Comments on: The ‘Wankergate’ Scandal http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/ Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:35:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: meg http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-54539 meg Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:41:34 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-54539 bollocks! bollocks!

]]> By: Dave M http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-54192 Dave M Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:51:20 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-54192 @ incredible Errrrrr, you seem to have a very limited sense of what the DSU is. Unless you've signed an opt-out form YOU are a member of DSU if you're a Durham student (and if your not a Durham student then why are you on D21?). Interestingly what involvement have DSU had in this matter? Considering Palatinate's obviously hushed up coverage there must have been some. (But no more Palatinate bashing please, D21 has enough of that already). @ incredible

Errrrrr, you seem to have a very limited sense of what the DSU is. Unless you’ve signed an opt-out form YOU are a member of DSU if you’re a Durham student (and if your not a Durham student then why are you on D21?). Interestingly what involvement have DSU had in this matter? Considering Palatinate’s obviously hushed up coverage there must have been some. (But no more Palatinate bashing please, D21 has enough of that already).

]]> By: snoddy http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-54086 snoddy Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:01:25 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-54086 Carrots of Hild Bede was a gentlemen's society; persecuted, hated, loved, loathed and all but erased. Many a good man has gone on from carrots to greater things, and it can count several politicians, businessmen and even international sports stars amongst its members. Not strictly confined to Hild Bede, memebers would meet three times a year, an air of secrecy always prevailing. The theme always different, Carrots was unique. Those who forced its withdrawal from mainstream college life in 2004 should hang their heads in shame. Carrots is now dead...or is it? Carrots of Hild Bede was a gentlemen’s society; persecuted, hated, loved, loathed and all but erased. Many a good man has gone on from carrots to greater things, and it can count several politicians, businessmen and even international sports stars amongst its members. Not strictly confined to Hild Bede, memebers would meet three times a year, an air of secrecy always prevailing. The theme always different, Carrots was unique. Those who forced its withdrawal from mainstream college life in 2004 should hang their heads in shame. Carrots is now dead…or is it?

]]> By: NJG http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-53702 NJG Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:52:33 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-53702 Although her use of the word 'disgusting' makes her sound like one of the more deluded members of the Question Time audience, I believe Nicole (I'd page up a couple of times) has made more sense than most on this topic. There seems to be far too much emphasis here on punishing a hapless bar steward, than condemning the actions of a group of students he was not directly involved with. I wasn’t there of course (and the chances are neither were you!), but it seems these guys went too far and do need a serious bollocking, from their own college more than anyone else, and of course a police investigation relating to any complaint that has been made. But let’s leave it at that; the last thing you need in situations like these is a big discussion and idiots like me weighing in on the matter… p.s. Derek Tbar, why go to the effort of constructing an argument when you're going to undermine it with something as stupid as "grass routes"? Come on! p.p.s. "I would rather lick the A69 from Durham to Carlisle than chat to the DSU," while completely unhelpful here, is tremendous chat. I hope it's your own. Although her use of the word ‘disgusting’ makes her sound like one of the more deluded members of the Question Time audience, I believe Nicole (I’d page up a couple of times) has made more sense than most on this topic. There seems to be far too much emphasis here on punishing a hapless bar steward, than condemning the actions of a group of students he was not directly involved with. I wasn’t there of course (and the chances are neither were you!), but it seems these guys went too far and do need a serious bollocking, from their own college more than anyone else, and of course a police investigation relating to any complaint that has been made. But let’s leave it at that; the last thing you need in situations like these is a big discussion and idiots like me weighing in on the matter…
p.s. Derek Tbar, why go to the effort of constructing an argument when you’re going to undermine it with something as stupid as “grass routes”? Come on!
p.p.s. “I would rather lick the A69 from Durham to Carlisle than chat to the DSU,” while completely unhelpful here, is tremendous chat. I hope it’s your own.

