FREE
Issue 01 - September 2011
PS: a new publication for PLymouth students including... SKIN DEEP WITH NEIL PENGILLEY
PS talks to Plymouth’s hottest tattoo artist, Neil Pengilley on life, tattoos, bikes and other rad stuff.
PS UP GUIDE TO PLYMOUTH
New to Plymouth? Our guide will help you on your first night out in the city
CHARITY SHOP CHIC
PS explores the city’s best charity shops and discovers some real bargains
HELP US TO HELP DISASTER APPEAL More information inside
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Contact PS: 07825500379 hello@ps-zine.com Published by Us As One Thanks to all who’ve contributed to the content of PS Issue 1 and special thanks to all who’ve supported PS in its infancy! Editor, Designer & Writer Naomi Girdler naomi@ps-zine.com Designer & Photographer Simon Rawling simon@ps-zine.com Designer & Fashion Editor Jess Hamley jess@ps-zine.com
Welcome to the first issue of
Designer & Reviews Stuart Williams stuart@ps-zine.com Designer & Illustrator Lize Meddings lize@ps-zine.com Illustrator & Writer Jamie Pearce jamie@ps-zine.com Writer & Photographer Alex Thomas alex@ps-zine.com Web Designer & Tea Boy Simon Howe tiny@ps-zine.com Contributors Ben Cornish, Yasmin Lloyd, Penny Taylor, Anne-Marie Davies, Thelma Baldry, Mark Mears, Matt Girdler, Zachary Hill, Leon Doidge Advertising: If you are interested in advertising in PS, please contact us at info@ps-zine.com or call 07989 301331 Printed by Newsquest Weymouth The views expressed in PS are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in this publication.
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ PSzineplymouth
Hello! So here we are, issue one, of PS. and what an amazing adventure it’s been so far. What started off as a throw-away remark, a few months ago has all led to this launch of a new publication for Plymouth students. One of my friends from the art college had arrived from North Devon last year, not knowing a thing about Plymouth. “As a newcomer to the city, it would have been so good to have something that would help me find my way around,” she said. It sparked a chain of discussions and late night chats, which ultimately led to a group of us taking a massive leap of faith and deciding to produce our own publication aimed at all the students in the city. It’s been an incredible opportunity to put into practice our skills we have learned while studying, and challenged us on how to hold the tension between creativity and commercial reality. It’s been a long and exciting - often exhausting - journey, but we’re all so proud of what has been achieved. It’s the first in what we plan to be a long future of this termly publication. Like any project of this kind, it took a big team effort to turn this idea into a reality. My absolute huge thanks go to the editorial team - Simon, Lize, Stuart, Jamie, Alex, Jess and Tiny. Not only have they been the support system behind me helping me every step of the way, but they’ve also contributed their ideas, creativity and unique, incredible skills. Thanks guys. We also could not have gotten to this point without the incredible help, advice and encouragement from the team at Cornerstone Vision. Special thanks to Karen Pilkington, Shakira Floyd, Sarah Cole and last but by no means least, Naomi Shearer. You’re all wonderful and your efforts have not gone un-noticed! Another thanks goes to all our advertisers, who have enabled this project to become a reality. We will be donating 10% from every advert sale to the DEC East Africa Appeal. Thanks as well to all those who have contributed editorials, helped with photo shoots and generally just been there for us. We hope you like what we have put together and enjoy reading PS. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and comments, and look forward to receiving your contributions in the future. You can follow us on Facebook or contact us at hello@ps-zine.com. Enjoy!
Naomi Girdler Editor
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C ONTENTS 07: PS interviews local tattoo artist, Neil Pengilley
10: PS speaks to local student Ben Cornish
18: There’s no excuse now to not eat healthily on a budget - we can show you how!
06: Jack Chams is featured in our bar spotlight
12/13: PS also includes an illustrated pull out poster on the best places to go in Plymouth for a rad night out!
08/09: Thelma Baldry of Home & Student Link tells PS about the do’s and don’ts of student letting
20: Charity shopping: the best way to look good on a budget!
AND THERE’S MORE...
04-06: The Big List: A what’s on guide to Plymouth
15: Extreme Sports: Check out the local hotspots.
21: High Street Fashion Autumn/Winter 2011 trends
11: Yasmin Lloyd: English student, Yasmin shares a short story.
16: Penny Taylor: The queen of plushies talks to PS
22: Acne Help: Spot on advice by Sandon Court Clinic
17: Zachary Hill: Hilarious comics by a local student
23: Picatso Meet Picatso, PS’ mascot, in his 2D adventures
14: Film & Game Reviews: PS reviews the latest releases.
what’s on
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live music revolution on your doorstep
Plymouth is fast becoming a massive student city. With the University of Plymouth now having one of the largest student communities in the country, and similar growth seen at UCP Marjon and Plymouth College of Art, it’s easy to understand that the student population in the city is made up of an increasingly diverse range of people from all over the world. Many music lovers who don’t know this area might assume that the chances to catch quality live music and events will dwindle rapidly the further from London you might dare to venture. But fear ye not me old muckers because the South West is leading a live music revolution that’s sitting right on your doorstep… next to that traffic cone you brought home last night. So whether you want to strap on your wellies and ride the mudfuelled wave of festival fun, or don your best brown brogues and hop, skip, skank or two-step to one of the city’s many music venues, don’t let us be the one’s who told you so - find your groove! Last year saw artists such as Pendulum, Toploader, Mike and the Mechanics, The Script, Plan B, Ali Campbell, Tinie Tempah, Biffy Clyro, Brandon Flowers, John Butler Trio, Zane Lowe and the list literally goes on and on. It would however be a dirty rotten sin to say that that’s all it’s got to offer, that doesn’t even really scratch the surface. If you really want to know what live music in
Toploader’s Joseph Washbourn, left, and Dan Hipgrave playing at Plymouth Volksfest in May 2011 this city is all about, you need to get to know the locals, and don’t worry, we don’t bite. After a short time here you’ll get the scoop on the way things work. Cheap drinks on North Hill, expensive ones on the Barbican, nice places to eat before going out by the waterfront... and, well, Jakes. Sometimes though, the thought of eating a kebab for dinner might turn your stomach... it’s cheap, it’s simple, however, it’s rammed full of flavour, and given the right circumstances it’s warm, inviting, fulfilling and might even put a smile on your face. The Plymouth music scene caters for all occasions and tastes in a similar way and the plethora of smaller music venues is where it’s at on a week to week basis. If you roll into |Ride| or bounce into the Blues Bar you might see local favourites such as Cosmo Jarvis, Mad Dog McRea, Albenaza, Land of the Giants, Black Friday, Harold and the Sea Creatures, Johnson and the Believers, Two Spot Gobi, Vince Lee, Josie and the Lovecats, The Kat Marsh Band, Crazy
Arm, Joe Biddle, Louis Eliot and the Embers, Adam Isaac... sorry, I went off on one a bit there, I think you catch my drift though. What you’ll definitely find is a warm welcome and an enthusiastic community of musicians and listeners alike. Check out my events listings for some of the things we think will aid you in your procrastination wonderfully...
MEET THE TEAM Alex Thomas is a freelance photographer, with a history of studying law at the University. He’s an avid gig goer himself, so he plans to keep you guys updated on the best local events coming your way this term!
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what’s on
THE BIG LIST
SEPTEMBER
- Gritty infectious punk rock from the Southeast. Call 01752 227522 for more details.
Fuzzy Logic From 12 Sept, Weekly Oceana Fuzzy Logic launches again for a new Fresher’s Week. Tel: 0845 293 2864
Sandfire Siren 19 Sept James Street Vaults Sandfire Siren perform a punchy and atmospheric crossover of dance and rock. Call 01752 267799 for info.
Open Mic Night Tuesdays, Weekly Ride Cafe North Hill’s longest running and most successful Open Mic night. Contact 01752 255552 Operation Greenfield 13 Sept - 17 Sept Drum Theatre An exploration of music, faith and friendship. For more details, call 01752 267222 Cafe Acoustica 14 Sept/28 Sept B Bar Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen. Details 01752 242021. Open Mic Night Wednesdays, Weekly James Street Vaults One of the most celebrated and long running open mics in the city, hosted by Mark Tam. Call 01752 267799 for more info. Otis Gibbs 15 Sept B Bar American singer-songwriter with attitude. Call 01752 242021 for details. Mark Wright 16 Sept Karma Nightclub The Only Way is Essex star guest appearance at Karma. Call 01752 267799 for info. Beth and the Black Cat Bones 17 Sept Annabelle’s Cabaret Beth and the Black Cat Bones are a dynamic young 4 piece soul/blues band based in London. Call 01752 260555 Mallary Knox/Hildamay 17 Sept White Rabbit Mallary Knox - Featured in Kerrang as well as a number one video on Scuzz. Hildamay
[Unleashed] Fresher Smasher 24 Sept White Rabbit A night of DnB and dubstep, featuring Sub Focus, Benga & more. Call 01752 227522 for more details.
yindee tonrab
The B-Bar welcomes freshers for fresh-cooked funky noodle boxes to suit student pockets!
