March 2014 - Edition 46

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2 What type of article is it?

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March Issue

3

Introduction.

Contributors

The Results are in

The Popular Vote

Do You Get It?

OMG. EDM PRTY!

Its Raining Lemons

Live in 5, 4, 3...

Advertising

If required, this document can be made available in different formats. Please contact Bucks Students' Union for more information.

Want to see your name in the list above? Want to have your writing or artwork on show to thousands of people? Get involved. Email student.editor@thebucksstudent.com

Elected: Your new Sabbatical Team. Find out the full details on page 4.

Articles in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students’ Union but are that of the specific author. View this edition online at bucksstudentsunion.org/communications.

© 2014 Bucks Students’ Union

Get the full run down of the 2014 Bucks Students' Union Sabbatical Elections.

Harmeet Anand discusses whether the recent elections is just a glorified Popularity contest.

Laura Dennison explains the 'Fifth Plinth' that sits on the second floor of the spiral staircase.

Unisex is 5 years old!

Its the next big hit to come out of Bucks.

Lee goes through Bucks Live with us.

For all advertising and media enquiries please contact the Students’ Union Communications and Marketing department. Simon McDowell - simon.mcdowell@bucks.ac.uk

This Edition:

page 4

page 6

page 9

page 12

page 19

page 22

Tom Badger (Student Editor) • Harmeet Anand (Deputy Student Editor) • Naomi Franco • Matthew Kitching

Shay Fenlon • Joe Collins • Gemma HeathLaura Dennison • Steve Usher • Simon McDowell

Sophie Lynch • Jamie Muir • Jess FaulknerLee Stevenson-Rose • Abbie Blunt • Caleb Joseph

Isabelle Pearson • Jermain Ngobeh • Charmaine Cullen

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4 University News.

The start of March saw a democratic fever on campus with highly contested elections taking place for a wide range of positions within the Students’ Union. Chief amongst them were the well paid full-time officer roles for 2014-15. The eventual victors in the elections for President, Vice President Education and Welfare and Vice President Student Involvement would acquire the privilege and responsibility of representing the entire student body at Bucks.

So it was perhaps no surprise that all three roles were contested with five candidates vying for the Vice President Student Involvement role and four standing to take up the education brief which was supplemented by a straight foot race for President between Bella Stretton and Matt Gilbert.

In the period following the close of nominations in mid-February speculation had been rife amongst the student body as to the likelihood of the eventual victors. Gilbert formed part of the current officer team but in Stretton, a nursing student, he was facing an opponent with a significant core voting bloc. Connor Baker was standing for Vice President Education and Welfare having been appointed as a Faculty Officer for Design, Media & Management this academic year but was up against formidable opponents in the form of Cat Jeynes, Megan Riches (whose campaign had been rather low key) and Femi Boye, a well known member of student staff.

Most speculation was perhaps reserved for the Vice President Student Involvement election though, were Tom Badger, well known on campus as the Editor of The Bucks Student and figure head of the Union quiz was up against Mark Sweeney, chair of the influential Union Council, Jane Tomlins a well known figure in the Athletic Union and Chelsea Bale and James Lingham both of whom had put in a good showing at speaking events over the campaigning period.

Voting closed at noon on Friday 7 March and The Count took place later that afternoon and stretched, somewhat unexpectedly, into the early evening. Reports from The Count were streamed live across social media and when all votes had been totalled overall turnout was shown to be 1,515, up from 1,346 in 2013. This was a pleasing result for the Union who again compared well against the national average.

Students’ Union Chief Executive Tristan Tipping said: “We see turnout as hugely important not least because it provides an important democratic mandate for our officers as they seek to generate change within the University. It also provides wider benefits though and we see the Union as playing an important role in fostering a sense of civic duty and familiarity with democracy in our members.”

Emotions were running high immediately following The Count as candidates awaited the results at a VIP party in the Union Venue. The tension was irrepressible by the time Deputy Returning Officer for the election Matthew Kitching took to the stage to announce that Jean Luke Laister and Sam Woods had been elected as student trustees and Laister and Matthew Pugsley had been elected as delegates to the National Union of Students Annual Conference.

That tension spilled over as current President Naomi Franco stepped up to announce the big results of the night. Having thanked students for their support over the last two years, in returning her for successive terms of office, Franco made it clear she would be sad to leave at the end of her current term and then she launched into the presidential election result. It only took one round of voting for Gilbert to beat Stretton by 1,051 votes to 235 with 28 students expressing a preference to re-open nominations. Stretton appeared to take heart from the fact her candidacy had highlighted the concerns of Uxbridge students and President Elect Matt Gilbert reinforced the vindication the result gave to his manifesto pledges.

Elections Fever

March Issue

5

Next up was the outcome in the Vice President Education and Welfare election which was surprisingly achieved in one round of voting given that prevailing opinion appeared to suggest the voting had been closer. In the end Connor Baker (687 votes) beat his nearest rival Jeynes (325) into second place by 362 votes. Boye and Riches finished in third and fourth place respectively.

Nerves were palpable around the stage as Naomi Franco progressed to the Vice President Student Involvement results. Five rounds of voting saw first Lingham and then Bale knocked out in successive rounds leaving Tomlins, Sweeney and Badger to fight it out. When Chelsea Bales’ votes were transferred to the remaining candidates Tomlins (222 votes) couldn’t overhaul her nearest rival Badger (488) who stood in second place with Sweeney out in front on 650 votes. That left Sweeney in an almost insurmountable position 162 votes ahead with a maximum of 222 transfers to play for. So it proved to be as 31 votes didn’t transfer, becoming spoilt leaving Sweeney on 739 and Badger on 590 after all votes had been counted.

With that a new sabbatical team formed of Gilbert, Baker and Sweeney had been elected for 2014-15. The speeches and celebrations in the immediate aftermath of the results suggests that just like Elections 2014 there is much to be excited about as we begin to think about the new academic year and what it holds.

All sport team and society elections took place during our Union Elections Week for the first time this year. These will be counted on Friday 14 March with results announced in Beats 24 March, 6pm.

Students' Union President – Matt Gilbert

VP Education and Welfare – Connor Baker

VP Student Involvement – Mark Sweeney

Sabbatical Team 2014–15

Naomi Franco

1,518

1,346

votes

votes

2013-14

Turnout

Turnout

18.5%

14.8%

18.3% National Average

14.5% National Average

2012-13

"You have a superb, newly elected sabbatical team who will do a fantastic job and I

wish them all the best."

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6 Opinion.

The National Union of Students requires democracy to be enshrined as a fundamental principle in all associated student’s unions. This includes the Students' Union at Bucks, and this is why we have a democratic election process. That being said, in the weeks leading up to the sabbatical elections, I’ve heard whispers around the University that the Sabbatical elections are nothing more than a popularity contest.

