BUTLER COLLEGE MAGAZINE 2011/12

ISSUE 1 OCTOBER 2011

FRESHERS’ ISSUE

BUTLER UNWRAPPEDEverything you need to know about the world’s finest university & college.

+Two minutes with...

Midnight ColumnMake your own Mole

PLAN YOUR DURHAM NIGHTAt Durham you’ll find a night to suit every taste - we explain all.

DURHAM BEER FESTIVAL FRESHERS’ TO-DO LIST DURHAM COFFEE SHOPS SUMMER ROUND-UP

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HELLO BUTLER!hang out with friends.

Another Summer development is the JCR website. Thanks to all the hard work of Webmaster Courtney Edgar, it is now aesthetically and technically better than ever before. It will be the focal point for the upcoming year with up-to-date news, event sign-ups and information on how to get involved. It is also a great way to have your voice heard (anonymously if you so wish) with polls, questionnaires and comments boxes all under the feedback tab. This is your JCR, it’s time your views and ideas were listened to! I encourage you all to take a look at the JCR Handbook (available online under the prospective students tab as well as in kitchens and livers-out packs). It’s designed to give you all the information you could possibly need on Butler, its JCR and Durham as a whole. It contains profiles and contact details for the exec, proctors, freps and College staff. It also has a list of all our sports captains, society presidents and committee chairs. As always, if there’s anything you’re not sure about then I am more than happy to point you in the right direction so drop me an email or pop into my office for a chat, a rant, or just a hello! This year we celebrate Butler’s 5th Anniversary; may it be our best year yet!

Alex x

To all our new students, welcome; to all returning, it’s great to have you back. I hope you’ve had relaxing summers and are looking forward to the year ahead - what a year it is shaping up to be.

I’m Alex, your elected JCR President for 2011/12 and ultimately I see it as my job to ensure that you all have a fantastically memorable year. Whether this be by advocating for and representing your interests on various College and University committees, or creating an events calendar jammed full of innovative, exciting and fresh ideas, I am here to work for you.

I graduated in June and have worked hard over the summer preparing for the year ahead. I was elected on a platform of improving engagement, leading a more representative and accountable executive committee, and ensuring every student’s voice is heard. These are promises I fully intend to deliver upon.

For those of you returning to Butler, you will notice our brand new JCR Lounge (next to the old JCR room which has now become the MCR Lounge). It is my hope that this new room will be used and enjoyed a lot more than in the past. Free from the smell of takeaway, the Lounge has been kitted out with freesat, DVD player, games consoles, wireless internet, comfortable beanbags and sofas, and a 5.1 surround sound entertainment system you can plug your iPod into. All in all it has the potential to be a great space to relax, unwind and

A word from the President...

PRESIDENT

Do you want to write for Mound? E-mail ronald.walker@durham.ac.uk

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Features

04 This is ButlerA flavour of the events you can look forward to in the opening weeks of term.

06 Durham at the Fringe09 Freshers To-Do List10 things you HAVE to do before the end of the so-called ‘Freshers’ Fortnight’.

10 Sport at Butler12 Midnight ColumnMound’s resident ghost hunters disclose their late night findings.

14 Durham Beer Fest1618 A Durham night outMound goes in search of the places you’ll want to visit - and avoid - on a night out in Durham.

23 Societies24 Leeds Fest 11After a long summer of festivals, we bring you the highs and lows of North Yorkshire’s finest.

27 Coffee Review28 Charities29 Arts CommA first for Mound, as Arts Comm give you Butler’s first ‘Origami Mole’.

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MOUNDfollow us on twitter @moundmagazine

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ContentsIssue 1 October 2011

THIS IS BUTLER

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FRESHERS

Tuesday 4th OctButler Stroll 2011This is the first night out most of you will have in Durham. Everyone is given a t-shirt on which to write messages to each other - a great way to meet yet more people! Starting in the bar, you’ll have plenty of time to transform your friends’ t-shirts into a colourful affair, with a bar crawl to get us down into town, giving you the opportunity to visit some of the places Butlerites frequent on a night out. After this, you’ll head down to the big one - Studio, for your very first ‘Studio Tuesday’ (an event which soon becomes a traditional weekly tradition!)

And don’t worry, if you have Freshers’ flu by the Tuesday, or you just don’t feel like a big night out on the town, there is the alternative Chilled Stroll you can take part in, or stay in and watch a film in the bar. All three promise to be a great night!

FRESHERS

Wednesday 5th OctFreshers’ FormalA great night to get dressed up, and gowned, and enjoy a full three course meal in celebration of Matriculation!

Put on a nice dress or a shirt and tie, don your gown for the second time in the day, and find out just how fabulous Butlers formals are first hand; without even having to spend a penny.

THIS IS BUTLERThroughout the year, Butler plays host to a huge number of socialevents. Mound gives you a rundown of what to expect within the

first few weeks of the new term, from formals to eyebrow shaving.

With a menu of Sweet Melon and Feta Cheese Salad for starters, followed by Braised Beef, or a Vegetable Wellington for all those vegetarian, your taste buds are guaranteed to be tingling; and that’s all before the Glazed Lemon Tart dessert (which I think sounds amazing, as the dessert always are at formals!).

The night will be split into two sittings so we can fit you all in with the night divided into a drinks reception beforehand, and ents afterwards; to include swing boats, a ceilidh, and live music. It

promises to be a great night, and one of the last opportunities to have all Butler Fresher’s together before you meet the other years at the rave night!

BUTLER COLLEGE

Thursday 6th OctRave NightRave night looks to be amazing, as rave nights always are in Butler! The night starts with all the Freshers walking down to the International Market for something to eat, and then a reverse bar crawl, before returning back to Butler for the

Dare Night: (Un)willing participants look on sheepishly as their body hair eludes them.

2011/12edited highlights

OCTOBER 8 Butler Army Blowout

Freshers’ Fair17 Livers Out Formal

22 Dare Night25 Newcastle Night Out

31 Halloween Formal

NOVEMBER5 Winter Warmer

12 Bar Blowout25 Jazz & Cocktails

28 STAB Formal

DECEMBER9 Winter Ball

14 Last Day Loft Night

JANUARY 201221 Refreshers’ Fair

23 Burns Formal25 Newcastle Night Out

31 Butler Stroll

FEBRUARY4 Bar Blowout

5 Butler/Ustinov 5-a-side13 Valentines’ Formal17 Butler’s Got Talent

27 Societies Formal

MARCH9, 10 STAB Play

16 End of Term Farewell

APRIL28 Bar Blowout

MAY2 Spring Formal

4 Newcastle Night Out26 Eurovision

JUNE3 Butler Day

11 Summer Ball14 Newcastle Night Out

20 Colours Formal

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THIS IS BUTLERThroughout the year, Butler plays host to a huge number of socialevents. Mound gives you a rundown of what to expect within the

first few weeks of the new term, from formals to eyebrow shaving.

highlight. This is the night you will all get to wear your ‘Butler Fresher’s 11’ t-shirts, and visit yet more great destinations to add into your nights out. With the bar open until 2, this is one of the biggest and the best events in the bar during Fresher’s week, as the other years come up to college to join in the rave. With glow sticks galore, and great music, it will be a brilliant opportunity for Fresher’s to truly become part of the college, meet up with College Parents again, and generally make many more friends... because that’s what Fresher’s week is all

about! Rave night is a night not to be missed, and will truely show you why we’re the ‘King of Colleges’ (because it’s true you know, we don’t just write it on t-shirts, we really are the best!)

