I was like a kid a Christmas last week when I found out that the University had announced the names of the outstanding individuals who would be receiving honorary awards at this year’s graduation ceremonies.

I am graduating on Thursday, Dec 4^th, which means I am lucky enough to be in the same ceremony as the highly talented comedian, Simon Pegg.  I love his work, especially Spaced so will be embarrassing star struck just knowing he’ll be in the same room.

The University is awarding an Honorary Fellowship to Simon for his significant contribution to the Arts as an actor, writer, comedian, producer and director.

Born in Gloucester in 1970, Simon attended the Brockworth Comprehensive School before studying drama at the University of Bristol. He moved to London in the early 1990s and performed on the stand-up comedy circuit for many years.

Since his acclaimed one man show at the Edinburgh Festival in 1995, Simon Pegg has been at the forefront of British comedy. In 1999 he demonstrated how varied his skills were by creating, co-writing and starring in the Channel 4 sitcom Spaced.

Since then, Simon has co-written and starred in the hit films Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Run Fat Boy Run, as well as numerous guest appearances in other television series and films.

Joining Simon will be the prestigious photographer Donald McCullin who will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his internationally regarded photojournalism, particularly for his war photography and images of urban strife.

Following his period of National Service where he worked as a photographer’s assistant, Donald became an overseas correspondent for the Sunday Times Magazine. Here he photographed and recorded ecological and man-made catastrophes such as war zones and epidemics. His coverage of the Vietnam War and Northern Ireland conflict is particularly high regarded.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Broadfoot said, “We congratulate these high-achieving individuals who have made such a contribution to their chosen fields. We look forward to celebrating their success along with those of our graduating students.”

Honorary awards have already been given to Dr Timothy Brain, Geoff Corlett and Professor Charles Tomlinson CBE at the Gloucester Cathedral ceremony on 14 November.

On Wednesday 3 December, at the Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse, Aidan Chambers, Ataullah Siddiqu, Peter Widdowson and Baroness Barbara Young will receive their awards.

 Thursday 4 December, will see the conferment of Dr Dean Hubbard, Stan Jones, Don McCullin, Cornelia Parker and Simon Pegg, also at the Centaur.

I wish everyone a great graduation. I’ll be overwhelming proud watching some of my closest friends and classmates walking up to receive their awards.

Everyone at the Students’ Union has been working day in day out over the summer months to provide new and existing students an experience they won’t forget. Thousands and Thousands of pounds has been poured into a truly A list line up. Joining us at Park Bar this year will be; RADIO ONE DJ SCOTT MILLS, performing LIVE - SONIQUE, old skool legends DJ LUCK & MC NEAT, ATOMIC KITTEN star NATASHA HAMILTON, welsh rock star IAN WATKINS from the LOST PROPHETS not to mention THE WIDEBOYS, CLAIRE EVERS, SHIPWRECKED WINNERS, SHY FX, MC SYSTEM, JK. And the mother of house music GRAMMA FUNK performing her MASSIVE Groove Armada hit I SEE YOU BABY! We are also ecstatic to welcome T4’s very own presenter and fashion guru ALEXA CHUNG Djin for the masses of Park Bar. If this wasn’t enough the Students’ Union is over the moon to be supported by BIG names brands kitting out your SU, injecting a bit of fun into your night is the notational recognised brand FLIRT!, alongside CREAM ANTHEMS and the legendary HEADPHONE DISCO. However, this is nothing compared to the line up for the live finale of the festival which takes place at the very prestigious Centaur building at Cheltenham Racecourse. We invite you all to join us as we open Rome to celebrate the return of the Emperor at CEASEARS BALL. You will be joined by none other than EDITH BOWMAN, N TRANCE (performing a classics set), SWA and for the first time in Cheltenham’s history AUDIO BULLYS will be performing a mind blowing LIVE, yes LIVE set of all their past and future hits.

