By Stuart Baillie

Graham Westley will be looking for a big performance from his PNE side when they take on Brentford at Deepdale on Saturday.

The Lilywhites have won just once in their last seven league outings and fell to a 2-1 defeat at Yeovil Town last Saturday. Even more worryingly, North End have registered just one win in their last 11 home matches in all competitions.

Westley was in the stands for the 3-2 win against Wycombe three weeks ago but he has managed just a solitary point in three games since officially taking charge.

It has been a busy January transfer window with seven new arrivals at Deepdale and with centre-back Craig Morgan suspended following his red card at Huish Park, new signing Chris Robertson could be thrust straight into action after joining from Torquay United.

Striker Graham Cummins has joined from Cork City and could play some part, with Rhys Murphy another option in attack. The latter has signed on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season and could feature against Brentford, for whom he had a loan spell in 2009-2010.

Westley has set about revamping his PNE squad as he aims to build for the future and his no-nonsense approach has seen Ian Ashbee, 35, and Clarke Carlisle, 32, depart this week. The former has left the club after his contract was settled up, while Carlisle, who scored at the weekend, has had his season-long loan spell terminated.

Paul Coutts has also been stripped of the North End captaincy; Westley unhappy with the midfielder’s attitude since he took the reins at Deepdale last month. The 23-year-old is suspended for two matches having picked up his 10^th yellow card of the season at Yeovil.

Andy Procter & Adam Barton are both doubtful for the visit of the Bees, who will be on a high after their 5-2 win against Wycombe last weekend.

Gary Alexander netted a hat-trick at Griffin Park and he has been in fine goal-scoring form lately with five in his last two matches.

It was the Hounslow club’s first win in eight matches and keeps them within five points of the play-off places.

Uwe Rösler could hand a debut to former QPR striker Antonio German who has penned an 18-month deal but Karleigh Osborne is still struggling with a foot injury and Kevin O’Connor will definitely miss out.

It is a difficult match to call with PNE winning only one of their last 11 home matches in all competitions while the visitors have only tasted victory once in their last nine on their travels.

North End currently lie four points and six places adrift of Brentford but nothing less than three points will do for Westley’s men who still harbour hopes of an unlikely play-off push.

By Joe Angove

A top notch display from Men’s Badminton 1sts ensured they breezed through to the quarter finals of the Northern Conference Cup following their 8-0 whitewash victory over Manchester 3^rds.

Manchester 3rds were positioned only one point behind UCLan in the league standings coming into the game, so it was expected to be a much closer encounter.

Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon was the opening doubles match in which Bruce Johnson and Dave Garnett partnered up to win in straight sets after a fantastic comeback from the pair.

Both sets were nail-bitingly close as the home partnership clawed back a number of times when it seemed all was lost to take the first set 25-23 and the second 28-26.

The second doubles match was once again very close with Manchester taking the first set 19-21, only for UCLan pairing Ben Dobbs and James Pickard to take the two following sets 21-18 and 21-17.

Graham Hollingsworth featured in the first singles game which he took in straight sets 21-19 and 21-14 – covering the court well.

The following singles encounter saw Matty Timms win the first set with ease 21-10, however his opponent turned up the heat in the second, which eventually Timms won 22-20 with an impressive comeback after it looked like the match would go the distance.

Doubles pair Garnett and Johnson then secured UCLan’s victory, despite going down in the first set 19-21 they fought back with some superb play to take the following sets 21-17 and 21-14.

Hollingsworth followed in similar fashion to his previous encounter, taking the game in two straight sets. This time however, the contest was much more even and may have gone the other way if it wasn’t for the hard work and determination from the UCLan performer.

Dobbs and Pickard made light work of their second match of the afternoon with a straight sets victory of 21-14 and 21-13 which showed their capabilities as a doubles pair.

The final match typified the team performance for UCLan as Timms put in a gutsy performance, using up every ounce of energy he had in him. He went down 14-21 in the first set before bouncing back – taking the remaining sets 21-15 and 21-16, to seal a huge victory for UCLan.

“Today went really well” said UCLan Captain, James Pickard.

“It’s one of the last rounds of the cup, so I’m really happy with the performance”, he added.

UCLan will now have two weeks off before they face Manchester 3rds once again, this time in the league away from home. Meanwhile they could face fellow team-mates UCLan 2nds in the next round of the cup depending on other results.

UCLan Team:

Doubles- Bruce Johnson & Dave Garnett

Doubles- Ben Dobbs & James Pickard

Singles- Graham Hollingsworth, Matty Timms

A campaign called It Gets Better has recently been launched by UCLan’s LGBT Society.

With the aim of showing people that “there is actually a greater chance for things to get better”, the video interviews UCLan students showing “real people with real stories with real proof that life does get better; it gets good”.

The video is in aid of Diversity Role Models; an organisation devoted to promoting LGBT role models in schools.

Louise Courtney, who has been described as “the driving force behind the video”, said she wanted to “represent each ‘type’ of being gay; hopefully meaning that whoever was watching would be able to relate to at least one person in the video”.