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LIVE MUSIC Fortnightly Wednesdays Cafe Acoustica FREE ENTRY Thursdays Excellent live music Fridays Fantastic live acts Saturdays Free Cuba Party. AY!
THAI
Fresh, funky and affordable food Daily specials Eat in or takeaway Call us to place your orders Noodling daily from 12noon ‘til 9pm
PERFORMANCE Dahlings... We host a monthly Comedy Night with the UK’s top comics, as well as regular performance poetry and cabaret sessions. See website for details and to buy tickets
Noodles
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Music
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Coffees
|
Comedy
B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth. PL1 2NJ Tickets, Orders & Info: 01752 242021
www.b-bar.co.uk Buy tickets online Open daily from 11am
PS Launch Party 22 Sept Jack Chams, Ebrington St PS’s official launch party, free Jager, local DJ’s, a jolly good knee’s up!
Crazy Arm Album Launch 23 Sept White Rabbit From Devon, hard-twang, roots-punk quartet, Crazy Arm release their new album.Call 01752 227522 for more details.
benvenuto
bienvenue
NOODLE BAR
Autobiographer 20 Sept - 24 Sept Drum Theatre Autobiographer draws us into the unravelling mind of the central character, Flora. For more details, call 01752 267222
Fire Island Pines 22 Sept James Street Vaults Fire Island Pines are a lo-fi twee indie pop band formed in Cornwall in 2010. Call 01752 267799 for more info.
willkommen
See website for details and to buy tickets
Mad Dog Mcrea 20 Sept James Street Vaults Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz and bluegrass. Call on 01752 267799 for more info.
Killa Kela 22 Sept Ride Cafe Killa Kela is arguably one of the world’s most talented and forward thinking multivocalists. Contact 01752 255552
bem-vindo
welcome
bienvenido
Cosmo Jarvis, playing at White Rabbit in October Two Spot Gobi 29 Sept Ride Cafe Two Spot Gobi formed in 2005 and have since toured all over the United Kingdom, Europe and the US. 01752 255552 Scratch Perverts 29 Sept UPSU Straddling dubstep, hip hop, drum & bass and anything that smashes a dance, the Scratch Perverts are the ultimate clubrockers. Contact 01752 588388
OCTOBER [Unleashed] Club Night 01 Oct White Rabbit Unleashed presents a DnB & dubstep night. Call 01752 227522 for more details.
Cosmo Jarvis 02 Oct White Rabbit An artist for whom one word will never be enough. He’s a singer, a songwriter, an actor, a director, a composer, a producer and a multi-instrumentalist. Call 01752 227522 for more details. Prism 03 Oct White Rabbit Prism is a NEW different type of gay and lesbian oriented night. Call 01752 227522 for more details. Comedy Night Special - Steve Hall’s Very Still Life 05 Oct B Bar Steve Hall brings his Edinburgh Fringe Festival one-man show to the B-Bar for a very special Comedy Night. Call 01752 242021 for details.
Continued on next page...
BAR SPOTLIGHT
Dolly Delights Burlesque Showcase 06 Oct Annabelle’s Cabaret Our resident dancer, Kitty Kane, along with Kitty’s Dolls present Dolly Delights Burlesque Showcase. Call 01752 260555 Milton Jones - ‘Lion Whisperer Tour’ 06 Oct Plymouth Pavilions Described as the best one-line merchant in the business. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Terrorvision 06 Oct White Rabbit To celebrate the release of their new album, Terrorvision come to Plymouth. Call 01752 227522 for more details.
PS talks to Jack Chams this issue as part of our bar spotlight, to try and get to know one of our favourite bars a little better. Ten years or so ago, Jack Chams didn’t exist. It began life as a bar/cafe, that went through many different owners, so finally one day, the last owner in that 10 year stint decided enough was enough. Inviting all his friends over, they decided to have a lock in and drink the almost full bar dry as a way to get rid of the alcohol. Sounds like a pretty intense night, and around 9am, after a long hard night of drinking, the last bottles left with alcohol still in them was a bottle of Jack Daniels and a bottle of champagne. Jack Chams was born. Around two years ago, popular night spot, the White Rabbit decided to buy the bar. Since then it’s gone from strength to strength. The punk rock attitude of the bar works well with the locals, allowing for a welcoming atmosphere and a great acceptance of a diverse range of people. The staff in Jack Chams party just as hard as the regulars, with boisterous evenings involving everybody, both sides of the bar, where you can feel free to let your hair down and have a wild time. Just not too wild, or they will make you clean up your own sick! Jack Chams have a great variety of different nights to suit everyone. Monday nights, you can play free pool all night. Tuesdays are the legendary pound a pint nights. Wednesday is host to the quiz night, where you can put your great university knowledge to the test. Thursday and Saturday share the great £1 a Jager shot - and finally Fridays are £1.50 for a vodka and mixer! If you’re not convinced, then pop down to the bar to take a look for yourself. Just a few minutes from the University and Plymouth College of Art. PS is officially launching the first edition at Jack Chams on the 22nd of September, so you have no excuse, come on down!
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what’s on
Willie and the Bandits 06 Oct Ride Cafe The archetypal festival band, this year alone they have played many of Europe’s major Festivals. Contact 01752 255552 Hold Your Horse Is/Steve Strong 08 Oct White Rabbit Fleet born Hold Your Horse Is collaborate with local musician Steve Strong. Call 01752 227522 for more details. Sandfire Siren 08 Oct James Street Vaults Sandfire Siren perform a punchy and atmospheric crossover of dance and rock. Call on 01752 267799 for more info. Random Hand/Anti-Vigilante 12 Oct White Rabbit Top night of ska/punk fun. Call 01752 227522 Cafe Acoustica 12 Oct/26 Oct B Bar Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singersongwriter Jessie Mullen. Call on 01752 242021 for details. Nero 13 Oct UPSU Plus special guest vocalists and support acts to be confirmed. Contact 01752 588388 Kabaret Khaos 15 Oct B Bar The finest in edgy cabaret and burlesque, hosted by resident musical floozy Mama Tokus. Call on 01752 242021
Joe Bonamassa
Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com
NOVEMBER Comedy Night 02 Nov B Bar Some light relief with the best stand-ups on the UK circuit. Call on 01752 242021 for details.
Land of the Giants 15 Oct James Street Vaults Indie Funk Rock musical mixture. Call on 01752 267799 for more info. Joe Bonamassa 19 Oct Plymouth Pavilions One of the greatest young blues guitarists of his generation. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Decade 5 22 Oct James Street Vaults Five Piece fun band with two Female lead vocalists. Call on 01752 267799 for more info. The Specials 23 Oct Plymouth Pavilions They’ve been around for more than 30 years but still sell-out. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Sonia Sabri Company Presents Kathakbox 28 Oct The Barbican Theatre Kathakbox is a celebration of the unique and diverse energy of modern Britain. To find out more, call 01752 267131 Carnival du Vampires Rock 28 Oct Plymouth Pavilions Carnival Du Vampire performers and a formidable band blast their way through some of the greatest rock anthems in the world. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Hammer & Isaac Gypzy Jazz Band 29 Oct James Street Vaults Hamer & Isaacs Gypsy Swing Band play hot swinging Jazz in a style reminiscent of Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and the Hot Club of France. Call on 01752 267799 for more info. John Mayall 31 Oct Plymouth Pavilions The undisputed godfather of British blues.
