the Medwire

FREE December - January

58% of Medway students struggle with course costs Canterburys troublesome nightclubs

Library to re-open until 3am for exams

PLUS: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS

15603_Scholarships_Medwire_v2_fullpage 09/09/2013 14:23 Page 1

POSTGRADUATE STUDY AT KENT WHERE THE WORLD MEETS EUROPE

Canterbury

Medway

Brussels

edwire in edition of the M to the very last onderful first youve had a w 2013! We hope d are looky in just dand an g in ttl se e ar , term as much as we Christmas just ing forward to tmassy out in your Chris are! To help you ything er ev eve gathered a preparations w ok co to w ow, from ho you need to kn make the , 8) e ag (p er dinn budget festive tend all of (page 9) and at ts en es pr t ec . Auntie perf 6) e ag (p g events the most excitin e all of your on hand to solv Medway is also . 9) lemmas (page Christmassy di eze in all of ue sq d room to Weve still foun packed fulled with two pages the usuals too, introducs (pages 4-5), an of campus new face in y dl s newest frien d two tion to Medway an ) 12 e ag ofile (p the Medders pr er nt burys igations into Ca exclusive invest way (page M studying at ed of st co al re e th (page 16) and ome nightclubs s editors letter most troubles that this edition ed tic no y is is for two ad . re 14-15) itorial team. Th u will have al ed yo or g ni on se am le ho ed nd campus, of the w The eagle ey ce floating arou of my face, but fa st y ju m t of no e e, ur ur ct ct pi ving a g to not actual contains a pi disconcerting ha a bizarre feelin s ite It qu t. s e or it v , eff ho ne w O am reasons. the team s been a te really proud of agazine really ha legate and Im de but also, this m st ju d an s t any page touch! Even if ly have to lay ou ther. team, do get in e ge th to is in back th ed t lv pu vo e in helped m iticism and feed in getting ways open to cr ure interested al e yo if er s, w n ay w fu al e As in with th - and wrong! sted in joining ere doing right youre not intere w t ha w ow kn let us so make sure to

Welcome

Whats Inside?
4 - 5: Campus News 6: Events 8 - 9: Christmas 10 - 11: Fashion 14: Medders profile 14-15: Hidden course costs 16-17: Canterbury Clubs 18 -19: Sports

Like us on Facebook!
/themedwire

Follow us on Twitter
@the_medwire

Paris

Athens

Rome

Have a wonderful C Jem x

hristmas!

Email the Editor

jemcollins@live. co.uk

Continue your studies at a world-leading research university with a global outlook and discover Kents European postgraduate centres and specialist programmes.
Benefits Discounts for Kent Graduates 8.5m postgraduate scholarship fund Kents Graduate Schools Global Skills and Researcher Development programmes Remain a member of your clubs and societies Find out more at our Open Events Saturday 5 October: Canterbury Saturday 12 October: Medway Wednesday 26 November: Canterbury

Subjects available
Anthropology and Conservation Architecture Arts Biosciences Business Computing Economics Engineering and Digital Arts English European Culture and Languages History Journalism Law Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science Pharmacy Physical Sciences Politics and International Relations Psychology Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research Sports Studies

The Team
Who are we?
The Medwire Student Media Ltd is run as a non-profit company, seperate from both the University and Student Union. All the money we make from advertising is used to produce free and independent student news and entertainment. No-one in the company gets paid; were all volunteering students. Our aim is to report events both on and off campus accurately and contemporanrously using online, print and film. Sounds like your kind of thing? Be sure to get in touch.

Scan Me!

Editor: Jem Collins Deputy: Matt Charles Deputy: Kieran Watkins Campus News: Clarissa Place Local News: Michelle Gleaves Lifestyle: Stine Wannebo Politics: Molly Pike Sport: Victoria Polley TV: Cecily Snowball Cian Hodge Milli Midwood Alex Norman Amy Nickalls Katie Palmer Danny Rust Jake Taylor Jackie Gordon Conor Diggin

A top 20 university, Guardian 2014

www.kent.ac.uk/pg

themedwire.co.uk 3

Campus News
Christmas is almost upon us, but the Medwire are still out and about bringing you the latest news.

10% off Co-op at Essentials

Library to open until 3AM

Charity Week raises 2,000

by Clarissa Place
Tis the season for fundraising as students across the Medway campus have raised over 2,000 for charity. Medway Islamic Society, Nigerian Society, Rock Solid, RAG and Medway Student Committee have been busy this term collecting for well known causes including Typhoon Hiayan and Children In Need. The Islamic Society fundraised for Islamic Relief through cake and Krispy Kreme sales, bucket collections and events held by the Brothers and Sisters, which included a FIFA tournament and a fashion show. The Sisters said: As charity week is an annual event for Isocs across the UK, we wanted to make it the best charity week Medway has ever had! Our activities included Mount. Snowdon climb, boys football, ladies fashion show, an exquisite hamper auction, cupcake sale and much more. Not only did we raise more than 2,000 in aid of orphans and needy children, it allowed us to be more socially engaged, making it a very prosperous event! Raise and Give (RAG) also raised 126.33 for Breast Cancer through doughnut sales and Medway Student Committee (MSC) raised 76.52 from their cake sale and pub quiz for Children In Need. Jake Laws, Raise and Give Officer of the Committee said: Its great to see that charitable giving has a place on this campus. MSC plans on putting on more events similar to the Children in Need one in the future, and we cant wait for it! GK Unions also raised money for Children In Need on Friday November 15 with a car wash. Six volunteers spent the day washing cars in Drill Hall car park, charging 5 a wash. They raised nearly 100. David Couldwell, Volunteering Co-ordinator at GK Unions praised all of the students efforts. He said: The amazing students at Medway continue to embrace both volunteering and fundraising. He urged students to make sure their efforts are recognized using the E&V toolkit on the GK Unions website. He added: Through GK Unions,

Medway campus fundraising has raised over 2000 for charity.

