The Demon - Issue 68

Issue 68February 23 2010

The Newspaper of the Students of De Montfort University Circulation 2,000 FREE

DSU stands �up for affected students after Facebook group shut down following Police enquiries. Ciaran Scott, Deputy Editor, reports.

Students who set up a Facebook group to draw attention to ill treatment from the Lettings Co, have been subject to Police enquiries.

The page called 'the lettings co are complete bastards!!!', was created to draw attention to the way the company has treated its tenants, with claims that students who use the company have had issues with the return of deposits and a reluctance to carry out essential maintenance work.

The group which, has now been removed from the social networking site, said in its description “sick of being screwed by the lettings company join this group!”

Leicestershire Police have also

asked the De Montfort Students’ Union to remove a comment from the site that directed students to the Welfare and Education Centre, which can assist students with the behavior of their lettings agents, saying that it would be more effective to contact each student individually.

The Facebook group had 207 members, many of which posted angry comments on the pages wall and explained their situations to the other members.

One of these messages was a reproduction of a letter sent to a student from the company, which stated: “It has come to our attention that you have posted several slanderous (sic) comments on a Facebook page. If your comments are not removed within 24 hours then we shall contact our solicitors who will communicate with you directly.”

In a letter to The Demon one angry tenant, Michaela Berryman, said: “ I feel compelled to try and warn prospective renters about just what kind of company they are.”

Michaela then went on to describe the condition of her house saying that: “on arrival in September, we found the house filthy, with nothing done to address many maintenance issues that had been flagged up.”

The Demon's Lifestyle Editor, Sarah Taylor, has also experienced problems

with the Lettings Co. She said:“When we moved in to our house,

we didn’t expect to have as many problems as we do – our bath leaks, meaning our bathroom floor is constantly wet and a health hazard. The boiler casing is falling off and our fridge, which has to hold food for four people, is tiny.

People from the Lettings Company have turned up for house viewings with no notice and the agent even commented on the state of the bathroom – and still

nothing has been done.”The Lettings Co. refused to

comment, claiming that they cant due to ongoing legal action.

Irving Hill, Unit Support Manager at De Montfort Students' Union said: “if students have got particular problems with the Lettings Co, they can approach the independent Welfare Advice Centre in the Student Union and we can assist them – up to and including going to court and issuing summons on their behalf.”

Anniversary of Mandela ReleaseThursday 11 February marked 20 years since Nelson Mandela's release from prison.

The current President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, made a speech on the momentous day to pledge that this year’s World Cup would be a success in honour of the first black President of South Africa. Mr Mandela, 91, made a rare public appearance to hear the speech.

Leicester one of UK's Fattest Cities

According to a new survey, Leicester is one of the fattest cities in Britain.

The poll details that almost seven out of ten people are overweight or obese in the city, with the fittest city being London. The poll was conducted by YouGov and Slimming World.

Leicestershire's Dole Queue expands

Those seeking Job Seekers' Allowance in Leicestershire has risen by almost 1,000 people.

This is the biggest increase in nearly 11 months with a 4.3 per cent rise in claimants. Overall this means that those seeking the allowance in Leicestershire is now 24,607. Business leaders are blaming shops, which have laid of seasonal staff early due to poor sales, that have been accredited to the weather and the rise in VAT at the start of the year.

News in Brief

Fancy a flutter?Sport previews the Cheltenham Gold Cup1.

Democracynow?The Demon poltics boffs get their heads around election reformPage 8.

The Dove from Above The Demon meets Angelos Epithemiou

Page 6.

Protest at Lettings Company Silenced

News

Studies by a right-of-centre thinktank have predicted that the quality of university degree courses will ‘seriously deteriorate’ unless annual fees are raised to £5,000.

The need to do this has been made more urgent by last week’s announcement of cuts in higher education of £449m – a reduction of 5%.

Universities nationwide are preparing for a massive cut in teaching staff and plan to close campuses and take courses off their prospectuses to cope with the cuts, which will amount over the next three years to £950m.

The study also showed that providing loans to eligible university students, which currently amounts to a £25bn debt for the government, could soar to £55bn in under ten

years even if fees only rise due to inflation.

With fees currently capped at £3,225 a year, the study, which is named More Fees Please? proposes that undergraduates should be offered a 10% discount if they pay their fees upfront rather than waiting until after to graduate. It also suggested that the more popular univerisites should be allowed to charge the highest fees, predicting a bleak future for prospective Oxbridge students and countless other universities.

Anna Fazackerly, the author of the report, study claimed that student loans should only be granted to those unable to attend university without educational help and argues that students from wealthy homes should have low-interest private loans rather than government-subsidised free loans.

Fazackerly said that creating a market in higher education was

‘vital’ to produce a fair system where institutions that serve students well are rewarded and commented that “If we want to retain Britain’s position as a global leader in higher education, we are convinced that fees will need to rise.”

President of the National Union of Students Wes Streeting said that changing the fees would “reinforce social and economic privilege and price poorer students out of the most prestigious universities”. Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union agreed, claiming that if top universities could set their own fees, brighter students from poorer backgrounds would not apply to them.

Professor Les Ebdon, who chairs the ‘Million+’ group representing universities set up after 1992 and is vice-chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, also stressed the importance of keeping the current level of financial support crucial and

commenting that “students and their families already make considerable financial sacrifices”. He said the proposal would ‘put more barriers’ in the way of qualified students who simply cannot afford the fees and that loans “have helped ensure record numbers of students at university and have raised the aspirations of millions who would previously not have considered studying for a degree”.

However, Paul Marshall of the 1994 Group of research-intensive universities agreed with the report and asked for a ‘sensible’ interest rate for student loans, saying that “Universities are struggling to maintain quality with current investment” and that the status quo was not ‘an option’.

The study marks a bleak point in an embittered battle over fees that has been raging since top-up fees were introduced in the 2006-7 academic year to substantiate the

actual cost of providing a course. From 1998-2006, most students paid a contribution of anything up to £1,250, means tested on their parents’ income. Organisations have previously campaigned to scrap top-up fees, interest charged on student loans or for an alternative Higher Education funding system.

The study is an independent review, commissioned by the government and led by former BP chairman Lord Browne who considered raising the tuition fees to £7,000. It will report after the general election and will “urge the government to make its first move on fees a bold one”.

Would you like to �write for Demon News? email [email protected] for more information.

Unis To Suffer Without Increased FeesSarah Taylor Lifestyle Editor

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full details...full details...

2 | Tuesday 23 February 2010

News

Universities are left heading towards a “meltdown” as the budget cuts cost for UK higher education.

The Guardian revealed on Monday 8 January that universities across the country are preparing to cope with government funding cuts by axing thousands of teaching jobs, closing campuses and getting rid of several courses. The government plans to reduce funding of at least £950m over the next three years and has left some fear that there is worse to come.

In an article for the Guardian, the Russell Group, leaders of the UK’s most prestigious universities said: “It has taken more than 800 years to create one of the world’s greatest education systems and it looks like it will take just six months to bring it to its knees.” As many as 30 universities may face closure due to the funding cuts and those that remain will have to change things in order to survive. It is most likely that universities will cease to have a wide range of courses and classes, and will become even larger with fewer academic staff.

The topic of higher education funding in other countries was also mentioned in the article, which said: “Nicolas Sarkozy has just announced an investment of 11bn Euros in higher education in France.

“Germany pumped a total of 18bn Euros into promoting world-class research alongside university education, while Barack Obama ploughed an additional $21bn into

federal science spending.”The Russell Group are hoping that

the article will ensure consideration of reversing the proposed cuts and they wish for the promise that no further cuts will be introduced. The BBC reported that general secretary of the University and College Union, Sally Hunt said her union had already identified over 5,000 jobs at risk in higher education and that it was now looking at thousands more.

The policy exchange believes that the most popular universities should be allowed to charge higher fees than other universities. This is based on the view that the standard of current courses will “seriously deteriorate” unless tuition fees are raised to at least £5,000 annually. It is thought that the budget cuts introduced by the government have made the need for an increase on annual fees more urgent. The Guardian reported that Anna Fazackerley, of the Policy Exchange said: “If we want to retain Britain’s position as a global leader in higher education, we are convinced that fees will need to rise.” She also argued that students who come from wealthy homes should not be offered government-subsidised loans in the future but be offered private low interest loans instead. She suggests that government loans should only be available to those who are less likely to receive financial help. She said: “Not all students can and should be fully supported in the same way.”

Former BP head Lord Browne is currently leading a government-commissioned independent review, which is considering whether to bring tuition fees up to £7,000, this report will be made after the general election.

The Guardian reported that Wes Streeting, the president of the National Union of Students, believed that different universities charging different fees would only lead to a reinforcement of social and economic privileges and would push poorer students out of the most prestigious universities, creating a divide. He said: “We cannot allow a rise in fees to expose students and their families to the risks, mistakes and potential calamities of the market.”

Professor Les Ebdon, the chair of the Million+ Group, which represents universities, who is also the vice-chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire is also against the idea of the difference in fees and believes that keeping the current level of financial support is crucial. He told the Guardian: “Students and their families already make considerable financial sacrifices so the current levels of support are vital.

“They have helped ensure record numbers of students attend university and have raised the aspirations of millions who would previously not have considered studying for a degree. (The report’s proposal) would simply serve to put yet more barriers in the way (of well-qualified, poor students).”

It is believed that more students than usual will miss out on a university place this coming academic year and some budgets are already being introduced. The government is hoping that people will start to think past the idea of the three-year university course being traditional on leaving school. Cuts are to be made on so-called “Mickey Mouse degrees” in favour of science orientated degrees. BBC news reported that Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Dr Richard Pike said: “No longer should the government be paying 18-year-olds to start courses on celebrity journalism, drama with waste management, or international football management.

“These courses should be ‘kicked into touch’, especially at a time when the UK was desperately short of funding.”

Lord Mandelson, Universities Secretary, told BBC news that no student who doesn’t get into university should feel that they have exhausted their options or wasted their efforts. He said: “Our best further education colleges and apprenticeships can provide a preparation for the world of work that compares in its excellence and market value to the best of our universities.

“We have created new routes into higher education, and new ways to get a degree while working or at work.” He added that much of the public sector would begin to see similar funding cuts as universities in the coming years.

Doctors in Leicester have warned that the threat of Swine flu is not over yet.

Although the number of people contracting the virus has fallen of late, healthcare professionals are concerned that the public are becoming complacent towards the illness.

Concerns have been voiced following the Department of Health’s recent announcement of its plans to close the national pandemic flu service, which provided telephone and Internet assessment for patients. It is worried that this move will mean people will no longer seek the vaccination, despite it still being readily available.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Dr. Tim Davies of NHS Leicester said, “The end of the national helpline

does not mean that the threat of swine flu has gone away.”

Although more than 100,000 vaccines were available to “at risk” patients last year, just over a quarter of this amount were actually administered. The remaining figures represent the majority of the county who had reservations about receiving the jab.

Dr. Davies is keen to reassure patients of the benefits of having the vaccine, “It is fully tested and reliable and it makes good sense for at-risk patients to have the jab rather than risk the more serious complications which have been associated with many of the fatal cases in the past 10 months.”

According to the World Health Organisation, swine flu has claimed the lives of almost 15,000 people across the world, with North Africa, South Asia and Eastern Europe suffering most. 400 of these deaths occurred in the UK.

Despite figures of swine flu cases in the UK dropping since the New Year, the government has been criticised for ordering mass amounts of vaccines and Tamiflu tablets, which have largely gone unused and are now sitting in stockpiles in warehouses.

Defending their decision, Sir Liam Donaldson told the BBC that he does not regret over-ordering on the drugs, “I would rather be on [this] side of the fence than having done too little, and have it on our conscience that people died who could have lived a full and active life.”

Although it is only the minority that will contract swine flu this season, it has not gone for good. This virus is likely to return in the autumn, and for years to come. It is thought that the H1N1 strain will replace other flu strains and become the dominant seasonal flu virus.

Although students are generally not

categorised within “at risk” groups unless they have underlying health issues, medical staff are still asking healthy people to remain vigilant with their hygiene.

Beer could be good for BonesDoctors from the National Osteoporosis Society have stated that “drinking beer could lead to bone density benefits”.

Research showed that beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are extremely beneficial to bone density. It was added that “these benefits would only appear in drinking low quantities of beer as drinking more than two units of alcohol per day could actually lower bone density.”

£1Million Grant for Curve

Curve theatre recives grant after a bad financial year and failure to meet targets.

Despite ticket sales of £61million, the Curve still did not meet its financial targets. Fundraising efforts did not meet their initial expectations either and therefore left the theatre in a difficult financial situation. The England Arts Council has made the decision to help the theatre, in order for them to expand their business potential.

More Climate Change ScepticsRecent polls have shown that the general British public are becoming less likely to believe in the seriousness of climate change.

The polls showed that 25% of people did not think global warming was actually happening, this was a 10% increase from the same poll taken in November. The Department for Environment warned that “these results were very worrying and people need to realise the seriousness of climate change and that is it happening.”

Facebook deletes taunting Prisoner ProfilesA total of 30 pages have been removed from the social networking site within 48 hours after the Justice Secretary requested their removal.

Enemies of the inmates had been receiving a number of threats from prisoners through the site, after having smuggled mobile phones into prisons. The inmates have also been using Facebook to taunt their victims’ families. Officials are looking at a new parole policy and new terms for prisoners to be released temporarily to stop these sites being used by those convicted even outside of prison.

News in Brief Unis heading for meltdown

Swine flu threat not over

Victoria Coffey explains the effect cuts may have on Britain's universties

Victoria Coffey News Editor

Tuesday 23 February 2010 | 3

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Are You a Gleek?Features looks into Glee fever.

Fate SchmateLifestyle's Cinnamon Patrick returns...

Death of an IconHolly Smith looks at the passing of a fashion legend.

Bark at the moon

Film reviews Wolfman

• Film • Music • Fashion • Lifestyle • Features • Travel • Tech •

www.smart xit.com/uni

SmartFixIT provide on campus Computer Support and Repairs to students and staff at De Montfort University.

Open Monday to Friday, the SmartFixIT service centre is located on the rst oor of De Montfort Students’ Union.

Computer Problems?

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Features

Abbie Bowles-Storer looks at the hype over the new hit TV Show and phenomenon: 'Glee'. A grown-up High School Musical? Everybody’s image of their school’s performing arts group or just another American Sit-Com?

The Glee phenomenon hit the UK on December 15th 2009 at 9pm, although, the hype didn’t really hit us until 2010. Glee is another classical American import that was destined to hit the big time in Britain. Starting months before this in the US, where the air date was May 19th 2009 and as always the journey across the Atlantic was eagerly anticipated.

Glee (for those who don’t know) focuses around a highly optimistic high school teacher Will Schuester, aka Mr Schu who’s ultimate goal is to restore the school choir, known as the glee club, to its original brilliance. It could be said he sees himself as a bit of a Simon Cowell, trying to get High School kids to rediscover their inner star qualities. He begs the head teacher, Principal Figgins, to let him take on the mammoth task of transforming a bunch of losers (harsh, but true in American style divisions) into a first-class group of vocalists.

