FREE
CATHEDRAL SHOOTING:
ARE WE STILL SAFE AND SOUND?
By Amy Short
I t was a great shock to all of us when we Tom Wright said “I saw the helicopters
heard that on Sunday 30th November a circling the Cathedral at around 2.30pm
man wasshot dead by police on the steps but didn’t think much of it. When I found
of Guildford Cathedral. David Sycamore, 39, out what had happened I was shocked. You
who wassuffering from manic depression, think of a Cathedral as a place of peace
was killed and harmony, so for this to happen on the
at around 3pm by officers responding to re- steps is beyond belief.”
ports of an armed man in the area. A post-
mortem examination carried out on Monday Eleni Vorgia, who lives in Battersea Court,
concluded that Mr Sycamore died as a result said,
of being shot in the chest. He also suffered
a second gunshot wound to his rightarm. A “One of the main reasons I chose
weapon recovered from the scene wassent the University of Surrey was the fact
off for ballistic testing which came backin-
that the crime rate was so low. For
dicating that it was a blank-fi ring 8mm self
loading pistol. this to happen right outside my
residential block really hits home
A statement issued through the Independent that nowhere is safe”.
Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said: “In
his short life, David has suffered with manic Natasha Lewis, a student who parks her car
depression, which we believe he coped with, in the Cathedral car park, also expresses
with extreme diffi culties at times. her worries, “I am sometimes in that car
park late at night. To have thought there However it’s clearly an isolated incident so it
“David found solace in the grounds of the could have been an armed man there is very won’t affect me going about my business.”
cathedral and said it brought him inner peace worrying.”
and closer to God. Unfortunately that day he Elizabeth Simos President of the Students’
did not fi nd inner peace. His intentions were However, Andy Vale, who was in the Union stated that ‘The wellbeing of our stu-
never to harm anybody. He would never do area said, “I was up there about half an hour dents is of paramount importance to us as
this. But sadly the only loss was David and before it happened. No hint of anything going a Union. In light of the tragic event that has
he will be sorely missed.” wrong. It didn’t seem like something like this taken place on our doorstep we will continue
was minutes away from happening. I walk up to work closely with the University in order to
Students have expressed worries past there everyday and it is odd to think that ensure that our students’ are, and feel, safe.’
about their safety. something like this happened.
Claire
Guild Standing & Asian Soc | Page 16
The Year of the Guild| Pages 17
How to start a society | Page 17
-x-
PSA| Page 18
Politics Society | Page 19
Horoscopes
Page 20
Arts
Music Reviews | Pages 22
Exclusive : The Automatic | Page 23
Editor| Claire Worgan: ussu.thestag@surrey.ac.uk Album of the year & Set Reviews| Page 24
News| Amy Short & Steven Hayton: newsdeskstag@gmail.com Exclusive : The Holloways | Page 25
Features| Kim Harris : featuresdeskstag@gmail.com Literature | Page 26
Societies| Justin Waite & Mariam Nasir : societiesdeskstag@gmail.com
Best and Worst of film 2008 | Page 27
Sports: sportsdeskstag@gmail.com
Music| Rachael Fitz-Patrick : musicdeskstag@gmail.com Film and Theatre reviews | Page 28
Literature| Amy Barnes :literaturedeskstag@gmail.com Sports
Film| Ollie Sim: filmdeskstag@gmail.com Gliding & Taekwondo | Page 29
Science| Toby Shannon : sciencedeskstag@gmail.com Open water swimming | Page 30
Marketing| Amy Campbell :marketingdeskstag@gmail.com Trampolining | Page 30
Copy Editors | Joe Kenward & Stephanie Davies
I ’m sure most of you will remember going into a Woolworths store option as the cause of Woolworth’s downfall is not unjustified, it’s not
when you where younger, buying some pick and mix, looking at all down to the poor decisions made by some banks. It is regrettably but
the toys. In fact it’s one of the few stores I can remember from my undeniably the fault of the people in charge of Woolworths.
childhood. Heartbreaking to learn then that after 99 years of trading
in the UK, Woolworths has fallen into administration. Unfortunately So next time you pass a Woolworths store, why not go in and buy that
Woolworths hasn’t been in a strong position for years, the ever-expanding CD or DVD that you’ve been meaning to get and help this giant stand up
supermarket chains have pushed the company to the floor. As these again.
businesses expand at a phenomenal rate, earning masses of money they
can afford to sell their products at prices lower than Woolworths could
handle. But this is not the only reason for the downfall. An incredible
£385 million debt left the giant on it’s knees with 815 stores and around
30,000 jobs at stake. Now administrators Deloitte will, in the worst case
scenario, move in to make the most money out of Woolworths and it’s
stock before it disappears.
Surely though a huge name like Woolworths can’t just disappear?
Thankfully it seems there maybe light at the end of the tunnel. The aim
of the administrators is to try and recover the dept owed to its creditors
and save what remains of Woolworths, so Woolworths will be trading at
Christmas and as you can expect the stores have been busy with the
recent media spotlight placed on the company. Unfortunately however,
sometime in the next year the number of stores will most likely be reduced
to around 200, the rest sold to other companies to help reduce the debt.
3
A reply from Holdiay wishes from
your President
the Union..... Dear Surrey Students
In the last edition of ‘The Stag’ it was stated that the price of a
pint in Chancellors has risen by 20p. The article implied that
the rise was recent and was the effect of the credit crunch.
this time of the year difficult, remember that
your Union as well as Student Care are here
for you, and that you can contact us at any
illustrated with some examples of what we
have done so far:
time. Just remember that with the holidays We have given power back to the student
This is a misleading statement and this is why... just over the horizon you can soon look body by making Student Parliament policy
forward to leaving behind deadlines and making; We have fought for the rights
Bar prices saw an increase in April 2007 and then April of this enjoying festive fun! of individual students on academic and
year. The increase in April 2008 was 10p on a pint of Carlsberg, welfare issues; We have raised the profile
and this was the increase resulting in the rise in duty (rounded With 2008 drawing to a close, it’s time to of our Union on a national level with our
look back to the first part of the academic involvement in the National Union of
to the nearest 5p). So in the last eighteen months, the price of Students through my election onto National
year and review whether we have in fact
a pint in Chancellors has only actually risen by 10p and that achieved anything in what has felt like an Council and the leading role we have held
rise was dictated by the budget increase. incredibly busy semester for the Union. in the Higher Education funding debate;
We are leading on a national campaign
Looking further back to 2004 the price of a pint (Carling in When I took office in July I refused to listen on TV licensing issues; We have extended
those days) was £1.80, today that is £2.10 an annual inflation to those saying that Surrey students are our work in the community to ensure that
rate of 4% increase; but this is not the whole story. Duty has ‘apathetic’, part of my thinking being that students living off campus are represented
the Union can only be as strong as the through the Guildford community initiative;
risen above inflation, and where the increase to students students we represent. I am so pleased We set up events committee; We have set
has been 16% over 4 years, the cost to the Union from duty to report that my experience as Union up the Night Bus to ensure students are
increases has been 18% over the same period of time. In the President has proven that Surrey Students safe going to and from campus; We brought
same period the minimum wage has increased by 18%, and do in fact care. Demonstrated simply by you ‘Steve the Stag’; We fought to keep
the University pay scales increased this year by 5%. looking at the immense successes of clubs the library open 24hours; We supported
and societies in bringing students together; campaigns for ‘Students in the Red’ and
course representatives actively pursuing ‘HIV awareness’;and the list goes on...There
These figures also assume that duty and staff are the only is of course still so much to be done, we do
the rights of fellow students; groups or
costs which alter; our suppliers are also entitled to pass on individuals fundraising in the thousands for however still remain enthusiastic, dedicated
inflationary costs and have done so. As the volume of beer people in need. The student movement at and passionate about seeing the Union
which Student Unions sell across the UK reduces each year, so Surrey is gaining strength and I would like to reach its potential.
does the ability of the National Union of Students to negotiate thank all the students that have contributed
to the different elements that give the On behalf of everyone at your Students’
better prices. With each renegotiated beer supply deal, prices Union I would like to wish you Happy Holidays!
movement momentum.
inevitability rise. If you will be here over the Christmas period,
It is with this in mind that we have undertaken the Union with others will be hosting the
Ticket prices have often been an area of debate and a regular all our work so far with students’ rights, International Christmas Dinner, which you
topic of discussion amongst students. The facts however needs and interests at the forefront of our are all most welcome to.