]]> By: Emma http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-53682 Emma Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:14:22 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-53682 These people are clearly disgusting and deserve to be punished for their actions. "Concerned" has claimed that such behaviour can be shrugged off, suggested the old "forgive and forget"- that is not how things work. Sexual assault, however "minor", is a criminal offence, it is disgraceful and should never be shrugged off by anyone. Indeed, for victims of sexual assault, "laughing it off" is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Blaming those working at the bar for serving these yobs is simply pathetic as far as I'm concerned. As Jonny has pointed out, the purpose of the society is to cause damage- as such, their intentions stemmed from when they were sober, rather than as a spontanous result of them being served an unacceptable amount of alcohol. I don't know any of the people invovled, nor do I know any of the facts regarding the subsequent emergency meeting at Castle. As such, I wouldn't like to comment on any of the debate which has arisen from that aspect of the story. But I'm dismayed by those who have commented on this story seeking to transfer blame to anybody other than those members of this disgraceful society. Lastly, just our of curiosity, what is Carrots of Hild Bede? I haven't heard of it before and am intrigued... These people are clearly disgusting and deserve to be punished for their actions. “Concerned” has claimed that such behaviour can be shrugged off, suggested the old “forgive and forget”- that is not how things work. Sexual assault, however “minor”, is a criminal offence, it is disgraceful and should never be shrugged off by anyone. Indeed, for victims of sexual assault, “laughing it off” is extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Blaming those working at the bar for serving these yobs is simply pathetic as far as I’m concerned. As Jonny has pointed out, the purpose of the society is to cause damage- as such, their intentions stemmed from when they were sober, rather than as a spontanous result of them being served an unacceptable amount of alcohol.

I don’t know any of the people invovled, nor do I know any of the facts regarding the subsequent emergency meeting at Castle. As such, I wouldn’t like to comment on any of the debate which has arisen from that aspect of the story. But I’m dismayed by those who have commented on this story seeking to transfer blame to anybody other than those members of this disgraceful society.

Lastly, just our of curiosity, what is Carrots of Hild Bede? I haven’t heard of it before and am intrigued…

]]> By: Warrior http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52536 Warrior Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:05:00 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52536 Jack, there seems to be a bit of response to this on one of the other threads. Jack, there seems to be a bit of response to this on one of the other threads.

]]> By: LA Jack http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52503 LA Jack Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:43:16 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52503 Hi there, I used to be a member of Hild Bede and thouroughly enjoyed my time particularly success on the rugby and cricket fields. It is not really the on filed activity that I miss the most but the banter and chat afterwards. I t has got me thinking that perhaps this site needs an article on the upcoming Lions tour to get a bit of sport debate going. If anyone is keen for this please leave a post below. I'll leave this message at the bottom of a few articles to drum up support. Thanks, LA Jack. Hi there, I used to be a member of Hild Bede and thouroughly enjoyed my time particularly success on the rugby and cricket fields. It is not really the on filed activity that I miss the most but the banter and chat afterwards. I t has got me thinking that perhaps this site needs an article on the upcoming Lions tour to get a bit of sport debate going. If anyone is keen for this please leave a post below. I’ll leave this message at the bottom of a few articles to drum up support. Thanks, LA Jack.

]]> By: Marcel Parp http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52499 Marcel Parp Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:26:11 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52499 It's just a case of "Chod's law" - as soon as you clean up the Hatfield Ents room, the Hild Bede car park goes to the dogs! It’s just a case of “Chod’s law” – as soon as you clean up the Hatfield Ents room, the Hild Bede car park goes to the dogs!

]]> By: extremely worried http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52496 extremely worried Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:18:53 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52496 Speaking of asphalt, has anybody seen the state of Bede Car Park? I had to dance the double chod hop on the way to the JCR. Speaking of asphalt, has anybody seen the state of Bede Car Park? I had to dance the double chod hop on the way to the JCR.

]]> By: Rupert Dump http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52492 Rupert Dump Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:48:25 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52492 Now I'm not about to stick my conk in to this one but I think the serious issue of the Palatinate has come to the fore. Having read a recent NATIONAL review of University newspapers the most positive comment on the Palatinate was "rudimentary toilet paper"! "Incredible", I think we might meet half way along the motorway with a mouth full of asphalt. Now I’m not about to stick my conk in to this one but I think the serious issue of the Palatinate has come to the fore. Having read a recent NATIONAL review of University newspapers the most positive comment on the Palatinate was “rudimentary toilet paper”!