The similarities between the two are obvious; in both concepts the parties with the majority support win. But, the differences are less clear because of the abstract nature of the concepts that are being discussed. The differences can, and should, be debated thoroughly at a more appropriate time. However, I submit that what differentiates a democracy from a popularity contest is that in a democracy, the elective process is set up to give more of a focus on the merits of the candidates involved. When the merits of the candidates are sufficiently sidelined, then the election is a popularity contest.

It would be really unfair to say that in light of the recent sabbatical elections all votes were cast without regards to the candidates qualifications. The Students' Union made a great effort this time around in making sure all of the candidates manifestos were heard on an equal footing. This was done primarily by distributing a special election paper. This was a great step forward in putting the focus back on the candidates’ merits and qualifications.

Having said that, there is still clearly a lot of room for improvement. Throughout the election process there seemed to be a focus by the candidates for them to get their faces out there rather than them developing their ideas and getting them out there instead. This is not the candidates’ fault. There was genuine attempt by some of the people involved to get their ideas out there... but what are they to do if they don’t have the proper platform to do so?

In light of the lack of proper alternative means, the candidates are forced to rely heavily on using social media, posters, or badgering people on campus and in halls for votes. These methods are somewhat effective in getting the candidates’ ideas out there, but they have a tendency of focusing too much on being entertaining and thus distract the voters from the ideas the candidates intend to promote. This may be an inherent problem in any type of system of governance; even in political speeches people give regard to the charisma and confidence of the politician. Moreover, the students need to get a feel of the personalities of the candidates of the people they want to vote for. Thus, by no means am I advocating that we try banning these methods that the candidates adopt.

Rather the Students' Union, with the help of the University, needs to think of new policies to counterbalance the distractions from the merits of the candidates. There are some obvious ways they can do achieve this, the first being by including the manifestos of the candidates alongside the online ballot box. Then there are more controversial ones like allowing greater,and more accessible forms of public scrutiny of the candidates proposals; this can be done through having an anonymous question box in the Students' Union office, or an online anonymous forum that is moderated. Finally, it wouldn’t hurt if the Students' Union launched a modest campaign before the election to remind the students of the importance of voting, and the importance of voting for who is right.

I’m finding it difficult to conclude absolutely whether the Sabbatical elections are more appropriately defined as a democratic election, or a popularity contest. It would be definitely unfair to say that the ideas of the candidates are completely sidelined, but it can be strongly argued that they are secondary to a lot of other factors. Whether merits of the candidates are by nature secondary in any system of governance is debatable. However, I for one think there is more that can be done to bring focus on the ideas, merits, and qualifications of the candidates in order to make the elections more democratic.

PopularityContest"

"Nothingmore than a

Harmeet Anand@HarmeetSA

Third Year Law

March Issue

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Your Activities Week

Joe CollinsSecond Year Sports Science and Coaching Studies

Shay FenlonThird Year Sports Management and Coaching

What are you most looking forward to?After the huge success of the last Activities Week I am excited for the next one, which is fortunately fast approaching. Although some students take this week as an opportunity to go home, I find it incredibly useful to learn new skills by doing something different and also to meet new people. Activities Week starts on St. Patrick's Day and I am very much looking forward to taking part in a number of sessions. Bubble football has probably been my main attraction if I am honest, I have never done it before but the idea of being inside a huge bubble and running around smashing into people gives me the strong belief that it will be very funny.

What Students' Union events will be taking part it?I will also devote this week to taking part in a number of RAG activities, giving me the opportunity to clock up some good volunteering hours, whilst helping the community and raising money for charity. As a regular participant in sport I will also be sure to take advantage of all the ‘Sport for Fun’ activities throughout the week, another great way to meet new people and also improve fitness.

How will activities week make you more employable?Throughout my time at Bucks I have obtained many qualifications, from first aid to coaching softball. What is important is that I keep a record of my achievements and also put them on show for employers, via my CV. The CV workshop taking place during activities week will help me to better my understanding of how a CV should be structured and written so that I can I sell myself to employers.

Why do you think Activities Week is good?As a 3rd year Sports Management and Coaching Studies student, Activities Week is going to be very beneficial. With CV and interview tips workshops as well as sessions on how to structure a dissertation, Activities Week has a great blend of both skills to help your academic studies as well as ways to improve your employability.

However it’s not all serious, with lots of sport on offer through Sport for Fun such as; 5 a-side football, netball, boxing, rowing, gymnastics and tennis, it’s a great way to try out new activities and socialise with fellow students. There are also volunteering opportunities throughout the week such as a RAG collection, which take place around the town centre on Tuesday 18th and community projects like One Can Trust which are great fun and fantastic to put on your CV.

What are you most looking forward to?The event I’m most looking forward to in Activities Week is the Graduate jobs in sport live event. This event ran last year as well and it is a brilliant way to meet all kinds of people within the sports industry. With guest speakers such as Olivia Wayne (Sky Sports News Presenter), Keri-Anne Payne (Olympic Silver Medal Winning Swimmer) and Tom Bates (Peak Performance Coach at West Bromwich Albion FC) just to name a few; it is an unbelievable opportunity for sports students to network with industry professionals.

What Students' Union event will you be taking part in?Finally it wouldn’t be right as a student to have a week without a night out, so I won’t be missing Soap’s Krispy Kreme party on the Friday night. Doughnuts on a night out, it would be rude not to.

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8 Have your say.

We are talking about completing the National Student Survey, this is your opportunity to give feedback back on your undergraduate experience at Bucks. If you are yet to complete the survey make sure you are on campus on Tuesday 25 March for ‘do it for a fiver’ day. National Student Survey helpers will be positioned at various locations around campus giving out free Freddos and a £5 voucher to every final year student who completes the survey.

This voucher can be spent on printer credit in the library, which could really help if you still have your dissertation to print. Alternatively you can spend the voucher on food and drink from Beats, the Lounge, Rusty's or Pulse, so make sure to treat yourself to a free Starbucks coffee or a free lunch! Also it only takes 5 minutes, so it will be a quickie!!

With the National Student Survey well under way, over half of all final year undergraduates have used this opportunity to provide valuable feedback about their time at Bucks New University. If you are studying a taught postgraduate degree you could be one of the 600 students at Bucks eligible to complete the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.

PTES is the only national survey to collect feedback on the experiences of taught postgraduate students. The feedback you give on this survey will allow the University to compare students’ experience of postgraduate programmes both internally and against the national average in order to make any changes that would allow your course to better meet the needs of postgraduate students in the future. The survey is also an opportunity for students to voice their opinion and to be partners in developing the postgraduate learning experience. Information gathered helps demonstrate the quality of postgraduate taught degree programmes at Bucks and shows the University’s commitment to postgraduate education. The more students that take part the more meaningful the data, so ensure you complete the survey at survey.bris.ac.uk/bucksnewuni/ptes14 for your chance to win £100 in high street vouchers. You should have already been sent your username and password in email correspondence inviting you to complete the survey from Ruth Gunstone, Director of Student Experience. The survey will run until 19 June.