speak for themselves. The advance price of ‘The Friday Night agenda and with your feedback moulding
our policy. I would like to extend my thanks to With best wishes for an enjoyable and
Out’ in 1998 was £2. Today in 2008 it is £2. In real terms relaxing break,
the students that have communicated with
this is a decrease of £1 over the decade. As detailed in a us with ideas and suggestions throughout
previous edition of Bare Facts, music licensing in 2001 cost this semester. You have driven our work and Elizabeth Simos
the Students’ Union £3874, last year this cost £14,865 a rise without your support successes such as
keeping the library open 24 hours during Union President
of 263%. General insurance premiums rose from £24,763 in
2001 to £39,813 in 2008, a 60% increase. There has also exams would
been over inflation increases in other costs, e.g. Energy
Despite the challenge cost increases may present to the Union Union fights for better student
in its aim to offer the best value for students, we are committed
to ensuring that all areas of cost and prices are kept in check.
accommodation in Guildford
On the 4th December, Geogina Hancock, Presidents’ comment: ‘The underlying
They are set to generate an appropriate surplus which is then Community Officer, presented a motion issue is that students deserve to live in
re-invested straight back into the Students’ Union. There are to Guildford Borough Council asking decent accommodation. All too often their
no shareholders, so every single penny which is spent within them to commission them to produce an rights as tenants are not upheld. Can we
your Students’ Union, stays within your Students’ Union. accreditation list of student landlords. This be doing more as students to upkeep our
list would promote the landlords who provide homes in Guildford? If we’re honest, yes we
decent, satisfactory service and show could. What would help though is receiving
responsibility to the community in doing so. properties in good condition and landlords
The motion is now being considered by the carrying out their duties. Work has to be
executive board of the Borough Council. The done on both sides - Co-operation and
motion was backed by councillors Chris Ward mutual respect is the key.’
and Fiona White, as well as the University of
Surrey Accommodation office.The position If you like to know more about this motion,
of Community Officer is new to this year’s scheme and local community issues please
executive team designed by the Students’ email Natalie Forrester, Vice President
By Steven Hayton
A brighter future
fic it generates. As a result of this the Univer- Of course this new idea doesn’t address ca-
sity is not even allowed to make a car park pacity, there will still be a limited amount of
7
CAMPUS BOY Who is Bob Mitchell,
and why does he hate
Starbucks?
By Christian Gilliam
By the looks of things, ‘Bob’ is an
unknown student political activist, keen
on spreading his message of social
justice and ethical business. It all started Arguments against Bob, is that Starbucks
with the short-lived appearance of the brings considerable revenue to the
anti-Starbucks posters. Presumably the University and that Starbucks is being
Union, or perhaps a very pro-Starbuckian, unfairly targeted. Bob has addressed
determined the posters diminishment. this point by stating that the students in
Nonetheless it has evidently spurred on the group do not want their tuition fees
a great arousal. Within a week of the to be subsidized via illegitimate means.
A Christmas party, a Friday night, there was no getting out posters debut, there appeared a Surrey They express that students should have a
of this one. I was cajoled into going by some acquaintances. anti-Starbucks Facebook group ‘The UniS say on how their University and, indeed,
It’s got to the stage where people actually get excited if I Hate Starbucks Front’. A curious name their education, is funded. Accordingly,
attend a social event... ‘Wooooo, he’s here! Yaaay, lets drink to say the least, masterminded by the justifying Starbucks on the grounds that
curious ‘Bob Mitchell’. it will provide revenue for the University
some more... lets vomit into the fridge!’. Despite walking
slowly across campus in order to down a beer, the WD-40 Is Bob a real person? Or is he (or she?) is simply ‘not good enough…this is dirty
of social interaction, I arrived a little too punctually. I sat in a student, passionate about their beliefs money, funded by slave labour’, says
awkward silence in a kitchen full of unknown clowns. This but worried about public appearance? Bob on the Facebook group. Apparently
Starbucks is the only major corporation of
was no theme night at the Union, but the women present If the latter factor is true, which seems
this kind on campus using predominantly
hid themselves beneath a mask of make-up, while the men to be overtly evident, it will undoubtedly
cause problems when this infant social unfair trade while simultaneously
demonstrated their bravado in drinking games, resulting in pretending to be doing the opposite.
playing cards being flicked through the air. This was a circus, movement looks for a human leader. If the
and I was the elephant in the room. idea to form a public debate on campus Bob and his followers are encouraging a
about Starbucks prevails (which based on movement to boycott Starbucks, with the
many of our students sentiments, seems intention of sending a clear message;
likely) the Front will surely need Bob? that they want Starbucks to sell more
Someone new was at this party, a fresher that I hadn’t met fair-trade and/or detail in their ‘fair-trade’
Despite the identity of Bob, his message
before and didn’t really feel the need to now. I was urged is what intrigues myself and many other advertisements the real percentage of
to shake his hand, so he held out his hand expectantly. He students most. Bob and the ‘Bobites’ the fair-trade products that they sell. If
noticed that I didn’t shake it properly. I blamed it on the appear to be expressing concern over they fail to do this, then according to Bob,
Wotsits... saying that I thought he had been eating Wotsits Starbucks’ unethical business practises. they have no place on campus.
and I didn’t want to touch his cheesy hand. I didn’t really get Although some of Bob’s remarks on the This is not the first time Starbucks
away with it because he hadn’t been eating Wotsits. I’m not Facebook page about Affluenza have has come under a hailstorm of hate.
even sure if there were Wotsits available. It was awkward, implied he holds an underlining moral Conversely it is not the first time that
but it set the tone for the evening. objection to marketing and consumerism, anti-Starbucks supporters are subjected
his and his group’s real message is less to equal if not elevated amounts of hate.
ideological. Both sentiments are evident on the
On the Facebook group, Bob describes Facebook group message board, and
Finally, some friends arrived. I accidentally drank too much, both of them have convincing arguments.
and ended up agreeing to go to the Union, which has only this movement as being concerned
with Starbucks’ fictitious selling point. The real question is though, what do
ever happened on 3 other occasions in my life. Thankfully, it the students think? Are there enough
Namely, that they advertise themselves
was pretty quiet in there. To be fair, I avoid most nights out. students in support of this to deem the
as partaking in fair trade, yet only 0.001%
People have cottoned on to this, and one girl in particular of their sales are fair trade. Bob and group legitimate in launching an attack on
keeps telling her friends that I am a social retard, which the Bobites also oppose the monopoly Starbucks? Is Bob right when expressing
makes the introductions a lot easier at least. I’m honing Starbucks evidently has, and its effects that Starbucks’ fictitious selling point is
my method of avoidance in order to steer clear of another on local businesses. An interesting countering the prevalence of any moral
custard-pie-in-face scenario. These people see me in the point that Bob has raised on the group objection? Perhaps more students would
front row, observing their hideous pretence, and they see message board is that, even by purely reject Starbucks once presented with the
capitalist standards (laid out in Adam evidence of their unethical practises?
I’m vulnerable. But by the same token, I have the measure But of course there is always the choice
of them, and they can’t pull me out of my seat, into the Smiths Wealth of Nations), Starbucks is
illegitimate and any government would argument. After all, who is Bob to deny
spotlight. I’ve a beer in one hand, and the other in a bag of you of your Frappuccino?
Wotsit flavoured popcorn. I’ll just sit and enjoy the show. be legitimate in restricting its monopoly.
In Smiths view, its monopoly infringes on
Campus Boy
the functions of the free market. Not just
a left-wing movement after all.
8
1350am GU2 Is Run By A Team Of Crack
Addicts, Card Sharks and Insurance
Salespersons
By Andy Vale
Actually that is a lie. I could never back it up. Part of me is glad it’s
a lie; however another part of me holds no fear of such mavericks.
The real faces behind the voices are a lot less glamorous and law
breaking.
Student Radio has its high and low points. On one hand you have
more say over just about every aspect of your work than you are ever
likely to have again in your career, be it in radio or used-car sales. You
also have the opportunity to flex your creative muscles in a number of
different disciplines such as music choice, presenting skills, marketing
missions and technical bollocks. However you still have to pay for your
own pizza. I did say there were downsides.
Our very own Editor Claire Worgan sits down for coffee with the staff behind
the union . This week she’s interviewing Danny Brennan and his box of tricks
How long have you been a bouncer?