BUTLER COLLEGE

Saturday 22nd OctDare NightLast year’s Dare Night was a fabulous evening of fun and laughs, while also raising money for Butler’s chosen charity, Grace House. With daring activities in the bar (previously including many male members of college having very patchy leg and chest hair for some time after... because watching them be waxed never loses its appeal!), followed by a trip down into town, completing more extravagant dares along the way, this is definitely not an event to be missed. Photo your team doing the dares around other colleges and in the city centre, and see how far your fellow Butlerites are prepared to go to be crowned dare king. What more could you want? fun and games, a lot of laughs, and all proceeds go to charity... Dare you attend?

Grace House is the North East Children’s Hospice Appeal; a charity based in Sunderland, raising money to run a children’s hospice to provide medical care for the children, and emotional support for their family.

Dare Night: (Un)willing participants look on sheepishly as their body hair eludes them.

DURHAM

AT THE FRINGE

This August, Mound headed up Edinburgh way to sample a taste of

Durham students’ offerings at Scotland’s famous arts festival.

Above: A ‘unique’ advertisment method for Mission: Suggestible.

EDINBURGH FRINGE

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It’s said that Durham Student Theatre is up with the best in the country, and it certainly

seemed believable as I wandered down The Royal Mile in Edinburgh this summer, spotting members of the theatrical finest here, there and everywhere.

It wasn’t just our theatre groups that could be found showcasing their talent at the world’s biggest arts festival - there were representatives from Durham’s famous Light Opera Group, along with some of our best comedians. Here’s an insight into some of the entertainment Durham students brought to Ed Fringe 2011.

Sleeping Beauty Another Soup Productions

Another Soup Productions’ version of Sleeping Beauty presents a harrowing and thought-provoking spin on a tale that most people would associate with Disney’s ‘happily ever after’ sentiment. Even those well acquainted with the darker Brothers Grimm fairytale will be hard pushed to recollect a portrayal of this old classic that can match this production for sheer macabre.

The story tells of a princess called Briar Rose, born to a kind King and Queen, blessed by the Three Sisters of the Eastern Marshes. There is a fourth sister, Carabosse, who is so ruthless and feared that she is not invited to the feast to celebrate the birth of this little girl. In revenge, she storms into the castle and curses the infant, such that on her 16th birthday she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die. As some small remedy, the final sister, who has not yet given her blessing, lessens the power of the curse by ensuring that Briar Rose will not die, but will sleep for one hundred years.

However, the intentions of the Three Sisters are not as benevolent as they seem, and the gifts of intelligence and beauty bestowed on the

young Briar Rose do not have quite the effect her parents hope for. There are numerous twists and turns within the tale, including a change of heart for Carabosse, murder and an ending that makes a mockery of the concept of ‘Happily Ever After’.

The simplicity of the way in which this production is constructed is breathtaking. A versatile cast creates a rich and visually beautiful play from minimal props and effective makeup.

In parts the scene on stage genuinely looks like an illustration taken from a fairytale book, the atmosphere made even more impressive by the inclusion of children in the audience sitting on stage to the side of the cast. The actors give some sparkling performances- in particular Charlotte Deans as the narrator and bloodthirsty Carabosse, who brilliantly communicates great depth to a very complex character, and also Justin Blanchard, whose physical presence as a crooked servant called Malkin is outstanding.

Director Dave Spencer demonstrates true vision in the use of physical theatre throughout the piece, which is seamlessly interwoven with the dialogue to make the story come alive to the audience. Of special note is the creation of the fire on which all the spinning wheels in the kingdom are burned. The actors create the shape and sound of the flames through beautifully choreographed movements, clicks and claps.

No Disney fairytale for the cast of ‘Sleeping Beauty’

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EDINBURGH FRINGE

Puppetry is likewise used to great effect and is brutally captivating as an eerie accompaniment to the murder of the King and Queen.

The production is not flawless - suffering at times from poorly written & lengthy dialogue, and from particular members of the cast who are clearly overshadowed by others. However, moments like this are few and far between, and are more than made up for by the fluidity of the actors and the talent of the production team. The play is cleverly balanced in its ability to appeal to children and charm adults alike, and produces emotional reactions from both. Original, inspired and engaging- the Another Soup team is one to watch.

Mission Suggestible Shellshock!

Durham’s very own improvised comedy group bring something really very special to the stage in their espionage-inspired comedy show.

Based entirely on audience input, a team of fearless ‘secret agents’ improvise their way through a top-secret mission, but not before

being put through gruelling training in order to determine the best men (or women) for the job. In an added quirk, random sentences are garnered from the audience on pieces of paper, and incorporated by the cast during the course of their mission.

From an audience perspective, the initial training scenes were a little difficult to get into, but the improvisation of the mission itself was hilarious. The agents skillfully wove humour into their performance with dazzling confidence and competence. Timing, delivery and judgement were fantastic, while audience quotes were added to their acts at exactly the right moments.Furthermore, the comedians gave their agents real personality, demonstrating an unexpected and remarkable level of character development. What is perhaps most impressive about this group is their team dynamic. They gelled perfectly, interacting wonderfully together and produced classic comedy no matter how insane the audience suggestions were - in the production we witnessed, the impending world disaster caused by the elimination of cheese from the planet by the emu people.

This is a group with a real talent for comedy, and an adaptability that makes them perfect for the demanding challenge of stage improvisation. Moreover, the comedy produced was versatile, ranging from the intellectual to trusty and well loved toilet humour.

The performance requires some adjustments, particularly in the training scenes, which failed to show these ingenious comics at their best while relying too heavily on content provided by the audience. In general it was, however, an enjoyable and overall superb show put together by an ensemble of artists that clearly delight in working together. One can see little standing in the way of a group with such imagination and flair, and which enjoys its performances just as much as the audience.

