*
*
WIANSEMESTER’S SUPPLY OF
FISH FINGERS
TAKE THE CONCRETE DRUGS SURVEY ONLINE TODAY VISIT WWW.UEASTUDENT.COM/DRUGSSURVEY
PAGE 24 OF EVENT
ISSUE 235
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17th 2009
UEA’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER
NUS LOBBY TO BAN CARNAGE
WIN
A SEMESTER’S SUPPLY OF SOUP PAGE 24 OF EVENT
FREE
UEA TARGETS WESTMINSTER Simon Partridge
Controversial pub crawl trouble-free, despite local concerns and more than 1,000 students attending. National Union of Students lobby government, universities and local authorities to ban ‘Carnage’.
Joey Millar
nightclub on Prince of Wales Road. “DRUNKEST I’VE EVER BEEN”
Over a thousand UEA students descended upon Norwich city centre on the evening of 9th November, taking part in the crawl Carnage. Students (NUS) describe there being “an acute and real danger to students who get caught up with these nights”, and have called for
chose to drink beforehand, on campus or in their student
Evening News reporter that it had been “a very quiet night,” and that “99.9% of students are just here to have a good there were no arrests.
eight or nine hours of alcohol in the media recently. In 2008 a University of Bath student, described as “always smiling” by friends, was found hanging from a tree within yards of a
These factors have naturally led to a backlash
students are involved are the event. Carnage received more
event. So far only Blackpool
was made to appear in court
took heed of the NUS’ advice
wreath whilst on the pub crawl. Philip Laing, 19, told the court that he was “the drunkest I have ever been”
purchasing a £10 Carnage t-shirt before the event. Clubs included Orgasmic, Chicago’s Rock Cafe, Mojo’s and Essence
began at 7pm and did not
sentence. Some also see Carnage promotes binge drinking. The
event, while others – such as UEA, which has refused to on campus – discourage the event strongly. STUDENT SUPPORT Despite the event’s controversial history, Carnage Norwich passed without major incident, mirroring last year’s trouble-free evening. A policeman told an
Concrete that “it was a great night, no trouble or anything, just people enjoying themselves.” Concrete also spoke to a local Norwich resident, Duane event who asserted that he mess” the next morning. In fact the only notable incident occurred when two Evening News journalists were refused entry to Mercy nightclub. Many UEA students have since shown their support for the
“Don’t
Ban
Danny Keillor
Carnage”
popularity of the event.
LECTURER FACES PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
students
in
London
was
from Norwich, along with from around the country assembled in Westminster on Wednesday 11th November to voice their concerns over
Sheppard and the Norwich University College of the Arts’ Union President with six students. the NUS, the demonstrators
Chris King Julian Myerscough, a respected Criminal Law tutor and UEA lecturer is set to appear in court later this month to face charges related to child pornography.
3rd, having been arrested on June 17th. Mr. Myerscough is accused of sixteen counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing indecent images. Anne-Marie Breach
Myerscough was charged in was charged on November
UEA
sources
did
not
working at the university, but spokesperson Annie Ogden said: “As with any criminal
would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this
Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, Mr. Myerscough stated “I will defend myself rigorously with a creditable [sic] non-technical defence.” As well as lecturing in Criminal Law, Myerscough specialises in privacy and CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
was prompted by Lord Mandelson’s announcement of the Independent Review and Student Finance on Monday 9th November. Joining the 300-plus
raise the issue with the public. Underneath the statue of Winston Churchill the sheer numbers of students could be felt. CONTINUES ON PAGE 2
CHARLES CLARKE MP TALKS TO CONCRETE ABOUT STUDENT ISSUES ON PAGE 4
2 NEWS
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
CONCERNS OVER DEPOSIT SECURITY
contents NEWS
1-6
TURF
8
OPINIONS
10 - 11
FEATURES
12 - 14
Gordon Malloy
to contain the costs of these
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
LETTERS/EDITORIAL15 INTERNATIONAL
16
TRAVEL
17
FOOD
18 - 19
FOCSOC
20
LIFESTYLE
21
SPORT
22 - 24
to the Socialist Worker Party to
against any increase.
schemes that a large majority SOCIALLY REGRESSIVE
rather than through a team
WHAT ALCOHOL PROBLEM? Nick Church
NUS rally.
hours.
SABBATICAL OFFICE BREAK-IN only certain employees are currently in possession of
Nick Church Police are on the search for a burglar caught on Union House security cameras
security cameras coming up amongst employees at the the policy.
November.
University.
in fees. the signatures of various big
laptop. Police
crime
scene
process of looking at the someone breaking into the
reason for a change in policy their policy.
the culprit before entering Union House.
change.