Urmm, nearly ten years now, ten long arduous We all know you here at Surrey as “The
years magic bouncer”, have you ever tried to
disperse a situation with your magic?
Do you enjoy being a bouncer here at Ha-ha, well working as a bouncer and magic
Surrey? don’t really go hand in hand to be honest!
Yeah I like it, been here for a couple of years
now. I would like to stay here. *Danny shows us a magic trick *
What’s the worst venue you have ever Wow Danny! , So if you weren’t a bouncer
bounced at? would you be a magician?
Urmm, I would have to say a club in Aldershot, Well that’s the plan but I do tend to drift
though personally I think Aldershot is just one through life .
big toilet, needs an airstrike on the place. I
mean there was a pair of women’s pants down What’s your most embarrassing
the side of the toilet in this place for 6 weeks. Just some random questions now..... moment?
Blood splatters on the walls, nicotine on the What was your favourite subject at Maybe not suitable for here either! I suppose
walls dripping into people drinks. school? falling over when running for a fight. I like to
Well I wasn’t very academic to be honest..... carry around potatoes in my pockets, For a
So what are your best and worst moments handy snack and for throwing at people. I once
of being a doorman? So if you could do a degree what would had this really larey girl come up to me and I
Well I think both the best and worst are not you do? kind of used a pick pocket technique but put
suitable for your audience to be honest, plus I like history, so something like geology, palae- a half eaten potato in her bag. Would love to
some stories are about really scummy ven- ontology, something where I get to study his- have been there when she was rooting around
ues. tory mainly. But I would only do it for nostalgia for her keys and found it!
Tell us something about you that some reasons.
people might not know? Where do you see yourself in 10years
Well, I got into martial arts at about the age of So anything with Ology basically? time?
16 , then moved onto cage fighting ( form of Ha-ha, pretty much. If doing doors in 10 years I will probably be
martial arts)when I was about 19 until about suicidal! It’s not good for having relationships
my early twenties, around the same time I If you could be any super hero who would either, no nights in etc so i don’t really know !
got into door work. However, I was forced into you be?
door work by my trainer at the time, it wasn’t Actually, I have often thought about this, I Well I think that is it Danny, thanks ever
through choice. Then I got into magic. mean Batman is an ordinary guy most of the so much. Do you have any closing words
time, except he’s rich so maybe him, or may- for our readers?
How did that come about? be Flash. Flash is just really fast and can do Urmm at the end of the day.... it gets dark, ha-
Well, I met a magician when working on the everything quicker than everyone else. All su- ha, urmm hang on a minute 3 of you, one of
door once and it kind of went from there. perheroes though are just alter egos they are me? I call that pimms o’clock!
just normal guys, so possibly Super Man is the
ultimate hero if I could chose. If it was down
to a square fight Super Man can’t die and can
do anything.
featuresdeskstag@gmail.com
11
Naughty or Nice?
Tasty treats and naughty nibbles...
By Chetna Pandya Are you twiddling your thumbs over revision and procrastinating
more and more as time goes on? I have a potential solution if you’re
The semester is nearly over and I don’t know about you, but I’m a tiny bit curious about what will happen if you throw caution to the
actually missing coursework over the revision. My thoughts right now winds, whip on a frilly apron and experiment in the kitchen. (I realise
seem to be centring on that happy day when exams finish and I can that brings two potential activities to mind, but I was talking about
put my feet up in front of the Christmas telly (with an oversized box of cooking).
festive Quality Streets).
If so, then here are some recipes you can try out* or just save for
Well isn’t that just a little bit naughty (especially for a student making after exams. I’ve included two sweet ideas and a savoury
dietitian)? But the year is nearly over, so there really isn’t much point snack, they’re simple to make and yummy to eat. (Don’t bother
in trying to salvage yourself and be nice if you’ve been naughty all asking me for the fat and calorie content because a) I don’t know
year. Best to just enjoy it now. and b) who cares).I’d better stop there and get back my own revision,
accompanied of course, by a cup of tea and a star cookie or two…
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not really advocating waiting for the 1st
of January to start being healthy, in the manner of Bridget Jones. See you in 2009!
If you’re motivated, do it now. If you’re successful then you can be
smug that you resisted Christmas temptation. *I’m holding no responsibility for making you procrastinate more
than usual, just trying to make it more Christmassy and fun rather
If you’re not, then have no fear because most of the population are than boring. Enjoy!
also in your shoes.
5.Line 2 baking sheets with non-stick baking paper and 3.Shape both dough portions into rough oblongs. Wrap in
lift the cookies onto it using a palette knife. clingfilm and chill for 30 minutes until firm.
6.Chill for 10 minutes and then bake for 10-12 minutes 4.Roll out each dough to £1-coin thickness, trying to keep the
until just turning golden at the edges. oblong shape. Put the chocolate dough on top of the white
dough and trim the edges to neaten. Roll up lengthways like a
7.Cool on a baking rack. When cool, brush lightly with Swiss roll
egg white then sprinkle with silver balls or sugar crys-
tals. 5.Wrap in clingfilm and chill for 45 minutes. Heat the oven to
180C/fan 160C/gas 4.
Slice the dough into discs as thinly as you can, put them on a
non-stick baking sheet and cook for 15 minutes. Cool on wire
12 rack
Gift Ideas for the Credit Crunch
By Emma Rayment Gifts for under £10.00
Gifts for under £5.00 Look great in a small box filled with tissue Afternoon tea for two- perfect for a gloomy
paper! January day, and a break from sales shopping,
Flavoured oils- buy a small bottle of olive oil, treat that special person to a warming
and add a variety of their favourite ingredients Homemade gingerbread men- these are a afternoon tea, complete with scones and
to flavour. This can include chilli, rosemary, fun and tasty gift, suitable for all the family. sandwiches. Marks and Spencer’s Cafe offers
thyme, garlic, basil or peppercorns. To Personalise your gingerbread men using icing a very reasonable tea for two. Create a giftcard
personalise the gift, why not create your own kits, or for children, provide an icing kit as part with tempting images which can be given on
label? Perfect for parents and budding chefs. of the present so they can decorate their own. Christmas day.
Alternatively, use a bit of fancy ribbon to make
Housework voucher- create your own IOU gift them into tree decorations. You can find an Personalised photo gifts- Tesco offer a good
voucher offering housework services, but be easy to follow recipe here: http://www.cookuk. range of personalised photo gifts, including
sure to keep your promise, and be prepared co.uk/children/ginger_bread_men.htm. mousemats, mugs and underwear (because
to get your hands dirty! Suggestions include a photo of family isn’t at all out of place on
washing the car, mowing the lawn, or hoovering Home made recipe book- ideal for siblings a thong!). Visit their site here for more ideas:
for a week! who are yet to master the art of cooking. http://www.tescophoto.com/wpp/tesco/
Using an A3 ringbinder and some card, write buygifts_tour.jsp.
Homemade truffles- 225g plain chocolate, out the ingredients and simple steps of their
175ml double cream and a bit of icing sugar favourite recipes. To add a personal touch, Hampers- who needs Fortnum and Mason
and cocoa powder is all you need to make 45- why not decorate the ringbinder with photos when you can create your own? Fill a wrapped
65 truffles. Heat the cream to a gentle boil, of the delicious things they will soon be able shoebox full of tissue paper and a variety of
and add the broken chocolate pieces, blending to create? little treats. These could include the flavoured
thoroughly until melted. Allow the mixture oils, homemade truffles and gingerbread men
to cool at room temperature until set (1-1½ (see recipes above), and a selection of their
hours), before using a spoon to cut out bite- favourite foods. Preserves, chutneys, biscuits
size pieces and rolling quickly in your hands to and sweets will be welcome on Boxing Day,
form a ball. Roll these balls in an icing sugar and well into the New Year. Alternatively, make
and cocoa powder mixture and place on a a ‘Pamper Hamper’ filled with toiletries, face
cling-film covered tray to set. masks, bubble bath and cheap fizz.
15
Guild Standing Report
By Justin Waite
- Finally a request of over £100 for the Christian Union to help continue
Every first Monday of the month during term-time every society is given their charitable efforts of providing free tea and coffee at Rubix events,
the opportunity to come together and discuss issues concerning the and other events they hold around campus. This too was accepted.