Battle of the bands returns

the E&V Toolkit has seen a massive increase of students logging volunteering hours, over 5,000 already. Many of these hours are directly

attributed to raising money for charities that the students have chosen themselves. Visit www.gkunions.co.uk/eandv

themedwire.co.uk

themedwire.co.uk 5

Students can now receive a 10% discount on Co-op goods in Essentials with an NUS Extra card. The discount is already in place in safety, particularly with students by Kieran Watkins more than 3,600 Co-operative stores leaving the library so late. The across the country, but did not previThe Drill Hall Library has confirmed library said that they would be ously apply on-campus. it will extend its opening hours dur- looking into the possibility of an Currently Essentials stocks a range ing the 2014 examination period. additional taxi or shuttle service of food items from the retailer. Following a successful pilot last running during the extended openThe NUS card, which costs 12 for term, staff announced at the recent ing hours times. a year is available from Pilkington Drill Hall Library User Group meetThe library also announced reception or online. ing the library will remain open extended opening hours for the CJ Antal-Smith, head of commeruntil 3am for just over two months. summer term, with extra weekend cial grocery at the Co-operative, said The extended hours, which openings during July and August. students are increasingly aware of proved very popular with More changes include a pilot what they have to spend. students, will start from Monday, scheme to introduce iPads to the We wanted to help students, March 31 and run till the end of library, where users can download many of whom are living away from May. educational apps, and new addihome for the first time, to live and However, concerns have been tions to the Archibald Mess caf cook on a budget. raised from some about student menu, including jacket potatoes. The National Union of Students said the new venture is a perfect fit with rising living costs for students in this tough economic climate. NUS Vice-President, Raechel Mattey, said: This deal reflects the realities of students lives by addressing the financial pressures they face and the rising cost of living. by Cecily Snowball Our team are always on the look out for new It also tackles their priorities in The National Union of Students joined several anand enthusiastic people. Whether you want to respect of nutrition and lifestyle ti-poverty organisations to combat the rip-off paywrite, are a dab hand at page design or think you priorities. day loans that suck students into further levels of could bring something new then we want you! For more information on the debt. range of discounts on offer or to buy Weve also got opportunities for finance, business, According to the NUS, 3% of college and university TV and web savvy people to name just a few aran NUS card visit www. nus.org.uk/ students have taken out a high risk loans to combat eas. If you think youd like to get involved then en-nusextra/ the small amount of grants they receive. email the editor at jemcollins@live.co.uk NUS launched a campaign earlier this year to encourage campus to become shark-free zones, banning any advertisements of payday loans from campus. The issue of student debt has been a crucial one for NUS, as suggested by Colum McGuire, NUS Vice-President for Welfare and former Kent Union officer. He said: In the current financial climate, and with students facing a cost of living crisis, many sadly feel that they emotional voice, intricate acoustic by Tom Graves have no other option than to take out one of these loans. guitar and lulling harmonica caught We are clear that no student should ever feel that they You may have noticed that Coopers the hearts of the audience. have to turn to payday lenders and would recommend has been unusually busy for the last Both were the lucky two qualifiers. that any student worried about their finances get in touch three Tuesdays. In the most recent heat, Keith Rodwith their student unions for advice. Battle of the Bands has returned, house and the Sparkles brought an McGuire met with MP Paul Blomfield to sign the charter, and with reigning two-time champielement of fun with their own brand which was started in response to the Financial Conduct ons Aztec not entering, its anyones of high-energy folk. Authoritys plans to regulate lenders, such as Wonga. guess who might win! On his first live performance with Blomfield said: Payday lenders see students as a growth The standard has been high so far the project, Prismism wowed the area of business and I know the problems theyre creating. this year, and there have been so judges and the audience with his inStudents can make a real difference by signing up to many bands interested that Music novative combination of technology, our Charter and adding pressure for effective regulation. Society have decided to add a fourth sampling and use of real instruments heat, which means that the final will which left the audience in a daze. be on the last Tuesday of term and a The final heat also saw energetic week before Christmas. blues rock from Silverfuck and WonTickets are on sale for the first pantomime production on In the first heat we saw a variety dermoth, as well as solo artist Renne the Medway Campus. of acoustic acts of whom the chilled Mar. Medway Amateur Dramatics Society (MADS) will perout gruffness of Jack Allum and the The final Battle of the Bands gig is form Aladdin Medway, a modern twist on the classic tale. high-octane pop-punk of She Sinks the 10th of December. Tickets cost 3 per student and 5 for members of the Ships qualified for the semi finals. The judges are university music public and staff. The second heat was much more technician and member of band Real The cast includes Nathan Lidstone as Aladdin, Lydia lively with the professionalism and Life Charm, Frank Walker, former Hamilton as Princess Jasmine and Tom Graves as Jafar. epic sound of City of Ashes, who are owner of Tap n Tin and soon to be The group will perform on campus in the Pembroke the only band so far to bring T-shirts. owner of a commercial recording Buildings Ward Room on December 9th, 10th and 11th. It quieted down a little for the studio, Alan Mash and former Music It is recommended for over 18s only. ever-great Daniel Greenwood, whose Society President Jack McDonnell.

