Accommodation Office University unveils Wide halls fiasco Lane Sports Centre

wessexIssue 299 October 2005 Priceless! News SCENE School of Art’s £14,000 LICENCE LETDOWN facelift

Features Beryl is back with her inimitable wisdom

Music Edge Festival Round-up: the Sounds of Summer

Sport Ultimate Frisbee review last year and look ahead! Highfield Residents’ complaints about nuisance students have led to the imposition of a reduced late-night licence at the Cube Laura Fewell Local residents living around drunken students as they make argue that students disturb them the University of ’s their way home is unacceptable every night of the week – despite With the frivolity that is claim that their and results in disturbed sleep the Cube only being open 2 or synonymous with Freshers’ lives are being made a misery as well as vandalism to their 3 nights out of 7 - and two of Week in full swing, the Wessex by the antisocial behaviour of property. the Local Residents Associations Scene can sensationally report students leaving the club in the Southampton City Council has have joined forces to block the that the Cube nightclub is under early hours of the morning. They been inundated with complaints Students’ Union renewing its threat. say that the late night antics of from Highfield residents who (continues on page 2...)

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Page 2 (...from page 1) late night licence. As a result, licensing bosses have ruled that the Students’ Union has its 2am Have you got it SUSSED?! licence reduced to a 1am close who have been responsible for (SRN) provides all you need growing number have created and no entry is permitted to the Ben Rogers the implementation of this new to survive university life, such online web spaces where building after 10.30pm. This year the University system highlight that SUSSED as information on fees, study members can post photos, share Students are outraged by celebrates the launch of its new can be customised to the way assistance and support, and files and news, chat with other the ruling and feel that the Portal, named SUSSED, which you want it to look and work. loans. members, send announcements authorities are treating them it sees as a new way to access Your own ‘tabs’ can be created Other great uses for the and emails, or discuss all their unfairly. A second year student your online student life. to suit what interests you and Portal include a Classifieds club happenings in the Message who does not wish to be named It follows in the footsteps of the RSS newsfeeds on the main section (Ebay without the cost!) Board. If you are a club or society told the , “it is Yahoo, Excite and AOL which page may be customised so and Southampton University leader you may be interested in absurd. It always seems that are all portals, just a lot bigger that you get feeds from your Students’ Union has tapped into the Awards programme where Southampton overlooks all the and more commercial. The favourite websites. BBC News the Portal with their website you could win up to £100 to money that students bring into University’s Portal is a hub and the Guardian are obvious providing information on all the spend on the club! See page the local economy. It is not of useful information and is choices but MTV or even Hello goings on you’ll need to keep number 19 for more details. just students who make noise available at www.sussed.soton. magazine can be added! you sane when you need a break SUSSED looks set to become late at night but we are an easy ac.uk. Students are able to see If you are struggling with from work - and of course you the online equivalent of a target.” all their courses, timetable and coursework, SUSSED provides a can catch up with the Wessex supermarket where all you need The Students’ Union feels their school website as well as couple of handy resources that Scene Online! is under one roof - or website that licensing chiefs have based having direct access to their will interest many a stressed out SUSSED also provides its own in this case! You’re only one their decision on circumstantial University Webmail account. student. The Library’s online online communities with the click away from anything you evidence. Andy Wilson, SUSU The University’s Informations resources are a tab away and Groups function which is great could ever need from an online President is quick to point out Systems Services Department the Student Resources Network for sports clubs and societies. A resource whilst at university. that the Students’ Union does more to tackle student drinking and respect for the local community than any other venue in Southampton. He admits that while a small proportion of A Wide Open Space... students are rowdy, he feels that they are not returning from the awarded a record £1m grant Students’ Union and that it is the from the Football Association best-run premises in the city. and Eastleigh Council also The feeling is that the Union contributed £1m as part of is being punished for the its 10-year leisureplan. Local behaviour of a small number of people will be able to use the students returning from venues facilities through a book and that do not put any measures in pay system, but there will be no place to try and combat drunken community use on Wednesday behaviour and that it is being and Sunday afternoons when AU targeted because its licence just clubs hold their practise sessions happens to be up for renewal. as well as BUSA and intra-mural Andy says, “we do not allow games. University clubs will also students to get ridiculously drunk have priority use of the centre. on our premises and request that The brand new facilities include they return home quietly in order 26 changing rooms, a bar with to respect local residents who an 11pm licence, 10 football are sleeping. We put on buses pitches, 4 rugby pitches, 4 cricket back to halls and lodgings so grounds, 10 mini soccer pitches that students get home quickly, and a baseball diamond. quietly and safely.” Originally the University Andy is backed by the Vice- pledged to have a regular bus Chancellor, Bill Wakeham, who service to the site, where there said in a statement that “we is also parking for 240 cars, 5 understand that young people minibuses and 3 coaches in the enjoy letting their hair down main car park. Now bosses have at night and believe that with The brand new Wide Lane Sports Complex boasts synthetic pitches done a U-turn and there will be facilities on campus we are no bus service. Tom Kenward, better able to encourage safe Laura Fewell after initial meetings it became tractor and trailer were stolen. Vice President Student Activities and sensible drinking.” clear that this was an unrealistic This has led to concerns over says, “this is unacceptable and The Union will appeal The University’s new Wide target. The revised open date security at the site but measures SUSU will campaign for regular against the decision. Andy says Lane Sports complex should be was the 25th August, but the have been put in place and there buses for the safety of our “ultimately it is down to our open in time for AU club trials University changed its power will be a live on steward, CCTV student users”. students to help us by behaving on the 8th and 9th October, supplier, resulting in the facility will scan the entire compound Paul Cook, Sportrec Facilities more responsibly and respecting Sportrec bosses have claimed. not having any gas, electricity and the synthetic pitches will be Manager, told the Wessex Scene local residents when returning The £4.3m project was supposed or water so contractors were fully floodlit. The car park will that although the showers home after nights on the town. to have been finished and open unable to complete by this date have a barrier in place. are still out of order, AU clubs If a small proportion of students for use by the end of August but and safety chiefs were unable The development of the 86 already have access to all the cannot behave themselves then has been plagued by setbacks. test power sockets. acre site has totalled £4.3m, and new facilities, and assured us the Cube and the whole student It was originally intended Last month the compound has been funded largely by the that they should be working in body will suffer”. that it open on 25th July but was also broken into and a University but the project was time for Freshers’ Week trials. www.wessexscene.co.uk News in Brief Uni Hallschoice may end up in a ‘twinned’ and that “theyFiasco should simply us that since ‘[we’d] been lying James Laidler room, despite guarantees to the turn up [at a Hall of Residence] [to students] for three weeks Hundreds of new students contrary. The Union is working on the day they want to move [we] should just keep doing were left in a state of with the University to come up in”. One member of student- it’. Things were just as chaotic accommodation limbo, not with a suitable compensation staff was so angered by this last year, the only difference Simon Cable knowing if they would have package. response that she “screamed being that fewer people a roof over their heads, Students began to find down the phone” to the AO complained. Other universities just days before arriving in that rooms were allocated calling the process “completely can allocate accommodation Wessex Wows Once Again Southampton. “seemingly [at] random” – many ridiculous”. fast and efficiently, why can’t The Wessex Scene has been Eight days before moving-in students who couldn’t afford The continual strain Southampton?” nominated for a prestigious it was revealed that there were catered and/or ensuite rooms on the student-manned The Accommodation Office, award for the fourth year in a no more available spaces, yet (£90-£130 per week) were told Accommodation Hotline began issued the following statement: row! The Wessex Scene Online more than 300 students had they could not be reconsidered to show as it bore the brunt of “The University would like to is up for Website of the Year at yet to be allocated a room – not for basic self-catered rooms students’ and parents’ anger. assure [students] that there is the Guardian Student Media including Clearing applicants – (£60-£70 per week) leaving Within the space of a week adequate accommodation for Awards 2005. It sensationally and that some wouldn’t receive many with accommodation fees two members of staff resigned everyone joining the University scooped the award last year, their offers until a few days far out-stripping their student and two walked out, citing this session. We also assure and this year its editors are before arrival. loan. Recent developments unreasonable stress levels and incoming students that if they confident that it will beat off Chaos surrounding the have meant that the transfer list “incompetent management”. have been made an offer of a the competition once more University Accommodation which allows students to move They were able to give a unique place at a particular price, then and hold onto its title as best Office’s allocation procedures room one hall to another will insight into just how bad this the University will honour that online student newspaper in the and standard of service are now, for the first time, be open year’s situation became. One price. This year we introduced nothing new (see inset: the day after students arrive told us, “with just a week a new computer system for Safe as Houses in Soton Catalog of Catastrophe) and and the University has said it before moving-in day we were accommodation and while this Southampton is one of the the need for improvement was will endeavour to have students getting constant abuse...on the system is used successfully in safest university cities in the identified more than 14 years relocated within 4 to 6 weeks. phone and then more abuse other universities, adapting our UK, according to a survey by ago. Yet this is the first year International students and from AO staff for not working accommodation system to it has Barclays Bank. It came joint- the Accommodation Office those with courses starting hard enough. We were told to caused us unforeseen and very second with , after (AO) has used a computerised earlier (such as Nursing) also fob off many students and our difficult problems.” it was found to have lower than allocation process for its 5000+ faced difficulties; they were supervisor told More can be heard on Surge average rates of burglary and rooms, promising that 80-90% instructed to email the AO News on 1287 AM and at www. mugging. The safest university of them would be allocated informing them of the date surgeradio.co.uk/ city is Plymouth. automatically without human they needed to move in. Mumps Making A Return intervention. But something However, it was only more than technical problems when students began New students are being seemed to have affected their to phone the Hotline, urged to make sure that they service in, what seems to be the complaining that they are vaccinated against mumps. worst accommodation fiasco to had heard Students are particularly at risk date. n o t h i n g because the infection spreads The problems began at the b a c k , easily in halls of residence and start of September; an unknown t h a t student houses where they number of students’ details were telephone live in close proximity. There completely lost, despite their staff were was a suspected outbreak at applying online anywhere up to told by Southampton University in a year ago. It was only when the AO November 2004, which was they called the Accommodation to tell subsequently averted. Hotline, staffed entirely by students Di Vinci to hit Winchester current University students t h a t and recent graduates, that “ e m a i l The eagerly-anicipated film they discovered the mistake, r e p l i e s adaptation of Dan Brown’s meaning that some students a r e n ’ t bestseller ‘The Da Vinci Code’, with Southampton as their first- sent out” Students have been allocated to rooms at random... starring Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, is to be partly filmed in Winchester, despite Christian Catalogue of Catastrophe... worshippers threatening to 1991: “The need for change with no desks) and put up in sooner”. accommodation problems. cause chaos by protesting at is not new and reports over hotels as a surge in applicants 2003: De-twinning is chaotic, 2004: Blocks K, L and M, at Glen Winchester Cathedral which will the years have indicated an far outweighs the number causing some students to be Eyre, are closed simultaneously, be the backdrop to many scenes. ´urgent need for change” of available rooms. Students moved to two different Halls in however there are fewer Cathedral bosses have come (Accommodation Review) studying in Southampton are as many days. ‘Out-sourcing’ of twinned students than the past under fire from followers of the 1998: “[there is an] urgent need placed in halls at Winchester, accommodation to Unite yields two years. Christian faith who claim that the for an automated allocation twelve people to one shower problems, with some buildings 2005: The accommodation book “debases their faith”. The process” (SUMS Review) in South Stoneham Tower and not fully constructed. Students allocation process becomes movie was originally planned 2001: “A new…system should some rooms had not been are trapped in lifts with falling computerised, but 300 students to be shot in Westminster be implemented as a critical and cleaned since the previous term. debris, paperwork and records are yet to be allocated just days Cathedral in but bosses urgent priority” (Corrall Report) The Accommodation Office are lost, and students are taken before moving in. Some may there refused. Filming is due 2002: Students are twinned admits to the Wessex Scene outside on staff members’ not find out until 24 hours to commence at the end of (sharing single rooms, some they “should have told students fag breaks to discuss their beforehand. October. News

