gair rhydd | freeword Cardiff ’s student weekly Issue 1070 gair rhyddy Monday 1st February 2016 Also in this issue

Comment: Should Banksy have to raise social issues? P13>>

Politics: Spotlight on the Welsh Refugees in Cardiff : education system P20>> A home from home? t
Gair Rhydd investigates what life is like as a refugee in Cardiff t
Wristband scheme introduced by private fi rm to identify asylum seekers labelled “degrading” by commentators t
Exclusive interviews with refugees and charity workers every day, from clothing and food to Natasha Chilambo, who confirmed EXCLUSIVE English lessons and help with tax re- that during the society’s work she Pictured: Toby Holloway turns. had also encountered instances of Scenes from Science: Why are bananas under Asked whether any of the asylum discrimination towards refugees: a ‘Solidarity ollowing a week where asylum seekers at Oasis had experienced “Locally [refugees] are victim to with Refugees’ threat? P24>> seekers in Cardiff made nation- prejudice because of the wristbands, abuse by some members of the pub- rally in London Fal news headlines, Gair Rhydd co-founder and manager of Oasis, lic; on more than one occasion we in September investigated what life is like for the Reynette Roberts, said: “Some peo- have been made to respond to peo- (Photographer: Welsh capital’s refugee population. ple feel they have, some people aren’t ple turning up to the drop-in who Ilias Bartolini via Last week, a private company in bothered about them at all. There have been verbally and physically Flickr) Cardiff was criticised for making have always been people shout- abusive”. refugees wear red wristbands in or- ing abuse as they drive by. There’s However, Chilambo did note that der to receive food. not much space outside and they’re attitudes have changed in recent The wristband scheme was heavily more visible so people will give them times: “There has been a big posi- criticised as some people labelled it abuse. It’s a difficult thing”. tive shift in the last few months and I ‘degrading’ to the refugees, alongside Speaking generally about the think this is attributable to a greater accusations that it stigmatized those wristbands, she added: “For people public awareness of the refugee cri- wearing them, making them targets who are coming here, anything that sis”. for abuse and discrimination. makes them stick out or makes them This was also emphasised by As a result of the news, we visited feel vulnerable - makes them feel tar- STAR committee member Anusheh Oasis Cardiff, a centre in Splott to geted - is an issue”. Javaid, who said: “I think that overall see what employees and refugees This idea has also been suggested the people of Cardiff are greatly hos- had to say about the matter. by other volunteers. We spoke to the pitable and understanding towards Taf-Od: Edrych ymlaen at yr The centre offers a range of activi- President of STAR (Student Action refugees and asylum seekers. They Continued on ties and services for up to 200 people for Refugees) at Cardiff University, go out of their way to help when they page 4 Eisteddfod Ryng-gol P32>> 2 EDITORIAL

Gair Rhydd

Coordinator Elaine Morgan Editor Joseph Atkinson Deputy Editors the free word Carwyn Williams Anna Lewis News Changing perceptions Anna Lewis Joanna Beck After the red wristband saga, this week’s front page looks at the Toby Holloway Advice work done to help refugees, and hopefully gives them a voice Gwen Williams Caragh Medlicott that was made following public outcry gle asylum seeker with the same brush surrounding areas, there is absolutely Joseph Atkinson at the measure to assign refugees with as a result is irresponsible and should no doubt in my mind that the world Comment ID cards in lieu of the wristbands, but be discouraged. should do its utmost to guarantee the Em Gates n the media, refugees are very rare- the saga has taken away from one of a Th is week saw Denmark pass a con- safety and continued survival of those Charley Griffiths ly portrayed as individuals; they are number of community eff orts that are troversial new law which has provoked in great need. David Williams Igrouped together and dealt as a col- genuinely meant to be helpful to peo- outcry from refugees and human rights I’ve very proud that we at Gair Rhy- lective, often taking away any aspect of ple in the direst of needs. activists alike. Th e legislation allows dd are able to bring to people’s atten- Columnist personality and humanity. Each and Th is week we’ve gone along to visit Danish police to search and strip those tion the problems that face others and Helena Hanson every one of the thousands of refugees a centre dedicated to looking after asy- wishing to seek asylum in the country direct them towards to channels in who have arrived in Britain have lives lum seekers. One of the most striking of their valuables and cash, and is be- which they can help. Being aware of a Politics as deep and complicated as you and I, things to come out of Toby’s visit to ing used as a deterrent from people problem sometimes isn’t enough when Carwyn Williams but that is often forgotten when politi- the Oasis Cardiff centre was how the migrating to Denmark en masse. Swit- it arrives on your door, and engaging Luke Brett cians discuss how to handle the infl ux staff felt the refugees who used the zerland has adopted similar messages, or educating yourself is vital in under- Sam Patterson of asylum seekers and the subsequent centre were not accurately portrayed supposedly in place to cover the costs standing and sympathising with those media coverage of what has been in the media. In fact the visit left Toby of housing, feeding and clothing refu- who come from a long way away. Th e Science branded the ‘migrant crisis’. so inspired by the work that the volun- gees, but there is a sinister undertone fear that some have over the eff ects of Maria Mellor Cardiff was very briefl y at the top of teers do that he’s volunteered himself to these actions far worse that the red large-scale migration into the country Lizzie Harrett the news agenda when it was reported to help out there once a week - a fan- wristband controversy which engulfed are valid, but turning your back to the that some refugees had been made to tastic gesture and something that may the Welsh capital earlier in the week. world simply isn’t an option, especially Societies wear red wristbands in order to be able not have happened otherwise. It is encouraging to see people vol- in 2016. Aletheia Nutt to access food provisions set aside by Th e attitude of the general public unteering their valuable time to help Lastly, I must add that one of our the Lynx House facility. Comparisons swings according to how the media people less fortunate than themselves, sport editors, Jason Roberts, has Taf-Od were made to the measures taken by reports the situation. Reporting on and if anyone reading our front page stepped down from his position to Rhian Floyd the Nazi regime, which forced Jewish negative consequences of immigra- piece feels inspired to do the same, focus on uni work and playing for the people to wear yellow badges show- tion, such as the Cologne attacks or even if their attitudes are changed Cardiff Cobras American Football Park Life ing the Star of David to mark them. I over Christmas, will inevitably lead to towards the human beings who have team. He’s worked hard and off ered Vacant found such comparisons far-fetched people fearing refugees and immigra- been put through incredible hard- some fantastic ideas to the sport sec- and unreasonable considering the tion. Th at is not to say that the me- ship, them we’ll have done a good tion that have added so much to Gair Sport purpose of the wristbands, which were dia shouldn’t report such events - of job. While there is a valid debate as Rhydd over the last few months, and I Jim Harris ultimately intended to help. course they should - as they bring up to the long-term futures of refugees know that everyone on the paper is sad James Lloyd I do however agree with the decision genuine concerns, but to tar every sin- coming over from war-torn Syria and to see him go - thanks Jason! Jamie Smith Social Media Editor Jack Boyce THIS WEEK IN HISTORY: GAIR RHYDD 832 Get involved Editorial conferences are 5/2/2007 each Monday at 5pm. Proofreading takes place Going back to the good old days of 2007, protest any top of fees rising from £3,000 to from 5pm on Thursdays in back when I was in my first year of secondary £6,000. That really worked well guys, thanks the media office during print school, undergraduates were still probably cel- for that. With a march that started at the weeks. ebrating the end of exam doom. Of course on Main Building and worked its way to Dr Da- top of that, Cardiff was obviously reeling from vid Grant’s office, the plan was to get the chair Write to the editor the lack of sperm donors available in Wales. In people of Russell Group universities to get in [email protected] fact, only eight men in the entirety of the coun- touch with the idea of the student body. The try were available at that time, speculated to be students voted against this bill, and had the Tweet us the result of legislation that removed anonym- backing of the Students’ Union and the NUS @gairrhydd ity in donations. While there was no proven in hope of changing the minds of the people in reason behind this, fear of future eighteen year charge of the legislation. old offspring randomly turning up was prob- Disgrace on the letters page was rife once ably the main issue. again, with claim of university café sandwiches Robberies and burglaries were rife in Roath, being both extortionately priced and not even not a shocker that ten years later this is still of a good quality, and attitude of library staff happening. It seems that where there are stu- being rude and patronising. One student was dents, there are also thieves. Although a re- said to ‘have had enough’ with the prices, and cord ten houses in just one street is probably preferred the food served at their college, At Gair Rhydd we take seriously our much worse than anything committed in Ca- while the one library defended her staff as be- responsibility to maintain the highest possible thays nowadays, it seems probable that mod- ing ‘helpful and pleasant’. I think in the grand standards. Sometimes, because of deadline pressures, we may make some mistakes. If you ern burglars wouldn’t be diving head first into scheme of things if the sandwiches are too believe we have fallen below the standards we our stacks of DVDs and CDs left on the night expensive and the librarys are perhaps a little seek to uphold, please email editor@gairrhydd. stand. I suppose technology has done us one pernickety, the rest of your degree might just com. You can view our Ethical Policy favour there. Now, as ever, insurance and reg- be going ok. Statement and Complaints Procedure at cardiffstudentmedia.co.uk/complaints istering your valuables seem like a good idea, Basically I think when these people paid unless you want your new copy of The Devil £6,000 less a year than I do, they can afford Opinions expressed in editorials are not Wears Prada to be lost forever. a £2.50 ham and cheese sandwich and put up reflective of Cardiff Student Media, who act as In a time where tuition fees were a third of with a little passive aggression from library the publisher of Gair Rhydd in legal terms, and should not be considered official communica- what they are now, undergraduates staged a staff. tions or the organisation’s stance. Gair Rhydd sit in outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office to - Em Gates is a Post Office registered newspaper. EDITORIAL 3 Campus in Brief

he Football Association of Wales has allocat- Jack Boyce ed more tickets to Welsh fans ahead of the National International Pictured: TEuro 2016 tournament in France this sum- Google’s mer. Originally allocating 17,000 tickets, with 7,000 Google executives and UK tax offi cials have agreed Th e president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, has ordered tax deal has available for opening game against Slovakia and to appear before the Commons public accounts com- the opening of the country’s borders to neighbour been heavily 5,000 for the latter two games against England and mittee in a bid to discuss the “sweetheart deals” be- South Sudan for the fi rst time since 2011. South Su- debated in the Russia, this has since been upped to 21,177. During tween the two organisations. HM Revenue & Customs dan gained independence from Sudan in 2005 after Commons a four-week window, FAW gold members applied (HMRC) and the Internet powerhouse are due to give a 22-year civil war, with fi ghting continuing well into (Photographer: for a total of 52,160 seats, which included tickets to evidence in a hearing on February 11th, with the UK’s 2012 over the Heglig oilfi eld. Relations between the Jon Russell via potential knockout games further into the tourna- tax deal with Google possibly falling outside of Euro- two countries are starting to look up, with President Flickr) ment if Wales make it past the group stages. Th e in- pean rules. Talking on BBC Radio 4, European Com- al-Bashir telling authorities to “take all measures” credible demand comes from fans eager to cheer on missioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager stated: to reopen the border, shortly after the decision was their national team in their fi rst major international “We should be in a union where everyone has a fair made by South Sudan to move its forces a small dis- tournament since 1958. chance of making it. If you are in a small innovative tance away from the border. Talks are also in place to Figures taken from the Hospital Episode Statis- company… the bigger ones shouldn’t close the market lower the expenses South Sudan pays to export their tics from NHS in England and the Patient Episode and disable your opportunity to fi nd customers.” oil through Sudan. Database from the NHS in Wales show that Welsh A new “City Deal” will see £250 million worth of in- A shuttle bus has taken to the streets of Nether- patients are more likely to wait longer for a diag- vestments fl ow into Aberdeen over the next ten years, lands for a fi rst trial into driverless public transport. nosis and treatment than patients in England, ac- with a further £254 million also promised for the sur- Titled the WePod, the electric bus’ fi rst foray onto cording to BBC Wales. Worrying statistics have rounding area to invest in key infrastructure projects. public roads took six passengers back and forth conveyed a signifi cant separation in the wait for During a visit to the region, Prime Minister David down a 200m stretch of road in the Dutch town of Welsh patients hip and cataract operations, with waiting times Cameron also announced a further £20 million pack- Wageningen. Despite only travelling at a mere 5mph, “ around two months longer for Welsh patients than age to prop up the oil and gas industry in the area. Scot- the WePod’s technical director Jan Willem van der are more likely their English counterparts. Deputy Health Minister tish Secretary David Mundall called the deals “historic”, Wiel claimed, “Th is is a milestone”. Th e project is “A new study of Vaughan Getting said: “We want to have a system and that the initial investment will kick-start the infl ow set to be expanded upon in the upcoming months, to wait longer that properly runs on waiting for treatment that is of “hundreds of millions” of additional funds into the where it will become the main form of public trans- GCSE results for a diagnosis acceptable, but importantly the focus has to be on region from the private sector. port along a four mile route in the town of Wagen- has revealed outcomes.” A new study of GCSE results has revealed that all- ingen. and treatment Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies girl secondary schools are outperforming their mixed- Th e Canadian government is considering chang- that all-girl has criticised ministers’ decision to purchase Car- gender counterparts. Research taken out by education ing a line in the country’s national anthem to include secondary than patients diff Airport from Spanish owners Abertis for £52 website SchoolDash centred around England’s 378 women. Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger fi rst introduced in England million back in 2013 amongst concerns regarding same-sex schools, which includes 217 all-girls schools, the bill to change the third line of national anthem ‘O schools are the airport’s performance, calling the acquisition has revealed that 75 per cent of pupils at same-sex Canada’. If passed, the line “True patriot love in thy according to a “stunning failure to safeguard taxpayers’ money”. schools achieve at least fi ve ‘good’ GCSE including sons command” will be overhauled as “True patriot outperforming NHS statistics Th e main criticism came from the amount of mon- English and Maths compared to only 55 per cent at love in all of us command”, as a way of recognising their mixed- ey spent purchasing the airport, after an estimate mixed-gender schools. Th ese results come off the back Canadian women as well as men. Ten previous at- in England and published in a report by the Wales Audit Offi ce es- of allegations from Richard Cairns, head of Brighton tempts have been made to change the anthem since gender timated the airport valuation of around £20-30 mil- College, who last month stated that girls at same-sex ‘O Canada’ was introduced as the country’s offi cial counterparts. Wales. lion. First Minister Carwyn Jones defended the pur- schools are disadvantaged if they don’t learn to socialise national anthem in 1980, taking over from ‘God Save ” chase, calling the airport a “vital gateway to Wales”. with the opposite sex at school. Th e Queen’. ” 4 NEWS

Editors: Anna Lewis Joanna Beck Toby Holloway @GairRhyddNews [email protected] news gairrhydd.com/news Continued: A home from home can, and it’s amazing.” aim to strengthen the relationship of pliances such as washing machines to will hopefully be for people who don’t For the society, this year has seen the refugees with the community, reg- support refugees. know much about refugees”. the largest number of volunteers, a ularly teaming up with organisations Th e co-founder said: “We’re always For students wishing to help, both “I used to live in Continued fact which has been attributed to a such as ‘Community First’, a govern- looking for men’s clothes for people STAR and Oasis are always grateful from front “greater public awareness of the refu- ment-funded initiative, and National because sometimes all they’ve got for volunteers. Similar to Oasis, STAR Glasgow, and page gee crisis” both on campus and in Th eatre Wales. is the clothes they stand in. We get also provides English classes for refu- some people wider society. Oasis’ support extends to asylum through nearly 100 people a week who gees, as well as off ering a place to relax Integration is seen as vital in reduc- seekers and refugees who have lived in need clothes”. and socialise. were not ing discrimination towards refugees, Cardiff for a number of years, as well Since August, the centre has seen a Run by a national student network, very nice to and some people have accused the as those who have just arrived. rise in those seeking help, especially STAR volunteers hold a weekly drop national press of exacerbating this is- Ms. Roberts said: “Th ings we help among Syrian refugees. However, Oa- in at the Trinity Centre on Newport refugees. It is sue by reporting a reluctance amongst with might include updating their CV. sis also has clients from Eritrea, Iraq, Road in addition to creating various refugees to integrate into their local Th ey might get letters that they just Iran, Afghanistan, and even Mongolia. campaigns and fundraising activities much different communities. don’t understand because the English Facilities at the centre provide free including the Equal Access campaign. here, I like it in One Oasis employee, however, is too complicated, citizenships tests, lunch with a cafe area, as well as a As explained by STAR President in spoke of a group of Sudanese men driving license, insurance and tax re- variety of English classes including Cardiff , asylum seekers face huge bar- Cardiff. “For some who wildly celebrated Wales’ 2015 turns. Just anything because it can be women’s English classes, advanced riers to higher education. As a result people it’s Rugby World Cup victory over Eng- a bit bewildering - even for a British English classes, and basic classes for the group has run a successful cam- land, apparently leaping up and down person”. people who are just in initial accom- paign at Cardiff University which has ” just a place to holding a Welsh fl ag. He stressed that She added: “For some people it’s just modation. led to the creation of two bursaries the desire to be part of the local com- a place to come - they feel like it’s their Talking to Gair Rhydd, Ms. Roberts provided for students who are asylum come - they munity is strong among the refugees home and they can come here”. continued: “We do sport in the after- seekers. feel like it’s that he has met. Like many other non-profi t organi- noons so we have a volleyball team, we According to Chilambo, there are Many of the refugees at the help sations of this type, Oasis struggle to play football, we’ve done cage cricket, currently students studying at Cardiff their home and centre that spoke to Gair Rhydd con- secure funding. Th e centre relies on we’ve got badminton, table tennis and as a direct change in the University’s fi rmed this, expressing their fondness applying for grants, and according snooker. We do music, we’ve got art policy. Th is campaign is now planned they can come of the Welsh capital and also of the to Ms. Roberts depends upon “grant class, and we try and signpost people to be used nationally in a hope to make here’. acceptance of locals. One man said: money or we have people that donate to other things that are on in Cardiff Wales the fi rst Equal Access country. “I used to live in Glasgow, and some a small amount regularly, so that all as well”. It is clear that organisations such as Reynette people were not very nice to refugees. mounts up; we don’t have any govern- She also spoke of the eff orts of Oasis and STAR are extremely impor- Roberts It is much diff erent here, I like it in ment funding”. the charity to educate people about tant to refugees and asylum seekers, Cardiff ”. Th e centre also relies on donations refugees: “We’re also doing an exhi- and will be increasingly relied on as ” Th e centre holds many events that of food, clothing and even kitchen ap- bition that’ll go around Wales, so it Europe’s refugee crisis continues. Pictured: Refugees making lanterns at the OASIS centre in Splott

Students celebrate the life of their fl atmate

tudents at Cardiff University our halls of residence.” from Talybont Court described their words. Anna Lewis have commemorated the life of Th e incident is not being treated as fl atmate as “exactly the sort of person “We fi nd comfort in knowing how Stheir fl atmate, after a death was suspicious. you would hope to live with - smiley, much [he] loved his short time here, confi rmed at a halls of residence last Th e spokesperson continued: “Our caring, honest and unbelievably intel- and we were the privileged few who “Taken far week. immediate thoughts and sympathies ligent.” got to spend so much time with him. A University spokesperson con- are with the student’s friends and fam- Th ey continued: “We have no bad Taken far too soon, his memory will too soon, his fi rmed the news on Wednesday Janu- ily at this extremely diffi cult time. memories of him, none except for live with us forever.” memory will ary 27th. “Anyone aff ected can access sup- maybe his infamous Weetabix bowls Th is is the second death to be re- In a statement the message read: port from our professional student which he always ‘forgot’ to wash up! ported in a halls of residence this aca- live with us. “we can confi rm the tragic death of support staff or our Chaplains.” Th e loss of such a wonderful friend is demic year, as a person was confi rmed a Cardiff University student at one of Speaking to Gair Rhydd, three girls one which we fi nd diffi cult to put into to have died during early September. ” NEWS 5 Plagiarism levels in Cardiff revealed FOI shows statistics of those caught cheating

lagiarism levels at Cardiff Uni- were most commonly awarded a score people were found to be misbehaving. cases compared to Cardiff ’s total Anna Lewis versity have seen a slight in- of zero for the assessment in question Th is includes examples of students score of 828. Pcrease, according to the results and were required to sit a study skills guilty of “suspicious behaviour”, “col- Indeed, with only one per cent of Other“ cases of an Freedom of Information (FOI) course. Th e second most popular lusion”, and “alleged talking during an the population of Cardiff students request. form of punishment was giving those examination”. found to be guilty of academic mis- saw students Th e statistics have been revealed guilty an ‘informal warning letter’ for In the latest results, approximately conduct, a spokesperson described lose all marks amidst a larger investigation examin- those who continued to write after the 67 per cent of those caught cheating the fi gures as “consistent” and show- ing the increase in cheating across UK end of an exam. were undergraduates, whilst 33 per ing “no signifi cant rises”. for the module universities, described by Th e Inde- Other cases saw students lose all cent were postgraduates from taught According to academics, in general affected, and pendent as a “plagiarism epidemic”. marks for the module aff ected, and programmes and 0.35 per cent from the most common types of plagiarism In the academic year 2014-15, 283 the issue of a ‘formal reprimand’. postgraduate research courses. is no longer attributed to copying and the issue of cases of academic misconduct in Car- During one case where a disserta- Of those who stated their gender, 54 pasting from other sources but rather diff were recorded, a slight increase tion was plagiarised, a recommen- per cent of students identifi ed as male using services described as “bespoke a “formal from the 268 case from 2013-14. dation was made to the University’s and 44 per cent identifi ed as female. essay-writing” companies. reprimand.” Of those 283, 199 students were Vice-Chancellor, Colin Riordan, ad- In a UK-wide investigation, the uni- Th e study also found that non-EU found to be guilty of plagiarism com- vising that the student should be dis- versities of Kent, Westminster and students were more likely found to be pared to 83 people who allegedly qualifi ed from any further examina- East London were found to have the guilty of plagiarism, as 35 per of all cheated in exams, often by possessing tions. most examples of academic miscon- cases were attributed to international ” notes or mobile phones. Th e latest levels match statistics duct, with the highest number of stu- students despite constituting only 12 According to the statistics, students recorded back in 2012, where 280 dents found cheating resting at 1,947 per cent of the student population.