Want to get involved?

NUS to tackle pay day lenders

Medway panto

Xmas Events
Just because its cold outside doesnt mean you cant have heaps of fun. Katie Palmer rounds up all the best - and cheapest - things on offer.
Call the Midwife Christmas Dinner
Fancy something besides your mums Christmas dinner this year? How about a retro style feast? Join other party guests in the Ballroom of the Commissioners House at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham for a 1950s inspired Call the Midwife Christmas meal. Christmas lunch is available on December 8 and 15 from 12:30pm. For 22.50pp you can have a two-course meal, or treat yourself with an extra course for 25.00pp. Christmas dinner is available on December, 14 and 19 from 7:30pm and costs 30.00pp. For more details call 01634 823815.

Magical Christmas at Ashford

For traditional Christmas festivities get yourself down to the South Of England Rare Breeds Centre in Ashford for a Magical Christmas event on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 22 and 23. From 10:30am to 4:30pm you can listen to the Ashford Sings Choir, eat mince pies, visit Santa and his animals and watch Mr Wong, the one man panto. There will also be a craft room for children and the Granary restaurant will be open serving warming meals. Tickets cost 5.45 and you can book online at www. rarebreeds.org.uk.

Rochester Christmas Market

Visit the Rochester Castle Gardens to discover unique gift ideas, great festive food at the Farmers Market and traditional Christmas decoration ideas at the Craft Fair. You can enjoy a hog roast, hot chocolate (with Baileys!) and roasted chestnuts before visiting Santas Grotto, too. Dates are Fridays and Sundays up until the December 15 and on many evenings will stay open until 8pm in the evening - perfect for all that last minute shopping! You may even find the town crier making an appearance! Look online at visitmedway.org for more details.

Make do and Mend on the Home Front

Want to know how Christmas was celebrated throughout history? Then visit the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham and be transported back to the Second World War. From 10.00am to 4.00pm on December 14 and 15 you can watch the Medway Lindy Hoppers doing their 1940s style dancing, listen to King Georges Christmas message from 1939, observe cooking with rationed food and make vintage home decorations. Children can visit Sapper Christmas whilst ladies have their hair done 1940s style and take a look at the clothes of the era. There is also a choir and vintage market.

Dickensian Christmas
Come to celebrate a Dickens-style Christmas in early December in the streets of Rochester. There will be shopping stalls, carols and youll even see some familiar Dickens characters! Of course there will be a chance to meet Father Christmas after all the singing, dancing and entertainment. What more could you wish for? Dates: Saturday, 7 December and Sunday, 8 December 2013

Christmas would not be the same without a good old panto. This year you can see Snow White and her seven dwarfs at The Central Theatre in Chatham, with Tickets for the Preview Night costing 12.00, and tickets for other performances starting at 15.00. This hilarious family panto stars Eastenders Sam Attwater and Britains Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett with his ventriloquist acts. Top comedian Bill Langley will also star in the all singing and dancing show. Shows are from the December 12, 2013 to January 5, 2014.

Snow White Pantomime

1 Give your flat a

The holidays are almost upon us and it is about time we dust off those great Christmas traditions we have spent the last 11 months waiting to bring back. Students often dream of a dazzling flat of decorations in red, white and green, the smell of newly baked gingerbread and mulled wine coming from the kitchen and a great pile of gifts piled up under the Christmas tree. But doing it all on a student budget can prove a troublesome challenge for many but with a bit of imagination and a few good friends it is amazing what Christmas miracles can come true. Why not bring all your friends over for a big, festive crafting session?There are no limits to what you can do with some coloured paper snowmen, reindeers, Santas and Christmas trees it is all possible with glue and coloured pens. Even easier, get some ordinary white paper and make snow crystals for your windows. Even if you are not the crafty kind, there is still hope.You can still get a bit of tinsel and fairy lights for a couple of pounds to get the right Christmas feeling growing in your belly. But I must admit, personally, its nothing like making, decorating and eating your very own gingerbread house. It is not as difficult as it looks; you need four walls, two squares for the roof and four small pieces for the chimney. Then you can spend hours decorating it with every sugary, colourful and edible thing you can find and just leave it somewhere where everyone can admire it. Who said food cannot be decorative?

Christmas makeover
Do the same with your gingerbread men and colourful sweets you will have them hidden somewhere around the house anyway, so why not bring them out? A gingerbread house also creates the perfect Christmas parting tradition for you and your friends; breaking and eating it before you all go away for the holidays.

It is hard spending most of December away from the family home, missing out on mums delicious cooking and half a tonne of decorations in the process but do not despair, Stine Wannebo is here to help.

