traumatic brain injury, or TBIs, are condition. This has been echoed in rug- that we are not taking the injury serious- There have been several high profile serious. The brain, floating in a cushion by and boxing, with reports of dementia ly. Medical advisor Dr Barry O’Driscoll injuries due to sports in recent memory of cerebrospinal fluid within your protec- and the ‘punch-drunk’ syndrome recog- resigned from the International Rugby that have received a similar level of me- tive skull, is comfortable and secure. That nised in contact sports since the 1930s. Board after claims they trivialised the dia attention. In Formula One, Marussia is until you receive a high impact blow. This syndrome is now recognized as injury, controversially introduced a five- driver Jules Bianchi was critically injured After the head stops moving, restabilized chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or minute concussion bin. “Before his in a high-speed crash in October, suf- by the tendons, muscles and bones of CTE, a neurodegenerative disease that Talking about the IRB’s policies, death, Webster fering a diffuse axonal injury, where the your neck, your brain keeps going. It has thought to be a direct result of repeti- O’Driscoll said “For someone with sus- white matter of his brain was extensively no support and continues striking the in- tive brain trauma. Multiple concussions pected concussion, all the top scientists suffered such damaged. He is fortunately no longer in side of the skull, at speed and potentially can lead to a reduction in brain weight, say you take them off and watch them severe head a coma but remains unconscious while multiple times. Your brain, the soft tissue changes in mood (including depression, that night. If they incorporate the ‘five- doctors hope his brain function im- organ that is so vital to life and function, aggression and anxiety), difficulty with minute rule’ I think you’re putting people pain that proves. gets its very own bruises. balance and gait and an early death. with brain damage back on the field, and Michael Schumacher, also of For- Mild TBIs, or concussions, are often After Omalu’s work was published, the arena they’re going back into is bru- he would mula One fame, suffered an epidural shrugged off in a culture of “you’ll be the NFL fiercely battled criticism and tal.” Taser himself hematoma after a skiing accident. This alright” and “shake it off”. Short-term tried to downplay the risks, even calling So while horrific sports accidents like was a massive bleed between the outer effects have long been well noted, the for a retraction of the research. These at- that of Hughes’ bring our attention to unconscious membrane of the brain, the dura matter, nausea, dizziness and migraines so typi- tempts were in vain, as last July, over 4500 the catastrophic costs of contact sport, just to be able and the skull. Schumacher remained in cal of being “knocked out”. However, it American football players successfully perhaps we could all benefit from under- a coma for weeks and is now on a very took dissecting the brain of an American settled a claim against the NFL. Accus- standing the risks associated with ‘mild’ to rest long road to recovery. football player to confirm what many ing them of failing to warn players of the traumatic brain injury and common Many groups have outlined their se- suspected – multiple concussions could dangers of brain injury, the complainants concussions in games that are far too ” rious concerns for participants in high- have serious consequences. secured $765 million to cover as many as often shook off, in a culture of “play on”. e

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tournament - in case you don’t know, bubble football is like normal football but inside a giant inflatable bubble. Barney’s Note Christmas is a great time for people in societies – if you want to get a appy holidays, happy help- I would like to urge you all to join! Of flavour of what is going on, there is Barney Willis ers! Hope you are all well course, that is my job, but still... a banner link on the Union website VP Societies and dealing with the horrific We have had a series of great called ‘The Winter Showcase’. Click & Campaigns amountH of alliteration. Things in the events in societies, including the on it for a link to events open to all wonderful world of societies are go- Christian Union’s Carol Concert, students and throw yourself in! ing swimmingly as always – we are a showcase of our Dance societies As ever, get in touch if you need SO close to having 8000 members so and (to top it off) a bubble football any help getting involved.

7pm - 8pm Thursday 11th December Small Chemistry Lecture Theatre, What’s On Main Building Howard League Talk from Network Rail Project Monday 8th December C.H.i.P.S. - Cardiff Healthy People Engineer and Influential Speaker - Extravaganza Ian Harris Pictured: English Language & Communication 8pm - 10pm 6pm - 7pm Th e Bute Meet and Greet Social Boulders Room 1.50, Bute Building Library 2pm - 4pm Christmas Talybont Social St. John LINKS Society Student Minds tree Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Eating Disorder Support Group Erasmus Society Social 6.15pm – 7.15pm Tandem Café 8.15pm-10.30pm 3rd Floor boardroom, Students’ 8pm - 10pm Meet in Students’ Union Reception Union

Tuesday 9th December Wednesday 10th December Friday 12th December

Ornithological Society Art Society Sci-Fi and Fantasy Society Christmas meal Bath Day Trip Hobbit Midnight showing 3pm - 6pm 2pm - 10pm 12.10am - 3am The Taf Engineering Society Occupational Therapy TCUPS - Purcell Singers EnginSoc Presents The Masquerade Santa Stops Carol Singing in John Lewis Ball 12th December 8pm - 4am 6pm - 7pm 6.30pm - 1am FACE 11 The Angel Hotel, Castle St, CF10 Have an Wildlife and Conservation Society 1SZ Sat 13th December event Christmas Meal you want 7pm - 1am Maths Society Earth Society covered? Last Social of the Year! Christmas social Email: Wilderness and Expedition Medicine 8pm - 2am 7pm - 10pm societies@ Extreme Doctors Retro gairrhydd. com

val. All proceeds go to Diabetes Batesy, Blokeye, Slaughter, Week- Winter Showcase UK and World Vision sy and Kloc.  e night is all about 10th December 7pm - 10pm supporting and showcasing new St Teilo’s Church, Woodville Road talent and all profi t made goes to- Male Voice Choir and Cardiff Uni- 9pm wards our DJ school and our next versity Brass Ensemble (CUBE) Concert Hall, School of Music TCUPS and Wind Ensemble Christ- headliner event. Entry just £3 all mas Concert Monday 8th December 1pm night, lots of drinks deals inside. Concert Hall, School of Music Act One A Christmas Carol the  e fi rst half with TCUPS feature 11th December 10pm-3am Pantomime songs such as ‘You’ve got a friend Ladybird, 41 St. Mary Street, Krishna Consciousness Soul Jam £5 student entry in me’ from the Toy Story sound CF10 1AD Kirtan is ultimately something 8th, 9th and 10th December track, Mamma Mia compilation 7.30pm - 11pm soundtrack, ‘May it Be’ from Enya, Music Society Christmas Lunchtime which cannot be explained by Concert words - it has to be experienced. CF10 Lord of the Rings, ‘In the Bleak It‘s always a higher connection Midwinter by Bob Chilcott and a Everybody don your elf costumes, - even if you are not consciously Healthcare Music Society Christmas joint compilation with the Wind jingle bells, holly and anything else feeling it. It‘s alive, progressive, Concert Ensemble.  e Wind Ensemble festive for our fabulous Christmas and rich with the fi ne nuances of What better way to celebrate has a programme which features Concert!  is concert is in aid of an unfolding relationship.  ere Christmas than with music? contemporary British and Ameri- Worldwide Cancer Research, a will be spiritual music! Free entry Come along to the Healthcare can repertoire fantastic charity which funds re- and free food! Music Society’s annual Christ- 10th December 7pm-9pm search into any type of cancer, an- Monday 8th December 6.15pm - mas concert to hear the choir and Concert Hall, School of Music ywhere in the world.  ey support orchestra perform a variety of some of the world’s most diverse 8pm Traffi c Clubbing & DJing Society 4H, Students’ Union things from Beethoven to Train, and unexpected projects, run by and of course some Christmassy Basement Bassline Showcase both world-renowned specialists Music Society String Orchestra con- stuff ! Tickets are only £5 with £3 A bassline/deep house showcase and up-and-coming talent. cert concessions including students, of all the new student DJs who 11th December 12:30pm - 2pm Monday 8th December 7pm - with coff ee and cake in the inter- have joined Traffi c this year sup- Concert Hall, School of Music ported by leading local Cardiff DJs SOCIETIES 29