The students who join the group are the wannabe Aretha Franklin, Mercedes. Kurt, the fashion-conscious Beyoncé fan, Tina, a punk rocker, Artie, a guitar player who is bullied for his geeky tendencies and female lead, Rachel. The Club don’t believe they’ll be able to continue without a male lead to match Rachel’s powerful voice. In danger of losing the rehearsal space, as Principal Figgins wants to rent out the auditorium for money, Mr Schu stumbles upon Finn, a talented popular quarter back with a Motown style singing voice.

In simpler terms, it’s an all singing, all dancing American High School based drama with a side order of over enthusiastic smiles, cheerleaders and footballer rivalry and a slight stench of cheese.

The popularity of the show in both the UK and the US is absolutely unmistakeable. As the Glee Cast, currently have two singles in the UK top 40, Don’t Stop Believing originally sung by Journey and Somebody To Love originally by Queen. The hype continues onto popular radio shows such as BBC Switch with Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw. On their BBC webpage they are calling out for Glee Freaks! Loosely translated to, fans of Glee that want to talk about the show live on Air with Annie and Nick, a regular being a 13 year-old girl who they speak to on a weekly basis.

Only having seen one episode of

Glee, the pilot, I remember being a bit bored and unimpressed. I decided to speak to some DMU students about their opinions on the show. And here’s what they said;

‘Well to be honest it’s just a rip off of High School Musical, and I’m not saying that was very good! ’

‘I’ve never watched it because it sounds rubbish!’

‘All the songs they are covering and plastering all over the radio are just absolute rubbish.’

‘It’s awesome!’'For the record I quite like it (in

secret) because unlike cheesy horrific High School Musical, there is an actual reason why the characters are singing. However I do worry about the representation of the disabled character – once the 'headmaster' referred to him as half a person!’

So, mixed reviews, not really what I expected to hear. Yet, when looking at audience figures on barb.com the top ten weekly programme listings for E4

and E4+1 don’t feature Glee. This really surprised me as

according to other statistics the airing of the pilot saw 1.3 million viewers tuning in to discover what the hype was actually all about. Even on YouTube, the most popular Glee video has well over 8 million hits. It’s difficult to decide then, whether these viewers are curious to find out what the fuss is or was (whatever you want to think) or if they are genuinely fans.

On The Guardian’s website, a new

Glee inspired University prospectus, is available to view to try and convince students to choose Yale University in America. Similarly to DMU’s students opinions on Glee, the feedback on the admission video has been mixed, some claiming it’s cringe-worthy, whilst others say it’s a bit cheesy but fun.

Is this really the right way to tempt potential students into studying at a University and signing away thousands of pounds in tuition fees? Opinions on a postcard please!

Has DMU caught Glee Fever?


Features

It’s that time of year again…the most important date in the volunteering calendar…yes that’s right: Volunteering Week.

The name is pretty self-explanatory but it is amazing how many students at DMU who have still never heard or seen any of the events that have taken place over the past five years at our university. Well that is all about to change as the events for volunteering week are all lined up and ready and waiting for you to get involved. So don’t think “I will do it next year”, join in, help and meet new people and boost your CV. Monday 22 FebruarySAFE project, 10-4pmStudent volunteers and current SAFE assessors will be going to fit security equipment in houses of local residents. The students will receive full training before they go and assess the fifteen houses that have already signed up to the project.

Tuesday 23 FebruarySECS: Myth or Fact? 10-4pmVolunteers will be taking part in a media project promoting DSU SECS clinic. They will carry out vox pops with DMU students and quick fire quizzes to test their knowledge on sex myths and facts. If you are a media student and want to get some valuable media experience on your CV, get involved and make a difference!

Wednesday 24 FebruaryThe 59 Minute Makeover at LOROS 1-4pmFancy getting covered in paint whilst doing your bit for charity? Then help paint one of the counselling rooms at the Leicestershire and Rutland Organisation for the Relief of Suffering (LOROS). LOROS are our chosen supported charity here at DMU; they provide free care to terminally ill patients and their families.

Thursday 25 FebruaryClothes ’n’ All 11-3pmA student market with stalls from local, national and international charities selling clothes, books, CD’s, electrical appliances and much more! There will be a personalised shopping service and a ‘customisation station’ where T-shirts will be sold to students for a very reasonable price, leaving them free to decorate their new

purchase in studs, sequins, beads, ribbons and glitter, hopefully not all at once!

UDJ student DJ battle 7-10pmCheck out the latest talent on the turntables from DMU and Leicester University or take part in the battle and become the UDJ champ. All the proceeds go to youth music. Check out the promo video on YouTube. If you want to enter the competition please email: [email protected].

Get your kit off! 10 until late!After UDJ we will be asking the students to literally ‘get their kit off’ at Filthy Gorgeous. Don’t panic people will be putting on extra layers of unwanted clothes over their glad rags to donate to charity so we won’t have any naked bodies running around the SU.

Friday 26 FebruaryEnigma 8.20-4pmProblem solving games at Willowbrook Primary School. Games will include giant snakes and ladders and Superheroes (where children will act out superhero powers to complete a challenge). We need volunteers to assist the children in working together in groups, if you think you are up to the job, let us know on the usual email address. Lunch and transport will be provided as an added bonus.

Saturday 27 FebruaryDSU Sleep-out 8am-8pmTo top off a busy week students will be sleeping out on the campus steps…yes you did read that right. Not because they are exhausted, well speak for yourself! but to raise money for action homeless by doing a sponsored sleep-out. If you fancy seeing how it feels to be a homeless person sleeping rough for the night then contact the volunteer office in the SU. Local TV and radio will be making an appearance before their bedtime to see how the students will be coping with the freezing weather conditions. Show your support and sponsor a homeless student for the night.

If you want to take �part or come to any of these events/projects e-mail [email protected].

7 Days of VolunteeringHarriet JacksonFeatures Editor

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Travel

What it Feels Like for a GirlEver wondered what it's like for a woman to travel independently? Female, and worried about going it alone? Over the next two issues of Diablo, Travel will discuss the pros and cons of solo expeditions. Alexia Polemidioti reports.

Malaysia's capital, KL: Polluted air and sound. Overpopulated. Too many vehicles, too many roads, too many lanes. Far too much going on in such a small space. That said, it keeps you on your toes, and Malaysia is a good place to test one’s mettle.

Here’s an example: walking down the street, admiring the old colony’s architecture, the last thing you’d expect is sexual harassment. Minding my own business one sunny afternoon, I realise that I’m being followed by a middle-aged moped-riding Indian man. He’s on the road, and has slowed down to my pace to whistle at me. I acknowledge him and carry on walking, looking straight ahead. He maintains his speed and carries on driving parallel to me, staring, grinning. He goes on to tell me that he can see my ‘panties’. I glare at him in disgust, and his grin only widens as he repeats what he has just said. The street is straight and long and I have no escape. He says it again. I tell him to leave me alone. He says it again. I tell him to stop it. I look over my shoulder to see three western guys that are close enough to realise what’s going on: surely they’ll sympathise and do something. I make eye contact with one of them in a ‘help me out’ kind of way, but they only snigger under their breath before passing me by and carrying on up the street. In a flurry of emotion I stop, angry as hell, and face the man, now shouting at him to go away. He scoots off, sleazy grin wiped all over his face. I find a dusty curb on which to sit, and break down in tears.

Not more than thirty minutes later, having pulled myself together somewhat and determined to continue with my afternoon, I’m looking for the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion: a beautiful emerald-coloured Chinese stately home and one of Georgetown’s (Penang, northwest Malaysia) top tourist

attractions. As I approach the building, a Chinese man who is, again, atop a moped, slows to a halt next to me. His English is appalling, but from what I can understand he is offering to show me some of the sights of the city. As politely as I can manage, I refuse, and he rides off without putting up much of an argument. The Mansion is closed (as no doubt he knew it would be), and as I turn the corner to continue my exploration who do I meet but the same guy, riding up the street towards me. He stops again, asking, this time, if I want to ‘talk’ (at least, the word ‘talk’ is the only one I can decipher of his extensive monologue). No, I say, and carry on walking. The next corner I turn, there he is again, and the next, and every time he slows down and hassles me. I can’t understand what it is about me that attracts all this unwanted attention. Is it the way I’m dressed, showing too much skin, inadvertently asking, begging for sex? Other female tourists dress according to Georgetown’s climate, and many wear far less than me. Could it be because they are all accompanied by a man? I never did get to see inside the Mansion.

I’m being unfair. Being alone in KL did have its benefits. For example, in some instances people are kinder and more sympathetic and willing to help the ‘silly-but-cute, vulnerable-looking’ young western girl. FYI: I wasn’t silly, and I may have been vulnerable but never once felt it. This stereotype tended to work both against me and to my advantage. One day, shortly after arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I was desperately trying to find out about the fabled Jungle Railway – supposedly the way to travel up through the country – as I wanted to travel from central Malaysia to the northeast coast: gateway to the Perhentian Islands. Locals and travellers alike claimed to never have heard of the Jungle Railway. I spent

the best part of a day chasing wild geese: battling through Chinatown and moving at a snail’s pace thanks to the hordes of people and distinct lack of space, with stall-keepers popping up from nowhere on every side trying to sell me a fake Gucci bag or a watch or a pair of authentic-looking Adidas trainers. Eventually I managed to break loose from the crowded, claustrophobic marketplace and slipped down a foul-smelling alleyway, complete with dripping pipes and piles of filth and mangy cats. There were a couple of makeshift trolleys on which large black woks were balanced, full of sizzling meat and noodles, and one or two of the locals hovered close by, eyeing me up suspiciously. Obviously I had taken a turning into territory less-frequented by tourists.

Inside a greyish-white building on this obscure side street was a staircase that led up to a guesthouse. I had tried almost everywhere else in town and didn’t think I had much to loose as I ascended cautiously. Inside it was homely, and the stairs were carpeted, and at the top of my climb I was met by a cheerful, chubby gentleman with a beaming round face. He was fluent in English and called me ‘my dear’, which was oddly reassuring after weeks of language barriers and blank faces, and when I inquired as to whether perchance he had heard of the elusive Jungle Railway he nodded knowingly, turned on his heels and marched over to his desk, pulling out a brochure from inside the top drawer.

With the all-important brochure folded up and tucked safely into my back pocket, I made my way back through the maze of stalls and people, even stopping briefly to buy bright yellow cupcakes from a young girl under a big umbrella. The following day I left KL by bus, bound for Taman Negara National Park, then onto the Perhentian Isles, a.k.a. Paradise, on a train through the jungle.

He was fluent in English and called me ‘my dear’, which was oddly reassuring after weeks of language barriers and blank faces.


A bit about me: Reaching the end of my three year English degree, as a student I have faced many challenges regarding life both inside of university

and out. Having commitments other than education has enabled me to prioritise my time accordingly and organise myself to a high standard.

Handling a business and studying at De Montfort University has allowed me to grow as a student as well as a person. Over this three year period I have

learnt that communication is vital and in order to be successful one has to plan and execute efficiently. In my opinion the most important thing is to

enjoy yourself and be fully committed to whatever you do. Obtaining a balance has given me stability and has allowed me to be constructive.

My targets and goals:

Improved assignment deadlines and examination period - As a student the main problem is when you have to hand in assignments and sit exams

back to back over a short period of time. My aim is to make life easier for students by spreading out these dates so the performance of students in

these areas increase.

Campaigning for free parking for students – Finding parking can be a little bit irritating especially when you have lectures and workshops to

attend. Having free parking for students on campus will enable them to be punctual.

Campaigning to extend the Library opening hours over the weekend - My aim is to make the library 24 hours on a Friday and Saturday so

students have the option to work on those particular days if they want to.

Variety of food – As a University we need to be able to accommodate to different people, so having a variety of food i.e. Halal, Vegetarian etc will

accomplish that.

Student fees – The tuition fees and international student fees are always on the rise, my target is to campaign to stop this from rising further and

establish a reasonable fee.

RAMAIZE ATIQUE

PRESIDENT

Introducing myself: I am Tapan Joshi, MBA student of Leicester Business School, DMU, currently am doing my 2nd semester. The environment here has given me the opportunity to get along with people belonging to vivid culture and parts of the world. This made me realise about many issues that is being faced by the students of DMU. This realisation within me, paved way to the decision to compete as the STUDENTS’ UNION PRESIDENT. Success will be treated as a chance for doing something for the benefits of students and for our university. Following are some areas, where I will strive to make some changes in the existing system: Halal Food: Availability of Halal food in the University canteens. Campaign to secure accommodation for international students: Campaign to ensure that every international student is provided with accommodation from the time they arrive to the University Availabil ity of books in the l ibrary: Campaign to increase the number of essential core text books in the library for all required modules. Placement Assistance: Efforts will be made to assist the students for getting part-time jobs and placements after successfully completing their courses. Campaign to increase security: Arrangements will be made to put down the increasing cycle thefts in the University premises. Economic Food Range: Take steps to increase food choices at affordable price range. Arts Events: Organising arts events and competitions to exhibit the artistic talents and creativity within the students. Promote Sports: Will place request to the University to come up with more sports training facilities and inter university sports competitions.

TAPAN JOSHI PRESIDENT

Do You Count? Who? My name is Darren Looby and I am a mature student studying Engineering Design. Before coming to University, I enjoyed around five years of professional employment - you'll find the likes of Operational Management and Web Design in my CV. I am also a Director of a local social enterprise that delivers workshops on creativity and problem solving.

Why? I came to University to make a difference. That may seem a little lame to some people and a little hippy to others - but it's the best way of describing my motivations. In my life so far I've had the opportunity to work with a great many people who have influenced and sometimes directly changed my life. I've been Chair of a Disability Diversity Council, sat on an Environmental Committee, volunteered in schools and helped people with learning disabilities get to grips with coping.

Being part of the Executive Team at DSU would give me the great satisfaction of being able to continue doing what I love the most - making a difference.

What? As President of the De Montfort Students’ Union – my key aim is to ensure you count. Whereas there are lots of bandwagons I could jump on to in an attempt to impress you – what I value most, is for me to promise:

Clar i ty and Accountabi l ity: If the Union says something on your behalf, or makes a decision that affects you – you should be told. This of course is key in a democracy, so I hope to bring extra measures that improve this area of service.

Part ic ipation and Consultat ion: Involving the student body is something that the Union has struggled with over the past few years – an average of between 5 and 10% of students will vote in this election, going on previous years’ data. Asking one or two people to decide for twenty is perhaps not the most effective representation. The current strategy of Get Out And Talk is a step in the right direction – in my term, however, Get Out And Listen and Get Out And Engage will feature more heavily on my agenda.

Social Benef it : Increasingly, there is pressure on organisations to be responsible, not just from the Government, but from intelligent and thoughtful individuals – in this case, the members of our Union. The core method of ensuring your opinions, ideas and attitudes count – is to measure our performance directly on whether or not we match our members ideals, and crucially report back to you.

If you would like to engage with me on any topics I raise, please visit my website at: www.dmucounts.co.uk

DARREN LOOBY PRESIDENT

Vote Andy Schooledge #1 for President

The most important thing a Students’ Union should do is be sure that its actions meet the needs of its members. The students of DMU (you!) should feel like your Union is listening to you and working on your behalf. This is my main focus. There will be four main areas that I will work on as President.