A spokesperson “ Which students Which students Most common described the are most likely are most likely forms of to plagiarise? to plagiarise? academic figures as misconduct “consistent” Undergraduates: Female: 45% 66% Male: 55% Plagiarism: 70% with “no Postgraduates: Didn’t say: 1% Exam significant 34% misbehaviour: 30% rises.” ” Students breathalysed on nights out

ardiff Students’ Union are any commercial gain from this”. increase in the number of individuals person or allow them to remain on Joanna Beck breathalysing students upon Although club-goers could be re- ‘preloading’ and being signifi cantly the premises” and reassured stu- Pictured: Centry to their club nights as fused entrance after taking a breatha- intoxicated prior to going out for the dents that their Union “takes meas- Queues part of a scheme which has been put lyser test, a spokesperson for South evening”. ures above and beyond those of other outside the forward by South Wales Police. Th e Wales Police has said: “Licensed A Students’ Union spokesperson commercial venues to ensure the Students’ Union programme, which is being imple- premises are expected to use the reiterated that “legally a licensed safety and well-being of its custom- (Photographer: mented in 19 diff erent venues across breathalyser only as an aid where venue cannot serve an intoxicated ers”. Craig Miekle) the city, attempts to reduce ‘pre- they would otherwise have refused drinking’ before nights out. entry”. Although some have questioned It has also been confi rmed that the motivations behind the Students’ the breathalysers are not the same as Union’s participation in the scheme, those used to detect drink-driving. a spokesperson assured students that Th e machines given to venues, which Licensed safety is their priority: “Commercial are provided by the local health “ impact, either positive or negative, board, do not give an explicit alco- premises are had no bearing whatsoever on the hol level reading and act as more of Students’ Union’s decision to be in- a “guide” according to South Wales expected volved in this trial scheme”. Police. to use the Th is is in response to suggestions Norwich saw a similar pilot scheme that the scheme is simply an attempt introduced which reportedly resulted breathalyser to get students to spend more money in a decrease in violent crime associ- only as an on drinks in venues. Lucy Woodman, ated with alcohol and police are hop- Editor for Th e Tab Cardiff , told Wales ing for a comparable eff ect in Cardiff . aid where Online: “Th e Union is sure to make Benni Nicholson-Lepine, Substance money off people having to spend Misuse Coordinator for the Safer they would more inside rather than drinking be- Vale Partnership and Area Planning otherwise fore”. Board has discussed the motivations However Claire Blakeway, Stu- behind the programme. have refused dents’ Union President, dismissed “An overwhelming amount of re- entry. any commercial implications: “Th is search has demonstrated the damag- is a citywide initiative to promote re- ing eff ects of alcohol and binge drink- South Wales sponsible drinking that the Students’ ing. Recent health assessments show Union is co-operating with and we that, across Cardiff and the Vale, too Police have absolutely no intentions and many individuals are drinking at dan- ” nor do we think that we will make gerous levels and we are aware of the 6 NEWS

Students protest against maintenance cuts Societies join with politicians to fi ght against last week’s vote espite heavy rainfall, Cardiff stated: “We wanted to make sure university without their maintenance would save a lot of money, but then Tanya University students gathered when doing this protest that it’s Car- grants, and it’s just making it less ac- my degree would suff er, so it’s very Harrington Dat the Students’ Union build- diff speaking,” while he also claimed: cessible to people from working class diffi cult.” “I know a lot ing last Wednesday to protest the “We asked the Tories, but they said backgrounds”. During the protest, students stood cutting of the student maintenance no.” Cardiff Labour Students member outside of the Students’ Union build- of people grant. Currently, grants can reach Also amongst the attendees were Robert also added: “I’m from England ing, held banners and signs and of- up to £3,387 per year, but following local councillors Chris Weaver and and I know it would have certainly af- fered a petition against the mainte- who couldn’t George Osborne’s budget proposal Sam Knight of the Labour party and fected my decision in coming here.” nance grant cuts for people to sign. survive at they are to be replaced by loans of up Elizabeth Clark of the Liberal Demo- Green Party Society member Jamie Th is was accompanied by chants as to £8,200 per year in value. crats. Alongside them was Students’ stressed: “We’re the fi fth richest students voiced their anger, appeal- university Th e protest began as an idea from Union President Claire Blakeway, economy in the world, there are man- ing for the government to “save our without their Cardiff Labour Students, but with who stated: “It’s fantastic to see such sion tax and inheritance tax cuts and grants.” their President, Jake Fletcher, cit- a great turnout at today’s protest yet simultaneously you see an assault Elected offi cers at the Cardiff Uni- maintenance ing the want to show a more “uni- and so many students engaged, and from the right of the more vulnerable versity Students’ Union released fi ed voice”, members of other groups I think this highlights how this is a in society and poorer students.” their own statement about the main- grants. such as the Socialist Students Soci- huge matter that aff ects students.” Another student, Rowan, said: “If tenance grant cuts on January 19th, Protester ety, the Green Party Society and the Some of the students present in- they had cut the grants before I be- which stated: “We categorically disa- National Union of Students were all cluded Katie from the Socialist Stu- gan university, I would probably have gree with this discriminatory treat- welcomed. dents Society, who said “I know a chosen to go to a local university ment of current and possible future Talking to Gair Rhydd, Fletcher lot of people who couldn’t survive at that is less prestigious just because it students.” ”

Pictured: Students, SU offi cers and politicians protesting (Photogra- phers: Tanya Harrington and Labour Students)

‘Cardiff -Uni’ snapchat receives national media attention

Snapchat account made by In addition, the social media app Cardiff University reminded Gair Rhy- Although applicable to all students, Anna Lewis Cardiff students has been con- Yikyak has also been subject of criti- dd that people “need to be extremely this concern is particularly worry- Pictured: Ademned by the University due cism after users took to the site to careful and show some common sense ing for those studying on healthcare Snapchat to its explicit nature, with many mem- discuss and ‘rate’ the content on Snap- about what they say or show online.” courses such as medicine, with its has been the bers contributing nude pictures and chat. Th eir statement continued: “We potential to breach fi tness to practice cause of the videos. Cardiff University has been quick to would encourage them not to post de- standards. controversy Th e account, which was named separate itself from the incident, as a tails or images which they might fi nd In order to overcome these issues, (Photogra- ‘Cardiff -uni’, received national media spokesperson stated: “It is important embarrassing later or don’t want fami- the University provide guidance on pher: Maurizio attention last week after gaining over to state that these social media ac- ly members, work colleagues, lecturers what it described as the “appropriate Pesce) 500 followers. With many students counts have nothing to do with Car- or employer/future employer to see.” use of social media.” sending in images of drinking, nudity, diff University and we are deeply con- and use of illegal substances, a spokes- cerned by the association; the totally person has described the situation as inappropriate use of language and the “deeply concerning”. nature of images being shared.” According to the Mirror, the story Th ey also warned that if any com- also included footage of an uncon- plaints are received involving a Cardiff scious man left in the toilets. University student then an investiga- Th e username has since been re- tion or “disciplinary procedure” will be “ ported by the University accompanied launched. Many students by requests to close it immediately. Talking to Gair Rhydd, one Car- By 4pm on Wednesday 28th Janu- diff University student explained that sent in images ary, the account was confi rmed to have they were not upset or off ended by of drinking, closed. However, as it was established the Snapchat account but said that the three days prior to this, the ‘Cardiff - main issue stood with using the name nudity, and uni’ Snapchat story already featured ‘Cardiff -uni’. use of illegal hundreds of posts. He also suggested that unlike me- It is understood that similar ac- dia descriptions, not all snaps feature substances. counts are still running, although their nudity and stressed that they are only names contain no links to Cardiff Uni- uploaded with the consent of the user. ” versity. Addressing its students however, WIN a month’s rent for you and your housemates*

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Editors: Gwen Williams Caragh Medlicott @GairRhyddAdv [email protected] advice gairrhydd.com/advice Addressing weight from both ends of the scale

eight and body image are body inevitably leads to pressure and alone is not an indicator of someone’s ings of inadequacy. Caragh intrinsically linked in our feelings of inadequacy and this is bad health and lifestyle, yet larger people Ironically, although you are what Pictured: Medlicott Wdiet-mad society. Percep- news for our mental health. Self-im- face preconceived ideas about their society perceives to be ‘skinny’, peo- Don’t let and tion of one’s own weight is a concern age and self-esteem are at an all-time diet and fi tness every day. It enters ple still feel the need to comment on society weigh Gwen most frequently related to quality of low for most young adults. a paradoxical realm where someone your size with phrases like ‘you look you down Williams appearance rather than health. Th e Psychologists have reported new will tut if a big person is eating junk ill, have you lost weight?’ or ‘you need (Photographer: media presents an unobtainable body symptoms of this, with large num- food, yet scoff when they eat a salad. to fatten up’. Th en there are others catd_mitchell ideal, which drives capitalist institu- bers of women partaking in ‘habitual Th is problem can even stretch as who try to make you feel insecure by via Flickr) tions; in the UK alone, the diet indus- self-body monitoring’, a phrase which far as fat people having health com- telling you ‘I don’t know why you’re try is worth a whopping two billion describes a behaviour where women plaints written off because ‘hey, you complaining, most people would do pounds. And what is this all centred self-objectify and view themselves should just lose weight’. anything to be your size.’ You can’t around? Not being healthy, but los- as others would, for example repo- Is health really such a black and win! Yet because the body ideal de- ing weight. sitioning the angle they hold their white issue? Making direct and fi nal picted in society is unobtainable, Most recently, the phenomenon body so it looks thinner. Th is behav- decisions based on the correlation people who are on the smaller side of “diet teas” has arisen, due mas- ioural quirk often leads to increased between weight and health com- also come under pressure to measure sively to its promotion on social anxiety and self-loathing. pletely ignores any other nuances up to the inexistent and horrible no- In order to media and the packaging of prod- Arguably, the pressure to have the and complexities. And this is some- tion of ‘normal’. “ ucts as Instagram-worthy fashion perfect body is felt most prominently thing which works both ways: not all In order to destigmatise our per- destigmatise statements. Companies have created by women, but men too are starting big people carry weight because they ceptions of body image, we need to our “Arguably, various brands of teas which claim to to suff er the eff ects. Eating disorders eat too much, and not all thin peo- be careful and selective in the lan- the pressure aid weight loss and “detox” the body. are one of the more extreme exam- ple are skinny because they don’t eat guage we use to describe ourselves perceptions of Th ese tea kits can cost upwards of ples of mental health being aff ected enough. and towards others. How about to have the £30 for what a lot of people are call- by these societal pressures to have So what if you are underweight? ‘you’re looking healthy’ as an oppose body image, ing dressed-up laxatives. the “right” kind of body. While they It may be due to a physical illness to ‘have you lost/ gained weight?’ Re- we need to be perfect body Despite many health enquiries into are still ten times more common in preventing you from eating or as a member that language is loaded and is felt most the authenticity of these products, women, eating disorders in men are result of suff ering with severe stress what you say can really upset others careful and celebrity Instagram endorsement has on the rise; since 2000, the number of or anxiety. Whatever the cause, it even if you didn’t mean it in that way. selective in the prominently seen more and more young girls get- men diagnosed with eating disorders can be just as worrying as being or Next time you go out for dinner with by women, ting sucked in. And this is just one of has gone up by 30%. Th e severity of feeling overweight. Your clothes may your friends, don’t ask if they are language we many examples pointing to the toxic- the problem cannot be understated; look baggy on you and you may be having cake afterwards, just order but men too ity of the dieting market’s products. diet-culture has become so poison- embarrassed to go for food with your what you like. If you give the impres- use to describe Health is a word far removed from ous, it is aff ecting people’s emotional friends due to a poor appetite. Trust sion that you don’t care, it may help ourselves are starting the minds of the diet industry giants: well-being. me, pushing your food around the others feel the same way. Th e fact is, to suffer the our insecurity is their profi t. Th e societal obsession with peo- plate to make it look like you’ve eaten ‘skinny’ is just a word and our ideas and towards Th e repercussions of diet-culture ple’s fi gures completely ignores all more than you have doesn’t fool any- of ‘beauty’ are corrupted by fakery others. effects. go beyond just the physical; a society the outside elements which can con- one. Just like those who feel they are and photoshop. People are beautiful, ” obsessed with achieving the perfect tribute to someone’s size. Body shape overweight, you begin to have feel- pictures are not. ” ADVICE 9 ‘Despite being taught in Welsh’ Th e benefi ts of bilingualism

ith Britain becoming more portunity to choose the language I ing a new language can improve skills At Cardiff , we are lucky enough to Gwen and more culturally di- was educated in at secondary school. such as memory and decision mak- have the ‘Languages For All’ scheme Williams Wverse, we are surrounded I decided to study almost entirely in ing. Multitasking becomes easier as where students can choose to learn a “having the by a wealth of diff erent languages and Welsh until I was 16 and I feel I have you learn to code switch between language for free alongside their uni- dialects. Monolingualism is quickly had exactly the same, if not more, languages during social interactions versity course. Th ere are a multitude ability to becoming a thing of the past as peo- opportunities than any monolingual and being multilingual can help you of languages that you can pick up at ple need to be able to communicate student. In fact, having the ability to gain a better grammatical and syntac- diff erent levels from beginners Japa- speak several eff ectively with one another. Th ere speak several languages not only ben- tical understanding of your mother nese to advanced French. Th e pro- languages not are some who feel threatened by a efi ts yourself but others around you. tongue. Some studies have even gramme gives students the choice of multilingual society, and view minor- When applying for jobs, you want claimed that it can help keep Alzhei- attending weekly classes or studying only benefits ity languages as inferior. to stand out as much as possible and mers and dementia at bay. independently. yourself but In light of the ‘Despite being taught listing the languages that you speak If you go travelling, being able to While it can be harder to learn a in Welsh’ uproar where Welsh was on your CV can help you achieve “speak the lingo” as some would say, new language as an adult than it as others around portrayed in a newspaper article as this. It shows your employer that you makes life a lot easier. You can ask for a child, if you’re determined enough a language of the disadvantaged, let’s are able to interact with customers or directions, get what you need from the benefi ts really are rich. A society you. take a step back to think about what colleagues that may not speak English the shop and in all honesty, the locals made up of lots of diff erent languages multilingualism means. which could help increase business or often welcome our attempts to en- should be stimulating, not alienating! Being Welsh myself, I was taught make your workplace more accessible gage with their language and culture. So why not get involved, learn some- ” entirely in my native tongue until to others. It just makes the whole experience thing new and add a another skill to the age of 11 and was given the op- Studies have suggested that learn- that much more pleasant. your CV! CVs and personal statements: a guide

t’s never too early to start pre- want in the future and the skills that sector you are applying to. Be aware Rachel Barter paring for life after graduation. bridge the two. It should be short and of what the company or business is IWhether it’s for a job after univer- concise, with all relevant pointers on looking for in a candidate and make sity or summer work, having a good why you are an impressive candidate. sure these features resonate through CV is a necessary requirement to be- Th is is not the place to use irrelevant your experiences. If you’re looking at coming employed. But how can you quotes or pointers. If you have a pas- a particular business make sure you make sure that your CV can land you sion for something, explain why or research them before applying. Many that job? how. Assuming that your childhood have mission statements with buzz First of all, don’t overcomplicate. ambition will be enough to secure words that will optimize your appli- Sure, it might sound good in your you a job puts you at a huge disad- cation. essay to throw in a bunch of extrava- vantage. Graduate jobs are, mostly, look- gant and complex words to fi ll the Arrange your past employment ing for a specifi c role to be fi lled, and “If you’re word count and make you sound history with the most recent fi rst, and won’t necessarily be interested in the well-informed but, on your job ap- explain areas you excelled within this. three months cat-sitting you did in looking at plication, the line between relevance Employers are looking for relevant 2009. Similarly, short-term part-time and drivel is very fi ne, and employers and up-to-date experience that make jobs may not be bowled over by your a particular will notice. your CV personal to you and make 4-week internship at that corporate business Keep it simple (but not too simple) you stand out as a viable employee. organisation. Cherry-pick relevant and make sure your possible em- Be sure to include any problems you experiences that you can relate to as- make sure ployer can pick out the relevant skills solved, projects you were involved pects of the work you are hoping to you research you are informing them of with ease. with or areas you went that little bit get. A CV or personal statement is rarely further, to demonstrate how you will Lastly, make sure you double check them before more than a page or two in length so be an asset to their team. through the document before you remember that every word counts. Select your achievements based send it to ensure no embarrassing applying. Th e personal statement section of on the job you are applying for. CVs grammar or punctuation mistakes your CV should sum up what you shouldn’t be generic documents, but that will ruin your chances before it’s ” have done in the past, the job you rather specifi c to the position and even been sent. Good luck! it means you won’t be strapped for While many people may be returning new language, why not pass some cash when the time comes. back home to live with their parents kind of exam so you have another Pictured , others may want to stay put, maybe qualification to add to your CV? All Above: 5 things 2. The next step of your you’ve got better job prospects in these things can be assets when your Applying for journey Cardiff…or maybe your family just job-hunting. jobs can be a to think about before drive you mad. Either way, if this is long process Now you need to consider where you, you need to start thinking about (Photographer: graduation day. you’re going in life: if it’s further where you’re going to live. 5. Planning graduation day Flazingo Photos education, have you done your Have a chat with your friends who via Flickr) research into the cost and started might be staying in Cardiff and see You might not want think this far Like it or not, it’s coming around your application? fi you can come to an arrangement. ahead but like it or not it’s coming quickly folks! If you’re leaving education have you Remember to consider where you around quickly. You need to think started looking into jobs for when want to live and where you can about who you want to be there 1. Get out of your overdraft you leave uni? Make sure you sort afford. as you may need to apply for more the little things, make sure your tickets. If your family live far away, it Scary as it is, you need to start cover letters, 4. Tying up loose might be an idea to make travel and thinking about getting your finances CV’s, personal statements and accommodation arrangements well in order. You wont have an interest anything else you need are in order Tying up loose ends- Little things in advance. There’s also the matter free overdraft forever. Depending and ready to hand out. Start early can really help your job application of what you’ll be wearing, make sure on what your plans are you might so you aren’t at a loose end after along and increase your employment you look into where you can hire need to keep money aside for house graduation. options. Perhaps you started learning your graduation robes so you aren’t deposits, a car, tuition fees etc. how to drive but haven’t done your the only one without them on the Planning ahead is always a good idea; 3. Living arrangements test yet? If you started learning a day. 10 ADVICE Living with anxiety

Among other mental health issues, anxiety is often misunderstood, George Watkins sheds some light on his personal experience of what living with anxiety can be like

’ve struggled with anxiety for anxiety reaches a peak, and your body because it feels like my worst night- fully supportive. Th ey spot when I George about six or seven years now. I and mind feel as if they’re ready to ex- mare has come to life. Other suff er- don’t feel too good and can help me Pictured: Watkins Istarted having panic attacks dur- plode. Diff erent people get diff erent ers have described agoraphobia as tackle it. Th ere’s usually underlying Anxiety can ing my GCSE years at school, and symptoms caused by the excessive feeling rooted to a spot, which is very issues that can cause an anxiety dis- have a big before long I developed agoraphobia oxygen you have in your brain from accurate. When the panic kicks in, order, so it would be worth having impact on (a fear of being away from somewhere breathing too heavily in preparation and you realise you aren’t near some- a chat to your GP about receiving everyday life I feel safe in case I can’t deal with it) for the danger. Mine have varied from where safe, like a car or your home, counselling. Counselling often gets (Photographer: and depression (out of frustration at palpitations, dry throat, feelings of you feel as if everything is closing in called a waste of time, but I can guar- Christopher myself for not being like everybody unreality and dissociation, blurred on you. Occasionally it gets so bad I antee that it isn’t. I gave up on it after Paquette else). I’ve battled with all of these vision, feeling like I’m ready to faint, am genuinely convinced that it’s game my councillor suggested I might be via Flickr) throughout university, and have ex- feeling like I’m going mad to feeling over for good. I have previously col- autistic because of how sedated my perienced a journey that’s taken me as if the world is caving in on me. In lapsed in public from blood pressure medication made me appear, but af- from awful lows to tremendous highs, short, they’re awful. Th ey tend to last dipping from severe anxiety, but this ter trying again three years later I re- as I’ve felt myself get on the path to between a few minutes and about 40 would be diff erent for everyone, and gret not taking it up earlier, because it defeating it once and for all. I came off minutes. When you start to experi- is very rare. could have helped me get much better medication for anxiety a few months ence these regularly, and are unsure Social lives are the most diffi cult sooner. I even started a mental health ago, after being wrongly prescribed a what is worrying you, you should part in my opinion. I sit at the front campaign on campus before I admit- combination of anti-anxiety and an- start seeking help. of lectures. I don’t drink because it ted that I could do with someone to tidepressant medication that could So what is it actually like suff ering brings up feelings that remind me of talk to! It’s basically a glorifi ed chat. have been life threatening. I under- with an anxiety disorder? It’s very hard panic attacks. I have never been to a You’re sat in a room with a lovely man stand how it feels to live your life to explain, because for me it’s normal nightclub. I have to make excuses for or woman who listens to you, and around this demon, and I therefore to have thoughts chirping away at the not attending bigger social events. talks to you in a friendly way. You can know how it can rule your life. back of my mind like “Where am I?” I therefore feel as if I don’t have any say anything to them without judge- Many people are confused about and “What am I doing?”, constantly close friends. I know deep down that ment, and without feeling bound like what it means to have a problem with checking if I need to be worried about I do, but it’s hard to lie in bed at night if they were family or friends. anxiety. It’s actually quite straightfor- where I am and what I’m doing. I can’t listening to people going out and not Be wary of medication for anxiety; ward. Anxiety is your body’s way of remember what it felt like before this feel diff erent, particularly when you I strongly believe it should be a last surviving. We all have a capacity for started. Your brain should be your feel that it’s robbed you of years of resort, when all else has failed, un- “Your brain it and we all will have felt that feel- ally, but for people with conditions your life. All of this is because of fear like in my situation. Finally, and most ing of butterfl ies at some point or like mine, you feel it is attacking you of what might happen. Th at fear is the importantly, you aren’t going mad. should be your another, whether before an exam, all the time. All of the time. Th ere is trigger for more fear. You then feel You’re very sane, and you’re not as “So what ally, but for an interview or something else we’re no break, because according to your physically drained from the constant diff erent as you feel. worrying about. When faced with a mind, there are threats everywhere. battle, which makes you worry even If you’re interested in helping us can you do people with potential threat, our body injects our My agoraphobia developed as a more, and a cycle develops. I feel as make a diff erence with mental health if you’re bloodstream with a kick of adrena- result of hiding in my house and not if I’ve broken this cycle now, but I’m of all varieties on campus and be- conditions like line, preparing us to either tackle the leaving for six months from pure fear, having to make up on lost time, and yond, get in touch with ‘Th e Mental struggling? mine, you feel threat (fi ght) or fl ee to somewhere having had a breakdown at school, it’s desperately tough to keep moti- Youth’ on Facebook, or look at our The first step safer (fl ight). Th is becomes a problem hence making me nervous of being vated to experience a ‘normal’ social website: thementalyouth.org. We it is attacking when there’s no obvious threat, and away from where I previously felt life. need to break the stigma surround- is to talk to you all the your body tells you otherwise, trig- safe. When you walk down Queen So what can you do if you’re strug- ing mental problems and help people gering an anxious response to some- Street, you probably are concentrat- gling? Th e fi rst step is to talk to realise that we aren’t mad, odd or be- someone close time. thing that isn’t dangerous, such as a ing on the shops and where you want someone close to you. I only recently yond help. We’re normal people just to you. spider (arachnophobia). to go next. For me, I have to control opened up to my fl atmates about how like them. We just have a few diff erent ” A panic attack is when the level of myself to make sure I don’t panic, I really feel and they were wonder- challenges to tackle. ”

12 COMMENT

Editors: Em Gates Charley Griffiths David Williams @GairRhyddCom [email protected] comment gairrhydd.com/comment Doping in sport: How far will athletes go for glory?