“Incredible”, I think we might meet half way along the motorway with a mouth full of asphalt.

]]> By: Derek Tbar http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52479 Derek Tbar Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:32:52 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52479 I have recently been provided with an up-to-date commentary on what transpired. Clearly this has been blown out of all proportion! As a previous recipient of some of the more harsh banter from the Castle lads, namely the now infamous "upside down reversible man papoose" I can see how some offence might have been taken. HOWEVER, it seems to have lost all proportionality! The last thing we want as a University is to get Dibble too involved! PLEASE CAN SOMEONE GO KNEE DEEP AND NOW PRINT THE TRUTH! I have recently been provided with an up-to-date commentary on what transpired.

Clearly this has been blown out of all proportion!

As a previous recipient of some of the more harsh banter from the Castle lads, namely the now infamous “upside down reversible man papoose” I can see how some offence might have been taken.

HOWEVER, it seems to have lost all proportionality! The last thing we want as a University is to get Dibble too involved!

PLEASE CAN SOMEONE GO KNEE DEEP AND NOW PRINT THE TRUTH!

]]> By: incredible http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52474 incredible Fri, 20 Mar 2009 08:13:07 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52474 Yes its true i know everything! One of the lads had a bag of cheese and onion before leaving castle. Another called his mum the day before. Yet another was wearing purple undies with yellow spots on. Why on earth would i have a chat with DSU? It's full of people who wirte for the palatinate! IN FACT, 90% of DSU members are members of college drama socs! I would rather lick the A69 from Durham to Carlisle than chat to the DSU. Yes its true i know everything! One of the lads had a bag of cheese and onion before leaving castle. Another called his mum the day before. Yet another was wearing purple undies with yellow spots on.

Why on earth would i have a chat with DSU? It’s full of people who wirte for the palatinate! IN FACT, 90% of DSU members are members of college drama socs! I would rather lick the A69 from Durham to Carlisle than chat to the DSU.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52450 Anonymous Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:43:26 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52450 I'm fairly closely involved with Palatinate. I'm happy to state that the newspaper knew EVERYTHING (and I mean ABSOLUTELY everything) about what transpired in Trevelyan and beyond before publishing the story. With respect, Jonny boy, the paper knew a great deal more than you about matters. I can honestly say the paper was far, far better informed than you. Palatinate wasn't allowed to publish what it knew because, frankly, DSU was shitting itself about getting sued. Let me reiterate: Palatinate knew more than you, or anyone else, about what happened that night. That this wasn't published, well... go have a chat to DSU about it. I’m fairly closely involved with Palatinate. I’m happy to state that the newspaper knew EVERYTHING (and I mean ABSOLUTELY everything) about what transpired in Trevelyan and beyond before publishing the story.

With respect, Jonny boy, the paper knew a great deal more than you about matters. I can honestly say the paper was far, far better informed than you.

Palatinate wasn’t allowed to publish what it knew because, frankly, DSU was shitting itself about getting sued.

Let me reiterate: Palatinate knew more than you, or anyone else, about what happened that night. That this wasn’t published, well… go have a chat to DSU about it.

]]> By: Perplexed http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52308 Perplexed Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:41:23 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52308 A blanket punishment for the group is appropriate if they are choosing to stay silent over which individuals specifically were involved. They have made that decision, and so should be fully prepared to take the consequences. Futhermore I understand they are, in essence, a drinking society. So at the very least they should be disbanded until an investigation is held. Also I am deeply cynical about how much information the police will actually manage to produce, although I may indeed be proved wrong. I take your point about JCR involvement, but I can't help but feeling that if they know who is involved they can take action - while the police would obviously require a substantial amount of evidence + someone willing to prosecute before anything would be done. A blanket punishment for the group is appropriate if they are choosing to stay silent over which individuals specifically were involved. They have made that decision, and so should be fully prepared to take the consequences. Futhermore I understand they are, in essence, a drinking society. So at the very least they should be disbanded until an investigation is held.

