STUDENT Issue 3 NEWS 2016 THE UNIVERSITY OF STUDENT MAGAZINE

Do Challenge p6

11,000 year Tell us about your Week old pendant discovered SHARE YOUR STORY p8 #mychesterstory

Be part of Wales Rally GB p 11

2 Join the EU referendum debate

9 New facilities unveiled

10 Engaging with the local community

12 Cat Radio is purr-fect!

16 Orchestral Society fundraising See page 3 All you need to know STUDENT In or out? NEWS about the EU referendum THE Department of Media, with Does it matter if I vote? the Departments of Law and Politics and the Chester Students’ Short answer: Absolutely yes! Union, hosted the University’s Student News is an official This referendum is one of the most ‘Great EU Referendum Debate’. University of Chester important of our lifetime as it will set the Nearly a hundred students and publication, produced by path this country takes for decades to staff spent the afternoon debating the University’s Corporate come. Although the airwaves have been Britain’s future in the European Union. Communications Department dominated by middle aged politicians, it The debate featured guest to keep students informed of is your future on the ballot paper; so make speakers on each side: the University news. sure you have your say! parliamentarian Lord Dafydd The University of Chester and its students Wigley (in favour of staying in Any students who would like to may face more immediate consequences if Europe) and the renowned political write for Student News are invited Britain does vote to leave the EU. According BY JAMES KELLY economist Dr Ruth Lea CBE (arguing to get in touch with the Corporate to Universities UK, the majority of higher for Brexit). Each speaker, for and Communications Department on the IT is hard to miss it, but in case you education international funding comes from against Brexit, was supported by an email address below. didn’t know, the UK will be voting the EU. One prominent example of this can equally eloquent student speaker. on the nation’s membership of the be seen in the NoWFOOD Centre (North The event was chaired by the Media CONTACT European Union (EU) on Thursday, West Food Research Development Centre), Department’s Ian Rasmussen. [email protected] June 23. The deadline to register to based at the Parkgate Road Campus. The Journalism students took vote (www.gov.uk/register-to-vote) is European Regional Development Fund also advantage of the occasion to ask EDITORIAL TEAM Tuesday, June 7, and if not registered provided some of the necessary funding some very incisive questions, and Alexandra Williams before this date, you have no say in for the Riverside Innovation Centre, which the event was filmed by Television Amy Owens the referendum. opened in 2011. Production students. Bethany Henderson Head of Media, Dr Alec Charles Dr Francesca Haig How do I decide which way Can I vote? said: “This was a great event, Ethan Wade to vote? If you are 18 or over and a British, Irish which really got people talking James Kelly The Debating Society is holding an open or Commonwealth citizen who is living in and thinking about this crucial and Jonathan Harper to the public debate on Thursday, May 26. the UK, you can register and vote in June’s historic decision. Both guest speakers Louise Collins Arguing in favour of leaving the EU will be referendum. If you meet the citizenship were absolutely superb - and the Nan Pickering UKIP’s Steven Woolfe, MEP for the North criteria, but currently live outside the UK students who took part were also Pam Moss West. Steven is also UKIP’s spokesperson on (on Study Abroad for example), you can hugely impressive in their range and Sophie Cowell migration and one of the party’s most senior still register to vote as long as you or your grasp of key ideas and arguments.” figures, regularly appearing on theDaily parents have been registered within the last PHOTOGRAPHY Politics Show and Question Time. 15 years. The University’s AV team, unless Speaking on behalf of the ‘remain’ side, Those of you who are lucky enough to be otherwise stated. is the Liberal Democrats Chris Davies. As going to the Glastonbury Music Festival will well as formerly being a North West MEP recognise that the date of the referendum and leader of the Liberal Democrats in the clashes with the Festival. Although there EU Parliament, he also held an influential will be no voting stations within the Festival End of year role on the EU’s environmental committee. grounds, you can still apply to vote by post If you want to hear from two speakers, or proxy (aboutmyvote.co.uk). media show passionate in their arguments on this vital So if you are eligible to vote, make sure topic, then come along to the debate. It you are registered by June 7 and go to the THE Department of Media’s will be taking place on Thursday May 26, polls on June 23 to cast your ballot. It’s your annual end-of-year show To obtain this information beginning at 6.55pm in Binks CBK 011. future; have your say. will take place from 5pm on in an alternative format – large Thursday, June 2 at the North print, audio, electronic or other West Media Centre at the Campus. alternative format – please The evening will feature an e-mail: exhibition and screenings of [email protected] student work, a live radio show, our annual student awards, media industry guests and, of course, complimentary refreshments. The event is free to all students, staff and alumni of the University. Guests are also very welcome. For more information, please contact: [email protected] STUDENT NEWS 3

#MyChesterStory thanks for being part of the conversation

SINCE Induction Week, when we asked you to join us on the sofa, and tell us how your week was going - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivrf0k8pfyY – we’ve loved seeing your #MyChesterStory tweets, Instagram messages, blogs and videos. It’s been great seeing all your pictures and comments throughout the year as your own Chester story develops. You’ve covered everything from Induction Week to Graduation, nights out to days out, field trips to study time, sharing your journey through University, and telling the story of your experience through your eyes. There are now an average of three to four hundred posts a month! Adam Bodger, Marketing Manager at the University, said: “Chester is a university steeped in history; a story that stretches back over 175 years. But it’s our students’ modern day Chester story that helps characterise what the University of Chester is all about now. “We love seeing the #MyChesterStory posts, so every month we give away a £10 Amazon voucher for our favourite post. Students should also keep an eye out for our themed Chester story weeks, when they are able to win a lucky dip prize for our favourite post related to that theme… everything from a ticket to the zoo to a voucher for your food shop!” So, what is your Chester story? And how does your story define what Chester means to you? We now have close to 6,000 posts on Instagram alone. See for yourself how thousands of students are now engaging with #MyChesterStory: www.chester.ac.uk/mychesterstory.