Jake Taylor explains how to make a full flat Christmas dinner that costs less than three pound a head! Youll need...
For the chicken: 1 extra large chicken 4 onions. 2 red and 2 white 10 carrots. 1 lemon Handful of fresh thyme leaves Sea salt and black pepper Olive oil For the Yorkshire Pudding mix: 4 large eggs 215g plain flour 350ml milk For the Butternut Squash Soup: 2 banana shallots, diced 500ml chicken stock 2 Butternut squashes, peeled, de-seeded and cut into small chunks Few sprigs fresh thyme 2 cloves garlic Sea salt and black pepper. For the Cauliflower Cheese: 1 large cauliflower, cut into medium sized chunks 30ml milk 50g butter Handful plain flour 100g cheddar cheese, grated. Sea salt and black pepper. For the stuffing balls: 350g sausage meat Handful fresh sage leaves Half clove of garlic Sea salt and black pepper. For the sides: 1.5kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled, cut into rough chunks and soaked in cold water 200 g sprouts, nibs cut off and crossed Half a red chilli

themedwire.co.uk

themedwire.co.uk

Stuff the chicken with two halves of lemon and season with plenty of salt, pepper and thyme leaves. Chop the onions, withskins on, and place in a roasting tray with the carrots. Place the chicken on top and cover it all with a good glug of olive oil. Roast for 90 mins at 180C and then 15 mins at 220C for a crispy skin. When cooked, cover the chicken and leave it to rest for half an hour.

Whilst the chicken is being cooking prepare the potatoes and make the Yorkshire pudding mix (both of which can be done in advance if you wish). Simply mix the eggs and milk together, and gradually whisk into the flour. Add a pinch of salt and leave to rest at room temperature. The longer you leave it the better. Prepare the rest of the vegetables like before, then make the stuffing mix by mixing the sausage meat with the sage and chopped garlic. Season then roll into small balls. Now to make the butternut squash soup. Place half of the squash cubes into a roasting tray. Season and cover with olive oil, a few sprigs of thyme and two cloves of garlic. Roast until soft. For the other half, gently fry the shallots in olive oil until it is soft and add the squash. Fry for a couple minutes then add the chicken stock and simmer until the roast squash is ready. Add the roast squash to the mix, season and blend, adding water to reach a smooth consistency. This can be done well in advance if needed. Boil the potato chunks in salted water until they are soft on the outside. When ready, drain and leave for a few minutes to allow the steam to escape. Season with salt and ruffle them to break up the outside edges. Heat a little oil in a baking tray and pour the potatoes in. Roast in the oven for roughly 40mins at 200C, until they look crispy and golden. Now for the cauliflower cheese. Make a roux by melting a large knob

of butter until foaming, then a handful of flour to form a paste. Add milk in small amounts, and continuously stir until thick and creamy. Boil the cauliflower in salted water until cooked but still slightly firm and add some of the cauliflower water to the white sauce to produce a loose, smooth sauce. Add the cheese, salt and pepper. This is then simply poured over the cauliflower. If you have space in your oven, you can roast it with extra cheese on top for added flavour. When the chicken has been brought out to rest, put the stuffing and Yorkshires into the oven. For the Yorkshires, place a little oil in the moulds and heat until very hot. Then place the mix inside and cook until golden. If you do not have a Yorkshire pudding tray, just use a deep baking tray and cut out the portions when it is ready. To cook the sprouts, simply boil in salted water for 5 mins and fry them together with the finely chopped chilli. Lastly, we need to make the gravy. To do so, pour the roasting/ resting juices of the chicken into a pan and bring to a simmer. Add some water mixed with a little flour to thicken and reduce until you have a good consistency. You can also add white wine if you wish.

71

Easy, cheap dinner...

Ask Auntie Medway...

Not even for Christmas does old Auntie Medway take a rest, but whether this is for our benefit or not remains to be seen. Miss Self-Sufficient, 19, asks: I have no idea how to cook and I just accidentally invited my whole flat to Christmas dinner. Help? In any situation where one needs to learn to cook in a very short space of time, the best option is to fake it until you make it. If budget is no issue, go buy a full set of plates from the nearest restaurant while you pretend to baste a turkey. Seeing as you are a student, however, you might benefit better from the M&S ready meal range. Or maybe, if youre really struggling, grab a precooked chicken and some good old Aunt Bessies yorkshires. Petty, 20, asks: My friends decided against secret santa this year, which means I have to get a present for the girl I secretly despise. Whats cheap enough to say I dont like you without the rest of my friends hating me? Tis the season of giving, no matter how good your reasons for disliking this girl is, and you should probably just put on your big girl knickers and participate in the holiday rather than harbouring secret dislikes. But if youre really wondering, Jacobite whiskey is both cheap and disgusting, but has an alcohol content no self respecting student would turn down.

single-player Christmas more festive and less cripplingly depressing? Tinsel along all your shelves, a tiny fake pine tree on your desk, and a festively coloured mug to catch the inevitable tears while you stare into the distance and imagine what its like to be loved. Scrooge, 20, asks: How do I get my very festive flatmate to stop playing Jinglebell Rock at all hours of the day? When confronted with Christmas music, it often seems like the only viable solution is stabbing out your eardrums with blunt scissors, but, rest assured, there is another way to deal with overly spirited flatmates. Instead, try replacing all the songs in their library with the evergreen classics of Slayer, Cradle of Filth, and, of course, Nekrogoblikon. Then change all the data to match whatever Christmas songs were there before. That should put a swift end to your troubles. Got a New Years Question for Auntie Medway? Submit your woes now on our Facebook or Twitter.