Was it good for you too?

Is the experience better with a postgrad?

by Gemma Heath

March Issue

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On Campus.

The Art Department have recently unveiled a new project in which students were encouraged to propose ideas of work to display on the newly erected plinth, located by the spiral staircase in Gateway building. The project is in succession to the infamous 4th plinth located in Trafalgar Square that was originally meant to house an equestrian statue of William IV but remained bare due to insufficient funds. The Royal Society of Arts were commissioned to create a sequence of different contemporary artworks annually to fill the space.

In 2009, Antony Gormley invited members of the public, from all ethnic backgrounds, to each spend an hour on the plinth to do as they pleased. Will Bucks students be next to take to our plinth? Will it just be assumed that the one-student performance is simply a continuation of a rugby social gone too far? Arguably the most popular, and also most current artwork in Trafalgar square is that of Katharina Fritsch. A colossal 15.5ft blue cockerel symbolic of “regeneration, awakening and strength”, which too pokes amiable fun at the egotistical statues of men surrounding it.

Selma Osborne, a level 4 student at Bucks, similarly chose iconic birds as her work’s focus, but this time…its penguins. And who doesn't love a penguin? Many might be attracted simply to the aesthetic appeal of these guys without even considering context. Revealed in her artist statement, there is a lot more to them than might meet your inner child's eye. Their strategic placement aims to embody the notion of spatial freedom. Like us humans, they rely upon each other, yet are undoubtedly individualistic and (if Pingu’s Dad taught me anything from his incessant ironing) they also understand the importance of looking presentable.

But does anyone actually “get” art? Or is it just an exclusive club for those who wish to indulge in pretense, where no one can ever express their complete confusion for fear of being shunned from this ultra-cool cult? Let’s face it, no one likes to end up looking like a wally. Before I had been made aware of the display, I had walked past countless times paying attention only to the mental conflict I endure daily over which coffee I should choose from Beats. A shade of burgundy quickly descended over my face when it was pointed out to me that I had been persistently ignorant to the hard work of a fellow art student.

Context and place are both important in making art of relevance. The same photograph of a woman for example, sat with a vacant look, could very probably be totally overlooked had it been in a family photo album. I recently rediscovered drawings by my three-year-old self and had to ask the rather uncomfortable question of whether they were actually any better than what I was doing now. Would a pack of Crayola be a more worthy investment than the thousands I currently pay for university? Gulp. From plain white canvases at Saatchi, to Shia LaBeouf sat on a chair in a gallery in LA, crying through the brown paper bag on his head, art appears to be becoming increasingly jaded. It takes an admirably large attention span to absorb a lot of the nonsense flying around.

The suggestion that the pursuit of hedonism can only be achieved through immersing yourself within culture that you cannot get your head around is just ridiculous. The truth is that not everyone “prinks” to the dulcet tones of Boléro and not everyone can mentally undress a Braeburn apple to reveal its sexual undertones. We are all unique, just like those sassy penguins.

does anyone

actually “get” art?

The Fifth Plinth by Laura Dennison

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10 MC9.

MC9 Music is the Universitiy's in-house Music Company and the go to place for all artists and aspiring music management students looking to gain real hands-on music industry experience.

This year the in-house entertainment company has brought the likes of Newton Faulkner and Chloe Howl plus many more to the Students' Union and continues on with busy schedules and the announcement of their Student Compilation Album.

Head of Business Development for the in-house company, Steve Usher, speaks of this year's finalé project. "With a release date of May 1 confirmed, we are more than excited to produce this album which contains more than 16 original acts, all of

whom are students here at Bucks". Paul Whelan, Label Manager concludes "With ground-breaking sounds of urban and electronic to vintage rock and folk tracks; we hope that this edition of our compilations album can be enticing, unique but overall give a perspective on the fantastic talent available here at the univerisity and that MC9 hopes to develop further into the next academic year".

MC9's next event will take place on March 20th,with Cosmo Jarvis plus supporting act Gecko. Doors are at 8.30pm non-student entry £5 and as always student entry is free. If you would like to become part of MC9 or are interested to meet with the team, speak to members on the night. Alternatively, contact info@mc9music.com and visit mc9music.com for more information.

by Steve UsherMC9 Compilation

March Issue

11Watch Out.

Dude, where's my bike?Thames Valley Police has issued a notice urging Bucks New University students to be aware of bike thefts from the main rack near Lily’s walk outside the High Wycombe Campus.The police believe that on average, one bike is stolen from campus each week. Nationally one bike disappears every minute with less than 5% being returned as The police believe that on average one bike is stolen from the Campus each week and nationally one bike disappears every minute, with less than 5% being returned as it proves too difficult to identify the owner.

Police say a number of thefts happen because bikes are not secured to the bike rack, making it an easy target which would take a thief just a few seconds to walk up and snatch.

Luckily students owning bikes and leaving them on Campus can take a few simple steps to ensure they do not fall victim to thefts.

If you own a bike, have you got it marked? If you haven’t, Thames Valley Police can help.

Monday 24 March8.30am-4pmOutside the main bike rackHigh Wycombe Campus

Where to parkMake sure you use the designated bike racks on campus. These are well-lit and can have lots of people passing.

InsuranceIf you own a bike then it is a good idea to insure it. We recommend Endsleigh Insurance, which can provide affordable insurance. For more information visit: endsleigh.co.uk/university.

Use a bike lockOnly use a good quality D-lock. A poor quality lock can be cut in seconds and it pays to invest in the best quality lock you can afford.

Bike markingGetting your bike marked or engraved is a great way to identify you as the owner. Thames Valley Police will be at the main bike rack at the High Wycombe Campus on Monday 24 March from 8.30am-4pm running a stand for people to get bikes marked.

PROTECT YOUR BIKE GET IT ENGRAVED

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12 Success Story.

Unisex, Soundand Success

A big night is coming up for one of the Students’ Union’s monthly events and it’s looking to be a massive one! Unisex is turning 5 years old on the 22 of March and they’ve got what sounds to be a great night in store.

Unisex is the Students' Union club night for electronic/bass music genres such as Dubstep, Drum & Bass and House that strives to create a rave atmosphere through the use of its lasers, LEDs, strobes, all while providing nothing but feel good vibes. Because of the brand’s commitment to showcasing and introducing the biggest acts from within the EDM scene, the night has grown a reputation. Drawing in large crowds from the likes of London and Reading as well as Wycombe, this monthly event continues to see an increasing number of ravers pass through its doors with recent events hitting capacity!

The night was started in 2009 by two students who were first years at the time – Michael Frost and Matt Bennett – and now, 5 years on; it has grown into a pivotal night that many students look forward to. Matt and Michael were tired of hearing the same commercial music played week in week out at the Students' Union and other venues in Wycombe, which encouraged them to create a night that promoted music they were passionate about: electronic music – however, it wasn’t easy at the start because this was a genre of music that

was alien to the majority of students at the time. But hope came in the form of Noel at the Students’ Union when he saw potential in their vision and gave them a couple of initial trial events, which then progressed into regular events giving them the platform to educate students with new forms of music and provide the electronic music fans with a night they could call their own. As interest in Unisex has grown, so has the interest in the electronic music they promote. People who were once hardcore mainstreamers are now very much into this sound, and it’s through artists like Chase & Status and Nero who’ve helped blur the lines between these two styles of music.