Guild of Societies. This can be anything from funding requests, which
have now become a staple of each Guild Standing, to updates on the Jack Symons, V.P. of Societies, also unveiled the latest Guild offer: So-
latest Guild membership numbers, finances and the offers that society cieties can now book an event at the Holiday Inn (near Tescos) without
members can take advantage of. having to pay for hire of the room, and can also have access to reduced
prices on their dinner menu and wine. The Politics Society has already
Following the previous Guild Executive meeting, societies were informed taken advantage of this offer and is planning to hold their first annual
that SocSoc and MechSoc had been granted £50 for their Christmas Politics Ball at the Holiday Inn on May 26, after all the students have
themed event in HRB, allowing them to purchase prizes, decorations finished their exams and can finally relax.
and mince pies, the traditional Christmas staple.
Finally GU2 Radio made an announcement that they would be more
Further funding requests made at the Guild Standing were also made: than willing to provide DJs for any society functions and events.
- The Arabic Society requested £300, to cover the fee they had paid for The next Guild Standing will be on February 1 2009!
bellydancers at their recent HRB event. This request was debated, but
was withdrawn after the president of the society decided to re-examine
the cost of their events.
- The newly formed Entrepreneur Society asked for £200 to create and
promote their new ‘Heroes of Business’ lunches/dinners, where they
will bring successful businessmen and entrepreneurs to come and talk
to members of Surrey University. This was accepted.
Asian Antics
By Rajan Thandi
(President of Asian Society)
The Asian Society is one of Surrey’s most We have big plans for the coming semester,
established societies. A large and friendly including a joint event with the Arabic Soci-
society, we make it our mission to ensure ety, more film screenings, more coach trips
or next
that people have a great time during their and generally aiming for bigger and better New articles f
stay at Surrey by creating the perfect place nights. issue in 2009!
for meeting new people. Don’t be put off by
the name, the society isn’t exclusively for Check us out on Facebook on
Asians by any means; we actively encour-
‘UniS Asian Society.’
age non-Asians to attend our events and s
join in. We don’t care who you are, just as We give regular updates and it Section Editor
long as you’re up for a great time! contains most of what you need to
Not interested in labelling people, the know. If anyone has any questions,
Asian Society has been very active so far we’re happy to answer them through
this semester, holding a number of Asian our Facebook page, or at
Nights both in HRB and Rubix, coach trips
ussu.asian@surrey.ac.uk. If you have any articles
to London clubs, (semi)-regular film nights
and weekly football sessions. If you haven’t We hope to see you at our next event for our societies section
been to one of our nights yet, then stop on Thursday 29th January!
stalling and come on down! They’re always then please email
good for a laugh and never dull.
societiesdeskstag@gmail.com
16
The year of the Guild
By Mariam Nasir
Being Vice President of Societies
This year is not only a year for the University and Individual Development, what
to progress, but it is also a year where new
is your job?
ideas are conceived and introduced. The Guild
of Societies is a new concept which was devel-
Jack: My primary jobs are looking after the
oped last year and introduced this year. In my
Guild and overseeing that and to make sure it
interview with Jack Symons, VP of Societies
is received well and developed properly. En-
and Individual Development, he told me how
suring that democracy is in full swing at the
it came about...
Students Union- making sure that no deci-
sion is made without consulting every single
How was the Guild initiated? society committee member or student. Over-
seeing the DAVE project and seeing how that
Jack: It was developed last year, went through goes, with the VP of Education. Encouraging
a few society standings, gauging student reac- students to pursue personal or professional
Guild Exec Team
tions - (focus groups) - to get feedback. It was qualification and sort of identify ways they can
voted in by students, it was what they wanted improve their student experience.
members by the end of this year is already
and developed because instead of the Guild
more than half way through since 700 new
being a solution to a problem, it was created The Guild of Societies is a small organisation
members have signed up since the beginning
for the sake of creating it. which was made for the students, by the stu- of this year. Being a member of the Guild not
dents, and it is also run by the students. The only helps in funding your society but it also
What are the aims and purposes of Guild consists of 8 Guild Executives who are gives access to many different discount offers
the Guild of Societies? elected at a Society Standing by Guild mem- every month.
bers. The main agenda on the Guild’s ‘to do’ Students who work in the Guild are paid, how-
Jack: Aims of the Guild are primarily to act as list this year is to actually start this ever their job incorporates a 36 hour core week
an umbrella for societies; it unites them and it and a lot of hard work. To be part of the Guild
provides a basis for sponsorship. It also helps organisation and make it a process which will is an achievement in itself since it offers great
getting merchandising cheaper for individual be carried on in Surrey’s tradition. Their job experience as well as lots of socialising oppor-
societies. The main purpose of the Guild is is not easy since they have to keep the ball tunities. To run for a position in the Guild, stu-
to ensure democracy- instead of the Union rolling for the Guild, otherwise the whole idea dents have to hand in a nomination seconded
having control over what societies do, it is stu- would collapse. I was fortunate enough to get by 3-4 people. Then they have to campaign
dents deciding and controlling what their soci- in on a meeting of the Guild Execs. From what and create a manifesto which ends in a voting
eties do. It also helps with funding, it is the stu- I saw, we are in good capable hands for this by the students. It is a completely democratic
dent money (£5 for signing up with the Guild), year; the team is very united and focused. election and anyone can run for it!
which allows freedom of where it is spent. Apart from this, the target to reach 1000
-Go to www.ussu.co.uk/societies
As from this year, the Guild has ensured the ‘dormant not dead’ rule.
-Click on ‘How to Set Up a New Society’ This means that any society which has been dormant for more than 3
-Get the form and fill it out. You need to have at least 20 years will remain dormant and not be classed ‘dead’ as they were in
students who might be interested in joining the society the past. There is a list on www.ussu.co.uk/societies with all the dor-
-Send this to Jack at ussu.societies@surrey.ac.uk. mant societies, so if anyone is interested in the ‘Folk music & dance
-It will then be put on the agenda for the next society stand- society’, ‘Bellringing society’ or any other society from the list, you can
easily revive it again by a simple AGM with 10 people and someone
ing; other committee members hear a small pitch about
from the Guild.
your society and vote. It is worth it to be part of a society or any other club because it en-
-After this, your society is ratified- a small AGM is held to hances student experience. You meet people who have similar inter-
elect the 3 committee members (President, Treasurer and ests as you and it’s a great opportunity to socialise. To join the Guild,
Secretary) just log on to www.ussu.co.uk./membership.
-You have your own society!!
17
Pakistan Students’ Association (PSA):
Looking Left and the Right at the same time
By Safwan Khalid , MSc Electronic Eng you have missed both the above mentioned se- dents and people around us showed.
ries it may not be that big a deal but if you missed These were the events which PSA has organized
If you belong to Pakistan or you are something this event you really missed something. It was a up till now. Both the events were a success thanks
similar to a Pakistani or if you just like Pakistan very interesting evening (and morning) and all to the vibrant and energetic members of PSA and
(I would certainly like to meet you if you belong the matches were really exciting. We lost the first everybody who helped and joined us in our activi-
to this category) … GREAT NEWS for all of you …. match out of sheer luck and won the next match ties but it is just the beginning and so much more
“Pakistan Student Association” is active again and out of sheer talent (he he). In the third match the is still about to come. Let’s have a look at the ten-
when I say active I really mean it because PSA has players from different teams got reshuffled and tative future plans
never been so vibrant, enthusiastic and filled with two really threatening teams with good batsmen After the exams, PSA plans to organize an evening
action as it is this time around. Now I know we are from India and bowlers from Pakistan were made dinner to celebrate Eid al-Adha. (I told you we will
all frustrated as the exams are near and work load and the third match was most interesting of the have rightist activities)
is too much and we really wish to criticize some- lot. So it was the first successful event of PSA and 2. International Gala Preparation: PSA plans to
thing or somebody perhaps anybody. Guess what the success has tempted us to plan more and organize an evening full of entertainment show-
… we have got so much in store for you this time more cricket matches so don’t miss out the next casing stage performances in the form of stage
that you can criticize us to your heart’s content. A ones maybe we will have a match with UK student drama, traditional fashion show. (And here come
lot has already taken place and there is so much association next time. the leftists as promised).