1. To place an importance on the need for more space. DSU needs to create more student friendly spaces to allow you to feel like you can approach the different services the Union offers.

2. To help you fund yourselves. The introduction of a physical job shop would allow you to apply for jobs that suit you and help your finances.

3. To introduce a student led campaigning system. DSU should be funding campaigns that you care passionately about. The best people to run those campaigns are students and by offering funds, DSU can make sure that your voice gets heard.

4. To ensure the housing crisis never happens again. DSU still has no details as to why or how the housing crisis happened

and the University have not fully outlined any changes they have made to make sure this never happens again. This needs to be a priority of DSU.

Along with these four key areas, there are many other areas I believe need looking at, these include:

• Arranging a better deal on text books for courses. • Campaigning for a fairer funding system for part-time and international students. • Securing a University wide feedback system including feedback for exams. • Introduce a Student Opinion Survey at the beginning of the academic year to make it clear to the Sabbatical Officers what

areas their members want them to be working on. I have felt privileged to represent DMU students as VP Media & Communications. I now want to take the skills I have learnt and make the differences that you want and deserve. Vote Andy Schooledge #1 for President.

ANDY SCHOOLEDGE PRESIDENT

As a candidate I have the experience most suitable to this role. I have been a Student Rep for two years which has given me a lot

of experience representing the interests if students on various academic issues. I now wish to do this and make a bigger impact on

a higher level.

I have experience in promoting and delivering various campaigns and events such as the ‘Leicester Comedy Festival’ and would

like to use such experience in this role.

A good in depth knowledge and understanding of the political climate is essential for the position of Deputy President Education,

given the proposed budget cuts by Lord Mandelson. I feel I have demonstrated such understanding having studied Politics in the

past as well as in my articles as a frequent contributor to the Demon politics section.

I would like to increase the opportunities students have to speak about their course and create a blog page for them to raise any

issues students may have with anonymity, as one of the first of my initiatives.

ALASDAIR BELL

DEPUTY PRESIDENT EDUCATION

I’m a third year student, currently studying Accounting and Finance. Every day I’m trying to keep a healthy balance between my studies and a

social life. I remember reading a phrase once saying “Education: The Next Best Thing to a Record Deal” humorous, yet it holds some truth

about the importance of education. With the development of education over the years, there will always be some changes we find difficult to

adapt to or feel comfortable with. I want to improve the educational experience for students, by tackling real issues that affect us in our academic

lives.

Student Representatives: I understand these students play an important role in providing a voice for students. Many issues arise in assessment

and teaching, which students may have problems with. These matters can be taken to members of staff and various committee meetings by the

Student Reps. I want to carry on building a strong relationship between the students and the staff, when it comes to addressing certain matters.

Personal Tutor and student relationships: This proposal is currently underway, but I would like to see it come in to effect promptly. I

believe the relationship between students and their Personal Tutor is vital. Students should be able to discuss any concerns with their personal

tutors, which will provide them with additional support in their studies. Sometimes a small chat with a Personal Tutor can go a long way.

Budget Cuts and Tuition Fees: In the long run this will affect students’ decisions to go to University. If the current debates materialise, the

results could lead to heavy costs e.g. tuition fees rising above the £3000 mark. These fees are already high, so a cap needs to be maintained!

Students are the building blocks of De Montfort University and I want to carry on constructing this elevation of EDUCATION!

NEENA BHARANI


About Me: I am reaching the end of my 3rd year studying Arts Management at DMU. During my time at University I have been heavily involved with the Students’ Union, particularly Demon Media and fundraising events. Through my course and my extracurricular activities I have grown to be a highly organised, responsible and hard working team player and most importantly I have become strongly passionate about the student experience. I am an approachable and enthusiastic person and want to be a friendly face for students. I would like every student to receiving the full benefit of their University experience, both academically and socially. I know the great things that you can get from your Union and DMU but also the difficulties students can experience. I hope to represent you as students both locally and nationally to ensure you are getting the most from your time here. My aims:

• Carry on the current work towards anonymous marking, making sure all work is marked objectively to eradicate prejudice and favouritism.

• Improve communication between tutors and students, guaranteeing students are getting the most from their Faculty. • Ensure that students are still getting the most from their University/Students’ Union in the face of tough National Education

budget cuts. • Explore University funding and make sure that it is being fairly and equally distributed between Faculties so students have

the tools they require. • Campaign against lifting the tuition fee cap which could lead to students paying far more than the current £3,225 a year limit. • To carry on the great work from the current “Go Out and Talk” & “Go Out and Listen” initiatives to ensure the Students’ Union

is fully representing your views and needs as a student. If elected, I will pursue my aims and represent YOUR views.

SARAH DENYER DEPUTY PRESIDENT EDUCATION

WHO: I am Azhar Maqsood, an international student pursuing MBA at De Montfort University.

WHAT: I am standing for Deputy President Education, to ensure a flamboyant educational experience.

WHY: Being a student and handling the present International Students’ Officer position, I have not only gained experience in the

union but also understood the challenges a student would face in their study environment. So this platform paved me an

opportunity to put all my experience into practice.

HOW:

! STUDY BUDDY I intend to campaign for an initiative that brings inclusivity among fellow students to achieve literary and social excellence. Where in students, who are looking to get involved with the Union, will be given a unique opportunity to assist a fellow student; to achieve literary efficiency in every field, be it with English improvisation or mathematical doubts.

! GET TO KNOW This campaign is not going to be an innovative idea to showcase one’s creativity. It will simply be to make students aware of the rights and facilities provided within the University.

! EVERY LITTLE COUNTS This will be a forum where every input will be acknowledged and the achievable ideas will be executed. One can personally supervise these executions along with me to ensure accountability.

! TUITION FEES The issues of fees hike and student loan amendments have been persistently affecting the student community. This has already been taken up by the Students’ Union as a matter of consideration; I shall further ensure it continues in my tenure.

! LIBRARY ALLOWANCE Two issues that students face are in reference to laptop loans and printing. Hence under my guidance I will campaign to introduce a facility for week loans with the laptops. Another issue that students have discussed with me is regarding printing allowances at the Library, which will be taken into account.

AZHAR MAQSOOD


I am near finishing my 3rd year, after studying law and human resource management. I have also held two positions of seniority

within a sports team. In this time I have learnt a lot about responsibility, teamwork and time management. I understand the

constraints of completing both your university course and the social aspects of being at university. Due to this I will listen and aim

to resolve any problem a student presents.

I intend to campaign for:

• Anonymous marking This will exclude favouritism and continue with fair and even marking

• Text important information As a last resort if the student feels willing I propose that the department have your mobile number therefore important information i.e. when exam timetables are up or hand in reminders can be text

• More tutorial slots and 1 on 1 tutor t ime Apart from the in my 1st year I have never seen my tutor. I believe if this was a requirement either annually or once a term as a check up not only would it help our grades but would also improve attendance.

• More essay and exam feedback I believe the more feedback we get the better. Therefore as well as receiving a mark, information on how to improve is vital to the development of the student’s grades.

• Individual group marking If a group works perfectly then a group mark is acceptable however on countless times people do not put in an even amount of time or effort than the other group members therefore I suggest a different system to allow an overall group mark but divided into the individual’s workload.

• Closer monitoring booked areas A lot of areas or computers that need to be booked out for usage are not reaching their full potential due to non attendance I aim to improve the monitoring of this.

• Spread out modules deadlines I aim for all course modules work in unison therefore not all coursework is crammed into the same or similar time periods. Allowing students more time to focus on each individual piece of coursework.

JAMES MILLS


My name is Paul Simpson, I have been a student at DMU for 6 years. I have worked within the Students’ Union that entire time and if you ask me what my three main priorities are for office I'll tell you. Education, Education, Education. My aims:- • Anonymous Marking This needs to be finalised, it is a policy that has dragged on long enough though the University system. • Better Teaching Tutorial workbooks ask plenty of questions but provide no answers; are we supposed to learn blind? If lecturers were to provide answer sheets it would help us see where we went wrong. • Improved Blackboard Blackboard is a wonderful tool that all lecturers should be required to use under simple guidelines which would make information more accessible to students. • Library Reform I will campaign for one username and password for all university sign in systems, Faculty printing credit to be usable in the Library and an overhaul of the current fines system. • Defend the right to Higher Education With savage cuts to Higher Education an inevitability after the general election I believe that our Union should be working in partnership with the NUS and other Unions against any hike in fees or further cuts to University budgets. • Working together for a more perfect education A fractured Executive team with no clear objectives is of no help to anybody; I will help ensure we work together in the best interest of the students. • Rename Student Council the Committee of Public Safety For too long students have not had an effective say in their own Union's affairs. The Committee of Public Safety will be open to all students to ask questions and debate their Union’s actions in an open forum. Cake shall also be provided**

PAUL SIMPSON DEPUTY PRESIDENT EDUCATION

Hi, my name is Jake Tregunno and I’m currently studying Business and Management at our University. Being a part of DMU has benefited me in a variety of ways; I have learnt a considerable amount from lecturers and students alike. After being here for 3 years I have developed my own ideas about what I would like changed regarding not just the academic, but the social side of university. These changes all relate to difficulties that we as students endure.

I hope to make and continue the following changes if elected for Deputy President Education…

Feedback for exams: We get feedback for coursework, so why can’t we get feedback for exams? I believe feedback lets us see where we went wrong and assess what areas we may need to improve in for next time. I intend to campaign to implement this for exams so that students will no longer be in the lurch about what questions they got right or wrong.

SMS messaging: Ever turned up at 9am to a lecture to only find that the lecturer isn’t there? I will work with the University to consider ways we can communicate and update students through SMS ensuring that students are much more informed. We all go to our computer to keep in the know, but we aren’t always next to one to find out what is going on. SMS allows direct communication since we are always with our phones.

Lecture free Wednesday: You shouldn’t have to miss lectures to pursue sports and activities on Wednesdays. I intend to campaign on this issue to allow students to do the activities they love and not miss out on any crucial Uni work. Even if you don’t do any sports, it still provides students with a common time to come together for group meetings and other Uni events. Makes sense!

Tuit ion fees: We pay enough to be here already, why should we pay more? By campaigning to maintain the cap on tuition fees you won’t be financially surprised when you start afresh next year. A University should be an educational facility, not a business.

These are only some of the changes I propose; now I need your support to take them further.

JAKE TREGUNNO DEPUTY PRESIDENT EDUCATION

I have done my Bachelors in Industrial Engineering and right now, I am doing my masters in MSc International Business and

Management. This and my other working experiences have taught me a lot about taking responsibilities and the importance of

group work. Having had the experience of being the Students’ Union’s Diversity Officer has made me feel being part of the

University and its issues. I have the vision of making everything as easy as possible so that everyone can use it.

My main objectives:

• To make everything as simple as possible:

I personally believe that the main problem with the media and communication is its difficulty for some international students to

understand it.

• To get international students more involved:

For achieving my vision, I aim to get more help from international students.

• To consider the cultural differences:

A considerable number of DMU students are the international students with different cultural backgrounds. However, I find most of

the media and communication in a way which does not pay so much attention to these differences.

• Having better and easier ways of communications:

DSU already has many ways of communication but it can still improve its communicational skills and ways.

• To encourage international students take part in and join the communities.

This can be achieved by publishing more about the communities and their activities.

AMIN FAHADAN

VICE PRESIDENT MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

I have been involved in Demon Media for the full 5 years I have been at DMU, developing a strong passion for student media. I

believe we can offer a voice to all students and open opportunities otherwise unavailable. We must be looking to showcase

everything great DMU has to offer!

I have held active roles within the media including Demon FM exec team for 4 years (having heavy involvement in our transition to

a community licence), interim sports editor of The Demon and involvement with Demon TV projects).

Aims:

• To increase transparency of the Students’ Union: assuring we’re acting in your best interests. As VP Media and

Communications I would assure all DSU Exec maintain a presence online; posting regular blogs, vlogs and updates.

• Proactively seeking student views: communicating with members through many sources and assuring we are not only

getting feedback but acting on it!

• Expanding outside the student community: offering better representation, greater opportunities for members and

opening up additional revenue opportunities.

• Encouraging stronger sports and societies presence: producing press releases online; assuring a stronger

presence on campus and building links within the student community.

• Moving media elections: offering longer handover periods; therefore maintaining a higher quality throughout the media.

Demontfortstudents.com – Assure we’re offering a hub of information for students, not just an online store.

The Demon – Creating a distribution network on and off campus to ensure a wider presence. Offer members training / feedback

on their contributions, introduction of a creative editor role and reconsidering the editing timescale to assure quality.

Demon FM – Continuing the strong progression the station has made this year and research new funding opportunities; assisting

expansion.

Demon TV – Support the entirely new Executive team and offering greater exposure through outside promotion, innovative

marketing and regular screenings.

VOTE WILL GAVIN!!

WILL GAVIN


My experience:

• Recently worked alongside high profile broadcasters (Sky Sports, BBC) and members of the press, on international sporting events including the Twenty/20 Cricket World Cup.

• BSC Media Production student at DMU. • Media Co-ordinator for street stunts team 'Urban Revolution' • DMUFC for two years and manager in my second year.

Personal Statement: I solidly believe that the media structure we have in place at this University is one we can all be proud of. Demon Media is by far one of the top media groups at any educational establishment in the country.

It is my aim to ensure that our media group continues to grow and benefit the student population. Through hard work and dedication, I am certain that the boundaries can be extended and advance not only as a media group, but as a University as a whole. Improvement and expansion are key.

I also believe, the achievements of our sports teams and societies are something that as a University, we should be massively proud of. If elected, I would strive to ensure these achievements are recognised and covered in detail, as well as promoting sports and societies in general.

Goals:

• To ensure that every student has the opportunity to be represented through student media at DMU and able to get their voice heard.

• All sports and societies, regardless of size, gain the coverage and recognition they deserve. • Increase coverage of news and achievements within DSU Active and for societies in general. • To reach students in a variety of ways and ensure learners are kept aware of issues that may affect them. • Ensure that public relations between the Union and wider media are of a high standard. • To go the extra mile to cover the issues that effect YOU.

BENEDICT MASON VICE PRESIDENT MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

My plans for the role are very simple yet productive to the University. Diversity, innovation and increased communication with University students have never been more needed than now. I will not make promises that are impossible to fulfil, but I will promise something that will cater for everyone in our University. When given the responsibility for Demon Media, which includes the radio station and the TV station; I would do my best to keep everyone ENTERTAINED throughout the day, whilst introducing fresh, new, gripping shows that would call your intellectual senses; with a debatable topic of your choice, competing against our rival Universities. The Union cannot run without you and YOUR IDEAS. What could be greater than getting those extra hours in bed, saving you from those cold winter journeys and the long endless hours of waiting? With just the ‘beep’ of a text message, you’ll be notified of when your lecture or tutorial has been cancelled. It is my objective to make student life as flexible and comfortable as possible, keeping you updated all year round! Bringing forward, creative and informative writing in our newspaper, could just be the reviving start you need to your day! I can guarantee you all that DMU events will be broadcasted and promoted throughout the University, never letting your social life go amiss. ‘DEMON FM’ is the voice of the students and it is my drive to make that voice heard throughout Leicester city. My job is to satisfy each and every one of you, with the skills I possess and the resources available to me. I am also a member of the Street Law society, in which I have achieved the golden certificate for volunteering as recognition of my contribution; hence I can guarantee you all that I am fully dedicated and motivated in what I believe in. The expansion and development of Demon Media for all students is my ambition!