The future for Unisex looks bright, with over 50 main acts under their belt including the big names like Nero, Chase & Status, Pendulum and Flux Pavillion. Michael - who is now going it alone since Matt has gone on to newer ventures - hopes he can expand to other venues and Students’ Unions across the country, along with hosting tents at festivals and rooms at large scale events within the scene. But don’t worry, we’ve been assured that Unisex is here to stay at Bucks and that it’s only going to get bigger and better!

Matt has gone on to create his own music agency. When speaking with Matt, he said that: "Membrane Music Agency is a company I have solely created to represent some of the leading names

in the UK music. I have independently represented a number of electronic music producers, including two recent high profile top forty artists."

Despite still enjoying playing Xbox with his friends, Matt is always happy to come back and hold a guest lecture for students, much like he did with the Music Management Studies students on 4 March. This apparently left students feeling "motivated to succeed" and it proved to them that it "really is possible to do well in this industry so long as you work hard and really put your mind to things".

It just goes to show that whatever doubt you may have in your mindabout university and post graduate jobs; it's not impossible. Matt andMichael are just a few of the many graduates that have gone on to excelin their chosen industry.

On March 22 Unisex will be celebrating its 5th birthday in style; with special guests, Hannah Wants, Kove and

Inspector Dubplate, as well as confetti cannons, a balloon drop and cake!

I, admittedly, would never have thought I’d enjoy Unisex before writing this article, but in the name of research I took a trip down to the last event and genuinely had a good night! The Students' Union was pretty full, there was some good music playing and there were some seriously good vibes going around. My advice is to get the jägerbombs in and make sure you’re there for the drop!

Michael would like to thank: all the acts that we’ve booked especially past and present residents who’ve understood the sound we’re trying to deliver and do so at every event. All the technicians, especially John Badcock and Jake Vernum who have really helped transform the look and feel of the night over the years through innovative ideas and sheer talent on the lighting desk. Toby Cuthbertson for capturing the events on film and continuing to create top quality promo videos and all the photographers who’ve helped us document the night over the years. Noel for believing in the brand and everyone at the Students’ Union who’s involved or been involved in some way. The Venue management, bar staff and stewards. Especially the fans for their continued support, wouldn’t be possible without them, especially the ones that have been there since day one!

"Wicked night, wicked crowd, wicked system"

by Sophie Lynch

March Issue

13

“Unisex smashes it every

time”

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14 Student Living.

Music is everywhere, like an enduring phoenix that rises from the ashes, it’s as much a part of people’s lives as having a coffee every morning, or the daily routine of trying to pull yourself from the bed for that dreaded 9am start. Whether you’re an avid listener or simply someone who likes to listen to the odd tune at the gym, music plays a larger role than people think in their lives. After all, the main social destination in Wycombe (our Students' Union Venue) plays music in various forms from morning to night 7 days a week, so without even knowing it we’re all listening to and consuming music most days a week. Would it be silly of me then to ask who actually buys the music that they listen to? Who listens to a song and then spends their own money on purchasing that song? And when was the last time you, yes you the reader, purchased an album?

At it’s core, the music Industry relies on fans of music buying that music and supporting it through both the recorded sector and live sector, yet as a student the ability to do that is a complicated matter. Surviving on a small budget means luxuries are significantly reduced and if they’re not, then you’ll be chilling in that overdraft zone for the next 3 years so spending £10 a week on just one album is something many students simply can not afford. For myself, somebody who studies, blogs about and has a passion for music, I struggle to juggle finances with pursuing and supporting the music Industry. With albums being released every week, having to narrow down what albums to buy and choose exactly who my money is going to is a difficult decision. Yet I realise that ultimately, it’s supporting an industry I’m deeply passionate about, and helping to ensure that it’s still around and in good health for many years to come.

Whilst income and therefore expenditure may be an issue when it comes to purchasing music, the digitalisation of music in the last decade has paved the way for various income streams that help support the music industry. The birth and development of streaming services has been one of the largest shifts in music consumption and it’s here where students can really contribute and get the most out of their money. With a NUS Card, students are able to sign up for Spotify Premium for only £4.99 a month, allowing access to a music library that continues to grow every day and encompasses a wide spectrum of genres. For a cheap price, which goes towards funding the artists who spend their lives creating music for us all to enjoy, this option can ultimately prove the most cost effective for students.

However, arguably the best method for students to help fund the music industry without bursting their own bank balance has to be through live music. Here at Bucks, The Big Deal allows us all to experience free live music every week, bringing in new unsigned bands all the way to established acts all filling The Venue. Live music has been a burgeoning scene for many years, counter-acting the decline in recorded music sales, and it’s in this area that many acts are making the majority of their income. Tickets to a standard gig in London is around the £15 mark, and for that price you can’t argue about value for money. If you’d rather spend your money on a night out rather than an album, then this is definitely the way to go.

Times are a changing though and the dilemma regarding disposable income is something many industries struggle with, and the music industry has responded to this shift by offering music in ways they would never previously have done. One such increase is the rise in pre-release streaming, a strategy that I believe has revolutionised the way people listen to and consume new music. By providing the opportunity to listen to an album before you have to pay for it, this “Try before you buy” tactic may cause potential consumers to lose interest, but at the same time the offering of a free listen may sway those who are unsure of the album to then invest in the album. From a personal point of view, this technique is something I really do believe in, eliminating that monetary concern we all have in deciding whether something is worth that value for money.

As music continues to soundtrack our student experience, being able to keep up with the latest music is now more expensive than ever. Thankfully the variety of ways to invest in the music we all listen to is constantly expanding, and as a student that means getting as much content as possible, whilst paying a minimal price. Whether that be going to gigs or streaming music online, the industry has changed to allow students the opportunity to consume more music for a smaller budget. In an ever competitive entertainment world, where our money goes is now more important than ever. So next time you’re in the Students' Union listening to a band or just dancing erratically to whatever takes your fancy, think about where your money goes. never know, it may fund the next big thing.

For giving it for free*.

So how can students give back and support an industry that soundtracks our lives?

Big Deal playing for free thanks to The Big Deal

Jamie Muir@Whatsajamie

Second Year Music and Live Events

March Issue

15

On Wednesday the 29 of January launched The Citrus Clouds, a new collective partly consisting of a few Bucks New Uni students sharing a passion for music. The London based group of friends have been making music together since they met at college and for the past year have been spending time in the studio together making music and sculpting The Citrus Clouds project.

