Guild President: Stuart Still

Stu's got a friend in me

Can you start with telling us a bit about your time here at Exeter? What do you study?

My time at Exeter has flown by, and I don’t really know where to begin. I came in fresh faced, but I’ve really grown here, I’ve matured, and had a brilliant time doing so. I’ve been a regular of Arena, Timepiece, the Lemmy, Cellar Door, and the Library, and it’s been a tough mix to get right. I’m currently in the last year of BA Politics, this has pushed me to where I am now.

What are your plans for life after Exeter?

After Exeter seems a bit of a daunting prospect, but at the same time I hope to become part of the Civil Service and push for the Foreign Office to see some foreign beaches in an official capacity. I have in my room a map of the world where you can scratch off this golden film, like a scratch-card, to show where you have been... and for me it’s still a bit too golden, I want to get out and see the world but also serve a purpose and use the politics degree that I have worked so hard towards.

Why did you decide to run for Guild President? What are your plans if you win?

It has been something that has sat at the back of my mind for a long time as I’ve seen Exeter’s reputation both rise and fall I have always believed it was something that really affected me, and something that I wanted to do something about. I think it would be fair to say that I am a late comer to the nominations, but my desire to help the university reclaim the reputation it deserves has been alive for a while. My plans really tie in with this, as I want to build relationships with the media, and employers, and portray the university as it truly deserves to be shown, as one of the best universities in the UK, with some of the most promising graduates!

Vote Fest is obviously all about combining music and voting. What are your top five favourite bands?

1. Radiohead
2. Icebird
3. Alt-J
4. Blissful Abyss
5. Bloc Party (their first album.. after that… well.. we all know the story!)

Are you looking forward to Vote Fest? Will you be attending both nights?

I’m very much looking forward to Vote Fest; I’ve had a few friends who play around Campus and in town so have been a regular at live-act nights over the past three years. So will definitely be attending both nights!

Guild President: Bella Bernagart

What do you study? Have you been involved with much else here at Exeter?

I'm studying BA Philosophy and Politics; first year. Can't say that I was much involved: I'm a pr officer in Japanese Society, and I'm an INTO student ambassador - in the beginning of the  year I was involved with different INTO activities like helping new students to register, city tours, etc.


What would be your ideal job after university?

When choosing Philosophy and Politics as an undergraduate degree, my idea was to be a marketing executive - I really enjoy working with people, promoting project, pretty much everything, what this job requires. However, now I'm less sure about it. The world out there has a lot to offer apart from business routine; so, I'm looking for an ideal job, because, I think, now is the right time to think carefully of what I want to do. It's really scary to choose the wrong job and then waste life on uninteresting stuff.

You’re running for Guild President, what are your plans if you win?

My plan is to see what kind of power I will have, what is possible to change, and then move straight to manifesto points.

How are you feeling about campaigning? Any big plans?

I feel a bit strange, i have somewhat Schrodinger plans: like i have them and i do not at the same time. I guess, it is some pre-election anxiety. Big plans? it would be a pity to reveal my plans now.

What sort of music do you like? What’s the best gig you’ve been to?

I love music, I listen to something all the time; hence I have many favourites.  I do like metal with deep moving base. Like, the all time favourite is industrial metal, but not industrial looking dudes playing alternative metal, they might be good,  but not what I'm looking for. Reggae metal (yes, it exists) is pretty awesome. And then whatever I found good, mostly it's metal. What's more I like classic music, I  really love Vagner, Sibelius, Rachmaninov, and some composers of later Romantic period and a few Soviet composers, which names I can't remember now.

Can voters expect to meet you at Vote Fest? How do you feel about the events?

Yes, I will try to be on all Vote Fest events. I feel extremely excited.

Guild President: Nic Craig

Click Nic

What are you studying? What other things have you been involved with at the university?

As well as my degree in Geography & German, I’ve played rugby for the uni, got involved in drama and written for Exeposé, but my most of my time is taken up with music. I play drums in a New Orleans funk band and I’m the MD of the Uni Big Band.

Are you excited to start campaigning? How are you planning on getting votes?

I can’t wait for campaign week to get underway; it’s going to be a very tiring week, but all the candidates are great so it should be a good laugh.

Any big changes you’d introduce as Guild President?

