Medway braces itself for ice and snow

Gritting lorries and snowploughs are at the ready as Medway braces itself for snow and ice.

With temperatures falling into the minuses and snow falling across other parts of the country, Medway Council have reassured residents that they are fully prepared for an outbreak of snow.

More than 5,000 tonnes of salt has been stockpiled for the Medway area, with 388 salt bins fully stocked on streets and roads.

Eight gritting lorries will be safeguarding the major roads across Medway following news from the Met Office that “heavy snow showers” could hit the South East this weekend.

Councillor Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services, said: “The forecasts for snow over the weekend may be uncertain, but there is the potential for wintry showers over the weekend and into next week.

“Medway Council are fully prepared and our teams will be working hard to salt all primary and secondary routes across the area and minimise any potential disruption to residents,” he added.

University students have been advised to check the universities snow procedure in the outbreak of snow.

With many students returning to university this Monday (January 14), both the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University have stressed that caretakers will clear pathways and grit paths in order to keep the university open.

The University of Kent said that “in adverse weather conditions, the university will not normally close”, whilst Canterbury Christ Church said that they “will strive to keep the primary on site pathways and roads clear of snow / ice in inclement weather.”

Students and residents are advised to check before going to work or university.

For Medway Council news on Snow and Ice, visit: www.medway.gov.uk
For the University of Kent, visit:http://www.kent.ac.uk/campusonline/campusnews.html?id=snow-and-ice-procedure.txt
For Canterbury Christ Church visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/facilities-services/estates-infrastructure/winter-gritting.asp

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

Hello 2013 - message from the jourknow

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you all had a lovely New Year, partying hard and downing vodka like it's 2012. I certainly was, dressed up as Where's Wally in a bar in Devon, looking after my drunk friend and watching the fireworks. Sounds like fun right!?

It's hard to believe that 2012 has been and gone, it really was a fantastic year. Sporting success, London in the spotlight, a surge in popularity for the Queen, Britain out of the recession etc...everything looked promising for once.

Let's hope the good luck will continue for 2013. I wish you all the best of luck with work, school, uni, college, future travel plans etc. Good luck!

As for the jourknow, I will be continuing on into the new year with more blog posts. Last term was a busy one for me at University, so I hope to spend more time this year with creating and uploading fresh blog posts. Keep on checking the site for updates :)

Thanks for your support, I really appreciate it.

Kieran Watkins

Why everyone should embrace Freshers at university

So the car is packed full of your belongings and one too many toilet rolls, you’ve tearfully waved goodbye to your friends and family and you’re ready to start your new life at university. We’ve all been there, and it’s weird to think that you’re waving goodbye to eighteen or so years of your life for pastures new.
Sounds a bit daunting really. But not to worry, you see universities across the country have this thing a week before studying commences where you basically get drunk, make new friends and experience the reality of uni life. It’s called Freshers’.
Freshers’ for me was one of the best weeks of my life. Standing outside my new flat with a hundred or so bags, I was apprehensive about my new life. Worried about making new friends, getting along with flat mates, doing well on the course etc. But it’s best to leave any worries you have in the car.
As soon as I entered my flat, I was welcomed by my seven flat mates. They turned out to be a fantastic bunch of guys to live with over the next year. You might start off having trouble understanding their accents or remembering their names, but it’s nothing a few beers wont sort out. In fact, having moved in on the Sunday afternoon, I was off out to my first flat party later that night where I made more friends and started a turbulent relationship with my new found love, alcohol.
Your first night in your new flat is a little bit daunting to say the least, but all it takes is a few hours kip and you’re ready for the week ahead. And what a week it will be.
I kicked off my Freshers’ with an introduction to my course, which was great. It meant I finally met my other course mates, who all turned out to be a perfect, colourful bunch. In fact they ended up (and still are) my drinking buddies during Freshers’. Nights spent at Coopers were brilliant with the fancy dress themes just adding to the excitement. The School Disco was my favourite, with all the cheesy tunes you could wish for.
The good thing about the Medway campus is that there are so many people from all different walks of life. It’s great to make friends from different cultures and countries, and having three universities sharing the same campus means you’re guaranteed to make lots of friends.
Apart from the nights out and barbeques on campus (you won’t need feeding during Freshers’, practically all the food is free), the Freshers’ fayre is a good chance to socialise and make new friends by joining up to various societies. And if that doesn’t take your fancy, then the various stalls offering discounts and free pens are pretty handy too. So you won’t need to bring any stationary with you to uni either!
My course also put on a special dinner for all the new first years, which can only be described as the last supper; the only decent meal you’re going to get for the next year.
The downside for me last year was the horrendous Freshers’ Ball, which I hope will be a lot better this year. When you hear that your friends at other uni’s have the likes of Florence & the Machine and Tinie Tempah headlining at their Freshers’ Ball, disappointed is just one of the many words I could have used to describe our ball.
The headlining act were ok, but the fact I can’t remember their name sums up how rubbish the ball was. Apart from a face painting stall and an over-priced food counter, entertainment was scarce. In fact, it seemed fitting that whilst sitting in the middle of the dance floor wondering why I‘d stumped up the cash for this rubbish evening, Sak Noel’s hit ‘Loca People’ would play in the background. What the fuck indeed! Fingers crossed it’s better this year.
So what did I learn by the end of Freshers’ week? Well there’s the fact my liver should be nominated for an Oscar for the performance it put in over that week. Or that I’ll go to great extents to get freebies, like swapping a pot of pee at the Chlamydia stand in return of a free keying (totally worth it). But most importantly, I realised that university was to be the start of a fantastic, fun-filled three years of my life, with new friends, new challenges and new opportunities. So don’t miss out on Freshers’, because once the week is over, you’ll be praying for it to happen all over again. Written by Kieran Watkins for the Medwire