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EDINBURGH FRINGE

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Freshers' to do list

By now you will have no doubt already sampled some of the delights Butler has to offer and freshers' week might already be over. However, there is still plenty Durham has to offer, and hopefully this handy guide will help you get started :1. Organise your own Bar Crawl - Always a good one, many of you will have seen many college bars on the butler stroll. but what about those you didn't visit? Surely you’ ll want to see what other colleges can offer with such delightful drink names as Grey's 'fanta banta', Trev's 'trevolution', or, um... the 'hatfield tickler'. 2. Sample the Botanic Gardens - Literally on Butler’s doorstep, and free for all Butlerites. The walk is far more pleasant during summer, but the gardens can sometimes make that 9am walk to science lectures that bit more bearable (although as an arts student, I’m pretty sure 9am doesn’t exist).3. Cook for your flatmates - This is a great way to get to know your housemates & if you all chip in for a meal, you’ ll save a lot of money. But - a daunting task, you’ve only just learned how to use an oven and Mound is telling you to make something edible for your housemates. Not to worry, Butler was also kind enough to provide you with a Microwave, the easiest of all cooking devices & Tesco always have 3 for 2 on Microwavable pasta.4. Take part in a sport/society - You’ve seen the Freshers’ Fair & signed up for everything in reachable distance. The next step is actually going to sample these sports and societies to see what suits you! It’s all about taking part and getting involved. If you don’t see anything you like, it’s very easy to create your own society. Pro tip - If point 3 sounds like you, Cooking Soc could really help.5. Stock up on Paracetamol - May seem like a silly suggestion, but just you wait - you’ ll be sat in a lecture, tired, bored and quite possibly hungover & you’ ll notice that you can’t hear a thing over the number of students coughing. Freshers’ flu isn’t as deadly or contagious as people make out, it does make that morning struggle to lectures somewhat more tedious.6. Check out the DSU - Yes, the DSU! You know that building on Elvet Riverside that looks like a caveman designed it? Yeah, that one. Believe it or not, it’s actually home to a number of cool things. The DSU has a lot to offer, whether it’s societies or uni-wide sports, and most of the events are pretty decent. If you haven’t done already, try and get hold of a Freshers’ Ball ticket. It should be a good laugh, and it’s a good chance to meet people from outside Butler.7. Visit Durham Markets - The Markets’ is a good place to go if you want to get fresh food & goods for a quarter of the price seen at Tesco and elsewhere (artistic license - Ed). The Café there is also pretty good if you want a place to get a warm drink in the coming winter months (and trust me, when winter arrives in Durham you’ ll know about it.)8. Meet up with your college parents / proctor - A great idea if you want to know more about your course or get to know your proctor better. My suggestion would be to meet up with your family or proctor, and head down to Spags in town as it’s dirt cheap and serves good grub. You could then head upstairs to Fabio’s and get your kind college parents to buy you a drink!9. Visit Newcastle - Always a good move if you’re having a boring day. The PR2 will take you right to the bottom of the hill near the train station, and a return to Newcastle is pretty cheap, especially with a railcard. There’s plenty to do in Newcastle, and it’s a great night out. So when you next get a chance, sign up for the Butler Newcastle Night Out and save a fortune on taxi money!10. Check out a JCR Meeting -If you want to get involved in Butler, this is where to go. Although JCR meetings are by no means a laugh a minute, this is the place to make your impact in Butler. Fancy going for a college role or questioning the current officers on their responsibilities? This is the place to go. Butler hero Stu Drayton is the chair, and it’s worth going just to see the man in action.

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FRESHERS’ LIST

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It’s hard to describe sport at Butler as being ever growing, ever more successful and extremely open for everybody to join, without sounding like the typical spiel – but it’s true. You hear the same words over and over again to describe different things, but sport at Butler is thriving.

With expanding clubs, new equipment, new teams and a finish date for our hard-earned MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) set, which will equip our college, along with Ustinov’s, with a new high quality facility on which to play tennis, basketball, netball and 5 a-side football.

Whether you’re a new Butler student or have been here for years (decades in the case of David Burn), there has never been a better time to get involved. Taster sessions will be taking place during fresher’s week and again for later this year, along with the socials lined up we’ve already had many students asking to get involved in sport for the first time. Sports range from the social and casual level to the higher competitive leagues, trophies

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and competitions there are opportunities for experienced sportsmen and women, those new to a given sport or even those who have never stepped foot on any sports court or field in their life.

The fact of the matter is everyone will be doing sport – you don’t want to be the odd one out, so get involved in some way or another! If in the extreme case you decide a club isn’t for you, get on down to the gym, contact the protein-filled body builder of our gym rep, Hugo Proffitt at h.r.f.proffitt@dur.ac.uk for further info.

For any other sporting enquiries, whether it be getting started, concerns or any wishes for sporting opportunities we may not already have, contact our healthy diet-prone Sports Officer, Ellis Turmel on e.j.turmel@dur.ac.uk, the gorgeous grin of our Male Assistant Sports Officer, Matthew Pountney on matthew.pountney@dur.ac.uk, or our lovely resident Jamaican Female Assistant Sports Officer, Chrissie Fuller, on c.f.fuller@dur.ac.uk.

SPORT AT BUTLERSports officer and body-builder Ellis Turmel takes time out of his schedule

pumping iron to introduce you to one of Butler’s finest assets.

BUTLER SPORT

THE MIDNIGHT COLUMN

WITH SPOOK PAYNE & DR. CARTHEW

Hello Mound readers! Welcome to a rather unusual and new addition to Mound magazine. After being rejected from doing real journalism for Mound by the Editor (Lies – Ed), I compromised by suggesting I could put together a crack-pot team of students to help me investigate the myths and legends surrounding Durham’s ancient history. As it turned out, there was plenty to get my teeth stuck into. After preparing a street map of Durham to record our ghostly encounters, completing some vital preliminary research and field work, I grabbed my camera (along with my lucky silver dog-tag) and met my team down at Butler bar at 11pm for our briefing.

My team consisted of pre-doctorate Dr James Carthew, our official amateur photographer Caitlin Langford and enthusiast Craig Mawston. After a pint and a pre-match team talk we headed off into the dark of Durham. Here follows the report from our expedition, including the legend of Jimmy Allen’s Ghost, the Sitting Monk’s Shadow and the search for the Lost Catacombs under the Bailey:

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Case 1: The Ghost of Jimmy Allen the Gypsy PiperThe Legend: Stand on Elvet Bridge in Durham City at midnight and you might just hear the ghostly music of Northumbrian piper Jimmy Allen, who was imprisoned in the House of Correction beneath the bridge in the 18th Century. His pardon from the King came too late to save him from execution.

The Investigation: As required by the legend we headed straight for Elvet Bridge in order to get there for midnight. We arrived amongst the hullabaloo of drunken students walking up and down the bridge and anxiously waited for our watches to signify midnight. When the time finally arrived, everything seemed normal, Klute was causing its usual noise polluting racket, prompting Carthew to ponder if Jimmy Allen’s taste in music had evolved with the times.

We decided to give up. We headed down under Elvet Bridge, past Klute, following the river round the Bailey to enter it from the south side. And then we spotted something. Standing up by the lamp on Elvet Bidge we saw a figure holding a long, thin, metal object. Caitlin was quick to take a photo or two and Craig and I ran back up to the bridge to intercept the culprit, only to find the bridge empty when we arrived.