Page 4 www.wessexscene.co.uk Surge’s £20k new home James Laidler as a result of a more centralised The production facilities are location. Anyone can get superb and the on-air studio is Surge, the student radio station involved with Surge, be it the best there is, so our output for Southampton University, presenting music programmes, will reflect that – we’ve already has unveiled its state-of-the-art comedy, news programmes or been able to make our student new studios at the heart of the behind the scenes with technical news programme daily. We’re Students’ Union. The Union has work or production – just email already the South’s best student invested a whopping £20,000 in [email protected] station and we can only get the project to fully-integrate the Matt Hurst, Surge’s Station better!” station into the Union following Manager, believes that more Surge was previously part of the transfer of ownership from space and better equipment Glen Eyre JCR, but became part Glen Halls. will yield great rewards in the of the Students’ Union in October Surge, which celebrates its future; “Winning Silver for Best 2004 when the national Student 30th anniversary next year, Technical Innovation at last Broadcast Network, which previously had a single studio year’s national Student Radio provided the Station’s funding, at Glen Eyre, which hadn’t been Awards, and being nominated went into administration. majorly upgraded since the in four other categories was Listen online at www. Station began. The two new excellent and we’re hoping to surgeradio.co.uk or on 1287AM studios on Highfield campus build on that success – we’ve around Glen. Surge News is mean the possibility of increased submitted more entries than daily at 1pm and podcasted on Surge now broadcasts live from the SUSU building access and student participation ever before and are confident. the website. Southampton gains another uni education colleges that the really is seen as a new beginning This fresh new start for the as a whole. However, it remains Privy Council deemed worthy for the Institute, ranked bottom university gives promise to to be seen as to whether of university status this summer, out of 122 higher education not only the 16, 000 students imaginations really can be a new ‘brand’ has been born colleges in the Official Guardian studying there, but also the city sparked back to life. in Southampton. There has University Rankings for 2005. been much controversy over Some would say it’s a fairly the past months relating to the daunting task to turn this around. new name, with Southampton Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger University College and University Brown says, “Our commitment of the South West all previous to excellence in all that we do potential runners. remains as strong as before, Southampton Solent as does our accessibility” Robbie Breen University has marked its new Embarking upon a mass media beginning with a bold new campaign, Southampton On Monday 25th August, logo. Southampton Solent has invested Southampton Institute finally University Deputy Vice- in promoting the new brand dropped its ‘dimstitute’ tag Chancellor, Professor Van Gore with television advertising, once and for all as Southampton says: “We’ve been deliberately using the strapline ‘Spark your Solent University was born. bold, both in colours chosen imagination’ in order to recruit As one of the lucky six higher and imagery adopted.” For this students. Dyslexia Denials... Robbie Breen the 5%+ proportion of students to claim that “there was no at Southampton University sound, widely-accepted body With government figures who have declared dyslexia as of scientific work that had suggesting that at least one in a condition they have and who shown any particular teaching ten Britons suffer from dyslexia, gain considerable help for their approach was more appropriate shocking new claims casting condition from the University’s for ‘dyslexic’ children than for doubt upon the validity of this Student Services. other poor readers.” condition has caused significant Dyslexic Southampton The British Dyslexia concerns amongst the British University student Keith Herbert Association’s chief executive public. said, “I can understand why the Professor Susan Tresman Professor Julian Elliott from Professor is making these claims fought back; “Is he suggesting Durham University believes that as he has only got accounts to that they are all suffering dyslexia is mainly an “emotional go on, but with a considerable from some kind of emotional construct” and states that “there percentage of the population delusion?” Indeed, this is a very is no consensus as to what it is describing similar symptoms, it’s controversial claim to make and how to diagnose it.” hard to ignore the problem.” about such a vast quantity of These claims could unnerve Professor Elliott went on the British public. Arts

Page 6 Art Available for All Looking at art and culture in and around Southampton University

WSAelected looks officers have all been Wonderful Kate Davies working together to bring you some great new stuff, and to students will be returning to make Winchester students feel discover that all is not the same more valued”. at their Students’ Union. The SUSU has spent £9,000 on the building has undergone an project and been given a further impressive refurbishment over £5,000 by Roger Mallet, Director the summer break to bring it of Business and Community more in line with the facilities Services, showing that the provided for students at the University is as committed to main Union on the Highfield improving student facilities in campus. Winchester as the Union. This In past years, WSA Students’ money has been used to kit out Union has been overlooked Winchester with top specification in favour of bigger projects equipment, including a brand on the main campus, such as new PA system for all event the building of the £4m Cube nights from fancy dress parties nightclub and Uniplex cinema to live bands and a new lighting complex. Students at Winchester rig to dazzle revellers. have repeatedly complained The SU building has also that they are forgotten by their been fitted with a new range “Big Brother in Southampton” of seating, including leather and over the past year the sofas and booths. Further to Executive teams have made these refurbishments in the noticeable efforts to address this. main bar area, the upstairs Dan Hemsley, Vice President lounge has been reopened, Winchester says “because having previously been used as we are part of Southampton a storage area. It boasts Sky TV University Students’ Union, we and the necessary equipment to are supported by them. This show films, and acts as a chill The new-look bar in the WSA Students’ Union summer the Union’s team of out space in the evenings. Arts on Campus at John Hansard Gallery Lara Coale era of architectural idealism and political or artistic issues. institutional rhetoric, revolt and Alongside these artists is The John Hansard Gallery on tradition. Her stark pictures a collection of work by the the University’s main Highfield of the Brutalist buildings are Copenhagen Free University, an campus is home to an exhibition apocalyptic and which now artist run institution dedicated called Campus which brings provide us with bleak reminders to the production of critical together the art of international of the student uprisings of consciousness and poetic artists who have used their the late 1960s and modern language. The work features a work to explore the university utopianism. mountain of amplified concert environment. They examine the Quite by contrast, Swiss artist speakers broadcasting a spoken social and political developments Christian Philipp Muller’s red and statement, almost inaudible of universities in the past and beige silkscreen prints, titled The amid the hum of feedback and is their future role as a place to Campus as a Work of Art. These indicative of the huge potential learn and develop. The artists were made for the University for knowledge and power featured have researched the of Lüneburg in Germany and existing in everyday life. spatial and sociological aspects through them Muller explores Campus is on exhibition the of life on campuses all over the the aesthetics and identity John Hansard Gallery on the world and have portrayed their of the university. Although University Highfield campus findings across a variety of media abstract in form, the prints are a until 12th November. Entry is including print, photography, blueprint of university campuses free. The gallery is also hosting film and installation. worldwide with the Lüneburg “Re-inventing the University”, One of the featured artists campus overlain and illustrate a discussion about the future th Nancy Davenport’s Classroom #1, 2004 is Canadian Nancy Davenport. the architectural variations of universities on Thursday 6 Her photographs represent an according to sociological, October, 7.00 – 9.00pm. Politics