A Backpack for Christmas - Global Health Student Network

90,000 children in Britain will at Talybont Social between Emily face Christmas homeless this year, 4-6pm, the society and other Greenfield according to homeless charity volunteers will bring items to fill Shelter. In light of this, Cardiff the backpacks. Global Health Student Network As a suggestion of what to will run a ‘Build a Backpack bring, we require: a sleeping Event’ this Christmas in order bag/blanket, socks/gloves/ to raise awareness surrounding hat/scarf, thermal underwear, homelessness and to support chocolate bar/sweets, toilet roll/ those on the streets in the festive flannel/towel/soap/toothpaste/ season. toothbrush, reading material On Wednesday 10th December (books/newspaper), torch/mug (metal or plastic)/plate/bowl, wrapped Christmas gift (e.g. Shampoo/shower gel/aftershave/ perfume - plastic containers the bags together. that in a small way, this event will only), Christmas card/greeting It is easy to get caught up in the help to make this season a little (no personal addresses, emails or frivolity and excitement at this easier for those on the streets. phone numbers). time of year. However it is also Whilst it is for an important If you do not have any spare an opportunity to be grateful for cause, the society aims to make items, food items such as tins what we have, including the time this a fun and festive event, for the evening meals at the to spend with our friends and with food and Christmas music night shelter would be welcome family. provided, so please come along (Charity shops are a great place For those who have little, it can and do your bit this Christmas. to find cheap items). Bring any be the hardest and most painful For more information, Facebook items on the day and we will build time of year. This is why we hope ‘Global Health Student Network’.

Room 4H, Students’ Union at 6pm Cardiff Lawn Tennis Club - Timed Tennis Timed Tennis is a great quick tournament. Baking Society - Christmas Bake Off It’s very fun, all standards are welcome Bring a baked good which is Christmas (including complete beginners). themed. There will be prizes, a charity Contact [email protected] for details raffle and tonnes of cake for you to enjoy! Bringing a bake will allow you to try all the other bakes and then we will vote on the C-Card - Sexual Health Awareness Group best! SHAG has teamed up with YMCA to Room 4J, Students’ Union at 8pm provide Cardiff students with access to free condoms and sexual health signposting. Tuesday 9th December 2014 Students’ Union Boardroom at 1pm

Student Volunteering Service - Local Children’s Thursday 11th December 2014 Nursery Christmas Carol Concert (Rehearsal) Do you enjoy working with children. Then Give It a Go - Student Cinema why not help the children put on a carol Student Union cinema is showing The concert for their parents. Ideally volunteers Nightmare Before Christmas. Come along should be able for all three dates. Please with your friends and enjoy a free film pop into the SVC office to sign up as places night! are limited. Lounge at 2pm SVC Office, Students’ Union at 1.45pm Friday 12th December 2014 Skills Development Service - Leadership in Difficult Situations Workshop Student Volunteering Service - Local Children’s Being able to lead and hold a team together Nursery Christmas Carol Concert (Rehearsal) in challenging situations is an incredibly SVC Office, Students’ Union at 10.15am valuable skill. This unit will demonstrate to students how to achieve this transition Christmas Carol Concert - St John’s Church smoothly and overcome interpersonal Student Volunteering Service challenges. SVC are looking for singers and musicians CSEV, Students Union at 5.30pm to support a group of individuals with learning difficulties to sing Christmas Carols outside St John’s Church in the city All events must be signed up to in advance. you down the path of success! Wednesday 10th December 2014 To sign up and for more information about centre. The event will enable individuals to Room 4I, Students’ Union at 5:30pm Student Volunteering Service - Cathays Litter all of these events, go to cardiffstudents. Anime Society - Anime Libraries give something back to the community. Pick SVC Office in Students’ Union at 2.30pm com/giveitago The society has a large range of anime and Got a spare hour or two? Spread a manga - come along if you want to read litter Christmas cheer and join us for a Welsh National Opera Orchestra: The Music Monday 8th December 2014 some manga. Members can also borrow community litter pick. Your chance to get of John Barry anime. involved with your community, meet new A James Bond fan’s must! Nicholas Dodd- Skills Development Service - Leadership Styles The Lounge, Students’ Union at 6pm Workshop people and make a difference - all in one Conductor. Tim Lihoreau- Narrator. Come along and learn to conquer the Krishna Consciousness - Soul Jam! afternoon. Exclusive Tickets for Cardiff SU SVC Office, Students’ Union at 12pm St David’s Hall - The Hayes at 7.30pm different styles of leadership that will lead See Winter Showcase event tweet us @gairrhyddsoc email us [email protected] SOCIETIES or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/societies

Pictured: A previous WEMS WEMS scenario Brecon Weekend Medical society simulate wild casualties