post! You too can win a prize for our favourite #MyChesterStory Pictured are some of the highlights of #MyChesterStory 4 STUDENT NEWS It’s not too late to start planning your career! (and it’s never too soon either…) IF you are a Level 6 student or postgraduate, you have probably been focusing so much on your exams and the end of your course, that you might not have thought Entrepreneurship: much about what’s going to happen afterwards. But any day now, the prospect Do you have a business idea niggling away at the back of your mind? Or perhaps of leaving Chester is going to become a reality, and it’s time to start thinking about you’re thinking about freelancing, or going into self-employment after completing your what you want to do for a career, and how you’re going to make it happen. degree? Careers and Employability can help you. Our Venture programme will equip But whatever year you’re in, the summer is a great time to start thinking ahead, and you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to start-up your own business. Our remember, you can use our services for free up to three years after you graduate, so we’re events will challenge your thinking, expose you to the business world, and give you the here to help you from leaving Chester all the way into your first job and beyond. opportunity to make something happen. The good news? It’s not too late to join in! If this is the first time you’ve heard of Venture and you are thinking ‘I wish I had known Get some advice and guidance about this sooner!’ then you can still get the help, advice and support you need as summer approaches. Our ‘COLLABORATE’ event at the Riverside Innovation Centre Our Career Consultants are extremely experienced at helping you turn a set of random on June 13 and 14 will connect you to business mentors, advisors, entrepreneurs ideas and interests into a career plan. Maybe you’ve been curious about a particular job and experts who can steer you in the right direction. If you’re ready to start-up and but don’t know how to go about getting there from your current degree. Maybe you know can cram in 10 hours of events, you can pitch for up to £5,000 along with a host of exactly what you want to do, but haven’t yet been able to achieve it. Maybe you have business support prizes during ‘ACCELERATE: The Pitch 2016’ on June 20 and 21. To absolutely no idea what you’re going to do with your life, and are now in a bit of a panic! find out more, visit CareerHub and search ‘Entrepreneurship’ events. You can book a 45 minute appointment with one of our Consultants by calling in to Careers and Employability (C & E) at the Parkgate Road Campus, Chester or at Warrington. We also deliver appointments at Queen’s Park and Kingsway; to find out more get in touch. You can also always drop in to get your CV, cover letter or application form checked. We run Drop-Ins every day during term time at Chester and at Warrington; you can find out more about when by calling into our offices or visiting CareerHub for more information.

Attend workshops and events We run a huge range of activities here to help you develop your employability and get that great first job. From career planning to special skills, from entrepreneurship to helping unemployed graduates, there is something for everyone. And you don’t have to be a Level 6 or postgraduate student to attend most of them.

Career Planning: We’ve got lots of terrific workshops to help you put those ideas into practice, or to help you if you are feeling completely clueless. To book onto these, sign up on CareerHub for an event. Upgrade your part-time job • May 31, 10am to 12pm, C&E Parkgate Road, Chester • June 29, 1pm to 3pm, C&E Parkgate Road, Chester What to do if you don’t know what to do: Career planning for the completely clueless • May 26, 11am to 1pm, C&E Parkgate Road, Chester • July 1, 9.30am to 11.30am C&E Parkgate Road, Chester Graduate Head Start – if you are an unemployed or underemployed graduate then join us early next academic year for a three day workshop to kick start your career. The next two sessions will run on September 12-14 and October 17-19. STUDENT NEWS 5

Try some online training To find out more about current opportunities, We know how busy you are at the moment, and please visit www.chester.ac.uk/suip or search SUIP in Reaching out to making time to come to a full workshop might feel CareerHub (careers.chester.ac.uk). As opportunities like a challenge, so we’ve made lots of our training are part-funded by Santander Universities, you can courses available in online versions on our Moodle register on www.santander-grants.com to receive the community site (search EYE Training Online). There are some updates of available internships. short versions of some of the workshops you’ll see Careers and Employability initiatives listed above, and also some quick five minute training How to find us courses on other careers skills. You’ll also find some are helping students achieve their To book appointments, or come for a Drop-In longer presentations there on key employability skills session, visit us at: goals and raise the profile of like Presenting and Communication, Using LinkedIn Chester (Parkgate Road) – opposite Binks; and Team Working. Warrington as a University town. telephone 01244 513066 or Warrington – Martin 027; telephone 01925 534235. STUDENTS and staff are able to develop new skills and reach Do a summer And to book onto workshops, access out to the local community thanks to projects funded by the resources or look for job vacancies, visit careers. internship Office For Fair Access (OFFA) and coordinated by Careers chester.ac.uk and sign into CareerHub using If you are looking and Employability. your usual University of Chester login details. to stay in the North Eligible students (for example those in receipt of specific West this summer and bursaries) can apply to The Chester Employability Fund (CEF) for would like to build support to participate in activities or purchase items worth up to your graduate level Don’t forget the Destinations of £250 that can enhance their employability. So far this academic experience, we have Leavers of Survey! year, students have received help with clothing and travel for an internship programme just for you. Through Here’s a date for your diary! Careers and interviews, art equipment and courses in first aid, sign language the Santander Universities Internship Programme Employability will be emailing you in mid- and Health and Safety. (SUIP), we are offering 12 week paid internships November to see how you are getting on with One student who used their CEF funding to learn to drive said: with local businesses (please note, internships are employment and/or further study. We will also “I would just like to say thank you very much for your support. not with Santander). be keen to know whether there is any way we Without the Chester Employability Fund I do not think I would An internship can provide the ideal opportunity can still help you with your career planning. be able to drive yet! It not only helped me achieve this goal for you to build your graduate level experience within Remember when you applied to Chester, financially but gave me the push that I needed to just do it! The a company where you can really make a difference. wanting to know what previous students went on to CEF is a brilliant idea, and I am so glad that it exists and that it You can build experience in the sector you are do? Well, now’s your chance to help the applicants helped me in such an important way. Now I will be able to get to looking to work in and enhance your CV and future and students in that same position today, as it is the any jobs that I have in the summer, both photography (weddings) prospects. Examples of opportunities which have anonymised information from this that helps other related and otherwise. I will not have to turn down work based previously been offered include: Graphic Designer, potential students make these important decisions. on the fact that the location is not within walking distance of a Software Developer, Marketing Assistant. So, when the email pops into your inbox, don’t train station or bus stop as I have had to previously! I will also be SUIP internships are available to final year just hit delete! Help us out by spending just a able to get to my placements during my PGCE next year (at the undergraduates, postgraduates and those who have couple of minutes letting us know what you are University of Chester) without having to use public transport. I am graduated within the past 2 years. doing. If we are unable to make contact by email, so grateful.” Last year, 81% of interns who took part in the we may give you a call, so do spend a minute or A new initiative this year is the Warrington Discretionary internship programme were offered further work two chatting to one of our lovely phoners. Fund, which has provided seven paid roles for students based on with the organisations, be this an extension to their Thank you! the Warrington Campus to help support student employability, contract, freelance work or a permanent position. develop closer working between departments and establish links with the local community. Roles filled through the initiative so far include Campus Champion for the Chaplaincy, International Student Experience Assistant for the Provost’s Office and Communications Assistant for Sport and Community Engagement. Shelley Hanvey, Executive Assistant and Stakeholder E.Y.E Training Development Officer, used the fund to recruit a student to the temporary post of Stakeholder Development Assistant to help Level 6 students - now’s the time to get ready for your future! develop Warrington as a University town and develop business and external presence on the Campus. Training sessions May - July 2016 Shelley said: “It’s been incredibly helpful for me to have a student to assist me with these projects, and to take the lead on How to get a summer job It’s not too late! Cover letters and CVs public lectures and the stakeholder engagement audit.” Feedback from students also shows how rewarding they have What to do if you don’t know Plan A: How to get to Plan B: Upgrade your found the projects. Ethan Bardsell, who took on the temporary what to do: career planning where you want to part-time job role of Communications Assistant for Sport and Community for the completely clueless Engagement, said: “All of the staff have been really friendly and accommodating, making it easy to settle into my new surroundings. Warrington Career Blast! Interview techniques The hidden job market I have been able to get stuck in and work on skills that I have learned through my course, by conducting interviews with a To book: visit www.chester.ac.uk/eyetraining - check out our online training too! number of students.” For more information about these initiatives please contact Career Consultants from Careers and Employability will be visiting Level 6 courses over Careers and Employability: email [email protected] or phone the next few weeks to talk about what we offer 01244 513066 (Chester) or 01925 534235 (Warrington). 6 STUDENT NEWS