There is a lot I’d like to do as President, but the main focus would be about making our lives simpler through introducing lots of little changes to make a big difference. This ranges from having bookable computers on campus and getting all lectures recorded to sorting out society sign ups at the squash. This isn’t to say I don’t have big ideas though, I think we should look into a ‘Boris Bikes’ style cycle hire scheme, they’ve got them in Leeds and York so why not Exeter!

What do you think of the past Sabb elections? Anything you think should be done differently?

In the past I know that people have found campaigns week really irritating, so I’ll be trying my best to make sure my campaign doesn’t annoy anyone!

What kind of music do you like? Have you been able to go to many gigs here in Exeter?

I have a pretty eclectic taste, but I’m not a big fan of the charts… I’m a complete music junkie so probably get to a gig every week! For a small town there’s a decent amount of live music to go and see…

Are you going to be coming to the Vote Fest events?

Definitely, both nights have some top acts and it’s nice to see a new music night on campus!

Guild President: Hannah Barton

How have you enjoyed being a student here in Exeter? What are you studying?

I'm currently in my third year studying Psychology. I have absolutely loved my time at Exeter so far, there is so much to get involved with and there is always something fun going on.

What would be your dream job?

Apart from Guild President, my dream job would be something involving working with people, organising and having the opportunity to travel... I haven't quite worked out exactly what that dream job is yet!

What can people expect from you if you’re elected Guild President?

People can expect a very responsive and representative Guild if I'm elected as President. I'll have an open door policy and will actively be out and about getting involved with the student body. This will hopefully encourage everyone to come to me with absolutely anything, so they can get what they want from their university and get as much as possible out of their student experience. I'm here to represent students, find out what they want and make sure the university delivers.

Will you be coming to Vote Fest to meet some potential voters? What do you think of the events?

You'll definitely be able to find me at both events! I'm really excited to meet people there, especially whilst enjoying some live music. It's such a great idea and a really good way to get lots of people involved and voting!

What kind of music do you like? Have you been to many gigs while you’ve been at Exeter?

I don't think I could pin down exactly what kind of music I like, my taste is quite varied and eclectic! I've been to see all sorts of live music here from Jakwob to Example, Exeter is a great place to see live music and the student bands here are so good.

Why do you think it’s so important for everyone to vote in the elections?

Everyone should have their say during their time at university, and it's so important that students have someone they want representing them and being their voice to the university. If you vote you're making a difference, and that's a really powerful thing.

Guild President: Kathryn Jarvis

Right here. Right Now. 

Hey Kathryn, can you start with telling us a bit about yourself? What are you studying?

Hi, I'm a 3rd year student from Sussex and I study Law. Apart from studying I spend most of my time at uni either running the riding club or volunteering at Exeter Court. I try to sneak in a few nights out as well. 

What are your plans for life after university?

The plan is to get a Training Contract at a good law firm in London and qualify into corporate litigation. However, I wish this was as easy as it sounds, so fingers crossed!

Why did you decide to run for Guild President? What are you hoping to bring to the role?

I've never been one to grumble about something and not try to do anything about it. Everyday I hear someone complain about an area they don't feel is quite right, and I want to do something about it. I want to listen to the students and make sure they are getting what they want out of their university experience. After all… if I was paying £9,000 I would expect my monies worth.

I am tenacious and relish a challenge, but I also enjoy having fun. I hope that I will be able to bring all the skills I have learnt over the years to the role of Guild Pres, whilst ensuring that I do great job.

Any campaign strategies you can tell us about? Costumes, stickers, generally shouting slogans at students?

Im still concocting some plans so at the moment there isn't much I can give away. But most importantly I plan on having a chat and letting people get to know me. Also, trying not to have students running away from me by the end of the week, as they are fed up of being asked if they have voted, would be a bonus! 

Vote Fest is obviously all about combining music and voting. What sort of music do you like? Any favourite bands?

My music taste is pretty eclectic and ranges from very cheesy to classical to drum and bass. Im pretty open minded though, and love it when friends point out new things to listen to… I have been introduced to a couple of very interesting songs that way. 

My music really depends on my mood and what Im doing, but, if I had to pick someone Mumford and Sons would be up there.

Any last words you have for our readers?

