Letters@oxfordstudent.com
Live and let Life
Dear Sirs,
The feature by Rowenna Davis (Comment, November 11th) 'Counselling should be impartial, objective and non-directional' is riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation which seek to damage the reputation of LIFE.
Firstly LIFE was not involved in any campaign for a referendum at the university. Secondly, LIFE's three-decade-old reputation for providing professional non-directive advice is underlined by the fact that an average 35,000 women a year seek our help at over 100 care centres countrywide. This number is growing especially at the Oxford Care Centre, which adheres to the BACP code of ethics which respects the autonomy of the client ie. the client's right to make her own decision.
Our impartial and caring ethos is further underlined by the fact that we counsel many women after they have had an abortion. It would appear however that some people like Ms Davis have a problem with the fact that LIFE does offer women practical help if they want to keep their baby. How can anyone argue that women are given a real choice and impartial advice if they are simply pointed to the nearest abortion clinic? Ms Davis feels that because this charity is pro-life its counsellors cannot give impartial advice. That is simplistic immature reasoning.
Mark Bhagwandin
LIFE Thames Valley PR/Education Officer
To top it all off
Dear Sirs,
I must complain in the strongest possible terms about the appealing headlines which litter your rag. Vol 26, issue 6 is a perfect example. Activists caged (animal rights), Abortion controversy takes on new life (abortion), Hain bites back at protestors (huntin' and fishin lot), United in indifference (student union) and finally Oxford in top five universities in the world, surely that cannot be right. I am disappointed when I read a headline which is not to those standards.
Keep up the good work.
Bill McCardle
Oxford City Centre Manager
Green Electricity
Dear Sirs,
As many readers will hopefully already know, Oxford University currently purchases 100 per cent of its electricity contract from renewable sources. Well over 2000 students signed a petition last term calling for University Council to continue this excellent record of environmental purchasing into the future - they will be deciding whether to do so on Monday 17th January (First Week).
A switch back to fossil fuels would be a massive setback for the environmental movement in Oxford and across the UK. I would urge all students to send letters and emails to the University authorities reiterating their support for the renewable energy contract, and asking them not to renege on their commitment to the environment. For further details on how to get involved in the campaign against climate change, please do get in touch with Oxford's People and Planet group on (oxpandp@herald.ox.ac.uk)
Councillor Matt Sellwood
Green Party and New College
Tsunami Fundraiser
Dear Sirs,
On Monday of 1st week, 17 January 2005, there will be a massive fundraiser at Park End with all proceeds going to the Disasters Emergency CommitteeTsunami Earthquake Appeal. This is a collaborative venture being put on by Zoo, Rockstudent, Hit & Run and Sunday Roast.
With all monies by all parties being donated to the Appeal, it is hoped that this single event will raise well over £10,000. It would be great to see as many people as possible coming out to support this very worthy cause.
There will be a pre-event at Shout, where everybody will get a free drink inreturn for a donation. Park End will open at 9pm and the suggested entry is £5 plus donation.
We hope that your readers will lend their support to this event and join us in raising as much money as possible for the Tsunami Appeal.
Best wishes,
Daniel Finley
On behalf of Zoo, Rockstudent, Hit & Run, Sunday Roast.
Beware the Taximan
Dear Sirs,
Following recent events, I would like to take this oppurtunity to reiterate certain codes of safety.
The Oxford Police recommends using registered taxi companies, wherever possible. They suggest you try to use a password system, ensuring that the cab you get into is in fact the cab you ordered. Pre-plan your evening as much as possible.
Try and book a cab before you go out to take you home, and arrange with friends or housemates to share cabs home.
Alternatively you can use the OUSU/Brookes Safetybus (formerly known as the Nightbus) which runs between 9pm and 3am every night except Sunday when it runs until 1am. The scheme starts again on Monday of First Week and will take you anywhere within the RingRoad for a £1 donation. The number to call is 07714 445050.
Rebecca Wilkinson
Vice-President (Women) OUSU
13th Jan 2005