Residents of John Milton Hall celebrate their successful sustainable pledges with a party in the Students’ Union! John Milton Hall finishes top of the Do Challenge leader board RESIDENTS of John Milton Hall have been crowned help spread the word. equivalent of five flights from London to New York. DoNation champions after topping the league in the Tamara Hunt, Sustainability Officer at the University said: Residents of John Milton Hall stormed ahead, first ever ‘University of Chester Halls Do Challenge’. “Last year saw staff and students at the University, pledging pledging a total of 95 Do Actions and confirming 53 of The competition saw halls of residence in Chester to make small changes to their daily routine and lifestyle, as them. They were crowned the winners of the UoC Halls and Warrington battling against one another to part of the Do Nation initiative. As such, the University was a Do Challenge and participants were invited to celebrate make and confirm the most ‘Do Actions’ - small finalist in the 2014 Environmental Association for Universities at a party in the Students’ Union. behaviour changes that add up to a better world - and Colleges Green Gown Awards. James Bullen, a first year Geography and Natural over a two month period. “This year, however, we decided to focus on first Hazard Management student, and resident of John The initiative was part of the bigger Do Nation year students in University accommodation as they Milton Hall added: “The competition element between initiative, that encourages people to take simple actions have a direct impact on the University’s carbon footprint halls really helped to engage my friends and me and to make sustainable living normal, such as cycling to a in terms of the electricity they use and heating of it was fun to work together and encourage others to workplace, driving more efficiently, eating less meat or accommodation.” make simple changes to their daily lives - things like turning the thermostat down a notch. A total of 239 pledges was made at the start of the turning off a light or only filling the kettle to the amount Teams were set up across the University’s campuses, challenge, which resulted in a saving of 5,996kg of carbon you need. Knowing how much carbon dioxide we’d be and respective Hall Wardens received training and Do dioxide (CO2) emissions. At the end of the two month period, saving made it more interesting and the free pizza for the Action packs, containing badges, stickers and posters, to 4,427kg of CO2 had been saved which is the staggering winning team was a great incentive too!” STUDENT NEWS 7

POWERING BUILDINGS FROM THE SUN

THE University has taken further steps to become Electricity consumption in Best, Westminster and as efficient as possible in its use of energy, by Chritchley has already decreased by roughly 20% installing solar panels on 10 of its buildings across compared to last year and in the last five months, the Chester Campuses. 42.48MWh has been generated by the solar panels, The 10 buildings include: Best; Chritchley; which is enough to power 10.3 houses for a year. Westminster; Downes; Molloy; the Students’ Union Additionally, LED lighting has been installed building; Sumner House; Kingsway and Churchill and throughout the Queen’s Park Campus as well as Bridge House at the Queen’s Park Campus. Westminster, Chritchley and Best Buildings. Each of the buildings generates clean electricity In a bid to roll out the energy savings to its other – or renewably generated power – enabling the campuses, the University has secured funding from University to use energy as it’s being produced. This Salix Finance – a loan fund which is repaid through process ensures that the University’s carbon emissions the savings generated by the installation of LED are cut, as the amount of electricity purchased from lighting – which will enable the energy-saving lighting the national grid, which often uses coal or gas power to be installed at Kingsway, Riverside and Warrington stations to generate electricity, is reduced. this summer.

Final panels being installed on Churchill building, Queen’s Park Campus. (Photo courtesy of Alex Foster, LIS) No–smoking update – Riverside Campus

FOLLOWING recent and ongoing discussions with student and staff representatives, together with West and Chester Council, it was agreed that the Riverside Campus and grounds will be a ‘No Smoking’ site, with effect from May 3. Bins are available close by for extinguishing and disposing of cigarettes before University grounds are entered. If cigarette butts are found to be causing litter, for example, by being disposed of on pavements, the Council has advised that enforcement officers patrol the area. The current fine is £75 if paid within 14 days, or the reduced rate of £50 if paid within seven working days. We ask staff and students to follow the new policy, and if you see anyone doing otherwise, politely request that they follow the rules. 8 STUDENT NEWS

