Friend for Friday: Nigel Farage

This weeks Friend for Friday is UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Forever in the limelight, usually for the wrong reasons, Farage causes controversy and occasionally has some good points to make.
I joined him in late 2010, where we discussed the EU, politics and students (interesting to note that he made me conduct the interview outside, because he wanted to smoke!)

Recently elected UKIP leader, his second time at the job, as well as the South-East MEP for England since 1999, Nigel has been in and out of the media regularly. Whether it is his party's failure in the general election, appearances on Have I got News for You? on the other hand, his near-death in his recent plane crash, we have all the information on his political career.

Have you any advice for students who wish for a career in politics?
Well the main thing is to enjoy it, and that is what I do. I enjoy being a politician. If you enjoy it, you believe in what you do and the rest will follow! That is my best advice anyway.

You suffered severe injuries in a plane crash on May 6th 2010. Has this changed your view on life at all?
Well I had a miraculous escape, I was very lucky indeed. I mean my political agenda has not changed, however I have adopted the ‘live life to the full’ approach. You only live once, and I realise that now!

You are the MEP for our local area; the South East of England. What would you say your most important role has been as MEP, which you were elected as in 1999?
When I went into the EU, most of the people of this country had no idea what the EU was. My job, my philosophy has been to unravel the secrecy which is tied around Brussels, and give information back to the people of this country. I honestly believe I have shaped public opinion since my appointment.

You were once fined by the European Parliament for describing the President as having ‘the charisma of a damp rag and the appearance of a low paid bank clerk’. This links to many other public blasts you have made in the past (Prince Charles was a famous one.) This has led some commentators to dub you ‘anti - Europe’ - is this true?
It is certainly not true. I believe in what I believe in, and reflect my party’s views and ideology. If the public do not like my opinion and those of UKIP then they would not vote for us, however our recent success shows that we did do well (they came second behind the Conservative party at the most recent EU Elections.)

What about the party's failure in the 2010 General Election (the party secured no MPs). Would this suggest people are changing their views on your party?
No, I do not think so. At different elections, people vote differently. It is that simple. Yes, it was not what we hoped for, however I hope my appointment as UKIP leader will change this view. My aim is to not sit there and argue about changing our country for the better, it is doing something about it, which I feel strongly for!

Finally, you are no beginner to the media world. Whether it's public speaking, criticism in national papers and a memory that sticks with me personally is you being a guest on Have I got News for you - would you say you are a fan of being in the limelight?
(Laughs) You take the rough with the smooth. I love being part of these shows, and I enjoy the criticism! It is as simple as that.

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

Friend for Friday: Jason Passingham

This weeks Friend for Friday is Alton Assembly Rooms manager, Jason Passingham, a local resident with plenty to say and reveal on one of Alton's cherished buildings:

What Part do the Assembly Rooms play in a town like Alton?
The Assembly Rooms in Alton is a great focal point for the town, being situated right in the centre of Alton amongst the high street names, local traders and tourist interests. We offer to local Altonians and others from across Hampshire a number of Halls and Rooms for events and activities for all ages – varying from Drama and Dance, to Arts and Crafts. The Assembly Rooms allow young and old, disabled and well bodied people to try something new and get involved with their local community.

How have the rooms changed over time, seeing as they were founded in 1880!?
Yes, with our 130^th Anniversary two years ago, it does show what a reliable and accessible focal point the Assembly Rooms have created. The rooms have been occupied by Dance Halls, Cinema, Council Offices and even a hospital! Elaborating on this – we have been well known in the Dance Community – with classes ranging from Folk to Street Dance, however we have strong mediums in our Drama, Art and Horticultural sessions too.

You mentioned you have a range of activities and interests for young people – so what do you actually offer for students like us?

Most of our activities may have certain target audiences; however we have many Groups that offer student participation. For example, our Art Groups have been running competitions recently for young aspiring artists, and the Alton Operatic Drama Society (AODS) continually present Alton with a mix of young and old performers and actors. I do admit though, that our demographic has been aimed more to an older generation, considering that many people in the area are of an older age – however we are working to create a more integrated society by mixing the young and old together. That’s one of our main aims at the moment: to encourage the whole community to come together, instead of being pigeonholed into different categories.