Also I am deeply cynical about how much information the police will actually manage to produce, although I may indeed be proved wrong. I take your point about JCR involvement, but I can’t help but feeling that if they know who is involved they can take action – while the police would obviously require a substantial amount of evidence + someone willing to prosecute before anything would be done.

]]> By: Andy C (formerly concerned) http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52303 Andy C (formerly concerned) Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:01:04 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52303 Unless the two people involved in the more serious allegation can be positively identified, a blanket punishment for the group would be totally inappropriate. In my PERSONAL OPINION, it would therefore be better to wait for the conclusion of the police investigation. For me, the JCR should not really be involved in this one. As for the rest of them who turned over chairs and spilt drinks? Maybe pay for any damage, but I think even Derek TBar has witnessed worse things in his time here Unless the two people involved in the more serious allegation can be positively identified, a blanket punishment for the group would be totally inappropriate. In my PERSONAL OPINION, it would therefore be better to wait for the conclusion of the police investigation. For me, the JCR should not really be involved in this one.

As for the rest of them who turned over chairs and spilt drinks? Maybe pay for any damage, but I think even Derek TBar has witnessed worse things in his time here

]]> By: Perplexed http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52282 Perplexed Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:05:30 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52282 Concerned: In fairness the author witnessed a sexual assault, and is writing an opinion piece - which last time I check was a piece that expresses an opinion. Of course it is one sided, he is not claiming this an unbiased news report on the situation. A full and comprehensive investigation doesn't mean you have to wait for the police - especially if the JCR are aware of who was on this social, and what took place in Trevs. If the JCR do not know these things should they not be actively persuing it, not just leaving it to the police? Concerned: In fairness the author witnessed a sexual assault, and is writing an opinion piece – which last time I check was a piece that expresses an opinion. Of course it is one sided, he is not claiming this an unbiased news report on the situation.

A full and comprehensive investigation doesn’t mean you have to wait for the police – especially if the JCR are aware of who was on this social, and what took place in Trevs. If the JCR do not know these things should they not be actively persuing it, not just leaving it to the police?

]]> By: Thom Addinall-Biddulph http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52274 Thom Addinall-Biddulph Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:55:54 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52274 Can I ask why not a single person defending the actions of the 'boys' and Castle JCR seems to be willing to give their name (and yes, I know the odd person from the other side hasn't either, but most have)? If you're going to defend the indefensible you really should have the courage to admit who you are. It only damages your argument by making it look as if you're hiding something, so it would be in your own interest to give a name. As regards the article itself, of course it's impossible for anyone not there from start to finish of the event to be completely sure what happened, but Jonny clearly knows what happened in Trev's (on its own completely unacceptable, criminal and incredibly juvenile). For that alone the 'boys' should have been thrown out of the university, as they would have been in any other organisation. As for innocent until proven guilty- that is a fundamental basis of our legal system, yes, but Al Capone was never convicted of anything but tax evasion; presumably we can agree he was not innocent. Can I ask why not a single person defending the actions of the ‘boys’ and Castle JCR seems to be willing to give their name (and yes, I know the odd person from the other side hasn’t either, but most have)? If you’re going to defend the indefensible you really should have the courage to admit who you are. It only damages your argument by making it look as if you’re hiding something, so it would be in your own interest to give a name.

As regards the article itself, of course it’s impossible for anyone not there from start to finish of the event to be completely sure what happened, but Jonny clearly knows what happened in Trev’s (on its own completely unacceptable, criminal and incredibly juvenile). For that alone the ‘boys’ should have been thrown out of the university, as they would have been in any other organisation. As for innocent until proven guilty- that is a fundamental basis of our legal system, yes, but Al Capone was never convicted of anything but tax evasion; presumably we can agree he was not innocent.

]]> By: Concerned http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52256 Concerned Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:06:25 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52256 To Perplexed: As you say, there are many discrepancies in the story, and somebody is either wrong or lying. How, with that in mind, can a fair punishment be given out to those involved without a full and comprehensive investigation first taking place. Also, I think you'll find that the moral high ground was lost by the author in the title of this one sided piece. How can such an offensive term be used by someone so quick to take offence. Derek. Thanks for that input. Now go and have a quiet word with yourself. To Perplexed: As you say, there are many discrepancies in the story, and somebody is either wrong or lying. How, with that in mind, can a fair punishment be given out to those involved without a full and comprehensive investigation first taking place.