Q
9

WoW addicted, 22, asks: For undisclosed reasons, I cant go home for Christmas. What should I do to make my

3 3 Christmas 9 1 9 Guide...

Winters biggest trends have been developing all season long, but, come December, theyve crystallized like ice and its safe to say that houndstooth print is going to be everywhere. The re-emergence of houndstooth has coincided with this new-age-punk-thing thats come about this winter and it is everywhere!

This is such a classic print that reinvents itself every season.

Designers have gone above and beyond this year, incorporating this print into their collections in ways more versatile than weve ever seen. This winter its not all about standard monochrome with the likes of Michael Kors sending his models down the runways in eye-catching cobalt blue. Alexander McQueen boats oversized print adding an edgy contemporary twist to the classic trend. Whilst Moschino keeps things fresh with its traditionally bold, abstract print. These checks are definitely enjoying a return to the spotlight; theyre turning up on everything from haute overcoats to high heels and this season, dont be afraid to experiment. Our favourite tastemakers show us how this print can be worn big and bold. Think Anna Dello Russo and Olivia Palermo who, as ever, are on the more daring end of the spectrum, dressed head to toe in the statement checks. If this look is a bit too loud for you then play your outfit down with muted accessories and monochrome adornments.

opaque tights and black boot heels youre set for the season. Then we come to bowler hat. Hollywood has featured it on the heads of gangsters, killers and comedians now its features on the likes of Keira Knightley in the Coco Chanel advert. Originally created for men in the 1800s and once a trademark for historical figures like Charlie Chaplin and Churchill, this is a trend undergone ladylike takeover. Typified as an androgynous cloche, the bowler hat has been reinvented with a modern, feminine twist. Its practical yet sophisticated; quirky yet classic and its no longer just for men. In recent years, weve seen a resurgence of the bowler hat. It may seem a bit of a frightening prospect. How do you wear it? What do you wear it with?

But its truly one of the most versatile items you can own.
Still, being a classic piece, this hat can be worn with everyday outfits. To make the best out of the bowler hat, pick one in timeless black or in a tan hue. What would winter be without a bold, playful, ultra-feminine yet practical hat? For tonnes more fashion and lifestle advice be sure to head over to our new website, www. themedwire.co.uk. Perhaps youre interested in getting involved with your own pictures and advice? Make sure to get in touch!

Cute, chic, checkmate

Forget about the winter blues! This season our very own Milli Midwood takes us back to black with this mischievous monochrome winter wardrobe must.
10 themedwire.co.uk

The wonderful thing about houndstooth is how adaptable it is.

So, of course, you can always opt for just a hint of houndstooth - perhaps a headband or a pair of shoes. The great thing about the popularity of this print is how the high demand for it has lead to fabric frenzy in its development. Looking on trend and staying practical can be tough in frosty climates but alas the high streets have heard us call and produced houndstooth knit dresses. Paired with a pair of black

themedwire.co.uk 11

The Medders Profile

Rev.d Sally Apokis is the first Campus Chaplain for Medway, working with each of the three universities to support students. Kieran Watkins meets the lovliest lady on campus.
What is a chaplain? To answer that, can I tell you a quick story? On a cold wintry night, the Roman soldier Martin of Tours came across a near naked beggar at the city gates. He impulsively cut his cloak (capella) in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing the half-cloak he had given away. And from that day he followed the ways of Jesus becoming a great leader of the Christian faith. A Capella became the name for a little gathering place, Chapel and from there, the name Chaplain comes. Historically, they come from the Christian faith but nowadays all faiths have chaplains who are a part of all organisations and institutions like universities and schools. What services do they provide? They can offer care, support, guidance, practical help, spiritual and faith opportunities, as well as offering prayer, peace and reconciling ways and hospitality. The Chaplaincy is usually tailor made for the groups they work for. Why did you decide to move to Medway? I came all the way from Australia (via Nottingham and Sheffield) to be your very first Campus Chaplain in September this year. I was previously part of the Multi Faith Chaplaincy team at Sheffield University, and when I worked in Melbourne I helped establish four chaplaincies in secondary and primary schools. I couldnt believe I was offered the opportunity to be chaplain for such an exciting new campus with not one, but three universities! What aspect of the role do you enjoy the most? I LOVE being a chaplain as it is a completely holistic way of relating and engaging with people, groups and organisations. Chaplaincy is about sharing and caring for all of lifes highs and lows, the good times and the sad times together. What events are you involved in this term? Our campus has a very sweet quiet/ prayer room in the Rowan Williams building on the second floor. Please join myself and others for daily prayer between 1midday and 12.30pm every day. Ill also be working with GK Unions and CCCU Unions on the Christmas Carol service in December, and the cafe style Christmas carol service in Touchdown Cafe on December 13. My weekly Give It A Go Get Crafty sessions will continue to run on a weekly basis in the Pilkington Building.