Room available to rent at the University of Kent Medway campus

If you’re coming through clearing to join us at CfJ this year and haven’t yet sorted out where you’re living, you might be interested in looking at the super-fantastic space we’ve still got for our house!

Three (soon-to-be) second year students are looking for another journalism student to join us in our house next year after the initial plan fell through, so we're asking any new students starting next year, whether undergrads or MA's, if they'd like to join us and we’d even go so far to say the deal is better than Quays!

· Rent is just £89 a week – that’s over £30 cheaper for a room of the same size.

· This includes all bills, internet and, unlike in halls, a TV licence and our internet is wireless!

· Unlike in halls our bathroom comes with a bath as well as shower, we’ve got a living and dining area and a garden.

· All of the rooms come with their own locks and everything’s fully furnished.

· We’ve also got enough pots and pans to sink a small ship, so there’s no need to splash out on your own kitchen equipment – as long as you wash up after yourself we’re happy to share!

· We’re also closer to university (so you get to spend longer in bed), closer to town for shopping and nights out and a mere two minutes away from a Chinese and Fish and Chip shop!

The house also comes with the added plus of being able to meet the housemates before you decide whether or not to move in and we’re happy to meet you first, have a chat on the phone or give you a look round – whatever really!

Just for the record you'd be living with three other journos; two girls and one boy. Our names are Jem Collins, Lydia Hamilton & Kieran Watkins if you want to Facebook stalk us first.

If you're interested or want some more information feel free to drop us an email at jemcollins@live.co.uk or kdjwatkins@yahoo.co.uk

Or you can comment and ask questions at the bottom of this blog post!

Also free to do viewings Sept 5th!

There's no place like home?

It feels weird being back home after months away at university. There is something quite eery about staying in your room for the first time in months, moulding a shape in your previously worn mattress, putting your clothes back in to old and dusty mahogany draws. It just doesn't feel right. Or rather, it doesn't feel like home.

Let me explain. I have been rather preoccupied since September with my new life at university. A lethal cocktail of work, alcohol, friends and more work has fuelled my independence, even if in the meantime, it has taken up my time. It has completely changed my way of life. I am an independent man now, who respects the value of money, the importance of friendship and the reward of handing your work in on time. I'm more level headed, and definitely more opinionated.

I guess you could say I have found my true calling in life. I love journalism, which is not to say I didn't love it before, but I now view it as my future. Without university, I would still be stuck in Hampshire pondering on my ambitions and dreams.

Which is why Hampshire just feels weird. Like a part of my life I don't want to return to. Seeing family, catching up with friends - yeah, I've missed them but it's almost as if they've become strangers. I don't understand my family now; their routines for example, really irritate me. So much so that even now, whilst writing this, I am confined to my small bedroom to protect my sanity!

I'm not saying I dislike Hampshire. On the contrary, I love it. Give me Marks & Spencer, chardonnay and green fields anyday over Medway's offering of 99p store, Frosty Jack's and shit-stained concrete. But it's different. Somewhere fresh and interesting.

The people are different in Medway, from all parts of the world. The locals may be considered more Jeremy Kyle-like material then say, The Archers-type from Hampshire, but it sure makes for a fascinating environment. Medway is certainly warmer than Four Marks, and the buzz of the thriving town is much more appealing than the chorus of bleating sheep and the twitching of the blinds coming from your nosey neighbour in my cul-de-sac in Hampshire.

So as I stare at my former bedroom walls, scanning my childhood books and the place where I used to store my old diaries,  I ask myself the question; will I ever be able to call this place home again? Maybe. It's always going to be here I guess. There's a certain familiarity of the Hampshire way of life which I've grown to love. Even when I'm away in Medway, I'm forever reading the local newspaper and scanning the East Hampshire District Council planning pages.

But besides familiarity and friendliness, I want new things. And the university life that I'm experiencing in Medway ticks all the boxes. I've even started to refer to it as my home, which six months ago, I refused to contemplate, despite feeling pretty comfortable with it now.

So here's to my new future, wherever that maybe. I might not be able to view Hamsphire as my home anymore, but it's still going to be here, wherever I decide to go.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia/ my own

Follow me on Twitter: @kieranwatkins

Friend for Friday: the jourknow himself!

