The Prohibition Ball: Putting Charity at the Centre

With the Prohibition Ball fast approaching, James Bennett argues that the lack of a single nominated benefitting charity does the event a disservice.

Since the cancellation of the ever popular SSB I am now thoroughly bereft of any legitimate reason to go out on the town in my pants, of which The Firehouse can only be so accommodating. However, the looming Prohibition Ball has promised an evening of fun and frivolity with a side of, ‘zoot suits, bowler hats, flapper dresses and feathers’ as a fun and more importantly hopefully inoffensive alternative.

“The looming Prohibition Ball has promised an evening of fun and frivolity with a side of, ‘zoot suits, bowler hats, flapper dresses and feathers’ as a fun and more importantly hopefully inoffensive alternative.”
Photo Credit: wakalani via Compfight cc

Organised by Exeter RAG, it looks like it’ll be a great night for those who were quick enough to secure their non-transferable tickets before they sold out. The problem as I see it is the lack of a nominated charity for the proceeds to go towards; the SSB has a legacy and a cause that the new ball seems to lack.

This is not to say that I’m not hugely appreciative of all of the work that RAG do. They’ve raised thousands of pounds for a huge selection of nominated charities already this academic year and the work they do is something each and every member of RAG can and should be proud of. Moreover, dealing with the SSB backlash must have been a nightmare and to implement a brand new event in the immediately following year is no mean feat. My concern is that because the event doesn’t have the same hype surrounding it, the money raised is inevitably going to be a more modest sum and when divided between RAG’s numerous nominated charities makes much less of a statement.

The problem isn’t really about the amount raised though it’s that we could very easily have singled out a cause to support through the Prohibition Ball and in not doing so our alternative to the SSB begins to look like just that: a great excuse for a party with a bit of charity thrown in for good measure. Of course, none of this actually does anyone any harm and the money raised will make a great difference. However, the message that we’re sending is no longer that we wanted to support a worthy cause with a fundraising event; it’s that we needed to fill the SSB-shaped hole in our collective, scantily clad hearts.

The Prohibition Ball will be a fantastic event and I’m sure it will become a staple of Exeter’s social calendar, yet I can’t help but wonder if we couldn’t have done more to raise awareness for a plethora of worthy causes.

James Bennett

 Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.

Comment's Review of 2013 at Exeter

With 2013 coming to a close, Online Comment editors James Bennett and Dave Reynolds attempt to round up the major issues that have got us talking this year.We’ve even let you in on a secret about how we got our jobs in the first place.

SSB Cancelled.

Exeter was rocked by mass media attention surrounding the Safer Sex Ball and The Ram’s Not Safe For Work CCTV footage. This led to the cancellation of the iconic event for future years. The decision was met with a great deal of hostility, with people no longer having an acceptable excuse to dance around in their pants in public.  After winning the Sunday Times University of the Year award for 2012, this was not the start to 2013 we were really looking for.

Photo Credit: Exeposé

Cocaine on Campus.

We were in further trouble after it was discovered that students and faculty alike had been dabbling in the only kind of snow that ever comes through Exeter. Everyone was shocked that some young people with lots of disposable income and spare time engage in recreational drug use. What was more exciting was the fact that some of the areas that tested positive for the substance were faculty only.

So we’re paying through the nose just for our faculty to snort it back up theirs?
Photo Credit: Foxtongue via Compfight cc

Exeposé accidentally elects two simpletons.

On March 12th we wrote a manifesto for a role we possibly didn’t understand. A day later, we were giving a speech desperately trying to convince a room full of people we’d never met that we were a better option than re-opening nominations. Thankfully, we won. With as much jounalistic experience as the Chuckle Brothers (apologies to them if they have some!), we were unaware of quite how difficult and time-consuming the job would be. Regardless, we were thrown in at the deep end, with our first major job being to cover a national party conference.

Pictured: Less journalistic experience. Much better moustaches.
Photo Credit: BBC via The Daily Hawk

UKIP’s Spring Conference.