ABOVE: Sally Apokis, our brand new Medway Campus Chaplain Have you got any plans for next term? In the New Year I would love to create an interfaith caf, where students can come and meet new people and learn more about their faith. Im also working with students on starting a Campus Christian group, and supporting the sustainability society in creating beautiful places on campus for students to gather and enjoy. Where can students find you? I have a very fun and vibrant office in Pembroke North (just opposite the gatehouse at the Greenwich end of campus), Room 222. Follow the origami butterflies! Come and have an Italian coffee, organic hot chocolate or specialty tea and snacks any time - my door is always open. Do you know someone worth of a profile? A talented student, or a staff member who has done something amazing? Email us at jemcollins@live.co.uk

ABOVE: Sally (left) holding an Origami class in Touchdown cafe, which are open to all students and staff

themedwire.co.uk

15

Jobs, debt and over drafts: The real life of a Medway student
Do you need to take out three jobs to afford university? To turn to payday loans? A shocking number of Medway students do, and are having extra financial strain on top of their education. Michelle Gleaves reports on the real cost of being a student.
Nearly 60 per cent of Medway students struggle to afford university, and of those that dont, claim they would if they didnt have financial help from their parents or some form of extra debt. A survey conducted by the Medwire confirmed the battle of affording basic living costs meant students are either turning to their parents, taking out extra debt, or working a number of jobs - sometimes a combination of all three. A third of people we spoke to said they need a job in order to afford university and 12 per cent said that they needed more than two. International Music technology student, Joanna Barcik, 20, has two jobs and is about to get a third. She said: I think itd be quite difficult to afford university without that extra money. There are always some extra expenses going out, music equipment and software. Its also good to be independent from your parents, so This is why one of the sabbatical officers priority campaigns is about finding out the true cost to student at the University of Kent and how it is affecting students welfare. NUS found that students average expenditure per year is 21,440 including tuition fees, leading to a shortfall of 7,819 each academic year. But even more students on the campus could find themselves needing to fork out due to the influx of students at Liberty Quays, including those studying at Greenwich and CCCU.

There are always some extra expenses

The cheapest payment plan for the student halls is 5,070, more than 300 over the national average. Over one third of students have either none of their student loan and grants left after paying their accommodation, or have to splurge from their own pockets to pay for the basic necessity of somewhere to live. A number of respondents need a combination of one or more jobs and debt in order to be able to fund their education. One respondent said: My parents pay my rent which is 95 per week. Despite this, I still manage to get a few hundred pounds into my overdraft at the end of every term. Without parents contribution, I would struggle to afford university even with a job and cheap rent. Another said how they wouldnt be able to afford to live away from home if they didnt have a job over half terms. At the moment Im okay, but only because I get the maximum student finance and savings from holiday jobs. Without that I would be screwed and wouldnt be able to afford to live away from home, which would seriously limit my choice of universities. Government funding appears to be part of the problem as students that would have been eligible for a

Students say they are struggling to make ends meet.

Without a holiday job I would be screwed

bursary in 2011 to cover costs may not receive the same help if they started a year later. The 2012 National Scholarship Program means students on low incomes wont necessarily receive extra non-repayable help as it is now dependent on postcode. People taking our survey said that in order to come to university they either have no social life, or need their parents help, and thats the response from those that dont struggle to afford university.

16

that they dont have to give you money all the time. Most of Joannas struggle is the fact that she isnt from England or the UK and so having a job just makes it easier. Joanna isnt alone in having to work more than one job to pay for course essentials such as equipment. A number of worries raised in our survey were the amount of money people were having to fork out to afford necessary materials, such as tools for fine art students. Costs such as these are meaning people are turning to extra debt. A small percentage have taken out payday loans, while one in five have an overdraft worth more than 1,000. Welfare Officer for Kent Union, Megan Wells, said: I think one way in which we can start to address the shortfall is about financial education. Allowing students to get the right information about financial support is key. However, this only solves part of the problem. She added: We need to look at how students are funding their university experience and how much it actually costs.

themedwire.co.uk

themedwire.co.uk

What you said...

Without parents, I would struggle even with a job and cheap rent

17

Revealed: Canterburys troublesome nightclubs

The Medwires special investigation found that police have been called to Canterburys clubs over 1,000 times since September 09. Matt Charles reports on four years of trouble in the town.
Club Chemistry is Canterburys most troublesome nightclub, the Medwire can reveal. A series of Freedom of Information requests have shown that Kent Police have attended 377 incidents since September 2009. In the past four years, there have been 97 instances of rowdy behaviour, 76 assaults and 28 thefts. More alarmingly, police were also called to the club on Station Road for two sexual assaults. Chill nightclub on St Georges Place ranked second in the Medwires investigation. 296 incidents required police attention, including one incident involving a firearm. The news will come as a blow to Christ Church Students Union (CCSU) who selected Club Chemistry as their late night partner club back in August. CCSU praised the clubs excellent reputation for safety and security.

An excellent standard of safety and security

Sammi Wright, welfare officer for CCSU, pointed to Club Chemistrys 1,300 person capacity as a reason for the numbers. This is in comparison to Chill, which can hold approximately 600 people. Cuban, which ranked third in the investigation, holds the same amount. However, Club Chemistry is not the biggest nightclub in Canterbury. The Venue, located on the University of Kent campus, holds up to 1,500 people and there have been just four incidents in four years. Ms Wright said: The partnership between Christ Church Students Union and Club Chemistry was only confirmed following a thorough and formal tender process. The tender process focused heavily on the safety of our members and the impact of the late night industry on the local community. Club Chemistry demonstrated to

10

an excellent standard what it offered in regards to safety and security. Numerous attempts to reach Club Chemistry for comment were not successful. However, a manager at the club sent an email to a Medwire reporter, who was posing as a customer. They said in August 2013: We have an outside security firm. We as managers, manage this very closely. They added that up to 18 security guards work at the club on any given night. Chief Inspector Mike Arnold of Kent Police said: Canterbury is widely considered to be relatively safe for students. In spite of the citys vibrant nightlife and large student population, there are fortunately very few serious incidents. Our approach is that we will work with partners to reduce and deter crime and make the city safe. Police log incidents by postcode and therefore it is not possible to distinguish if one took place in one of the clubs or in the area surrounding it (e.g. the road outside).