Keeping with the Students’ Union policy of developing and nurturing talent we are pleased to present the crème de la crème of local and student stars. Performing alongside these superstar acts are: Cheltenham’s very own answer to stardom miss Lizzie Curious performing a LIVE set of classics and work from her debut album - Different Things, DJs Sytek & Robinson mixing up the best tunes using fx units, bongos & keyboards, the Multi Awarding wining DJ Fade, known up and down the country on the Hip Hop scene complimented by Toy Soldiers who are undoubtedly the best Break Dancers in the West of England. Coming up from South Wales to play a special live set are Friends Electric known throughout the South for their unique blend of live rock and disco house, MC Tippa - Birmingham’s answer to Jay Z, Pittville’s very own award winning DJ Clarkson (who has recently DJ’d with the likes of Zane Lowe) and last but not least we are proud to welcome back the Beatboxing, Guitar Playing and MCin extraordinaire’s DUKE stopping off at your SU before finishing their UK Tour! (And these are the warm ups!) Catch your breath before we carry on….

Understanding that not all students’ want late nights and loud music the Students’ Union has kindly offered a chill out room at every large event and special line up for those wanting a relaxing evening but still want to be entertained. With the all time favorite Reguritator returning alongside a fantastic hypnotist show from Tony Lee and his in house comedian and game nights including WII, poker and pool competitions you’d be a fool to miss out on this years truly magnificent entertainment itinerary. All of the large events are taking place in the largest of the SU Bars - Park, but fear not, all of the other campus’ will be open for business as usual offering smaller entertainments to suit your mood and budget.

And still that’s not all, the SU is proud to announce that you will have the opportunity to witness the largest Freshers Fayre in the History of the University. In the past students have had the option to attend a three day fayre, not no more, all three days have been rolled into one massive event, taking over Park Campus for a 2000+ capacity fayre. Here you can find information on all the SU services, sports teams and societies as well as snapping up some bargains from local and national retailers, clubs and services.

Still not impressed? Then keep your eyes pealed for what it destined to be the largest Fresher’s five aside football tournament in Park’s history taking place in the induction fortnight. Afterwards why not be the first to join the SU family in the newly refurbished Park Bar, which may I say, looks truly dazzling. For more information on any of the above please visit the website on www.yourstudentsunion.com

Until September….Good Times

Your Students’ Union

Acclaimed writer, actor and producer Stephen Merchant has a go at stand up comedy with his ‘Work in Progress’.

The aims of the show are clear from it’s title, the audience is a guinea pig for his future larger performance, each gag being measured by the reaction it gets.

Like an artist exhibiting an unfinished canvas, he puts himself in a vulnerable position. Not only does he expose all unfinished his ‘work in progress’ to audiences, fans and critics but is attempting to disassociate himself with the production side of comedy and prove that he has raw comical talent.

Placing himself and the butt of some jokes, giggling and displaying an interest in less popular activities combines with his tall lanky frame and kooky mannerisms to present some more geek chic laugh out loud performance.

Yet to take to the comedy stage, everyone is wondering if he’ll be as great and successful as partner in crime Ricky Gervais. 

 Personally I think Merchant is the funnier of the two although both comedians do provide very different types of comedy. Merchant sticks with the sarcastic and slightly pessimistic undertones of the style which he and Gervais created. Yet Merchants comedy is far less cool and egotistic.

 Cleverly supported by two very different amateur comedians, one being a slap-stick and self-deprecating and the other being a cynical and clever, Steven Merchant is a combination of the two. The best way to describe him would be a clash of Alan Carr and Bill Bailey.

With his expressive face, massive eyes and quirky stage presence he is a sure thing for the future of comedy and bigger things to come

Yet another outstanding achievement by one of our former students! Zoe Derham, hammer thrower, is representing Britain at Beijing.

Zoe, who has won BUSA Outdoors for the past two years, has been selected for the Beijing Olympics after throwing a personal best throw of over 68m to attain the B standard on a number of occasions.

The pride Zoe must feel to be representing her Country must be immense and well deserved after years of intense training; I know we will all be rooting for her and we are wishing her all the best.

Scheduled times (BST) for the Women’s Hammer event…

Women’s hammer qualifying - 0200-0445 - Monday 18 August
Women’s hammer final - 1200-1552 - Wednesday 20 August

Welcome to the first edition of this years Space.