NEWS 3
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
“Should the government ban the Carnage pub crawl?” asks Gareth Coventry
“Not really, but obviously there needs to be some
UEA CLIMATE CHANGE TEACH-IN Nick Church
Why we disagree about climate change
the student lifestyle is based mainly around the idea of part of that.
future life.
to lectures from all schools,
the outside community and
teach on.
major incident. properly monitored by the police rather than banned; last
some trouble for the locals. “But really at the end of Road there are many bars and people need to realise that this is a student area and harm and at the end of the day
CLIMATE CHANGE CAMPAIGN TALK RESPECTED SPEAKERS URGE FOR MORE RADICAL ACTION BEFORE COPENHAGEN TALKS. CLIMATE SCIENTISTS SPEAK OF GREAT “THREAT” TO NORFOLK.
Tasha Percy 2
the Tyndall Centre and one of its six On Wednesday 11th November a
emissions. The
Green New Deal Manchester, Sussex, Southampton
the same rate. Centre.
decrease of CO2 emissions by 2030,
TOO OPTIMISTIC December. the circumstances are because of Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth,
be at 2°C, and to achieve such in the crisis. “Economists do not understand dioxide emissions (CO2) by 2050. March on Saturday 21st November 2
stays in the atmosphere for 100 years,
on Tuesday 1st December.
focused on numbers to express the He instantly made it clear that he be more radical and focus more on economy, and Mr. Thornhill conveyed
Jobs by 2010.
4 NEWS
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
VC HEARS STUDENTS Q&A WITH CHARLES CLARKE MP In 2004 Charles Clarke, Labour MP for Norwich South and former cabinet Home and Education Secretary, oversaw legislation introducing top-up fees.
Nick Church Over 80 students protested across campus on Thursday
Concrete talks to the MP about the current policy, the review timing, student debt, and the Conservatives.
debt comes in. For undergraduates it is with increased government
it, but you have to pay back happen.
university
resources
and
towards big business, many
student needs and
desires, been
invited
to
have
a
has remained ambiguous on combined with university bursaries, has increased the
changing. None is backward in coming
poorest backgrounds going to university.
does. impressed with the protest.
The issue is who pays and who
arrangements,
whereby
To do this, we have to secure modernising it, to improving independent review, which presents an opportunity
giving priority to measures but it is an agreement between poorer economic backgrounds
The review was agreed in
that. students are under pressure
NUS CONDEMNS REVIEW AS A CROSS-PARTY “STITCH-UP” Mark Shead Since Monday 9th November, the government has been reviewing how higher
make their stance known and urging them to support the
And it is not just students who are opposed. According to a Despite this importance to
students.
them to be as high as £7,000.
year. against students.
An NUS
6 NEWS
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
LECTURER CHARGED
RIVER YALE CLEAN-UP VIVA AVIVA AND UEA READ BOOK
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
UEA students recently joined
and dance bands, and has previously contributed to BBC Radio 4. The hearing has been scheduled to take place on
improve the river Yare. Running through Earlham Park, the river is a popular spot for students and At the valiantly early hour of 10am on Wednesday
PROJECT
informed Concrete, recently caught and devoured the head of a large carp, much to the chagrin of local anglers.
has joined the UEA School of
RECRUITMENT DRIVE The actual job of maintaining
Professor Elena Kulinskaya
Paul
Holly,
a
council
at Imperial College London,
“recently heavy rainfall has
2010. Professor Kulinskaya has
ECONOMICS RANKING
UEA volunteers, many of
Economics at UEA has been ranked among the best in Europe in a survey by the
council and various other
Development (CHE). Outstanding achievement
and improving the general state of the river.
river in future. As much as being a
earned UEA a place in the Excellence Group for economics. Prof Daniel Zizzo, head of the School of Economics at UEA, said: “We are delighted to have achieved Excellence Group status in the CHE Excellence Ranking 2009. We are among the top six UK economics departments in the survey in terms of the number of top placements in the survey indicators.
Greg Mann
display of community spirit. Bert Bremner, local
teaching students and advising on the course structure. Professor Kulinskaya said:
The UEA Volunteers Society
to UEA and the opportunity to play a strategic role in the development of research
to help transport 25,000 textbooks to Tanzanian
the University. “The role is especially opportunites for involvement in the LCR on the night of 28th
across the UK, Australia and Actuarial
Sciences
received
recruitment drive to set up a the insurance business operate
used by insurance companies to calculate each individual customer’s insurance premium
gives students the opportunity
than
140
to
Concrete,
have been donated by local
“We collect second hand textbooks from secondary schools throughout East Anglia, sort through them and ship the most relevant, up-to
the likelihood of their house students
and
non-student
River Yale running through Earlham Park
preserve the natural beauty of the area and to reduce
Intern for the READ Book Project, said: “The idea is that
of the eight core technical subjects in their professional
students and non-students the University. example of this, and no doubt the River Yare is thankful.