The story (in numbers)

Since September 2009, there have been 1,058 incidents where Kent Police were called to nightclubs in Canterbury. The clubs ranked as follows: 1. Club Chemistry (377 incidents) 2. Chill (294) 3. Cuban (205) 4. Studio 41 (100) 5. Alberrys (49) 6. Mungoes (29) 7. The Venue (4) The most common incidents at Canterbury nightclubs were: 1. Drunken/rowdy behaviour (238) 2. Assault (191) 3. Suspicious person/vehicle (81) 4. Theft (69) 5. Impeding public access (67) Interested in a club we havent mentioned? Tweet @c_m_charles

ABOVE: Revellers who contributed to over 1,000 police incidents in Canterbury

themedwire.co.uk

Sport
by Victoria Polley Sports Editor
It has been a successful start to the mens badminton teams season with wins against City University, University College London and Canterbury Christ Church. Their 7-1 victory over CCCU saw them take the top sport in BUCS South Eastern 4B league. There has been a mixed bag of results so far for Medways tennis team. Despite an unbeaten start to their South Eastern 5A campaign, they suffered a 5-1 defeat to Imperial College Londons 3rds and could not edge out Queen Mary in a 3 matches all draw. However, there was an outstanding singles win in 3 sets for Thomas DHarcourt when the team faced the Imperial side. With both Netball teams losing close matches in their opening fixtures, the 1st team have found their feet in the South Eastern 5B league with a 36-14 win over local rivals, Kent 3rds, and a 27-25 victory over RUMS Medics.

From badminton to rowing, the sports season is well underway. Victoria Polley and her team have rounded up the latest goings on.

Rowing Success for Pair Jones and Grice

By Cian Hodge
Rowing may be a branch off the well-trodden tracks of football and rugby, but two Medway students are pulling out all the stops to make it a mainstream sport on campus. Huw Jones and Reuben Grice both picked up the oars at the beginning of their first years at Medway and have worked their way up to competing with some of the best rowing universities in the country. The pair recently won the IM2 category at the Kingston Head and Maidstone Head IM3 meets and finished second place at the South Eastern BUCS indoor championship in the mens heavyweight and lightweight categories. Reuben Grice, who studies paramedic science at Canterbury Christchurch University, said: Universities have teams travelling from hours away to compete in races that could potentially be over in ten minutes, so no one is willing to give up easily. Competitions are great events to attend, the atmosphere is great and we look forward to them as theyre what everyone trains so hard all season for. The intense training routine means they spend up to eight sessions a week out on the water, as well as spending time in the gym before lectures doing weights, circuit training and extensive workouts on the rowing machines. Huw Jones, who is at the University of Kent studying sports science, said: Youd think it would be boring spending so much time with

Results rollercoaster
By Danny Rust and Alex Norman
The University of Kent and Canterbury Christchurch Universitys sports teams have had their ups and downs since the start of term in September.

A mixed start for Team Medway

Football

Huw Jones and Reuben Grice

the same person, but actually its impossible to do the training without them. However we really wouldnt be anywhere without the regional England talent pathway coach Helen Taylor, who coaches us two mornings a week along with gym sessions. They cited New Zealand Olympic gold medallist duo Hamish Bond and Eric Murray as their inspiration, however they are aware that they do not have much time left at Medway to row together, as Reuben is due to graduate in February. Reuben said: I started at the start of my first year and have been enjoying it ever since, hopefully there will be a good rowing club wherever I end up working which I can join and continue rowing.

Kents mens football 1st team sat top of the league in late October, after defeating Reading and University of Chichester. However for CCCU, the 1sts are second from bottom with just two points after their 6-1 loss away at Hertfordshire. Although their womens team are hot on the heels of University College London after beating Middlesex 6-1 away.

Volleyball

Kents volleyball team has also enjoyed great success as the mens 1st team currently sit top of the South Eastern 1A division.

Basketball

The Netball firsts found their feet

However, it was Team Medway Netballs 2nds who recorded success in the South Eastern Conference Cup, beating Imperial 7th (Medics) 26-22 and progressing to the next round. It has been a disappointing start to the season for the Spartans Rugby side, who have struggled against their counterparts in the early stages of their South Eastern 3B campaign. There were heavy defeats against Brighton 3rds, Goldsmiths and an 11-25 defeat to Kent 2nds. However, there was a tight away win against Imperial 3rds and a 12-7 victory in the Conference Cup over Canterbury Christchurch 2nds in the last 64 round. In the South East Conference Plate, Medways football teams commenced their cup campaign in an emphatic fashion. The 1st team turned over UCA Surrey 5-0, whilst the 2nds thrashed Canterbury Christ Church 6-1. The 2nds then went on to beat Reading 4ths 3-1 in the competition. There has also been some big scoring matches for the 3rds and 4ths with

