Details for forthcoming Medway Summer Party announced

The Medway Campus Summer Party will return to Coopers this year with a promise that it will be “bigger and better”, The Medwire can exclusively reveal.

Last year’s event was held at Coopers and featured live music, food and plenty of sunshine.

It was also widely heralded asa success by students from all three universities on the Medway Campus.

Looking to succeed on last year’s event, Coopers manager Gareth Gay, music student and Kent Union Vice President (Activities) candidate Jack McDonnell and Activities Officer Clarissa Place will be organising the festivities.

Talking about the plans for this year’s party, Clarissa Place said: “We are hoping to make the event bigger and better than the previous year, hopefully with more societies able to take part.

“The event is for students from all the universities on campus to celebrate the end of term and hopefully they’ll come down whatever the weather.”

The summer party is expected to take place on Saturday, May 18 and will include 12 hours of live bands and DJs throughout the day.

The theme is set to be “Exam Buster”to celebrate the end of exams.New additions to the party this year will include a planned marquee allowing for bands to play outside, as well as various showcases and displays from the campus’societies.

The popular Coopers BBQ and cocktail bar will also return, with a range of drinks deals to be revealed closer to the event.

Coopers will also be hoping to provide a range of summer themed refreshments, including ice cream.

A motion to charge students to go to the event has, however been scrapped, The Medwire understands.

A consultation meeting for the Summer Party is scheduled to take place later this month, with more details to be released in the coming weeks.

Article written by Kieran Watkins for The Medwire

Fashion: how to shop the sales

This week, rather than showing you the latest collections, I’ve decided to reveal all my knowledge of the sales and help you invest your time and money wisely when shopping the sales.

The High Street seems to be full of sales at the moment, with many shops hoping to make up for falling profits during the year. The traditional sales have usually been the big Boxing Day and Summer Sales, but generally now most stores will have a sale at least four times a year (one after Easter, before the start of the summer, and another usually one in October, before Christmas). But don’t presume the sales only happen at regular times in the year; they can run whenever. Unless your DFS (where you’re guaranteed to find a sale every day of the year), stores will pick and choose depending on the retail climate and how much profit they have already made in the year. If a store is losing money, then it’s guaranteed they’ll start their sales early or have them at varying times in the year.

So what does this mean for the consumer? Well, it means you’re guaranteed a bargain. But what constitutes a bargain, and how do I know if you’re saving money? Follow these tips to save as much money as possible:

1) Check the season - generally, most stores will put last season’s unsold clothes in the sale, and these are the ones that are cheaper. Yet increasingly stores are putting current collections in the sale too. When you look in the sales, make sure you’re clothes match the season. Generally, this seasons clothes will be reduced towards the end of the sale

2) Be patient - like I mentioned above, it’s best to wait to the end of the sale to bag yourself a bargain, particularly if it’s a current season item. Most sales will only start with modest discounts of 25-50%, but towards the end, you can get discounts nearing 75% or more

3) Shop around - when shopping the sales, always make sure you visit different shops to compare prices. Sales can be competitive, with stores marketing their discounts so that more customers visit. In the Boxing Day sales for example, a price war between shops can result in some fantastic bargains

4) Check all items vigorously - make sure the clothes aren’t damaged or broken. It’s really important that the quality is still perfect and you should check your clothes before you pay for them. Also, make sure they fit you…there’s been many a time where I’ve gone to buy an item which was on a ‘small’ hanger and taken it home to find it’s a ‘large’

5) Find out about exchanges - a nasty marketing tactic by stores is usually to close their fitting rooms during a sale period, meaning you can’t try before you buy. Many stores don’t offer refunds for sale items either, meaning many of us have to presume it will fit us if we buy it. Check the returns/ exchanges policy. Some stores may offer refunds/ exchanges or even a gift receipt if you’re unhappy with your purchase

6) Check online - bargains are not just confined to the High Street. Many stores offer discounts online too, with a much wider selection of clothes available, all from the comfort of your own home. Be careful though, delivery charges can often be expensive on sale items, and you’re guaranteed to find a cheaper bargain in-store

7) Keep on looking - you’ll find most stores nowadays have a continuous ‘sale rail’ which is full of bargain buys. New Look, H&M and Primark are just some of the stores I’ve noticed that have a continuous sale. Keep your eye out for any one-day promotions too

Picture courtesy of cardsave. net

Men's Fashion: Gold, the new black?!