JUBRAN SAEED


Since my first year I have been involved in various activities and I believe that the skills that I have gained from balancing

my participation within the Union and with my academic course, will enable me to handle the responsibility and demands

of the role of Vice President Media and Communications.

Overall aims:

I want to offer students the best possible experience that they can have at University and ensure that they are made fully

aware of the changes that will be made by the Government this year, and how these will consequently affect them. I want

to give students confidence in themselves, encouraging them to make a difference and get involved with student media.

I want to ensure that Demon Media continues its success and growth, by promoting it to students, explaining the

advantages it offers the students involved and the student population. I also plan to continue to regularly update students

on developments through various media platforms and social networking.

The Demon: • To continue to produce a professional publication, encouraging more contributors to come forward by speaking to

journalism and media students in their lectures. • Running campaigns and events through The Demon to raise awareness of issues affecting students.

Demon FM: • To expand on the brilliant success of the station this year, encouraging the students involved to provide diverse

music and discussion, raising any topical issues with members of the local community.

Demon TV: • To continue to expand on the stations output on a broadcast platform, encouraging students to get involved with

the production of shows, by promoting the channel so that it’s more recognised throughout the student population.

DSU Website: • Make sure that it continues to be regularly updated and promoted throughout the year by Demon media,

encouraging students use the website to their advantage.

AMY SEABROOK


I believe that everyone who comes to De Montfort should experience life within the sports teams and societies. Each and every

year we have hundreds of talented individuals come to us who manage to slip through the net or who decide for one reason or

another not to join up. They may be fantastic athletes, talented dancers, brilliant singers or even those with a natural thirst for

adventure or charity work, but for whatever reason they decide against involvement with the Students’ Union. I believe that many

are put off by idea that skill, ability and long term commitment are valued above participation, socialising and making friends.

Increased participation is the key to success.

My aims are –

• To increase information available to all new and old students about the sports teams and societies and what they offer for

individuals of mixed abilities and strengths.

• To raise the profile of smaller clubs to help increase their membership numbers.

• To help committees promote their clubs to new members to ensure the continued success of our established sports teams

and societies

• To help build new societies to ensure that there is something for everyone

• To be proactive in promoting Varsity in order for the hard work put in by teams throughout the year to be recognised

• To continue to campaign to have Wednesday afternoons off timetable in order to participate in activities

I am fortunate to have had a fantastic three years at De Montfort, the people I have met and the friends I have made have gone a

long way in defining who I am. My involvement in the Students’ Union has been critical in this and it is an experience I am aiming to

share with others. I am here to assist YOU!

LIAM DAVIS

VICE PRESIDENT STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Me: Keeping it short, I am currently doing my second year of a Computer Science degree. Experience, limited. In fact, I have never been involved with an organisation of this size before or with potentially such responsibilities before me. However, the challenge to deliver and make an impact is more than tempting. I am completely student focussed and want to enhance my experience, and yours, here at DMU. Objectives:

Encourage greater student involvement in Union activities and societies. - Societies would be nowhere without the students and as good as the take up of societies are it could be better! Many students simply are missing out on a vital part of Uni life with societies being at the heart of the student lifestyle. I hope to encourage a greater participation wherever possible, maximising the Union to its fullest potential giving my full support to Union campaigns.

Assist and provide greater support for the formation of start-up societies. - New and exciting societies being created show the student community is thriving and I hope to put a greater emphasise on helping them establish themselves. I hope to encourage the development of ideas and have the guidance in place to allow them to flourish.

Develop support and involvement with local businesses. - A major perk for most societies is the ability to negotiate and receive discounts and benefits from local facilities to bars and clubs which we all enjoy. I hope to extend these ties and offer increased savings to societies. Every little helps.

Increase availability of transport for societies - Current transport availability is severely limited for the majority of societies, an issue I hope to address. This issue alone is hampering the smaller societies in being able to offer outings to their members, without high additional charges to hire transport.

Expand the current range of events, fixtures to include a greater number of societies. - DMU has a fantastic range of sporting fixtures throughout the year, from sports tours to varsity events. I hope to build upon this, adding more events to the calendar and generate greater support and involvement amongst societies.

CRAIG GILL VICE PRESIDENT STUDENT ACTIVITIES

AREEZ RAHMAN for

Vice President STUDENT ACTIVITIES

WHY? To represent, l isten, support and to work with all student groups to provide the “best student experience” possible.

“If elected I will be there to represent YOU!”

WHAT and HOW? Come and Try (CAT) ! The creation of a dedicated Come and Try Committee ! Expansion of the CAT scheme to include new events and trips based on what the students want to get out of CAT ! CAT Associations, CAT Media Groups, CAT Societies and CAT Sports Group Days run by students for the students

Associations & Sport Groups ! To encourage greater co-operation and partnership between associations, and other student groups, on joint events, e.g.

RAG, Charity Weeks and Sports Days ! To promote more internal competit ions between sports teams from different departments ! To work with the Campaigns and Involvement Officer to ensure that Wednesday afternoons become, and remain, FREE

for all Undergraduate and Post-Graduate students to participate in sport

Past, Present and Future I have been actively involved with the SU for the past few years and this year my involvement in the Students’ Union deepened when I was elected as the Community and Involvement Officer. I ran for this position as I felt that the associations were being underrepresented and there was nobody to stand up on their behalf and voice their opinions. I wanted to be that voice, the voice of the students that the associations represent - YOUR voice.

My passion for the associations has paved the way for me to run for the position of VP Student Activities in the upcoming elections. It’s because I care how the student groups are represented, how they run and how YOU get involved which has inspired me to run. I want the student groups to be able to provide the “best student experience”.

So Please Vote AREEZ RAHMAN... “to put the YOU back in the SU”

IT’S PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS... NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND!

AREEZ RAHMAN


I am currently in my third and last year of study doing a Media Production course. I am enthusiastic, reliable and excited by new

challenges.

I am running for Vice President Student Activities and if I gain this position then here a few things that I would like to achieve:

• Transport facil it ies, I would try and improve the facilities of transport for sports teams and societies as the minibuses we

have are fairly limited at the moment.

• Wednesdays off University permanently for sports players, this has become a big problem for a lot of sports

players as they either have to miss lectures or sports games because of the clash.

• Involve all sports teams in events, this includes activities such as “Scrappy 7’s” and the Goals 5-a-side football

tournament.

• Have society meetings, i.e. get them more involved with each other.

• Help out lower profile sports teams, this involves helping them campaign at Freshers’ Fairs and help out with creating

posters and flyers.

• Set early goals for RAG to reach and beat, I would like to continue with the annual events that the Raise and Give

society run plus I would like to create some new ones.

• Continue tradit ion of the sports tour, taking all the sports teams and societies on a tour to Europe, either for a holiday

or a team bonding week.

• Support new sports teams / societies, be it financial or personal advice I would like any new societies / sports teams

carry on and be successful.

• Promote activit ies at aff i l iated col leges, some colleges affiliated with DMU don’t currently know about the societies

and sports teams that are available to them.

BEN WALKER


A litt le about myself:

Presently doing MBA. Easy to approach and mingle with everybody. A little encouragement and I am your man Friday!! As

a student I am better suited to understand the needs, issues and expectations of fellow students. I want you to enjoy your

University life at the fullest as I do and make it a memorable experience. I know this brings along challenges as well and I

will strive to give my best shot in this endeavour to solve all the problems.

My aims and objectives:

• Awareness and support for issues: Will make sure all student issues are highlighted and effective measures

are taken to solve them. I would want to regularly interact with fellow students to know their wellbeing and needs.

• Introduce Halal and vegetarian food: this is something I had already in mind and I would want to implement

this as soon as possible, keeping in mind the diversity of students and catering to their food requirements.

Campaign for 1 night’s compl imentary stay for international students: I can very much understand the

pains an international student undergoes when he/she lands in UK and then Leicester. I will try my best to allow a free

1 day complimentary stay at student hostel for all international students.

• Blacklisting of unscrupulous landlords: This has been a big problem where lots of students unknowingly sign

contracts with shady landlords and then these landlords harass the students. I will campaign to ensure these

landlords are blacklisted by the University and that we maintain a database of approved landlords. Also we will

maintain a record of cheap hotels where the students can stay before they finalise the stay.

• Better health facil it ies: Firstly I would like to raise awareness of existing medical facilities and then campaign

to improve the service by reducing the appointment time and to subsidise price of medicines.

• Retain tuit ion fee cap: Tuition fees are already very high and there is talk that the tuition fees may be hiked

further under the proposals by the Government as there will be no mechanism to control the amount charged. I will

liaise with relevant authorities to highlight the plight of students by this unethical practice.

GAURAV CHANDRA

VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE

De Montfort University has been my home for the past three years and as I approach the end of my studies on the Arts Management with Dance course, I would really like to give something back. Having been a dedicated and reliable Committee member for a sports team, I understand the importance of friendship and community within the student lifestyle. This experience has given me the passion and drive to ensure current and new students share the amazing experience of University that I have had. My key aims: • To continue to provide a Welfare Pack to be handed out during Freshers’ Week to help new students settle into University life.

It will include information on sports teams, societies, Welfare and Education Centre, enrolment, sexual health advice, drug / alcohol abuse, eating disorders, housing / money problems, environmental issues and hints / tips from current students.

• To promote events highlighting the importance of sexual health awareness and where you can go to get checked. Alongside this to promote good mental and physical health; improving the resources within the Students’ Union.

• To work closely with Student Services to ensure all students feel comfortable and happy as some new students may feel afraid to come forward with problems.

• To work closely and engage with members from all religions and nationalities ensuring their stay at De Montfort is enjoyable. • To ensure that the views of the student body are fully expressed around the Students’ Union. I believe that a Welfare Officer should have an open mind to connect with students from all backgrounds and ensure that every students’ welfare is considered and looked after. I know that I would make an excellent Welfare Officer because I have the desire and motivation to help students and support them through their time at University.

SARAH MILES


Since joining the University nearly 4 years ago I can say I have experienced almost all sides to a student life, even more

so being an International student. During the course of my stay so far I have tried to get involved (when it comes to

student representation) on many levels:

- Student Ambassador since 2007

- Student Rep 2008

- International Students’ Officer 2008

- Residence Officer 2009

- Aspiring Vice President Welfare 2010

Whether it was my role when representing international students or my duty mentoring and first year students at Halls of

Residence, I have had a chance to learn and demonstrate the ability to deal with student welfare issues. It’s now time I

put into practice what I have drawn from my experience : and this is where you all come in – During the campaign week I

am looking forward to interact with you all and leave it to your judgment as to how suitable a candidate I am.

On this note I shall say

Consider this a vote for representation rather than a vote for an individual.

I hope with strong endeavor to:

- Facilitate and promote the awareness of support and community mechanisms and opportunities for students

- Carry on the same level of commitment ( or even better ) that the previous representatives have demonstrated

- Act as the main representative on welfare issues to the University.

http://rishimodi.blogspot.com/

RISHI MODI


About me: I am nearing the end of three brilliant years at DMU. Like most students, I have enjoyed the independence and responsibility that being at University offers but I feel it is vital that first class student welfare advice and support is available for those who need it, when they need it.

Being on the Committee of a sports team has helped me to understand the importance of recognising both the individual needs of each student and identifying the wider issues which affect larger groups.

Aims:

• To continue the hard work already done in the Environmental Sound Impact Award in order to gain the silver level accreditation.

• To promote national student welfare issues such as debt and funding hardship, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual health, housing and safety.

• To promote good sexual health and investigate improved privacy arrangements for STI tests.

• To work with Leicestershire Police and Fire Brigade to promote personal safety and safety in rented accommodation.

• To promote healthy eating, particularly in the period leading up to exams.

• To play an active role in all issues affecting University and private sector accommodation, especially affordability and safety.

• To be proactive in my approach to issues that arise during my year of office by organising publicity and awareness campaigns.

• To hold a ‘co-peer guidance’ event for students who need time to settle in to University life, where they can talk to fellow students who have had similar experiences.

• To ensure that important issues affecting the students are discussed fully by University committees that I will attend.

FELICITY STRODE VICE PRESIDENT WELFARE

About Me:

- Student Council open place member

- part of voluntary youth counselling team

- administrative knowledge from experience in hospital work

- involved member of diverse youth groups, societies and sport clubs

- student mentor

- socially concerned and active

- strong belief in equality

- friendly, but persistent and determined

- open ears for everybody’s concerns

Personal statement: Being part of DSU is something honourable and extremely valuable. As the Chair, I will do my best to make the

Student Council meetings more efficient. Enough time needs to be spend on important issues and, simultaneously, a quick decision-

making process should be ensured. As I have been part of the Council, I am aware of the challenge that this position entails.

Mission: I want to stand in for equal representat ion in the SU, to make our Union as eff ic ient as i t can be and to help make our

decision-making body run smoothly.

Furthermore:

- letting as many voices be heard to each topic without delaying the decision unnecessarily

- making sure every member knows what current goals, discussions, issues are about

- leading the meeting efficiently

o being clear of where we are

o explaining the procedures

- taking enough time to get the best decision

NICO LEHMANN

CHAIR OF STUDENT COUNCIL

I am studying for an undergraduate degree in Psychology with Applied Criminology. I am a keen and avid sports person. Yes I like

football, rugby, tennis, cricket and more. I am religious and outgoing too. I have learnt a lot about the Student Rep system as one of

the Faculty Reps in Health and Life Sciences. I would like to make the system work better and ensure that together (staff and

students) we can make DMU the University of first choice. As Chair of Student Council, I will strive to make Council debate

relevant and ensure the Executive is held accountable. I offer my service to you.

Why vote for me?

I am friendly, approachable and passionate about what I do. I have experience in the business of Council. I am a visionary and like

challenges and responsibility.

What do I stand for?

! Increased active student participation.

! Conspicuous Executive.

! Protection and defence of students’ rights, locally and nationally.

! Enhanced and memorable student experience at DMU.

! Continuous improvement in the quality of learning and teaching.

How do I hope to succeed?

By:

! Creating a new and dynamic relationship between the DSU, DMU and the student population.

! Building a new partnership based on shared vision, leadership, respect, transparency and accountability.

! Most importantly is making your voice head.

STUDENT COUNCIL IS THERE FOR YOU; TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT WORK.

MICHAEL MUDYIWA

CHAIR OF STUDENT COUNCIL

My name is Sara Dixon, I am currently a second year student at De Montfort University. For the last year I have been working alongside the SECS clinic to promote safer sex. During this time I have found that DMU has an alarmingly high Chlamydia rating in the student population. As Women’s Officer I plan to:

• Campaign to promote awareness of sexual health throughout the University, in conjunction with the DSU’s SECS clinic and other local organisations throughout Leicester.

• DMU has one of the highest Chlamydia ratings in the universities across the country and this alarming statistic is one I am determined to change. I aim to do this by working with the DSU SECS clinic and the Chlamydia screening programme where possible to help raise awareness of Chlamydia and the devastating effects it can have on women.

• I will also be working towards the promotion of safer sex, and the facilities that are available locally to help overcome and

deal with these issues that students may face.

