At 70 is the Wessex Scene old news? :: Wessex Scene Online

At 70 is the Wessex Scene old news?

News that never gets old

22nd June 2008
Nick Brown

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May 09 - So Long, Farewell, Adieu!
May 08 - Our 70th SHAMiversary!
May 08 - On a final note...a flat one.Farewell
May 08 - Ch-Ch-Ch- Changes...
May 08 - And it’s Goodbye from me...

More by Nick Brown

May 07 - Here comes the sun!
May 06 - The Word According to Vonbrown

Celebrating Seventy Years of the Wessex Scene Nick Brown looks back to the very first issues in 1936

In celebrating the Wessex Scene’s ‘70th anniversary’, it made a great deal of sense to look back at where we had come from. With seventy [seventy two –Ed.] years of history behind it, the Wessex Scene/Wessex News is one of the University’s oldest institutions and a fantastic record of the Students’ Union. While attempting to chronicle the history of the newspaper would require far more space than we would have space for here, why not join me in a trip down memory lane as we take a look at the very first issues of our fine newspaper.

The first issue of Wessex News, as it was titled back then, was published on 25 February 1936. It was priced at one Penny, making it a rare example of something that was more expensive then than it is now. It was set up by the Students’ Union after much discussion as a forum for debate and a newsletter to advertise sports and events as well as University College, Southampton news.

With only two pages to begin with, the Editorial team was understandably just three people, Editor, Sports Editor & Business Manager. Later Sub-Editor and Assistant Business Editor roles would be added.

The front page of the first issue contained an article from the Vice Chancellor setting out his intentions and expectations for the newspaper. It became a tradition that the main front page article would be written by an important figure such as the Union President or President of the NUS.

In an eerie example of issues not changing, another article on the front page entitled “Diatribe” was an article arguing against student apathy. “There are four hundred people in this College and two hundred of them don’t see anything unless it hits them.” Issues such as the role of the NUS and its stance on political matters were frequently discussed. The independence of the Union and fears of the College’s expansion were high on the agenda. One editorial in Vol.2 No.17 read: “There is a certain attitude in College which we ourselves greatly deplore – that of those people who always refer to the college as a University, and generally, seek a premature translation from University College to University status.”

Sports was a slightly slimmer affair, taking up only one page and dealing with a few main sports such as soccer, rugger, swimming and hockey. The insular nature of the small college allowed some articles to be written as follows: “Stop Press. We are able to report that Bullock, Blackett and Coles are all progressing favourably. Hoyle’s knee remains doubtful.” Bias towards certain sports was certainly evident with headlines like “Swimming still unbeaten. Cricket still dull.” It took a year before the Sports section could announce the first rugger victory.

The awarding of colours was a source of great debate. A system was enacted where any first team member who played a certain percentage of games received colours, which sparked this letter. “It has been suggested that push-ball club be formed at College. This game, which consists of pushing a huge weighty ball, needs ninety-nine players per side and would provide good opportunities for those without colours to obtain them under the new scheme.”

Compared to the Freshers’ Week events put on every year, the induction of new students was a rather more civilised affair back then, the highlight being a Supper Dance followed by speeches from important members of the union, a sing-song and then more dances. Dances were a common feature of student life back then and societies were judged on the quality of the shindig they could put on. The Women’s Boat Club were notorious for their dances which were often the talk of the college. Flannel Dances and whist drives made up other aspects of social life and they were all prominently advertised within the pages of Wessex News.

Advertising was a factor in the Wessex Scene since the very beginning. Advertisements for the Regal and Forum cinemas, the Grand Theatre, the Ice Rink and societies such as the Wessex Rhythm Club were common. Smaller student-run businesses also filled certain niches: “To all students in Highfield and Connaught Halls. Knowing you to be half starved, Stoneham students offer assorted crusts, all ages. 6d. per 50. Buy now! Real Value! Apply: Cutmore Crust Company Ltd.” It certainly wasn’t Subway, but it’s reassuring that the relationship between the Wessex Scene and bread-based snack products goes back so far.

Poetry was a regular feature and form of correspondence in Wessex News. War was obviously a major aspect of life and for years the majority of articles, interviews and letters dealt with aspects of conflict. On 17 October 1939, the President of the Students’ Union wrote an article on the front page entitled “U.C.S. Carries On!” underlining the brave and sensible outlook of the College at the time. “The recruitment of officers for the armed forces and the ever pressing demands of the militia bill may affect College life considerably, but I am confident that though the outwards aspect of College be changed, though the bicycle sheds became A.R.P. shelters overnight and though the personnel of both staff and students be fundamentally altered, yet we shall in the determination and courage be able to carry on.”

The first student-drawn cartoon appeared in Vol.3 No.4 (1937) and showed Mussolini “receiving a protest telegram from the Student’s Union, University College, Southampton.” The first photograph, a photo of the Vice Chancellor, appeared ten years later, on the front page of Vol. XII, No. 1.

Wessex News Features articles were often of the humorous variety, such as one dealing with naval slang often heard about town. “A: Hello Brownie. You look flaked out. Brown: Yes, I am. Just seen the Old Man. He’s in a flat spin about the chaps who broke the leaf last Saturday night. C: Oh, he’s always got a weed on about something.”