www.wessexscene.co.uk The other side of the story Peter Lamb story should be accessible to the re-elected,’ which was deemed student body. at the time to be overdramatic. In the April 2005 edition of Ms Bull has explained to the Ms Bull’s reply to the second the Wessex Scene we published newspaper that, after receiving email explained that with over an article discussing some Ms Jones’ letter, a standard reply 70,000 constituents it could correspondence which we had was sent, contrary to what Ms take a time to respond to received from a student studying Jones claimed. She goes on to correspondence and addressed at this University, Jennifer Jones, say that a couple of days later the points raised by Ms Jones. about an unfortunate incident a second email arrived from Ms A third letter was then sent which had occurred between Jones in which she claimed to by Ms Jones which, according her and Christine Bull, secretary have not had a reply. This email to Ms Bull, again used hostile to Dr Alan Whitehead, MP was apparently rather forceful language. Ms Bull concluded her for Southampton Test. Since given the rather small time lapse email to the paper with the offer this article was published we of time between her two emails. that, ‘in order to get a balanced have received a letter from Ms Containing phrases such as, ‘a view of life in our office perhaps Bull putting forward another team of students with a very you would like to come and perspective of what happened high status within the University, meet us for yourselves, see the and, in-keeping with the myself included… I can work we do?’. Perhaps one of balanced nature of the paper, guarantee that we as students the Wessex Scene readers would we felt that both sides of the will not be voting for you to be like to take up her offer? United they could conquer, divided they will fall Linden Talbot away from - the membership polls suggesting that he would Since the May election, Mr - which makes it seem unlikely give the Conservative party a Howard has made it clear that that any consensus will be big boost in support. As a former he intends to stand down as reached over what kind of new Chancellor he is well known and Conservative Party leader, but system ought to be put into seems to be the best-matched that this will only happen after place until the start of next year candidate to tackle Gordon he has successfully reformed the at least. Brown (his most-likely opposite system of selecting a leader. Yet in the knowledge that number at the next General The current system was there is a contest coming up, Election) on the economy. instituted by William Hague and wanting to get ahead, But, just as with IDS in the and was the first time that the candidates are already 2001 leadership contest, there is the Conservative Association lining up to race. David Davis, a chance that one of the outside membership were able to select a Conservative rightwinger, candidates, David Cameron, their leader, the outcome of looks to be the favourite at the Malcolm Rifkin or Liam Fox, which was Ian Duncan-Smith. moment despite being almost might win the election, but this Michael Howard was elected unknown. But it seems that he is becomes more unlikely as party by being the only candidate going to be in for a tough fight, members move towards the two running, so it seems obvious as as Ken Clarke, the perennial polar opposite main candidates. to why he might wish to change favourite of the left-wing of the What is certain is that this the system before the next party, is going to run again. If will be a long process, which leadership contest. Howard’s reforms go through at least in the short-term will In order to gain the reforms to Clarke is in with a good chance, leave the party of opposition the current system of selection as parliamentary parties are effectively leaderless and, far Michael Howard has to have the notably more progressive then more worryingly for the Tories, it agreement of that same group their membership. Clarke’s might re-open the divide in the which he wishes to take power chances are reinforced by recent party over Europe which almost Letters

Page 8 Is my Mr Action Aid out there, So far there have been over 200 how much the university values and if so can he email me! complaints posted on the SUSU it’s students. STOP PRESS!!! Letters forums, JCR members applying Given three years of these The Wessex Scene is YOUR Angharad Knights for rooms as far back as April failures isn’t it time the university student newspaper. It is run were denied accommodation, committed to a wholesale reform by students for students and Here at the Wessex Scene, we is once of the accommodation office we want to hear from YOU! are unsure whether or not this again open (despite promises including the removal of the We are currently recruiting is a request for a date or a nice from the Secretary and Registrar clearly incapable management writers for all of our sections, person treating another good- that it would be closed by team? from news to sport. Whether hearted person because they Christmas 2004), and students I am sure that Union Council you want to submit articles Dear Wessex Scene, were doing something for a will be forced to spend their will be eager to hear how on a regular basis or the fancy worthy cause!. We’re hoping formative weeks in Southampton the union will be tackling the takes you only now and then, On the 30th August, in it’s the latter and perhaps there sharing rooms designed for university over this crisis and I we welcome writers from all Fareham High Street a man will be a Wessex Scene wedding. single occupancy. shall do my best to ensure that walks of life. named Matt was volunteering If you are Angharad’s Mr Action Such an abysmal failure a full and frank discussion takes If you want to be a journalist for Action Aid. He detered me Aid then contact us and we’ll by the accommodation office place. this is a great way to learn for my lunch break for so long get you back in touch! presents a poor view of the about the job and get valuable that I didn’t get a chance to university to incoming freshers, Sincerely, experience.Join the team eat and as a result I am hoping I Dear Editor, their friends and family. It also Alex Bazin today. Email editor@soton. can take him out for dinner. All gives a fairly good indication of Chair of Union Council ac.uk. I know is that he is studying at Another academic year dawns the University of Southampton, and another accommodation and that he was in Montefiore crisis brews. Despite assurances Do you have something Halls in his first year. from the Secretary and Registrar All he knows about me is that as far back as Spring 2004 that I graduated from Southampton new computer systems and the to say? Write to us: just before the summer with building of Monte 4 would ensure a Psychology degree and that a smooth system of allocating I work for Nextstep, a careers students to appropriate rooms, [email protected] advisory partnership. the process remains in chaos. The Wessex Scene Team Editor-in-Chief Editor Laura Fewell Gareth Hynes [email protected] [email protected]

News Editor News Editor Robbie Breen Paul Lenihan [email protected] [email protected]

Features Editor Features Editor Mike Anderson Vacancy [email protected] [email protected]

Societies Editor Sports Editor Peter Lamb Alex Hayes [email protected] [email protected]

Deadline for submissions for next issue: 14 October (does vary with each section so email the editors directly) Wessex Scene Advertising queries Highfield Ben Fishlock Southampton 023 8059 5486 SO17 1BJ [email protected]