longside the current hype she was embroiled in a hearing into even close to a world record now, the social pressures encountered by Dan Heard and conversation around doping allegations. Mo Farah, who is with speculation coming from all every athlete across every sport and Pictured: Athe sport of athletics, there competing in the World Half Mara- angles as to whether they have only level. Doping in is also an increased awareness of thon Championships in March here been able to achieve that because Yet, if found out, much as Lance sport seems the controversial topic of drug use in Cardiff, and sponsored by Cardiff they’re on drugs. Armstrong, the most infamous of to be or doping. A case that stands out University, has also been accused. In a survey conducted in 2014, a dopers in recent memory, the con- becoming for me is one from last year, when Of course, not all positive drug mixture of US Olympians and as- sequences for the athlete such as increas- the former 400m world champion tests mean that the athlete has pur- piring Olympians who were asked the loss of honour, respect, loyalty, ingly common Amantle Montsho was provision- posely taken drugs to enhance their if they would use a banned perfor- and even income following a posi- (Photographer: “You only ally suspended due to failing the performance. There are times when mance enhancing drug were given tive doping test, is never fully un- tableatny via have to go on A and B sample in a doping test in athletes might have to take medica- two scenarios: 1) “You will not be derstood and acknowledged by the the Commonwealth Games 400m tion that contains a substance on the caught and you will win”, and 2) “You athlete until they are proven guilty the internet final in Glasgow. Shockingly, Welsh World Anti-Doping Agency prohib- will win every competition you enter of doping. By which time it is too athletes aren’t exempt from this, as ited list. Or due to the intense train- for the next five years but will then late. Doping remains a serious issue and you can 400m hurdler Rhys Williams and ing programs and lowered immunity die from the side effects.” Amazingly, mainly because it not only threatens bring up an 800m runner Gareth Warburton that leads to a common cold. With 98 per cent of the athletes said they the integrity of the sport, but also both failed doping tests prior to the complicated banned substance would use the banned performance puts up an athlete’s health at serious “The alphabetical last year’s Commonwealth Games. list, it’s not surprising if you don’t enhancing drug in relation to the risk. The consequences of doping consequnces list of all the You only have to search the internet realise that the tiny amount of Phen- first option, while an incredible 50 are serious both professionally and and you can find a whole list of all ylephrine in decongestants in some- per cent of athletes said they would and in relation to health. As the sur- of doping are athletes who the athletes who have tested posi- thing as seemingly innocent as Lem- use the banned performance en- vey showed, is not only limited to the serious both tive and been banned for drug use, sip is even banned. However, the use hancing drug in the second instance. top athletes, but it also affects many have tested a list of which is huge and includes of performance enhancing drugs to Half of the athletes would take titles upcoming and aspiring athletes who professionally positive and coaches too. The accusations stretch specifically improve physical sport- and glory, knowing that what they are influenced by their actions and far and wide, and cover some of the ing performance is as old as the his- have done to themselves will kill look up to them. Sport is for enjoy- and in been banned most well-known athletes, such as tory of sport itself and is consistently them within years, not decades. The ment and competition, and usually relation to for drug use. Paula Radcliffe. Only last week she a feature of human competition. It results show just how strong the ‘win aims to improve; what is the goal to claimed she was “set-up” by MP’s is becoming increasingly difficult to at all’ costs attitude is across sport- increasing skill and performance by health. ” out to damage her reputation after be able to trust any athlete that runs ing individuals, only enhanced by taking drugs? ” COMMENT 13 Banksy: More than just an artist Dan Heard discusses how Banksy’s new work Pictured: on the French Embassy has been significant in More has been shining light on the terrors of Calais going on at the boarders n possibly the most controversial Personally, I fi nd it very interesting than we knew Dan Heard event to happen at a London-based how news of such an attack by French about, Banksy Iembassy since Ecuador granted authorities escaped widespread me- has made this Wiki-leaks founder Julian Assange dia attention. Th e focus of much of known (Source: asylum. A new work by the widely- the world’s news has been on Paris Jurriaan Persyn renowned, always controversial and since the terrible attacks of last year, via Flickr) still anonymous graffi ti artist Banksy yet a story about police gassing im- appeared last weekend outside the migrants in a camp some 23 miles French embassy in London, criticising from the British coast, a camp I saw the alleged use of tear gas against mi- for myself only last week, fails to make grants in Calais. headlines? Th e artwork, done in Banksy’s now Th is isn’t the fi rst time that the on- world-famous bleak, uncompromis- going European immigration situa- ing style, features the iconic image of tion has been the subject of Banksy’s the young girl from Les Misérables, work, with the artwork part of an on- but with tears in her eyes as gas from going series featuring the camp. Sets a canister billows towards her. Th e po- and rides from his hugely successful “I find it liticised message refers to the alleged “Dismaland” theme park in Weston- But who’s to use of tear gas by the French authori- super-Mare were dismantled and sent - and it only exists because they al- of the world: child abuse, child labour, “ interesting ties in the ‘Jungle’ migrant camp. to the Jungle to be used as shelters, lowed in a young man from Homs.” greed, hypocrisy, power, alienation, say art can’t Interestingly, in a fi rst for Banksy, while an image of Apple’s late CEO Th e messages Banksy has formerly and now, the suff ering of so many in a how news of the artwork is interactive, as a scan- Steve Jobs appeared on a wall in the conveyed through his work have been camp miles from our shore. continue to such an attack nable code appears next to the mural. camp, highlighting that the technol- anti-war, anti-capitalism, anti-fascism Banksy, though operating from be- Th e artist confi rmed on his website ogy giant was himself the son of Syr- and anti-establishment, with anti-op- hind a mask of anonymity, has said mimic reality by French he is behind its creation. When view- ian migrants. pression now added to that list. He has and done more with his works where and portray ers hold their phone over the code, it In a rare statement to accompany criticised numerous political parties, countless politicians and offi cial ap- authorities takes them to an online video of police the work, the mysterious artist said the Royal Family, and other powers. pear to have failed. He remains the its injustices, escaped raiding the camps at the beginning of shortly after the murals appeared in He has given away tickets to festivals champion and condemner of so much much as January. Th e seven-minute clip posted Calais: “We’re often led to believe mi- in exchange for the right to paint on of our popular culture and zeitgeist widespread on YouTube shows tear gas, rubber gration is a drain on the country’s re- blank murals. He has honoured Prin- today. Th e world seems to have ac- Banksy’s works media bullets and concussion grenades be- sources but Steve Jobs was the son of cess Diana, the victims of Hurricane cepted moving on from mimesis. But ing used in an overnight raid on the a Syrian migrant. Apple is the world’s Katrina and the Holocaust, as well as who’s to say that art can’t continue to do? attention. inhabitants of the camp, who run for most profi table company, it pays over defending human and animal rights. mimic reality and portray its injustic- ” cover as the siege progresses. $7 billion (£4.6 billion) a year in taxes He has shed light on the darker side es, much as Banksy’s works do? ” Scrutiny of councils over red wristbands very evening that I walk home would be the cherry on top of a pretty poverty in the UK. Donning someone UK going to stop formulating plans to Em Gates from work I see the same things: crap reality for anyone sleeping rough in a symbolic garment or even worse help the needy just in case they say or Pictured: Th e Ea couple sharing a sleeping bag on the streets. Even refugees have painting front doors to refl ect certain do the wrong thing and cause a con- marginalisation and a few blankets out the back of De- have stated that wearing the band feels ideological values does echo treatment troversy? of refugees and benhams; a young girl sitting outside similar to a prison tag or a dog collar, of a certain group of people in the All I know is that I am writing this asylum seekers NatWest pleading with passers by for meaning that they feel like this band 1930s and ‘40s, and it is vital that any article in a well-heated room with a in Britain spare change; a dishevelled man sitting makes them a secondary human to attempts at helping members of soci- full belly and clean, dry clothes. Th at’s is sparking cross legged outside Buff alo reading a those more fortunate. One man from ety doesn’t actually hinder any good a basic human right, and it’s what both controversial book. Cameroon likened the new bands to that can be done. asylum seekers and the homeless de- debate (Source: Sometimes, I see the volunteer van, the expression “When two elephants Of course, the idea has now been serve too. I’m not saying I have any Takver via giving out fresh clean clothes, cups fi ght, it is the grass that suff ers”, and scrapped, and there has been quite the solutions at all for this issue, in fact I Flickr) of hot tea, anything to make the cold this is the most valid thing I’ve heard backlash following the controversy. am stumped, but it’s important that we winter night a little more bearable for said about this situation. At the end of Once again, I do think it was an un- don’t forget about the people less for- those people that unfortunately have the day, stop making things more dif- helpful idea, but is the situation any tunate than us, the people who quite nowhere to go. And I literally hate my- fi cult for asylum seekers, and actually better now? Are councils all over the frankly could just do with a break. self that I can’t help. help without making it worse! Recently, the private fi rm But I think it’s important to compre- Clearsprings Ready Homes came up hend that the fi rm that issued the wrist- with an idea on how they might be bands never set out to cause harm; yes able to support these people a little they went the complete wrong way “Are councils better, to target those who were des- about it, but they were trying to help. all over the UK “It’s the perately in need of care and attention. Th ey were trying to help people get separation of Th is idea was to assign red wristbands food, clothes, blankets and showers, going to stop to the asylum seekers for easier identi- help people to feel like humans again, formulating the homeless fi cation with aid and food. And being the same way we feel when we wake up honest, everyone lost their collective in our nice warm beds. Which, unfor- plans to help and asylum shit. tunately and ashamedly, is a hell of a seekers from Don’t get me wrong, I think this is lot more than I’ve ever done. the needy just an awful idea. I think it is alienating, So yes, I think that branding peo- incase they everyday and I think it creates a stigma and ple with wristbands isn’t a great step people that is sense of separation between people to making people feel more human, say or do the who are lucky enough to have a per- it’s actually sort of moving backwards wrong thing the main issue manent roof over their head and the rather than forwards, but they are try- people who don’t. Th e wristbands ing to take some sort of action to help and cause a with poverty in would do one of two things, it would the needy on the streets. either stir resentment towards these It’s the separation of the homeless controversy? the UK. people or it would create a dreadful and asylum seekers from everyday ” amount of pity. Either of these things people that is the main issue with ” 14 COMMENT Margaret Th atcher Museum Is it really a worth investment in the current economic climate?

ecently there has been an up- quid than on a tribute to someone more wince-inducing than Ed Mili- seum would be an act of PR buf- Joe Fletcher turn of interest in a proposed who is despised in so many corners. bands’ Moses-style ‘stone tablet’ - a foonery by the Conservatives; akin Rfifteen million pound museum To build the museum would be a giant, £30,000 slab engraved with the to that which derailed Labours’ elec- “To build the honouring Margaret Thatcher. The huge disrespect to many Britons. Labour Party’s pledges for a “Better tion chances in 2015. museum, which David Cameron The biggest crime here is that Future” (last seen May 2015). There Mr. Cameron, I take back what I museum would himself gave backing to two years money is simultaneously being si- is absolutely no chance of Mr. Cam- said. Thatcher was great. Have you ago (when it first hit the news), has phoned away from other UK muse- eron, our weasel-like, smoothly- ever seen the working classes sup- be a huge garnered recent interest via a peti- ums and art galleries, in line with operating PM, falling into the same pressed in a way so delightfully brutal disrespect to tion against its construction; com- government spending cuts. comical public relations trap. Mind and calculated? And Scotland? Scot- piled by the political-activism or- Squeezing British culture in this you, he did endorse a funeral for land can piss off. Lets’ build a mu- many Britons. ganisation 38 Degrees. way, whilst promoting a Thatcher Thatcher which cost the taxpayer seum. No, lets’ build two museums! In my view it is clear that a museum, makes the latter project over three million pounds. We can triple the budget and encrust Thatcher-based museum is a ter- look like no more than a £15 million Maybe lefties such as myself the brickwork with diamonds. The rible idea. Even privately-funded exercise in Conservative propaganda should support the museum then, great lady deserves no less. And the ” (as is planned), it is a vast amount and narcissism. It reflects poorly. after all. It would be the ultimate public will love it no doubt. Seems of money to be spent memorial- Really, really poorly. What are Cam- bluff on our part. To build the mu- like a no-brainer, David. ising a woman who will eternally eron and his associates trying to polarise opinion - ‘polarise’ being achieve? a mega understatement. She’s like The British political past is a Pictured: supercharged marmite: it’s not re- complex, interwoven tapestry. This Cameron has ally a case of love or hate; you either island has a rich and powerful his- publically view her as a modern-day heroine tory of liberalism, trade unionism backed the who rescued Britain from the murky and working-class culture, which de- Th atcher depths of ruin, or as the Devil incar- serves to be remembered as much as Museum plans nate and the source of all evil in the anything else. Was Atlee Conserva- (Source: “The planned world. tive? Was Bevan? Was David-Lloyd Maragaret She has influenced Britain in so George right-wing? William Glad- Th atcher museum many ways, yes, and a person so stone? Gordon Brown? Tony Bla.. Foundation via would, intrinsic to contemporary Brit- hang on. Flickr) ish history is not one who should But Thatcher-haters: rest easy consequently, be ignored. However, we live in a (hear me out). Cameron is the ulti- leave much time when many people are feeling mate PR-man. He is slicker than an the crush of what they consider to eel in Vaseline (and only a little less of the nation be austerity. The planned museum slimy). Building a £15 million mu- would, consequently, leave much of seum devoted to Thatcher, whether reeling. the nation reeling. There are more privately funded or not, would be a ” fruitful ways of spending 15 million display of gross-self indulgence even Time to give back Th e Tories plan to make young peope work 30 hours a week for their benefi ts, but is this fair?

avid Cameron’s new scheme some form of work, and will acquire in my opinion seems to make more ants actually have to do some work Mared Emlyn plans to abolish Jobseek- a better mindset, and will hopefully sense that Cameron’s scheme. Ulti- for their ‘free money’, even if it’s only Pictured: Parry Ders’ allowance for 18-21 year be encouraged to find a full-time job. mately though, I’m glad something targeted at the younger adults. Cameron olds and replace it with “Youth Al- If this scheme would be carried out is planned to make benefit claim- proposes the lowance” which works out the same as Cameron says it will, then there changes would as Jobseekers’ allowance, at £57.35 won’t be many problems with it, as allow young per week. The difference is that the young people will have to give back people to give young people who fall into this age or risk losing their welfare. It can back (Source: bracket will have to do some com- be argued though that this scheme Conservatives pulsory community work under the may seem unfair for a multitude of via Flickr) ‘Community Work Programme Pol- reasons; the narrow age group of 18- icy’ which will consist of them giv- 21 can be seen as unfair, as anyone ing back to the community through above that age won’t have to work helping the elderly or helping out compulsory hours, and could eas- with different charities. ily lead young people to believe that This policy will apply for the once they’ve hit the age of 21 they youth that have been out of work, won’t need to work anymore. “This policy education or training for over six If this scheme applied to all ages “The narrow months. The aim of the Prime Min- it would be somewhat fairer as it age gap of 18- will apply for ister is to get rid of the idea that it’s would give everyone the expected the youth that simply okay for young adults to leave ‘skills and drive’ to go out and get a 21 can be seen education and to go straight down to full-time job, and prevent general la- have been the job centre and do nothing with ziness for all claimants, not just one as unfair, as their lives, yet still expecting money select group of people. Under the anyone above out of work, to live off. He believes it will abol- plans of Labour, adults aged 25-or- education, ish long-term youth unemployment, over claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance that age won’t and will give youths the drive and for two years or more would have a have to work or training skills needed to enter the world of ‘compulsory jobs guarantee’ applied for over six work. to them, and this would obviously compulsory Through the new scheme, around benefit more claimants, as everyone months. 50,000 (around ten per cent of the would need to work towards their hours. ” UK’s claimants) will be put into benefits or risk losing them, which ” COMMENT 15 White feminism in Th e Academy

f you’ve properly been following other put into words what I’m feeling: consideration that this might simply be one statement). Portia the ‘Before Sunrise’ trilogy, you’d “I struggle to believe we’re not being a miscommunication. I am still quite in Th is whole issue on racism in Hol- Ladrido Ibe quite surprised by the recent Punk’d.” She has since apologised, say- denial as you all might have noticed - lywood springing up is quite upsetting. news about our favourite French girl ing that she didn’t mean to undermine I’ve been pulling and pushing on this Jada Pinkett-Smith, Mark Ruff alo, and “Jada Pinkett- word-vomiting a rather derogatory one struggle from the other, and that argument just because I’m having a Spike Lee among others, have vowed statement her alter-ego Celine would it was basically just poor sentence con- tough time wrapping my head around to boycott the Oscar’s for the second Smith, Mark defi nitely not approve of. struction on her part. the idea that Celine - the romantic, un- consecutive year because all contend- Ruffalo, and During a public panel, Julie Delpy While I personally believe that she assuming girl who so lovingly wants to ers have been white. Although I still said: “Two years ago, I said something didn’t mean to off end, in a way, it save the environment - would actually believe that this wasn’t done intention- Spike Lee have about the Academy being very white- somehow gives light to how a certain utter those words. ally, this paints an even worse picture male, which is the reality, and I was privilege (in this case, being white) can If I were to play Devil’s advocate, since this could mean that in Hol- announced to slashed to pieces by the media. It’s unintentionally detach people from the I’d say that even when she might not lywood, they simply subconsciously boycott the funny - women can’t talk. I sometimes realities of others. It can also be that she have meant to say it, she defi nitely has choose to ignore diversity. wish I were African-American because feels so strongly about women’s rights thought of it. In the interview, she was Th e recent turn of events with Julie Oscars for people don’t bash them afterwards.” that made her say so, but then how speaking so fervently about her diffi - Delpy adding to this hullabaloo makes the second Th is naturally caused uproar not can she forget that there are actually culties as a woman in Hollywood and you wonder if we’ve actually come a only from African-Americans but also African-American women? It could be when you are so passionate about a long way from the civil rights move- consecutive from most people on social media who that when she said African-American, certain topic, you tend to say things ment or if we just like quoting Mar- couldn’t believe that their beloved In- she was thinking of male hotshots like that you might not necessarily want tin Luther King every chance we get? year due to die star actually uttered those words. Morgan Freeman or Denzel Washing- to say in public. When things like this Celine, in ‘Before Sunrise’, was walking all contenders One Twitter user said: “Does Julie ton. Nevertheless, her statement was happen, it can get ugly, but the beauty with Jesse in Vienna’s cobbled streets Delpy know you can be both of these done in bad taste and simply selfi sh. of it is that you see the person as they as she says: “Isn’t everything we do in being white. things at once? Somebody draw her a However, it’s very hard to criticise are (although this is not to reduce Julie life a way to be loved a little more?” Venn diagram so she gets it.” And an- what she has said without taking into Delpy as a human being merely on that Sadly, I love her a little less. ” Th e death of the High Street

s consumers are we ignorant to shops are still having a tough time; the we are supporting our high street and David the consequences of our shop- number of people walking through keeping people in jobs. Williams Aping habits? Our high streets these arcades has plummeted in recent Th is leads me on to my next frustra- are dying and increasing numbers of years. Th ese shops are people’s liveli- tion. Why do we always opt to use self staff are being replaced by machines. hoods, not big corporate businesses. service? By using the check-out, we Over the last few years the high Most people don’t shop in the arcades are keeping people in jobs. Every time street has been under signifi cant eco- simply because they don’t know what we use self service we risk replacing a nomic pressure and this has resulted is in them. Th ey are actually full of cashier by another machine. Half the in the closure or down-sizing of many some really quirky shops, perfect for time it is is quicker to go to the tills high street stores. A decade ago Queen gifts and a fi ne array of coff ee shops rather than using self service anyway. Street was full of major brands, every and hairdressers. If you haven’t taken Th e annoying voice of the self-service shopping unit full. Today there are a wander through any of the arcades it machine telling you there’s an un- many empty units and every month is well worth a look. known item in the bagging area, or you we lose a store or see one of our fa- Many of us do not approve of the have to wait ten minutes for someone vourite brands down-sized. It appears lack of choice on the high street, but to bring you a carrier bag. What hap- only the major brands such as River are we to blame for this? According to pened to good old customer service? Island, Next, Topshop and Primark are the Centre for Retail Research in 2014 We all know there is an employment “Why do we holding on. online sales grew by 15.8 per cent, and problem in the UK, and by relying on always opt Th e high street today is full of shops in 2015 by 16.2 per cent. Every year we machines we are not helping the prob- selling knock off goods, paying lit- can see internet sales are rising. Peo- lem. By all means, this is not to say to use self tle rent, on short-term contracts. Big ple are shopping online rather than in never ever use self service, because shopping centres such as St. David’s stores meaning there is less need for sometimes it is more convenient. But service? By are admittedly the ‘new high street’, brands to be on our high streets; it is have a little thought for the jobs of the using the but many brands refuse to invest in not necessarily cost-eff ective for busi- cashiers who have families at home to such ventures because of the high cost nesses. support. Th ey never know when the check out, we of rent and diversifying shopping hab- Instead of sitting at home and or- day will come, where just like Charlie sequences may be. Next time you’re are keeping its of consumers. dering things online, why not get out Bucket’s dad in Willy Wonka, they may about to leave the supermarket think Pictured: It is good to see that the original and buy your goods in-store? By all lose their job in favour of a machine. twice before you use that self service Queen Street people in jobs. shopping arcades in the side streets means browse online and if they don’t In order to save our high street and machine. Next time you want that new (Source: Jon remain full of smaller independent have your size in store then utilise the many jobs, we need to be more mind- top, think twice before you order it on- Candy via ” shops, though the owners of these internet. But by shopping in stores ful of how we shop at what the con- line. Flickr) Th is Morning - Th e Hangover part II Only“ in the UK hillip Schofi eld and Holly Wil- ground. has been mostly positive, with many ing the disgusting hangover which would it be Mared Emlyn loughby made a splash in the Th e pair are known for their hu- taking to social media to claim how began to hit them over the course okay for two Parry Pmedia last week, having pre- mour, for not holding back their “refreshing” and “hilarious” they were of the show, resulting in Phil curling sented Th is Morning still in the laughter whilst on live TV, and for to watch. Th ese kind of events make up on the sofa in the foetal position well known clothes they wore to the National Tel- enjoying the occasional alcoholic celebrities such as Holly and Phil a whilst Hollly was left clueless. evision Awards the night before, and beverage and this is something that lot more relatable, and it just makes No strangers to a hangover, this presenters seemingly still drunk/hungover. Holly the public love them for (they won them seem so much more down to isn’t the fi rst hungover post-NTA to present revealed that they still hadn’t been the award at the NTAs for a reason!) earth than they are already, and of show they’ve presented. In 2013 they home and made the viewers very However on this particular morning course; it’s great entertainment! both presented the show in a similar national aware that the stains on her gorgeous they were in another league; with Th ey both went on to go over the state, with Holly starting the show by morning TV white dress were in fact mustard, pic- both of them rolling around in tears, antics of the night before, and how emerging from under a blanket on the calilli and mint sauce, not anything and it was hysterical to watch! they ended up at Ant McPartlin’s studio fl oor, although she had man- still bladdered else, and that they shouldn’t jump to Only in the UK would it be okay for house playing “Pie Face”, which was aged to fi nd a change of clothes that conclusions, whilst Phillip started the two well-known presenters to present the reason behind Holly’s stained year. from the night show off with “We shouldn’t be here, national morning TV still bladdered dress. Th ey also shared a couple of Granted, it wasn’t the most profes- before. we shouldn’t be doing this” with the from the night before, and I absolutely pictures on Instagram, which showed sional way to go about presenting the laughter of the crew clear in the back- love that. Th e response to their show them downing tequila shots, explain- show, but they’re only human! ” 16 COMMENT