How will you get more young people inspired in the Assembly Rooms?

Well, we have many rooms holding many different organisations and events, which are mostly free or cost a limited amount of money. Our dance and drama programmes already accommodate young people, and this is increasing with out horticultural and art groups. The recent production of Dracula, although expensive, successfully targeted and reached a young audience – and we hope to offer more of these productions and events in the near future.

Elaborating on the future – what events/ plans have you got in the pipeline?

One of the main things we have had through response and surveys is the inclusion of a professional pantomime, which many Altonians would like to see in the Assembly Rooms.
We are looking into many new ventures, as well as keeping up our ties with local establishments like Holybourne Theatre and the Community Centre. We are also trying to create more of a presence through advertising. We have plans, like talks on dinosaurs or special art days, but we need to get this known to people. The recent creation of a Facebook page and our continued communication through the local press are helping spread the message. I understand and relish the fact that the youth are the way forward and that we need to incorporate more students and young adults into the Assembly Rooms!

So all in all, how would you sum up the Assembly Rooms?

Alton Assembly Rooms has and will always try to integrate the community of Alton through the various mix and diversity of productions, events and activities available for them; by working on our ties with Alton College and the students of Alton, we hope to embody a mixture of ages into the rooms.

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins and Clare Vigers

You can find out more from Jason Passingham and the Alton Assembly Rooms on their website.

Friend for Friday: Margot James MP

She has recently been in the news for leading attacks on cosmetic surgery, urging ministers to review the way products and services are regulated, after the recent PIP breast implant scandal. I was lucky enough to interview her for Radio 4's Any Questions? last year.

Friend for Friday: Margot James MP

A Conservative MP born and bred, Margot has recently been elected as MP for Stourbridge in 2010. Before this, she was vice-chairman of the party, with responsibility for women. With links to business and many charities, as well as being the first openly lesbian Conservative MP, I chatted to her about her time on tonight’s show, as well as her various occupations and political life.

Hi Margot! Great to witness you debating on Any Questions? tonight, how did you find the show personally?
I loved it. I have been on the show a few times now, in various different places, and this has to be the best show yet! The audience were great tonight, really engaged with the arguments and debates brought up. The questions were brilliant as well, and I thought the panel were great too…..even if Bob (Crow) went on a bit!
Now, before being elected as Stourbridge MP in May 2010, you were vice-chairman for the Conservative party, with responsibility for women. Did you find this role challenging in any way?
Well, it has to be said, the Conservatives have always had great ‘ways’ for women - we are the only party in the UK which has seen a female lead the country! I mean the role has been challenging, yes. In our culture and society, it has often been the prerogative that women have been subjected to men’s oppression (something Margot mentioned in tonight’s debate.) My focus has been to try to eradicate this injustice, and create a balance; whether it is for women, different ethnicity's or sexual orientation. However, this does not mean that I am a feminist! We have fantastic male politicians in the party and this goes without saying what a fantastic job they do, but there is still a way to go before women are treated as equals.

As well as women being a focus of debate tonight, the young were repeatedly mentioned. What are your own views on the issues young people are experiencing currently?
Well, it is a hard one really. Obviously, cuts to university spending are going to affect students, however it is needed with the tough economic climate and huge deficit we are facing. Young people are always important in society, and I do not think anyone is suggesting they are not. However, all this bad press with the strikes and what not is not the answer.

So how will politicians help the young, particularly students?
Well, there are plenty of suggestions, opportunities and benefits out there for the young. What I would suggest is that politicians need to keep hold of their ‘vital link’ with students, and work together to find solutions for issues such as youth employment and the pressure of high grades in state education. In addition, a need for honesty and clarification needs to be made too.

It sounds like you have played a part in many different areas of the political spectrum; do you ever find it a struggle finding the time to juggle these roles?
Well, I would like to make it clear that my only role now is as the MP for Stourbridge - my constituency is my pride and joy now. Apart from my partner, and various media appearances, I would not say I have to juggle around anything - I am 100% focusing on my local constituency and will always continue to do so.