Professor
Kulinskaya,
Aviva
in Acturial Sciences. Aviva
have also been placed around campus for students or UEA Professor Elena Kulinskaya
GUY FAWKES HAUNTS SPARKS IN THE PARK More
Speaking
Rather, the primary aim
HE
Laura Smith
textbooks. Some of the businesses that have helped in the fundraising are Staples, Waterstones Kit Aid and DHL.
Laura Smith
the Hive throughout Week 10. for the 2009 ranking. The results can be found
THOMAS PAINE
ranking.
ARE STUDENTS LAZY?
take
place
on
campus
MP Barry Sheerman, the veteran chair of the Commons
since Thomas Paine’s death.
said too many students gain degrees despite being unable
Roundtable on Thomas Paine
properly. The Labour backbencher, speaking in the Commons, said many students “don’t at this
from UEA and The Thomas Paine Society. This year’s Sparks in the Park event in Earlham Park proved to
model Parliament outside the park’s entrance. Speaking to Concrete, the Anarchist Society said
together the governmental system.
and called for ministers to force
featured
2,000
Third year Maths student
Thomas
Paine
Society
on the display: “I thought the live music stage and fairground. from the Adult Social Services
Porter, said Barry Sheerman is
Anarchist Society put on their
impressive and set to music.
Tickets are free but booking is advisable. To book call 01603 592130.
8 TURF
concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
The right to a peaceful protest? Tim Marsh reports on the Radcliffe-on-Soar climate protest and questions police crowd-control tactics. 17th October 2009 saw a
arrest but there needs to be of CO2
Climate flash mob in city centre Large-scale farming crucial Previously in Concrete, Miha Klement considered the ‘Organic myth’. Philip Richardson responds by reporting on the importance of commercial farming when considering growth in the global population.
underwater
by
2100
Turf Diary
as
Mag Tan
Countdown to Copenhagen
21st November - Norwich Climate March. 5th December - ‘The Wave’.
6th - 18th December - Climate Summit in Copenhagen.
10 COMMENT AND OPINION
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
Police prejudice against protestors
Protests have appeared in the news recently, but what goes on behind the scenes? David Churchill looks at the criminalisation of protestors and the rise of the term “domestic extremists”. A cultural crisis has emerged over
the Guardian revealed details of a police scheme
police admit that most of the people
“The police have been handing out judicial punishments like the government hands out cash to banks.”
Should the government have sacked their chief drugs adviser?
For Gareth Coventry
Fact box Professor David Nutt was sacked after claiming that ecstasy and LSD are less dangerous than alcohol. He also criticised the decision to reclassify cannabis from Class C to Class B. Three more drugs advisers have resigned as a result of the sacking by the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson
Against George Hamilton-Jones
COMMENT AND OPINION 11
concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
Spelling hell
When is a joke not a joke?
David Biggins The Sun
In recent years, the climate of
as Mock the Week Mock the Week
Satanic Verses,
“From now until the election, the paper is not going to consider a policy for its merits, or a man for his motives”
The Sun
Mock the Week
Mock the Week The Sun
IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT OR OPINION THAT YOU WANT TO GET OFF YOUR CHEST ON ANY ISSUE, THEN THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU. PLEASE CONTACT CONCRETE.OPINIONS@UEA.AC.UK AND WE’LL GET YOUR VOICE HEARD!
12 FEATURES
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
A time for reflection
Acceptable in the Noughties Last fortnight, Concrete examined the two social phenomenons that dominated the past decade; the rise of the internet and celebrity culture. Next in our Noughties series, Jake Miller analyses British culture in the 2000s.
FEATURES 13
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
The leader of the British National Party’s comments on the BBC’s Question Time have been debated to death. But now the furore as passed over, Laura Moore explores whether it has actually made anyone want to vote for them.
Big Brother
The History’s Boys
Time
“Perhaps because the upheavals of the decade were so dramatic, people were afraid to combat the present and instead sought solace in an idealised past”
the Sopranos Big Brother
on Eastenders
Closer magazine
Six Feet Under, The Sopranos, Mad Men and Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives).
the X Factor, and
à la
“Alan Bennett’s The History’s Boys, puts it, ‘There is no period so remote as the recent past’”
and in
Apocalypse Now Big Brother to Arms Front
Big Brother
Farewell All Quiet on the Western
Life On Mars Strictly Come Dancing
Jade Goody the Movie Would I Lie to You?
Dancing, the X-Factor Talent
Strictly Come Britain’s Got
The
“That audience was taken from a city that is no longer British. That was not my country anymore”
Search for the Next Jackson
Independent’s
14 FEATURES
concrete.features@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
The Rise of Ketamine
Melissa York profiles ketamine, the drug which once exclusively belonged to the rave and dance scene, and asks why it is becoming the fastest growing drug among Britain’s 16-24 year olds.
Take part in the Concrete Drugs Survey
Resident Tutors Do you want to make a positive difference to the experiences of students living in University residences?