here really is no place like the to eff ectively get a casualty out of a things for anybody interested in This year WEMS have decided Niamh Liley Brecon Beacons. Majestic wrecked car (via the boot in case you joining, but think along the lines of to hold a second Brecon weekend rolling hills fi lled with were wondering).  at evening we Scotch Broth for vomit, fake blood on 7th/8th February and I would Tdense forest, tumbling waterfalls, danced the night away at our very own for hacked off arms and smoke implore you all to come along a see mysterious caves… and the sounds of ‘Come Play’ (Flux’s predecessor for bombs for car wreckages (or an what it’s all about. Tickets for this screaming casualties as a wilderness all you youngsters like me), lovingly angry bull on one occasion). will be on sale in the new year so emergency takes place. Oh don’t brought to the Beacon Beacons by All in all, WEMS is a society that search ‘Cardiff WEMS’ on Facebook worry, they’re not actual casualties, the WEMS committee. Dance move I can see myself getting behind.  e for all the information. Alternatively, “The aim is to but they sure are close enough.  e of the night went to the ‘C-spine hold society is open to all healthcare you can just turn up to one of our Wilderness Expedition Medicine conga’, which was by far too cool for students and has been developing over committee meetings (as a taster, last equip their Society announced that they school. the last fi ve years.  ey off er exciting week we discussed WEMS-themed members were holding their annual Brecon Bright and early the next morning and educational opportunities which thermal underwear). Here’s to a with hands Weekend this autumn. As a fi rst amongst the hazy hangovers, we are very diff erent experiences to those great weekend and many more! year medical student with little to no managed to set off in small groups in a lecture theatre, the aim being to Our next event will be titled on practical experience in emergency medicine on a trek that would not just test equip their members with hands on, ‘Extreme Medicine’ with guest teaching in and a healthy dose of that Fresher ‘say our mud-dodging ability, but also practical teaching in the treatment speaker Dr Raj Joshi on December yes to everything’ attitude, I decided our new knowledge from the day of medical emergencies in a remote 9th at 7pm in the Small Chemistry the treatment to see what it was all about. I was not before. At different points along setting. This teaching is from older Lecture Theatre. He will talk about of medical disappointed. the way, WEMS had a few surprises medical students, doctors and guest his experiences climbing Everest, emergencies  e fi rst day consisted of four for us in the form of accident and speakers, all of whom have been being an expedition doctor around teaching stations run by healthcare emergency wilderness scenarios, enthusiastic and inspirational to all the world and his Army Reserves in a remote students in higher years, educating with conveniently placed tools for us members. Everyone is both kind and experience. It is a FREE event and setting us on a multitude of diff erent to use to save the dying committee crazy, but they also sure are prepared open to all students - regardless of scenarios. From tying a tourniquet members. I won’t go into too much if something went seriously wrong in course! Contact: CardiffWEMS@ to a chainsaw-savaged leg, to how detail, as I wouldn’t want to ruin real life. gmail.com ” Interested in joining in National Student Pride? ne of the biggest LGBT+ newscaster Jane Hill, and Paris Lees, tions from all over the country travel Samuel Weekends of the year is fast who recently topped the Indepen- down to London to attend. Last year Pictured: Roper approaching and will be tak- dent on Sunday’s 2013 Pink List. We Cardiff had the biggest turn out of Left: National Oing place between 27th February - 1st also managed to spot Tom Daley in every university in the country, and Student Pride March 2015. It promises to be bigger G-A-Y Heaven (Yes, the boys got we’re keen to repeat this again and logo and better than ever and we couldn’t very excited and Cardiff University show London our Welsh spirit! Right: Tom be more excited to attend! did all crowd round him and man- Interested in joining us at this Daley (Source: Cardiff University LGBT+ Society aged to photobomb him several event? Transport and accommoda- Wikipedia has attended National Student Pride times) as well as a live performance tion comes to £60, in addition to pur- Commons) for the past three years and we can’t from award winning ‘Foxes’ during chasing your offi cial NSP wristband wait to return to London once again the Saturday night party! (£5 Earlybird!). Please email LGBT@ this year for live performances, nights  is is a massive event and univer- Cardiff .ac.uk for more details if out in London’s amazing SOHO area, sities, LGBT+ societies and associa- you’re interested in coming along! ending in London’s biggest gay club, “National G-A-Y Heaven, and also the live de- Student Pride bates and discussions during the Sat- urday daytime event. next year runs Last year we saw lively debates between 27th and question time panels, which have previously been attended by February - 1st well-known figures such as gay March rights campaigner Peter Tatch- ell, Ben Cohen, Dan Gillespie Sells ” (frontman for The Feeling), BBC trydar @taf_od ebost [email protected] TAF-OD ar-lein gairrhydd.com/tafod TAF-OD 31 Gair Golygyddol aeth hi’n wythnos olau’r tymor...pwy feddyli- Na. Byddai rhywun yn ffôl i feddwl bod brwydr y rhy beryglus tybed? Tristach fyth mai’r gwrthwyne- ai! Ac yn wir, ceisio bwrw golwg ar sut dymor Gymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd wedi’i hennill. Yn bydd pennaf oedd cyd-swyddog etholedig o’r Undeb. wnaeth hi a wnaf i fel Swyddog y Gymraeg enwedig o safbwynt y myfyrwyr: sef y bobl bwysicaf Mae’r holl fyfyrwyr yn ethol Swyddog y Gymraeg Steffan Bryn Jones Dwrth gloi’r flwyddyn yn y Gair Golygyddol hwn. O oll! Mae pob dim a enillwyd hyd yma wedi cymryd i weithredu fel y mynno ef neu hi er budd siarad- Morgan Owen ystyried canlyniad pleidlais yn Senedd y Myfyrwyr gwaith caled i’w hennill. wyr y Gymraeg a’r iaith yn ehangach (sy’n perthyn i nos Fawrth diwethaf (2il o Ragfyr), hynod ddeniadol Yn ysbryd yr holl ddatblygiadau hyn felly, gyda bawb). Yn yr un modd mae’r holl fyfyrwyr yn ethol fyddai ddechrau gyda’r llwm. Peidiwch â phoeni, fe pheth hyder a brwdfrydedd (ffôl) yr es i â chynnig Swyddog Addysg i arwain ar faterion Addysg i’r un ddof at hynny yn y man! Fodd bynnag, mae gennym ynghylch cynnal refferendwm yn y flwyddyn newydd diben. Dim ond siaradwyr Cymraeg fyddai â diddor- lawer i’w ymfalchïo yn ei gylch wrth godi gwydr i ar y cwestiwn “A ddylai Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol deb yn y refferendwm felly byddai dim pwynt cynnal ddiwedd tymor arall. Dyma’r tymor a welodd enw Caerdydd gael swyddog sabothol ar gyfer y Gym- un...o diar. Rwy’n credu fod lle i ddiolch iddo mewn Cymraeg ar y Clwb Nos newydd ‘Y Plas’ yn cael ei raeg?” i Senedd y Myfyrwyr olau’r tymor. Roeddwn llawer i ystyr wrth iddo, yn anuniongyrchol, wneud gymeradwyo gan y myfyrwyr, a hynny gyda mwyaf- yn meddwl bod y dyddiau o orfod cyfiawnhau ein yr union achos dros gael swyddog sabothol dros y rif clir; dyma’r tymor a welodd Siarter Iaith Gymraeg bodolaeth fel siaradwyr Cymraeg yn ein gwlad ein Gymraeg ! Os gall awdurdod a barn broffesiynol yr UCM Cymru yn cael ei derbyn yn unfrydol gan yr hunain yn hen hanes. Yn bersonol, ‘wrth gwrs y dylai’ union berson sydd wedi’i ethol i roi llais i’r iaith a’i Undeb; y tymor a welodd y rhyddid i siarad y Gym- yw’r ateb i’r cwestiwn uchod. Ym mhle arall heblaw siaradwyr ar sut i ddatblygu’r achos ymhellach gael raeg yng nghyfarfodydd democrataidd yr Undeb yn prifddinas Cymru byddai hyd yn oed angen swyddog ei sathru arno mor hawdd- nid yn unig un cwestiwn dod yn realiti ynghyd â’r hawl i gyfathrebu’n Gym- sabothol ar gyfer y Gymraeg. Ym mhle arall heblaw sydd angen ei ofyn! Fodd bynnag, un rhwystr rhag raeg â’r Undeb. Yn gymdeithasol, sefydlwyd TWRW, prifddinas Cymru y byddai angen dadlau dros gael rhoi llais i’r myfyrwyr a llais i’r Gymraeg yw gwrth- sef noson o gerddoriaeth Gymraeg yn fisol yng Ng- un?! Cwestiwn arall yw hwnnw mae’n debyg- un nid od y cynnig. Byddai’n rhaid i’r Undeb gynnal reffer- hlwb Ifor Bach ac yn dilyn cryn bwyso cyfrannodd af ar ei ôl! Mae’r Gymraeg yn ffactor unigryw ac ar- endwm pe bai 500 o fyfyrwyr yn llofnodi deiseb i’r yr Undeb £800 at gostau’r Ddawns Ryng-golegol. Fe bennig sy’n gwahaniaethau Prifysgol Caerdydd oddi perwyl hwnnw. Byddaf yn mynd ati i ddechrau de- herion y Brifysgol ynghylch diffyg Cymraeg ar y pei- wrth ei brodyr a chwiorydd yn y grŵp Russel o bri- iseb ar unwaith i geisio dad-wneud y camwedd hwn. riannau hunan-wasanaeth yn y Llyfrgelloedd ac fe fysgolion. Ond waeth beth fo safbwynt unrhywun ar Bydd angen i bawb gefnogi os ydym am lwyddiant, enillon ni. Mae Cangen Caerdydd y Coleg Cymraeg y cwestiwn uchod, mae’n gwestiwn sydd nid yn unig felly i’r gad gyda’n llofnodion a’n rhifau myfyrwyr! Cenedlaethol yn parhau i dyfu. Deallaf y bydd rhaid yn haeddu cael ei ofyn, sydd angen ei ofyn ond yn Yn ychwanegol i’r llith hwn, mae Morgan hefyd dod o hyd i ystafell fwy na’r ystafell ddwbl presennol un sydd angen ei ateb! Mae’n fater o ddemocratiaeth wedi cyfrannu ysgrif fer. Edrychaf i a Morgan ym- a ddefnyddir ar gyfer cyfarfodydd y Gangen erbyn sylfaenol. Mewn cyfarfod rhyfedd a dweud y lleiaf o’r laen at fwy ohonoch yn cyfrannu erthyglau dros y cyfarfod mis Ionawr. Gyda mwy o ddarlithwyr cyfr- Senedd, methu wnaeth fy nghynnig o refferendwm tymor nesaf. Rydym yn awyddus iawn i dderbyn wng Cymraeg yn cael eu penodi a’r cnewyllyn o fy- ar y mater, a hynny o 1 bleidlais. Mae’n ddiwrnod cyfraniadau gan fyfyrwyr y Gymraeg a Newyddia- fyrwyr ymchwil cyfrwng Cymraeg yn parhau i ehan- trist pan fo unrhyw UNDEB yn gwrthwynebu hawl duraeth, yn ogystal ag unrhyw un arall! Mae grŵp gu- mae addysg Gymraeg ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd democrataidd eu haelodau i leisio barn ar bwnc sydd cyfranwyr ar Facebook a hefyd mae modd anfon yn mynd o nerth i nerth. Felly, Nadolig Llawen a o bwys i bob un o’r aelodau hynny. A fyddai rhoi’r e-bost at [email protected] Oddi wrthom ni’n Blwyddyn Newydd Dda ddarllenwyr annwyl? grym yn nwylo’r myfyrwyr mewn refferendwm yn dau - iechyd da ! X