In what was a very busy and succesful year for UKIP, their Spring Conference at the Great Hall was an opportunity for them to prove themselves as a serious force in British politics. What entailed was a day of old white people laughing themselves silly at xenophobic humour, Bulgarian extremists and Nigel Farage’ boundless wit. By the afternoon, most of the audience had nodded off, and we’d gone home.

What unfortunate timing.
Photo Credit: dullhunk via Compfight cc

Are boobs news?

With people trying to their best to put off revision, an almighty ‘debate’ took place on Facebook surrounding whether or not The Sun should be removed from guild outlets. It all got a bit heated, with the arguments tailing away from substance to more personal and unnecessary attacks. When it came to the vote,  the turnout was very impressive for University election standards, pulling in well over 2000 votes.

“From now on, page 3 will consist entirely of stories about adorable rescued animals.”
Photo Credit: AndyRobertsPhotos via Compfight cc

Blurred Lines.

No. No more. This ends now.
Photo Credit: N3sta via Giphy

E-E-EDL

The run up to their national demonstration saw tensions rise in Exeter as counter demonstrations were organised and fears of a presence on campus drove many to exclaim, “Ooh-er!” and, “Blimey”. The day was largely made up of incoherent ranting and marching about the streets of Exeter with seemingly no real message or purpose. Quite frankly, we were all quite relieved when they all went back home. A shout out to the Exeter Together campaign, which celebrated all things good about Exeter throughout the morning.

 

We never met her, but apparently Sharon Lawes did something to piss these guys off.
Image Credits: Niklas Rahmel

 

So it’s been quite an eventful year. Here’s to next year. We hope you’ve enjoyed our coverage throughout the term on all of the major events. Sorry if you haven’t. You’ve only got to put up with us until March and then there will be some new people! Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

James Bennett and Dave Reynolds, Online Comment Editors

Have we missed anything? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.

 

 

 

UPDATE: Guild responds to fake SSB event discovery

The SSB was cancelled last year. Image credit: Students’ Guild

An event on ticketing site Fatsoma claiming to be this year’s Safer Sex Ball has been revealed as a scam.

The event, which claims to be being held on the 11th December at the Westpoint Arena, was discovered by a member of Exeter RAG. Westpoint Arena have confirmed that they do not have an event of that nature booked on that date.

Advance tickets for the fake event were being sold for £24. The event was claiming to be hosted by Exeter Exclusive.

The Students’ Guild have also confirmed that no SSB event will even be taking place this year or next.

In response to the discovery of the event, a Guild spokesperson said, “The existence of an event of the scale of the SSB promoting itself to Exeter Students from a promoter with no apparent track record was concerning, but to find out that there was no booking at the venue was alarming. We would strongly advise students not to buy tickets for this event until more information about the promoters and the specifics of the event itself are available.”

Exeter University’s Big Band society was booked to play at the event. The band were contacted in mid-October by the event’s organisers, Exeter Exclusive, but were not told of the event’s planned title. Instead, they were booked to play at a ‘ball’ at Westpoint Arena for an agreed fee of £250 and were told to expect large crowds.

Having not been able to find any information on the company, Big Band President Sam Washer, later received an email explaining that the event was cancelled with no explanation of why.

Washer told Exeposé: “It’s a bizarre situation to be in as a President. But it goes to show the importance of knowing who/what you’re performing to before you get too involved!”

Owen Keating, News Editor and Olivia Luder, Online Editor

Follow @ExeposeNews on Twitter and like us here on Facebook

BREAKING: Fake SSB event found on Fatsoma site

The annual SSB event was cancelled last year. Image credit: Students’ Guild

An event on ticketing site Fatsoma claiming to be this year’s Safer Sex Ball has been revealed as a scam.

The event, which claims to be being held on the 11th December at the Westpoint Arena, was discovered by a member of Exeter RAG. Westpoint Arena have confirmed that they do not have an event of that nature booked on that date.

The Students’ Guild have also confirmed that no SSB event will even be taking place this year or next.

Advance tickets for the fake event were being sold for £24. The event was claiming to be hosted by Exeter Exclusive.