Also, I think you’ll find that the moral high ground was lost by the author in the title of this one sided piece. How can such an offensive term be used by someone so quick to take offence.

Derek. Thanks for that input. Now go and have a quiet word with yourself.

]]> By: Derek Tbar http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52253 Derek Tbar Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:59:59 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52253 Listen I think this is a well-balanced article! These brain dead animals need the book thrown at them as far as I'm concerned! This is not Lads being Lads but criminal activity! This whole episode is to the detriment of a grass routes and community based Uni, and I for one WILL NOT stand for it! To Concerned, GET OF THIS THREAD! Listen I think this is a well-balanced article!
These brain dead animals need the book thrown at them as far as I’m concerned! This is not Lads being Lads but criminal activity! This whole episode is to the detriment of a grass routes and community based Uni, and I for one WILL NOT stand for it!
To Concerned, GET OF THIS THREAD!

]]> By: Perplexed http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52249 Perplexed Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:24:14 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52249 Also to "Concerned" you have already passed judgement by saying the Csastle lads will be found innocent and those making accusations will be brought to account. So please do not claim moral high ground you have already given away. Also to “Concerned” you have already passed judgement by saying the Csastle lads will be found innocent and those making accusations will be brought to account. So please do not claim moral high ground you have already given away.

]]> By: Perplexed http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52245 Perplexed Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:55:03 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52245 A spectator said "how were the JCR supposed to know how to feel if they didn't even know what had happened?" while an observer writes "the JCR were entirely aware of what happened at Trevs that night." One of you is either mistaken or lying. Can we please have some clarification. Also, why is punishment being delayed until the police investigation is concluded? If the JCR is aware of what took place in Trevs (or if it is now following the eyewitness account of at least THAT part of the proceedings)then surely they are duty bound to hand out some form of punishment regardless of what the police find. A spectator said “how were the JCR supposed to know how to feel if they didn’t even know what had happened?”

while

an observer writes “the JCR were entirely aware of what happened at Trevs that night.”

One of you is either mistaken or lying. Can we please have some clarification. Also, why is punishment being delayed until the police investigation is concluded? If the JCR is aware of what took place in Trevs (or if it is now following the eyewitness account of at least THAT part of the proceedings)then surely they are duty bound to hand out some form of punishment regardless of what the police find.

]]> By: concerned http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52224 concerned Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:01:34 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52224 'this university is not exempt for the laws that bind the rest of the country': you said it yourself Johnny...and yes, that means innocent until proven guilty. Your's is one side of the story, published without response from those involved. Without hearing the full evidence I for one refuse to pass judgement. ‘this university is not exempt for the laws that bind the rest of the country’: you said it yourself Johnny…and yes, that means innocent until proven guilty.
Your’s is one side of the story, published without response from those involved. Without hearing the full evidence I for one refuse to pass judgement.

]]> By: Jonny Dixon http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52215 Jonny Dixon Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:39:04 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52215 To 'concerned', Innocent until proven guilty?! You think they will be found innocent?! I saw with my own eyes what they did, and it seems that you certainly do 'condone' what they got up to... To ‘concerned’,

Innocent until proven guilty?! You think they will be found innocent?! I saw with my own eyes what they did, and it seems that you certainly do ‘condone’ what they got up to…

]]> By: Concerned http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52154 Concerned Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:59:58 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52154 I'm not saying I condone it, but i've seen this type of thing happen many times in Durham. In most cases people have just laughed or shrugged their shoulders. In the most extreme cases, people might get a bit annoyed but thats about it. I'm also pretty sure those accused are innocent until proven guilty, and until such a time I prefer to believe that real justice will prevail, the Castle lads will be found innocent, and those making the accusations will be brought to account. I’m not saying I condone it, but i’ve seen this type of thing happen many times in Durham. In most cases people have just laughed or shrugged their shoulders. In the most extreme cases, people might get a bit annoyed but thats about it. I’m also pretty sure those accused are innocent until proven guilty, and until such a time I prefer to believe that real justice will prevail, the Castle lads will be found innocent, and those making the accusations will be brought to account.