Gwallgofrwydd Lluosog Y Llyfrau ae’r meddwl yn dueddol tyrfa / Mor fawr o bobol a ganlynai’r Morgan o grwydro pan ddylai fod faner / Fel nas gallaswn, yn fy hoedel, Owen â’i fryd ar ryw orchwyl pe- ddirnad / Fod Angeu wedi lladd cyn- Oni fyddai Mnodol, ac anodd ymgadw rhag dilyn nifer’. Cynifer o bobl a welais i, a chyn “ hynt ei gyfeiliornad. Caf fy hunan yn welwed eu hwynebau a chyn ddyfned angen arnoch y sefyllfa hon yn lled fynych, ac mae’n eu hocheneidiau, gallwn innau fod ganrifoedd i rhaid cyfaddef mai wrth ymgolli ym wedi tybio mai yng Nghylch Cyn- mreuddwydion liw dydd y daw’r syn- taf Annwn oeddwn! Gyda’r llyfr hwn gnoi cil yn y iadau gorau, ac y datgelir y pethau mewn golwg yr euthum i’r llyfrgell. mwyaf. Pan fo’r dychymyg eisoes wedi Wedi cael fy ngwala o La Divina modd hwn ar ei aredig gan brofiad arbennig, ac yn Comedia, porais ymysg y llyfrau yn un llyfr? dal i ymdeimlo â’i wefr, nid oes angen ddiamcan gan adael i’m horiogrwydd ond i un wreichionen ddisgyn o law’r gynnig unrhyw lyfr i mi a edrychodd Awen er mwyn cynnau tanchwa o yn ddiddorol. Dwysawyd yr argraff a feddyliau rhyfeddol. Ac megis tanau adawyd arnaf gan y dorf yn y dref gan gwylltion y lluchiodd dirifedi synfy- ddarluniau Dante o uffern, ac wrth i ” fyrion ynof pan oeddwn yn pori ymysg edafedd fy mhrofiad i gyd-weu â bard- llyfrau’r llyfrgell wedi gorffen gwaith y doniaeth ddihafal prifardd yr Eidal, dydd. fe’m llenwyd â rhyw gyffro didoledig. Gynt, ymwelaswn â’r dref ac fe’m Mae’r ffin rhwng llên â phrofiad yn trawyd gan yr olwg bruddglwyfus a niwlog iawn dan y fath amgylchiadau, fu ar y dorf a ganfûm yno, gyda phob ac fe ddaw arswyd melys o ganfod cyn wyneb, bron, yn guwch, a phrin ddi- deneued yw’r ffin honno, am fod by- gon o le i droi yn eu plith. Atgyfnerth- wyd a llên wedi eu gwneud o’r un syl- wyd y teimlad gorthrymus a barodd wedd annelwig ac fe gânt eu mynegi y twr ynof gan unffurfiaeth y bobl a’r yn yr un iaith. amgylchedd: cyfalafiaeth a phryn- Dyma gyd-destun y synfyfyrion wriaeth ar eu gwaethaf. Mae pawb yn a olchodd drosof yn llanw. Yn ddisy- ceisio prynu unigrywiaeth— ond o’r fyd roeddwn yn ymwybodol o ddyf- un lle, yn amlwg. Ymlwybrais tua’r lly- nder cwta ddwy linell o farddoniaeth, frgell gan geisio lloches rhag yr uffern a’r graddau y gall cyn lleied o eiriau masnachol hwnnw, am fod llyfrau’n cyd-daro â phrofiad real, a’i ddwysáu cynnig rhwng eu cloriau eangderau’r a’i atgyfnerthu hyd nes ei fod yn de- bydysawd cyfan, sef yr union beth yr bycach i lên na bywyd go iawn. Pan ydys yn poeni nad ydyw yn bodoli bel- droais fy meddwl tuag at weddill y ca- lach yng nghanol y lluoedd. niad, gweddill y llyfr, gweddill y llyfrau Yn benodol, fe’m tywyswyd tua’r ar y silff ger fy mron ac yna gweddill llyfrgell oherwydd i mi gofio dan ys- y llyfrgell, ymdeimlais am ennyd â gogiad y dorf linell o gyfieithiad Dan- thragwyddoldeb. O ddeunydd un ca- iel Rees o La Divina Comedia, sef niad o Weledigaethau Dante y gellid noch ganrifoedd i gnoi cil yn y modd yn troi yn eu hunigedd, bywydau na Gweledigaethau Dante. Wrth i’r bardd llenwi breuddwydfyd cyfan; hynny hwn ar un llyfr? ddatgelaf byth, ac a erys yn ddirgel- ddisgyn ymhellach i grombil uffern yw, heb helaethu ar fanylion a’r pethau Yn fy llesmair, cofnodais yn fy nod- wch...’’. Gwelais hefyd uffern: cynifer o yng nghwmni Fyrsil, ei dywysydd, rhy- hynny a amlinellir ac a awgrymir ond lyfr ‘’gwallgofrwydd lluosog y llyfrau, lyfrau, a chyn lleied o amser o fewn fedda at faint y giwed felltigedig: ‘Yna heb eu diriaethu. Oni fyddai angen ar- ac ynddynt bob un aneirif fywydau un bywyd. Cardiff Student Letting OWNED & RUN BY CARDIFF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' UNION TEL: (029) 20781525 | www.cardiffstudentletting.com NO 1 agency STUDENT OWNED fees LETTING AGENCY 116 LETTING AGENCIES 5320 STUDENT HOUSES 63000 STUDENTS IN CARDIFF cardiffstudentletting.com

• DON’T RUSH to sign a housing contract before Christmas. • REMEMBER houses are available at any time in the year. • F REE INDEPENDENT ADV ICE from Student Advice at Cardiff University Students’ Union, Park Place. [email protected] 029 2078 1410 Student Advice • PEIDIWCH Â RHUT HRO i arwyddo cytundeb am dŷ cyn y Nadolig. Cyngor i Fyfyrwyr • COF IWCH fod tai ar gael unrhyw bryd yn y fl wyddyn. • Mae CYNGOR ANNIBYNNOL AM DDIM ar gael o Cyngor Myfyrwyr yn Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd, Plas y Parc. [email protected] 029 2078 1410

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*If your item is lost or stolen, or unrepairable we’ll replace it within 24 hours - 1 working day of your claim being approved. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting its website www.fca.org.uk/register Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited, Company No.856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE. tweet us @HeathparkCSU PARK LIFE email us [email protected] Season’s greetings from the Heath! his is the last Park Life before ested in running. Just because Heath the sport section. Tim Nagle Christmas. If you are reading it, students have a specific Vice President If you are reading this and have picked then you have successfully sur- doesn’t mean you can’t run for any po- up your copy at Heath Park then this is Tvived the first term, first assignments sition, including the new postgraduate great. For various reasons Gair Rhydd and placements. Well done! Officer post. it would be great to see has struggled to reach all areas of the This week Park Life features an in- lots of Heath students running! University this term but this should terview with the current and former Professor Sheila Hunt spoke with me change going forward. I would ask, if VP Heath Park Campus. It is unusual about her career and passions. As the you come across a Gair Rhydd stand to have two available to speak to at the Dean of the School of Healthcare Sci- which is empty or has an old issue please University; the role is often taken by a ences, a socialist, a nurse, a midwife, an let myself, Claire or Michael, the editor, student after their studies but it was advocate of LGBT+ rights and a fan of know as we want to ensure the paper great to speak with them. Nominations The Archers she is an inspiration, and I reaches you. for next years’ full time officer team, as am grateful she made time for me be- Finally, if you would like to write an well as the campaign officers, opened fore leaving the University. article for Park Life or have an idea for on 8th December. There is a lengthy Medics Varsity was a great success a news item that should feature, then nomination period, please contact and Cardiff won everything. Hopefully please get in touch using the details at Claire, Gemma or any current officer this will become a regular feature of the the top of the page. for more information if you are inter- year; you can find coverage of the day in Nadolig llawen pawb!