The Students’ Guild are looking into the fake event.

More to follow

Owen Keating, News Editor

 

Follow @ExeposeNews on Twitter and like us here on Facebook

Previous Sabbs claimed SSB and Arena tickets on Guild bank account

Image credit: Students’ Guild

An Exeposé investigation into the Sabbs expense claims over the course of the 2012-13 academic year has revealed that last year’s Sabbs claimed back SSB and Arena tickets on their Guild bank account.

Whilst the majority of the claims upon the Sabbatical Officers’ Guild account were legitimate expenses, covering the cost of running Guild campaigns and travel to national conferences or award ceremonies, a number of questionable claims also appear.

The nominal ledger for the Sabbatical Officers’ account discloses that three former Sabbs claimed back their Safer Sex Ball tickets in December 2012, whilst the fourth claimed back a ticket to the Diversity Ball in March 2013, totalling claims of £146.83.

When asked by Exeposé, the former Sabbs confirmed that they did claim back tickets but declined to comment any further.

In addition to this, a claim for Arena tickets was made in November 2012, costing £41.67. Although the Students’ Guild believe these tickets were likely to have been purchased to reward Children in Need organising committee volunteers, this had not been confirmed at the time of going to print.

Other claims made to the account include £85.12’s worth of Christmas cards, £41.19’s worth of push pins and £23.51’s worth of fairtrade bananas. £125.76 was also claimed back for spending in the Ram, allegedly for a meal for the designers of the A&V hub. A 50” plasma screen television for the SSB was also claimed on the account, costing £410.04, though it is believed that this expense was misfiled.

However, the 2013-14 Sabbatical Officers have changed their position regarding the claiming of tickets for Guild events for this academic year. Guild President Hannah Barton told Exeposé: “The Sabbatical Officers carefully consider all potential expenditure and we are taking a fresh approach to managing the Sabb budget for 2013/14. While attendance at Students’ Guild and University events is an important element of the role of the Sabbs, these costs will not be taken from the budget this year”.

James Roberts, a third year History and Politics student, said “It’s unbelievable that the Sabbs claimed for their SSB tickets when all of the money actually goes to charity. If they were there in a personal capacity, they should have paid for their own tickets like everybody else. It’s absolutely right that they will not be claiming back such expenses this year”.

Meg Drewett, Editor

Follow @ExeposeNews on Twitter and like us here on Facebook.

 

 

The Latest Facebook Page Sensation: 'Things Exeter Students Don't Say'

 

Winter 2012 gave us ‘Spotted In The Forum’, and now the latest in a long series of procrastinatory Facebook pages has arrived in Exeter; just in time for peak summer exam season!

‘Things Exeter Students Don’t Say’ was launched this week, filled with comical quotes which both embrace and mock the ‘Macbook-Rah’ stereotype that seems to define Exeter.

With well over 4,000 likes already, it seems our favourites currently include:

–          ‘I don’t think my EURFC trackies go with my flip-flops.’

–          ‘I just really love the smell of Arena.’

–           ‘I have never been lost in Amory building. All of its rooms are placed in such a logical order!’

–          And ‘Let’s not risk it here, there may be CCTV..’

But the question is, will it last? Or will the novelty of yet another page wear off as we finish exams, head to the Impy en masse, and run out of witty Exeter-orientated one-liners?

Much like waiting for MyExeter to work on results day, only time will tell.

To check out the page for yourself, click here.

Emma Brisdion, Online Lifestyle Editor

"It isn't very surprising that women aren't respected…they don't respect themselves"

As she visits Exeter to speak to the university’s Catholic Society, Exeposé Features’ Francesca Gillett talks to former MP Ann Widdecombe about the SSB, students and Catholicism in our society.

Since standing down as an MP in May 2010 after an astounding 23 years in politics, Ann Widdecombe has been enjoying herself. Perhaps surprising for an ex-politician notorious for her controversial and uncompromising views, since her retirement 65-year-old Widdecombe has transformed herself into a public entertainer. She’s appeared in pantomime, French-language opera, quiz shows and of course that 10-week stint on Strictly Come Dancing, during which she “galumphed like an elephant”, as she puts it.