Katy B 02 Nov Plymouth Pavilions Dubstep superstar and top 10 ranker heads for Plymouth. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Audience 02 Nov - 12 Nov Drum Theatre Inspired by analyses of mass behaviour, management techniques and rhetorical tricks, Audience looks at how people behave when surrounded by other people. For more details, call 01752 267222 Stephen Merchant 03 Nov Plymouth Pavilions Award winning laughter-maker on his first ever stand-up comedy tour, Stephen Merchant Live: Hello Ladies... Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Black Jack Davey 05 Oct James Street Vaults Davey Keogh plays seven instruments which are guitar, mandolin, mandola, bazouki, bodhran, tenor banjo and the highland pipe. Call on 01752 267799 for more info. Reginald D. Hunter 05 Nov Plymouth Pavilions Well-known face on primetime television shows and three times nominee for the coveted Perrier Award. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com
Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey 06 Nov/07 Nov Plymouth Pavilions Comic and musician Bill Bailey brings his live show ‘Dandelion Mind’ to the city. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Ed Byrne 09 Nov Plymouth Pavilions Star of Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You, is back with his new show Crowd Pleaser. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Evanescene 10 Nov Plymouth Pavilions The American rock band tour the UK for the first time since 2007 with support from Taylor Momsen’s grunge tinged rock outfit The Pretty Reckless and progressive art-rockers Fair To Midland. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Kabaret Khaos 12 Nov B Bar The finest in edgy cabaret and burlesque, hosted by resident musical floozy Mama Tokus. Call on 01752 242021 for details. Motorhead 14 Nov Plymouth Pavilions Hard rock legends supported by two of Britain’s most respected and long standing punk bands Anti Nowhere League and UK Subs. Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Fluke 19 Nov James Street Vaults Music played live, the sounds of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. Call on 01752 267799 for more info. Chase & Status 22 Nov Plymouth Pavilions High octane rave-rock powered by drum ‘n’ bass explosions for the ultimate dance music experience! Tel 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Craig Campbell 26 Nov The Barbican Theatre Described by some as the Canadian Billy Connolly, Craig never fails to entertain. To find out more, call 01752 267131 Red Riding Hood 26 Nov James Street Vaults A band made up of local talent. Call on 01752 267799 for more info.
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local artist
Neil Pengilley
Despite only being open two years, Dust N Bones Tattoo on the Barbican has been a roaring success. Naomi Girdler speaks to Neil Pengilley, local tattoo artist extraordinaire and the owner of the studio on what it’s like being an artist in the city and what life in the tattoo industry is all about. others’ wanting to become tattoo artists? NP: Draw, draw, draw! Don’t even think
PS: How’s life?
NP: Busy, which is good. I’ve been tattooing a lot and also building and selling tattoo machines. I’ve been to a lot of conventions recently too, such as Milan, Rome, Newton Abbot, Plymouth of course, and hoping to go the London Tattoo Convention this September, see what’s happening there. Pretty much just living the tattoo dream!
PS: What is your job title and what does it involve? NP: I’m the managing director of Dust N
Bones Tattoo, I basically just oversee everything from the paperwork side to overseeing the other artists - such as my new apprentice, Rick. Doing pretty much everything from the annoying bits, to the best bits, tattooing is only really 50% of what I do. My mates have massively helped me out over the last couple years though, never had to do anything alone.
about tattooing, just draw. Show everyone, get your work out there. Oh, and leave the rockstar attitude at home, it’s definitely not all rock and roll.
PS: How long have you lived in Plymouth? NP: All my life, born and bred Janner, ain’t I? PS: What/who are your inspirations? NP: Loads of people, not necessarily just
tattoo artists. My Mum and Dad. Doc and Bill Price, because Doc’s been tattooing since the 50’s, which proves to me that if you get a good client base and a good reputation it can really last. My old boss, Dave Wooley, great businessman, definitely an inspiration for me in business. As for tattoo artists, Uncle Allan, Steve Byrne, Jason Kelly - too many more to name all of them.
PS: What is your style of tattooing? NP: Traditional, old school, Americana, navy - but I do mostly anything really. I prefer tattooing colour, but I like to think I’m a pretty well rounded artist.
PS: How did you get into tattooing? NP: I went to PCA in 1999, and met a mate
of mine, Adrian Willard who now works at Magnum Opus Tattoo in Brighton. He did designs for tattoo shops and he got offered a job at Living Art in 2002. He had all the equipment, so went over to his one night for some drinks, and ended up doing my first tattoo ever on a mate’s ass, a little freehand skull, pretty bad. Then after that, I got my own equipment and started tattooing my friends, got a portfolio together, and got offered a job as an apprentice at Living Art in 2005. It inspired me to do my own thing, and at the beginning of 2010, opened Dust N Bones Tattoo. It’s been a lot more successful than I ever expected, in about 18 months, there’s only been one day where I haven’t tattooed.
PS: What advice would you give to
PS: How do you think Plymouth matches up to the bigger cities in regards to tattoos? NP: It’s got a long way to go. For a start, most
of the people don’t go to conventions and get inspiration. Most tattoo artists in London do that kind of stuff all the time, but Plymouth doesn’t really tend to that, kind of keeps it all in Devon. It can get a little isolated down here.
PS: We also heard you like cars and bikes, tell me more? NP: I do love cars and
bikes, used to have a Volkswagen Corrado. I was absolutely gutted when I had to get rid of that, I put a lot of hours and money into that beauty. But now I have my bike, which was custom made for me. The frame’s based on a Triumph, and it’s called Bobba, if anyone asks! I’m well into the bike side of life, and I’m really into British bikes.
If you’d like to get tattooed by Neil, or any of the other artists at Dust N Bones, call 01752 601702 or visit them in their studio on New Street on the Barbican.
MEET THE TEAM PS: What are your plans for the future? NP: Carry on with Dust N Bones, I’d like to
open another shop, expand maybe? See what happens really, you never know where the tattoo industry might turn.
PS: What’s the best part about your job? NP: Making people happy, doing a good job
and having people come back. There’s great job satisfaction in that.
Naomi Girdler is a second year Graphic Design student at the Plymouth College of Art - after finishing her degree, she hopes to take a gap year in Australia. She also likes beards, moustaches, cats, tattoos, being ginger and music.
DID YOU KNOW?
student letting
first time living on your own? Home & Student Link give their advice
Plymouth has produced shed loads of famous folk down the years. Arguably the most noted of the lot is Sir Francis Drake, the man who did more for bowls than Simon Cowell has done for talent contests. A former Mayor and MP of the city, he goes down in history as the man who masterminded the defeat of the Spanish Armada. More recently Michael Foot, former Labour Party leader was born and raised in the city. A passionate Plymouth Argyle supporter, for his 90th birthday, Foot was registered with the Football League as an honorary player and given the shirt number 90. This made him officially the oldest registered professional player in the history of football. He died in 2010.
Living away from home for the first time can be a daunting experience for students. Finding the right place to live and dealing with all the legal and financial implications is a real challenge for many young people. But by following a few simple steps students can avoid potential pitfalls and problems.
are definitely becoming more discerning about their accommodation, which is a good thing. Thankfully, the days of rogue landlords ripping off young people are pretty much a thing of the past – although students do need to be careful about who they deal with.”
That’s the advice from Thelma Baldry, manager of Home & Student Link on North Hill – one of the city’s leading student letting agents.
She said that as a long-established professional letting agent, Home & Student Link is accredited by the University of Plymouth and also enjoys close working relationships with Plymouth College of Art and UCP Marjons.
Home & Student Link handle nearly 500 units of accommodation - ranging from large multiple-occupation properties to individual student rooms. Their portfolio includes Beckley Court in the city centre, the Cube in Gibbon Lane and the new Peninsular Student Living development near Derriford which can accommodate over 120 students.
The world of showbiz and sport has been well-served by Plymothians. Comedienne Dawn French, dancer Wayne Sleep and actor Charles Dance ‚ who studied graphic design at Plymouth College of Art. Olympic diving star Tom Daley and former Olympian swimmer Sharron Davies are probably the city’s best-known sporting celebs. Finally in the field of the arts there’s no doubt that Beryl Cook ranks among the city’s most famous folk. Her comical paintings of people she encountered in the city earned her global recognition‚ and said more about Plymouth than any historical reference book!!