What does it take to run for VP Heath Park? Gemma Wheeler, VP for the previous academic year, and Claire Blakeway, incumbent Heath Park VP talk about what it means to be a sabb at the Heath n the run up to nominations open- much easier.” five year degree, that is already a long Perhaps the most noticeable differ- Tim Nagle ing for the Students’ Union main Blakeway wants to work in the NHS time to be here.” ence between Blakeway and Wheel- elections, Park Life editor Tim Na- one day, and feels that her time as VP In addition, the staff at the Heath er’s tenures are the gender imbalanc- Sum Sze Tam Igle speaks to current VP Heath Park Heath Park has taught her far more have been known to discourage stu- es on the officer team. Blakeway is Claire Blakeway, and her predecessor than a year in a healthcare job would dents from running, whereas a very the only female out of this year’s six Gemma Wheeler. have. She feels that the role is the best different mentality prevails on most sabbatical officers, whereas Wheeler Both came into the role under dif- one: “You get to do a bit of each re- of the Park Place schools. Blakeway had two other women for company ferent circumstances, with Blakeway mit. We have Heath-based societies highlighted an extra problem for med- on a team of seven officers. Moreover, graduating as a radiographer first, and sports clubs, we’ve just had Med- ical students during her election cam- more women ran than men in Blake- while Wheeler took a year out of her ics’ Varsity and at the same time I am paign: “Being on placement can be a way’s campaign period. But both studies to be VP Heath Park. The de- working with setting up Peer Assisted barrier, as I had to do a week of nights women believe that the gender imbal- cision to run for the role was a dra- Learning.” She describes it as being to get the week off to campaign.” ance is just a matter of circumstance, matic one, as prior to the role both like a Union President, but exclusively A recent issue regarding the Un- as Blakeway says: “I think the people women felt that taking a year out of over the Heath Park campus. In fact, ion elections is whether campaign- who won this year ran the best cam- their career was a risky move. if there was one more thing she could ers should be allowed to dress up in paigns. The fact that so many women Wheeler says: “Looking back it achieve before she leaves her role at costumes, and employ a ‘gimmick’ to ran shows that the roles are accessible wasn’t a risk, as I have developed the end of the year, Blakeway wants to make themselves stand out to voters. to all.” so much as a person and developed set up a Students’ Union building at Some believe it is unfair to win a cam- Of their respective tenures, Blake- a range of skills which can only be the Heath. paign based on the best sweets or the way is proudest of establishing Med- beneficial in the future.” For her, Both women ran in their respec- whackiest costume. However, gim- ics’ Varsity and securing funding for transitioning back into being a reg- tive elections with very little oppo- micks will go ahead this year, except renovation of the Heath. Wheeler ular student at the beginning of this sition; Blakeway was the only one to that election candidates must submit took part in the institutional review academic year was a bit of a shock, run for VP Heath Park at all last year. their real name on the ballot. and establishing a voice for Heath stu- with the ice-cold welcome of having This is very different from most of the Based on their experiences, both dents in this very section, Park Life. to do a set of exams the moment she other VP roles, which usually have the current and former VPs believe If you are considering running for returned. But she does feel a lot more an average of five or six candidates. that gimmicks are crucial to ensuring VP Heath Park this year, feel free to mature and confident, and despite Many students at the Heath believe student engagement in the elections, contact either Gemma Wheeler or her doubts it has in fact benefited her that taking a year out puts them at a which is generally very low already. Claire Blakeway for more informa- career greatly. “After giving a speech disadvantage. Wheeler says: “I think “I think that most students probably tion. Their twitter handles are @Gem- at graduation in front of 1500 people, people believe they are better off do- cannot say what the Students’ Union maLWheeler and @HeathParkCSU, doing a presentation for 20 people is ing a clinical year. If you are doing a does,” says Wheeler. respectively. HEATH PARK 35

“Moving Professor into Higher Education has raised Sheila Hunt: the quality of care for patients and raised the the Gair Rhydd status of the various interview professions We speak to the retiring Healthcare Dean about Higher Ed and the Archers ” s I walk into interview Profes- phones”. Technology has made staff ciplines have been anxious not to be- cation skills, our values and ethical Tim Nagle sor Hunt, Dean of the School and patients safer. The biggest and come lost within it.” beliefs are not field specific; they are of Healthcare Sciences she most important change according to Professor Hunt is passionate about fundamental. Hopefully we can grow Aremarks that “half my life is in boxes”, Professor Hunt is moving healthcare the huge benefits to students, some of and learn together including medics and asks me to excuse her. This is be- education into Higher Education. which are yet to be seen as the school as well.” cause, after after seven years as a Dean “Moving into Higher Education has is still in its infancy. I was keen to discuss social media at Cardiff she is leaving at the end of raised the quality of care for patients “The biggest benefit is that there with Professor Hunt. As a student I the year. After a career in healthcare and raised the status of the various are more opportunities. PhD. stu- have been warned of the perils of us- spanning back to 1969, I had expect- professions. Nurses, midwives, ra- dents have access to a greater range ing social media but see it as a major ed her to tell me that she was looking diographers, physiotherapists and of supervisors from a wider range of part of modern life. As a Twitter fan, forward to a retirement of Twitter (@ others bring something to the world academic staff. Masters core modules I wonder what she thinks. “It’s here, it ProfessorSheila) and listening to The of academia that was maybe lacking, can be taught by research experts has a place, it is the way the world is Archers, but she is moving on to new an experience of the world outside of rather than subject experts and path- and influences the world. I think it is challenges in management consultan- libraries and lecture halls. I moved ways through masters’ courses are important to understand the benefits cy and coaching. into education as this is where I felt I more specific. For undergraduates, and dangers…Don’t use it if you have Her office, on the 7th floor of East- could affect the most change and I am there is more shared learning, for had a drink and don’t say things that gate House (‘Park Life? Maybe “Heath proud to have been a part of it.” example, OT have always had real- are disrespectful or break confidenti- Park and a few floors of Eastgate Recently, Professor Hunt has been ly good scenario based learning and ality.” Simple! House” would be a better name?’) part of the work to create the new this can now be shared between dis- Much of Professor Hunt’s research overlooks Cardiff Royal Infirmary School of Healthcare Sciences. “It ciplines.” has focussed on the inequalities in where she started her nursing training was more challenging last year, I I noted that, as a first year nurs- healthcare and before leaving I ask before further training to be a mid- was leading two schools, Healthcare ing student, all my learning had been Professor Hunt what we can do, as wife. She finds it quite remarkable that Studies and Nursing and Midwifery. with other nurses, is this something healthcare professionals of the future she has “gone from nurse, to midwife, Now with one school it is easier to which may change in future? to help those who are most vulner- to so-called Professor and loved every lead but the challenges lie in the sys- “From next September shared able. Her advice is something which moment of it”. tems, how ‘we’ do things as a school, modules will be expanded to include is easy to say but can take courage to Over the course of her career much ‘our’ values as a whole rather than as OT, Physio. and Midwives. In practice do and real strength to do well, ‘be an has changed. Today, for example, all parts of the healthcare system. It has we do not work in silos but as part of advocate for your patient. People who midwives working in the community also been a challenge to ensure that a broad multi-disciplinary team. The are vulnerable need an advocate and will have mobile phones but “we had each profession remains individual, school is still at the start of a process sometimes, in that moment, you are to carry lots of change to use pay- the school is large and different dis- but our need for excellent communi- all they have.’ Before you leave... a note from Claire ell, what a term! From the es will have a stall that plays host to Claire madness of freshers to the a wide range of festive games; there Blakeway victorious day that was will be everything from pin the red WMedics’ Varsity; this term has been nose on the reindeer to Christmas busy for Heath Park students. It has card making. Make sure you come also been a term of culture shift for along as its set to be a great day! Heath representation, with increas- The final message from me is to ing representation on Student Sen- thank all students that participated in ate, Scrutiny Committee and the the first ever Medics’ Varsity. It was Womens’ Association. Thank you to an amazing day as Cardiff Medics everyone that has been involved in scored a clean sweep against Bristol Heath Park student activity this term, Medics, winning in Netball, Squash, it has been a pleasure to work with Football, Men’s and Lady’s Hockey you whilst it has been so satisfying to and Football. Let’s forward to next see fantastic engagement progress. year when Cardiff Medics will be I look forward to seeing what next fighting to retain the Medics’ Varsity terms brings! title on their own turf. On Tuesday (9th December), be- This is the last Park Life before tween 12-2pm, you will see the first Christmas so I want to take this op- ever Christmas Fair on the campus. portunity to wish you all a Merry At the fair, all Students’ Union servic- Christmas and a Happy New Year! tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport BUCS Results: Wednesday 3rd December