Francesca Gillett and Chris Ivory chat to Ann Widdecombe about sex, student life and the Pope. Picture credits: Joshua Irwandi

It is this self-mockery and good humour which may initially seem at odds with Widdecombe’s strong traditionalist views and sometimes forceful tone. As well as enjoying regular walks across Dartmoor, writing best-selling novels and most recently hosting Sky Atlantic quiz show Cleverdicks, the former Shadow Home Secretary often tours the country as a speaker. Her theatrical persona and unashamed courage in holding controversial views – most notably her stances against gay marriage and abortion – is what makes her such a celebrated and sought-after guest. Fiery at the podium, she once said how former Conservative Party Chairman Michael Ancram “nearly laid an egg” when she decided to speak without notes at the Party Conference. It is as a seasoned speaker, arriving in Exeter for a talk entitled ‘Morality in Public Life’ organised by the University’s Catholic Society, where we meet her today.

It is timely that she is visiting Exeter after her recent condemnation of the Guild’s now-cancelled Safer Sex Ball, which she previously called “the height of irresponsibility to have a lot of people running about in their underwear.” Interesting then, that she agreed to appear on a primetime television show involving scantily-clad women performing racy dance moves, but Widdecombe ensured that her Strictly Come Dancing contract was ‘sex-proofed’ with no immodest or suggestive clothing. When questioned about the SSB, the veteran Tory MP remains disapproving. “It’s sending out the message that women are about one thing only, which of course they’re not. So of course it isn’t very surprising that women aren’t respected in the way they used to be, and largely because they don’t respect themselves anymore.” What would she say to Exeter’s female students who would ever consider attending such a ball? “I would say, don’t… if you respect yourself then you’re worth waiting for.”

Regarding society’s attitude to sex in general, the former MP is equally critical of the dominance of sex in the public sphere. “It’s ridiculous. When I was growing up it wasn’t talked about at all. And we’ve gone from that almost to making it compulsory; that if there isn’t sex in a play or sex in a book, or in an act or a dance then somehow it’s not worth having. The pendulum’s gone absolutely crazy. And it’s very bad.”

As a student at Birmingham University in the sixties, and then later going on to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford, she is well acquainted with student life. Despite the obvious changes in funding, she says that she doubts that student life has altered much from her day. “Students divide into two and they always did. There are the students who come here to work. And there are students who also regard university as a much rounder experience.” But she speaks contemptuously of the prevalence of binge-drinking in student culture, a phenomenon which she recently explored in a radio programme following a group of young female professionals on their night out. “You’ve got young women wearing virtually nothing staggering along on huge heels, falling off pavements because they are too plastered to know where they’re going. And of course they’re in danger.”

One of Britain’s most high-profile Catholics, former Anglican Widdecombe is clearly keen to talk about her faith. Unlike the traditional responses of contraception in Africa and the abuse scandal, Widdecombe cites attitudes towards Christianity in the Middle East as one of the most pressing issues that the next Pope will have to deal with. When asked about the position of Christians in Britain, she says that “we’ve regarded it as safe to ignore”. She says that she’d like to see a “very big gathering of Christians in central London where David Cameron can’t miss us, and if we can put 100,000 Christians on the streets of London I think we might actually be heard just a little bit more.” In spite of her retirement, it is clear that the former MP has lost none of her appetite for political action.

After a career in politics spanning more than the age of most Exeter undergraduates, it is perhaps surprising that Widdecombe’s contribution to public life has not yet been formally recognised in the form of a peerage.  Just last month talk of a seat in the House of Lords was reignited when she was granted a Papal Honour by the Catholic Church making her Dame Ann of the Order of St. Gregory. Interestingly, in a letter sent to be read out at the ceremony, David Cameron wrote that the honour was “richly deserved.” Does she still see it as a snub that she hasn’t received a peerage? “It’s part and parcel of political life. It’s an occupational hazard. Cameron doesn’t like me, so there we go. There’s nothing I can do about it.”