The Wessex Scene is available in other formats WSX www.wessexscene.co.uk Editorial Fresh Meat - A Once in a lifetime Opportunity? can only be encouraging. It Mike Anderson is a time to be as outrageous It’s a new dawn, it’s a new as you can, do things you day, it’s a new life for the would never normally do, take Wessex Scene. There is an air of risks and have adventures. new beginnings about this issue, At the end of the day it is all with a new editorial team, and completely inconsequential. a fresh wave of bright young Every new student is a bundle minds gracing the Southampton of raw nerves, which creates an streets. This issue the Features atmosphere unlike any other. Section is giving a special Things may happen that maybe welcome to all the new students should not but for the most part settling into Southampton, the they do no harm. place that is now home. I know of nobody who was We are lucky enough to have truly traumatised at the start a wealth of material from a of their university life - all that number of different writers and comes a bit later on! Have no each has their individual take fear. This is a time for merriment. But, we just left school - didn’t we...?! on this time of rebirth and new- Embrace the wealth of the found freedom. So enjoy and Abe Jacobs start to think you may actually not obligatory, no. It just seems different types of humanity that make of it what you will. fancy yourself as a professional to happen. A word of advice, you are now stranded with and We are also looking for new School uniforms, hawaiian transvestite. stay away from anything that see what you can find. writers in this new year. Please skirts, white wines and lager It is true that you can do makes fire, it will end badly for If there is any advice that get in touch if you have a shred beer, fire alarms, vomit, late- whatever you like in this week. all, I promise you!. can be given it is this: relax, but of interest, you are more than night liaisons, laughs, tears of And that means anything. The only thing to do is to not too much! It’s the nerves welcome to join our team. joy and tears of sorrow; this is People who have never woken embrace this time of your life, as that make it all so interesting. Whatever you want to write what makes Freshers’ Week so up later than 9am sleep ‘til dusk; it will never come again. These This is not advice for life, about, whatever you like to special, and so meaningless. those who have never so much are the last dregs of youth, the just for this one week . It may be read, Wessex Features wants to Sure, everyone likes a bit as smelt a shandy before will roll final scrap of irresponsibility, a more rewarding than you think. hear from you! of dressing up, but how many in the bushes; you may even do last breath of freedom. Be yourself or be someone else, Mike different costumes can you something you regret, you never The fact that nobody it doesn’t matter, it’s all over [email protected] possibly put on before you know. Making a tit of yourself is remembers Freshers’ Week soon. Refresher: The right degree Priya Patel Absorbing the chaos of university Some may say that it’s about control of my future, something And I have an edge that no one socials and the freedom from time. I agree. Getting it right I had lost sight of amongst the else has. For sake, let us call it Once upon a time there was a restraints went fizzing to her means passionately undertaking pandemonium of university life. wisdom. bright, if perhaps slightly naïve, head like cheap bubbly wine. an appropriate degree and Most importantly, I no longer I’ve learnt that age can little girl, who was positively Fixing the tangle left behind getting through the first set of felt like I had wasted years. only limit you if you let it. It’s full of promise. But she got it was not the final resort, but the hurdles. Stick that in a university This lesson was the hardest not how good you are. It’s how all wrong. Trying to flourish at necessary move. dictionary for confused students. for me to learn. Feeling like a good you want to be. Once there a new university, dabbling with This girl was me, three years It means setting in motion failure full of self-pity seemed is a goal in mind, I’ve learnt that an unsuitable course, she was ago. And I barely recognise her. foreseeable goals and the actions easier than facing the move to anything is possible and that it’s desperate not to disappoint yet I did not want to be the ultimate essential to accomplish them. another university head on, thus never too late to achieve. found herself falling at every re-fresher anymore. I’d had I’m getting there. introducing the longest lesson So whatever qualms hurdle. my fair share of partying years Getting it right has gratefully I had to learn. I’ve gained simmer in the mind of the baffled She came from a bloodline and an undergraduate degree given me a sense of achievement, invaluable experience, I’ve seen fresher, trust that university life will of smart alecks and clever clogs, had not yet materialised. I was finally, after a contemplative, my strengths and weaknesses be tantalisingly exciting, emotional cruising effortlessly through ignorantly repeating mistakes. emotional struggle to make take their place in bettering and possibly educational. Make their academic lives. They were What was I thinking? Changing the correct decisions. And I’m and worsening my character. the most of it. If it doesn’t work geniuses running a straight sprint my course to the right one young, I can do anything, be I’ve made so many friends. out be sure it is not the end. So through education. and making a fresh start was anything, the world is at my I’ve overcome my complex of many options and opportunities She was trying to prove daunting but vital. disposal. Getting it right has getting older, being older than exist, just waiting for you to reach something but getting nowhere. So here I am. Getting it right. made me feel on track, claiming those I live and study with now. out and get it right. Features