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Below: The Home & Student Link team from left - Ayshea Lasker, Charlotte Simms, Thelma Baldry and Penni Harris
Thelma, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the property market, including three years as manager at Home & Student Link said: “Students
“Our close links with the student community are reflected in the fact that we sponsor the university’s badminton team and also employ students in our offices as temporary staff during the busiest times of the year,” added Thelma. For more advice and information contact Home & Student Link, 54 North Hill, Plymouth PL4 8EU Tel 01752 221186 www.homeandstudentlink.co.uk
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student letting
Top Tips for Student Lettings 1. Always deal with a professional agency which belongs to the National Association of Estate Agents,(NAEA), National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) or ARLA, the Association of Residential Letting Agents. This will ensure the agent is professionally qualified and regulated. 2. Make sure that the letting agent or landlord is a member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which ensures the tenant’s deposit is protected. 3. Always read the tenancy agreement carefully, including all the small print. It is a legally binding contract so take legal advice if necessary before signing and don’t be afraid to talk to the landlord or agent about the agreement if you are unsure of the content or have any queries. 4. Make sure you know exactly what you are signing up for. For example, if it is an all-inclusive agreement, ensure you understand fully what is and what is not included. 5. Make sure you are provided with a full inventory for the accommodation and check it very carefully. Once you sign it and return it you are accepting liability for the inventory. So if you are not entirely happy with the details of the inventory - for example it may state that the carpets are new, when they clearly are not – then make sure you highlight this before signing.
6. Think carefully about the location of the accommodation and check that the transport links and other amenities are suitable and adequate. 7. Always get a receipt for any payments made to the landlord or letting agent, particularly for the deposit and rent. 8. Find out what payment methods are acceptable to the landlord or letting agent. Most will prefer a monthly standing order, but other payment methods may apply. Home & Student Link, for example, provide an online payment service for students. 9. Check all the meter readings - gas, water, electricity – before taking on responsibility for the accommodation to ensure they are accurate. 10. Always view the property before signing up. Some students will agree to take on accommodation without seeing it because they are worried about missing out. Most letting agents will ask for a disclaimer if a student takes on accommodation unseen. 11. Think carefully who you share a property with. They may well be strangers to you, so try and make contact with them before signing up. Social networks such as Facebook are really useful in this respect.
12. Always show respect for fellow housemates and also for neighbours. 13. Make sure you have adequate insurance for your personal possessions, particularly laptops, mobile phones and other equipment, such as musical instruments. 14. If you have a guarantor for the tenancy agreement – usually your parents – make sure that they understand that they are guaranteeing to pay the rent for the full term of the agreement should you not be able to. 15. Always pay the rent on time. Failure to pay can result in court action, which could not only prove extremely costly, but also damage your personal credit rating in the future. Thelma added: “If you are struggling to pay the bills, always talk to the landlord or letting agent. The worse thing you can do is ignore the problem and hope that it will go away – it won’t! Most professional agents will work with you to help find a solution.”
DID YOU KNOW?
student submission
ten
Most people approaching the centre of Plymouth by road today will be struck by the derelict church in the middle of a busy roundabout overlooking Drake Circus Shopping Mall.
Above: Ben Cornish at work Left: Still from Prime & DC Street Golf 2011 Bottom Left: Still from London Student Protest - 9th December 2010
Seemingly out of keeping with modern buildings around it, ‘the bombed out church’ stands on Charles Cross roundabout as a silent witness to the devastation of the city during the Second World War and the lives lost during those long years.
BEN CORNISH
Charles Church was an important centre of spiritual life for the city for over 300 years but during the nights of March 21 and 22 1941, the church was entirely burned out by incendiary bombs. Although now a monument, the tradition of ministry at ‘Charles’ is not lost and is carried on by the Parish of Charles with St Matthias, one of its daughter churches, a quarter of a mile away in North Hill. The bombed out church is an iconic landmark for the city of Plymouth.
Simon Rawling talks to Ben Cornish, an award winning student videographer from Plymouth, currently studying at Bournemouth University on a BA (Hons) Television Production course. PS: How’s life? BC: Life is pretty good at the moment! I am
currently on my summer break from university, so it’s good to come back and see everyone. This has also enabled me to get back into filming skateboarding at Prime Skatepark, which I have missed.
PS: What is your job title, and what does it in involve? BC: My job title is a videographer, which
involves me shooting and editing films. I have been doing this for many clients in the music events industry such as Hardcore Reborn, Dubnium, Distortion and Hardcore Resurrection. At these events I set the camera up with a video light and capture everyone having a good time with the DJs playing. My aim is to create an all round good promotional video. I have also filmed skateboarding events such as the éS to Europe With Love, Prime DC Street Golf and Prime skatepark opening. I have filmed many skateboarding videos alongside this, they all involve me using a fisheye and going close to the action either on a skateboard or on the spot. Since going to university I have found that I prefer the filming side of projects rather than editing, but I always like to make sure the editing is done to a good standard.
PS: Why did you choose this line of work/ study? BC: I originally started filmmaking when I was about 14, as I wanted to film my friends skateboarding. I won a local BBC competition
called Motion Plymouth with a skateboard film, which then encouraged me to pursue my talent in filmmaking even more. Every weekend I would go into town and film my friends skateboarding, so I was constantly engaged in filmmaking activities. After filming music and skateboard events, I felt I should pursue this as a job career because people are interested in my services.
PS: How long have you been doing this? BC: I have been doing this for over 6 years now,
since the age of 14 and it hasn’t got boring!
PS: I’ve noticed in a few of your videos you’ve had to get very close to the action while shooting footage. Have you ever got into trouble while filming or regretted being somewhere? BC: The one place I have been really scared
was at the London Student Protests on the 9th December 2010. It was actually crazy there and the police weren’t letting anyone out. The majority of the people there weren’t students and were just causing trouble. We witnessed a man getting surrounded and then mugged, which made me feel quite scared. The worst part was getting trapped in between the police and the rioters, as you didn’t know what would happen next. After getting kettled onto a bridge for about 2 hours we were allowed to leave. However I missed the coach home so me and a few others had to buy train tickets to get back to Bournemouth.
PS: What or who inspires you? BC: Many people that have inspired me are on
Vimeo, almost every film on there is amazing. I feel some of the people on that site should be in the film industry because their work is incredible! One of my main inspirations is FreddieW, who is paid by YouTube to upload insane action videos every week. Phillip Bloom is also a person I
follow. He is like the guru of shooting with SLRs and has created many astonishing films. Finally, there is a local photographer who I feel I am inspired by, his name is Dom Moore. His Flickr portfolio is filled with absolutely amazing photographs, to a professional standard. When I look at these photographs I see ways of improving on my own photography and filmmaking.
PS:What do you enjoy about most about student lifestyle? BC: I firstly enjoyed moving away to another
town, it’s not that I don’t like Plymouth (I miss it dearly) it’s the fact that you get to see more stuff that’s out there. I also enjoyed meeting loads of talented media driven individuals, who I can talk to about what I like doing. I also like the going out a lot as well and living off a loan. Well it was the first year, so you’ve got to enjoy yourself! Visit Ben Cornish’s website at www.bencornish.co.uk to get a real idea of his work or email him at bencornish@live.co.uk.
MEET THE TEAM
Simon Rawling is a second year Graphic Design student at the Plymouth College of Art. After he graduates, he hopes to be a freelance designer and photographer, in Plymouth. His hobbies are cycling and looking after his pet gecko, George.
eleven For this issues student showcase PS brings you a fantastic short story about finding solace in new surroundings from local student, Yasmin Lloyd.
“She let out a groan as she began to stir from
slumber. Slowly she rubbed the sleep dust out of her eyes and that’s when she noticed something across her pillow: sunlight. She got up and crossed her en-suite room to the window and drew back the multicoloured curtains, thinking whoever decided to put those colours next to eachother was clearly colour blind. She snapped her eyes shut as light flooded the unpretentious room. There wouldn’t be many more mornings this year as sunny as this. She opened the window. The air was crisp and cold. She tried to sit and work, but her mind was far away and refused to focus on the work load in front of her. She threw her pencil across her desk in frustration and closed her laptop. She was too distracted; despite the near OCD level of cleanliness the room felt close, cramped, and far too warm, as most halls are.
as she discovered a shop that she could have sworn she had never seen before. This time she found a sweet shop selling old sweets, stacked shelf upon shelf in large glass jars. She would get some for her mother later along with some trinkets for the new house. She also found a tiny jewellery shop; selling exquisite handmade jewellery, her sister would like the red necklace best. Halloween decorations occupied every window, although the odd Christmas decoration and fairy light was creeping out, eager to take the place of the pumpkins, spider webs and broomsticks the following morning. She found herself thinking about Christmas, her
student submission was coming in and she was quite fond of all 10 toes. She changed her blaring music to her favourite classical artist Yiruma, she loved his music but she loved it even more when James played it for her. She settled down on a particular rock, which acted as a deck chair to someone with a small frame, such as herself. She lay back and let the sun warm her face as her mind wandered back to the place she used to call home. She thought about her mother, her sister and the past they shared there. Those were the winter years of her life. It was only when a voice broke though her meditating that she opened her eyes.