THE MIDNIGHT COLUMN

Case 2: The Sitting Monk’s ShadowWe moved on, investigating the Cathedral graveyard in the hope of finding something supernatural, and came across a shadowy spectre. On the wall of the Cathedral was a shadow of a hooded man sitting on the bench-like grave nearby. Upon inspection of the grave however, there was clearly no-one present. The spectre was only visible for a few minutes (shortly after 1AM) before disappearing back into the ether. Perhaps you’ll see him wondering around when passing the cathedral at night...

Case 3: The Bailey Catacombs DiscoveredSome research on the internet unearthed a few forums who suggested there may be a network of ancient catacombs under the Bailey. We agreed on daytime investigation as we felt it would be far easier to spot any potential entrances to the catacombs.

Returning the following day, we discovered several entrances to a network of underground passages between the Windy Gap & the dark entry on the west side of the Bailey, just outside of the city wall, as the photos show.

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“If coincidences are coincidences, why do they feel so contrived?”- Fox Mulder, The X-Files W

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31st AnnualDurhamBeer Festival

With most students away from Durham for the Summer, you’d probably expect the DSU

to be largely devoid of activity. But from the 1st - 3rd of September, it played host to the Campaign for Real Ale’s 31st Durham Beer Festival. A few of the Guinness, Real Ale and Whisky society, namely Ben Pike, Lloyd Thompson, Doug Readle and myself, ventured north (in Lloyd’s case, south) to check it out and bring you this review. It’s a hard life sometimes...

The main body of the festival was held in the Fonteyn Ballroom, with temporary bars arranged at either end supplying 101 different ales, including strong showings from local breweries such as the ever popular Durham Brewery, Hill Island, Yard of Ale, and Maxim (which happily had our old favourite, ‘Double Maxim’). Next to the main bar stood the bottle bar, with a further 25 beers available to drink there or take away.

The atmosphere was generally very friendly, with bar staff, all volunteers, happy to give samples before buying, and patrons chatting on the dancefloor or

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For one weekend only, the DSU becomes Durham’s biggest pub. GRAW president David Evans takes on the onerous task of sampling Wearside’s finest.

Our best of the festRUNNER-UP

BEDE’S CHALICE (9.0%)Belgian-style pale gold beer. Strong peach scent. Notes of elderflower also orange & peach for sweet finish.Perfect for a special occasion.

WINNER MONUMENT BITTER (4.1%)

Honey coloured bitter with summer-fruits on the nose. Imparts a berry sweetness at the front of the mouth, complimented by a strong taste of bitter hops at the back. Melts into malty finish with hint of burnt toffee, becoming more prevalent with time.

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DURHAM BEER FEST

flitting between the bars discussing their choices.Durham Brewery’s founders Steve and Christine Gibbs also joined us on the Friday, their festival special ‘Viennese Maltz’ (a 5% red ale, with strong flavours of caramel and spiced tangerine on the finish, brewed using Vienna malt) having won ‘Beer of the Festival’ after selling out early in the day. Both were happy to talk to us about their beers, business and brewing – with a bit of cheeky sales patter thrown in, of course!

The brewery was also launching a new 7% India pale ale, ‘Bombay 106,’– so named to honour the 106th Bombay Light Infantry, which later became the 2nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. We bought a few bottles to sample, but on Steve’s advice are giving them some time to further condition.

Upstairs, Vane Tempest held the cider bar, with 30 traditional ciders and perries of varying styles to sample. It’s fair to say we mostly stuck to the ales, but the few ciders we did try were certainly excellent too. The ‘Cider/Perry of the Festival’ title went to Sandford Orchard’s ‘Fanny’s Bramble’ – the name getting an audible snigger from most of the room when it was announced. CAMRA’s merchandise stall was also situated here, with a range of books, glasses from past festivals, and other items (including membership) on sale – Ben was inexorably drawn to the ‘Cooking with Beer’ book, myself to the rather fetching tankard from last year’s festival.

All in all, the festival was very well organised, with the volunteers happy to help and impart advice on the best ales to try, not to mention generous with the tasters! The whole event was also reasonably priced at £3 entry for non-CAMRA members or free for members, £1 (refundable) for a glass and £1.50 per half pint thereafter – not quite student prices, but for the selection available, well worth it. We all had a brilliant weekend and plan on going back next year – hopefully we’ll see some more of you there!

CHECK DURHAM CINEMA TIMES AT GALADURHAM.CO.UK

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HOLIDAY HOMEWORKProcrastinating already? Beth Fraser tells mound2 the highlights of the summer you’ll want to catch up on.

FILMX-Men: First ClassIf anyone thought the X-Men franchise was flagging, then ‘X-Men: First Class’ is concrete proof that Marvel are still in the game. A prequel to the original X-Men trilogy, this film is pacy, clever, well-acted and most importantly, fun! Charles and Erik’s relationship is fascinating to see, as is young versions of the characters - who’d have guessed that the dour Professor X used to chat up women like a pro, while Michael Fassbender gives an outstanding performance showing the pain and torment that creates Magneto. Plenty of eye candy, plenty of action, and plenty of hope for an awesome sequel sometime soon.

The all-grown-up Doctor Who spin-off has got a bigger budget, moved to the USA and gone to a whole new level.‘Miracle Day’ starts: one day, inexplicably, no one on Earth can die. Sounds cool, but the fallout quickly piles up, as do the invalids who start filling up hospitals but all keep surviving. Without giving anything away, the direction the plot takes is so far believable to the point of being disturbing, and I’m hooked. Fans of the earlier series, don’t worry – the quirky British charm and humour remain, as does Captain Jack’s winning smile!

TVTorchwood: Miracle Day

What happens when you team up two of the biggest names in rap and throw in a ‘legend of soul’ Otis Redding sample? Magic happens, that’s what. ‘Otis’ is the second single from Jay-Z and Kanye West’s ‘Watch The Throne’ collaboration, and is one of the album’s best tracks. The beat makes you want to get up and move, and the excitement these two find in working together is infectious. To connoisseurs of rap this might not be a perfect track - but personally I like it more every time I listen to it.

MUSIC‘Otis’ Jay-Z, Kanye West

coming soon

ContagionHigh-stakes thriller movie with tagline ‘don’t touch anyone’ - telling the story of the race against time for a team of international doctors contracted to deal with a pandemic outbreak of a deadly disease. Gwyneth Paltrow & Matt Damon star.Coming 21st October

Devon-based rockers are back with their strangely named 5th album after 3 years out. They return a string of successful summer gigs including Glastonbury & TITP under their belts and 2 album singles, ‘Every Teardrop is a Waterfall’ and ‘Paradise’ already released.Coming 24th October

Coldplay

Mylo Xyloto

New comedy series starring Only Fools and Horses’s David Jason as an ex-soldier appointed head of her Majesty’s security team, a move which soon proves to be a royal cock-up of a decision. Release date as yet unknown, but should be in the near future.Coming soon, BBC1

Royal Bodyguard

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2 minuteswith...WILL KENDALL & SOPHIE HAMMILL

Butler’s head frep team have spent half their summer creating their interpretation of the perfect Freshers’ week, but what about what lies underneath? mound2 digs deep to unveil their darkest secrets, favourite cartoon animals and views on time travel.