• I also want to show the Mums or Mums to be at University that it is possible to still get a degree, by helping with raising awareness of the facilities and help that are available to them through the University and in the local area.

SARA DIXON

WOMEN’S OFFICER

Personal statement

My experience of being on the Student Council over the last few months has been a real eye opener. I have realised what impact an individual

can have on behalf of the students they represent and how impor tant i t is to be confident to speak out. I am committed to supporting

those who need representation and want to know what students really care about so that the Union can fight for these issues. My personal

priority is envi ronmental sustainabil i ty and fair representation of minori ty groups.

About me

I am studying Arts Management with a background in community arts organisations. I am sociable, approachable and always happy to hear

what you think. I have a strong sense of initiative and believe there’s always a new way of approaching old problems.

My personal mission is to raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage community involvement for the SU. I want to encourage

students to get involved in the Union so that it can work for us.

My mission

• Raise awareness of environmental and sustainabil i ty issues within the whole of DMU, as well as the SU, by forming links with

local groups. I want to create a society or focus group that can pull together all that is already happening around the campus and allow

discussion between students and staff.

• Providing a plat form for pol i t ical engagement across DMU, by encouraging political societies and giving a voice to minority

groups.

• Raise the profi le o f student socie ties and make it easier to start new societies and find other people with similar interests.

Perhaps this could be done by creating a forum online through the DSU website.

JESSIE COOK

STUDENT COUNCIL – OPEN PLACE

Fashion

On Thursday 11th February 2010 a fashion icon and legend Lee McQueen was found dead at his London home age just 40. British tabloid The Sun has reported that McQueen was found hanged, but this has not been confirmed. The Metropolitan Police stated that the death was not suspicious, but have not confirmed that the death was a suicide. The designer behind the world renowned fashion brand, Alexander McQueen, reportedly ended his life following the death of his mother a week ago. The news of his alleged suicide comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week, shrouding the event in sadness.

Alexander McQueen was a controversial British designer best known for his unconventional designs and shocking runway displays. He started life growing up in a small flat in Stratford, East London with his taxi driver father, mother and six sisters. It was making clothes for his siblings that first sparked his love of fashion and provoked his enthusiasm to be a fashion designer. He left school at age 16 in 1985 with hardly and qualifications to become an apprentice tailor on London’s famous Savile Row which aided him in his fame for impeccably tailored looks. After his stint on Savile Row he flew across Europe working for various designers including Romeo Gigli in Milan. McQueen returned to London in 1994 to enrol as a student

at London’s prestigious Central St Martins College of art and design. He graduated with a masters degree and his final collection was bought by Isabella Blow who helped to rocket his career. Alexander McQueen’s shocking runway decisions earned him the title of ‘the hooligan of British fashion’ showcasing his ‘bumster’ jeans and a collection entitled ‘highland rape’. His jean collection sparked the trend in

low rise jeans but at the time they drew much speculation and criticism. These jeans are one of his most famous and well known pieces, along with the skull print scarf ’s that have been copied all over the high street and dog tooth print designs. In 1996 the couture house of Givenchy in Paris wanted McQueen as John Galliano’s successor which is a great honour for any designer. Couture designers make garments to fit the models that will be wearing them down the catwalk. Celebrities and rich socialites from around the world will be invited to Paris to hand pick the garments they like on the catwalk, which will then be hand made for them. These garments are often worth in access of £10,000. The highly prestigious ‘couture club’ only lets the fashion elite showcase their work. When talking to Vogue in 1997 he admitted that his first couture collection was 'crap' and this forced him to tone down his work, a factor that then made him quit in March 2001 saying couture fashion was ‘constraining his creativity’. Some of McQueen’s accomplishments include winning British designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. He was also awarded a CBE and named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards. With regards to his personal life McQueen was a proud gay man claiming that he knew his sexual orientation from the age of 6. In the summer of 2000, McQueen unofficially

married his partner George Forsyth, 24, a documentary filmmaker, on a yacht in Ibiza. The relationship ended a few years later. He was a keen scuba diver and used his passion as a source of inspiration in his designs. An undersea influence was seen in his October 2009 fashion show, ‘Plato's Atlantis’.

The day after his death, the central London store remained closed, with lilies and roses placed in the windows

in memory of the designer. The fashion house's offices worldwide are now asking all journalists who were given sample garments in the past to ship them back to the company's headquarters because of concerns that they would be sold for high prices on Web sites such as eBay, which has already seen a rise in the number of listings of Alexander McQueen items, from 63 on Monday to a little over 900 on Friday. The company said hundreds of the items — including clothing, shoes and other accessories from current and past collections — have been recalled to keep the McQueen legacy secure.

Alexander McQueen will forever be remembered as one of the most controversial designers of all time, and his designs and mark on the fashion world will live on forever and continue to inspire many hopeful fresh new designers. These images represent just a slice of McQueen’s life and our thoughts go out to the loved ones that are mourning his death at this sad time. RIP Alexander McQueen.

RIP Alexander McQueenBurberry in 3DIconic British fashion label have revealed they are set to be the first company ever to stage a catwalk in 3D. The brands A/W2010 show will be streamed directly to Paris, New York, Tokyo, Dubai and LA, with the real deal being show cased in London on the 23rd February. Could celebs finally be saying good bye to their jet setting fashionista lives and swap front row seats at a catwalk in New York for a night on the sofa?

Spring fashion hits stores!

Despite the brief stint of snow we experienced last week, high street stores are finally beginning to stock their spring/summer 2010 stock, yay! Pale colours, floral dresses, and the ‘nautical look’ are all set to be hot trends for next season so get down to Highcross now to be the one setting the new summer trends, but maybe its best keep the sandals in your wardrobe for a little longer!

Dannii Minogue for M&SIt has been revealed that Dannii Minogue is set to be the new face of Marks and Spencer’s famous advertising campaigns. She will be appearing alongside other famous faces such as TV presenter Lisa Snowdon, singer VV Brown, Brazilian supermodel Ana Beatiz Barros and of course, the one and only Twiggy. Dannii’s sleek and sophisticated style on the X Factor seams to have landed her the job. She has even joined forces with handbag designer Tabitha Webb to launch a clothing collection in time for summer.

Fashion for HaitiSuper model Naomi Campbell is hosting her annual fashion show in London this season to raise money for the mothers and babies affected by the Haiti crisis. The first of two shows kicked off on the 10th February in New York and another will be held in London on the 19th February. ‘I don't want to tell you yet who'll be in the show, I like to keep the element of surprise - it'll be great, unexpected people,’ she teased.

Fashion News in Brief

The fashion world was rocked on the 11 February 2010 with the shock death of one of the words most prestigious designers, aged just 40. Holly Smith looks back over his life and pays tribute to one of the most famous names in fashion.

"We are devastated and

are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."- Alexander

McQueen Office, Official Website

"His collections were always exceptional – innovative, inspirational and dazzlingly beautiful." - Jane Rapley, Head of Central Saint Martins College.


Lifestyle

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you had made just one tiny decision differently? Like if you decided to go out one night would you have met the love of your life? And if that tiny decision had been made differently is it down to fate or is everything just a coincidence? Or if fate does exist can you miss it? And more to the point what happens if you do miss your fate, are you then doomed to live a life that is completely off course?

Having recently got back in touch with someone I dated for a while last year I could not help but wonder if I had indeed missed my fate and was now paying for it by not being able to have what I wanted?

I met (hmmm… What can I call him?!) Mr. Ladybug (if you knew his real name you would get the pun!) last year on Valentine’s Day. I had partied hard with the girls and have very vague memories of meeting and kissing some guy that if I’m honest I thought I would never hear from again. However it seems fate intervened (or did it?) as Mr. Ladybug did some Facebook stalking. Eventually after much joking and Facebook messaging and one too many Cosmopolitans (ok, ok one Cosmo and far too many VK’s) I decided that as a modern independent girl, I would ask Mr Ladybug out for a drink!

The drink went well and we went out for dinner (a lot!) but things just never really seemed to get off the

ground. Being a single independent lady I was not just seeing one person. The other guy, Mr. Not Quite Right, seemed at the time far more interested, always in touch, always wanting more. So being a typical girl I went for the one that paid me a lot more attention instead of the one who really was far more “me”.

After realising that Mr. Not Quite Right was most definitely Mr. Not Right and after far too much moaning about not making the right choice, I decided yet again to make the first move and send a cheeky text to Mr. Ladybug. Much to my surprise he replied. But things weren’t really how I wanted them to be- Mr. Ladybug had a girlfriend in tow! I mean what did I expect? For him to stay single until I came to my senses (well in my dream world)? This surely was my missed fate coming back to haunt me. I didn’t get on the right plane and now I was stuck at some at dodgy departure lounge called regret!

I’m not the kind of girl who treads on other girls’ toes but in this case I have been a little guilty of trying to lead Mr. Ladybug astray (not only have I missed my fate but I’m also going to have bad karma!!!). Currently he is still with his girlfriend (much to my dismay!) but I’ve heard he has plans to go travelling at the same time as me (is that fate I hear calling?). I can only hope that I’m wrong and that you can never miss your fate and even if you do it has a way of finding itself back to you (maybe even on a beautiful desert island somewhere!).

Confessions of a DMU GirlFate Schmate, says Cinnamon Patrick

Engulfed with fantasy, history and passion, The Children’s Book is set in the English countryside of Kent. The novel spans a quarter of a century from 1985 to the aftermaths of the First World War, following the intersecting lives of four Fabien families, extended across two generations. It is also enriched with subsidiary characters, from real life pioneers of children’s literature, such as Oscar Wilde, Rupert Brooke and Virginia Woolf.

The Children’s Book is AS Byatt’s first novel in ten years since her appalled novel Possession that deservedly won a Booker Prize award. Equally successful, her new novel focuses on her interest in fairytales, the visual arts and study on historic novels. Like Possession that begun in the London library, The Children’s Book opens up in the rich cultural setting of South Kensington Museum where three young boys wander around the exquisite collections of historic art. They are attended to by one of the mothers, Olive Wellwood, the heroine’s novel who is a successful children’s writer with a profound love for literature.

As we are drawn into the vibrant life of Olive we learn that that she is a young mother in her thirties who, at the turn of the 20th Century, witnessed the exciting development

in British children’s literature. However, like many ambitious writers desperate to achieve the same success as other celebrated authors, she is torn between her domestic duties and the demands of her profession. Empowered by the drive to become a successful writer she is forced to sacrifice her maternal role to pursue a career in the writing world.

This raises the poignant question of the novel and the occurring discussion in Byatt’s other literacy work- whether there can ever be a happy equilibrium between parenthood and the world of artistic production. Byatt suggests not. This is portrayed through Olive who immerses herself in her work at the expense of her children. Instead, the hardship of raising her young family is selfishly left to her sister Violet who brings the children up.

Consequently, her absence as a mother has enabled her to develop a close bond with her children, ironically leading her to write private fairytales for each child, bound in individual books to form as a way of having some kind of communication and attachment to them. As the novel progresses we continue to observe Olive’s desire to become a successful writer, whilst fighting the inner battle to become a better mother and a positive role model in her children’s

life. Byatt has undoubtedly created a novel that encloses the physical emotional, psychological traumas of being an author and exposing the devastating affects it has on its victims – the children of the artist themselves.

Jayde Phillips

Out for lunch one day, two editors weigh up the choices for a daytime meal in Leicester. Soar Point? Too far away. Polar Bear? Too close. We considered Wagamama’s, but on our way to town we spy… Tinseltown. A brief two minutes of discussion and we decided to head there instead and try the range of delights on offer.

Ten minutes later, we see no said range. The place was half empty and full of garish tables and banquettes. We were seated at a questionably sticky table and tried to choose among the overpriced meals on the menu that greeted us. I went for a Cajun chicken burger with cheese, while Ciaran opted for a Mexican chicken pasta (both of

which were from the student lunch menu, as the prices were expensive). I was somewhat surprised when I was served a tasty burger with chips and salad, whilst Ciaran was less than impressed with his plate of pasta that was mixed with sub-standard tomato sauce and some chicken.

It’s ‘Mexican’ moniker was undoubtedly due to the hint of spice the sauce contained, but there was no way it was worth £5.95. We both finished and considered having milkshakes, but inexplicably they were more expensive on the lunch menu (£2.99 on the regular one is bad enough anyway) so we decided to leave.

The meal did fill us up (I even

pinched some of Ciaran’s pasta because he couldn’t finish) but left us somewhat queasy later.

If you like weak imitations of Planet Hollywood then you might appreciate the flat screen TV tuned permanently into MTV and pictures of celebrities on the wall. If you’re more into delicious, value-for-your-money meals, then this is not the place to visit.

5-9 Upper Brown Street, Leicester LE1 5TE

Sarah Taylor

BookReviews

Restaurant Reviews

The Children’s Book – AS Byatt

Tinseltown – An Editors' Day Out


Music

Their band name may be Retroscopic but their music is certainly not stuck in the past. This five piece outfit from Leicester have an alternative sound that will make you want to rock out to their intrepid tunes.

Having formed in 2006 the band has played a number of successful gigs both in and out of Leicester. They’ve gained increased recognition by fans for their hard rock style which is uniquely constructed by all five members.

Bassist Matt Pearson, 21, said: ‘We all play a part in writing our music. We always try to improve the songs once they’re written so that we are completely happy with what we’re playing and what the audience are hearing.’

Retroscopic’s musical influence comes from a number of American bands. Thrice, Brand New and Taking Back Sunday are just a few that enticed them into composing music of the same genre. This is reflected in their album ‘You’ll like us in three years’ which has a cleverly selected title to demonstrate how far the band have come since forming three years

ago. The tracks are an array of heavy drum beats accompanied by intrinsic guitar and bass lines. The vocals often enter into the realms of screamo, which gives the songs an extreme rock sound.

The band has to juggle their love of music alongside their daily occupations, which range from studying at university to working as a shop supervisor or electrician.

It hasn’t always been easy where the music is concerned. Since forming, the band went through three singers in the space of a couple of years. They knew current vocalist Mark Pickering, 21, from playing in bands together beforehand. When Mark’s band split up he joined Retroscopic and everything has gone well for them so far.

The band is hoping that 2010 will be a good year. They’re planning a tour in March around the country and will also be releasing their EP which was recorded last year. This will give fans a taster of what’s to come on their second album.

Matt said: ‘We want this year to be as action packed as possible so we’re really going to push ourselves and see

how far the band can get.’If you’re a fan of heavy rock music,

Retroscopic are a definite unsigned band to take note of.

You can listen to Retroscopic on their Myspace page at:

www.myspace.com/retroscopic.

They also have a Facebook page, where up and coming gig listings are posted.

Are you an �unsigned artist or band and want an interview opportunity with The Demon?

Email The �Demon music team at [email protected]

Unsigned Talent: Retroscopic Laura Crichton interviews one of Leicester's hottest, noteworthy rock bands

Spectacular Show For Rammstein After a hiatus since the somewhat lacklustre 2005 effort Rosenrot, industrial metal’s favourite Teutonic pyromaniacs play three UK dates on the back of their first album in four years, 2009’s superb Liebe Ist Für Alle Da.