LETTERS AND EDITORIAL 15
concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
EDITORIAL
LETTERS Regarding the “Balance of Probabilities”
EDITOR
TRAVEL EDITOR
DEPUTY EDITOR
Writers Michelle Cadby, David Biggins
concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Hannah Livingston
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Alice Violett
CHIEF COPY EDITOR
concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Rachel Conquer
FOOD EDITOR
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Denise Bartlett
Writers Duncan Vicat-Brown, Hazy Hale
Proofreaders Mia Wecker, Alice Brunt, Nick Church
FOCSOC EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR
concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Nicolas Church Reporters Joey Millar, Danny Keillor, Chris King, Gordon Malloy, Gareth Coventry, Tasha Percy, Mark Shead, Matthew Butt, Lucy Moore, Rachel Handforth
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Alice Violett
Writers Mark Brown, Karl Phillips, Fiona Howard
concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk Samantha Lewis
Writers Kristina Stephens, Olivia Webb
Writers Tim Marsh, Phillip Richardson, Mag Tan
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk Danny Collins
OPINIONS EDITOR concrete.opinion@uea.ac.uk Davina Kesby
Writers David Churchill, Gareth Coventry, George Hamilton-Jones, David Biggins, Henry Croft
FEATURES EDITOR concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Melissa York Writers Laura Moore, Jake Miller
INTERNATIONAL EDITORS
concrete.international@uea.ac.uk Qingning Wang & Filipa Mendes Writers Chen Zao, Julia Sherman
hearings in their absence if necessary. That is not the approach that the University wants to adopt a wide range of areas. Professor Tom Ward, Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic
Rob Evans, Academic Registrar
In response to a letter from issue 234 concerning student parking on campus
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
TURF EDITOR
concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk Rebecca Wiles
review group, and are quite properly vocal in their advocacy of student rights. Thus, to ask student
concrete.food09@gmail.com Edward Leftwich
the UEA. And also because it is a council run car-park then it should be treated as one regardless of
SPORT EDITOR Laura Colebrook
Writers Lucy Bowers, Jessica O’Sullivan, Georgina Wade, Henry Croft, Chris King, Ian Hobbs, Ben Frith
SOMETHING YOU WANT TO NON-EDITORIAL WRITE ABOUT? CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
Greg Mann Photographers Simon Partridge, Alice Timmins, Caspar Palmano
CARTOONIST Hector Lowe
DISTRIBUTION Martin Lippiatt
There are many ways to get in contact: - Come to the Concrete office upstairs in Union House. - Email a section you’re interested in writing for. - Email Hannah at concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk.
CONCRETE PO BOX 410, NORWICH, NORFOLK, NR4 7TJ 01603 593466
Concrete is published by UUEAS Concrete Society ©2009 Concrete. ISSN 1351-2773 Letters should be addressed for the attention of the Editor, Hannah Livingston. Letters must include contact details, but we will consider anonymous publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity as necessary. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name The Event is by arrangement with the copyright holders, Planet Zog Ltd. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced through any means without the express permission of the Editor, Hannah Livingston. Printed by Archant.
16 INTERNATIONAL
concrete.international@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
WORLDWIDE INTERACTIONS Chinese Schooling
Tea with Strangers
Qingning Wang
Julia Sherman
Road charges take their toll in China Chen Zhao
Want to SHINE?
TRAVEL 17
concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
StratfordUpon-Avon
Volunteer in Africa
David Biggins
Michelle Cadby recounts her volunteering experience in Africa and explains why others should be inspired to visit this wonderful continent. I have three things to say to you: travel, volunteer and visit Africa. I shall elaborate on this, otherwise this would be a very short but sweet article. Each continent has its wonders and beauty, but personally, Africa is the place my heart has fallen for. Unfortunately, many still seem to fear this huge continent, but whether you enjoy travelling off the beaten track or in style, volunteering or just exploring, there’s something for everyone. Let me assure you that as long as you’re sensible, there is nothing to be feared about this enchanting continent, only enjoyed! So far my African travels have taken me to South Africa, Senegal, Benin, Togo, the Gambia and Ghana, each country as stunning, friendly, alluring, captivating and inspiring as the last. Let me elaborate on the roots of this African love affair. I took my first steps on African soil in Ghana where I spent three months volunteering. I arrived at 1am, and yet was still immediately hit by the humidity. I see now that my taxi ride to my new home in the outskirts of the capital, Accra, was the perfect introduction to African public transport: the door handle broke off in my hand, the engine wouldn’t start and halfway home we came to a slow halt and the driver got out to top up the petrol from a container he kept in the boot. During my time in Ghana I taught French and English at a local school
many a seminar to travel across the country and watch a world class The Royal Shakespeare Company is famous for producing the best new