Everyone has a lasting reminder of Freshers’ week for some reason or another, so let’s get it out there in the open straight away. What’s your most embarassing Freshers’ Week memory?

Stevie finding Will in a complete mess in Loveshack toilets, Sophie is very embarrassed by this. That, and Will’s many romantic flings - what a player. On top of this, we were such idiots in Freshers’ week that we both missed module registration, don’t worry we’ve got it sussed for you guys for this year.

That’s certainly the shameful level we were looking for. Freshers have a reputation for bringing weird and wonderful items with them for their first year, what’s the most ridiculous item you’ve come across?

Curtains, as if the beautiful burgundy ones weren’t nice enough. A Vibrator, surgical gloves,

and far too much ‘The Smiths’ merchandise, hopefully not all used together.

Intriguing for all the wrong reasons. Onto an important one - Tom and Jerry. Who do you prefer, and why?

Ben and Jerrys. It tastes better. Seriously, we’re both Jerry fans, Soph thinks he’s cheeky and that Will doesn’t like pussys. He prefers dogs.

The first innuendo of the year. Beautiful. Cooking in Butler can be a contentious subject, with many different views on what can be a fine art or a lazy man’s dream. What’s the best thing you’ve cooked in your time at Butler?

Christmas dinner for the five thousand (30 people). A true modern day triumph.

Many who leave Butler do so with a heavy heart, and wish they could travel back in time and go round the circuit again. If you had a time machine, what would be your first journey?

Will would go back in time and pick a new running mate for Head Frep.Sophie would go back to the night Will begged her to run for Head Frep with him, and say NO!

Finally, if you could be anyone for a day, living or dead, real or fiction, who would you be?

Will would be Mel Woods, the greatest President Butler ever had (or ever will).Sophie would be Pippa Middleton, because everyone loves her bum.

DURHAM NIGHTS OUT

A NIGHT ONDURHAM TOWN

It may be small, but there’s a lot more to do in Durham than you might expect. There’s a night to suit everyone, whatever mood you’re in, however much you want to spend and

whoever you’re going with. It’s easier to get from place to place than other cities, but it’s still best to think about what you’d like from your night in advance. So, here’s the

ultimate guide to making your Durham night exactly what you want it to be.

Loveshack: Probably Durham’s most reputable club, which isn’t saying much.

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The first step to an awesome Durham night is deciding exactly what you’re in the mood for. There are lots of ways of choosing your style; the music, the people, the price, the atmosphere - the possibilities are (almost) endless. Once you’ve done that, it’s easy. Everywhere in Durham has such a character that means once you know what you’re looking for your night is pretty much sorted. All that remains is to grab your mates and get on it!

StudioThe Butler Club SceneWe Butlerites are loyal to our beloved clubs. The main subject of such unwavering loyalty is Studio, more affectionately known as Studes, particularly on a Tuesday. In Studio, everyone knows everyone. Like your favourite jumper, it’s always the same, and no matter how much you go back to it, it never lets you down. Even

better, it’s the most versatile night out because it has three rooms - and sometimes stays open ‘til 3am! Gosh, it’s almost like a night out anywhere else in the country... Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

KluteCheesy GoodnessKlute is famous. Or more accurately, infamous. Officially awarded Europe’s second worst nightclub a few years ago, Klute deservedly took its crown after the previous winner burned down soon afterwards. To recap, Klute is Europe’s worst nightclub. It really is quite something to look at - the alluring purple sign outside that has to have the word ‘nightclub’ written on it to make it bear a little less resemblance to a brothel.

Sticky floors, cheesy music and footage of

your perfect rave-tastic night out.

Fishtank An alternative nightIf neither Abba nor Tinie Tempah tickle your fancy, or you just fancy a change from hearing Journey singing ‘it goes on, and on and on and on…’ quite literally on and on and on and on, there is a light at the end of the very long cheese & r’n’b filled tunnel. And it lies just around the corner from Studio, and for future reference directly next to the greatest chip shop on the face of the Earth. David Bowie, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Rolling Stones, pretty much every song on the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack...

If this sounds more bearable, head up to Fishtank (it’s just a name). It’s small, more like a bar than a club. But, it’s comfy and never rammed like everywhere else in Durham. For once you get to throw some shapes to decent music that doesn’t remind you of your Dad dancing badly at a wedding, or contain the word ‘Friskaaaaaay’. Another massive winner is the noticeable lack of grinders on the dancefloor. Unless you bring one with you of course.

CocktailsA night for LadiesNow ladies (and any lads secretly interested), a girly night is simply a MUST every once in a while. Chances are you really don’t want to go out looking divine and smelling like a rose, but come home looking like Good Charlotte and smelling like a bottle of Smirnoff. So. The golden rule for Ladies’ nights - avoid Klute. Obey this and your night will go just swimmingly.

A cocktail bar is always a good start - and

the 2003 Rugby World Cup final playing on a loop without fail every night. It fits into the trashy nightclub stereotype perfectly. There is also a VIP area that’s never actually open, but rumour has it you pay an extra 60p for drinks in marginally more habitable surroundings.

It’s certainly not a place you wear an expensive dress to, and the men can be a little too keen (do not go to Klute on Valentine’s Day if you value your life). That being said, if you have no problem shaking off a persistent grinder or two, Klute can be a really good night out. Don’t go expecting sophistication and you’ll be just fine. It’s definitely a ‘must do’ at least once, preferably in large groups of people with a ludicrous fancy dress theme.

Academy Your stereotypical ‘club’We all went wild with excitement when Dirty Pop nights first burst in on the scene. Strobe lighting, huge venue, professional photographers, giant projector screens and... err... bangin’ tunes. Academy is Durham’s answer to a ‘proper’ nightclub experience. And it’s good - entry prices aren’t bad at all and on leaving you get stamped with the address, so if you’re found in a field somewhere the bemused farmer knows exactly where to return you. This place of wonder also benefits from late opening ‘til 3am, if you can resist the loss of stamina most Durham students suffer from due to the draconian 2am curfew everywhere else. Combined with the popular pre-party venue that is the ‘Super-Pub’ Jimmy A’s, Academy is

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Academy: Seen it all before - but no bad thing.

“If you have no problemshaking off a grinder or two, Klute can be a really good night out”

Durham has two! All you sophisticated ladies, have a browse of the newest addition, Ebony. It is gorgeous, seriously. The cocktails are second to none and always beautifully presented. Even better, it’s located right next to many of the restaurants, including Ask, so you can all have a meal together first. It’s perfect for your gladrags, so you can dress up with impunity. However, it is very expensive and frequented by locals (make of that what you will). If money isn’t too much of an issue, then definitely go, but for all the rest of us it’s a massive treat we scrimp and save for.