Due to UK legislation with regards to pyrotechnics, Rammstein opted to play only three venues, each large enough to accommodate the outlandish showmanship the band have made their trademark, rather than a run of smaller shows with toned down stage effects and incendiary spectacle. A wise move it would seem, ensuring a packed house in Manchester, Birmingham and London and a riotous reception from fans spanning a surprisingly wide age bracket. The LG arena, Birmingham made way for Rammstein on February 3.

Opening act Combichrist played an enjoyably energetic set of pounding EBM which, while relatively short, was well received. Although fist-pumping metallers seemed reluctant

to dance (a Combichrist gig in a far smaller venue would have produced more movement). Frontman Andy Laplegua provided a relentless stage-presence to a set which climaxed with drummers hurling kick drums and frisbee-ing cymbals at each other.

Rammstein themselves took to the stage in typically elaborate fashion, smashing and cutting their way through a backlit dividing wall before tearing into the new album’s opening track; Rammlied. What followed was a nineteen song set offering a nice balance between old and new, with the shrewd decision to include the diamond-in-the-rough crowd-pleaser Benzin as the only Rosenrot era song.

While undoubtedly heavy, Rammstein never had to resort to black-metal-esque incoherence or fuzz, playing with martial precision throughout. No small feat considering the potentially distracting on-stage theatrics, including explosions, columns of flame, lasers, confetti, a rather “suggestive” foam cannon, flamethrower masks and the welcome

return of the crowd-surfing dingy dubbed “raftstein” by fans. Manned by keyboardist Christian “Flake” Lorenz (despite previous vows never to do so again after a series of injuries), the boat was passed around the crowd for the duration of Haifisch (Shark), during the first of two encores. Other highlights included the immolation of an apparent stage invader through clever improvisation of a petrol pump and a flare as well as the aforementioned, long-suffering keyboardist being dumped in a bath by muscle-bound lead singer Til Lindeman, before being showered with sparks from a raised platform.

The show closed with a second encore of Engel, an old favourite from 1997’s Sehnsucht, opening with a haunting whistled tune then descending into a dark, synth driven anthem. Lindeman returned to the stage sporting a pair of metallic wings, which extended to their full span before erupting into flame, a previously unseen Rammstein stunt that the crowd lapped up.

It was a perfectly outlandish way to end a gig that was most certainly worth the wait and complimented an album that is easily their best since 2001’s breakthrough hit Mutter.

For anyone who wasn’t fortunate to be there, Rammstein will be headlining the Sonisphere festival at Knebworth House in July alongside Iron Maiden.

Flames, foam and the return of 'Raftstein.' Jack McManus reviews an impressive gig


Music

When something tragic happens, Simon Cowell always cashes in to help save the day and it is no different with the Help Haiti single 'Everybody Hurts.' Including stars such as Leona Lewis, Marah Carey, Rod Stewart, Cheryl Cole and Joe McElderry (surprise surprise with Simon Cowell on the reigns) and many other stars, this depressing single has topped the charts.

Compared to other charity singles it is a decent song, and in terms of it's cause, not debatable. Combining a tear jerking video, this single has everything it needs, to successfully do what it says on the tin. Raise money. Even those cynical about the stars involved or how much money per single actually goes to help Haiti, it

will nevertheless go some way to help those in need.

To donate to the charity �call the DEC's dedicated Haiti Earthquake appeal line which is open 24 hours a day on 0370 6060 900 or go to the wesbite: www.dec.org.uk/donate_now/ to donate online or text “GIVE” to 70077 to donate £5. You pay £5 plus your standard network SMS charge.

Sam Nicholson

Muse and Stevie Wonder have now been officially confirmed to play headline slots at this year's Glastonbury festival.

Festival organiser Michael Eavis had previously revealed that Muse were booked and Wonder was likely to play, but now the bookings have been made official, reports BBC News.

Muse are returning to the event following their 2004 headline slot and will play on the Pyramid Stage on the Saturday (June 26) of the event. Stevie Wonder will headline on the Sunday (27). U2 had previously been announced as Friday night (25) headliners.

Hot Chip, Dizzee Rascal, Jack Johnson and Vampire Weekend are also set to play at the Somerset event, which is sold out.

Laura Westerby

Want to write for �the music section? Email The Demon at [email protected]

Gigs For The DiaryMonday 1st/ Tuesday 2nd March X Factor Live 2010 Nottingham Trent FM ArenaTickets £28.50 plus booking free7.30pmwww.nottingham-arena.com

Wednesday 3rd MarchPhilharmonia Orchestra De Montfort HallVaried ticket prices and concessions available7.30pmwww.demontforthall.co.uk

Friday 5th March

Lady GagaLG Arena Birmingham Tickets £27.50 and £35theticketfactory.com or The Ticket Factory on 0844 338 80008pm

Music ReviewsHaiti Charity SingleStevie Wonder and

Muse confirmed for Glastonbury 2010

Open-mic Frights Are Worthwhile You know that feeling you get when you know something is going to go well? It may be a football match, a driving test, a date if you’re one of the lucky so-and-sos who can pull around here... But I’m talking more specifically, a little more niche so to speak.

I’d like to say that I’m a singer-songwriter. Really I would. Actually I will: I’m a singer-songwriter! It’s hardly the easiest of pastimes to be honest... The amount of hours that I’ve spent pouring over lyrics and chords at stupid o’clock in the morning easily surpasses time spent on coursework or drinking. And then there’s the real kicker. I can't

play an instrument! So not only do I have to write the songs and chords, I have to find someone who can play them for me. It’s a b**** to do, I assure you.

Fortunately, I’ve found my fair share of talented musicians, namely down to one thing:

Polar Bear Open Mic. I’m not one for shamelessly selling out and plugging anything – but I’m just going to go ahead and do it. I stepped up on that stage a month ago for the first time this year, playing my original songs for the first time. Oh and I’ll add just a little bit of necessary information: these songs had been learnt two

hours before by Phoenix Kalmar, a talented guitarist I had met for the first time that day.

I’m not going to lie, as I wipe the sweat from my brow I try to ignore the glowing patches under my armpits, I realise something important: I am

Shaking in my boots �Sweating bullets �Internal back-flips in my �stomachGenerally cacking my pants. �

Stepping up to the mic, I quiver for a moment as I realise how busy the place is, and in my head I see the

entire room full of people rushing out of the door the second I start singing. We introduce ourselves, I introduce my songs, and we play them. There’s no way in hell that we’re a Lennon and McCartney, Hall and Oates, Bono and The Edge, but damn it we tried hard to kick some musical ass in those short moments on stage. A few bum notes and a couple hasty chords later...

A moment of silence, I bow my head with an awkward grin and grunt “And that’s it” into the microphone. Seconds later the air is filled with applause, cheering, whistling and slightly confusing shouts of “You sexy beast!” and “Yeah Roy!” I look across

the Phoenix who is sharing the same bemused little grin that I am, the crowd was going nuts after a song that we’d rehearsed once, and even more than that, they were going nuts over a song we’d performed... pretty badly first time around!

I guess that you’ve just got to have a little faith in yourself, and the Average Joe, people love a good underdog story. Standing behind the mic looking out at a crowd is terrifying, but hell, it’s so worth it.

Visit this website for all types of �weekly musical events happening in Leicester: www.pineapster.com/events/

Morton Piercewright discusses how Polar Bear is great place for budding musicicans

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Email The Demon music team at [email protected]


Politics

There is buzz around the campus. Have you heard it? By the time this paper reaches your hands (there’s a couple of days turnover between us writing this thing and it being available to read) the coming cacophony will be in full effect; because it’s time for the De Montfort Student Union Elections.

I can only imagine that by now the various details of the elections have been reiterated by so many people so many times, whether it be in this very publication, the DSU website, university sent emails and candidates soapboxes, that you might be beginning to wonder why DSU haven’t changed the record. However, I don’t see why it can do any harm to repeat them just one more time.

The DSU elections are set to open on Friday the 19th of February at 10 am (1 day, 20, 28 minutes and about 30 seconds away for me right now according to demontfortstudents.com’s ever helpful countdown) and the ballot closes at midnight on Thursday 25th.

Voting’s as simple as can be, just log in to your myDMU account and there’ll be a link to swiftly transport you to DSU’s very own democratic paradise. However despite the ease (and the sheer amount of publicity it receives around campus) with which students can vote in the election turnout doesn’t always seem to be as good as it could be (i.e. 100 %!). As someone who, I am loathe to admit, himself failed to vote in the very elections I am now, somewhat hypocritically, preaching about the importance of participating; however, I’ve learnt from my mistakes and I think it’s important that not only everyone knows that the elections are going on, but just how relevant and important they are to every student at DMU.

In my first year at De Montfort I’ll admit when it came round to election time I wasn’t too bothered; I hadn’t really had much involvement with the Union, other than picking up the occasional copy of The Demon and going to Level 1 a couple of times in Fresher’s. So when it was time to elect the new exec team I didn’t really see how it would affect me

and, to be honest, forgot to vote. Two years on though, after having a fair bit more involvement with the Union and seeing firsthand the fantastic effort they make for us, I am completely convinced of the importance of having a say in how our Union is run.

For one thing the elections are highly representative. For one thing, as electorates go DMU is pretty small, much smaller anyway than any General Election we’re likely to participate in. Also the student elections benefit again in the fact that they run an Instant Run-off Vote system (for more on IRV turn the page and read our feature on electoral reform “Democracy Now?). The IRV system allows you to choose preferences of candidates, so even if your top choice isn’t elected, your 2nd & 3rd (or how ever many people you pick) place choices will still affect the outcome and with a record 26 candidates standing this year, you’re spoilt for choice.

Another reason for participating in DMU democracy is the fact that by not voting you have no choice in who you’re handing a vast amount of responsibility

to someone you don’t know anything about without having any say in their election. As Nic Paton of The Guardian points out in his article on Student Union government “Officer Class” (available on the DSU website in the election information section: tinyurl.com/yac9cru), becoming a sabbatical Union officer is a position of substantial power, commenting “What many people do not realise is that Sabbatical Officers will be Trustees of their Union and therefore financially responsible (and liable) for a business with a turnover running into millions of pounds”. DSU is a thriving business, but its resources are finite and only by voting can we ensure that someone who will take care of those assets is representing us.

Writing on the importance of democratic election in all educational institutions, as a tool to counter apathy for national politics and to ensure student focused education the historian Robert Dallek points out that student elections are essential because “issues that are of greater importance to students than those the general electorate faces in periodic

elections” often come into play. What Dallek talks of there is, to my mind, perhaps the most important reason for our participation in the upcoming polls. With higher education facing massive cuts in government funding and a review which could lead to the uncapping of tuition fees being run by the government, big business execs and pro-free market lobbies without any student involvement, our own student governments remain our greatest asset in the task of organizing universities together and making sure that our voice is heard nationally. Only by taking an active interest in the elections and selecting the candidate we think most qualified to represent us in this issue and others.

So go to demontfortstudents.com/vote/, read the candidate manifestos, watch the videos and get voting! It only takes a couple of minutes, with that short time playing a vital role in the running of our Union for the next year.

For all the info on the election ��check out DSU's Twitter feed: twitter.com/votedsu

Undoubtedly, the words, “Oh, I forgot about him!!” would have been uttered in several households across the country as people settled down to watch the evening news, on Friday 29 January. The leading story of the day and one that was much anticipated for several weeks was regarding Tony Blair’s appearance in front of the Chilcot Enquiry, investigating the legality of the 2003 “War on Terror” in Iraq. Unless you were lucky (or, perhaps, unlucky) enough to stump up the reportedly-millions of pounds Blair has been commanding in recent years for touring the political lecture circuit. Chances are you wouldn’t have seen the ex-PM since he announced on his last day as Premier that “that is that – the end”. Though at the time critics claimed that he wouldn’t be able to tear himself away from the very public persona that he (and others) had sculpted throughout his years in power, it seemed that perhaps that was indeed that. Rarely did he feature again on prime time news, as attention shifted to the (mis)fortunes of his successor, Gordon Brown. Fast forward two-and-a-half years and Blair was back

in the limelight, though in very different circumstances to the jovial mood in Parliament on that warm June day back in ’07. In front of a panel, an invited audience and several television cameras and journalists, Blair began his staunch of defending the Government’s decision to invade Iraq as well as seemingly justifying for any possible future war with Iran.

After a somewhat shaky start, Blair seemed to relax into the role where viewers saw the return of those infamous hand gestures for extra emphasis. Despite a few hairy moments, for instance when one of the members of the public walked out after loudly declaring that he could no longer stomach Blair’s rhetoric, his performance was, on the whole, sleek and confident. It was very much an “it’s-like-he-never-went” moment as he skilfully handled the questions thrown at him. With a general election looming, to what extent will Blair’s re-emergence on the scene be an asset to the Labour Party’s campaign? Or will he fade back into obscurity (coming to an expensive lecture theatre near you soon)?

Certainly Peter Mandleson, the Business Secretary and former architect of New Labour would very much hope he climbs back

aboard. Mandleson is quoted as saying that the latest campaign will feature as many of the past and all of the present leadership teams as possible, in an attempt to drum up support for their waning cause. Do his comments suggest a lack of confidence in the current team? One would certainly assume so, especially as our presidentialised system places so much emphasis on the Party Leader nowadays. It shows, too – just compare Blair’s slick performance with that of Brown’s during his recent press conference with Afghan leader Hamid Karzai. The two men sitting facing a crowd of students and cameras, Karzi looked relaxed

and collected; Brown looked tense and awkward. Mandleson obviously thinks that Blair and the Class of 1997, the New Labour stalwarts, have something to contribute to the campaign. Perhaps it is his preference for foreign affairs that has convinced “Mandy” to bring him back on board – it is well known that Brown is more partial to the domestic agenda. However, what is more likely the case, as the past few weeks have shown, the possibility that Blair will be the “face” of the campaign with Brown as the brains. Certainly the 14,000-odd “fans” of Blair on Facebook would approve (Brown, incidentally, only has around 4,000 fans. Barack

Obama – 7.2 million). With Labour as the severe underdogs of this years’ election, there really is nothing to lose, and, who knows, if we have a repeat of 1992 on our hands, Brown may even be able to cancel those removal lorries (he probably got a discount for booking early...)

Do�you�have�an��opinion�about�this�article?�Let�the�Demon�Know!�Email�[email protected]

Blair, Iraq and the ElectionWith Tony Blair's Chilcot Enquiry re-entry into the public eye, Matt Bennison discusses his possible role in Labour's Election

DSU Elections in Full SwingChris Day


Politics

With a general election approaching, people are starting to talk about who they will vote for.

Not a huge amount of people probably, given the electoral turnout is usually around 60% of those eligible to vote. I always come to the same conclusion, that I would like to have a change from the ‘New Labour’ government yet the only realistic alternative, a Conservative government, is one I would prefer not to choose. If voting Liberal Democrat wasn’t considered a wasted vote by so many then I would definitely vote for them. The only chance of this realistically happening however would be if the electoral system for Westminster was reformed and the ‘first past the post’ system which is currently in place, was replaced by something more democratic and representative of the electorate’s views. As it stands the system favours both the Labour and Conservatives, hence being dubbed “the two party system” and tactical voting is encouraged by both to keep the other main party out of government. This is something voters are willing to engage in, to save their vote from being wasted on a party that isn’t likely to form a government. The fact that since the end of WW2 only the two main parties have been in government, compounds such thinking. Because

I’m not David Cameron I will in this article, go further than just criticising the status quo and make the jump from pure, undirected criticism with no constructive base; instead framing my argument with an explanation of alternative methods, rather than poorly concealed hypocrisy.