L A S T OF THE SUMMER S U N
She made a split-second decision; she picked up her hoodie, threw a pashmina around her neck and stuffed her keys and iPod into her pockets. A vibrating noise drew her attention back to her desk. Under many discarded sheets of lecture notes her phone was trying to grasp her attention, a message occupying its screen: Hey Gemma, you alright this morning hun? Much love, James xxx
The kisses at the end of the text lifted the corners of her mouth for a moment. She pushed the phone into her jeans, she’d text him later. She held her breath as she left the room, she would have to leave a note on the kitchen door again for the two flat mates that didn’t seem to understand the ‘no smoking’ rule. She hurriedly locked the door and jogged down the two flights of stairs and out the front door. The freezing air caught in her chest; it hurt, but she didn’t mind, it was nice to be outside. Normally she would invite her flat mate Helen out with her but on this occasion she needed time to herself. Helen was a good flat mate; clean, non-smoker and mature conversation, unlike the postgrads that could have emigrated for all they knew and the two other freshers, who although they were great guys, just left evidence of their existence in a whirlwind of dirty dishes, super noodles and mouldy bread. Music blaring she shut out the world around her and let her feet lead the way. She walked down to the Aquarium and over the bridge to the Barbican. Every time she walked around the Barbican she would do a double take
mother, sister and home. Her feet steered her away She walked along the path, looking out over the Sound. A scream interrupted her train of thought. She pulled her headphones out as two young boys pushed past her in wet suits, shouting an apology as they ran. A small collection of curious onlookers gathered at the chest high wall separating them from the ocean below. The boys who pushed past her were standing on an outcrop of the old wall pushing each other playfully, and then one of them turned on his heels and ran. He threw his skinny body into the air, like a flying squirrel. “WWWOOOOOOOO HHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOO!!!”
“I thought you might be here,” stated a young man. He sat next to her, his tall frame fitting awkwardly on the rock with her. “How you can walk around in just jeans and t-shirt!” she exclaimed, shivering. He laughed and wrapped his arms round her.“Better?” he asked. She nodded; since she moved to Plymouth she’d come to life again, like a tree blossoming after a harsh winter.
“You’ll never guess what I saw on my way here, a load of boys jumping off the wall into the sea!” “Perhaps they’re doing the same thing you are?” James suggested”
YASMIN LLOYD
Perhaps they’re doing the same thing you are? A voice in the back of her head suggested.
I have just completed my first year studying English BA (Hons) at Plymouth University. I am a very active person; my main hobby is dancing. When I’m not studying or dancing I enjoy reading, writing, drawing, painting, music or spending time with the
Finally she reached the numerous steps that led to the sea. She didn’t descend that far- the tide
Would you like to see your work in PS? Submit to info@ps-zine.com to be in for a chance!
She watched open mouthed as he fell to the ocean 30 feet below. His mop of floppy wet hair broke the surface a few seconds later. He climbed on the rocks at the base of the wall and joined some other young boys of the same age. They called up to the other smaller boy that it was his turn. She walked away; it was bad enough watching one 14 year old boy throw himself off a cliff! She loved the sea, but she wouldn’t go jumping into the ocean at this time of year.
horses, and riding them, when I’m back home in Surrey for the holidays.
MEET THE TEAM Lize Meddings is a third year Illustration student at the Plymouth College of Art. She specializes in drawing cats and drinking copious amounts of coke, and is co-founder of End of World which you can find at www.myendofworld.com
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reviews
film reviews by Stuart Williams & Michael Poole
cinema super 8 / jj abram
Given that J.J Abram’s last two films were ‘re-boots’ of well-established franchises, Super 8 follows in that same vein. Though instead of digging up the old bones of a much loved classic, an unfortunate direction in which many studios and directors seem to be heading, JJA has managed to, with the help of Steven Speilberg, revitalise an era in movie making which brings to the screen a warm nostalgic glow. The film is set in the small fictional town of ‘Lillian’ Ohio in the summer of 1979 and follows the often emotionally and physically turbulent adventures of a ‘gang’ of young teens trying to shoot their own Super 8 zombie movie, which is an amusing homage to George A. Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead’. It is after a local girl, Alice Dainard (played excellently by Elle Fanning) is enlisted to play a part in this movie that we start to see the charming nervousness of a crush grow from the film’s main protagonist Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney). Whilst shooting a scene at a train station we see Alice’s maturity and acting prowess shine, bringing silence and almost tears to the other players and crew. With a train approaching the director shouts, not for the first or the last time ‘production value...’ and sets everything in place to catch the speeding train behind the little rehearsed scene. As the train passes it becomes clear that something is about to go very wrong, and with all the hallmarks of a JJA film the train is derailed and sent explosively into the sky causing the ‘gang’ to flee leaving their ‘Super 8’ video recorder to capture everything in all its silent clicking glory. It’s after this event that things start to go a bit odd in Lillian, dogs going missing, cars stripped of their engines, intermittent electricity and very strange noises from the undergrowth. With the arrival of the military the townsfolk are naturally worried and with the post cold war ‘commie’ fearing left swinging attitudes it can only mean one thing, the Russians are coming! This is of course not the case and we quickly find out there is an alien causing the apparent random destruction around town. What ensues is a sort of action packed coming of age monster mystery movie that never really touches on some of its main points fully, some back stories are neither explained or concluded with 100% clarity and some viewers may feel robbed by this, but then looking back at some of the films this is trying admirably to mirror these are minor details. What counts is the adventure, the intrigue and the individual characters’ journeys in finding out what ‘it’ is and how to deal with the fallout from the war zone created. I walked away from the theatre with a warm feeling, like finding an old woolly jumper from your child-hood that still fits, although a little out of shape, its familiar and comfortable.
dvd
online
hobo with a shotgun
‘way out west’
/ Jason Eisener
/ Brad shermaN
Hobo with a Shotgun began its life back in 2007 as a ‘fake’ trailer entered into a contest to promote Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s Grindhouse double feature. A young Canadian director called Jason Eiesner went out for six days with 150 bucks, a small crew and a sack full of favours to shoot their contribution. The resulting trailer was a sensation. It went on to win the contest and gain a huge fan base online that meant the trailer was shown in all Canadian cinemas during the release of Grindhouse. It goes to show what can be achieved with a small budget and a vast amount of red corn syrup. Many prestigious awards and three years later Hobo with a Shotgun has received the full feature length treatment. Written and directed by Eiesner himself, it was shot in the small city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and stars the enchantingly disturbing Rutger Hauer, lets make it clear now, this film NOT for the faint hearted! When the tired and bedraggled hobo rolls into town armed only with a bindle and his morals, it’s obvious by the welcome sign that greets him that it’s not the nicest place to have jumped off the train. Shambling down the litter-filled streets past closed shops and warehouses covered in graffiti, the hobo is witness to a murder so gratuitously and amazingly gory it begs the question, why stay in town? Not only is the killing a public execution carried out in broad daylight by the local crime boss ‘Drake’, but also the people of the community are forced to watch at gunpoint. Seemingly unfazed by this the hobo trudges on, steering his trolley through the crime-ridden streets in search of money to buy a lawn mower! On the way he encounters the deprivation and filth that rules the town, from child snatching Santas to corrupt cops the hobo sees it all, ignored and almost invisible. The hobo soon earns the affections and care of a street hooker after he saves her from a no doubt typically gruesome b-movie style death at the hands ‘Slick’ and ‘Ivan’, Drake’s twisted children. Retribution in this town is swift though and our poor vagrant vigilante is soon taught a lesson. After all of this the hobo is forced to forget his dreams of starting a landscaping company and starts to deal out some justice in the shape of a shotgun.From the highly saturated opening shot to the last drip of fake blood this movie is a shock fest made to do just that. The gore comes by the bucket load, the writing is jammed full of disgustingly funny one liners and the acting is sometimes absolutely horrific, exceptions of course for Rutger’s performance which is at times excellent, especially a couple of stunning monologues, but this is what its supposed to be right? Is it not a homage to the shock exploitation movies of the 80s that looked so bad? If that’s what its trying to be then it misses by a long way, it seems to be more of a homage to the fake trailers in Grindhouse than the low budget b-movies and sometimes it comes across as being over the top just for the sake of it. That’s not to say that Eisener hasn’t done a good job, the colour palette is perfect, giving us the sense that it has been made in the 80s on cheap film and the score is pure synth heaven reminiscent of John Carpenter’s early horror films. He also manages to pull an excellent performance from Rutger Hauer who shines out and gives the film some much-needed gravitas. Watch this film at your own peril and don’t expect too much except a building sense of nausea and waning interest.
http://vimeo.com/25027504
‘Way out West’ is a documentary made by Brad Sherman, a former student and graduate of Plymouth College of Art, which puts the spotlight on the long-standing and popular ‘punk scene’ in Plymouth. Not knowing anything about punk music and its scene I was a little apprehensive about reviewing this film but I soon found out that the viewer doesn’t need a previous knowledge of these things to enjoy this fantastic piece of film making. It manages to be both credible amongst those involved in the scene and accessible to people who have never experienced it. I didn’t feel alienated and by the end of the film I wanted to get down to The White Rabbit and watch some sweaty bearded men shout at me. The film also highlights the DIY culture of today’s music scene and people’s passion to promote their own bands and events without the help and cash of corporations and big record labels.