For the everyday woman, you may prefer Fabio’s. Your high-heeled feet might not be your biggest fans after you’ve made it up all the stairs to the top, but it is well worth the climb. This place is a gem; affordable cocktails (Everyone should try an Amber’s Dream. Except people who don’t like banana, you really shouldn’t), lots of space, a balcony with seats, old-school dance tunes and a DJ on another balcony, who seems to get up there by The Force because there are a noticable stairs leading up to it. The floor is stick-free, the loos always have toilet paper and it’s just so good - the perfect place to wind away an hour or two before early

admissions to Studio. Where you finish your night is up to you, provided you obey THE rule for Ladies’ nights, but Studio often do free entry for ladies on a Saturday. It’s certainly worth keeping a look out for that. Another good option is Academy, and as they’re pretty much neighbours you can leave deciding what you fancy up until the last minute.

Loveshack or God knows whereOne for the gentsA real favourite for Durham blokes is fancy dress and, rather alarmingly, cross-dressing in particular. It doesn’t seem to matter what you guys do as long as you dress up as girls, pirates or soldiers and hit various college bars throughout Durham, with incoherent and reliably deafening singing obligatory. There doesn’t seem to be any defined place to end up, except for on a Wednesday. Wednesday is Loveshack, just so you know. Probably the most respectable club in all Durham, in spite of orange and brown psychadelic colour scheme. Honestly, it’s the most orange place you’ll ever see. Anyway - dress up, have fun! And lads, check how hairy the legs of the ‘girl’ you’re dancing with are before you make a move, yeah?

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DURHAM NIGHTS OUT

Planet of Sound: Not half as bad as the reputation would suggest.

Students’ UnionUnderratedOne place that is massively underrated for nightlife is the DSU. It’s really not that bad. In fact, you can have a brilliant night out there if you’re in the right mood. Planet of Sound has a real ‘school disco’ feel to it; there’s even a stage, except that it is already taken by professional dancers in very short shorts. It’s perfect for socials, preferably with a few Bailey bars, 24’s and Varsity visited beforehand.

Here is where you’ll find even more people in fancy dress than Klute (last year 30 or so Butler smurfs hit POS and OWNED it). Expect strobe lighting, oodles of glowsticks and music remixes you won’t hear anywhere else. It is very expensive though. Entry is generally going to cost more than your other options, except perhaps Klute, and the drinks are definitely the most expensive around.

A DSU night is certainly more of a regular occurrence for those ‘Rah’ types, but if you feel like donning your finest gilet and getting into the bourgeois zone then go for it.

Butler BarQuiet and comfortableNever underestimate a night in Butler Bar, never! For a start there Butler chips, the best chips in history. And, of course, you don’t have to put effort into looking good, you don’t have to pay to be there and the drinks are the cheapest you’re going to get your hands on. Never mind the massive TV screen(x2), every

games console you can possibly wish for, three pool tables and the comfiest seats going. Oh, and the IT box.

Once compared to a branch of affordable clothes outlet Matalan, Butler Bar has freed itself of the shackles that once held it in such repute to become arguably the best college bar in Durham. And more importantly, it’s the place where you’re most likely to make new Butler friends.

I describe it as ‘quiet’ because the music is actually at a level where you can have a conversation with another person, rather than having to resort to that special brand of Charades that you only see in bars and nightclubs. Butler has a bar that is the envy of every college in this university. It’s wicked. So make the most of it while your bedroom’s less than 60 seconds away.

PlanningMaking your Budget NightThe beauty of Durham is that cheap nights are

very easy to come by. It’s more than possible to have a blast on less than a tenner, you just have to be smart about it;

- Choosing wiselyMost clubs vary between cheap and expensive nights throughout the

week. The most notable example is the famous 50p Studio Tuesday. Many places do free or reduced entry for some colleges on certain nights. The DSU lets in a number of colleges free every week and, given how expensive the DSU is, it’s well worth waiting for Butler week. Most places do reduced entry before about 11pm. Studio regularly do themed nights, where those entering appropriately into the spirit of it get free admission. Competition is

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Butler Bar: Safe, cheap, friendly.

“The DSU is massively underrated - you can have a brilliant night

there if you’re up for it”

DURHAM NIGHTS OUT

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pretty stiff between clubs, so if you’re planning a social don’t be afraid to call a few up and haggle. Most places will offer some form of discount.

-WalkingThe Nightbus is only a quid, but this does start to add up over the course of a term if used regularly. During the week it only runs until 1am, so you need to get a taxi if you don’t want to walk home; this will set you back about a fiver from Studes. Walking is an easy way to save money, but be sensible. Don’t walk back on your own. If you haven’t got someone to get back with then your wallet will have to man up and take the hit – get yourself a cab.

And finallyMaking it a successWhen planning a night out it’s easy to forget that you do need to look after yourself. Follow these steps and you’ll be some way towards making sure you won’t regret anything you’ve done when you crawl out of bed the next day;

- Know what you’re doingButler is the furthest college away and it’s important to allow for this. The Nightbus is amazing for rainy/cold nights, but if there’s a large group of you, you might not all fit in. Call it well in advance and be there when you say you will, even if you know they won’t. And lads, if there’s no space, be prepared to walk. It’s an unwritten rule that girls get the bus. Gutted for you.

- Be earlyThere are a lot of students and not that many places, so most clubs and bars get rammed very quickly. Past about half 11 queues can be ridiculously long, so if you want to save queuing for an hour in the cold then get there a bit earlier. It might be empty, but it’s ready and waiting and at least you know you’re going to finish the night where you wanted to.

- Choose your group wellThe people you go out with can make or break a night. Make sure you have people who won’t leave you on your own, and who won’t need you to drag their limp carcass through the door at two in the morning. Worse still, don’t go out with someone who runs off on their own, leaving you wandering the streets in the early hours trying to find them.

- Be carefulDurham is a safe city, but that doesn’t mean things don’t happen. Be sensible. Stick together, keep an eye on your drinks and, most importantly, know your limits. Drinks are cheap in Durham, and it’s easy to have too many. Before you flash your cash at the bar, think about whether you really want to embarrass yourself in a community where everyone will know who you are. Just a thought.