Presented H/A Sport Team Opposition Result W/L/D by: H Badminton Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd University of Exeter Men’s 1st 3-5 L

H Basketball Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st Bournemouth University Women’s 1st 65-47 W

H Rugby Union Caridff Uni Women’s 1st University of Bath Women’s 1st 45-15 W University of Wales Trinity St David Men’s H Rugby Union Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd 35-17 W 1st H Lacrosse Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st University of Bath Men’s 1st 10-10 D

H Hockey Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st University of the West of England Men’s 1st 3-1 W

H Hockey Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd University of Bristol Men’s 2nd 4-0 W

H Tennis Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st University of Southampton Women’s 1st 4-2 W

H Tennis Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd Aberystwyth University Men’s 1st 12-0 W Cardiff Metropolitan University Women’s H Hockey Cardiff Uni Women’s 4th 10-0 W 3rd A Badminton Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st University of Bath Women’s 1st 0-8 L

A Badminton Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st University of Bath Men’s 1st 0-8 L

A Tennis Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st University of Bristol Men’s 2nd 8-4 W University of the West of England Women’s A Squash Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st 3-1 (9-4) W 1st University of the West of England Men’s A Lacrosse Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd 4-6 L 2nd University of the West of England Women’s A Football Cardiff Uni Women’s 2nd 10-0 W 2nd A Netball Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st University of Exeter Women’s 1st 42-27 W

A Football Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st University of Gloucestershire Women’s 2nd 3-1 W

A Netball Cardiff Uni Women’s 2nd University of Gloucestershire Women’s 2nd 36-20 W

A Rugby Union Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st Hartpury College Men’s 1st 8-45 L

A Football Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st Hartpury College Men’s 3rd 3-0 W

A Lacrosse Cardiff Uni Women’s 2nd Royal Agricultural University Womens 1st 0-34 L

A Basketball Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd Swansea University Men’s 2nd 39-91 L

A Fencing Cardiff Uni Men’s 2nd Swansea University Men’s 2nd 92-135 L

A Hockey Cardiff Uni Men’s 1st Aberystwyth University Women’s 1st 5-2 W

A Water Polo Cardiff Uni Women’s 1st University of Birmingham Women’s 1st 3-8 L Remember, we’re always A Netball Cardiff Uni Women’s 3rd USW Pontypridd and Cardiff Women’s 1st 33-42 L looking for match A Football Cardiff Uni Men’s 3rd (Medics) University of Gloucestershire Men’s 2nd 0-1 L reports. Email sport@ A Hockey Cardiff Uni Women’s 3rd (Medics) Royal Agricultural University Womens 1st 6-1 W gairrhydd. University of South Wales, Newport Wom- com with A Netball Cardiff Uni Women’s 4th (Medics) 41-20 W your team’s en’s 1st progress!

Wins Draws Losses Totals: 19 1 10 SPORT 37 Autumn Internationals: South Africa win ends Welsh Southern Hemisphere hoodoo debut and following it up with a great wonderful to see the passion and into their role more easily than Samson Despite fi nally defeating one of the Continued try against the All Blacks.  e scrum commitment shown by the squad in Lee.  e Scarlets prop only turned 22 big three, Warren Gatland’s players will from back half’s form was without a doubt helped all four matches.  is passion was last week but played like a test veteran, do everything in their power to ensure page by his fellow half back Dan Biggar, also personifi ed in the displays of captain predominantly in defence, where he this isn’t a one off with next year’s World an Osprey.  eir chemistry was visible Sam Warburton, who was unbelievable tackled relentlessly and refused to stay Cup looming. First though, the squad throughout the series and whilst they at the breakdown, especially in the down, as well as being impeccable in will be looking to reclaim their Six played to each other’s strengths, both personal battle against Richie McCaw, the scrum throughout the series. Nations crown in 2015, with their next also shone individually. many in the media noting that the Prior to the autumn series, Lee was fi xture being the old enemy as England Biggar was recently voted man of the Welshman kept the All Blacks’ captain in the spotlight as the successor to the travel to the Millennium Stadium. series for his individual eff orts, being quiet. number 1 shirt for Wales, previously Wales will be confi dent with the instrumental to every attack. Both his As captain it was also down to worn by Adam Jones for over 10 years, 30-3 demolition of Stuart Lancaster’s decision-making and his execution Warburton to help some of the more but following the victory over South side still fresh in the memories of both of kicks were praised highly and his inexperienced players settle into the Africa, Blues prop Jones tweeted “Don’t sides, whereas England will be hoping swift hands played to the strengths of cauldron of the Millennium Stadium mind losing my place to Samson! Some that they can cope with the atmosphere Jamie Roberts, the Welsh battering ram and deal with the pressure of pulling player! Got to be a Lions (player) in ’17!! of the Welsh fans this time unlike the who received the man-of-the-match on the Welsh jersey. Nobody eased Last few scrums were epic!!” last match when they simply crumbled award in the agonising defeat to New under the pressure. Zealand due to his tremendous eff orts Following the Six Nations, the 2015 to consistently get over the gain line. World Cup will take centre stage and Pictured: Another aspect of Biggar’s game it should be quite the spectacle right Wales captain that was praised was his defensive from the fi rst match with Wales being Sam Warburton commitment, with a highlight being grouped with Australia, England and takes on his tremendous tackle on Tendai the physical Fijians. With only two All Blacks’ Mtawarira in the South Africa match, qualifying spots available, and having counterpart a player who weighs almost fi ve stone been dumped out of the 2007 World Richie McCaw more than the fl y half. However it Cup in a group with Fiji, Warren was not just Biggar’s eff orts in defence Gatland will be wary from the off . that were recognised and praised.  e Whatever the competition brings, Welsh squad as a whole was air-tight in the experience of beating a side that their defensive eff orts, denying the free- recently defeated New Zealand will fl owing Springboks even a sniff of a try be invaluable to the Welsh squad, and shutting out the world champions smashing down the psychological for 70 minutes before ultimately the barrier that has been up for years bounce of the ball undid all previous against these Southern Hemisphere eff orts. sides. Finally, the monkey is off the From a fans’ perspective, it was back. Strong outing for Cardiff at BUCS Duathlon n Sunday November 23rd,  at group included Alex  orley, fi ve girls in the team, with everyone which came 28th out of 188 teams. Charlotte Cardiff University’s Triathlon Christian Priestley, Jonny Harper and completing the course under 75 Arnold was followed closely by Frazer Cox Club debuted at their fi rst Geoff Smart. Alex produced the best minutes, smashing their predicted seven of his teammates, who also Oevent since becoming independent performance of the day, coming 16th times. made the 55-minute standard that from the Athletics Club in October. overall. Finally it was the boys’ second wave. would have seen them hold their own A total of 29 triathletes from the club, Next it was the girls’ turn.  e fi rst Cardiff had 11 boys in the second wave, in the fi rst wave. including 16 fi rst timers, arrived at the team of Lauren Roe, Rosie Owens only three of whom had completed Cardiff University seeded one of Castle Coombe race circuit in Bath, and Laura Strudley all completed a duathlon before. Again the boys the biggest teams at BUCS, surpassing to compete in the BUCS Duathlon the course within an hour and excelled, with everyone achieving that of Swansea University. Despite Championships. were rewarded with a top-10 team a personal best or destroying their only being an AU club for a very short  e course started off with a two- position.  is was Laura and Rosie’s predicted time. Will Arnold, despite time, the winter training is clearly mile run, followed by a 10-mile cycle, fi rst-ever duathlons, making this an being in the later wave completed the paying off and the club is very excited and fi nished with another two-mile even greater achievement. It was also course in 50 minutes to join Geoff and for their next race in February, and run. Cardiff University’s triathletes the fi rst duathlon for the remaining Alex and complete the boys’ fi rst team more excellent results along with it. raced in all fi ve divisions of the day and this resulted in some excellent performances. Pictured:  e day started with the DB Max Athletes from ‘Chilly’ duathlon, which followed the Cardiff Uni same course as the BUCS event and Triathlon Club was completed by several Cardiff at the BUCS University alumni. Club founder Tim Duathlon Fulford completed his fi rst duathlon Championships in 48 minutes. Laurence Lovell closely in Bath followed him, with Lee Treadwell and Giorgio Zanco bringing up the rear, both completing their fi rst- ever duathlons. For the girls, current members Emily Lagomarsino and Sophie Wheeler also completed their fi rst duathlons in very respectable times.  en it was on to the main event and the BUCS Championships.  e male athletes were set off in two waves according to their targeted fi nishing times. First off was the boys’ fi rst wave, aiming for sub-55 minutes. tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport Team Talk: Inter Menan Inter Menan captain Alex Fugard talks Pompey, Pelle and reveals all about his team