Allister Gall of Damerels With a great soundtrack kicked off by Crazy Arms ‘Blind Summit’ the tone is instantly set. The editing is slick and precise with some great footage of old events containing some full on Mohawks and crazy pogoing which serves as a good example of the evolution of the scene and its styles and ever changing influences. The interviews are informative and interesting giving an insight into a movement that is run and kept alive by a few people and their passion for live music. This is a great film and a perfect example of the DIY culture it’s documenting, having only cost as much as a few drinks to make. I can highly recommended this film to anyone, regardless of their musical tastes and preferences as it’s inspiring to anyone who has passion for performing, no matter what genre or style.
Matthew Campbell of Bearfight
MEET THE TEAM Stuart Williams is a second year Graphic Design student at the Plymouth College of Art, and wants to pursue a career as a graphic designer after the course. He likes films, having a beard, documentaries, going to the gym and country pubs.
Game review
by Matthew Girdler, student at City College
XBOX/PS3/PC DEUS Ex / published by eidos interactive / developed by eidos Montreal
In 2000, Ion Storm released the sci-fi game Deus Ex, it gained universal acclaim for its highly varied gameplay and deep storyline, packed with conspiracy and intrigue. It is still remembered today as one of the greatest games of all time. Now, over a decade since the first Deus Ex game, and with new developer Eidos Montreal at the helm, does Deus Ex: Human Revolution live up to the legacy set by the original? Set in 2027, Human Revolution sees you playing as Adam Jensen, an ex-SWAT cop for Detroit PD, now head of security at Sarif Industries, a company specialising in human augmentations - technological modifications to the body that allow their users to perform superhuman feats. As Sarif is on the verge of a huge scientific breakthrough, it is attacked by a group of mercenaries who steal important research, kill scientists and severely injure Jensen. After undergoing extensive surgery and being reconstructed with augmentations, Jensen sets out to find the identity and motive of the terrorists behind the attack. The story will take you to various locations around the world as Jensen unfolds the conspiracy. The topic of human modification sets a tense moral and political background for the story as anti-augmentation groups hold protests and ‘harvesters’ kill modified humans and steal their parts. There’s plenty of back story to be discovered by reading newspapers and books, hacking emails, eavesdropping etc. But you will need to put skill points into your hacking abilities if you want to see everything. These skill points will define how you play Deus Ex. If you like your games to play like a fast-paced shooter you might put points into your health and accuracy skills, likewise, if you prefer the stealthy approach (my favourite way to play), you should put your points into the invisibility and hacking abilities. This variety means you can play through Deus Ex’s 20+ hour campaign multiple times and have a different experience. While you can play through most of the game without killing a single enemy, there are several boss fights in the game that are unavoidable, these can be very frustrating if you haven’t put any skill points into combat abilities. The presentation of the game is excellent, while the graphics might not be as technically impressive as Crysis 2 or Killzone 3, Deus Ex has a great unique art style, with a predominantly black and gold colour palette. The atmosphere does a great job of pulling the player in, making the game’s world a place you really want to explore. Human Revolution has its problems, frustrating boss fights, long load times, bad enemy AI, and inconsistent voice acting, but if you can look past those small issues, I guarantee you’ll have a good time with Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
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extreme sports
LOrDS of P-TOWN Good news for skaters, boarders and bladers – the new skateboard park in Central Park is due to open later this month.
The new park replaces the one which was demolished to make way for the new Life Centre, which is currently under construction in Central Park. Ramps, rails, steps and slopes as well as smooth curved bowls of concrete are being created as a landscape for stunts and jumps for skateboarders, BMX bikers and in-line skaters of all skill levels. Contractors Freestyle Skateparks Ltd worked closely with ramp sports enthusiasts to design a park which is sensitive to its surroundings and fits with the contours of the landscape. It will be built in phases as and when more funding becomes available. The first phase, worth £190,000, will focus mainly on street skating as well as replacing the popular multi-use games area and sheltered seating in the old park. Later phases will include specialist skate bowls. Councillor Jordan said: “The old skate park was extremely popular with skaters and their friends and we wanted to make sure they still had somewhere to enjoy their sport.” However, if you can’t wait until then, PS has included a selection of great spots in and around the city for to keep all you extreme sport enthusiasts happy.
Written by Naomi Girdler & Jessica Hamley Spot Contributions & Photos courtesy of Leon Doidge
Indoor Skateparks Prime Skatepark Plymouth’s indoor skatepark. Mini ramp sections & street section. 21A Commercial Road, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LE - 01752 265109
big banks. Near the Exeter Football Ground, Exeter EX4 8BZ If you fancy heading down to Cornwall, there’s loads of amazing skateparks all around. Here’s a couple of indoor parks that Cornwall offers:
Ivybridge Skatepark, Ivybridge Mini ramp, few ledges - it’s alright for a few hours. Near town hall in the centre of Ivybridge 01803 862134
Mount Hawke Skatepark Sick indoor skatepark, big street/ramp sections and a huge vert ramp Gover Waterworks, Mount Hawke, Truro Cornwall TR4 8BQ - 01209 890705
Saltmill Skatepark Mini ramps, bowl, flatbanks good fast skatespot. Saltash, near the Waterfront
The Unit Indoor Skatepark, Launceston Quiet, fun, little park, about 45 minutes from Plymouth Pennygillam Ind. Estate, Unit C1., Launceston PL15 7PF - 01566 773637
Exeter Flowerpot Great skatepark, rad mini ramp section, flatbanks, boxes, ledges, all around. Near the water, Flowerpot Chill Zone, Exeter EX4 1DH Exeter Arena Jump boxes, quarter pipes and
Dirt Jumps Filham Dirt Jumps, Ivybridge Fun trails, table tops and big double lines. Ivybridge
Tavistock Dirt Jumps Located in the centre of Tavistock, easy to find and really good progressive trails. Tavistock The Track, Portreath For a sick day out, progressive trails throughout a full BMX/Fourcross track - and if you want to get ballsy, there’s a huge line. Parc Erissey Industrial Estate, New Portreath Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 4HW - 01209 211073
DID YOU KNOW?
Americans love Plymouth as it’s the port from which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed across the Atlantic in the Mayflower in 1620 on their historic journey to the New World.
Not surprisingly, American tourists are more than a little underwhelmed when they discover that the memory of that historic sailing is nothing more than a small portico and until recently a crumbling stairway known as The Mayflower Steps. And to add injury to insult the Mayflower Steps, sited in the historic Barbican, are not even located at the point from which the Pilgrim Fathers are believed to have sailed. The actual departure point is somewhere below the Admiral MacBride pub‚ which is just across the road from The Mayflower Steps. Sutton Harbour was then a little larger than it is today, and the waterline would have run along roughly where the road is now, in front of the historic Island House, (now an ice-cream parlour), and up to the steps which would have protruded from the vertical rocks behind the pub. The Pilgrim Fathers stay in Plymouth was for 10 days. They were made very welcome by the local people. So impressed by this welcome and what was done for them they named their first settlement in the New World Plymouth (Massachusetts). From these humble beginnings has grown the most powerful nation in the world today.
PENNY TAYLOR
student submission
PS talks to Penny Taylor, a second year BA Illustration student at the Plymouth College of Art. Not only does she work hard on that, but she also owns a small toy company called Tiny Oyster Designs, which feature plushies of all her own original design. PS: So hi Penny, how’s life? PT: Things have been so busy I
have lost track of days, which is a good thing of course. I finished my first year of an Illustration Degree in June, so I have spent the summer working on my personal design company.