Just that I really hope everyone votes for someone in the elections. I don't think I ever appreciated how much work goes into these campaigns until I'm now sitting here doing it. A couple of years ago Exeter had the highest amount of students turn out to vote in the country; it would be great if we could do it again. 

Meet Lion The Weak

Not sure how to introduce this interview really...so I won't. Lion The Weak ladies and gentlemen. 

What is the story behind the name Lion The Weak and how would you describe the style of music you play?

The name comes from a time when I was hitch-hiking across Africa and fell into a pit of snakes. A man who was walking along saw me fall and ran over to help. Luckily I had my snake repellent on me so wasn't bitten, and the man got there just as the spray was running out and threw me a rope. I held on as he pulled me out, the snakes at this stage came hurtling at me but luckily I dodged them. The man said "You must watch where you are going", to which I replied, "I am sorry, thank you for helping me". He then said "You are lucky it wasn't a Lion, otherwise you would be a dead man. Even the weakest of Lions could have torn you apart". It then struck me, Lion The Weak. Our music is indie ska. 

How did you start playing together? What are you all studying?

We started playing together at the beginning of September 2012, but the music was written in a bedroom for the year prior to that. We all met through destiny. It was for told in the ancient scriptures that a band would one day play together to form the ultimate indie ska band. We knew from our studies and research that the 4 people to do this were us. We all study hieroglyphics. 

What would your dream jobs be for after uni?

Our dream job would to all be working as chefs in crazy plates on Sidwell Street with the aspiration of retiring to the Rivendale to live amongst our kin. 

How have you found gigging in Exeter? Where is your favourite place to play?

Gigging around Exeter has been fun, our favourite gig so far was probably in Cavern but the boys at the Bowling Green have always given us a good night. 

What is your favourite live music memory from any gig you have been to?

Best gig memory is Arcade Fire at Reading. The guy hit a helmet with a drum stick, that's inspiration to write music right there. 

How are you feeling about playing Vote Fest?

Excited, nervous, jiggly, sleepy, happy, sad, crazy, lazy, ecstatic. Mainly excited. 

What can people expect from your set?

Indie ska

Will you be voting in this year’s Sabb elections? Why?

Probably. It can affect your student life, if there is someone who has ideas you agree with then you can see them come to life which can be beneficial to the whole community. 

Facebook.com/LionTheWeak

Meet Ben Jackson

We would like to start this post by pointing out that Ben's band Fight The Dice have a new single "L.O.V." coming out tomorrow! Get yourselves to iTunes and Amazon! Find out what the man himself had to say about his band and going solo for Vote Fest below...

What are you studying and how have you found your time in Exeter so far? Any stand out moments?


Law. I love it here! i can't wait to get back when I leave and feel totally at home here. A few stand out moments that I couldn't tell but the safer sex ball and playing at the Firehouse were pretty great nights.

You usually play with “Fight The Dice”. Tell us a bit about the band. 

We're a rock/alternative band from Telford near Birmingham working our way round the country's O2 academies and other venues. Just about to release our 2nd single and our debut album. We combine big emotive slow-rock ballads with melodic driving punk-rock sounds. We're getting a decent presence online but we're still looking for the right record company.

What has been your stand out gig with the band? 

The stand out gig has got to have been our first O2 Academy Birmingham gig. It was the first time I heard fans singing our lyrics back to us... that was pretty special.

Who are your personal influences? How different are they to those of your bandmates?

I grew up listening to loads of American classic and contemporary rock so that's a pretty big influence. But I love acoustic artists: Ron pope, joshua radin, Damien rice - they're the sort of artists I’d like to be if I went solo.

How are you feeling about playing Vote Fest as a solo act?

Always excited to play but always more nervous on my own. I actually enjoy it more, but it’s less in my comfort zone. Also never been sorta "ambient" music before, so I'll have to get used to being less demanding with people's attention.

What can people expect from your set? 

When I decide, I'll let them know  but no I'll be doing a few gentle covers the likes of which I don't get to do with the band, some originals, and hopefully a pleasant listening experience!

Where would you recommend students go to see good live music in Exeter?

Gotta be the Firehouse. Seen some amazing acts there, but it’s closely followed by the Campus Band nights at Timepiece.

Will you be voting in this year’s Sabb elections? Why?

I certainly will. Because I would be a hypocrite in my political lecturing of my little brother if I didn't!

www.Facebook.com/FightTheDice