]]> By: Nicole http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52101 Nicole Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:13:02 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52101 To condone their behaviour by saying that other groups behave in similar ways is absolutely disgusting. Yes sport socials may get drunk and do stupid things, for which alcohol is no excuse but I have not heard of them committing crimes such as sexual harassment or trashing bars to the extent that the offending group did that night. In my opinion damaging your own liver is up to you. And though I did not personally witness the events that took place, if anybody had shoved their genitals in my direction, being asked to forgive and forget is the last thing that I would expect to hear. As stated by Johnny, it is a criminal offence and I don't hear the courts saying "Come on guys, let's just forgive eachother and forget this ever happened." The waste of police time if investigations really are still going on is a crime in itself. If the event had not occured they would be left to get on with solving real crimes and would not be disciplining drunken show offs. Lastly, as previously pointed out this ridiculous behaviour does not only affect those who took part, witnessed events or even just the members of Castle JCR. It is part of a much wider debate on the freedom of students to drink what they like. The university is already clamping down on sponsorship from bars which will negatively affect the experience of generations of students at Durham university, and this is a nasty example of a few people ruining things for everyone, the university will use it as proof for treating us all like children. To condone their behaviour by saying that other groups behave in similar ways is absolutely disgusting. Yes sport socials may get drunk and do stupid things, for which alcohol is no excuse but I have not heard of them committing crimes such as sexual harassment or trashing bars to the extent that the offending group did that night. In my opinion damaging your own liver is up to you. And though I did not personally witness the events that took place, if anybody had shoved their genitals in my direction, being asked to forgive and forget is the last thing that I would expect to hear. As stated by Johnny, it is a criminal offence and I don’t hear the courts saying “Come on guys, let’s just forgive eachother and forget this ever happened.” The waste of police time if investigations really are still going on is a crime in itself. If the event had not occured they would be left to get on with solving real crimes and would not be disciplining drunken show offs.

Lastly, as previously pointed out this ridiculous behaviour does not only affect those who took part, witnessed events or even just the members of Castle JCR. It is part of a much wider debate on the freedom of students to drink what they like. The university is already clamping down on sponsorship from bars which will negatively affect the experience of generations of students at Durham university, and this is a nasty example of a few people ruining things for everyone, the university will use it as proof for treating us all like children.

]]> By: Concerned http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-52010 Concerned Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:41:10 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-52010 Lets put this into perspective. The above mentioned drinking society has been around for years, is well supported, and has been well supported for a long time. Before we focus in on the individuals involved, look at the other organisations that behave in a similar manner on a regular basis: Carrots of Hild Bede, the various uni rugby clubs, rowing clubs out on socials etc. We are students. At times we behave like students - whatever happened to forgive and forget? Lets put this into perspective. The above mentioned drinking society has been around for years, is well supported, and has been well supported for a long time. Before we focus in on the individuals involved, look at the other organisations that behave in a similar manner on a regular basis: Carrots of Hild Bede, the various uni rugby clubs, rowing clubs out on socials etc. We are students. At times we behave like students – whatever happened to forgive and forget?

]]> By: a spectator http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-51943 a spectator Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:37:50 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-51943 The firing of the Bar Chair is to do with his supposed improper training of Castle bar staff, and must be separted from the EPC incident. That is what Castle is stamping its feet about for the various reasons defended above. The punishment of the EPC boys is dependent on the result of a Police investigation, so whilst they have had some action taken against them by college, the incident is by no means closed yet. As for the sources of your information, Palatinate is hardly fantasically reliable. They couldn't even print the right version of the article... What is complicating the matter are the rumours circulating everywhere, which is what the JCR meeting set out to stop. The sacking of the Bar Chair is not the only visible punishment for the incident so lets just get on with things. At the end of the day, people messed up badly (really badly) and the repercussions are far from over. But until the Police come out and say what has happened, nothing more can be done with regard to them. As for the Bar Chair, that is a different matter and the negotiations with college office goes on (Castle still haven't agreed a procedure for choosing next year's, for example). So expressions of opinion are all very well and good, until they are based on factual inaccuracies like this. Of course the JCR condemns the actions of some its members, and to think that they don't is ridiculous; they're not idiots! The firing of the Bar Chair is to do with his supposed improper training of Castle bar staff, and must be separted from the EPC incident. That is what Castle is stamping its feet about for the various reasons defended above.