Sunday, Monday, Happy DaysGenerally, you can predict where to find Butlerites out in Durham with consummate ease. Although subject to change with the new year, here’s our take on where you’re most likely to find familiar faces out and about:Monday: Academy/StudioOften the most difficult to predict. Those out will head to North Road, but then tend to split. Occasionally interrupted by formals or free Butler nights at Klute.Tuesday: StudioTradition and a cracking entry price dictates Studio Tuesday will be rammed with Butlerites without fail. Busiest night of the week.Wednesday: LoveshackQuite an expensive one, but Wednesday is the night for students at the normally local-inhabited Loveshack, and for the club alone it’s worth it.Thursday: StudioNot half as busy as Studio Tuesday, but still a decent following despite entry of around £2. Expect more r’n’b, dance & dubstep with a live DJ.Friday: KluteLove it or hate it, after a week of lectures the purple wallsand dodgy music of Klute will put you in the mood for theweekend. Arrive before 10.45 for reduced entry.Saturday: Academy/StudioBoth similar priced and both playing a mix of chart, remixes and dance, you’re likely to find a fair mix of Butler between these two on a Saturday. Expensive one.Sunday: Butler BarThe day of the traditional, potentially lucrative ‘pub quiz’ in Butler Bar, and stays open until a respectable 11pm.

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WHICH SOCIETY ARE YOU?

Societies play a massive part of life inside Josephine Butler. Ranging from Guinness, Real Ale & Whisky Appreciation to the fine sport of kings, Croquet, there is a

massive amount to get involved in. Undecided? Mound can help, with our handy quiz to see once and for all which society is for you.

Which of these is your favourite?

a) Red Hot Chilli Peppers,b) ACDC,c) Rage Against the Machine, d) The Lonely Island, e) Mozart.

Your friend eats your lollypop without asking, do you…

a) Let it go, you’ve already made another one.b) Fume at them incoherently.c) Bombard them with questions demanding why.d) Shoot-em-up.e) Not really care.

Your parents come to visit, do you…

a) Bake them a welcome cake.b) Take them to a live music night.c) Throw the contents of your room at them in the hope they’ll leave.d) Not know what to do: there is no IRL, only AFK.e) Break into a rendition of ‘The Hills are Alive’ – von Trapp style.

You are on a night out at Studio! Do you…

a) Stand outside Burger King, preaching about healthy eating.b) Cover your ears and go to Fishtank instead.c) Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dodge… on the dancefloor.

d) Wait impatiently for when the Star Wars theme tune plays.e) Stay silent, you’re saving your voice.

You’re late for a seminar, what excuse do you give?

a) Souffle-related emergency, but it’s all ok now.b) Didn’t hear your alarm because you were rocking-out too hard.c) Been in A&E after taking a ball to the face.d) You’d reached level 38 of The Quest, and had to get the amulet…e) You explain through the medium of song.

Check your answersMostly As You should join Cooking society. You’re a culinary genius and everyone’s favourite flatmate at dinner time. You’re more likely to be found in Robinson’s than Stanton’s and would never deign to touch a pot noodle. Contact p.l.goldsmith@durham.ac.uk to get involved with learning new and exciting recipes. // Mostly Bs You should join Rock and Alternative Music society. Every time you enter Studio, a part of you dies inside, and you’d rather not even think about Klute. Your spare time activities include occasional head banging and visits to Full Collapse. Contact douglas.readle@durham.ac.uk to find others with your taste in music. // Mostly Cs You should join Dodgeball society. You’ve watched the film more times than what’s healthy, and your morning walk to lectures takes only half the average time with your dodging skills. You’re always alert and quoting the five Ds. Contact m.n.stewart@durham.ac.uk to refine your dodgeball skills. // Mostly Ds You should join Gaming society. You know the truth – real life is for n00bs and the best place to be is in the game. But you’re beginning to miss your social life – to solve this dilemma email kyle.mcmanus@durham.ac.uk and join up with other gaming enthusiasts. // Mostly Es You should join Music society. Your life resembles a musical, and your flatmates are beginning to complain about your constant warbling. To find an outlet for your passion, whether it is jazz band, string group or Barbershop, email sophie.hammill@durham.ac.uk or owen.franklin@durham.ac.uk.If none of these societies float your boat, we have over 30 more! Go to www.butlerjcr.com to see what else is on offer. W

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Summer is festival season - Glastonbury, V Festival, PiTP, Wireless, Isle of Wight, Latitude, the list is so nearly endless. Mound went off fest hunting at one of Britain’s newest arrivals, oop t’ M6 to Leeds, entering its 12th year on the circuit.

LEEDS FESTIVAL

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LEEDS FEST 2011

 

‘Welcome to Bramham Park’.

You would expect that this sign would no longer be able to make me giddy by my 4th Leeds weekend, but I still had to resist the temptation to run through the gate like a child at Christmas. Whether an obligatory increased level of maturity with 20 years under my belt stopped me, or that I was carrying three times my own weight in baby wipes and alcohol wash in torrential rain, I will never know. On arrival, the lake which had already formed in our tent was mopped up, and having traded in my trusty lilo for an airbed this year, I was sure I’d be dry eventually. Naturaly, it would stop raining immediately after putting up the tent. Nobody expects anything from the first day, Thursday, even though there’s always a band on. Young Knives were this year’s offering. Being the only band playing means two things; a huge turn out and similarly terrible sound quality, as the BBC Introducing stage isn’t meant to cater to such a crowd. Being unable to hear the majority of the set, boredom soon set in. In times such as these, the Alternative and Festival Republic tents usually provide an entertaining sanctuary.

We moved on, and found Future Cinema, which essentially entails viewing an unknown film on a large screen in a big tent, only with a live band playing the soundtrack. This sounds boring, but while we often forget that the soundtrack to a film was played by someone, it was nice to see it happening in real life.

Friday, the first day of scheduled acts, started with Taking Back Sunday, Frank Turner, The View and Interpol on the Main Stage. The weather failed to put a dampener on the happy vibes coming from Frank Turner and The View, while Taking Back Sunday became a huge sing-along. The atmosphere for Interpol was notably mediocre, seemingly as few at the Main Stage were there to see them. Panic! At The Disco unsurprisingly brought the teen vibe in the NME tent, transporting us back to the age of 14 in an instant, much like Paramore and Blink in 2010. Then followed Ed Sheeran and newly renamed Viva Brother in the Festival Republic tent. The former was expectedly rammed and Viva Brother played a great set of their recently released album. They had the crowd well warmed up for Pete(r) Doherty, but we didn’t stick around, seeing Muse headline the Main Stage instead.

The turnout was surprisingly poor - Kings of Leon filled the stage in 2009, but after arriving halfway through Origins of Symmetry (the album they played the entirety of after putting it to a public vote), we were able to easily stroll to the halfway barrier. They put on a good show, but I can’t say that they were the best band of the weekend.

We spent Saturday under the cover of the NME tent, where Miles Kane energetically absorbed the crowd’s adoring chants.

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LEEDS FEST ‘11

 

“MCR are not a band I would pay to see, but they really engaged with their

audience”

Metronomy followed, playing with what looked like push-lights attached to them, which made for a pretty impressive light show alongside their already strong set.

Noah and the Whale came onto the stage to Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (to this day no one knows why) but played well, even if a lot of people only knew the words to hit ‘L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.’ After this, White Lies played an incredible gig, even seen from the back. They had the day’s biggest in the NME tent, as a lot of people left before Beady Eye. Having seen them before, we decided to head over to My Chemical Romance instead, as did many others.