have a day to kill before a show it’s worth heading along to Shakespeare’s birthplace or the Shakespeare Centre entertaining glimpse into the world which Shakespeare belonged to. Personally, I’m more in favour of
stars perform there more regularly than you’d think. I have seen David
and helped out at a local orphanage. On my first day I was given a class of about 50 very daunting 14-year-olds to teach French. Somewhat terrified by the prospect of how I was going to maintain their attention, I started by nervously introducing myself. As soon as I said I loved music, they all clapped and cheered. Soon the tables and chairs became drums; the girls sung the local songs, then the boys
“This happiness was incredibly infectious; never have I seen so many smiles than when I’ve been in Africa” started rapping. Instantly, the ice was broken and I had somehow managed to earn their respect. This love of music is shared by all generations. It goes without saying that Ghanaians have enviable rhythm and ability to sing and dance, leaving you in awe. I adored every child at the orphanage, each day looking forward to going to play with the children. Wherever I went in Ghana, there were always children smiling, waving and looking cheerful. This happiness was incredibly infectious; never have I seen so many smiles than when I’ve been in Africa. Equally, never have I experienced such generosity than when I’m in Africa. Not only are the Ghanaians full of smiles, they are also incredibly friendly and hospitable, and this can be said for the great majority of Africans I’ve
met. I lost count of the number of times older ladies insisted on paying for my Tro Tro ride (the local buses which would have failed their MOT years ago here) and made sure I knew where I was going. Whenever you ask for directions, most often, people will take you and show you the way, instead of just blurting out directions. Once you’ve bartered all you can in the many exuberant and lively markets in Accra, you’ll find that the rest of Ghana is equally full to the brim with things to see and do: standing under a pounding waterfall, the canopy walk through the tree tops at Kakum National Park, a chilled weekend at Kokrobite white sandy beach, a visit to Elmina Castle learning about its history or seeing how the famous Kente cloth is made in Ho. Kumasi is Ghana’s second city, where you’ll find West Africa’s largest market. A long bus journey north takes you to Mole National Park, where elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, vultures, crocodiles and antelopes can be spotted. A night not to be missed, if ever the opportunity arises, is sleeping on a rooftop, under the stars; a truly unforgettable experience, listening to the sounds of the village and the music and chanting from the mosque (one of the oldest in Africa) as you fall asleep. I struggle to conclude on this subject of Africa, and Ghana itself; however I do so, I feel justice will not be made to this continent. For want of a better way of saying it, quite simply I shall say that this is an incredible continent, with incredible scenery, filled with incredible people, just waiting to treat you with incredible experiences. Next on the list: Madagascar.
Stewart, and Ian McKellen dangle his crown jewels about the stage as he pranced around as a mad and out of control King Lear (yes, that’s right, I have seen Gandalf naked). Performances simply ooze with daring and gusto, and, more importantly, they’re so much fun that you’re guaranteed an experience that will etch its way into your
Duck, a local restaurant that lies just down the road from the Courtyard Theatre. Unfortunately, it is almost always full and the food, although
Slightly further away, on the main high street, is the less busy Garrick Inn (which boasts that it is the oldest welcoming ‘olde worlde’ feel once
Astonishingly, the prices of shows range from the very reasonable £5, to depending on where you choose to be seated. The town itself is, unsurprisingly, devoted to Shakespeare, so if you
before you pop along to what will surely be one of the most entertaining nights of your life. To quote Shakespeare: “I like this place and
Hometowns: Woking Rachel Conquer When thinking of places that people may choose to visit in England I would never have considered my hometown of Woking to be among them, and to why there is a Holiday Inn. All I could think of that marks the town out from
in England was built, and second, it is where H.G Wells’ book War of the Worlds was set – a sculpture of remind us local folk of that. But when a friend visited over the summer, I experienced Woking as a tourist and realised that there is more to the area than I thought. The Lightbox, a new art gallery and museum which showcases both local houses the town’s history, which made me realise how much the area had
Disgruntled at the fact that we couldn’t just use our Norwich bus passes, we walked home along Basingstoke Canal. One thing about living in the leafy suburbs of Surrey escape to. Another added bonus is the close proximity to London. With regular trains to and from the capital, you can be there in under half an hour. Guildford, the city of Surrey and a ten-minute drive from the town, second home, Norwich. Not only does it have a cathedral and castle and lots of independent shops, it even has its own Puppet Man in the form of the Bearded Lady of Guildford. All of this made me realise that each one of us could have the cheapest holiday ever: experience your hometown as a tourist. Even though I have always lived in Woking, haven’t done and should do.
let alone 50 or more years.