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins

Picture Courtesy of http://www.margotjames.com/

Friend for Friday: Chuka Umunna MP

It has been a challenging week for businesses across the country. From Peacocks calling in the administrators, to Chinese investment in British industry; British business is changing as you and I know it. One man who has been leading the calls for change is Shadow Business Secretary, Chuka Umunna - who recently called for shareholders to have a bigger say in appointing company boards.

I was lucky enough to talk to Chuka, one of the aspiring stars of the Labour party last year. Here is what he had to say on politics, students and his political career.

Parliamentary Private Secretary to Labour Leader Ed Miliband and recent MP for Streatham, Chuka is fairly new to politics, working his way up through the city and media world. We chatted to him about his life, British society and the Labour leader.

Chuka, before you became elected as an MP for Streatham, you worked your way up the political ladder through writing. Can you elaborate more on your past success?
Well first, I have always grown up in and around Streatham, an area of London. In addition, I have always had an interest in politics. My first job was as a lawyer in the city, however I found that the press either portrayed the inequality of ethnicity in London itself negatively, of not portrayed at all. I decided to write an article about the subject, and sent it to my brother who was amazed at my ‘natural writing talent’. I then sent it off to the Financial Times, who published it, without any editing or changes made. Within a week, letters and emails to the Times were sent in their hundreds, praising my work. It went from there really.

You went on to write regularly for the Financial Times, as well as the Guardian. In fact, you even started and edited your own website; the political TMP magazine (similar format to our Online Magazine, The Alternative)
Yes, I did. It was great, because I could write what I wanted and focus on the topics and issues I wished to focus on. If I have any advice for you in the magazine field, it would be to try and always be imaginative and eager to try new things.

Political commentators and newspapers like the New Statesman and The Independent have in the past dubbed you the ‘British Obama’. How do you feel about being called this?
Well it is certainly flattering, but it is not what I am about. I am all about the people, my constituency: not about the names and labelling. Although I admit, it is a comparison I would not be so arrogant to make myself! (Laughs)

Talking about your constituency, how did you feel to be elected in May as Streatham’s MP - a place you have lived in all of your life?
Words cannot describe how proud I was and still am. Knowing the community so well, and being part of its past and heritage I think helps when being an MP. However, the community itself, the people - they are the best, even if I am biased myself! But honestly, local societies and communities are what make Britain, Britain! In addition, it is what I love in politics.

You were also elected as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Labour Leader Ed Miliband. For some readers who may get confused what the job involves, can you tell us?
Yes, I must admit that the first bit sounds rather confusing but it is simply a secretary to the leader. I organise his diary, events, etc as well as making sure any letters and emails sent from the public are taken care of with responses. I also prepare him for questioning, and for asking questions on Prime Minister's Questions. I guess you would call me the foundation for him; without my role, he would be all over the place!

You also voted for Ed Miliband in the party election - would you say you have a special relationship?
(Laughs) Certainly not a relationship, more of a friendship! We both knew each other before he was elected leader. We are both centred at the same place really, and this is one of the reasons for me nominating him. And I made the right decision. He’s a great guy; enthusiastic and ready to act.

Finally, can you sum up your last 5 and ½ months in cabinet?
‘I love it’!

Interviewed by Kieran Watkins 

Picture Courtesy of http://www.streathamlabour.org.uk/

Friend for Friday: Ben Hunt-Davis MBE

So it's a Friday, which means it is time for Friday's feature, Friend for Friday.

Now this weeks friend relates with an on-going news story, which in the coming year, is only going to get bigger and better. Yes, the Olympics! Everyone is talking about it - whether you have tickets, are volunteering as a Games Maker (which I hopefully will be, as I went for an interview last week. Fingers crossed!), if you are going to one of the pre-games events or just love Sport, the London 2012 legacy will not only effect everyone, but will put Britain on the map!

So, what better way to introduce this weeks friend as a former Olympic gold medalist, who not only knows what it feels like to win and participate in the global event, but understands the important role of sport in our lives, and how the Olympics in London will play a part in our future.

Friend for Friday: Ben Hunt-Davis MBE

Ben Hunt-Davis MBE was one of the Men’s Eights British rowing team who won gold in the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the first British winners of the rowing since 1912. Before that, he had rowed for almost a decade in which he had competed in three Olympic Games and six World Championships. After achieving his ultimate goal in his rowing career, Ben retired and has spent the last 7 years running a company called Point8 Coaching which helps individuals in business to improve their performance.