Page 10 The Rules of (Aged Engagement The Secret Diary of a Fresher 18 3/4) Joanna Goldberg Rebecca Salter In the prime of our lives, the handful of years we have at SUNDAY university are supposed to shape 9am I am top intellectual! our souls as much as our minds. Have made it into good university However, the thing about love is and will follow career path of it requires no rehearsal, no rules, dreams after excellent decision no expectations, but above all (not sure what this career path is chaos and uncertainty but won’t have to get a job yet I’ve experienced the rarity of anyway!). “true love” as well as the perils 10am Hmm not sure about and pitfalls of those bonds that going anymore seems very appear flawless but under the scary. lens quickly fade to meaningless 10.30am I am going. After sentiments, without charm. minor crisis of confidence And then there are those places have decided to step out into in between: the infamous “one- the wider world, embrace the night stands” and “seeing each new, find new challenges etc. other” phases of relationships, Aaargh! which need little introduction 11.15am Parents loading car. but rather much postulation. 12am There wasn’t that much At the start of a new term, stuff before, surely? with the excitement of all those 12.30pm We are off. Feel Rebecca takes in her new home the only way a new student can new hotties it is only right that slightly sick. friends with me. day. have party in kitchen instead. I should remind you that what 2.40pm What if everyone 8.38pm Oooff! I am on the 11.31am Aim: Join one sports After all, we can’t let it spoil seems like a good idea on a else is there before me? What floor. I’ll get up in a minute. Just club. Must Get Fit. the evening. Everyone knows Friday night in the hype of if they’ve already become want to rest my eyes… 1.40pm Have had at least Freshers’ Week has to be a blur the Cube, is almost definitely best buddies? Am doomed to 3.30am I think my brain 100 leaflets thrust at me just in of drinks, parties, drinks, faces regrettable upon surfacing the become an outcast before I’ve just exploded! Oh, it’s the fire case I had any interest in white and drinks! And there’s still following afternoon. even started! alarm! It is 3.30 in the morning! water rafting, caving, karate, that Old Men’s drinking club to I am rather intrigued by 2.45pm We are here. Gulp! Someone will pay for this when I judo, ninja etc. I’m scared. The consider…. one-night stands and the art Deep breath to calm nerves. can see straight. nearest I’ve been to martial arts of “seeing someone”. Can we 3.25pm Have found the room. is Feng Shui. FRIDAY really treat our partners like cars Turns out I’m stuck on top floor TUESDAY 1.50pm Have been besieged 6am Help! I need water! and test before we invest? If we of prison like tower block with 11.30am Am now feeling by bloke-pwoar! Not bad! Stare Why is the sink so far away! are driving part of our life with vomit green carpet and no sink. claustrophobic, currently being for a moment until I realise he is 12.20pm Must get water. a potential companion, can we 4.01pm Knock on door! squashed against about 1000 asking me a question. “Err…a Stagger past a few grey faces ever be focused on trying to Feel like shrinking into corner, other people at the Freshers’ club you say?” on the way. Talking is too hard. make a relationship work, when pretending I am a cupboard, Fayre. 1.53pm Ah. Have apparently Who the hell is whistling? both passengers are looking but go to answer anyway. 12.10pm Have found myself just signed up for something 1.15pm Nothing to do but out of their windows for other There is a group of girls outside signing up for new credit card. called the Old Men’s drinking socialise and contemplate the models? who all introduce themselves This is a Bad Idea, however the club. flu. Mike’s talking to me again. However, as none of us come accompanied by giggles and free popcorn maker makes it 2.03pm Think I will leave. All Turns out he thought I was with”love CVs” or a compact lens shrieks. worth it! I do not actually like this Activity quite exhausting. called Cheryl. to decipher any flaws, perhaps 4.30pm My parents make popcorn but that is beside the 8.30pm Parents have rung 2pm Breakfast: noodles and it is best to test our potential as if to leave but somehow will point. A freebie is a freebie. again. This is eighth time of the bread. I will never drink again. partners before we become not leave. They are now looking 12.50am The day is getting week so far. They ask what I 2.20pm Why am I in the pub? too attached. After all, our teary. Oh dear. Just go! I’m free better. I have now acquired a am eating. I assure them it is top I’m getting out of here. personalities are still young and at last! free T-shirt, a pencil, some food cuisine every night. They are 3.30pm Why am I in another susceptible to great emotional and a strange fluffy object that convinced that I’m starving. pub? It’s quite nice though. change over the next few years, MONDAY look like an owl with no body 8.40pm Eat instant noodles 2pm No idea where I am, so maybe lighter relationships 11.15am First proper day- 9pm Am crowded outside and a slice of someone else no idea who I’m with, but are key to a healthier emotional everyone smiling and talking to the Students’ Union with huge bread. I’ll make it up to them. bugger it all. Freedom!! What lifestyle. anyone. My face is aching from group of people from halls, are consequences? I’m young Although I’m not rushing to all this effort. I’d give anything waiting for the doors to open. THURSDAY invincible and pissed! Try to fight recommend just casually seeing for a quick frown. I’m even Yippee! 11.15am Slept in again. Have the urge to be sick. people as the way forward, talking to people I know I will 10pm Been talking to a guy, suddenly become Stereotypical it could be a safer route for hate. go me! Kinda cute but keeps Student i.e. all-nighters, SATURDAY feelings, and it sure as hell isn’t as 3.05pm Kitchen is full of spitting on me. excessive sleeping fascination 9am Not another headache. awkward as a one-night wonder. people. Am fast learning art of 1am Everyone back from the with daytime TV. I’m sick of all this. Why can’t it What may be a garden path for drinking games. Had no idea Union. Can still make out faces, 1.45pm Yay Neighbours is just be oever? I miss sobriety. one is almost certainly a rocky before how much people could which is a good sign. What was on! Better try to sleep it off. road for another and I am sure drink before being on the floor. that guy called? Tom? It’s usually 5.35pm Yay Neighbours is 10am I know my bed was there is no clear-cut formula to Tower of beer cans reaches Tom. Yes I’m sure it’s Tom. on! small but this is pretty cramped a successful relationship but why ceiling. 1.05am Mike! I knew it was 9.15pm Out again! Tonight’s even for a cot. not try to make the journey as 5.10pm Kitchen has been Mike! Damn! Quite liked him. aim: do not drink too much. 10.03am I’m sure i shaved much fun as we can? After all, gate-crashed by party of Goths. However it is the Freshers’ Ball! my legs. a map spoils the thrill of getting Am overwhelmed by all these WEDNESDAY 11pm Disaster! No tickets 10.14 am Oh my goodness! lost along the way. different people all trying to be 11am Clubs and Societies left! We all stagger back and That isn’t my leg. www.wessexscene.co.uk Freshers’ Week: Tips to make your first week a lot easier! Trust us! Sarah Hodges in the future. can use to embarrass your mates talking about or, even worse, of Asda, offer to buy rounds for Do: 4. Remember the rituals in years to come, as well as to to your mates back home. all your new best friends, and 1. Everything?! Whilst this you took part in back home show your mates back home Everyone gets homesick and create a new wardrobe courtesy may not be physically possible, still apply. Washing, cleaning, what a great place Southampton has a moment or two when of the lovely cheque now sitting it is a good idea. This is the one cooking are still important. At is. Try and stay sober for some of they want to be reminded of pretty in your usually-empty week where you can really let least if you prepare some meals it too so you don’t have to rely home, but it is important to look bank account, do try and show your hair down, take part in in this week you can allow the on the same mates to tell you forward not hang onto the past. some restraint. Sooner or later new things, and generally enjoy pot noodles and beans on toast that you did have the time of 3. Earn yourself a reputation. you will all be forced to learn being a typical student before routine to filter in slowly, and you life during Fresher’s week. Remember, you have the whole to love the charms of bargain more pressing concerns take you can always look back and year to develop a decent and shopping, New Look and over (yes, you will be expected say that you tried, even if it was Don’t: fitting nickname. Primark will seem so amazing, to attend lectures at uni, sorry). only for a week… 1. Try and be someone that 4. Upset your new neighbours. and you will one day actually 2. Talk to everyone. It is a 5. Remember to ring your you aren’t. Whilst it is all too Although those at home may be enjoy value foodstuffs. So save cliché, but everyone is in the parents. Hourly reports may not tempting to put on an act, used to your late night drumming the pennies while you can, and same boat. Small talk is painful, be entirely necessary but, believe invent an amazing past, or sessions, music blasting at 2am, make the goodies left behind by and although you may not even it or not, they will actually miss create whole new persona for or your “quirky” habits, its not mum and dad last at least until care what A-levels your new clearing up after you and having yourself, people will soon see the best way to start a new year the second week… room mate took, it will make your music too loud, regardless through you. Everyone wants in a new place with people who 6. Forget to enjoy yourself! settling in so much easier. of what they may say. However, to make friends, but pretending don’t know you. Try and be You never know when you will 3. Try and remember names always remember that calls you love that new Icelandic boy considerate: don’t inflict your have the opportunity to spend a (even if no-one can remember home at 4am are not actually all band you flatmate insists on personal choices on others, and whole week lazing about, making yours). After this week you may that welcome! listening too everyday, or eating have a little respect. new mates, drinking, socializing not see half the people you met 6. Enjoy yourself! Make Tofu to please you new veggie 5. Blow your entire student and enjoying being a student again, but it’s nice to remember Freshers’ Week one to remember. pal won’t work for long. loan. Although it may be again. Well... maybe during the names and they could be useful Take plenty of photos that you 2. Spend the whole week tempting to buy up the whole second week of term! How to lose a guy in 10 days Laura Armstrong just cut their losses and run for them. the hills. However, if the one If you should see him out with Its happened. Your eyes met that you are talking to simply friends during the week, hide, across a crowded dance floor reassures you that you can get and then indignantly approach and gradually you edged your through this trauma together, him an hour later, complaining way together, exchanging subtle then you have two options. that he is ignoring you. If you can but lingering looks. Suddenly Either you can give him a chance work in allegations of cheating you find yourselves dancing (this can occasionally work out (with anyone- male or female) together, shouting your names well – he may surprise you) or this may also help your cause. over the chorus of ‘The One it is time to bring out the heavy If, by some kind of miracle, and Only’. After a while, you artillery. your crush seems able to begin to dance more closely Make sure that you plan withstand this kind of treatment, and before you know it, you’re your first date at least a week then the first date is your best kissing. He is perfect, sweet, in advance, after all, it is an chance of killing his enthusiasm funny and handsome, and this important occasion and you once and for all. is the beginning of a whole new need to prepare. For starters, When the day comes, brush chapter of university life. give up washing your clothes away his plans for a romantic The only problem is that and taking showers. If you can meal and insist that you’d all of this happened at 2am possibly bear to, supplement really rather goes to Jesters. As last night, and your judgement these changes by taking a dip in he makes for the bus stop, ask was more than slightly impaired Glen Eyre pond, as the smell will sweetly if you can skip it, because by vodka. It is now 7am the stick to you like superglue. you love walks in the rain. next morning and your crush is Start eating fast food for Half an hour later, you will attempting to bang your door every meal, and make no efforts trudge dripping and miserable down, reminding you exactly whatsoever to conceal the into , and reluctantly how much you regret telling him greasy effects. By the time the join the Jesters queue. It will where you live. Oh no. What do distributors start referring to you be so packed that hopefully, all you do? by name, these will probably be former passion, as well as any Firstly, think positive. He may severe enough to scare off more enthusiasm for living will be be the squeamish type. Invite than one potential boyfriend. squeezed out of your date. him in and give him a hug, before However, it is all for a good After two hours, you may immediately bursting into tears. cause. At this point, start calling be let through, at which point he Time to lose a guy the Southampton way! Explain, through your sobs, that your crush’s mobile. Endlessly. will have to queue for a further you are going through a difficult No time is off limits, even if 30 minutes for your drinks. Wait After the long and tiresome you do not feel that the time. You have just been through you’re just phoning to tell him patiently until he returns, take trip back to his room, you can relationship is going anywhere. a messy break-up and although that your sink is broken. Leave one sip and then lean closer. then deliver the final blow. You cannot deal with the amount last night was wonderful, you love notes taped to his door to Whisper that although you like Looking deeply into his eyes, of time that he spends drinking don’t feel that you are ready for tell him that you love him, and Jesters, you can’t really talk tell him that although you love and socialising. It is quite unlikely a serious relationship. that he has changed your life. there. Could you go back to his spending time with him and feel that you will even be allowed to Many men, at this point, will And then do not bother to seal room? a powerful spiritual connection, reach the end of your sentence. Features

Page 12

National Booking www.wessexscene.co.uk Southampton’s best-loved Dear Beryl... mature student agony aunt

Dear Beryl, say anything but ran out of the two about perverts! In my day... noticed I am itchy downstairs I have no-one else to turn to. house in shock and haven’t Oh, listen to me going on, you now and it looks like I have pubic I think my boyfriend is a total dared to go back since. He has don’t want to know about all dandruff! At first I thought that pervert. I have been with him tried to phone me but I just that now do you! there was nothing wrong and since Freshers’ Week last year don’t know what to do! I think perhaps you should it was just my imagination but and I thought he was the perfect get him a present to say ‘sorry’ now term has started again and man and our sex life has been Yours, Shocked for your ridiculous behaviour. I am missing my old lifestyle amazing! Recently, however, he Perhaps a pair of stilettos of his which I obviously cannot has started requesting that we Dear Shocked, own? return to until I sort this out! do things that are absolutely Oh dear, oh dear! Well, Any suggestions? disgusting. He asked me to I suppose you weren’t in Beryl spank him, and I know that lots Connaught Halls last year then Red-raw of guys like this so I agreed and or else you would be used to Dear Beryl, we had quite a good time with such debauchery! Look, I really I’ve got a massive problem My dear Red-raw, my table-tennis bat! I thought wouldn’t get yourself all worked and it’s quite embarrassing so Cockles and mussels that would be the end of it, but up about it. He was probably I trust that you will be delicate alive, alive-oh eh! he has since asked me to dress just relaxing! My late husband with me. I have always been a Or perhaps I mean up as a sheep and baa at him Tommy loved nothing more than popular guy with the opposite crabs? Well, that just serves at the same time! And that’s to pop my stockings on when he sex and my first year was a you right now really doesn’t not all! I decided to surprise went out to the garden to potter whirlwind of shenanighans. I it, my boy. If you will stick it him last week and snuck into around after a hard day at the never slept in the same girl’s here, there and everywhere his house through the back and office and I expect it’s the same bed for more than a night. you must expect these up to his room. When I got up sort of thing going on here! I have just got back from things! Get your sorry little there he was lounging on his bed I think the best thing for holiday in Menorca, and while thing down the doctor’s watching television and then I you to do is stop being so silly I was out there I was a bit of a pronto and behave realised that he was wearing my and give your boyfriend a call. naughty boy and had more than in future! red stiletto heels that I had left There’s nothing wrong with him my fair share of fun with the there the night before. I didn’t at all! Lordy, I know a thing or ladies. The thing is that I have Beryl SUSU-doku The Wessex Scene has been gripped by Su-doku fever and we have a red-hot prize to give away to one lucky reader!