18 FOOD
concrete.food09@gmail.com TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
Hair, Leather and Chicken Drumsticks Concrete was wandering through town having we were pleasantly surprised to come across two jumpers. Normally this would have us running for the hills, but today, as luck would have it, the BBC’s very own Hairy Bikers were in Norwich. Never ones to turn down an opportunity, we managed to persuade these jolly fellas to let us interview them. So in a changing room, somewhere in the depths of the Forum, whilst shedding their
the most surreal interviews Concrete has ever conducted. So what are you doing in Norwich? The Hairy Bikers’ 12 Days of Christmas Christmas special. Also Alan Partridge comes from Norwich, and we found the man who is actually the real Alan Partridge, the one who inspired the character. It’s Wally Webb, the guy who does the breakfast show for BBC Radio Norfolk. We met him earlier.
Yeah, chicken (laughs). Yeah, no I’ll tell you what, chicken’s really good because the thing is that if you buy a really good one theres three meals in it. I mean like, chicken for Christmas dinner,
with a shopping list. We know who is really good and we know who is bad, so we could tell you think locally we know where to go. Whilst we know where’s good, we also realised that there’s no hard and fast rule to that. If it looks great, it probably is, you know what I mean. Oh, and don’t be afraid to buy veggies with muck on them, or to shop in the market instead,
the world as the Hairy Bikers, been to lots of then we did the Hairy Bakers, and oddly more people watched the Hairy Bakers than the Hairy Bikers so it kind of became clear to us that we programmes, which is a hell of a lot of TV and we just went for it really. The great thing was it was like, you know, having been round the regional cuisine that’s just here, because it is
ingredients and get the recipe, I mean I know I
by Delia Smith, to do a charity night at Norwich City Football Club, so that’s gonna be a hoot (laughter, lots of laughter).
‘hoot’ there. Nah it’ll be a laugh, a good laugh, we’d invite youse, but you’ll probably only manage to get Anyway probably not for students: it’s a charity night, it wont be a cheap night out, it’s gonna be a good laugh though.
we aren’t very good at telling each other about
internet, just type in the ingredients. Say you’ve three people. It is honestly worth buyin’ like, it really is worth buyin’. Over turkey? Oh well, if a lot of you can club together to get a turkey then that’s great, but they are very expensive, and hard to cook, and how many students have got a pan big enough to boil up a turkey carcass? Personally I’d rather have a nice, lovely, really good large free range chicken than a bit of a crap turkey, you know what I mean.
then? What we tend to do, as we are travelling around a lot, we tend to source everything locally because its only kind of fair. If we have money to spend then we spend it within the local community and local economic environment, because that’s what we want to support. So that’s how we tend to approach our shopping on the road. Well when we did the food tour of Britain,
fresh. Plus if you make a lot, you know, club together, then freeze it or have lots of people chipping in, and then it’s cheaper too. There’s a few simple ways to tweak your
ton of money so you can spend more money on beer and drugs (lots of laughing). Honestly, when you start cooking from
tastes great. I’ve got to explain for the tape here, the reason it sounds like it does is ‘cause the lads here are interviewing us in our dressing room. ones on which is much more uncomfortable for the lads than it is for us. (Very uncomfortable laughter)
the UK then? Money! (laughs) We’ve been all the way round
Well on this issue of supermarkets moving into towns, I think there is a balance. And it’s not one the UK then? There was a county called Monmouthshire producers of pig (thats pig farmers to me and you). These three Welsh farmers reckoned they had the best pork in the world, so they went sausages, salamis, dried meat and such like, and the product was incredible! really hear much about and I didn’t know about, some of the food and the market gardening was incredible, theres a brilliant food culture. And I’ll tell you what aswell, our geography is now mega! I mean Norfolk, I never really knew Norfolk, but the coastline just blew us away, just fabulous.
We are doing a States tour actually, The Hairy Bikers’ Big Night Out. We are also coming back to Norwich on February 5th, we got approached
I can see, Norwich is based, the whole kind of economic infrastructure, is based on small shops and small businesses because the city lends itself to that. I think that it’s a shame [when supermarkets take over] because then what happens is it puts more pressure on local retailers who have been here for many years and are part of the community and then what happens is the business heads out of town. I mean the thing is...come on, how much money do you need to make? They are great tastes to the palate of the UK but come on, stop, knocking supermarkets at all, because we all use them but, you know, we can’t go on like that. We can’t just simply say “Oh well, there’s another supermarket opening up, that’s OK.” Especially a single chain, because it’s like a monopoly, if the community doesn’t want it, then don’t open it.
FOOD 19
concrete.food09@gmail.com TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
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20 FOCSOC
concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
A royal flush
CAWS into the wild
Karl Phillips describes the beautiful sights Conservation and Wildlife society members get to witness.