Having invested a great deal of time and student loan money into the project, it is clear that the boys have produced something positive and started a journey in a direction of great potential. After an intense couple of days of consistent networking and promoting, they managed to get one of their tracks onto the popular YouTube channel ‘La Belle Musique’ and have received an extraordinary amount of attention and feedback on their music. Additionally, The Citrus Clouds SoundCloud profile managed to reach the ears of Eton Messy, a well-known collective with a popular YouTube channel, who tweeted encouraging comments about the song ‘The Feeling’.

Soundsphere Magazine announced The Citrus Clouds as #newbandoftheday and an array of foreign music bloggers also showed great support for the newly formed collective. Despite their predominantly musical backgrounds, the group have endeavoured into designing clothing and stickers, portraying a passion for art and design. Their website displays their music, store and blog where they showcase and update followers on their

work. The Citrus Clouds’ logo designs and name itself have evidently been received well. Online music review website dontneednomelody.com posted an interesting ‘introducing’ review.

But at the moment it’s all about ‘The Feeling’ for The Citrus Clouds. Their most popular track has captured listeners

all around the world with its contagious smooth sound. The track is a re-edit of Nelly Furtado – Forca and oozes tropical, chilled-out vibes and, on February the 2nd, earned them ‘Tune Of The Day’ from popular music bloggers Karma Coma. Generally, it is recognised that they have a smooth, mellow sound about their production; however, one YouTuber felt that the track ‘What You Are’, a re-edit consisting of vocals by Amerie, could “get a nun

pregnant”. Interesting comment.

The third year students have kicked off their venture promisingly well and have recieved great supportive reviews, as well as some fantastic connections. It looks as though 2014 is set to be an interesting year for the boys and by the sounds of things they have plans to show the music industry what they can do. If you don’t believe the hype, you can find out for yourself what The Citrus Clouds are all about here:

thecitrusclouds.comsoundcloud.com/TheCitrusClouds@TheCitrusClouds

#newbandofthedayCitrus Clouds

“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE

FEELING”

New Music.

by Laura Dennison

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All night: 4 pint pitcher of Carlsberg / Amstel / Gaymers / Snakebite & Black - £8 | Bottle of Barefoot wine - £7 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

FREE FOR BNU STUDENTS / 7 PUBLIC ADV OR 10 OTD 18+ ID REQUIRED / ROAR / TICKETS: UNISEXEVENTS.COM

£ £

10pm

3am22/3/14

Saturday 29, 8pm

Until midnight: Coors Light / Gaymers Draft - £2 | Doombar Draft - £2.50 | Red Stripe can - £2 | Crabbies / Jeremiah Weed Bottles - £3 | Rebellion Ale bottle - £3.50All night: Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

Week 2624 Mar-30 Mar

Week 2517 Mar-23 Mar

St Patrick's Day

Monday 17, 6pm

Thursday 27, 8pm

Thursday 20, 8pm Friday 21, 8pm

Saturday 22, 8pm

Sunday 23, 8pm

Wednesday 19, 8pm

Wednesday 26, 8pm

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

All night: 4 pint pitcher of Carlsberg / Amstel / Gaymers / Snakebite & Black - £8 | Bottle of Barefoot wine - £7 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

Until midnight: Carlsberg / Amstel draft / WKD / Vodka & Relentless / Red Stripe can - all £2 All night: Range of ‘Bombs’ - £2 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

Tuesday 18, 8pm

All night: 4 pint pitcher of Carlsberg / Amstel / Gaymers / Snakebite & Black - £8 | Bottle of Barefoot wine - £7 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

All night: Gaymers Original and Pear draft / Tuborg draft / Vodka & Relentless / Range of ‘Bombs’ - all £2 | Doombar draft / Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.50 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit - £1

All night: Gaymers Original and Pear draft / Tuborg draft / Vodka & Relentless / Range of ‘Bombs’ - all £2 | Doombar draft / Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.50 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit - £1

All night: Snakebite & Black - £1.80 | Strongbow / Vodka & Relentless / Relentless Flavours / Icy Black - £2 | Hooch - £2.50 | Desperados - £3 | Turbo Shandy - £2.20 | SOAP cocktails - £3.50 | Bombs - J/Skittle/Glitter/Fire - £1.50 | Bottled Water - £1

Chelsea v GalatasarayKick off at 7.45pm

Man United v OlympiacosKick off at 8pm

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1 | Snakebite £1.80

presents

supported by

Tuesday 25, 8pm

MC - Romesh RanganathanIvo Graham John Kearns

Masquerade Ball

March Issue

17

Friday 4, 8pm

All night: Snakebite & Black - £1.80 | Strongbow / Vodka & Relentless / Relentless Flavours / Icy Black - £2 | Hooch - £2.50 | Desperados - £3 | Turbo Shandy - £2.20 | SOAP cocktails - £3.50 | Bombs - J/Skittle/Glitter/Fire - £1.50 | Bottled Water - £1

Week 2731 Mar-6 Apr Takeover:

Music SocSnowSoc Presents:

Monday 24, 8pm Monday 31

supported by

Friday 28, 8pm

Thursday 3, 8pm

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

Sunday 6, 8pm

All night: 4 pint pitcher of Carlsberg / Amstel / Gaymers / Snakebite & Black - £8 | Bottle of Barefoot wine - £7 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

Sunday 30, 8pm

All night: 4 pint pitcher of Carlsberg / Amstel / Gaymers / Snakebite & Black - £8 | Bottle of Barefoot wine - £7 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

All night: Gaymers Original and Pear draft / Tuborg draft / Vodka & Relentless / Range of ‘Bombs’ - all £2 | Doombar draft / Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.50 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit - £1

All night: Snakebite & Black - £1.80 | Strongbow / Vodka & Relentless / Relentless Flavours / Icy Black - £2 | Hooch - £2.50 | Desperados - £3 | Turbo Shandy - £2.20 | SOAP cocktails - £3.50 | Bombs - J/Skittle/Glitter/Fire - £1.50 | Bottled Water - £1

play games - win eggs!

Tuesday 1, 8pm Wednesday 2, 8pm

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

All night: Large glass of house wine (175ml) - £2.70 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1 | Snakebite £1.80

All night: 4 pint pitcher of Carlsberg / Amstel / Gaymers / Snakebite & Black - £8 | Bottle of Barefoot wine - £7 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

Saturday 5, 8pm

Until midnight: Coors Light / Gaymers Draft - £2 | Doombar Draft - £2.50 | Red Stripe can - £2 | Crabbies / Jeremiah Weed Bottles - £3 | Rebellion Ale bottle - £3.50All night: Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any spirit £1

MC - Kev McCarthyRob Deering Bobby Mair

Until midnight: Long Island Iced Tea Pot - £5 | Gaymers Original Draft / Vodka & Mixer - £2 All night: Large Glass House Wine (175ml) - £2.50 | Range of ‘Bombs’ - £2 | Corky’s £1 a shot / Double up on any shot £1

Mar

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March Issue

19

£5To spend at:

Valid until 1 June 2014.Change will not be given.