Clarkson accused of transphobia eremy Clarkson is facing criticism hurtful to the transgender population, this community, simply due to an ig- son spreading falsities about the trans Bradley once again, this time due to com- but reductive. Transgender celebrity norant fool being placed on a pedestal. population. Walker Jments in his Sunday Times column, Kelly Maloney has outwardly criticised Th e struggle of the parents of In order for change to happen and saying that parents shouldn’t “indulge” Clarkson’s views, branding him a “thug transgender children must also be rec- for progress to be made, harmful views their transgender children’s whims. without a brain.” Maloney’s comments ognised, and not branded as simple such as Clarkson’s must be addressed Clarkson’s controversial views have also refl ect the feelings of transgen- “indulgence,” by Clarkson. Gender is a and questioned by others. People “Clarkson’s come under fi re from the both the der activist Paris Lees who called out mental state, not the body you’re born such as Clarkson are the reason why view of the press and the public multiple times Clarkson and described his comments into. As awareness of this changes, so the transgender population are still “Clarkson is an due to the antagonistic and off en- as “evil”. To a certain extent, I agree. does the understanding by parents of fi ghting for rights, and his views only transgender sive stance of his remarks. Th ese new Transgender people, and the parents their children. Th ese comments will serve as a way to de-legitimise issues ignorant fool comments about the “indulgence” of of Trans children, already face hardship spark ignorance amongst people who of a population who are still strug- community children were coupled with a slew of as a result of the lack of acknowledge- have little understanding of transgen- gling. While the population has made being placed is ignorant, transphobic comments stating that ment of the community. Despite more der issues, and directly aff ect the child’s progress, it is up to journalists and ce- on a pedestal... the transgender population were “the coverage in recent years due to celebri- wellbeing. Celebrity parents such as lebrities to question the legitimacy of and his stark punchline to a stag night anecdote.” ties such as Laverne Cox, Carmen Car- Angelina Jolie and her son John, previ- Clarkson’s views and provide alterna- his harmful Clarkson’s view of the transgender rera and Caitlyn Jenner and mounting ously Shiloh, were in the press last year tive views to these. Clarkson may be a comments are community is ignorant, and founded evidence showing diff erence in brain as they brought the issue of gender columnist, but maybe he should know views must be hurtful and on no concrete evidence; but merely activity; the transgender community is dysphoria in children to the limelight. at least a fraction of information on questioned by his inability to understand or empa- still struggling to receive recognition. Th e criticism faced by parents of these issues he’s discussing, before putting reductive. thise with the transgender population. Clarkson’s derogatory comments only children is already great, without igno- his name to an article in ‘Th e Sunday others. ” Clarkson’s stark comments are not just make it harder for the progression of rant celebrities such as Jeremy Clark- Times’. ” Why the RNLI should be paid ast year the RNLI saved 368 condment from the NHS or employed Aislinn lives. Th ey were dispatched through private companies, which are McDonagh Lover 8,000 times and rescued paid through charitable collections. I over 8,700 people, but have modestly would suggest that the RNLI deserves only counted “lives saved” as those the same format and treatment as the where death was an imminent cer- air ambulances. It could continue to tainty without their intervention. Th e be a charity, but its 4,600 volunteers I am not going RNLI are undoubtedly a crucial part should be duly paid for their commit- “ of our emergency services, have crews ment, generosity, and service. to argue that on call day and night, and operate in Paying volunteer service people is arguable the most dangerous condi- not a new idea either. Th e TA (who, volunteers tions. 37 per cent of their launches in unlike the RNLI are not always on call, all over the 2014 were in darkness, and over 100 get to pick their hours, have a mini- were in gale force winds or above. mum commitment of only 27 days a country Th eir crews literally risk everything to year, and have rescued zero people help others, but here is the catch: they lost at sea), has starting pay based on don’t also do are all volunteers, and not one of them full time soldiers wages, and gives out important is reimbursed for their time. ‘bounties’ of over £2,000 to its volun- I am not going to argue that volun- teers. Even the offi cer training corps work...but teers all over the country don’t also do at universities pays their students for the RNLI is wonderful and important work, and their time. Th ese, like the lifeboat crews, are call. of course the government can’t pay Volunteers and part-timers are a people with ordinary jobs who work Th e RNLI operates search-and-res- Pictured: more than a for every volunteer service available. crucial part of the traditional emer- at retainer fi re-fi ghter stations and cue and fi rst aid operations, including An RNLI life- But the RNLI is more than a charity gency services as well. In the police respond to emergencies, particularly 533 seriously ill or injured people per boat charity helping helping the needy; it is a crucial emer- force the special constabulary, while in rural areas. Th ey even have simi- year. Ten per cent of those they help (Source: Màr- the needy. It gency service, particularly for those they aren’t paid, are reasonably com- lar statistics to RNLI stations, with are children. As an island nation we tainn MacD- (like me) who live on the coast. It is, pensated for expenses incurred, and retainer fi re stations and RNLI bases cannot deny the dominance of the sea hòmhnaill via is a crucial of course, a well-funded charity, and St John’s ambulance volunteers are receiving around 800 call outs a year in our lives, and to not pay volunteer Flickr) emergancy other services operate on a charitable paid the living wage, or more than on average. Unlike lifeboat crews, re- lifeboat crews in the same way as we basis, including the air ambulance. double to be events fi rst aiders. Most tained fi re-fi ghters are paid not only do others providing part time services service. Th e diff erence is, air ambulance crews similar to the role and responsibilities for their work on call out, but also for is to vastly underestimate their im- ” are usually salaried individuals on se- of the RNLI are retainer fi re-fi ghters. the time they must be available on- portance, contributions, and value. BBC dumbing down Shakespeare’s work

he year 2016 will mark the conference table, saying “Oh, young #killing it’. Whether this is satire, I am make a tenuous link to social media. Charley 400th anniversary of Shake- people use emojis and hashtags, shall not sure, but my argument is still the If all else fails, just tell kids that Shake- Griffiths Tspeare’s death. In an embarrass- we just shoehorn this in?” Shakespeare same. Why do people assume teenag- speare basically invented the concept ing attempt to celebrate his work, the deserves so much better than that! Th e ers of today will only read something of your mum jokes. “Villian, I have BBC have started the ‘ShakespeareMe’ whole point is celebrating classic liter- riddled with caricatured and exagger- done thy mother”, spoken by Aaron campaign to try and get young peo- ature, which doesn’t really work if you ated text speak? Which by the way, from Titus Andronicus, if anyone is “It is insulting ple interested in his plays and poetry. take all the classic elements out of it. I barely anyone uses. interested. Here, users are asked to pick an emoji, am aware that my degree programme A BBC spokesperson justifi ed the It is not as if Shakespeare’s works It is not as if to assume “ and are then presented with a famous may make me biased on this matter, ShakespeareMe campaign by saying it aren’t accessible or appealing anyway. Shakespeare young people quote matching the specifi ed feeling, but there hasn’t been any trouble get- will “appeal to an audience who may His plays are still performed in thea- and information about the play and ting people interested in Shakespeare feel Shakespeare has no relevance to tres everywhere. His best quotes are isn’t already will only read which is comes from. For example, for the past 400 years, I really don’t their lives”. Th e BBC wants to make still used in all manner of situations. I accessible. something picking the heart eyes emoji would se- think this campaign is necessary. Shakespeare ‘irresistible to all’. Isn’t could perhaps see the benefi ts of this lect a quote about love, I would imag- Th is isn’t the fi rst time that Shake- it already? Shakespeare is one of the campaign in helping you remember His plays are riddled with ine from Romeo and Juliet or similar. speare’s plays have been awkwardly most famous names in the world. I said quotes for an exam, but that is as As a Literature student, I fi nd it so modernised to be ‘accessible’ to remember being taught Shakespeare far as I am willing to go in supporting still performed exaggerated insulting that they think young people the younger generation. Th e ‘OMG in primary school, and there were no it. If you want to celebrate one of the in theatres text speak no can only be interested in classic litera- Shakespeare Series’ (I cringe to even problems in getting us interested. It is most well known and infl uential play- ture if they dumb it down or get social type this) feature sickening titles such simply how well it is taught and how wrights in history, get off the internet, everywhere. one uses. media involved. You can imagine some as ‘YOLO Juliet’, ‘srsly Hamlet’, ‘A Mid- they engage students in the classroom and pick up a book or get a theatre ” old marketing executives sat round a summer Night #nofi lter’ and ‘Macbeth that matters, not whether you can ticket. ” * ££1414 .99.99 * LARGE PIZZA, GARLIC PIZZA BREAD, POTATO WEDGES & COOKIES Deal add a MEDIUM PIZZA for £ .99 6 extra

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I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 20... and don’t want to get any older here are several things that Wales, never mind a foreign country. fl oor and sadly dropping them back ber going to sleep on the eve of my Helena have been playing on my mind Th at is pretty much the extent of it. in the tin, copiously mindful that my thirteenth birthday and being posi- Pictured: Hanson Tsince coming to the abrupt re- Th e majority of the worthwhile legal pasta bake would now probably not tively certain that tomorrow every- Hoping for alisation that this year, I will turn 21 freedoms were given to us two years taste as nice with bits of fl oor in it, thing would change. I would wake up 21 candles is years old. According to unwritten but ago, at eighteen. However, when you but confi dent that this would help to in the morning, having undergone a getting a bit common social knowledge, this is a become 21, our cultural, social expec- confi rm to those who were still con- Kevin and Perry-esque transforma- optimistic big deal. tation is to have a vast celebration. I sidering if I was fi t that I am, most tion overnight, and would have un- (Photographer: At 21, Adele wrote and recorded will be expected to arrange a birthday probably, not. bearable mood swings, and double D Will Clayton via a record-breaking, award-winning party of some description, however At some point during the creation breasts. However, this was not to be. Flickr) number one album. At the same age, my past experience with house par- of this column I began to desperately I jumped out of bed on the thirteenth Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook, ties is miserable. I did hold a house google celebrities who are also turn- of September on my thirteenth birth- which has earned him approximately party once, after my GCSE exam re- ing 21 this year. I’m subconsciously day and was astonished to fi nd I was $35 billion, and at the same age again, sults. One of my friends threw up on urgently hoping to see images of ex- exactly the same. Th e mood swings Justin Bieber has 74 million Twitter my kitchen fl oor and another tried to hausted, drunk celebrities who look eventually made an appearance, al- followers and is rumoured to have rectify this by sweeping it up with the like they have neither their life, nor though alas, the breasts did not. “Approaching over fi fteen cars stashed in his garage. handheld dustpan and brush, getting bank balance, in check. I want to be I have to assume that my 21st birth- 21, I have Approaching 21, I have just about each chunk wedged fi rmly between pleasantly surprised and fi nd out that day can only be too similar. Very di- “Maybe I mastered how to make spaghetti bo- the bristles. Kerry Katona is also 20, and thus re- minutive noticeable change, and very will stop just about lognese and can almost paint the nails I also threw a ‘fl at warming’ party alise I am in fact, perfectly adequate. little expansion in the breast depart- on my left hand without making too last year in my halls. Whoever sug- Alas, Kerry Katona is instead thirty ment, but probably further soured by getting ID’d mastered many smudges on my fi ngers. gested that throwing these events are fi ve and the best Google could do to the fact my friends and family forced how to make Despite the extensive and dramatic enjoyable are fabricators and have comfort me was suggest 20 year old me to have a birthday party that I in WHSmith celebration that is associated with a never lived in Talybont Gate. Th e Kendal Jenner and Gigi Hadid. Shit. didn’t want, celebrating a birthday when I’m spaghetti 21st birthday, it is unclear as to why closest interaction I had with any at- I bet they have never had to scoop that is simply pedestrian. bolognese and it is of any signifi cance whatsoev- tending strangers was over hearing sweetcorn off the fl oor back into the For this reason, I have decided not trying to buy a er. When I turn 21, I will be able to one particular male murmur to his tin, I am thinking to myself, sadly. to turn 21. Th is wholly unnecessary glue stick and can almost drink in America. Th is, it turns out, mate, “I just can’t decide if the one So I will turn 21, and I will become and taxing aff air will be avoided, and will probably not be incredibly mo- in the skirt (me) is fi t” , to which the an adult. People will start asking me my friends will be free from feeling maybe I will paint the nails mentous in the foreseeable future. I mate responded, “oh I thought that at when I’m going to have a baby (“your obliged to buy me lavish gifts, and on my left doubt I’ll have a desperate thirst for a fi rst, but no don’t think so”. Brill. body clock is ticking!” they’ll say) and my parents will be let off hiring out have to stop stiff drink when holidaying in Disney Shortly after, an arm wrestle be- I will start listening to Radio 4 and be- some kind of warehouse for £700. watching ‘The hand without World with my family next summer, came so out of hand that the fridge, gin to actually enjoy olives. I will have Quite simply, it is for the best. Th at making too and my gap-yah favourite country, the actual fridge, went fl ying, knock- to get a job, a real person job. Maybe said, if I am forced, against my will, to Adventures Belize, would be more likely to ask ing a chunk out of the kitchen wall, I will stop getting ID’d in WHSmith celebrate this truly irrelevant birthday of Winnie the many smudges for a handful of garden peas than for- and subsequently hurling my last when I’m trying to buy a glue stick by having a extravagant celebration, mal identifi cation of age. I will also be remnant of food, a tin of sweetcorn, and maybe I will have to stop watch- there will be no strangers invited to Pooh’ before on my fingers. able to drive a vehicle abroad. Again, across the room, and onto the fl oor. ing ‘Th e Adventures of Winnie the my party, and no arm wrestling, and probably not largely signifi cant, as I Consequently, I spent a good half Pooh’ before bed. absolutely, certainly, defi nitely, no bed. ” can’t drive very well in rural North hour salvaging each kernel from the However, perhaps not. I remem- sweetcorn. ” 20 POLITICS

Editors: Carwyn Williams Luke Brett Sam Patterson @GairRhyddPol [email protected] politics gairrhydd.com/politics Election Spotlight: School’s out

ith less than 100 days before Primary schools are doing pretty has gone wrong. mance of England.” Carwyn the Assembly elections, well, two-thirds of them are improving Th ings are looking promising He went on to question the Welsh Pictured: Williams WGair Rhydd will be giving well, and the new play-based founda- though, the Welsh Government has decision to scrap league tables: “If you A classroom you a spotlight on some of the main tion phase seems to be helping attend- passed reforms to the system, and take away those accountability meas- (Photographer: areas devolved to Cardiff Bay. Th ere’s ance fi gures. the minister said: “I expect to see the ures it drives down standards rather James Clay) been a lot of talk about the Welsh edu- Secondary schools are a mixed bag. impact of our reforms refl ected in the than drives them up.” Despite having cation system recently, especially with Four local authorities have been in next set of results. Th ey’re ambitious scrapped league tables, a new banding the #DespiteBeingTaughtInWelsh educational special measures, with the and I believe they will have a lasting, scheme has been set up, categorising trend and the English Chief Inspector last one being brought out of special sustainable and positive eff ect on edu- schools to support the ones starting to criticising our system last week. measures last week. cation in Wales.” fall behind. Th e whole education system in Many have criticised Labour’s at- Ministers urged the public not to All is not lost however, head of the Wales, from Primary schools to uni- titude to education, letting standards take PISA too seriously, and insisted Welsh inspectorate Estyn, Meilyr versities and adult education, is de- slip considerably in the last decade. things were changing, but other re- Rowlands, suggested things were im- “Wales’ system volved to the Welsh Assembly, and Education minister Huw Lewis even sults further show the deterioration in proving, and the number of excellent is therefore the responsibility of the admitted, “I think there are questions the system. Th e percentage of pupils schools are growing. In spite of this, has evolved Labour-run Welsh Government. La- that could be raised around taking reaching A*-C grades at GCSE used he did warn that there was a growing to become bour have been in power since 1999, our eye off the ball in the mid-2000s, to be much higher in Wales, but was “polarisation” in the Welsh system, and they’ll fi nd it tough to defend their around the basics in education, around overtaken by England in 2007, and are with many schools also performing increasingly record if the public fi nd fault with the literacy and numeracy.” slow to catch up again. unsatisfactory. distinct, SAT system. Th e 2013 PISA tests, an interna- Last week, the Chief Inspector Th e problem will be at this election, Since 1999, Wales’ system has tional leaderboard of countries, Wales of schools in England, Sir Michael is that any changes introduced over tests were evolved to become increasingly dis- performed dismally, placed 43rd in Wilshaw criticised the Welsh Govern- the past few years haven’t been in ef- tinct, SAT tests were scrapped, league maths, 41st in reading, and joint 36th ment: “I am of the view that the Eng- fect for long enough to show any im- scrapped and tables disposed of and a new play- in science, making Wakes the worst lish education system is moving ahead provements. It takes up to 16 years for league tables based foundation phase for 3-7 year- performer of the UK countries. quickly. educational changes to show improve- olds. Pupils in Wales have a very dif- In 2007, Wales was 22nd in Science, “It now really is up to the Welsh ment, but Labour will be fi ghting hard disposed of. ferent experience than in England, but 29th in Reading and 33rd in maths, a Government to look at its own perfor- saying their reforms are enough, but is it better or worse? massive turmoil proving something mance to ensure it matches the perfor- only you can decide. ” n response to criticism, Labour lum by 2021, that will shake up how Th e party have also pledged not to are also set to get a new deal from a have said they are committed to we look at education. Digital tech- allow any free schools in Wales, un- future Labour Government, and are Idriving up standards again. Th ey nology will take a whole new role, and like in Engalnd, and deliver £2 billion committed to carry on with a Lib have started the process of introduc- pupils will progress through progres- of investement in schools by 2023, Dem policy of the Pupil Deprivation ing a whole new and radical curricu- sion steps. to modernise classrooms. Teachers Grant

 laid Cymru’s education minister back on the red-tape that teachers Plaid will also scale back on exami- ing Foundation Phase and is taught Simon Th omas has continously face, and “good teaching, followed nations, reducing the confusing range through immersion of second lan- Pcriticised the Welsh Govern- by strong leadership, are the most pupils are allowed to sit. guage thereafter. Th e party also plans ment on their education policy. He important factors to raising school Th ey also plan on ensuring every to provide an extra year of education, said a Plaid government would cut standards and improving outcomes.” child in Wales is taught in Welsh dur- giving schooling from 3 years-old.

ne of the Liberal Democrats’ want to go further, doubling the each child by introducing individual education shadow minister said: main success over the grant to £2,500 per pupil, as well as pupil monitoring. On top of this, a “Th is policy is a key signal that the Olast fi ve years is the Pupil extending the scheme to under-5s. big priority for the party is to reduce Welsh Liberal Democrats are on the Deprivation Grant, a fund to support Th e party want to ensure schools class sizes, as 59 per cent of infant side of pupils and parents” adding the Wales’ poorest pupils. Th e party adapt their learning experiences to classes have over 25 pupils. Th eir current system isn’t good enough.

he Tories would put modern schools. Th ey would also bring practices of grammer schools being beaurocratic red-tape. Th e party have foreign language learning at proper programming and coding put into the educationsal system, also said they would fund schools Register to Tthe heart of any Conservative skills into the curriculum. although without the 11 plus exam. directly, to ensure every school gets vote at: curriculum to reverse the decline of Andrew RT Davies has also Th e party also want teachers the funds it needs, and restore parity www.gov.uk/ foreign language learning in Welsh announced his support for the best to get on with their jobs without between qualifi cations. register-to- vote POLITICS 21 EU debate starts referendum campaign Carwyn Jones and Nigel Farage went head-to-head

debate between UKIP leader steelworkers. An issue frequently in Jamie McKay Nigel Farage and First Minis- the headlines recently as Tata Steel A ter Carwyn Jones kick started announce that more than 1,000 jobs the 2016 campaign surrounding the are to go at their UK plants. South UKs continued membership of the Wales severely hit with 750 jobs EU. The debate was held at the Mil- expected to be lost in Port Talbot. lenium Centre (hosted by Cardiff Farage argued that Britain has been University and the Institute of Welsh unable to compete with Chinese ex- model”. What is it mean, the First Within the past few weeks the Wales Affairs) and dominated not by im- ports, as politicians in both Wales Minister was heard to ask, clearly Stronger In campaign has been keen migration, even with the Schengen and Westminster are unwilling to angered by the UKIP leader’s vague to draw attention to new projects “Politicians Zone coming under greater scrutiny, take back powers from Brussels. answers. starting up thanks to funding from but by Welsh jobs and the economy. The First Minister refused to accept It is Farage without question that the European Parliament and those in both Farage opened the debate by call- these points; listing the number of came out on top in the first major voices in industry uneasy about the ing on the audience to take advan- meetings he had had with Tata Steel. debate around the EU referendum possibility of Brexit. However these Wales and tage of “this historic opportunity to The debate continued along issues debate of 2016 (he was discussing are the same arguments Carwyn Westminster take back control of our own lives” of trade as Farage won a resounding his favourite subject after all). Al- Jones attempted to make at the Mil- to much applause. Jones poured cheer as he called for “Britain to get though the First Minister tried to lennium Centre near the beginning are unwilling scorn on the populist leader, telling its voice back in the world”. As the show up Farage he was unable to pin of January. The in out Referendum the audience that if a politician tells debate went on Jones pointed to the him down on any single point and on the UKs membership of the EU is to take back you there’s an easy answer to a com- tariffs countries outside of the EU at times seemed to find it difficult to be held before the end of 2017 al- powers from plicated question they’re pulling the had to pay to get their products into to make himself heard over an au- though the Prime Minister has sug- wool over your eyes. the Single Market, using Norwegian dience stirred up by the arguments gested that it might occur this sum- Brussels. It wasn’t long before the two be- Salmon as an example. Farage in- that have made Farage’s career. mer, leaving the Better In campaign gan trading blows. Farage attacked sisted Norway has a veto over any The main argument made so far little time to find a pro-EU message the First Minister, arguing that he law that does not suit their interest by the Stronger In campaign has that resonates with the British pub- hadn’t done enough to protect Welsh and that “we’re advocating a British been around the dangers of risk. lic. ” Tributes paid to Lord Cecil

ributes were paid last week to to British public life as a member of has claimed, was her “favourite” in the until 1990, when he resigned on the Dan Heard Lord Cecil Parkinson, one of parliament, cabinet minister and peer, cabinet and she wanted to make him day Mrs Th atcher stepped down as TMargaret Th atcher’s most loyal together with a distinguished career foreign secretary after he had been Prime Minister, later becoming Lord lieutenants, following his death at the in business.” Prime Minister David a part of Mrs Th atcher’s war cabinet Parkinson of Carnforth after receiving age of eighty four after a long battle Cameron led tributes to the former during the Falklands confl ict and for a life peerage in 1992. with cancer, his family announced. Cabinet minister, saying he had been his role in the 1983 campaign. Th e Tory grandee was something of “part of an extraordinary political gen- But the revelation that he had fa- a mastermind behind Mrs Th atcher’s eration”. thered a love child with Sara Keays, his Pictured: “The Tory general election campaign that deliv- As a grammar school pupil who former secretary, whom he later aban- Above: Carwyn ered her enormous majority in 1983, went to Cambridge, becoming a char- doned, curtailed his career, ensuring Jones and Nigel grandee was and later, as a result of his success, tered accountant and enjoying a suc- that he never secured one of the great Farage during something of held a series of senior posts in her gov- cessful business career before entering offi ces of state, despite Th atcher’s ap- their debate ernments. A family spokesman said: parliament. Lord Parkinson entered parent wish that he should be her suc- Left: Lord Cecil a mastermind “Cecil passed away on January 22 af- the House of Commons after win- cessor. However, they agreed that the (Source: Hulton behind ter a long battle with cancer. We shall ning a by-election in Enfi eld West in secret scandal meant he could not ac- Archive) miss him enormously. As a family, we 1970, and subsequently represented cept any of the most high-profi le roles, Thatcher’s should like to pay tribute to him as a Hertfordshire South and Hertsmere which instead saw him become Secre- beloved husband to Ann and brother as changes were made to constituency tary of State for Trade and Industry, election to Norma, and a supportive and loving boundaries. He was an individual who but later resigned from the post after campaign father to Mary, Emma and Joanna and appeared to have much in common his aff air was made public. He re- grandfather to their children. We also with Baroness Th atcher. Lord Parkin- turned to the cabinet as Energy Secre- ” salute his extraordinary commitment son, a new biography of Mrs Th atcher tary in 1987 and remained in the post Cameron under fi re after “bunch of migrants” comment

avid Cameron has been heavily graceful”. and provide a home” for 3,000 lone Polls suggest though, despite Cam- Luke Brett criticised after describing refu- Cameron, on the other hand, blast- refugee children, something that has eron’s infl ammatory rhetoric, that the “Commentators Dgees as a “bunch of migrants” ed Corbyn at the despatch box, saying been requested by campaigners. Prime Minister is in touch with Brit- have at Prime Minister’s Questions, with the Labour leader told the refugees However, Mr Cameron rebottled, ain’s on welcoming refugees, with 73 Labour calling on the Prime Minister that they could all come to Britain. saying no European country had been er cent of Briton’s stating that they do suggested to apologise. Chair of Labour’s refugee task force, “more generous” in supporting refu- not wish for the migrants in Calais Th e comment came following Jer- Yvette Cooper, said that over such gee camps in the Middle East as the to settle in the UK. Th erefore, com- that the emy Corbyn’s visit to a refugee camp a “complex and sensitive” issue, the UK. Although, he went on to say that mentators such as Asa Bennett, have remarks were near Dunkirk, and Th e Jungle in Cal- Prime Minister must be “much more the UK would not be partaking in the suggested the remarks were deliberate ais, where more than 7,000 people are statesmanship-like”. EU policy of relocating and resettling – used as a means to make the Prime deliberate currently based. Corbyn denounced Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, called migrants, arguing that it was not in Minister appear in touch with the the conditions he witnessed as “dis- upon David Cameron to “welcome in the national interest. views of the electorate. ” 22 POLITICS Heathrow protestors sentenced