Mark Brown
Did you walk through the LCR at Socmart, see the UEA Poker Society banner and think: I’m not good enough to play there? Maybe you missed Socmart and thought you’d missed your chance to sign up? The UEA Poker society is back for another year, and
Nelson Court Common Room B, with a good range of buyins and structures. Before chances, bounty tournaments trip for two to Cancun plus
prefer you will be catered for.
wildlife spectacles than that of walking along the breeding beach of a colony of grey seals. Rarely does one get the chance to see such enthralling animals so easily, so close up, and in such numbers. Mothers suckle their newborn pups right in front of your eyes, whilst the
show you both of these. But watching wildlife is only
in and around Norwich, some right here on campus, our members assist other
online tournament which was,
including many beginners who with member Peter Lawrence winning the most money;
poker for money. Our society Nightline charity poker night, which was well supported, raising money and ending in a monumental ten-handed cash
Britain, perhaps one of them is the sight and sound of ten thousand pink-footed geese
discuss strategy, allowing you This year we are also semester’s worth of student
us at members@ueapoker. co.uk check out www. ueapoker.co.uk or come along
on the wash to the stubble
including a chance to win a
important habitats for rare and endangered species. This
important to the society. is that we’re dedicated to the
thistles to small trees. The work can be hard, but is always rewarding – it gets you out in the open, helps you meet new people, and makes a
the Norfolk countryside and its wildlife. So, if anything
you’re considering a career in
co.uk.
interest, or you just want
Nightline: there for you Fiona Howard meet the boy or girl of your
with a twist. Take part in the ‘pay to play round for a pound’ and you could win prizes with
is happening up and down Don’t forget to also look out for the Nightline Bear in the
on what they do, how to get in
not in the know, Nightline is an
contact
with
Nightline,
a condom pack. Nightline, in for students by students that to online, or drop into between 8pm and 8am during term-
Students, is running a wellbeing workshop for free on Thursday
nightline@uea.ac.uk or use the online chat on the website,
the library conference room. block A with wheelchair access and is a great place to get out from the cold during that
head down to the pub for a quiz
library for a cup of tea.
Fancy writing for FocSoc?
LIFESTYLE 21
concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
Confessions of a UEA cleaner
Students stop stressing The time has come to start relying on those cans of Red Bull, packet of Pro-Plus and cups of coffee as we begin to be swamped with essays, presentations and projects. Kristina Stephens has a few ideas to calm us all down. everyone, the silent atmosphere and
With deadlines fast approaching and
friends party, it is inevitable that out to at the moment. Although being a university student is a once in a
can become a complete nightmare. the reality of university life may
complete independence, this doesn’t of deadlines, exams and money A Student Living Report carried out by the UNITE group has found that 53% of students have become more Students are a strange breed. They’re charming, clever, caring and bright, yet I’ve never come across
causing you trouble. Here are some
sleep-deprived have more trouble learning and remembering. Avoid napping excessively though, as too Stay
healthy.
An
Jerry’s to compensate. UEA can help. If the idea of sport for you is not exactly a calming one,
occasional to release stress. And if things really do get too much, remember there is
begin to feel groggy and lethargic. UEA’s Nightline counselling service, by calling 01603 503 504.
experiences faced can be great those dreaded all-nighters.
disturbing bunch of people. As a cleaner, my job revolves around the
Leaving piles of unintelligible notes
most vulnerable: the morning. At ten Find a good study environment. Whilst your bedroom may be perfectly adequate, for many the close proximity to a bed to nap in and
seconds they’ll reveal more about top psychiatrist. Whether it’s the masses of
The most common are the zombies. A great zombie is neither
the suspicious, human-shaped bulge
late to get involved in a society or a
Where to grab your groceries If you’re feeling uninspired with the contents of your fridge and realise it’s about time to stock up your cupboard with those student essentials, Olivia Webb has the low down on where is hot to do your weekly shop. food in there consists primarily of sorry selves out of bed, clutching
assorted dips and receipts from the nearby Tesco garage. reporter’s last trip in there to hunt for grapes and peppers yielded only
involves bacon and a lot of carbs. variant is the social student. They it’s also stupidly overpriced (£3 for there’s usually a massive queue
Then there is Morrisons. It has a large range of everything you could possibly need for a small price and they actually sell a decent
only really advisable to go there if you’re desperate for a loaf of bread. Next up is the Tesco Express,
try and say hello in that strained, breathless voice. bacteria breeder or a carpet feeder for students?
the legend that is Clive as your bus
to deliver. The good thing about this is that it doesn’t involve moving
22 SPORT
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
Canary Corner
Five minutes with: Michael Whitmore Ian Hobbs speaks to the UEA Men’s Hockey 4th XI captain.