PS: So how long have you been making your plushies? PT: I started making plush toys
back in 2008, but nothing really kicked off for me until the end of 2009 when my work was published for the first time. People in the industry began to mention me and post about my work, which was amazing.
PS: I’ve noticed you’ve got quite a big following for your plushies online, what do you think is behind your success? PT: If I’m honest, I’m not really
Above: Fennel, part of Penny’s Oddity series Right: A Quibblet, an original Tiny Oyster Design plushie Far Right: Penny, herself
sixteen day the numbers just started growing and now I get a lot of feedback from the people who follow my blog, facebook page etc. I think constantly updating and including my fans in a lot of what I do has helped people grow to like me and how I work.
sure. It took a long time to get things rolling, then suddenly one
PS: What got you into designing and creating plushies? PT: I have always made up and drawn insane creatures and it had always been an ambition to have some of them made into plush toys; I just hadn’t imagined making them myself.
PS: With so many designs coming out so regularly where do you get the inspiration behind your designs? PT: The crazy insane things that
pop into my head mainly. I have always been told I have a seriously over active imagination and I
guess it just spends all day dreaming up new monsters for me to make. Certain aspects like nature often sway me to add a feature or personality to them.
PS: A little birdy told me that you were hoping to work towards doing more illustrations in the future, or have you got other plans? PT: The reason I started my
Illustration Degree is to hopefully use that aspect of my work more, selling prints etc. I would like to offer prints of my creatures in my shop, but I need to up my skills first, hence the degree. I have new ideas every day for new creations, and I intend to keep updating and keeping my fans involved. I have some exhibitions to prepare for later on this year as well, so that will keep me busy.
If you’d like to see more of Penny’s work, visit her website www.tinyoysterdesigns.com
seventeen
ZACHARY HILL “Hi! I’m Zachary Hill and I’m the creator and drawer of the web-comic “This is All.”, a comic based on brand names, companies and products. I’m a 21 year old Marketing student who started thinking about joke/piss take adverts for various companies before coming to Uni. Initially I wanted to produce these as filmed adverts, however
I discovered after a heavy night out (by documenting my evening) that drawing comics is both simple and enjoyable. The type of humour in my comics ranges, from toilet humour (yes, I sink that low) to social observations. Most of the things I draw about are based on events that have happened to me, like my “iPod.” comic, or things that wind me up, such as “Specsavers.” and “Nikon.”. I try to draw at least one a week to come out on a Monday, I hope you all get a chance to have a look and enjoy them!”
To view my comics, log onto www.thisisall.org and I’m also listed on www.onlinecomics.net
student submission
healthy eating
HEALTHY EATING FOR A FIVER!
eighteen
Spanish Fritatta YOU’LL NEED: 1 Red & Yellow Pepper, deseeded 1 Red Onion, peeled and sliced
2tsp Olive Oil 50g Chorizo Sausage, sliced (optional) 8 Large Eggs Salt and pepper
Serves four people (maybe treat your new housemates to some budget friendly cuisine?) Total Cost: £2.89 HOW TO: One: Preheat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C/Gas Mark 6)
Five: Scatter the roasted vegetables over the base of the prepared tin and stir in the chorizo.
Two: Cut each pepper into large pieces, as well as the onion then place them along with some oil in a large roasting tin and toss together.
Six: Beat the eggs, add seasoning and pour over the vegetables and sausage, then bake in the oven for 15 mins or until the top is golden and the eggs are set.
Three: Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
Seven: Leave to cool slightly before cutting into wedges and serving warm.
Four: Lightly oil a 23cm/ 9-inch non-stick round tin with baking parchment.
Enjoy!
Had enough of living off noodles and toast? We are, but due to the way food prices are increasing sharply to record highs, our beer money seems to dwindle from our pockets.
offering student discounts and a range of healthy well being activities.
So we at PS thought it was important to give a solution to this devastating problem by showing you local healthy food options easily interchangeable for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. There are many outlets around Plymouth other than the obvious big supermarkets and chain stores, these do tend to be a little further afield but are still totally accessible.
For this issue, we’ve decided to whet your appetites with this great recipe for a spanish frittata, an egg based dish, similar to an omelette, which not only tastes great (seriously, we’ve tried it!) but is also really easy on the budget.
The Pannier Market is a great place to go to get fruit and veg and there is a ton of local butchers depending on where you are living. For example, the Butchers on Mutley Plain give a great student discount, which is gladly welcomed at the end of term. There are also some great student friendly places to eat out in Plymouth offering a wide range of affordable prices to suit our bank balance. Ride, on Tavistock Place, does a half price Monday deal on food and is based within walking distance from both the university and PCA. For the vegetarians among us, at just a short walking distance to Sutherland Road is the intimate World Peace Café,
MEET THE TEAM Jamie Pearce is a second year Graphic Design student at the Plymouth College of Art, with a view of getting into logo and packaging design. He also likes Star Wars, cats, music and enjoys doodling and illustration.
DINNER F OR T WO M A D E EA S Y Style Chicken Flatbread and Caribbean Chicken Curry.
If you want to impress the lady (or lad) in your life with a romantic dinner for two but don’t have a clue where to start – don’t panic!
For £6 you can choose from Chicken and Chorizo Rice, Chicken Fajitas, Beef Stroganoff, Teriyaki Beef, Singapore Noodles, Paella, Sweet Chilli Prawn Noodles or Thai Red Chicken Curry.
Just get to the local Morrison’s Supermarket (Outland Road or Plymstock) and take your pick from their Dinner Made Easy range. You can buy a meal for two from as little as £5 and the bonus is it takes just 20 minutes to prepare and the only extra ingredient you need is a little cooking oil. There are several mouth-watering choices priced either at £5 or £6 with a selection of meals for one at £3.49 including Creamy Chicken and Pancetta, Sweet Chilli Chicken, Easy Pepper Beef and Chips, Malaysian Beef Rendang or Easy Moroccan Chicken The great thing is you don’t have to be a budding
We sampled the Thai Red Chicken Curry and apart from adding extra rice (we have big appetites) the portions were just right. Jamie Oliver to prepare the meal. Just oil, a wok and a microwave and you’re away!! There’s something to suit pretty much all tastes. The £5 options include the award-winning Indian
A tasty way to impress the latest flame!
INBETWEENERS GUIDE TO BODY SURVIVAL
Life at college can be hard enough without the aches and pains of being hunched over a computer, book or bar all day long. A lot of people will suffer with stiff necks, aching shoulders and aching lower backs, and that’s probably just from Fresher’s Week! As the term goes on and you are unreasonably being asked to complete assignments in between visits to the student union bar or a local hostelry, these aches may not go away and here are just a few practical tips to help get rid of some of those pains – as might be seen on Inbetweeners! Jay walks gingerly into the student union and joins his mates Will, Neil and Simon. “Bloody hell, my neck’s killing me,” bleats Jay. “Must have been that bird’s bed last night. It was ok until she invited her mate in for a threesome!’ “Yeah, right Jay, course you did” comes the sarcastic chorus from his mates, Jay, indignantly: “No really, I have hurt my neck, must have been all the strange positions!’ Neil replies: “Well Jay, I know about a bunch of exercises that are great for maintaining or restoring the neck range of motion – whatever you’ve been up to. “Firstly, look to the left, then with your right hand, gently push your chin as far as you can comfortably go to the left, hold for a count of 10, then swap hands and take your head the other way. Second, take your left ear to your left shoulder, with your left hand gently pull your head down as far as you can comfortably go, hold for a count of 10 and then swap sides. “Thirdly, pull your chin in and then take your head back to look at the ceiling as far back as you can. You need to release the chin tuck during the movement of taking your head back. If you do these exercises two or three times a day it will help maintain or restore your neck movement. Always stop if there is any pain and contact your sports therapist.” The lads all dutifully carry out Neil’s instructions. “That’s a bit better,” says Jay, “Got any more?” says Simon. Neil continues, “These exercises are good for strengthening the neck muscles. “Keeping your head straight and upright, put your right hand against the side of your face, now try to look to the right, pushing your face against your hand, which is preventing the movement. Hold for a count of ten and then do the same on the left side. “Then keeping your head straight, put your right hand against the right side of your face, try to take your right ear to your shoulder, pushing against your hand which is preventing any actual movement, hold for a count of ten and then swap and repeat on the other side.” “Always do both sides and stop if there is any pain and contact your sports therapist” says Neil. “Bloody hell Neil, where did you learn that?” says Simon. “When Jay went home on his own after we had a few pints in the Union last night, I got talking to this girl on the sports therapy course and she told me about them,” says Neil.