It seems that the success of our Olympians has spurned a surge in popularity with the colour gold here in Britain. From gold medals to gold post boxes, gold stamps to ‘Gold’ by Spandau Ballet re-entering the charts, our love of gold doesn’t just stop at the pawnbrokers. Yes, it’s time to step out with colour as we toast to Team GB’s success, and here are a few wardrobe essentials that will guarantee you a gold medal in the fashion stakes.




                                         Navy & Gold combo - River Island
Golden Brown Chinos - Topman                                            Gold hoody with Aztec print - New Look

 

                                            

                                           Golden-yellow jumper - Urban Outfitters
Golden-inspired jumper - H&M                                                           Gold medal tee - New Look


                  

                                             Gold notebook - Urban Outfitters
Gold watch - Topman                                                             Gold wristbands - River Island

Read more fashion posts by the jourknow below:

- the sales are here!

- the Man Bag

- the Polka Dots are in town!

- Men's Fashion Summer 2012

Men's Fashion: the sales are here!

You have to remain optimistic when you live in the UK. When it nears the summer holidays, you hope (and pray) that the weather will shine and you'll be able to relax in a pair of shorts, flip flops and a tee. Ok, so it usually doesn't happen unless you go abroad for the summer, but we remain in hope!
Yet as the summer holidays draw closer, you really should have your summer wardrobe all sorted. But don't panic if you haven't, because now is the best time to go shopping because yes, that annual event (which seems to start earlier every year) is here: the annual Summer Sale.

All your favourite stores have now started their sales, and from just a quick rummage of the rails and a click of a few buttons, you could complete your summer collection with a few bargain items.

With sales at stores such as Gap, Topman, H&M and Clarks offering discounts of up to 50%, you really can't afford to miss out. Here are my picks of the sales:
 

                                               

Shorts - H&M                                       Tee - River Island                           Shirt - Gap      

Shorts - Topman                         Chinos - New Look                        Shoes - Clarks

 

Sunglasses - Republic                          Jacket - Debenhams                   Polo - Urban Outfitters 

Don't forget to check online and instore for all the latest bargains!

Read more fashion posts by the jourknow below:

- the Man Bag

- the Polka Dots are in town!

- Men's Fashion Summer 2012

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins

Has anyone seen the jourknow?

My dear loyal followers/ readers/ bloggers etc, I owe you an apology. I can only apologise for the lack of content on the jourknow and my absence these past few weeks. Unfortunately, I have been extremely busy with my first year exams, and a few other things as my photos suggest. Thankfully, the exams are all over now so I can resume the jourknow page (yay!)

 Attending the magazine launch of Moda de la Mode at the Piccadilly Institute, London

The jourknow will once again be bringing you the latest articles on topical affairs over the next few weeks. I plan to finish the New Zealand diaries, as well as bring you some new feature pieces and of course, the popular reviews and fashion posts.

Supporting my friend as she triumphs at the annual Medway Universities Boat Race in Rochester

I will then be departing the UK for 16 days whilst I take a much-needed break in the sunny Costa Del Sol. I will, of course, be writing a 'Spain' diary, similar to my New Zealand one.

Looking dapper on the red carpet at the Kent Summer Ball 2012

The summer plans to be a busy one for me. Not only will I be working and going on holiday, but I am also volunteering at the Olympics. I can't wait to update you with all the exciting going's on from London!

Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee with a traditional Sunday roast (cooked by yours truly!)

I hope you stay with me throughout the summer, and can't thank you enough for your continued support. I love you all! :)

Completely 'off my face as I celebrate my belated birthday/ end of exams

In the meantime, remember you can catch up on EVERYTHING I do (I pretty much report everything I do) through Twitter: @kieranwatkins

Have a lovely summer!