Perhaps her lack of peerage is due to her strong socially conservative views; after all, Widdecombe arguably does not quite fit the desired image of the modern day Conservative Party. Asked if she misses frontline politics, she is adamant that she does not. “If I’d gone any earlier I would have missed it, and if I’d gone later I think I would have been very jaded by now.” And what is her opinion on one of today’s most popular Conservative politicians, Boris Johnson? “Although he regularly acts like a buffoon, he’s got a brain like a laser.”

Speaking with Widdecombe, one is left with a sense of the passion that she has nurtured for politics, her Catholicism and now for her various projects in her retirement. What would she say to Exeter students keen to begin a career in the public eye? “Don’t do it immediately. Particularly politics. Go away, have a career, get yourself financially secure, have a family, then see if you still want to do it. And if you do, do it then.” It is this forthright appraisal of situations that has served her well throughout her time in politics and will surely continue to do so well into her retirement.

EXCLUSIVE: RAG say Guild response to SSB ban is "naïve"

RAG say that the Students’ Guild’s promise to reinvent the Safer Sex Ball (SSB) is “naïve”, and “not in the best interests of the students”, Exeposé can reveal. 

In a statement seen exclusively by this paper, RAG, the organising committee behind the cancelled SSB, say they plan to fight the ban by gauging student opinion and launching a campaign to hold the ball next year.

The statement follows the news that the Students’ Guild will no longer support the SSB. The story, which was broken by Exeposé yesterday, has since made national headlines.

Exeposé has re-produced RAG’s statement, in full, below…

RAG’s OFFICIAL STATEMENT

“RAG has been told by the Student’s Guild that they will no longer support the Safer Sex Ball (SSB) in its current format given the recent media coverage following the SSB on 11/12/2012.

RAG strongly believes that a change in the format of the SSB would undoubtedly damage the success of the event. Indeed, the unique selling point has been vital to the event’s popularity. Having grown significantly in the last 21 years, it is unquestionably one of the most popular events student enjoy during their time in Exeter.

RAG finds the suggestion that they reinvent the SBB as a ‘new’ event, naive. The Guild have tried and failed before to provide an alternative ball to SSB. In 2011 they attempted to resurrect the Powderham Ball, but through lack of student interest it failed. Compared with SSB which sells out year upon year, this shows a distinct lack of student participation and enjoyment in Guild led events. Replacing the SSB would diminish the scale and success of the event, the level of student engagement, and the benefit to charity.

The decision by the Guild to withdraw their support of the SSB is neither in the best interests of the students, nor the beneficiaries of the event:

• A change in the format of the SSB would damage the success of the event and the beneficiaries:
  a) The Eddystone Trust will lose a £20,000 donation
  b) Community Action and other RAG nomination charities.
  c) The opportunity to run a sexual health awareness campaign, targeted specifically at students will no longer continue, as this campaign was funded by the SSB

 

• SSB is a student led event; the SSB and RAG committee benefit greatly from being involved in such a large scale event on such an involved level. RAG Core Committee believe that the level of student development would be diminished; as no ball on campus has been as successful as the SSB, so the level of planning, involvement and execution of a ‘new’ event would not match the student development achieved with the SSB.
• Given the popularity of the event, if RAG were not to run the SSB, there would be nothing to stop an external promoter taking control of the event. Not only would this take the focus away from RAG’s charitable mission, but the onus on Student Welfare would be lost. By refusing to participate in the running of the SSB, RAG believes that the University may come under scrutiny for the protection of their students.

Our actions:

• We now need to gauge the reaction of students to the cancellation of the SSB in its current format. We believe that the SSB is a unique event, and one that cannot be matched in its fundraising, campaigning or student enjoyment.
• On the premise that the student body supports this motion, we will look to run an SSB next academic year; we hope that the Students’ Guild will recognise the popularity of the SSB with the students and its inherent charitable mission. However, if this will not be the case then we will seek alternate means of funding and running the event.
• A future SSB will capitalise on the successful Campaigns Week that was integral to the success and gravity of this year’s SSB, ensuring that we develop awareness of our mission: to organise one of the largest Aids Awareness events in the UK.