The video acts as a source of hope for those that have been affected and the society has said that everyone involved was “obviously passionate about this video; both for its meaning and the support we hoped it would give”.

“We kept fighting to make it,” she added, after explaining a number of difficulties they had encountered whilst producing the video.

Second Year student, Louise Courtney explains that she “wanted to show people who’ve come out or are worried about coming out that it’s not always bad coming out.”

“People can surprise you, but even if they don’t and they react bad, you still have friends and people to talk to, and even failing that there is a support network out there, of people like us, who will make it better for you, and make you smile”, she added.

“Everyone worked extremely hard,” said LGBT Chair, Alex Re.

The video was premiered at the LGBT Charity Christmas Ball and can be currently viewed on YouTube.

The society is extremely pleased with the results and hopes everyone shares the successful outcome of the “It Gets Better” video.

UCLan’s Islamic society will host a conference by the world renowned Harun Yahya organisation next month which will include lectures on evolution theory and a fossil collection.

The Harun Yahya organisation, based in Turkey, has delivered over 3500 conferences worldwide and has published more than 300 books.

The lectures on ‘today’s science and evolution theory’ and the ‘miracles of the Qur’an’ are catered to appeal to Musilms and non Musilms alike and seek to explain the connections between religion and evolution theory.

Turkish based Dr. Ahmet Oktar Babuna, a neurosurgeon based in Istanbul and Dr. Turgut Asku of Ankara are set to speak to students at the conference.

Mohammed Patel, chair of UCLan’s Islamic Society said: “The Islamic Society is humbled to host such a prestigious organisation and I hope that UCLan will be honoured in hosting them.

“The two doctors who will be speaking are highly qualified and experienced in this field and the organisation is seen to be leading the debate in this area of research.

“The topics have been chosen as they aim to attract the Non-Muslim audience primarily and also the Muslims.

“In this era of much controversy surrounding the Evolution Theory and the teachings of the Glorious Qur’an, we endeavour to grant people the true understanding of the stance of Islam on the Theory and the miracles engrained within of the Qur’an from a scientific perspective.

“The fossil exhibition will also add a special touch to the event as it has been accepted worldwide.”

The conference is free to attend and will be held on Friday 3 February, between 4pm and 6pm in Greenbank Lecture Theatre.

Vice-Chancellor, Malcolm McVicar shakes hand on the deal which will see UCLan in Thailand in 2014

A new venture costing £7.5m will fulfil UCLan’s plan to build the UK’s first private university campus in Thailand.

The campus that is being established in the largest urban area of the Thai capital, Bangkok, aims to be ready in June 2014 in a bid to undertake high-impact research, work alongside employers to gain a UK award.

Students from South East Asia and across the world will be able to experience a high UK standard of education through the learning and living environment in Thailand; with a hope that the initial 800 students will build to 5000 by 2024.

An official agreement was signed between the university and Thai-based entrepreneur Mr Sitichai Charoenkajonkul on January 10 in a ceremony where both parties pledged to work in close contact to create a full-scale university campus.

UCLan’s vice-Chancellor, Malcolm McVicar, said the campus aims to extend UCLan’s “International links” and bring “World-class higher education and our view of a superlative student experience to South East Asia”.

He added: “UCLan has made huge strides in the last ten years and the qualities of innovation, entrepreneurship and enterprise remain at the heart of everything we do.

“We have students from over 120 countries and some 125 partnerships across the globe but we are now entering a new phase of exciting development which will see us build campuses outside the UK.”

The campus will offer full-time and part-time undergraduate, postgraduate and foundation degree courses in subject areas that include business, built and natural environment, engineering, creative and performing arts and languages.

UCLan Students’ Union (SU) has launched a new eight week fitness programme, after receiving £800 in funding from the NHS Tackling Health Equalities grant.

The Biggest Loser project will offer 33 contestants the opportunity to get fit, lose weight and receive professional nutritional advice.

The contestants were split into three teams of 11, during a team building activity at Pendle Hill on January 22. The teams will compete each week to lose the highest percentage of weight.

Lyndsey Spiers, the Students’ Union’s Student Activities Coordinator at UCLan’s Burnley Campus, organised the Biggest Loser project with support from Health Coordinator, Sharon Doherty, and staff at the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.

She believes the project, which is included in the Give It A Go programme, will give students the support and motivation needed to lead a healthier lifestyle.

“UCLan’s Biggest Losers aims to provide students with a platform to make a positive change to their lives at UCLan, and to share tips and knowledge that the students can take forward with them,” she said.

“The project lasts for eight weeks, but the aim is to make a positive impact on the whole future of these students.”

Contestants will take part in weekly boot camps held by an MTV weight loss instructor nicknamed the ‘Princess of Pain’, every Tuesday at 7pm. The project will also see them try a different exercise class every week at Sir Tom Finney Sport Centre, including Spinning, Pilates and Boxercise on Thursdays at 7pm.

Contestants attend weekly weigh-ins on Wednesdays in the Students’ Union’s meeting rooms whilst receiving advice and tips on how to maintain their diet and fitness.