Kieran Watkins (the jourknow)

Men's Fashion: top essentials for a Summer Holiday

If you're going away on holiday this year with the lads, or maybe just a quiet break with family, us men should really think about what you're going to bring with you. Here are just a few items which I would recommend for any holiday (from clothes to sun cream!):

From top to bottom: Clinique sun spray; Antler Liquis luggage; Oakley sunglasses; Boots No7 for Men gradual tanning cream; Primark shirt, shorts and sunglasses; Boots earplugs; Swimming trunks from Mr Porter; Banksy: the man behind the wall & Skagboys, both from Waterstones; Joop! Homme Summer Ticket from Superdrug; Havaianas flip flops; What's App app (available on Android/ Blackberry/ iPhone); Paperchase notebook)

Other fashion posts from the jourknow:

- the Man Bag

- the Polka Dots are in town!

- Men's Fashion Summer 2012

 

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins

Blog of the Week: Besotted with Books

So summer is nearly upon us, which means putting your feet up (if you're a student like me) for a few months and hopefully flying off to somewhere hot and exotic for a bit of sightseeing and travelling. Or if you'd rather, sun, sex and Sambuca if you're into that.

But if you're more cultured, like myself, then you'll waste no time checking out the local tourist spots and rich heritage on your holiday, as well as cramming any spare time with a good read.

Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week is fantastic. You see, I'm one of those people that just grabs any old book on offer from Waterstones (usually when they're on 3 for 2) which looks interesting. A quick read of the blurb, a scan of the front cover and I'm done. Well, so long as it fits nicely into the action/ adventure/ crime category.

Besotted by Books however has helped me expand my own personal library. Featuring a mix of reviews, news and opinion on all things books, the blog has a refreshing yet comprehensive line up of books.

Appealing to the Adult/ YA age groups, the blog is run by Natalie Frampton, a fond friend of mine and former colleague, who juggles her busy family life and work on top of running the blog.

Natalie is often my number one source for all things books, and I am forever bumping into her in Waterstones (I would put money on the fact that she is the Alton branch's number one customer!) Her knowledge in her field is evident, just ask some of her 240 odd followers on her blog!

What I like most about her blog is that she combines different online elements to form a really unique, professional blog. Her YouTube videos are fantastic, and she really interacts well with her followers. She is an avid user of Twitter too, so has all the bases covered.

A recent review of hers led me to buying 'A Night to Remember', the book based on the tales of passengers on the Titanic. Struggling to choose which Titanic novel to pick, I read the review and asked Natalie herself for her advise. Eventually, after three nights of little sleep, I had finished the book and was over-the-moon with a new addition to add to my book shelf. The book was fantastic, and no doubt I, like many others who follow her blog, owe Natalie a big thank you.

You can find her blog here: Besotted with Books
You can also follow Natalie on Twitter: @NatFrampton

Picture Courtesy of Besotted with Books

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:

- Midomi

- Tasha on TV

- This is Alton

- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

The New Zealand Diaries: No.11 - Who needs Victoria Falls?

If you ever get the chance to experience New Zealand, you'll realise just how breathtaking the landscape is. At times, it felt like I was holidaying in the Amazon rainforest, with the vivid colours, cool climate and dense bush.

And experiencing Purakaunui Falls was like the icing on the cake. A stunning, natural waterfall hidden in the middle of the rainforest.

Like an oasis, the waterfall was magical. Blue, fresh spring water splashing down on to smooth, mountain rock, creating a haze that could match the spray from Niagra or Victoria.

The falls are located a small way down a forest track, making it easy for visitors to find. Yet the walk was fun, offering visitors the chance to look up into the trees for various birds, and watching underfoot for any insects or small mammals. Most of it was untouched, and the whole experience seemed very natural, as if I was the first person to explore this wilderness.

With any falls, the sound is the first thing you notice when approaching. Imagine the relaxing sound of water trickling down onto your window pane, only this time louder and more aggressive. Kind of relaxing really.

Then there's the smell. Hard to explain, it was a mixture of wet wood and the freshest air possible (if that is a smell!?) It was great just to stop and breath the atmosphere in, soak it in if you pardon the pun!