Harry Robson

Tom Bell and Dr Barry Taylor with the 11,000 year-old pendant. 11,000 year old pendant discovered by former Chester student AN ARCHAEOLOGY graduate has revealed how project, sometimes I would take students from the University had been used to make the lines more prominent. he came to find an 11,000 year old engraved shale of Chester along to volunteer. The site was originally on the Tom, who graduated in November last year, is pendant, discovered during excavations at the Early edge of a lake, and Tom was excavating the deposits that continuing with his archaeological studies. Having found Mesolithic site at Star Carr in North Yorkshire. formed in what would have been an area of swamp about inspiration digging on the same and nearby sites, he is now Tom Bell was a final year undergraduate at the 11,000 years ago. Up to this point we’d found hunting studying for an MSc, with a view to working in the field of University, volunteering on the excavation – which was equipment and the bones of animals that people had osteoarchaeology (the study of human and animal bones being run by a research team from the Universities of York, caught, so the pendant was an exciting new find. When he from archaeological sites). Chester and Manchester - with his lecturer, Dr Barry Taylor, made his discovery, Tom called me over to say what he’d Dr Taylor added: “It’s very pleasing that it was one of who is Co-Director of the excavations at Star Carr. found and then it had to be carefully recorded and then our students at the University of Chester who found this Tom, who is 21 and from Widnes, explains how he came taken for scientific analysis.” pendant – and particularly as Tom has been volunteering to make the discovery: “I discovered the pendant on the last The artwork on the tiny fragile pendant proved to be on our excavations for a number of years. This is a joint few days of the excavation. I was just working on taking the earliest known Mesolithic art in Britain. Crafted from a project and it’s always great to see students finding things. back the last of the lake sediments when I noticed a smooth single piece of shale, the subtriangular three-millimetre thick Because this is something that a person wore, that had stone. It looked pretty normal at first if I’m honest. The mud artefact measuring 31mm by 35mm contains a series of significance to them and to the people around them, it covered the perforation and the decoration, so I didn’t know lines which archaeologists believe may represent a tree, a allows us to have a direct and tangible engagement with what it was until I picked it up and had a look. I noticed map, a leaf or even tally marks. people from the past – and this helps to bring the subject of the perforation first and then turned it over to see the lines Engraved motifs on Mesolithic pendants are extremely archaeology alive for our students. These sorts of artefacts scratched into the surface. rare and no other engraved pendants made of shale are tell us about people and, after all, that’s what archaeology “Like I say, at first I thought it was a stone, so it was known in Europe. is all about.” hard to be excited initially. I think once I realised it had The research team used a range of digital microscopy Full details of the research, which is also supported by decoration on, then it was more exciting. And it’s much techniques, to generate high resolution images to help Historic England and the Vale of Pickering Research Trust, more exciting when you start to see how excited everyone determine the style and order of engraving. They also can be found at www.starcarr.com. Information about the else is!” carried out scientific analysis, to try to establish if the pendant and its discovery can be found here: Dr Taylor picks up the story: “As Co-Director of the pendant had been strung or worn and whether pigments www.starcarr.com/pendant.html. STUDENT NEWS 9

New facilities Seaborne unveiled Library update THIS year has seen a series of exciting developments for students from the Faculty FOLLOWING on from the successful completion of the phase one works at of Arts and Media at the Kingsway and Parkgate Road sites in Chester and at the the Seaborne Library (which included a new interior stairwell to improve Warrington Campus. access between the upper and lower ground floors, a new lift accessible for The Faculty’s Kingsway Campus celebrated the opening of a state-of-the-art learning everyone, staffed bistro style café during core opening hours, and additional resources centre, based over two floors, with reference library and iMac computing study spaces and PCs), work is now well underway on the second phase of facilities as well as individual study spaces and group study ‘pods’. works to further develop facilities for our students and staff. Third year Fine Art and Photography student Jasmine Green said: “It is fantastic having The extension to the back of the Library building on both floors is due for books and computers in the same area for enthusiastic studying. The pods are a great completion in Summer 2016. The additional space will increase the number and feature for brainstorming with a study group. Overall it is the perfect studying area, with a types of study space available. On the upper ground floor, with the extension to the variety of spaces to work in and reliable resources.” reading room, we will be focusing on extending the number of quiet study spaces Third year arts student Maria Worral added: “The new resource centre at Kingsway available. On the lower ground floor we will be adding study rooms, increasing is great! group and individual study spaces and more PCs, in response to student feedback. “It is colourful, bright and welcoming, creating a calm yet stimulating environment, In addition, the extension to the lower ground floor will be available 24/7. suited to study. The social areas downstairs have brought together students from different Brian Fitzpatrick, Director of Learning and Information Services (LIS) said: courses and year groups. Definitely a worthwhile development to life at Kingsway!” “It has been very satisfying to see how the phase 1 expansion has already Meanwhile, Journalism students are enjoying brand new ‘newsrooms’ at the University’s been used by students. Phase 2 will enhance the Library further, providing more Parkgate Road Campus in Chester, fully equipped with iMacs, phones and TV screens. facilities that have been asked for by our users.” Second year journalism student Steph Hazlegreaves said: “The facilities are better, Keep up to date with phase two developments on the LIS blog, which is and it’s great to be close to the centre of the action. There are so many stories in this city accessible via staff /student links on the Portal homepage. to report.” Building work has also been completed on the North West Media Centre tower development at the Warrington Campus. The new facility includes a large space downstairs for film screenings and for exhibitions of students’ work, as well as visiting photographers and other exhibitors. Upstairs there is a new multimedia suite, kitted out with iMacs, including spaces for sound booth recording and a TV corner. The new tower suite is to be open for student use 24/7. First year Television and Radio student Morgan Porter said: “It’s really exciting – it’s great Tackling city centre to have a fantastic new space to study and make programmes!” Dean of the Faculty, Brendan O’Sullivan, said: “It is a pleasure to see the full range of facilities upgraded, expanded and fully operational. The enhancements reflect anti-social behaviour feedback from staff and students in the Faculty and a commitment to developing Arts EXTRA powers to tackle certain types of anti-social behaviour in public and Media provision at the University, and we will continue to listen and respond places in Chester city centre are now in place. in order to provide an appropriate and stimulating environment for the ongoing The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) prevents the use of intoxicating development of our creative talent.” substances, deters public urination and defecation, and controls the use of alcohol. These measures had overwhelming public support in a recent consultation that attracted one of the largest responses ever recorded by Cheshire West and Chester Council. Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “The PSPO gives the council and local police additional powers to deal with particular problems that are detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.” The PSPO, which will cover the city centre and parts of Newtown and Boughton, will ensure local residents can use and enjoy public spaces safe from anti-social behaviour. New Learning Resources Centre at the Kingsway Campus. Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of the Order is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or a fixed penalty notice of a maximum £100. The order will be in place for a minimum of three years. PSPOs were launched as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and the orders enable local authorities to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a particular area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone.