After a week-long trial, 13 protestors were found guilty of aggravated trespassing

n 13th June 2015 at around judge acknowledging the protesters pears to be next issue that ordinary ing the airport. For people living in Sophie 3.30am, direct action pres- were “principled people”, she stated people are being forced to challenge close proximity to the airport the Pictured: Broad Osure group Plane Stupid cut a that a prison sentence would be very and take on themselves. In the past worry about air and sound pollution Above: hole in a fence at Heathrow Airport, likely. Judge Wright did not agree non-violent direct action has been and the concerns about health and Plane Stupid making their way on to the north run- that they were there to endanger lives successful in bringing about some of the climate are not subsiding. Th ey (Source: Plane way and proceeding to chain them- but “there to make a point.” Heath- the biggest and most positive changes are largely being ignored, especially Stupid) selves to railings. Th is caused major row Airport welcomed the verdict, in society. Is it right to vilify those in light of the prospect of a new run- Left: Heathrow disruption at the airport, the cost of a spokesperson said: “Anyone who that break the law if the law seems way being built. Airport. which was described as of an “abso- breaks the law and interferes with the in favour of exempting responsibility Th is is not to say these concerns (Photographer: lutely astronomical” scale by judge safe and smooth operation of the air- and accountability of those failing to are exclusive to Londoners; it is a UK- Curt Smith) Deborah Wright. 25 fl ights were port can expect full prosecution un- address the problem of air pollution, wide problem. Plane Stupid wanted cancelled, with many more delayed, der the law.” something that is subsequently dam- to bring mainstream attention to the aff ecting thousands of passengers. In many cities across the UK, in- aging the environment and people’s issue and in their minds direct action On 18th January, their trial began.13 cluding Cardiff , air pollution levels health? Th ose who are attempting was the only possible answer. Fol- protestors, aged from 23-68 years old, are at a dangerous high.Th e failure of to highlight the dangerous eff ects of lowing the verdict, their statement faced charges of aggravated trespass the UK to reach EU standards led to climate change are being condemned read: “Climate change and air pollu- and entering a security-restricted a Supreme Court ruling in April last and those who are causing and per- tion from Heathrow are killing people area. After a week long trial, on the year, that the government needed to petuating the issue are able to act now, and the government’s response 25th January they were found guilty. take stronger action on pollution. with impunity. is to spend millions making the prob- For some years now, there have Th is is mainly because it has been Plane Stupid took action to high- lem bigger. As long as airport expan- been discussions about the possibility directly linked to the deterioration of light the growing danger of climate sion is on the agenda, Plane Stupid of expansion at Heathrow or Gatwick people’s health. It has been estimated change and to bring about a discus- will be here. We’re in it for the long airport, the main focus on a third that around 30,000 people die every sion and infl uence the decisions that haul.” Th eir sentence will be given on runway being built at Heathrow. In year in the UK alone from air pollu- will soon be made regarding expand- the 24th February. 2009, David Cameron dismissed any tion. Shortly after the Heathrow 13 possibility of a third runway. How- verdict, Caroline Lucas, Green Party ever, last year a recommendation by MP for Brighton Pavilion, comment- the Airport Commission was made ed “where’s the justice for victims of to build a new runway at Heathrow, air pollution and climate change?”. At estimated to cost £17 billion, indicat- the beginning of the year, in London ing plans could be underway soon. it took eight days to breach the an- Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, nual air pollution limit set by the EU. “Plane stupid does not support expanding any Lon- It is expected that air quality will not took action to don airport, nor does Zac Goldsmith, comply with EU standards until 2020 the Conservative candidate for for at the very earliest. “This is not highlight the this years London Mayoral election. It is not possible to say whether Plane Stupid formed in opposition the protestors actions will have had to say these growing dan- to potential airport expansion and, any impact on the current plans for concerns are ger of climate among their other aims, to stop short Heathrow expansion or more broad- haul fl ights and aviation advertising. ly, on the issue of the environment exclusive to change and to Th e group were able to use climate and air pollution, but the verdict in- Londoners; it change as their defence. Th ey ar- dicates this is unlikely. Many hold the bring about a gued that the actions they took were view that because the Heathrow 13 is a UK-wide discussion. necessary in order to save lives and are law-breakers they deserve pun- prevent people dying from air pollu- ishment. Yet, if we consider this in problem. ” tion and climate change. Despite the its wider context, climate change ap- ” POLITICS 23

Cases of sexual assault and rape have risen in Sweden, global far-right blames refugees

Pictured: Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city (photographer: Matthew Peoples)

weden has suff ered a rise in problems in the wake of recent mass the cover up was a “double betrayal”. an asylum seeker who wanted re- Tom Morris sexual assaults, which has co- immigration, does not have such an Th e right wing opposition party, the venge for having been denied asylum Sincided with a rise in immigra- extensive history with the subject. Swedish Democrats, have called the in the country. In this case the man tion, which makes a very easy scape- Some on the right have put forward events a “scandal” on behalf of the was a Christian from Eritrea in Af- goat for the Swedish right. What may various theories as to why the new police and demanded that the police rica, this does not fi t the narrative of seem like a simple, but awful, case of immigrants might be linked with chief resign. However, national police the far-right, that the refugees’ “Is- integration gone wrong may in fact the wave of assaults, such as Muslim commissioner Dan Eliasson claims lamic values” are to blame. be a lot more complex. Sweden’s laws men not caring so much for Swed- that he was unaware of the cover-up Swedish society appears to have a relating to sexual assault are far more ish women, who are likely to receive and has ensured Swedes that there problem with discussing the events inclusive than our own, and this may support, and to report to incident, will be an investigation into the is- honestly. It is open to interpretation “The right be where the cause lies. Every inci- as opposed to girls in their home sue. He told reporters that he felt a whether the rapes were over-report- dent is reported separately- so if a countries who would be shamed by “very strong anger “ that Sweden’s ed or if the races of the attackers wing opposi- woman goes to the police and says their families in the aftermath. Police young women could not attend fes- were purposely covered up. Which- tion party, that her husband raped her every day in Sweden are hesitant disclose the tivals free from the danger of being ever way you look at it, it seems that for a year, they have to record 365 perpetrators’ races and nationalities, assaulted. Swedish daily newspaper the country has fi nally let “politi- the Swedish Rape isn’t the incidents of assault. New laws intro- for fear of encouraging “nationalist” “Dagens Nyheter” reported that al- cal correctness” go too far, this is in Democrats, “ duced in 2008 also decreed that acts elements in Sweden, many have com- though an internal police source gave reference to the Police’s hesitancy only problem such as non-consensual fi nger pen- mented that this only exacerbates the a somewhat understated report on to release details as to the race and have called etration counted as rape, this is not issue, and creates a line of rhetoric “the problem of young men rubbing nationality of perpetrators. Th is is in Sweden the case in Britain. on the right, that “the government themselves up against young girls,” an issue relevant to Cardiff , with our the events a however, as Yet to point this out does not com- is trying to hide the issue”, and one the Stockholm police’s public state- Students’ Union accused of being “in “scandal” and pletely eradicate the problem: the fact could sensibly make this accusation. ment said there had been “relatively the red” when it comes to excessive crime rates remains that women were attacked at In Sweden, the left is seen as normal few crimes.” censorship. It may well be up to us, demanded in other areas the We Are Sthlm music festival in, and any claims against immigration Rape isn’t the only problem in the students, to ensure that organisa- text-speech lovers probably guessed, are seen as supporting the extreme Sweden however, as crime rates in tions such as the NUS do not com- that the police have shot up. Stockholm, as well as at other times right, much like supporting the BNP other areas have shot up. In August promise free speech and sensible, chief resign. during the last couple of years. Even in Britain. last year a woman and her son were honest discussion about sensitive is- ” Germany, which has suff ered similar Prime Minister Stefan Löfven said stabbed to death in an Ikea store by sues, like the Swedes have. ” Oregon Militia Ivory Coast Atrocities Iran’s Holocaust Denial Italy Goes After Google

Ammon Bundy, leader of the Oregon Th e trial of former Ivory Coast Presi- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Italy has claimed €227m from Goog- Politics militia, was arrested after a shootout dent Laurent Gbagbo and his ally Leader of Iran released a video on his le in unpaid taxes from 2009-2013. with police on a remote highway last Charles Ble Goude is about to begin website on Holocaust Memorial Day Google paid €2.2m in taxes in 2014 Tuesday. A supporter of his, LaVoy at the Hague ICC. Gbagbo has been in doubting the traditional Holocaust in Italy, having made €54.4m in prof- Finicum, was killed in the shootout. Holland awaiting trial since 2011. Fol- narrative. “Noone in European coun- its in Italy that year. Th e Italian Com- “Please stand down, go home and lowing his victory in the late 2010 gen- tries dares to speak about the Holo- munications Authority estimate that hug your families” he said to those re- eral elections, people under his com- caust, while it is not clear whether the the actual profi t Google made in that mainign at the occupied reserve in a mand attacked around 726 supporters core of this matter is reality or not”, period was ten times that amount. post-arrest statement. “I am asking the of the opposition and their families, he says over images of Holocaust de- Th e UK has managed to claim £130m federal government to allow the peo- multiple rapes and murders occurred. niers and anti-semites being arrested. in unpaid taxes from Google. Jeremy ple at the refuge to go home without Paolina Massidda will be representing If someone “expresses doubts”, “they Corbyn questioned Cameron over tax being prosecuted.” the victims. stop, arrest, imprison and sue him.” policy in PMQs.

Disneyland’s terror Zika Virus

French Police claim to have arrested a Th e Zika virus is spreading “explosive- man outside a hotel in the Disneyland ly” across Latin America, says Mar- Paris complex. According to police, he gret Chan, Secretary General of the was in possession of two guns inside World Health Organisation (WHO). a suitcase, and a Koran. No further It has been detected in over 23 coun- details have been released. Th e news tries, and pregnant women have been comes in the context of a France which warned against travelling to aff ected is on high terror alert since the Paris areas. Th e Zika virus has been linked attacks. Seeing heavily armed police to Microcephaly, a condition which World patroling and safeguarding busy areas causes babies to be born with small has become a regular sight since the heads, leading to life long develop- attacks. mental problems. 24 SCIENCE

Editors: Maria Mellor Lizzie Harrett @GairRhyddSci [email protected] science gairrhydd.com/science Hangover-free alcohol: too good to be true?

laims that North Korea have leave you with anything even resem- Dan Heard supposedly invented a “hango- bling a hangover. Pictured: Cver-free” form of alcohol have Th e claims however have been We wish we emerged in their own press within swiftly denounced by esteemed could order the past week, with details emerg- medical experts, who have warned a hangover- ing of the apparent secret ingredient: that the only eff ective way of curing free cocktail scorched rice. a hangover is to drink less. An article right now... Only a few weeks after claims of the published in the British Medical Jour- (Photographer: testing of an atomic bomb emerged, nal back in 2005 dismissed popular Mario again from their own sources, news home remedies for alcoholic hango- Bonifacio) of a hangover free alcoholic drink vers, saying there is: “No compelling must surely be taken with another evidence exists to suggest that any great pinch of salt. Th e Pyongyang conventional or complementary in- times, the state-run newspaper of tervention is eff ective for preventing the Democratic People’s Republic of or treating alcohol hangover.” Despite Korea, recently featured widespread the backlash of derision their creation “Scientists in claims that something of a “suave” has been confronted with, the author liquor had been developed by com- of the article covering the discovery, the country bining the somewhat baffl ing com- Jong Hwa Sun, claims the creation is have devel- bination of sweet rice and ginseng, “highly appreciated by experts and according to a source verifi ed by the lovers as it is suave and causes no oped a “suave” UK press. hangover.” Th e substance’s attraction Th e drink is believed to be between does not stop with it being “hango- liquor made 30 and 40 per cent alcohol, which is ver-free.” Th e article brags that the with sweet about as strong as a standard bottle liquor “exudes national fl avour” both researchers had developed medi- rest of the world has had a difficult of vodka you could buy here, and has in its taste and packaging. cal products using ginseng extracts time verifying that claim, which rice and a type been in development for a number Recently there have been a whole that could cure a variety of diseases, came after detection devices record- of indigenous of years. North Korea’s Taedonggang host of claims emerge from the coun- including MERS, SARS, the Ebola ed a significant seismic event along Foodstuff Factory claim the process try, particularly the bolder scien- virus and even AIDS. Of course ear- the country’s coast. Sceptics will ginseng. of scorching the rice removes the tific claims that would undoubtedly lier this year the state claimed it had continue to doubt their movements bitterness normally associated with eclipse this feat. Last year, the state successfully detonated a hydrogen until claims have been sufficiently ” liquors of such strength, but doesn’t media reported that the country’s bomb for the first time, though the verified. Bananas face extinction A fruit-killing fungus threatens our world supply

ananas are arguably one of the farmers and fruit distributors to look dwindling their population. far rarer and is no longer grown on Hannah most popular fruits sold across for an alternative variety of banana So is this the end of the banana as such a large scale for export. As for Elliott Bthe world – they’re grown and to grow commercially in order to we know it? Not entirely. Whilst it’s the bananas that you’ll be finding in sold internationally, and piled high avoid bankruptcy. possible that this new strain of fun- supermarkets in the future, they’ll on the shelves of Tesco and Lidl At the time, Cavendish bananas gus could mark the end of the com- simply be whatever variety is found alike. So how can a fruit that ap- were viewed as inferior to the Gros mercial production of Cavendish to be immune to TR4 and can be eas- pears to be in abundance possibly be Michel variety as they were less fla- bananas, it is unlikely to make them ily mass produced. In short, bananas going extinct? Cavendish bananas, vourful, however they were resistant entirely extinct; the Gros Michel ba- as a species are here to stay as a stu- the variety of bananas that are cur- to the Panama disease whilst still nana is still grown in areas across dent breakfast and snack staple for rently commercially grown and sold appearing physically similar to the Africa and Central America, but is the foreseeable future. in supermarkets and greengrocers Gros Michel banana, making them worldwide, are at risk of infection the perfect replacement. Cavendish by a tropical fungus that is rapidly bananas quickly became the new Pictured: spreading to banana plantations commercially available banana and Go bananas worldwide, threatening to drastically have remained so since their first for bananas “Cavndish deplete their numbers. adoption. while you still banannas At the beginning on the 20th cen- However, the Cavendish bananas can! (Source: tury, the Gros Michel banana was are susceptible to a new strain of the Ian Ransley) are at risk of your typical shop bought banana, original Panama disease, known as available everywhere and grown by TR4. The problem with the Caven- infection by a the barrelful in plantations across dish bananas is that they are the only tropical fungus the world. Compared to today’s variety of banana currently grown Cavendish banana, Gros Michel ba- commercially, and there is little ge- that is rapidly nanas were shorter, fatter and had a netic variation amongst these crops. spreading to stronger flavour, similar to the foamy This means that there is an extreme- banana sweets still sold in shops to- ly low chance that one particular banana planta- day, which were based on the Gros crop will contain a gene or mutation Michel flavour. But throughout the that makes them resistant to the TR4 tions world- 1940’s and 1950’s, a tropical fungal fungus. The disease itself is resistant wide. pathogen known as the Panama dis- to fungicides and is therefore likely ease wiped out the majority of Gros to infect and kill the vast majority of ” Michel banana plantations, forcing the Cavendish plantations, seriously SCIENCE 25 Dreaming of a wet Christmas... Why we had the rainiest and warmest December on record

ver the Christmas holidays, Lisa Carr Britain was swamped by a Owave of bad weather. Record breaking amounts of water flooded out of English rivers as storms Eva and Desmond hit the UK, closely followed by Storm Frank and a num- ber of other anthropomorphised rain events. It was the UK’s hottest and wettest December ever recorded and our riverbanks and measly flood defences could not contain the sheer volume of rain falling. The Centre for Ecology and Hy- drology cited ‘extraordinary’ hydro- logical conditions and north Eng- land felt the brunt of the subsequent flooding. Honiston Pass in Cumbria during storm Desmond recorded 31.4 centimeters of rain falling – more rain in 24 hours than had ever been seen before. Rivers breached their banks flooding huge swathes of villages and a large number of Brit- ain’s populations were left in awful circumstances in the lead up to what is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year. With such record-breaking weath- er events and catastrophic conse- quences for towns and villages across the UK, many people questioned what the cause was for such anoma- lous weather events. With computer simulations, scien- cies residing in the river channels. most severe droughts on record has An Oxford University assessment tists have been able to calculate that However, some theorise that the left 3.5 million people in Guatemala, Pictured: initiated by the met offi ce highlighted man-made climate change was large- lack of dredging has shrunk the wa- Honduras and El Salvador in des- Th e boxing how the UK was in a warm and moist ly responsible for Storm Desmond’s tercourses, reducing the volume of perate conditions and more people day fl oods left tropical air mass for most of the damaging torrential rains. Th e fl ood- water they are able to hold; subse- have been affected in Peru and Ecua- roads covered in month of December, with unseason- ing event was estimated to be 40 per quently the rivers would overflow dor. Staple crops in Ethiopia, Kenya, water (Source: ably high temperatures and anoma- cent more likely with climate change. more easily causing mass flooding Malawi and South Africa have been jcw1967 via lous rainfall for most the month. Th is Extreme weather events like this will events. devastated due to drought also with Flickr) is due to both anthropogenic climate become more regular with man- Other human factors independent a food crisis. change and elevated natural varia- made climate change as the green- from anthropogenic climate change Questions must now be raised “The wet tions – a dangerous duo to hit at once. house eff ect leads to a rise in global will also lead to more future flooding how Britain and the rest of the world Th ere was a stronger El Nino temperatures and sea levels are set to events. Changes in land use, such as can protect themselves from future and warm Southern Oscillation this year. Th is rise altering the water cycle. building houses on flood plains and extreme weather events. Gail White- weather was is a natural oceanic phenomenon More theories have circulated to paving over natural surfaces changes man, the chair of the Pentland cen- whereby warmer ocean water fl ows try and explain how the rivers in this the way surface water is able to run tre for sustainability at Lancaster due to both in the Pacifi c Ocean. Th e eff ects of particular instance broke their banks off. Stagnant pools of water can ac- University said to The Guardian: anthropogenic this are felt across the globe and this and reached record levels flooding cumulate rapidly and flooding is “Extreme weather will increase with event increased the odds of anoma- UK towns and cities. A somewhat more likely if rainwater can’t perme- global warming and thus climate climate change lous temperatures and rainfall. Th e discredited theory posted by a guest ate into the ground. These human- adaptation measures, like flood de- current this year was the strongest on in the Newcastle Journal tried to at- led factors are difficult to mitigate, fences, need to constantly be up- and elevated record. Adam Scaife, head of the Met tribute some of the flooding to lack and flood defences can’t always hold dated. What may appear to be suf- natural Offi ce long-range forecasting high- of dredging of UK rivers. Dredging off extreme weather events. ficient to withstand a 1 in 100-year lighted that the warmest December waterways ceased under EU law in Extreme weather events due to event can become quickly out of date variations. on record and projections for a warm the year 2000 for conservation ef- El Nino and anthropogenic climate as the incidence of extreme weather 2016 was caused 25 per cent by the forts to prevent habitat disturbance change are not limited to the UK ramps up and becomes more unpre- ” unusual El Nino current. and destruction to protect the spe- alone. In Central America, one of the dictable.” Science questions: Why can’t you drink while on antibiotics? How do breathalysers work? Why do cats land feet first? Answered With the majority of medications, having Breathalysers measure the level of alcohol in Cats will always land on their feet due to a a pint or two is fine. However, when a doc- the blood - if you’re over 0.08, you’re over the “righting reflex”. They have an incredibly Why does blonde hair get darker as you tor prescribes their patient antibiotics, they limit. flexible backbone which allows them to twist get older? usually advise them to not drink while taking The amount of alcohol in the blood shows their body when falling through the air. them. up in breath as it is absorbed by the mouth, They also have a very strong sense of bal- This is because anti-infection drugs can throat, stomach and intestines into the ance. Their balance system is found in their Your hair colour is determined by the amount block the metabolism of alcohol, causing a bloodstream. inner ear., determing up from down and al- of pigment called ‘melanin’ you have in your buildup of acetaldehydes (the chemical to In the lungs, some of the alcohol from the lowing their backbone to accordingly twist. hair. Th is depends on your genes, however the blame for a nasty hangover). blood evaporates, meaning it can be breathed genes that determine hair colour can change This build up worsens the effects of alcohol out with carbon dioxide and water. during your life, and can be turned on or off . and you could be vomiting and passing out Through a series of chemical reactions, a Th e amount of melanin increases with age as after just one drink. Alcohol plus antibiotics breathalyser can determine how much alco- TweetTweet us your questions to genes change and blonde-haired kids are bru- equals bad news and all in all, it’s best not to hol is present: a reading of 0.08 means there @gairrhyddsci@gairrhyddsci nettes by the time they’re ten years old. take the risk. is 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100ml of blood. 26 SCIENCE Ninth planet on the brink of discovery Sorry Pluto, there’s a new kid on the block

t has been ten years now since 20,000 years to make one trip around for Planet Nine themselves, but they trouble of offi cially naming Planet Maria Mellor Pluto was downgraded from be- the sun. “really want people to fi nd it as fast Nine. Th e International Astronomi- Iing classifi ed as a planet, leaving You might wonder why it took as- as possible.” cal Union (IAU) is responsible for us with only eight planets in our solar tronomers so long to fi nd the planet, Th e pair have set up a website naming celestial objects that humans What do you system. Th e so-called “pluto-killers” nicknamed Planet Nine, but it has called fi ndplanetnine.com in order discover out in the universe, how- think it should Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown simply evaded detection because it to gather amateur astronomers and ever this isn’t just any celestial object. be called? at the California Institute of Technol- is so far away. It supposedly resides interested parties in to try and fi nd Planet Nine would be the fi rst new Tweet us ogy (Caltech) believe now that there’s beyond the Kuiper Belt, the icy ring the mysterious planet. Th ere they planet discovered since Neptune, so @gairrhyddsci a new contender to take its place: a of debris where Pluto is found, over post regular updates and tips as to naming it would be incredibly im- huge planet beyond Pluto’s orbit. 200 times the distance from the sun how to help. Interestingly, last Mon- portant. According to Lars Lindberg It started out with astronomers compared to Earth. Should it be prov- day Brown posted a blog post titled Christensen, IAU’s press offi cer, there seeing several rocks in space behav- en to exist it would be the fi rst planet “Why Planet Nine might not exist (or: is no offi cial precedent for this, as the ing oddly. It looked as if they had to have been discovered in over 150 what keeps me up at night)”. While he organisation was actually founded 73 aligned orbits for no apparent reason, years. is confi dent that his fi ndings are cor- years after the discovery of Neptune. and after doing some calculations sci- Th ere is one problem that the rect, he worries that they have been Perhaps the naming rights would entists believe that the only explana- Caltech astronomers are having: fooled into seeing patterns where go to the Caltech pair who originally tion for it is a huge planet in our solar they can’t actually fi nd the planet in none exist. Nevertheless they con- made the world aware of the ninth system around fi ve to ten times the question. Batygin and Brown have tinue to run computer simulations planet’s possible existence. Brown is mass of Earth. It’s believed to be in- published their fi ndings in the As- to further prove their hypothesis and skeptical, however, stating “I don’t credibly cold and have a very elongat- tronomical Journal, saying that they attempt to come closer to fi nding it. think any one person should get to ed orbit causing it to take 10,000 to could have kept it quiet and searched If it is found, then there will be the name it.”

