NEWS: QUB crest appears on “Pre-Paddy’s Madness” poster

It has been brought to The Gown’s attention that the Queen’s University crest appeared in the top left hand corner of posters advertising the GAA “Pre-Paddy’s Madness” night in the Bot last Tuesday. The crest appeared on the poster which advertises drinks promotions just days before St. Patrick’s Day, when the province’s media will hone in on QUB to monitor their reactions to celebrations in the Holylands. It also comes in the wake of a culling of hours for staff in the Union bars, as with profits down the Union is in the midst of attempts to attract more custom. A source within the University explained to The Gown that the QUB crest is generally only used for high profile ceremonies such as graduation.

BY CATHERINE WYLIE

UPDATE: RESPONSE FROM QUB

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NEWS: Sonya Mac leaves crowd unimpressed in Mandela

The Union’s attempt to attract more students to the Thursday ‘Twisted’ club night by inviting DJ Sonya Mac to take over the decks has seemingly failed. This comes in the wake of the Union slashing working hours of bar staff. Declan Gallen (aka DJ Deci) lost his Thursday night slot to the Cool FM DJ from last night, and will now play in the Bunatee bar whilst Sonya Mac plays Mandela Hall. However, reports from last night aren’t good.

BY CATHERINE WYLIE

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NEWS: Union bars’ income falls as VPs asked to refrain from frequenting The Bot

A recent meeting has revealed that Students’ Union bars have seen a 13% fall in income. Sabbatical officers in attendance were also encouraged to show support for the Union by not socialising in The Bot.

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NEWS BRIEF: Former Gown journalist wins top award in London

Maggie Taggart, former Gown journalist, has been honoured at the CIPR Education Journalist of the Year awards in the House of Commons this week. The awards celebrate the best in education and skills reporting over the last twelve months. Currently the Education Correspondent for BBC Northern Ireland, Taggart picked up an award for ‘outstanding education reporting for a regional journalist’ for a piece of work examining the controversy over the ending of the 11+.

BY CATHERINE WYLIE