the 3rds taking the plaudits in a thrilling 6-3 encounter with the University of the Arts Londons second side. The 4ths have also enjoyed a convincing 5-0 win at home to UCL 5ths. However, both sides have since lost to Essex 6ths and City University 2nds respectively. The womens football team are still looking for their first win in the South Eastern 2B league. They were beaten comfortably 4-0 by Canterbury Christ Church and having also been defeated 4-1 by their UCL counterparts. They will be hoping to take the elusive three points in their upcoming fixtures. The Futsal team are still finding their feet in their first competitive season as a club. So far, they have lost 3-2 away at UEL and despite having a 5-3 lead against Imperial 1sts, were on the end of a 9-7 defeat to their counterparts. A series of frustrating defeats and a postponement for the Medway Mayhem Mens 1st team have left them struggling in the league. A 79-57 loss for the basketball team at table-topping Greenwich was followed by a 9560 defeat in the Cup to Surrey, who are one division above Mayhem in the BUCS league. The side were unlucky not to come away with anything from their match against Arts 1st where they were edged out 96-102. It has been a similar story for Mayhems 2nd team who have also been on the end of defeats against UCL, Es-

sex and University of East London, but managed to come away with a 45-36 victory when they travelled to University Campus Suffolk. Stand out performances from Huw Jones, Reuben Grice and Mens Captain Sam Anderson have propelled the rowers to the top of the leader-board in a number of competitions.

Above: The Spartans take on Kent

New Exec for Medway

By Katie Palmer
The executive members of the GK Unions sports committee have decided there is a need for a higher board which will make united decisions, in order to show consistency in all clubs. They are looking for six members who must be in a sports club, but do not have to be members of the executive, to discuss the creation of Team Medway. Brogan Sargent, who has just become the sports officer for the Medway Student Committee, said: They will be deciding on things to be put in place for next year, such as team colours, kit tenders and all things Team Medway. Team Medway will join all sports teams at Medway in order to strengthen the sports clubs, by giving the students a bigger support base and identity. Sten Mayunga, who is in the running for the new committee, said: This gives all athletes the sense of being apart of one big team. Rather than only trying to do the best for your indiviual club, this initiative will motivate everyone to want to do good for all clubs as it brings a sense of responsibility. The Medway teams have struggled to find an identity due to a lack of exposure in the past, however with all teams under the same colour scheme, they will be recognised by other

Propelled to the top of the leaderboard

The men recorded the quickest times within their categories, representing Medway Towns Rowing Club at the Maidstone Small Boats Head. Sam Anderson, who was competing in the IM3 Single Sculls topped his category, while President of the Universities Rowing Club, Huw Jones and partner Reuben Grice finished quickest in IM3 Coxless Pairs. There was another win for Grice and Jones in IM2 Pair at Kingston Head with Anderson finishing 2nd in a field of 6 in IM1 Single Scull. Keep up to date with Team Medways results and latest news every week on www.themedwire.co.uk/ sport

Kents badminton and basketball teams have been involved in victories and defeats since the start of their respective seasons. Meanwhile, CCCUs womens basketball team were only second to Kent on goal difference and are looking to overtake them before the new-year. For their mens basketball team, their form has been poor of late. Similarly their mens badminton suffered after losing to their Medway rivals.

Netaball

universities. Team Medway has motivated students, which has increased their success and participation. The students believe that it will also motivate others outside of sport to get involved due to the excitement that the rebranding will bring. Sten continued to say: The initiative will make the Team Medway brand the biggest brand name at the university, in terms of having the most people participating under it, and this will bring a lot of hype and attention. The committee will come into force at the beginning of the Spring Term.

Kents womens UKC netball team is also struggling, as the Premier South does not seem to be getting any easier. The 3rd team now sit bottom of the South Eastern 5B division after losing 33-13 at home to Medway in late October. For CCCU, the 2nds have been the most successful team of the season so far, topping their table after three games and a 44-19 win over Queen Mary thirds.

Rugby

In the rugby union, CCCUs 2nd team hammered University of Kent 56-0 in November. The womens 1sts stole the show with their latest result, thrashing Kings College 2nd 66-10, whilst the mens 1sts are holding the top spot with five wins

18

themedwire.co.uk

themedwire.co.uk

19

If you are staying or have ever stayed with Liberty Living before we have great news for you, as a valued customer we have some fantastic loyalty offers to reward you for your custom. If you want to book as an individual or as a group of friends we have centrally located, secure, first-rate, awardwinning accommodation, so why not stay with us?

No need to search for a new property and deal with small private landlords. No new deposit for existing residents, if you stay on with Liberty Living your current deposit will be carried forward with no more to pay until September 2014. No need to set up accounts with utility suppliers or arrange your broadband provision.

Redeem any or all of the following loyalty offers:

If you want to book as a group of friends and reserve a flat cluster with shared facilities for 2014-15, please speak to the local management team. Take advantage of the one week rent free offer and we will credit your account for each student you refer who books with Liberty Living. To reduce your rent further, simply refer more people. If you know anyone looking for accommodation for 2014-15, a former or current Liberty Living resident, be sure to let them know the same offer is also open to them. Bookings open November 2013 Terms & Conditions apply