James Lloyd What is your role as Inter Menan What are your targets for the sure the work rate is there. feeling low after the loss to MoMed. captain? season? We thought that could be our title Well my role is mainly the football We are aiming for the top division. If you had to pinch one player from hopes going a bit, so we responded side of things so I set the team up and Last season we just missed out on it, Southampton to put into your team quite well to that, and the whole team make sure everyone gets 90 minutes. so our aim for this season was to go who would it be? was pleased with the performance Mason Hyatt is our club chairman that one little step further. After that It would probably have to be Graziano on the day. We didn’t have the squad and he was the captain last season. the second phase of the season could Pelle, as he is scoring a bag load of depth that we usually have so we were He secured us funding through the bring anything. goals. We could do with more goals, all pretty pleased with how that one History Society so that was very you can never have too many. turned out. helpful as I didn’t have to fi nd any How have the results been this sponsorship. Another lad, Barry season? What are your strengths and Which team do you most look Eastwood, is the vice-captain and  ey have been good, we have won weaknesses in the team? forward to playing? helps me on the side-lines by making all of our games bar one, in which we We have built quite a solid partnership MoMed, which is why we were so low subs, so we are working well as a unit. were disappointed to lose to MoMed. at the back in Beau Vickery and Doug when we got beaten. It’s always quite We didn’t really play our football and Randall – they have been very solid. a feisty encounter. We played them in How many people are in the squad? we were outplayed on the day.  e Beau keeps telling me that when a pre-season friendly and beat them, We try to get a lot from the History lads were very disappointed but we he has been on the pitch the team then went into our last game against freshers so we have a large intake responded quite well as we beat FC has not conceded a goal. We have a them probably a bit too confi dent from them but we have a lot of people Euros 6-0 and then beat Chemistry good goalkeeper in Simon Reads, so which was probably our downfall. from diff erent courses.  e squad is 5-0, so we bounced back from the defence is very good. We are a hard Hopefully we’ll play them in the top quite big, we have 18/19 players so we defeat well. team to break down and score against. division in the second phase of the have to rotate people in. However we We are also good going forwards – season and it will be nice to get the have had a few injuries already so that If you had to compare your team’s Dan Lewis is very good in attacking better of them next time. makes it easier to give people game performances to a professional midfi eld, with good link-up play time. We just want everyone to enjoy team, who would you compare it with the strikers. We could do with Who is the most skilful? Who is themselves. to? scoring more chances. We sometimes the ‘hard man’? Who is the hardest I hate to say it as I’m a Portsmouth go missing in games for quite large working? Do you have to organise socials? fan, but we probably play like periods, so if we could keep it up for Dan Lewis for most skilful – he plays We have two social secs – Alex Southampton. We don’t have any 90 minutes we would beat teams by an attacking midfi eld role, supporting Macey Dare and Matt Hale.  ey standout players so we work as a a lot of goals as opposed to the odd the striker. Very quick feet, quite a have organised some good socials team instead, trying to pass the ball couple. small player, but he has scored some this year and it’s good for me as it is around as much as possible. We try to really good goals this season. We’ve something less to worry about.  ey be solid at the back – we have already Do you have any good memories got a player called “Titch” who is the organised our welcoming social, a had four clean sheets this season, from playing with your team? hard man. His real name is Hayden pub golf social and that sort of thing. which is a lot better than last year. We I’d probably say the 6-0 win against Morgan and he is a feisty Welshman. all work for each other, and we make FC Euros, just because we were all Unfortunately he got injured after our second game, having put in some “We are aiming big tackles in our fi rst two games. We Pictured: have two people who are especially Fugard, third for the top hardworking – Tom Martin, a fresher from the left on division. Last that we got in. He came as a centre the back row, season we just back but we have moved him to with his team holding midfi eld now. He works for missed out on the team, very selfl ess and always it, so our aim picks a pass out.  e other player is Dan Mitchell – he plays right wing for this seaon and is a proper utility man. He was was to go that in the athletics club so he will keep one little step running and do what you tell him. further...the Finally, if your team could play one second phase IMG match at any stadium in the world where would you play? of the season From my perspective – I think most could bring of the lads would disagree with this – anything but I would have to say Fratton Park, for me the home of football. As a kid I always wanted to play there, so that’s the dream. Not the best of stadiums, ” but for me that would be brilliant.

 e Blues are fast approaching a pivotal Minto grabbed a couple of tries in just pivoted and stretched to touch down in outstanding at number 8 and Kristian Michael month in their season, and after a dismal six minutes to cut the margin down to Cantillon the left hand corner. Dacey was one of the top performers all performance and corresponding result four points with 12 minutes left to play. Anscombe lasted only 40 minutes night, grabbing the bonus-point try and in Edinburgh a fortnight ago, there was a A Rory Watts-Jones try from a lineout and did not reappear after the half-time putting some pressure on Matthew Rees. response provided with the 35-25 home drive however was to calm the nerves break due to a dead leg, leaving him a Cardiff now face a huge month in their win over Treviso last time out in the inside Arms Park, with the Blues’ fi fth try doubt for upcoming games, but during campaign with back-to-back clashes league.  e victory was only the Blues’ of the night enough to belatedly ensure the time he was on his distribution was with main Pool One rivals London Irish second all season and, staggeringly, was victory. good off both hands and he notched his in the European Challenge Cup and two the fi rst win in Cardiff since April. In terms of positives, it was the fi rst fi rst points with a conversion, though his Welsh derbies on the horizon against It was also the fi rst league victory time Mark Hammett started with new kicking out of hand was suspect all night Dragons and Scarlets. Facing this critical since the opening day win away to signings Joaquin Tuculet and Gareth for the inventive Kiwi. period, Hammett will desperately hope Zebre and whilst the fi nal score may Anscombe at full-back and out-half It will be intriguing now to see who that returning stars Sam Warbuton, appear relatively routine, the Blues had respectively. Tuculet provided an Hammett starts in the number 10 shirt Alex Cuthbert and Gethin Jenkins can to survive a second-half fi ght-back as exciting attacking outlet producing when both Anscombe and Rhys Patchell reproduce their international form in Treviso’s replacement fl anker Francesco a superb piece of skill as he twisted, are fully fi t. Elsewhere, Josh Navidi was regional colours. SPORT 39 Safety in sport Cardiff University Cricket Club paid tribute to Phillip Hughes last week, whose death on the field of play has sent shockwaves around the world of sport