New multimedia suite at the Warrington Campus. 10 STUDENT NEWS

When undertaking a placement, particularly when studying for a professional qualification given the nature of the role and the required competencies, it is Welcome to advisable that reasonable adjustments be identified and deemed ‘reasonable’ by a provider, in advance Disability Support of a student commencing the placement. This is to Pictured left to right at Bletchley Park are Sarah Smethurst, Beth encourage all stakeholders to anticipate the needs Rooney, Emma Broadbent (all Level 6 Mathematics students). BY PAM MOSS, ACADEMIC SKILLS TUTOR of disabled groups and is communicated through the completion of a Reasonable Adjustment Placement A NEW initiative and dedicated webpage Plan. This document may need adding to throughout for anticipating and managing reasonable a placement experience and it is important that Maths students adjustments in placement settings will be launching reasonable adjustments are evaluated at the end this term. of a placement experience both from a student and The new initiative aims both to enable and empower provider’s perspective. visit the home our diverse students to achieve their potential, while A dedicated ‘Preparing for Placement’ webpage also developing transferable employment qualities, has been created, which offers guidance, resources professional skills and abilities. and documentation, with the aim of supporting all of British Currently, all students who have disclosed a students, taking an inclusive approach, in preparing disability/SpLD and have provided relevant and up for placement. Furthermore, specific information to date evidence are entitled to an Inclusion Plan. This and practical guidance is also available to staff and codebreaking document identifies the reasonable adjustments required providers, detailing how they can work collaboratively based upon an individual’s disability/SpLD in teaching, in anticipating, implementing and managing BY BETHANY HENDERSON learning and assessment within the University setting. reasonable adjustments in a placement setting. AFTER a 7am start and a three hour coach ride, a bus This process is to ensure that the University meets the If you are a student, who wants to know more about load of students arrived at the gates of Bletchley Park; needs of disabled students by affording them access the dedicated webpage, please contact Pam Moss, the home of British codebreaking. to education as close as is reasonably possible to the Academic Skills Tutor, SpLD team, Disability Support on Many of us have heard about the work that was done by standard normally offered to students at large. 01925 534642 or email [email protected] Alan Turing here, and the significance in World War Two, through the recent filmThe Imitation Game, and here was a chance for us to see it first hand and find out more. The tour began with a video introducing us to the place, Engaging with the local community and a chance to see the famous Enigma machines (the devices used by the Germans to create messages they believed were BY LOUISE COLLINS, COMMUNITY LIAISON MANAGER unbreakable), with interactive exhibitions where we could try our hand at intercepting messages. Following this was “MY ROLE was created in October 2015 to help the the reconstruction of the Bombe machine, the revolutionary University engage with the Chester community. CHESTER STUDENT invention by Turing and Welchman, which was responsible for “Since then I’ve been involved in meetings cracking the codes of the Enigma machine and thought to be with local residents of Chester, Council Officers, COMMUNITY GUIDE responsible for ending the war two years early. We were lucky Councillors, Cheshire Constabulary and local Residents’ enough to have arrived in time for a display of how this worked. Associations. Most of them really appreciate having Although Alan Turing and Gordon Welchman are most the University in their community and most of them well-known for this incredible achievement, this wasn’t all understand the diversity and economic benefits that they were responsible for, with exhibitions documenting their having the University and its students in Chester bring. interesting lives and many achievements, Alan Turing was “Many of them see rubbish in front gardens responsible for the first modern computer, and his theories on Bouverie Street, cars blocking their streets and are still used in modern technology. Additionally, we learnt anti-social behaviour as symptoms of students living more about how he was arrested for his homosexuality, amongst them. and were able to view the official apology note, issued by “To counteract this, I’ve been working hard on Gordon Brown in 2009. helping local residents engage with the University. Many of us are familiar with the life of Alan Turing from The Helping them access our facilities through community Imitation Game, and the Mansion also included an exhibition events such as the Carols at Queen’s event at Chester on the film, with props from the film and explanations of how it Business School, Contact the Elderly Tea Parties being came to life. held in our café at Sumner House, a Christmas lunch The exhibitions also focused on the less well known for about 25 members of the Here and Now social and residents of Bletchley Park, with vehicles used by the people lunch club for the Over-55s and holding the Chester Student Support responsible for delivering the codes on display; we were and Guidance City Community Forum at the University. able to view the rooms and offices of everyday residents, “I publicise the work that both the University and and hear stories of their lives. We were able to imagine the our students do in the Community via a blog which you day to day life as the site has remained unchanged, even the can see at http://universityofchestercommunityliaison. and Councillors indicates that they feel that we should tennis pitch remained, which was commonly used by workers blogspot.co.uk/ and our Facebook page https://www. advise our students more on living independently away to relax. It was also hard not to notice the beauty of the site, facebook.com/UniversityofChesterCommunityLiaison/ from home in the community and so this term all students as we stopped for lunch by the lake, watching the swans. (please pop over and give it a like). And if you have currently living in University accommodation will be Overall, Bletchley Park was informative, interesting and anything that you’d like to share with the local community receiving a Chester Student Community Guide via their fun, and I would recommend it to not only those with an then just drop me a line on [email protected] University email. It has lots of useful information, so interest in maths and codebreaking, but also to anyone “A lot of feedback from Local Residents’ Associations please give it a read.” interested in history and World War Two. STUDENT NEWS 11

BE PART OF WALES RALLY GB

WALES Rally GB will bring the high public from October 27-30. But for the first time this year, there’s a of a major sporting event, but will also octane excitement of the World Rally From here, the world’s leading terrific opportunity for you to be a part of ensure that participants are given the Championship to the region at the rally cars and fastest drivers head out this exciting event. opportunity to gain an accredited end of October, and the organisers to compete against the clock in the Wales Rally GB is looking for stewarding qualification. Both aspects are offering you the chance to be a legendary forests of north and mid volunteers to become members of its would obviously be excellent additions to part of it. Wales. With the World Championship acclaimed Rally Makers programme any CV, particularly those looking for a Based on Deeside, just a short blast title at stake, the action is always fast and and play a part in this world class career in sport or event management. from Chester, the free-to-enter Rally furious – full details of where you can sporting spectacle. You can find out more and register Village is home for the globe-trotting catch all the amazing thrills and spills can The scheme will not only offer your interest by contacting Alun Pritchard teams for the week of the event and also be found on the official a variety of different roles that will via email: provides fabulous entertainment for the www.walesrallygb.com website. provide experience in the organisation [email protected]

Law students experience life at the Bar (not that one!)