Fill in the National Student Survey and as thanks, you will be rewarded with a £5 voucher to spend on printer credit or at one of our cafe's.

thestudentsurvey.com

March Issue

21Society News.

A group from the Psychology society visited HMP Grendon on their first society trip last Thursday (27th). The visit was organised with the help of Dr Ciaran O’Keefe. The visit was a ‘social afternoon’ which runs twice a year, and gives the inmates of D-wing a chance to share their stories with visitors from charities and Universities, to name a few. HMP Grendon is a therapeutic prison, and has a different ethos to most prisons in England.

When we arrived at Grendon we went through a number of security checks and had strict rules on what we could and could not take in with us. Though the prison is high security, the visitor rooms were very relaxed and there was not a feeling of risk or danger. Upon entry to D-wing we were greeted with tea, coffee and a buffet laid out by the inmates. We learned that many have Rep jobs and undertake specific roles in order for these afternoons to take place. In the first room we were able to talk to the inmates who were more than open about their experiences and journey’s through their time in prison. Many shared their back-stories and spoke about what they hope to achieve in the future. We also met with prison officers and therapeutic managers who told us about their career paths, and gave us helpful advice for our own careers.

We were then shown to a large, informal room where the inmates hold many of their community

meetings. We heard about seven accounts of people’s experiences in Grendon, and what they have achieved. We were told about the various Rep jobs they become elected to do, such as organising social days and leading the community in Vice President or President roles. The stories we heard were very moving and inmates told us about how the therapies at Grendon have helped them overcome massive emotional barriers in their lives. We learnt about art therapy and Psychodrama groups, and how for many these un-conventional therapies have enabled them to express feelings that, through talking alone, they could not. This then enables them to see where they went wrong in the past and how they can build more constructive futures.

This visit was very eye opening and I know that everyone enjoyed it, some comments from the day include:

“I found the visit to Grendon Prison very insightful in terms of what a prison looks like and actually interacting with the prisoners. It helped me to secure my interest in this area in relation to Psychology and Criminology. I am thankful to Jess who organised the trip, and to Jude who drove others and myself to the prison.

“It was a good visit and I felt welcomed, it was good to be able to chat with the people there while having a tea, it made the whole process less formal. “

“I found it so inspiring, really made me sure of my career path that these are the kind of changes I’d love to see in people.”

“The trip was a real eye opener and dismissed previous stigmas about some prisons. I liked that they called the wing a community and how democratic the process is in regards to the voting system. In addition, the different kinds of therapy they have are interesting.”

“Visiting Grendon was a great opportunity to experience some of the realities facing prisoners and one approach towards rehabilitation. The men were welcoming, open, friendly and gave us glimpses of the processes they are going through.”

If anybody would like more information about this trip, or how they can be involved in the society and future trips, please email Jessica at 20917195@bucks.ac.uk

"The trip was a real eye opener"

by Jess Faulkner

WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL

The Athletic Union Awards Dinner celebrates the achievements

of students and their teams throughout the past year. The event

also marks the official end of the sporting calendar.

This is a great opportunity for every team to get together and

toast another year of sporting prowess!

• The event is being held at the prestigious

High Wycombe Town Hall.

• Two course meal.

• Mystery guest speakers.

• Afterparty in the Venue ‘til late!

TUESDAY 13 MAY

As one of the top 20 Students’ Unions in the country, we are

keen to recognise the achievements of our active members who

have inspired us. The Union Awards is our chance to do so.

This is always a great event and one of the most enjoyable nights

of the year.

• The event is being held at the prestigious

High Wycombe Town Hall.

• Two course meal.

• Invite only.

• Afterparty in the Venue ‘til late! (open to all).

AU Dinner PRESENTSUnion Awards

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR AU DINNER TICKET, PLEASE VISIT THE STUDENTS’ UNION OFFICES

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22 Student Events.

Carrying on from the success of the Wonderland/Underland event which took place last year, Bucks Live is proud to announce this year’s event “Bucks Live presents - CARNIVAL!” taking place on Saturday 29 March 2014. The Event will come in two forms; in the day, a family themed carnival will be taking over Wycombe running from 10am till 5pm, while the night will be transformed into a glamorous Venetian masquerade ball running from 8pm till late.

Over the last 6 months the Music and Live Events Management and Event and Festival Management courses have joined forces to plan this year’s Bucks Live event. Choosing a theme was not

an easy task, especially considering the success of last year’s Wonderland/Underland event, which was one of the most attended student run university events of that year. A lot of work and careful consideration went into choosing the theme of ‘carnival’ for the event. We started with a list of event ideas and managed to single out our favourite, which is why you will witness High Wycombe come to life on the 29 of March.

As there are over 80 of us in total, to effectively implement this event we were split into nine groups; site and safety, marketing, security, props, production, rides and attractions,

talent, sponsorship and community engagement and finance. Each group assigned a leader and once a week these leaders would meet to discuss goals which had been achieved and what needed to be achieved in the following week. This way we could keep on top of everything as with an event like this progress can suddenly shoot through the roof at an alarming rate, which we found out quite quickly.

We have had to find our main target audience for both the day and night events. For the day our main target audiences are children and their parents, which is why we have felt it important to have a wide selection

of children’s entertainment at the event. We will be having an exciting mix of funfair rides and games, circus performances, face painting and much more. The day event has started to attract a lot of attention within the local media, with interest from the press, radio and even BBC television.

Our night time Masquerade Ball event is aimed mainly towards the students of the University itself, but anybody over the age of 18 is welcome. It is completely free for Bucks New University students to attend while for non-students advanced tickets are available from SeeTickets and priced at £7, while on the night it will be £10

Bucks Live - 29 March

March Issue

23

on the door. The night time event will focus on the glamorous side of carnivals, with inspiration coming from the masquerade balls associated with the world famous Venice Carnival. This is your chance to experience a complete overhaul of the typical student night out, a chance to add some glamour to your evening.

As this event is being organised by music management students you can trust that there will be music offerings for everybody’s taste. There will be multiple stages across the campus with bands and artists from the local area and beyond keeping everybody entertained. Bands and acts from

local colleges are being given the opportunity to perform at this one off event as we felt it was critical to get the local community involved. During the night event there will be even more acts performing, including Mischa and His Merry Men, with Mischa being able to boast Si Genaro, a contestant from the hit TV talent show ‘The Voice’ as one of his ‘Merry Men’. There will also be DJ sets from both students and professionals, burlesque dancers and musical talents you would rarely see on a normal night out. There will also be many other forms of live entertainment including performances from societies within the university itself.

Included in both the day and night event will be an array of world food stalls including a variety of crepes, authentic Italian pizza straight from a wood burning fire, wild game and even a special Louisiana food stall.

We have also organised smaller nights at the Students' Union as pre event teasers, such as our DJ competition. This event was held on the 3 of March at the Students’ Union and attracted a good amount of challengers. The winner of this competition will be announced soon, with the victor gaining a much sort after spot on the bill for the Masquerade Ball.