ardiff University Cricket Club the fi rst and second team net sessions Jim Harris made their own tribute to with all squad members from the 1s, Phil Hughes after the batsman 2s, 3s and 4s welcome to come and pay Ctragically lost his life playing last month. their respects. Members from all four squads were in “It was clear from the turnout and attendance, as the club observed one the respect shown that this has hit a minute’s silence and joined millions lot of people. We share a love of cricket of others in putting their bats out with Phil and it was only right that we in remembrance of the Australian did what we did”, the pair explained. cricketer.  e reaction on social media to On 25th November, Hughes was Hughes’ death has been monumental, playing for South Australia against with #putyourbatsout trending New South Wales in a Sheffi eld Shield worldwide, as celebrities, fellow domestic game when he was knocked cricketers and members of the public unconscious following a bouncer from have united in not only remembrance bowler Sean Abbot, which struck him of Hughes, but of support for his family, just behind the ear. After collapsing friends and of bowler Sean Abbot. on the fi eld, Hughes received over “If you watch and look at some of thirty minutes of mouth-to-mouth the tributes around the world I think it resuscitation before being rushed to shows what a popular man Phillip was. St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, where It’s amazing how one image can speak he was operated on and placed in an so many words and create so much induced coma.  e twenty-fi ve year old emotion” Carpenter said. sadly never regained consciousness and ‘I think it is also important to protection has been allocated to lower on everyone aff ected, there is a growing died two days later. mention Sean Abbot in this tribute as parts of the back of head, and while it consensus that drastic change could Cardiff University Cricket Club well. He is only 22 and I can’t imagine is impossible to say that wearing the aff ect the risk aspect of competitive chairman, Jonny Carpenter, and fi rst the pain and grief he is going through, 2014 model may have saved Hughes’ sports, such as cricket. team captain, Josh Allen, organised the but it’s so encouraging to see the life, it would be innacurate to suggest “When the dust settles and eyes tribute, which took place in Talybont support he has been receiving”. that developments in technologies for clear, although we can do our utmost Sports Centre last Monday evening: Questions regarding the safety of player safety are not being made. to eliminate risk from the game, it’s the “When I fi rst saw the ‘get your bats batsmen at the crease have begun to “ e newly-developed Masuri risk which remains that is attractive to out’ trend, I knew, as a club, we could do surface in light of this tragic incident, ‘Vision Series’ helmet, which a player” Carpenter explained. something quite special to remember despite there having only been one supersedes the 2013 helmet worn by “Knowing that you go into bat, Phil Hughes” Allen said. previous recorded case caused by Phil Hughes, does aff ord batsmen extra ready for a battle with the opposition “It was decided on Monday night a cricket ball. At the time, Hughes protection in this region – and still is something that should not be that we would put out as many bats was wearing an older model Masuri allows comfortable movement” said underestimated. Aggressiveness is part as possible, with the boys also placing cricket helmet, worn commonly Masuri in a statement. of the game and the fact Phil Hughes Cardiff baggies, home club caps, by thousands of other cricketers at However, evidence shows that most attempted to pull the bouncer bowled and some CUCC kit alongside. We all levels, across the world. Newer of the improvements made by the showed how cricket should be played. observed a minute’s silence in between designs have since shown that greater manufacturer have focused on the front It’s a dual of the bowler vs. the batsman of the helmet, strengthening the grille and this should not be changed” he and reducing the gap from the peak of said. Pictured: the helmet to prevent balls penetrating Aggressiveness and risk are part Above: Phillip and causing serious facial injuries, of what makes competitive sport the Hughes rather than to protect vulnerable parts attraction that it is today, and while it (Photographer: There“ is a of the back of the head. will never be taken lightly, the death of Dan Peled); growing Masuri, a Winchester-based Phil Hughes is an extremely isolated company, who work closely with the incident, and one that should not be Left: CUCC consensus that England and Wales Cricket Board, have a catalyst for major safety overhauls in take part in the drastic change confi rmed they will be investigating sports where injury is not common. Put Out Your could affect the situation and are “actively seeking On behalf of Cardiff University Cricket Bats campaign as much TV and video footage of the Club, Cardiff Student Media and Cardiff in memory of the risk aspect incident as possible, to be able to see University, we would like to send all Hughes of competitive more conclusively exactly where the our best wishes and condolences to Phil (Photographer: player was hit”. Hughes’ family, friends and all that knew Jim Harris) sports While the seriousness of this him, as well as Sean Abbot, who we hope ” devastating accident has not been lost to see bowling again in the near future. Jim Harris One of the most iconic periods of time November, Cardiff are heading into this chasers Charlton Athletic. a more consistent set of results. Yet, in every football season is now upon us. busy period with confi dence on the up. If they can come out the other side if the Christmas period doesn’t bring  e Christmas period off ers a jumbled Going into last weekend’s Rotherham of the New Year still in touch with happiness and success to the Welsh diary, where three o’clock games get game, the Welsh side were just two the play off s – Cardiff can seriously club, it will be diffi cult to fancy Cardiff ’s underway on a  ursday afternoon points off of the play-off spots – a far be considered as contenders for an chances of escaping at least another and the Boxing Day hangover gets a cry from the seventeenth place they sat immediate return to the Premier year in England’s second tier of football. welcome boost thanks to the presence in when Slade took over in October. League. While there is still over half of Off the pitch, Vincent Tan remains of our beautiful game. As exciting as it  e December fi xture schedule the season remaining, and it is diffi cult quiet, and defender Juan Cala received is for every football fan, for Cardiff City for Cardiff is daunting, however.  is to suggest that their current form will an unwelcome early Christmas present this month could make or break their weekend, they travel to Eddie Howe’s continue for the rest of the campaign, as it was confi rmed on December 3rd season. high-fl ying Bournemouth side and Slade has shown to be slowly building that his contract with the club was Russell Slade has turned the they will then welcome third-placed the Cardiff City Stadium into a fortress. terminated with immediate eff ect. Bluebirds’ season around and, after Brentford to the Cardiff City Stadium After their fi rst away win at the end  ere was good news for Craig Noone claiming their fi rst away win in seven just before Christmas, ahead of a of last month, it will also be hoped that and Kadeem Harris, however, both of months against Watford at the end of Boxing Day clash with fellow play-off the Bluebirds can now begin to produce whom extended their current contracts. tweet us @gairrhyddsport email us [email protected] SPORT or visit us online at gairrhydd.com/sport

Hope for Wales ahead of World Cup Wales broke their Southern Hemisphere duck with a win over South Africa, but going into next year’s campaign, have they got enough momentum? Liam s John Lacey sounded his it was as good a time as any to start be one of the great battles between into next year’s World Cup with any Corcoran whistle to bring the curtain beating such teams, with the world of the two sides, with a feast of tries in hope of replicating the form shown in down on yet another rugby having one eye on next years the opening 40, sparked by a moment the competition three years ago then Aentertaining series of internationals, Rugby World Cup. of brilliance from Rhys Webb.  ose a scrum half is a position that need an unusual feeling was swirling In Wales’ fi rst Autumn International moments of brilliance seemed to get strengthening.  e performances around the Millennium Stadium: one of 2014, fans were left with the bitter more and more frequent throughout of Ospreys number nine Webb this of victory. sense of Déjà vu. For years now Wales the series. Autumn will have been a breath of For the fi rst time in six years, have consistently come close to seeing Whilst Mike Phillips has been fresh air for Welsh fans. Wales had managed to defeat one of out a victory over Australia, only to a physical rock for Wales over the Webb was a shock inclusion for the Southern Hemisphere’s ‘big three’ suff er heartbreak in the closing stages. years, it is no secret that his best days the Australia fi xture, but he defi nitely Continued on in South Africa, and some would say At half time it seemed like it could are behind him, so if Wales are to go proved his worth, scoring on his full page 37

CUCC pay respects Phillip Hughes BUCS Duathlon Championships City column: Christmas period P39>> P37>> essential P39>>