LAW students from the University gained an interesting talks, given by practising barristers from both Saughall, Chester, added: “We had a fantastic evening. exclusive insight into life at the Bar when they the employed and the self-employed Bar. The aim of the The knowledge and experience that was shared with us visited the famous Lincoln’s Inn in London. talks was not to try to recruit students to the Inn or the Bar was invaluable and gave us a brilliant insight into the One of the world’s most prestigious professional as a profession, but to give them a realistic view of life as a reality of life at the Bar.” bodies of judges and lawyers, Lincoln’s Inn is one of the Barrister and the challenges they may meet along the way. four Inns of Court in the capital, to which barristers of The talks were followed by a drinks reception and England and Wales belong and where they are called formal dinner, giving students the opportunity to network to the Bar. The Inn has played a fundamental role in with Members of the Inn, including the speakers, other preparing students for this role, and their progress barristers and judges. to professional competence as Barristers, for many Laura Macmillan, a first year Law student, from centuries. Oswestry said: “It cemented my future career choice The visit was organised by Philippa Hardie, specialist of becoming a barrister and it gave me a clear path to Law Career Consultant in the Careers and Employability follow. I felt reassured upon leaving that, despite the fierce Department. Students mingled with undergraduates from competition, I have a good chance of fulfilling my dream.” Law students visited Lincoln’s Inn in London to hear other universities, before sitting down to an afternoon of Polly Green, also a first year Law student from what life is like at the Bar. STUDENT NEWS 12 Victorious volunteers THE ANNUAL celebration has honoured and thanked the students and staff who, between them, volunteered for over 32,000 hours in the community, and in the University, in the last academic year. A total of 59 staff and students were singled out in the roll of honour for special mention, with many achieving over 50, 150 or 300 hours of voluntary service. VIP guests included the Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Alex Black, and his Lady, Mrs Janet Black, as well as other local councillors. Entertainment was provided by the University’s Pictured are staff and students who, between them, volunteered for over 32,000 hours in the last academic year. Orchestral Society at the start of the evening. The speakers at the event were Sara-Jayne Dodge, a 22,965 volunteering hours have already been achieved. 150 or 300 hours of volunteering over a one year period, third year Law Student and Rachel Wilkinson, a second During the celebration evening, a number of awards and the University of Chester Volunteering (UCV) awards- year Law student. Sara-Jayne volunteers with Citizens were given out, including new accolades – The Good the UCV Plus, UCV Gold and UCV Excellence. Advice Bureau and is the Vice-Chair of the student- Neighbour Award, awarded to three students nominated The Rev Dr Lesley Cooke, Dean of Students, said: led Milking it for Money group, and Rachel volunteers by members of the local community, and The Student “The annual Volunteer Celebration Evening is a fantastic with the Beaver Scouts. Dr Chris Haslam, Senior Pro- Equality and Diversity in Action Award, given to students way to recognise the achievements of our staff and Vice , provided a talk on volunteering at the who made a significant contribution to the University’s student volunteers, who are involved in a diverse range of University, and introduced the various awards. Diversity Festival 2016. volunteering opportunities.” In total, students and staff volunteered for 32,390 hours in Other accolades were the Volunteer Achievement Anyone wishing to volunteer, please get in touch with the academic year 2014/15. So far, this academic year, over Award, given to students who achieved a minimum of 50, Jo Morison on [email protected] Cat Radio is purr-fect! STUDENTS at the University’s radio station, The Cat, had reason to celebrate when it was declared a winner at the Student Radio Association’s 2016 awards. The radio station, based at the University’s Warrington Campus, is managed by students of the University’s Radio Production programme. In addition to their lecturers’ tuition, supervision and guidance, the programme’s third year students are responsible for managing and supporting first year students in their development of radio broadcasts. It was for this initiative that the station won the award for Best Training Initiative. The award was announced at the National Student Radio Conference in Cardiff. The University of Chester’s Cat Radio (named after Lewis Carroll’s famous Cheshire Cat) triumphed against strong competition from seven other stations. The Cat Radio station broadcasts locally under its The Cat Radio team at their awards evening. license and is also available online at thecatradio.co.uk Current students and graduates were swift to respond added: “Massive congratulations! Great to see the station where radio industry experts judged and presented to the news on social media. progressing each and every year!” awards to Chester students’ radio shows. Current Radio student Russ Pollard tweeted: “Another Radio graduate Tom Cummings also tweeted: “Well Head of Media at the University of Chester, Dr Alec great night for Media at Chester! Let’s face it, as a done, chaps! That trophy cabinet is ever expanding!” Charles said: “This award celebrates the great work of university it’s the one you want!” The award comes just a fortnight after the station our brilliant radio team. Our radio station offers a hugely Award-winning radio graduate Harry Colley (who in honoured students’ achievements at the University of creative and supportive environment for learning and for 2014 won a Jerusalem Award for Best Easter Programme) Chester Media Department’s own annual radio awards, broadcasting, and richly deserves this prestigious award.” STUDENT NEWS 13

Dr Francesca Haig’s Thoughtful thespians highlight mental illness

A THOUGHT-PROVOKING student production of Macbeth at TOP FIVE TIPS the University has resulted in a charity donation of more than £1,000 to support people with mental health problems. The Thespian Society re-imagined ‘The Scottish Play’ in the 1920s, with the protagonist experiencing post-traumatic stress for Writing a Novel disorder following his military exploits in the First World War. The crew took no liberties with the text, but had a creative Dr Francesca Haig is a Visiting Writing Fellow at the University approach towards the gender of some of the characters (as would and was, until recently, a Senior Lecturer, and Programme Leader have happened in Shakespeare’s day,) with a female Banquo and on the BA (Hons) Creative Writing course. a male witch. There were also some innovative interpretations, such as 3. PLAN Macbeth delivering his famous soliloquy about the fragility of life as if he is reading his wife’s suicide note, when he learns she has taken When writing long fiction, I find it hugely helpful her own life. to have a plot outline worked out in advance. Far Thespian Society President Thomas Sarrazin, from Bordeaux, from inhibiting my creativity, I find that it gives me who also played Ross, said: “The addition of audiovisual material a solid basis from which I feel liberated enough definitely helped the audience enter the right atmosphere. to try new things and take risks. A plan is a useful “It’s been such a great and formative experience. I never tool, but it doesn’t have to be binding. Think of it imagined we’d raise so much for Mind - that’s truly amazing.” as a scaffolding: it’s helpful to have when you’re building your novel, but once your novel has become strong enough to stand on its own, you can strip the scaffolding away. Your final novel might end up deviating wildly from your initial plot Dr Haig’s second novel The Map of Bones outline – but having that outline there is a really came out in April, following the success of her useful way to get started. first novel in the trilogy,The Fire Sermon which has also been optioned by Stephen Spielberg’s DreamWorks. 4. GET A FIRST DRAFT DOWN She shares her top five tips for Writing a Novel BEFORE YOU WORRY ABOUT with Student News: THE DETAILS Before a sculptor gets to create the beautiful 1. DON’T INDULGE THE IDEA OF details of her subject’s eyelashes and the folds in ‘WRITER’S BLOCK his tunic, she first has to have the lump of marble, You don’t hear people in other professions and the rough shape carved out. Think of your first complaining about ‘engineer’s block’ or ‘dental draft as that lump of marble: you need to have it nurse’s block.’ Sit down and write. Sure, there will before you can do your polishing and crafting. Put Jake Langley, from Workington, Cumbria, who played Macbeth, be some days that you write 1,000 words and your words on the page before you agonise about and Natalie Webster, from Walsall, as Lady Macbeth. feel that there’s only a single sentence that’s going the details of each sentence. If you try to perfect to make it into your final draft. That’s OK – if you each phrase as you go, it can be paralysing. Having collected for Mind last year, The Thespian Society also hadn’t done the work, you wouldn’t have come up Writing your first draft without trying to edit too adopted the charity to benefit from the proceeds of ticket sales with that great sentence, and even the discarded much gives you something to work with, and you from this year’s three performances and there were cheers from words will still inform and strengthen your writing. can then revisit it while looking closely at the level the audience on the final evening, when Director Callum Capjon Don’t wait for inspiration – if you put in the writing of individual words, sentences and imagery. announced the total. time, you’ll find that inspiration is much more likely Alexa Hawkins-Bell, Mind’s Senior Community Fundraising to appear. 5. EDIT Officer, said: “It is fantastic to hear that the University of Chester student production of Macbeth has raised a grand total of £1,123 Then edit again. Novels aren’t written – they’re for Mind. Once again, we’d like to say a big thank you to all the 2. READ re-written, again and again and again. Don’t be students involved and those that donated. In my years of teaching, nothing makes my heart precious about your work – be prepared to edit, “The money raised will fund our work such as the Mind Infoline, sink more than meeting a student who declares to polish, and to cut. You need to go through each information and advice services, and the campaigning we do for that they want to be a writer, but aren’t really keen page of your novel and ask the hard questions: the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem.” on reading. As Stephen King famously said: ‘If does this work? How can I make it better? Passages you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the that you loved when you wrote them may no longer Macbeth signified the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.’ Nothing serve the overall story. Characters who were beginning of the University’s will improve your writing as much as reading the interesting to you might be dull to a reader. The best Shakespeare @ 400 work of good authors. Read widely and read writers understand that, while writing should be season, which will continue critically. Ask yourself: what is the author doing pleasure, it’s also hard work. If you want your novel throughout 2016, marking the there? What’s the effect? How might I use the to be good, then you have to be prepared to draft quadricentennial commemoration same techniques to strengthen my writing? (and redraft) with a critical eye. of the death of the Bard. Chester Students’ Reflecting on the last two Union years leading Chester students