Pictured: Th e known solar system, “It is believed surrounded by the Kuiper Belt to be very (Source: Image Editor via cold with an Flickr) elongated orbit causing it to take 10,000 to 20,000 years to make one trip around the sun. ” Calories are why we crave sweet food

veryone knows that food con- of the brain when consuming sug- Pakinee tains calories. While calories ary foods or suppressed of food with Pooprasert Eare often feared for their ‘fat a high nutritional value allows the producing’ and weight gaining quali- organism to prioritise energy seek- ties, and many of us would try to avoid ing quality over sensory quality when high calorifi c food, it is important to choosing a food. Our brains are realise that calories is the main rea- well equipped to trick us into eating son why we eat. We eat because we something unpleasant, if it has high need energy. Without energy, we die. calorifi c value. At the bottom of it all, However, what many of us might we want dopamine, not candy. not realise is that when given a choice Th e Yale neuroscientists tested this between sweetness and calories, we concept by experimenting on mice tend to ignore our taste buds and using a “lickometer”. Th e rodents head straight for the calories. were off ered calorie-free sucralose, Neuroscientists at Yale University which is a sweeter that tastes like nor- published a research just this week mal sugar. Whilst they were licking, to show that the brain is able to ef- infusions of either sugar or sucralose fectively count calories, pushing us to were administered to their stomachs. “Our brains are select energy-dense foods. In other During the experiment, the scientists words, food loaded with calories. kept tract of which infusion prompt- well equipped Th is interestingly, turns out to be a ed the most enthusiastic licking. separate neural circulate than the one After the experiments, the scien- to trick us into which drives us to select sweet foods. tists concluded that they observed in- of glucose. sociated with high energy. eating some- In simple terms, this means that creased dopamine release in one area What was even more fascinating While a lot of food that is high in Pictured: when given a choice between sweet- of their brain above the baseline lev- was that the researchers were also sugar tend to also be high in calo- A sugary snack thing unpleas- ness and calories, we go for the calo- els during sucralose intake, regardless able to get the mice to lick unpleasant ries, ultimately, calories triumph over (Photographer: ries. Th is is because the nutritional of which solution was administered solutions by administering direct glu- sugar. Th is has many implications, Dan Tentler) ant if it has impulses and the pleasure impulses through their stomach. However, in cose infusions. Th e unpleasant tast- and further research into the neuro- high calorific are processed in separate regions of another region of the brain dopamine ing food failed to increase dopamine logical aspects of food craving can the brain. release only increased above baseline levels in the brain regions associated help us to not only understand the al- value. Th e suppression of a chemical levels when sweetener intake was ac- with sweet taste but was able to boost lure of cheeseburgers but to also eat ” called dopamine in diff erent areas companied by intra-gastric infusions the levels in the area of the brain as- healthier. SCIENCE 27 Why are whales washing up on our shores? Five sperm whales have beached off the English coast

ver the past week the usu- meaning any whales lost in the area sonar systems produce sound waves Changes in the temperature of the Lizzie Harrett ally clear views towards the can quickly become disorientated. that measure up to 235 decibels, sea may also force whales to change Pictured: Ohorizon on the East Eng- Further adding to their plight is the whereas in comparison an incred- their habitat areas, leading them into A sperm whale land coast has been disrupted by lack of food in the area – the North ibly noisy rock concert produces shallower areas. A World Wildlife (Photographer: the colossal silhouettes of fi ve sperm Sea has low levels of squid, their sound waves of around 150 decibels. Federation report that focused on Richard whales, who all tragically beached on main food source. As sperm whales Research in 2013 showed that when the impact of climate change on ce- Herbery) the shoreline surrounding Skegness. source their water from their food sonar signals were produced at 200 taceans which found that dolphins In the past fortnight 12 whales they can quickly become dehydrated decibels, beaked whales who were off the coast of Scotland have already have beached on the Dutch and Ger- if they cannot hunt for their dinner, between 3 to 10 kilometres away changed their habitat ranges. Th e man coast, with experts believing making a bad situation worse. stopped feeding and fl ed from the report implies that other cetaceans, that they are all from the same pod. But why do these whales get lost scene which could lead to disorien- including sperm whales, may have Th ese massive mammals are the and end up beaching? Th e number tation. However, this has not been already changed their habitat ranges largest toothed predator on the of individual bigger whales beaching proven with all species of whale. in response to climate change. planet, with mature males averag- on the British coast in 2014 stood at Th e military may not be the only Beaching can also be a totally natu- ing a whopping 16 metres in length. 60. Even more concerning is that the culprits behind noise pollution ral phenomena. Old age or sickness Sperm whales are deep sea animals, number of whales beaching on the changing whale behaviour. While not can cause the whales to beach. Mass who tend to live and hunt at depths British coast has been rising, with being linked directly to beachings, beaching can follow due to the so- of around 3,000 metres. If you want cases rising from one mass beach- researchers from the New England cial structure of the pod, who oper- some perspective about how deep ing per year in the 1940s to the 1980s Aquarium have shown that shipping ate a safety in numbers policy. Other this is, if you placed Mount Snowdon to six per year from the 1980s to the noise causes chronic stress in whales, whales from the pod then can follow on top of itself three times starting present day. You may even remember using the marine traffi c standstill the sick or injured whale into shallow 3,000 metres under water, the sum- the bottlenose whale who got strand- post-9/11 to research the eff ect. water and consequentially acciden- mit would just reach the surface of ed in Central London in the River However, Andrew Bronlowe from tally beach themselves. the sea. Females and their juveniles Th ames in 2006, with people calling the Scottish Marine Animal Strand- Another common cause of beach- reside in the tropics but males often the police unsure if they were hal- ing Scheme believes that there may ing is when whales injure themselves travel within a wider range and can lucinating the large mammal swim- be more beachings because of whale from colliding with shipping vessels be spotted as far out as near Iceland ming through the capital city. population changes: “It’s likely the and swim into shallow waters due to and the Shetland Isles. Th ere is a lot of debate over wheth- increase is because there are more disorientation caused by injury. Tragedy can strike when sperm er the impact of humans is causing an whales, because of the embargo on Sperm whales have been classed as “Tragedy can whales travel slightly further than increase in beaching. Darlene Ketten whaling over the past 30 years.” vulnerable by the International Un- strike when expected and end up in the North is a marine mammal expert and states Th erefore, it could simply be that ion for the Conservation of Nature. Sea, the strip of water between the that it is often hard to determine why the increased number of whale Th is means they are likely to become sperm whales “The number of UK and Scandinavia. Whales use so- whales beach, saying: “I often use the beachings is refl ecting the increased endangered unless the circumstances larger whales nar to navigate the seas, producing analogy of a car crash, because a lot whale population. All the sperm threatening the species’ survival im- can travel sound waves that refl ect off surfaces of things can go wrong but you get whales which have beached in Eu- prove. slightly further beachin on the to form a picture of their surround- the same result. Statistically, we are rope in the last week were males.Th e While whales face other threats, British coast ing area. However, if they swim into only able to determine the cause of larger populations may also mean including illegal whaling and ad- than expected shallow waters the sonar waves pro- a stranding in about 50 percent of all more competition for males for re- ditional issues caused by climate and end up in in 2014 stood duced do not bounce off the sandy cases worldwide.” sources and when trying to mate, change, it is imperative that scientists beds in the same way they do as they Might noise pollution be behind causing them to leave their pods and get to the bottom of why these crea- the North Sea. at 60. do in the deep sea. Th e North Sea has the increased beachings? Used to head for the North Sea – with some- tures are increasingly washing up on ” a maximum depth of just 200 metres, detect enemy submarines, military times tragic consequences. our shores. ” 28 SOCIETIES

Editor: Aletheia Nutt @GairRhyddSoc [email protected] societies gairrhydd.com/societies Hannah’s Note: Try our new Give it a Go sessions!

owdy y’all. I hope the first In other news, several thousand ing as a group. Hannah week back of lectures has Give it a Go booklets have been dis- As a final thing, nominations for Sterritt H gone well for you! tributed around campus with a mas- the main elections close on the 4th VP Societies We’ve been very busy as ever this sive list of the Society, Club and ex- February and so this is your last week in the world of Societies with a tra events that are running this term. chance to put yourself forward! I’ve lot of forward planning for the mas- It’s definitely worth having a flick had the best six months so far as VP sive amount of work that is involved through if you fancy trying some- Societies and it’s an amazing oppor- to start planning Cardiff Fringe Fes- thing different for the new term. tunity. tival and Go Global, starting to look If you’re interested in going to any If you have any questions about into the end of year balls and all the of the extra events such as the week- the role, just pop up to the 3rd floor other day to day things that come end trips as a society, speak to Josh of the Students’ Union for a chat or with the job. ([email protected]) about go- send me an email.

one match in the whole world! Go along to The Boardroom, Third floor of the SU, the Main Building to find out more - and 19:00-21:00. sign up to save a life. You can also find out about volunteering with Marrow Society. Give ‘Go Air’ a go with Broadway Dance. For further information contact cardiff@ As the largest dance society, Broadway ukmarrow.org. Viriamu Jones Gallery, Main Dance hold classes in ballet, jazz, tap, irish Building, 14:00-17:00. and street but this time they’re hosting an event for everyone to try something new! Cardiff PhotoSoc are running a photo hunt Go Air is a trampoline park just outside the with a difference. Forget your fancy cameras, city centre (Broadway Dance Society will it’s time to take it back to the basics and use provide transportation there) where those disposable film cameras. No experience who attend can flip into foam pits, jump on necessary. During the session you will all their trampolines and even play dodgeball. be given a camera with a list of themes to Be sure to wear something comfy and bring photograph. Don’t worry if you’ve never a bottle of water. For further information had much experience with photography, contact [email protected]. £8 just come along, meet some new people admission, SU Reception, 19:30-22:00. and have a laugh! For further information contact [email protected]. £3.00 Saturday 6th February admission, Front of the SU, 14:00-16:00. Malaysian Students Society are going Go along and watch one of the most chilling to the Festival of Diversity III, set to be thrillers released in the last few years. Based the best Malaysian Night in Cardiff in on the Gillian Flynn book of the same 2016. Festival of Diversity serves as the Monday 1st February along with some cutlery and a drink. Eating name, Gone Girl is a psychological thriller platform for promoting Malaysian cultures so much cake is thirsty work. For further focusing on the disappearance of Nick and traditions as each year there is an The Law Society is offering a great information contact BakingSociety@cardiff. Dunne’s wife on their anniversary. As usual, overwhelming response from the Welsh opportunity to develop your public speaking ac.uk. £1.00 admission, The Great Hall, all that is asked is that you bring yourself, community in Cardiff. Featuring the theme through a small, personable workshop. The 20:00-22:00. nothing else is required; just remember to of the show “Awang: Kisah Sang Peneroka”, session will discuss skills and techniques sign up online so that we know numbers. this show will be a tale of adventure, love, that can be used to help you improve, and Tuesday 2nd February Bring any refreshments you would like. Free family - and how it all intertwines in a will finish with a chance to practice. This is admission, The Lounge, Third Floor of SU, young man’s journey of self-discovery. It a great opportunity to prepare for upcoming The Law Society are hosting a Law for 20:00-23:00. is a historical home-grown plot brought presentations, interviews, or generally Non-Law workshop with Bond Dickinson. to life with both traditional and modern improve confidence. For more information This workshop is a brilliant opportunity for Thursday 4th February songs and choreography - an apt reflection contact [email protected]. £1.00 non-law students to learn more about what of diverse upbringing. Call +44 7519204651 admission, room 1.29 in the Law School, a career as a lawyer involves and how they Are you SAD? - Go and learn how to get rid for tickets. For further information contact 17:30-18:45. can enter the profession. The event is being of the sadness from your life with Islamic [email protected]. St. David’s run by the Head of Graduate Recruitment at Society. The Islamic Society welcomes Hall, 19:30-22:00. Krishna Conciousness Society is holding a Bond Dickinson, a top national law firm. For everyone from all backgrounds and beliefs to Kirtan taster session. This is a simple and further information contact lawsociety@ challenge the rising tide of depression whist Sunday 7th February powerful way to meditate; Kirtan seeks to cardiff.ac.uk. £1.00 admission, room 1.30 in exploring spiritual cures of how everyone enhance the relaxation of your mind through the Law School, 13:00-14:00. can support each other and access help if If you are interested in learning how to knit, recitation of an ancient Sanskrit Mantra. required. For further information contact learning new techniques and meeting other Go and join the Krishna Consciousness for Wednesday 3rd February [email protected]. Free admission, people who are enthusiastic about crafting, a relaxed evening. For further information Maths Building E/0.15, 18:00-20:30. join Stitch Soc for a great session where they contact [email protected] £1.00 Cardiff Marrow is a student run branch of will be sharing their skills, tips, tricks and admission, SU Reception, 18:30-21:00. Anthony Nolan. Throughout the year, they Friday 5th February experience. Whether you are an absolute run clinics, signing people onto the bone beginner or have experience in the field, Baking Society invite you to rummage round marrow register via saliva sample. People Are you the next Tarantino, Kubrick or this event has something for you. If you have the back of your kitchen cupboards and dig with leukaemia and other blood cancers Spielberg? Go along to Film Society’s 48hr any knitting needles and yarn, please feel out those unused herbs and spice jars and often need a bone marrow transplant in Film Challenge where you’ll be placed into free to bring them, otherwise resources are get baking. Bake at home and then bring order to save their lives. However, 70% of teams to plan, shoot and edit your films available to borrow. For further information your creation along for a sharing and tasting people need an unrelated donor, and as bone based on a pre-selected theme all in one contact [email protected]. £1.00 session. It can be sweet or savoury - let marrow is very specific, it is very difficult weekend. For further information contact admission, Sir Donald Walters’ Boardroom, your imagination run wild! Bring your bake, to find a match. One person may only have [email protected]. £2.00 admission, 13:00-15:00. SOCIETIES 29 Women’s Equality Party Help us achieve our objectives!

ven though we’re still pretty how the Women’s Equality Party So- Lara Stace new on campus, the Women’s ciety hopes to make changes closer Pictured: EEquality Party Society has big to home. Sophie Walker, ideas for spring 2016. We just need If you haven’t heard of the Wom- Women’s passionate people who can help us en’s Equality Party, we’re a non- Equality Party drive change on campus. partisan political party that was If you would like to meet the com- founded in March 2015. Because mittee to ask a few questions, or we’re non-partisan we welcome peo- make friends with like-minded peo- ple from across the political spec- ple, we have a tapas social coming up. trum, whether you’re centre-, left- or Come along to La Tasca on Friday 5 right-leaning. You may have heard February from 7.30pm. It is free to that comedian, broadcaster and au- attend, but we’ll need to book a table thor, Sandi Toksvig is our co-found- so please do let us know you’re com- er. Alongside Toksvig is Catherine ing via Facebook. Simply search for Mayer, a journalist and author. ‘Cardiff Uni WEPSoc’ on Facebook A few months after founding the and you’ll be able to find the event as party, in July, the Women’s Equality well as other posts from us. Party announced that Sophie Walker We also have a committee meeting would be the party’s leader through on Wednesday 10 February at 5.30pm its formation phase ahead of a lead- in the Students’ Union. Members are ership election by members next It was lovely welcome to come, share their ideas year. Speaking about why she wanted “ and help plan our activities for the to take up the position, Walker said: to talk to semester – in particular, a special “I realised the other day that I’m hav- event for International Women’s Day ing exactly the same conversations people about in March. There’ll be snacks and with my friends that my mother was equality in the drinks available. having with her friends in the Seven- A few more weeks down the line ties. I look at my daughters (age 13 UK and how and we’ll be holding a film night on and 6) and think I really don’t want Wednesday 24 February. Check our them to be the third generation hav- bizarre to you? If you’ve answered to violence against women. the Women’s Facebook page for updates on details ing those conversations.” “yes” to any of the questions above, You can read more about each Equality Party about where in the Students’ Union I think Sophie Walker has struck you might be interested in helping to of our objectives on the Women’s we’ll be, but you can expect popcorn on a good point there. Do you ever push towards gender equality in the Equality Party website: www.wom- Society hopes and treats! get tired of catcalling in the street? If UK. ensequality.org.uk. If you’d like to to make You might have seen us on Friday you choose to start a family, are you We have six core objectives which keep up-to-date with the activities of if you went to the Refreshers Ac- concerned that your gender (man or all our campaigns and work revolve our society, or simply have a steady changes tivities Fair. After setting up (and woman) will influence your career around: equal representation, equal stream of interesting reading materi- getting through a lot of Velcro for and family responsibilities and op- pay and opportunity, equal parent- al to distract you from work, find us closer to home the displays), it was lovely to talk to portunities? Or does the existence ing and caregiving, equal education, on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ people about equality in the UK and of a gender pay gap in 2016 seem equal media treatment, and an end CardiffUniWEPSoc. ” Cardiff Marrow: Appeal to Cardiff students!

ardiff Marrow are the Cardiff Lara has gone international and at- Lilly Ryan University based society who tracted the support of celebrities Pictured: Harper C work under Anthony Nolan to such as JK Rowling, Mark Wahlberg, 24-year-old sign people up to the bone marrow Gareth Bale and Stephen Fry. It’s Lara Casalotti register in order to provide lifesav- even reached the House of Com- (Photographer: ing matches for seriously ill patients mons with David Cameron at Prime Anthony in need of a transplant. Throughout Minister’s Questions giving his Nolan) the year, Cardiff Marrow run clinics, backing to the campaign. signing people onto the bone mar- A series of events are being staged row register via saliva sample. At the in universities around the country clinics their trained volunteers raise to recruit more donors, particularly awareness about bone marrow dona- those who are mixed race as there is tion, help with the process of collect- an acute shortage of such donors. ing information and saliva samples Cardiff University students can and answer any questions. sign up on Wednesday 3rd of Feb- The mother of the student at the ruary in the Viriamu Jones Gallery, “The centre of an international campaign Main Building. To sign up, all that’s to find a rare stem cell donor is urg- needed is a saliva sample and the campaign to ing people to attend a donor drive on process take will take less than 20 Wednesday the 3rd of February in minutes. find a match the Cardiff University Main Building If you can’t make it, you can order for Lara has (2-5pm) to find a life-saving match a kit online from Anthony Nolan if for her daughter and help other pa- your’re 16-30 or from Delete Blood going inter- tients in urgent need of a transplant. Cancer UK if you’re 18-55. national and 24 year old Lara Casalotti from More details about Lara and London was diagnosed with aggres- the match4lara campaign at www. attracted the sive leukaemia just before Christ- match4lara.com mas. She urgently needs to find a Anthony Nolan website: www.an- support of stem cell donor within the next few thonynolan.org celebrities weeks to save her life. But her mixed Delete Blood Cancer website - race heritage makes it very hard to www.deletebloodcancer.org.uk such as JK find a match. Her parents are Chi- Or contact Cardiff Marrow di- nese-Thai and Italian. rectly with any questions - Cardiff@ Rowling. The campaign to find a match for ukmarrow.org. ” 30 SOCIETIES Coppafeel: Laundry Hijack

oppaFeel! Cardiff Uni Boob this can be reduced by earlier detec- changes are detected. Laundry on Wednesday 10th Febru- Bethan Jones Team is representing the tion and faster interventions. The Fancy an afternoon of good clean ary at 2pm-4pm. Ccharity CoppaFeel! (http:// Uni Boob team aims to help stamp fun? Come along to our Laundry Hi- Hope to see you lots of you there www.coppafeel.org/our-charity) out late detection and misdiagnosis jack where we will be giving advice for boobs, bras and bubbles! Come with an overall goal of increasing of breast cancer ensuring students on checking your boobs for signs and along and get involved. the awareness of breast cancer in know the signs and symptoms of symptoms, answering your boob- For more information feel free to young people and how checking breast cancer. The Boob team will related questions and handing out contact the Cardiff CoppaFeel! So- your breasts can save your life. 7.3% encourage all students to check their some cheeky free washing capsule ciety via our Facebook page. https:// of all Cancer deaths are from breast breasts regularly and have the confi- samples! www.facebook.com/CoppaFeelCardi cancers (Cancer Research UK) and dence to seek medical referral if any Come along to Talybont South ffUniversity/?fref=ts Cardiff Volunteering: Ten reasons why you should volunteer!

here are many reasons you schools, care homes and external Rachel Jones should volunteer, we’ve come organisations are constantly so im- Tup with ten of the best rea- pressed and grateful for the support sons to volunteer: you provide. 1.Meet new people! It doesn’t mat- 10.Employers love it! Having vol- ter if you’re a first or final year – it’s unteering experience on your CV always good to meet people who could just be the tipping point sepa- have similar views and interests to rating you from another potential you, and you can never have too candidate. It could also be the other many mates! way round – don’t let that happen to 2.Build confidence! Volunteering you! is a lovely way to build your social So you’ve decided to volunteer – skills and confidence in leading a get accredited! Volunteering is great group of people, whether they are fun, a good way to meet new people children, adults or the elderly. You’ll and a really valuable experience but be surprised at how quickly your how does anyone know that you have confidence grows! actually done it? If you are sitting in 3.Transferrable Skills! If you’ve a job interview or trying to get on a been to a careers talk you’ve prob- University course or even just want- ably heard us all harp on about this ing something to put in a portfolio to – but it’s important so hear us out! show the hours you have given, how Volunteering can provide concrete do you show that you have actually evidence of skills including time volunteered? management, organisation, commu- Millennium Volunteers is a youth nication, problem solving… the list volunteering initiative, set up with is endless. public funding, aimed at people aged 4. Experience for your CV! Linked between 14 and 24. It is a way of rec- to the above – you need evidence ognising the volunteering that you and examples to back up your claims have done – the three certificates at on your CV in a job interview, ap- 50, 100 and 200 hours all carry both plication – they want proof you can the GwirVol logo and the Welsh be there on time, not just your word Government logo. This means that for it! you can show anyone who wants 5.Give back to community! If you’re to know how many hours you did, anything like us you will have fallen where you did them and when you head over heels for the beautiful city did them and the Welsh Govern- that is Cardiff. However amazing the ment stamp on the bottom shows city is, they all need some love and that it is official. In fact, if you com- volunteering is one way you can give plete 200 hours, you even get the back to this incredible place you call First Minister’s signature printed on home for 3 years (or more!) the certificate! 6.Makes you feel good! Links have And there is more … if you are vol- been made between volunteering unteering your first 50 hours in a and improved mental health, but we placement related to sport or physi- don’t need scientific proof to know cal activity (anything from kayak- that nothing beats that feel good ing to welly-boot throwing) you can feeling of a child seeing a giraffe for receive your 50 hour certificate (the the first time, or the joy of a year first of the three) as an MV50 Sport 8 student who has finally got that certificate or if you are thinking of maths problem, or an elderly lady’s doing some overseas volunteering smile when she receives a Christmas then there is MV50 Global ! Pictured: present. Fact. Interested? Above: A 7.Puppies! Some of our volunteer- There is a little paperwork to do volunteer ing work involves walking local res- but not only is this straightforward, working with cue dogs. What more do you want? you can even do it on-line at www. children 8.Fun! Volunteering is unavoidably gwirvol.org ! Just pop in to the Car- Below: A fun. diff Volunteering office on the 2nd volunteer 9.Make a difference! Volunteers floor of the SU or email us on volun- working on an provide such a valuable service to [email protected] and one of the environmental the community! Your work will team will help you get started .. Go project. not go unnoticed and our partner on – what are you waiting for! Machine Head Bowling For Soup

Gabrielle Aplin

February/Chwefror March/Mawrth Funeral For A Friend 06/04/16 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN Neck Deep Theory Of A Deadman 03/03/16, £15 ADV 05/02/16 - SOLD OUT/ PVRIS WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN 08/04/16 - Machine Head SOLD OUT/ 10/03/16, £26 ADV WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN KERRANG! Tour 2016 ft. Sum 41 & more The Stranglers Newton Faulkner 11/02/16 - SOLD OUT/ 18/03/16, £26 ADV 10/04/16, £21.50 ADV WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN Boyce Avenue 19/03/16, £25 ADV Gabrielle Aplin May/Mai 12/02/16, £16.50 ADV Crossfaith Issues 19/03/16, £12 ADV 24/05/16, £15 ADV Bowling For Soup 14/02/16, £20 ADV Wolf Alice 24/03/16, £17 ADV Fun Lovin' Criminals 18/02/16, £23.50 ADV April/Ebrill City and Colour 19/02/16 - SOLD OUT/ Sunset Sons WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN 03/04/16, £12 ADV

Stiff Little Fingers Funeral For A Friend 28/02/16, £18.50 ADV 05/04/16 - SOLD OUT/ WEDI GWERTHU ALLAN Richard Hawley 28/02/16, £25 ADV

All tickets subject to booking fee CARDIFFBOXOFFICE.COM @CARDIFFUNION CARDIFFBOXOFFICE Codir ffi archebu ar bob tocyn 32 TAF-OD

Golygydd: Rhian Floyd @Taf_od [email protected] taf-od gairrhydd.com/tafod Eisteddfod Rhyng-gol Caerdydd 2016 Pa brifysgol fydd yn fuddugoliaethus?

obeithio y bydd sawl un o ddar- i drefnu penwythnos o gystadlu ac ad- cadarnhaol a ddaeth ar gefn y Reff er- Testunau ar gael i’w gweld yn Swyddfa Steffan Bryn llenwyr Taf-Od yn ymwybodol loniant ar gyfer cannoedd o fyfyrwyr endwm oedd creu aelod staff llawn- Ysgol y Gymraeg, ar lawr uchaf Lly- Yn y llun: Gmai Prifysgol Caerdydd sydd Cymraeg. Mae hynny’n arbennig o wir amser dros y Gymraeg yn Undeb frgell y Celfyddydau a’r Dyniaethau Perff ormwyr ar yn cynnal yr Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol gan nad oes gennym ni yma ym Mhri- Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd. Er bod ac yn ddigidol ar-lein. Maent yn cyn- lwyfan mewn eleni, a hynny ddiwedd Chwefror! Ers fysgol Caerdydd – er gwaethaf ein hyn yn bell o’n gweledigaeth ni o gael nwys cystadlaethau Gwaith Cartref, Eisteddfod misoedd lawer bellach, mae criw by- hymdrechion gorau yn y Reff erendwm cynrychiolydd etholedig yn atebol i Chwaraeon a Chystadlaethau Llwyfan; (Tarddiad: chan (ond diwyd) ohonom wedi bod y llynedd – Lywydd llawn-amser dros ni’r myfyrwyr, penodwyd Siwan Gwyn gall pawb, felly, gymryd rhan yn hwyl Rodrigo wrthi’n ddyfal yn trefnu ac yn paratoi y Gymraeg i drefnu digwyddiadau ac Jones i swydd Cydlynydd y Gymraeg ac ysbryd yr Eisteddfod mewn rhyw Miranda, i lwyfannu’r digwyddiad pwysig hwn i gynrychioli myfyrwyr Cymraeg eu ac mae’r cyswllt a’r gefnogaeth honno ff ordd neu’i gilydd. Mae’ch angen CHI! Flickr) inni fel myfyrwyr Cymraeg. Cynhali- hiaith a dysgwyr. Serch hynny, rydym hefyd wedi bod yn amhrisiadwy i ni fel A allwch chi gymryd cyfrifoldeb wyd yr Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol yma yn ceisio gwneud y gorau o’r sefyllfa Pwyllgor Gwaith yr Eisteddfod. dros gynnull criw i gystadlu ar ran yng Nghaerdydd ddiwethaf yn 2011, ac mae’r ysbryd o gyd-weithio rh- Mae llawer o waith wedi’i wneud Prifysgol Caerdydd yn un o’r cystadla- a gan mai digwyddiad sydd yn teithio wng y gwahanol gynrychiolwyr et- eisoes, ond megis dechrau mae’r cys- ethau llwyfan? A allwch chi gynnig cy- rhwng prifysgolion Bangor, Aberyst- holedig wedi bod yn fantais aruthrol. tadlu! Yn sicr, mae angen i bob un morth ymarferol i’r Pwyllgor Gwaith? wyth, Abertawe a’r Drindod Caerfyrd- Mae aelodaeth y Pwyllgor Gwaith yn ohonom dorchi llewys wrth i’r dy- Cysylltwch â mi gydag ymholiadau din yw’r Eisteddfod Ryng-gol, 2016 yw cynnwys swyddogion y Gym Gym ddiad agosáu, er mwyn sicrhau y bydd cyff redinol ac i gynnig cymorth ymar- cyfl e’r brifddinas i ddangos ei doniau 2014/15 a chriw eleni (2015/16), yn Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol Caerdydd ferol (swyddogygymraeg@caerdydd. ac i roi sioe gwerth chweil i holl gole- ogystal â Chadeirydd Aelwyd y Waun 2016 yn un llwyddiannus tu hwnt a ac.uk) ac â Dylan Williams, Llywydd gau Cymru! Ddyfal a minnau fel Swyddog y Gym- hefyd er mwyn sicrhau buddugolia- y Gym Gym ynghylch y cystadlu (lly- Nid ar chwarae bach mae mynd ati raeg, Undeb y Myfyrwyr. Un peth eth gartref i Gaerdydd! Mae’r Rhestr [email protected]).