New Zealand are the current world champions. Photo: digiarnie (Flickr)

International sport will be joining UCLan as the university was this week named as the 2013 Rugby League World Cup official host training camp.

After submitting a strong proposal, UCLan fought off strong competition from across the country to provide training facilities for teams taking part in the 14-nation tournament in two years time.

2013 Rugby League World Cup Tournament Director Nigel Wood said: “I would like to congratulate UCLan who has been successful in their bid to host teams in what I am confident will be a World Cup that enhances the UK’s golden decade of sport.”

Wood later added: “In putting together their bid over the last 12 months, UCLan has demonstrated a level of commitment that gives us confidence that the 2013 Rugby League World Cup will exceed everyone’s expectations.”

A total of 34 bids, comprising of 30 stadia, 47 team training sites and 87 team base camps, were submitted to the RFL.

Each of the bidding hosts underwent a detailed inspection from a 2013 team to examine the various sites venue specifications, as well as evaluating the enthusiasm and commitment of each bidding host.

The university’s recently renovated Westleigh Conference Centre, Lea, is adjacent to the pitches and will be available to the teams as an area for relaxation.

UCLan Sports Arena (UISA) Development Manager Jean Peace said: “We will be proud to welcome any of the competing countries to our Arena and hope this bid, in partnership with Preston City Council, will generate sufficient momentum to establish a community club in Preston.

“It’s a super opportunity to raise the profile of rugby league across the city.”

Over half a million people are expected to watch the 28 matches during the six week period in autumn 2013, with a further 20 million viewers from 120 countries watching on TV.

By Brogan Wright

Alice Mees with UCLan's Star paddler Michelle Ferry

UCLan Canoe and Kayak Clubs Competitions Captain Josh Jubb took his hardened team of kayakers down to the River Washburn in Yorkshire last Sunday for this year’s BUCS Wild Water Race.

The UCLan team consisted of paddlers of all abilities, from freshers to final years with representatives in both the Men’s K1 and the Women’s K1. UCLan picked up some fantastic places in both of these time trialled events, with UCLan’s Fastest Jamie Rogers achieving his personal best of 1:34:50.

The enthusiasm could be seen throughout the team and there was a fantastic effort from the freshers, some of whom have only been in their boats for seven weeks; each scoring well in the time trials.

Michelle Ferry, a club fresher, was our Star Sprinter of the day for the women’s event, finishing 31^st overall with a time of 1:48:50.

Club Chairman Rob Hayes was delighted with how UCLan placed overall and said he was looking forward to seeing the whole team develop, as they gain more water experience.

More information and Pictures from the event can be seen online at www.facebook.com/UCKme

By Loz Marchant (Media Officer, UCLan Kayak and Canoe Club)

Welcome to live coverage of the UCLan Students’ Union student council meeting, starting at 4:30pm today.

Below are the abbreviations that will be used throughout:

JS – Jason Smith, Chair of student council

Student Affairs Committee:

REL – Reni Eddo-Lodge, President

BV – Becca Vafeas, Education Officer

DS – David Stubbings, Media Officer

SP – Stefan Popovic, Campaigns Officer

JB – Jack Banks, Activities and Participation Officer

Council Reps:

LB – Lee Bradshaw, council rep

MR – Megan Reynolds, council rep

CW – Claire Wilkinson, council rep

CA – Courage Aiguobasinnwin, council rep

SDt – Sarah Desiree-Tieman, post-grad rep

DS – Daniel Scott, BME rep

SW – Sam Whalley, LGBT rep

KQ – Kim Quayle, Women’s rep

CF – Christina Frey, International rep

Staff:

PSG – Pete Shilton-Godwin, Chief Exec

GP – Gareth Pye, Membership Services Manager

SN – Sam Nichols, Representation Co-ordinator

MD – Martin Dodd, Course Rep Co-0rdinator

Men’s Fencing 1sts 1

Manchester 2nds 2

A brave fight was put up by the Men’s Fencing 1sts in a 2-1 defeat to the University of Manchester 2nds.

The 1sts fought fiercely with the final weapon having fallen behind with the sabre and foil.

Epee specialist Allan Makarenko showed great determination to step up with 14 consecutive hits in a bout when UCLan were all but beaten.

Makarenko had just three minutes to score 17 hits on Manchester’s Oscar Kennedy-Blundell, and the Event Management student made every second count for one final twist in the contest.

The first year has been fencing with the epee since he was eight years old, and he put Kennedy-Blundell to the sword with an outstanding 17-1 win.

UCLan captain Johannes Voges said: ‘He is awe-inspiring. I don’t know how he does it to be honest’.

The 1sts claimed a 45-41 victory with the epee after going down 45-27 with the sabre, and 45-31 with the foil.

More than a third of the team were absent through injury, and Voges was quick to praise the performance of newcomers Matthew Harker and Craig Richardson.

‘We had to use two very inexperienced fencers’, he said. ‘They tried their best and put in a very good effort for us’.

Voges also added: ‘The UCLan Fencing team is always looking to recruit more people. Come down and show us your stuff. You might be fencing sooner than you think.’

By Sam Gilliland