The marketing aspect of this event has been a significant area for us when trying to involve the local community. The credit for this cannot just be aimed towards the two courses running this event. There has also been help from the Creative Advertising first years, without whom a lot of the ideas being implemented would not have happened.

Remember, this event cannot happen without your help. We want to see as many of your faces at this eagerly awaited event as possible. The event starts at 10am and will be running almost continuously until 3am, so pop down and be a part of the success of Bucks Live 2014.

by Lee Stevenson-Rose

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24 Advice Centre.

"you are gambling with your life"

Ketamine, also known as “special K”, is to be reclassified as a class B banned substance in the face of mounting evidence over its physical and psychological harms.

The popular party drug, which was first used as a recreational high in 1965, is a powerful general anaesthetic and is commonly used in operations on both humans and animals.

Research has shown that up to a third of long-term users suffer intense abdominal pain – often called ‘K cramps’ – with frequent, high dose misuse causing severe bladder, urinary tract and kidney damage.

Reclassification of the drug will mean the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of ketamine will increase from two to five years in jail, while the maximum penalty for trafficking offences will continue to be 14 years imprisonment.

Our own Students’ Union Venue has a zero tolerance policy to drug use. This means that, in line with the local police, we will seize all drugs and contact the police immediately. If someone was found to be in possession, this could potentially lead to prosecution.

Venue Manager, Chris Smith said: “Whilst it seems like taking recreational drugs is part and parcel to having a good night out, you don’t know how your body will react to drugs especially if mixed with alcohol.

“I want students to think about the affect drugs can have – even if you have taken them before and felt fine. A number of recreational drugs can lead to an increased heart rate which can be dangerous and mean that you are gambling with your life.”

Along with ketamine and other recreational drugs, there is a growing trend in the use of ‘legal highs’, which can be just as dangerous. Legal highs have been developed to mimic the effects of illegal drugs like cocaine and ecstasy but are chemically different to avoid being classified as illegal substances.

With so many different drugs available for recreational use, it’s difficult to know what you are getting. “There is no such thing as a trusted source which is why you could be putting yourself at an even greater risk by taking drugs”, added Smith.

“We treat every substance that doesn’t have a prescription as suspicious and being in possession, or under the influence, very seriously.

“The bottom line is that this could have a huge effect on your time at university. Is that worth compromising?”

If you would like to talk to someone confidentially, our Advice Centre can help. You can make an appointment by calling 01494 603 016 or dropping into your nearest Advice Centre. You can also get friendly, confidential drugs advice by talking to FRANK. Visit: talktofrank.com for more information.

Don't be a Donkey.

Bucks Students' Union has a zero tolerance policy on drugs and hats that cover the face.

March Issue

25

Finding the perfect student house is a challenge that most university students struggle with. There are all sort of dramatic student housing horror stories floating around. Whether it’s the general student house expectation of mould or that mysterious door in the house that nobody seems to have the key for and you spend the entire year trying to peak through the keyhole whilst debating whether to bash the door down just to find out if you are missing out on something amazing.

There are plenty of tales involving the once loved up couples who are now stuck with the awkwardness of sharing a place with their ex whilst on bad terms. It’s one of those things that seems like an amazing idea at the time but perhaps is the ultimate relationship test.

There was once a house where the fifth student had moved out and their landlord filled the room, but instead of it being another student it was someone who could be considered as the local tramp. It was a room full of rubbish up to your hips, not to mention the amount of mouldy food scattered across the room and the overwhelming stench that you were welcomed with when you opened the door. That isn’t a home, it’s a garbage tip.

There are three main things that need to be considered: the location, the cost and who you live with. All very simple elements of course but they can ultimately change any university experience. There isn’t the safety of being in halls where all your friends are living on the same floor or in a neighbouring block. This is a time when your friend could end up being the opposite side of town from you should you not live with them. It is important to remember to be patient, the housing market is constantly changing if you don’t find anything one month then don’t give up hope and keep trying.

High Wycombe is an interesting location, but is probably best known for the numerous hills surrounding the centre. Wherever you chose to live there is a very strong chance you will have

to encounter a hill of some description. But the ultimate decider has to be the steepness of the hill, because that is something you’ll have to encounter every early morning before your lecture. Although there are amazing bus routes around High Wycombe, walking is always the easier option and it keeps you fit at the same time. So somewhere with no longer than a 30 minute walk is perfectly acceptable without getting too far away from the centre of town.

Money … the big decider. Realistically it does all come down to the amount of money being paid a month, whether it is furnished and whether bills are included in rent. It is best to have rent paid per month over per week as this means that there will be less rent instalments being paid over the period of a year. It is important to think about the time which your contract will start, which could mean that you will be paying rent over a holiday period when you may not be present which unless a half rent option is available may not be the best financial decision. Make sure you pay attention to those hidden costs which slowly get revealed such as the deposit and admin fees which all agencies seem to insist on adding into the finances of the house and some of them are non-refundable.

The third point, who to live with. Whoever you chose will shape your entire university experience, whether it is course mates, society friends, previous flatmates or just good friends. It is important that you make the right decision for YOU and it is not something which you rush into. It’s definitely worth thinking about who will do the washing up and hoover the house once a week but mainly who you’ll be happy to live with and won’t drive you mad coming home to them every single day.

It is a big step into the future but one which needs the time taken for you to make the right decision. For further housing assistance visit the Students’ Union Advice Centre, the University’s Accommodation Service and the BNU student housing Facebook page.

As part of Student Housing Week we are running Bucks Cribs, your chance to win £50 for showing us the best and worst student housing in Wycombe and Uxbridge.

We want to see the best and worst student accommodation around our Uxbridge and High Wycombe campuses to encourage you all to not be rushed into signing contracts for accommodation that is below standard and only rent the good properties. This will hopefully encourage bad landlords to improve their standards.

To win £50 all you have to do is take a 'MTV Cribs' style video and upload it to the Facebook event by 31 March 2014.

We will then pick the best and the worst houses, and both will win £50! Winners will be announced in the Bucks Student Newspaper after Easter.

Please feel free to use this page to discuss the good and bad of student housing in the local area, we will be uploading advice on different aspects of student housing so feel free to leave any questions.

To find the competition online just search Bucks Cribs or go to bucksstudentsunion.org/cribs

Houseof Horrors

Abbie Blunt@AbbieBluntSecond Year Music and Live Events Management

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26 Volunteering.

Statistics show that in the UK over 75% of people are unhappy on the commute to work and over 53% of people are unhappy on a Monday.

So at Bucks Students’ Union we felt it was time to change the status quo and give the local residents and students at Bucks something to smile about on a Monday! What better time to do this than on 24 February, ‘Good Deed Day’ which kicked off Student Volunteering Week, a national celebration of the time students volunteer in their community.