Mark Mears LLB, LLM - Advanced Sports Therapist
nineteen
fashion
twenty
Photography: Simon Rawling Stylists: Naomi Girdler & Lize Meddings
Tom’s Outfit: Shirt: £1 Red Cross Chinos: £1 Red Cross Shoes: Model’s own
Becka’s Outfit: Blouse: £3.50 Scope Skirt: £1 Red Cross Bag: £1 Red Cross Shoes: Model’s own
CHA R ITY SH O P CH I C In the days of student living, everything’s expensive, so why not save some money by going ‘thrifting’ or charity shopping to me and you? Above are two examples of how us at PS have managed to spend less than a tenner (yes, really!) between two outfits. There’s a great selection of charity shops in Plymouth City Centre, as well as a specialised vintage St Luke’s Hospice charity shop based on Ebrington Street with a great selection to choose from, at great bargain prices.
We grabbed a couple of local students to model our outfits, Becka is an International Relations and Spanish student at the University of Plymouth, and Tom is a third year Graphic Design student at the Plymouth College of Art. They were both willing to be charity shop guinea pigs for PS and personally we think they look great. You’ll be surprised how many top labels you can find if you just take a little while longer to search for the good stuff. You can save a bomb too! So don’t just pass your local charity shop, have a bloody good rummage!
MEET THE TEAM Jessica Hamley is a second year BA Graphic Design student at PCA. After graduating, she hopes to get a job working on fashion magazines. She likes cakes, gigs, go-karting, Nandos and coffee.
fashion
twenty one
Autu m n /w i nter tr en d r epo rt
The new season is upon us. From 40’s inspired glamour and pretty prints to chunky old-fashion knits. Here are some of the key trends from the high street. Surprisingly, think colour. no.1
40's Glamour
Wide Brim Hat £25 Topshop Peter Pan Contrast Blouse £30 River Island
It’s red alert this season, you’ll notice shades from bright scarlet red to deep wine colours and burgundy splashed into every collection. Grab your piece this season.
Faux Fur Coat £98 Topshop
Berry Print Dress £67 French Connection
n o.2
Red Wedges £19.99 New Look Dark Red Blazer £45 River Island
n o .3
Beige Floppy Hat £24.99 River Island
Polka Dot Shorts £34 Topshop
Red Python Satchel £48 Urban Outfitters
S EV EN T I ES From boho to a more sophisticated edge - think high waisted wide leg trousers, neat bow blouses, lot’s of silk for evening wear and jumpsuits.
n o.4
S h a d es o f R ed
Red Bodycon Skirt £22 Topshop
Knitted Boyfriend Cardigan £42 Topshop
Leat h er a n d Lac e
From the catwalk where latex, PVC and leather brought a racy look, the high street is toning it down with sheer inserts, leather and lace panels and black. Peter Pan Lace Blouse £26 Topshop
Chiffon Jumpsuit £85 Topshop
Pearls, furs, gloves, shrugs and pencil skirts - mix in a pussy bow blouse and pretty tea dresses for day wear.
High Waisted Leather Skirt £49.99 River Island
AC C E SS O R I E S Two Tone Brogues £14.99 H&M
Black Waist Belt £9.99 Ark Clothing.com
Faux Fur Collar £12.99 H&M
Photos courtesy of H&M, Topshop, River Island, ArtClothing.com, New Look, Urban Outfitters & French Connection
twenty two
Acne: get a clear start this semester Acne, spots and other skin conditions can be really depressing for young people. It can lead to a lack of self-confidence, isolation, embarrassment and have a negative impact on relationships. It is estimated around eight out of ten young people in the UK will suffer from some form of acne at some time, with many adults suffering as well. According to local expert Anne-Marie Davies of Plymouth’s Sandon Court Clinic there are some simple steps that can be taken to overcome the problem. “There are a lot of myths around acne and spots,” said Anne-Marie. “Firstly, it is not contagious. It does not mean your skin is dirty or that you have a poor diet. Cleansing is important, although too much can aggravate the condition. “Diet can play its part too, with some foods – such as milk – liable to aggravate Before acne. Try missing out some foods and observe the results. This may provide some clues as to the cause of acne in particular situations. “The most important thing in controlling acne is skin care. Salicyclic acid is really effective in skin care as are
treatments such as peels. Specialist clinics like Sandon Court have products of far higher strength than anything you can get on the high street and we also use peels with these ingredients. “You need to follow the treatment regime to get the best results. It can be a combination of laser, skin peels and home products. And don’t give up too soon! And don’t let it get you down! If you have not had much success from treatments from your GP there are other routes you can try such as IPL (blue light). Whether you have just a few spots or quite severe acne, there is help out there. So get a clear start this semester! Sandon Court Clinic offers specialist acne skin care, skin peels with salicylic, microderm for smoothing acne scarring and After blue light IPL treatment. The clinic is located near the city centre and combine expertise with a relaxed atmosphere and offers 10% student discount. Prices start from just £30 and consultations are free. Sandon Court Clinic, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB Tel 01752 222107 web www.sandoncourtclinic.co.uk
ACNE FACT FILE Acne is a condition of the skin that shows up as different types of bumps. These bumps can be blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. It is caused by sensitivity to testosterone causing abnormal cell growth, excessive sebum and acne bacteria. The type of acne that a lot of teens get is usually shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. The hair follicles, or pores, in your skin contain sebaceous glands (also called oil glands). These glands make sebum, which is an oil that lubricates your hair and skin. Most of the time, the sebaceous glands make the right amount of sebum. As a teen’s body begins to mature and develop, though, hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to make more sebum, and the glands may become overactive. Pores become clogged if there is too much sebum and too many dead skin cells.
twenty three
by our resident illustrator, lize meddings. She loves cats. so much.
USEFUL NUMBERS EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police, Fire, Ambulance or Coastguard: 999 or 112 Police General Enquiries: 08452 777444 Derriford Hospital: 08451 558155 Electricity, Western Power Distribution: 0800 365900 Gas, Transco (Gas Emergency Service): 0800 111999 Water, South West Water: 0800 1691144 Environment Agency (Emergency): 0800 807060 RSCPA: 0300 1234 999
ENTERTAINMENT
Theatre Royal: Barbican Theatre: Devonport Playhouse: Plymouth Athenaeum Theatre:
01752 267222 01752 267131 01752 606507 01752 266079
Plymouth Pavilions: Reel Cinema: Vue Cinema: Tourist Information: National Trust Saltram: Plymouth City Museum & Gallery:
LEISURE
Mayflower Leisure Centre: Brickfields Recreation Ground: Manadon Football Dev’ment Centre: Central Park Swimming Pool: Plympton Swimming Pool: Megabowl, Coxside: The Beckly Centre, Plymstock:
01752 222200 01752 225533 01752 240240 01752 306330 01752 333500 01752 304774
0870 300 0040 0870 300 0040 0870 300 0040 0870 300 010 0870 300 0020 0871 550 1010 01752 484433
Sometimes in life, things just don’t go as planned, but thankfully there are some amazing people, charities and organizations out there to help. Save these numbers for a little peace of mind!
HELPLINES
Alcoholics Anonymous: 08457 697555 Cruse Bereavement Care: 0870 1671677 Disability & Information Advice Line: 01302 310123 Childline: 0800 1111 Crossline Listening Service: 01752 666777 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 8005000 Talk to Frank: 0800 776600 Parentline Plus: 0808 8002222 Shelterline: 0808 8004444 National Missing Persons Helpline: 0500 700700 NHS Direct: 0845 4647 Money Advice Plymouth (Debt Advice): 01752 208126 National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 20000247
Relateline: Samaritans: West Country Landlords Association:
TRAVEL
RAC: Rail Travel, National Enquiries: Plymouth Citybus: National Express Coaches: Brittany Ferries: Plymouth City Airport: Cremyll Ferry: Torpoint Ferry: Tourist Information: Passport Office, National Helpline:
0845 1304010 08457 909090 01752 242980 08000 828282 08457 484950 01752 222221 08717 818181 08705 360360 01752 204090 01752 822105 01752 812233 01752 266030 0870 5210410