Dyma’r dyddiadau pwysig:

Hanner dydd, ddydd Mercher, 10fed Chwefror 2016 – dyddiad cau’r cystadlaethau Gwaith Cartref “2016 yw Brynhawn Gwener, 26ain o Chwefror 2016 – Twrnament Chwaraeon yr Eisteddfod Ryng-golegol cyfle’r brifddinas 10yb nes 6yh, ddydd Sadwrn, 27ain o Chwefror 2016 – Yr Eisteddfod, Neuadd Fawr Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol i ddangos Caerdydd ei doniau Nos Sadwrn, 27ain o Chwefror 2016 – Dawns yr Eistedd- ac i roi sioe fod yng Nghlwb Ifor Bach gwerth chweil Am ragor o wybodaeth… i holl golegau Dilynwch gyfrif Twitter yr Eisteddfod: @RhyngGol2016 Ymunwch â’r digwyddiad Facebook ar dudalen Facebook Cymru. Gymraeg Undeb Myfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd ” TAF-OD 33 Pencampwriaeth Y Chwe Gwlad yn agosáu

eb amheuaeth, cyfnod y Chwe nogaeth tragwyddol, pera i ni fel dig unwaith eto, gyda’r strydoedd yn argoeli i fod yn bencampwriaeth ll- Rhydian Gwlad yw un o’r prif ddig- cefnogwyr i deithio tramor i gefnogi’r llawn dop ohonom ni fel cefnogwyr. wyddiannus a phleserus, â’r hen Jenkins Hwyddiadau rhyngwladol sy’n tîm oddi cartref, boed fel teuluoedd, Gyda’r gêm gyntaf yn erbyn Iwerd- ganeuon a chefnogaeth yn barod i uno pobl yng Nghymru yn fl ynyddol, grŵp o ff rindiau neu cymdeithasau. don yn nesáu, mae’r cefnogwyr a’r atseinio dros Gymru gyfan, fel un, fel gyda strydoedd Caerdydd yn llawn Wedi llwyddiant y trip i’r Alban y chwaraewyr yn paratoi i’r hyn sy’n gwlad.fel un, fel gwlad. cefnogwyr brwdfrydig mewn crysau llynedd, bydd cymdeithas Y Gym cochion. Tu hwnt i’r rygbi ar y cae, Gym Prifysgol Caerdydd yn tei- mae’r bencampwriaeth yn denu pobl thio i Ddulyn ar gyfer y gêm rhwng Yn y llun: ledled Cymru i dafarnau a strydoedd Iwerddon a Chymru. Adlewyrchiad Cefnogwyr y brifddinas, ac wrth gwrs i’r stadiwm ychwanegol felly o sut mae’r Cymry Cymru yn eiconig, Stadiwm Principality, gan yn dod at ei gilydd fel un, boed yng mwynhau’r greu awyrgylch hollol unigryw. Mae’r Nghaerdydd, ledled Cymru neu awyrgylch elfen genedlaetholgar hwn yn sicr i’w gwledydd eraill. Dyma gefnogaeth di- (Tarddiad: deimlo dros gyfnod y Chwe Gwlad, dor sydd wedi bod am fl ynyddoedd, Flickr) gyda’r Cymry i gyd yn cymdeithasu a ac sydd yn sicr am barhau am fl ynyd- chanu caneuon angerddol o’u calon- doedd i ddod. nau yn y tafarnau ac ar y strydoedd. Yn bersonol, fel myfyriwr yng Gyda’u sŵn yn adleisio o amgylch y Nghaerdydd, cefnogwr tîm Cymru a stadiwm, does dim dwywaith ein bod chwaraewr rygbi fy hun, dyma yw un yn dod ynghyd adeg y Chwe Gwlad. o’m hoff ddigwyddiadau blynyddol. Mae’n siwr y bydd cefnogaeth br- Mae’r ff aith y gallaf fwynhau gwylio’r wdfrydig gan Gymru gyfan eto eleni gemau a chymdeithasu’n gyfeillgar yn y Bencampwriaeth yn sgil ein ll- gyda’m cyd-gefnogwyr ar yr un pryd, wyddiant yng Nghwpan Rygbi’r Byd yn ei wneud yn brofi ad anhygoel imi. y llynedd, er gwaetha’r trechu ingol Heb amheuaeth, mae’r teimlad o yn erbyn De Aff rica yn y Chwarter fod yn Gymro ymysg Cymry cefnogol Olaf, gyda phawb yn dal gobeithion eraill yn un unigryw, gan wneud imi mawr dros ein cymrodorion coch. ac eraill deimlo’n falch dros ein hu- Un o uchafbwyntiau’r Chwe Gw- naniaeth. Mae Pencampwriaeth Y lad bob blwyddyn yw gweld bws y Chwe Gwlad yn sicr hefyd yn annog tîm cenedlaethol yn gyrru trwy brif cefnogwyr ifainc a phlant ein gwlad “Does dim stryd Caerdydd i’r stadiwm, a’r llu o i fedru edmygu sêr ein tîm megis gefnogwyr angerddol Cymraeg yn eu Sam Warburton, Dan Biggar a Leigh dwywaith ein crysau cochion a phaent ar hyd eu Halfpenny, gan ennill profi ad o fod hwynebau. Ym mloedd pob unigolyn, yn rhan o awyrgylch egnïol - profi ad bod yn dod clywch obaith dros fuddugoliaeth bythgofi adwy. ynghyd adeg Y dros ein gwrthwynebwyr. Cawn gly- Eleni, yn sgil ein perff ormiadau wed atsain y cefnogaeth trwy gydol gwych yng Nghwpan y Byd, yn ein Chwe Gwlad. 80 munud y gêm, a’r oriau sy’n dilyn, rhanbarthau yng Nghymru, mae’n ta waeth y canlyniad. debygol iawn y bydd y bencampwria- ” Yn sgil y bencampwriaeth a’n cef- eth a’r cefnogaeth yr un mor frwdfry- #DespiteBeingTaughtInWelsh A yw dwyieithrwydd yn anfantais? r fy mod wedi ceisio ymatal yn dderbyniol, ond, am i ni gymryd creu anfantais ar gyfer disgybl a ad- yn gwneud hwyl am ben y sylwadau a Dan Heard rhag rhagfarn yn y darn hwn, yn ganiataol heddiw bod y rheiny sy’n dysgir trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Ry- wnaed. Ysgrifennwyd yng Nghymraeg Enid yw wedi bod yn hawdd, fel mynychu addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg dym yn siomedig bod barn gwahanol a Saesneg bob am-yn-ail linell, ac yn y gwelwyd yn y Western Mail (‘papur yn medru siarad Saesneg hefyd, nid wedi’i drosglwyddo.” fy marn i, mae’n lleisio barn y mwyaf- newydd cenedlaethol Cymru’), mae yw hyn yn dderbyniol. Bu’r hashnod Ers hynny, mae cerdd wedi’i greu rif o’r Cymry i’r dim: siaradwyr Cymraeg wedi cael eu #DespiteBeingTaughtInWelsh yn sarhau unwaith eto mewn darn a wna- trendio ar draws Caerdydd a’r DU gy- eth gadarnhau addysg yng Nghymru fan. Gwnaeth Jamie Roberts hyd yn “Despite being taught in Welsh, fel anabledd . Siaradodd y darllenydd oed yn Trydaru er mwyn amddiff yn “Bu’r hashnod newyddion, Lucy Owen, â’r chwarae- ei hun yn dweud: “Loved my time in Rwy’n deall be’ ti’n ddweud, wr rygbi rhyngwladol Jamie Roberts. Welsh Education. Very proud to be And anything that you can do yn trendio Trwy gydol y cyfweliad, soniodd Jamie able to siarad Cymraeg! #DespiteBe- ar draws Roberts am fanteision addysg cyfrwng ingTaughtInWelsh”. Fe alla i ei wneud. Cymraeg, ac eto penderfynodd y Wedi hynny, trydarodd y papur yr You see the glorious sunshine Caerdydd a’r Western Mail a’r wefan Wales Online hyn a welsant fel ymddiheuriad: “Ry- A minnau’r heulwen braf, gyhoeddi bod Lucy Owen yn “mynd dym yn ymddiheuro, wrth gwrs, am DU gyfan. i gyfweld â seren rygbi Cymru, Jamie y poen anfwriadol a achosir gan y You love the summer’s lengthy days Roberts, sydd, er gwaethaf derbyn ei defnydd o’r geiriau ‘er gwaethaf’ yn A minnau’n caru’r haf. addysg trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg hyd fersiwn y Western Mail o’r erthygl And when the winter brings its storms oedran 18, bellach yn feddyg gymwy- hon, ac mewn fersiwn ar-lein yn gynt. ” sedig ac ar hyn o bryd yn astudio ar Mae cyd-destun y darn hwn yn ym- A’r byd yn crynu i gyd, gyfer ei Feistr mewn Meddygaeth yng wneud â rhinweddau addysg cyfrwng My thanks I give for all I am Ngholeg y Frenhines, Caergrawnt.” Cymraeg yr ydym yn eu caru ac yn Efallai petai’n astudio mewn pri- eu hedmygu. Bwriad y gohebydd Mewn dwy iaith o hyd.” fysgol Ffrengig er enghraiff t, gallech oedd gwneud y pwynt nad yw addysg ddadlau’r geiriad “er gwaethaf derbyn Saesneg nes ymlaen mewn bywyd, ei addysg trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg” boed yn orfodol neu’n ddewisiol, yn - Dienw 20th

tickets on sale now cardiffstudents.com/varsity

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welshvarsity.com #teamcardiff SPORT 35

BUCS Results: Wednesday 27th January

Presented by: H/A Sport Cardiff Team Opposition Result W/L/D H Basketball Womens 1st University of Winchester 1st 83-39 W

A Badminton Mens 1st Oxford University 1st 8-0 L

A Basketball Mens 1st University of Bristol 1st 56-57 W

A Basketball Mens 2nd University of South Wales 1st 66-52 L

H Fencing Mens 1st Swansea University 1st 129-123 W

A Football Mens 3rd (Medics) Cardiff Metropolitan 3rd 5-0 L

A Football Mens 6th Cardiff Metropolitan 5th 2-2 D

H Hockey Mens 3rd Swansea University 2nd 4-1 W

H Hockey Mens 4th (Medics) UWE 3rd 11-1 W

H Hockey Womens 5th Swansea University 2nd 4-0 W

H Hockey Womens 6th (Medics) Swansea University 3rd 8-0 W

H Hockey Womens 7th University of Gloucestershire 3rd 8-0 W

A Netball Womens 2nd University of Bristol 1st 39-24 L

A Netball Womens 3rd (Medics) University of Bristol 2nd 55-22 L

A Netball Womens 9th (Medics) Aberystwyth University 2nd 17-22 W

A Squash Womens 1st UWE 1st 0-4 W

A Squash Womens 2nd University of Gloucestershire 1st 3-1 L

A Table Tennis Mens 1st University of Southampton 1st 10-7 L

A Tennis Womens 1st Swansea University 4-8 W

A Tennis Mens 1st Cardiff Metropolitan 1st 4-8 W

A Tennis Mens 2nd Cardiff Metropolitan 2nd 2-10 W

H Volleyball Womens 1st University of Gloucestershire1st 3-0 W

H Water Polo Mens 1st University of Birmingham 1st 29-9 W

H Water Polo Womens 1st University of Birmingham 1st 20-1 W A Water Polo Womens 2nd Imperial College 9-5 W

Wins Draws Losses 19 1 10 36 SPORT SIX NATIONS PREVIEW

Fixtures

by Jack Boyce Ireland Wales Dublin valiant eff ort during the 2015 and Head Coach Warren Gatland can ing a knee ligament during the World Th is is certainly not the best squad February 7th The biggest World Cup will put Wales be very happy with the make-up of his Cup warm-up match against Italy Wales have put out at the Six Nations, “ A in good stead ahead of what forwards. in September. Dan Biggar, who took but it is defi nitely not the worst. Th ere strength that could prove the most competitive Wales will be slightly concerned over Halfpenny’s kicking duties dur- are still many strong components for Scotland Wales brings Six Nations Championships yet. Gat- about their depth on the wings, how- ing the World Cup, will want to con- Gatland to draw on and he will also Cardiff land’s side will hope to better last ever. George North certainly has the tinue his extraordinary form that saw look to bring the best out of some February 13th to the Champi- year’s third place having missed out ability to cause a big threat, but his him capture the hearts of many Welsh younger and more inexperienced on the title in heart-breaking circum- history with concussions is worri- fans. players, like scrum-half Aled Davies. onships comes stances on a memorable fi nal day. some to say the least. Alex Cuthbert, Th e newly anointed Principal- France from a set of Th e biggest strength that Wales who had a horrid time at the World ity Stadium will welcome Scotland, Cardiff brings to the Championships comes Cup and has copped criticism from France and Italy and whilst Wales February 26th forwards that from a set of forwards fi lled with Welsh fans in recent years, has begun should expect to secure three home Editors’ Predictions: have enjoyed players that have enjoyed continued a return to the previous good form wins, nothing can be taken for grant- success for the national side over that lead Wales’ wing-duo to be the ed. Th eir true tests will come in the England continued the years. Alun Wyn Jones and Luke envy of many national teams. Th e games away from home, with Gat- Jim: 3rd London Charteris will almost certainly have prospect of the inexperienced Hal- land’s side visiting Dublin to play cur- March 12th success for the the second row locked down, with lam Amos in the side, once he returns rent holders, Ireland, on the opening James: 2nd national side captain Sam Warburton and Dan fully from his injury, also has fans weekend. On 12th March, they will Lydiate making up a powerful back drooling. hope to repeat history, as they travel Jamie: 3rd Italy over the years. row alongside Number 8, Taulupe Th e biggest absence from the squad to Twickenham to take on England for Cardiff Faletau. Factor in other regulars like is undoubtedly Leigh Halfpenny, who the fi rst time since that historic 28-25 March 19th ” Justin Tipuric and Gethin Jenkins too; has not yet recovered from ruptur- victory in last year’s World Cup. Fixtures

by Rachael Hutchings France Italy Paris February 6th ince entering the Champion- coach, Jacques Brunel, beat Les Blues the absence of 15 from his World Luke McLean. ships in 2000 to create the “Six in 2013 when they finished a record Cup group. With so many young Although Italy’s squad are slightly SNations” as we know it today, high fouth place, so will hope for a players, Italian fans are sure to hope more auspicious than in previous England Italy have not enjoyed the best of similar start this weekend. This year for further excitement and flair in years, it simply is too early to tell Rome successes. Last year’s results table could be a very important for Italy to their attacking play, with the likes of at this stage how our romantic Eu- February 14th saw them finish in fifth place, only finally show some comeuppance and fly-half Carlo Canna, centre Michele ropean friends will fare throughout in front of the winless Scotland, retaliation to the four home nations Campagnaro, and scrum-half Edoar- February and March. “No Italian Six and this year things could be just as as well. In doing so though, they will do Gori, all worthy of keeping an eye Scotland tough. at the very least have to deliver in on. Rome Nations clash One of the highlights each year is the Stadio Olympico against Eng- However, no Italian Six Nations February 27th would be com- the opportunity to witness the sheer land and Scotland. The Italians will clash would be complete without Editors’ Predictions: courage and strength of the Sky end their campaign in difficult style Martin Castrogiovanni or team cap- plete without Blues, but their biggest test will again though, as they travel to the Prin- tain, Sergio Parisse. The pair have a Ireland be converting that in to results. The cipality Stadium on 19th March to collective 229 caps for their country Jim: 6th Dublin Martin Cas- Italian’s take on a young France side take on Warren Gatland’s Wales side and are both entering a staggering March 12th trogiovanni or in Paris for their Six Nations opener in a reverse of that famous final day fifteenth year on the international James: 6th on 6th February, which many have clash in Rome last year. scene. Elsewhere in the squad, many team captain, tipped as a crucial clash in deciding Brunel named his 31-man squad of the familiar faces have been re- Jamie: 6th Wales Sergio Parisse. which side might avoid the dreaded last month and an important factor tained, including Wasps’ prop Lor- Cardiff wooden spoon. to note from his selection is the in- enzo Cittadini and Leicester’s Leon- March 19th ” The Italians, still under French clusion of ten uncapped players and ardo Ghiraldini, as well as Sale’s Fixtures

by Dan Heard Scotland England Edinburgh ollowing the complete disaster the responsibility to Dylan Hartley: Th e trio are likely to start on the feet under new leadership. With a February 6th that was England’s Rugby World a player with as chequered a past bench, with the versatile Owen Far- new coach, and undoubtedly a new FCup campaign, where dreams of as they come, following numerous rell and last years Six Nations hero, desire to prove their many doubt- “Matches a victory on home soil were dashed bans for various disciplinary off ences Jonathan Joseph, the probable cen- ers wrong following the World Cup, Italy before they had ever really begun, which have seen him miss nearly 12 tre pairing. James Haskell is in line England will need to start strongly, Rome against Ireland a mass overhaul began with Stuart months of action in total. to start in an experienced back-row and sustain that momentum if they February 14th and away at Lancaster, his entire coaching staff , Despite naming a young looking alongside former skipper Robshaw, are to stand any chance of securing and a number of players paying the 31-man Elite Player Squad, Jones and Billy Vunipola. Th e likes of Itoje, an unlikely Championship victory. France will price for dismal results and perfor- resisted the temptation to blood the Daly, Josh Beaumont, Matt Kvesic, Ireland also prove dif- mances. in-form duo of Elliot Daly and Maro Marland Yarde, and others, have all London Eddie Jones, mastermind of Japan’s Itoje to his fi nal 23-man group for been released back to their clubs, but February 27th ficult tests for stunning win over South Africa dur- Saturday’s opener with Scotland. should still play some part for Eng- Editors’ Predictions: ing the same tournament, was ap- Th e pair had been in great form for land in the next seven weeks. what is now a pointed, becoming the fi rst foreign Wasps and Saracens respectively, After the trip to Murrayfi eld on Wales young squad coach to take charge of England- and and many had tipped them to earn a Saturday, England visit Rome’s Sta- Jim: 1st London will be looking to emulate the suc- start in Edinburgh this weekend. dio Olympico to take on Italy before March 12th still finding its cess of the likes of Warren Gatland Th ree of the seven uncapped play- Warren Gatland’s Wales side return James: 3rd feet under new with Wales and Joe Schmitt at Ire- ers are in Jones’ fi nal 23 however, in- to Twickenham for the fi rst since land. cluding Northampton’s 20-year-old ‘that’ game in the World Cup. Match- Jamie: 2nd France leadership. Th e biggest call he’s made so far? tighthead prop Paul Hill, Harlequins es against Ireland and away at France Paris Undoubtedly, stripping Chris Rob- back-rower Jack Cliff ord and the will also prove diffi cult tests for what March 19th ” shaw of the captaincy and handing Bath inside-centre Ollie Devoto. is now a young squad still fi nding its SPORT 37