hockey? teacher had captained the North of
at football helped me on my way as well! the club in the Johnstone’s Paint blows with no reply against their will be hoping to add to the youth
Last year our BUCS team nearly
such as the Christmas Dinner, the Annual Dinner and the Summer Pub
squad by the likes of Korey Smith,
scoring the winner against Bury St
the pick of the bunch for his sixth of we lost to Loughborough in a narrow
club with male and female members means there are no sausage fests,
The second round will see league games so far, so this could be
country trip to see the match you will
It’s a great way to meet people, get I’d say without a doubt one of the
At UEA? The ability to chin a pint,
announced they will be streaming
Monday and Friday, and undo the hard work with regular drinking Saturday saw the Canaries record
yet made an approach for the FA Cup rights liberated by the collapse
the hockey tour to Strawberries, people and we welcome all members
the Canaries were hoping not to get knocked out away to Swindon Town
penalty and Gary Doherty secure the
the league, only three points behind
Smash and grab raid ends UEA’s unbeaten start as they defended well for the majority of the game, managing to resist some and just as it appeared UEA would go
BUCS Results - Wednesday 11th November
The UEA Men’s Football 1st XI came up against league leaders Bedfordshire thanks to goals for Bedfordshire either
defeat of the season whilst extending Bedfordshire’s winning run to four
fashion, tackling strongly and quickly closing down their opponents before they could fashion any meaningful
Hockey
As the half wore on, Bedfordshire increased their possession, launching
the ball was scrambled home as the From this point onwards it became easier for Bedfordshire to exploit the they pressed forward in search of an Gunn, a constant threat to the defence throughout the game, missed
penalty to Bedfordshire, apparently for pushing in the box, to the
Despite the nature of the goals
Casper Palmano
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
SPORT 23
UEA rugby outgunned by impressive Lincoln
Haye seeks to rejuvenate tired heavyweight division Danny Collins
concrete.sport@uea.ac.uk
RUGBY
TUESDAY 17th NOVEMBER 2009
Henry Croft reports from Colney Field on the UEA Men’s 1st XV loss to Lincoln University.
CANARIES
Concrete watches Norwich breeze past Zamaretto League minnows, Paulton Rovers.
BOXING
FOOTBALL
Concrete analyses the permutations from David Haye’s world-title win.
Chris King reports on UEA’s first defeat of the season to the University of Bedfordshire.
Women’s Rugby humble depleted Anglia Ruskin
Netball edge out De Montfort
Lucy Bowers
Jessica O’Sullivan
UEA Women’s 1st XV - 52 Anglia Ruskin Women’s 1st XV - 0
allowed the UEA 2nds to hold out in a
UEA Women’s Rugby 1st XV ran ten tries past Anglia Ruskin on Wednesday in an entertaining win that ended with a convincing 52-0 victory. The home game was almost abandoned as Ruskin arrived half
on the UEA girls as the link-up play
Team captain Lucy Jenkinson players. Coach Michael Tidder stated: “Despite Anglia Ruskin turning up late and without a full-strength squad, it would have been a foolish decision not to play. We made good use of the opportunity and everyone got some
started at a fast pace with both teams playing high quality netball, moving the ball down the court with precision. Jenkinson, shortly followed by some impressive link-up play between
minutes late and with only an hour in which to play. The home side had a point to
Greg Mann frequent line breaks from centre Lucy
on the clock. Scrum-half Toni Bladon
pod system approach proved more “We kept to the game plan and the pod
visitors were sent home without a score. UEA currently sit top of their shots and their centre court players
The pack also made a large
The hosts were penalised for several knock-ons in the early stages of the game but their quick and aggressive defensive line proved too
UEA
quickly
regained
Thanks to some superb support play between scrum-half Bladon and hooker Helena Messiter-Tooze, the hosts held a 27-0 lead by the break. The impressive half-back
their helped to keep the team focused
UEA dominated territory equally well in the second half, and converted this dominance into tries as Helena Mukwenha and Maria Lovesey each made it under the posts. An imposing and aggressive display from UEA proved costly to
Coventry last week and are yet to have points scored against them. Coach Tidder said: “I take each match as it comes. Past form and
The squad can now look forward to a well-earned two week break
Ziggurat badminton: NBS maintain healthy lead Georgina Wade event on the Ziggurat calendar, taking place last Tuesday at the Sportspark. There were some very impressive players taking the racquet to represent their school, and this fact
must be made to both teams from the Medical school, who gave a sterling performance, winning all of their matches and proceeding to the
ago, both teams struggled, neither them lagging in 9th place overall in
Lucy Harris and Holly Irving. This play made it possible for Elle McGlynn and Lucy Jenkinson to make it 25-19 by the second quarter with some sharp
the standings.
separated by three points. With the high standard of play so
as they have been throughout the season so far - and went on to claim
top spot and claim those precious 100 points toward the Ziggurat Trophy.
of 557 points and a healthy 27-point lead at the head of the table. They are followed by the HIS/LCS, BIO and ART/SWP/MUS schools which are
Sportpark
on
Wednesday
18th
players closely. However, the UEA defensive pairing of Eve Steward and Harriet Denvir made some superb
ensure that UEA would emerge the triumphant team. The last shot of the game came from Elle McGlynn to wrap up a was Harriet Denvir, who has won the week.