The punishment of the EPC boys is dependent on the result of a Police investigation, so whilst they have had some action taken against them by college, the incident is by no means closed yet.

As for the sources of your information, Palatinate is hardly fantasically reliable. They couldn’t even print the right version of the article…

What is complicating the matter are the rumours circulating everywhere, which is what the JCR meeting set out to stop.

The sacking of the Bar Chair is not the only visible punishment for the incident so lets just get on with things.

At the end of the day, people messed up badly (really badly) and the repercussions are far from over. But until the Police come out and say what has happened, nothing more can be done with regard to them. As for the Bar Chair, that is a different matter and the negotiations with college office goes on (Castle still haven’t agreed a procedure for choosing next year’s, for example).

So expressions of opinion are all very well and good, until they are based on factual inaccuracies like this. Of course the JCR condemns the actions of some its members, and to think that they don’t is ridiculous; they’re not idiots!

]]> By: Jess http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-51939 Jess Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:04:43 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-51939 Well there is probably no accounting for anomolies. Saying as he was throwing up he probably wasnt trying to get served at the bar and thus they didnt have a reason to not serve them. I think that this concentration on such issues is a bit off the point: this is what seems to be being questioned when in effect it should be whether we want such people in our University. Well there is probably no accounting for anomolies. Saying as he was throwing up he probably wasnt trying to get served at the bar and thus they didnt have a reason to not serve them. I think that this concentration on such issues is a bit off the point: this is what seems to be being questioned when in effect it should be whether we want such people in our University.

]]> By: Curious http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-51938 Curious Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:51:27 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-51938 If they were sober, why was one of them throwing up in the toilets? If they were sober, why was one of them throwing up in the toilets?

]]> By: An angry observer http://www.durham21.co.uk/2009/03/the-%e2%80%98wankergate%e2%80%99-scandal/#comment-51936 An angry observer Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:45:49 +0000 http://www.durham21.co.uk/?p=4324#comment-51936 I completely agree with Jonny. I think that you misunderstand his article completely. Your JCR Representatives dont seem to have in any way condemned the actions of the bar. In my opinion, you believe that you can stamp your feet and complain when in reality it's fair. And to be honest, a shallow 'we condemn their actions', does not really work. As for questioning the legality of Trevs bar staff serving them: they were actually meant to be 'sober'. Despite this, some of Castles members (of which one was bar chair) trashed the bar, then lied about which college they were from to people from Trevs. In essence, I would bloody throw them out: I am always proud to say which college I am from, and I would never renounce that at all. Perhaps the 5 months and its still being discussed issue could have been stopped by your JCR doing something to respond to the actions of these people. I think it's a disgrace that we try to suggest to the University that we are reponsible adults, then not only do idiots go and behave like this, you have a bunch of children stamping their feet. Honestly. I completely agree with Jonny. I think that you misunderstand his article completely. Your JCR Representatives dont seem to have in any way condemned the actions of the bar. In my opinion, you believe that you can stamp your feet and complain when in reality it’s fair. And to be honest, a shallow ‘we condemn their actions’, does not really work. As for questioning the legality of Trevs bar staff serving them: they were actually meant to be ‘sober’. Despite this, some of Castles members (of which one was bar chair) trashed the bar, then lied about which college they were from to people from Trevs. In essence, I would bloody throw them out: I am always proud to say which college I am from, and I would never renounce that at all. Perhaps the 5 months and its still being discussed issue could have been stopped by your JCR doing something to respond to the actions of these people. I think it’s a disgrace that we try to suggest to the University that we are reponsible adults, then not only do idiots go and behave like this, you have a bunch of children stamping their feet. Honestly.

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