1 9 6 5 8 1 2 2 8 8 1 6 5 2 7 7 9 2 1 6 4 7 8 2 5 9 8 3

The first person to complete this SUSU-doku puzzle and get it to Laura Fewell, Vice President Communications, will win two tickets to the Freshers’ Ball on Saturday 15th October to see Simon from Blue, Trev and Simon and the Crazy Frog! Good luck! SocietiesPage 14 Editorial Come and get bendy with Yogasoc Julie Cole Multi-purpose studio) with a a class with no energy you will leave each time feeling After three years of waiting fantastic teacher called Jyoti. should feel clear and energised fantastically refreshed. for someone else to take the They run from 5.30pm til 7pm and ready to face that dreaded Yogasoc will hopefully be responsibility of setting up a for £4. All abilities can join in, essay you had been putting off fully affiliated to the Students’ yoga society I finally admitted from complete beginners to for weeks. Union by the end of October Peter Lamb defeat and decided to do it advanced. Alternative positions For the sports-shy amongst and by then we will have a fully myself. So at the end of last year are offered for anyone struggling us it offers a non-competitive operational webpage and an As this is the first issue of Yogasoc began, with an aim to or for those that want to be way of improving both mind official University email address. term I would like to take this make yoga classes available all- pushed a little further. and body without having to run Until then you can contact me at opportunity to welcome all year-round, on a drop-in basis, For those of you into sports, for miles or get overly-sweaty [email protected] or you freshers to the University and with no commitment needed. yoga can aid any training regime and puse in the face. It’s a place can just turn up at a class with to welcome all others back to We also aim to run yoga days, and unlock your body in places where you don’t have to worry a smile, a mat if you have one, university. charity fundraisers and link up you didn’t even realise needed that you should be keeping up loose clothing, and please leave Here in the Societies section with other like minded groups opening. It can bring improved with the Joneses, because… any inflated egos at home. we are working to cover the and societies for meditation breathing, stability, balance well, you shouldn’t be! Yoga is We also help in local charity very best of what goes on in all and holistic mind-body-spirit and inner strength, enhanced about you and not trying to beat fundraising at Community Action of the 139 societies, so if you are enrichment. concentration and flexibility. the next person. Everyone has Events (CAE), with a monthly looking for new things to do at I am sure all those already For the stressed, depressed their strengths and weaknesses live music and comedy social university or somewhere to tell interested in trying yoga have and anxious (a position I have and yoga works with these. event, every second Sunday of others what do to these are the found out that the University often been trapped in with There will always be something the month at The Talking Heads pages to turn to. run courses fill up quicker than ever increasing workloads, tight someone can do that another in Portswood. The next one is In this issue we have articles Jesters running a BOGOF drinks deadlines and looming exams) can’t, and vice versa. If you the 9th October at 6.30pm. So ranging from the bending of the promotion. So if you weren’t it can bring a warm sense of can’t touch your toes or hold a come along to a social, have a truth in Debating Society to the one of the lucky few we will calmness, inner-peace and well balance yet, keep coming and great night of entertainment physical bendiness of YogaSoc. be running classes each week being that, hopefully, can be you will amaze yourself at how and raise money for charity at From the political combat of the from a number of different yoga transferred into our more hectic quickly you progress. the same time. Labour party to the sword-based styles and teachers. At present daily lives. While at yoga you I would advise everyone on The yoga feel good factor just combat of the Fencing society. Yogasoc offer Sivananda classes can leave all your worries and earth to take up yoga, or at least keeps on spreading so keep an There should be something for on Wednesdays (NOC, seminar troubles aside and concentrate try it. The benefits are countless eye out for future events. everyone in this edition. room) and Thursdays (Highfield, on yourself. Instead of leaving and after the initial aches you Om shanti. Should you wish to discover more about societies then check out the excellent societies web- pages that can be found on the Students’ Union website at www.susu.org. And don’t for- get, you can visit the Bunfight on Wednesday 5th October in the Jubilee Sports Hall, where any society which is worth its weight will have a stall. It is a great opportunity to sign up to as many societies as interest you and collect all the freebie items which are given away at stalls. Societies are an excellent way to meet friendly and interest- ing people, have some fun and develop useful and valuable skills for later life. Making the most of the available, and usually free, clubs and the societies are after all half of what university should be about. If anyone would like to con- tribute an article to societies, covering any events or activities involving your society or just using this space for advertising your society to potential new members reading the Wessex Scene then please email any such articles to me. Peter [email protected]. Yoga will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed and ready to take on anything that comes your way www.wessexscene.co.uk Debating Looks Ahead Laurence Stellings you will never be pressured into Our events are held every speaking. On top of the friendly Thursday night, and already The University of approachable nature of our planned is an interesting mix Southampton’s Debating Society sociaety, all our events are free! of debates, socials, training is looking ahead to an exciting So, why debate? To learn sessions and guest speakers. 2005/2006 academic year. how to get served after last Most weekends Southampton Last year was a tremendous orders or persuade your bank sends teams to compete in inter- success for the society, with manager to give you a bigger university competitions around weekly debates on a wide overdraft. To gain the ability the UK. range of subjects with many to speak confidently in public If you would like to get getting involved, guest speaker (great for seminars and the CV) involved with the Debating events, and a radio show on To meet some of Southampton’s Society simply come along to Surge. Outside Southampton, most interesting and intelligent one of our events. There’s no our debating teams reached the students and to argue with need to register in advance - just finals at competitions around them. To go on great socials. turn up on the day. the UK and Europe. To get subsidised travel around For more information visit The Debating Society is a the UK and Europe going to our website at www.soton. friendly one. Our own coach other universities to debate ac.uk/~debating, drop us an e- can teach the basics of debating (and party) with them. To get mail on [email protected], to newcomers and for those involved in organising our own have a chat to us at the Bunfight who have debated before our competition in March (a massive or keep your eyes open for our experienced members can debating weekend, with plenty posters around campus. help you improve. Everyone of food, drink and prizes thrown We’re looking forward to is welcome at all our events in.) How many reasons do you welcoming you to a free, friendly regardless of experience and need?! and interesting event very soon! Will Hawkes debating in favour of the motion on Gay Marriage Surging Ahead with Students Have Fun with Foils debate in University radio. the station has now moved to a confronted by a sword-wielding Nikola Marconi can be tuned brand new studio on Highfield Peter Lamb maniac as so frequently happens Surge (the official radio station into on 1287 AM in and around campus, making it easier then Have you ever fancied in this part of the world. of Southampton University the Glen Eyre halls as well as to get involved. Brand new yourself a young Bond or Fencing Club meets on Students’ Union) is back on the online at www.surgeradio.co.uk, equipment means that we perhaps a budding Zorro? Sundays and Mondays between airwaves, broadcasting the latest where you can also request will have the slickest sound in Wanted to buckle your swashes 20:00 and 22:00, with training sounds to students, over a wide your favourite tracks on the Southampton! but never knew how? Then why and equipment provided for all range of genres. special Total Request System, If you are interested in getting not try fencing? levels of expertise. When not Surge broadcasts twenty- an award-winning jukebox involved with Surge radio Born out of the need to poking swords into each other, four hours a day, every day of that was designed by Surge’s then you can find out more prepare for wars and duels, Fencing Club members hold a the year including holidays and Systems Manager, student Nick on the Surge website at www. fencing is great exercise and variety of social events, from there is something for everyone. Humfrey. surgeradio.co.uk, or alternatively you can develop your speed, barbeques to movie visits, or just The DJs play the best tunes and Although the Surge radio by finding the Surge stall at the coordination and tactical ability. simply going for a drink. the station hosts the hottest transmitter remains at Glen Eyre, Bunfight. It might also come in handy when www.soton.ac.uk/~fencing. Journalists, your paper needs you! Shelia Fitzsimons for the students of the institution Student Newspaper Website of you stand out from the crowd. here as writer and then editor but be dedicated to the non- the Year category and last year If you want to make it in the of the Wessex Scene and is now The Wessex Scene is recruiting. academic side of university life. it came home with the trophy. cut-throat industry that is the editor of !) We need writers to write about The institution became the On Monday 19th September media, you will need experience So, if you are interested in being what they see happening in University we all know today and the Guardian announced the on a newspaper and the Wessex a part of Wessex Scene history the world around them for this the newspaper’s name changed shortlist for this year’s awards Scene is the perfect place to start and would like to have your newspaper which is a part of - but its purpose remained and and once again the Wessex out - there are opportunities journalistic talents utilised then Southampton University’s rich it has continuously been in Scene Online is shortlisted. to get involved in the physical there are a number of ways you history. production ever since. Writing for the paper is a way production side every year as can contact the paper. Visit our Published on a tri-weekly As time went on the paper’s that students can give something an editor and full training on website at www.wessexscene. basis, the Wessex Scene was circulation increased and, with the to their fellow peers. Writers the industry-standard computer co.uk; email [email protected]; set up in 1936 (then named dawn of the internet age it went enjoy the ego boost of seeing packages is provided. Of course, Or alternatively visit the Wessex Wessex News) for the students global, with a website which has their work in print and do not you may want to write just Scene stall at the Bunfight (we of what was then a remote site recieved consistant recognition underestimate the recognition because you enjoy it and not are on level 3 of the main Union of University College London. at the Guardian Student Media future employers give to such because you particularly want Building) and meet us. Its core aim was to function as Awards. For the past three years extra-curricular activities. This to be the next Dominic Mohan So get involved, and get a free independant news source it has been nominated for the is a great way to ensure that (who, incidently, started out writing. Page 16 Societies Labouring away at University Daniel Clarke