Fixtures

by Jim Harris Italy France Paris here is a fresh feel around the than certain others though- that de- years. clash with Scotland at Edinburgh’s February 6th French camp following an ex- spite boasting some of the biggest The omission of Toulon’s Mathieu Murrayfield might determine wheth- Ttremely disappointing World names in World Rugby like Wesley Bastareaud from Novès’ squad took er France can claim the 4th place Cup and a series of poor Six Nations Fofana and Louis Picamoles. The the headlines last month, with the spot which has been theirs in three Ireland campaigns, but can ‘Les Blues’ re- group, unlike many before it, strikes French coach hinting that the sturdy of the past four years, but matches Paris Whilst the ally begin to turn things around after a much greater balance between outside centre is no longer a part of in Cardiff and against good looking February 13th “ years of underachievement? youth and experience, with Novès his plans. The disappointment of last Irish and English outfits could prove long-term The Six Nations have not been a opting to include no fewer than eight year’s World Cup, and in particular too much. future of Les happy hunting ground for the French uncapped players this year. that humiliating 62-13 defeat to New Wales in recent years. The 22-times cham- Of key significance, though, will Zealand in Cardiff, is said to be well Cardiff Blues might be pions have not won the biggest prize be the absences of 80-time and 77- behind them, however when they February 26th in Europe since 2010 and the once time capped Thierry Dusautoir and visit the Principality Stadium for the Editors’ Predictions: rosier, we may feared powerhouses of international Frédéric Michalak respectively. The first time since 26th February, no not see any big rugby appear now somewhat less pair’s retirement from international doubt the hosts will be quick to re- Scotland powerful. rugby at the end of last year will have mind them of their horrific evening Jim: 5th Edinburgh pulled up in The French are never a team to left a massive hole in the French in the Welsh capital. March 13th the next seven take for granted though and under a changing room. Their influence both With new coaches and new players James: 5th new coach in Guy Novès things are on and off of the field will be sorely brings new horizons, yet, whilst the weeks. beginning to seem refreshed around missed, so French fans will be keep- long-term future of Les Blues might Jamie: 5th England the team camp. ing a keen eye on this year’s group to be rosier, at this point in time- and Paris The 31-man squad, named last establish who might be able to step in the next seven weeks- we may not March 19th ” month, still looks slightly weaker up and fill the void in the coming see any trees pulled up. A crunch Fixtures

by Jamie Smith Wales Ireland Dublin ollowing yet another World Cup the World Cup. the process of recovering from a knee against arguably the weakest teams February 7th quarter-fi nal capitulation, this Th ere have been numerous changes injury. in the group in Italy and Scotland. If Ftime at the hands of Argentina, to the Ireland squad. Rory Best, cap- Th ere is, however, some good news they can win two of their fi rst three Ireland will be eager to bounce back tain of Ulster, has taken O’Connell’s on the injury front. Star kicker, Jona- games, which is certainly achiev- France and repeat their Six Nations success place as skipper and Schmidt has than Sexton has been declared fi t after able, then they will put themselves in Paris of 2014 and 2015. called up several players who have suff ering another head injury in Lein- an extremely strong position to win February 13th “Whilst the Th e Irish had obliterated Canada never previously featured in the Six ster’s recent European Champions what would be a very impressive third long-term and Romania during the group stages Nations. Cup defeat to Wasps. Th e 30-year-old successive Six Nations title. of last Autumn’s tournament, before Ultane Dillane, CJ Stander and Josh has accumulated a total of 239 points England future of Les labouring to victories over Italy and van der Flier are just a few players to in Six Nations history, so his presence London France to secure progression through have been selected, and with Ireland’s is obviously highly valued. February 27th Blues might be to the last eight of the competition. mounting injury problems, they may Th at is not the only cause for op- Editors’ Predictions: rosier, we may But, against all odds, they were com- have a strong chance of featuring. timism, though. Assessing Ireland’s pletely outplayed in a 43-20 demoli- Props Cian Healy and Mike Ross, fi xtures, they will be pleased to wel- Italy not see any big tion by Th e Pumas inside Cardiff ’s who are suff ering with respective come Wales to Dublin after their soli- Jim: 2nd Dublin Millennium Stadium. knee and hamstring problems, will tary defeat in last year’s Six Nations March 12th trees pulled Now, Joe Schmidt’s side must con- be absent for Ireland’s fi rst two games arrived at the Millennium Stadium, James: 4th up in the next tinue the progress they have made against Wales and France. Joining the eventually proving to cost them their over the past two or three years. Th ey pair on the sidelines for those two Grand Slam crown. Jamie: 1st Scotland seven weeks. will, however, have to do so without fi xtures is fl anker Chris Henry, who Challenging away trips to France Dublin former captain Paul O’Connell, who is struggling with a shoulder injury, and England follow but Ireland end March 19th ” retired from international rugby after Meanwhile, Peter O’Mahony is still in the competition with home ties Fixtures

by James Lloyd England Scotland Edinburgh ’ fl ower of Scotland! ‘Th at very much against the odds. Th ey dis- youthful fl air. Greg Laidlaw is blossom- in Rome as well as picking up at least February 6th fought and died for’ seemed to mantled a confi dent Japan side 45-10 ing into perhaps the best scrum-half in one home win against either France or Obe what spurred Scotland on playing fast, free fl owing rugby and the northern hemisphere with exciting England. Cotter and co. will eye a top at the end of 2015. And what a year a were only just beaten by Th e Spring- young prop, Zander Ferguson, looking three fi nish, and combined with a set- Wales diff erence makes for the Scottish Rug- boks a few days later. In the must win set to make his Six Nations debut. tling squad and the addition of defence Cardiff “Momentum is by Team. Last year, Scotland fi nished game against a brutal Samoa outfi t, the Th e creativity of Stuart Hogg and coach, Richie Gray, Scotland could be February 13th stone-cold last in the Six Nations pick- Scots showed tremendous character the experience of Sean Lamont will real dark horses for the Six Nations big in sport, ing up the unwanted wooden spoon and resolve to progress to the Quarter- be crucial in carrying the hopes of the crown – watch this space. especially in and, more worryingly Vern Cotter’s Final. Scottish nation. Th e big question then Italy men didn’t pick up a single win. A rampaging Australia side awaited is: can they really repeat their World Rome rugby, and But, onto the World Cup and the but it became a bridge too far for Cot- Cup heroics? Centres Alex Dunbar February 27th Scotland are Scots won over the hearts of many ter’s men as they fell to an agonising and Mark Bennett are both doubts for Editors’ Predictions: across the world for their spirited per- 35-34 defeat. Th e game will be forever the opening clash with England, giving certainly car- formances and gritty ‘never say die’ at- marred by referee Craig Jouber who’s Cotter his fi rst real selection headache France titude. Newly appointed England Head poor display consequently cost Scot- in the midfi eld. Jim: 4th Edinburgh rying the most Coach, Eddie Jones, has even said that land a historic semi-fi nal spot. Fixture wise, it’s not a pretty picture March 13th thrust head- Scotland are favourites for the Calcutta Momentum is big in sport, especially for Scotland. Away fi xtures at Wales James: 1st Cup opener at Murrayfi eld on February in rugby, and Scotland are certainly and Ireland will prove extremely dif- ing into this 7th. carrying the most thrust heading into fi cult considering the Principality and Jamie: 4th Ireland tournament. In a tough World Cup group which this tournament. Experienced Kiwi, the Aviva are amongst the tough- Dublin included South Africa, Samoa and gi- Cotter, has selected a well-balanced est stadiums to visit. However, Scot- March 19th ” ant-killers Japan, Scotland progressed, squad, combining both experience and land should be aiming for a big result 38 SPORT

Give it a Go: Women’s American Football

merican Football is one of the dents from an array of academic institu- Th e diff erent positions mean that there community. I look forward to the event James Lloyd rising sports in the United King- tions in the South Wales area, this was a is a place for everyone on the team”. and the day that a women’s team, based Pictured: Adom, and indeed, across Europe. prime target area for try outs. Th e open try-outs will be held on Sat- in Wales, joins the national women’s Th e Great Th e National Football League (NFL), BAFA’s Head of Women’s Football urday 13th February at Talybont Sports league.” Britain Wom- who govern football in the United States Development and GB Head Coach, Jim & Social centre and Messenger added: No previous experience is required en’s American of America have even said that the UK Messenger believes that the chance of a “We are very grateful to our friends in to play the sport, so it’s certainly worth Football Team. can expect to have an NFL franchise women’s team in the area is thrilling, he the South Wales American football giving it a go, and, who knows, it could (Photographer: based in London within fi ve or six years said: “We are really excited by this op- community for their assistance in stag- be you on the Great Britain American BAFA) time. portunity to bring women’s American ing this event. We hope it is the start Football team in the near future. Details People often associate American football to South Wales, a region that of something special and captures the can be found the Facebook Event by Football as being a male dominated has a very strong tradition for sports. imagination and support of the local searching BAFA Women’s Football. sport and it is widely perceived that it is Women’s American football has been The British a male-only game. However, at univer- growing fast over the last three years. “ sity level it is classed as a mixed sport. It’s undoubtedly a revelation to see just American Th e Cardiff Cobras American football how many women are excited about the team even welcomed its fi rst female chance to play the game.” Football Asso- player last year, in Fiona Quimbre, who Messenger outlined the strategy for trained and played with the men – with boosting the interest in the sport, he ciation (BAFA) no special allowances. Th is season has said: “Our aim is simply to fulfi ll the has set targets seen more women take up the sport, demand for thousands of females who with Bristol Barracuda recruiting multi- probably thought they would never have to increase the ple female players for their team. the opportunity to try the game, be part participation of Th e women’s game is growing at a of a team and potentially even go on to rapid level, especially in the UK. Th e represent Great Britain.” the women’s Great Britain Women’s American Foot- Cardiff Cobras Assistant Head Coach ball team is currently ranked 2nd in Eu- and Special Teams Co-ordinator, Simon game with rope having won silver at the Euros. Th e Browning, echoed these thoughts, say- the ambition British American Football Association ing: “For the last few years the Cobras (BAFA) has set targets to increase the have seen a rise in interest from poten- of setting up participation of the women’s game with tial female players. Th is development is a a team in the the ambition of setting up a team in the great way to allow women another route South Wales area. As an initial develop- into the sport.” South Wales ment they have funded a taster session Th e coach, who masterminded the to increase the awareness of the sport Cobras’ 19-17 win against Swansea at area. and gather interest in the area- the fi rst the 2015 Varsity added: “American Foot- ” step to building a local team. With stu- ball is a sport that thrives on diversity. 2016: A guide to sport in Cardiff

ast year provided Cardiff with of Cardiff for the IAAF World Half Cardiff Blues’ domestic campaigns, as Cardiff City begin their 2016/17 Jim Harris the Rugby World Cup, WWE Marathon, with the great Mo Farah but the start of Glamorgan County campaign. At the end of the month, LWrestling, Ashes Test cricket and current World Half Champion, Cricket Club’s season. Bute Park’s Cardiff Blues will also begin their and much more so, with lots to live up Geoff rey Kipsang Kamworor, both SWALEC Stadium will host four-day domestic campaign. to, what sporting highlights does 2016 in action. Th ousands are expected to County Championship matches, 50- September starts with another have in store for the Welsh Capital? follow the pros around the 13-mile over and 20-over domestic cricket, international cricket fi xture as After the fi rst month of the year circuit, which visits some of the most as well as two international fi xtures England welcome Pakistan to the hosted the University Blues Cup, beautiful areas of the city, in what will throughout the summer. Th e city will SWALEC for the fi nal ODI of the Thousands are Cardiff City and Cardiff Blues undoubtedly prove to be a fantastic also host the Women’s 10k Race Series summer. “ domestic fi xtures and saw the Cardiff sporting spectacle for Wales and all of on the weekend of the 28th and 29th. Rugby will take the headlines expected to Devils book their place in a Challenge the UK. Into the height of the summer and in November as the Autumn Cup semi-fi nal, February starts with a Th e best darts players in the world Cardiff is treated to a host of sporting Internationals return after two years. follow the pros bang. will also appear in the Welsh Capital spectacles. On the 2nd of July, Sri Cardiff will play host to some of the “Cardiff will around the 13- Of course, the Six Nations begins, as the PDC Betway Premier League Lanka complete their tour of England biggest and best rugby players the play host to and Cardiff will host three matches arrives at the Motorpoint Arena on with the fi nal One-Day International world has to off er when Wales take mile circuit, inside the Principality Stadium March 31st. at the SWALEC Stadium, with big on Argentina, Australia, South Africa some of the through February and March. Tickets Judgement Day in the Pro12 comes names such as Stuart Broad, Moeen and Japan in front of a sure-sell-out which visits for all three matches against Scotland, to Cardiff again in April, with the Ali and Joe Root all likely to be in crowd at Th e Principality Stadium. biggest and some of the France and Italy are on sale now. Also Ospreys, Cardiff Blues, Scarlets and action. Th e Principality Stadium plays With December so far away now, few best rugby in February, Cardiff hosts the Welsh Newport Gwent Dragons going host to the biggest motorsport event sporting events have been confi rmed most beautiful Open Snooker Championships at the head-to-head in one afternoon of top of the year on 9th July when the FIM and fi nalised.However, horse racing players the areas of the Motorpoint Arena between 15th and quality rugby. All four teams will be British Speedway Grand Prix returns fans can get excited for another Welsh world has to 21st. looking to pick up crucial late points for a 16th time. Grand National to close out the year city. March sees some of the greatest in the domestic rugby calendar. August will mark the return of at Cardiff ’s neighbouring Chepstow offer. ” athletes in the world grace the streets May sees the end of Cardiff City’s and football to the Cardiff City Stadium Racecourse. ” Th e Cardiff Blues may not have made September. Th e 22 year old centre start together on the wings for Wales. Away from the imminent 6 Harry Elliott the cut to proceed through the group is also named in Gatland’s squad Northampton’s George North is Nations, the Blues face the high-fl ying Cardiff Blues stages of the European Challenge Cup, alongside club mates Lloyd Williams, naturally fi rst choice winger when fi t Edinburgh at Arms Park, and will be Columnist the second tier European competition, Alex Cuthbert, Kristian Dacey, Josh but he is suff ering with concussions hoping for a positive result. Wilson’s but they bowed out in style as Rugby Turnbull, Gareth Anscombe, Gethin since playing England in the World men have put together a few decent Calvisano were dispatched 74-6 in Jenkins and of course Sam Warburton. Cup. One more blow to the head results to pull themselves away from front of nearly 5,500 spectators at the Names such as Warburton pick before the tournament and North may the bottom of the table, and no longer BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park. Ten cap themselves, but individual form and well be ruled out. Newport’s Hallam hold the ignominy of being the lowest Welsh winger Tom James bagged a the work of Blues Head Coach Danny Amos is the other winger in the squad placed Welsh region. However 9th of hat-trick, more than vindicating his Wilson are crucial components behind (as Liam Williams is technically a full 12 is by no means enough to rest on selection in Warren Gatland’s Wales the selection of so many players from back), and scored on his return from a their laurels, and rest assured Danny 6 Nations squad, and Cory Allen the nation’s capital. Much like fellow shoulder injury, again suff ered against Wilson will make that known to the touched down twice, appearing to Blue and opposite winger Tom James, England, and the Cardiff University players, who are only a run of victories be fi nding his form after a lengthy Alex Cuthbert is enjoying a welcome student will be pushing James and away from knocking on the door of the injury lay off from the World Cup in return to form, and the two may well Cuthbert for the 11 and 14 jersey. top fi ve. SPORT 39 Cardiff fall short as Met claim Blues Cup glory

ardiff Metropolitan secured the Ladies’ rugby coach, Richard Jones, James Lloyd double at this year’s Blues WRW was happy with his players’ perfor- CConstruction Cup, following vic- mances across both games- he said: “It’s tories in the men’s and women’s tourna- very hard in such a short twenty minute ment. Cardiff University fi nished sec- game to assert any dominance. We had ond in the women’s competition, with one small mistake which made the dif- the men having to settle for third place. ference to the fi rst game, a little slip in Th e event, hosted at Cardiff Blues’ BT the corner that cost us the fi rst try and really got going with both sides failing to pulled further ahead through a straight- “In such a short Sport Arms Park, saw the best of student we ended up losing that one.” take a hold of the game. forward penalty. In a dominant second Pictured: rugby talent in the city go head to head He added: “In the second game we In the second semi-fi nal, Cardiff Met half, Cardiff put the game to bed by add- Above: Cardiff duration tour- in what proved to be a memorable day came out fi ghting and we won that one beat Cardiff 17-3 in an impressive dis- ing a late try to seal the 15-5 win. University nament, it’s for players, coaches and many fans alike. with two tries, but in such a short du- play in front of a vocal crowd. Cardiff , Cardiff head coach, Louie Tonkin was Ladies Rugby In the women’s tournament, Cardiff ration tournament it’s hard to keep the who opened the scoring with a penalty, content with his teams’ performances Team warm- hard to keep Metropolitan triumphed over Universi- intensity up from the start.” competed well in the opening half but despite not making the fi nal, he said: ing-up before the intensity ty of South Wales and Cardiff University Jones felt the experience to play at the did struggle to fi nd their rhythm under “Obviously we had some bad luck draw- a clash with in the three-way round-robin format. Arms Park will help the team push on the Arms Park lights. Met ran in two ing Cardiff Met in the fi rst semi-fi nal. Cardiff Met. up from the Cardiff Met won both of their fi xtures, for the rest of the season, he said: “It’s fi rst half tries and then scored a further We were hoping to get the semi-fi nals Below left: starting a comfortable 15-0 scoreline fantastic for the Ladies’ team to play try in the second to book their place in drawn on BUCS seedings which would USW Men’s in start. over the University of South Wales be- here [Th e Arms Park], usually we play the fi nal against USW. Cardiff would have seen us play Met in the fi nal. But, action against Richard Jones fore edging out Cardiff University in an on a regular fi eld, to have this atmos- then play fellow university students, the we’ve got to beat them at some point so Cardiff Medics. extremely closely fought and tight aff air. phere with a good crowd is a good expe- Medics, in the third-place play-off . we had to deal with that.” He added: “We (Photographer It remained tied at 0-0 for much of the rience for them and it’ll get them more Having been omitted from the Wales made some silly mistakes in the fi rst both: James game with some big hits going in from excited for games coming up. Th is is a squad for the opening Six Nations game game and gave them two tries which I Lloyd). ” both sides, however, after the Cardiff good warm up for us to push us on for against Scotland earlier in the day, Car- don’t think they worked hard for them, wing slipped on her own try line, Met the rest of the BUCS season, we have diff Medic Hallam Amos was in attend- we just gave them to them really with- pounced and dived over with just sec- four games left. We are sat at the top of ance to support his fellow classmates. out being to exert pressure, so that was onds remaining to secure the slender the table at the moment and hopefully And Amos was able to celebrate soon disappointing. We then had a quick 5-0 win. we can maintain that.” after the start of the play-off , with the turnaround, around fi fteen minutes to With Met crowned champions, Car- Th e men’s format diff ered with Car- Medics surprisingly opening the scor- get ready for the Medics. I made some diff University battled with USW for diff Medics making up the fi nal spot in ing following a scintillating break from changes, we carried some youngsters, the runners up spot. Cardiff opened the four-team tournament. Unlike the the winger. After the half-time interval, some freshers’ and the Medics came at their account early with an impressive women’s round-robin format, the men Cardiff looked to close the defi cit but a us all guns blazing and we got caught try set up by a blitzing run from inside competed in two seperate semi-fi nals 30 metre drop goal edged wide. Minutes cold in the fi rst half. We managed to get their own 22. Carrying a 7-0 lead for the with both winners progressing to the later, Cardiff were back in it via an im- some fi rst team boys back onto to the majority of the game, Cardiff struck late grand fi nal. In the opener, USW edged pressive move from the scrum-half who fi eld for the second half and we got the on to secure the win after a score in the the Cardiff Medics 11-0 following pen- showed great vision to cross over for the win which was crucial really.” corner, with the conversion missed for a alties on each side of half-time and a try score. With the extras good, Cardiff led Tonkin, who has one eye now on solid 12-0 win. in the dying seconds. Th e game never 7-5 with twelve minutes remaining and Welsh Varsity, wants his team to push on and make a bright start to 2016, he The event saw said: “We gave opportunities to players “ who are on the fringes of our fi rst team, the best of we have three leagues games left in student rugby BUCS. We know what our thirty, thirty fi ve man squad is now and we want as “Our main talent in the much continuity in our selection now priority is to city go head to and to fi nish the season off strong into the BUCS play-off s and more impor- secure a home head in what tantly the Varsity match. It’s starting to come quick now, kit orders, arrange- draw in the proved to be ments have already started, so we have BUCS play-offs a memorable one eye on that, but our main priority is to secure a home draw in the BUCS and win the day for players, play-off s and win the Vase if possible.” Vase if coaches and In the fi nal, Cardiff Met were crowned Champions after dismantling possible. many fans USW 57-0. Met scored four tries in each half to cap off a dazzling win, making it Louie Tonkin alike. two from two in both the men’s and the ” women’s tournaments. ” “Consistency”, or lack of it as the draw against lowly Rotherham. The shadowing stopgap for the next cam- thony Pilkington. Boss, Russell Slade Shaun Davey case may seem, is a phrase used all blues currently sit in 9th place and paign. With his contract expiring in has predominantly used him as a Cardiff City too much to describe the Bluebirds’ are in danger of slipping further into the summer, it looks ever more likely winger but a further push up field Columnist campaign. Cardiff have only won mid-table wilderness, but a good run that the former Leyton Orient boss has given the Republic of Ireland in- back-to-back games once in this of form could see them climb right will not be offered a new deal. Even ternational the opportunity to flour- year’s SkyBet Championship cam- back in to the play-off mixer. if the Bluebirds can have an excel- ish behind the lone striker. With the paign and that was way back in Sep- However, the sense of optimism lent end to the season and manage to club also under a transfer embargo, tember. at the Cardiff City Stadium for this push for the top six the hope is that limiting any incoming deals to the After an impressive performance season is dwindling. The impres- a new man will be in charge in or- Welsh capital, Pilkington will be key against Wolves at Molineux, the sive performance away at Wolves der to restore some pride and fight if the Bluebirds hopes of promotion Bluebirds momentum seemed to be led many fans to question why these into the players, as well as of course challenge are to be achieved. The on the rise. But the familiarity in sort of standards and consistency reigniting some of that passion into 27-year-old scored twice in the draw Cardiff’s stuttering season continued are not achieved week-in-week out. the fans. with Rotherham, although he did as the Russell Slade’s side had to set- As the season draws to a close, Slade One glimmer of hope for the Blue- unfortunately turn one in to his own tle for another disappointing home becomes in danger of becoming a birds is the return to form of An- net as well in the same game. Editors: Jim Harris James Lloyd Jamie Smith @GairRhyddSport [email protected] sport gairrhydd.com/sport February sport in Cardiff

Saturday 6th February Football: Cardiff City vs. MK Dons Cardiff City Stadium, 15:00. Saturday 13th February Rugby Union: Wales vs. Scotland Principality Stadium, 15:00. Warren Gatland’s side take on Scotland in their fi rst home fi xture of the Six Nations tournament, and their fi rst game under the newly named Principality Stadium. Saturday 20th February Football: Cardiff City vs. Brighton Cardiff City Stadium, 15:00. Saturday 20th February Rugby Union: Cardiff Blues vs. Leinster BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, 15:00. Sunday 21st February Snooker: Welsh Open Final Motorpoint Arena Friday 26th February Rugby Union: Wales vs. France Principality Stadium, 20:05. In the second of Wales’ three home Six Nations matches, fellow World Cup quarter-fi nalists, France, visit a sure-to-be sold out Principality Stadium. Sunday 28th February Rugby Union: Cardiff Blues vs. Ulster Rugby BTCardiff Arms Park, 14:30.

Also this week Six Nations preview: What to expect from the 2016 Championship We assess the big talking points ahead of this year’s Six Nations Championship with Wales, England, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy all set to do battle again

their World Cup quarter-fi nal exit to bottom of the 2015 standings, without Jim Harris Australia in October, but given their a win, Scotland have much improving Pictured: victory over England at Twickenham to do on last, but now with a more sta- Th ree sell- Rugby Union: Blues Cup Review he harsh chill of winter is slip- and the superb performances of half- bilised squad and an ever-improving out crowds ping further and further behind backs Dan Biggar and Gareth Davies back-line, there is every chance that are expected P39>> Tus, with the fi rst signs of spring throughout, Gatland’s side have been Vern Cotter’s men can cause a few at Cardiff ’s now in sight. Of course, spring means hotly tipped to lift a fi rst Champion- upsets this time, starting with Eng- Principality just one thing in Cardiff : it’s Six Na- ship title since 2013. land on Saturday. Stadium tions time. Th e annual tournament, Elsewhere, England have been the Like Scotland, Ireland are a team in throughout the competed throughout February and talk of the build-up with new coach limbo and no-one is quite sure what to 2016 Six Nations. March between the biggest forces in Eddie Jones dealt with the task of revi- expect from them this year. An all-too (Photographer: Northern Hemisphere international talising a squad that was left devastat- familiar World Cup quarter-fi nal exit Marc via Flickr) rugby, has for years captured the im- ed following an early World Cup exit. left many doubting the true creden- agination of every Welsh sports fan. Northampton Saints’ Dylan Hartley tials of this squad, but back-to-back Th is year will be no diff erent, as has been named the new captain, and Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015 over 240,000 people will fl ock to Car- despite last year’s failings, fans are still means that Joe Schmidt’s men are not diff ’s Principality Stadium, and mil- confi dent that results can go their way to be written off this time, even with- lions will tune in on TV, hoping to see and that they can claim a memorable out the infl uence of Paul O’Connell Wales claim a record fi fth Six Nations win against the odds. for the fi rst time in 14 years. crown. Scotland were arguably the best Youthful looking France and Italy Cardiff will be treated to three performing northern hemisphere side squads are sure to also contribute to a matches at the 74,000 seater Princi- at the World Cup, but a poor Six Na- Championship’s which will no doubt pality Stadium, with Wales welcoming tions record means that many are still capture the imagination of entire con- American Football: Plans to have a Scotland, France and Italy all to the unsure what the Scots will off er at this tinent. For in depth previews of all six Full preview capital. Wales have not played since year’s championships. From fi nishing teams, turn to pages 36 and 37. P36-37 South Wales team P38>>