For all you Freshers and returning students Your Students’ Union has been working long and hard to bring you the biggest and best freshers’ fortnight to ease you back into student life. For the first time ever, we will be bringing you two-weeks of big name acts, live dj’s and top quality entertainment, all topped off by Caesar’s Ball.

Space has given you your free pull-out guide on freshers’ festival, plus a wall planner with all the events so you wont miss out on any of the fun.

I’m ridiculously jealous of those of you beginning your journey as a student; nothing beats your first few weeks getting to you’s and spontaneous trips around the campuses. Make the most of it, as everyone tells you, university years are the best years and they will fly so fast.

I’m aiming for this year’s Space to be the biggest yet, and I’ll be recruiting my new editorial team, throughout freshers’ festival.

If you enjoy writing, we are looking for everything from film reviewers, book critics, gig and events reviewers, sports writers, to illustrators, photographers and proofreaders.

Regardless of your media experience, if you are interested in writing for Space then email me on nrose@glos.ac.uk, drop by the Students’ Union Media Office (above Park Bar) or see us at Freshers’ Fayre in the main reception of Park Campus.

Have a top Freshers’ Festival and I’ll see you around the festival.

Niki

Arriving at University is an important part of your life; it opens so many doors and you get to meet so many new people. More importantly, it’s your first step to getting that dream career. There are many things you can do while you are at University to improve your chances of finding that dream job such as volunteering, placements, study abroad and many more, but how about shouting out for your course? 

During your third week, you will be given the chance to elect a course rep. There will be at least one rep for each level of each course and they will be your first contact for anything about your course, your learning environment and your campus. Course reps will have the power to take any issues you raise to the faculty, campus and the University staff. They will be able to ask for a progress update and will report back to you on what is happening. We will provide all the resources and support your representatives need all the way. 

Your experience while at University is important to us, and we hope that the new system makes it easy for you to tell us what you think and what needs to be changed. In recent years, the University has paid attention (and taken action) when you’ve said that the bus times don’t fit with your timetable, the assignment hatches aren’t open when you need them and  you wanted access to the computer facilities during the night. 

If your course is great and you want to tell everyone, then you can do it through your rep! Course reps will also be given the chance to work with the Students’ Union, your course and the University to develop ideas and form opinions on the areas which affect you the most, through focus groups, which will have free food…. 

Representing your course is also appreciated by the University community, looks great on your CV and will help you in gaining that dream job. So if you want to make a positive effect on your course, your faculty, your University and your career, then shout out for your course, starting in week 3! 

Contact your rep through www.yourstudentsunion.com/coursereps, emailing reps@glos.ac.uk, phoning 01242 71 (5358), text 60300 (start your msg with SUREPS), or checking out the reps notice boards which are in every campus. 

I just love music, that’s it, I just love music. I had to get into the music scene I just love it that much.

You’ve played in superclubs up and down the country and even gone Global with the likes of Manumission in Ibiza and jet setting in Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and Jamaica but where is your favourite place to perform?

At home with my mates (laughs) no, it’s very difficult because there’s too many, there’s Australia and Manumission’s been great, the Caribbean’s great. They’ve all got something special. Everywhere, you know, I can’t say one.

Too many good ones, to be honest I’d probably answer the same! It must have been a dream come true to become a resident of Manumission in Ibiza, but why is Ibiza so special to so many people?

Ibiza’s got this special energy, as soon as you get there you wanna go out, and everyone is smiling and its not to do with anything really people just generally love it. You don’t just have to party, there’s great restaurants, nice beaches and beautiful people. There’s so many reasons why it’s just fantastic.

You’ve had a number of chart topping tracks all over the world. Who have been your biggest influences in making these dance floor filling tracks?

I suppose Donna Summer was the one who really got me interested in the dance vibe, with all that analogue type sound and stuff so yeah, and her producer who was Georgia Moranni and that’s how I started getting involved with it and loving it.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

Getting an Ivor Novello Award, the Brit Award and DJin in front of 40,000 people headlining in Ibiza. There’s been a few.

You’ve worked with a number of people over the years. Who would you say has been the most pleasurable to work with?

