To be or not to be (within Europe), that's the question!

European Parliament elections coming in May, the only thing I could hear here in the UK is "Europe yes!" or "Europe no!". There is an internal battle whether belonging to Europe brings any benefit to the British or not. I am not originally from the UK, I am living in Bristol just for my studies so I would bite off more more than I can chew if I give my opinion in this matter. At the end of the day, this debate is none of my business.

However, I am very into politics and I have been in the debate that took place in the Great Hall in Wills Memorial Building this evening. The European Parliament election is scheduled to take place on 22nd May 2014 and University of Bristol managed to sit around the same table the first candidates from each of the five most voted parties in 2009 in the South West: Conservatives, Green, Labour, Liberal and UKIP parties.

Doors were open at 5.40pm and at sharp 6pm, the 2-hour long debate started. The debate was chaired by Professor Malcolm Evans and the table was composed by Ashley Fox (Conservatives), William Dartmouth (UKIP), Sir Graham Watson (Liberals), Claire Moody (Labour) and Molly Cato (Green).

The three main topics discussed at the debate were chosen by around 500 voters who took part in a two-week consultation within the University of Bristol: 

1. Free movement of people

2. Role of the UK in the EU and the division of competences

3. Economic affairs in the EU and austerity

We were allowed to ask questions on these three topics (not only people present at the debate but also via Twitter with the hashtag #EPH14) although nobody really asked anything related to the three main topics. It had been a very funny and entertaining debate where the audience engaged, applaused, laughed and surprised with some of the comments candidates made. 

For those who haven't made up their mind yet on who to vote, specially students, this has been a very good opportunity to listen to the main candidates and decide who convinces you the most. At least me, if I had to vote in Britain for the European Parliament Elections, I already know who I wouldn't vote for: neither for the one who said that they won't care whether young people don't vote, or who said that you can also study abroad with no need of Erasmus grands. Guys, really? You are on an event organised by a university!!

Wills Memorial Building: Tower Tours

Watching Bristol from the top of Wills Memorial Tower is something each Bristolian must experience. The 68-metre high tower at the top of Park Street offers incredible views of the entire city, in clear days also Avonmouth and Portishead.

Wills Memorial Building is a neo-gothic building design by Sir George Oatley and built as a memorial to Henry Overton Wills III. Building works begun in 1915 but it was not opened until 1925. It is considered one of the last great Gothic buildings to built in England.

Currently, Wills Memorial Building hosts graduation ceremonies and examinations for students of the University of Bristol. Only students of Law and Earth Science have the pleasure of studying in such a beautiful building.

There are tours which take place on the first Wednesday and Saturday of the month: at 12.15pm and 12.30pm on Wednesdays and every half an hour between 10.30am and 12pm on Saturdays. As it is always busy, you must book a place in advance by talking to the security guard at the entrance of the Wills Memorial Building (on the left side) or by contacting them by email (check here). You must leave your name, telephone number in case they need to contact you for any reason and whether you are a concession or not, but you don't have to pay in advance.

Tours cost £4 per adult (£3 for concessions). Children between 8-11 years old are free. Children under eight are not permitted on the tours due to health and safety restrictions. Profits are donated to Wallace and Gromit Appeal.




The tour starts at the Reception Room, where first explanations of the design and built of the building were given, as well as some health and safety regulations. The entrance of the building reminds me somehow to Harry Potter's school Howards. I have a very creative mind, you see. It is still a very beautiful entrance to the building...



The Great Hall (right) is where degree ceremonies and examinations take place. It is the centrepiece building of the university. Just the fact of having an exam in this room would automatically inspire me. Lucky UoB students...

The Wills Tower is the dominant feature of the building. It is reinforced concrete faced with Bath and Clipsham stone. At 68 metres high, it is over twice the height of Cabot Tower, about which I will write in future posts. It houses Great George (left), England's sixth largest bell which strikes on the hour in a very unique tone that could be heard from very far away.



The views from the tower are wonderful. Check out Park Street, which doesn't look as steep as it actually is.

The Council Chamber is the last stop of the visit. It is not used anymore as it is too small to accommodate all city council members. On the wall, there are coat of arms of families that donated money to the University of Bristol... and some empty coat of arms, in case you are wealthy enough to make your own contribution. ;) 
Overall, I found the tour very complete  and detailed and it suprisingly lasted almost 2 hours. I was not expecting such a long and detailed tour. We were around 25 people in the group. The tour guides are very professional and knowledgeable. I very much recommend the tour to anybody living in Bristol.
However, I would have liked visit the General Library, which I cannot access if I am not a university student.

WEBPAGE: http://www.bris.ac.uk/university/visit/tower-tours/