Starting University opens up an enormous range of opportunities and one of these is the opportunity to become involved in politics at a level which is not always possible at school or sixth form. Fortunately for those who are interested in progressive politics and support social justice, the University has an active Labour Society. This Society provides a platform upon which students can meet with likeminded people and campaign within the Labour Party for a fairer and more equal society. Over the past year members of the Society have been able to meet, debate with and challenge several senior figures from our Party. These have included Southampton MPs, John Denham and Alan Whitehead, the Leader of the House of Commons, Geoff Hoon, Paul Boateng, the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Peter Skinner, Labour’s MEP for the South East. The Society has considerably enhanced the ability of its members to have their views listened to by those at the top. Members of the Society have also been given opportunities to work for MPs in Parliament, serve as officers for local CLPs and to become involved in election campaigns. There will always be reservations about joining a political party and many readers may consider themselves to be progressive-minded but not necessarily supporters of the Labour Party. It would be silly For Labour-enamoured students, the Labour Society offers opportunities to get involved with the party and meet MPs to ignore the fact that many progressive-minded people are the Labour Party in protest at government’s agenda has never communities which were government’s actual record in frustrated and angry about areas Blair, will always be scoring an been to make personal finance blighted by the lack of jobs during order to evaluate it fairly. where the government could ‘own goal’. No other group or a criteria for university entry. It the Tory years, reinvigorated I think the key reason for have perhaps achieved more party has ever been proved to be has always been to make extra and defended the National getting involved with the and areas where perhaps the as successful in real terms as the places available so that anyone Health Service - which has to Labour Society is that it gives government has gone wrong. Labour Party in moving Britain who is able and wants to go be the greatest achievement likeminded students the ability Firstly, however, it is important towards a fairer society. to university will be given the of the Labour movement - and to help further the social to distinguish the Labour Society Secondly, it is important to be chance. The government’s plans maintained a stable and sound democratic aims and ideals of the and Party from the government. fair to the government on what it to aid less well off students in economy. In spite of the old Tory government’s successes whilst This is because regardless of what has actually achieved. Unpopular the future has also underlined boast of economic competence, also putting pressure on MPs, the government does, the ideals policies with the student body its commitment to ensuring that interest rates, inflation and etc on issues where progressive of the Labour Party must endure such as tuition fees must be students will not be burdened unemployment all stand lower people feel that the government and it is absolutely essential balanced against good ones with debts which they cannot today after eight years of Labour is going wrong. that the Party is strong and its such as the hugely-expanded afford. government than they ever did Oliver Lewis, Labour Society natural supporters stick with it Higher Education sector which It is important to look at how during the 18 years of Maggie President, will be at the Bunfight to pressure the government, has increased opportunities for the government has improved and Major. It is necessary to in the Jubillee Sports Hall on whoever it may be. People people from poorer backgrounds working conditions, aided young look beyond assertions in parts Wednesday of Freshers’ Week, who believe in social justice and far more than tuition fees have people in finding employment, of the media which have always or alternatively email either democratic socialism, but snub allegedly restricted them. The most particularly those from opposed Labour and into the [email protected]. Sport Page 18 Editorial Downhill for bikers Simon Yates trees, over jumps, drops, roots, rocks and bridges. Having tackled some of the The course was popular with best mountain biking the UK the team giving it extensive use has to offer in Scotland and over the first couple of days, even Alex Hayes Wales, the Mountain Bike Club James who already had a broken packed its bags and headed off wrist, was setting an immense Welcome to the Wessex to the mountain bike paradise of pace down the course! Scene’s Sports section. Morzine in the French Alps. By mid-week we were in for a This summer has been far from Morzine is regarded as one real surprise….sun! The powerful dull when it comes to sporting of the top mountain biking summer sun quickly dried out action, although it is fair to say destinations in the world, most of the courses, and then there has been somewhat mixed with enormous climbs, savage it was all out to get in as much bag of results from all sorts of downhills and everything in riding as was physically possible! different sports. between! The club flew out Heading over to the next valley, At Wimbledon, for a brief to Geneva in early July and Les Gets, the team took in two moment, a new sporting hero, were greeted by a slightly more of the World Cup Downhill The team take a rest during their summer tour in the Alps Andy Murray, gave us all hope disappointing sight: rain, really courses, the originally named Les For the guys into big jumps day. After a day’s intense riding of a home victory in this coveted heavy rain. Gets One and Les Gets Two. and drops, the Kona Bike Park it was certainly the best pint tournament. But the expectation However the beauty of The Les Gets One course at the top of the Les Gets I’ve ever had. The team had a proved too much for the 18 year mountain biking is that it can is a vast sweeping downhill, Two run provided plenty of great time in Morzine and have old as he crashed out in the third be done in virtually all weather with huge bumpy berms and entertainment. Dave ‘Mullet’ all come back better riders. If round and Roger Federer claimed conditions, and this was put to fast rooty sections through the Burton pulled off the Chalet Drop anyone wants to put their biking a third consecutive title. the test on the first day. woods, finishing in the 4X course, (literally riding off the side of a to the test Mozine is definitely Then, of course, there was the The terrain in Morzine is far which is essentially a huge BMX chalet) with ease. He was not the place to head! unfortunate Lions tour to New more challenging than is found course but going downhill, and even put off by the fact that one www.sumbc.co.uk Zealand. The physical approach in the UK, and in extremely with bigger jumps, obviously! In guy had shattered two vertebrae of several of the Provinces in the muddy, cold and wet conditions the dry this became extremely in his spine the previous week warm-up matches took its toll, we were lifted to the top of the fast and bumpy; by the end of doing the same drop. The team and the loss of key players before valley to try the riding. The first the run everyone’s arms were also had the chance to take in the First Test proved decisive as decent gave us a taste of what pumping from wrestling the some of the areas further from the All Blacks romped to a 3-0 was to come, a steep, rocky, bikes down the course! Morzine, including the Vario series win. but still extremely fast run, with The Les Gets Two course on Bike Park a collection of very In football, England proved some particularly tight hairpin the other side of the valley is challenging downhill runs, with rather inept in the face of the bends. very different, not swooping, raised wooden sections and tight footballing might of Northern Despite the weather but steep - very steep! Speed rocky descents! Ireland, a team ranked 110 places conditions looking distinctly is gained at an alarming rate After the riding had taken its lower, capitulating 1-0 after dodgy for the rest of the week before dropping into a heavily toll during the day, the après-bike poor showings against Wales the team battled on, and took -wooded area and being spat did the damage in the evening. and Denmark, and leaving their on the first World Cup standard out the other side and looking The local bar serving only one chance of automatic qualification down hill run, the Pleney. The straight down at the valley floor, type of beer called Mützig, a for next years World Cup in the Pleney runs parallel to a black more holding onto the bike than particularly strong continental balance.. ski run and weaves through the actually riding it! brew, was the last call of the The one saving grace was The ‘Vertical’ of course the Ashes. It’s always a good experience seeing a sporting colossus humbled (especially an Australian one!) So, for a change, it is cricket making the headlines for all the right reasons, with Freddie Flintoff giving us all a reason to be cheerful! This edition sees a diverse range of sports featured, from the Mountain Bike club’s trip to the Alps, via some self-defence lessons and a look back at last season’s Ultimate Frisbee successes, to a teaser for any would-be skydivers out there! Alex Dave ‘Mullet’ Burton drops into the Alps in Morzine ‘Northern’ biking down the Les Gets Two course [email protected] www.wessexscene.co.uk ISS launches Skunks smell success Competition December saw the team at University Mixed Indoor the other top fifteen university Calling all club and society Luke Tredigo attending Indoor Nationals in Nationals held near Norwich teams for Outdoor Nationals. presidents! Set up your own “What the f**k is Ultimate Cardiff looking for a good result. later on in the season. These were held in Oxford in online community and you could Frisbee?” Not exactly the Tournaments such as this are Outdoors is generally