Then you see it. A small footbridge takes you right to the heart of the small stream, as you witness the water cascading down from quite some way up. The waterfall is tiered in several places, making it even more magical.

The chance to see such a creation was rather humbling, and definitely worth the twenty minute walk to. If you get the chance, make sure you bring your camera!

(First photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Read more from The New Zealand Diaries:

No.10 - There he blows!

No.9 - Baaaaaaarmy!

No.8 - If you go down to Owaka today...you're sure of a big surprise!

No.7 - Golden Nuggets!

No.6 - Christmas down under

No.5 - The steepest street in the world

No.4 - Food, glorious food
No.3 - Brighton Beach, but not as you know it!
No.2 - The Good Life
No.1 - Don't Fly Qantas

Men's Fashion - Summer 2012

Now before I start, I don't want to come across all Gok Wan and tell you to get your bangers out. Firstly, I'm not Gay. Secondly, I have no real fashion knowledge. Thirdly, fashion doesn't really interest me - but I just thought, and a few of my Twitter followers agreed - that it was time I made a post giving real men out there a chance to update their wardrobe for the summer.

So what can I tell you? Well, all my fashion knowledge comes from other people. Whether it be from a fashion blog, a magazine, friends or just from ogling people walking along the street; fashion is everywhere, and it's certainly something to be interested in. Over the last few years, men have been more and more conscious about their appearance. Wearing joggers and a tee just isn't enough to impress the ladies. You need different clothes for different occasions, you need smart wear and you need to learn not to wear trainers to every occasion. So here are some tips.

1) The Basics - always have a few tee's to go with every look, whether it be under a shirt or worn on it's own. Blocks of colour work well this season, with speckles and stripes all working their way into a man's wardrobe. Primark, New Look and Topman have a good selection this season. Keep underwear simple - brands like Calvin Klein are good. For socks, go for something more fun with different prints. Amazon offer cheap underwear deals.

2) Shirts/ Polo's - If you're going to wear something for a special occasion/ night out, where a shirt. A guys dress sense is becoming a lot more formal now, so it pays to have a decent shirt or two. For more relaxed, day-to-day settings, a polo is great. Havana shirts have also come back into fashion, and are great for al-fresco garden parties over the summer. Check Mr Porter for some cool designs.

3) Trousers/ Shorts - More and more men are ditching jeans for chinos, smart skinny slacks and summer shorts. This season, don't go for winter colours like Navy or Grey. Try something with a bit more colour. Maroons, reds and greens can be smart and casual, depending on the top worn. H&M have an extensive collection, but for something funky, check out TK Maxx. Shorts are popular too - don't go for 3/4 lenghts, leave them for your Dad. Linen is a popular choice, with Gap offering a great collection this season.

4) Coats - with the British weather, you never know quite how it's going to fair up. Trench coats are still in, but for smarter occasions, a blazer is a must. Bright colours for nights out with friends, darker colours for smarter occasions. Acne Menswear are fantastic, although Zara offer cheaper alternatives.

4) Footwear - espadrilles come and go, so if you are to buy a pair, pick a jazzy pair. Ones with stripes, spots or pastel colours will work well with the sun. New Look have a great collection instore, although Schuh offer a more durable range. Alternatively, swap military boots for boat shoes (Clarks are fantastic).

5) Accessories - the hat is back in fashion. Old fashioned straw hats polish off an outfit, along with a pair of sunglasses. I noticed Primark had a good collection, but for something more vintage, try charity shops. Bags are definitely a man thing now, so go for a drawstring satchel or a bright backpack. Forget shoulder bags and holdals. For evenings, bow ties are proving popular with the ladies, just make sure it matches your shirt! River Island have some great bags this season, as do Debenhams.

I could be wrong with the above advise, but it's definitely what I would recommend from what i've seen. Hopefully you'll be inspired to shop around. If you have any favourite shops/ products, please post them below, I would appreciate any feedback. And if you want any more advise, follow me on Twitter (@kieranwatkins)

Pictures from selected stores