still coming … so join us in our ac- 3. Sports Tournaments (summers):
tivities … Have fun … Enjoy …. Criti- PSA plans to hold indoor and out-
cize PSA, It’s all yours. door tournaments with different
There is something very special go- societies mainly of cricket, badmin-
ing on at the PSA this time … You ton, and table tennis
all are aware of how Pakistan has 4. Independence Day celebration:
got all these Leftists and the Right- PSA plans to invite a guest speaker
ist intellectuals always fighting and to cherish the day of independence
taking pleasure in criticizing each of Pakistan
other and I know you really enjoy 5. Editorial Plan: Regularly writing
it... Don’t you? So the PSA expe- something for the STAG on vari-
rience would be much closer to ous subjects within student’s life;
Pakistan now as we have got this sports; entertainment.
strange, unfortunate and really 6. Online Promotion: Using online
enjoyable Left - Right combination channel to promote and increase its
in our PSA team members as well. membership list. Plan is to record
For instance we give you a very video interviews among the soci-
energetic, outgoing, outspoken, ety members and posting them on
party loving goddamn leftist for a Facebook; YouTube and of course
President and for General Secretary we have a PSA main website (i.e. www.ussu.co.uk/psa)
traditional, decent, pious and to the nth degree Earthquake Relief Fund Raising
Rightist. So what is the result of this disparate We are a diverse nation and we may have leftist There are many other events which are not still
and disjoint combination??? ITS OUTSTANDING … and rightist in our team but when it comes to our in the pipe line for example Showing Tele movies,
PSA has gotten all charged up and dynamic and country we have a habit of forgetting differences Day trips, presence in the GU2 radio show, video
already it has arranged two successful events and and working as one to achieve something impor- interviews from various students and teachers in
there is a long list of stuff which is being planned tant to us. The sad calamity which struck the south the University etcetera.
for this year ... So you see no matter what group west areas of Pakistan (Baluchistan) left a painful
you belong to, PSA has got something interesting feeling in our hearts and being so far away from Well folks that’s PSA for this year, it is active and
and you better not miss it. our country we felt a bit helpless to support our it is interesting for everybody and we are expect-
So who are these members of PSA, lets have a brothers back there. However to do nothing was ing a great involvement from all the Pakistanis
list not acceptable for the patriotic and spirited mem- and everybody who likes or is like Pakistanis. We
(For further details please visit www.ussu.co.uk/ bers of PSA and they decided to arrange a fund welcome you and expect you in all the events and
psa) raising activity in our university. The female mem- sessions. Keep a look on your mailbox you will be
bers were more active than male members in this receiving a lot from us this time around and if you
And what have they been doing? activity and they spent a whole day in the chilling have not registered yet please get registered (by
INDIA VS PAKISTAN (Clash of cricketing civiliza- cold with a hand painting stall and a bucket for do- sending an email at psa@surrey.ac.uk with your
tions) nation. I must say that everyone did their best in name and email address). Hope to see you in our
With Pakistan beating West Indies and India beat- carrying out their jobs and we were able to collect next meeting, Please join us if you want to criticize
ing New Zealand the morale of both Nations was a donation of £1989.25 and sent it to ‘Edhi Foun- or if you want to have a look on how the leftist and
high and so were the expectations from this event. dation UK’ on the 28th November, 2008. PSA is the rightists criticize each other. I guarantee it will
PSA organized in co-ordination with Indian student grateful to all the students and staff community be something very enjoyable.
association a set of three cricket matches among who helped in raising the donation money and we
students of Pakistan and India. To be honest if are amazed at the generosity which all the stu-
18
‘Challenging the
status quo of Surrey
student apathy’ Our recent Politic sojourn was arguably it’s most successful of the year:
the American Election 2008! Nearly 50 students crammed themselves
into Lecture
By Jack Brockless ( Vice- President of Politics Society) Theatre M (lovingly kept open by Campus Security, to which we are very
grateful), armed with snacks, drinks and election paraphernalia, to watch
We have all heard the age-old idiom that students at Surrey are simply not
the live footage stream. As the evening wore on and the responsible
bothered when it comes to politics and activism. But the times they are
drinking prevailed, the victory of Obama over McCain became a certainty,
a’ changing, with a little help from the Politics Society. Autumn Semester
much to the chagrin of the Republican supporters in the room! Yet all
2008 has been an exciting time for us. Our AGM was held at the end
were in agreement that the night had been a marvellous mix of beer
of the last academic year, with the new Committee entrusted with the
and banter. Proving yet again that politics can draw crowds. Perhaps
roles to build upon the successes and learn from the shortcomings of
Surrey’s student body isn’t quite as apathetic as previously imagined?
previous years- with the over arching aim to be bigger and better than
before!
This year began with a strong showing at the Freshers’ Fayre, where So what next? Essays and exams loom, and as ever, the Politics Society
a great number of new Freshers, brimming with enthusiasm, came to is respondent to the concerns of its members – so for now, she sleeps.
interact with the Committee members running the stall, decked out in Next Semester however, the Committee is already thinking of new ideas,
flags, posters, books and relics from previous Politics Society activities. social events and more formal events (speakers etc). On the horizon,
With many new names and emails taken, confidence was at an all time we are hoping to host our very first Politics Society Ball at the end of the
high. This was further supported by a wonderful evening of student academic year (May 26th), so politics students can celebrate the end of a
frivolity at the annual Politics Society Pub Golf Tournament where year of hard work with dinner, dancing and further responsible drinking!
members, new and old, successfully “putted” their way to victory on an The two subsidiary societies of the Politics Society, namely the Debating
alcoholic golf course. I hasten to add that the Politics Society promotes Society and the Model United Nations Society, will also be hosting their
responsible drinking at all times! own array of shindigs to involve and support the most political, active
and argumentative members of Surrey’s student body. Could this be
Next up was a Poker Event in the HRB, co-hosted with the University
you?
of Surrey Poker Society, where members of both pitted themselves
against one another in a battle of wits and stone-like faces. The evening If you’re interested in joining the Politics Society then you can e-mail us
culminated in an impromptu social in the bar of Wates House, where at ussu.politics@surrey.ac.uk, and click the checkbox next to our name
once again many indulged in further responsible drinking. on the Guild of Students page.
19
Horoscopes
by Madame Zsa-Zsa:
“The stars speak to me, darling.”
20
21
MUSIC
Red Light Company
Attending the Boileroom on the 13th November, I was excited about seeing this rela- The Fins at the Boileroom
tively new 5 piece band. They’ve been on the verge of ‘making it’ for sometime now
with an ever growing fan base. Their new single ‘Scheme Eugene’ is played regu-
larly on Radio 1, once more adding to their growing success. The Boileroom isn’t an
26/10/08
especially large venue, so I was interested in seeing how they sounded. They came
on stage at about 10.20pm following 3 support acts, looking like a true indie band. From the outside, the Boileroom looks like any old pub. Maybe an al-
They create an intense sound, and front man Richard has a unique voice, which ternative pub but still a pub. Being Freshers, Lauren and I have never
really adds something to their music. The band looked like true professionals and been here before. My own experience of pub gigs tend to be dingy
put on an impressive, if not rather short, gig. After much anticipation, I feel the gigaffairs where the band stand in a corner, previously occupied by ta-
was cut short somewhat, probably because they came on so late. It felt as though
bles and chairs. This is different. This place has been tailor-made for
they had a lot more left to give, and a longer slot would have been able to showcase
more of what they can do. music. It’s personal and accessible. The bar is set off to one side
They are definitely a band to look out for, they seem to have a lot of commercial ap- and there is a large stage space beside the main area. Perfect for
peal as an accessible slightly more rocky indie band. Keep a look out! music. It’s at the former that we find our band, in high spirits. They
are pleased at being interviewed, having only done one before. I get
3/5 by Rachael Fitz-Patrick
in straight away with a standard question, how would they describe
themselves as a band?