They’re not a band I would pay to go and see, but liked them in younger years, so figured it would be a once in a lifetime chance to see them live. We were not disappointed. They had a bigger crowd than Muse, played a great set and really engaged with their audience. I’m even willing to say that they were the best band I saw from the weekend.

So that was it, the final day. Sunday. You have a strange feeling of sadness that it’s nearly over for another year, mixed with excitement at the prospect of getting back to a real shower.

The Pigeon Detectives were clearly glad to be back home in sunny Yorkshire. Lead singer Matt Bowman asked the crowd to be the tallest they’ve ever played to, meaning a lot of people on shoulders, before Seasick Steve was joined by a streaking member of Madness. Two Door Cinema Club had a huge turnout for the middle of the day, and really got the party atmosphere going.

I once again felt my teenage years return as Jimmy Eat World played classics like

‘Sweetness’, before running to the Festival Republic stage just in time to see the one Grouplove song that I know, then onto the NME tent for Bombay Bicycle Club. With an album coming out soon, they played a few songs from it, but not so many such it ruined the set. They were well received, as were more popular songs such as ‘Always Like This’.

Finally it was time for the headliners. We had The Strokes followed by Pulp, while Reading had the bands in the opposite order - I think

we got the better deal. Being quite fond of The Strokes, I was disappointed with the set. Obviously, songs like ‘Hard To Explain’ had the crowd singing along, but ‘well known’ songs such as

‘12:51’ got the sort of reaction that would seem they had never been heard before, which was bizarre. After a long wait, Pulp finally came on, whilst displaying ‘Do You Remember The First Time?’ through a laser onto the stage, before launching into the song.

My individual song highlights of the weekend were without doubt ‘Common People’ and ‘Disco 2000’. I am especially glad to have seen Pulp live, now that they have suggested that their show at Electric Picnic was their last ever.

The festival is one of my favourite weekends of the year, and I can do nothing but recommend I, even if you’ve never done a festival. As for the worry about lack of showers, clean toilets, running water etc., anyone that knows me well would tell you that I have such an issue with cleanliness that it’s almost OCD, so if I can cope, I’m sure you can too. It’s definitely worth it!

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LEEDS FEST 11

COFFEE REVIEW

THE COSTA SIDE OF LIFE

Mound’s connoiseurs of coffee, Claire Barton and Emily Neville, bring you the first in a guide through the year of the best places to get your vital caffeine fix.

Everyone loves coffee, and if you don’t, you will by the end of Freshers. Coffee is as essential as lectures when it comes to finishing assignments and getting through exams. Every issue, we will guide you through the best places to get good coffee in Durham, starting off with a favourite - Costa.

Costa is best when you’re in the comfy seats by the window – they are perfect for people watching (look out for the old man with the big hair, a regular window shopper in a coffee shop) but if they’re taken (which they usually are) there is plenty of yummy food and drink

to make up for it.

The people are lovely, and if you don’t know one coffee from another they are happy to go through each kind tirelessly until you find the one you fancy the most. It is always pretty busy in there, and it’s sometimes a squeeze to get yourself in, but Costa is forgiven because they do good coffee and great food (even if it is a tad expensive!).

The most important coffee for any student who needs to wake up for a lecture sharpish is obviously the Espresso. These are pretty standard wherever you go in Durham, but the doubles in Costa are a little better than DSU Kingsgate Café. The average prices of an Espresso is around £1.10-.30, and you can double up for little more (normally about 20p a shot). Having personally tried 5 in a mug at once at times, I can say it’s perhaps not advisable but certainly effective during exam

time for the early hours, or needing to power through a full day of lectures. But obviously, sleep is important, yadda yadda…

If an espresso is too hardcore (or you don’t even like coffee) why not ease yourself in with a mocha? Or, to cool yourself down after the marathon walk into town from college (or to the bus stop), an iced latte is a must and for those cold Durham days (most days, as you’ll soon find out) the cappuccinos are delish and definitely the best coffee in Costa. No coffee is complete without a cake, and Costa does not disappoint – the tiffin and chocolate brownie are easily the best on offer.

All in all, Costa may be a little pricey, but its cosy atmosphere and fabulous menu more than make up for it, making it a perfect first stop on your coffee crawl round Durham.

You can find Costa in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, just off Market Square.

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CHARITIES

Hello and welcome back! After the amazing achievements of Charities Committee last year we can’t wait to get started and follow in its success!

Throughout the year we witnessed so much - from some of Butler’s most talented members battling to become the winners of Butler’s Got Talent, to people racing to steal Studio-man’s stick for Dare Night. We just want to take this opportunity to again thank Gabie Meade and Anna Budgett for their incredible job as Charities Coordinators last year and there’s no way any of it could have been done without them!

Last year ended with a 24 hour game-a-thon (our first event as this year’s co-ordinators!) which involved Butlerites playing games every hour for 24 hours in Bulter bar with 6am Mario Kart as our only means of staying awake. As people joined in throughout the day everyone was able to enjoy

the culinary delights of our resident baker’s Emily and Tash! It was a fun (and tiring) day for all involved and we were able to raise £200 for Grace House! This year as well as bringing back some of our old favourites, such as Jazz and Cocktails and BGT, we want to create some fun new ones and we’d love for as many people as possible to get involved!

Back by popular demand, we’re kicking off this Charity year with DARE NIGHT 2011 teams of challenge have to face doing dares across the whole of Durham on SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER and if last year’s is anything to go by

it’s an event not to be missed!

Our first meeting will be on Wednesday 12th October, the first after Fresher’s Week at 4:30 in the Bar. Look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions at all feel free to email us at anna.costello@durham.ac.uk or j.r.turner-atwell@durham.ac.uk.

Anna & Jo: Your Charities Comm co-ordinators for 2011/12.

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CHARITIESCOMM.Anna Costello & Jo

Turner-Attwell welcome you to one of Butler’s most popular committees.

ARTS COMM

MAKE YOUR OWN BUTLER MOLE!

 

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Butler Arts CommWho are we? We are Carmen & Emma, and we’re runningArts Comm this year. Find us at the Freshers’ Fair or e-mail us at carmen.horrocks@durham.ac.uk or e.l.crosby@durham.ac.uk!When do we meet? We’ll be meeting in the JCR once a week, on a date that suits everyone best.

 

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ARTS COMM

         

         

What do we do? Our main aim this year is to expand college art and art in the community, and also to have lots of arty fun! We have lots of exciting projects lined up for this year, including establishing a link with St Joseph’s Primary School. We hope to set up an after school club, as well as organising Butler Arts week, decorating Butler for its events, working with Green Comm and Charities Comm throughout the year and perhaps even getting some knitting lessons from the members of the Church on South Road.

Carmen & Emma