In a Special edition of Friend for Friday, I am featuring an interview which has recently been conducted by my former college online magazine, The Alternative. Alys Penfold - the editor of this fantastic magazine, and a personal friend of mine - interviewed me recently for the website, shortly after I received an award for Leadership from Alton College, for my work as the previous Editor.

So, in a special edition, the Jourknow would like to introduce this week's Friend for Friday: the jourknow himself, Kieran Watkins.*

Friend for Friday: Kieran Watkins
(from the Alternative website)

Kieran Watkins was the 2010/2011 Chief Editor of our very own Alternative. He did a fantastic job while he was in charge, and got to take part in Any Questions? for BBC Radio 4 hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby when it was broadcast live, from here at college. Kieran also successfully organised the Alternative photo competition last year (winner Nicole Boulton) and has since had work experience at The Guardian and is now studying Journalism BA Hons at University of Kent. As my previous editor and a good friend, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kieran and finding out more about his passion for journalism...

What inspired your interest in journalism?
I think it was from watching memorable events on the TV when I was younger, like the 9/11 attacks and the death of Princess Diana. Watching memorable events unfold like that made me want a slice of the action - to be on the frontline reporting breaking news stories to the public, whether they be bad or good news stories. That’s what made me want to be a journalist.
What is university life like? Is there anything at home that you miss?
I miss my family, obviously and the comfort of being in a county and town which you’re familiar with. But in all honesty, I love it. I love the independence and the maturity of uni life. You’re an adult now, on the road to adult life. Yes, things are a lot harder and you have to start taking responsibility for money and your own personal welfare, but its not all doom and gloom. It’s the best time of your life! The going out and getting drunk bit is quite good fun too! (tut, tut Mr Watkins!)
What’s the highlight of your journalistic experience so far?
Well, obviously all the work I did for the Alternative was fantastic, and the opportunities were great. Particularly the interviews for Any Questions stood out as a highlight. Since I’ve been to university, the experiences have been great. I have so far interviewed local politicians and members of the public, as well as getting the opportunity to try out new media such as radio and television - stuff I had never tried before.
Who or what inspires you?
Bruce Forsyth has long been an inspiration of mine. The fact that at the grand old age of 80, he is still entertaining our screens on one of the best programmes in the UK is fantastic and inspiring. But the thing that inspires me the most is the BBC. It’s a British institution, the best broadcaster in the world and who I hope to work for in the future!
Tell us about your work experience at the Guardian…
My work experience at the Guardian was great, albeit for two days. It was exciting getting up early and travelling to London. The offices are brand spanking new, and they have all the latest technology. I learned a lot - mostly simple technical things, like how to use an Apple Mac and where to get pictures from off of the Internet. I also contacted agents for celebrities - was quite exciting to get an email from Kirsten Dunst’s agent!
What are your tips for surviving university?
I’m rubbish when it comes to tips. All I would say is shop around for food. Always buy from a supermarket, not a small convenience store - the food will be a lot more expensive. If you go out to a club, take how much money you’re going to spend with you. Don’t pay with card, you’ll end up spending lots more then you planned to. And try to share food with your friends, by taking it in turns to cook for each other.
What was your favourite part about being the chief editor of The Alternative?
Reading all the fantastic articles. I was really proud to read all of the work that was written, it’s incredibly rewarding for me to read work of such high quality from students.
An issue or news story I’m really interested in at the moment…
Well the phone hacking story is one that is forever changing, and producing new and interesting stories (or should that be scandalous stories!) Otherwise, the Thames Airport is something that I am really interested in - there are so many reasons for and against it, and I think it will be a big issue in the press in the next few months.
My dream job would be…
Presenting my own chat show on BBC1.
Something that I did to make me stand out in my university interviews…
Just being keen and polite makes all the difference- they like it if you just be yourself. I would look the part, make sure I looked them in the eye and was just calm and kept my cool. Be yourself!
If I wasn’t a journalist I would be…
A teacher.
I couldn’t live without…
My iPod!

The Alternative online magazine - run by students, for students - is an online publication written by students from Alton College. Launched in 2009 by Editor Gwen Hanueur, and co-edited by Kieran Watkins, the site focuses on a mix of articles, reviews on interviews; from subjects such as Film, Fashion, Public Affairs and Culture. In 2010, Kieranfundraising and publicising events, including competitions and high-profile interviews. In 2011, Alys Penfold, with help from Andrew Smith, took over as Editor.

The website address is: http://the-alternative.ning.com/

Both Kieran and Gwen have been awarded Leadership Awards from the college for their commitment to the magazine.

You can follow Kieran on Twitter: @kieranwatkins
You can also follow Alys on Twitter: @candyflosscurls

Interview courtesy of the Alternative website.
Thanks go to Alys Penfold for the intervew.

*I know it's shameless, but there is nothing like a little bit of self promotion now and then!

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/