8am, on a fresh sunny morning, a mass team of us dressed in matching tees, armed with brightly coloured balloons, placards, Fairtrade bananas and flapjacks, set off to sell these to anyone and everyone for a small price of a smile. Yes a smile. With every banana or flapjack we gave out, we handed a sticker out which said ‘Bucks Students Union made me smile’ and kept of the amount of smiles we collected on clickers.

So how many people did we make smile?! 1039! What a result! The morning was topped off by the presence of the Mayor of High Wycombe, Trevor Snaith, and local newspaper Bucks Free Press, attending and supporting our efforts!

All in all, it was a massive success, thanks to all who took part!

Bucks Good DeedDay

Caleb JosephThird Year Sports Science and

Coaching

March Issue

27Society News.

PRINT SHOPThe cheapest prices in town.

£35p 30p 50pDissertation

binding fromBlack and white

printing fromColour printing

from Laminating

from

For more info visit your nearest Students’ Union Office or go to bucksstudentsunion.org/printshop

Mother's Day is coming up and what better way to say 'Happy Mother's Day' than with one of the Red Shed societies Mother's Day cards! We've been busy making loads of hand crafted and fun screen printed cards for you to send to your mums this Mother's Day. And if you fancy sending something more then why not take a look at our gifts as well.

Red Shed society is group of talented and dedicated girls who are raising money for their final degree shows in London and Paris. So buying a card from us will really help contribute to our fundraising.

Come along on our 3 dates: Friday 14 March 10-3 in the glass bridgeTuesday 18 March in the events hallMonday 24March in the glass bridgex

Mothers Day?Red Shed Society is here to help.

by Isabelle Pearson

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28 Featured Sport.

Bucks Ducks

Tom Badger@badgerbyname Third Year Event and Festival Management

March Issue

29

Who is that guy in the Nirvana piss-take? No, it’s not Michael Phelps. It is in fact Josh Oberman, one of the finest swimmers we have. Enter the Bucks Ducks. (It’s cute when they rhyme, isn’t it?)

Ducks may not have the world’s most esteemed reputation when it comes to swimming, but these guys can thrust through the water like a four-legged salmon.

The well-established swimming team here at Bucks have been busy this year with swim-a-thons and competitions in tow. But it isn’t all competitive crawls and breast-strokes. “We swim recreationally as well” says society secretary Ellie Dawson. “We play games, flap about in the water and have fun as well.”

The team, who train at the Royal Grammar School on Amersham Road, have even developed their own variation of water-polo.“It’s called Oberball. It’s a lot like polo but more fun" says the team’s coach and Chairman, Josh Oberman, whom this new sports phenomenon is named after. “A few of us work in swimming elsewhere, I’m a swimming teacher at Handy Cross”.

Having qualified coaches within the team can only be good in the pool, but having a full squad of qualified drunkards has contributed to some off-the-chain socials.

“We have had some sweet socials. America themed, Will Ferrell themed, which was hilarious as everyone had to dress up as the man himself. We had a good set of initiations with some cool rubber duck themed games and a paddling pool- don’t ask" says Ellie.

“We got new kit this year, too. Which was pretty exciting. I got fed up of swimming in my mankini” she continues.

And for Sport-Relief the guys are swimming a collective 5km. That’s 50 lengths each!! Or to put it into perspective, the same as swimming up and down your conventional bath-tub 3333 times! Not that there’s usually enough space for any physical activities in a bath tub.

They train weekly, and thanks to The Big Deal it’s completely free to get involved. So if you enjoy getting wet, and fancy a taking the plunge with the gorgeous Josh and co, contact them on their Facebook page.

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30 Society News.

Following an eventful 2013, the year 2014 has seen the Musicians Society plan many exciting events for the future. Recent performances at the Suck My Acoustic live showcase which takes place on Tuesday, fortnightly in the The Lounge have displayed wonderful musical talents while attracting growing audiences. If you have not recently attended the Suck My Acoustic event and would like to be a part of the experience, keep an eye out for the next event date and mark it in you diary or on your calendar. Additionally it’s a great scene for you to bring a group of friends, relax after a dreadful Monday and ease your way into the week while observing the universities' talented musicians.

In any case, please do ‘Like’ the Musicians Society Facebook page where you can find all information and updates about activity. Search “Bucks Musicians Society”

Before you leave, here are a number of events involving the Musicians Society that you must look out for and be sure to attend.

1. The Society Showcase - 18 March 20142. A celebration for the newly nominated

society committees - Monday 24 March 2014 at 6pm in the Beats Cafe

3. Bucks Live - Saturday 29 March 20144. The Musicians Society Takeover -

Monday 31 March 20145. The Main Event - Monday 28 April

2014

Bucks MusiciansSocietyby Jermain Ngobeh

March Issue

31Sport News.

Some of you may be aware that Bucks New Uni’s own cheerleading team competed at Future Cheer competition in Bath on the 22 and 23 February. With three teams competing, BNU Swans placed 8th in Jazz dance, 8th place in cheer stunt and 1st place in pom dance! Whilst already celebrating winning the division, it was then announced that BNU Swans were National Grand Champions after scoring the highest score out of all the divisions that day!

We are so proud of our team, and with BCA competition just around the corner in April we are sure to add to our already impressive trophy collection.LET’S GO BUCKS, LET’S GO!

BUCKS WARDROBEBUCKS WARDROBE

For Him and for Her

Visit our website for the full range of branded Visit our website for the full range of branded merchandise: bucksstudentsunion.org/shopbucksstudentsunion.org/shop

“The Gillet”“The Gillet”

£41.99£35.99

Events Hall, Bucks New University, HP11 2JZ

10.30am-noon Netball first team12 noon-1.30pm Netball second team

1.30-3pm Netball third team3.15-6pm Mens' and women’s badminton

6.30pm Ladies basketball8pm Mens' basketball

Bisham Abbey, SL7 1RR

11.45am Ladies hockey1.45pm Mens' hockey

Bucks Indoor Tennis Centre, HP12 4QA

10.30am-4pm Mens' and Womens' tennis

Wycombe Sports Centre, HP11 1TJ

1.30pm Mens' squash

The Rye, HP11 1QX

11am Mens' sixth and fifth team football11.30am Mens' fourth team football

12 noon Mens' third team football12.30pm Mens' second team football

Magnolia Park, HP14 4LA

1pm Ladies football3pm Mens' first team football

The Thames, Marlow

1pm Rowing

Marlow Rugby Club, SL7 1QU

7.30pm Mens' rugby

“PLEASE WELCOME TO THE MAT, NATIONAL GRAND CHAMPIONS

BNU SWANS!”

by Charmaine Cullen

For more details visit bucksstudentsunion.org/varsity

FRI 9 MAY

SAT 10 MAY

SUN 11 MAY

MORE tba SOON

FRI SAT SUN

LINEUP SUBJECT TO CHANGEBUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/FESTIBALL

FREE FOR BUCKS STUDENTS. GUEST TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/FESTIBALL

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