Kanye West Concert – O2 Arena – 12/11/08 A barrage of answers are thrown at me including ‘Mental’, ‘Tired’ and
Kanye West, one of the most prominent rappers of hip-hop today, came to the O2 ‘We’ve had to do ten shows in ten days.’ For a band that is constantly
arena in London on the 11th and 12th of November as part of the UK leg of his criti- on the go, they aren’t letting on physically that they’re tired. They obvi-
cally acclaimed Glow in the Dark tour. ously enjoy their line of work. ‘You mean musically? It’s like foot stomp-
Support acts included Kid Cudi and Mr Hudson and the Library, both of whom are ing hard indie rock. It’s quite melodic but it’s a lot more pumping than
signed to Kanye West’s record label GOOD music. Kid Cudi performed some good
normal indie rock.’ Their attire looks very indie. The front man James,
songs (including Day and Night which I recommend you give a listen to – a very good
track – it’s a track that grows on you – trust me it’s a good track) and was, in my reminds me of Liam Gallagher. ‘We think, we’re heralding the new
opinion, better than Mr Hudson and the Library. Mr Hudson and the Library took a 90’s!’ That makes sense. The conversation carries on in this style. I
while to get through their songs and when they finally finished it was a relief. ask a question. The band makes a joke and then gives me the real
The lights dimmed, the stage was lit, and out of the smoke emerged Kanye West answer. I’m not sure if this moves the interview along or not. ‘I was
talking to the spaceship that formed part of the set. The crowds lit up with camera
thinking of a name that you could do thousands of things to market
flashes and the arena lights flickered. The theme of the concert was space explora-
tion, and in between parts of the story he would perform his music. He played practi- with. We’ve got a decent logo and it’s good for the merchandise’. I was
cally all his singles from his past studio albums and had everyone in the stands on a bit taken aback at first that a band would use their name to market
their feet. I remember especially when the beat started for his single ‘Gold Digger’, themselves rather than to describe themselves. Actually, I’m sure it
the audience roared, it was almost deafening. Also when ‘Stronger’ came on, the does describe them but was wondering why they would talk about
crowd went crazy. His performance was energetic and the live instrumentation was
the financial side. Then it hit me. It’s so hard for bands to get noticed
an excellent addition. The concert ran smoothly and Kanye was on for almost 2
hours. The standing ovation he received was well deserved. nowadays. They want to make a living out of it yeah, but exposure is
paramount. They want to be different and stand out. They certainly do
Fat Freddy ‘Pull The Catch’ 1/12/08 that when they perform.
After the first band, Static City, Lauren and I were ready for
New Zealand’s Soul kings deliver another smooth track! Fat Freddy’s Drop’s new a change to say the least. After speaking to the young, local band
single, ‘Pull the Catch’, is really easy to listen to but at the same time has a great earlier, we were optimistic that the night would start off with a bang.
beat that will draw you in, making you repeat it again and again!
We were informed that they were ‘Different from the mainstream’.
4/5, by Andy Phipps
We both doubted it due to their typical style of hair and presentation
but were obviously intrigued. It seems harsh to say but if you’re go-
Guns n Roses ‘Chinese Democracy’ 24/11/08
ing to sound (and look!) like any other Indie band, then it has to be
The controversial new single by Guns ‘n’ Roses has already been slammed by the something amazing. Sorry to sound like Simon Cowell, but that’s how
Chinese government (for obvious reasons), and will probably be slammed the music it is. Generic music gets a generic response. The Fins lived up to their
loving public. The far-from-perfect Axel Rose takes a moral stance on an ongoing hype and more. They blew the audience away with their full throttle
situation and puts it to the conventional Roses sound. Change the record.
style. As punk fans, we were quite impressed. They belted out songs
2/5, by Andy Phipps. such as ‘Repeat to Fade’, ‘Face Behind the Wall’ and their new single
‘Adaptor’, with confidence and control. It would have been easy to get
Nick Harrison: Something Special Released carried away but these guys know their stuff. I strongly recommend
going to see these guys if you can. It’s grass roots music with the pros
24/11/08:
touch. It’s The Fins!
A happy, feel-good song full of storytelling lyrics from this up and coming young art-
ist, currently on tour with The Automatic.
artsdeskstag@gmail.com
3.5/5 By Sarah Coe
22
Surrey’s Own Music Exclusive with:
The Automatic
Sara Coe and Rachael Fitz-Patrick have a chat with the band at start of their tour around universities.
When The Automatic came onto the stage, a the term grown up...more sophisticated. Do you feel defined by ‘Monster’?
large crowd had gathered in anticipation. With We play it still but it’s not the highlight of the
an explosive start, the foursome played their Have you noticed a change in your fans be- set. We use it to get a crowd going early on
way through songs from both their first and cause of that? rather than building up to it. We’ve got other
second albums. With a few songs under their Umm, we’ve always had a bit of a mix because songs you know. We take it fairly light-heart-
belt, they pulled out the old favourite ‘Mon- of ‘Monster’ really, little kids got into that so edly, we know what it is, it’s a pop song. We’ve
ster’, which got the crowd going and from that their parents had to come to gigs too. We’ve tried not to let it define us but we wouldn’t be
point they didn’t seem to stop. Mid-set there always had a bit of an age-range and we’ve where we are now if we hadn’t had the song.
was a heartfelt tribute to Usher, with a cover of still got that. There’s not been a dramatic shift Just like Radiohead they wouldn’t be where
‘Love in This Club’, an unexpected highlight of but there’s a few yourcodenameis:milo fans they are without the song ‘Creep’. Loathed as
the gig. We were even lucky enough to hear an that come along to see what Paul’s doing now. I’m sure they are to admit it.
exclusive track that hadn’t even got a name They’re fanatical. Our live shows have always We’re about the same age but live quite differ-
yet; if this was a glimpse of things ent lives.
to come it looks like their music is
going to progress further down the If you weren’t in a band what do
‘heavy rock’ route. Overall they put you think you’d be doing?
on an amazing performance, and Well we probably wake up at about
the crowd certainly loved it. the same time [laughs]. I would
have gone to Uni definitely if it had
Before the show we spoke to Rob been different, I think I will go at
(bass guitarist and vocals)... some point in my life. I didn’t know
what I wanted to do. Now I’d quite
So you’re just starting a university like to do Philosophy and Politics,
tour? back then I thought I might want
Yeah we’re about a quarter of the to do creative writing because I am
way through, started in Preston, creative, it sort of makes sense but
been to Liverpool, Swansea, Bath, it would have been useless!
Warwick and Guildford today. And
tomorrow we have a day off. We’re
going to a place just outside Nor- What’s it like living on a tour bus?
wich, some country club thing with It’s alright, the first few days of eve-
a hotel as well so we’re staying ry tour you just adjust to waking up
there, going to play some golf and later, dressing rooms don’t open
relax. been rockier so we’ve picked up a lot of fans up til about 2ish so there’s no point in getting
that way, especially compared to our album. out of bed as you can’t do anything until that’s
I guess you deserve some time off then? F***ing battles with labels, it’s a pain in the open. It’s fine actually, it kind of feels like com-
Yeah, you get physically worn out, this is our arse. They want a pop record when we’re writ- ing home going on tour. You get used to sleep-
fourth gig on the trot and voices especially ing rock music. It’s a constant hassle. ing whilst the bus is moving, and the beds are
need a rest. 15 songs in one night, that’s 60 tiny. It’s like being in the Navy but much less
songs in four days. We don’t do ballads either Have you been able to compromise a bit disciplined and a lot more fun.
so it’s pretty intense! [Laughs] more?
I’d like to go a little bit more rock again be-
Is it fair to say that with new band member cause it gets mixed and mastered and stuff
Paul [from yourcodenameis:milo] the band and we don’t tend to be there. You know, some-
have started to go down a slightly different one will stick in a tambourine when you’re not
route? looking, SERIOUSLY people f***ing do that!
Yeah we’ve sort of moved in a more rocky di- It sucks. They’ve got their place but not over
rection, not a million miles from what we did every f***ing chorus!
before but it’s a lot more developed, a lot more
grown up I guess but I don’t really like using Look out for the next CD handout for your chance to review 23
Andy’s Album of 2008 Two Fingers Of Firewater – Two Fingers Of Firewater
By Andy Vale this is the pedal-steel-led “Endless Highway” It makes you glad that at some point someone
which shows the rhythm section to be tighter decided to put the Repeat setting on most
As I sit down to write this, I have the album than a gnats sphincter. musical appliances. The album is on iTunes,
pumping out of my speakers and have done I don’t want to give a description of each song, but if you want to be extra cool then pop down
for about fifteen minutes. I keep meaning to but at the same time I feel bad for not mention- to their Christmas gig at The Boileroom on
write something but there is always a rhythm ing each one. It is genuinely hard to pick any December the 14th.