BY CSU PRESIDENT, JONATHAN HARPER

THRILLING, vibrant and life changing, the role of to ensure the safety of our students, I ran the LGBTQ+ a Students’ Union officer is all of these things and campaign ‘It Gets Better’, changed the sabbatical more. The job itself is not simple, straightforward or officer roles ensuring that we represent more students really that easy to explain, but it is a position that than ever before, and voted at our AGM to reject the encourages positive change, not just in the confines NUS policy to oppose UKIP, letting students make up of the Union building but across all University their own mind who to vote for in a General Election campuses, and on a national scale. It is clear that and giving all our political societies the same platform. life as a student can be exciting and offers endless As much as I have personally faced challenges and opportunities, but it has never been perfect. been credited for achievements and awards that the Recent changes to Higher Education have meant that Students’ Union has gained, my role would be ineffective admission to University is becoming even harder for the had it not been for the entire team at CSU. It might come majority of students, with the rise of tuition fees, and the as a surprise to some but I am somewhat proud of the cuts and changes to welfare, which include the Disabled fact that CSU is still the second lowest funded Union in Students’ Allowance. Through these changes I have the , because it has not, and will never enjoyed campaigning to bring these issues to students determine what we can achieve as a student movement. here in Chester, creating an atmosphere for positive We have exceeded any expectation of what we can do change and empowering students to do the same. The on a local and national level, from empowering students past two years as President of Chester Students’ Union with the right to vote during the General Election in (CSU) have been a learning curve to say the least, and 2015, to campaigning the University to cut resit fees. of course there have been a few bumps along the way, I understand how to use my role to bring about but it wouldn’t have been as interesting if there weren’t. positive change, be it with a conversation with our The core role of President is to be representative of University, or campaigning alongside local businesses the student body, and it is unexpectedly one of the most and organisations. What I now hope is that students challenging tasks to take on. Over the past two years I also understand that they are the driving force behind have increased my understanding of the institution and many of the changes over the past two years at the my role, ensuring that through everything I have done, University of Chester, and everyone who has been marginalised groups have not been forgotten. involved in CSU understands that they have the ability to There are various highlights throughout my time in do anything they set their minds on while studying at the post. I campaigned for the University to improve lighting University of Chester. STUDENT NEWS 15 MMR vaccination call following recent measles cases in VARSITY 2016: UK students