On the 10^th February, Ben came to Alton College to talk about his rowing career and prospects for next year’s Olympics. After attending the talk, Kieran Watkins & Alys Penfold spoke to him in more detail about his win, what the Olympics are really about and which football club he thinks should get the Olympic stadium. (I apologise for the terrible photo of me - I look like I have a black eye. Honestly, I wasn't involved in a punch up. It was the gold reflecting onto my tired face!)

What advice can you offer to young people, who wish to aspire high and find ‘their dreams’?

I would offer three pieces of advice:

1. If you have a dream, go for it. Don’t give it up.
2. Grab opportunities that come to you - whether it’s a work placement, holiday or something different, the more experience, the more rewarding it will be for the future.
3. If you want to do well, whether it is Maths or Sports, keep at it, make sure you enjoy it - and by all means, give it a go. I would never have been where I am now if I did not give rowing ‘a go!’

 So what was your real reason for becoming a rower?
Well at school, it was very much about Cricket and Ball Sports. I didn’t want to do this, or should I say I was useless at these sports! Nevertheless, I wanted to get into sport and the Olympics, it was my ambition - and so I tried something different. At the age of 13, I went into Rowing. Luckily, the school I went to was really helpful, and they got me in touch with a local rowing club. I trained 3 to 4 times a week - and the rest is history!

So rowing took over your life then?
Well, yes it did. I left school after that, I didn’t want to muck about and study, I wanted to race and train. So I left most of my friends and memories at the school gates, skipped university and went straight into training and improvement on the water.
In your own words, what are the Olympics all about?
It’s like a festival really. Not only is it focused about sport, and encourages people to be healthy, exercise and compete against others, but it brings people together. 2012 will in many ways be all about supporting the nation; whether it is at home, at the venue or the thousands of Games Makers volunteering to do their bit for the country, but let us not forget that the main reason will be to encourage people to try new things through the varieties of sporting activity available.

Are there signs of encouragement, particularly with the young, already showing?
Absolutely. I recently went to a rowing club near Doncaster, and the popularity of the sport is phenomenon. Sport is becoming popular again, and what with the increasing government support through programmes like ‘Change 4 Life’, where exercise supports healthy eating, it is a great time for sport. (I think you should add something here about him saying ‘it’s either sports or xbox’ you know, about getting lots of young people involved through the Olympic committee.)

Can the Olympics be down to this then?
Well, obviously there are lots of factors, but when Sebastian Coe stood in front of the Olympic committee in 2005, he pledged that the 2012 Olympic games in London would get the youth of the world involved in sport again, and if the signs are correct, then we’re definitely ‘going for gold’ on this!

How did you feel after you finished the race?
I just felt out of it, I was knackered! The fact that the whole team and I were so relieved we had crossed that finish line, we just accepted we had won; I was too tired to be enthusiastic about it but then it was just a build of realisation that we had actually won, and it was such a great feeling.

What was the reception like when you got back home?
It was really amazing, and nice to be re united with our families. When we arrived at Heathrow airport, it was full of people just coming up to us and congratulating us. For the next few weeks I was invited to all these parties and balls and really enjoyed myself but we all knew the fame wouldn’t last because we weren’t the most recognized people out of the Olympic team. I haven’t been recognized since!

Have you kept up a healthy regime since you stopped rowing?
I have been out in a boat a few times since and now I am involved with the current Olympic Committee so I do still keep a fairly good lifestyle. It is a big difference to what I ate when I was training though. I had around 7000 calories a day which was made up of about 8 weetabix for breakfast, half a kilo of pasta for lunch and probably the same for dinner. We had to eat lots of carbohydrates such as rice, potatoes, vegetables and fruit. I didn’t eat very much on the morning of the race though, because I just threw it back up!

Finally, who should get the Olympic stadium after the 2012 Olympics; Tottenham or West Ham?
I think West Ham have pretty much got it now, haven’t they? But yeah, I think West Ham would make better use of the stadium.
 

Pictures courtesy of Ben and writers own.