As well as encouraging tactical voting the actual opinion of the electorate about who represents their opinion in Westminster is not accurately reflected there. In 2005 New Labour gained 35% of the vote and the Conservative 33%, yet took 55% and 30% of seats respectively. The Liberal

Democrats also, took 16% of the seats despite receiving 22% in the popular vote. The fact that just over 35% of the electorate voted for a Labour government and they were returned to govern alone, with a sizable majority in parliament without the views of the other 65% of the electorate being taken into account at all, shows just how unrepresentative of public opinion and lacking in legitimacy the UK electoral system is. Advocates of the system argue that having such a system of government in place has enabled quick decision making at times when it has been crucial. It has to be said that the electoral system does offer greater stability in some cases; the first being that the past the post system makes it difficult for minority parties to acquire parliamentary seats, even if they obtain a significant amount of votes in a region. This could be seen to have gifted the UK with comparative political stability in the last 50 years, whereas countries with more proportionally representative electoral systems, such as France, have often seen hard-line Fascist and Communist parties gain serious influence in government. It has however, also enabled the mass privatisations of the 1980’s, which has in the long term at least, created many problems in contemporary Britain. Namely the privatisation of British Gas which, two decades on after the de-regulation of the energy sector has seen predictions for the UK to experience a black hole in its energy

supply. Also UK postal service markets were opened up to foreign competition three years before the rest of Europe, putting the Royal Mail at a significant disadvantage, the effects of which we saw just before Christmas. Such a system also enables decisions like those regarding the invasion of Iraq to be passed, thanks to joint Conservative and Labour support. Had another electoral system that gives a more accurate representation in parliament been in place allowing voters to express themselves more freely, then such an act may not have passed through parliament. So, what is the alternative?

Until recently it was perceived that such a change would be unlikely to happen as this electoral system only elects two parties to power, neither would abolish the system that returned them to power so consistently. However PM Gordon Brown has promised a referendum on the proposal to implement an ‘instant run off voting system’. “In an instant run-off election, voters mark candidates in order of preference: 1 for their first choice, 2 for their second choice, and so on”, writes Christopher Jerdonek of the American pro-IRV campaign “Fair Vote” (http://tinyurl.com/yh34ky3). Initially the voters first choice counts as their vote, however if no candidate achieves a majority, then the bottom ranking candidate is eliminated, and his votes recast to his electors second choices, if they have made them. This deletion and redistribution of votes continues until one candidate has achieved a majority, the effect being that by listing preference the ballot allows for a series of elections to be run via one ballot, leading to the victory of a candidate who is more representative of the majority preference, than in the first past the post system. As former Nirvana bassist and political activist Krist Novoselic points outs that “with

IRV participation has more meaning.” This is because even if a voters first choice does not gain a majority, the fact that their second choice can then be considered, will encourage people to vote for the candidate they wish to be elected, instead of voting tactically in the awareness that their preferred runner is a minority candidate. Here Novoselic summarises that because of this, “voters can rank their heartfelt choice first while still supporting another candidate as a second preference. Phrases like “wasted vote” and “spoiler candidate” are gone from the lexicon of democracy”.

Whilst this will still leave a single government party, it will also mean that a much larger proportion of the electorate will have voted for the victorious party under this form of election, introducing greater accountability and legitimacy into the British political system. Such a move would be popular with the British people it would seem, with 61% of an opinion poll saying they would vote for such a system and just 26% saying they would prefer to stay with the current system. Hopefully an increase in the value of the electorates vote might also increase the electoral turnout, something that has been

worryingly low over recent years and people will feel free to vote for whoever really represents them. Jerdonek points out that the increase in voters turning out is promisingly likely, and that when San Francisco City Council switched to IRV in 2005, the voter turnout came close to tripling, with especially high increase in the lowest income and most culturally diverse communities. The latter benefit could play a particularly positive role in revitalising British democracy, with our current system depending on political parties attracting the votes of particular interest groups, such as the Tory’s and Labour’s war, to attract the middle class vote in the upcoming election.

Hopefully a final stage of revitalisation in the election system would be the greater wave of ideas coming from the party machines. With the increased opportunities for more parties to receive votes it could mean there are more viewpoints represented and different political ideas being created. As Novoselic highlights, “more choices for voters, means more competition in the marketplace of ideas”. With more parties at the forefront of UK politics, the potential to create a climate of wider political ideas and thinking would be

Democracy Now?As Gordon Brown pushes for electoral reform, The Demon's Politcal Writers investigate the IRV systemElection Candidate & Chris Day Political Editor

"These proposals have begun one of the most monumental processes of change Wesminster has seen."


Politics

The BNP threw out a Times Journalist who had been invited to their General Meeting which was held on Sunday 14 February, after being angered by the Times on Saturday article about their campaign trail. The meeting had been called, to hold the controversial vote which would determine the future of the BNPs membership, which had been criticised for its inability to comply with race relation laws. A decision won’t be made until March, as to whether the newly voted in changes will be enough to keep the party from being prosecuted by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Griffin could also face jail if the EHRC does not find the new changes sufficient, something which would damage the party significantly in the run up to the 2010 election.

According to the Times, the offending article, which led to the scene at the meeting in the Elm Park Pub, Hornchurch was a profile of Party member Richard Brambrook. The article described the BNP as "ridiculous - even pathetic" and had disparaging quotes from Brambrooks neighbours. It so enraged the Party that the Times journalist Dominic Kennedy (who did not write the provocative article) was forcibly removed by BNP security. In an email to party members, Nick Griffin said that the incident proved that the party had not gone "soft" on "lying Times journalists", and said that the meeting had been a "great success".

The new rules for the BNP membership, were voted in with 300 votes out of the 305, and now allows "well-meaning members of legally settled ethnic minorities" to join. But in a video on the BNP website Griffin says that the EHRC are "[still] out to get the British National Party", and confirms that its membership will be frozen until mid March when the EHRC will have made its decision.

The BNP see this as a massive blow to their finances, estimating that £100,000 of membership has been lost over the past five months, as "thousands of people" wish to join but are still unable. They are now encouraging those who wish to join the campaign can without membership, as they fear the dent in their budget will affect their results, come the election.

On their website, the BNP say that the broadening of their intake would be a positive thing, and have

the example of how they would "welcome the brave Mr Rajinder Singh as a member in the light of his struggle against the Islamification of Britain". Singh, who is 78, has stated that he has several reasons for wanting to join the BNP, as he believes the other parties attitudes to Islam and the expenses scandal as main factors for this decision. Singh arrived in Britain in 1968, and has been reported in the Guardian saying "I don’t hate Muslims. By definition a Sikh is supposed to love all — even the enemy". He goes on, however to blame Islam for the death of his father during the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, and confesses that he is not, in fact, a practicing Sikh, wearing a turban purely for the exposure he would receive from the interview.

Singh wouldn’t be the first anomaly in the BNP’s ranks, Pat Richardson, also interviewed by The Guardian, is a senior BNP councillor in Essex and ethically Jewish, and Laurence Rustem, councillor for the Valence Ward in Barking, is half-Turkish (or, as a fellow BNP associate put it, “half-wog”). Richardson separates herself from her “Jewishness” and Romanian and Lithuanian descent, saying that the support for the BNP is “purely political”.

As a multicultural nation, Britain is home to many ethnic groups with relationships and histories dating back further than the British National Party. By allowing ethnic minority members who share the BNPs anti-Islamist ideas to join, the BNP risk forcing a greater wedge between the various

sub groups which make up Britain. Singh certainly feels that “every Hindu and Sikh should be praising the BNP”, although he has been shunned by fellow Sikhs. Anti-fascist group Searchlight details the fact that only a few “fanatical Anti-Muslim” Sikhs support the BNP, despite Singh and Griffins claims that there are “leading members of the Sikh and Hindu communities” involved in the Party.

Many, including the BBCs Andy Tighe, have questioned whether or not it would be accepted by BNP members to change its membership policies, policies in which are part of the core belief of the extreme right group. The judge at the BNPs previous hearing stated that “no evidence had been presented to suggest that many people from ethnic minorities wanted to join the BNP.” The EHRC, however, says that this is not the point of the hearing. Anti-discrimination and hate-crime laws are in place in Britain to protect people no matter their race, age, gender, religion or sexuality. By allowing members who are not “indigenous-Caucasians”, the BNP would comply with these laws. But as Mr Singh’s comments have shown, the attitudes of its members do not have to. On their website, Nick Griffin said that this change in constitution was proof that the BNP was not a racist party. The fact that the only ethnic minority citizen who has spoken publicly of his desire to join also harbours what could only be described as prejudiced views; this therefore speaks volumes for the future of the BNP.

unleashed. Perhaps even competition would be such that parties may seek to carry out such policies to set themselves apart from the others. Novoselic convincingly summarises that “noting is stronger than an idea whose time has come”. Instant Runoff could ensure the validity and the electoral sway of ideas, rather than people voting for the ‘lesser of two evils’.

PM Gordon Brown has recently announced he will begin to push through electoral reform legislation, with his policy on having a national referendum on the issue being given the go-ahead in by a vote of MPs last week. Therefore the legislative process for Brown’s promised referendum on an electoral reform will have started before the next election. This action would makes it harder for a Conservative government to reverse the proposals, which they are against, without being severely criticised and discredited. David Cameron’s solution to the crisis of democracy in this country is to reduce the number of MP’s in the Commons by 10%, but it seems eerily similar to the common governmental practice of re-drawing constituency boundaries, in order to fit their own parties voting demographics, and therefore increasing their electoral advantage. Surely reducing the number of MPs will only make our democracy less representative, as the power of each vote cast is diluted further. Indeed according to the Conservative Action on Electoral Reform, a pro-Cameron think tank (http://tinyurl.com/y9lxkzc) Cameron’s policy of boundary redefinition would actually make the electoral system less representative, also demonstrating that IRV is not an attractive option for the Tories, as they would still have to increase their electoral majority by some 10% to achieve a viable Conservative ruled government.

Brown’s proposals have been seen by many as a partisan electoral ploy, aimed at driving a wedge between his own party and the Conservative’s, making Labour a more attractive option for the Liberal Democrats to form a government with, in the increasingly likely incidence of a hung parliament. Brown has been mocked from all corners for launching these proposals, including by Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who described it as the “deathbed conversation” of a floundering leader desperate to hold on to power. However, whether or not the move is partially or wholly motivated by partisan concerns, it is undeniable that in launching these proposals Gordon Brown has begun one of the most monumental processes of change Westminster has seen in the modern Britain.

Got an opinion about this ��article? Let the Demon know! Email [email protected]

The BNP: Money, Membership and Run-ins with the Press...Katherine Grant

Clegg Indecisive about Hung Parliament Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is said to still be indecisive about the action that his party would take in the case of the next election resulting in a hung parliament.

A Lib Dem spokesman was recorde as saying that the party had not ruled out any "hypothetical situations", no matter what the outcome of the election, saying it "was up to voters to decide". The comments from the party came after The Guardian claimed that Clegg had ruled out any idea of forming a coalition governement with Labour.

However it should be noted that whatever Clegg's views the nature of the Liberal Democrats party means that any possible post-election decision would have to be voted through the party.

The likelihood of a hung parliament seems increasingly likely, according to opinion polls. If a coalition government is formed then it wll be first of its kind since the 1970's when a "Lib-Lab" pact was formed, allowing Jim Callahagn to form a government.

Prescott Gains from Gavin and StaceyFormer Deputy Prime Minister and Hull East MP John Prescott is said to be delighted with the extra publicity and approval he has been recieving recently, all thanks, according to him, to a 40 second appearence in Gavin & Stacey.

Prescott, who appeared for 40 seconds in an episode of the BBC sitcom's 3rd series - as the culmination of a sub-plot in which the character Nessa claims to have had an affair with - has done wonders for his political standing

The former cabinet member commented that his appearence had given him more positive exposure than anything in his 40 year career in politics, including his long tenure in Tony Blair's cabinet. Prescott cited a meeting with two student members of his constituency who promised to vote for him "because of Gavin and Stacey".

Prescott who was discredited during the end of his time as Deputy PM, being exposed for having an affair with his secretary, along with admitting that he had battled bulimia for several years has seen a massive rise in his public popularity since leaving cabinet, due to his humorous Twitter updates and televisions appearences.


Sport

Valentines weekend and not only did Demons Ultimate Frisbee play Regionals to show their love of the game, but they hosted it too.

Swapping a weekend of lay-ins for a weekend of lay-outs, Demons headed off to Ratcliffe College to host the 20 team tournament that brought together some of the finest University teams in the land.

It was the top seeded team Warwick Bears who were to be the Demon’s first challenge. Pulling out an early zonal defence, the Bears thought they had seen it all before, but a switch of tactics from Demons made them think twice. Especially after a great score from Steve “Rowdy” Molloy assisted by Andy Lee.

However, the Bears showed their class by quickly adapting their tactics, which led to their 13-2 victory and Demon’s first defeat of the tournament.

This defeat ignited the fire in the belly of the team, and they went into their next game with determination and strength.

East Anglia’s Aye Aye 2nds were to be their next opponents, and the scoring was quickly opened by a calahan score from Rich Sutherland, who went on to score another two and assist three within the game.

It was to prove a game of dominance from Demons, with a convincing 13-2 victory being dished out and strong disc play from all involved.

This set the sights high and confidence was flowing within the blood of the team, so they went into their next match, against Cambridge’s

Strange Blue 2, with adrenaline pumping and hopes high.

Again they pulled out all the stops, in what proved to be a much tighter game, with Rob “Shuttle” Kerr sinking a hat-trick of scores to burst into the stats book in style.

The final score was Demons 9 Strange Blue 2 7, meaning they took they record for the day to won two and lost one, with one left to play.

This would be the game that would decide whether they improved their seeding, because they face a team with the same record, Oxford 1sts.

The Demon’s had a two hour break between their last game and this meant that fatigue began to set in and injuries began to take hold.

The injuries meant that key player Andy Lee could only take part in small intervals, so as to not put himself completely out of action for day two.

So with many team members nursing niggles and minor injuries the Demons team fought valiantly, yet in vain going down 13-5 and holding their original seeding from the start of the day. This game, however, saw relentless defence with Sam “Pingu” Tongue excelling himself with four stylish D’s.

This left them in a good position for day two, but with the underlying injuries within the team, super-subs Jonty Lovelady and Freddy “Phantom” Thomas needed to be called in.

After a casual night and a few drinks at Soar point the Demons set out once again to face the elements and try and gain 4 places and the final place at Nationals.

They began the day bright and early with a 9:05 start against East

Anglia’s Aye Aye 1sts, with a victory meaning they would rise to 7th place. Unfortunately the win was not to be, as Aye Aye 1sts stormed to a 10-4 victory leaving Demon’s in 10th place, with just a glimmer of hope left of reaching Nationals.