I’d rather be tapping out, a bass-line to thud holes in an album as accomplished as this.
along too or a chorus to wail with. Since inter- There are simple, strong, well written songs
viewing this band at Fahrenheit in March this and some interesting two-part compositions
year, the eleven tracks comprising their self-ti- such as “The Beginning/The End” that take a
tled debut album have become a soundtrack couple of listens to until you really appreciate
to my existence. This is one of the finest party them. I think that is why this album still sounds
bands I have seen in all my time being here, so vibrant to me after 9 months of fairly regu-
and their gigs tend to have more fire, passion lar listens. It has that very tricky skill of hav-
and spontaneity than seven Flirt costume par- ing patches that augment from enjoyable to
ties combined. un-missable over time. In the mean time, there
The album opens with a reworked version of are some more immediate tracks such as “The
the traditional track “Satan, Your Kingdom Night Ends” and “South Bank Girl” which have
Must Come Down” that pulsates into the bands catchy hooks, clever lyrics and the power to
instrumental barnstormer “Bandit”. When a take over your body for a few minutes.
band’s opening track has an accordion solo When the final strum plays out at the end of the
and a mandolin solo, you know the album dozy, whimsical album closer ‘The World Can
could well be interesting. Following on from Turn’, there are few more satisfying feelings.
24
Surrey’s Own Music Exclusive with:
Katie Fitz-Patrick interviews the Holloways about their tour, new album and much, much more
So... how’s the tour going?
Alfie: Great. Rick James, make some good songs. Like Su-
Rob: It’s a bit boring actually... perfreak!
Dave: Nah, it’s going really good. It’s long, the A: Everyone needs to get on the Internet and
longest we’ve done. I mean, it started in Octo- do a load of Rick James research. Although I
ber and doesn’t finish for another few weeks. think he just made loads of money off that Su-
We did our first, like, festival in it as well which perfreak thing and just sat back.
was good. B: Although it wasn’t a massive hit at the time.
A: Yeah, Bryn’s tour managing us at the mo- Then MC Hammer used the riff and people
ment, hence the laptop. He’s actually playing recognised it.
Football Manger... R: Yeah, Rick James. He did sort of invent Hip
Hop really.
So what can we expect from the new B: What about Coolio? We were sat at a gig
and then Coolio just walked in and started talk-
album? There’s not a lot of information ing to us.
about it around at the moment. A: Yeah we’re friends with Coolio!
A: The only place you can find any information and Winners. Which I’m not surprised you’ve
is on our MySpace at the moment because So you get to meet quite a few big names not heard about because if I wasn’t in the band
our previous label tried to sue another record I don’t think I’d have heard about it. My mum
label who released some material via Pit-bull,
in the industry then. even phoned me up and said ‘Are you still do-
A: Yeah, Sugarbabes.
who’s a rapper in the states. They went bust so ing that EP?’ and I was like ‘Yeah it came out 2
B: Coolio.
they got taken over by another label who think days ago mum’.
R: Is that the best we could come up with?
it’s a good idea the moment not to spend any D: Basically we’re just going to be doing the
Sugababes!
money advertising anything that’s happening. same thing. Touring, pushing some new stuff
B: Nah we did actually meet The Hoosiers and
So we’re just putting everything on MySpace forward. I’d like to get out of the UK a little more
Scouting For Girls as well!
ourselves. So yeah, we’re hoping to get the al- as well because we did like spot gigs and festi-
A: But as for respectable people, we met Paul
bum out in sort of February/March time. And vals but no actual tour or anything. And we get
Weller and Supergrass.
you can expect... the same, but better! comments on our MySpace from like Australia
B: We got to support The Pogues on their tour.
B: Still like upbeat and happy but less, like, just and stuff so we know there’s a fan base.
grinding out songs. We spent a lot longer re-
cording it so it sounds a lot better. You toured with The Wombats a while Ok this is my last question, it is a cheesy
D: First album took what? Like 5 days to track back, any gossip from that? one! If you could be a cocktail what
but this one took about 3 weeks so technically A: Matt’s got a really big wang.
R: We came in for our sound check and they’d would you be?
it should be 3 times as good.
D: Hmm. I’d be a Hurricane. Which is just like
taken a picture of him sitting in the tour bus,
lots of Rum. Light Rum, Dark Rum and Gold
naked, like that [does thumbs up and a mas-
So who are your major influences? Rum.
R: Ah we’ve got so many influences! It’s really sive grin] and they’d photocopied it and put it
B: You’d be a Hurricane because you’re power-
hard to narrow it down. Everything’s a sort of in- everywhere...all you see was this massive...
ful and...whizz round everywhere.
fluence. We do try to make a Holloways sound. D: Dan’s thumb, or little finger even got R: I’d be a Singapore Sling. Sort of tropical.
This is what we tried to do on the second al- chopped off when he was little. You can sort of
Tropical and sweet.
bum, we developed what we thought was our see a little white line around the top where it A: This is really hard. I think Bryn’s would be a
original sound in the songs that kind of made goes wonky a bit. Was it his thumb or his little
gin and tonic. It’s not a cocktail per se but still.
us popular like Two Left Feet and Generator. I finger? Bryn and tonic.
think a lot of our early stuff was like straight A: I dunno I stopped paying attention to The
B: Actually Gin Fizz is good because it tastes
edge indie music. We tried to leave that aside Wombats’ body parts after that photo. like Gin. It contains Gin, like me.
and just develop a bit more and be as original A: I’d be a Sex on the Beach because I love sex
as we can. There’s a lot of bands and you want Ok so obviously you’ve got the new and I love beaches.
to stand out. album coming out next year; do you have D: Don’t you love sex on the beach?
any other plans for the coming months/ A: Dream come true isn’t it?
If you could collaborate with anybody... years? R: Nooo. It’d be like sandpaper!
A: Rick James!
B: Yeah Alfie would actually collaborate with
B: Well the EP’s out at the moment, Sinners 25
Literature Get those creative juices flowing....
All I want for Christmas is… Books!
*(Haunted by) The Spirit Okay, so that may not be true for the major- done to your pocket. The free ‘Christmas
of Christmas!* ity of students, who have spent this semes- Books’ catalogue makes it even easier to
ter and possibly the past couple of years find the ideal gift for a friend.
surrounded by textbooks and journals. But
*By Stephanie Davies*
if you’re stuck for gift ideas this Christmas, WATERSTONES (www.waterstones.com)
books may well be the solution to your prob- Waterstones Online has a Christmas Gift-
She’d been perfection in holiday guise;
lems… finder, so if you’re stuck for ideas simply en-
hair like a fir tree, gleaming bauble-eyes.
ter who you want to buy a gift for, what their
Her candy-cane teeth were covered with lies.
Why Buy Books For Your Family and Friends interests are and how much you’re prepared
They were beautiful when she smiled;
This Christmas? to spend. This is ideal for students who are
the neon snowflakes glittered.
The simple answer is: because they make on the lookout for gifts under a tenner.
She’d told me how she had wanted to die
great (and often cheap!) presents. Books
gift-wrapped for the coffin. I asked her, “but why?”
can be enjoyed long after your mum, dad, W H SMITH (www.whsmith.co.uk)
The red and green of isolation swallowed her reply.
sister, brother or whoever has read the last Smith’s have got some great deals at the
So the last time that I saw her
page, not to mention that if the unthinkable moment, including up to half price on all of
she was hanging like mistletoe.
happens and they don’t like the book you’ve their best-selling hardbacks. This includes
The funeral: I stood beside men with moustaches.
bought them, they can always sell it online autobiographies by Dawn French, Paul
“Sudden onset,” they reasoned from beneath tin-
and buy themselves something they really O’Grady and Alan Carr, cook books by Nig-
sel lashes,
want! So, to take the some of the stress ella Lawson and Jamie Oliver as well as fic-
“But happy holidays and all that, and ashes to
out of Christmas shopping, I’ve had a quick tion titles by Steven King, John le Carre and
ashes!”
scout around online and summarised in a Jodi Picoult. With a wide range on offer from
Their reindeer noses blushed outside,
handy guide what’s on offer and where. You comedy to cookery, history to TV, you’re sure
so they went in, and drank eggnog.
don’t even have to venture out of your house to find a gift that won’t do too much damage
into the wintry cold as I’ve done some of to your bank balance!
Humanity the hard work for you (I’m nice like that!).