Well everyone I’ve worked with has been just really cool. I mean I haven’t gone out of my way to work with super-famous people, I would say Rik Knowles was one of the coolest people I’ve worked with, we went to L.A and hung out there for a while and just got writing and came out with Sky. I really enjoyed working with him.

Your music incorporates a range of different styles, how would you describe the Sonique sound?

Fun, I don’t try to stay down just one road, I try to dance around in-between as many different genres as possible without going to far out.

Good stuff, what can the students of Gloucestershire expect when they come and see you on September 20th at Cream Anthems?

ENERGY, that’s what they’ll see.

What are your plans for the future?

I got my own digital label coming out now, I’ve been locked away mate, I got some new acts coming round we’re gonna be doing some really cool music. I’m concentrating on production and I’ve got another single coming out, I’m basically doing everything.

Ok, busy, busy, busy. Lastly, if you were on an island stuck by yourself what 3 things would you take with you?

I’d have to take my MacBook with me so I can listen to and make tunes, a solar charger to power it up and Cookie my dog.

Brilliant, thanks for your time Sonique we look forward to hearing you rocking up Park Bar on September 20th

I just love music, that’s it, I just love music. I had to get into the music scene I just love it that much. 

You’ve played in superclubs up and down the country and even gone Global with the likes of Manumission in Ibiza and jet setting in Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and Jamaica but where is your favourite place to perform? 

At home with my mates (laughs) no, it’s very difficult because there’s too many, there’s Australia and Manumission’s been great, the Caribbean’s great. They’ve all got something special. Everywhere, you know, I can’t say one. 

Too many good ones, to be honest I’d probably answer the same! It must have been a dream come true to become a resident of Manumission in Ibiza, but why is Ibiza so special to so many people? 

Ibiza’s got this special energy, as soon as you get there you wanna go out, and everyone is smiling and its not to do with anything really people just generally love it. You don’t just have to party, there’s great restaurants, nice beaches and beautiful people. There’s so many reasons why it’s just fantastic. 

You’ve had a number of chart topping tracks all over the world. Who have been your biggest influences in making these dance floor filling tracks? 

I suppose Donna Summer was the one who really got me interested in the dance vibe, with all that analogue type sound 

and stuff so yeah, and her producer who was Georgia Moranni and that’s how I started getting involved with it and loving it. 

What has been your biggest achievement to date? 

Getting an Ivor Novello Award, the Brit Award and DJin in front of 40,000 people headlining in Ibiza. There’s been a few. 

You’ve worked with a number of people over the years. Who would you say has been the most pleasurable to work with? 

Well everyone I’ve worked with has been just really cool. I mean I haven’t gone out of my way to work with super-famous people, I would say Rik Knowles was one of the coolest people I’ve worked with, we went to L.A and hung out there for a while and just got writing and came out with Sky. I really enjoyed working with him. 

Your music incorporates a range of different styles, how would you describe the Sonique sound? 

Fun, I don’t try to stay down just one road, I try to dance around in-between as many different genres as possible without going to far out. 

Good stuff, what can the students of Gloucestershire expect when they come and see you on September 20th at Cream Anthems? 

ENERGY, that’s what they’ll see.

What are your plans for the future? 

I got my own digital label coming out now, I’ve been locked away mate, I got some new acts coming round we’re gonna be doing some really cool music. I’m concentrating on production and I’ve got another single coming out, I’m basically doing everything. 

Ok, busy, busy, busy. Lastly, if you were on an island stuck by yourself what 3 things would you take with you? 

I’d have to take my MacBook with me so I can listen to and make tunes, a solar charger to power it up and Cookie my dog. 

Brilliant, thanks for your time Sonique we look forward to hearing you rocking up Park Bar on September 20th 

What have we done for you lately?

Your Students’ Union is here to make changes for you. That’s not just a snappy tagline because over the last year, we’ve achieved so much. Here’s just a few of the recent things we have been responsible for:

Getting the Uni Bus service back to every 30 minutes during the day

If you want to get a Unimotion bus timetable come to the Freshers Fayre at the start of term and visit the Unimotion Stand. Timetables will also be available after the event in all Studentsí Union offices.