PUBLIC Health England and Universities UK are asking CHESTER vs SALFORD students to check that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine in the past, following an increase in confirmed A comeback story as Chester’s late surge cases of measles across the UK over the past few weeks. proves too strong for Salford Cases have mainly been confirmed in unimmunised adolescents and young adults, some of whom are known to be BY CSU VICE-PRESIDENT, ETHAN WADE university students in the South. Many of these cases have been admitted to hospital. THE first year of Varsity rivalry, between the the day’s result ended as a draw, this game (in this Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very University of Chester and the University of case, Men’s Football) would be the deciding fixture. unpleasant and sometimes lead to serious complications. It’s now Salford, will go down as a triumphant victory to With both sides of the pitch packed with passionate uncommon in the UK because of the effective MMR vaccination the hosts. students, the game began with a nervous energy, programme. Although it may be a mild illness in children, measles ‘Varsity’, which is a shortening of the word ‘University’, fueling the players. Half time came with Chester can be more severe in adults. Those who are unvaccinated, or not is when rival universities’ sports teams compete against leading 1-0, and both University Cheer teams entered fully vaccinated, remain susceptible to the disease. each other in a day of varsity matches. the pitch for a ‘Cheer off’. It’s never too late to have the vaccine. Students who have With the sun baking down on Parkgate Campus, Chester’s Cheerleading team, although a level not received two doses of the vaccine in the past – or who are Chester Students’ Union (CSU) couldn’t have asked for below Salford’s team, proved why they are the Ultimate unsure – should speak to their GP. There’s no harm in receiving an better conditions to showcase their sporting talent. Champions of Europe this year by securing another win additional dose if there is any uncertainty. Student Activities Teams from both sides were for Chester. Chants of “Chest-er Vi-xens” as they left the Students are also asked to remain alert to measles, which can on hand and raring to go as the gazebos were set, pitch encapsulated the passion of Varsity, showing the include cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, a high temperature entertainment began and, in the distance, the first unity of the students for the cause. or a red-brown blotchy rash. Those experiencing symptoms whistle from Women’s Basketball signified that Varsity The final match was certainly a thrilling end to should seek medical attention, but phone ahead before visiting had officially begun. the day, with Salford snatching the victory in Men’s GP surgeries, so arrangements can be made to prevent others Throughout the day, more and more students filled Basketball by a single point! However, with majority from being infected. Those who have been in close contact with the venues, proving Team Chester spirit runs through wins (12-8), Chester was crowned victorious in CSU’s someone who has measles should also see their GP, if they have the student voice. The intensity in the Sports Hall CH1 Bar to end the night. not been fully vaccinated (had two doses of the MMR vaccine) echoed across Campus as Futsal’s matchup proved to Emma Griffiths, Cheerleading Club Captain, said: or haven’t had the infection before – particularly those who have be a highlight of the day, going down to the wire as “Varsity has enabled our students not only to weak immune systems, are pregnant or infants. Salford grabbed a win from Chester. enjoy and have the opportunity to support their fellow Two doses of MMR vaccine are routinely provided as part of As the day progressed, Chester fell behind, with the students, but also to bond with Salford’s students the NHS Childhood Immunisation Programme in England. Uptake team score pushing to 2-5 to Salford. However back too, allowing the CSU to be a hub of culture and is now high, with more than 90% of children receiving one dose stormed Chester with victory indoors with Table Tennis, student activity from both universities. Both sides were of the vaccine by two years of age, but uptake of the vaccine was Swimming and Squash, to even up the score line. gracious in victory and professional in defeat, and lower at the time the majority of current university students were By midday the Campus was buzzing with the we’d like to thank all those who gathered together offered the vaccine as children. Varsity spirit, with all onsite venues packed with red to provide a wonderful day of healthy competition, and blue t-shirts cheering on their teams. The resident which will hopefully be remembered fondly for DJ kept the atmosphere going for all students and staff, some time to come. We’d also like to thank our local Keep an eye on announcing each score following the Chester Twitter residents for their support and understanding.” and Facebook feeds. Twitter account President of the Students’ Union, Jonathan @PHE_UK Harper said: “As students are now in the business end of the “A day of testimony and Facebook page year, it was great that we were able to provide a ‘Public Health reason for them to take a break from all the hard and triumph for Chester, work and deadlines they have, to relax in the sun and England’ allow CSU to re-kindle their motivation after a long bring on next year!” for further advice. Easter break.” As the day moved on, all attention moved to the EMMA GRIFFITHS, CHEERLEADING CLUB CAPTAIN ‘FOCUS GAME’, so-called because it meant that, if 16 STUDENT NEWS

Orchestral Society tunes in to charity needs TALENTED young performers from the Chester charity, supported a ‘Night at the Oscars’ themed Students’ Union’s Orchestral Society are fundraising event for Claire House Hospice, which reflecting on a successful year of raising not only was organised by Events Management students spirits but money for charitable causes too. from the University, and performed at the Pyramid The Orchestral Society, which was founded in Shopping Centre in Birkenhead, to raise money for 2013, has performed to a variety of audiences in the Chester-based charity, Children Today. region and raised hundreds of pounds for charities The Society has not only raised money for this year alone. charity, but has also helped raise spirits within the In the run up to Christmas, as well as performing community. Residents of Upton Dene Residential and at the opening of Frodsham Christmas Market and Nursing Home in Chester were treated to an hour of the University’s Carol Service in Chester Cathedral, music when the Orchestra paid a visit. the musicians held their own Carol concert to raise Since its formation, in the pursuit of expanding its money for Nordoff Robbins, one of the main charities audiences and supporting other clubs and societies that the Society has chosen to support this year, which at the University, the Orchestra has performed at is dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable and student-run events, such as the Dance Society’s isolated people, through music therapy. In addition to Show and the Christian Union Carol Service. the Christmas concert, the Society also took part in a Zoë Graham, President of the Orchestral charity row and organised a Murder Mystery Night, Society at the University, said: “Music is a great to raise money for the cause. way to bring people together and we are very Proceeds from the fundraising activities raised over much like a family. We rehearse hard, so that £340, which will help provide music sessions and we can perform well to a variety of audiences. musical instruments to support people with a range We have been really busy this year performing, of challenges including autism and other learning raising money for charity and getting involved with difficulties, dementia, mental health problems, stroke, other students and societies at the University. We brain injury, life-threatening illnesses and depression. already have collaborative events planned for The Orchestral Society has also busked in the next year and hope to raise even more money for streets of Chester in aid of the Marie Curie cancer worthy causes.” Helping to KICK racism off the football pitch

BY SOPHIE COWELL

PHD student Sophie Cowell, from more about our roles, and of course see be part of a group that can have a real helpful for my research too, and is a Whitchurch, has been recruited on to a Wembley. We discussed our initial ideas positive, practical, impact on the sport; I fantastic way to gain valuable experience national football advisory panel, which for the group and what we hope to achieve am a huge football fan myself and have in the area that I am researching and wish aims to promote the message of equality during our time as members. a season ticket at Everton, so promoting to work in. in the game, and in society in general. “Our posts last for two years and we will inclusion and challenging discrimination “If anyone would like to contact me “I am currently in the first year of have four meetings per year, during which within the game is really important to me. about my research they can do so on my discrimination law PhD, considering we will discuss Kick It Out’s campaigns and Being part of the group will be really [email protected].” the use of positive action to increase advise the organisation on how to engage the representation of Black, Asian and effectively with young people, as engaging Minority Ethnic football managers and with the next generation is one of the main coaches, as part of the Law School’s Forum ways to achieve the organisation’s aim of for Research into Equality and Diversity, so eliminating discrimination from football. Our when I heard that Kick It Out – football’s roles also involve acting as Ambassadors leading anti-discrimination charity – was for Kick It Out at events, and I have since recruiting for Young Ambassadors to form attended a Women in Football event at a Youth Guidance Group, I jumped at the Anfield and will soon be attending the Raise chance to apply. Your Game conference at the Emirates “After the recruitment process that Stadium. Kick It Out will provide us with included an application form and interview, training, work shadowing opportunities I was chosen to be one of the eight Young and mentors, so that we can work towards Ambassadors, and was informed that our becoming leaders in the area. first meeting would be at Wembley Stadium. “Being part of the Youth Guidance That was brilliant; it was great to meet the Group is a brilliant opportunity for me. It’s other members of the group and learn great to work with like-minded people and Pictured in Wembley with the other Young Ambassadors is Sophie Cowell (centre).