So, read the guide, plug in your PC and get PLAY (www.play.com)
by Katie Allen shopping… The brilliant thing about Play.com is that de-
Society embracing the fast-paced life,
livery is free, so you don’t have to fork out
Although immersed in conflict and strife UNIVERSITY BOOKSHOP for postage on top of your purchases. Like
No time to marvel at the wonders of the earth, You don’t need to venture off campus to find Waterstones, Play also has a Gift Finder, as
We grow either optimistic or cynical since our birth. potential book gifts. The Bookshop current- well as boasting an extensive range of of-
ly has 20% off fiction titles, including ‘Arti- fers, including books for a fiver and up to
cles of Faith’ by Russell Brand, ‘The Mighty half price on selected titles. For something
Multi-tasking is the norm, Book of Boosh,’ and the 2009 edition of the a bit different, check out the Cult Christmas
Constantly busy even after we are worn. ‘Guinness Book of World Records’. There is section, with books such as ‘Fight Club’, ‘A
Developing competitive streaks, a wide range of books from cook books and Clockwork Orange’ and ‘The Shining’ on of-
Minutes fly by, let alone the weeks. biographies to fiction and world affairs, and fer for under £10.
Craving love, acceptance and security,
the 20% reduction will lessen the damage
Instead we receive hurt, mockery and pity;
Despite this we are strong and able to cope,
Only by believing in faith and hope. The
‘
Literature Editor Recommends...
Clichés conquer while material consumption is ‘Neverwhere’ (Neil Gaiman)
paramount,
Empty gratifications-- our world is crying out. This book is one of my personal favourites. array of intriguing and vibrant characters,
Gaining no satisfaction, are we becoming crazy? I asked for it last Christmas after a friend’s including Door, the pretty young girl who he
Yes in fact, plus slightly complacent and lazy. recommendation, and I thoroughly enjoyed finds bleeding on the pavement, who is on
reading it. a mission to avenge the killers of her once
It follows Richard, who has recently moved prestigious family. ‘Neverwhere’ turns the
So in the midst of all this chaos
Stay true to yourself, otherwise you’re lost!
to London following a job promotion. His perceptions of modern-day London up-
display of kindness towards an injured side down, and London Below will linger
young girl whom he encounters on one of in the imagination long after the book is
the city’s streets alters his life beyond com- put down. This book would make a perfect
prehension, and he is introduced to the gift to a teenage or adult relative; it’s funny
world that exists beneath the London we and fantastical, and will leave you wanting
26 know- London Below. Richard meets an to read more by Neil Gaiman.
The best and worst of film 2008
Another year has gone and, well, not many film trends as a centrepiece and the director lets the audience fill highest order. The worst part is that it thinks it’s art. It’s
have made this year a highly significant one. The Writ- in that gap and have them enjoy this document of an like watching a student film made in the lofts of New
ers Strike came to an end and a load of big budgeted astounding achievement. The documentary is enter- York, where people eat spaghetti and watched Zabrisk-
films have been cast aside for next year, or had the taining and there is enough pleasure to be had, but ie Point the night before. And let’s not even start on the
crushing feeling of being rushed to meet demands. ultimately it is engrossing. amount of gratuitous nudity in this film, which is as im-
Quantum of Solace was a prime example of a film that passionate as two rats mating. There’s just no need for
was hard done by with the Writers Strike, without a 4. Garage (18, Lenny Abrahamson) it and our “lonely” protagonist is beyond loathsome.
proper story or certainly that essence of Bond.
A touching, gentle, very sad, but ultimately quiet film. 3. The Hottie and the Nottie (12A, Tom Putnam)
That’s not to say though films weren’t doing well. The The best performance to come out of this year is from
Dark Knight was the second highest grossing film of Pat Shortt, as an innocently lost soul who is washed out. The title is about as morally abhorrent as the film. If
all time. Mamma Mia! wasn’t far behind, doing won- Very tragic, but beautifully shot, this could be seen as a you read the plot, you’ll notice that is has an aspiring
ders at the UK box office, plus other superhero mov- follow up to Abrahamson’s impressive debut film Adam message, which is this: if you’re ugly, no one will love
ies joined in on the success, Indiana Jones and the and Paul. It is carefully directed, beautifully acted and you, no one will care for you and you might as well rot in
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Hancock, Iron Man et what is a little film with a big heart. We all sympathise hell. I’m not making this up. It’s a thoroughly depress-
al. with Josie (Pat Shortt), but what the films does amiably ing film more than it is a comedy. Even if it wanted to
is just let us. It doesn’t emphasise any elements, it gen- be a comedy, it’s certainly not funny and it certainly
That’s all well and good, but I can help but feel that tly moves at a superb pace. doesn’t aspire to anything. But here’s the thing every-
people are not bothering to explore any more. With one has been waiting for, which I will now say: what
normal moviegoers claiming The Dark Knight was the 5. Gomorra (18, Matteo Garrone) is the point of Paris Hilton? Aside from being a not a
best film this year. The title of the ‘biggest’ film this really good actress, her part in the making of this film
year is agreeable, but I think we need to step back a The big hit at Cannes; this film is a grim, tough obser- is evident, who else was cast for the ‘Hottie’? All is not
little and look at all the films this year. In my opinion, vation of the crime-ridden area of Camorra in Italy. It’s lost though, this film tremendously tanked at the box
these are the gems that stand out and I hope will be raw, almost documentary style, makes it all the more office. There is a god.
discovered before long: chilling and remarkable. It’s bravado and at the same
time repellent and in no way do you think there is char- 4. The Love Guru (12A, Marco Schnabel)
Mighty Boosh I wasn’t sure what to expect this time round, All in all, the introduction of the live band was
especially with the fast turnaround from the an awesome experience, and it was great to
Brighton Centre 11 Nov 08 see a variety of characters from across all the
third series. The main show consisted of bring-
By Mark Allen ing characters from the show out to perform series. It did however have the feeling that it
short portions, and performing songs from the had been put together much faster than the
The Mighty Boosh are one of the best modern series. This pleased the crowd, as always, with original live tour in 2008, but ticked the boxes
comedy duos in Britain, and when they come the usual heckling put downs from Fielding, and all round. If you can see them this year before
to put on a live show, tickets sell out instantly. geek-sheek from Barratt. One thing that was the tour is up, take the opportunity as it is one
This was their second time round the UK, after very different this time round was the introduc- of the most fun evenings you can have at the
the massive success of the first live shows last tion of a live band. Barratt, who composes all theatre.
year. Having been a huge fan since the series the music for the TV series, played guitar with
first appeared on TV and radio, this was some- them on most of the tracks.
thing I wasn’t going to miss. Rating – 4.5/5,
There were also a number of new additions,
I saw the previous live tour, and the atmos- all equally ridiculous as ever. Fielding intro-
phere at Boosh gigs is like nothing else I have duced Sunflash, an angel who speaks with an
experienced. Mighty Boosh fans are notably Chinese/Chav accent, which Vince believes is
devoted, with people coming dressing up as how people will speak in the future. By the end
the characters from the shows. The age range of the show, most of the audience in the floor
is huge, with families and teens all getting in- seating had got out of their seats and moved to
volved. This was their second UK tour and runs the front of the stage, and it looked like it had
from September 2008 to January 2009, with turned into a full scale rock concert.
95 scheduled dates.
28
University of Surrey
Gliding Club
“Come fly with us”
Join us and get one free flight each week!
For more information and to book, visit:
www.ussu.co.uk/gliding
This Months Records
Longest Flight:
Johnny Mak had a flight of 1 hour 40 minutes.
Most Flying:
Jonathan Ross flew 30 flights.
Steve the Stag gives gliding the thumbs up!
Congratulations:
Chris Jones went solo this month If you have any articles for the sports
Adam Lindsay went solo this month
Jonathan Ross became a basic instructor
section then email...
Alex Jones converted onto the DG1000 sportsdeskstag@gmail.com
Trampolinists
Triumph!
By Claire Loveridge - Club Secretary
So far this year, the University of Surrey Trampoline Squad has attended
2 competitions, and successfully come home with 7 medals in the space
of 2 weeks! On the weekend of 15th November, the squad travelled to
Loughborough University, which slightly puts our sports centre to shame
(wow!). Here Darryl Tott, Keiran Hyland, and myself all won silver medals
in our categories of Advanced, Intermediate and Novice. The following
weekend of the 22nd, we travelled to Bristol University, which we are only
too familiar with due to BUSA 2008. This time Darryl Tott, Keiran Hyland
and Ashley ‘Danger’ Murray all came home with silver, and I came home
with bronze! Well done to everyone else who competed, especially to those
who competed for their first time. All in all a great success, and it is only
December…. Watch this space!
L-R: Ashley Murray, Darryl Tott, Claire Loveridge and Keiran Hyland.
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We hope you have a
wonderful
Christmas, from all
of us here at