regarded early May, so the team packed win up to £100. response I was expecting from played over a weekend and as the more demanding season into a minibus and headed off To officially launch the new my mum when I told her which involve progressing from pools in terms of fitness and skill; with for the final tournament of university Portal, Wessex Scene club I’d joined at Uni. Perhaps to a knockout stage. Winning the British climate often playing the season (hoping to avoid and ISS have teamed up to she was disappointed I hadn’t all of our Saturday games put no small role in proceedings. the transportation mishaps of present the 2005/06 SUSSED joined some sort of sacrificial us in a strong position for the Despite injuries the team dug the previous year, involving an Awards for Best Use of Portal cult, providing her with some elimination stage on Sunday deep to finish second at our amorous drunken Celtic fan, Groups. Clubs and societies serious gossip-firepower to use and we carried this form to Regional qualifier tournament, three fake police cars and a using the Portal are in with a during coffee breaks at work. dispatch Plymouth and Cardiff meaning that we would join minibus very short on diesel...) chance of scooping cash prizes. I can’t really blame her - I’d in the quarter Once again we progressed There are two prizes of £75, and never heard of it before the and semi finals relatively easily through the pool a top award of £100. Bunfight and even when I did I respectively. stage on the Saturday but were Over the past year some still thought it was just a bunch Unfortunately left with a tough 9:00am Sunday clubs have set up their online of people doing fancy catches we could game against the host team from community already. These between their legs. In fact, it is not match Oxford University to get into the groups will battle it out in the the fastest growing team sport Aberdeen in semi-finals. We found ourselves ‘Best Existing’ category. Portal in Europe. the final, but trailing in what developed into groups set up between now Fast forward a few years and came away as an epic game, but brought it and 27th October enter the I find myself as Club Captain number two in back to 12-12 and sudden death. ‘Best Newcomer’ category. looking back on a highly the country - a This was a true test of nerves Winning clubs can spend their successful season for the First superb result. but we managed to get the disc money on equipment, tours or Team (and incidentally my sister Frisbee is and score to take the win. At the events, or blow it all on a night has stepped up to the plate and one of the few end of the weekend we secured out to celebrate! Categories taken the maternal pressure off sports around fourth place, rounding off the will be judged throughout by getting a large tattoo.) with a specific best season enjoyed by the Semester One, with the winners The student Ultimate calendar m i x e d - s e x Skunks First team for a decade. announced at the start of is split into the Indoor season, division. Our If you’re interested in playing Semester Two. (up to Christmas) and then Mixed First a fast, competitive, social team The third award is the Wessex the Outdoor season after that. Team repeated sport at Uni, more information Scene Editor’s Choice - the Holy Having won the South West the result of the can be found on our website. Grail of Portal awards. As well indoor region (beating rivals Open team by Visit it at www.skunksultimate. as the £100 prize money, your Bristol in the final.) coming second Skunks players reach for the stars co.uk. group will be considered as the leader of the pack, best of the best, the über-group! Open to all groups, your innovation, Tae Kwon Do club hit Hungary commitment, teamwork and James Devereux Andrew, and Tomas, one of the warm, shallow, freshwater lake. was slightly more testing than presentation will scoop the Hungarian instructors. Here we played all manner of our Chung Do Kwan syllabus grand prize. The idea of being offered No time was spared for rest ball games in the water as well back home, and as a result we There are many tools at a weeks holiday (and martial and so shortly after unpacking as make good use of the beach had to learn two Hungarian your disposal to help you on arts training) by a beautifully into our shared room Doboks volleyball court. hand technique patterns, some your quest. Functions such picturesque lake in rural Hungary were donned before we Revitalised and revived we self-defence moves, one-step as Announcements, Emailing, for the mere price of 60 English were led to our first training were then set up for the more sparring counter-techniques, Message Boards, Files and pounds (including food) may session in a giant sports hall. relaxing evening training session and Taejeuk Sam Jang. However Photo areas and News will be sound too good to be true to On commencing training we of basic techniques and Poomse this paid off, as after sweating essential, but you may wish to most holidaymakers. But to quickly discovered that nearly (patterns). This took place a more than healthy amount use other influences to forge a five University of Southampton all the instructions were given in outside where we created quite (and one of our club members path to portal enlightenment. students and their Tae Kwon Do Hungarian. a spectacle to passers-by with nearly passing out!) we all made Check out your favourite sport instructor it sounded like a safe Mid-day training was the our flying kicks and synchronised the grade and collected our club website for ideas, and the bet. So on Sunday 24th July we sparring training session and Poomse in-between quick rest certificates. competition’s group visitor page, met up at Luton airport to get mostly-comprised lots of pad- breaks to paddle in the water When it was time to leave on advertise your group or get on a plane bound for Budapest, work and other highly-energetic and cool-off. Sunday morning, sad to leave together over a pint or through from where we would travel to activities which would put us After a hard day of physical we exchanged goodbyes and the group’s message boards for Lake Balaton, the destination right in the mood for some lunch activity the evenings would swapped contact details with some brainstorming. of our five-day training camp from the canteen followed by a arrive as the time to unwind, our new Hungarian friends Entry is automatic to SUSU- and fantastic holiday. Arriving in long afternoon of relaxing and have a cold beer, socialise and before we presented a University affiliated clubs and societies. Budapest we were immediately enjoying ourselves by the lake. play cards, before getting to of Southampton Tie to the For more information about the greeted by a warm welcome; The lake itself was perfection; bed early for our 6:30 morning instructors. For more info on Portal and competition see the first from the heat of the weather beautifully green surroundings fitness session the next day. Tae Kwon Do visit http://www. support webpages at www. and then from our contact with a small sandy shore and a The Hungarian syllabus soton.ac.uk/~sutkd/ soton.ac.uk/sussed. wessexSPORT Skydivers in freefall! Helen Pearson plane, but it is amazing – and Admittedly getting up at six something most people will thirty on a Saturday morning never get the chance to do. isn’t my idea of nursing a Sign up for a training weekend hangover from the previous and you will soon find out how night at the Cube! Saying that, exhilarating this sport is! the day involves fit instructors Once you have completed and watching a new bunch of the training weekend, each people training, so the prospect time you go to Netheravon you of an early morning is that refresh before jumping again. little bit more bearable. The This normally takes about half- committee take up a number an-hour. The Skydive Club of new jumpers on 3-4 training organises jumping days and weekends throughout the weekends regularly throughout autumn term and stay the whole the year. You can claim back weekend to watch them suffer! a proportion of your jumping Training takes place at The costs from the Athletic Union via Army Parachute Association at the Skydive Club so you have no Netheravon on Salisbury Plain excuse not to keep on jumping! so you can imagine the amount Take a look at the of military men floating around! website at www.soton.ac.uk/ If you can hack the early start ~skydive or alternatively email followed by a day of training [email protected] for more ending with a written test (don’t Southampton University Skydivers open up whole new horizons information. worry, it’s multiple choice) then you’re off to a flying start! you’re doing. Training is fun but you are likely to be jumping out you nervously think ‘what the hell Training on Saturday is in there are serious issues. The day of a plane the following day… am I doing?!’ with an extremely groups with a qualified instructor; is long, exciting but fascinating weather and wind permitting. concerned look on your face! you will be safe as it is only and it always flies by. Sunday morning starts with Don’t worry the committee ground training. The day includes After the training we all go to refresher training at 9am (and will be there catching it all on grasping the right positions for the local pub for a slap up meal can be earlier depending on how camera! You’ll also have a radio jumping, malfunctions training, followed by drinking games mean your instructor is!) and attached so the instructor can being strapped up in a harness which involves challenging then it’s time to hit the flight line talk to you whilst you’re sailing (like a giant baby walker!) and instructors and generally taking and await your flight. You’ll be down to the ground (you’re not general safety. Instructors won’t over the bar! At this point I warn strapped into your parachute rig going too fast, don’t worry!) let you skydive unless they are you that any hangovers are your at this point and your instructor I can’t put into words the 100% convinced you know what personal responsibility, seeing as will do final safety checks whilst sensation as you jump out a If the wind changes...