We believe that we have set out clear and rational motives for the continuation of SSB, and we hope that the student body will respond positively to this regrettable situation. Ultimately, we are seeking the views and support of the student body, and will be launching a campaign in the hope to reinstate the Safer Sex Ball in the next academic year.

Yours Faithfully,

The RAG CORE COMMITTEE”

Stay with Exeposé for more developments.

By Tom Payne, Editor

 

EXCLUSIVE: Guild cancels SSB

The Students’ Guild has announced that the Safer Sex Ball “cannot continue” (SSB), Exeposé can exclusively reveal. 

Following a meeting with the RAG committee on January 30, the Guild has stated that, in light of recent damaging media coverage and due to concerns over student welfare, “an exact replica of the event in the future isn’t an option”.

Exeposé understands that the decision was made by the Students’ Guild Trustee Board. The Guild have told Exeposé in an exclusive statement that they will “continue to support RAG in the development of an equally exciting ball”, and that a consultation process with RAG is currently ongoing.

The RAG committee is said to be distressed at the announcement that the future of its most profitable fundraising event is uncertain. The committee pointed out that this news will come as an enormous blow, not only to RAG but to its beneficiaries.

The Eddystone Trust receives around £20,000 every year from the project. Campus-based charity Community Action also benefits from large donations from SSB profits.

In a statement following the news, the RAG committee said they would strive to overturn the decision with the help of the student body: “we hope that the Students’ Guild will recognise the popularity of the Safer Sex Ball with the students and its inherent charitable mission.”

“However, if this will not be the case then we will seek alternate means of funding and running the event.”

After 21 years of outstanding fundraising at this often controversial ball, the SSB has come under fire in recent weeks. The SSB and Exeter University were scrutinised in national newspapers following the leak of CCTV footage depicting two students engaged in a sex act in the Ram bar.

Resulting partly from the unwelcome media coverage, the Guild has found itself unable to continue supporting such an event at the risk of infringing its reputation, as well as the welfare of students who attend the event.

A spokesperson for the Guild defended its decision, saying: “In spite of significant efforts in recent years, the event’s association with promoting safer sex has been overshadowed with a less positive image, leading to unintended consequences for students who attend the event, as well as RAG, the Guild and the University.

“Therefore the Guild and RAG are working together to formulate a way to reinvent the SSB, maintaining its strong assets; raising charitable funds and awareness of key issues whilst providing great student development opportunities and a great night out for students.”

Exeposé will be conducting in-depth interviews with RAG and the Guild in our next edition, published on Tuesday 20 February.

By Ellie Steafel and Ben Murphie, Deputy Editors

The Xmedia Screen Show – Episode 2

The Xmedia Screen Show returned for its second episode last Thursday on Xpression FM. Just to keep listeners on their toes, Episode 2 was a snappy, thirty minute special, rather than the usual hour, easy to digest in just a handful of greedy gulps. Technical difficulties may have enforced this change but the team soldiered on, and you can listen to the show via the link to Mixcloud below.

 

Image courtesy of The Telegraph

This time round things kicked off with a discussion of HMV and its demise. Is it a shop worth saving, especially for fans of film and TV? Will we miss it? What can be done to combat the rise of Amazon and the insurgence of the internet in general into high street profits? Then the team moved on to discuss the trend of sexualisation  on screen, a topical issue given the recent headlines about events on campus. Do filmmakers have a duty to ensure that sex has a purpose in the stories they tell?

 

Quentin Tarantino’s movies, which often contain scenes of graphic violence, also go hand in hand with controversy. The team review his latest film, Django Unchained, in considerable detail. The show ends with a new quiz feature – Owen v Louis. Who will win when these two mighty Exeposé Screen editors go head to head? Who will have to raise their game next time out?

 

Join us between 5 and 6 every Thursday on Xpression FM! There will be ever greater opportunities to get involved with debates and discussions.

 

Xmedia Screen Show Episode 2 24/01/2013 by Liam Trim on Mixcloud