However, not only had the 1sts game curse taking effect, but the injury list had been extended with super-sub Freddy “Phantom” Thomas aggravating an injury and ruling himself out of action for the rest of the tournament and Steve “Rowdy” Molloy picking up a niggle that would restrict his action for the rest of the day.

Demons were still in 10th place and now had to fend off a challenge for their place Cranfield’s Apocalyptic Cows.

This match saw Demon’s get into the swing of things as they dominated to win the game 12-4, following an amazing 55 minutes from machine Russ “Ruddles” Dooley, in which he scored a 5-timer and set up a further four points.

This kept the fire of a chance at Nationals burning bright, and now they faced the challenge of climbing the board again, starting off their challenge against Nottingham University’s Fling 1sts.

However, over half the team had struggled with injuries and choices of players to go on was beginning to get limited.

Although even with the pressure of this they managed to pull out a 10-4 victory in which Captain Simon “8-Ball” Gibson, who’d come off injured at least three times over the tournament scored a stunning double hat-trick, whilst James “Hammy” Boyle produced three amazing layouts

and Tom Evans grabbed another two incredible layouts showing the teams hunger for a Nationals spot.

Two games to go, both must be won. This was their position as they faced Leicester rivals the Jesters.

The game started with a breathtaking point from the Demons team when Jorge Vasquez produced an amazing hammer throw from his own half which Jonathan “Chuck” Simmen determinedly caught in his chest in the endzone.

This gave the tired Demons passion for the final push as the walking wounded cheered from the sidelines.

However, even with their strong defence, including Robert “Shuttle” Kerr’s stunning layout D, the Demons would not get to the match for the last Nationals spot. The Jesters prove too strong, finishing off the Demons’ tournament with a 9-6 defeat.

This meant they would not play again, and the Jesters would go on

to face Oxford 1sts for the final spot at Nationals. A spot they would eventually take by winning 9-8.

So the Demon’s improved their seeding by two over the tournament, rising to 8th of 20, with M.V.P. being taken by Jorge Vasquez in a close run contest with Rich Sutherland.

The competition as a whole was won by Warwick Bears as they ran away with the victory against Cambridge’s Strange Blues. This left Loughborough’s Haze to battle it out with Birmingham’s UBU for 3rds, a place Haze took with an emotional 11-5 win.

Overall Regionals proved a success for the Demons on two fronts, not only did the team play exceedingly well, but the tournament was hosted effectively and glitch free. Thereby leaving Demon’s planning to host it all again next year, with Nationals yet again the dream.

We had 9 members of the Swimming Team enter one of the toughest assault courses in the world, Toughguy.

The competition held on January 31 certainly tested both the physical and mental toughness. As we arrived in the snow it was beginning to dawn on the competitors the trials ahead.

Starting with an eight mile cross country “run,” there are plenty of water obstacles to make sure you were thoroughly wet and cold. The run also included a slalom up and down the side of a hill to make sure you were running out of energy as you headed

back into the killing fields. This is what makes the Toughguy

event so famous, around 2 miles of full on assault course including crawling under barbed wire, jumping through fire, running through electrocuted tentacles, jumping 40ft into iced lakes, swimming underwater in the iced lakes, crawling through tyre tunnels and climbing over massive A frames.

Of the nine competitors who enter sadly two fell by the wayside within the killing fields due to severe hypothermia (and temporary blindness), but were looked after by the numerous paramedics.

They weren’t in bad company as more than 600 competitors failed to complete the course of over 5000 who entered. The winner for the swim team

was Morgan Gaylard in a fantastic time of 2:18:33. Next across the line was Ben Dickinson shortly followed by Mark Lo 3:43:59. Our first female finisher was Meg Andrews in 3:55:07 with Sam Smith just behind in a time of 3:54:56.

Hot on their heels was Ella McHill in a time of 3:59:02. Finally Ronnie Smyth limped in with a time of 4:05:42 and a broken foot.

It was a fantastic achievement for all who entered and once they were beginning to regain feeling in their limbs and discovering all the bruises and scratches (Ice really cuts!) they realised how much they enjoyed it. Or maybe that was the hypothermia setting in!

DMU host Ultimate Frisbee regionals

Swim team endure ToughguyRonnie Smyth

Craig Fullard


Sport

Forget ‘The Ashes’. Forget about ‘Ronaldo versus Messi’. Even forget about the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ all those years ago. Next month, two of the most feared pugilists of horse racing in the modern era will strive for supremacy at the ‘Clash at Cheltenham’.

Intensively over the next four weeks, the tenacious ‘Kauto Star versus Denman’ rivalry will continue to divide general consensus among fans, pundits, ex-jockeys and more when they deservedly sparkle under the sporting spotlight for a third time on Friday, March 19.

It is rare for us sport fans to have the pleasure of witnessing two true greats of any sport clash against each other in their prime. Yet, if we could, surely it would provide an answer to the perennial question: Who is the Greatest?

Pelé and Maradona were not able to take on each other in a World Cup Final, nor were Federer and Borg able to serve against each other at Wimbledon. In contrast, Warne was permitted to bowl off-spins at Lara’s feet like Ali and Frazier were given permission to deal hefty blows against one other.

While the annual four-day Cheltenham Festival may not mean much to the casual Sport of Kings onlooker, it is a series of dates held in the highest esteem by devout enthusiasts, with the main attraction no doubt being the much-coveted Cheltenham Gold Cup that transpires on the concluding day – a gruelling three and a quarter mile jaunt that features twenty-two stalwart fences for the field to tackle.

Now stablemates the ‘White Knuckle Ride’ Kauto Star and Denman ‘The Tank’ will once more lock horns. The scores are tantalizing tied at one a piece: Denman powered home in 2008 against a disillusioned Kauto Star who then bounced back from this humiliating defeat in style by taking home last year’s Blue Riband prize, leaving a recuperating-from-injury Denman trailing up the infamous Cheltenham hill, steaming in a foul mood.

It has been two years in the making for the ten-year-olds. The racing world is frothing at the mouth with pen and betting slip in hand as the heavily examined question can finally be answered: Which is greater – Kauto Star’s gracefulness or Denman’s brawniness? And, for the record, who will go 2-1 up?

The upcoming 2010 renewal

of the Cheltenham Gold Cup arouses distinct similarities to the classic pugnacious encounter that Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier conjured up in the Philippines in 1975.

Like the boxing bout, this is the third instalment between two almighty athletes – the best of the best – currently tied at one a piece, waiting for the bell to re-commence the jostling for ultimate superiority.

Denman is Frazier: embracing a bullying fighting style. He is a brawler, a dour bruiser, a stubbornly solemn character capable of unyielding brilliance. Having comfortably won a fairly amateurish race in Ireland by 12 lengths in late 2004, he impressed Paul Barber, a scout for Champion trainer Paul Nicholls, who snapped him up and went on to win twelve out of the next thirteen races in the England over the next three and a half years. These were sprinkled with some impressive and convincing performances which included a three-mile victory in the Grade One Royal & Sunalliance Chase at the 2007 Cheltenham Festival.

His supporters will refer Kauto Star endorsers back to 2008. They say the bookies rarely get it wrong, and Mike Dillon, a Ladbrokes PR, endorsed that adage when accurately predicting power would defeat finesse: “He's a more powerful individual – he is a bigger, stronger horse than Kauto Star – and the fact he can go at such a high cruising speed is a massive weapon in his armoury.”

Denman was sent off second favourite (9/4) and annihilated the field with a brutal swagger that left favourite top jockey Ruby Walsh’s preferred mount Kauto Star (10/11) knocked out on the canvas. Second-choice jockey Sam Thomas guided a relentless Denman as he battered and embarrassed his opponents by setting an unmatchable brisk pace throughout and forging clear ahead of the chasing pack before entering the home straight, leaving a below-par Kauto Star, who had been jumping poorly, barely clinging on to second place seven lengths adrift and panting desperately hard as he failed to keep up with the inexorable ‘Tank’,

The following 08/09 season was a major disappointment as Denman was found to be suffering from a debilitating disease in the summer and required an operation for an

irregular heartbeat. It was declared a success but he was a frail figure; shadow of his former imposing self. He raced three times that term without success. Judging by this evidence, the injury and resultant rehabilitation certainly affected him – ‘The Tank’ was unbeaten in all five races of his 07/08 campaign.

Kauto Star is Ali: a boisterous, audacious yet classy individual who feeds the ravenous media with sensational headlines and spectacular photographs. The versatile French stayer has an incredulously large flock of fans that turn up everywhere he races – be it Kempton Park in Surrey, Aintree in Liverpool, or packing out the 67,500 capacity at Gloucestershire’s Prestbury Park in Cheltenham – and revel in his stunning jumping and galloping.

The French had a phrase for their infant raider: 'L'Extraterrestre', translating to ‘out of this world’. And the burgeoning star was soon out of leurs mains as horse owner Clive Smith was encouraged to purchase him for €400,000 by trainer Paul Nicholls after he had been shown a video of him in action at the Auteuil Hippodrome venue in Paris.

He has gone on to win 16 out of top-class 23 races of a varying nature (a shade under a 70% win strike rate) and has piled up just over €2,000,000 in prize money. He is the only horse to have regained a Gold Cup trophy since its 1924 conception when last year he balanced out the scale of power by defeating an injury-plagued Denman to reclaim his 2007 crown.

The French import was backed into 7/4 favouritism for the 2009

Gold Cup, with Denman (7/1) at the biggest odds of his career. Principal jockey Ruby Walsh retained his ride on Kauto Star and reversed 2008’s result by soldiering home and riding out a sizeable 13 length margin of victory to a spirited second-placed effort by Denman.

But what have the two juggernauts achieved this season to prepare themselves for the 2010 Cheltenham Gold cup in around four weeks time?

Kauto Star manifested a peerless display of excellent jumping and ruthless running of his own two months ago on Boxing Day at his unbeaten track of Kempton Park in the King George VI Chase.

Timeform, the world-renowned ratings organisation, believe he is the finest chaser to have graced any racecourse in the world for over forty years. “This victory was the most impressive of his illustrious career. He ran to a rating of 191, which places him amongst the top four jumps performers of all-time.”

Nicholls was candid in his assessment: “I was nervous – there's a lot of pressure, but it's great for racing and the crowd got what it came to see. I don't think he's ever made a mistake since we've put the sheepskin noseband on him and for me he's the best horse there'll ever be.”

Denman’s teetering rise back to his bulky best was better indicated during his dogged Hennessy Gold Cup triumph last November under top weight than his recent 1/6 odds-on disaster earlier this month suggested, whereby he badly blundered at the fourth from home and unseated the 14-time champion

jockey AP McCoy at the next flight.Nicholls remained optimistic

afterwards: “He's a month off being anywhere near as good as he was in the Hennessy, both mentally and physically.” Critics of McCoy were quick to point out his aggressive style of riding, which may have disturbed the single-mindedness of Denman who prefers to be in charge of events occurring out on the racetrack.

Connections will preserve the ride aboard Denman for McCoy, who has learnt to keep an upbeat perspective in racing: “I'm glad I've ridden him. He'll still be the second best horse lining up for the Gold Cup – if not the best should he reproduce his Hennessy form – and I'll go there looking forwards rather than backwards.”

Loyal Kauto Star rider Ruby Walsh still cannot call it: “'I don't know what will happen in the Gold Cup. Having ridden the pair of them, I can't put my hand on my heart and say A will beat B. If I did, I would be lying. It's that close.” And if he can’t, then how can we?

Yet stemming from recent races – Kauto Star having won four out of his last five and Denman just the one – the latest odds has the former as the strong 4/6 favourite while the latter has been pushed out to 7/2. Third favourite Cooldine is around a 10/1 chance, which suitably justifies the hype

Unlike Ali/Frazier III, Kauto Star/Denman III will go the distance. So will Kauto be declared a complete and utter Star? Or will the beast roar back? One thing is guaranteed though: this is going to be one hell of a race.

The greatest sporting rivalry?Matthew Stott previews the Cheltenham Gold Cup, as two stable-mates prepare for battle.


Sport

DMU Saints have kicked off 2010 scooping up four trophies at their latest competition.

They won two first place trophies, one second and a third place in the Future Cheer: Heart of England competition.

Their brilliant results have paid off after weeks of hard work, sweat, tears and the occasionally drop of blood.

Head Cheerleader, Amme Hayter said: “I’m thrilled with the results our hard work has paid off and we were up against some really tough competition.”

On the 14th February sixty cheerleaders met at the DMU student union with over thirty supporters to take the short journey to Loughborough University to compete in their second competition of the academic year.

The day got off to a good start with everyone arriving on time and being excited in getting to Loughborough to kick start the day.

It wasn’t the biggest competition the cheerleaders had ever taken part in but for the freshers it was slightly daunting as it was very different to their first competition in Leeds; more teams were competing; more spectators; more judges and a larger performing arena.

As DMU Saints enter their fourth competing year at De Montfort University they have stepped up their game tremendously by now competing with two cheer squads, a dance group and a stunt group.

The dance group were the first to the floor performing their hip-hop dance. They got off to a brilliant start by impressing the crowd as they popped and glided over the dance mat

oozing confidence and expertise. They were rightly placed first, another top score for the dance group.

Choreographer, Claire Highton Barge said: “We received some really positive feedback from the judges, they said we looked like we really enjoyed performing it- which we do!”

Next category to the performance mat was the group stunts. DMU Saints have never entered this

category before, in a nut- shell a group of five cheerleaders have to perform two minutes 15 seconds of stunting. An extremely hard task to do especially as The Saints only had five weeks to create a routine and practice it.

Their sequence included some courageous stunting, which included the human skipping rope and huge basket tosses, the whole arena were

cheering our cheerleaders on. They were also placed first, a huge success but unexpected as the team were deducted ten valuable points for their music slightly over-running the maximum time limit. Their high level of stunting was miles ahead of other competing teams.

The day was broken up by an hour lunch break, followed by the cheerleading routines starting from Level 1 – 6. The Saints entered a squad for Level 2 and 3. Both routines were fast-paced and complicated with a range of performances from stunting, tumbling, jumping, dancing and of course, cheering.

Level 2 carried out their routine with huge enthusiasm and energy holding some difficult stunts and creating a pyramid, they were placed third, a pleasing result for their second ever competition.

Level 3 burst in to the performance with an explosive dance and three opening stunts. They continued to wow the crowds with extended libs and group tumbling right to the end where they finished with a five-stunt group pyramid and dance leaving everyone wanting more. They received second place for their routine.

Coach, Ellen Gyapong said: “We have had a fantastic time at this competition and come away with four more trophies. I am so proud of everyone who took part, they deserved the reward.”

This competition was another stepping stone for The Saints leading them to compete at nationals in Nottingham at the end of next month.

The DMU Saints are training hard and making minor adjustments to the routines ready for the squads to perform at their biggest competition this year.

Many thanks to the spectators who came and helped DMU Saints cheer their way to victory your support is appreciatated.

If you want to see the cheerleaders perform their first place hip-hop dance come to the Big Bag Cheese on Saturday 13th March. They will be raising money for nationals and would appreciate all the support they can get.

Also you can be a cheerleader for the night and try your hand at cheerleading by learning a few basic stunts with help and training from The Saints.

If you would like to get involved email: [email protected].

Saints win quartet of honoursHarriet Jackson looks back at the cheerleaders' success in Loughborough


The Demon - Issue 68

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