Securing an extra £40,000 in our block grant from the University allowing us to provide more services for you

• Carrying out a £35,000 refurbishment of Park Bar
• Putting a new Student Representation system in place
• Ensuring that a link to www.yourstudentsunion.com remains on the new University website front page
• Getting an allotment for use by students
• Raising £10,000 through RAG

Plus so much more we couldn’t fit onto this page!

Everyone at the Students’ Union has been working day in day out over the summer months to provide new and existing students an experience they won’t forget. Thousands and Thousands of pounds has been poured into a truly A list line up. Joining us at Park Bar this year will be; RADIO ONE DJ SCOTT MILLS, performing LIVE - SONIQUE, old skool legends DJ LUCK & MC NEAT, ATOMIC KITTEN star NATASHA HAMILTON, welsh rock star IAN WATKINS from the LOST PROPHETS not to mention THE WIDEBOYS, CLAIRE EVERS, SHIPWRECKED WINNERS, SHY FX, MC SYSTEM, JK. And the mother of house music GRAMMA FUNK performing her MASSIVE Groove Armada hit I SEE YOU BABY! We are also ecstatic to welcome T4’s very own presenter and fashion guru ALEXA CHUNG Djin for the masses of Park Bar. If this wasn’t enough the Students’ Union is over the moon to be supported by BIG names brands kitting out your SU, injecting a bit of fun into your night is the notational recognised brand FLIRT!, alongside CREAM ANTHEMS and the legendary HEADPHONE DISCO. However, this is nothing compared to the line up for the live finale of the festival which takes place at the very prestigious Centaur building at Cheltenham Racecourse. We invite you all to join us as we open Rome to celebrate the return of the Emperor at CEASEARS BALL. You will be joined by none other than EDITH BOWMAN, N TRANCE (performing a classics set), SWAY and for the first time in Cheltenham’s history AUDIO BULLYS will be performing a mind blowing LIVE, yes LIVE set of all their past and future hits.

Keeping with the Students’ Union policy of developing and nurturing talent we are pleased to present the crème de la crème of local and student stars. Performing alongside these superstar acts are: Cheltenham’s very own answer to stardom miss Lizzie Curious performing a LIVE set of classics and work from her debut album - Different Things, DJs Sytek & Robinson mixing up the best tunes using fx units, bongos & keyboards, the Multi Awarding wining DJ Fade, known up and down the country on the Hip Hop scene complimented by Toy Soldiers who are undoubtedly the best Break Dancers in the West of England. Coming up from South Wales to play a special live set are Friends Electric known throughout the South for their unique blend of live rock and disco house, MC Tippa - Birmingham’s answer to Jay Z, Pittville’s very own award winning DJ Clarkson (who has recently DJ’d with the likes of Zane Lowe) and last but not least we are proud to welcome back the Beatboxing, Guitar Playing and MCin extraordinaire’s DUKE stopping off at your SU before finishing their UK Tour! (And these are the warm ups!) Catch your breath before we carry on….

Understanding that not all students’ want late nights and loud music the Students’ Union has kindly offered a chill out room at every large event and special line up for those wanting a relaxing evening but still want to be entertained. With the all time favorite Reguritator returning alongside a fantastic hypnotist show from Tony Lee and his in house comedian and game nights including WII, poker and pool competitions you’d be a fool to miss out on this years truly magnificent entertainment itinerary. All of the large events are taking place in the largest of the SU Bars - Park, but fear not, all of the other campus’ will be open for business as usual offering smaller entertainments to suit your mood and budget.

And still that’s not all, the SU is proud to announce that you will have the opportunity to witness the largest Freshers Fayre in the History of the University. In the past students have had the option to attend a three day fayre, not no more, all three days have been rolled into one massive event, taking over Park Campus for a 2000+ capacity fayre. Here you can find information on all the SU services, sports teams and societies as well as snapping up some bargains from local and national retailers, clubs and services.

Still not impressed? Then keep your eyes pealed for what it destined to be the largest Fresher’s five aside football tournament in Park’s history taking place in the induction fortnight. Afterwards why not be the first to join the SU family in the newly refurbished Park Bar, which may I say, looks truly dazzling. For more information on any of the above please visit the website on www.yourstudentsunion.com

Until September….Good Times

Your Students’ Union